0000405 January 15, 2000 Planning Grant to Establish an Alternate Site for MAST at the Colorado School of Mines. EEC-0000405 Baldwin This planning grant funds the Colorado School of Mines for industry/university interactions to determine the feasibility and viability of becoming a research site of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Membrane Applied Science and Technology. The Co-Directors of the site would be Dr. Robert Baldwin and Dr. Douglas Way. The Colorado School of Mines expertise will broaden the Center's research base by addressing research in Sample Membrane Interactions Using Field Flow Fractionation, Separation of Gene-Therapy Products with Field Flow Fractionation, Cyclodextrin Modified Adsorbents and Membranes for Chiral Separations, Cell-Bacteria Sorting Using Laser Tweezers, Switchable Selective Channels in Porous Materials for Separations, Separation and Fractionation of Viral Precursers by Field Flow Fractionation, Membrane Reactor for Methanol/Ethanol Reforming, The Influence of Free Volume on the Permeation and Sorption in Super-Glassy Polymers, Faujasite Membranes for CO2/N2 Separations and Fundamentals of Nanofiltration at High Composition. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Baldwin, Robert J. Douglas Way Colorado School of Mines CO Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 AMPP 9165 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0001282 January 15, 2000 Planning Grant for Participation in the Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSERC). EEC-0001282 Kezunovic This planning grant funds Texas A&M to become a research site of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power Systems Engineering. The research projects being considered for addition to the Center's established research agenda are, 1. Power System State/Parameter Estimation and Measurement Design for Distributed Multi Utility Operation, 2. Power System Reliability Analysis Including Dynamics and Control Effects, 3. An Approach to Select Cost-Effective ASD Ride-Through Technologies, 4. Accurate Fault Location in Transmission and Distribution Networks Using Modeling, Simulation and Limited Field Recorded Data, 5. Power System Monitoring Using Wireless Substation and System-Wide Communications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kezunovic, Mladen Texas Engineering Experiment Station TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 HPCC 9139 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0001879 August 15, 2000 NSF Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules - Operational Grant. EEC-0001879 Gross The goal of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules at the Polytechnic University of New York is to conduct research on a wide range of issues applicable to the use of biocatalytic methods in polymer synthesis and materials processing. The research program includes three themes: (1) In-vitro enzyme-catalyzed polymer synthesis and modification; (2) Biocatalytic degradation of polymers; and (3) Biosynthesis of novel polysaccharide copolymers. The Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) consisting of representatives from nine participating companies review the progress of research, and provides guidance to the Center's management and technology transfer activities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gross, Richard David Kaplan Polytechnic University of New York NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 350000 5761 OTHR 0000 0001880 August 1, 2000 Incorporating the Center for Advanced Control of Energy and Systems at Arizona State University into the Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSerc). EEC-0001880 Arizona State University Heydt It is proposed to bring the Arizona State University portion of the Center for the Advanced Control of Energy and Power Systems (ACEPS) into the Power Systems Engineering Research Center (Pserc). Both these efforts focus on research in electric power engineering. The ASU portion of ACEPS will bring expertise to Pserc in the areas of electric power quality, high voltage engineering, and power electronics. These areas are believed to beneficially supplement the existing Pserc power engineering efforts. Additionally, ASU-ACEPS will bring expertise in power system instrumentation and control, and power system analysis. The combined center is expected to be one of the largest power engineering efforts in the world, focusing on questions of power systems, deregulation of the power industry, power quality, transmission and distribution , and the efficient use of power infrastructure. An educational component of the program is proposed in the form of graduate and undergraduate student training and research and bringing advanced concepts in power engineering into the undergraduate classroom INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Heydt, Gerald Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 1890508 V915 V638 V105 T846 T313 T752 T479 H232 H108 5761 SMET OTHR EGCH 9251 9178 9177 9102 7218 1325 127E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0002018 April 1, 2000 Planning Grant for CPPR/NSF Center. The University of Puerto Rico plans to host a planning meeting to explore the potential to become a research site of the Purdue University/University of Connecticut I/UCRC for Pharmaceutical Processing. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ghaly, Evone Dane Kildsig Ilia Oquendo University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus PR Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 MANU 9146 0002610 May 1, 2000 Satellite Center/Research Site to Center for Dielectric Studies The Pennsylvania State University with Focus on High Energy Density Dielectrics. EEC-0002610 University of Missouri Rolla Anderson The purpose of this initiative is to understand the high field properties of high dielectric constant materials and determine how these properties relate to pulse power applications. Examples of some of the fundamental information which needs to be known are: 1) field distributions within dielectrics - i.e. field modeling 2) basic defect structure of high voltage dielectrics to mitigater ionic conductivity and associated electrical degradation, 3) high field dielectric behavior: losses and dielectric constant, 4) the influence of macroscopic processing on properties 5) resonant behavior under pulsed conditions, 6) charging and discharging behavior under high field conditions 7) the influence of rapid surface discharge on high dielectric constant materials. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Anderson, Harlan Wayne Huebner Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0002669 August 1, 2000 Relating Field Data to Accelerated Life Testing. EEC-0002669 Smith This project brings together two NSF I/UCRC's to improve accelerated life testing (ALT) of vehicle electronics. The Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics (CAVE) of Auburn University with partner with the Quality and Reliability Engineering (QRE) Center of Rutgers University and Arizona State University to investigate the relationship between wear, degradation and failure of vehicle controllers as experienced in the field with that expected by the results of ALT conducted in the laboratory. DaimlerChrysler Electronics of Huntsville, Alabama supplies the test bed. Vehicle electronics are subject to stress due to temperature, humidity, cycling and other environmental hazards. The materials that comprise the controllers are susceptible to the effects of corrosion and oxidation. The solder that connects the controller components can crack due to fatigue and creep under high temperature and thermal cycling stresses. These failures affect the performance of the vehicle from slightly to severely. The research of this project will develop a general methodology for specifying accelerated life tests so that they result in an accurate characterization of the degradation and failures that will be experienced in the filed. The failure mechanisms for the assembly materials in field units will be investigated in the development of the accelerated life tests. ALT standards, which new units must pass prior to marketing, will be adequate without being overly conservative, potentially allowing new designs and new materials to be used in vehicle electronics. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS MANFG ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Smith, Alice R. Wayne Johnson Auburn University AL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 101800 9150 5761 1786 1360 SMET OTHR MANU 9251 9231 9178 9150 9147 7218 1359 0000 0002775 September 1, 2000 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Coatings. Establishment of a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) in Coatings at the University of Southern Mississippi and Eastern Michigan University is proposed. The Center's mission will be two-fold: (i) to be a world leading academic organization that develops relevant, pre-competitive scientific knowledge for understanding and advancing the technologies of polymeric coatings and (ii) to enlarge the cadre of scientists and technologists capable of being productive in the field of coatings. With this program the Center will directly address barriers that impede progress in coatings: (1) a shortage of precise polymer synthetic methods, (2) a need to better understand film formation and molecular level processes that control resistance to mechanical and chemical damage, (3) a need to extend and develop systematic understanding of degradation processes in coatings, and (4) a shortage of scientists and technologists who understand coatings science and technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Urban, Marek University of Southern Mississippi MS Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 361500 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9231 9178 9177 9102 7218 0000 0002916 August 1, 2000 University of Puerto Rico Research Site with Purdue University I/U CRC for Pharmaceutical Processing Research. EEC-0002916 Ghaly The proposed research agenda stresses understanding, at the molecular level, the effects of processing on critical quality attributes of pharmaceutical products and on minimizing validation requirements through improved process monitoring. Representative research projects will include improved process monitoring technology, blending of pharmaceutical powders, application of Near-IR to pharmaceutical testing, solid state properties, formulations development, extruder/marumerizar technology, compaction process, innovative analytical methods for validation, dissolution and bio-availability, tablets coating and disperse systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ghaly, Evone Mikhail Antoun LLia Oquendo University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus PR Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 250000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0002917 September 1, 2000 I/UCRC: Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSerc). EEC-0002917 Kezunovic This proposal expresses the intent of Texas A&M University (TAMU) to join the Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSerc). To emphasize this intent, the following issues are discussed: benefits of TAMU's participation in PSerc, benefits of participation of TAMU's industry partners, proposed research areas, proposed research projects, TAMU's support of the proposal, and site director credentials. The main objective of TAMU's participation in PSerc is to enhance research capabilities of both PSerc and TAMU. This will in turn provide the research infrastructure that will serve better PSerc industry partners as well as the public at large as the benefactors of the developments in the industrial base. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CONTROL, NETWORKS, & COMP INTE IIP ENG Kezunovic, Mladen Texas Engineering Experiment Station TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 602486 V915 V105 T846 T313 T479 H232 H108 5761 1518 OTHR 127E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0002918 May 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power System Engineering Research Center (PSerc). EEC-0002918 Shoureshi The goal of the Pserc Center at the Colorado School of Mines will be to integrate advances from power systems, control theory, artificial intelligence, diagnostics, new sensor-technologies, etc. to assist the electric utility industry in facing these new challenges. The research, which is complementary to those of the other Pserc sites, will focus on the following topics: Development of Intelligent Substation; Advanced Power Generation Control with Integrated Economics, Variable Demands and Short-Term Load Forecast; Development of Advanced Sensors and Sensory Feedback Systems for Increased Reliability and Lower Maintenance Cost; Predictive Maintenance for Reduction of Operating Cost; Development of Remote Health Assessment Techniques T&D; and EMAT Based Diagnostics of Overhead Transmission Lines. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Simoes, Marcelo Colorado School of Mines CO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 219204 W242 5761 SMET OTHR HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 0000 0002962 September 1, 2000 Planning Grant for BioMolecular Interaction Technology Center. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries play a vital role in maintaining and promoting a healthy population, and constitute a major sector of the US economy. These industries have evolved from the empirical treatment of disease to a sophisticated approach for drug development which requires a deeper understanding of the biochemistry of life processes. As a consequence, the accurate description of biomolecular interactions has become a central element in understanding disease mechanisms, and now is an essential ingredient for devising safe and effective pharmaceuticals. A variety of instruments and methods are used to characterize biomolecular interactions. One group of these technologies, used physical first principles for their analysis. These first principle techniques could be used to address a great many needs in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries than they currently do. Meanwhile, the development of prototype instruments and methods for characterizing molecular interactions is being pursued in the academic world. While some of these developments have been commercialized, others, mostly due to their limited market size, have remained prototypes in academic laboratories. These prototypes, while suitable for addressing academic questions, are not optimized for industrial uses, and are housed in laboratories that do not provide the level of security required by industry. Consequently, a barrier to technology transfer has developed. The formation of an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center is an ideal mechanism for overcoming this barrier and advancing the field of molecular interaction science. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Laue, Thomas University of New Hampshire NH William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0002971 November 15, 2000 I/UCRC for Fundamentals and Applications of Photopolymerizations. EEC-0002971 Scranton A National Science Foundation I/UCRC on Fundamentals and Applications of Photopolymerizations that will be housed jointly at the University of Iowa and the University of Colorado. The new center is motivated by the fact that photopolymerizations offer tremendous advantages over traditional thermal processing methods, including low energy requirements, spatial and temporal control of initiation, and high polymerization rates. These advantages have led to tremendous growth in applications of photopolymerizations in areas such a solvent-free processing, biomedical materials, and high-technology devices; however, much of this growth is occurring without a fundamental understanding of the underlying photochemical processes. Hence, there is a critical need to establish an active dialogue between academic and industrial researchers. The objective of the center are 1) to advance the fundamental understanding of the kinetics and mechanisms of photopolymerizations; 2) to establish a venue for active discussions and collaborations among industrial and academic researchers; 3) to explore high-risk, cutting-edge research on photopolymerization processes that could lead to technological innovations; and 4) to promote and/or develop novel applications that exploit the unique set of advantages offered by photopolymerizations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Scranton, Alec University of Iowa IA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 368000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 0000 0002985 July 15, 2000 I/U Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Packaging of Microwave, Optical, and Digital Electronics. EEC-0002985 Mahajan The Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Packaging of Microwave, Optical and Digital Electronics (CAMPmode) is completing it's 5th year of operation as an I/UCRC. Since its inception the Center has made significant technical accomplishments in it's current focus areas, namely: area array packaging, RF-microwave design methodologies, RF-MEMS and technologies for high yield manufacture of electronics. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Mahajan, Roop University of Colorado at Boulder CO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 315050 W244 5761 1480 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9231 9178 9102 0000 0002986 August 1, 2000 Effect of Interface Strength on the Solder Joint Reliability of Flip Chip Packages. EEC-0002986 Mahfuz The PI's proposed to apply both the finite element and experimental methods to study the effect of underfill/die or underfill/substrate adhesion on the solder joint reliability of flip chip packages. This work will be a collaborative effort between researchers at the Tuskegee University Center for Advanced Materials and Auburn University Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics. For the finite element methods, two conditions, namely, strongly-bonded and weakly-bonded interfaces will be considered. The weakly-bonded interface will be modeled using a set of gap elements at the interface. For modeling the strong interface, a common set of nodes will be employed at the interface which will be shared by both the constituent materials. Results for the die stresses at the underfill interfaces will be correlated with the test chip sensor measurements. Also, the cycles to failure of the solder joints will be predicted using finite element method due to cyclic thermal loads. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mahfuz, Hassan Ahsan Mian Tuskegee University AL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0002987 September 1, 2000 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Particulate Materials. The Particulate Materials Center (PMC), a National Science Foundation I/UCRC , is a focal point for interdisciplinary research, education, and technology transfer of particulate materials processing. Particulate materials processing and manufacture is of vital importance to the advanced materials, ceramics, chemical, cosmetic, electronics, image processing, mineral processing, and pharmaceutical industries. Continual technological developments and improved scientific understanding are required to enhance product quality, to reduce process costs and time, and to minimize pollution during manufacture. Powder formation, powder handling and fabrication, particle dispersion, and sintering of shaped products from powders are disciplines of central interest to PMC members. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Adair, James Cheryl Knobloch Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 212381 5761 AMPP 9165 0003010 January 1, 2001 Wireless Measurement and Control of the Indoor Environment in Buildings. As the information available to a building's control system is increased, its control can become more sophisticated, and improve the operation of the building. Improvements can be obtained through: reduced energy consumption in lighting, ventilation, and temperature control systems, improved comfort and productivity of occupants, and improved safety. Unfortunately, the cost of adding to a building's sensor network is significant; involving not only the cost of the sensors themselves, but also the expense of running wire between the sensor and the control system. As a result, most buildings are operated with few sensors installed, a situation that contributes to low efficiency, poor indoor environmental quality, and increased operating cost. Recently, sensors based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology have been developed that offer the potential to run indefinitely without the need for wires for either communication or power. MEEMS technology uses the semi-conductor fabrication techniques traditionally employed in making integrated circuits, to produce many types of devices, including sensors, radios, batteries, and power collecting devices. The technology has the potential to eliminate the wire required for sensors in buildings because the devices can be made extremely small, thus requiring little power. In this research, the building control capabilities of the Center for the Build Environment (CBE) at UC Berkeley are combined with the microfabrication capabilities of the Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center (BSAC), also at UC Berkeley. This project is intended to provide the initial funding for a program designed to investigate the potential for applying MEMS technology to building control systems. It is expected that the cost reduction potential and increased information density achievable with MEMS technology will fundamentally change the way that buildings are controlled. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Arens, Edward K Pister University of California-Berkeley CA William S. Butcher Standard Grant 100000 5761 OTHR 0000 0003047 August 1, 2000 Advanced Simulator Networking for Vehicle and Equipment Distributed Product Design. EEC-0003047 Papelis This project aims to link the revolutionary new National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS), located at the University of Iowa, with the Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC), located at Iowa State University, through the existing Iowa Communications Network (ICN). The two universities us the ICN as part of their participation in the NSF very high speed Backbone Network Service (vBNS) and related Internet II activity. Both facilities cooperate with Deere & Company which strongly supports the project and will provide industrial-quality test problems and support in the form of personnel that will participate in the design process and assist with demonstrations. Challenges and benefits of linking these facilities will be investigated through two demonstrations. The first will use two operator-in-the-loop simulators. The second demonstration will focus on an "engineering tele-presence" application. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ADVANCED NET INFRA & RSCH IIP ENG Papelis, Yiannis Edward Haug University of Iowa IA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 300000 5761 4090 OTHR HPCC 9217 0000 0003063 September 1, 2000 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Ergonomics. The Industry/University Cooperative Reseaerch Center (I/UCRC) in Ergonomics at Texas A&M University is being renewed for the first year of a five year continuing grant. The research of the Center will contribute to the technology and information base necessary to evaluate and redesign existing workplace environments and work methods and to provide the leadership for the effective design of future work systems. The Center will continue to provide an opportunity for industry to coordinate and direct research objectives in response to safety, health, and ergonomic guidelines and standards that are being adopted. A focused research program will span interdisciplinary fields aimed at reducing injury/illness rates; reducing cumulative trauma disorders; reducing costs; increasing productivity; and developing responses and research for regulatory activity. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SPECIAL STUDIES AND ANALYSES HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Congleton, Jerome Steven Moore Texas Engineering Experiment Station TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 154000 5761 1385 1360 SMET OTHR EGCH 9251 9198 9178 9102 0000 0003064 September 1, 2000 NSF I/UCRC in Pharmaceutical Processing. The University of Purdue proposes to establish a multi-university National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Pharmaceutical Processing. Partner universities are the University of Connecticut and the University of Puerto Rico. The purposes of the Center are to explore and develop new technology for pharmaceutical processing, to foster collaborative research projects between industrial and academic scientists, and to promote an interdisciplinary approach to training students in pharmaceutical process research and development. The organizational structure of the Center comprises an Industrial Advisory Board, consisting of one member from each participating company, establishes research priorities and approves all spending by the Center. The Center Director manages day-to-day operation of the Center and acts as liaison with member companies as well as the University administration. The University Policy Committee assures that graduate student research is appropriate for the degree objective, that faculty development is not adversely affected by participation in the Center, and that Center activities are carried out in accordance with University policy. Dr. Ken Hemilich, retired Executive Director of Pharmaceutical Research and Development at Merck, will serve as external evaluator for the Center INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pinal, Rodolfo Purdue Research Foundation IN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 494952 V189 5761 OTHR MANU 9146 1049 0000 0003257 October 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Electronic Materials, Devices and Systems. N/A INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fitzer, Jack University of Texas at Arlington TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 30000 5761 OTHR 0000 0003258 September 1, 2000 Center for Optoelectronic Devices, Interconnects and Packaging (COEDIP). The University of Arizona and the University of Maryland are proposing the renewal of their successful joint Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), entitled "The Center for Optoelectronic Devices Interconnect and Packaging (COEDIP)" under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation. The Center was created five years ago to promote collaborative research between the two Universities and industries based on their strengths in the field of optoelectronics components, packaging and interconnection. The major goals of the Center are: - To promote collaboration and joint projects between the two universities; - To transfer new technology developed within each university to their industrial partners; and - To train highly qualified students and promote their interaction with industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Peyghambarian, Nasser University of Arizona AZ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 164000 5761 SMET AMPP 9231 9178 9165 9102 0003771 November 1, 2000 NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Coatings at Eastern Michigan University. Establishment of a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) in Coatings at the University of Southern Mississippi and Eastern Michigan University is proposed. The Center's mission will be two-fold: (i) to be a world leading academic organization that develops relevant, pre-competitive scientific knowledge for understanding and advancing the technologies of polymeric coatings and (ii) to enlarge the cadre of scientists and technologists capable of being productive in the field of coatings. With this program the Center will directly address barriers that impede progress in coatings: (1) a shortage of precise polymer synthetic methods, (2) a need to better understand film formation and molecular level processes that control resistance to mechanical and chemical damage, (3) a need to extend and develop systematic understanding of degradation processes in coatings, and (4) a shortage of scientists and technologists who understand coatings science and technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Provder, Theodore Eastern Michigan University MI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 273727 X825 V561 5761 OTHR AMPP 9165 0000 0004060 September 1, 2000 Health Monitoring of FRP Composite Bridge Decks. This work will provide a structural "health" monitoring capability for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite bridge decks. Three bridge decks are being built by an interdisciplinary team of the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) investigators to demonstrate the effectiveness of new FRP composite in enhancing constructability, life span, and performance. Each bridge deck will feature a different construction technology. They are being constructed in the City of St. James, Missouri using funds from the UMR, the City of St. James, and the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The construction contract has been awarded; hence, the funding need was immediate for adding "health" monitoring. Multiple fiber-optic strain sensors are being incorporated for long-term dynamic and static monitoring of performance and strength in this supplementary program which is being supported as a Small Grant for Exploratory Research (SGER). INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS STRUCTURAL MATERIALS AND MECH IIP ENG Watkins, Steve Antonio Nanni Halvard Nystrom Missouri University of Science and Technology MO William S. Butcher Standard Grant 50000 5761 1635 OTHR 0000 0060004 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Optimizing Generator Reactive Power Resources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses a major ancillary service, that of optimizing generator reactive power in support of system voltage profile. The rated reactive power of generators are based on their field, stator, and end-iron heating limits. Their operating ranges are further limited by the max/min voltage limits of generator terminal, plant auxiliary motors, the system bus, and generator's protective and control systems. These voltage limits are interrelated by the tap positions on the transformers directly connected to the generator. The objective is to integrate an optimal power flow model with the generator reactive capability model for optimal selections of generator transformer taps. It is anticipated that the research would result in an analytical tool which would help the industry achieve the desired lag/lead reactive powers in support of system voltage profile. The proposed research leads to development of a power flow program that would include the actual generator reactive capability limits. Such a model would determine optimal tap settings to allow an increased supply of reactive power during transfer of large blocks of power and an increased absorption of reactive power during light-load condition, both in support of system voltage profile. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Adibi, Mahmood Industrial Research and Development Corporation MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99546 5371 EGCH 1403 1325 1266 0510604 Analytic Tools 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0060006 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Estimating Software Costs for Web-Enabled Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Reifer Consultants, Inc. develops mathematical models to be used to size multi-media applications and estimate costs and schedules for web-enabled software development projects. As the business world moves to electronic commerce, more and more organizations are being powered by a web-enabled economy. Success in such an economy relies on the ability to accurately estimate and control costs and schedules. Accurate estimates enable returns on investment to be quantified and economic benefits to be computed. Unfortunately, existing software estimating tools do not provide the needed capability. The reason for this is simple; they fail to address the unique characteristics of web-based development projects. The research of Reifer Consultants, Inc, would fill the gap by collecting the data needed to calibrate and validate proposed size and estimating models that can be used to address the need for innovation in this area. The products of this research will be a validated mathematical model, prototype software estimating tool, and user test results that could serve as the basis of future product development and commercialization. This project will also investigate the market for aligned products and services and prepare a business plan for future developments. The commercial applications of this research are software tools that managers and estimators can employ to accurately estimate the costs and schedules for web-enabled applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reifer, Donald Reifer Consultants, Inc. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 96803 5371 HPCC 9216 0108000 Software Development 0060018 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Management Tool for Software Development Risk and Uncertainty. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Decision Science Associates (DSA) has the goal of developing a decision support tool that combines methods from software measurement, Bayesian statistics, and multiattribute utility theory (MAU). This tool will support a software manager's assessment and evaluation of risks and assist in making tradeoffs and decisions under uncertainty. Descision Scienct Associates' innovation addresses the following needs: software risk assessment methods; measures of the effectiveness of software development techniques and processes; and automated tools to support managing and developing software systems. The three technical objectives of Phase I are to: (1) develop methodologies to support a software manager's assessment and evaluation of risks and to assist him in making tradeoffs and decisions under uncertainty; (2) obtain preliminary evaluations of the methodologies from prospective customers; and (3) encode the methodologies in a Phase I prototype tool. These objectives will be pursued by conducting four tasks: (1) develop prototype user interfaces for the tool, MAUS-R (MultiAttribute Utility for Software, Risk); (2) seek feedback from prospective customers; (3) revise methods in response to the feedback from prospective customers; and (4) develop a revised Phase I prototype. The full-scale development and demonstration of the tool will occur in the next phase of the research. Decison Science Associates proffered technology, MAUS-R, is directed at any industry with an information technology (IT). It is particularly suited for industries with larger percentages of IT to total workers including: financial businesses like banks, investment companies, insurance companies; telecommunications businesses; transportation businesses, food and consumer goods companies; Point-of-Sale equipment manufacturers; pharmaceuticals; and the power and energy industry. Government agencies are also prospective customers; approximately 50% of the top US spenders on IT are state governments. The target market consists of software professionals at the group leader, supervisor, manager, or CIO level; software process standards professionals-those performing metrics collection, benchmarking, and the like; and software systems buyers. DSA has established a strategic alliance with PRICE Systems, the world-wide leader in Computer-Aided Parametric Estimating (CAPE) tools, to facilitate the commercialization of this proposed R&D) SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ulvila, Jacob DECISION SCIENCE ASSOCIATES INC VA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9218 1321 1108 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0060032 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Membrane Process to Recover Hydrogen from Waste Gas Streams. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the incorporation of a carbon dioxide/hydrogen separating membrane unit into steam reformer pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen plants. This membrane unit will increase the amount of hydrogen produced by a reformer PSA plant by 10-20%. The goals of the project are to optimize and produce a new type of composite membrane in bench-scale quantities and to fabricate bench-scale modules containing this membrane. The modules will be evaluated with model feed gas mixtures representative of those generated in reformer PSA plants. The experimental data obtained will be incorporated into a computer simulation of the process to determine the technical and commercial potential of the process. Based on this work, the overall feasibility and advantages of applying the technology to reformer PSA operations will be assessed. The initial target of the carbon dioxide/hydrogen membrane process to be developed is PSA tail gas. More than 300 large steam reformer PSA plants are operating in U.S. refineries and petrochemical plants. All of these plants can potentially be retrofitted with this new membrane technology. Longer-term, several other large potential applications such as hydrogen production for fuel cells exist. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Da Costa, Andre Membrane Technology and Research, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060046 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High Speed Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Using Electron Beams. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will combine electron beam curing and dynamic beam control technology to create equipment for electron beam rapid prototyping/manufacturing. The unique advantage of this technique is that it offers 'ultra-high' speeds in the range of 5 - 20 cc/second. If successful, the resulting technology can produce one liter sized, large, complex plastic parts in times of order 1 minute. This increase in speed will dramatically reduce the cost of rapid prototyping so that this technique can be used in small and medium production run manufacturing. In addition to increasing speed, electron beam curing can use a much wider range of materials than optical curing because the electrons stimulate polymerization directly, without requiring photoinitiators as part of the cured compound . Electron beams can also be used to integrate metals and carbon fibers into the rapid prototyped part. In Phase I, crude parts will be produced using this technique, and develop plans for a complete Phase II system that will focus on the large variety of available electron beam curable plastics. Applications for the technology include production of parts for small lot production such as electronic enclosures, custom mechanical equipment or medical equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Adler, Richard North Star Research Corporation NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99976 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060048 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Low Cost Technology for High-Performance Integrated Microcombustor/Evaporator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project demonstrates a new approach for fabrication of microscale combustors for hydrocarbon fuels. Novel technology for microchannel products will be combined with a microreactor concept to fabricate a highly efficient microscale integrated superalloy combustor/evaporator, which uses methane combustion for heating and/or boiling working fluid. The innovative fabrication technique enables dramatic cost reduction in comparison with the existing technologies. The technical objective is to demonstrate that the proposed combustors can produce at least 30 watts of thermal energy per square centimeter of heat transfer area and efficiently transfer that energy to a cooling fluid. This is approximately 20 times higher than the heat transfer rate of conventional water heaters. The proposed approach provides solutions to many materials problems as well as the opportunity to miniaturize numerous components and devices that are currently in existence. Potential commercial applications of the research include lightweight, safe and high performance microcombustors for microturbines, man-portable microheaters for cold climates, man portable cooling microsystems for hot climates, on-board fuel processors for hydrogen generation, distributed space conditioning of buildings, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tuchinskiy, Lev Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060051 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Blasting to Eliminate Nitrogen Dioxide Formation While Maximizing Energy Efficiency in Surface Mining. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a chemical solution to stop the formation of Nitrogen Dioxide in the surface coal mining industry where cast blasting is used. The creation of Nitrogen Dioxide is the result of deflagration or burning of the Ammonium Nitrate in the Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) blasting agent. This chemical pollution avoidance technology prevents deflagration by utilizing a technique known as shaped charge detonation. The shaped charge produces a jet of supersonic heat and pressure that initiates the reaction between the Ammonium Nitrate and the fuel oil to achieve near-instantaneous hydrodynamic velocity. The economic advantages of employing the new CastMax detonation system are two fold: the primary purpose is to eliminate NOx emissions and the attendant regulatory costs (monitoring, reporting, etc.) that would be applied; the secondary purpose is to maximize the energy efficiency of the blast. Ceasing the NOx formation will result in the recovery of $25,000,000 of lost blasting efficiency in US surface coal mining for 2001. Not only will energy costs be recovered, but also the use of this technology will forestall the costs associated with litigation, legislation and regulation about how to solve the Nitrogen Dioxide problem. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Derr, Henry Industrial Alchemy WY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 EGCH 9187 5371 1417 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060053 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Feasibility Study for a New Technology to Mitigate Brdige Flood Damage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the validation and feasibility of a new technology for the mitigation and correction of local scour damage at bridge foundations caused by periodic floods, tidal flows, or sustained stream flows. The technology involves a flow control device that mitigates the enhanced turbulent mixing and local scour at the streambed and is applicable to thousands of bridges nationwide. An extensive survey of the nation's bridges has recently been completed by the Department of Transportation and the U.S. Geological Survey; and twenty to thirty percent of the existing bridges have been found to be scour critical. Phase I research will formulate a suitable test matrix to evaluate the feasibility and performance for the technology. Scaled flume tests will be performed at Colorado State's Hydraulics Laboratory and evaluations for a Phase II follow-on R/R&D and commercial applications study will be made. If successful, the potential for savings by the State and Federal Governments through the use of this technology can be conservatively estimated to be over 10 million a year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lynall, Ian BaE Research Institute Inc NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99989 5371 CVIS 1635 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060065 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: VirtualFit - A Novel E-Commerce Tool for Custom-Fitting Eyeglass Frames. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a novel hybrid three dimensional (3D) imaging and animation technique for custom-design and custom-fit eyeglass frames, based on the 3D imaging technology recently developed by Genex Technologies, Inc (GTI). The 3D camera is able to acquire both 2D and 3D face images of a customer in a snapshot. The digital 3D face model is then converted and immersed into a virtual simulation environment, dubbed as the "VirtualFit(TM)", that allows customers to select a large number of eyeglass frames in a variety of styles, sizes and colors to try them on the realistic 3D face model of themselves. The VirtualFit(TM) also performs digital measurement of all critical dimensions from the 3D-face model and offers recommendations to assist the custom-fitting process. The 3D model can also be transferred over Internet to frame manufacturers for custom-made frames. Low-cost 3D-camera hardware prototype and virtual simulation software will be developed and tested in Phase 1. The fully functional prototype system will be developed in Phase 2 and field tests will be performed in retail store to obtain feedback for improvement. Enormous commercial potential virtually guarantees the deployment of the VirtualFit system as a widespread E-Commerce tool for optical spectacle industry. The VirtualFit technology can be applied to many other applications, such as apparel fitting, shoe fitting, hairstyle selection, furniture selection, and ergonomic product design. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Hui GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060068 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Skin Friction Reduction Using Moving Surfaces. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel mechanical means of reducing the skin friction of surfaces immersed in water. The concept to be analyzed and tested shows promise of reducing skin friction by 30 percent. The passive device would be fabricated in sheets and installed on existing immersed surfaces. While the concept is straightforward and conceptually simple, a major portion of the Phase I effort will be devoted to a proof of performance test using a simple gravity powered test rig, which will measure skin friction reductions achieved with the proposed device. If successful, the technology would be capable of reducing skin friction drag of moving objects significantly. Reducing the skin friction by 30 percent on a typical tanker crossing a 5,000 mile ocean at 20 knots would save over 156,000 gallons of fuel (one way). Other potential applications include pump inlets and pipes, long-haul tractor trailer trucks, and high-speed trains. Military applications are multifold and include torpedoes and vehicles where high speed is a requirement. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Teske, Milton Continuum Dynamics, Inc. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99980 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060082 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low Temperature Formation of Polycrystalline Ferroelectric BaTiO3 Thin Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a process for growing ferroelectric, polycrystalline barium titinate (BaTiO3) thin-films, by anodic oxidation of polycrystalline titanium, in a barium hydroxide (BaOH2) electrolyte. By utilizing this novel, low-cost method of ferroelectric formation, it will be possible to obtain thin, uniform ferroelectric films at relatively low temperatures (less than 100C) that exhibit dielectric constants around 200. Though films of this nature find applications in various other electrical devices, the company will utilize this novel technology, if successful, for integral thin-film decoupling capacitors due to the significant advantages offered over traditional discrete decoupling capacitors. Another potential application is optical waveguides. Ferroelectric thin films have applications in thin-film passive components as well as optical waveguides. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Nelms, David Integral Wave Technologies, Inc. AR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 97284 9150 MANU 9147 5371 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060088 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel, Low-Cost, High Temperature Composite Proton Exchange Membrane for Advanced Automotive Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a low-cost composite proton exchange membrane (PEM) capable of high temperature operation (>150 degrees C) with excellent chemical resistance and good thermal and dimensional stability suitable for advanced fuel cells in next generation vehicles (NGV). The key to this new composite membrane is a high temperature, high strength, chemically resistant membrane support structure fabricated from Foster-Miller's patented porous single crystal alumina material. Tailored porosity structures have been fabricated with interconnected passages suitable for infusion with a suitable ion conducting polymer (ICP) for high strength PEM's. This new PEM will address the serious cost/performance problems associated with current perfluorinated membranes. Fuel cells based on this new technology will achieve power density greater than 0.2 W/cm2. Membrane cost should eventually approach the $80/m2 level necessary to promote development of the NGV. Commercial scale up of the porous single crystal alumina manufacturing is already underway with a commercial processor of ceramics. During Phase I small composite Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA's) will be fabricated, characterized and electrically tested for high temperature conditions (150 degrees C) and peroxide stability. Phase II will optimize the composite PEM with fabrication and testing of MEA fuel cell stacks. Commercial applications for the proposed advanced composite PEM include cost efficient fuel cells for automotive, utility and space/military applications. As a potentially key enabling technology for the automotive (NGV) application, the market potential is very large. Utility uses include communications, computers (laptop) and remote power generation. Space and military include manned space missions (space station), shipboard power, battery replacements and portable/mobile field generating units. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kovar, Robert Foster-Miller Inc MA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99923 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060109 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Magnetostrictor Compositions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at developing cryogenic magnetostrictors that have high mechanical strength and can be fabricated more cost-effectively than existing materials. The potential for the use of cryogenic magnetostrictive materials for a variety of applications such as adaptive optics, robotics, automation and linear motors is great. Several cryogenic magnetostrictive materials have been discovered recently exhibiting high strain and excellent mechanical properties. These materials, consisting of an alloy of terbium dysprosium and zinc, are not commercially available but can be fabricated in small quantities. The process is complex and expensive because of the mismatches in the melting temperatures of the constituents. The focus of this research effort is to develop compounds of alloying materials that more closely match each other thereby eliminating a time consuming and costly step of the fabrication. The result of this work will be a low-cost scalable manufacturing process for magnetostrictive materials. If successful, this project will make low-cost cryogenic magnetostrictive materials and devices available in the marketplace for precision positioning of optics, vibration control, semiconductor fabrication, valves and pumps, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Joshi, Chad ENERGEN, INC. MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9147 1632 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060114 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced Product Sound Design Choices via Perceptual Attributes Mapping. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is concerned with consumer preference for product sound, with the goal of establishing a "mapping" or set of tools that product designers can use to achieve a preferred sound. The P. I. completed a NSF-supported SGER study that related product design choices and user reactions to the sound of the product. This study has used a panel of expert listeners to develop "sensory profiles" (SPs) for a limited range of product sounds, and a consumer jury to judge the same sounds in terms of product acceptability. Preliminary relationships have been established between the product SPs and physical metrics for these sounds, and between the product SPs and consumer judgements. This project seeks to determine the feasibility of extending the methodology developed to an expanded range of product sounds. Three major issues are addressed that will affect the utility of the concept as far as industry is concerned. One issue is the ability of metrics to anticipate user reactions to product sound because of their correlation with the product SPs. The second issue relates to the breadth of a product class that can be represented by a SPs. Variations on the sounds of particular vacuum cleaners and washing machines have been used as a way to develop the ideas, but this set needs to be expanded further. The third issue is concerned with products with different function but which are used in the same physical environment. While there is widespread commercial interest in product sound quality, there is at present no structured way for manufacturers to relate the preference for sound to design goals. By developing methods that are broadly applicable and as easy to use as possible, the research can provide sound quality measurement procedures that can be applied to any product for which sound is an issue. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I CONTROL SYSTEMS IIP ENG Lyon, Richard RH Lyon Corp. MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99765 5371 1632 MANU 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0060115 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Next Generation Component Software for Simulation-Based Econometric Estimation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop user-friendly component software for classical econometric estimation and inference based on simulation methods. In the last decade, different simulation-based methods have been developed to tackle complex economic/statistical models which cannot be estimated by conventional methods such as maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and generalized method of moments (GMM). Although these simulation-based estimators have desirable theoretical properties, they have remained as research topics in academia and have not become useful tools for practitioners because of the lack of user-friendly software. This project provides a plan to study three leading applications for simulation-based methods: multinomial probit model for cross-sectional data, multiperiod multinomial probit model for panel data, and stochastic volatility models for time series data. MathSoft will use extensive Monte Carlo experiments to explore finite sample properties of various aspects of estimation and inference, with an aim of improving and stabilizing the current algorithms. The user-friendly component software will be developed using the state-of-art JavaBean technology and provide intuitive graphical user interface. The JavaBeans will also be supplied as S-PLUS functions to gain a broad user base. The software will help worldwide economists and practitioners in other fields such as financial industry, social sciences, and biotechnology to conduct flexible and extensible model estimation and inference. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Jiahui Insightful Corporation WA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99916 5371 HPCC 9139 0108000 Software Development 0510604 Analytic Tools 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0060133 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: The Auto-Autodidact - A Web-Delivered Learning Environment Based on Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will combine the Internet, electronic libraries, and a new machine learning technique that simulates human understanding of text to produce an independent learning and problem solving environment for individuals and groups. Using Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), Auto-autodidact (autodidact: a self taught person) first learns the vocabulary and concepts of a topic by automatic training on textbooks. Then, as students study and write, and groups discuss and plan, it will continuously evaluate what they know and what they do not know, find relevant information anywhere in the electronic library, and connect participants with complementary needs and knowledge. Auto autodidact capitalize s on the motivational power of peer interaction, the instant availability of enormous textual resources, and the possibility of sharing individual knowledge over time and space. Auto autodidact will integrate LSA with Knowledge Forum, a state-of-the-art facilitator for distributed knowledge-building discussion, and newly available electronic libraries, to provide continuous embedded assessment, tutorial dialogue, and meaning-based information insertion. It will be unique in its ability to construct a learning environment for a new domain in a matter of days. Knowledge Analysis Technologies proffers a learning environment technology that has potential value for science and engineering education throughout the life cycle and for research and design organizations. The firm plans to commercialize the technology directly and through publishers, distance education providers, and educational testing organizations. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Laham, Darrell Knowledge Analysis Technologies CO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99858 1666 SMET 9178 9177 7410 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0060136 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Highly Conductive Transparent Coating via Nanostructured Colloidal Sol-Gel Process. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will support the current trend in developing nanophase materials. This is spirited by an increasing need for nanometer-scale structures in a variety of applications. It is clear that to achieve unique mechanical, physical, chemical, and biomedical properties, it is necessary to develop novel synthesis routes by which an entirely new nanostructure can be developed. When the thickness of the metal down to nano-meters, the metal/dielectric multilayer coating exhibits metallic conductivity and dielectric transparency. The periodic nature of the metal/dielectric lattice causes the light to propagate through the metal layers with extremely low loss. The most unique feature of the metallic optical filter is the ability to have a single pass band and block all other radiation from static fields to soft X-rays. This remarkable property is a result of the highly dispersive nature of metals. This research program will develop a nano-engineered powder: bilayer coated nanopowder. This powder composses three functionalities: highly transparent, highly conductive and a broad band radiation blocking from static fields to soft X-rays. Development of such unique nanostructures would not only benefit the specific industrial applications, such as panel displace and anti-static/anti-reflection (ASAR) coating for lenses and CRT, but also the electronic industry, in general. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Huang, Yuhong CHEMAT TECHNOLOGY INC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060137 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Saving Post-Chemical Mechanical Planarizing/Polishing (CMP) Wafers Using Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcavitation (ACIM). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to save semiconductor wafers from being deeply scratched by unchecked large errant particles in chemical mechanical planarizing or polishing (CMP) slurries. CMP has become the method of choice for restoring the surface trueness of wafers at all stages of its manufacture. No method currently exists that can implement a CMP-safe slurry at the point of use. The proposed novel technology of acoustic coaxing induced microcavitation (ACIM) is a means to constructively control acoustic microcavitation and direct its high intensity energy implosions at specific particle sites. ACIM will achieve both the detection and destruction of the stray large particles and render the entire slurry CMP-safe at the point of use. The ACIM slurry monitor-comminuter would be the first fully in-line, real-time, point of use method for detecting stray large particles and agglomerates and for reducing them to a nano-fine state. The rapidly growing CMP industry presents a well-developed market for this environmentally friendly ACIM tool. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Zambrano, Isabel Uncopiers, Inc. KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 9102 5371 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060143 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low Temperature Joining of Alumina Structural Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a low temperature joining compound for structural alumina. The paste will rely on the low melting point of alumina preceramic materials to effectively wet the joining surfaces and alumina filler, thus forming a dense joint with characteristics similar to the joined ceramics. The program will investigate three different filled paste preparations: a) a dissolved processor paste, b) a suspended precursor paste, and c) a precursor salt mix with a lowered melting point paste. This technology will make possible the production of complex alumina structures from simple geometric alumina pieces, which have been previously densified. Innovations in this area will make the realization of complicated structural ceramics more cost effective in production. The paste will decompose to alumina, and will be densified at temperatures lower than that needed to sinter alumina. The technology to be developed under this project will find wide application in the structural ceramics market. Low temperature joining technologies are needed to increase the complexity of structures that can be economically produced from these materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Van Calcar, Pamela Eltron Research, Inc. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99997 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060155 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Low Cost Semiconductor Metallization-Planarization Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative process for copper metallization and planarization of semiconductor scale features. In contrast to geometric leveling or true leveling in the presence of levelers and brighteners, the proposed electrochemical deposition process is based on charge or Faradaic mediated leveling. The current copper metallization process utilizes a difficult to control plating bath containing levelers and brighteners and generates between 30 and 50 liters of waste slurry for each 8-inch wafer processed. The proposed charge modulated electrochemical deposition process will operate in a simple, easily controlled plating bath and will eliminate or substantially reduce the waste and cost of the current chemical/mechanical-processing step. During the Phase I program, the theoretical basis for the Faradaic mediated leveling process will be established and validated using state-of-the-art ULSI wafers. It is anticipated that the Faradaic mediated leveling process will eliminate or substantially reduce (i.e., by greater than 85%) the copper waste slurry and provide substantial cost savings relevant to the state-of-the-art copper metallization processes in the semiconductor industry SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Taylor, E. Jennings FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99182 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060156 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Copper Seed Layers and Interconnects Derived from Nanocrystal Solutions. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project involves the synthesis of soluble, monodisperse copper nanocrystals as precursors in the formation of microelectronic copper seed layers and interconnects. The proposed synthetic component builds on existing nanoparticles syntheses to obtain soluble, monodisperse copper nanocrystals. Copper nanocrystals are to be applied by spin coating, thereby eliminating the current need for vacuum deposition. A passivating agent will be used to control average particle size and impart particle solubility in conventional spin coating solvents such as amyl acetate, cyclohexanone and ethyl lactate. Unlike conventional electrochemical and vapor deposition techniques, seed layer and interconnect formation occurs preferentially in wafer trenches and vias by taking advantage of the slower rates of nanocrystal solvent volatilization in these regions, as compared to substrate plateaus. Chemical mechanical polishing, associated with existing deposition techniques should be eliminated along with the undesired scouring of copper to form a nonlinear interface. Nanocrystals not adhering to a trenched substrate are readily redissolved, purified and reapplied to further lessen waste. The nanocrystals stranded in trenches are melted at a reduced, size-dependent melting temperature; to form bulk copper seed layer or interconnect structures. Nanocrystal melting temperatures will be tailored to remain below 350 degrees Celsius. This project has immediate commercial application in the production of microelectronic seed layers and interconnects through the elimination of vacuum vapor deposition, chemical mechanical polishing and reduction of waste streams. Longer-term value is created through the formation of narrower and higher aspect ratio interconnects which are necessary for the continuing increases in computational speed demanded by the microelectronics industry. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Goldstein, Avery Starfire Electronic Development & Mktg, Ltd. MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0060158 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Nano-Fe/SiO2 Soft Magnetic Cores Based on Exchange Coupling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting novel nanocomposite materials for significantly improved magnetic performance in high frequency applications, using the exchange coupling concept between nanoparticles. To date, the exchange-coupling concept has not been realized in bulk form magnetic nanocomposites in high frequency magnetic applications. The improved properties will include a combination of higher permeability, higher electrical resistivity, and lower core loss than those for the conventional ferrites. In this project, ceramic coated Fe nanoparticles with various Fe volume fractions will be manufactured using a wet-chemical technique. The performance of the end product will be tested and compared with conventional ferrites. This innovation is expected to have a major impact on the electrical and electronic industries by enabling the manufacture of low cost shaped magnetic structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Yide INFRAMAT CORP CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0060164 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Composite Materials for Hydrogen Separation Membrane Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and evaluate a new class of mixed proton and electron conducting materials which are capable of operating at intermediate temperatures (400-700C). These materials could be used as membranes in a wide variety of hydrogen separation applications resulting in an efficient, economic, and selective process. The composite materials of interest will be based on a proton conducting oxyacid salt and a metallic or ceramic electronically conducting component. Composite powders of different components and compositions will be fabricated using various preparation techniques. These will then be fabricated into dense membrane disks, which will subsequently be tested for their structural, electrical, and transport properties with the proton and electronic conductivity being of particular interest. The composite materials showing the most promise will then be incorporated into laboratory scale membrane separation configurations and evaluated for their ability to mediate hydrogen. The development of a new membrane-based hydrogen separation process will have multiple applications for use in industry. It would allow for the separation and purification of hydrogen in one step. Furthermore, these membrane systems could act as novel reactors for carrying out different chemistries such as hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions at potentially lower costs and higher yields. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, Zhonglin Eltron Research, Inc. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99993 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060166 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Electrochemical Brush Patination for Outdoor Copper and Bronze Objects. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a new means of caring for patina-covered copper and bronze outdoor statues, sculptures, and other structures, by developing Electrochemical Brush Patination (EBP). If successful, this technique will allow conservators and others responsible for the care of patinized objects to repair small localized areas of damage to the patina layer without damaging the surrounding intact layer. Stripping away large sections of patina, as is commonly done now when repairs to damaged areas are effected, followed by repatination through non-electrochemical means, can be time-consuming, expensive, and potentially damaging to the object to be restored. The proposed technique will use controlled electrochemistry to grow a new patina layer only in the damaged area. The new patina shall share the visual appearance (e.g., color, texture, thickness) of the original patina layer, and shall provide equivalent protection against corrosion of the substrate metal. The proposed EBP technique will provide a new and improved means of repairing localized areas of damage to patina layers on copper and bronze. While the initial inspiration for this work was the desire to repair outdoor art objects, the commercial applications may extend to any patinized commercial or private structures, including but not limited to statuary, sculptures, building details, bridge details, etc. Repair of damaged patina on such structures is important not only for visual appearance, but also for protection of the underlying substrate metal from ongoing corrosive attack. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Krebs, Lorrie DACCO SCI, INC MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060201 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Methodology for Purification and Separation of Platinum Group Metals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will synthesize novel diquaternary amines with a high selectivity towards platinum group metals (PGMs) from acidic chloride media. State-of-the-art molecular modeling techniques will be utilized to predict structures likely to have a high affinity for the anions of interest. The diquaternary amines are predicted to have a much greater selectivity than comparable monoquaternary amines due to increased steric interactions between the two nitrogens and the polyvalent ion of interest. These compounds will facilitate the separation and purification of high value metals, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, from base metals using solvent extraction techniques. The diquaternary amines will be synthesized, characterized and then evaluated in comparison with an existing monoquaternary amine (Aliquat 336) that has already been used in PGMs separation. Improved separation of PGMs will lead to a reduction in metal costs, facilitate recycling (e.g. auto exhaust catalysts) and thus minimize the dependence of the United States on imported PGM supplies. These novel diquaternary amines will primarily have applications in precious metal refining. Additionally, they could also be used in the separation and purification of actinides, such as plutonium, and in the preconcentration of trace levels of certain anions (e.g. chromate, arsenate) to aid in environmental analysis SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Waheguru Lynntech, Inc TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060204 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Alternative Membranes for High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membranes (PEM) Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project would develop membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) utilizing alternative polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) for high-temperature fuel cell operation. Under this project, GESC, LLC will develop and test MEAs utilizing polymer films. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have received increased attention for supplying power for Next Generation Vehicles due to their high power densities, high efficiency, low environmental impact, ease of assembly and quiet operation. A barrier to PEMFC technology is poisoning of the anode catalyst by CO, a by-product of the reformer. CO poisoning is disfavored at temperatures above 100 degrees C, however current PEMs are prohibited from operating at these temperatures as the membrane loses water necessary for ion conductivity. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs) can operate at elevated temperatures (140-200 degrees C) but are limited due to difficulty in retaining the phosphoric acid. A great need then, exists for a PEMFC membrane that can operate at high temperatures. The goal of this project would be to develop MEAs that incorporate proton transporting phosphoric acid functionalities directly into the PEM through covalent bonds, greatly extending the life of the PEMFC by eliminating the loss of electrolyte. Fuel cells that operate on reformate feed are being developed for both Next Generation Vehicles and stationary power applications. The potential market for a PEMFC that can operate with increased tolerance to CO concentrations in the anode feed is very large. Such a system would not only capture a large sector of this emerging market, but would increase the range of applications for fuel cell systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mittelsteadt, Cortney GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99463 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060205 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Glass Fiber Composites Tailored Towards Concrete Reinforcement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a new class of low-cost glass fiber composites that are compatible with the highly alkaline environment of concrete. The polymer matrix in these composites incorporates a fine dispersion of ion-exchange polymers for reducing the alkalinity of diffusing concrete pore water. Ion-exchange polymers are prepared by attaching polar groups to polymeric matrices; they are now produced at relatively low cost for use in filters and conditioners. The matrix incorporating ion-exchange polymers can feasibly act as a molecular sieve that removes alkali metal ions from the pore solution, and thus protects glass fibers against alkali attack. Preliminary analyses suggest that ion-exchange polymers possess the capacity, in the context of composite reinforcement in concrete, to lower the alkalinity of concrete pore water to levels that are not aggressive against glass fibers. Blending of conventional thermoset matrices of glass fiber composites with ion-exchange polymers promises to alter the favorable economics of glass fiber composites. This would facilitate large-scale introduction of composites as corrosion-proof and truly durable replacement for steel in concrete, noting that the relatively high cost of carbon and aramid fiber composites limit their potential for use as reinforcing bars in concrete. The resulting composites should meet the demands on concrete reinforcement in terms of mechanical performance, bond strength to concrete and cost, and should also be chemically and dimensionally stable in the alkaline environment of concrete under diverse exposure conditions. Potential commercial applications of the technology cover reinforced concrete systems subjected to corrosive environments, including bridge structures, parking ramps and offshore structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chowdhury, Habibur DPD INC MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99718 5371 CVIS 1635 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060213 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Magnetohydrodynamic Formation of Metal Monospheres. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project tests feasibility of a novel cost-efficient process for manufacture of monodispersed spherical micron-sized metal powders. Whereas there exist today various methods for making uniform sized particles, they are either unsuited to high -melting point materials, unperfected at sizes below 100 gm, slow or very expensive. Commercial spherical gas-atomized powders are available, but have wide size distributions. We propose to demonstrate liquid metal pressurization and perturbation of flow through a plate containing multiple high-speed drop-forming nozzles by means of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The objective is a system suitable for use at high temperatures (<=2000C) permitting continuous feed (vs. batch processing), no moving parts, no high-pressure reservoir of liquid metal and high productivity. The research includes analysis, design, construction, and testing of MHD pressurization and perturbation equipment and the nozzle plate. The Phase I goal is production of uniform drops of low melting point metals using MHD and a multiple nozzle array. In Phase II, the process will be extended to accommodate high temperature and increased throughput in a complete bench-top system producing "monospheres" of cobalt and iron. This technology offers a means of producing significant quantities of desirable monospheres at commodity prices. The primary customers for powders manufactured by the process innovated herein are Powder Metal parts producers, initially by Metal Injection Molding and Hot Isostatic Pressing. By serving as uniform substrates for coating, the uniform particles will improve the ability to produce consistently alloyed and dense parts cost-competitively. Among many other markets are filters, catalysts, new magnetorheological fluids and biomedical uses. Initial markets exceed $15 million and the potential market in ten years exceeds $100 million. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dean, Jr., Robert SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99968 5371 MANU 9147 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060220 January 1, 2001 STTR PHASE I: Use of Nanoclusters for Recovery of Strategic Metals. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses the problem of recovery and recycle of strategic and critical metals. This project will determine the performance benefits of a nanocluster ion exchange media over traditional ion exchange resin, when used to recover strategic and critical metals, such as chromium, nickel and mercury. The basic innovation is the deposition of an extremely thin film (2 nm) on nanoparticles, coupled with low-temperature consolidation of nanoparticles to form nanoclusters, and the use of chemically reactive coatings to remove metal ions from industrial process and waste streams. The integrated ion exchange (IIX) electrochemical process reactor, will allow a close coupling of the nanostructured clusters with charge modulated electric fields for enhanced treatment of industrial process and waste streams, and for in-situ regeneration of the nanostructured clusters. The proposed process will facilitate cost-effective and selective separations assisted by electric fields, for cost-effective recovery and recycle of strategic and critical metals from aqueous based processes, such as in-process recycling in metal finishing operations, process and waste streams from chlor-alkali operations, and waste from dental and medical operations. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Inman, Maria Donglu Shi FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 97000 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060225 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Liquid Crystal Material for High Performance Switchable Multi-Functional Holographic Device. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate the proof-of-concept of innovative switchable holographic devices through material research. The new holographic device, made from a novel liquid crystal and polymer composite material, consists of alternating polymer and liquid crystal planes without liquid crystal droplets and is expected to exhibit a higher performance than the prior technologies in terms of reflection efficiency, switching voltage, spectrum tuning flexibility, polarization flexibility, switching speed, and switching mode. The Phase I effort will be focused on a special liquid crystal composite material development that leads to the construction of demo devices. In addition to the switchable Bragg reflection, the demonstration devices will exhibit tunable Bragg wavelength and multiple switching modes. The new holographic technology can be used to build polarizer, spectrum dispersion element, spectrum tunable mirror, optical switch, spectrum filter, beam splitter and combiner for optical telecommunication, display and photonics instrument such as spectrophotometer, lasers, optical imaging and detection systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Le Kent Optronics, Inc. NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99965 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0106000 Materials Research 0060244 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Innovative System for Bioinformatics and Computer Microscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I from MicoBrightField, Inc provides a plan for creating a bioinformatics system that will allow users to acquire images of complete microscopic specimens at the highest magnification of a light microscope, to store these very large images in a web-enabled database, and to share them with students and researchers over the Internet. For conceptual purposes, these very large images will be "virtual slides" that can be viewed at any magnification. An innovative viewer technology will, in effect, provide the capabilities of a "virtual microscope", one which will also provide additional capabilities, including dynamic zooming and panning for viewing the virtual slides. A demonstration web site will be set up to test the feasibility of the bioinformatics system. Although the general definition of informatics may vary, this system is comprised of three main functions: image acquisition, database storage, and visualization. The system will help bridge the current gap between computer technology and biology by providing an architecture that will decentralize data distribution so that virtual slides can be routinely shared throughout the educational and scientific communities. This bioinformatics system, consisting of software and hardware, will be marketed to educational and research institutions, providing them with the means to produce and view virtual slides on their own web sites. The software for creating the virtual slides will be sold with all components needed to set up a computer microscopy system. Among the longer-term opportunities for consideration are as follows: an Internet system for archiving and comparing images for clinical pathology, a service to create and maintain the virtual slides and database for a customer's web site, and creation of large-scale images for on-line text books and stereotaxic atlases in conjunction with an author and/or publisher. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Glaser, Jacob MicroBrightField, Inc. VT Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 76683 1666 SMET 9178 9150 7256 0522400 Information Systems 0060245 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: High Rate Synthesis of Highly Reactive Solvated Metal Atom Dispersion Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of a Solvated Metal Atom Dispersion (SMAD) synthesizer for high rate production and eventual commercial adoption of metal nanoparticle materials. Several high value applications (from magnetic tapes to highly reactive catalytic materials) have been identified with corresponding significant commercial interest expressed, yet development of innovative, scalable processes has been a sizeable barrier for commercialization of these important nanotechnologies. During Phase I, several key technical parameters will be optimized including vaporization of multiple precursors, solvent recovery and recycling, as well as nanoparticle formation, separation and purification technologies. At the completion of the Phase I Research, a conceptual design for a continuous scalable synthesizer will be developed. Metallic, bimetallic, organometallic and encapsulated nanoparticles produced by the SMAD process meet a wide range of high value critical needs. Specifically, initial applications of the technology include superior catalysts, magnetic materials including information storage, improved transformer cores, radiation shield and coatings, and ferrofluids, as well as tracers for advanced systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Winecki, Slawomir NANOSCALE MATERIALS INC KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99853 9150 AMPP 9163 5371 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060252 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Thermal Forming Combustion Synthesis (TFCS) - A New Process for Coating Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I investigates the feasibility of Thermal Forming Combustion Synthesis (TFCS) of coatings. TFCS will combine two established materials processing techniques - thermal spray forming and Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) -as a novel method for synthesizing advanced coating materials in-situ to produce structural, wear and/or corrosion resistant coatings on the surfaces of substrates using simple, low-cost, starting materials. The technique is also applicable for the production of thin-walled freestanding structures. Layered deposits of Ni-Al and MoO3-AlxSi materials will be thermally sprayed onto 'model' steel and graphite substrates in both flat coupon and cylindrical configurations. The microstructures of the 'as-sprayed' layers will be characterized to determine porosity, contact area etc., prior to initiation of an SHS combustion synthesis within the layers and studies of the reaction mechanisms during combustion. The composition, microstructure, porosity level, and basic mechanical properties of the resulting deposits will be characterized using metallography, X-ray diffraction, SEM and microhardness testing. The critical sprayed layer thicknesses required for both the Ni-Al and MoO3-AlxSi material systems will be determined and compared to theoretical predictions. Economic (thermal spray forming + SHS reaction) production of coatings would have significant commercial applications, particularly for the in-situ coating of parts where cost is the primary concern, such that conventional approaches, including the thermal spraying of more costly 'engineered' composite powders is not an option. In addition, the SHS component of the investigation will enable compositional and microstructural variations to be achieved within reacted coatings, which could not be readily obtained by other methods. The approach may enable thin-walled tubes of novel structures and compositions to be produced, for use as catalyst supports, filters and in fuel cells etc. Once proven, the thermal spray forming + in-situ SHS synthesis of coatings promises to be a new, economical, coating process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shtessel, Emil EXOTHERM CORP NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99933 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060254 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanoparticle-Based Photostimulated Luminescent Optical Storage. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of nanocomposite materials that are capable of producing photostimulated luminescence (PSL) and the demonstration of their ability to do so at room temperature for durations that would support practical applications. Successful production of PSL with such materials would suggest that this technology could be used to create optical storage media for X-ray and other imaging techniques. Nanoparticle-based PSL optical storage systems would provide images with higher resolution at lower levels of production energy. Because of the extensive use of X-ray and similar technologies in the medical industry, manufacturing, security field, inspection and non-destructive testing processes, and many other applications, the proposed approach would offer substantial reductions in costs, complexity, hazards, and other negative aspects of the use of these processes. This technology will be applicable to virtually all X-ray processes and many other imaging and information storage techniques. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Wei NOMADICS, INC OK Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 97729 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060255 January 1, 2001 STTR PHASE I: Methods for Continuous Synthesis of Carbon Nanostructured Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project will develop new methods for continuous synthesis and purification of important carbon-based nanostructured materials, including fullerenes and endohedral metallofullerenes. Due to their unique properties, structured carbon nanomaterials including fullerenes and nanotubes have become a large field of research that extends from chemistry, to physics and materials science. Intense effort is directed in increasing the fabrication yield of these materials, since current synthesis methods have typical yields of less than 0.5% for the more exotic and revolutionary nanomaterials. Low yields, coupled with the current high cost of fabrication, has limited the development and commercialization of these important new materials. Luna Innovations will develop new methods for continuous synthesis and purification of fullerenes and endohedral metallofullerenes based on recent advancements developed through joint research with our university research partners. This approach will not only increase the quantity of these critical nanomaterials, but will in addition reduce manufacturing costs and usage of associated hazardous solvent materials. Applications of these carbon nanostructures are predicted to revolutionize many areas of technology, including optical communications, high-strength composites, thermally-tailored structures for microelectronic and space applications, quantum computing, advanced medical diagnostics and treatments, and others. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stevenson, Steven Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99981 1505 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060257 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Process for Preparing Nanometer-Sized Ceramic Particles at High Production Rates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel method, Combined Atomization and Reaction Technique (CART), for mass producing nanometer-sized ceramic powders. The SBIR Phase-I research is aimed at designing and building a bench-top CART apparatus to demonstrate the general technical and commercial feasibility of this method as applied to the synthesis of nano-sized oxides, carbides, and nitrides of both low- and higher-melting metals (e.g., Al, Fe, Si, and Ti). Nano-grained materials can be employed to replace various load-bearing and non-structural parts in automobiles, infrastructures, off-shore structures, pipings, containers, and electronic equipment housings, etc. this could be commercial attractive to many industries. Transparent nano-grained ceramics can be utilized in a broad array of applications including transparent ceramic appliance components, clear "glassware" and artistic artifacts. Transparent ceramics may be used as ballistic protection armors by law enforcement, security police and armored car personnel. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Yang, Junsheng Nanotek Instruments, Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060258 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanomaterial for Microchip Chemical Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel microchip chemical analyzer that incorporates a new nanomaterial that performs both separation and detection of small quantities of chemicals and biochemicals. This will be accomplished by developing the required chemistry and processing to coat microchannels (20 x 50 microns) with a proprietary material that contains silver nanoparticles capable of supporting plasmon surface modes and generating surface-enhanced Raman (SER) spectra. Preliminary studies suggest this new nanomaterial will provide continuous, reproducible, quantitative, reversible, and rapid chemical analysis to part per trillion concentrations in nanoliter sample volumes. Phase I will prove feasibility by preparing microchip chemical analyzers and testing their SER-activity. Testing will include several test chemicals (p-aminobenzoic acid, phenyl acetylene, etc.), pharmaceuticals (amobarbital, barbital, and phenylbarbital), and the four DNA bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine). The commercial market applications for this technology include biotechnology (DNA sequencing, protein analysis), medicine (metabolite analysis), and pharmaceutical (high-throughput molecular structure identification). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farquharson, Stuart Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99993 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060278 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High-Speed, High-Density Optical Disk Data Storage Based On A New Coding Concept. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project studies a new coding technique for high-speed, high-density optical disk data storage. It is well known that conventional optical disk storage is based on recording and readout binary data pits in an optical disk such as compact disk and DVD. The size of these pits that can be recorded and readout optically due to diffraction limitation thus limit the data storage density. The proposed research explores a new coding concept that can facilitate recording and readout many bits of data in a single pit. The data storage density can thus be significantly increased using the same diffraction limited focusing spot size as DVD. The proposed concept is supported by commercially available data recording material to result in a read-only super high-density optical disk. The concept is also supported by a new ion-exchanged photochromic glass to result in an erasable and rewritable disk with excellent room environmental stability and non-processing after data recording. Fast data code recognition using table lookup can improve the data access rate as well. Phase I research will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed disk storage concept. Phase II will realize a complete disk data storage system. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of a new coding concept for high-speed, high-density optical disk data storage. Using such a coding concept can significantly increase the disk storage density for commercial and military, e.g. on-line storage, library archival applications, image storage and processing for medical applications and military target identification, and fast access to large intelligent databases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DeMasi, Ralph NEW SPAN OPTOTECHINOLOGY INC FL Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99985 5371 HPCC 9215 0522100 High Technology Materials 0060282 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Polymer Silicate Layered Nanocomposites for Dental Core. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of Polymer Silicate Layered Nanocomposites (PSLN) as applied to dental materials. A specific material system is chosen that optimizes key properties including compressive, flexural and tensile strength, hardness and reduction of polymerization shrinkage while maintaining the critical working and handling characteristics of the material. The quantum effects realized through the novel mechanistic dispersion of the nano-sized and geometrically ideal filler will lead to dramatic property enhancement of the composite affecting the durability and longevity of the dental restoration. Feasibility of this application of PSLN technology will be investigated through a series of experiments with subsequent characterization by x-ray diffraction and TEM analysis. Due to a high failure rate attributed to lack of strength, marginal leakage and technique sensitivity, methacrylate based dental composites have not been universally accepted as a replacement for amalgams. Preliminary findings and data from other industrial applications support the idea that PSLN technology provides superior property enhancement enabling remarkable potential for further acceptance of dental composites. This research project addresses the development of an enhanced dental composite specifically for use as core build-up material and provides future avenues for improvements to all dental composites, including anterior, posterior and flowable composites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smucker, Lisa Dental Technologies, Inc. IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99626 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060283 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: Integrated Gas Phase - Surface Reaction Simulator for Plasma Etch and Chemical Vapor Deposition Process Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop state-of-the-art computational models to accurately simulate the next generation of plasma-etch tools for SiO2 and low-k dielectric materials. Modeling tools necessary to address these challenges are not currently available, and will be developed by two companies specializing in chamber scale multi-dimensional and surface reaction chemistry simulations. The Phase I effort will focus on plasma sheath model (unified plasma sheath model of Riley/Bose) implementation, software integration and development of new ion assisted reaction formalism. Feasibility of the proposed integrated simulator will be demonstrated utilizing simple C2F6 plasma mechanism of CFDRC and complex C2F6 plasma etch mechanism developed by SEMATECH. The commercial availability of the proposed capability will allow process engineers to design better processes and identify equipment/process deficiencies before they are performed on a R&D or production scale. Implementation of the proposed computational innovation will produce major impact on technology readiness, and affordability through better process chamber designs and higher throughput. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Zhou, Ning CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99943 9150 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060284 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Light Transparent, Electrically Conductive Coatings by Filtered Cathodic Arc Plasma Deposition. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new class of UV-transmitting, electrically conductive coatings by using filtered cathodic arc plasma deposition (FCAPD). Cathodic arc plasmas are characterized by relatively high ion energy (20-150 eV) that lead to denser films. Macroparticles which typically contaminate such plasmas can be filtered using curved magnetic filters that have been developed by Berkeley's Plasma Application Group. Filtered cathodic arc coatings are not only dense but may be grown in a vacuum or reactive environments. The window of partial pressure for stochiometric compound films is wider than for evaporation or sputtering methods. Moreover, sputtered coatings (and more so beam-evaporated films) are characterized by porosity, which increases the thickness for the required electrical conductivity, with reduced optical transmission. The primary objective of Phase I is to demonstrate that a thin coating can be produced which is highly conductive and transmits between 80- 90% of the incident UV radiation. Once the feasibility of using FCAPD for producing high density coatings that show high electrical conductivity and high light transparency have been answered, Phase II will optimize the process for larger areas. Engineering development, marketing and sales of coating units is the province of Phase III. Commercial applications for FCAPD films include: electrochromic automotive and aircraft windows; heat mirrors; optoelectronic devices such as UV triggered diamond high voltage switches; solar cell surfaces for space applications Cathodic arc deposition of TiN coatings is a well established technology which supports tens of millions of dollars of business annually worldwide in coating equipment sales and hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the coatings generated by that equipment. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schein, Jochen Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060286 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Nongray Radiation Model Coupled with a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Code for Large-Scale Fire and Combustion Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I study is aimed toward demonstrating the feasibility of using the correlated k-distribution approach, in conjunction with the control-angle discrete ordinates method (CA-DOM), for accurate and fast simulation of non-gray radiative transport in large-scale fires and combustion systems. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used in the combustion industry with considerable success during the past decade. Currently, however, there exist no CFD package, which treats non-gray radiation in combustion gases with the desired level of accuracy and computational efficiency. With a trend towards cleaner combustion, radiation from molecular gases is assuming a major role in the determination of combustor performance, and NOx emissions in particular. Under this Phase I study, a novel approach to predict radiative transport in combustion gases, based on the correlated k-distribution approach, will be developed. The correlated k-distribution approach has recently been used with great success, and has the potential of improving computational efficiency by orders of magnitude. This is as opposed to other models, which promise only marginal improvements. The proposed development will be conducted within the framework of the commercial CFD code, CFD-ACE+. The model will be evaluated by comparing its predictions against experimental and analytical data. Special attention will be paid towards computational efficiency. The proposed radiation model will be the first commercial tool of its kind. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to predict radiative transport both accurately and fast. It is expected to have significant impact on the gas turbine, furnace building, and automotive industry, where CFD design and optimization is already standard practice. In addition, the tool could be used effectively for the simulation of large-scale fires and for atmospheric radiation calculations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mazumder, Sandip CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99944 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060288 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Superior Corrosion Resistant Undercoating for Vapor Deposited Hard Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new type of corrosion resistant undercoating for application to metal substrates prior to the deposition of a hard decorative top coat applied by physical vapor deposition (PVD). PVD metal nitride coatings such as TiN and ZrN are extremely hard, and thus provide excellent scratch and wear resistance. However, they do not provide adequate corrosion resistance because of micron-scale flaws that act as corrosion sites, and thus a corrosion-resistant underlayer is needed. This undercoat must be smooth, sufficiently hard to support the hard PVD coating, and provide good adhesion to both the substrate and to the PVD coating. Ideally, the undercoat would provide a leveling effect to minimize polishing of the metal substrate. Recently, a new method for coating metal with a thin layer of glass has been developed. This coating, which is being optimized as a protective outer coating for polished aluminum, has many of the attributes of a successful PVD undercoating including corrosion resistance, hardness, and leveling. The key technological step will be to develop good adhesion between this glass coating and a PVD coating, and that will be the main focus of the proposed research. PVD coatings are widely used for applications that require both durability and an attractive appearance; for example, metal-nitride coatings can be made to closely resemble polished metals including brass, gold, and chrome. Current applications include personal items (pens, glasses, watches, jewelry, etc.), door hardware, plumbing fixtures, decorative trim on automobiles, and architectural detailing. All these PVD applications require an undercoating to improve corrosion resistance, but current undercoating options are inadequate for a number of reasons such as cost and environmental impact. Electroplating, the most widely used undercoating, uses significant amounts of toxic chemicals. A new type of undercoating which could meet performance and cost requirements while being environmentally friendly would thus have significant and immediate market potential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jennings, Hamlin Evanston Materials Consulting Corporation IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99891 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060295 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Universal Home Network Based on Ultrawide Band Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop an innovative wireless network infrastructure for residential homes that can integrate Internet, data communication, telephony, home automation, audio, and video. This infrastructure is called "Universal Home Network"(UHN). The backbone of UHN is the emerging Time-Modulated Ultrawide Band (TM-UWB) radio technology. TM-UWB is a radio communication method that sends pulses of RF energy instead of sine waves. These pulses that enable precise ranging, operate in multi-path environments, and more easily penetrate indoor obstructions. The average RF transmit power of these pulses is below the noise floor, allowing UHN to perform tracking and data communication while coexisting with existing RF systems. TM-UWB radios only transmit pulses with 0.1% duty cycle, so they consume very little power. Pulses in the time domain have a bandwidth of more than 2 GHz, so TM-UWB signal is very difficult to intercept and jam. UHN may achieve a bandwidth of more than 100Mbps using multiple channels. The brain of HUN is the HUN Home Server, which is a dedicated real-time computer managing, sharing, routing, storage, and processing voice, video, data, and control commands coming in and out of the house. The Home Networking market is growing rapidly, because of the declining price of computers, increasing number of homes with multiple PCs, and Internet access. There are also an increasing number of digital devices used in the home, with a prevalence of multimedia content. Park Associates anticipates that computer-and entertainment-based networks alone will exceed $4 billions in five years. Existing home network technologies can only meet parts of the interconnection needs of homeowners. The proposed UHN is designed to carry data, voice, audio/video, and home automation messages in a unified infrastructure. Intelligent Automation Inc.'s near term commercialization plan is to provide interfaces between UHN and other existing protocols to speed up the acceptance of UHN by consumers and industries. The long term plan is to partner with consumer electronics, appliance, and home automation manufactures to design and sell products with native UHN interface. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lin, Chujen Intelligent Automation, Inc MD Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060298 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: A New Approach to Particle Characterization - The Probability Density Function Propagation (PDFP) Model. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative particle transport and dispersion model called the Probability Density Function Propagation (PDFP) models, and implements the model into a commercial code. The PDFP model tracks the Probability Density Function (PDF) of particle position as a function of space and time. Only one trajectory for each class of particle size or type needs to be calculated, as compared to the 2000 to 6000 trajectories needed in current state-of-the-art particulate models. This makes the PDFP model very computationally efficient, which is important for simulations with large numbers of particles where the particle calculations take a significant percentage of the CPU time. From the particle PDF's calculated in the model, the properties of the dispersed phase (solid or liquid) can be calculated anywhere in the model, providing a complete statistical representation of the particle behavior. The combination of computational speed and capability to completely describe the particles (solid or liquid) will make the PDFP model a valuable tool for engineers analyzing two-phase flows. In Phase I, the feasibility of the model will be demonstrated by comparing predictions with published data. The Probability Density Function Propagation (PDFP) model will be developed and implemented in a commercial code. The capability will be implemented in an existing commercial code and will provide the capability to easily simulate two-phase flows that are difficult or very time consuming using current state-of-the-art particle models. Examples of applications where the PDFP model can be used include characterizing nonreacting sprays for ignition calculations, atmospheric dispersion, pneumatic transport, spray cooling, and any other application where large number of particles must be modeled. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Black, David CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99984 9150 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060302 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Engineered Zeolite Catalyst for Paraffin Alkylation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a new class of engineered zeolite catalysts for the petrochemical and refining industry. A looming reformulated gasoline boom is driving the development of solid-acid catalysts routes to alkylates. The intent is to replace sulfuric and hydrofluoric acids with safer and more environmentally benign solid-acid catalysts in the 60-million tons/year alkylates market. Although zeolites have been tried as a potential candidate, they deactivate rapidly on stream. The deactivation is mainly due to the formation of 'coke' deposits that plug up pore mouth openings and block the active sites. The novel zeolite catalyst uses smart structure-directing agents to create highly ordered micro and macro-pores. The larger pores provide efficient access and quick diffusion of reagents to the micro-porous system, while the smaller pores can offer high-surface area and size selectivity; thus specific catalytic and sieving functions. Engineered zeolite catalysts will be synthesized, characterized and tested for activity and stability as part of the Phase I research. It is expected that the unique pore architecture will reduce intra-pore diffusive barriers leading to higher product selectivity and a significantly longer catalyst life compared to conventional zeolitic systems. This new class of engineered zeolites can be used effectively as a solid-acid catalyst for fast liquid phase reactions such as the production of iso-octanes, cumene and EB. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060304 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Connecting Science and Mathematics through Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop materials to help science learners use mathematics more effectively. The project provides a plan for creating new curriculum materials for the science classroom. These materials will use Fathom tm, a new data analysis software package originally developed for mathematics. Also, enhancements for the software to make it more appropriate in science will be designed and implemented. Too often, science students use less-sophisticated mathematics--for example, computing means or proportions--than they use in parallel math classes. Fathom software, coupled with data sources such as the web and probeware, can be used-to help students bring the mathematics they are learning to bear on science. Students' understanding of science concepts will improve, and they will see more connections between their science and mathematics learning. With three successful sample lessons, Epistemological Engineering will be poised to create additional materials and to implement further software enhancements. The proposed research will lead to significant enhancements to Fathom software and open the door to creating curriculum materials in science education using tools previously available only to math educators. Epistemological Engineering will benefit both from opening the science market for Fathom and from the sale of the science curriculum materials that the firm will publish. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Erickson, Timothy BigTime Science CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 95562 1666 SMET 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0060306 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: IntelliStitch AI: Intelligent Computerized Embroidery Design Automation for the Textile Industry. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project builds upon the technology and success of the company's software product, one of the industry's first embroidery design automation systems. It provides the textile industry with simplified mechanisms for converting scanned artwork into high quality embroidery design data. This data is then utilized by commercial sewing equipment to produce the embroidered artwork that has become quite common on all types of garments and woven goods. Unfortunately, embroidered artwork is often quite expensive to produce. In many cases, it may substantially exceed the costs of the actual garments being imprinted. These costs arise from a variety of factors including an embroidered design's size, layout, and complexity. Well-designed embroidered artwork permits efficient production with high yields (i.e. causing very few defective items to be produced). Automating this design creation process provides additional benefits by eliminating the time consuming manual process that must otherwise be undertaken by a human expert. With these factors as the primary motivation, this research will investigate advanced artificial intelligence and machine vision mechanisms, such as neural nets and structural indexes, to substantially improve capabilities and performance. The advantages of a robust automation system to the textile industry are quite substantial. Creating sophisticated embroidery designs is a tedious, time-consuming activity requiring the skills of a human expert (called a digitizer). Even after this process has been completed, any miscalculations by the digitizer could substantially impede production on machinery. A well-designed expert system could inevitably eliminate these costs and perhaps even provide a level of quality that is not achievable by its human counterparts. Additionally, this research may also have broad application within other fields such as document processing or other areas where image understanding and interpretation is important. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Goldman, David Soft Sight, Inc. NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99999 1505 MANU 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0060307 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Development of High Efficiency NanoFilter Media. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposal focuses on providing a feasibility demonstration of producing electrospun nanowebs of nanofibers, and combining them with conventional filter media to form novel NanoFilter media for specific filtration applications. These applications are well suited to address the problems of removal of particles smaller than 3 microns from effluent streams -where superior efficiency of nanowebs in capturing sub-micron particles is very attractive for cost considerations as well. Initially, the nanofibers will be electrospun from a solution of Nylon 6 in formic acid and laid directly on to a conventional support filter media as a nanoweb. The web architecture will be easily tailored to achieve the desired composite filter performance by varying fiber diameter, fiber orientation, fiber packing fraction within the nanoweb, and the nanoweb thickness. This project will be carried out collaboratively by eSpin Technologies, a small, high-technology start-up company based in Chattanooga, TN, and specializing in providing custom-made electrospun nanofibers, with academic centers and major corporations as its partners. Together they possess the skills and facilities needed to successfully carry out the work under this grant. Nanotechnologies developed in the coming years will form the foundation of significant commercial platforms. This business will be a key supplier of nanofiber technology which have the potential for commercial applications in a variety of fields including, filtration: industrial filters, biological separations, ultra pure air and water systems, next generation clean rooms, agriculture and food industries, and microelectronic industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doshi, Jayesh ESPIN TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99993 5371 MANU 9146 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060309 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: Supercell for Achieving Very High Static Pressures and Temperatures in Relatively Large Working Volumes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) cell for conventional hot pressing units, which will be capable of achieving very high static pressures and temperatures in relatively large working volumes. This new unit, which is called a 'supercell', will enable pressures up to 30 GPa and temperatures up to ~5000C in a working volume of >>1 mm3. In contrast, a conventional diamond anvil cell can attain pressures of ~30 GPa in a working volume of only ~1 mm3, with temperatures limited to about 400C. Thus, the supercell will have capabilities for processing materials that reach beyond those of today's systems. Utilizing the significant pressure/temperature/volume range of the supercell, it should be possible to obtain the very high pressure and very high temperature needed for crystallization of diamond from liquid carbon, and make possible the study of unknown regions of the carbon state (phase) diagram. HPHT crystallization of diamond from liquid carbon provides an opportunity to produce nanocrystalline, microcrystalline, or monocrystalline diamond, depending on the cooling rate from the liquid state, as well as opening new possibilities for doping diamond with boron and/or nitrogen. This project, if successful, will enable manufacture of pure and doped nanocrystalline, microcrystalline and monocrystalline diamonds, and will facilitate the production of advanced anvils for the diamond industry as well as for production of inserts for drill bits. The technology also has important potential for university laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Voronov, Oleg DIAMOND MATERIALS INC NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9163 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060326 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Boron Nitride Nanotubes Manufacture. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will synthesize boron nitride nanotubes by a continuous pyrolysis method that can be readily scaled to produce industrial quantities at reasonable costs. Intensive research is being conducted on single-walled carbon nanotubes (C-SWNTs) to take advantage of their incredibly high specific strength in composite material reinforcements, and their unusual electron transport properties in nanoscale electronic devices. Their properties and applications stem from the defect-free arrangement of carbon atoms into a filament with extremely high aspect ratio (length/diameter), currently around 10,000. However, the high aspect ratio, tubular geometry, and atomic perfection are not unique to carbon; nanotubes (NTs) can be formed from many other layered materials, including boron nitride. BN-NTs, while also exhibiting high strength, have commercially attractive properties that are complementary to the C-SWNTs, based on the chemical differences between BN and graphite. The most prominent characteristics unique to BN-NTs are oxidation resistance, optical transparency, and uniformity. BN-NTs are currently made in benchtop reactors by arc evaporation of boron rods, a low-throughput, uneconomical batch process. By developing an improved synthetic method, BN-NTs will become available for materials research and applications. Boron nitride nanotubes will have applications as reinforcements in high-end composite materials. The best uses of BN nanotubes are complementary to those of C-SWNTs. For example, the BN-NTs have the potential to form high strength, high temperature, form metal carbides. As another example, BN-NT reinforcement of a polymer matrix will maintain the electrically insulating and optical transmission properties of the matrix, whereas C-SWNTs impart electrical conductivity and opacity to the polymer matrix. Also, the improved chemical resistance, particularly to oxygen attack, will improve the BN-NT stability at elevated temperatures and other severe service conditions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Diener, Michael TDA Research, Inc CO Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060327 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: "RT Photocurable Preceramic Polymers to Si3N4 Ceramics". This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate an innovative photo-curable "cure on demand" room temperature preceramic polymer approach for the fabrication of high yield silicon nitride (Si3N4) and Si3N4/SiC ceramics. No photo-curable preceramic polymer to silicon nitride or any other nitride ceramic has ever been previously demonstrated. The proof of concept will be demonstrated by synthesizing and subsequently photo-cross-linking poly(ethynyl)silizane (PESZ) prior to pyrolysis. This is expected to result in a low-dielectric, low creep, high ceramic yield matrix or coating with wide applications. This represents a new core enabling technology with potential for microelectronics, thermal management, and high temperature structural applications. Specifically, the unique combination of high strength, high temperature stability, high thermal conductivity, and unusual dielectric properties of silicon nitride lend themselves to unique applications that include hybrid circuit substrates for microwave electronics, hypersonic interceptor nose cones, and antennas. The photo-curability permits the eventual photolithographic patterning of both carbide and nitride ceramics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pope, Edward EDWARD POPE DR CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0060329 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Development of an Interactive 3D Environment for Power System Visualization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from PowerWorld Corporation addresses the problem faced by the electric power industry in visualizing vast quantities of power system data. The entry of new players into the electricity industry has resulted in a large new demand for tools to help them understand and analyze power systems. Areas such as system operations that have traditionally been the domain of highly trained engineers now need to be understood by a broader spectrum of professionals. The restructuring of the industry has resulted in new terms, transaction methods, and technical calculations to facilitate the many different types of transactions needed to realize promised economies and profits. The purpose of the proposed work is the development of an interactive 3D environment tailored to the needs of power system analysts. This work will include development of a prototype interactive environment and methods for visualizing power system data. The market niche that PowerWorld Corporation is attempting to exploit is the development of high-quality, yet extremely user-friendly power system visualization software to meet the expanded needs for power system visualization that are a result of industry restructuring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Laufenberg, Mark POWERWORLD CORPORATION IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060333 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Scanning Automultiscopic 3-D Visualization System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a scanning automultiscopic 3-D visualization system. Visual information gathering and interpretation can be significantly improved by presenting information in three dimensions. Current 3-D systems have very limited field-of-view or require intrusive headgear with head tracking to emulate look-around, and suffer from inconsistencies between binocular convergence and eye accommodation. Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes a new class of 3-D displays based on proprietary liquid crystal scanner panels that time-sequentially project a large number of perspective images over a wide field-of-view into the view space in front of the display. POC will investigate the feasibility of the proposed concept through simulation, analysis, design, and experimentation, culminating in a proof-of-concept demonstration. The proposed automultiscopic 3-D visualization system, without glasses or head tracking equipment, will produce a correct 3-D image without convergence and accommodation inconsistencies, thus eliminating eye strain that has recently been identified as a potential cause of eye damage. The proposed research effort will result in a novel kind of high performance 3-D visualization system that overcomes the limitations of current stereoscopic display technologies. The 3-D system will be used for visualization of multidimensional scientific and medical data, for 3-D design, training and education of government and civilian personnel in a cooperative 3-D environment, and for telepresence and teleoperation SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Aye, Tin PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99995 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060342 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Web-Based Collaborative Virtual Model Building for Learning in Astronomy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop, deploy, and evaluate a virtual reality-based modeling kit that will enable students to collaboratively build, cohabit, and present virtual models of the solar system within a web-based inquiry framework. This system will enable students to explore fundamental questions of planetary motion; independently or collaboratively construct models of the solar system; share and cohabit these virtual models with other local and remote students, mentors or teachers through the web; and present these models to large audiences. This general instructional approach has been tested and validated through pilot projects using limited off-the-shelf virtual reality tools. Cybernet Systems Corporation believes that this instructional approach and base technology will open up an entirely new mode of instruction that will be extendable to many other mathematics, science, and technology domains. The market for the project for this immediate version of the software will be middle school earth science, high school physics, and university freshman-level astronomy survey courses. It is important to realize that the underlying technology and instructional approach will be applicable in a wide range of domains (weather, ecology, mathematics, geometric, etc.) and Cybernet Systems Corporation intends to explore and develop these potentials in the next phase of the research. In the near term, the research team believes that there is a significant impact to be made at all levels with the initial domain of planetary motion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cohen, Charles CYBERNET SYSTEMS CORPORATION MI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 SMET 9180 9178 9177 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0060345 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Technique for Polymer Encapsulation of Nanopowders. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project plans to develop a novel technology for polymer encapsulation of nanopowders. Nanoparticles, because of their unique properties and advantages, are fast gaining acceptance by all sectors of the industry. Currently, the use of nanoparticles is restricted by either its unavailability or lack of technology for its processing. One such technology is for the coating of nanopowders with a polymeric material. Polymer coated iron nanoparticles (size range of 5-15 nm), because of their super-paramagnetic properties, have extensive applications in the area of bio-separation, detection of toxins in water, immunoassays, DNA probes, and magnetic resonance imaging. The super-paramagnetic nature of these beads means a lower magnetic field (about 1/10 to 1/20) is required for their separation and this translates to significant cost reduction. It should be emphasized that currently there is no technique for coating nanopowders with a polymer. During this Phase I effort, a novel technology for coating of iron nanopowders with a polymer-polystyrene will be developed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sampath, Arun Materials Modification Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 98900 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060356 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Autonomous Undersea Systems Network (AUSNET). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will produce a network application programmer's interface (API) specification and related implementation, referred to as the Autonomous Undersea Systems Network (AUSNET), for the distributed control of robotic and/or sensor systems in a low bandwidth, dynamic network environment. AUSNET will allow expanded networking services specifically tailored to the unique acoustic environment. The proposed effort builds upon emerging ad-hoc (self-forming, self-maintaining) network protocols. Specifically, platform applications will gain access to network generated and propagated data, as well as enhanced control of the actual networking protocols. This will provide significant improvement both locally and network wide in the use of the acoustic band. It will also enable great adaptability to the harsh underwater environment. The AUSNET effort will examine and demonstrate the potential to greatly enhance application level functionality by exploiting network capability and infrastructure in previously unexplored ways. Phase I will result in a feasibility demonstration. The Phase I development environment will be a simulation testbed, with a transition to a live operational environment planned for Phase II. The market for tools that maximize the potential of flexible next-generation computer networks is significant and extends beyond the immediate oceanographic application into other domains. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Benton, Charles Technology Systems, Inc. ME Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99995 9150 HPCC 9215 1505 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060357 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Compression Techniques for Surveillance Video. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate and evaluate a new class of video compression algorithms specifically designed for digital CCTV (closed circuit TV) systems. As the market for surveillance video systems has been increasingly becoming digital,"compression has become a critical enabling technology. Current systems employ conservative, standard, and generic compression algorithms that often result in jerky object motion and waste of memory and network bandwidth. This project will investigate a new class of compression algorithm that can significantly improve picture quality at bit-rates lower than or comparable to those in current systems/products. This is done by exploiting the special characteristics of surveillance video and by adopting a segmentation model. The result will be a prototype software module that can be installed in digital CCTV systems as their compression units. This technology can be used in video surveillance systems for monitoring banks, airports, government and corporate buildings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Jun JunTech, Inc. WI Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060364 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Interface Design for Diamond-coated Steels. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a diamond coating technology for steel that has the chipping and spalling resistance needed for commercial applications. Friction and wear between rolling, sliding, and cutting surfaces causes lost efficiency, reduced service life, and lost capital. For example, the loss of a bearing while drilling a deep oil well can cost $40,000 an hour in lost production. Diamond, which has a hardness that is twice that of cubic boron nitride (CBN) and four times that of silicon carbide (SiC), cannot be used in these commercial applications due to its poor spalling resistance. The innovation set forth in this proposal seeks to develop interfaces between the steel and diamond that will resist spalling of the film. Advanced computing techniques will be used to identify and evaluate the best prospects for a revolutionary substrate(steel)-interface-coating(diamond) system (Phase I deliverables). The commercialization of a chip-resistant diamond coating will facilitate the development of various advanced bearing and wear products including rolling and sliding bearings, engine parts, cutting tools, and biomedical devices. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Thompson, Raymond VISTA ENGINEERING INC AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99626 9150 MANU 9147 5371 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060372 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Video-based Head and Face Gesture Recognition System for Hands-Free Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Future of Technology and Health, (FUTH), LC, will develop video-based gesture recognition technology to provide an effective new type of computer access for people who have difficulty using a standard keyboard or mouse due to disabilities including cerebral palsy, Lou Gerhig's disease (ALS), stroke, spinal cord injury, or repetitive stress injury. This technology is also expected to provide the capability for 'hands-free' control of computers and other electronic equipment for all users who may be using their hands for other tasks (such as typing, driving a motor vehicle, operating test equipment, etc.). This project focuses on recognition of multiple head and face gestures using standard low cost digital video cameras (under $100) and standard personal computers. The system may also be implemented on pocket computers for mobile and in-vehicle applications. Face and head gestures are used to generate mouse or keyboard actions to control a computer or to control signals that in turn control other types of electronic devices. For example, one application is the capability to 'surf the web' hands-free using head gestures to navigate web pages, including selecting and activating desired links. Gesture recognition can be used to replace or augment existing switch interfaces or expensive eye/head tracking systems for people with disabilities, and it has a number of advantages over voice recognition in many applications. Early customers for this technology include computer users with mobility impairments who cannot effectively use a standard keyboard or mouse. Other commercial applications include hands-free control of desktop computer software such as web browsers or text-to-speech, and hands-free control of in-vehicle information systems and personal digital assistants (PDA's). The technology may also be applied for highly reliable hands-free control of industrial, scientific, or military equipment. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Bishop, Jeffrey Future of Technology and Health, LC IA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99999 1545 SMET 9180 9102 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116000 Human Subjects 0060377 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: An Intelligent Qualitative Coding Program. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Idea Works, Inc. tests the feasibility of using intelligent programming strategies to improve the quality, timeliness, and cost effectiveness of qualitative research. A prototype computer program for qualitative data analysis, currently in initial stages of development, will be further developed and assessed. This program uses artificial intelligence strategies of natural language understanding, machine learning, rule-based expert systems, semantic networks, and case-based reasoning to actively assist researchers in coding data. Two related experiments will compare experienced and inexperienced coders performing with and performing without the aid of the program in order to assess the program's ability to help in coding, to enhance reliability and validity, and to increase the speed of coding. Ease of use and user acceptance of the program will also be examined. The program is expected to improve the quality of research while dramatically reducing cost, time, and training requirements. This will make it feasible to apply rigorous qualitative research techniques to a vast range of problems, from coding transcripts or field notes, to examining the content of Internet sites, to conducting literature reviews. The program proffered by Idea Works, which marks a significant improvement over existing qualitative analysis programs by offering suggestions for code assignments to the users, has commercial potential in both research and business applications. Not only can the computer program be used to assist trained social scientists in coding a wide range of data from field notes to interviews to documents, but, because the program is not limited to any specific coding scheme, it can also be applied in areas as divergent as doctor-patient interaction, studies of man/machine interfaces, content analysis of Internet documents, and literature reviews. The project has the potential to dramatically improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of qualitative coding of a broad range of data. It has the potential for achieving cost effectiveness; not only by reducing the time required to code, but also by making it possible for less experienced coders to code with higher levels of reliability and validity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Myer, Brent Idea Works Inc MO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99992 5371 HPCC 9215 0108000 Software Development 0510604 Analytic Tools 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0060379 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Software for Interactive Chemistry Tutoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at advancing the state-of-the-art in chemistry education software in a critically important respect demanded by students and teachers. The primary research objective is the development of meaningful interactive tutoring capabilities for problem solving. This area has been repeatedly identified as that where existing offerings are weakest. This project offers a new and different approach, adapting and incorporating certain concepts from artificial intelligence that have not previously been applied in chemistry education. A program will be constructed that not only solves problems, but also can explain its work to the student coherently and respond to various questions. The program will dynamically create detailed explanations of worked-out solutions for problems entered by the student or teacher, and provide the connections to the underlying fundamental chemical concepts. This technology will be implemented as a sophisticated tutoring "engine" that can be easily interfaced to add interactive tutoring capabilities to any existing educational program or curriculum, such as those dealing with practical real-world applications of chemistry. The chemistry education software has broad commercial implications, creating opportunities for tremendous synergy in use with other packages and curricula. In addition, the improvement to be developed is of a fundamental nature, is portable and scalable, and can be deployed equally well on CD-ROM, on the desktop, or on the Internet. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Johnson, Benny Quantum Simulations Incorporated PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1666 SMET 9178 9177 0108000 Software Development 0060386 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: An Information Handling System for Low Vision. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from JBliss Imaging Systems will determine feasibility of specialized software that enables people with low vision to quickly read and process information from many sources, and to write and send information to many locations. The research objective is to combine optical character recognition (OCR), speech synthesis and recognition technologies, together with displays based on the latest vision research to provide an integrated system with a consistent, easy to learn, command structure. Customizable displays are needed to accommodate a variety of visual impairments. The user interface should not require viewing the screen, yet it should present visual displays useful to a low vision person and be intuitive to fully sighted teachers experienced with graphical user interfaces (GUIs). System functions should include the following: reading printed documents; enlarging pictures; writing and word processing documents; receiving, reading, and writing e-mail; accessing and interacting with the Internet; using an address database; saving and retrieving documents; printing; performing calculations; tracking financial accounts; and using a video camera for magnification while hand writing and viewing 3D objects. Commercial applications are in schools, libraries, businesses, and homes. Since approximately 5% of individuals over age 15 have difficulty reading newsprint, even when wearing corrective lens, the potential market is large. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Bliss, James JBliss Imaging Systems CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99923 1545 SMET 9180 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116000 Human Subjects 0060391 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Ultrafast Block Retrieval for Optical Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to develop an ultra-fast data retrieval method for multi-layered optical memory technology. The memory technology uses 3-D stacking of N paired chiral films with unique optical properties. The chiral stack can provide very high areal data storage densities of 100 Mb/cm 2 per layer with an equivalent volumetric density of 0.5 Tb/cm 3 . The data retrieval method uses image capture and pattern recognition techniques instead of the usual bit-by-bit read out technique to retrieve a large block of data in a single step. The proposed technique can retrieve 2NB bits per readout operation, where the block size B can be 100 MB or higher. Retrieval rates of more than6N Gb/s are feasible or 6 G/s for a single pair of films. The retrieval method utilizes massive parallelism and is readily achievable thanks to recent progress in digital signal processing and CMOS imager chip technologies. Phase I will demonstrate block readout from a pair of stacked chiral storage films (N=1) and will develop optimal data organization schemes for both block reading and writing. Phase II will develop, build and demonstrate prototypes. Phase III will develop product prototypes that lead to commercialization. The proposed data retrieval method provides orders-of-magnitude increases in throughput that will benefit all areas of computing performance. The improvements will benefit scientific, engineering, business and home computing, in addition to the military C3I. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fan, Bunsen Reveo Incorporated NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99838 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060397 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: Machine Vision System for Automated Imaging and Process Control. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an entirely new form of machine vision technology for process control during the manufacture of precision metal components. The technology will be based on a two-dimensional array of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor elements capable of providing high resolution three-dimensional images of metallic components in real-time. Previous research with individual GMR sensor elements with dimensions of 10 microns has demonstrated detection capabilities with sensitivities up to 60 dB better than conventional eddy-current sensors at a lower per unit cost A densely packed, two-dimensional GMR sensor array, combined with a variable frequency, uniform magnetic field generator, will produce high resolution, three-dimensional spatial information for complex metallic parts as they are produced using a rugged, non-contacting sensor system. The data from these images will provide on-line feedback information for process control, quality assurance, and safety protocols during the manufacturing process. The data will also be valuable for the design of more effective manufacturing processes. The successful development of GMR material fabrication techniques and sensors will provide the unique capabilities required to develop a magnetic field sensor array for machine vision and automated manufacturing. The proposed technology will find markets in manufacturing, quality assurance (QA), and process development. It will be used for rapid imaging and on-line analysis of parts used in aerospace, automotive, transportation, construction, and other industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tiernan, Timothy TPL, Inc. NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99996 5371 MANU 9147 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060404 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Approach to Optically Transparent Hard Coatings on Polymer Substrate. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will lead to an economical wet chemical method for depositing hard and scratch resistant coatings on transparent polymer substrates. The proposed program, when successfully carried out, will solve the ubiquitous problem of transparent polymer surfaces being scratched and worn. Solution methods, which are easily scalable, have been used to develop polymer-oxide nanoparticle (hybrid) transparent coatings on transparent polymers. Such materials lack high hardness values, which can be dramatically increased by incorporating coarse oxide ceramic particles in the hybrid matrix. Based on this innovative approach to maintain transparency even with addition of a significant volume fraction of coarse particles (> 0.25 microns) to a hybrid matrix, transparent coatings will be developed on polycarbonate and acrylic substrates with excellent wear and chemical resistance. Solution methods of forming polymer nanocomposites coatings are far more economical compared to vacuum/gas phase processing (e.g., plasma polymerization), but its use has been restricted because of the poor abrasion resistance of these coatings. This novel approach will lead to exceptional wear, scratch and chemical resistance coatings, which will have a wide range of applications in the automotive, aerospace and other industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singhal, Amit NEI CORPORATION NJ Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99997 5371 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0060414 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Zeolite Membrane Module For High-Temperature Hydrogen Separation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks the development of highly selective, energy efficient H2 separation technologies. The research addresses the development of low cost, high-performance zeolite membrane modules for high-temperature H2 separation from CO and/or light hydrocarbons such as CH4. The availability of such membrane modules for high-temperature hydrogen separation in industrial processes would: (1) improve the cost efficiency and/or energy efficiency of hydrogen separation processes currently performed; and (2) provide an enabling technology to make hydrogen separation economically viable in a number of processes. Such processes include many with very large potential volumes and are predominant in the petroleum refining and petrochemicals industrials, such as synthesis gas H2/CO ratio adjustment, H2 recovery from hydroprocessing purge streams, fuel cell H2 purification, membrane reactors for dehydrogenation etc. However, to date, such membrane-based high-temperature H2 separation methods do not exist on a commercial scale due to lack of low-cost, high-performance membranes. Large-scale commercial use of membranes for gas separations currently is limited to organic polymeric membrane modules in low-temperature service. This program is aimed to develop low cost, high-performance zeolite membrane modules for high-temperature H2 separation from CO and/or light hydrocarbons such as CH4. The membrane modules which will be developed will consist of a highly selective zeolite top layer, in situ synthesized on high-surface-area honeycomb ceramic monoliths with appropriate underlying membrane structures. Because of the unique structural properties of the zeolite material used, the membrane modules fabricated are expected to have high selectivity and permeance for high temperature H2 separation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Zhijiang CeraMem Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060415 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanoparticle Te Inks for Spray Deposition of Submicron Te Contact Layers in CdTe Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for a non-vacuum deposition approach for contact layers in CdTe solar cells. While sputtering is at present successfully employed, the objective of this project is the development of a nanoparticle ink that could be used to print submicron thick Te thin films. To date, Te inks produce non-uniform coatings owing to particle agglomeration. The research objective of this project is the formulation of a Te ink composed of dispersed, nonagglomerated Te particles with diameter less than 50 nm. The efficacy of this ink will be demonstrated by fabrication of CdTe solar cells as follows. First, the Te ink will be sprayed onto the CdTe layer of a solar cell heterostructure. Then, this green body will be subjected to a thermal treatment. Finally, the solar cell will be finished by deposition of an opaque electrode. Characterization will be performed on the ink, the sprayed layers, and the finished CdTe devices. If successfully developed, it is anticipated that this research would be translated to a production-sized (i.e., 100 megawatt) CdTe solar cell facility through the industrial subcontractor of this project. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schulz, Douglas CeraMem Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060418 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanowire Photocathode Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop nanometer scale photocathode structures for use in miniature high-speed photodetectors. The innovation is to use material property based self-assembling techniques to engineer nanostructures for use in optoelectronic devices. NanoSciences proposes to prototype nanowire array photocathode structures for potential photomultiplier applications. The technique employed is to electroplate Sb into a porous Al2O3 matrix of nanochannels. The Al2O3 matrix is partially removed exposing a uniform ordered array of Sb nanowires that are exposed to cesium to form Cs3Sb. As a result of the reduced dimensionality of the nanostructures, the proposed nanowire photocathode has an increased surface area, a tunable refractive index, and a decreased electron affinity. These qualities result in enhanced quantum efficiency over conventional architectures. This research seeks to develop components for miniature high-speed photomultipliers that have applications in optical communications, medical imaging, night vision systems, robotic and machine vision systems, mass spectroscopy, missile defense systems, and basic scientific research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Habib, Youssef NANOSCIENCES CORP CT Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 1415 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060427 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: An Instrument for Swelling Measurements of Crosslinked Polymers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes the development of an instrument that will quantitatively measure the dimensional change, i.e. swelling behavior, of crosslinked polymer samples as they are exposed to changing environments, such as solvent conditions, pH, and temperature. The wide prevalence of radiation and chemically-crosslinked polymers in industries including biomedical, wire and cable, and packaging has led to the need for a reliable measurement technique to quantify the degree of crosslinking, obtainable from swelling measurements, for process development and quality control. Additionally, end-users would like to know the environmental response of these materials a priori. Currently, researchers rely on weighing techniques to monitor the swell ratio as a sample is placed in a solvent. Solvent evaporation and technician procedure make this technique prone to error and transient measurements difficult to obtain. In the instrument proposed here, a micrometer system will monitor the change in one dimension of a sample as it swells or de-swells in controlled environment with a resolution far better than gravimetric means. These transient measurements will provide the steady state swell ratio, degree of crosslinking anisotropy, and the kinetics of swelling, the latter information valuable for drug release systems, hydrogels, and smart materials. There are currently no commercial instruments designed specifically to measure the swell ratio of crosslinked polymers. The orthopedic industry, in conjunction with the ASTM, is developing a new guideline for these measurements that requires dimensional measurements made while the sample is in the swelling solvent. In addition to providing material parameter information, this instrument will allow quantitative prediction of material behavior when exposed to changing environments. This technology has applications to hydrogels, smart materials, films, granular material, and the wire and cable industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spiegelberg, Stephen CAMBRIDGE POLYMER GROUP INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 95605 5371 CVIS 1630 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060431 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Carbon Electrodes to Reduce Ultracapacitor Size and Cost. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will significantly increase the energy density and reduce the manufacturing cost of ultracapacitors for NGV applications. Cell voltage constraints presently limit the energy density and increase the number of cells required for high voltage ultracapacitors. The composition of porous carbon electrode materials will be modified to adjust the open circuit potential, thereby increasing the cell voltage. Anodically stable electrolytes will be investigated to further increase cell voltage. The objective is to increase cell voltage to 3.6 V versus 2.5 V typical for present commercial carbon-based ultracapacitors. Since energy density scales with 2 V, 3.6 V cells would more than double the energy density. This increase would also reduce manufacturing cost by reducing the number of cells in high voltage devices by >30%. Prototype capacitor cells will be prepared and evaluated to determine the cell voltage window. Extended charge/discharge and constant potential measurements will be made to assure that the increased cell voltage is sustained. Ultracapacitors complement or replace batteries in applications where weight, peak power, and battery life are key factors. Commercial applications include cellular phones, power conditioning (UPS), electromechanical actuators, and conventional or next generation vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wixom, Michael T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060438 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Instrument for the Determination of Extensional Rheology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes a unique instrument capable of quantifying the extensional rheological behavior of solutions, pastes and melts. In this instrument a small quantity of fluid is rapidly stretched between two plates to form a liquid bridge, and the diameter decrease is subsequently monitored as the fluid drains under gravity and surface tension. Comparison of rheological models with the data allows one to extract viscosity, surface tension, elasticity and other parameters relating to extensional flows. Currently, researchers rely purely on simple shear characterization or capillary rheometry, neither of which can provide unambiguous quantitative information about extensional flow behavior. The integration of hardware and analysis software will make the instrument both versatile and unique. The instrument will be invaluable to industry where all processing flows (such as extrusion, filling, pumping, blow molding, spraying etc.) involve extensional flow fields. It will find utility in industry as both a quality control tool and a research grade device. Additionally it will be of use to academia, where no simple quantitative analytical device exists for examining the draining (and filament forming) behavior of fluids. In addition the instrument described has a number of intrinsic advantages that make it ideal for a shop floor installation. It is compact (our envisioned design will have a footprint smaller than 0.1 m 2 ) and robust (with few moving parts it will be tolerant of dust and vibration). It should also be easy to use, especially in an indexing mode for intra-lab comparisons (or floor level quality control). The removable plates will allow easy cleaning and the ability to change plate surface chemistry. Finally the sample volumes will be small. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Braithwaite, Gavin CAMBRIDGE POLYMER GROUP INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99625 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060447 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Eddy Current Condition Monitoring of Metallic Flaws Under Surface Coatings Using Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to use giant magnetoresistance (GMR) magnetic sensors and eddy current techniques to detect flaws in metallic components under insulative coatings. Innovations and improvements in surface treatments such as coatings and sprayings including thermal barrier coatings are useless unless degradation, wear, corrosion and oxidization due to thermal and mechanical stresses can be monitored under these surface treatments. Conditional monitoring using GMR sensors has the following advantages: (1) Refinement of present sensor technology will enable the manufacture of eddy current sensors of very high sensitivity thereby increasing the permissible lift-off. (2) Unlike ultrasonic methods, magnetic fields are not significantly affected by the presence of electrical insulating coatings. (3) The directional sensitivity of GMR based sensors allows detection of flaws near edges where cracks are more likely to initiate. This project will prove the feasibility of using GMR sensors and eddy current techniques to detect flaws under coatings. High sensitivity GMR sensors will allow the design of small, easily maneuvered, portable NDE units which can be used for structure monitoring, surveillance, critical component monitoring and equipment preparedness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Carl NVE CORPORATION MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99726 5371 MANU 9147 9146 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060455 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Direct Conversion of Infrared Radiation with Nanowire Antenna Arrays and Nanometer Scale Monolithically Integrated Rectifying Diodes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an enabling innovation that directly converts infrared (IR) radiation from heated sources using nanowire antennas and nanometer scale monolithically integrated diodes. This program will create IR-collecting modules using very inexpensive metal materials and electrochemical processing. The low efficiency, expensive materials, and the need to chemically tailor compositions to efficiently couple to different emitters have substantially limited commercialization of thermophotovoltaic modules to niche applications. The feasibility of electrochemically formed IR-collecting modules will be demonstrated. Once demonstrated, antennas will be engineered for maximum collection efficiency. The applications vary from low temperature portable power packs to the generation of electricity from high temperature nuclear and conventional heat sources. In addition, the creation of a non-biased, room temperature, quantum confinement structure has the potential to revolutionize IR detector technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Simpson, Lin ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99919 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060457 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Genetic Algorithm Decision Aid for Network Management and Design. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop new automatic methods for designing, configuring, and reconfiguring communications networks. New communications technologies, like Wave Division Multiplexing, or fully mobile wireless networks and new communications services with Quality of Service requirements all require fast, reliable methods for reconfiguring network topologies, defining fixed and mobile equipment locations, selecting from available media, and providing and configuring required interface equipment. The resulting networks must be able to recover from temporary traffic congestion, equipment outages, or interference. This project uses innovative Genetic Algorithm (GA) techniques to solve these problems and provide end users with reliable cost-effective methods for network design, management, and reconfiguration. The GA based decision aid will shorten planning cycles and increase reliability in designing, managing, expanding, and adding new services on current multi-site commercial and military networks. It will also provide reliable, effective support for configuring military, commercial, or disaster relief wireless networks using mobile switching equipment. It will also shorten the time and expense required for Internet Service Providers to upgrade their networks for new users and services. The methods will also apply to fault diagnosis, network expansion, vulnerability analysis, and performance tuning in existing networks and extend the capabilities of current network management tools. These application areas represent growing multi-billion dollar markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Perloff, Michael SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS COMPANY INC MA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9215 0206000 Telecommunications 0060472 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Pultrusion-Based Production Automation for Revolutionary Low Cost Carbon/Carbon Structural Elements. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and demonstrate a pultrusion-based continuous, automated, near net shape manufacturing technology. The technology may be able to reduce the finished cost of constant cross section carbon/carbon composite structures by an order of magnitude or more. The resulting change to accepted cost/performance paradigms arising from this revolutionary reduction in carbon/carbon price will open a wide range of new commercial markets that until now have been constrained by cost to using much lower-performance pyrolytic graphite. The research includes design and fabrication of a lab-scale, automated production line, plus process optimization runs and analytical characterization of the resulting carbon/carbon test samples. Key technologies to be demonstrated include the continuous matrix impregnation of moving dry carbon fiber preforms as they pass through the wet-out portion of the processing equipment, plus continuous in-line rigidization of a high char yield matrix. The resulting "green" composite is expected to be developable into a commercially viable high-density carbon/carbon part after a single carbonization cycle. Mechanical and thermal properties of the low cost carbon/carbon will be many times better than the current commercial materials this product will replace. Carbon/carbon has unique high temperature thermal and mechanical properties. A few large dollar-value markets that will eagerly accept and apply commercially-priced carbon/carbon components include heat treating furnace structures, steel-making electric arc furnace electrodes, fuel cell components, heat exchangers, thermal radiators and crucibles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carroll, Thomas KAZAK COMPOSITES INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060476 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Development of Novel Steganography Detection Capabilities for Digital Images. In this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project, Mission Research Corporation proposes to develop algorithms and implementation techniques for detecting steganography (i.e., hidden information) in digital imagery files. Although considerable research has been performed on developing novel steganographic methods, very little work has been performed on the important topic of detecting the presence of steganography in digital images. The fundamental goal of this SBIR research is to develop and refine techniques for detecting steganography and implement these techniques into user friendly software products. The proposed Phase 1 research will consist of identifying the most commonly used steganography techniques, determining image characteristics/statistical measures that can be calculated and used to identify the presence of steganography in various image formats (including lossless, lossy, and palette formats), developing an artificial neural network decision model, and implementation/testing of the results using a prototype Matlab algorithm. This research will provide valuable tools and methodologies that would enable system administrators to monitor files that may be leaving (or entering) a site on the Internet or from a secure facility, with the objective of determining the probability that such files contain hidden information. There are a wide variety of potential users of steganography detection techniques. Computer systems administrators at US government installations would likely be among the first to benefit from development of these steganography detection techniques. Due to the sensitivity of tremendous amounts of data handled by the US government, tools that would ensure security of electronic traffic through their many worldwide sites would be a valuable asset. In addition, are many other establishments including private businesses, law enforcement agencies, and health care facilities that are also very concerned with ensuring that unauthorized transfer of information does not occur to or from their facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fridrich, Jessica Mission Research Corporation (MRC) CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99957 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060480 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Supply Chain Management via the World Wide Web. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the viability of a new manufacturing Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) representing an innovation in enterprise resources planning (ERP) supply chain management that: (1) Is more effective than existing supply-chain management software paradigms; (2) Incorporates many of the "lean manufacturing" principles; and (3) Is more available to smaller manufacturing companies than existing systems in that it can be delivered via the worldwide Web. The result would be more effective inventory management, production planning, and production control resulting in greater customer responsiveness, lower inventory levels, and higher utilization of critical resources. By delivering over the worldwide web with a free trial period followed by a "pay-per-use" protocol, smaller companies can make use of the same powerful scheduling tools that are used by large companies. The concept is a considered to be a better fit for real manufacturing systems than existing ERP approaches. If successful, the results would enable U.S. manufacturing companies to be better suited to compete in the new web-based marketplace that takes low cost and high quality as given, leaving customer service as the key aspect for distinction. Such companies will be able to deliver customized products to customers with almost zero lead-time, thereby enhancing their position in an increasingly competitive global environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spearman, Mark Invistics Corporation GA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99510 5371 MANU 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0060482 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Surface Engineering of Metals with Plasma Polymers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will conduct research to replace current environmentally damaging metal pretreatment processes with an environmentally benign process. In the approach the metal surface is etched then coated with a sub-micron film of plasma polymerized SiO2. Current metal pretreatment processes for painting and adhesive bonding perform well, but generate tremendous volumes of wastes, including hexavalent chromium and various inorganic acids. To obtain performance superior to the current state-of-the-art wet chemical surface treatments, the surface chemistry and morphology of the plasma polymerized films need to be tailored for specific interactions with the adhesive. Effects of variables including substrate chemistry, monomer chemistry, and ion kinetic energy on surface chemistry and morphology of plasma polymers will be determined. Then, the effect of the resulting structure on the strength and durability of adhesive joints will be determined. By combining in-situ analytical techniques with accelerated aging and mechanical testing of adhesive specimens, a superior, environmentally benign process based on plasma polymerization will be developed and commercialized. These primers will have well understood morphologies and surface compositions tailored to the adhesive chemistry through control of the deposition conditions and/or chemical derivitization of the plasma polymer surface. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dillingham, Giles BRIGHTON TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 92682 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060484 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Engineered Materials - Non-Equilibrium Metallic Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the demand for structurally efficient damage-tolerant engineering materials. New and ingenious methods are required to generate novel, application-specific materials, particularly for the service temperatures between 400C and 650C. Metal matrix composites (MMCs), characterized by a metallic alloy matrix (typically aluminum or titanium) reinforced with a second phase ceramic (typically carbides or borides) have emerged as promising candidates offering increased specific strength and modulus, at ambient and elevated temperature at the expense of ductility. The opportunity exists to create novel Non-Equilibrium Metallic Composites (NMCs) using metallic second phase reinforcing constituents, thereby combining the load sharing advantages of MMCs while maintaining the practical service advantages of a totally metallic material. This new class of materials can be created by powder metallurgy, using solid-state diffusion to generate the non- equilibrium structures. Based upon promising preliminary investigations with the titanium- tungsten system, tungsten particle reinforced titanium alloy test bars will be produced for critical microstructural, physical and mechanical property evaluation in this program. It is anticipated that increased specific strength for intermediate service temperature can be achieved without sacrifice in toughness. The Non-Equilibrium Metallic Composite materials being investigated in this program could be applied to four major market areas: industrial transportation (engine/automotive), biomedical and aerospace/defense where tailored compositions could offer significant competitive advantage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Abkowitz, Stanley DYNAMET TECHNOLOGY INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99310 5371 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0060491 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Improved Catalysis for Carbon Fiber Production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks make high performance vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF) into a commercially viable product by using improved catalysis to increase the growth yield by an order of magnitude. This material has been used to create composites with record setting thermal properties in a variety of matrix materials, while reducing weight. However, the cost of this material is high and the quantities that can be produced are far too low to allow its widespread commercial exploitation. The production rate is limited by a very low efficiency of the catalyst that nucleates fiber growth. Work under this program will improve the method of catalyst dispersion, thereby optimizing the size distribution of catalyst particles, and leading to an increased nucleation rate. Improved catalyst efficiency will result in proportionate increases in production rates and decreases in costs. Markets for VGCF reinforced composites include fields that need improved, lighter weight, thermal management systems, such as space and aviation, high power electronics, consumer electronics, and power generation. For many applications, the thermal performance of VGCF reinforced composites will be enabling. For others, it will allow passive cooling to replace active systems, thereby reducing cost and increasing reliability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jacobsen, Ronald APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99794 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060500 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High-Strength, Electrically Disbondable Adhesive for High-Volume Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I program will develop a rapid cure, high strength epoxy adhesive that can be disbonded by application of low amperage direct current, is proposed. This adhesive will allow both the rapid assembly and disassembly of manufactured goods. Used as a replacement for conventional fasteners, nuts and bolts or welds, this adhesive will provide reduced machining costs and increased production rates. In addition, the disbonding feature of the epoxy will permit repair and refurbishment of these manufactured items and will allow the rapid end of life disassembly of the items greatly facilitating recycling procedures. The disbonding feature will also allow manufacturing errors to be corrected. Currently, the use of aluminum in automobile manufacturing is limited by the fact that aluminum cannot be easily stretched or bent to compensate for misjoining during welding or other fastening operations. The proposed research will involve the development of rapid cure chemistries for the electrically disbonding adhesives. Chemical and microstructural analyses will be used to gain insight into the disbonding mechanism and allow advancement of the technology. Formulations suitable for high volume manufacturing will be developed. The commercial opportunities are wide ranging in manufacturing applications involving automotive, electronics SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gilbert, Michael EIC Laboratories Inc MA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0106000 Materials Research 0060502 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Closed Loop Recycling of Copper Indium Diselenide Photovoltaic Modules. This Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase I Research project addresses the environmental issues confronting the emerging photovoltaic technology based on copper indium diselenide. This technology has just entered the commercial market. As it expands into high volume production the industry faces rising raw material costs, escalating waste disposal costs and future liabilities. This project develops an electrochemical method specifically tailored to recycle photovoltaic modules which contain extremely low quantities of hazardous material relative to large bulk stream. It uses an innovative closed-loop approach to remove, separate and regenerate the semiconductor films in a single compact system with minimum waste. Phase I will develop the method for copper indium diselenide. The research will lead to unique a prototype recycling capability that is safe, fast, cost-effective, non-destructive, simple to operate and easy to maintain and that could be readily integrated into the manufacturing line. Converting defective panels into efficient modules will lead to rapid turn-around and higher production yield. The innovation will provide the photovoltaic industry with a timely and expedient solution to manage hazardous waste disposal and improve module production yield. Its implementation would increase productivity, save over 80% on disposal costs, recover scarce raw materials and ensure the commercial success of thin-film photovoltaic technology. The approach can be applied to recycle other thin-film products, e.g. infrared detectors, flat panel displays, mirror scrap. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060505 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Source for High Rate Growth of Gallium Nitride Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is for the development of a neutral, high flux/fluence nitrogen atom beam source for application to the high rate growth of III-V nitride semiconducting materials over large areas. The proposed source is based on Physical Sciences Inc.'s (PSI's) proprietary MID-JET technology. This technology employs an electrode-less discharge contained by vortex flow, rather than a dielectric tube commonly used in traditional sources. The discharge is formed at 1 atm which results in efficient Ion recombination and a charge-free beam. Previously, high flux, high fluence oxygen and fluorine atom beams have been demonstrated using a MID-JET with a gas temperature of ~ 3000 K. However, to produce a nitrogen atom beam, the basic configuration of the MID-JET must be changed to obtain the > 5000 K temperatures required to dissociate nitrogen. In Phase I, PSI will examine at least two new configurations via modeling, select one, and fabricate and test an experimental source for nitrogen. Techniques for combining the nitrogen beam with a gallium source will be examined via detailed numerical modeling. If successful, PSI will demonstrate a charge-free nitrogen atom source with a fluence of about 10 21 atoms/s, 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than that generated by currently available sources. This project will develop a charge-free, high flux/fluence nitrogen atom beam for the growth of III-V nitride materials which can replace existing plasma-based tools. The source can allow higher growth rates over larger areas of high quality material with application to the fabrication of high power/high temperature semiconductor devices and blue illumination sources (including those for flat panel displays). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Read, Michael Physical Sciences Incorporated (PSI) MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99981 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060510 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Mesh Generation for High-Order Finite Element Methods. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop technologies to generate curved meshes over general three-dimensional domains that are appropriate for high-order finite element analysis. A current stumbling block to the wide adoption of high-order finite element techniques is the lack of automatic means to generate appropriate curved meshes. This project will develop a new and innovative procedure for the effective generation of these types of meshes. The commercial application of this research is the integration of CAD technologies with advanced automated simulation techniques to be used within engineering design processes. These tools will reduce the time and costs associated with performing engineering analysis during design and increase the accuracy of the predictions obtained. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG O'Bara, Robert Simmetrix, Inc. NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99761 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060511 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Minimal Sensor Signal Processing for Turbine Engine Health Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop full waveform models and minimal sensor algorithms for the GDATS eddy current sensor (ECS), recently chosen for the EMD phase of the JSF development. These algorithms will enable the practical real-time high performance health monitoring for turbine engines. Current processing techniques could require four or more sensors; however, these approaches do not make use of all the information made available by the ECS. Using the full ECS signature, it is possible, in theory, to estimate integral vibration frequency, phase and amplitude using only a single sensor. The reduction of the number of sensors required in each engine stage could potentially save millions of dollars. There are no systems commercially available today for continuous health monitoring of aircraft gas turbine engines. The minimal sensor algorithms for continuous health monitoring have a large market. The customers are USAF, USN and UK MOD. Not only are such systems expected to be put on all new turbine engines such as for the JSF, but they will be retrofitted to the older aircraft as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Teolis, Carole Techno-Sciences, Inc. MD Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060513 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Cofacial Metal Complexes as Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves developing highly active oxygen reduction catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Most of the technologies and subsystems for PEM fuel cells are currently well established via vigorous efforts by both the government and private industries. However, the electrochemical reduction of O2 to H2O in acid at potentials close to the thermodynamically permitted value remains a daunting challenge. The primary technical barrier to achieving higher operating voltages is the large cathode overvoltage due to the low activity of the oxygen reduction catalyst. Therefore, improvements are necessary in oxygen reduction catalysts to meet PNGV performance and cost targets. In this SBIR Phase I program, highly active oxygen reduction catalyst will be synthesized by supporting cofacial metal complexes on nanostructured carbon aerogels. Electrode structures will be designed for fuel cell catalysts. The aerogel support will be designed to stabilize the cofacial structure of the metal complexes and optimized for both reactivity and facile molecular access. The catalysts will have significantly higher activities and utilization efficiencies than current state-of-the-art Pt catalysts and lead to reduced catalyst loadings. The catalyst activity in PEM fuel cells is too low to make these cells attractive power plants for transportation applications. If the proposed research is successful the resulting catalysts that are more active than the Pt/C catalyst would make PEM fuel cells commercially viable power sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rhine, Wendell ASPEN SYSTEMS INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060515 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Control of the Nanostructure of Organic Photovoltaic Films by Interdiffusion. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate a new approach to optimize thin film photovoltaic device fabrication. The requirements for the efficient conversion of solar radiation to light are a challenge to modern solid state physics and engineering. The task is to provide conversion elements, which are efficient, cheap, and long-lived in order to compete with sources of electric energy which exploit non-regenerative resources of our planet. Organic solid state devices offer several advantages which make them highly interesting for this area of scientific research and commercial development: (1) tunability of the absorption properties, (2) low cost of production due to the ease of fabrication and low costs for the raw materials, (3) mechanical flexibility. One could produce 10,000 m2 of active solar panels with a film thickness of the organic active layer of 100 nm using only 1 kg of organic material. Luna proposes to use an interdiffusion process to fabricate thin film, organic photovoltaic devices that are characterized electrically and optically during the fabrication step. This unprecedented, new approach allows one to optimize device performance during fabrication and to resolve the kinetics of the chemical and physical processes which take place during the interdiffusion of two species of organic molecules. Thin film photodiodes and solar cells have immediate application in various commercial areas for inexpensive, large area, flexible optical detection and energy conversion devices in optical communications, household appliances, and commercial electronics. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Michael Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99946 1505 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060519 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Transparent Nanocrystalline Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project, proposes to synthesize and consolidate nanocrystalline powders of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) for optical window applications. Optical window materials must meet extreme service requirements because they control the beam effectiveness and power output characteristics of laser/optical devices. Single crystal YAG is an ideal material for laser optics because of its excellent opto-mechanical properties. It is optically transparent in the wavelength region 200 to1200 nm (from ultraviolet to near-infrared) and from 2.5 to 6.0um (infrared). Unfortunately, single crystal YAG is costly and technically difficult to produce because of its high melting point (1970oC). One economically viable alternative is to fabricate transparent YAG ceramics using fine-grained polycrystalline powders. The field of nanomaterials offers excellent opportunities to fabricate optically transparent materials from polycrystalline powder, with opto-mechanical properties similar to single crystals. The use of polycrystalline YAG as a window material will revolutionize the laser industry by significantly reducing window cost. Transparent YAG has many applications in the laser and optics industries. It can be used as a window in high performance laser modules, wavefront analysis systems, beam collimation testers, spectrometers, laser power/energy meters, industrial turnkey laser systems for coding, 3D optical surface mapping, micro-machining, laser Doppler anemometers and imaging spectrographs. Lower cost laser systems will find more applications, especially in personal computers CD-ROMs with laser diodes, laser printers, and modems, which require optical isolation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ravi, B. G. Materials Modification Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99500 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060522 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Microlaser Array. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a new class of low threshold, high efficiency laser array for telecommunication and optical integration applications using nanomaterial fabrication technology. By incorporating photonic crystals into nanochannel-hosted dye lasers, a novel microlaser array will be developed. Laser active dye materials have been proven to emit coherently in microcavities of nanopore host microcrystals. By incorporating the photonic crystal concept in the microlaser cavity design, more efficient lasing is anticipated for the embedded dye microlasers. Success in developing a microlaser array will lead to flexible and novel products for telecommunication and optical circuits. The Phase I program will investigate the fabrication of nanochannel materials, characterize the nanochannel materials, and determine how to incorporate the photonic crystal into the nanochannel materials. Since microlaser arrays can be readily incorporated into silicon-based photonic devices, there are immediate commercial applications to the telecommunication industry. There is also long term potential for microlaser arrays in display, laser printing and all optical integrated circuits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Hongwei NANOSCIENCES CORP CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060524 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Concise Visualization of a Document Collection via Conceptual Clustering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will spin off NSF-sponsored basic research on knowledge discovery at Carnegie Mellon University computer science department. The result will be commercial software that can convey the contents of hundreds or thousands of documents on one computer screen with minimal clicking and scrolling. This capability will enhance information needs as diverse as search, overviewing, and browsing, and alleviate the problem of information overload, which today confronts all retrievers of computer-based textual information. The basic approach is a new form of conceptual clustering that emphasizes the human describability of the resulting document clusters. The techniques combine classical hierarchical clustering with results from the PI's research on data-driven knowledge discovery, which focused on generating very concise and contrastive descriptions of a large number of classes (here, document clusters). The overall goal is to replace the tedious long ranked list display of matching documents, which is nearly universal, but which forces users into repeated and inefficient clicking, backtracking, and scrolling. The potential market opportunities include any domain where more than a few dozen relevant matches are returned for typical information queries, such as web searches, news, patents, scientific research abstracts, proprietary corporate information, and, generally the content delivered by the numerous vendors of specialized information services. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Valdes-Perez, Raul Vivisimo, Inc. PA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99437 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 0522400 Information Systems 0060526 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Computer Interfaced Fermentation Biotechnology Resources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project deals with the science of fermentation which to date has not been integrated into teaching laboratory activities. While molecular biology is an important aspect of biotechnology, thus far other aspects of biotechnology such as fermentation technology have not been incorporated into science curricula. The following are the main objectives of this project: (1) to research and design classroom laboratory bioreactors; (2) to interface bioinformatics and fermentation technology; (3) to develop problem-based fermentation experiments; and (4) to assess the pedagogy of fermentation resources to be researched. The intention is not to duplicate existing microbiology activities, but rather to develop fermentation experiments that fit the proposed bioreactor strategy. Equally important, the experiments to be researched will provide real world "beginning to end" biological problems instead of reagents out of bottles. There is a significant business opportunity since currently no equivalent commercially available fermentation bioreactors are available for science education. There is research grade equipment, but such equipment is not affordable for the education market. The company's customers are high school teachers and undergraduate college faculty. These customers are also potential customers for fermentation bioreactors and related products. The proposed fermentation product would broaden the current offerings and increase sales. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Chirikjian, Mark EDVOTEK Inc MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99869 1666 SMET 9178 9177 7256 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0101000 Curriculum Development 0060533 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Sputtered Quasicrystalline Films: A Commercial Breakthrough. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop low friction, wear resistant coatings of the Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline (QC) phase. QC coatings appear to be especially suited for anti-seize, anti-fretting applications for both fixed interfaces subjected to vibration or long duration exposures to hostile ambients that include intermittent vibration. These qualities of QC films are believed to be a result of the unusually low surface energies for these structures. The overall program objective is to demonstrate the low friction and wear resistive properties of dense, high quality, magnetron sputtered Al-Cu-Fe icosahedral, quasicrystalline thin films. Magnetron sputtering of QC films will be conducted from thermal shock resistant targets, manufactured from a new proprietary technique developed by TA&T. Coefficient of Friction, wear resistance, surface energy, phase content, and stoichiometry of the films will be measured and correlated with DSC measurements and sputtering and annealing parameters. The ability of QC coatings to resist chemical changes, fretting and sliding wear while maintaining low surface energy (non-adhesive) characteristics could make them ideal coatings for a variety of commercial and military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fehrenbacher, Larry Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc. MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99980 5371 MANU 9163 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060534 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase 1: A Novel Joining Process for Tubular Structures in Automotive and Aerospace Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project explores the feasibility of using a newly invented novel materials joining process based on electromagnetic theory as a reliable and economic method to weld tubular structures. The project will conduct research and engineering that will address the following critical technical hurdles for the commercial implementation and dissemination of the new welding technology: (1) A comprehensive understanding and characterization of the process; (2) An effective methodology for design and optimization of the system apparatus and welding procedure; (3) Special weld head design and manufacturing to allow for quick loading and unloading the workpiece in the production environment; (4) Industrial system prototyping for an automated welding system that can be integrated in automotive assembly line, and (5) Process and performance specifications. The successful development of such technology would revolutionize the assembly process of the hydroformed tubular structures in automotive chassis and space frame applications. It will also promote the hybrid automotive body structure design that uses both aluminums and steels, and enable joining of different materials such as titanium to superalloys for aerospace and electronic applications. A new multi-million dollar/year specialty tube joining process is expected in about 5 years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Feng, Zhili Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060540 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Interphase Development for Nanofiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will create nanofiber reinforced thermoplastics as an economical composite for use in structural components. Carbon nanofibers have superior and highly touted intrinsic mechanical properties to contribute to reinforcement of composites. However, their extremely small size, and thus high surface to volume ratio, makes attainment of a strong interface crucial to transferring the intrinsic nanofiber properties to the composite as a whole. Starting from a knowledge base developed under a prior NIST ATP program, this project will further develop methods of nanofiber surface modification and characterization to solve the interface problem, promote solid adhesion between the nanofibers and thermoplastic matrix materials, and create and test the first practical nanofiber reinforced composits for structural materials. Nanofiber reinforced thermoplastics will result in lighter, less expensive structural composites for applications in automobiles, sporting goods and aerospace vehicles. The use of thermoplastics will reduce material costs relative to thermoset composites, and permit economical injection molding processes to be used. Also, electrostatic painting processes will be enabled, reducing the emission of solvents and other unwanted effluents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I MECHANICS OF MATERIALS IIP ENG Glasgow, D. Gerald APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99960 5371 1630 CVIS 1630 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060546 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Parallel Processing of Time-Lapse Seismic Data via the Internet. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation concerns the processing and analysis of time-lapse seismic data on parallel computers, using the internet to control the processing flow and visualize the results. In recent years, there has been exponential growth in time-lapse seismic project activity. Time-lapse seismic analysis facilitates the management of oil and gas reservoirs by imaging fluid movement in the reservoir over time. The results are used to guide reservoir management decisions--such as where to place a new well or where to inject water, gas, or steam to stimulate hydrocarbon movement--and help maximize the life of both new and existing fields while minimizing recovery costs. The computer algorithms needed to process time-lapse seismic data are complex and require advanced computational hardware--typically multiprocessor Unix workstations or clusters of personal computers--that can execute instructions in parallel. There is little standardization in parallel hardware. Customers typically have no parallel machines at all or machines whose architecture is fundamentally different from that of the software vendor--hindering the marketing and deployment of this software. The proposed innovation will allow customers to process their data on a centralized PC cluster, using the internet to control the processing and visualize the results. It will also improve the links between the components of the time-lapse seismic workflow, leading to greater understanding and more widespread commercial acceptance of the technology. Potential applications of the proposed research include petroleum industry mapping of bypassed oil, monitoring of costly injected fluids, and imaging flow compartmentalization and the hydraulic properties of faults and fractures. Non-petroleum applicatons include monitoring groundwater reserves, subsurface monitoring of contaminant plumes and environmental clean-up projects. The internet-based parallel software system developed for this project could be applied to other compute-intensive fields suchas medical and satellite imaging, weather forecasting, and finance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cole, Stephen Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99852 5371 HPCC CVIS 9139 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0060554 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Fast Parallel Grid-Free Method for Simulating Turbulent Incompressible Flow In/Around Time-Varying Geometries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project prepares the ground-work for the development of the first commercially available Computational Fluid Dynamics package for a truly grid-free Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of turbulent incompressible vortex dominated flow in complex time-varying geometries. The computational engine is based on the parallel, fast multi-pole implementation of a Lagrangian vortex-boundary element method. Turbulence is accounted for via LES, using a Lagrangian dynamic Smagorinsky sub-grid scale model. The method is: (1) fully grid-free in the fluid domain, (2) free of numerical diffusion, (3) inherently solution-adaptive, and (4) capable of modeling inhomogeneous unsteady wall-bounded turbulent flow. To this end, two new ideas will be developed during Phase I: A grid-free method for predicting diffusion with variable-viscosity, which is a pre-requisite for LES modeling; and a non-diffusive vortex merging strategy to curb the proliferation of particles and maintain long-time accuracy. These will then be incorporated into the Lagrangian vortex element method to demonstrate the salient features of grid-free vortex-based LES modeling of turbulent flows, using the prototypical example of the evolution of an initially perturbed infinite-Reynolds-number vortex ring in free space. The software is ideal for simulation and analysis of complex turbulent flow phenomena. This includes vortex breakdown, (massive) flow separation, vortex shedding, transient jets in cross-stream, wake-body interaction, high-swirl flow, etc. All are associated with the design of advanced flow control mechanisms used, for example, to reduce flow-induced noise and vibration, and to improve lift/drag performance at reduced energy consumption rates. Examples are flow over bluff bodies such as ground or under-water vehicles; in engines; in/around rotating machinery such as pumps and fans; helicopters; or in data storage units with rotating and moving parts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gharakhani, Adrin Applied Scientific Research CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 84338 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060564 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Carbon Composite Transmission Conductor Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the development of Advanced Carbon Composite Transmission Conductors for application in high voltage transmission grid systems. This technology will enable greater electric power transmission capacity to be realized by facilitating operation at higher temperatures as compared with conventional metallic conductors. The demand for electric power in North America and Europe has risen in proportion with economic growth. Utilities worldwide are seeking new methods to transport more power though overhead transmission corridors. This demand is not anticipated to diminish as the technological age advances. Environmental, regulatory and economic constraints have constrained the installation of new transmission line corridors that are needed to meet this demand. An alternative is to upgrade existing transmission corridors to accommodate increased power flow. In order to address the increasing power demands of industrialized nations advanced conductors offer the potential to enable distribution grids the capacity to meet this challenge. This project will address the requirements for utilities worldwide to facilitate increased power flow through existing overhead high voltage transmission corridors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Jack Applied Thermal Sciences, Inc. ME Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99372 5371 CVIS 9163 1630 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060575 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-Based Decision Support Management Application to Optimize Site-Specific Environmental Stewardship. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project leads to increased productivity at environmental restoration sites through an innovative integrated application of geographic information systems (GIS), databases, simulation modeling, optimization, and artificial neural networks. The project begins with the understanding that environmental decisions involve many stakeholders, each with different priorities among several objectives. The research goals for this environmental information technology project are to: (1) identify and develop a hierarchy of neural networks that efficiently estimate uncertainty in data and predict the uncertainty as a result of monitoring and remediation decisions; (2) integrate such estimates and data into methods to optimize monitoring and remediation operations, which are coupled with large-scale simulation models used for environmental fate, transport, and risk analysis; (3) store sets of optimized results, which can include different stakeholders' objectives and constraints, in databases; and (4) present results to decision making end-users through a GIS interface. The commercial application of this research, presenting results to decision making end-users through a GIS focuses on subsurface (groundwater and soil) remediation at thousands of sites nationwide, and will be realized by licensing to firms for sales to remediation contractors. The research has near-term applications in climate, weather, air pollution, water, forest, and mineral resources, and emergency planning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rizzo, Donna SUBTERRANEAN RESEARCH, INC. VT Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99495 5371 EGCH 9197 9150 9102 0313000 Regional & Environmental 0060587 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Question Answering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I proposal will enable the development of commercial products baced on the advanced technology of Language Computer Corporation (LCC). The technology involves Question Answering (Q/A). Several research objectives are identified to make this work. The first one is to develop a viable commercial product out of the technology by redesigning the key components of the system: indexing, search engine, and the answer extraction module. The second objective is to study and design a scalable, distributed Q/A system architecture capable of serving a large number of users simultaneously. The third objective is to extract user profile information for the purpose of increasing the service quality and revenues. The final objective is to evaluate the performance of the products in the laboratory environment, as well as in a small scale Application Service Provider (ASP) model with real users of two beta customers. The proposed suite of three products is based on leading edge research on question answering performed by the LCC management team. The significance of this work is that by developing robust, scalable question answering products, it takes the search engine technology a step closer to providing users with quality information that is accurate and concise. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sheraw, Barry Language Computer Corporation TX Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99852 5371 HPCC 9215 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0060589 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: In-Situ Spectral Ellipsometry Feedback Control Instrument for Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) of Complex Oxides. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project lays the foundation for developing and implementing an in-situ feedback control instrument for Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) of complex oxides. If successful, the project will result in real time in-situ feedback monitors addressing the quality of the actual film being deposited by a complex oxide MOCVD tool for process development and for production. The program is specifically focused on lead zirconium titanate (PZT) for non-volatile ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) fabrication, but the resulting technology will be applicable to other oxides. This project will develop a real-time in-situ Spectral Ellipsometry film analysis tool that can feedback into process control. Specifically, the developed technology will monitor the optical constants, thickness, composition and surface/interface morphology. Phase I will focus on development of ex-situ sample-data libraries (calibrated to physical measurements) and refine the tool design. In Phase II, a film analysis unit will be mated to an existing pilot production reactor. The unit will be implemented, data libraries refined, and feedback control software and hardware developed. Phase III commercialization will consist of marketing complete oxide MOCVD systems with Spectral Ellipsometer based in-situ process monitors that enable real time feedback for quality control of deposited films. This will enable high yield economical manufacture of complex material based devices such as non-volatile memories and infrared detectors, among others, at levels far above those now possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tompa, Gary STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060590 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Coordination Complexes for the Synthesis of Nanocrystalline SrRuO3. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a method for making nanocrystalline strontium ruthenate (SrRuO3) using new coordination compounds. Strontium ruthenate has been identified as a replacement for pure metal electrodes in dielectric and ferroelectric thin-film devices. For these devices, there will be a need for high-density SrRuO3. Strontium ruthenate powder made by traditional solid-state synthetic techniques does not sinter sufficiently owing to the powder's large particle size. To achieve higher densities, nanocrystalline SrRuO3 is needed. Reducing the particle size generally reduces the densification temperature making it easier to achieve a high-density material. Chemical routes to produce nanocrystalline SrRuO3 will be used. Coordination compounds will be identified for use as precursors. At the conclusion of Phase I, a precursor will be identified that allows for the production of nanocrystalline SrRuO3. Nanocrystalline SrRuO3 will be needed to make high-density sputtering targets that will be used to make thin-film electrodes in the next generation of high capacity stack storage capacitors memory devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Revur, Rao SUPERCONDUCTIVE COMPONENTS INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 1968 1954 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0106000 Materials Research 0060593 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Latent-Reactive Surface Modification Reagents for Biofilm Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop new reagents subject to thermal activation for bonding water-soluble microbicidal polymers and surfactants to the lumen surface of a variety of opaque tubing materials at temperatures compatible with the plastics. Materials have been developed with bulk physical properties needed for transport of water and aqueous mixtures; however, the development of biofilm on the wet surfaces is a continuing serious problem in the dental, pharmaceutical, food processing, and marine transport industries. Surface modification of water lines could decrease the formation of biofilm while retaining the desired bulk properties of the tubing. Photochemistry has been proven commercially successful in enhancing the surface properties of medical devices with radical-based surface modification initiated by RF plasma or ultraviolet light. However, these energy sources are not effective for modification the inner surfaces of 'opaque' tubes such as water lines used with dental units and plastic plumbing in pharmaceutical plants. This project is designed to develop latent-reactive radical generators activatible with external source energy that penetrates these 'opaque' devices. This innovative approach to scheduled activation of radical generators is expected to facilitate the coupling to many 'inert' surfaces that cannot be activated with external light or plasma sources. Microbial colonization and biofilm formation remain a major cost and threat to human health and product quality for dental and pharmaceutical industries, health care and public lodging, and marine vessel utilization. Successful development of microbicidal and antifouling coating technology for the luminal surface of opaque transport and storage vessels for aqueous liquid ingestible products, constitute a significant market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guire, Patrick SurModics, Inc. MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99468 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060598 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A New Thermoplastic Hydrogel (TPH). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the synthesis and production of a new thermoplastic hydrogel (TPH). The TPH will be made by the modification of poly-2-ethyloxazoline, a commercially available polymer. The new TPH will have the properties of a crosslinked system when cold but will flow when heated. This property is unique for hydrogels, typically covalently crosslinked systems, which are limited in their use due to process restrictions. The TPH will have the ability to be extruded or molded by the end user into virtually any form, allowing the manufacture of new products that cannot be made today. The water soluble polymer is an ideal candidate due to its high thermal stability. This project will describe two routes for attaching graft polymers onto the polymer backbone. Both routes are viable from a high volume production standpoint. Applications of the TPH would include: medical products (catheters, contact lenses, and synthetic wound dressings), adhesives, recyclable super absorbents, ink jet printer media, and a variety of agricultural materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DiBattista, James Bernard Gordon POLYMER CHEMISTRY INNOVATIONS, INC AZ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 85125 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0106000 Materials Research 0060607 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Dependence Graphs for Internet Technologies. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from GrammaTech aims to conduct research that will address fundamental problems facing developers of the software systems that comprise the Internet. Problems with Internet systems such as software faults, security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies can lead to a lack of confidence in the medium and hinder its further development. The tools used to construct these systems have so far mostly failed to help mitigate these problems because they were generally designed for more traditionally-constructed systems-- those that are mostly static and mostly single-threaded. In contrast, Internet systems are typically highly dynamic and often involve concurrency. A new breed of tools based on techniques that use static-semantic analysis of programs has recently emerged for static and sequential systems. The research objective of this proposal is to extend and apply these techniques to the analysis of highly-dynamic concurrent systems. The key technical challenges are to devise representations and methods that make these enhanced analyses accurate and tractable and to invent mechanisms for querying and organizing the results of the analyses. The target will be the Java programming language. The potential applications of this research include tools for program understanding, restructuring, parallelization, debugging, and testing. The results of this research have commercial application in Interactive Development Environments (IDEs) for software construction, and in tools for all other phases of the software development process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, Paul GRAMMATECH, INC. NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99804 5371 HPCC 9216 0510604 Analytic Tools 0522400 Information Systems 0060611 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Improved Electrodes for Capacitive Deionization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop improved monolithic carbon electrodes for capacitive deionization. Capacitive deionization is a new technology being developed for the purification of ocean and brackish well water. A constant voltage is applied and soluble salts are collected on the surface of porous carbon electrodes, thus purifying the water for human consumption or industrial processes. Unfortunately, the current carbon aerogel electrodes are very expensive and their ion storage capacity is relatively low. The problem is that the carbon aerogel electrodes only have small pores, which prevents complete and rapid ion transport through the material. A route to monolithic carbon electrodes with a combination of large (mesopores) and small pores (micropores) that is much easier and less expensive than the carbon aerogel electrode production process has been developed. The benefit of the mesopores is that they allow the liquid to penetrate the carbon for easy access to the high surface area micropores. This greatly increases the rate of salt uptake and the useful capacity of the electrodes. In Phase I TDA will develop monolithic porous carbon electrodes with the correct pore size distribution for use in capacitive deionization. In Phase II the production will be scaled up and the carbon electrodes will be tested in commercial capacitive deionization systems. Commercial Applications: Inexpensive mesoporous carbon electrodes could be used in capacitive deionization to purify water for human consumption and for industrial processes such as boiler feed. These carbon electrodes may also be useful in electrical energy storage, such as in capacitive energy storage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dietz, Steven TDA Research, Inc CO Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060615 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Programming Environment to Enable Engineers Program Distributed Smart Sensor Networks. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of a high level graphical programming environment for Smart Sensor arrays. Ideally, application developers should be able to describe the desired behavior of their system at a high level of abstraction (e.g., 'control motor speed', 'monitor bearing', 'monitor pump'). In addition they must be provided with tools that take a system description at this high level and map it onto a specific set of hardware. The development of a 'mapping' tool is critical to the success of this, as the typical application developer (e.g., an industrial engineer or process control engineer) will not have all of the specific expertise needed to perform this manually. They will not be able to answer questions like: How many processors should I have? Which sensors should be connected to which processors? Mapping algorithms onto sensor networks involves expertise in programming and software, knowledge of the algorithms needed to analyze the, and an understanding of the distributed nature of the sensor network. The goal of this research is to develop a set of tools to allow application experts to customize the behavior of smart sensor arrays to solve their real world problems. Sensors that are being used in industry are transitioning from analog to digital interfaces. While the digital interface can be exceptionally powerful, the lack of a standard communication protocol has allowed for 60 proprietary busses to appear in this market. To remedy this, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) has created a standard for these sensors, the IEEE 1451 smart sensor standard. By defining a standard interface, the IEEE 1451 will allow easier networking of industrial sensors from a variety of manufacturers. The reasons are compelling for industry to adopt this standard, however, a high-level software interface, like the one proposed here, is critical. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sharp, Thomas SHEET DYNAMICS LTD OH Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99967 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060635 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Collaborative Field Tools for Project-Based Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to produce high-quality and creative educational activities that are based on project-based contextual inquiry. Student inquiry is an essential part of the learning process and is front and center in the American Association for the Advancement of Science Benchmarks (AAAS, 1993). The project entails the development of Palm-based applications that support inquiry-based learning activities as part of an integrated system of personal digital assistant (PDA), plug-in sensor(s), Internet-enabled desktop analysis tools, and (optionally) wireless networking. This combination will support a new generation of learning activities centered either on changes-in-space (e.g., varying temperatures across a playground or school, varying observations by different observers) or changes-in-time (e.g., changes in tree-girth between years, variations in stream pH over time, etc.). Coupling PDA-made observations with database systems in the classroom and globally will allow the construction of new student inquiry activities. A part of the data interpretation can occur immediately as students collect their observations, some can occur upon return to the classroom, and another set of tasks can center around collaborative explorations with students elsewhere. Hence the system to be developed supports both inquiry-based learning and collaborative investigations. The evaluation of this project will be based on feedback from teachers in a testbed and on feedback from potential publishers interested in participating in Phase II and beyond. Given the growth of investment in instructional technology and the concurrent growth in availability of ubiquitous computing, as illustrated by the growing popularity of PDA's, it is anticipated that the market for the integrated system will grow dramatically. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cruz, Matthew Living Text LLC MI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99637 5371 SMET 9177 7355 7256 0522400 Information Systems 0060638 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Solution Processing of Carbon Matrix Precursors for Control of Char Microstructure and Oxidation Behavior in Carbon-Carbon Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the problem of imparting intrinsic oxidation resistance to a carbon-carbon composite when the matrix is derived from a carbonaceous precursor via pyrolysis. The overall goal of the project is to assess the feasibility of using blends of pitch and pre-ceramic polymers as matrix precursors for carbon-carbon produced with a commercial processing cycle. The research objectives are two-fold: (1) Determine the relationship between blend formulation and the resultant microstructure following processing, and (2) Compare the oxidation kinetics and room temperature mechanical behavior of composite samples produced in this manner. Matrix precursors will be formulated by solution-blending pitches with silicon-containing compounds and then subjecting the blends to a conventional carbon-carbon processing cycle. The resultant chars are expected to exhibit unique two-phase microstructures with intriguing micro- and nano-scale features, and to impart oxidation resistance without deleterious impact on mechanical properties. The first commercial application of this method is expected to be used in lieu of baked coatings in carbon-carbon aircraft brakes. If successful, the technique may become an enabling technology for the use of carbon-carbon composites in a broad range of high temperature structural applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hager, Joseph MotorCarbon Research LLC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1630 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060653 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Multiple Criteria-Based Approach to Automate Conflation in Geographical Information Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes an innovative approach to automating the integration of geographical data from multiple resources. This process is commonly referred to as conflation. The most important aspect of the conflation process is feature matching. Feature matching is the process of merging corresponding geographical features from various datasets. Previous attempts at automatically solving this problem have only focused on the geometrical characteristics of geographical data; yet, there are other aspects of geographical data that should be considered: topological, nonspatial, and spatial. An improved approach to automating the feature matching process that utilizes these other aspects of geographical data is presented. In the context of the growing use of geographical information systems (GIS), the need for tools to process, analyze and conflate geographical data is increasing. Such tools will find application in the Department of Defense, in the drilling and mining industry, in the agriculture industry, and by urban planners and GIS developers. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Foley, Harold Apex Systems Inc LA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99313 9150 HPCC 9139 0313000 Regional & Environmental 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060667 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Steam Reforming Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR) Phase I involving Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells offers a unique opportunity to create zero and ultra-low emission vehicles. While current nickel or noble metal catalysts used in the reformer of PEM fuel cells are effective for the steam reforming, they are very sensitive to sulfur poisoning and also deactivate by coke deposition. This research will effort will develop a new, sulfur-tolerant catalyst with low coking and low cost for gasoline steam reforming. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has identified a novel sulfur-tolerant catalyst for gasoline steam reforming to generate hydrogen for PEM fuel cells. In this program TDA will prepare and evaluate this catalyst, using an existing automated steam reforming reaction system to test our catalyst. The Phase I work will include an engineering analysis to assess the effect of the catalyst on sulfur poisoning, coke deposition and processing costs as well as the cost of producing the catalyst. The catalytic activity of TDA's catalyst will be measured in the presence and absence of H2S. A successful project will result in the production of sulfur tolerant and coking resistant catalysts for the fuel processor of PEM fuel cells. PEM fuel cells are suited for automobiles applications where quick startup is required, and are the primary candidates for use in light-duty vehicles. They will create zero and ultra-low emission vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wei, Di TDA Research, Inc CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060675 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Maximum Entropy Data De-duplication. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of high-risk, high-return research toward creating general-purpose de-duplication software. De-duplication software identifies multiple database records that refer to one entity (such as a person), thereby enabling the merger of fragmented data. ChoiceMaker markets a research-derived de-duplication system called MEDD. Many fundamental social services, including child immunization, require accurate de-duplication. New York City currently uses MEDD to de-duplicate its immunization records, thereby successfully improving children's public health. However, smaller public health organizations cannot benefit from MEDD because they cannot afford the 6 weeks of computer consulting that are required to customize MEDD for their data. ChoiceMaker's proposed research would decrease the adaptation time by an order-of-magnitude-making de-duplication affordable for most public health organizations and nearly every business with mission-critical databases. MEDD employs an important emerging information-theoretic statistical technique (called maximum entropy) to mimic the decisions made by people evaluating whether to merge similar records. Maximum entropy technology supports software that can 'understand' each individual database's idiosyncratic information semantics and structure. In the proposed research, ChoiceMaker will investigate significant, innovative extensions to maximum entropy technology that will dramatically increase MEDD's convenience and flexibility. This research has applications to enhancing the data quality of any database which might contain multiple entries for the same entity due to the lack of a reliable identifying key. Specifically, there are applications to the management of master patient indices by health care providers and lists of clients and vendors at large institutions. The system is equally useful for matching and linking records in two different databases, such as for merging mailing lists for direct marketing, linking medical records for epidemiological research, and matching buy and sell orders for securities transa SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Borthwick, Andrew ChoiceMaker Technologies, Inc. NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99984 5371 HPCC 9215 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0060685 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanomaterials for Energy Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on developing an efficient and cost-effective electrochemical capacitor for use in Next-Generation Vehicles (NGV's). This new capacitor will be designed to significantly advance the state of the art in this area, and to fully meet the specifications identified for NGV applications. No current technology meets those specifications. The key innovation here is the development of new electrode materials based on recently identified composites. The Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach by preparing candidate electrode materials, fabricating laboratory-scale capacitors, and demonstrating that the prototype capacitors already meet or have the clear potential to meet the target specifications. The capacitors will be evaluated in terms of: (1) specific capacitance (farads/g); (2) specific energy (Whr/kg); (3) equivalent series resistance; (4) specific power (W/kg); (5) energy density (Whr/L); (6) leakage current; (7) cycle lifetime; (8) ease of manufacturing; and (9) cost. Successful development of this enabling technology will represent an important advance in the state of the art and will provide a key innovation for the commercial development of next-generation vehicles. Other important potential commercial applications include consumer electronics, communications, and computer technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reynolds, Thomas REYTECH CORPORATION OR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060688 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Newton-Krylov Based Solver for Modeling Finite Rate Chemistry in Reacting Flows. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Newton-Krylov based Computational Fluid Dynamics flow solver for simulating reacting flows that must account for finite rate chemistry. Sub-models will be included for describing the finite rate chemistry with global, skeletal and reduced mechanisms. The non-linear solver strategy will use a matrix-free Newton-Krylov method and will include high quality preconditioners constructed from application specific data, adaptive forcing terms and mesh sequencing for problem initialization. The Phase I project will demonstrate proof of concept for the non-linear solver strategy. Simulations of NOx formation in a furnace will be used to evaluate the improved computational efficiency. The Phase II project will focus on creating a solver for production level use. The Phase II product will use the best techniques developed in Phase I and in addition will include capabilities for local adaptive grid refinement and parallel computing. The final product will find commercial application by engineers and scientists in the combustion, chemical process and waste incineration industries that need to perform detailed analysis of complex chemically reacting flows in a cost effective manner. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bockelie, Michael REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL UT Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060702 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: High Throughput, Ion Selective Metal Separation Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop high throughput metal ion-selective separation composites for the extraction and purification of critical metals in production, and water and metal recycling environments. The problem this research addresses is the high cost and inefficiency of existing metal separation resins. Ion exchange processes operate by passing the metal-containing solution through a bed of porous particles with functional chemistry inside the pores. Since the solution prefers to flow around the particle, the diffusion of metal ions into the pores is slow and rate limiting. This research literally turns the pore diffusion problem inside out by synthesizing composite column matrices composed of solid nonporous particles. The composite materials are assembled by formation of thinly crosslinked, functional polymers that are covalently tethered in the interstitial volumes between solid particles. The polymer networks can be visualized as an array of 'spider webs' suspended in the micron-scale interparticle volumes of the composite columns. The strands of the nano spider webs are functionalized with metal-selective chelating reagents. The research objectives are to synthesize and test transition metal-selective extraction composites. The project is expected to produce prototype high throughput columns that are manufacturable at an extremely low cost. The commercial applications of the research involve most fields of water and metal separations. The uses include extraction of toxic metals from water, water deionization and recycling, semiconductor wastewater recycling, and the mining of copper, gold, platinum, nickel, and cobalt. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Hammen, Richard ChelaTech, Inc. MT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 9150 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060706 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanoscale Heterostructures via a Combinatorial Approach. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of a new, pulsed laser deposition based method to the combinatorial approach for generating nanoscale heterostructures. Nanoscale heterostructures, or "superlattices", have previously been shown to exhibit properties that are not expected from the known characteristics of the constituent materials. However, a systematic study of such structures has been impossible due to the lack of a high-throughput synthesis method. The proposed approach is based on a newly introduced, patented continuous-compositional spread technique and will be applicable to a wide variety of materials, including magnetic materials, piezoelectric materials, and optical materials. The direct result of this program will be the availability of an automated apparatus for the growth of a rich variety of nanoscale heterostructures. Since such an instrument is not currently available on the market, the company anticipates strong sales to university and industrial research laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Harshavardhan, Kolagani NEOCERA INC MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99994 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060707 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Self-Reinforced Materials for Rapid-Prototyping of High-Integrity Components. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on rapid prototyping processes involving organic materials that are among the most advanced of such techniques due to the ready processability of resins and polymers. Unfortunately, organic polymers typically do not offer mechanical performance competitive with materials such as metals or ceramics and, therefore, cannot be utilized to directly fabricate high-integrity components. The company has developed unique thermoplastic, self-reinforced polymers (SRPs) with exceptional mechanical strength and stiffness rivaling that of metals and composites. Development of suitable SRP formulations will enable fabrication of low-density, high-integrity components by rapid-prototyping techniques for a variety of relatively low-volume applications including launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, custom commercial products, etc. The focus will be on the development of SRP powders that can be processed by laser sintering techniques into such components. The research will entail preliminary optimization of resin composition (e.g., molecular weight and distribution, melt rheology, additives, etc.) and powder characteristics (e.g., particle size and distribution, bulk density, etc.) to enable effective sintering with high retention of mechanical properties. Initial test coupons will be fabricated at the University of Texas at Austin for evaluation and verification of the proposed innovation. High-performance polymeric powder materials will enable fabrication of low-density, high-integrity components by cost-effective rapid-prototyping techniques for a variety of relatively low-volume applications including launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, custom commercial products, etc. The same resin materials, albeit in pellet rather than powder form, can also be utilized to fabricate similar parts in higher volumes by more conventional extrusion or injection molding techniques. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Gagne, Robert Mississippi Polymer Technologies, Inc. MS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99937 9150 MANU 9146 5371 1468 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060708 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Lithium Salts for High Energy, High Rate Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will utilize known chemistry and economical materials to create imide-based anions containing greater charge delocalization and ligands for anion solvation. The solvent levels needed for high conductivity for safe, high rate (10 degree C) operation of lithium ion cells will be determined. Acceptable densities in small cells create safety concerns in large capacity batteries, particularly at high load levels, because solvent-lithium reactivity, heat, and solvent volatility can generate explosive or pyrotechnic mixtures. Better electrolyte conductivity and stability are needed for safe high power operation. The lithium prototypical salt is not as stable or conductive as desired and is less stable than imide-based anions. Solid-polymer-based electrolytes reduce the danger of catastrophic battery failure, but they have lower power densities due to lower conductivity compared to liquid electrolytes. A new class of imide-based lithium salts containing covalently attached ligands to solvate anions and enable Li+ (lithium ion) dissociation and conductivity, using little or no molecular solvent will be developed. Large, safe, high rate, rechargeable lithium ion batteries are needed for a variety of applications, including electric vehicle propulsion, aircraft and space vehicles, and communications equipment. Improved consumer electronic products, such as portable telephones, computers, cameras, and power tools, could also be a market for this proposed technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kepley, Larry Electrophorics NM Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99995 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060710 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Census Microdata in the Classroom. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to research ways to increase accessibility and utilization of census microdata in secondary school mathematics classrooms. Historically, microdata published by the Census Bureau as part of each decennial census has rarely been used in schools for lack of access and lack of software tools to handle it. The Internet and the availability of software tools such as KCP Technologies' Fathom tm change this situation dramatically. In collaboration with the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) project at the University of Minnesota, this project will develop streamlined interfaces with which students can use the World Wide Web to gather data from one or more Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMAs) in the country from any of the census back through 1850. Research into modifications to the Fathom software will aim to develop new and better ways to gather data from the Internet, to create enriched data structures, and to design other functionality particularly well-suited to working with microdata. New curriculum and professional development materials created in this project will provide a means for teachers to begin using census microdata in mathematics and statistics classrooms. The proposed research will lead to licensing opportunities for the software technology already embodied in Fathom software, web-based technology for gathering and analyzing microdata, curriculum products to be sold to schools, and an increased market for Fathom in education. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Finzer, William KCP Technologies CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99227 1666 SMET 9178 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0060715 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Enhanced High Volume Reinforced Al/SiC Metal Matrix Composites. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop metal matrix composite (MMC) and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials with tailorable properties (thermal expansion, conductivity, stiffness, ductility, etc.). An increase in properties for high volume reinforced (25-65 wt% SiC) aluminum materials using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) fluid bed coated powders and low cost consolidation techniques has been achieved. Dramatic increases in flexure strength (30%) and modulus (40%) have been achieved with Al coated SiC powder and using low cost consolidation techniques. A greater understanding of the effect of CVD coated powder and consolidation processing is required to fully understand the nano-engineered material being produced, and to develop even greater and distinctly different physical and mechanical properties. In this Phase I project, this fundamental understanding will be developed. The family of composites to be developed will be applied as cost-effective substitutes for titanium and beryllium materials for applications in electronic packaging, lightweight structures, aircraft engine and airframe components, and sporting goods. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Baker, Dean POWDERMET INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 1505 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0060718 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanocrystalline Diamond Coated Aligned Nanotubes as Electron Emitter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will establish the electron emission behavior of aligned nanotubes coated conformal coating of nanocrystalline diamond. Carbon nanotubes and nanocrystalline diamond has recently attracted attention due to their promising electronic and structure properties. Due to the aligned structure and electrical properties of nanotubes and the negative electron affinity of the wide band gap of diamond it is expected that diamond coated aligned nanotubes could be ideal materials for highly efficient electron sources. It is proposed to produce aligned nanotubes with varied growth density, develop and coat with conformal coating of nanocrystalline diamond, and to characterize these novel materials for electron emission behavior. These results will be compared to existing and developmental emitters. The proposed approach if successful can be applied to produce large flat panel displays economically. Flat panel displays are becoming increasingly important in today's society. With the demand for portability in such applications as laptop computers, automobiles navigation system, cellular telephones, pagers, etc., the market for flat panel displays is growing rapidly. A low cost scaleable technology of efficient emitter urgently needed. Aligned nanotubes coated with diamond can the breakthrough needed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Loutfy, Raouf Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060725 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: ELEX - Innovative Low-Cost Manufacturing Technology for High Aspect Ratio Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of developing an innovative manufacturing process for prototyping and batch manufacturing high-aspect ratio microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and related microparts and microstructures. The goal is to replace an electrodeposition-based micromachining technique, requiring the use of a $10-20 million synchrotron (the so-called LIGA process) with an innovative extrusion-like process performed in an automated desktop machine selling for $250,000 or less. By supplying the MEMS industry with capital equipment for the manufacture of LIGA-type microstructures at a cost two orders of magnitude lower, this project could greatly accelerate the commercialization of MEMS and other microscale devices, and make the U.S. more competitive in this rapidly-growing global industry. If successful, the resulting technology could also significantly reduce time-to market for new products, fabricate much taller structures than are possible with LIGA, and provide better control over the uniformity of material properties. Commerical applications cover many highly-miniaturized sensors and actuators in a variety of industries, allowing reduced cost, weight, size, and power consumption. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cohen, Adam Microfabrica, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99593 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060728 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Information Retrieval. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address central problems of information retrieval(IR) and the human/computer interface. QuantumFind wishes to develop a dynamic, graphically presented information space in which users can immediately visualize multiple aspects of large information sets. QuantumFind will build a pioneering new IR platform that contains the following: (1) A collaborative filtering systems based on analysis of users' search paths through data, which will allow users to benefit from other's experience; (2) Integrated Ostensive Modeling systems which will match the results of collaborative path analysis and other relevancy measures to user's current information needs; and (3) A dynamic user interface which integrates these measures, allowing users to immediately see and explore multiple 'relevance paths'. QuantumFind's product will dramatically reduce the time spent in locating, retrieving and browsing documents, and significantly increase users' recall of document contents. The need for better information search tools is widely recognized, and the potential market covers almost every industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Heyning Quantumfind CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 33333 5371 HPCC 9215 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0060761 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Pulsed High Acceleration Spray Technique for Wear and Corrosion Resistant Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates the use of a new and unique hypervelocity acceleration technique to deposit powder particles for the creation of superior wear and corrosion resistant coatings. The research objective is to determine if metallic powders, at temperatures below their melting point, can be accelerated to high velocities, impact a substrate and adhere, to produce a high quality coating. The coating device that will be used is an experimental Pulsed High Acceleration Spray Technique (PHAST) Gun. The PHAST coating technique can be described as a high velocity cold spray type process that utilizes a pulsed capillary discharge. Screening experiments will be performed in Phase I to determine if various alloys can be deposited by the PHAST Gun. The PHAST process is expected to result in plastic deformation of the feed particles upon impact with the substrate, thus forming coatings characterized by good adhesion, high density, and low oxide content. Measured properties will be compared with existing thermal spray coating properties to determine the improvement attributed to the PHAST Gun. There are numerous commercial applications for dense corrosion and wear resistant coatings in the chemical process industry, industrial machinery, and aircraft industries. Some of these applications are for the replacement of hard chrome plate and others will be new applications for previously unprotected parts. PHAST coatings are expected to protect and extend the life of components such as, pump shafts, die gates, linings for process vessels, housings, nozzles, ball and roller bearing surfaces, and hydraulic cylinder shafts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Whichard, Glenn UTRON, Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99902 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060764 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Pulsed Plasma Atomization of Rapidly Solidified Hard Magnetic Nanophase Nd-Fe-B Powders. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a new technique to economically synthesize rapidly solidified magnetic (Nd-Fe-B) powders with diameters in the 1-10 m range. In preliminary experiments using pulsed plasma jets to atomize metal melt streams, the company has produced spherical copper powders down to several hundred nanometers. These pulsed plasma jets produce momentum fluxes 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than conventional gas atomization, thus allowing production of fine powders. The objective of this project is to use a fundamentally different configuration, which is more amenable to the production of rapidly solidified hard magnetic nanophase powders. This will be accomplished by coupling the pulsed plasma jet to a pulsed wire arc metal source instead of the more conventional melt stream source. This has the anticipated advantage of eliminating material incompatibilities during processing and avoids the need for large induction melt systems. It can also provide controllable coupling to a repetitively pulsed plasma jet, allow production of refractory metal powders, and provide easier access to the atomization zone for enhancing the cooling rate of the atomized powders. The project will be carried out in cooperation with the University of Utah, which will provide expertise in processing-microstructure-property relationships in hard magnetic materials. Commercial applications of permanent magnets reach virtually every corner of technology, including automobiles, computers, medical technology, power generation equipment, aerospace, and telecommunication industries. These magnets are used in compact powerful electric motors for computer disk drives and fly-by-wire aircraft. They are also find applications as high precision actuators used to focus the laser in a compact disk player and in miniature loudspeakers of personal stereos. Automotive applications include starters, small motors, alternators, sensors, meters, and electric and hybrid vehicle propulsion systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kincaid, Russell UTRON, Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99724 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060765 January 1, 2001 STTR PHASE I: Integration of Electromagnetic Actuation Using VOST Design. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of using electromagnetic force to actuate a Venturi Off-Set Technology VOST(TM) valve. Traditional valve actuator stems and packing are significant sources of harmful emissions and provide opportunities for fluid contamination. The actuator innovation to be developed in this project would eliminate stems and packing, thereby eliminating this source of emissions. The VOST(TM) axial design provides the platform to accomplish this task, but only if actuated electromagnetically. This investigation will utilize design modeling (numerical models) and actuator testing to determine torque, speed and displacement properties needed to configure an electromagnetic actuator. First the work plan will evaluate the VOST(TM) design for torque, speed and rotational displacement specifications. Information obtained will be used to rank three potential actuator configurations. The most promising configuration will be prototyped and tested for performance. In addition, commercial feasibility of this configuration will be assessed using component cost, complexity, and serviceability. It is anticipated that the selected electromagnetic configuration will meet desired operational parameters. VOST(TM) designed valves incorporating this actuation concept will eliminate sources of emissions. If successful, the research will result in an electromagnetic actuator configuration that can facilitate a hermetically sealed valve. The actuator concepts developed can be extended to any application requiring an axial rotation of 180 degrees or less. This will apply to control systems beyond valves. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Burgess, Robert Big Horn Valve, Inc. WY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99828 9150 MANU 9147 1632 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060769 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Thermal Spray of Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of an advanced technology for the direct formation and deposition of nanocomposite polymer coatings and films. The technology encompasses the use of novel thermal spray techniques that are solventless and that may also be developed for use in directly forming functionally-graded nanocomposite materials and near-net-shape thermoplastic nanocomposites. The objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of using an advanced thermal spray process to directly melt-blend and form nanocomposite coatings and films. Experimental work will be conducted to spray coat nanomaterials onto a substrate, followed by an evaluation of the sprayed material properties for suitability as an advanced nanocomposite coating material. The proposed technology addresses the global interest in nanostructured polymeric materials that have significantly improved performance properties over conventional polymeric materials. This technology has direct application in the powder coating industry, where thermoset and thermoplastic materials are sprayed for a broad range of applications, which include coatings on automobiles, appliance coatings, architectural coatings to a broad range of general metal finishing uses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farrar, Lawrence RESODYN CORPORATION MT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060771 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Catalyst Substrate for the High and Low Temperature Water Gas Shift Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop compact Water Gas Shift Reactors (WGSR) with rapid startup and load following through the use of a novel catalyst substrate design consisting of multiple Ultra Short Channel Length (USCL), high cell density metal monoliths in series. These USCL monoliths have very high heat and mass transfer coefficients due to the absence of fully developed boundary layers; this increases bulk mass transfer on the order of 20 fold over conventional honeycomb monolith supports. The high cell density, up to 2500 cells per square inch, results in a considerably higher Geometric Surface area (GSA) per unit volume compared to honeycomb monoliths. The improved transport properties and increased GSA translates into much smaller reactor size and weight compared to pellet bed or conventional honeycomb substrates and more efficient catalyst utilization under mass transfer controlled operation, which can lead to significant cost reductions, especially when using precious metal catalyst. The very low thermal mass of the individual USCL catalyst substrate elements combined with the high heat transfer coefficient gives improved transient response and fast startup. The proposed WGSR catalyst technology is primarily intended as part of an integrated fuel processor system to produce hydrogen for Proton exchange Membrane fuel cells in automotive applications. The proposed technology provides a very high potential benefit to cost opportunity, offering significant improvements in the WGSR component of volume, weight and potentially cost, as well as provides spin-off applications to other catalytic reactors (including other fuel processor components). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Castaldi, Marco Precision Combustion, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060776 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Imagery System for Automatic and Efficient Analysis of Fish Stock. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to contribute to better and more efficient management of a part of our natural resources. Current analyses of fish stocks (by National Marine Fisheries Service and several state departments of fish & game) are unnecessarily expensive, time-consuming and inaccurate. Ultimately, this contributes to compromised Government resource management policy-making. The result is the risk of over fishing and considerable economic damage. Via research and development this project will produce a prototype integrated 'plug & play' system to automate these analyses. The developed system will be marketed first to the several dozens of U. S. federal and state agencies having a need for it, and thereby will help to establish more precise measurement standards that will be accepted by the worldwide community. The subsequent result of worldwide marketing activity will benefit the fish management and research activities in more than 20 countries, and solidify the U. S. developed and promulgated standards and measurement techniques. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Vasilkov, Valeriy DataFlow/Alaska, Inc. AK Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 0 9150 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060786 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Electro-Mechanical Micro-Vibratory Transducers for Convective Heat Transfer Enhancement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on developing a method to adapt the use of a novel electro-mechanical micro-vibratory transducer to enhance convective heat transfer rates in heat exchangers while minimizing any added flow pressure drop. The transducer is composed of a very thin, light weight composite sheet that contains the combination sensors and vibratory actuators that are used to detect boundary layer flow conditions and to excite the viscous wall layer to control boundary layer transition and separation. The innovative approach uses localized sub-micron level wall vibrations to increase the wall skin friction while attenuating the overall turbulence level in the flow. This is expected to lower the flow pressure drop increase compared to traditional forms of heat transfer enhancement through turbulence enhancement. The power consumption of the transducer is also about three orders of magnitude smaller than the best competing active flow control devices and is expected to be insignificant in comparison to the heat transfer rates. The transducer can be easily integrated to plates, fins or tubes on the airside of a heat exchanger. The commercial viability is that it can improve waste heat recovery and utilization for manufacturing and processes industries involving gaseous phase drying. It can also make stationary and vehicle mounted heating ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) and power generation systems more compact and efficient. It can allow denser packaging of electronic components by facilitating heat dissipation in a smaller space. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Sinha, Sumon SINHATECH MS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060796 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Automating Workflow In Agriculture - Integrated Pest Monitoring System for On-Time and Online Decision Making. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will generate an Internet based system that will connect large groups of users with similar agricultural commodity interest. ISCA Tech will start with a system that will allow growers to easily collect and manage pest-monitoring data for rapid and precise decision-making. ISCA Tech proposes to integrate into this single user-friendly system many nascent and some established techniques that facilitate monitoring and rapid data management. Handheld-collected data will be incorporated into an Internet hosted database where the tools of data management and query reside. Internet access will connect users into area-wide monitoring programs that are independent of location. It will also greatly increase the speed of data processing and report generation, and democratize the access of data management tools, such as GIS, to a broad base of users. This system will allow growers to be self-sufficient in their data analyses, and to procure extension and scientific advice in the e-community. If successful, this system will catalyze the generation and spread of knowledge about pests dynamics, cultural practices and management through the different layers of agricultural systems. The proposed integrated system will create the basis for a full development of agricultural practices, such as precision farming and integrated pest management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mafra-Neto, Agenor ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 0522400 Information Systems 0060805 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A New Pseude Amorphous High Temperature Oxide Material. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a new class of highly disordered materials that possess unique chemical, physical, and high temperature properties. The disorder appears to be stable over a range of temperatures, raising the possibility of use as high temperature ceramic materials with unique properties. Based on preliminary evaluation, it appears that the materials may be useful as coatings for many applications. The materials are synthesized using specially prepared precursor solutions that allow for intimate molecular mixing. The decomposition behavior of the precursor to form this class of inorganic materials appears to be important. The proposed work involves determination of some basic properties of the materials, processing of the material in bulk and coating forms, and modeling/simulation experiments to understand the nature and stability of the disorder. High temperature applications including ceramic matrix composites, protective coatings on metals and ceramics, and thermal insulation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Steiner, Kimberly APPLIED THIN FILMS INC IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0077512 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Statistical Absorption Tomography for Turbulent Flows. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project involves the development of a commercial optical patternator, based on Statistical Absorption Tomography. The mathematical deconvolution procedure that forms the basis for optical patternation of turbulent flows was developed and evaluated during the Phase I research. Local absorptances, resolved to less than 1/10th of the integral length scale were obtained in a turbulent spray, using the deconvolution algorithm, in conjunction with an optical patternator, suited for constant temperature, axisymmetric flows. During the Phase II, three research issues that affect the commercialization of the optical patternator will be addressed. The three issues that will be addressed during the Phase II research are: (1) obtaining local transmittances in turbulent flows with temperature gradients, (2) obtaining spatially resolved mass flux in turbulent sprays, and (3) obtaining patternation factors for turbulent flows issuing from non-axisymmetric nozzles. Two broad areas of commercial applications for the optical patternator are for obtaining pattern factors in commercial nozzles and for monitoring smoke stack emissions. The immediate market for the patternator is as an on-line quality control instrument for spray nozzle manufacturers. The estimated annual market size is approximately 150 million dollars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sivathanu, Yudaya EN'URGA INC IN Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 395322 5373 HPCC 9139 1260 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0078234 July 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Enhanced 3-D Seismic Imaging of Subsalt Gas and Oil Reservoirs Using Primary and Converted Waves. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from 3DGeo Development Incorporated will develop a software package which utilizes primary and converted-wave energy to accurately and efficiently image gas and oil reservoirs, and to determine rock properties for reservoir evaluation and management. In the recently completed Phase I project, 3DGeo demonstrated the feasibility of imaging with converted waves by analyzing the nature and occurrence of converted waves in synthetic seismic data. Full wavefield modeling and ray tracing in realistic models was used to simulate both towed-cable and ocean-bottom-cable marine data. Both acquisition geometries show important converted-wave events that will be used in Phase II to accurately image reservoirs and estimate rock properties. In addition to the mode converted energy, this project will incorporate two other significant propagation phenomena that commonly occur in geological settings which give rise to converted waves, namely: (1) multiply reflected events [multiples], and (2) transmitted and reflected energy propagating along multiple paths in the subsurface [multi-valued traveltimes]. These two phenomena, coupled with the mode conversions, which are the main focus of this research effort, comprise the greatest challenge to seismic prospecting for oil and gas. This Phase II project develops a comprehensive and synergistic subsalt imaging solution that exploits the full potential of the seismic wavefield for reservoir imaging and rock property estimation in complex areas. Commercial potential of the proposed technology is directly applicable to subsalt oil and gas exploration in complex areas such as the Gulf of Mexico. US companies will spend $50 billion drilling deep subsalt prospects over the next 5 years, and this project could have a direct and significant impact by developing an accurate and economical reservoir monitoring and imaging technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bevc, Dimitri 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 500000 5373 OTHR EGCH 9186 1580 0510704 Geophysical Monitoring 0078347 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: New Oxide Coatings for Protection of Alloys in a High-Temperature Oxidizing Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project's objective is to provide oxide coatings that resist deterioration in a high-temperature oxidizing environment. A new, innovative process is will be developed that should form strongly-adherent, high-temperature, oxidation resistant coatings on steel alloys, iron and nickel superalloys, aluminides, and superalloy matrix composites. Using this process in Phase I, Alger Stirling Company (ASC) alpha-Al2O3 as well as ASC alpha-Al2O3/Ti2O3 protective coatings, whose coating-to-substrate bond strength was measured to be in excess of 10,000 psi, were formed on six different aluminum-containing and aluminum-and-titanium-containing alloy substrates. Phase II testing (1) will optimize oxide thickness to provide maximum oxide/substrate bond strength, and (2) perform lifetime testing of the oxidized specimens in a high-temperature oxidizing environment. These coatings have broad application in industry throughout the nation. Products that utilize the ASC coatings can achieve longer lifetimes because of the surface protection provided by the coatings. Such longer lifetime translate directly to user dollar savings that are, first of all, a benefit to the entire nation and, second, make the products more competitive in foreign markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Alger, Donald Alger Stirling Company OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 380669 5373 MANU 9146 1444 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078350 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Low-Frequency Sonochemistry -- A Cutting Edge Industrial Processing Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Phase II project will demonstrate use of the novel low-frequence sonic technology for application as an advanced fermentation process. This project objective will establish a fundamental understanding of the low-frequency sonic technology capabilities to increase the productivity and yield of various aerobic fermentation processes, e.g., bacteria, yeast and mycelial. The Phase II program includes the development, design and demonstration of a prototype processing system as an efficient and cost-effective method for advanced fermentation applications. The Phase I objectives were fully achieved and feasibility of the innovative technology was demonstrated to provide extraordinarily high rates of gas mass transport into liquids, at low energy values and at low shear rates. The quality and amount of scientific and engineering data exceeded expectations, providing a solid base for a Phase II success. Post-Phase II experimentation was undertaken, which demonstrated a specific commercial applications that have market-pull for use of the innovative fermentation methods. Several potential Phase III commercial fermentation applications have been identified. A commercial partner for Phase II co-funding and Phase III funding has been obtained. The commercial partner has also agreed to purchase equipment from Montec for their newly acquired fermentation business. Commercial applications for fermentation processes include large quantity drug production for enhancement of both human and animal health, amino acids such as lysine for animal feeds and phenylalanine for production of aspartame, food preservatives such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamins and a plethora of other commodity compounds. In general, the production of an increasing number of biologically active compounds is shifting from traditional organic synthesis to fermentation. In these areas, the development of a lower cost, higher productivity technology has strong commercial appeal both in new and retrofit situations. Fermentation is the commercial end of the genetic engineering revolution and is virtually used in all of the cutting edge therapeutics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG van Walsem, Johan RESODYN CORPORATION MT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 434000 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9153 9150 1359 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078367 June 1, 2000 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Cavity Ringdown Evanescent Wave Fiber Optic Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project plans to develop a new fiber based chemical sensor technology that can be used to make rapid trace chemical analysis of gaseous and liquid environments without the need for time consuming sample extraction and preparation. This new miniature sensing technology will combine aspects of fiber optics, enhanced absorption analysis techniques, and ultimately wireless internet communications. This technology will provide commercial and government users a chemical monitoring system which can be inexpensively networked over wide areas. Such a network of sensors can be monitored in real time from any secured computer via the Internet, providing real time information relating to chemical processing and transport, as well as for the monitoring of leaks and hazardous accidents. Such a system could be used as a warning network for large plant facilities and neighborhoods. This technology is being developed for commercial application in several areas in collaboration with an established fiber sensor supplier for trace detection of chemicals around storage facilities and industrial facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG O'Keefe, Anthony LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399352 5373 EGCH 9187 1974 0313040 Water Pollution 0078371 July 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Tricontinuous Diamond /Carbide/Metal Composite (TCCC) Cutting Tools for High Rate, High Precision Machining of Nonferrous Material, Composites, and Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II project will conduct research to develop a new class of cutting tools for high rate/high precision machining of Al-Si alloys, composites, and ceramics. Advanced cutting tools will improve machining economics in the automotive, aerospace and related industries. The new cutters will be made from a patent pending Tricontinuous Diamond/Carbide/Metal Composite (TDCC) material formed using high pressure/high temperature sintering technology. The potential of this TDCC technology was demonstrated in Phase I, wherein proof-of-principle TDCC cutters outperformed conventional PCD cutters and showed up to two times longer tool life in Al-Si alloy machining tests. In Phase II development of the TDCC sintering process will be carried out, with emphasis on demonstrating TDCC tool performance improvement, cost reduction, and quality control applicable for mass production. In addition development and performance demonstration of prototype cutting tools that use TDCC inserts are planned. The primary objective of Phase II research will be to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of making machining tools using TDCC material. Collaboration with a leading automotive parts manufacturer, that will provide facilities and equipment for testing of the TDCC tools, has been arranged. This will help insure that the successful completion of the Phase II effort will lead to Phase III commercialization in the area of high rate / high precision tool manufacturing for automotive and other markets. Use of low wear high impact resistance TDCC tools will significantly impact the automotive and aerospace parts manufacturing industry allowing high transfer line speeds, lower operation count, and better surface finish which in turn will lead to improved production efficiency and lower product cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Voronov, Oleg DIAMOND MATERIALS INC NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 400000 5373 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078383 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Redox Polymer Catalysts for Electrochemical Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide. 0078383 Gopal This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will investigate the use of redox catalyst electrodes for the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide through electrochemical regeneration of the redox catalyst. In the Phase I research, catalysts were developed and their short-term stability for peroxide synthesis was successfully demonstrated. Flow cell operation with 10 cm2 electrode cells showed the preparation of hydrogen peroxide in acidic condition (1N H2SO4) at 60% current efficiency and up to 2% in peroxide concentration. However, Phase I work indicated poor catalytic current with oxygen for these redox systems, as well as an upper limit for hydrogen peroxide concentration (2%). Phase II research effort will be directed towards improving the catalytic effect of these redox catalysts through changes in preparative procedures, electrode structure, and fabrication technique. The electrodes will be tested and optimized for peroxide synthesis using oxygen/air and almost pure water (pH adjusted, if necessary) using flow cell experiments. The electrodes will be tested for long-tem stability (500 hours). Larger electrodes (100cm2 ) will be fabricated using the best composite electrode for long-term stability testing and process optimization. Commercialization of the process will be carried out with a Phase III partner upon the successful completion of Phase II work. Potential Commercial Application of the Research Hydrogen peroxide is a clean oxidant, which reacts to form water as its reaction product. It is therefore environmentally acceptable in many industries. The market for hydrogen peroxide is expected to grow by almost 10% for the next few years. New technology (synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from water and air) described in this Phase II proposal could be implemented for various applications. These areas include wastewater treatment, on-site generation (for industrial and consumer application such laundry bleach etc.), as well as commercial peroxide production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gopal, Ram The Electrosynthesis Company, Inc. NY Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 357904 5373 MANU 9146 9102 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078385 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Hard Boron Coatings through Vacuum Arc Deposition. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to demonstrate the operation of a commercially viable boron deposition source based on vacuum arc technology. The source is for the deposition of boron-based, self-lubricious coatings of hardness comparable to diamond, which are also compatible with high-temperature applications. A special sintering method, developed in the Phase I, produced boron cathodes that survive the severe vacuum arc environment, when properly supported and heated. This patentable Phase I technology will be applied in the Phase II to demonstrate the production of the desired films. The emphasis will be in ultra-hard forms of nearly-pure boron, although some compounds are also of interest. Water cooling of the anode and surrounding structures will be used to avoid damage in continuous operation of the source. Well established wall conditioning techniques will be used to reduce contamination of the films from the inner surfaces of the vacuum chamber. Partnering with both a major coatings company and with a major manufacturer of heavy machinery, that require low-friction, hard-coatings for components, will enhance this Phase II project with valuable in-kind support, as well as a clear path to the Phase III commercialization. Boron coatings have excellent hardness, tribological (low friction) and corrosion resistance properties. Their high temperature and combustion environment compatibility would make them ideal for advanced automotive applications. For example, such coatings could potentially eliminate the need for added lubricants in high temperature, low heat loss diesel engines, leading to substantial reduction in particulate emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Klepper, C. Christopher HY-TECH RESEARCH CORP VA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 399996 5373 MANU 9146 1444 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078403 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Nanolaminate Structural Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project deals with the fabrication of ultra high strength Polymer/Metal Multi-layers (PML) nanolaminates. In Phase I, Sigma Technologies has demonstrated that the Aluminum/Polymer nanolaminates have distinctive advantages over Aluminum, (a) a superior tensile strength (over 3 fold in some cases), (b) and a lower density. Furthermore, Sigma has developed, based on experimental results, a numerical model to predict the tensile strength of multilayer composites. The attractive features of the PML composites have generated a significant interest in this product by a major aerospace and avionics OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer. Additional functionality of this composite includes ultra-high gas and vapor barrier, high electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, preferential heat conductivity that is useful for low observable applications, and structural self-monitoring characteristics. In Phase II, Sigma will further optimize the properties of the PML composites and upgrade equipment that is already in place to produce 7ft x 4ft PML panels. Parts will be tested independently by Sigma and its industrial and university partners. Market research has shown that several applications may be served by the multifunctional structural PML composites. Sigma will follow a systematic plan to identify niche markets and supply samples for evaluation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Yializis, Angelo SIGMA TECHNOLOGIES INTL., INC. AZ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 399996 5373 CVIS 1057 0106000 Materials Research 0078419 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Planar Magnetic Levitation Technology for Precision Microelectronics Manufacturing Equipment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a planar magnetic levitator/positioner for precision microelectronics manufacturing equipment. Based on feasibility proven in Phase I, Phase II will design, construct, and test a minimum-actuator maglev stage that can be readily integrated in a process tool. A single-moving maglev platen will be driven in all six degrees of freedom with three levitation motors. The platen will generate large two-dimensional motions for transportation with small four-axis motions for alignment and small adjustments. It will lead to a clean-room compatible, lightweight, compact, inexpensive structure that can meet demanding dynamic performance requirements in next-generation precision microelectronics manufacturing. Magnetic levitation has many potential applications in microelectronics manufacturing equipment that require precise planar position control, such as wafer steppers, wafer handlers, wire bonders, surface profilometers, scanned probe microscopes, and precision inspection machines. This technology is expected to figure prominently in the highly competitive microelectronics manufacturing capital equipment industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lovelace, Edward SATCON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 341175 5373 MANU 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0078444 December 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Whole Wafer Thermal Imaging for Real-Time Process Monitoring and Control. 0078444 Latvakoski This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a real-time, whole wafer sensor for process monitoring and fault detection in advanced semiconductor and thin film fabrication processes. The production of future semiconductor and optoelectronic devices will depend critically on continued advances in process sensing and control. In present-day manufacturing, process yield and productivity are limited by the high sensitivity of layer properties to process conditions, and by an inability to control process conditions adequately throughout the process sequence. Current technology relies primarily on open-loop control using indirect sensor signals; a costly practice resulting in significant scrap and equipment downtime for preventative maintenance. To address this problem through improved closed loop control, this project will develop a high performance imaging radiometer with advanced thermographic and wafer mapping algorithms. Phase II includes hardware, software, and applications development that addresses important components of the sensor technology for monitoring blanket and patterned substrates. The sensor will provide near video-rate, spatially resolved whole wafer measurements of temperature and film properties from a model-based analysis of thermal radiance images. In-house testing on a rapid thermal processing tool and field testing on a MOCVD reactor will be performed. Potential commercial applications are anticipated in optimization and control of many advanced semiconductor fabrication processes such as rapid thermal processing (RTP), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Improved whole wafer sensors have potential for significant increase in the number of process steps performed by RTP and thus increase the RTP as a generic process method. The commercial benefits of an in-situ wafer state sensor include reduced scrap, reduced equipment preventative maintenance, improved process efficiency, and improved device uniformity and performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cosgrove, Joseph Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399991 5373 MANU 9147 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0078454 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Blind Fastener Inflation for Structural Joining of Aluminum. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project continues the development of a hyper-pressure fluid pulse system for installation of blind structural fasteners. Riveting is the preferred method of assembling load-bearing aluminum airframe structures. Upset riveting requires the application of high load to both ends of the rivet using impact or hydraulic pistons. A structural fastener that could be installed from one side of the structure - blind fastening - would simplify aircraft assembly and repair. Existing blind fasteners are expensive, time-consuming and do not match the corrosion and fatigue performance of upset rivets. Phase I of this project demonstrated that a compact, hyper-pressure pulse generator can inflate aluminum alloy rivets with an interference fit and strength approaching conventionally upset rivets. Blind fastening was demonstrated in unsupported aluminum panels. Phase I analysis showed that rivet inflation can be accomplished with a much smaller tool. The Phase II effort will involve the development of a lightweight, hand-held tool with an enhanced trigger mechanism that will provide the pulse control required for reliable fastener installation. The work will continue the development of techniques for inflating rivets with aluminum pins to form a solid, all-aluminum fastener. The objective in Phase II is to meet the performance specifications for a fluid-tight aerospace structural rivet. Airframe assembly represents a major portion of the cost of military and commercial aircraft. The process to be developed will halve the cost of manual airframe fabrication and can be used in an automated flexible-manufacturing environment. There are a variety of other potential applications of hyper-pressure pulse technology including: fastening composite/titanium airframes; automotive aluminum sheet bonding; pulsed-jet peening for stress-relief and forming of aluminum sheet; and research into the behavior of materials under dynamic loading at extreme pressures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kolle, Jack TEMPRESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC WA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 349922 5373 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078459 December 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Reliable, Low Cost Support System for Flywheel Energy Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will result in the development of a prototype flywheel energy storage system (FESS) utilizing the innovative passive, non-contacting bearing developed in the Phase I project. This new type of passive magnetic support and damping (PMSD) system consists of integrated stiffness and damping elements in a configuration that overcomes the most significant problems of previous systems. The new bearing technology will result in a more efficient, more reliable, and less expensive FESS than is currently available. The resulting FESS will facilitate the use of alternative energy systems in remote and/or hostile environments. Phase II efforts will focus on 2 objectives: (1) The refinement and experimental validation of design equations predictive of PMSD performance; and (2) The development, installation, and testing of PMSD systems in a prototype FESS. The FESS system for the prototype will be a commercial unit provided by the commercialization partner, and modified to accommodate the new technology. The partner currently manufactures FESS for commercial power quality and uninterruptible power supplies applications. Follow-on funding commitments and other agreements have been secured from the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation and from the commercialization partner to pursue additional technical work and for Phase III commercialization. In addition to providing storage for alternative energy systems, there are numerous commercial applications for FESS incorporating the PMSD technology including utility load leveling and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The commercialization partner expects that the combination of technical and cost advantages demonstrated in Phase I would enable rapid market acceptance and encourage application of FESS in new markets. The PMSD technology is also applicable to turbo-molecular pumps (TMPs). These are used in the manufacture of silicon chips and in scientific instrumentation requiring high vacuums. Predicted market penetration into these areas is in excess of 18,000 units per year by 2005 and in excess of 30,000 units per year by 2009. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Imlach, Joseph Imlach Consulting Engineering AK Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 483061 5373 EGCH 9197 9150 0311000 Polar Programs-Related 0078467 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: A Computerized Test Battery to Evaluate Workplace Stresses. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from RSK Assessments, Inc. will expand and improve upon the test battery implemented for Phase I, including cross validation, examination of other behavioral scoring approaches (signal detection theory, Bayesian methods), other agents (viz., sleep loss) as well as the interplay of these methods on special purpose hardware and new software. Phase I examined the feasibility of conducting human performance-based fitness-for-duty (FFD) testing as an alternative to chemically-based testing. The testing method was brief and inexpensive, and the tests were stable and reliable. Using a multiple cut-off analysis varying proportion of tests passed, they yielded 98+% specificity (minimal false positives) with 80% sensitivity for high dosages of alcohol (and 60% for low). The new battery tightens security, running within self-contained kiosks and providing data encryption and access via smart card usage. Improved managerial control will be implemented within the test system, including test control and scheduling, data analysis methods, and reporting. Additional means of quantifying behavioral decrements will be obtained from sleep deprivation research, analyses of past alcohol research, and an "alpha" test site. Data from these sources will yield a better assessment model and refine calculations for tradeoff between test length, specificity, and sensitivity. RSK Assessments proffers a tool for testing human performance that could facilitate higher productivity in industrial plants, a means of testing employees while in the field, and reduction in worker on-the-job injuries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kennedy, Robert RSK Assessments Incorporated FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 379144 5373 EGCH 9197 1180 0000912 Computer Science 0108000 Software Development 0078468 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Positron Beam Source. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop and demonstrate a laboratory prototype of the Advanced Positron Beam Source (APBS) that will provide a high quality pulsed positron beam suitable for a range of analytical instruments for materials science. The project extends the latest developments in techniques to accumulate positrons from a radioactive source in Penning traps. The technical objectives of the Phase I project were fully achieved. The technical objectives of Phase II are: (1) to develop a compact, low-cost, two-stage positron trap; (2) to develop an advanced cryogenic positron moderator system; (3) to develop a high- performance positron buncher; (4) to refine the Phase I approach for extracting positrons from the magnetic field of the trap; and (5) to assemble and demonstrate the APBS system. If successful, this project will provide the basis for commercialization of the APBS in Phase III. A major obstacle to the commercial exploitation of positron-based surface analytical techniques has been the lack of a suitable slow positron beam source. The APBS will fill this need by providing a compact, low-cost, user-friendly positron beam source that can function ultimately as a turnkey system in an industrial environment. The APBS will have advanced performance characteristics that are not available from any other system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Greaves, Rod First Point Scientific, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 588491 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078469 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Environmentally Compatible Recycling Method for Cadmium Telluride Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an electrochemical method specific to recycling photovoltaic modules, which contain extremely low quantities of hazardous metals in large bulk-streams. It uses an innovative closed-loop approach to remove, separate, and regenerate semiconductor films in a single compact system, and do it with minimum waste. Phase I identified key process parameters, focusing on efficient removal and recovery of semiconductors from devices. Retrieval of sulfur-free cadmium telluride demonstrated method feasibility. Phase II will design a practical system to recycle the entire module for in-plant or centralized applications. It will identify the optimum parameters to delaminate modules, dissolve semiconductors, regenerate useful semiconductor precursor films, and re-utilize the electrolyte. The research will lead to a viable prototype recycling capability featuring low cost, high efficiency, low cycle-time, and production line amenability. Converting defective panels into efficient modules will lead to rapid turn-around and high production yields. Potential commercial applications are expected in the photovoltaic industry with a solution to managing hazardous waste disposal and improvement in module production yield. It has short-term applications for recycling other end-of-life products such as flat panel displays, infrared detectors, and mirror scrap. Benefits are anticipated in increased productivity, large savings in disposal costs, recovery of scarce raw materials, and enhanced commercial success of the emerging cadmium telluride photovoltaic industry, which has grown 50-fold in production capacity within two years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 400000 5373 MANU 9153 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078470 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Chemically Resistant Gas Separation Perfluoromembranes. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project will optimize and scale up the system developed in Phase I (a nonporous perfluoromembrane system for harsh gas separations). These nonporous perfluoromembrane systems provide industry for the first time with a system (membrane module, glue lines, potting, valves, etc.) that has good gas transport rates and separation capabilities composed totally of perfluorocomponents. In Phase I, laboratory testing and economic evaluations showed these membranes could economically remove hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and key non-condensable gases from chlor-alkali tail gases and in so doing dramatically enhance the recovery of chlorine. Analysis comparing the Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) technology to alternative membrane and other unit operations (e.g. absorption) technologies, indicated the CMS technology is significantly superior. Large sheet nonporous perfluoromembrane fabrication has been demonstrated in Phase I. All the key components are in place for large scale module fabrication in Phase II. In Phase II we will optimize and scale up the system. Detailed and representative (-20oC) end use testing and long term testing will be conducted in the laboratory prior to field testing. While the focus of this program is chlor-alkali harsh chemical separations, other harsh chemical processes (e.g. fluorochemical synthesis) will be considered. Our close working relationship with a number of large membrane manufacturers and end users allows us to rapidly and effectively drive this program. Phase I testing was done using both single gas testing and mixed gas testing. Materials evaluated include chlorine, Cl2CF2, SF6, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium. Results showed mixed gas results were equal or superior to single gas results. This suggests that minimal plasticization or other anomalies are occurring within the system. This would suggest we can project actual end use performance accurately. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bowser, John COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 686048 5373 MANU AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9146 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078471 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: A Novel Integrated Bioleaching Process for Chalcopyrite: An Alternative to Smelting. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is developing a novel electrobiochemical leaching (EBL) approach to recover copper from chalcopyrite, providing an alternative to smelting. Chalcopyrite is the most common copper ore, yet it is difficult to process hydrometallurgically because it passivates due to formation of refractory surface layers. The EBL approach in Phase 1 was shown to prevent this passivation and to result in faster and more complete copper extraction than conventional bioleaching approaches. The Phase II research objectives are to: 1) demonstrate the versatility of the process by determining the extent of copper extraction from different sources of chalcopyrite ore; 2) determine the optimum bioreactor configurations for the EBL approach; and 3) make a large laboratory scale (50 to 100 kg) demonstration of the process for determining preliminary process economics. The research will measure the extent of copper extraction and extraction kinetics by EBL, including the determination of metallurgical balances. The results of the Phase II research will provide the data required to establish preliminary economic feasibility of the process and to convince investors or operators (mining company) to support a pilot scale demonstration. If successful, the EBL approach will provide a new technology in mineral extractions that will open additional reserves of copper in the US and elsewhere and reduce smelting of copper. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Olson, Gregory LITTLE BEAR LABORATORIES INC CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 322708 5373 EGCH 9197 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 0078473 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Engineered Lumber from Sawmill Residue. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enable conversion of low value residual edgings from sawmill operations into a structural quality engineered wood composite called Structural Strand Lumber (SSL). Edgings are created at sawmills when round logs are sawn into rectangular pieces of lumber. The SSL concept is to cut these edgings into strands, align them directionally, and then glue and compress them into a high value product. Edging material currently is used for low value wood chips for use in paper production. The SSL process will enable sawmills to convert up to 14% more of forest raw materials into structural quality lumber compared to conventional practices. SSL manufacturing will yield a high value added wood product, dramatically reduce waste, reduce demand on natural resources, and increase sawmill operating efficiency. These benefits will reduce dramatically the environmental impacts of sawmill operations. Phase I research provided a fundamental understanding of key processes, and clearly demonstrated the feasibility of the SSL concept. Phase II will demonstrate the operation of critical SSL components, and enable a manufacturing facility prototype demonstration early in the Commercialization Phase. If the research is successful, dramatic increases in the fraction of a log that can be used for quality structural materials will result. The cost of the engineered material will be competitive with solid high-grade structural material. The method is applicable to virtually all sawmills operating in the United States and around the world. More efficient utilization of existing wood supply will be enabled by this innovation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schmidt, Ernest WYOMING SAWMILLS INC WY T. James Rudd Standard Grant 749999 5373 MANU 9163 9153 9150 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078474 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Fabrication of Low-Cost Modules Incorporating Microporous Silica Membranes for Natural Gas Purification. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project addresses development of economical membrane-based devices primarily suitable for: (a) purification of sub-quality raw natural gas to pipeline quality and (b) carbon dioxide recovery from enhanced oil recovery operations. A large fraction of domestic natural gas reserves are uneconomical for recovery based on current market conditions because they contain significant amounts of non-methane gas. Membrane-based devices are currently commercially employed to purify sub-quality natural gas, but membranes with improved productivity compared to now state-of-the-art devices are required to allow economic use of currently unrecoverable natural gas. The overall objective of this program is to develop an innovative fabrication approach to incorporate microporous silica membranes within low-cost, highly compact modules. Microporous silica membranes exhibit combinations of carbon dioxide permeance and CO2/CH4 selectivity that are unrivaled by conventional organic gas separation membranes, but have not yet been incorporated in low-cost modules to allow their commercialization. Commercial availability of such modules would greatly reduce costs associated with upgrading sub-quality natural gas reserves. In Phase I, the feasibility of the novel module fabrication approach was demonstrated. In Phase II, the separation properties of very small modules will be improved through systematic optimization of processing. Modules with ca. 0.1 m2 membrane area will be fabricated and tested for extended duration for separation of simulated raw natural gas, and a detailed manufacturing scheme with related costs will be developed in preparation for commercialization of the technology. The devices to be developed in this program would significantly reduce costs associated with purification of gas streams in the following applications: natural gas upgrading, carbon dioxide recovery from enhanced oil recovery operations, and biogas processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Higgins, Richard CeraMem Corporation MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 400000 5373 AMPP 9165 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078486 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Improvement of Spatial Resolution in Scanning Microwave Microscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II project focuses on the improvement of spatial resolution in microwave microscopy, reducing in particular the measurement sampling area over which sheet resistance and dielectric permittivity at 1 GHz - 20 GHz can be determined with numerical accuracy. A particular focus will be on proprietary semiconductor applications and on the imaging of dielectric properties. Modifications of the existing prototype as required for this goal will lead to additional applications in fields of economic and academic importance, including the non-contact measurement of the electric field dependence and the frequency dependence of the dielectric permittivity at microwave frequencies. Work at Neocera will include instrument modifications, test sample preparation, and a thorough analysis of the probe-sample interactions. Numerical simulations, semiconductor sample preparation, and comparison to an instrument based on a different feedback mechanism will be per-formed through a subcontract with the University of Maryland. The result of this Phase II SBIR will be an instrument developed for a particular (proprietary) semiconductor application, leading to a multi-million dollar market. In addition, the technology will be available for various research applications, with universities being potential customers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schwartz, Andrew NEOCERA INC MD Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 396537 5373 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0078525 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Computer-Assisted Document Interpretation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the outdated methods by which companies use material and process specifications. Specifications are a fact of life for any organization involved in complex manufacturing (e.g., aerospace, automotive, materials). Specifications are comprehensive and voluminous documents, covering hundreds of different key characteristics. The constant reading, checking, and analyzing of specifications is extremely labor-intensive, quality-impacting, and time-consuming. During Phase I research, the feasibility of the concept was successfully determined, and a conceptual design solution for tools was created which provides computer-assistance in the interpretation of specification requirements. The conceptual solution is based on the theories of Information Extraction and the analysis of specification content within the context of a meta-specification created as a result of prior NSF-sponsored research. This meta-specification provides an ontology for capturing the semantic knowledge contained in the text of specifications. The Phase II objectives are to build a working prototype of the solution as the foundation for potential full-scale commercialization. The tools created as a result of this prototype will be used to convert existing text-based specifications into the computer-sensible ontology. The Phase II solution is not attempting to totally automate the interpretation process. Instead, the focus is on innovative approaches for providing computer assistance in the semantic analysis of a limited domain of documents. The organizations which have their processing, inspecting, and testing controlled by specifications are extremely interested in using tools that access specifications in an intelligent, computerized format. These organizations include the United States Government as well as suppliers and prime contractors in American industry. This effort could 'jump-start' an entire industry related to providing tools for the computer-assisted analysis of specification requirements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sokol, Dan COHESIA CORPORATION OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9139 0000912 Computer Science 0078527 January 1, 2001 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Development of Stable Membrane-Based Gas-Liquid Contactors for SO2 Removal from Flue Gas. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will demonstrate the enhanced performance of membrane-based gas-liquid contactors to abate SO2 emissions from flue gas. SO2 present in flue gas streams leads to deforestation and damage to crops and property as a result of its participation in the formation of acid rain. In Phase I, Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) developed a nonporous perfluorocopolymer composite membrane designed for use in membrane-based gas liquid contactors to scrub flue gas of SO2 using an aqueous absorbent solution. This membrane is designed to overcome the major drawbacks of conventional microporous supports, i.e. progressive wetting out of the microporous substrate by the (typically) aqueous absorbent and in some instances salt precipitation at the liquid-gas interface. In addition to all the operational advantages of membrane contactors, CMS membranes result in sustained improved SO2 removal efficiencies. During Phase I it was demonstrated that this membrane permeated SO2, scrubbed a flue gas simulant gas stream of SO2 as well as if not better than a conventional microporous membrane contactor under identical conditions, and showed no loss in performance despite exposure to an acidified silica suspension. Phase II will scale-up the process to employ large pilot-scale contactors, study absorbent regeneration technologies, demonstrate the whole process on a pilot-scale combustor, and demonstrate that the CMS system offers better efficiencies and economics of flue gas removal compared to existing systems. The enhanced performance of membrane-based gas-liquid contactors to abate SO2 emissions from flue gas is of considerable interest to ore processors, pulp and paper industries, many oil and natural gas processors (particularly those which have to treat tail gases from gas sweetening processes), power plants employing coal as a fossil fuel, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Majumdar, Sudipto COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE George B. Vermont Standard Grant 403656 5373 EGCH 9251 9197 9178 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 0078536 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Aligned Carbon Nanotubes for Use as Atomic Force Microscope Tips. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to establishing the first-ever, large-scale production capability needed to manufacture carbon nanotube tips for scanning probe tools. To achieve this, the investigator must combine several fabrications technologies in a unique way. The investigator must also solve challenging problems related to the design, structural form and attachment of the tips themselves that will enable them, as the manufacturer, to guarantee that the products sold meets customers' performance specifications. It is believed, for example, that one of their proprietary technologies will enable them to produce carbon nanotube tips that meet the important requirement for adequate stiffness in lateral bending. The core technology being commercialized stems from a new approach for growing a single, aligned carbon nanotube directly on a cantilever, originally identified by the PI. This approach is suitable for fabricating both the carbon nanotube tip and the cantilever in one continuous process, ideal for large-scale manufacturing. Xidex will develop, manufacture and sell carbon nanotube tips for use with critical dimension atomic force microscopes (CD-AFMs), scanning capacitance microscopes (SCMs), regular atomic force microscopes (AFMs) and scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs) SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir XIDEX CORPORATION TX Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 369369 5373 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0078548 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Antigen-Mediated Selection of Hybridomas. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a rapid, sensitive and highly specific method for monoclonal antibody production and hybridoma cell line development by combining single cell gel microdrop (GMD) encapsulation technology, a novel protein capture format, and fluorescence activated cell sorting. Using insulin as a model antigen, Phase I studies demonstrated that individual cells, which comprised a 1% sub-population of a heterogeneous population, could be rapidly isolated based on both secretion level and antigen specificity of the secreted antibody. Phase II research will optimize the assay format by permitting simultaneous analysis of other antibody properties, including antibody isotype and blocking properties. Using newly fused hybridomas, Phase II research will isolate and enrich productive clones and compare results with conventional methods which require use of time consuming and labor intensive limiting dilution cloning. Monoclonal antibodies are widely used as research, therapeutic, diagnostic, and imaging reagents, and are increasingly used in the emerging field of proteomics for discovering new drug targets and locating disease specific markers. The GMD method will reduce production time and costs, improve antibody quality and yield, and permit isolation of rare cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Akselband, Yevgenya ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 510714 5373 BIOT 9251 9231 9183 9178 9102 1136 0201000 Agriculture 0078551 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Material for Efficient Laser Diode-Pumped Laser and Upconversion Phosphor Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will focus on improving solution growth of Nd and Yb,Pr-doped NaYF4 single crystals. Two alternate techniques are proposed: top seeded solution growth and traveling solvent zone. Phase I results indicate that spectroscopically Nd:NYF is superior to YAG and YLF and as good or better than YVO4 as a laser diode-pumped laser; and that Yb,Pr:NaYF4 is a 1.3 micron emitter with favorable properties for use in telecommunications. In a parallel effort to crystal growth, laser evaluation of NYF will continue through laser tests and by measurements of NYF's thermo-optic properties. In Phase I a very efficient single phase green emitter Yb,Er :NYF phosphor was demonstrated. A second thrust of this Phase II effort will then be to develop synthesis processes of granular doped NYF materials for their use in 2-D and 3-D displays. Combinations of Yb,RE-doped NYF will be prepared to extend the range of colors to red and blue. Nd:NYF is seen as a superior material to YLF and YAG for compact diode pumped lasers and an economical alternative to Nd:YVO4 currently used. Yb, Pr: NYF can be used as amplifiers for telecommunications in the important 1.3 micron wavelength range. NYF phosphors, dispersed in plastic hosts can be used in 2 and 3-D transparent displays for head mounted applications such as air traffic control, medicine, autos and aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cassanho, Arlete AC MATERIALS, INC. FL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 398330 5373 AMPP 9163 9102 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0078556 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Investigation of Ferroelectric Materials with Properties Optimized for Electron Emission. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project was motivated by recent research demonstrating that ferroelectric cathodes using commercial ferroelectric materials that were optimized for transducer applications can produce current densities in excess of 30 Amperes per square centimeter at 500,000 Volts, and can sustain an emission pulse (at 50,000 Volts) for a time in excess of 2 microseconds. Under the Phase I project ferroelectric materials optimized for use as cathodes were fabricated and tested, and promising materials were identified for further testing and optimization. The objective of the Phase II project will be to demonstrate a ferroelectric material with emission characteristics and lifetime meeting industry-defined requirements for application as a cathode in a commercial electron tube. Phase II research will include cathode testing at 20,000 volts, 1 microsecond with hundreds of pulses per second, characterization of the electron beam produced by the ferroelectric cathode according to size, energy and emittance, and validation testing of the cathode at an electron tube manufacturer's facility under commercial operating conditions. It is anticipated that these tests will demonstrate the efficacy of the ferroelectric cathode materials developed under this project for use in commercial electron tubes. Cathodes are used in a wide variety of microwave tubes. Applications include radar, communications, radio and TV transmission, accelerators for medical, waste treatment, environmental and research applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Len, Lek FM TECHNOLOGIES INC VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399880 5373 AMPP 9163 1774 0106000 Materials Research 0078563 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Advanced DSP Toolkit For Java. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will contribute mathematical services in signal and image processing for distributed Java computing. A major component of internetworked information is digital images and audio signals. Current vector, signal, and image processing standards are evaluated to achieve advanced signal processing for Java. Phase I emphasized the design, algorithms, and Java relevance. VSIP (vector signal and image processing) constitutes a viable option for commercialization in the distributed Java environment. This Phase II effort seeks to bridge the gap between the theoretical and the commercial for VSIP in Java, while identifying operational modes and service requirements for this non-traditional programming environment. If successful, a huge community of Java programmers in academia, industry, and government could be enabled, as well as all the service recipients whose applications exploit such as library. Standardization for platform independence is a critical issue for Internet applications. An advanced commercially DSP toolkit would provide for a greater level of portability for signal-processing-intensive Internet applications. This would provide for better support for processing audio/visual information in valuable application settings. Embedded Java applications will make use of the toolkit to provide advanced signal analysis capabilities with mobility, portability, and high quality. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Watkins, Andrew MPI Software Technology, Inc. AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 376481 9150 5373 OTHR HPCC 9216 9215 9150 0000912 Computer Science 0078580 September 15, 2000 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Gas-Cluster Ion Source for Mass Spectrometer and Microelectronic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will design, fabricate and test a prototype gas-cluster ion-beam (GCIB) sputtering tool for depth profiles with monolayer-specific surface analysis of thin films. Applications will be to multilayer thin films of key importance in the microelectronics industries including semiconductors, metals in magnetic sensors, and dielectrics in photonic and micro-optical devices. The sputtering tool is expected to meet aggressive performance specifications including depth resolution of less than 1 nm in conjunction with mass spectrometry. This GCIB tool will be designed particularly for in-situ sputtering with surface-analytical instruments including the secondary-ion mass spectrometer (SIMS), the Auger electron spectrometer (AES) and the x-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The overriding motivation is the critical need in microelectronics for techniques to obtain accurate sputter depth measurements. The Phase-I effort demonstrated those GCIB methods with argon clusters sputter with near-atomic smoothness, high depth resolution and high secondary-ion yields. Minor instrumental design issues limited the cluster beam exposure uniformity and this artificially limited the average depth resolution measured. Straightforward engineering solutions are well known and are expected to yield improvements in Phase II that will provide depth resolution of well below 1 nm. The proposed technology will enable analysis of next-generation microelectronics devices having much thinner films. Epion is the first and only to manufacture GCIB systems. The tool to be prototyped will enable and have a wide applicability to many areas of the electronic materials processing and manufacturing industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fenner, David EPION CORPORATION MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 398416 5373 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0078582 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Design-Based Developments for Pump Cavitation Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to provide the means to reliably calculate turbopump stiffness and damping matrices based on dynamic force measurements collected using a magnetic bearing rig. During Phase I exploratory development of a high suction specific speed (NSS) = 65,000 rocket engine turbopump pump stage was carried out and laid the foundation for this project. A complementary Phase I project for NASA focused on an NSS = 85,000 stage. Earlier Air Force funding concentrated on demonstrating magnetic bearings as a useful lab instrument. More recent breakthroughs include a novel fix for auto-oscillation and establishing the structure of an innovative dynamic force matrix measurement methodology. The primary challenge in this work is to isolate those forces on the rotor (with and without cavitation) due to the interaction of the impeller with the stator using innovative test and signal processing techniques. By testing a series of impellers, a database of rotordynamic coefficients will be established based on component dynamic force data. An additional objective is to evaluate the capability of CFD for replicating those physical force measurements. The goal is to create scientifically based design methods for lighter high-performance turbopumps. Smaller, lighter, and higher speed rocket engine turbopumps are required to meet lower space launch cost requirements. Successful accomplishment of this fundamentally based approach for measuring component specific rotor dynamic forces and a method for using experimental results on a broader basis in the design process can lead to a breakthrough technology. It will enable turbopump designers to overcome current thresholds due to hydraulic induced rotor dynamic instabilities. In addition to reducing equipment size and cost, reliability will improve. The technology is also applicable to industrial turbomachinery including industrial pumps, aircraft engine fuel pumps, and compressors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Baun, Daniel CONCEPTS ETI, INC. VT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 399883 5373 MANU 9148 1464 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078583 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: 3D Volumetric Image Display. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop a new computer peripheral: a Volumetric Image Display system that displays 3D images in a real space. Many viewers can walk around the display and see the 3D images from omni-directions without special glasses. The overall business objectives corresponding to this project are to develop and implement the technologies required for building the VID product, to demonstrate the market viability, and to complete the financial preparation for Phase III. In order to speed up commercialization, a Basic Model product will be completed in year 1. It will feature a flexible configuration and good specifications to address the initial need in various fields. Marketing will then begin in year 2 to test market and seek business alliances, using the Basic Model as a demonstration platform as well as an evaluation product. A low-volume manufacturing procedure will be established to support initial sales. In year 2, techniques that further improve product color and gray scale will be developed and demonstrated. We already have a Phase III funding commitment. Based on the demonstrated market viability and technical readiness, a new business plan will be prepared to raise additional funding commitments to complete the finance preparation for Phase III. The marketing goals also include obtaining at least one development contract from a major corporation, as part of the Phase III finance. Market analysis indicates great commercial potential in four major segments: medical, computer aided design and engineering, visual data analysis, and computer gaming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tsao, Che-Chih ACT Research Corporation MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 423999 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 6855 0104000 Information Systems 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078585 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: IBEX - Restoring Functional Mobility in the Elderly Through In-Bed Exercise. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project completes development of a production In-Bed Exerciser (IBEX) and tests its efficacy. This unique, active exerciser is a portable and efficient means of giving, in bed, physical therapy sufficient to maintain or restore the walking muscles of bedridden people. Geriatrics are especially vulnerable to bed confinement; they can lose ability to walk after 5-10 days. Becoming bedridden is a leading indicator of mortality for the elderly. A growing elderly population, a shortage of Physical Therapists, their inability to provide force levels and intensity of exercise needed, and pressure to constrain medical costs, demand such a machine. The Company has innovated a portable exerciser that attaches to the bed, is computer controlled, provides bilateral, reciprocal or one-leg exercise and records performance. Phase I demonstrated feasibility. The objective of this SBIR Phase II project is to use scientifically designed clinical trials to prove efficacy. Results are the prelude to successful commercialization according to the enclosed plan. The greatest social benefit will be improved quality of life for the elderly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Greenwald, Richard SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH George B. Vermont Standard Grant 399659 5373 BIOT 9184 5342 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0078608 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Simulation of Rapid Thermal Processing in a Distributed Computing Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will continue to develop and demonstrate a computational tool for detailed simulation of Rapid thermal processing (RTP) in a distributed computing environment by taking advantages of the findings in Phase I. RTP has become a key technology in the fabrication of advanced semiconductor devices. As wafers get larger and chip dimensions smaller, the understanding of the highly coupled physics such as radiative heat transfer, transient fluid flow and heat transfer as well as chemical reactions through numerical modeling using high-performance computing is the key to the design, optimization, and control of RTP reactors. In Phase II, A 3D surface radiation model based on the modified discrete transfer method (MDTM) will be developed to treat radiative transfer in the lamphouse and process chamber as a whole process. The detailed pattern effects will be taken into account by rigorously solving time-domain Maxwell's equations through a finite volume approach. The rarefied gas dynamics in low pressure RTP will be modeled by adding Burnett terms into the Navier-Stokes equations. The governing equations that contain various multi-disciplinary physical models will be solved by a 3D unstructured finite volume method. To address computationally intensive 3D simulation needs, an efficient parallel strategy will be implemented in the solution procedure. Data communication among parallel processors will be conducted by the Message Passing Interface (MPI) library. To accelerate the overall solution convergence and improve the parallel performance, the algebraic multi-grid (AMG) method will be used to solve the discretized equations in each processor. It is expected that the proposed simulation tool can be used to systematically investigate the underlying physics occurring in RTP systems, and to help in the design, optimization, and control of RTP reactors. The proposed simulation tool will significantly benefit the semiconductor manufacturing equipment industries that require a detailed understanding of multimode and highly coupled transport phenomena. The potential applications include the design, optimization, and control of RTP reactors and many other manufacturing and materials processing systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Jiwen ENGINEERING SCIENCES, INC. AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 399576 5373 MANU 9150 9146 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0078617 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Microminiature, High Resolution, Passive Peak Strain Detector for Smart Structures and Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project combines hermetically packaged, differential variable reluctance transducers (DVRT) capable of peak strain detection (PD) with shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to produce improved passive PDs. These detectors can withstand harsh environmental conditions, e.g., moisture, salt, vibration, and can be reset for repeated uses. Sensors in smart structures generally require system power in order to operate, but power outages may result in loss of key data. Therefore, sensors that can record peak information without power, i.e., passively, are needed in smart structures. Earlier passive PDs have relied on measuring the magnetic properties of transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steels. However, these devices suffer from bulky size, low resolution, high nonlinearity, and a one time use limitation due to material yielding. This technology addresses these problems by using modified, microminiature DVRT-PDs. Phase I successfully designed, built, and tested hermetic packages, and SMAs were successfully employed for resetting of the devices. Techniques for remote interrogation using radio frequency identity tags were investigated, micropower prototypes were designed and built, and methods for wireless delivery of power to the SMA actuator were demonstrated. In Phase II, highly integrated microelectronics will be combined with the hermetic DVRT-PD packages to produce self-contained, remotely queried and remotely resettable PDs. Novel micropower sensor excitation circuits, capable of long range interrogation, will be built, tested, and packaged for independent laboratory evaluation and eventual field deployment. Field tests will include health monitoring of structural joints, repairs, and supporting members of civil structures, including bridges. The physical attachment of the DVRT-PDs to these structures will be designed for reliability, low cost, and ease of use. Applications include health monitoring of composite structures, aircraft, trains, bridges, dams, and buildings. Military and commercial markets for these systems are significant. Health monitoring has the potential to enhance the safety and life of military, aerospace, and civil structures. Sensate structures equipped with passive networks of peak displacement or strain measurement devices could be interrogated for their response to test loads or potentially damaging events, and either replaced or their embedded sensors reset for future interrogation. Critical civil and military structures require 'smart' sensors in order to report their strain histories; this can help to insure safe operation after exposure to potentially damaging loads, e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, military combat, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Arms, Steven MICROSTRAIN INC VT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 486491 5373 OTHR MANU CVIS 9146 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078622 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: An Economical Continuous Metal Coating Method for Electronic and Other Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will conduct research to develop a new approach to coating metals continuously and rapidly on large areas of moving substrates. Currently, these types of coatings are electrochemically plated resulting in higher operating costs due to environmental regulations in the U.S. This has added to the declining share of the world market for the U.S. electronic metal-coating industry. Consequently, the Phase I results on the technique have generated interest in the commercial sector and a prototype demonstration is needed for the identified customers. The proposed method is suitable for coating conductive as well as nonconductive substrates, and rigid as well as flexible substrates. In this Phase II project, a prototype will be developed for continuously coating nonconductive substrates used in electronic applications. Then metal coatings will be deposited at a rate better than that of the conventional methods. Further research will be conducted to meet customer's expectations of the coating quality and process economics. In addition, process repeatability will be assured by running the equipment for the identified customers. Finally, the coating price will be determined and a cost benefit analysis will be performed. The proposed method has the potential to reduce operating costs in the intended coating operations substantially. Copper, nickel and other metal coatings are widely plated on nonconductive substrates in several electronic and automotive applications. Typical application include EMI/RFI shielding in cellular phones, conductor lines in printed wiring boards used in computers and flat panel displays, and decorative trims in automobiles. The method to be developed could provide a lower-cost alternative to the conventional methods in use today and make the US. coating industry more competitive in the international market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sunthankar, Mandar IonEdge Corporation CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 400000 5373 MANU 9163 9153 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078635 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: CO-Tolerant Pt-Mo Electrocatalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project addresses the development of highly dispersed Pt-Mo electrocatalysts for application as anodes in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Alternative anode electrocatalysts remain a critical development area for the cost reduction and performance enhancement of PEM fuel cells operating on reformate hydrogen fuel. Specifically, there is a need for catalysts that are tolerant to reformate by-products such as CO. Supported Pt-Mo is a leading candidate for the next generation of these catalysts. The Phase I research successfully produced highly dispersed Pt-Mo catalysts supported on Vulcan XC-72 using two distinct methods. The catalysts produced by both methods show excellent hydrogen oxidation characteristics in 0.5 M H2SO4. The performance of these materials in 100 ppm CO/H2 indicated high activity but did not, however, show the degree of CO-tolerance expected on the basis of results from bulk Pt-Mo alloys. These findings were surprising in light of voltammetric evidence that showed electrochemical interaction between Mo and Pt. Phase II of this effort will develop a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of Pt-Mo interactions. The results from the Phase I research at T/J suggest that the promotion of enhanced H2 oxidation at lower potentials in CO/H2 fuel streams is critically dependent upon the nature of the Pt-Mo interaction. We intend to examine the influence of surface composition/coverage of Mo on solid Pt electrode surfaces in the presence of CO/H2 fuel streams as a function of potential using a rotating disk electrode (RDE) system. These fundamental studies of solid electrode surfaces will identify the basis of CO-tolerance. Based on these results, we will pursue rational development of supported Pt-Mo catalysts with the appropriate surface chemistry and structure using three novel dispersion methods. As a part of this work, we will conduct in-depth physicochemical characterization of the catalysts as well as more comprehensive electrochemical analysis. We intend to produce prototype membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for testing in fuel cells. In addition, we will supply catalyst materials for external evaluation by leading catalyst manufacturers. These companies have committed over $840,000 in follow-on funding for this SBIR project. Low cost CO-tolerant catalysts developed under this SBIR project will enable the commercialization of high performance PEM fuel cells operating on reformed hydrogen. Reducing catalyst costs addresses a key obstacle hindering the commercialization of PEMFCs for vehicle propulsion and off-grid electric power generation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lei, Hanwei T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 400000 5373 EGCH 9197 1972 1417 0207000 Transportation 0078637 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Development of AlGaN Field Emission Cathodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on optimization and scale-up of an aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) field emitter technology that could be used for practical applications. Materials have been identified that are very promising to deal with the wide-band-gap for field-emission applications. These materials have low to negative electron affinity. The Phase I project demonstrated various AlGaN compositions that possessed different doping levels for field emission properties. The Phase II project will carry out a detailed and systematic parametric optimization using closely-coupled theoretical modeling and experimentation to produce rugged, low-voltage III-V nitride field emitters. The project will utilize the company's deposition chamber and will demonstrate the effects of composition, doping, ion implantation, substrate temperature and other parameters. Effects of microstructure and conductivity of grain boundaries will also be investigated to develop better understanding of the AlGaN cold cathode technology. The commerical potential for this technology is a compact addressable X-ray source. Additional applications will include electronic coolers, electron guns, solar-blind UV detectors, large-area lighting and flat-panel displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kumar, Nalin UHV TECHNOLOGY, INC. TX Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399995 5373 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0078660 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Affordable Braille Display Using Novel Microactuators. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from Orbital Research Inc. will design and test an affordable, multiline refreshable Braille display system (RBDS) able to display computer screen information either from the hard drive or the Internet. The proposed RBDS will combine state-of-the-art microelectromechanical (MEMS) actuators with cutting edge electronic assembly technology to assure ease in manufacturing and robustness. Additionally, Orbital Research will implement a modular architecture that allows for unprecedented versatility through tailoring the Braille surface for various applications requested by the end users. Traditionally, MEMS actuators are very small, cost efficient and low power. However, traditional packaging of the MEMS devices results in a much larger and much more expensive component. In Phase I of this project, Orbital Research as produced a MEMS actuator capable of producing Braille dots. In this phase, Orbital Research will integrate a flexible assembly process to overcome the traditional complexities associated with packaging MEMS actuators. Orbital Research will take full advantage of the features offered by cutting edge manufacturing processes such as MEMS, IC processing, flip-chip and surface mount technologies to assure the final proposed RBDS is light weight and small in size, cost affordable, robust, modula, enables tactile acuity, and is "user friendly." The refreshable Braille Display system proffered by Orbital Research will enhance access to electronic information on the job or at home. It will also provide for enhanced educational and employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals in line with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This device will create employment and research opportunities for the visually impaired, especially for those whose interests extend to mathematics, scientific, and technical fields that require frequent access to reference works in order to perform their tasks efficiently. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lisy, Frederick ORBITAL RESEARCH INC OH Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 762000 5373 SMET 9251 9180 9178 9102 1138 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0078664 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Micro Pulse Lidar for Water Vapor Profiling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the need for a new generation of laser transmitters for differential absorption lidar (DIAL) measurements of water vapor. Phase II will develop a new laser technology for mini-DIAL measurements of water vapor. DIAL transmitter requirements will be achieved using a revolutionary technology that allows diffraction limited performance from diode bars. These ultra bright diode bars enable efficient end pumped, q-switched, low-gain, quasi-three level lasers. Recently, a laser material that operates directly at the 944.1 nanometer water vapor absorption line has become commercially available. Coupling these two technologies will result in an efficient compact DIAL transmitter. This technology will result in a new class of compact, efficient, and low-cost DIAL transmitters for atmospheric water vapor profiling. Low cost DIAL transmitters are important for future improvements in weather forecasting, global climate models, and understanding of the transmission of communication signals in the atmosphere. In addition, potential commercial applications will be found in the medical and material processing industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Shannon, Dave ACULIGHT CORPORATION WA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 749881 5373 EGCH 9188 0313010 Air Pollution 0078670 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Diagnostics for Operations and Maintenance of Installed Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will focus on enhancing maintenance operations scheduling methodologies with condition assessment and diagnostic tools to produce an 'integrated' maintenance management system. The company has developed scheduling tools that allocate maintenance resources on the basis of elapsed calendar time and unit utilization. This project will augment these tools with condition assessment modules. If successful, the result would be a generally applicable system combining condition, time, and utilization as drivers for the maintenance process. The project will develop algorithms for condition assessment based on signal processing and feature extraction using both conventional sensors such as accelerometers, and 'next generation' sensors such as eddy current devices, fiber optic sensors, and MEMS sensors. These methods, when applied a maintenance service program, will lead to new methodologies for the synthesis of integrated diagnostics techniques and for the design of new hardware and software systems to realize those techniques for a wide range of practical applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Teolis, Carole Techno-Sciences, Inc. MD Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 773404 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 9102 1359 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078672 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Three Dimensional Video Motion Detection for Science and Mathematics Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will complete the research and development to product of a low-cost tool for exploratory science and math learning, a three-dimensional motion detector. This device uses a passive optical detection scheme with two ordinary home video cameras as sensors. For at least 15 years, systems that capture and display motion in real-time have been used for studying the meaning of graphs and to investigate physical phenomena, and their educational effectiveness has been researched and documented. To date, all low-cost systems have been constrained to one dimension, and generally use ultrasonic echo location. This project will make 3D-motion detection affordable and competitive with one-dimensional systems when used with schools' existing video equipment. It offers great learning potential by allowing students to build a bridge from their universal 3D-world experience into mathematical space. The Phase II project proceeds along three fronts: refinement of the signal processing hardware, coding of the 'host' software for capture, display, and analysis of the 3D data, and the development and testing of educational activities. The software and activities are targeted for high school mathematics and physics. This small business proffers a hands-on exploratory system to allow students multiple views and ways of understanding the complex study of motion. Several of the largest national distributors of educational electronic laboratory equipment have demonstrated interest in selling and promoting the motion detector. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kimball, Nathan Alberti's Window, LLC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 399937 5373 SMET 9177 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0078706 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Bootstrap Tilting Inference and Large Data Sets. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is for development of fast bootstrap confidence intervals and hypothesis tests, and ways to make bootstrapping feasible for large data sets. Classical inference (intervals and tests) methods are known to be inaccurate when theoretical assumptions are violated, the usual case in practice. For example, skewness causes the usual t-test to be in error. The new methods are an order of magnitude (power of sqrt(n), where n is the sample size) more accurate in general than classical inferences. Bootstrap methods are a promising alternative to classical inferences, and can handle complex statistics including modern robust statistics, but are slow and have been little used in practice. The methods proposed are typically 17--37 times faster than other bootstrap methods. The methods are fast enough to be seamlessly incorporated into standard software, alongside or instead of classical inferences. This provides statistical practitioners a realistic alternative to easy but inaccurate classical inferences and non-robust methods. The competitive advantage to the firm that does this first is a major opportunity. Furthermore, the large sample methods would be attractive in the thriving data mining market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hesterberg, Tim Insightful Corporation WA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 487103 5373 HPCC 9231 9216 9178 1359 1260 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078716 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Clinical-Scale Suspension Bioreactor for Primary Hematopoietic Culture. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project describes the development of a disposable, highly efficient suspension bioreactor for primary hematopoietic (blood cell-forming) cell culture. The unique challenges (heterogeneous nature, donor variability, and shear-sensitivity) of these cultures render traditional flask or suspension cultures unable to economically and consistently produce large quantities of cells. In Phase I, the feasibility and characteristics of a disposable suspension bioreactor was demonstrated. In Phase II, a scaled-up prototype of a large, agitated disposable bioreactor designed for clinical use (stem cell transplantation) will be constructed, characterized, and tested for reliability and durability. Gas and mass transfer correlations established in Phase I will be verified and extended. The use of medium optical density as a surrogate measure for cell density will be investigated. The final product will be a system that combines the simple, disposable nature of flask culture with the control and monitoring capabilities of a suspension bioreactor. The resulting system will enable the cost-effective production of large numbers of primary hematopoietic cells and will improve the effectiveness and decrease the cost of medical procedures in the fields of transplantation, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McAdams, Todd Tissue Therapeutics IL George B. Vermont Standard Grant 400000 5373 BIOT 9181 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078718 July 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Rapid Detection of Cyanide. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project will result in the development of two detection systems utilizing Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) capable of rapidly measuring the concentration of cyanide, a highly toxic substance used in large quantities in the extractive metals industry. A portable system will be well suited for use in the field for on-site measurements of cyanide for environmental compliance monitoring. An automated system will be useful for the measurement of cyanide levels in process control of precious metal extractive processes, and in monitoring wells for environmental compliance. Current methods of cyanide analysis give either the total amount of cyanide present in all forms, or that of free cyanide in combination with cyanide in weak acid dissociable (WAD) metal complexes. Our method of cyanide determination will be markedly superior to these methods because it will yield the concentration of free cyanide in addition to that of WAD cyanide. This has very important practical and economic implications for the precious metals extractive industries (e.g., gold and silver mining), since it is free cyanide which is of importance in optimizing metal extraction efficiency, and it is free cyanide which is the species of primary interest from an environmental regulatory standpoint. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Carron, Keith DeltaNu, LLC WY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 400000 5373 EGCH 9187 9150 1974 0313040 Water Pollution 0078722 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Thresholdless Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project's goal is a commercial quality liquid crystal exhibiting V-shaped switching with no hysteresis. This LC will be used in gray-scale displays and telecommunications optical switches. Ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs), due to their fast switching speed and wide viewing angle, have inherent advantages over the more commonly used nematic liquid crystals. However, when used in displays, they have a disadvantage - they generally can be driven to only two states, on and off. Since displays require intermediate gray states, FLCs currently attain gray scale by rapidly switching on and off. This project uses a new type of FLC which, in addition to its speed and viewing angle advantage, also shows analog switching. This type of material, previously known as a "thresholdless antiferroelectric", is now known to be an FLC with a linear optical response to applied field (also known as "V-shaped switching"). This project's objective is to make new liquid crystal compounds and mixtures that exhibit V-shaped switching. Towards that end, a variety of cores, chiral tails, and achiral tails, all of which are either known or suspected to promote a de Vries-type smectic A, have been proposed. About 50 - 100 liquid crystals will be synthesized by combining these various components. These new LCs will be combined with LCs made in the Phase I or earlier, giving mixtures that ideally will have not only a de Vries smectic A phase, but also a wide room-temperature smectic C phase, good low-voltage analog electrooptic response, good alignability, and fast hysteresis-free switching. An optimal alignment layer configuration will be determined. The newly formulated mixtures will be placed in cells containing this alignment layer to give V-shaped switching displays. This project could be instrumental in advancing our knowledge of the root causes of V-shaped switching in FLC and, by extension, add insight into the responses of self-assembling molecules to applied forces. In addition, since the interaction of the alignment layer with the liquid crystal is crucial for V-shaped switching, much more so than for typical FLCs, this project will provide a better understanding of the alignment layer-LC interactions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Thurmes, William Displaytech Incorporated CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 328372 5373 AMPP 9163 1762 0106000 Materials Research 0078726 May 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Microsensors for Detection of Aqueous and Gas Phase Volatile Organic Compounds. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves development of an integrated sensor system that will accurately and rapidly measure small quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) both in air and in aqueous environments. At present, no inexpensive sensor system is sufficiently sensitive and rugged for use in continuously monitoring of VOCs in underground water streams, soil, effluent discharge, fugitive emissions and in spent liquid and vapor streams. To capture this business opportunity, this project involves the development of low-cost continuous organic chemical sensors based on the change of fluorescence of dyes embedded in polymeric and sol-gel thin films. This program is innovative in combining sensitive diode laser-excited fluorescence with total internal reflection methods of analysis to provide a continuous monitor of VOCs. The Phase I research program was successful in demonstrating the feasibility developing several highly sensitive polymer/dye films for use in detection of aqueous and gaseous phase VOCs. Detection limits in the part-per-billion (ppb) range for both aqueous and vapor phase trichloroethylene were achieved using fluorescence detection spectroscopy. The Phase II research and development program will accomplish the feasibility demonstrated in Phase I by developing a turnkey sensor system for multiple chemical analysis. The Phase II Research Objectives include synthesis of polymer and sol-gel solid matrices with pendant functional groups, development of a fluorescence monitoring array and algorithms for multi-chemical analysis, design and integration of miniaturized total internal reflection fluorescence array instrument, acquisition of families of test data to establish instrument specifications, and demonstration of the total-internal reflection fluorescence instrument at environmental remediation facilities and a water treatment plant. This sensor platform together with sensitive polymer/dye films is significant in providing rapid on-site identification and quantification of volatile organic compounds and environmental pollutants in groundwater, soil, effluent discharge and fugitive emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Aquino, Eugene American Research Corporation of Virginia VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 412000 5373 MANU EGCH 9251 9187 9178 9146 1472 0300000 Problem-Oriented 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078730 August 15, 2000 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Sol-Gel Processed Thin-Film Nitrogen Oxides Sensors. 0078730 Aruchamy This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop thin-film nitrogen oxide sensors based on novel binary-phased nanocomposites by sol-gel processing. Sol-gel processing offers many advantages for sensor fabrication, including facility and versatility for nano-engineering of the microstructure. In Phase I, such sensor elements have shown much improved microstructure, enhanced sensitivity, and faster response speed than powder-derived sensor elements of the same composition by conventional processing. Thin-film sensors can be readily incorporated with silicon microelectronic technology and conveniently allow miniaturization, low process costs, and high reproducibility. Phase II will systematically optimize the processing, microstructure, and performance of the binary-phased thin-film nitrogen oxides sensors by sol-gel processing. Potential commercial applications of the research are expected in reliable, compact solid-state chemical sensors. This innovation is expected to provide highly stable and sensitive thin-film nitrogen oxides sensors for automotive emission control, industrial processing control, and environmental monitoring. These sensors may be used as stand-alone sensing devices or as sensing units to be integrated into on-chip multifunctional sensors and smart structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Aruchamy, Ayyasamy AMSEN TECHNOLOGIES LLC AZ Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 400000 5373 EGCH 9187 1472 0300000 Problem-Oriented 0078754 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Catalyst Substrate for the Preferential Oxidation (PROX) of Carbon Monoxide. 0078754 Precision Combustion, Inc. Menacherry This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project advances the development of an improved catalytic reactor, based on a novel catalyst substrate design, for the preferential oxidation (PROX) of carbon monoxide in a hydrogen rich feed. The Phase I objectives were fully met and demonstrated the viability of this catalyst substrate for substantial reductions in the size, weight and cost of the PROX component and also identified parameters for designing a full scale PROX reactor. This Phase II effort will focus on catalyst optimization and integration of a PROX reactor based on the catalyst substrate in a fuel processor system for automotive fuel cell applications. This potential breakthrough could significantly advance fuel processing technology for automotive fuel cell applications. The proposed technology has the potential to provide near-order of magnitude improvements in fuel processor volume, weight and cost, with a broad range of potential spin off applications to other catalytic reactors. Success with the PROX reactor would lead to exploring use of this substrate for other components in the fuel processor, including the reformer and the Water Gas Shift reactors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Castaldi, Marco Precision Combustion, Inc. CT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 756000 5373 EGCH 9251 9197 9178 1972 1417 0207000 Transportation 0078774 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Digital Cadaver - An Immersive Environment for the Direct Reconstruction of Anatomical Data Sets. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will continue research and development of the Digital Cadaver Environment -- software that makes available to students multiple views of virtual cadavers with improved visual quality of the computed image, an increase in the size and attributes of the data sets used for rendering images, support for automatic configuration of imaging parameter using heuristics, and support for interpolation of missing sections of a user stain document. Marking a unique approach to the application of computer technology to the undergraduate anatomy and physiology curriculum, this environment supports an interactive work model where students engage in the cycle of observation, interpretation, and action that characterizes the historic "dissect & sketch" paradigm. The Digital Cadaver environment allows students to produce an individual and unique record of their investigations. The Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of implementing the core functionality of the environment as a Java application and produced a beta version of the software. Phase II of the research will focus on research extending this development in four areas: 1) Tools for collaboration between students will be created, and an intuitive project management system implemented for managing collections of images and documents; 2) Imagery from Visible Productions will be introduced into the environment to overcome defects in the Visible Human (VH) data sets; these images may also serve as links to other content, such as animations, photographs, or other images and documents that serve to augment the current environment; 3) tools will be expanded to include volume rendering of images in all viewing planes (i.e., sagittal, coronal, and axial) and arbitrary slicing of any image set; the data sets available to the student will be expanded to include selected cryosections of the female VH data set and selected MRI (magnetic resonance imagery) and CT (computerized tomography) imagery from the male and female; and 4) on the server, a more sophisticated illumination model will be implemented for added realism, user selectable image display properties will be included (i.e., setting some tissue layers to transparent), and higher resolution images will be used; improved support for higher resolution images will complete the Digital Cadaver Immersive Environment. The Digital Cadaver Environment enables a wider range of people to gain greater competencies in human anatomy and physiology. These competencies may translate into better health care, wellness initiatives, and improved research outcomes. The use of the National Library of Medicine's Visible Human Project in the creation of new instructional tools for the health professions offers a good public policy model of government/industry collaboration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McCracken, Thomas VISIBLE PRODUCTIONS INC CO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 399713 5373 SMET 9178 9145 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0078865 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Carbon Nano Composite Filtration Media. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will make self-assembled, nanocomposite building blocks, composed of carbon nanotubes on a macroscopic support. Phase I demonstrated the growth of high quality, long nanotubes, adhered to a metal mesh. The support catalyzes the growth of a dispersed uniform structure of sootfree nanotubes. Additional processing is not required. Traditional manufacturing processes can convert the composite into filters, electrodes, and structures that transport mass, charge, and stress on nanometer scales. The nanotubes remain organized and connected electrically and mechanically. Intimate solid-gas and solid-liquid contact accompanied by high transport rates result. Unlike porous nanoscale media, the pore size can be independent of the nanotube diameter, allowing rapid access to their surface. The Phase II product will be microfiltration media with unprecedented filtration efficiency and low energy cost. Carbon nanotubes have enhanced single-collector efficiencies and substantially high surface to volume ratios. These advantages produce enormous, pound-for-pound value. The industrial partner has committed Phase III funding based on initial testing and market pull for low-energy, cost-effective separation technology. The industrial partner is committed to nanoscale technologies and the tremendous physical properties of the supported nanocomposites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jaffe, Stephen Material Methods CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 400000 5373 AMPP 9163 1762 0106000 Materials Research 0078887 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Enhanced Phase Sensitive Spectroscopy Using Matched Gratings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a trace-gas detection system based on a novel laser spectroscopic technique called Phase Sensitive Spectroscopy. This new spectroscopy technique may increase sensitivity by an order of magnitude compared to existing capabilities, and it is expected have lower capital and operating costs as well. The proposed technique relies on measurements of phase shifts of an amplitude modulated laser beam that occur when the laser is tune through a molecular resonance. Unlike current technologies, the measured quantity is insensitive to variations in the amplitude of the frequency components within the modulated laser beam. This fundamental difference promises to eliminate the need for calibrations that are currently required. Phase II will develop the fundamental understanding and lay the groundwork for commercialization. A prototype instrument will be fabricated by utilizing the 'backbone' of an existing commercially successful laser based trace-gas detector. The detection limit, stability, and cost of the prototype instrument will be characterized. Potential commercial applications are expected in monitoring gases in aluminum production and in other industries as environmental regulation and work place safety may require. Point source monitoring SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Swanson, Rand ADVR, INC MT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399387 5373 OTHR EGCH 9188 9150 9145 0313010 Air Pollution 0078897 January 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Uncopying Xerox - Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcavitation (ACIM) Assisted DeInking of Paper. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an optimized prototype of the UNCOPIER-a chemical-free, energy-efficient, ACIM-based device designed to non-destructively deink laser-xerographic prints one sheet at a time. Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcavitation (ACIM) is a novel, chemical-free, and energy-efficient process which uses only "Silent Sound and Clean Water." Underlying ACIM's energy efficiency is microcavitation's ability to concentrate an enormous amount of energy on an extremely small (i.e. sub-microscopic) point. These controlled concentrations of energy result in nearly spontaneous cleaning which does not hurt the substrate. ACIM is the ideal technology for deploying energy exactly at the point of use. UNCOPIER technology will revolutionize the paper recycling industry in a number of ways, as well as innovation in the recycling process itself. Since the UNCOPIER leaves the deInked paper immaculately white and undamaged, it will save environmental resources by making it possible to manufacture new print grade paper from the recycled laser-xerographic prints. The UNCOPIER is being developed as an office machine to advocate a pioneer method for recycling paper-at-source deinking, "one sheet at a time." DeInking paper prior to recycling protects confidentiality. This novel approach will appeal to banks, hospitals, law firms, government agencies, and other institutions interested in recycling, but also concerned with safeguarding confidentiality. The UNCOPIER system will reduce recycling costs and enables vital commercial motivations for its improved recycling endeavors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Madanshetty, Sameer Uncopiers, Inc. KS Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 767339 5373 MANU HPCC EGCH 9251 9231 9186 9178 9163 9150 9102 7218 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078904 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Chatter Avoidance Software for High Speed Milling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will integrate a novel, inexpensive device to measure tool dynamics with a general purpose analysis program that will optimize the use of high speed machining centers as a routine shop floor practice. High speed machining is often limited by chatter conditions. These conditions depend on system dynamics and cutting conditions. The product to be developed will provide an integrated hardware/software solution to assist users in selecting optimal spindle speeds and tool depths without the intervention of experts or specialized equipment. The product will handle general tool geometries, tool paths and in-process part geometries working in conjunction with an industrial grade NC verification program. The program will specifically provide recommendations under low tool immersion (light cut) conditions that are commonly used to avoid tool wear in hard materials. Novel aspects include: (1) the study of chatter under transient conditions; (2) sculptured surface parts; (3) a new analytical solution that provides important physical insights under low tool immersion conditions; (4) a new simulation model that is not restricted to uni-directional feed; and (5) the extension of a new measurement device to provide full tool dynamic data. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Esterling, Donald VulcanCraft NC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 424000 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0079163 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: A Large Mosaic Liquid Crystal Fabry-Perot Etalon for Atmospheric Sensing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the traditional size limit of the Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) input aperture. This limit (approximately 8-inches) is imposed by (1) practical fabrication limits to the size of glass flats that can be polished to a surface figure of lambda/100 and (2) by cost limitations. Although an array of smaller glass plates might be used to expand the collecting area of the FPI, coordination of spectral scans over the array elements requires unwieldy control systems or else is not possible with conventional barometric or piezo-electric FRI systems. This research establishes arrays of innovative FPI etalons that use liquid crystal (LC) in the FPI resonant cavity. Spectral scanning of these devices is accomplished by application of a low current to conducting layers applied to the glass substrates. The electric field imposed upon liquid crystal in the resonant cavity alters the orientation of the LC, and thus the index of refraction of the material in the resonant cavity. The ease of electronic control over the refractive index in the FPI cavity permits simple, low weight, low power coordination of multiple LC filled cells and thus makes possible a large array of FPI cells, scanning a spectrum in unison. Phase II will design and fabricate two 10-inch diameter arrays of LC FPI (LCFP) filters. One array will be configured for Doppler measurements of atmospheric emissions and the other for 0.16-nanometer spectral resolution. Potential commercial applications are expected in (1) atmospheric lidar, (2) space-based environmental sensing, (3) passive airglow sensing, (4) clear-air turbulence detection, and (5) target detection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kerr, Robert Scientific Solutions Incorporated MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 397788 5373 EGCH 9188 0313010 Air Pollution 0079262 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Net Shape, SiC-Toughened Molybdenum Disilicide Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims at further developing and optimizing the innovative technology for the cost-effective fabrication of dense silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) composites with enhanced strength and toughness up to very high temperatures (1400 degrees C). Molybdenum disilicide has very attractive thermal, oxidative, and corrosion resistance properties for applications in turbine engines, burner rigs, hot gas filters, molten metal lances, and heating elements, but is structurally weak. Reinforcement with a mechanically superior second phase material makes MoSi2-based composites serious candidates for such applications if the composites can be processed to net shape cost effectively. The Phase I project demonstrated the feasibility of reaction forming the MoSi2 matrix with controlled amounts of SiC whiskers or particles, which themselves are formed in-situ. Further, several SiC(f)/MoSi2 compositions were developed that are strong, dense, and resistant to pesting. These compositions were developed using a single step process that combines Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS) of elemental mixtures of Mo, Si, and C with psuedo-Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) -- electroconsolidation. Phase II research will demonstrate the near-net shape capability of the process along with the ability to produce robust MoSi2-based composites. Based on design specifications from turbine engine manufacturers, the project will also fabricate prototypes for testing at the end of Phase II. Immediate commercial use of the SiC(f)-toughened MoSi2 composites can be realized as heating elements, combustion and burner rigs, and molten metal filters. Future applications include uses for aviation and gas turbine engine components, heat exchangers, hot gas filters, and waste incinerators. Other advanced applications include energy storage devices such as ultracapacitors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nageswaran, Ramachandran COI Ceramics, Inc. UT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 394814 5373 AMPP 9163 1774 0106000 Materials Research 0079315 July 15, 2000 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Ploidy Induction with Penaeid Shrimp for Protection of Investment in Selective Breeding. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on mass production of triploid marine shrimp. Marine shrimp culture experienced exponential growth between 1980 and 1990, increasing from 5% to 28% of total world production. Since then, farmed shrimp production has stagnated due to disease and water quality problems. Disease problems are largely due to dependence on wild caught shrimp broodstock and post larvae, which carry many untreatable viral diseases. A solution to this problem is closed-cycle culture, which also permits genetic selection for improved production performance. To protect a breeder's investment in specific pathogen free (SPF)stock, specific pathogen resistant (SPR) stock, and genetic selection, it is highly desirable to sell only sterile post larvae. Triploidy is a possible solution since triploids of other species are typically sterile and may exhibit superior culture performance. In addition triploidy may allow for the culture of exotic species in environmentally sensitive areas where exclusion of exotics is desirable. Phase II will focus on development of tetraploid breeding stocks that will be crossed with normal diploid stocks to produce triploid progeny. The successful outcome of our R&D effort will result in significant changes in marine shrimp culture. It will prevent competitors from propagation of shrimp stocks that have been genetically selected for aquaculture performance. It will help stimulate large-scale investment in SPF, SPR, genetic selection and closed-cycle shrimp culture. It will help create opportunities to expand use of exotic shrimp species into environmentally sensitive culture areas. Our company intends to be at the forefront of these opportunities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Shleser, Robert Aquatic Farms HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 399800 5373 BIOT 9183 1116 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0079323 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Visible Light Audio Information Transfer System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop an inexpensive Visible Light Audio Information Transfer System (VLAITS) that transmits information to small Personal Audio Receivers (PAR) for blind, hard of hearing, non-physically impaired and non-English speaking users. VLAITS uses already-installed visible lighting fixtures like fluorescent lights to provide modulated light as a carrier medium for data. The PAR receives this modulated light and presents audio to the user. VLAITS is remarkably inexpensive because it requires no additional equipment or special wiring other than typically used in existing lighting fixtures. There is no perceptible visual flicker in light because of data coding schemes. Phase I demonstrated VLAITS, qualified commercial visible light as an information carrier, and demonstrated wayfinding and aural assistance with blind and hard of hearing users. This project seeks to design and refine a commercial VLAITS system and validate system functions and capabilities with blind and hard of hearing users. Included are miniaturization and reduction of production cost of the computer-controlled light ballast transmitter and computer-controlled portable receiver. The receiver will also be designed to be compatible with currently installed infrared systems. This project proffers a solution for the communication of information to people, particularly to those with disabilities, that leverages existing infrastructure in an innovative and cost effective way. Commercial products will be modified light ballasts, personal audio receivers and design of assistive networks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hinman, Roderick TALKING LIGHTS LLC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 400000 5373 SMET 9180 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116000 Human Subjects 0079350 July 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Mathematics Multimedia for Children with Hearing Loss. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the need for customized learning tools in mathematics education for primary students with physical disabilities, in particular, those with significant hearing loss. The Phase II study focuses on modifying and testing sections of existing multimedia so that they will be appropriate as instructional tools for PreK-K children with significant hearing loss. The need is critical: 2 out of every 1,000 young children in the U.S. have hearing loss severe enough to adversely affect learning. In addition, resources for these individuals are normally allocated to the development of language acquisition; thus, the development of mathematical computation and reasoning often is not addressed until a significant learning window has lapsed. The National Action Plan for Mathematics Education Reform for the Deaf recommends that more resources address mathematics instruction for children with significant hearing loss. Learning in Motion intends to modify a research-based, field-tested multimedia program for early learners of mathematics. This program was the direct result of Phases I and II of a NSF SBIR project. The multimedia program includes three-dimensional graphics and characters, completed game logic, and four interactive game areas that are suitable for modification. The study's main objectives: 1) design, program, and test modifications to existing software games (4) with students with hearing loss, 2) conduct and use subjective observations from teachers and researchers to further refine the modifications, and 3) initiate a testing plan for the complete modified program. Ultimate results include: salable multimedia for the under-represented group of students with significant hearing loss and publishable design guidelines for others electing to produce specialized software. Learning in Motion seeks to provide in a completely modified mathematics multimedia program for hearing-loss children. Design guidelines informed by the WGBH guidelines will also be produced, encouraging commercial collaboration with other publishers looking to produce similar programs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cappo, Marjorie Learning in Motion, Inc. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 400000 7256 5373 SMET 9177 9102 7355 7256 1545 0108000 Software Development 0079484 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: A New Vibration Mixer for Bone Cement. This SBIR Phase II project is aimed at developing a novel vibration mixer for the mixing of surgical grade bone cement. Self-curing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic bone cement is used extensively in total joint replacements, in the repair of bony defects and in the fixation of pathological fractures. For surgical use, the methylmethacrylate polymer and the liquid monomer are hand mixed. This hand-mixing entraps air bubbles making the cement porous. Presence of these bubbles adversely affects the mechanical properties of bone cement, making it much weaker under load and may contribute to early failure of cemented artificial joints. Results of the Phase I study indicate that ultrasonic vibration during cement mixing significantly reduced its porosity and increased the fatigue life and mechanical strength of bone cement, compared to hand-mixed cement. Recently, it was shown that combining sonication and vacuum mixing reduced the porosity and further improved the fatigue life, compared to either mixing methods alone. During the Phase II study, the frequency and amplitude of sonication and the vacuum pressure to obtain the best mechanical properties of the cement will be optimized. Subsequently, a new cement mixer will be designed and built incorporating these mixing features. It is expected that the improved mechanical properties of vibrated bone cement will reduce the incidence of cement fracture and this will improve the success rate of total joint replacements. Considering that cement mixers are used in several thousand hospitals in the United States alone, we expect this new cement mixer to be adopted by a large number of Orthopaedic surgeons in these hospitals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Saha, Pamela Clinical and Industrial Technology Co SC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 0 5373 OTHR BIOT 9184 9150 9102 5342 0203000 Health 0080012 September 1, 2000 Georgia Tech Proposal to Join PSerc. The Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSerc) is one of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) supported by the National Science Foundation. The mission of the center is to support research activities in electric power systems. PSerc is headquartered at Cornell University. Presently, several corporations support and direct the activities of PSerc. In addition to Cornell, the University of California at Berkeley, Howard University, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Washington State University, Iowa State University and Arizona State University participate in PSerc. The addition of the Georgia Institute of Technology to the participating universities will have many benefits, as outlined in the proposal. The main objective of this proposal is to outline the Georgia Tech research plan within PSerc and to establish a research site for PSerc at Georgia Institute of Technology INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CONTROL, NETWORKS, & COMP INTE IIP ENG Meliopoulos, Athan GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 706240 X943 X672 W351 W242 W004 V915 V105 T846 T313 T194 T752 T543 T479 H232 5761 1518 OTHR HPCC 9139 127E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0080128 August 1, 2000 STTR Phase II: Microsensors for In-Situ, Real-Time Detection and Characterization of Toxic Oganic Substances. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project has as the primary focus the development and commercialization of a novel microsensor for the in-situ, real-time detection of toxic organic chemicals. The proposed microsensor will be capable of operating under field conditions, with sufficient sensitivity to permit high detection rates, and with sufficient selectivity to prevent high false alarm rates. Using a revolutionary photo-thermal concept, the detector will operate with both high chemical selectivity and a less than parts per billion sensitivity. The technological concept of the proposed detector (CalSpec) won the 1998 R&D 100 award. The chemical sensitivity can be substantially enhanced to a less than parts per trillion level by simply operating in an integrating chemical detection mode. The objective of this research is to demonstrate highly specific, sensitive and selective detection of organic chemical compounds and to develop a multichemical detector which can detect toxic organics with concentrations varying from a few parts per thousand to a few parts per trillion. Sensitive monitoring and detection is an area of continuing importance to EPA, DOD, DOE and other federal agencies. The CalSpec detector could be used in a variety of applications, including process monitoring and control, environmental compliance (including emissions monitoring), ambient air monitoring, airport security, personal dosimeters for toxic gases or metal vapor, and smoke and fire constituent detection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Carter, James Panos Datskos Irene Datskou Environmental Engineering Group, Incorporated TN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 448547 5373 1505 BIOT 9107 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0080372 August 15, 2000 STTR Phase II: Optic Fiber Sensors for the Detection of Pathogenic Microorganisms. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project addresses the need for rapid, reliable instrumentation for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food and environmental screening. The proposed system is based on MEMS-based, optical fiber, extrinsic Fabry-Perot (EFPI) biosensors. During Phase I, Luna Innovations (formerly F&S, Inc.) optimized the EFPI sensing platform for refractive index measurements, applied affinity films to measure kinetic binding with specific antibodies and non-hazardous proteins, and integrated the sensors with an inexpensive signal conditioning system for a complete detection combination. The newly developed system is capable of cost effective, robust, operationally simple detection. It is easily adapted to incorporate microfluidics or other sampling system interfaces thereby offering improvements in refractive index measurements, as well as biosensing capabilities. During Phase II, this sensing system will be incorporated with microfluidic sampling systems and used to demonstrate simple detection of proteinacious targets of Escherichi coli and Vibrio cholerae, and will later be expanded for other high priority pathogens found in raw and processed food products, contaminated water and soil, and biological warfare agents. Anticipated Benefits/Potential Commercial Applications of the Research or Development: The prototype system has already generated tremendous interest from many companies involved in refractive index measurements for process control, target screening within the food industry, and other biological research applications. The EFPI as a refractometer has found applications within the beverage industry for milk processing, and the petroleum and chemical industry for distillation processes and concentration monitoring. As a biosensor, the EFPI will find widespread application in multibillion dollar annual markets in food, environmental, medical, and industrial applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG VanTassell, Roger Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 449464 5373 1505 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0080569 December 1, 2000 STTR Phase II: A Microsensor for Rapid Detection of Airborne Endotoxin. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is expected to result in a biosensor based instrument that can reliably and economically capture and measure airborne endotoxin in-situ with better specificity than existing assay methods. Airborne endotoxin has been identified as a major health hazard to both humans and animals in many agricultural and industrial settings. Endotoxins in the environment primarily enter the body through the lung and are difficult to clear. This contributes to the development of respiratory disorders. Regulation of human endotoxin exposure has not been possible to this point since no quick, reliable system exists to measure airborne endotoxin in the field. Current methods of measuring airborne endotoxin involve collecting dust samples in a sterile filter and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis take weeks to receive and have poor specificity to endotoxin. The proposed instrument is expected to provide a more accurate, specific, rapid, and reliable alternative to existing assays for detecting airborne endotoxin in the range of 0.01 mg/m 3 to 20 mg/m 3. Measuring endotoxin levels and subsequent modification of airflow will minimize human endotoxin exposure, and lead to improvement in the respiratory health of workers. A biosensor to detect airborne endotoxin will have commercial applications to protect human health in areas such as livestock confinement and processing facilities, produce storage and processing facilities, cotton processing facilities, waste management facilities, and air quality monitoring of office buildings. Since endotoxin also represents a threat to the health of livestock, particularly swine and poultry, the animal/veterinary sciences market is also expected to be significant. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mileham, Russell Microconversion Technologies Co SD George B. Vermont Standard Grant 449929 9150 1505 BIOT 9150 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0080598 August 15, 2000 STTR Phase II: Cell-Mimic Optical Waveguide Sensor for Real-Time In-Line Biological Pathogen Detection. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop a cell-mimic optical-based biosensor for the real-time detection of foodborne biological pathogen. Five million analytical tests are performed on food annually in the U.S.; unfortunately, current microbiological test methods are time consuming and labor intensive. Intelligent Optical Systems, in collaboration with the Scripps Research Institute, proposes to develop an optical biosensor that mimics a cell membrane that has undergone biological pathogen attack. The response of the cell-mimic biochromatic membrane to the foodborne toxins is sensitive, specific, and instantaneous. During Phase I, the team developed "highly stable" cell-mimic membranes and demonstrated them in two laboratory systems: (1) a cell-mimic optical waveguide sensor (COWS) for "in-line" monitoring, and (2) a cell-mimic optical bead sensor (COBS) for "on-site point detection". These laboratory systems were used to detect foodborne toxins (E. coli-enterotoxin and cholera toxin) with excellent speed (< 1 minute), sensitivity (500 - 1 ng/ml), specificity (molecular receptor), and simplicity (one step). Phase II will focus on optimizing the cell-mimic biochromatic polymers, engineering and field-testing a portable COBS prototype, and extending the tests to other foodborne toxins. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Allan INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 449998 5373 1505 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0080956 June 15, 2000 STTR Phase II: Early Detection and Identification of Individual Pathogenic Microorganisms in Food with a Flow Cytometer. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II Project will demonstrate the real-time detection of single foodborne pathogenic bacteria in a real-world operating environment. SoftRay demonstrated an innovative technique to detect pathogenic microorganisms in Phase I, based on laser-induced fluorescence coupled with flow cytometry. The Phase I research showed conclusively that this approach is feasible, and that the technique has key advantages over current alternatives including it is: 1) capable of detecting single microorganisms (techniques other than immunofluorescent flow cytometry or immunofluorescent microscopic imaging require in excess of 104 microorganisms), 2) able to completely examine a large volume of food or water in real time, 3) intrinsically automatic, and 4) sensitive only to the selected bacteria or viruses. In Phase II, SoftRay will demonstrate a lost-cost, self-contained prototype system for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food or water, including E. coli O157:H7 on beef. This innovative technique is based on laser-induced fluorescence in which a stream of solution containing the microorganisms is labeled with fluorescent probes and is then illuminated with a laser diode (commonly called flow cytometry). The resulting fluorescence is detected with a CCD imager using a novel time-integration scheme. The proposed device will use a simple optical configuration and a laser diode to provide a low-cost, rugged, small, lightweight package that can be used to detect specific, individual bacteria in real time. Key technology objective is to develop a pathogenic bacteria detection technique that can analyze 1 ml of fluid for selected pathogens in less than 1 minute, to a sensitivity of less than 10 pathogenic microorganisms per ml. The result of the Phase I and II project will be the demonstration of a prototype sensor capable of individual microorganism detection of unprecedented sensitivity, selectivity, and speed. This will enable rapid detection of individual specific pathogenic microorganisms in a wide array of applications, including: food processing inspection, clinical applications (such as detection of tuberculosis in sputum), biological warfare defense, and many other situations where single microorganism detection is required. The technique can also be used to detect small numbers of molecules, including explosives and groundwater contaminates. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Shorthill, Richard Paul Johnson SoftRay Incorporated WY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 449988 1505 BIOT 9150 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0083223 August 1, 2000 Relating Field Data to Accelerated Life Testing. This project brings together two NSF I/UCRC's to improve accelerated life testing (ALT) of vehicle electronics. The Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics (CAVE) of Auburn University with partner with the Quality and Reliability Engineering (QRE) Center of Rutgers University and Arizona State University to investigate the relationship between wear, degradation and failure of vehicle controllers as experienced in the field with that expected by the results of ALT conducted in the laboratory. DaimlerChrysler Electronics of Huntsville, Alabama supplies the test bed. Vehicle electronics are subject to stress due to temperature, humidity, cycling and other environmental hazards. The materials that comprise the controllers are susceptible to the effects of corrosion and oxidation. The solder that connects the controller components can crack due to fatigue and creep under high temperature and thermal cycling stresses. These failures affect the performance of the vehicle from slightly to severely. The research of this project will develop a general methodology for specifying accelerated life tests so that they result in an accurate characterization of the degradation and failures that will be experienced in the filed. The failure mechanisms for the assembly materials in field units will be investigated in the development of the accelerated life tests. ALT standards, which new units must pass prior to marketing, will be adequate without being overly conservative, potentially allowing new designs and new materials to be used in vehicle electronics. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Elsayed, Elsayed David Coit Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0083253 October 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Electronic Materials, Devices and Systems. N/A INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG McDaniel, Floyd University of North Texas TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 30000 5761 OTHR 0000 0084648 August 15, 2000 Planning Grant for I/UCRC of Thermal Processing Technology. Thermal processing is a fundamental part of almost all materials manufacturing processes. Thermal processing encompasses a broad range of processes in which heating or cooling are used and during which process the material may undergo some change in internal structure and/or external geometry. The thermal processing industry faces a number of challenges to continued growth and international competitiveness as outlined in a technology road map for the industry, "The 1999 R&D Plan for Heat Treating" published by the Heat Treat Society. This planning grant is to support activities aimed at determining the feasibility of establishing an I/UCRC focused on thermal processing technology. The activities will culminate in a planning meeting with industry to develop a research agenda and commitments for membership. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nash, Philip Robert Foley T. Calvin Tszeng Illinois Institute of Technology IL William S. Butcher Standard Grant 9975 5761 OTHR 0000 0084731 August 1, 2000 CAPPS: Effect of extended cold and cold/acid storage on subsequent heat, acid, and freeze/thaw tolerance and virulence factor expression of Escherichia coli O157:H7. EEC-0084731 Drake This Study will address the effects that extended cold storage conditions such as those encountered in extended shelf life refrigerated foods (cold stress, cold/acid stress) have on subsequent growth characteristics, heat tolerance, acid tolerance, freeze thaw stability, and virulence factor expression of E. coli O157:H7. Studies will be conducted in broth as well as in a model food system, skim milk. A better understanding of the effects of cold storage and cold/acid storage on subsequent growth characteristics and virulence of E. coli O157:H7 will enable design of food processing and storage regimes to minimize risk and will expand knowledge of cold adaptation of this foodborne pathogen. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Drake, MaryAnne Mississippi State University MS Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0084906 August 15, 2000 Planning Activity for The Center for Identification Technology Research. Automated biometric identification systems measure a physiological, behavioral, or biological "signature" from the human body or environment, process and recognize classifiable signal components, and then renders an identification decision based upon the parameters of a given application. Effectively addressing the breadth of needed biometric identification system research from to life sciences to the computing sciences represents a significant challenges to industry and government. The proposed Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR) organizes the activities of faculty groups at four universities spanning the physical, health, and computer sciences and engineering, to effectively address the cross-cutting research needed to advance identification technology and systems in the application domain spanning security/law enforcement, information systems, and public health. CITeR will serve an enabling role in the technical and economic development of this area through research of new enabling technologies, the integrative training of scientists and engineers across its breadth, and the facilitation of the transfer of this technology to the private and government sectors. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hornak, Lawrence West Virginia University Research Corporation WV William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0084994 August 15, 2000 Planning Grant: Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. The mission of the Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing (LPMC) is to develop a science, engineering, and technology base for laser and plasma processing of materials, devices and systems. Laser and Plasma processing of materials is used in various manufacturing sectors such as semiconductor/electronic manufacturing , aerospace, automotive, general manufacturing, life science products, medical device manufacturing. The focus of this center in the area of lasers and plasma processing will include: bulk processing, surface processing, coatings, surface etching and patterning. The center will build upon the on going large number of industrial projects and state supported center for plasma and photon processing at the Applied Research Center. This center will also take full advantage of being sited next to Free Electron Laser Facility of Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The Free Electron Laser Facility is the world's most powerful, tunable laser, currently delivering kilowatt average power in the mid-infrared. The lead institution is Old Dominion University and partner institutions are Christopher Newport University, College of William and Mary and Norfolk State University (historically black college and university). INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gupta, Mool Old Dominion University Research Foundation VA William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 5761 MANU 9146 0085639 September 1, 2000 Interaction Mechanism of imidazoline inhibitors with C-steel in corrosion product layer (CPL) evolution in multiphase CO2 corrosion. This award provides funding for a one-year Research Opportunity Award to the University of Florida to work on a joint research project with the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Corrosion in Multiphase Technology at Ohio University. This interdisciplinary research program will focus on inhibitor/steel interactions and its effect on the chemistry and morphology of corrosion product layers. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Seal, Sudipta University of Central Florida FL Mary Poats Standard Grant 31000 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9232 9178 0000 0086047 February 15, 2001 A Proposal for the collaboration between the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the NSF I/UCRC in Ergonomics at Texas A&M University. This award provides funding for a two-year collaborative project between the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Ergonomics at Texas A&M University and Professor Arun Garg from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The purpose of this proposal is to expand the intellectual capital of selected research projects at the Ergonomics I/UCRC through Dr. Garg's participation in several research projects. Dr. Garg will contribute to these projects by interacting with the students, faculty, and industrial partners on the design, analysis and interpretation of the selected studies. The expected outcome of the proposed collaboration would include higher quality research in ergonomics at the Center which should enhance the Center's reputation both in the scientific community as well as in industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Garg, Arun University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WI Mary Poats Standard Grant 31234 5761 OTHR 9232 0000 0086182 September 1, 2000 Multiuniversity I/U CRC for Membrane Applied Science and Technology at the University of Cincinnati. EEC-0086182 Krantz This proposal will initiate a second site at the University of Cincinnati of the NSF I/UCRC for Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST) that was established at the University of Colorado in 1990. The MAST Center has focused on polymeric and inorganic membrane formation, catalytic membranes, and membrane fouling and characterization. The proposed MAST site at the University of Cincinnati will complement the Colorado site via thrusts in biomedical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, paper industry, and personal home care product applications of membranes. The University of Cincinnati has commitments in the amount of $160,000 from four sponsors and has an expression of interest from 14 additional companies and government laboratories. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Krantz, William Sun-Tak Hwang University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0086218 September 1, 2000 Biosurface Contact and Bioadhesion Studies Using AFM: A RUI Project. Over a two year period, the research will focus on Biosurface Contact and Bioadhesion Studies Using Atomic Force Microscopy, using fungal spores. Other aspects of the research will address monocyte and hepatocyte adhesion to reference substrata. Surface characterization expertise at UB will supplement the research performed by Towson and Frostburg undergraduates and faculty. IUCB colleagues at the U.S. Army Biotechnology Program and at the US FDA Division of Mechanics and Materials also will participate in the program. In addition to providing quantitative, time dependent evaluations of hepatocyte, monocyte, and fungal spore attachment strengths to different substrata, this study will produce techniques that can be applied to other applications involving cell and/or particle adhesion. These techniques could be applied to the dental and medical industries, as well as environmental health issues of the paint and xerography industies. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Baier, Robert SUNY at Buffalo NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 56000 5761 OTHR 0000 0086508 September 1, 2000 SINTERING OF MULTILAYERED CERAMIC FILMS: LARGE-SCALE MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS ON PARALLEL COMPUTERS. EEC-0086508 Vashishta The goal of this project is to understand atomistic processes involved in the constrained sintering of multilayered ceramic films and the mechanical properties of the sintered systems using large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. Research will focus on 1) ceramic/ceramic interfaces involving, Si3N4, SiC, and Al2O3 with amorphous SiO2 interlayers; and 2) sintering in laminated multilayer films consisting of nanoparticles of these ceramics with glassy coating. The objectives are to investigate: structure, stresses, friction, and debonding at interfaces; effects of thermal-expansion mismatch/anisotropy, nanoparticle size, and interfacial glassy layers on sintering; residual stress distribution; and delamination. Algorithms will be designed to carry out multiscale simulations combining the coarse-grained MD and the finite element methods in a metacomputing environment with multiple parallel machines, mass storage devices, and immersive and interactive virtual environments on a Grid with high speed networks. The proposed research will have significant impact on new multilayer ceramic integrated circuit technologies in the electronic industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Vashishta, Priya Aiichiro Nakano Rajiv Kalia Louisiana State University & Agricultural and Mechanical College LA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0086534 August 15, 2000 Precision Manufacturing for High Density Servo Motors. The Electromechanical Systems Laboratory (EMSyL) is an existing consortium composed of the University of Alabama, Auburn University, the University of Tulsa, Shelton State Community College (with HBCU status), and the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. The EMSyL industrial partners are: Bartronics (minority owned), Honeywell, T.B. Kim Technologies International, Lockheed Martin, Moog, and Preco Industries. The federal partners in EMSyL are Oak Ridge National Laboratories and NASA - Glenn Research Center. The consortium is presently in the first year of a two-year NSF/EPSCoR standard grant. EMSyL represents a vast collection of resources, both human and capital, that provides a unique opportunity to tackle the complex issues associated with the proliferation of electromechanical systems in industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Haskew, Timothy Robert Scharstein University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 47450 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0086554 September 1, 2000 Optoelectronic Devices, Interconnects, and Packaging (COEDIP Center). The University of Arizona and the University of Maryland are proposing the renewal of their successful joint Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), entitled "The Center for Optoelectronic Devices Interconnect and Packaging (COEDIP)" under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation. The Center was created five years ago to promote collaborative research between the two Universities and industries based on their strengths in the field of optoelectronics components, packaging and interconnection. The major goals of the Center are: - To promote collaboration and joint projects between the two universities; - To transfer new technology developed within each university to their industrial partners; and - To train highly qualified students and promote their interaction with industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Christou, Aristos University of Maryland College Park MD Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 139000 5761 AMPP 9165 0090319 September 1, 2000 New Dimensions in Post Occupancy Evaluation Using the Web. Post Occupancy Evaluations have been used to provide technical feedback to designers, developers, owners, operations, tenants and researchers following completion of newly constructed buildings and provide a basis for identifying research needs. They are an invaluable source of information for improving the design and performance of buildings. Surveys allow designers, developers, owners, operators and tenants to objectively gauge which building services and design features are working and which aren't. This project will evaluate whether a new, web-based survey instrument can provide these groups with a more robust performance analysis at a lower cost than existing methods. IIP ENG Arens, Edward University of California-Berkeley CA William S. Butcher Standard Grant 71999 X719 W014 OTHR 0000 0090393 October 1, 2000 A Partnership for Innovation: Promoting Education and Research in Nanofabrication Applications to Biology and Medicine. 0090393 Wormley This award is to The Pennsylvania State University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include the Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology Partnership, which includes the Pennsylvania State University, industry in Pennsylvania, 14 Community Colleges, and several public school districts. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include formation of an associates degree to train associate degree workforce in nanotechnology, biology, and medicine for the biomedical industry; assessment of the needs of industry for their workforce; curriculum development; research for industry. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the program include training a well-qualified workforce for the emerging nanotechnology field (biological and medically related). The range of academe involved goes from high school to community colleges to the Pennsylvania State University. The proposed effort should stimulate economic activity in the private sector creating jobs and economic well being in the state. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcomes include a trained workforce to attract and enable biotech industry; research infusion to provide technical assistance to new and emerging companies; state-of-the-art facilities for research and education. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society include creation of new high tech jobs for all levels and all classes of people in the state and general economic well being in the state in emerging biotechnology and biomedical fields. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Wormley, David Stephen Fonash Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0090422 February 15, 2001 Great Plains Rapid Prototyping Consortium. 0090422 Maleki This award is to South Dakota State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are South Dakota State University; Daktronics, Inc; Falcon Plastics, Inc; MTR, Inc. Proposed Activities The activities of this award include support for education; product development; research in rapid prototyping; technology transfer; developing a rapid prototyping facility at the university; product design; assistance in rapid prototyping to small industries in the region. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals include transfer of the latest research in rapid prototyping to medium and small manufacturing firms in the state. The proposed activities will bring an important capability to a region that needs to develop more technology-based manufacturing. This activity will make the region more attractive to businesses and manufacturing firms and make the existing firms more competitive nationally. The educational component will provide a technologically literate workforce at the engineering level. Potential Economic Impact The rapid prototyping facility will provide a laboratory for education of engineers in South Dakota, provide the economic benefits for small companies in the region who cannot afford to own the facilities, provide technical support for emerging small manufacturing firms in the region. The facility should be self-sustaining by year four by membership fees. Potential Societal Impact The activity will provide more high tech manufacturing jobs for the state, and raise income in a region that has lagged the nation. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Brown, Lewis South Dakota State University SD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599898 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0090427 February 1, 2001 Institute for Emerging Technologies: Strategic Technology Education for Non-Tech Majors. 0090427 Harris This award is to the University of Central Oklahoma to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners in this award include the University of Central Oklahoma; Edmond Economic Development Authority; Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center; Pinnacle Business Systems, Inc; Main Street Enterprises; Executive Women's Forum; Edmond Public Schools; Capitol Hill High School; Latino Community Development Agency. Proposed Activities The activities in this award include education of a workforce in computer technology-related fields; enhancement of faculty technology skills for information technology; summer internships for faculty and students in private sector; scholarships to the University of Central Oklahoma for high school students for technology training and internships in industry. Industry will provide mentors for interns. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the award are to provide increased computer-related skills for high school and college graduates for central Oklahoma to enable innovation in information technology. Hispanics, women, and African American student populations will be targeted. Interactions with industry partners will make the education and training relevant to the needs of the private sector in central Oklahoma. Potential Economic Impact Potential economic outcomes include thirty percent more technologically-competent students, including 20% more women and/or minorities will complete a higher-education offering technological training for high tech industry, as well as training for computer skills for non-computer majors at the University of Central Oklahoma. Potential Societal Impact Potential benefits to society from this activity include increased skills for under-represented groups to allow them to compete in the job market in information technology. Resulting economic activity will increase available jobs in the area. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Harris, David Steve Kreidler University of Central Oklahoma OK Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599267 1662 OTHR 0000 0090437 October 1, 2000 Maryland Technology Partnership for Innovation (MTPI). 0090437 DeLoach This award is to Morgan State University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include Morgan State University; Maryland Technology Development Corporation; Baltimore Development Corporation's Emerging Technology Center; Chesapeake Bay Regional Technical Center of Excellence; Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation. Proposed Activities The activities include technology transfer; business incubation; education and workforce development; strengthening local economies in targeted economically distressed communities; utilization of science and technology of federal laboratories in Maryland. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals are creation of economic wealth through technology transfer of research and development in the universities and federal laboratories in Maryland to create new companies and new jobs; creation of infrastructure to enable innovation; strong emphasis on education and training. Potential Economic Impact The activities will provide general economic well being in both rural (Maryland Eastern Shore) and urban (Baltimore and Prince George County) areas to reach under-represented groups. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society include involvement of under-represented groups in the innovation enterprise in both rural and urban areas by creating new companies and new jobs for the disadvantaged and provision of the needed training to enable innovation and empower people to create economic well being; higher paying jobs in the region. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG DeLoatch, Eugene LeeRoy Bronner Phillip Singerman Morgan State University MD Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 667500 1662 OTHR 0000 0090472 February 1, 2001 Advanced Polymer Materials for Construction and Aquaculture Marketing Development. This award is to The University of West Virginia to support the activity described below for a period of 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnernerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners University of Akron; Kansas/West Virginia Structural Composites, Inc.; West Virginia Department of Highways; Transportation Research Board; U.S Department of Agriculture Proposed Activities The proposed activities include: develop, manufacture, implement, field-test, and market novel honeycomb fiber-reinforced polymer sandwich composite materials for applications in civil infrastructure and aquaculture industries, with particular emphasis on highway bridge decks, guardrail systems, and modular fish culture tanks for use with impaired mine water supplies in rugged terrain. Kansas/West Virginia Structural Composites, Inc is in the process of establishing a manufacturing plant close to the West Virginia University campus. The program will include cost-effective innovations for manufacturing technologies; concurrent optimization of materials and design; prototype development and evaluation; product implementation and marketing; work-force training and curriculum development; technology transfer. The initial effort will emphasize development and marketing of bridge decks, guardrail systems, and modular fish culture tanks. Feasibility studies and field implementation studies are being supported by West Virginia Department of Highways, Transportation Board, and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Proposed Innovation The proposed innovation includes: technology transfer of new knowledge of composite materials to improve highway civil infrastructure and to create technology for aquaculture for economic enterprise (fish farming) and food production, as well as education of engineers in design with new materials for civil infrastructure. Potential Economic Impact Estimated income from fish aquaculture is $12M annual sales ($4.6M annual income) and includes approximately 300 new jobs. Highway materials are targeted to a potential percentage of the $1T civil infrastructure market. West Virginia estimates that 40% of the highway bridges are in immediate need of repair. Potential Societal Impact Potentail societal impact includes increased food production, jobs, and improved highway safety. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI STRUCTURAL MATERIALS AND MECH IIP ENG Davalos, Julio Allen Cogley Pizhong Qiao Karl Barth Roger Viadero West Virginia University Research Corporation WV Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 597378 9150 1662 1635 OTHR 0000 0090474 February 15, 2001 Distance Education Delivery for Isolated Rural Communities: A Contingency Approach. 0090474 Scott This award is to Ilisagvik College to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include California Virtual Campus, Bay Area Region 1; Lewis-Clark State College; Northwest Indian College; Phillips Community College; Arctic Slope Regional Corporation; North Slope Borough Office of the Mayor; Alaska Growth Capital; Arctic Development Council; Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska; Interior Athabascan Tribal College; Tanana Chiefs Conference. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include delivery of post-secondary education to Alaska Natives living in intensely rural villages, typically far off the road system, with unemployment rates 3-5 times the national average; develop, test, and refine a situational model for distance education that takes into account variables for indigenous communities; combine distance learning with technical assistance for entrepreneurs and job placement services to develop Alaska's rural economy; assess occupational demand in the region; determine the skill levels of the workers; design and deliver two rounds of distance learning; provide small business training and technical assistance; assess the emerging model and disseminate the learnings. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the award include providing distance training to prepare workers for job demands in remote Alaska; providing small business training and technical assistance; research and development of models for remote education in rural indigenous populations; enablement of increased business and job opportunities in rural Alaska. Potential Economic Impact The economic outcomes for this award include increased skills and technical assistance for small business in rural Alaska, as well as increased jobs and business training and opportunity. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society from this award include involvement of indigenous tribal population in a rural environment in job training and opportunity, plus creation of increased wealth in remote Alaska. DIGITAL SOCIETY&TECHNOLOGIES ARCTIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ARCTIC RESRCH SUPPRT & LOGISTI CISE RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Bartholomew, Courtneay Curt Madison Ilisagvik College AK Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 573662 6850 5208 5205 2885 1662 1340 OTHR 0000 0090517 February 1, 2001 Partnership for Innovation (PFI) to Enhance Puerto Rico's Economic Development. 0090517 Gomez This award is to the University of Puerto Rico to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include the University of Puerto Rico; Inter American University of Puerto Rico; Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico; Industry/University Research Consortium; Chamber of Commerce; Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association; venture capital; incubator facilities. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include workforce development; improved access to new knowledge for companies; creation of infrastructure for innovation; development of a strategic plan for innovation for Puerto Rico. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals include development of entrepreneurial skills in the workforce; integration of research and education; technology transfer to create new companies; creation of the infrastructure for innovation in Puerto Rico; development of a strategic plan for innovation in Puerto Rico; creation of new jobs and a technologically literate workforce. Potential Economic Impact This activity should have the following outcomes: general economic well being with new start-up companies and new high tech jobs for the citizens of Puerto Rico. Potential Societal Impact This activity should provide new jobs and economic well being for under-represented groups. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Gomez, Manuel Brad Weiner Winston Liang Victor Rivera University of Puerto Rico PR Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599997 1662 1340 OTHR 0000 0090518 February 1, 2001 Low Cost RTM Based Carbon/Carbon Composites for Automotive to Space Applications. 0090518 Shivakumar This award is to North Carolina A&T State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners North Carolina A&T State University; 3-TEX Inc.; General Electric Aircraft Engine Group (Cincinnati, OH); NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH) Proposed Activities The activities include commercial technology development and work-force advancement; commercial development; attract minority students to graduate programs; launching new start-up companies; licensing technology for transfer to existing businesses. Proposed Innovation Carbon/carbon composites are being developed for ion thruster optics and other ion thrusters for deep space flight engines, bearing cages for large and small aircraft engines, valves for internal combustion engines, textile products, and sports equipment. Potential Economic Impact The current market for these materials is not known at this time, but the potential market for engines for commercial aircraft is very large. The combination of small business to manufacture the components, a large aircraft engine manufacturing company, and NASA produces a partnership that has the potential to sustain the economic enterprise for the short-term future. Once manufacturing produces a product for a reasonable market price, additional applications may arise. Potential Societal Impact North Carolina A&T is a historically African-american institution. The program would increase the number of African-american engineers with BS and post-graduate degrees in the US. The economic activity has the potential to create new markets and new jobs. URBAN SYSTEMIC PROGRAM PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI MATERIALS PROCESSING AND MANFG IIP ENG Shivakumar, Kunigal Earnestine Psalmonds North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University NC Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 614961 7347 1662 1467 SMET OTHR 9177 1662 0000 0090521 October 1, 2000 Innovation Networks: A Strategy of the Regional Technology Alliance. 0090521 Byron This award is to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Massachusetts Ventures Corporation; Springfield Technical Community College; Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts; Kollmorgen Aerospace and Defense Group; Rexam Image Products; Western Massachusetts Electric Company; Western Massachusetts Software Company; Mass Ventures Equity Fund; National Collegiate Innovators and Inventors Association. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include: establishment of enabling innovation networks; technology exchange; entrepreneurship activities; commercialization; workforce development; capitalization on the strengths in research in polymer science, computer science, chemical engineering, environmental technology, and electrical engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to integrate research and education and transfer technology. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the award are to capitalize on the strong intellectual output from the University of Massachusetts to start new economic activities in western Massachusetts, which has not benefited from the economic well being of the eastern part of the state and to establish new businesses in telecommunications, and manufacturing. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcome includes formation and fostering of early stage companies; to establish a collaborative infrastructure to help isolated companies; to increase public and private investment in targeted areas. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society include creation of new wealth through creation of new companies and new jobs, training of a technologically literate workforce with higher paying job opportunities. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Byron, Frederick Shaw Ling Hsu Jerome Schaufeld Allan Blair Thomas Holland University of Massachusetts Amherst MA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 596309 1662 OTHR 0000 0090523 October 1, 2000 Models for Better Academic-Industrial Partnerships to Create Value from Concepts. 0090523 Kohn This award is to Rutgers University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are Rutgers University; University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Institute of Technology; New Jersey Center for Biomaterials, which includes 15 industrial members. Proposed Activities The activities in this award include implementation and evaluation of better models for academic-industrial partnerships; improved business assessment and planning tools for the innovation process; development of marketable technology from underutilized intellectual property within the industrial sector; engage faculty from business school entrepreneurship programs and public policy departments; education of graduate students in innovation and entrepreneurship. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals are the implementation and evaluation of better models for innovation including Technology Enablement Partnership (TEP) and Virtual Research Organization (VRO). TEP model is for more efficient utilization of underdeveloped intellectual property within the academic sector by improved business assessment and planning. VRO is for development of marketable technology from underutilized intellectual property within the industrial sector by novel interactions with academia. Business schools and public policy departments are participating, as well as scientific and engineering departments from academia. Business and government agencies complete the partnerships with their traditional strengths. The models and their evaluations will be disseminated through normal channels plus a public Innovation Workshop. Potential Economic Impact Workforce needs for innovation in the form of graduate student education will provide the infrastructure to enable innovation in the biomaterials sector. The models will be evaluated and the results will be disseminated. Any business enterprises from the commercialization activities will also have economic impact. Potential Societal Impact Biomaterials have many applications that will be important to medicine and public health. In addition, new jobs in the technology sector will be a benefit in New Jersey. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Kohn, Joachim Joseph Seneca Michael Jaffe William Adams Bozena Michniak Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599344 1662 OTHR 0000 0090526 February 15, 2001 "Room temperature infrared lasers based on rare earth doped CaGa2Se4". 0090526 Poole This award is to Fisk University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners Fisk University; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL); Coherent Technologies Incorporated (CTI) Proposed Activities Fisk University will grow crystals; LLNL will evaluate the crystals; CTI will build the laser systems. Proposed Innovation The primary application for these laser devices is as transmitters for eyesafe active remote sensors. These sensors are used for a variety of commercial applications including pollution monitoring, atmospheric trace gas monitoring and meteorological studies and wind sensing (lidar systems for aircraft to detect clear air turbulence). CTI has a proposed plan to obtain funding for development of markets for future developments with these laser materials. Potential Economic Impact The proposal does not assess the economic impact, although the potential applications and companies that could participate in the marketing of the products are identified. The primary applications for these lasers is as transmitters for eyesafe active remote sensors used for pollution monitoring, atmospheric trace gas monitoring, meteorological studies, and wind sensing (clear air turbulence). The potential applications range from aircraft safety to air quality and pollution monitoring and control. Education of African American students, especially in engineering is another strong benefit to society. Potential Societal Impact The technology will contribute to public safety, air pollution monitoring etc. In addition, the number of African Americans with both undergraduate and graduate degrees will increase. The strength of the research and education of this institution will be increased. DMR SHORT TERM SUPPORT PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI INTEGRATIVE SYSTEMS OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY AC IIP ENG Poole, Robert Arnold Burger Fisk University TN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599778 1712 1662 1519 1253 OTHR 0000 0090536 February 1, 2001 A Partnership for Innovations in Nanocomposites Technology. 0090536 Jeelani This award is to Tuskegee University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are Tuskegee University; Auburn University; Nanotek Instruments; Advanced Composites Technologies and Associates (ACTA). Proposed Activities Nanotek will supply nano particles and fibers. Auburn University will develop process technology and microstructural characterization of the materials. Tuskegee University will incorporate the fibers and particles into composites and characterize the materials performance. ACTA will assist Tuskegee and fabricate isogrid cylinders through filament winding. The sole use for these cylinders at this time is for space applications via NASA. Proposed Innovation The proposed innovation is development and commercialization of high tech nano composites for isogrid cylinders for space applications. Potential Economic Impact The Space industry is the sole market at the moment. However, there are other potential applications if the current partners expand their vision and mix of partners. Potential Societal Impact The lead institution is a historically african-american institution. Involvement in the economic enterprise would have a good impact, especially if the partners pursue other potential applications. Increasing the number of african-american scientists and engineers with graduate degrees will be a major outcome. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES URBAN SYSTEMIC PROGRAM DMR SHORT TERM SUPPORT PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI MATERIALS AND SURFACE ENG OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY AC IIP ENG Jeelani, Shaik Hassan Mahfuz Derrick Dean Tuskegee University AL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 612072 9150 7347 1712 1662 1633 1253 SMET OTHR 9177 0000 0090556 February 1, 2001 Advanced Materials for PEM-based Fuel Cell Systems. 0090556 McGrath This award is to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Virginia Commonwealth University; Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS); Acadia Elastomers; United Technologies; ChemFab; Dais Analytic; BPAmoco; Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL); Grambling University; Hampton University. Proposed Activities The activities in this award are systems engineering analysis of membrane electrode assembly of fuel cell stacks; predictive modeling of materials durability; synthesis and characterization of new polymers for electrodes; summer intern education programs; modeling and reliability testing; scale-up from materials, models, processing to prototype; technology transfer to industrial partners; commercialization. Proposed Innovation Fuel cells have been in existence for over one hundred years, but they are not economical or reliable enough for commercialization. Materials that operate at higher temperatures and increased efficiency for thousands of hours are needed. Reliability modeling and lifetime prediction models are being investigated. This will allow expansion of the technology to other systems. Once fuel cells become economically competitive, the potential commercialization is enormous. Quiet, clean, reliable, mobile power generation will have a huge range of applications with a large potential economic market. Potential Economic Impact Fuel cells have potential for clean generation of electrical power, but the materials available currently are not adequate for reliable, long-life high temperature economic operation. Inclusion of under-represented minorities in graduate programs is important. Long-term sustainability is assured if economic, reliable fuel cells can be made. Potential Societal Impact Two of the partners are historically african-american colleges. An increase in the number of african-american scientists and engineers with graduate degrees would be a major outcome. Clean generation of electrical power would be a major societal impact. PROJECTS DMR SHORT TERM SUPPORT PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY AC IIP ENG McGrath, James Kenneth Reifsnider Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 649965 1978 1712 1662 1253 OTHR 9251 0000 0090559 February 1, 2001 AzPATH-A Partnership for Housing Innovation in Arizona. 0090559 Bashford This award is to Arizona State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are Arizona State University; Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing; Home Building Association in Central Arizona; Del Webb Corporation; Pulte Homes; Eagle Homes; Trend Homes; Maracay Homes; Gateway Community College. Proposed Activities The partners are doing the following: identification of challenges faced by home builders where technology could change the process significantly; identification of technologies to address the challenges; research on new materials, products, and processes (especially where manufacturing can lower cost and increase quality); modeling and simulation of home construction; develop prototypes and work techniques to apply them; education/training of a workforce to use the new building technology developed. Proposed Innovation Housing is the industry that missed the innovation revolution in America. The industry is mature and extremely fragmented, making innovation very difficult. The proposed innovation activities include research and a management plan to incorporate new materials, manufacturing practice with obvious economic and quality control benefits, training of skilled craftsmen, energy savings, and modification of building codes could modernize the house construction industry with enormous savings for the US economy. Potential Economic Impact The following economic impacts are likely: improve durability and reduce maintenance costs for new homes by 50% by 2010; reduce cost of new homes by 20% by 2010; reduce energy costs by 50%; increased safety of construction workers. The housing industry is a huge driver in the national economy. Potential Societal Impact Active recruitment of Hispanics through chamber of commerce activities and Gateway Community College will help provide opportunity for this group to participate in the program. Affordable and maintainable housing will provide obvious benefits to all Americans, especially Americans who can afford custom homes. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI STRUCTURAL MATERIALS AND MECH IIP ENG Bashford, Howard Peter Crouch Kenneth Walsh Anil Sawhney Arizona State University AZ Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 1635 OTHR 0000 0090569 October 1, 2000 Upstate Alliance for Innovation. 0090569 Boyd This award is to the Rochester Institute of Technology to support the activity described below for 27 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for the award include Rochester Institute of Technology; the City of Buffalo; the City of Rochester; High Tech of Rochester; IP.com; State University of New York at Buffalo; University of Rochester; Western New York Technology Development Center. Proposed Activities The activities of this award include creation of an infrastructure for commercialization; creation of business start-ups; encouragement of academic patenting; establishment of regional practices to foster innovation; training of entrepreneurial experts who understand intellectual property, formulation of business start-up models; and development of community economic development resources; establishment of the infrastructure to connect university researchers, administrators, technology transfer offices, business builders, and venture capitalists to enable the innovation process. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals are to build the infrastructure to enable innovation connecting the universities to all of the other key elements in the innovation process; to train leaders in innovation; to start new businesses to create regional wealth. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcomes include increased patents and business start-ups (10-15 new ones); increased collaborative research; assessment of invention potential; education on intellectual property. Proposed Societal Impact Potential benefits to society include creation of new jobs and new regional business; involvement of under-represented groups in leadership positions in the economic enterprise of the region. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Boyd, Donald Mark Coburn Marjorie Zack Jerry McGuire Rochester Institute of Tech NY Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 643874 1662 OTHR 0000 0090578 October 1, 2000 The Kansas City Regional Innovation Alliance. 0090578 MacQuarrie This award is to the University of Missouri Kansas City to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include the University of Missouri Kansas City; University of Kansas Medical Center Research Institute; Kansas City Life Sciences Institute; University of Missouri Columbia; Midwest Research Institute; Center for Business innovation. Proposed Activities The activities in this award include training scientists, business people and graduate students in technology-based entrepreneurship; developing and implementing a system for identifying and evaluating new discoveries and technologies that may have commercial value; developing a supporting infrastructure to foster and sustain innovation; commercialization. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals include education of scientists, businesspeople, and graduate students in technology-based entrepreneurship and creation of a regional partnership for innovation that enables transformation of knowledge in life sciences into innovations that create new wealth. A system to identify ideas that have commercial potential will be developed. A supporting infrastructure to foster and sustain innovation to commercialization will also be developed. Potential Economic Impact Education of personnel plus technology transfer that might lead to economic activity will have significant economic impacts. Proposed Societal Impact Innovations that benefit health care will result. Training of personnel for high tech jobs in the health care industry and new jobs in the health care industry will result. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG MacQuarrie, Ronald David Bodde Thomas Sharpe University of Missouri-Kansas City MO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0090582 February 1, 2001 Rapid Product Development in International Production. 0090582 Chen This award is to the University of Texas Pan American to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include the University of Texas Pan American; Michigan State University; Instituto Technologico Y De Estudios Superiores de Monterrey; General Electric Engine Services; Bissell; TRW; Automation Tooling Systems; Alpine Electronics. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include a University/Industry/Economic Development Partnership to facilitate the process of taking academic research into product design and development. The target region is the US/Mexico border near Brownsville, Texas (predominantly Hispanic population with high unemployment-up to 20%), which is rapidly evolving from agriculture to industry. The program provides internship for students in industry for design projects, virtual international design teams, technical support for small and medium businesses, experience and expertise in rapid product development, interdisciplinary teams (computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering), and experience for students in a global environment. Another goal is promotion of economic development in an impoverished region with a large under-represented minority population. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for this award include integration of university research and education to provide technical assistance for small and medium industry, education of a technologically literate workforce at the university level to enable innovation, creation of new industries, creation of new jobs, providing economic well-being in an impoverished region Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcomes include producing graduate engineers with experience in rapid product development in an international setting; creation of new industries and new jobs; providing technical assistance to small and medium companies. Potential Societal Impact This activity has the following potential benefits to society: economic wealth, jobs and workforce training to increase wages in an impoverished region, increased participation of Hispanic persons in the economic enterprise. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI ENGINEERING DESIGN AND INNOVAT IIP ENG Villarreal, John Miguel Gonzalez University of Texas - Pan American TX Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 589216 1662 1464 OTHR 0000 0090595 February 1, 2001 North Carolina Technology Development Initiative: A Novel Approach to Assess, Disseminate and Test a University/Venture Capital/Incubator Partnership Model. 0090595 Lea This award is to the University of North Carolina System to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include the University of North Carolina System; Centennial Venture Partners Fund; Longleaf Venture Fund; NC Technological Development Authority; NC Biotechnology Center; Research Triangle Institute; NC Board of Science and Technology; NC Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology; NC Economic Development Regions. Proposed Activities This award has the following activities: education; invention prospecting; technology assessment; intellectual property management; business development planning and fundability assessment; license negotiations; venture capital networking; strategic planning for involving the entire University of North Carolina system. Proposed Innovation The proposed activities will study technology transfer in a multi-institutional setting to develop models for improved tech transfer methods. It will involve characterization of successful technology transfer, develop a training program to facilitate faculty understanding of technology transfer, enhance innovation, develop a model to optimize the capability of each campus type to work with the state's science and technology infrastructure to manage intellectual property for the economic development of the state. Potential Economic Impact General increase in economic well being in North Carolina plus more involvement of the University of North Carolina System in the innovation process will occur. Potential Societal Impact Potential societal impacts include more economic growth for the region; jobs for university graduates; higher salaries for the underdeveloped regions of the state. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG lea, russ University of North Carolina General Administration Office NC Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 535766 1662 OTHR 0000 0090596 February 1, 2001 INNOVATION INCUBATOR: Flaming the Sparks of Creativity. 0090596 Loewer This award is to the University of Arkansas to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners in this award include the University of Arkansas; several venture capitalists; Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. Proposed Activities The activities in this award are creation of business start-ups at the campus incubator; advancing discovery and education in microelectronics and photonics; technology transfer; providing technical and business expertise to start-up companies. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals include providing the infrastructure to fill the gap between university research and commercialization in the form of an on-campus incubator in nano and microelectronics and photonics, and education of students in entrepreneurial activities. Potential Economic Impact The potentials economic impacts include increased success for small start-up ventures because of nurturing of small companies by faculty expertise; a workforce trained in entrepreneurial activities; an active partnership between the schools of engineering and business. The number of small businesses and jobs in the region will increase. Potential Societal Impact Small firms will be able to utilize the resources of the university including space, facilities, faculty and students. The workforce in the region will become technologically literate and have more jobs available for their skills. The number of african-american graduates in science and engineering will increase. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI INTEGRATIVE SYSTEMS IIP ENG Loewer, Otto Gregory Salamo Ken Vickers John Ahlen University of Arkansas AR Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 499657 1662 1519 OTHR 0000 0090616 February 1, 2001 Caltech Entrepreneurial Fellows Program. 0090616 Murray This award is to California Institute of Technology to support the activity described below for 30 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners Partners for the partnership include California Institute of Technology; Art Center College of Design; State government through Business Technology Center incubator; private industry. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include creation of post-degree entrepreneurial fellowships with the goal of preparing students previously trained in science or design to adapt their skills to the development of commercial products in the start-up environment; training in entreperneurialship (business plan, develop engineering prototypes; financial sources, etc); industrial partner mentor program. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the award include education of entrepreneurial leaders who have primary graduate and post-graduate education in science and engineering; formation of start-up high tech companies; development of educational modules for entrepreneurial courses for export to other universities. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcomes include teaching modules for export to other schools; spin-off companies; network of entrepreneurs and industry partners; graduates in science and technology with entrepreneurial training for leadership roles in the private sector. Potential Societal Impact The major benefit to society from this award will be the creation of high tech jobs and an education methodology for training future leaders in an innovative society. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Murray, Richard John Ledyard Kenneth Pickar California Institute of Technology CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 597246 1662 1340 OTHR 0000 0090635 October 1, 2000 Farm and Ornamental Fish. 0090635 Hatch This award is to the University of Idaho to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include the University of Idaho; Clear Springs Food; Rangan Feeds; SeaPac; Fish Breeders of Idaho; Tribal Fish Commission; US Fish and Wildlife Service; Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Boise State University; Idaho State University; Washington State University; University of Idaho at Hagerman. Proposed Activities The activities include research on aquaculture; development of broodstock for specific aquaculture needs; development of feeds that meet requirements of environmental protection and aquaculture; technology transfer; education and training in biology, nutrition, genetics. Proposed Innovation The collaborating representatives involving scientists from universities, native American tribes, industry, and government all associated independently with different aquaculture affiliated programs or products will bring the components that supply, produce manage, regulate, and market fish, fish feeds, and recreation to resolve the problems facing aquaculture to create an expanded industry. Potential Economic Impact Fish products account for $11B in the US trade deficit (the US imports 65% of the annual fish food consumption). The world supply of fish products is limited, requiring aquaculture to meet the growing demand. Environmental concerns over wastes from current aquaculture will be costly and will need addressing. Sport fishing and fish for aquarium hobbyists also have a large economic base that can benefit from the results of this innovation activity. Potential Societal Impact Increased capacity to provide fish as a foodstuff will require aquaculture for an increasing societal demand. Clean water from the "waste" products from the aquaculture industry will have environmental impact. Sport fishing for recreation is another societal benefit. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Hatch, Charles Ernest Brannon Ronald Hardy Madison Powell University of Idaho ID Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 564709 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0090959 February 1, 2001 Synergistic Electronic Commerce (SynreCom) Partnership for Innovation. 0090959 Sera This award is to Texas A&M University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service; Edgewood ISD, San Antonio School District; Our Lady of the Lake University; TEKSA Innovations Corporation; San Antonio Day Care Providers. Proposed Activities The award supports the following activities: formation of minority-lead entrepreneurial teams to form and assist small businesses; provide e-commerce capability for small business; job training (computer training) for at-risk students; provide business management tools, including incubation support, to small minority-owned small businesses. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals of this award include formation of minority-led entrepreneurial teams to assist formation and growth of small business in the San Antonio area; enablement of economic growth by providing e-commerce capability of small businesses, especially minority owned businesses; providing incubator services where needed; providing workforce training for at-risk under-represented groups and providing job opportunities for them in small companies. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic benefits from this award includes a wide range of outcomes, such as job training and job placement for under-represented, at-risk of poverty groups by creation of new business and new jobs. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society include education and training for at-risk under-represented minorities; creation of business opportunities for minority-owned small businesses; creation of new employment opportunities for minorities. THEORY OF COMPUTING PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Sera, Gary George Bennett Texas Engineering Extension Service TX Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 598347 2860 1662 OTHR 0000 0090978 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Semi-Automatically Constructing Wrappers to Access Internet-Based Information Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on developing technology for semi-automatically creating wrappers that extract data from semi-structured web pages. The key innovation is a bootstrapping method for wrapper generation, so that experience in wrapping previous sites can be automatically re-used to minimize the effort required to wrap new sites. The proposed technology will make it practical to create thousands of highly accurate wrappers almost completely automatically, creating new opportunities for web-based information integration. The proposed technology will enable Fetch Technologies to scale our current wrapper generation technology far beyond what his now practical. Thousands of Internet services create value for their users by aggregating and integrating information from Internet sources. The proposed technology will make these types of services radically simpler to implement. Applications include portal sites, comparison shopping services, auction sites, finance integration, and competitive intelligence-gathering services. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Minton, Steven FETCH TECHNOLOGIES CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 748368 5373 HPCC 9216 0522400 Information Systems 0091356 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Understanding 'Construction/Deconstruction' and the Role of Resistance in Accelerated Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the need to improve the success rate at which new technologies can be introduced into the workplace. A methodology and service, ATTAIN(TM), has been conceived to accelerate the integration of technology by rapidly and aggressively identifying critical processes and practices in the organization and shifting them in value-added ways at the level of worker cognition and operational specifics. This method has been shown to be highly successful, but is labor intensive, expensive, and requires highly skilled practitioners. Furthermore, the method upon which ATTAIN is based is not sufficiently targeted. That is, more often than not, businesses have only 3-4 workplace processes or practices that need to be changed in order to increase the company's competitiveness. The original method does not single these out as more important than other elements of the workplace. To date, increasing the effective incorporation of new technology by changing workplace practice and worker cognition through specialized simulation training, but not at identifying the most appropriate target for the technology implementation or change has been very successful. The work of Phase II will involve integrating the current methods with those of another company. Their method has been shown to identify the "vital few" practices that mitigate a company's overall competitive survival and which are the most appropriate targets for change. Phase II has two goals. First, a hybrid method that is quicker and more targeted will be developed. Second, a practitioner training approach and supporting materials that make it possible for professionals without extensive experience to deliver the method in a high quality manner will be developed. Training and licensing practitioners in a hybrid method of workplace learning will contribute significantly to the problem of efficient and successful technology integration and implementation of new technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG DiBello, Lia Workplace Technologies Research Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 679647 5373 1666 SMET 9179 9102 6850 0105000 Manpower & Training 0091357 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: A Universal Protein Interaction Biosensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is focused on developing nanotechnology reagents and tools for the emerging field of proteomics. The technology is modular. This means that universal reagents are produced to which an end-user can, in a simple step, attach any protein or antibody for a variety of biological assays. The detection technology under development is electronic. Electronic detection can be readily multiplexed for high throughput assays. Large numbers of experiments can be simultaneously analyzed, over short periods of time, using state of the art electronics techniques like time-division multiplexing. Since the output of the technology is electronic, massive data sets can be directly transferred to bioinformatics systems for automated analysis and storage. The technology uses cheap off the shelf components coupled with proprietary state of the art, nanotechnology reagents. The speed and multiplexing capabilities of the technology make it orders of magnitude less expensive than existing or competing technologies. The technology will be tailored to the special needs of proteomics: the study of the function of the gene products, proteins. With the sequencing of the human genome nearing completion, the need for tools to facilitate the study of proteomics is a high priority near-term application. Pharmaceutical companies would use this technology to identify families of proteins that are implicated in disease and construct databases that define networks of interacting proteins to determine points of intervention and potential drug targets. End-users will prefer to use the proposed technology because it will be more cost effective, sensitive, faster and flexible enough to adapted to many user applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bamdad, Cynthia ROSENTIEL MEL SCOTT 029 MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 498751 5373 BIOT 9184 9102 1108 0203000 Health 0091359 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: An Intelligent Three-Dimensional (3D) Mosaic Tool for Multiple 3D Images Integration. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program investigates a novel software tool for integrating multiple 3D images. Three-dimensional (3D) modeling of physical objects and environment is an essential part of the challenges for many multimedia tasks. However, most physical objects self occlude, and no single view 3D image suffices to describe the entire surface of a 3D object. Multiple 3D images of the same object or scene from various viewpoints have to be taken and integrated in order to obtain a complete 3D model of the 3D object or scene. This process is called the "3D mosaic". The primary objective of this SBIR effort is to develop a fully automatic and intelligent software tool that is able to mosaic (i.e., align and merge) multiple 3D images of the same object taken from different viewpoints, without a priori knowledge of camera positions. The main innovations of this proposed effort are threefold: (1) an intelligent alignment method that is able to register multiple un-calibrated 3D images without needing any priori knowledge of camera location and orientation; (2) a seamless merge method to "stitch" together the aligned 3D images using the fuzzy logic principle; and (3) an intelligent 3D image compression algorithm that preserves 3D image geometric features while achieving high compression ratio. The 3D Mosaic technique to be developed under this SBIR program has enormous commercial applications, including industrial design and prototyping, reverse engineering, manufacturing part inspection, part replacement and repair, animation, entertainment, 3D modeling for WWW documents, archiving, virtual reality environment, education, virtual museum, commercial on-line catalogues, etc. It will become an important part of future 3D TV technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhuang, Ping GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9139 0108000 Software Development 0091369 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Reactive Nanoparticles as Destructive Adsorbents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development and optimization of a continuous, easily scalable and economical synthesis of reactive nanoparticles (RNPs); characterization and control of physical and chemical properties of these materials; development of flexible synthesis approaches for production of complex nanoparticle metal oxides; and identification and establishment of quality control procedures. This effort is critically needed in order to develop commercially viable nanomaterials for applications in both civilian and military markets. As demonstrated during the Phase I research, nanomaterials, produced using the proprietary continuous process, possess the same chemical and physical properties as those prepared in a batchwise mode. The research is broad and spans a number of significant markets including decontamination technologies for military and civilian applications, improved catalysts and catalytic supports, industrial gas scrubbing, and active ingredients for high efficiency air and water purification systems. Each of these market applications represents an initial subset of the market opportunities for these highly reactive nanomaterials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Klabunde, Kenneth NANOSCALE MATERIALS INC KS Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 749865 5373 AMPP 9165 9150 1415 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091378 January 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Phase Locking of High Power Fiber Laser Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is aimed at achieving the first ever 350W (cw) output power in a high brightness and diffraction-limited laser beam from a multicore phase-locked fiber laser array. Under Phase I, the feasibility of the unique power combining concept has been demonstrated by phase-locking a group of 7 Yb-doped single mode fiber lasers, embedded in a common cladding. In addition, a theoretical model has been developed, providing a deeper understanding of physical mechanisms responsible for phase-locking of a multicore fiber laser array. These results clearly indicate that this extremely challenging goal for Phase II can be accomplished. Nevertheless, there remain several obstacles that need to be removed before embarking on commercialization. First, a significant improvement of the laser performance must be made. This can be accomplished by exploring various parameters, which include fiber length, cavity finesse, gain saturation, temperature and stress distributions, as well as fiber structural parameters, such as core separation and the V-value. In addition, an order of magnitude improvement for efficient coupling of pump power into the clad must be made. To advance this technology, various pumping techniques will be explored, in particular the side-pumping of the fiber laser from the cladding walls, instead of the fiber end facets. If successfully developed, this could be the most viable way to obtain the maximum output power without causing catastrophic damage. Finally, the reliability of the device when operating at very high power level must be established by raising the power damaging threshold. High power diode-pumped multicore fiber lasers can be very competitive in the market place as compared to high power diode-pumped solid-state lasers and C02 lasers presently employed by automotive, aerospace and ship-building industries for precision drilling, high-speed cutting and welding of metals and composition materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cheo, Peter P C PHOTONICS CORPORATION CT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 749987 5373 AMPP 9165 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091388 March 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Low Cost, Nano-Crystalline Sensors, for Real-Time Monitoring of Carbon Monoxide and Volatile Organic Compounds. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop a fully functional, cost-effective, prototype sensor for carbon monoxide and volatile organic contaminants in air. Phase I results suggest that a sensor array based on catalyst-doped, nano-crystalline metal oxide films will provide a marked improvement in detection of contaminants, such as formaldehyde, and thereby upgrade control of indoor air quality. Phase II will develop this sensor technology with objectives of long-term use, low cost, high sensitivity, and sufficient selectivity for commercial applications. These applications include indoor air quality monitoring, environmental air monitoring, oil refining, chemical manufacturing, automotive emission control systems, and industrial process STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Smilanich, Nicholas Chung-Chiun Liu SENSOR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 504908 1505 MANU 9251 9178 9148 9147 0110000 Technology Transfer 0118000 Pollution Control 0091412 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Web-Based Urn Sampler and Statistical Authoring Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will create web-based courseware featuring software (the "Urn Sampler") built around the simulation/resampling method in statistics which focuses on the process of formulating a statistical test. This courseware will also feature a statistics text (Statistics: Making Sense of Data by Stout, Marden and Travers), self-assessment tools, a "Virtual Professor" help system, a "Virtual Statistics Consulting Lab," and entry-level spreadsheet-based statistical software. The target market is students in introductory statistics courses, who will purchase the product just as they now purchase texts. The courseware aims to leverage the latest and most standard web technologies that are anticipated to be in place at the conclusion of the project's development phase. The plan combines the power of a web-based structure with the new resampling techniques to create a unique learning environment for statistics students. The Urn Sampler will be an open and flexible lab tool that will let teachers create exercises to supplement class lectures and other course materials. It will make it easy to teach the new compute-intensive resampling methods that have proven successful in teaching statistical inference. It addresses a diverse audience, including undergraduate and graduate students taking a required course in quantitative reasoning or statistics, students taking an undergraduate major or minor in statistics, and graduate students studying statistics and continuing education students. Additional product sales will come through purchases of parts of the web product by students whose instructors have adopted a text other than the Stout, et al. text. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Bruce, Peter CYTEL SOFTWARE CORP INC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 494973 1666 SMET 9178 7400 7256 0104000 Information Systems 0108000 Software Development 0091432 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: In Situ Remediation of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Using Bioaugmentation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project is designed to develop and demonstrate a new in situ treatment technology for the destruction of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in groundwater. The gasoline additive MTBE is the second most prevalent groundwater contaminant in the United States, and there are currently no economical technologies for its removal from the water supply. This technology utilizes a novel bacterium of the species Hydrogenophaga flava (ENV735) for the remediation of MTBE. This bacterium, which was recently isolated by Envirogen scientists, is one of only two bacterial strains discovered that are capable of growth on MTBE. Phase II experiments will be conducted to: (1) assess the movement and distribution of the bacterium in the subsurface; (2) develop an adhesion-deficient strain for improved aquifer distribution; and (3) optimize commercial-scale growth, shipment, and injection of the bacterium for field application. A field demonstration will be conducted to fully test the technology under in situ conditions. The bioaugmentation with ENV735 has broad potential as an in situ remediation technology for MTBE-contaminated aquifers. If the results of the field trial are positive, commercialization of the bioaugmentation technology is anticipated in the short term. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hatzinger, Paul Envirogen, Inc. NJ Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 495582 5373 EGCH 9198 0313000 Regional & Environmental 0091446 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Combinatorial Synthesis of Electrocatalysts for Ozone Production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project describes an innovative combinatorial approach to the discovery of new electrocatalysts for electrochemical ozone generation. Ozone is increasingly being used in water treatment, as a sanitizing agent in the food industry and is preferred over chlorine and its derivatives. Electrochemical ozone generation, where ozone is generated by electrolysis of water, can potentially offer several cost and process advantages over the conventional electrical discharge methods of ozone generation. However, existing methods for generating ozone electrochemically use electrodes, which offer low Faradaic (i.e., current) efficiencies and have limited materials stability. In Phase I, ozone electrocatalysts were screened using a combinatorial approach, and two novel electrocatalysts for ozone formation were identified. A new rapid screening approach was also devised and will be used to evaluate focussed combinatorial arrays in Phase II. Phase II will identify the precise stoichiometries of the new ozone electrocatalysts using the techniques pioneered in Phase I. The catalysts will then be synthesized on a macro scale and evaluated in ozone cells using existing ozone electrocatalysts as a benchmark. The catalysts identified during this project will enable a more cost-effective generation of ozone with applications in municipal water treatment, point-of-entry and point-of-use water treatment, food sanitation, medical waste treatment and medical sterilization. Ozone could also be utilized in the chemical industry as a replacement for chlorine in a variety of processes, e.g. paper and pulp bleaching. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tennakoon, Charles Lynntech, Inc TX Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 578564 5373 AMPP 9165 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091447 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Internet Based Remote Seismic Depth Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a seismic processing system that enables the delivery of leading-edge seismic services over the Internet and Intranets. Internet-based seismic processing (INSP) enables exploration companies to directly control their critical seismic imaging projects, without the need of purchasing and maintaining expensive hardware and software. INSP is a complete processing system that includes a client-based Java GUI, and server-based processing and database modules. The computationally intensive modules run on shared-memory parallel computers and Linux clusters. Phase I implemented the essential functionalities for a useful product, demonstrated concept feasibility, and laid the groundwork for the Phase II project. Phase II will add functionality to the product, and implement all security and data management aspects necessary for Internet deployment. INSP ushers in a paradigm shift for the upstream oil and gas industry. Commercial potential is significant because INSP makes digital information and compute-intensive technology accessible to a large client base that wishes to outsource its non-core competencies to an application service provider, while maintaining control of projects. INSP greatly increases interaction between the client and contractor, thereby increasing the quality of the final seismic image, and reducing exploration and development cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bevc, Dimitri 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 750000 5373 CVIS 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0091448 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Instrument for Tumor Cell Purging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project describes a novel laser-based technology for large-scale analysis and processing of living cells. One application of this technology is the detection and elimination of contaminating tumor cells from autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplants for cancer patients. Published studies have shown that: (1) contaminating tumor cells contribute to cancer relapse; (2) successful tumor purging provides a clinical benefit; and (3) current purging methods are inadequate. Therefore, technology that reliably eliminates tumor cells from transplants, while leaving HSCs undamaged, is needed. A patented innovative approach integrating fluorescence scanning cytometry, real-time image analysis, and specific laser-induced killing of individual cell targets will be used. The Phase II project will complete the clinical-scale prototype instrument, leading into clinical trials. The instrument design will then be configured for successful commercial manufacturing, and further improvements in capabilities will be pursued in order to maintain market leadership and expand into other markets. The studies conducted in the Phase II project will lead to commercialization of a method to eliminate detectable tumor cells from an HSC transplant with a several hour automated procedure. The resulting instrumentation will also be useful in a number of other clinical and research applications that require cell analysis and purification with high purity, yield and speed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Koller, Manfred Cyntellect, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 511982 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091451 January 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: An Imaging Sensor for Measuring and Controlling the Particle Conditions in Thermal Sprays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a short-exposure imaging sensor for measuring and controlling particle temperature and velocity of thermal sprays. Thermal spray is a rapidly growing element of the metals processing industry, which needs process control. Currently, there are no direct particle condition controls, for lack of a sensor to provide real-time measurements. This imaging sensor technology will continuously view the entire particle stream, utilize the entire emission across the spectral range of the sensor, and employ fast image processing algorithms to obtain on-line measurements. Phase II will develop a sensor response model, hardware and software design, and prototype sensors will be constructed and calibration tested. These sensors will be incorporated in process control systems and operated in an industrial environment. Thermal spray technology is changing and improving the way high quality metal parts are manufactured for the automotive, aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment industries. Sensor and thermal spray controls will provide new levels of cost efficiency and consistency to challenges in material processing, namely thermal, wear and corrosion, by coating the surface with metals and ceramics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Craig, James Stratonics Inc CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 484747 5373 MANU AMPP 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091452 March 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Imaging Subsurface Fluid Flow with Time-Lapse Seismic Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project concerns the development and implementation of seismic imaging and inversion methods and parallel computer algorithms to estimate subsurface fluid-flow properties from time-lapse seismic data. In recent years, there has been exponential growth in time-lapse seismology project activity. These projects have yielded seismic difference anomalies that result from monitoring time-variant changes in the earth's subsurface related to fluid flow. However, such anomalies are often qualitative and ambiguous--what causes the anomalies, and what do they mean? The proposed Phase II research will enable the capability to make quantitative estimates of the 3D distribution of subsurface fluid pressure and fluid saturation changes that cause the seismic anomalies, using wave-equation seismic imaging and inversion techniques, coupled with rock physics analysis. The research consists of three parts: optimized parallel software and computational design, amplitude preserved seismic imaging and impedance inversion, and robust rock physics inversion to estimate pressure and saturation. The software and services generated by this Phase II research will be invaluable to help guide new wells and optimize reservoir management decisions in the 70+ oilfields world-wide that are being actively monitored with time-lapse seismic data. Near-term commercial applications of the proposed research include petroleum industry mapping and monitoring of commercial oil reserves, monitoring of costly injected fluids (water, steam, CO2, miscible gas), and imaging pressure compartmentalization and the leaking or sealing properties of faults and fractures. Non-petroleum applications may include monitoring groundwater reserves, near-surface monitoring of contaminant plumes and environmental clean-up projects. Potential far-market applications may include sub-sea acoustic imaging, synthetic aperture radar satellite imaging, and medical imaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lumley, David Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 462777 5373 HPCC EGCH 9215 9189 1266 0313040 Water Pollution 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0091454 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Electric Field Probe for High-Speed Integrated Circuits and Semiconductor Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a prototype high speed, non-invasive, optical probe for electric fields, and hence waveforms, in semiconductor devices. The technique is designed to work on any semiconductor regardless of its crystal structure and can be used for both imaging and single point detection without degradation of temporal resolution. Because the technique is optically based, no parasitic capacitance is added to the device being measured. A femtosecond laser probes the device to be measured, and temporal resolution is several orders of magnitude faster than the time resolution required to probe present devices. Bandwidths of greater than 10 terahertz should be possible. This non-invasive probe technique will be applied to silicon-based devices. In their production and testing in the semiconductor industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kane, Daniel Southwest Sciences Inc NM Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0091492 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Microphase Separated Solid Polymer Electrolytes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop novel nano-structured solvent free polymer electrolytes for solid state Li-ion batteries. The important characteristics of these electrolytes are that they are of high ionic conductivity and have excellent mechanical strength. The combination of these properties results from an ordered structure on the nanometer scale, consisting of a co-continuous network of an epoxy scaffold and a polymer electrolyte. This unique structure is obtained by self-assembly during curing of the epoxy in the presence of a partially emersiable block copolymer containing the ion-conducting phase. Polymer electrolyte batteries based on the new electrolytes promise great configuration flexibility in design and substantially increased energy density. The new polymer electrolytes will permit fabrication of high performance Li- ion batteries for use in portable consumer products such as cellular telephones, portable power tools, video cameras and laptop computers. Other applications include "dye sensitized solar cells", and electrochromic devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Peramunage, Dharmasena EIC Laboratories Inc MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU AMPP 9163 9146 1773 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091499 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Formal Techniques for Dependable Reactive Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop the automated tool support that will enable engineers to deploy powerful and mathematically rigorous, yet easy-to-use and cost-effective, techniques to model, analyze and implement correct and reliable reactive software systems. Such systems are intended to maintain an ongoing interaction with their environment in order to provide appropriate responses to stimuli the environment generates. Examples include the embedded software found in medical, automotive, aeronautical, consumer-electronic, e-commerce, and telecommunications applications. Many of these are safety- or business-critical. Providing an enabling technology for the cost-effective development of correctly functioning reactive systems would thus be of great social and economic benefit to the nation. The main tangible outcome of the proposed effort and the flagship product will be the React tool environment. React will allow reactive-system designers to create mathematical models of their systems; validate models via simulation and automatic verification; and automatically generate implementations or test suites from models. The key innovation of the proposed technology is its reliance on powerful formal techniques, developed by RSI for modeling systems and validating properties of these models in a fully automatic fashion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sims, Steven REACTIVE SYSTEMS INC VA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499890 5373 HPCC 9216 0108000 Software Development 0091507 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Multi-Wavelength Time-Resolved Laser Induced Fluorescence Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will lead to a breakthrough in the use of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) for chromatographic detection. Commercial standalone LIF detectors are based on CW lasers and collect data at a fixed wavelength. Consequently, they add minimal capability for resolving complex mixtures beyond that inherent in the chromatographic separation itself. On-the-fly fluorescence lifetime measurements at a single emission wavelength have been proposed as a better way to resolve the signals of co-eluting species. Our approach is far more powerful because it provides lifetimes on-the-fly and at several wavelengths simultaneously. A new prism flow cell fiber optically coupled to the emission spectrograph was introduced in Phase I. In addition, two different algorithms strategies for analyzing the multi-dimensional fluorescence data were developed and demonstrated. In Phase II a diode-pumped laser will replace the flashlamp pumped excitation laser, thereby providing 100 times higher pulse repetition frequency, 10 times shorter pulse duration, and 10 times better shot-to-shot stability. New digitizer technology will be incorporated to accommodate the laser's high repetition frequency. Important Phase II activities include fluorescence methods development to extend the range of applications to drugs and drug metabolites and elaboration of the chemometric algorithms. The instrumental approach to be realized through the Phase II research will have a profound impact on QA/QC assessments of drug purity, bioequivalence and pharmacokinetic studies, and research investigations in humans and animals. Sales of several hundred units per year to pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract research organizations, and universities are anticipated. The technology will later be adapted for faster and more accurate DNA sequencing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Engebretson, Daniel DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 459780 5373 EGCH 9251 9231 9150 1317 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091510 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Auto-Tracking Using Trailing Templates and Skeletal Guides. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project continues research and development aimed at demonstrating the feasibility for automatic video tracking of the motion of animals and humans in unconstrained environments. The Phase I study succeeded by designing low-level intelligence into predictive search algorithms that were able to confine their search for the correct position in a succeeding image to specific, small regions predicted by the system. The objective is to create a software system, easily operable by an unsophisticated user that can quickly and accurately track multiple points or regions of a moving animal or human through a sequence of video images. This tracking can be done despite background clutter and intermittent occlusion, and without attaching any distinguishing markers to the subject. In Phase I, a user interface was designed that allowed the user to choose a 'skeletal template' to be tracked with a pointing device (a mouse) by selecting vertices of closed polygons and connected rotation points. By sensing the direction and speed of motion of the system, the model-based tracking algorithm told the search mechanism where it should look in the next image to match a 'trailing template' derived from previous locations and orientations of the template. In Phase II, more sophisticated modeling and prediction algorithms, including supervised learning of constructed models, and a pyramided coarse-to-fine scale-space, constructed at video load time, will be brought to bear that will increase speed and efficiency of the tracking algorithm and improve the robustness of the model-based approach. At the same time, the user interface will be redefined to improve the 'look and feel' and give it a more intuitive structure. Applications for this software have a ready market demand. Present commercial tracking technology of biological motion requires the placement of intrusive control targets at critical positions on the subject. The commercial need for tracking and characterizing general biological motion will be exploited, including tools for animal behavior analysis, and predicting and improving motion efficiency in athletes. In addition, this technology has applications in diagnostics and medicine/health applications, surveillance, and other uses ranging from NASA's space research, to ergonomic design, to the fingering of musical instruments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mostert, Paul Mostert Group KY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9150 9139 6840 0104000 Information Systems 0091512 February 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Integrated Water Quality Monitoring System. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop optical sensors, called optrodes, and their systems for monitoring environmental water quality. Phase I research demonstrated the ability of optrodes to gather long-term environmental water quality data in harsh environments. Phase II technical issues are concerned with: (1) analyte specific probe chemistries; (2) optical coatings; and (3) optical configurations. With respect to systems, Phase I found lifetime phase-base measurement systems superior to traditional intensity-based systems. Phase II will develop an integrated phase-based analyzer capable of: (1) resolving dissolved oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide, acidity, and temperature; and (2) transmission by remote data telemetry. These innovations in optrode technology will: (1) improve mapping of geophysical fields; (2) substantially reduce direct labor costs associated with conventional monitoring technologies; (3) produce robust data for enhanced modeling capabilities; and (4) enable other technology for protecting natural resources. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Duncan, Paul AIRAK, INC VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 512000 1505 MANU EGCH 9251 9178 9147 9146 1325 1317 0110000 Technology Transfer 0118000 Pollution Control 0091513 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Suction Retention Smart Variable Geometry Sockets (SVGS) for Transtibial Prostheses. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will complete development of a production Smart Variable Geometry Socket (SVGS) for transtibial amputees (TTAs) and will test it with a clinical study. This non-electrical system is a simple means for ensuring and maintaining a good socket fit, with security and stability increased over the state of the art. Poorly fitting sockets, which cause pain and skin lesions, are responsible for a significant portion of TTAs rejecting a prosthesis. The SVGS/TT utilizes suction retention, which provides an important benefit, particularly to diabetics, by increasing blood circulation in the residual limb. The unique SVGS system consists of multiple, liquid-filled bladders placed by the prosthetist during socket fitting and a control for maintaining appropriate pressures on the residual limb at selected locations, all contained within the dimensions of a conventional prosthesis. The SVGS can be applied by the prosthetist with existing equipment and conventional art, thereby minimizing implementation cost. This attribute will enhance market acceptance. Phase I demonstrated feasibility; Phase II will measure efficacy and acceptance by TTAs. Phase II results will be the catalyst for successful commercialization. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Greenwald, Richard SIMBEX LLC NH F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 805988 5373 BIOT 9251 9183 9178 7218 5342 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0091519 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: X-ray Microscope. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is directed at improving the capabilities of high resolution x-ray imaging systems. The enabling technology in this approach is a novel x-ray detector formed from transparent scintillation crystals. A prototype developed in Phase I demonstrates a spatial resolution of six microns. This surpasses the resolution of commercial systems based on microfocus x-ray sources, and is 4-6 times better than current x-ray detectors. Based on these results it is anticipated that a resolution of 1-2 microns can be achieved in Phase II. If fully successful, the end result of Phase II will be a commercialized x-ray microscope with five to ten times the resolution of existing products. High-resolution x-ray imaging is used in many fields, including manufacturing, medicine, and scientific research. The product developed in Phase II will have better technical performance and be lower in cost that presently available systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Smith, Steven Spectrum San Diego, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 467678 5373 CVIS 1038 0512205 Xray & Electron Beam Lith 0091520 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Innovation of Real-Time, Integrative Computer Vision System for Accurate, Full-Field Characterization of Complex Component Response. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance full-field, three-dimensional image correlation measurement technology to a level far beyond the current state-of-the-art. The research will produce a prototype commercial measurement system that will present a cost effective solution to a wide range of deformation measurement problems. The four areas of research for this project are: system calibration, algorithm development, distributed computing and system validation. The completion of this project will result in an easy-to-use, real-time measurement system applicable to a wide range of size scales with high accuracy and a known level of uncertainty. The unique ability to simultaneously measure surface shape, displacement and strain with high accuracy meets industrial measurement demands in many areas. The method is ideally suited for structural evaluation, computer model verification, non-destructive testing, material property measurement and shape measurement. Among others, the technology has applications in the following industries: automotive industry, commercial aviation manufacturers, space vehicle manufacturers, academic research institutions, government laboratories, and the biomedical and electronic packaging industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Echerer, Scott Alpha Manufacutring, Inc. SC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 794000 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9178 9150 9146 9139 7218 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0091522 February 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: High Twisting Power Chiral Materials for Nanostructured Bragg Reflective Displays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project develops a new class of chiral materials, the dioxolanes, which provide unprecedented helical twisting power. When added to a nematic liquid crystal, a concentration of only a few percent is required to twist the nematic phase into a tight helix with a periodicity of the wavelength of light. Because of the low concentration, the chiral additive does not dilute important physical properties of the nematic material required to optimize Cholesteric displays for brightness, contrast, speed and low operating voltages. Being simple molecular structures, dioxolane derivatives can be synthesized in both left and right hand moieties to enable, for the first time, Cholesteric displays that nearly double the reflective brightness to where it approaches that which we are used to seeing from paper. Phase II research has both a basic and an applied component. The basic component studies the helical twisting power and its relationship to the molecular structure of the chiral compounds and host mixtures. The applied component uses this information to design and develop chiral additives for advanced Cholesteric displays for use in electronic books and other handheld devices. The chiral materials will be used in display products primarily used in handheld devices whee low power, sunlight readability, and wide angle viewing of high resolution, full color images are important. Devices targeted are electronic book, cell phones, pagers, etc. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Doane, J. William KENT DISPLAYS INC OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 509063 1505 MANU 9252 9178 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091528 October 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Reactor Scale and Topography Feature Scale Simulator for Plasma Enhanced Semiconductor Processes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will provide a commercial software tool that integrates reactor scale, (pre)sheath transport, and feature scale models for comprehensive analysis of thermal chemical vapor deposition and low pressure plasma processes in integrated circuit fabrication. Phase II will focus on development of (pre)sheath models, a feature scale simulation tool, a charging model, and the supporting infrastructure in proprietary software, called CFD-ACE+, to integrate these models. (Pre)sheath models from Phase I will be enhanced to address additional common plasma reactor operating conditions. A feature scale simulator, based on the multi-physics models of the existing proprietary software and embedded in the reactor model, will be developed. The model for surface charging will be integrated with the (pre)sheath and sheath models for ion transport and the feature scale models. The software infrastructure will be extended to simplify the model definition steps common to all feature scale simulators. This tool will provide engineers in the semiconductor industry with a means to predict the effect of both reactor designs and process conditions on the size, shape, and quality of the device components they are producing. It will extend the CFD-ACE+ commercial reactor scale modeling software to interface properly with feature scale simulators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cole, James CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 504465 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091549 March 15, 2001 STTR Phase II: High Speed Instrumentation for Real Time Biological Imaging. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is to develop a new type of atomic force microscope that can image nanometer scale features, in real time, in the physiological environment. In all of its forms, the microscope is probably the most widely used tool in the investigation of biological structure and function. The introduction of the atomic force microscope (AFM) to biology created much excitement because the AFM fills a gap in the capabilities of the microscopes that are available to biologists. The study of living and moving biological systems, on time scales of seconds, with nanometer scale resolution, is becoming increasingly important in biological research. Self-assembled monolayers, proteins, and cellular processes all fall into this category. Existing AFMs fall short of the requirements for these applications because of speed and sensitivity limitations in fluid operation. The project is based on the AFM, for nanometer scale imaging of biological samples that is orders of magnitude faster than current AFMs. Additionally, the new system will be optimized for fluid operation in order to give researchers active control over imaging dynamics. This composite system will allow researchers to probe nanometer scale biological phenomena at speeds never before accessible. The technology could dramatically increase biological imaging in two ways: (1) faster imaging and (2) higher resolution in fluid. The increase in speed and resolution will help facilitate projects to provide faster results to researchers. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Minne, Stephen Calvin Quate NanoDevices, Inc CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 479359 1505 MANU 9147 0110000 Technology Transfer 0091550 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Variable-Focal-Length Liquid Crystal Objective Lens. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is designed to develop and commercialize our electrically controllable, dynamic-focusing liquid crystal microlens/microlens array device for 3D optical media readout and writing. The device will be the worlds first compact, electrically controllable, dynamic focusing liquid crystal (LC) microlens reading/writing device for 3D data storage, and has the potential to revolutionize optical data storage and retrieval. The device will dramatically increase both the reading and writing speed of conventional CD/DVD systems and multi-layer DVDs and will be the enabling component in the next generation of truly 3D data storage technologies. In Phase I, the feasibility of the technology was demonstrated and tested various dynamic liquid crystal lens structures to gain an understanding of the issues of design, fabrication, and optical properties of LC microlenses. Building on this success, Phase II is dedicated to the optimization of the LC microlens structures and the development of a fast-switching dynamic focusing LC microlens with large variable focal length range and numerical aperture. Finally, a microlens array to develop parallel reading/writing devices will be designed and built. A prototype 3D reading device will be demonstrated. In Phase III, Reveo will commercialize the new technology. Optical storage offers higher capacities, removable platters, and more durable media than magnetic disk storage, but it is limited by slow access speeds and higher costs of drives and media. The first product to be developed from the microlens technology will be an electrically-controllable, dynamic-focusing liquid crystal microlens device for integration into the data reading system of current DVD players and other optical storage drivers. The device will maximize retrieval efficiency of current optical storage media so customers can immediately enjoy the benefits of 3D data storage technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lin, Jackie Reveo Incorporated NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 490600 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0091551 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Ultraviolet-Polarizing Chiral Film. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is designed to develop and commercialize high-durability UV polarizer optics with unprecedented performance. The breakthrough polarizers are made from stacks of oriented, birefringent thin film layers, which are obtained by vacuum deposition at an oblique angle. The film material itself is optically isotropic, but the birefringence arises from the nanostructure of the layers in the film stack. Films can be constructed from a single material, relieving the conventional constraints on material transparency and enabling a wider operating wavelength range. Using LiF as the film material, for example, could extend the operating range down to 110 nm. Extension to the far UV and extreme UV appears possible with materials such as silicon carbide or boron carbide. The deposition technique thus offers an exciting opportunity to engineer unique film properties. In Phase II, the investigator proposes to enlarge the database of film materials for UV chiral film polarizers and design, fabricate (using a customized deposition system), and characterize UV chiral film polarizers for practical applications. The investigator will then develop high-speed deposition techniques to ensure the polarizers are low-cost. Commercialization activities will accelerate in Phase III. The inorganic UV polarizer films may have several advantages over conventional polarizer components, and become key devices in many important industrial manufacturing processes, including systems for chemical synthesis, drug development, and liquid crystal alignment for LCDs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fan, Bunsen Reveo Incorporated NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 499939 5373 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091557 April 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Microsphere-Based Optical Spectrum Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build upon the exciting results of Phase I, which demonstrated that whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances of a microsphere can be tuned over a significant range by sweeping the microsphere's temperature. It is intended to employ this effect to produce a temperature-tunable optical filter suitable for development of a next-generation optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) for remotely monitoring dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) networks. Such a device will greatly benefit the telecommunications industry by providing a means of embedded real-time monitoring of system operation and signal quality. This capability has the potential to virtually eliminate costly system failures. The plan for reaching the project goal is to develop a first-generation prototype and use this prototype to demonstrate the expected capabilities of a next-generation OSA. The initial application for the technology is as an embedded test and monitoring system for telecommunications fiber networks. The major customers are optical network installers and service providers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Roark, Joel NOMADICS, INC OK Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 628958 5373 AMPP 9165 9150 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091559 June 15, 2001 STTR Phase II: Nano-Layered Composites as High-Temperature Hard Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project aims to develop novel nano-layered coatings for high-temperature tribological applications, specifically cutting-tool coatings that perform well at elevated temperatures (up to 1000 degrees C). There is a high level of interest in these coatings because of the desire to cut at higher rates and due to increasing environmental concerns over the use of coolants during machining. Traditional coating materials do not perform well under these conditions, primarily because their hardnesses decrease rapidly as temperature rises. Research in Phase I developed a new class of coatings, combining many alternating nanometer-thick layers of metals and nitrides, which show substantial hardness enhancements. Hardnesses up to 44 gigapascals (GPa) were maintained after high temperature annealing, demonstrating the feasibility of these new materials as high-temperature stable coatings. Strong dislocation confinement in nano-layers is likely to yield higher high-temperature hardness than in monolithic coatings, providing improved wear resistance. In Phase II, nano-layered coatings will be developed that optimize key properties including hardness, thermal expansion match with the substrate, stability against dissolution into different workpieces, and oxidation resistance. Nano-layered coated cutting tools have the potential to make dry-cutting a practical alternative, and to improve wet-machining performance. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Ilwon Anita Madan APPLIED THIN FILMS INC IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 1505 MANU 9163 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091563 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Ultra Low Hysteresis Giant-Magnetoresistive (GMR) Bridge Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop giant-magnetoresistive (GMR) sensing devices that yield superior hysteresis performance over existing bridge sensors and GMR signal isolators and provide intrinsic self-biasing without using affixed magnets or power consuming coils. Phase I demonstrated that edge pinning techniques can be used to fabricate low hysteresis push-pull and shielded bridge sensors with designed bias points. Before the technology can be commercialized, Phase II research must: (1) develop hard edge resistor elements that minimize hysteresis and maximize signal; (2) optimize hard edge processing and implementation; (3) determine the viability of alternate pinning strategies; (4) develop specification, architecture, and physical designs for prototype sensor or isolator products; (5) fabricate target devices; and (6) characterize devices for magnetic and electrical responses. A fully developed magnetic field sensor and/or signal isolator is expected, one that is ready for commercialization. Potential commercial applications are discrete low hysteresis bridge sensors and isolators, improved digital magnetic switches, and ultra-low field sensors employing integrated circuit (IC) based feedback amplifiers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Anderson, John NVE CORPORATION MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 729869 5373 CVIS 1038 0106000 Materials Research 0109000 Structural Technology 0091564 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Sub-Nanosecond Spin Dependent Tunneling Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop prototype Spin Dependent Tunneling (SDT) devices by combining high-speed magnetic thin films and low-RC SDT structures achieved in Phase I. These devices will be fabricated using standard microelectronic photolithography and packaging techniques, suitable for volume production. Sub-nanosecond switching will be demonstrated with these devices which are integrated with integrated circuit (IC) electronics. Fast IC electronics will be implemented using low voltage differential signaling (LVDS). SDT devices exhibit large signal, low switching field, and high resistance, which lead to high sensitivity, low power consumption, and small size and weight, when compared with giant magnetoresistive (GMR) devices. Fast SDT devices will require improvements in both magnetic speed and electronic speed, while existing attractive static properties need to be maintained. Phase II is expected to produce integrated SDT devices with state-of-the-art properties and switching time less than one nanosecond. Potential commercial applications for this research are expected in high-speed isolators, high-speed magnetic field and current sensing devices, fast magnetic random access memories (MRAM), reconfigurable magnetic logic, read heads, and gigahertz (GHz) inductor/transformers, as well as their derivative products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wang, Dexin NVE CORPORATION MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 755966 5373 MANU AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9146 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091570 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Monochromatic Micro X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Using Toroidal Crystal Optics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will meet the demand from the microelectronics industry for an improved micro x-ray fluorescence instrument for thin film measurements. A new technique, monochromatic micro x-ray fluorescence (MMXRF) analysis using doubly curved crystal optics can meet this significant market need. A toroidal crystal can focus characteristic x-rays from a microfocus x-ray source based upon diffraction. The focused beam is monochromatic and the beam size is expected to be significantly smaller than that of current MXRF systems. This technique will provide high sensitivity and enhance excitation of low Z elements with the selection of beam energy. In addition, this technique will significantly increase the speed of high-energy x-ray measurements. A prototype MMXRF system will be developed that incorporates a modular dual beam system to probe samples with two energies simultaneously. The initial application of the technology is in the area of semiconductor manufacturing. As semiconductor manufacturing moves to larger wafers and higher levels of integration, a single wafer may require hundreds of steps. These wafers are expensive to produce and very difficult to repair. The instrument under development would provide elemental and thickness analysis to identify defective thin film deposition at the earliest opportunity, avoiding the considerable loss associated with rejections at the end of the production line. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chen, Zewu X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 496758 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091572 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Computational Tool for Plasma Equipment Design Using a Non-Statistical Boltzmann Solver. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop, validate and demonstrate a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tool for plasma equipment/processes using a non-statistical Boltzmann solver for the analysis of charged particle kinetics. Phase I implemented a new Boltzmann module and clearly demonstrated the feasibility of coupling a Bolzmann solver to the company's plasma simulator for efficient kinetic description of low-pressure plasma reactors used in semiconductor manufacturing. The Phase II project will focus on: (1) the development of elliptic representation of the velocity distribution function (VDF) valid for arbitrary anisotropy of the VDF; (2) full integration of the Boltzmann solver with a commercial software; (3) kinetic simulations for industrial plasma systems; and (4) interfacing the Boltzmann module with plasma simulation codes developed by different research groups. Using an elliptic representation will extend the applicability of the Boltzmann solver to problems with arbitrary VDF anisotropy such as electron beams, ion kinetics, etc. The goal of Phase II will be to validate the new CAD tool for wide variety of plasma technologies and expand the software usage to new industries. The total commercial markets of plasma etch and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) equipment is currently in excess of $2 billion per annum with strong projections for growth. Commercial application of the proposed software tool will allow optimization of the performance of all hardware equipment of this market and to "smartly" design new equipment. It is projected to "save" millions of dollars of equipment and process development costs to Plasma Equipment Manufacturers and to semiconductor chip producing companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kolobov, Vladimir CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 761212 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 9150 7218 1266 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0091576 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Smart Fiber Composite System Capable of Early Detection of Material Failure. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build on results of Phase I research to fully demonstrate an early warning system for potential failure of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials. In Phase I, a novel detection technique called Composite Failure Onset Response Test (ComFORT (TM)) was demonstrated for use with high temperature CMCs. ComFORT (TM) is a composite failure detection technique whereby proprietary thermally stable electrically conductive ceramic fibers are selectively placed, together with regular reinforcing fibers, and are then processed into a dense ceramic composite. Once in place, existing hardware is used to monitor the condition and the health of the electrical signal, while an especially designed algorithm minimizes false negatives during use. As the ceramic composite begins to fail, the failure of the fiber reinforcement is preceded by the failure of the conductive coating, which is recognized through a weakening or loss of electrical conductivity. This novel technique lends itself to a powerful early warning system, whereby the conductive fiber can be designed to fail before catastrophic failure of the composite itself. Proper placement of these conductive fibers enables tracking of even minute levels of breach within the composite. Moreover, through a novel design, it may be possible to extend the performance to detect matrix cracking. The lack of reliability and little to no warning before catastrophic failure has prevented a more widespread use of CMC's. The smart fiber system to be developed in this project will allow the use of CMC's in more demanding applications with greater certainty of success. The successful commercialization of the proposed technology will lead to the insertion of continuous fiber reinforced composites into power generation, energy, air, space and missile applications, where high temperature, lightweight, and mechanically reliable materials are needed, and the cost of part failures is high. Ceramic composites can be used in a larger number of these applications, if part reliability can be assured. Substantial benefits in operating efficiency of gas turbine, automotive and rocket systems can be realized with increased operating temperatures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kuchinski, Frank TRITON SYSTEMS INC MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 657218 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091582 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Joining Method for Self-Assembly of Reliable Three Dimensional Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will continue to develop a solder self-assembly process that was the concept explored in Phase I. It will build upon the successful Phase I results that demonstrated the use of solder to self-assemble two-dimensional surface micromachined Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) into useful three-dimensional structures. This concept is a next step in the evolution of MEMS assembly. The overall objective of Phase II is to move the technology from the lab environment to a commercial production process that is well understood and has excellent yield. Research personnel from industry and education are involved and state-of-the-art equipment will be utilized. A number of promising commercial applications have been identified and discussions with potential commercial partners suggest interest in commercializing this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schaible, Brian SPORIAN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499867 5373 AMPP 9165 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091586 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Computer-Directed High Throughput Screening for Improved Enzymatic Activity. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development of an enabling technology for computer- directed high-throughput screening of proteins with improved properties. Xencor's Protein Design Automation (PDA) predicts all the possible amino acid sequences that will fold into the three-dimensional structure of a protein. There should be molecules among those sequences that have the structure and function of the "parent "protein, together with additional novel properties such as increased thermo-stability or alkaline pH optima. In Phase I the company addressed this possibility using xylanase as a model protein. After targeting the active site of the enzyme for PDA re-design, the company found sequences that were more active than the wild-type protein and one that had a different pH profile. These results were achieved by testing only 260 of a possible 110,592 sequences. In Phase II the company will develop a high-throughput assay system that will allow testing the majority of the predicted sequences. The research will also improve electrostatic functions of the PDA algorithm, and then use this version of the program to re-design the entire xylanase molecule instead of just the active site, thereby finding mutations located away from the active site that effect the protein's characteristics. The PDA technology improves enzyme efficiency and expands the reactions and process conditions where they can be applied. Major markets include polymer manufacturers, value extraction from waste streams and food processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Desjarlais, John Xencor CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 499986 5373 BIOT 9184 1108 0203000 Health 0091589 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Smart Instrument Controls with Feel Display. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build on Phase I results to take advantage of an exciting opportunity to revolutionize the way people interact with the machines they encounter in everyday life. Visual displays have progressed remarkably in past decades. Aircraft cockpits that used to have hundreds of gauges and dials now have just a few color displays that provide rich visual information that changes depending on the situation. Yet physical interfaces--knobs, buttons, sliders, etc.--remain as primitive as ever. Regardless of context, these interfaces always feel the same and can serve only a limited number of functions. Phase I results demonstrated the potential human factors benefits of Smart Instrument Controls with programmable feels-- operator performance improved, especially when visual attention was critical, such as during a driving simulation task. These systems also could simplify interfaces by reducing the number of separate controls. One control could operate several functions, each function having a distinctly separate "feel". Phase II will continue human factors studies and expand to include research into novel sensor and actuator technologies for Smart Instrument Controls in order to develop a technology that simplifies elaborate system interfaces while improving or maintaining operator performance. Immersion Corporation proffers a man-machine interface technology that enhances an operator's experience and in many cases can improve performance by leveraging the underutilized sense of touch. These benefits have attracted companies SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Anastas, George IMMERSION CORPORATION CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 755766 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091590 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Intelligent World Wide Web (WWW) Access for the Visually Impaired. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop screen reading software (used by the visually disabled to access computers) that responds to changes in task context. The proposed software will allow screen readers to automatically generate task-specific scripts--sophisticated macros that determine the behavior of the screen reader in response to the current state of an application--based on an analysis of the user's actions while performing a specific task. The end result of this project will be a functioning prototype screen reader (based on Henter-Joyce's JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reader) with the ability to observe the user's actions, identify the user's goal based on those actions (referred to as plan recognition), and then either create a script that automates the task of achieving that same goal in the future or remind the user that such a script already exists. Throughout the course of the project, feedback will be sought from members of the visually impaired community through user trials, focus groups, and formal experimentation. While investigators will work exclusively with the JAWS screen reader during Phase II, many of the algorithms developed during this project will be applicable to other screen readers. The software developed will be licensed to others to improve the performance of existing and new screen readers. The enhanced screen reading software will provide a number of significant benefits. First and foremost, the visually impaired will have significantly improved access to computers for both personal and job-related activities. They will be able to use computers for tasks that were previously impossible or impractical, and they will be able to perform their current activities faster and more effectively. Second, employers will be more open to employing the visually impaired because of the reduced cost in time and effort of job training and the increased level of productivity; visually impaired employees will be able to do more jobs, will be able to learn jobs faster, and will be able to do their jobs better than before. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Huber, Marcus Intelligent Reasoning Systems CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 455568 5373 SMET 9180 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116000 Human Subjects 0091591 March 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Holographic Disk Data Storage on a New Photochromic Glass. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project studies holographic data storage in a new ion-exchanged photochromic glass disk. It is well known that holographic data storage can significantly increase data storage capacity and reduce access time. However, the technology maturity of holographic data storage is believed to be impeded by: the lack of good holographic material that can be erased and recorded optically with almost unlimited rewriting cycles, with large index modulation for large capacity multiplexed data recording, and with long lifetime and immunity to destructive readout for archival applications. As demonstrated in Phase I the new ion-exchanged photochromic glass can satisfy all above requirements. In addition, it does not require developing or fixing after hologram recording making it an attractive candidate to replace other holographic materials in holographic storage applications. The Phase II research will first explore techniques to increase the recording volume thickness. The holographic performance parameters will again be determined after the thickness improvement. A compact holographic storage system will then be designed and constructed to show the effectiveness of disk type storage application. High capacity storage will be demonstrated. Commercial development will be explored with some major storage companies. Using the new ion-exchanged glass can significantly improve the holographic data storage technology for commercial and military applications such as computer data storage, on-line storage, library archival applications, image storage and processing for medical applications and military target identification, and fast access to large intelligent databases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG DeMasi, Ralph NEW SPAN OPTOTECHINOLOGY INC FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 523999 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9215 9178 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091593 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Problem Solving Environment for Reduced Kinetic Mechanisms. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a computational Problem Solving Environment (PSE) for the creation, optimization, testing, and application of reduced chemical kinetic mechanisms. Inclusion of detailed chemistry into 3D simulations with turbulence-chemistry interaction will be computationally intractable for the foreseeable future. Practical simulation of reacting flows requires reduced mechanisms tailored to the application and conditions of interest. The PSE created in Phase I allows the user to rapidly create reduced mechanisms, set up multi-parameter test problems for comparison to detailed chemistry, and interrogate and visualize the results more thoroughly than was previously possible. Human effort for reduced mechanism validation is reduced from days to hours. Rigorous testing is necessary to make reduced mechanisms a reliable commercial product. In Phase II the PSE will be extended to automatically optimize reduced mechanisms to the users' specification, and produce reduced mechanism modules for a variety of applications that seamlessly integrate into a variety of Computational Fluid Dynamics codes. These technologies will have commercial value due to the ever-increasing need to include more detailed chemistry into the design and analysis software used by scientists and engineers. The problem solving environment provides the engineer with the ability to rapidly create reduced mechanisms, set up multiple test problems covering a multidimensional parameter space for comparison to detailed chemistry, and efficiently interrogate and visualize the results. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Montgomery, Christopher REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL UT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 762000 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 9178 0108000 Software Development 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091594 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Neuromorphic Color Sensor for Object and Place Recognition. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes the construction of a miniature object recognition and color segmentation system on a chip. This chip will be tuned to recognize various predefined targets in natural environments. The chip will use an object recognition model, color histogramming, originally derived from research in cognitive neuroscience. Taking advantage of recent advances in Neuromorphic Engineering, the company will implement the basic sensing and computational elements directly in silicon using mixed analog/digital processing. In contrast, implementing the same model or algorithm with conventional microprocessor technology would require that the basic computations be simulated as an intermediate step. The removal of this intermediate step will result in an intelligent sensor with dramatically lower cost, smaller volume, and reduced power usage-achievements not possible using competing microprocessor-based technology. The applications for this technology include intelligent toys and prosthetic devices. A toy might be made to recognize, and therefore be able to respond to, the presence of another toy or specially designed environment. More advanced and elaborated versions of the chip might be used as an aid to the blind by assisting them in finding standardized (i.e. specially colored) objects. For example, a blind person might be assisted in localizing a coffee mug, distinguishing between two similar items of clothing differing only in color, or finding a standardized 'EXIT' sign in a building. The broader impact of this technology is that it will help bridge the gap between the natural, unstructured environment and computing technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lewis, M Iguana Robotics, Inc. IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 795018 5373 SMET MANU HPCC 9251 9178 9146 9139 7218 6840 0104000 Information Systems 0091595 June 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Development of an Automated Instrument Platform for Facilitating Submitochondrial Particle (SMP) Toxicity Assays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop and optimize a novel bioassay tool for routine low-cost biomonitoring of water quality. Submitochondrial particle (SMP) toxicity bioassays, based on the in vitro responses to toxicants of the integrated enzyme functions in oxidative phosphorylation, are good predictors of conventional whole organism tests, yet can be completed in minutes. Phase I research proved the concept that SMP technology could be streamlined and semi-automated, enhancing their convenience and commercial potential. In Phase II, prototypes of two dedicated instruments will be developed to accommodate both the cuvette and 96-well microplate-based formats. Accessory liquid and cuvette handling tools will be developed to increase sample throughput. Features will be added to computer software developed in Phase I for running the tests, including support for other protocols; better error detection; statistical treatments and graphical presentation of data. SMP production methods and quality control procedures will be improved and standardized. The software and instrument prototypes will be tested at four independent laboratories to establish assay variability and to gain additional information on appropriate applications of the tests. If successful, this project will provide affordable tools that will allow for screening of water quality and wastewater discharges by industry and municipalities. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gustavson, Karl Harry Read Harvard Bioscience, Inc. MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 221475 1505 BIOT 9107 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091596 January 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Electrochemical Chlorine Purification. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project will further the development of the electrochemical chlorine purification process and conduct a pilot trial with a 0.5 square meter cell at a chlor-alkali plant. During the Phase I phase, densities as high as 0.5 A/cm2 (at room temperature) were demonstrated for this process, with a potential of less than 300 mV at the highest current density. A pilot scale MP-cell with 100 cm2-electrode area was successfully demonstrated to purify chlorine in the flow through electrode mode using anion exchange membranes. Chlorine purity at the outlet was 100%. A complete mass balance was carried out for the chlorine gas and the chloride ion. The objectives of the Phase II program include (a) study and understanding of the mechanism of chlorine reduction in concentrated hydrochloric acid, (b) investigation of catalysis of both the chloride oxidation and chlorine reduction processes in concentrated HCl, (c) building a 0.5 square meter pilot cell, and (d) conducting field trials in a chlor-alkali plant with the pilot cell. At the end of Phase II, a detailed economic analysis would have been completed to enable commercialization efforts. The world chlor-alkali industry is projected to grow from the current production capacity of 42.1 million tons to 49 million metric tons in the year 2002. The total amount of tail gas to be processed is 562 million dollars through the year 2007 for a technology that replaces third stage liquefaction. The market for the second stage liquefaction is approximately 1.7 billion dollars. The U. S. market size for a low cost, energy efficient technology such as electrochemical purification is approximately 160 million dollars through 2007. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sarangapani, Srinivasan ICET, INC MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 507499 5373 EGCH 9251 9197 9178 1414 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091601 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Reconfigurable and Scalable Fiber-Optic Ultra-High-Speed Multi-Media Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the next generation data networks which will require terabit information handling capability. Future networks must be reconfigurable, highly secure and easily upgraded in both bit rate and number of nodes. The company will apply its extensive fiber optic expertise and its proprietary wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) technology to the development of a reconfigurable high-speed fiber-optic backbone structure that supports the transmission of multiple data protocols between multiple network stations. The approach is based on the company's all-fiber, static and dynamic WDM network access designs which offer high efficiency, compactness and low cost. In Phase I a three-node, two-wavelength system was constructed with static access modules to demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneously transmitting different protocols such as ATM and Ethernet. Phase I formed a basis for Phase II engineering development where the reseacher will employ dynamic access modules and expand the network to 8 nodes and 4 wavelengths to demonstrate network reconfigurability and scalability. The market for fiber-optic networks is growing at a rate of over 20% per year and is expected to exceed $18 billion in 2001. Multi-protocol fiber backbones have applications in commercial platforms, such as enterprise networks, ships, airliners, automobiles, and integrated manufacturing equipment. Each optical fiber can replace hundreds of wires resulting in substantial drop in costs, component weight, and an increase in performance. The project will integrate well with the Internet-II, and SuperNet programs for the government-wide Next Generation Internet (NGI). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moslehi, Behzad INTELLIGENT FIBER OPTICS SYSTEMS CORP. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 785999 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 9102 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091624 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Carbon Monoxide-Tolerant Anode Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells via Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to implement a Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) process for the production of anode electrocatalyst layers for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) applications requiring reformate fuel feed gas. In Phase I it was demonstrated that fabrication of Pt:Ru electrocatalysts as unsupported, metallic nanoparticles is possible using CCVD. These electrocatalyst layers behave electrochemically in a similar manner to commercially available Pt:Ru electrocatalysts prepared on carbon supports using wet chemical methods, but can be deposited directly onto both gas diffusion media and proton exchange membranes. The Phase II project would involve optimization of catalyst composition, continued development of web coating technology for mass production of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and commercialization of the technology through construction of production equipment and licensing. Fuel cells are of huge interest to the marketplace, as illustrated by sizable investments in the technology and market capitalization of fuel cell companies. For example, Daimler Chrysler has targeted the year 2004 for planned production of fuel cell vehicles, and has slated more than $1.4 billion in investments to reach that goal. However, for commercial viability, performance and cost of the electrocatalyst layers must be improved. MCT, if successful, could contribute in both arenas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Breitkopf, Richard NGIMAT CO. GA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 772219 5373 MANU AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9165 9146 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091632 October 1, 2000 Expanding Innovation Opportunities in Tennessee. 0091632 Johnson This award is to Tennessee Technological University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include Tennessee Technological University; Austin Pea University; East Tennessee State University; University of Memphis; Middle Tennessee State University; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Tennessee Biotechnology Association; Cumberland Emerging Technologies; TenneSeed; Tennessee Board of Regents. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include screening new ideas for suitability for commercialization; new courses in entrepreneurial training; spin-off companies for students; development of an electronic communication system to track developments and offer assistance to small spin-off companies; connecting the research, knowledge, discovery of the universities to the generation of new patents, and licenses, stimulate new economic growth and economic well being in the state. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for this award include creation of intellectual property by the universities in the state, transfer of new knowledge to the private sector, creation of new economic enterprise, raising the economic well being of the entire state (most of the economic wealth is in the eastern part of the state). This activity will also provide the necessary workforce training to support the new business and industry. Potential Economic Impact The economic outcome will be the general economic well being of the region. Potential Societal Impact The societal benefits include increased economic well being for the region and participation of under-represented groups in the enterprise. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Johnson, Glen Tennessee Technological University TN Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 579693 1662 OTHR 0000 0091686 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Noncorroding Steel Reinforced Concrete. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new class of cement-steel interfaces for high performance steel reinforcing bars for concrete. In Phase I the project demonstrated a bar coating system that can protect against corrosion of steel in concrete structures and has improved adhesion characteristics between steel reinforcement and the cement matrix. Phase II continues to refine the properties and techniques for producing this new class of High Performance Non-corroding Steel-Reinforced Concrete. Improved corrosion resistance of steel reinforcement in concrete structures could address a major infrastructure problem that has been estimated to require up to $3 trillion for repair. The potentially cost effective coatings to be developed and commercially applied during production runs in steel mills would result in a value added product of major importance for managing the infrastructure. Improvements in adherence and corrosion resistance would be highly beneficial, for example, in corrosive highway deicing environments and marine structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Varacalle, Dominic Concrete Sciences Corporation ID Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 469332 5373 AMPP 9163 0522100 High Technology Materials 0093092 October 1, 2000 Partnerships for Innovation: A Center of Excellence in Regenerative Biology. 0093092 Chernoff This award is to Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include Indiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis; Indiana University; Terre Haute Center for Medical Partner Organizations; Indiana University School of Medicine; Eli Lilly & Company; Indiana 21st Century Fund for Research and Technology; Indiana Business Modernization and Technology Corporation. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include innovative research in regenerative biology; technology transfer leading to development of therapies; training the workforce for regenerative biology. Proposed Innovation The goals of this innovation are research on regenerative biology to understand the regeneration process and identify proteins of therapeutic value for healing, and technology transfer to private companies for healthcare delivery. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic impacts are creation of an estimated 7000 new jobs over the next 10 years from the partner companies alone (10% of these will be in Indiana), and increased participation of minorities in the health care industry. Potential Societal Impact The development of therapies for injured and degenerating tissues will have medical and health benefits to society beyond anything known today. The plan also includes strong involvement of minorities in the workforce training programs with subsequent participation in the anticipated expanded healthcare job market. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Chernoff, Ellen David Stocum Anthony Mescher Anton Neff Simon Rhodes Indiana University IN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0096336 April 1, 2000 MOTI: A Strategic Alliance for Management of Technology and Innovation Research. TRANS TO QUAL ORG PROG-PROGRAM OPERATIONS RESEARCH INNOVATION & ORG SCIENCES(IOS) MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY PRGM GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS IIP ENG Bean, Alden Stephen Markham North Carolina State University NC Donald Senich Continuing grant 293821 8243 5514 5376 5374 1504 OTHR MANU 9149 9148 8243 5376 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0103935 December 1, 2000 A Planning Grant to Initiate an Industry-University-Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) at Arizona State University. This award is to hold an Industry/University planning meeting for a proposed research site at the Arizona State University which will be a part of the I/UCRC for water Quality at the University of Arizona. The planning meeting will examine the organizational feasibility and economic viability of the research site. A portfolio of initial research projects will be determined. New members will be recruited during the tenure of the award. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Abbaszadegan, Morteza Arizona State University AZ Tapan K. Mukherjee Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0104423 December 1, 2000 A Planning Grant Proposal for the Establishment of a NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) on Intelligent e-Maintenance Systems (IMS). This award is to hold an Industry/University planning meeting for a proposed research site at the University of Michigan which will be a part of the I/UCRC for Intelligent e-Maintenance Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The planning meeting will examine the organizational feasibility and economic viability of the research site. A portfolio of initial research projects will be determined. New members will be recruited during the tenure of the award. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ni, Jun University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0107641 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Triploidy Induction of Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) for Increased Value. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop techniques and equipment for simple, cheap and reliable mass production of triploid and tetraploid giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) using a new technology called Automated Polyploid Induction System (APIS). This proprietary APIS system uses a specially designed spawning tank, an automated spawn sensing device and computer applied shock treatments. The specific objective of the Phase I project is to determine the optimal values of the three key parameters for triploidy induction in P. monodon: time to start shock application, shock intensity, and shock duration. This determination will allow the complete development and demonstration of APIS during Phase II of the project. Additional objectives in Phase II will include production of tetraploid P. monodon, and completion of production trials with diploid, triploid and tetraploid shrimp. The commercial application of this project is in the farmed shrimp production market. Farmed shrimp from Asia constitutes approximately 75% of the world's farmed shrimp production, and P. monodon accounts for greater than 50% of that production. Successful mass production of the triploid P. monodon, and demonstration of superior culture performance of triploids will allow marketing of this proprietary technology throughout Asia. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Wyban, James High Health Aquaculture, Inc HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9117 5371 0521700 Marine Resources 0108355 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low-cost, High-Efficiency Power Amplifiers for Magnetic-Resonance Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate techniques for low-cost, high-efficiency, wide-bandwidth power amplifiers for magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) systems. To date, MRI transmitters have been based upon broadband linear power amplifiers, which are inefficient and consequently large, heavy, and expensive. Further, there is a growing demand for systems operating at higher frequencies with larger bandwidths. Existing high efficiency transmitters are relatively expensive and have limited bandwidths. The approach in Phase I is based upon high-level amplitude modulation, low cost RF power transistors, digital signal processing, and electronic tuning. The principal potential commercial application is MRI. Other applications include radio frequency communications, high frequency radar, radio frequency heating (plasmas, semiconductors), and laser drivers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Raab, Frederick GREEN MOUNTAIN RADIO RESEARCH CO VT Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0108831 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Fiber Optic NOx Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to build a prototype miniature fiber optic NOx sensor for the control of auto emissions. The proposed sensor is based upon a company invention on miniature chemilluminescence detector for gas chromatography. The prototype will be miniature in size (4 cubic inch approximately), weight (1/2 lb) and capable of ppt level detection as a result of the innovative design. Commercial applications will focus on pollution monitoring, insitu auto NOx emission monitoring and reduction, and biochemical/drug analysis when coupled with a miniature catalytic converter. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dong, Jim NanoTek, Inc. AZ Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99400 5371 EGCH 9197 0118000 Pollution Control 0108840 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Ultrafast Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analyzer for Water Recycling Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the development of an ultrafast TOC analyzer to enable real-time recycling of spent rinse waters from semiconductor wet benches. At the present time, semiconductor fabrication facilities generate about 3800 gallons of wastewater discharge per wafer, which is equivalent to 53 million gallons of wastewater per year for facilities operating at 100 gpm (gallons per minute). Recycling spent rinse waters from semiconductor wet benches provides a viable solution to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of this manufacturing process. On-line monitoring of key contaminants in real time is necessary to successfully operate future water systems having recycle and reuse capabilities. Phase I research will be directed at developing microfluidic sensors having reliable, ultra-fast response times to trace concentrations of organic contaminants found in spent r5inse waters from simiconductor wet benches. Specific performance goals for Phase I devices include: <30 s response time, <30 ppb detection limit, operation in <10 microSiemen/cm water conductivity, and 100% +/- 30% recovery of key contaminants. An ultra-fast TOC analyzer will be developed that enables real-time recycling of water used by seimiconductor manufacturing to reduce their demand upon regional water supplies. This novel instrument will find widespread applications in the semiconductor industry as well as other manufacturing environments that require real-time detection of organic contaminants in aqueous effluent. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thomas, Ross Eltron Research, Inc. CO Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99996 5371 EGCH 1325 0313040 Water Pollution 0108844 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Miniaturized Biosensor for the Amperometric Detection of Phenolic Contaminants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a small, portable, low-power amperometric biosensor to detect phenol in wastewater. A renewable, robust biosensor integrated into a microfluidic system is proposed and will be designed to specifically detect phenol in aqueous solutions based on an enzyme-based biosensor. This method will allow analysis of phenol without significant dilution or reduction in the sensitivity of the detected species. The microfluidic biosensor will use sol-gel modified, screen printed microband electrodes which will enhance the sensitivity and limit of detection of the device compared to electrodes of conventional size. The device will also use a simple pump and valve system for both electrolyte and analyte introduction into the sensor and proven electrochemical instrumentation for phenol detection. The proposed sensor will be applicable to real time, on-site monitoring of phenol concentrations in wastewater. The commercial application of this project will be in industries such as pulp and paper, petroleum refining and plastic resins that need a cost effective and robust device to detect phenol in wastewater. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cepak, Veronica Eltron Research, Inc. CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99996 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0313040 Water Pollution 0109003 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Silicon Chip Antenna for Radio Frequency Identification Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build a small form factor silicon chip antenna for radio frequency identification (RFID) applications in smart tags. A new high-performance, low cost, small size silicon chip antenna, fabricated by wafer batch processing, will be combined with a standard, passive (no battery) RFID chip to form a low cost, high-performance RFID tag of small dimensions. The antenna and the RFID chip are stacked directly on top of each other. Phase I used a simplified process and scaled up structures. In Phase II the process will be optimized, devices with the intended dimensions will be used, and the antenna chip and the RFID chip will be stacked. Passive RFID systems are used in applications such as object tagging, asset management, hazardous materials tracking, and tracking of important documents. Existing RFID technology is limited by the need for large transponder antennas (~ 1 inch by 2 inch minimum) and costly multi-component assembly. The silicon wafer batch processed antenna chip technology will produce millimeter-scale smart tags (programmable replacement for bar codes), enabling products for large commercial markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dimmler, Klaus HiPoint Technology Inc. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499752 5373 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 0109070 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Method for Class Switching IgM Secretors to IgG. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a rapid and reliable method for inducing, detecting and recovering isotypic switch variants in hybridoma cell lines using in-vitro switching media, gel microdrop (GMD) technology and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Antibodies are widely used in research and clinical applications. Antibodies of the IgM subclass are generally considered the least useful due to their pentameric structure and lack of affinity for protein A and protein G which makes purification and modification of IgM antibodies difficult, and enzymatic digestion for Fab fragment production almost impossible. Many of the hybridomas produced, however, are of the IgM subclass. IgM producing hybridomas do, however, spontaneously switch the subclass of antibody they produce to IgG, although at very low frequencies. Currently there is no simple method for controlling class switching and isolating class switch variants. Several protocols have been developed to effect class switching of IgM producing hybridomas and to isolate class switch variants, but these procedures are lengthy and very labor-intensive involving multiple screening cycles. By providing a rapid method for isolating IgG switch variants, the GMD method will significantly improve bioprocessing of monoclonal antibodies for research and therapeutic use. The commercial application of this project will be in the development of monoclonal antibody products for research, therapeutic, diagnostic and imaging purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Akselband, Yevgenya ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109095 July 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: A Rapid-deployment, Three-dimensional (3-D), Seismic Reflection System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will design a prototype for a rapid-deployment, three-dimensional (3-D), seismic reflection system for shallow subsurface exploration. Although the 3-D seismic reflection method enjoys tremendous commercial success in marine applications, 3-D seismic systems for land-based geophysical exploration have been limited because cost-effective and environmentally friendly deployment systems have not been developed. Such a system would be useful to build models of ground water flow, track pollutants, identify mineral-laden zones, and aid the siting of large construction projects. The customer base for this seismic reflection system includes civil and environmental engineers and geophysical contractors. PFM Manufacturing and Montana Tech propose to design a rapid-deployment, 3- D, seismic reflection system that employs multiple land streamers with gimbal-mounted vertical geophones. An industrial, low-impact All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a critical part of the system both to pull the land streamers and minimize environmental impact. PFM builds an ideal ATV for this purpose. The primary advantage of such a system is that fewer field personnel would be needed compared to conventional surveys and data could be collected more efficiently. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Patrick PFM MANUFACTURING INC MT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109098 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Randomly Textured Nanoscale Surfaces for Silicon Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will integrate random, reactive ion etching (RIE) texturing techniques into low-cost, multi-crystalline (mc) silicon (Si) solar cells. RIE texturing techniques, developed in Phase I, are distinguished by their low-reflection (1 percent), large area (200 square centimeters) application, and the ability to control etched profiles. This texture control has been employed to increase near infrared absorption in Si by enhanced oblique optical coupling into the substrate. RIE-texturing techniques have potential application in several fields including low-cost substrates for surface enhanced Raman scattering and field emission devices. Phase II will be concerned with conformal emitter formation techniques uniquely suited to RIE-textured surfaces. These methods will lead to solar cell manufacturing in a cluster environment with similar chambers for texturing, emitter formation, and nitride films for surface passivation. Potential industrial applications are expected in high-efficiency, RIE-textured, mc-Si solar cells using processes suitable for their respective manufacturing environments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zaidi, Saleem Gratings, Incorporated NM T. James Rudd Standard Grant 649584 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9150 9146 9102 0106000 Materials Research 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109141 June 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Battery Design by Using an Electronic Interface (ENTERFACE). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop prototype software for designing batteries based on user requirements. A user will specify an objective (such as maximize runtime) and use conditions (such as the electrical current), and the software determines, based on first principles(trade mark) models, the optimal design. The Phase I project successfully yielded, based on optimization of capacity, significant improvements in runtime for devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs). The Phase II project will develop a user-friendly, prototype system that can handle multiple battery chemistries, simulate abuse testing, and predict battery life. The software serves as an intermediary between battery developers and users by capturing expertise from both groups, allowing them to accrue benefits of simulation. Aligning development cycles of batteries to devices leads to better products (with concomitant market penetration, share growth, and lower costs). The software protects confidential information of all parties, creating opportunities for broader partnerships. The commercial benefits will come from the development of the software, which provides a ready outlet for academic research and a rational basis for product specifications. It is anticipated that if this project is successful it will open up the battery industry to innovation and will help to create new partnerships. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spotnitz, Robert Battery Design Co. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 645742 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9165 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109171 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Optical Angle Encoders for Advanced Powertrains. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project deals with the need for improved angle encoders or resolvers for advanced automotive powertrains. The performance of powertrains for electric vehicles (EV's) and hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV's) as well as for such concepts now being envisioned as a camless engine will require drive shaft angle encoders with higher resolution and faster response. This proposal addresses these needs in the form of an optical encoder based on an old concept, but used in an innovative fashion and executed with component technologies, both optical and electronic, that have recently become available. The design, in addition to its high performance is extremely robust, in terms of temperature, alignment and in its tolerance to high levels of electro magnetic interference (EMI). Also, and essential for the automotive industry, that performance is achieved with the reliability and low cost demanded by that industry. Angle encoding is basic to rotary drive systems. It is required for commutation and phase angle adjustment to affect the control of energy flow. Angle encoders are also essential to optical and radar scanning mechanisms. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wyntjes, Geert VISIDYNE INC MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99970 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109181 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Ultraviolet (UV) Water Treatment with Short Wavelength Surface Discharge Lamps. 0109181 Schaefer This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for cost effective water treatment. Ultraviolet (UV) light treatment for chemical contaminants in water is attractive because contaminants are destroyed, unlike adsorption techniques that transfer the contaminant to a different media. However, the use of UV is limited by electricity costs for lamp power. This project uses a newly developed Surface Discharge (SD) UV lamp with UV efficiency three times higher than the industry standard mercury UV lamp, which will reduce electricity costs. Furthermore, the shorter wavelength UV spectrum of the SD lamp can both increase destruction rate and reduce the amount of chemical oxidant additive. Project objectives are to optimize lamp operation, to demonstrate the advantages of the SD lamp to treat atrazine and nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), two contaminants of national concern, and to establish commercial feasibility. A successful Phase I will establish the feasibility of a water treatment process based on the SD lamp, and will lead in Phase II to a prototype system and to commercialization in Phase III. The near term commercial applications of this project will be in the large water treatment market that includes groundwater, industrial and municipal wastewater, drinking water and general disinfection SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schaefer, Raymond PHOENIX SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0313040 Water Pollution 0109188 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Elastomeric Microelectrodes for Improved Neuroprostheses. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I will develop new implantable electrodes for use in neurological sensing and stimulation. Neuroprostheses have been traditionally fabricated from metals such as stainless steel. The effectiveness of metallic implant devices can be compromised by exposure to the corrosive physiologic environment. Material property mismatches between body tissues and metals can also reduce the tolerability of these devices, especially of those used around muscle tissue. Plastics are finding increasing application in implants due to their more natural stress transfer properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. The proposed research objective is to develop a novel molecularly ordered silicone elastomer that offers tailorable mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, physiological stability and high electrical conductivity. Conducting polymers will be incorporated in a polysiloxane matrix to yield ordered structures for maximizing conductivity while preserving the desired elastomer properties. Conductive composites will be prepared and tested for electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, physiological durability and suitability for implantable devices. The principal commercial application of this project is in the neuroprosthesis device market. Successful development of non-metallic electrodes having high electrical conductivity and improved biomechanical properties will have significant potential in this market. Other potential product areas include anticorrosion coatings and electrical shielding materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Keohan, Francis Cape Cod Research, Inc. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99947 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109190 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Self Assembled Bacteria - A Route to Tuned Photonic Bandgap Materials for Inrared Chemical Sensing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of using monolayers of bacteria to form hexagonal arrays of small holes in metal coated semiconductors. Such micron-sized patterned materials form tuned photonic bandgap structures with narrow band emission. These narrow infrared line sources allow detection of liquid or vapor chemical species through changes in absorption. Very high- resolution, high-cost lithography was required to fabricate proof of principal devices. The proposed research would significantly lower production costs by as much as a factor of ten. Phase I research would demonstrate: (1) growth of uniform sized bacteria, (2) uniform dispersal on a substrate in a hexagonal array, (3) use of inherent electrostatic repulsion to maintain uniform separation, and (4) transfer of this pattern to a treated substrate. Varying growth time and size of bacteria alters emission wavelength and chemical selectivity of the sensor. Existing infrared vapor sensors, that are more reliable than electrochemical sensors, are used for high end applications that can afford an instrument costing hundreds of dollars. The proposed materials development would reduce costs to below $10 per sensor, $50 per complete instrument, allowing IR chemical sensing applications to reach mass markets for automobiles or homes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pralle, Martin ION OPTICS INC MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99984 5371 MANU 9165 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109257 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Microchip-Laser-Based Optical Alloy Analysis Instrument. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project has as its goal the demonstration of the feasibility of an optical alloy analysis instrument based on a microchip laser excitation source. This instrument will determine elemental composition using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS). It will have the advantage over existing portable instruments of being able to determine concentrations of light elements such as carbon, aluminum and silicon. The key to this innovation is the microchip laser, which has been shown to have several advantages in LIPS applications, while being remarkably small, lightweight and robust. In Phase I observations will be made using a laboratory LIPS apparatus, and a set of specifications will be derived for an instrument capable of determining carbon in steel at levels of interest to potential customers in industries where alloy identification is critical. This proposal involves collaboration with a manufacturer with a dominant position in the market. With their input, the optimum instrument configuration which can offer both useful capabilities and easy, portable operation will be determined. There currently exists a strong market for alloy identification instruments, even though existing devices are either limited by inability to determine some of the most important elements, or by significant drawbacks in portability and ease of use. An optical device with important advantages could lead to a much expanded market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wormhoudt, Joda Aerodyne Research Inc MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109271 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Subwavelength Structures for Enhanced Absorption in Thin Silicon Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop thin film (less than 50 microns) crystalline silicon (Si) photovoltaic (PV) cells. At present, Si wafers account for approximately 50 per cent of the completed PV module cost. Weak near-infrared absorption requires 250-micron thick Si films to absorb available optical radiation. Preliminary calculations indicate that appropriately designed subwavelength structures can achieve comparable absorption in films 20-50 microns thick. These subwavelength structures can now be fabricated using recent advances in Si reactive ion etching (DRIE) technology. Preliminary tests with DRIE techniques have demonstrated aspect ratios (depth to linewidth) greater than 30 for grating periods less than 1 micron. Phases I will explore a technique of microstructured thin films lift-off from a conventional Si substrate. The lift-off film is bonded to a low-cost substrate for subsequent solar cell processing. Original wafers are re-used following a simple planarization step. Several lift-off steps from the same Si wafer will offset added processing costs and permit savings in Si material costs. The underlying technology is expected to find applications in homo- and hetero-epitaxial growth on nanostructured Si substrates. Commercial applications are anticipated in this new approach to thin film Si solar cell technology. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Zaidi, Saleem Gratings, Incorporated NM Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9165 9148 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109285 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Evanescent Microwave Probes with Neuromorphic Signal Processing for Real-Time Process Monitoring and Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design, fabricate and test parallel coaxial evanescent microwave probes (EMP) with integrated piezoelectric actuators and neuromorphic electronics. EMP is being developed and commercialized by MICC in collaboration with researchers at Case Western Reserve University for a variety of imaging applications including thin film quality control, semiconductor characterization, biological studies, and other applications in metrology. EMPs have very fast scan rates (>1 cm/s) and they yield information regarding the dielectric constant as well as the microwave conductivity of materials. They are also non-contact with the capability of imaging both conducting and insulating materials. Integration of actuators and neuromorphic electronics with EMP's will enable their development in manufacturing quality assessment and other high throughput applications. EMPs have very high spatial resolutions (=0.1 um -100 um and in some cases atomic resolution) and their application in manufacturing will have significant impact on quality control and assessment. The possible market for such a system is in multi-billion US dollars per year in the US alone. The proposed parallel EMP arrays will be tested using a mock pulsed-laser deposition set-up at MICC. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Natal, Rodrigo Manufacturing Instrumentation Consultant Company OH Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99297 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109291 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Miniaturized High Voltage Thin Film Capacitors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating low volume, low parasitic, i.e., low series resistance and inductance, high energy density capacitors using stacked, thin-film tantalum pentoxide dielectrics fabricated on Kapton film and tantalum foil. Low resistance capacitors will shorten both charge and discharge time, as well as lower the resistive load on the battery or power source. Low inductance is also important in high voltage systems. Power supplies have high transformation ratios with many turns for secondary windings that induce high leakage inductance. Therefore, capacitor inductance must be minimized in order to reduce the total system inductance, ultimately improving power usage factors and system efficiency. Numerous high power systems are used in the medical, defense, space, and consumer electronics industries, where substantial reduction in size and weight and increased speed and performance are desired. Special anodization techniques used to form capacitor dielectrics will allow fabrication of capacitors with a wide range of high performance configurations and characteristics that are expected to benefit all of these industrial markets. Miniaturized, high energy density thin-film capacitors are used in many high power devices, such as defibrillators, DC power supplies, and automotive electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nelms, David Integral Wave Technologies, Inc. AR Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99986 5371 AMPP 9165 9150 0522100 High Technology Materials 0109295 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: The Construction of Strains of Yeast for Bioethanol Production from Cellulose. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop yeast strains to efficiently catalyze the conversion of cellulose to ethanol. Current technology requires the addition of purified cellulase enzymes to convert cellulose to glucose, which is then fermented to alcohol by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The proposed research intends to make three significant improvements over the existing technology : (1) Use of a high temperature tolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus to effect a very efficient fermentation, (2) Expression of genes encoding cellulase in the fermenting yeast, and 3) Isolation and selection of the yeast and the cellulase genes from the cellulosic waste specifically for optimal performance. The commercial applications of this project are in the reduction of cellulose waste material produced by agriculture and industry, and in the production of a cost effective fuel grade ethanol. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Levine, Robert Enogen Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109300 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Increased Profitability and Pearl Quality Using Recombinant DNA Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will identify commercially-important genes in Pinctada margaritifera as targets for future manipulation in order to improve the efficiency and profitability of black pearl farming. This work will also attempt to produce transgenic pearl oysters that carry the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) transgene under a constitutive eukaryotic promoter. Transgenic animals expressing the reporter gene will be followed to monitor expression patterns of the transgene in a controlled quarantine nursery system. Concurrent experiments will isolate genes involved in growth regulation and nacre formation in this species. Candidate growth hormone and nacre protein genes will be sequenced, compared to known genes of similar function in other molluscs and verified as homologous The commercial application of this project will be at the high end of the black pearl market that is estimated to be of the order of $ 150 million in the Pacific alone. This project is expected to result in the production of faster growing oysters that yield bigger and higher quality pearls than those currently available. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sarver, Dale Black Pearls Inc HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 110063 9150 5371 BIOT 9251 9231 9181 9178 9102 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0521700 Marine Resources 0109351 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Focused Beam Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis Using Doubly-Curved Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address improved wafer contamination analysis in the microelectronics industry. Phase I will examine a new technique called focused beam total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF). Based on point-focusing toroidal crystal optics, focused beam TXRF is expected to improve spatial resolution by a factor more than 100 and provide 30 times better detection sensitivity for local contaminants on silicon (Si) than the conventional TXRF method. This technique also has potential for low level aluminum (Al), sodium (Na), and other low atomic-number (Z) elements that not performed effectively by conventional TXRF and other techniques. Phase I will demonstrate improved sensitivity and resolution for transition metal detection. Theoretical calculations will be also carried out to determine the feasibility for Al and Na detection in wafer contamination control. Focused beam TXRF analysis has commercial applications in the microelectronics industry for wafer contamination control, including localized and homogeneous contaminants with high resolution. These contaminants include many important elements, such as transition metals, Al, Na and other low Z elements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Zewu X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 94318 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109356 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Process Sensor for Alternative Energy and Catalysis Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a low cost process control sensor for advanced alternative energy and catalysis applications. Sensor could be a component in as many as 1.2 million fuel cell vehicles projected to be on the road in 2010 and a component in the electrical generation market which could surpass $100 Billion in 2010. The sensor will measure carbon monoxide in the part-per-million to percent range in a wet, high concentration, hydrogen stream with significant carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) concentrations. Although large nondispersive infrared (NDIR) instruments are the standard solution to this measurement problem, NDIR is prohibitively expensive for many applications including fuel cell power plants, and transportation applications, and quite expensive for industrial processes such as urea manufacture and oil refining. Phase II will develop an easily manufactured sensor costing a few dollars apiece in large quantity as opposed to current IR systems costing thousands to tens of thousands of dollars apiece. This project will have a direct impact on reducing United States dependence on foreign oil by making highly efficient fuel systems practical. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roehl, Joseph SCENTCZAR CORPORATION VA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99390 5371 EGCH 1325 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0109371 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nonintrusive Diode Laser Sensor for Bottled Drugs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to assess the feasibility of developing a nonintrusive diode laser sensor for oxygen contamination in drug product bottles. In this project, designs for overcoming problems associated with ambient oxygen signals and optical interferences due to etalons will be examined. In addition, the sensitivity and accuracy of the proposed technique will be demonstrated. Lastly, a preliminary examination of the possibility of performing measurements on the production line will be made. If successful, this technology will be extendable to nonintrusive measurements in a variety of packaged and bottled food and drug products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Paige, Mark Southwest Sciences Inc NM Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109385 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Microencapsulation of a Biocontrol Agent to Improve Control of Soilborne Pathogens. This Small Business Phase Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate microencapsulation technology, including microencapsulated phase change materials (microPCMs), to improve biological control of soilborne plant diseases. Success in this program would enhance the potential of using this technology in a broad range of biocontrol arenas. Previous research has demonstrated that microPCM(s) can significantly improve bioherbicide efficacy through microclimate regulation. Biocontrol organisms for plant diseases have environmental constraints (moisture and temperature) to practical application. Additionally, many of these organisms also lack a suitable carrier or delivery system. The technology proposed in this program will address these constraints by providing supplemental moisture, supplemental nutrients and temperature regulation to a viable biocontrol bacterium that is encapsulated inside a protective capsule. Innovative microencapsulation techniques will combine water, microPCMs and nutrients in a form that can be delivered to seeds or vegetative cuttings. The key objectives of the Phase I project are as follows : (1) to evaluate compatibility of microencapsulated materials, (2) to design and to fabricate water microcapsules and microPCMs, (3) to encapsulate a test biocontrol bacterium, and 4) to evaluate these formulations individually or in combination with the test bacterium to control soilborne diseases in selected crops. The commercial applications of this project will be in the huge, multibillion dollar market for materials needed to control soilborne diseases in flowers and in crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton, grain sorghum and rice. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cartwright, D Agricultural Research Initiatives Inc AR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 94207 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0201000 Agriculture 0109392 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Compact, Low-Cost, Time-of-Flight Residual Gas Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new type of residual gas analyzer based on a novel ion-trapping concept. The new instrument will have significant cost and size advantages over current commercially available residual gas analyzer (RGA) systems. If the concept is successful, it has the potential to provide performance capabilities exceeding current RGA technology. The new trap also has potential application as a general purpose ion source for precision mass spectrometry. Phase I will: (1) design and construct a proof-of-principle experiment to demonstrate the novel ion trap as an ion source for a compact RGA; (2) conduct experiments to characterize the performance of the new instrument; and (3) evaluate possible extensions of the instrument and develop the conceptual design for a Phase II laboratory demonstration instrument. These new RGA instruments are expected to reduce capital and manufacturing costs in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, vacuum coating, electro-optics, chemical processing, and environmental monitoring. It will also make RGAs more available to new users in industry and university research laboratories, who presently cannot afford such instruments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greaves, Rod First Point Scientific, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109407 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Harmonic Radio Acoustic Sounding System (HRASS). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a proprietary method of measuring atmospheric temperature starting at 10 meters above the surface. Our concept, if successful, will overcome the current Radio Acoustic Sounding System (RASS) low altitude and temperature resolution limits. The temperature measurement accuracy will be increased by at least a factor of two. This system will support research by providing a continuous low altitude temperature profile for a better understanding of the atmosphere and improved weather prediction. Localized weather forecasts are particularly important for airports predicting fog, air quality control, controlled burns of grasslands and forests, and uncontrolled forest fires. The ability to predict the behavior of the smoke emanating from these fires is important since it is a threat to many segments of the population. Results from this research could provide accurate low altitude temperature profiles to businesses that need local weather data (airports, fire departments, television and radio stations, air quality control, and disaster management of nuclear or chemical mishaps, etc.). EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Wollny, W. Tom Quick Reaction Corporation CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109419 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Two-Photon Resonant Holography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Two-Photon Resonant Holography (TPRH) imaging technique capable of recording time-resolved number densities of atomic or molecular species. Resonant holography and the innovative application of two-photon absorption and photorefractive quantum well (PRQW) holographic devices will allow the development of high-speed systems using only low-cost, solid-state components. Phase I will develop the TPRH technique by constructing a prototype system and demonstrating its operation with a selected species. The use of two-photon absorption with resonant holography allows visible or infrared (IR) lasers to probe species with ultraviolet (UV) absorption lines. Costly UV lasers and optics can be avoided. The PRQW device enables high recording rates. These devices are capable of kiloHertz or megaHertz rates with energy requirements in the nanojoule range. Commercial applications are expected in industrial and fundamental research areas: combustion, plasmas, reacting flows, in vitro biomedical testing, supersonic mixing and reacting flows, and basic research into the nonlinear behavior of atomic or molecular electronic systems. Furthermore, TPRH may find applications in very low cost video rate systems; lightweight, low-power airborne or space-based systems; and multiple-view systems for tomographic measurements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lysogorski, Charles North Dancer Labs, Inc. VT Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99279 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109430 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of High Aspect Ratio Microstructures in Polymers: Applications in Microcolumn Separations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop commercially viable methods for the fabrication of high aspect ratio micro- and nano-structures for microfluidic applications using contact nano-printing. X-ray lithography will be used to produce molding tools to emboss structures in polymers. Microfluidic channels will be fabricated with ordered arrays of micro- and nano-posts filling these channels. Molding tools will be constructed from metal electroform to allow hot embossing or injection molding of various polymers. Mechanical properties of both the electroform and the polymers will be evaluated for the ability to minimize structure deformation during demolding. Various gluing and heat annealing assembly methods to enclose the microfluidic channels will be investigated. A number of post geometries will be examined for feature integrity during molding, demolding and assembly. Fluid transport through the ordered arrays will be studied in detail using confocal fluorescence microscopy. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of micro-column separations such as for reversed phase chromatography and for micro-reactors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ford, Sean Mezzo Systems Inc. LA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99850 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109434 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: EvoBeaker Simulation Software for Teaching Evolutionary Biology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project seeks to develop simulation software for teaching evolutionary biology. Evolution is the core subject in biology, yet it requires concepts and ways of thinking that are challenging for most students. Moreover, it is a subject that is poorly understood by many non-scientists, with important consequences on the way science is taught in public schools. This project will lead to the development of a very flexible piece of software that allows users to design evolutionary simulations and students to graphically see evolution in action. The software will be accompanied by a set of classroom-tested laboratories teaching a variety of evolutionary topics. Students will learn by designing and performing their own experiments. The commercial potential of this project is immediate and obvious. To date, a good, general purpose teaching program of the type proposed in this project is not available and the market is very large, consisting of virtually every secondary school and college in the country. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meir, Eli SimBiotic Software NY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 97770 5371 BIOT 9181 0108000 Software Development 0109441 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I:Rare Earth-Aluminum Oxide Glass Photonic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate photonic devices based on novel rare earth-aluminum oxide (REAl) glass. These devices exploit electronic transitions in rare earth doped and co-doped glass that potentially enable efficient laser action at wavelengths from 480 to 2250 nanometers (nm) when pumped by inexpensive diode lasers. Phase I will focus on the feasibility of devices having emissions at 1480 nm and possibly 1300 nm emission for telecommunications applications. The behavior of 480-490 nm emissions will be characterized with a view toward use in optical data storage applications. Phase I will also synthesize and characterize doped rare earth-aluminum oxide glasses, and establish protoype device performance. Measurements on the rare earth doped REAl glasses will include the spectral absorption coefficient at the pump wavelength, fluorescence cross section line shape, slope efficiency, fluorescence lifetime, single pass gain, and IR transmission. Potential commercial applications include small laser or optical amplifier devices to extend the fiber telecommunication bandwidth for use in high-density optical data storage devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weber, J.K. Richard Containerless Research, Inc. IL Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109447 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Ferroelectric Thin Films on Low-Cost Substrates for Wireless Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at producing high-quality BaxSr1-xTiO3 (BST) films with low dielectric losses and high tunability on low-cost substrates (sapphire and metal). These ferroelectric thin films are of great interest for advanced tunable microwave devices that are being used in, for example, wireless telecommunication hardware. To date, there are only two process technologies (PLD and MOCVD) that allow depositing BST onto sapphire and none exists for depositing BST onto metallic substrates. Hence, there is a compelling technical and commercial need to develop an advanced deposition process that can overcome these apparent shortcomings. In related work we have shown that the proprietary Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) process can deposit high-quality, epitaxial BST thin films onto a variety of substrates. The goal of this Phase I program is to demonstrate the capability of the CCVD process to produce tunable microwave devices using CCVD-grown thin films of ferroelectric BaxSr1-xTiO3 (BST). The effect of systematically varying film composition and substrate on thin-film properties will be investigated with a special focus towards the intended wireless applications. The market for low cost, tunable microwave devices continues to grow every year as the world untethers itself from the telephone lines. Over $300 million worth wireless handsets were sold this past year and that number is projected to rise to over $1.5 billion by the year 2005. Tunable devices also benefit the manufacturers of RF radios, satellite communication equipment, and active antennas. There is a tremendous interest in low-cost phase shifters with a price target of approx. $5. This goal is achievable with the right combination of advanced thin films, low-cost substrate and high-volume deposition technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stollberg, David NGIMAT CO. GA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 0106000 Materials Research 0109450 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Underground Pipe Locator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using magnetic tensor gradiometry to both locate and determine the depth of buried underground and/or submerged underwater ferrous pipes. Detection and location of subsurface pipes is of great importance to the utility, natural gas, and petroleum industries. Existing techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar suffer from a number of limitations, including the inability to accurately scan through multi-component soil and water. This technique uses passive magnetic gradiometry to detect underground and underwater ferrous pipes, and is unaffected by the presence of water. Commercial magnetometer-based pipe locators do not measure enough component of the magnetic field and the magnetic gradient to be able to correctly find the depth of the buried pipe. During Phase I, the feasibility of detecting and locating one ferrous pipe in the presence of other ferrous pipes in the vicinity will be studied. A magnetic tensor gradiometer based pipe locator will first find applications in the natural gas, petroleum, and the utility industries. In addition, the gradiometer could be easily adapted to find underground structures, underwater vehicles, buried current-carrying conductors, buried unexploded ordnance and mines and concealed weapons. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kumar, Sankaran Quantum Magnetics, Inc. CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99998 5371 CVIS 1059 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109460 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Antimony-based Mid-Infrared Quantum Cascade Lasers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop mid-infrared (IR) quantum cascade lasers based on type-II indium arsenide/gallium anitmonide/aluminum antimonide (InAs/GaSb/AlSb) quantum well structures. These lasers emit radiation in the mid-IR region, enabling commercial products in fields including chemical sensing, medical diagnostics, and industrial process controls. The wavelength of Sb-based quantum cascade lasers can be tailored over a wide spectral range due to the large conduction band-offset between InAs and AlSb. In addition, because of the band-gap blocking in type-II quantum well structures, electron injection efficiencies near 100% can be achieved without requiring Bragg reflector layers. Another advantage of this material system is the small electron effective mass in InAs, contributing to reduced phonon scattering rates. Hence, the inter-sub-band quantum cascade lasers based on type-II InAs/GaSb/AlSb quantum well structures are excellent candidates for compact, reliable, efficient mid-infrared light sources operating at room temperature. Phase I will involve the design, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth, characterization, and optimization of InAs/GaInSb/AlSb quantum cascade lasers to demonstrate their feasibility of operation at low threshold current and at ambient temperatures (or at temperatures accessible with a thermoelectric cooler). High performance mid-IR quantum cascade lasers would be developed in Phase II. The first mid-IR semiconductor lasers are expected to operate under continuous wave (cw) conditions at ambient temperatures. This would enable commercial products in several fields including chemical sensing. One example is detection, at the parts per billion (ppb) level, of formaldehyde and related compounds for medical diagnosis purposes. These laser sources will potentially find other commercial and defense applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bruno, John Maxion Technologies, Inc. MD Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 98550 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109461 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Determination of Optimal Bidding Strategies and Nash Equilibria in Electric Power Markets. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses a major problem faced by participants and government regulators in the electrical power industry. The electric power industry in the United States and throughout much of the world is presently in a period of radical and rapid restructuring. The ultimate goal of much of this restructuring is lower prices, to be achieved through the development of competitive markets for electricity. These changes require new tools both for the market participants and for the market regulators. For the participants one such new tool is the ability to optimize their market decisions in order to maximize profit. For the regulators a new tool is needed to insure that the market operates without undue market power abuses by the participants. As will be shown in this proposal, the software tool needs of both the participants and regulators are quite similar. The goal of this project is the development of such a tool. PowerWorld Corporation's present customers include traditional utilities, power marketers, industry consultants, several state regulatory commissions, as well as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Many of these customers have expressed a great desire for PowerWorld to expand its products to include a detailed market simulation tool. PowerWorld Simulator, with further development, has a tremendous potential to be one of the most valuable new tools available in the coming years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Laufenberg, Mark POWERWORLD CORPORATION IL Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109462 July 15, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Precision-Biodegradable Microspheres for Sustained-Release of Bioactive Substances. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will use ink-jet printing technology to fabricate precision biodegradable microspheres, 20-200m in diameter, for sustained-release of bioactive substances. The microspheres will be fabricated at specific diameters, as determined by the application, thereby producing an excellent platform for delivery of drugs, hormones, growth factor, DNA vectors / plasmids, cytokines, and enzymes. For the initial application, the microspheres will incorporate antineoplastic agents, such as taxol, for the treatment of head and neck cancer. The physical parameters of the microspheres will be verified with a scanning electron microscope. Release kinetics profiles of the taxol loaded microspheres will be determined by in vitro pharmacokinetic modeling. Quantification of antineoplastic agent release will be performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Retention of efficacy will be tested by first fabricating the taxol microspheres and then extracting and testing the antineoplastic agent in a cell culture model of squamous cell carcinoma. The intact microspheres will also be tested in a nude mouse model of human squamous cell carcinoma. The commercial applications of this project will be in human therapeutics as an alternative to conventional administration of those drugs that have a short half-life or that cause considerable systemic effects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Romero, Andres MicroFab Technologies Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109473 July 1, 2001 SBIR/STTR Phase I: New Magnetoelastic Force/Corrosion Sensor for Cable-Stays in Bridges Using Measurement of Anhysteresis Curve. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of direct measurement of live forces in civil infrastructures such as the cables of cable-stayed bridges, using a new magnetoelastic sensor. Knowledge of stress conditions is essential for detection of stress changes due to fatigue, overload, or corrosion and thereby, to prolong a structure's service life and/or to improve its performance. Knowledge of the stress state is also valuable for evaluating the structural integrity of cables during and after natural disasters such as earthquakes or severe winds. These measurements should be made rapidly and cost-effectively. Conventional sensors, such as strain gages and accelerometers, do not respond to stress directly. The new magnetoelastic sensor depends on the magnetic properties of structural steels in a stressed state. The sensing circuit is external to the steel, simple to install, and sensitive to in-situ stress with an error less than 3%. A magnetic property called the anhysteresis curve is measured. The commercial application of the new magnetoelastic force/corrosion sensor is in maintenance and repair of cable-stays in bridge structures and numerous other steel and metal-based infrastructural elements. The end-users include infrastructure managers, bridge engineers, and officials of transportation authorities of Federal and local governments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Qi, Gui-Zhong InfraTech Inc MD Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99786 5371 CVIS 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0109487 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High Speed, All-Fiber, Low-Power Dense WDM Optical Switches. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop novel high-speed broadband optical switches, where the optical data do not leave a fiber waveguide. Unlike integrated optics and planar waveguides, this approach has strong advantages in lower insertion loss, higher speeds, lower drive voltages, and reduced fabrication costs. Since these devices are inherently narrow-band, they can support dramatic reduction in channel width (higher channel count) in dense wavelength division multiplexed systems. At the same time, the lower voltage and faster electro-optic switching allow greater speeds, already demonstrated in excess of 110 GigaHertz in planar devices using this technology. The commercial market for high-speed, power-efficient optical switches is among the largest in the modern economy. The potential for cost savings via improved efficiency is expected to justify the retrofit of existing infrastructure. Considering revenue increases due to capacity expansion, this technology could figure prominently in the next expansion of transcontinental, intercontinental, and metropolitan high-speed data transfer service devices, sensors, and other devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schaafsma, David IPITEK CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99873 5371 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109491 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Rare Earth Doped Polymer Optical Fiber Amplifiers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate optical amplification in a single-mode polymer optical fiber. Phase I will: 1) incorporate various rare earth chelates into polymer systems; 2) demonstrate amplification in the material; 3) make a polymer fiber with a rare-earth core; and 4) demonstrate amplification in the fiber. Single mode polymer optical fiber waveguides will be made with a mode profile that matches that of standard silica glass fiber, thus making the amplifier fiber compatible with existing fiber-optic components. Besides applications in phased array radar, these amplifiers are expected to impact the long-haul fiber amplifier business, but it's largest impact will be in small and regional network applications, particularly for fiber-to-the-neighborhood and fiber-to-the-curb uses. The new technology will also impact the amplifier market for local intranets, as well as provide cost-effective amplifier solutions for small networks and hybrid fiber-coax cable TV systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welker, David Sentel Technologies L.L.C. WA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99587 5371 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109500 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Surface Modified Catheters for Infection Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will develop a novel antimicrobial surface modification for polymeric biomaterials. This surface modification could be used to develop antimicrobial catheters, hubs, fabrics, and surfaces for medical instruments, as well as biofilm resistant dental and water lines. The need for antimicrobial catheters is great. Every year in the U.S., twenty million hospital patients are catheterized. Use of these devices places large numbers of patients at risk for a variety of catheter-related infectious complications. In U.S. ICUs approximately 500 to 4000 patients die annually of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections. The annual cost of caring for patients with central line-associated blood stream infections is $60 to $460 million. This Phase I project proposes a novel antimicrobial surface modification (1) that will covalently attach active groups to the surface of a variety of plastics, including polymers commonly used in medicine; (2) that can be formed on both the inner and outer surfaces of complex geometries; (3) that will inhibit bacterial adhesion by nonspecific oxidative destruction and by electrostatic repulsion of negatively charged bacteria; (4) that will be effective against bacteria, fungi, and spores; and (5) that will not promote increased antibiotic resistance. The primary commercial application of this project will be in the medical instrumentation market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Krause, Wendy Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0109504 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Optical Fiber Chloride Sensor for Concrete Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes an optical fiber sensor to determine concentrations of chloride ions in composite concrete structures such as buildings and bridges. Maintaining the integrity of this nation's infrastructure is a major challenge, and the incursion of chloride ions into concrete is a major cause of structure failure in the U.S. To solve this problem, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) will develop an innovative distributed intrinsic fiber optic sensor (DIFOS) that will consist of an optical fiber coated with a cladding that contains an indicator sensitive to chloride ions. The cladding changes its spectral properties in the presence of chloride, causing the fiber's optical properties to reflect chloride ion concentration. The sensor will detect chloride along its entire length, reliably indicating when structures need repair or replacement. Embedded or retrofit in a concrete structure, the sensor will detect the incursion of chloride ions and provide real-time monitoring of chloride diffusion within the structure. This sensor can be used to prevent structure degradation and potential catastrophic failures. The proposed system will be a valuable tool for safeguarding concrete structures. It will be used by civil engineering and construction companies. This sensor can be embedded into new structures during fabrication and into old structures that are being repaired. In addition, the concept of an optical fiber cladding that is sensitive to different analytes can be extended to smart structures such as aircraft, ships, and buildings to increase the safety of these structures and to decrease maintenance and inspection costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Egalon, Claudio INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99997 5371 CVIS 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0109519 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel, Non-Toxic, General Purpose Oxygen Activated Disinfectant. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a novel potent class of biocides for use in the food and medical industries. Over the last decade, the emergence of pathogenic microbes that resist conventional treatment, such as antibiotics and chemical disinfectants, has caused great concern to officials in the food and medical industries. Each year nearly two million patients contract an infection while hospitalized. During the last two decades the rate of nosocomial infections per 1,000 patient days has increased 36 percent, while in 1995 nosocomial infections cost 4.5 billion dollars and contributed to more than 88,000 deaths. These "super bugs" have also reeked havoc in the food industry as foodborne disease causes approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. The novel class of biocides proposed in this project will be generated on-site and on-demand and will contain the beneficial characteristics of ozone and carboxylic acid or alcohol-based disinfectants while eliminating their respective weaknesses. This new armamentarium of biocides will meet the criteria for an ideal disinfectant that can be recommended by public health officials for food and medical uses. The primary commercial applications of this project will be in the food and healthcare industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hitchens, G. Duncan Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109525 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Stable High Volume Cu Precursor Evaporation Module. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address development of an advanced precursor evaporation module with a specific focus application to copper metalization. Rapid large area CVD is required for the copper seed layer or, preferably, for deposition of the full contact layer. CVD equipment manufacturers have responded to the deposition tool need; as have developers of the copper precursors to enable Cu CVD. However, the copper precursor of choice, Cupra Select TM (a liquid), has a relatively low vapor transport rate because of its low vapor pressure, compounded by a narrow temperature operating range (vapor pressure equals 0.4 Torr at 43 C and beyond ~ 45 C this precursor begins to decompose). Flash Evaporation is not a solution because of the low decomposition temperature. The limited vapor transport hinders high speed large area growth. This has led to the development of a multistep-multimachine copper metalization process (CVD seed layer followed by electrochemical deposition of the whole layer). This is tolerable but highly inefficient and hence costly. SMI proposes to create a patentable high volume liquid vaporization source. Our proposed source offers at minimum a 5 fold increase in available Cu vapor transport and is expected to allow CVD to replace the present two-step process. If successfully developed, SMI's source will be made available commercially. This effort will help accelerate the large scale manufacturing of ICs with Cu interconnects, and may apply to any other CVD process utilizing low volatility liquid precursors. An improved liquid vaporization source will find immediate use on all Cu CVD systems and hence be a strategic SMI component product. The unit will also find applications to similar temperature sensitive, low volatility liquids and well meets SMI's CVD components sales thrusts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tompa, Gary STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109543 August 1, 2001 Reasons for Carnegie Mellon to Join PSERC. This is a proposal for Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to join Power Systems engineering research center (PSerc) PSerc is a consortium of universities and industries, formed to collaboratively tackle critical power systems problems. The inclusion of CMU in PSerc will benefit both institutions: CMU has resources that will enhance PSerc's problem solving capabilities, and PSerc will make it possible for CMU's researchers to work on problems that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. CONTROL, NETWORKS, & COMP INTE IIP ENG Talukdar, Sarosh Carnegie-Mellon University PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 205745 W242 V105 1518 OTHR 0000 0109554 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Catalyst for Near-Zero NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Fired Power Plants. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves the development of a catalyst to control NOx emissions from combined cycle power plants using natural gas fired turbines (natural gas fired power plants). During the Phase I effort, Guild Associates developed an environmental catalyst for the control of NOx emissions using NH3. Operating in the presence of excess (about 20-33%) NH3, the catalyst was able to achieve greater than 95% NOx reduction without NH3 slip. NH3 slip is avoided because the catalyst is able to simultaneously reduce the excess NH3 to N2 and H2O. The objective of this project is to modify the catalyst developed during the Phase I effort in order to enhance its commercial viability. Enhancing the commercial viability will involve increasing the reactivity of the catalyst and eliminating platinum metals from the formulation. Enhancing the reactivity will allow the catalyst to operate at higher space velocities. Eliminating platinum metals from the formulation will greatly reduce the cost of the catalyst. Successful completion of this effort will result in a simple, low cost technology for control of NOx emissions from natural gas fired power plants without NH3 slip. Potential Commercial Applications include the control of NOx emissions from natural gas fired power plants. Other commercial applications include controlling NOx emissions from semiconductor manufacturing, fine and specialty chemical manufacturing and nitric acid manufacturing processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rossin, Joseph GUILD ASSOCIATES INC OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 599891 5373 EGCH 9197 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109570 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Wireless Firefighter Lifeline. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore a low-frequency positioning system for locating and tracking people inside of buildings. Phase I will establish system feasibility by showing that lower frequencies will not be subject to the guided-wave propagation modes caused by typical indoor structures of hallways, partition walls, and floors. These guided-wave modes can cause unacceptably large errors in indoor positioning systems. The concept will be validated by a combination of electromagnetic modeling and experiments. It is expected that a phase-only, low-frequency approach will produce high accuracy and good penetration into buildings with modest bandwidth requirements and minimum problems for licensing approval. The principal commercial application is in the firefighter market. The system will monitor not only a firefighter's position but also vital biometric data, e.g., pulse, respiration, temperature, air tank level. Further, this system will be portable, obviating the need for a supporting infrastructure. It can also be used for tracking prison guards and rescuers entering a collapsed building after an earthquake or other natural disasters. Hospitals could use this technology to track critical mobile equipment or personnel. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Halsey, James INFORMATION SYSTEMS LABORATORIES INC CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99656 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109573 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Mechanism of the Layer Transfer Process for Silicon-on-Insulator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore an improved process of manufacturing Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) wafers. The SOI process includes: (1) forming a hydrogen-rich buried layer in a donor silicon wafer; (2) prebonding the donor wafer to a handle wafer; (3) cleaving the donor wafer along the buried layer to thinner top silicon; and (4) postbonding and surface smoothing of the final SOI wafer. An initial wafer is oxidized allowing it to get the buried oxide of SOI. A new feature is an improved activation of wafer surfaces to be bonded. Activation is termination of surfaces with either hydrogen or with hydroxyl groups. Preliminary results show that the terminated surfaces contain more than a monolayer of hydrogen. And the excessive adsorbed hydrogen causes transfer faults during subsequent layer transfer. The Phase I activation process allows control of the hydrogen dose. The process uses radio frequency plasma treatment instead of wet processing. It is expected that the yield of the SOI process will be increased. The new process will be used in the silicon wafer market, which currently totals $10B annually. Estimates indicate that SOI wafers will increase to around 20% of this market within 10 years as SOI is one of the few solutions for production wafers based on less than 0.18 micron design rules. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Usenko, Alex Silicon Wafer Technologies, Inc. NJ Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109578 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Photonic Crystal Defect Cavity Enhanced Photodetector. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel photonic crystal defect cavity enhanced photodetector with wavelength selectivity, fast response speed, and low noise. By introducing photonic crystals into the design of a cavity enhanced photodetector, the problems associated with lattice matched reflector growth, low refractive index contrast, and heterojunction charge accumulation will be avoided. The photonic crystal defect cavity enhanced photodetector will be easy to fabricate and have superior performance compared with traditional detectors. The design can be expanded to photodetector arrays in many materials systems. Phase I will investigate the fabrication of photonic crystal defect cavity, characterize the photonic crystal band structure, and test p-i -n photodetector structures. Phase II would produce the prototype photodetector devices and optimize their performance. Novel products utilizing a photonic crystal defect cavity enhanced photodetector are anticipated in optical communications and telecommunications. Since silicon (Si)-based photodetectors can be easily incorporated into Si-based integrated circuits, there will be immediate commercial application to the telecommunications industry. There is also long term potential application in imaging and optical communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Hongwei NANOSCIENCES CORP CT Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109591 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost, Cavity Ringdown Spectrometer for Gas Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will lead to the development of compact, low cost gas sensors and analyzers based on cavity ringdown spectroscopy using near-infrared lasers manufactured for fiber optic communications. Although conventional cavity ringdown spectroscopy can achieve part per trillion detection limits for many gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, ammonia), few commercial applications require such extraordinary sensitivity. Instead, price and reliability are controlling factors for the sensors and analyzers market. That is why we propose a modified form of ringdown spectroscopy that should lead to low cost, compact, and rugged instruments. The Phase I effort is designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed technique which will lead to the development of a prototype instrument in Phase II. Commercial applications include industrial process analysis and control, bioreactor monitoring, and worker safety. Ideally, the sensors and analyzers will be low power (possibly battery operated), self-calibrating and self-checking devices that will be sufficiently rugged to allow in situ installation. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Bomse, David Southwest Sciences Inc NM Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109593 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Analysis of Combinatorial Bioproducts using Absorbance-Based, Multiplexed CE (Capillary Electrophoresis). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will develop high sample throughput methodologies via multiplexed capillary electrophoresis (CE) for applications in the areas of combinatorial synthesis and proteomics. CE has the potential to function as a platform for a high- throughput analysis system, but suffers from unacceptable variations in migration times and injection volumes. Furthermore, today's multiplexed CE systems use fluorescence detection only, which without labeling is ineffective in detecting ~90% of all known compounds. This project proposes the fabrication and validation of a 96-capillary array CE system that employs 1) absorbance-based detection, and 2) current measurement in each capillary. The former eliminates the need and problems with fluorescence, significantly expanding the scope of multiplexed CE. The latter uses the collected current to reduce migration time and injection volume variability to the levels required for routine analytical work. Success in Phase I will lead to a Phase II program in which the analysis system will be optimized and protocols for peptide mapping and combinatorial synthesis will be developed and standardized. Potential commercial applications of this project are in markets needing high throughput screening methods. Target customers for the technology include fine chemical makers that use combinatorial techniques to develop new catalysts and other materials, pharmaceutical firms that conduct high-throughput screening in drug discovery for the development of pharmaceutical compounds, biotechnology companies that utilize peptide mapping for the rapid fingerprinting of proteins, and clinical and forensic laboratories that require high-throughput screening to analyze samples and develop evidence in criminal investigations SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pang, Ho-ming CombiSep, Inc. IA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109616 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Prevention of Fibrosis of Peritoneal Hydrogel Implants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop the technology to inhibit and / or to prevent the fibrosis of peritoneal hydrogel implants. BioHybrid Technologies' microreactors are hydrogel-based sustained-release devices containing living cells that manufacture and secrete therapeutic substances. By encapsulating the appropriate cells derived from primary isolates, cell lines or stem cells; BioHybrid's microreactors can be geared to the treatment of a large variety of diseases. These microreactors have been shown to protect the cells from cellular and humoral immunity. However, the current design is still prone to cellular overgrowth, resulting in suffocation of cells within the microreactor and ultimately leading to microreactor failure. The objectives of this project are to determine (1) if anti-fibrotic agents included in the microreactors or those used systemically can inhibit fibrosis of microreactors, and (2) if geometric changes made to the microreactors will render them less fibrogenic. The ability to control or to eliminate the host fibrotic reaction to such microreactors would represent a major advance in this promising technology . This is likely to be the last hurdle that must be overcome to finally bring BioHybrid's microreactor technology into the clinic. The commercial applications of this project are expected to be immediate and significant. The final refinement in BioHybrid Technologies' microreactor technology is likely to lead to substantial improvements in treatment for a large number of human diseases including diabetes, Alzheimer's, liver failure, chronic pain, hemophilia, dwarfism, anemia, hypocalcemia, ALS, Parkinson's, epilepsy, Huntington's, spinal cord injuries, strokes, kidney failure, immunodeficiencies, and several others. The commercial market for these diseases is huge, measuring in billions of dollars in the U.S. alone. The therapeutic improvements that would result from this technology will lower healthcare costs and enable other technologies that can take advantage of the advances in therapeutic substance delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kuhtreiber, Willem BioHybrid Technologies Inc. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99914 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109627 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I:Novel Use of Microspheres In Plasma Display Device. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will show the efficacy of using small hollow glass microspheres, "Plasma-spheres", as cellular-size gas containers for plasma display panels. Current plasma panel technology utilizes an "open" plasma system, which captures ionizable gas between two glass panels. This system is difficult to fabricate. Production costs are high due to time consuming gas processing techniques presently in use. If successful, the new system is expected to decrease the gas processing time significantly, thereby lowering costs, and it will allow the production of flexible plasma panels. Phase I will fabricate and gas fill the microspheres, construct prototype, monochrome Plasma-sphere panels, and compare their critical characteristics, such as efficiency, brightness, life, operating voltage requirements, with those achieved with a standard monochrome plasma panel. Successful replacement of extant open plasma systems with plasma-sphere systems can reduce costs sufficiently to make high definition television available to the home consumer market. Plasma-spheres may also extend plasma panel use to low pressure environments, e.g., high altitude and space applications, and to high-pressure environments, e.g., undersea applications. The possibility of an open flexible plastic substrate can lead to various aerospace, military, and consumer applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Henderson, Timothy IMAGING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INC OH Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99765 5371 MANU 9148 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109644 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Laser Ultrasonic Receiver Using Polarization Self-Modulation in Photorefractive Semiconductors. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using a new type of adaptive receiver as part of a low-cost laser ultrasonic inspection system for manufacturing inspection and process control. The test of feasibility will be very high detection sensitivity, while maintaining the capability to compensate for mechanical vibrations and atmospheric turbulence that are present in the factory environment. High sensitivity helps to reduce power/energy requirements for lasers used in an inspection system and thus to reduce overall production costs. The cost of the receiver, itself, will also be lower as a result of simplicity of design. Phase I will develop analytical models to describe receiver performance, characterize receiver experimental performance, and evaluate a laboratory prototype eceiver. There is a broad need for low cost sensors for many manufacturing applications. Laser ultrasonic inspection can be used to inspect hot and/or rapidly moving parts and to scan large structural panels. Systems cost reduction is expected to justify laser ultrasonic inspection over a wider range of manufacturing applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Klein, Marvin LASSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 71466 5371 MANU 9146 0109000 Structural Technology 0109649 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Parallel Hardware Implementation of the Split and Merge Discrete Wavelet Transform for Wireless Communication. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop the hardware implementation of a novel image compression/signal decomposition algorithm based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT). This fully parallel, low-power, scalable, multi-resolution implementation is particularly well suited for use in reduced bit-rate applications over wireless communication channels as found in the next generation of web enabled cell phones. This particular implementation is a highly efficient implementation of the wavelet transform and makes use of a novel overlap state wavelet decomposition algorithm that minimizes both memory usage and interprocessor communication overhead. Over the next decade, spiraling consumer demand for fast mobile communication of voice and IP over increasingly integrated terrestrial and satellite-based radio systems plagued by a limited electromagnetic spectrum allocation necessitates the pursuit and development of better compression algorithms at low bit-rates. As a consequence of extensive research, transform-coding techniques has come to virtually dominate every single image and video coding scheme proposed to-date. Consequently, efficient software and hardware based transform coding system designs and implementations have become a high priority objective at both academic and commercial research centers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moopenn, Alexander Mosaix, LLC CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0109652 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Two-Dimensional X-Ray Diffraction Detector Using New Fluidic Self-Assembly Manufacturing Techniques. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will apply fluidic self-assembly (FSA) technology to the fabrication of large area silicon-based X-ray imaging arrays. FSA technology offers potential for cost-effective production of high-speed, high-performance X-ray imaging arrays that are now in demand for synchrotron protein crystallography, X-ray astronomy, and mammography. Silicon X-ray diode arrays and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit chips will be micro-machined into the appropriate shapes for subsequent assembly using FSA. The FSA apparatus for transporting the micro-machined chips to the receptor substrate will be assembled and evaluated. Phase I will evaluate these techniques in fabrication of an X-ray imaging array. Phase II would include the design and fabrication of optimized detector structures and custom CMOS readout circuits, and optimization of the assembly procedures for a prototype-imaging array for synchrotron protein crystallography. Potential applications are expected in the commercial production of X-ray imaging devices for medical, scientific, and other purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tull, Carolyn Photon Imaging, Inc. CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109666 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Methods for Studies of Single Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will apply Multi Photon Detection (MPD) to quantify the minute amounts of proteins contained in and secreted from a single cell. The successes of genomics have led to the need for improved knowledge of the protein content of cells (proteomics). The elucidation of all proteins requires better methods for the study of low abundance proteins because the majority of "molecular switches" are expected to be expressed at less than 10,000 copies per cell. The goals of this project are to further improve the sensitivity of the MPD-enhanced immunoassays down to the level of a few zeptomole/sample, to study intracellular processing of the important family of cytokines (IL-1, IL-18) and to study the levels of caspases in a single cell. The commercial applications of the technology to be developed in this project are in the rapidly expanding proteomics market, especially in the area of low abundance proteins proteomics. This market is currently estimated at around $ 200 million and expected to grow severalfolds over the next few years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Drukier, Andrzej BioTraces Inc VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99587 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109671 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Circuit Design for Biological Data Transmission. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop integrated, wireless transceiver Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) circuits for neuron based data acquisition (DAQ) systems. Currently available multi-channel neuron DAQ systems require a tethered connection for the surgically implanted analog head stage electronics. This wired connection limits the subject's freedom and motion. If a low power, wireless connection were possible, these limitations are eliminated. Furthermore, a wireless connection broadens the use of DAQ systems to clinical possibilities with humans. The critical design parameters for the wireless head stage transceiver circuits are 4 Million Bits per second (Mbs) data rate and 1mWatt power dissipation. The first is needed to meet the 16-channel bandwidth requirement.The second is required because of the miniature size and lightweight constraints of the battery power source needed for a wireless connection. The specific objective of the project is to design the most efficient wireless transmitter and receiver for the neuron DAQ system. Two protocols, namely, minimum Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) and Ultra Wide Band (UWB) will be considered and evaluated. This comparative evaluation, also involving Bluetooth radio chip sets, will be conducted on the basis of efficiency, layout area, noise and process immunity. Integrated CMOS filters, mixers and oscillators with off chip antennas will be simulated, designed and extracted to meet the 4Mbs and 1mWatt benchmark. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of neuroprosthetics to restore sensory and motor function in patients with neural damage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morizio, James Triangle Biosystems, Inc. NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98030 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109672 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost, Disposable Microfluidic Manifolds for Lab-On-a-Chip (LOC) Technologies. 0109672 Scherer This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a low cost, disposable microfluidic manifold that includes a micropump for lab-on-a-chip (LOC) applications. The microfluidic devices will be engineered for integration with disposable chemical and biological LOC detector systems. The key objectives in this Phase I project are : (1) to construct and to test a proof of principle system, (2) to assess the compatability of the technology for an array of LOC applications, (3) to design an integrated microfluidic system, and (4) to determine specifications of the Phase II prototype. The commercial applications of this project are expected to be in a broad range of markets, extending from specialty medical industries to general consumer products. Examples of commercial devices that may potentially incorporate this technology include chemical analysis systems, drug delivery systems, MEMS actuator systems and embedded health monitoring systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scherer, James LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109679 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nonintrusive Species Specific Velocimeter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an optical instrument that measures velocity distribution in a flame species by species---and on multiple scale sizes---with an accuracy of 1%. This novel velocimeter is nonintrusive and passive, relying completely on light emitted by the flame itself. The instrument will be developed with experts in commercial combustion chemical-vapor deposition, a process that inexpensively produces thin-film coatings for a variety of applications, including electronics, glass, anti-corrosives, superconductors, catalytics, polymers, and nanopowders. The velocimeter will monitor species mixing and velocity in the flame, facilitating "smart" deposition that can streamline real-time process control and increase the reliability of the coating process. The instrument will map the velocity of the flame as a whole. Phase 1 will prove the feasibility of species-specific, variable-scale-size velocimetry. Phase II will perform a proof-of-principle demonstration with a prototype instrument. The principal commercial application is smart deposition that monitors real-time species-specific velocity distribution in a flame to maintain flame consistency and maximize deposition efficiency. Other potential applications include plasma-based manufacturing and plasma thruster control. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Flusberg, Allen Science Research Laboratory Inc MA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99933 5371 AMPP 9165 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109687 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A High Power, High Efficiency W-Band Amplifier. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project, A High Power, High Efficiency W-band Amplifier, is a new W-band, high-power microwave source. A point design based on a frequency of 11.424 gigaHertz (GHz) at the input cavity produces a one megawatt output at 91.4 GHz. It has a 51.5% system efficiency and 57.9 decibel (dB) gain. Phase I will make a detailed analysis to establish credible estimates of radio-frequency power, pulse length, emittance, efficiency, gain, and other key parameters. This W-band amplifier will provide a high power, high-frequency source suitable for many applications, such as improved tracking and mapping in atmospheric and near-atmospheric studies. Benefits will accrue to: (1) High resolution planetary mapping studies using inverse synthetic aperture radar, affording an improved signal to noise ratio at short wavelengths; (2) Cloud physics studies with greater range at improved resolutions; and (3) Space debris detection and tracking of near earth asteroids with improved accuracy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zaidman, Ernest FM TECHNOLOGIES INC VA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99999 5371 EGCH 1317 0510304 Electron & Energy Sources 0109691 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Automated Analyzer for Drug Delivery Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will develop a new class of real time aerosol mass spectrometers (AMSs) for analysis of respirable powder and liquid aerosol in pulmonary drug delivery systems. Three parameters control the effective delivery of drugs to the lungs: (1) the number density of entrained aerosol particles per unit volume of respirable fluid; (2) the particle size distribution; (3) the concentrations of active ingredients as a function of particle size. Aerosol Mass Spectrometers, with proper calibration, can measure all three parameters simultaneously. Aerodyne Research, Inc. (ARI), in collaboration with several university research groups, has developed, demonstrated, and commercialized an innovative and quantitative AMS system. With suitable modification and calibration, this system could greatly reduce the time and effort required to characterize pulmonary drug delivery systems, both for research and for production quality assurance. This Phase I project will design and test a real-time AMS system to characterize novel pulmonary drug delivery systems. The principal commercial application of this project will be in the pulmonary drug delivery analyzer market. Potential customers are likely to include drug delivery companies, pharmaceutical companies, academic research organizations and regulatory agencies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Worsnop, Douglas Aerodyne Research Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109693 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Device for Flat Panel Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating a carbon nanotube based field emission device (FED) and of operating FEDs. The approach is a natural extension of the patented Nanotube Catalyst Retaining Structure (NCRS) method. Phase I is expected to overcome limitations that have prevented FEDs from successful use in the established liquid crystal display (LCD) market and to initiate a broad range of other applications that require growth of aligned carbon nanotubes as functional elements of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). This new concept in nanotechnology will be useful in application of carbon nanotubes as functional elements of integrated circuit (IC) and MEMS devices involving a multi-layered structure of metal, insulator, and carbon nanotubes. Potential commercial applications are expected in field emission displays, electron microscopes, illumination devices, sensors, and similar devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir XIDEX CORPORATION TX Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109696 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Molecular Level Nanoassembly of Optical Fiber-Based Breathing Sensors. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I (SBIR) project will investigate the feasibility of utilizing nanoscale molecular self-assembly methods to synthesize high performance optical fiber-based humidity sensors for breathing diagnostics. NanoSonic proposes to use molecular-level electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) processing methods to form multilayered, interleaved metal nanocluster and polymer thin films on the ends of optical fibers. Initial studies have shown that these small, robust and safe optical fiber sensors respond to humidity over a wide range of relative humidities, with a response time of milliseconds or less. All of these factors overcome current significant limitations in the fabrication of breathing monitors for clinical diagnostics. The commercial applications of this project will be in clinical research and in home health care management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cooper, Kristie Nanosonic Incorporated VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109699 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Identification and Enhancement of Coalbed Methane Methanogenesis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will examine the feasibility of culturing naturally occurring bacterial consortium that exist in coal seams. These bacteria generate the bulk of the 450 million cubic feet of methane now being recovered daily from coal seams in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. However, only indirect studies have thus far been carried out on the character, environment, and activity of these organisms. Isolating the bacterial consortium will allow development of methods to detect critical parameters for biogenesis in the field and to determine conditions under which this biogenesis may be optimized. The commercial application of this project is in detection of new methane rich coal seams and in enhancement of methane production from existing coal seams. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Herries, John WELLDOG, INC. WY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9181 9104 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0313000 Regional & Environmental 0109700 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Cluster Ion Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) - MS/MS by Coincidence. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will test Cesium Iodide cluster ion beams as an alternative to lasers for desorbing bioions from a MALDI ((Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) matrix. This offers the possiblity of performing the post source decay tandem mass spectrometry on an event by event basis, making possible the application of coincidence techniques which allow specific correlations to be made between metastable parent ions and their ionic fragments. This is an anaolgy to what has already been demonstrated for 252Cf fission fragment plasma desorption mass spectroscopy of bioions. Thus post source decay becomes a true MS/MS technique. There is also the possiblity that the use of cluster ions can increase the fragmentation and the degree of metastability of the desorbed bioions compared to using a laser. If so, the cluster deorption technique may be more suitable than lasers for imaging biomolecules on materials such as polymers or tissue slices. This Phase I project proposes to develop a cheap and reliable cluster ion source for MALDI. At the conclusion of Phase II, this ion source could be combined with a curve field reflector TOF mass spectrometer and marketed as a new approach to post source decay measurements. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of biomolecular mass spectrometry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schultz, J. Albert IONWERKS, INC TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99647 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109702 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Out-of-Plane Ultrasonic Inspection of Paper Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates advanced ultrasonic techniques for out-of-plane laboratory inspection of paper materials. Experimental ultrasonic test methods are available to probe thickness direction elasticity, predict internal bond strength of paperboard, detect delamination defects in multi-ply boards, and evaluate the softness of tissue products. However, an analysis of these methods indicates serious shortcomings in the measuring principles: presence of interfering signals, poor resolution, simplified interpretation of sound attenuation commercial ultrasonic instrument already exists to investigate wetting and liquid penetration in paper, but the technique cannot distinguish between penetrating depth and amount of penetrating liquid. Also, other measurement needs such as coating thickness evaluation are not addressed. Since the future of the U.S.Pulp and Paper Industry largely stands on the manufacturing of low volume but high quality value-added products, product development, superior quality, and end-use performance are critical elements of a competitive market environment. In that context, SoniSys plans to develop new ultrasonic measuring tools, which will sustain the subsequent development of a versatile commercial ultrasonic instrument for out-of-plane paper inspection. SoniSys anticipates at least seven market segments for its instrument in the paper industry: (1) Nondestructive prediction of internal bond strength and evaluation of board structural integrity (paperboard mills;paper testing companies); (2) Measurement of elastic stiffness for product development, quality control purposes and calibration of on-line measurements (paper and paperboard mills;R&D centers); (3) Detection and localization of delamination defects (paperboard mills); (4) Investigation of amount of penetrating liquid and liquid penetrating depth in wetting and liquid penetration tests (paper and paperboard mills, R&D centers); (5) Determination of coating thickness and assessment of paper substrate-coating layer interface (paper and paperboard mills,R&D centers); (6) Quantitative evaluation of bulk and surface tissue softness (tissue industry); and (7) Testing of wood coupons and prediction of pulp and paper properties from raw materials (pulp and forest industries). . SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brodeur, Pierre SoniSys, LLC GA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99974 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109719 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Rubbed Protein Substrates for Low Cost Biochips Based on Liquid Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will initiate the development of an entirely new class of biochips, with a particular focus on biochips designed to track the expression, activation and post-translational modification of proteins involved in cell signaling processes. These biochips will be widely applicable to the field of proteomics. The technology is based on the use of liquid crystals to image biomolecular interactions at structured surfaces. The goal of this project is to demonstrate that substrates for liquid crystal-based biochips can be prepared from mechanically rubbed films of protein that are covalently attached to glass substrates. The important issues of non-specific adsorption, binding of specific target proteins and stability of rubbed protein films will be addressed. This approach to fabrication of biochips aims to leverage the manufacturing knowledge generated over past decades for liquid crystal display technology and thereby provide low cost biochips with potential for broad impact.This class of biochip has the potential to be extremely rapid (minutes), to be highly sensitive (magnitudes more sensitive than gels and ELISA), to be inexpensive (less than $0.20/determination) and when combined with microfluidics, to make possible the imaging of large numbers of proteins simultaneously . The commercial applications of the technology and the products to be developed in this project will be in well defined markets, ranging from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to general scientific research laboratories that are conducting research in cellular signalling pathways. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Israel, Barbara PLATYPUS TECHNOLOGIES L L C WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98041 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109728 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I:Development of a Novel Sensing Material for Waterborne Pathogens. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will develop a novel sensing coating that will be deposited on filters for the detection of water-borne contaminants. The initial target will be the oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum, a water- borne pthogen. C. Parvum was responsible for the outbreak of cryptosporidiosis affecting 400,000 in Milwaukee WI in 1993 and other smaller outbreaks. Cryptosporidiosis is characterized by abdominal pain and severe diarrhea, and can be fatal to immune-compromised individuals. There is currently no easy and reliable test for C. parvum that allows routine monitoring of drinking water supplies. The proposed research will develop a sensing polymer coating, with antibodies and fluorophores incorporated, on a nanoporous membrane. The membrane will be used as filter to simultaneously concentrate and detect C. parvum in water. Binding of C. parvum to the coating will lead to a fluorescent signal. The Phase I research will focus on antibody conjugation to the polymer, fluorophore incorporation, and coating preparation, with the aim of demonstrating the feasibility of the sensing material. In Phase II, the materials will be optimized and incorporated into a detector that will combine filtration and fluorescence detection for monitoring drinking water supplies. The principal commercial application of this project will be for detection of water-borne contaminants in our drinking water supplies, with a potential market comprising of a majority of public water systems in the country. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reppy, Mary ANALYTICAL BIOLOGICAL SERVICES INC. DE Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 97456 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109730 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanocrystalline Fe-Co For Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Suppression. This Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to produce soft magnetic Fe-Co nanocomposites with end applications in EMI suppression, motors, generators, magnetic bearings, magnetic recording heads and many advanced electric systems. High performance electronic color image display has become a standard feature of many modern commercial products. These products must use timing circuits and operating frequencies from as low as 30 MHz to over 130 MHz. Wide bandwidth electromagnetic interference (EMI) noises are inherent to these characteristically high frequency architecture systems. Hence development of cost effective and high performance materials are of great interest to prevent EMI. Excellent magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Fe-Co can find an important application in EMI prevention devices. In accordance with this development, Materials Modification Inc. (MMI) proposes to synthesize and process Fe-Co nanocomposites by the powder metallurgy (P/M) route. MMI has expertise in nanopowder processing techniques that can be easily scaled up for production. Upon completion of this Phase I project, an advanced Fe-Co soft magnet with high permeability, large saturation magnetization, low energy loss (hysteretic and eddy current), and high temperature properties will be developed. Composition and structure will be tailored at the nano-scale to obtain the desired mechanical and magnetic properties required for EMI suppression devices. The nanocrystalline Fe-Co soft magnets can be used in EMI prevention devices, motors and transformers, generators, magnetic bearings, data communication interface components, magnetic recording heads, sensors, and reactors. Fe-Co nanocomposite with superior magnetic properties, low core-loss, and creep resistance at elevated temperatures can be used in integral starter/generation (ISGs) and power units (IPUs) in a modern aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sudarshan, T. Materials Modification Inc. VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109731 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Ultrasensitive Gas Chromatography (GC) Detector with Highly Specific Response to Aromatic Hydrocarbons. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project details the roadmap to rapid commercialization of a powerful new gas chromatography (GC) detector, the Aromatic Specific Laser Ionization Detector (ArSLID). Like a conventional photoionization detector (PID), the ArSLID creates ions by photoabsorption. But its two-photon laser ionization process confers many significant advantages over the PID, including: extraordinarily low limit of detection, potentially the lowest of any GC detector; extremely fast response ideally suited for fast GC; miniscule background signal; far higher selectivity for aromatic hydrocarbons; stable esponse over long periods of time; and compatible with all carrier gases, including air. Preliminary data taken with a prototype ArSLID already show the low background, selectivity, and sensitivity; it is as sensitive as any PID (ca. 1 pg toluene injected on-column). At least an order of magnitude further improvement will be achieved in Phase I with incorporation of a compact, low cost microchip laser ionization source that also offers much higher pulse repetition frequency and shot-to-shot stability compared to the laser source used to date. The ArSLID will find numerous applications that are difficult or impossible for a PID to meet. In the case of environmental analysis, the signals from the toxic and hazardous aromatic species (specifically the BTEX fraction) are too often buried in the aliphatic signals with a PID. Similarly, in pharmaceutical analysis, approximately 75% of the drugs contain an aromatic moiety and it is often challenging to find the drugs or their metabolites in the sea of endogenous compounds. It is estimated the annual sales of PIDs for GC detectors at $21 million and expect to rapidly capture a significant fraction of this market owing to the superior performance capabilities of the ArSLID. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Very, Brian DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 9150 EGCH 9188 5371 0313010 Air Pollution 0109733 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: No Preparation, Flexible, Dry Physiological Recording Electrodes. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel and flexible, dry, physiological recording electrode that conforms to non-planar surfaces and does not require extensive surface preparation or conductive gels to achieve a low impedance interface with the body. This innovative electrode will be fabricated inexpensively using microfabrication techniques and priced competitively with existing commercial electrodes despite its enhanced performance and features. The proposed dry electrode will provide substantial improvement in all areas of biomedical research and medicine that involve use of electro- physiological potentials such as EEG, EMG, EOG, and ECG signals. This unique electrode is particularly well suited for long-term and multiple electrode physiological monitoring as compared to existing commercial electrodes,since multiple electrodes can be easily fabricated into a single array with a common connector, thereby simplifying application. Additionally, by providing a low impedance interface with the body, this electrode will eliminate the need for an electrolytic gel or the need to abrade the skin prior to applying the electrode. The commercial applications of this project will follow directly from the development of the novel electrode (Orbital Research Dry Physiological Recording Electrode) that seeks to improve electro-physiological signal quality (for EEGs, EMGs, ECGs or EOGs), eliminates the harsh side effects and signal deterioration common with existing electrodes and is competitively priced. By enhancing quality of life at no additional cost, this biomedical innovation is expected to lead to new long-term monitoring applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lisy, Frederick ORBITAL RESEARCH INC OH Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109736 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Trait-Targeted Activation Tagging in Rice. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative approach for targeting genes involved in a specific trait or pathway using the model cereal plant, rice. Rice is known to have highly conserved disease resistance signal transduction pathways and yet so far a very few signaling molecules have been studied. Application of Activation Tagging methods may allow for the discovery mechanisms involved in disease and other defense-related signal transduction pathways. Therefore, instead of using the common activation tagging vector, this project proposes to use a rice chitinase gene promoter RCH10 and luciferase reporter gene fusion expression cassette in activation tagging T-DNA binary vector to activate genes in defense-responsive pathways. This approach will allow the identification of chitinase or chitinase-related genes or transcription factors in luc+ expressed rice tissues and plants both at earlier and in later stages of the experiment. The RCH10 gene promoter is highly inducible during pathogen response both in plants and in cell culture and therefore, transformed and non-transformed in vitro tissues and leaf discs can easily be subjected to high throughput screening. This trait-targeted activation tagging approach will enable collection of only chitinase or chitinase-related overexpressed phenotypes and thereby expedite the process of gene isolation and recapitulation of potential disease resistance phenotypes in rice. The commercial applications of this project will be in agriculture for screening and isolation of agronomically important genes in major crops. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bommineni, Venkat Exelixis Plant Sciences, Inc. OR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 95416 5371 BIOT 9181 0201000 Agriculture 0109737 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Baculovirus-mediated Gene Silencing Biocontrol Agent. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project seeks to modify insect viruses for the purpose of generating a new class of species-specific insect biocontrol agents. The approach will combine the emerging technique of RNA inhibition (RNAi) with existing baculovirus technology to generate recombinant insect viruses capable of targeting individual or closely related insect pests with great specificity . Standard molecular biology techniques will be used to engineer baculoviruses containing a portion of an essential host insect gene inserted between convergent promoters, which when activated by host transcription factors, will synthesize both the sense and antisense RNA strands of the inserted gene. This double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecule specifically inhibits the expression of the corresponding gene in the host insect, thereby killing the animal. Standard bioassays will be performed in which the recombinant baculovirus will be delivered to host insects by feeding or injection, and the LD50 of this virus will be compared to that for an unmodified baculovirus and for a recombinant baculovirus expressing an insect neural toxin. The commercial application of this project will be in the market for insect biocontrol agents. The recombinant insect viruses have the potential to serve as highly selective and environment- friendly insect biocontrol agents that kill pest insects faster than unmodified viruses and with greater specificity than viruses expressing insecticidal toxins that also affect beneficial insects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chouinard, Scott CAMBRIA BIOSCIENCES, LLC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98182 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109743 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Printable Conducting Polymers for Polymeric Electronic Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop printable, soluble conducting polymers that can be crosslinked using ultra violet light. These printable, conducting polymers can be printed using photolithography into thin films with 2-dimensional features ranging from solid thin films for flexible displays to highly detailed features for printed wiring boards and multi chip modules. These printed conducting polymers will also be low-cost, flexible, lightweight and mechanically more robust than inorganic electronics. Soluble, conductive polymers will be synthesized with functional groups that can be crosslinked by a polymerization reaction induced by ultraviolet light. Thin films will be cast onto substrates and then rendered insoluble by the crosslinking polymerization under ultra violet light. The kinetics of photopolymerization will be measured and optimized to maximize the resolution of photoimaging for micron sized conducting features. An engineering analysis will be performed to determine if the process conditions, printing resolution and conductivity of our proposed conducting polymers is commercially attractive for electronics applications. Commercial applications for printable conducting polymers include flexible displays, printed wiring boards, multi chip modules, transistors, and light emitting diodes especially when the combination of conductivity and the properties of plastics (flexibility, mechanical stability, etc.) are desired. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elliott, Brian TDA Research, Inc CO Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109745 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Ultra-High Resolution Technique for the Fabrication of Nanoelectronic Device Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new approach for the fabrication of periodic nanoelectronic device arrays. Processing of structures on the sub-100nm scale poses significant challenges due to limited resolution of available lithographic methods. The proposed technique will address the deficiencies of the existing nanofabrication approaches by directly growing nanostructures inside a molecularly self-assembled NanoWell shadow mask, which offers an unprecedented atomic-scale control over the nanostructure size. During the proposed research, a silica shadow mask with cylindrical pores ~3-30 nm, or NanoWells, will be self-assembled employing organic surfactant molecules. Silicon nanorods will be grown inside NanoWells by both CVD and sputtering, followed by chemical removal of a shadow mask. An array of Si nanorod LEDs will be fabricated to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach as well as the quantum size effect for the Si nanorods. If successful, this cost effective, high-throughput, and ultra-high precision technique will figure into a wide range of electronic device array applications such as sensors, processors, memories and displays, and provide enhanced miniaturization, speed, and power reduction. The proposed technique will offer the dramatically improved nanoprocessing capabilities for the fabrication of flat panel displays, sensor arrays, quantum dots, nanomagnetics, image and signal processors. It will have a broad range of potential applications in commercial microelectronics and image processing industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guliants, Elena Taitech, Inc. OH Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99635 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109753 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Distributed Sensor Networks for Autonomous Management of Small Parts Inventories. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses an automated vendor-managed inventory (VMI) system for distributors of small parts. Small parts inventories introduce several difficulties because of the large quantities that are maintained and the multitude of different part types that have similar physical appearances. For such systems, where inventory is stored in many racks of bins, it is labor intensive to provide continuous accountability for each part. Distributors are often left with two choices: maintain high inventory levels to avoid short-term surges in demand; or monitor levels closely by hand to ensure an adequate supply without unnecessary overhead. Phase I will develop an economical means of providing real-time usage statistics for small parts through the use of intelligent electronic sensing bins. Each bin reports the quantity of parts enclosed to a central communications module, which in turn compiles a report listing the replenishment requirements for each part. This information is then provided to vendors so that they may create a timely order for the customer. VMI technology will find use by suppliers that wish to provide VMI services to a large number of small clients. By avoiding continuous human monitoring and intervention, VMI will be applied to small contracts, resulting in savings for both parties. This technology is expected to be used in the industrial fastener market, which is growing at a rate of 3.7% annually. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Garman, Christopher Redpoint Controls, LLC WV Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99774 9150 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109756 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Thermostable Phage DNA Polymerases: Improved Tools for Genomics Research. 0109756 Schoenfeld This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop new thermostable bacteriophage and archaeaviral DNA polymerases for use as improved reagents for DNA amplification, sequence analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection. This will be accomplished by direct isolation of thermophilic bacteriophage and archaeaviral genomes from hot springs, construction of expression libraries and screening for novel thermostable DNA polymerase activities. The proposed approach is expected to be significantly more rapid and comprehensive than traditional approaches that have been used for enzyme discovery. These traditional approaches rely on the limiting intermediate step of culturing a microbe and its cognate virus. In contrast, the proposed approach on this project will allow screening of all expressible viral DNA polymerases present, including those from unculturable phage that is believed to predominate in the environment. The primary commercial application of this project will be in the marketing of novel thermostable DNA polymerases to organizations involved in genomics research for use as improved reagents for specific molecular biology methods. . SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schoenfeld, Thomas LUCIGEN CORPORATION WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99052 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109762 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Development of Integrated Fluid/Solid/Bio-Kinetic Simulation Software for the Characterization of Microsphere-based Bio-analytic Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will demonstrate the feasibility and value of advanced simulation methodology for the prediction of biomolecular binding on the surface of microspheres used in biosensing applications. Models in current use employ many ad-hoc assumptions, particularly related to convective mass transport. Large, systematic errors are commonly encountered in predictive efforts. Novel, high-fidelity simulations proposed here hold the promise of providing a systematic understanding of the complex interaction between multiphase flow, diffusion and surface chemistry. An integrated simulation environment featuring Discrete Particle Simulations (suited for small beads) and Chimera Particle Simulations (for larger beads) will be developed in Phase I. Detailed bead-surface chemistry models (featuring finite-rate adsorption, desorption and conversion to irreversible state) will be developed and fully coupled to the flow model. The technique will be demonstrated using Immunoflow , a food bio-sensor based on fluidization developed at Utah State University. Both flow and binding simulation results will be validated against experiments. In Phase II, both Discrete and Chimera particle techniques will be further developed along with more generalized, user specifiable surface reaction mechanisms and model development for bio-molecule specific binding phenomena. The commercial application of the technology and the software to be developed in this project is in the area of biosensors for marketing to the biotechnology community. The product will enable the rapid creation of the next generation of optimized biosensors while simultaneously enhancing the fundamental understanding of biochemical processes. The technology would also benefit research in the traditional chemical and pharmaceutical industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sundaram, Shivshankar CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99968 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109764 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Harsh Environment Fluid Viscosity-Density Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address bulk micromachining of single crystal silicon carbide and III-V nitride semiconductors to develop miniaturized fluid density and viscosity sensors based on acoustic wave (AW) principles. Phase I will develop sensors capable of precisely measuring fluid viscosity and density over wide limits under harsh operating conditions: high pressure, high temperature, corrosive, or abrasive. The harsh environments require fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for fluid viscosity-density sensors from silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium-aluminum nitride (GaN-AlN) compounds, which have high melting temperatures (1700-3000 degrees Centigrade) and favorable chemical and mechanical properties. Phase I will test the feasibility of the micromachined SiC-AlN fluid viscosity-density sensors by fabricating an unpackaged pre-prototype device from these materials and demonstrate the measurement of viscosity and density in a variety of fluids at various temperatures and pressures. Harsh-environment MEMS fluid viscosity and density sensors have commercial applications in boreholes for oil exploration and production, monitoring of engine fluids in automobiles, aerospace and military vehicles, and monitoring chemical synthesis and production processes. These devices are expected to increase oil-well production at reduced cost, promote more efficient use of engine fluids resulting from direct and continuous feedback of fluid characteristics, and enable real-time in situ monitoring of chemical processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mlcak, Richard BOSTON MICROSYSTEMS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109773 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Single-Pass Growth of Full Color Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) Displays Using a Scanning Localized Evaporation Methodology (SLEM). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves a novel technique to fabricate full-color organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays in a cost-effective manner. The proposed scanning localized evaporation methodology (SLEM) circumvents the need for using elaborate substrate patterning and large vacuum chambers (to attain film uniformity), currently employed to manufacture OLED flat-panel displays (FPDs). The benefits of SLEM over current fabrication methodologies stem from its parallel processing of various layers, as opposed to sequential techniques. Dedicating a SLEM head to a particular material, multiple evaporating heads are integrated into a unit that yields full-color OLED displays in a single pass. Current projections indicate that using this technique, deposition time for growing all layers for a 3"x4" OLED display (consisting of an array of 270 360 pixels) is estimated to be in the range of 3 to 7 minutes. Considering the wastage in material supplies and equipment infrastructure needed for conventional OLED processing, dedicated SLEM units would provide significant cost advantages in manufacturing OLED displays for various applications. SLEM represents a natural evolution of thermal evaporation that incorporates many features of ink-jet printing. This will naturally allow the production of inexpensive, larger and flexible OLED displays to claim a significant share of the FPD market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Phely-Bobin, Thomas Optoelectronics Systems Consulting Inc. CT Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99956 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109774 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Polymeric Amplification for Rapid Listeria Monocytogenes Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to demonstrate how a radically new technology can be applied to real-time detection of food-borne pathogens. Current ready-to-eat food inspection test methods require 3-6 days due to the need to enrich the pathogenic population to the point to make them detectable. During this time, the food is stored, awaiting the results of the tests. This method necessitates additional expenses and resources to store and track the tested lots and reduces the market shelf-life by as much as a week. With the proposed approach, detection of pathogens can be done in real-time as part of the food processing work flow. This is possible because of an innovative technology involving the use of a proprietary amplifying polymer that greatly amplifies detection events. This polymer has been shown to detect subfemtogram masses of inorganic compounds. In the proposed research, proven methods of identifying Listeria will be coupled to the amplifying polymer, resulting in a highly sensitive detection mechanism that will eliminate the need to grow enriched cultures. The immediate commercial application of this project will be for the inspection of ready-to-eat foods that are subject to Listeria contamination. The low cost and convenience of the system will be attractive to in-plant quality control inspectors, government regulators and institutional users. The broader applications of the basic sensor platform would be for detection of other food borne pathogens and of pathogenic releases in laboratories and in the general environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Clarke, Jean NOMADICS, INC OK Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99976 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109778 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Immunoconjugate Luminescent Sensors Based on CdTe/CdS Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to design a nanoparticle-monoclonal antibody conjugate that is capable of detecting select biological warfare agents including Brucella and Francisella. This novel approach to detection is effective, sensitive, selective, inexpensive and truly portable. The system uses an innovative detection method involving two wavelengths of fluorescence, which further increases selectivity and sensitivity. The sensor mechanism uses a thin film of conjugate that can be exploited in a number of ways for detection of other pathogens of relevance to both military and non-military sectors. The commercial applications of the technology to be developed in this project will be in the area of counter-terrorism and in medical, food, agricultural and related fields where pathogen contamination must be detected. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Wei NOMADICS, INC OK Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99995 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109786 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Inhalation Dosage Method. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel drug delivery method for treatment of diseases and symptoms that currently require intravenous, subcutaneous injections or oral intake. This method is based on the use of drugs in an extremely fine and ultra lightweight particle form called AerohalantTM that is especially formulated for advanced inhalation therapy. AerohalantTM particles will have much higher tendency to stay aloft than state-of-the-art inhalants and next generation inhalants currently under development by the pharmaceutical companies. AerohalantTM particles will reach mucous membranes of the innermost part of the patients' lungs without depositing any matter in the throat or the thoracic region, and therefore, utilize most of the tennis court sized alveolar surface area inside human lungs. These ultra light drug particles, on contact with thin fluid layer on mucous membranes in the alveoli, can dissolve and reach the blood stream much faster than by state-of-the art inhalants, subcutaneous, intravenous injections and orally ingested medications. Alternately, these particles could also be designed to release slowly. This Phase I project proposes to produce one commonly injected pharmacotherapeutic agent in the special powder form and to conduct feasibility tests with respect to suspension characteristics of Aerohalant TM particulates in the air, the in vitro activity, and the rate of dissolution and absorption. The commercial applications of this project are in the medical field for production of inhalable forms of common therapeutic drugs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Henry, John ASPEN SYSTEMS INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109789 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Fisheries Data Fusion. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a tool for fisheries biomass assessment that fuses airborne LIDAR with ship-borne SONAR data. This is expected to be an improved survey technique that extends a fishery survey area while also increasing the quality of the data that is collected. Phase I will apply the system to two important fisheries issues: the decline of the endangered Stellar Sea Lion population in the presence of commercial fishing; and the need for increased information for salmon life cycle modeling. Both of these issues impact thousands of lives in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The mathematical relationship between LIDAR and SONAR backscatter will be established. A prototype fusion engine will be developed and validated on existing data from the North Pacific. The system will be migrated to a web-based prototype LIDAR-SONAR data fusion engine for use in the fisheries management and scientific communities. A real-time data fusion engine will be deployed for future fish survey operations. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Rogers, Eric Scientific Fishery Systems, Inc AK Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 9150 EGCH 9189 5371 0117000 Marine Mammal Protection 0206000 Telecommunications 0109790 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High-Throughput, Multiple Scanned-Head Critical Dimension Atomic Force Microscope (CD-AFM). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a multiple scanned-head Critical Dimension Atomic Force Microscope (CD-AFM) with high throughput as a CD metrology tool. Phase I will develop key design innovations for commercial in-line production quality control in: (a) multiple scanned CD-AFM heads, each dedicated to scanning one site; and (b) a modular, high-performance head design that enables greatly reduced move-acquire-measure (MAM) time. The principal commercial application is to replace CD Scanning Electron Microscopes (CD-SEMs) as the semiconductor industry's primary CD metrology tool for in-line production quality control. Other applications are seen in micromanipulators for microelectronics, including mask repair, and in biology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir XIDEX CORPORATION TX Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109792 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: BioTELL - A Novel Biosensor for Microbes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test new methods to detect and distinguish similar strains of the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae. Ninety-five percent of systemic infections in childhood are caused by H. influenzae strains of the serotype b. They include meningitis, sepsis, epiglottitis, pneumonia and otitis media. Bacterial meningitis and epiglottitis are life-threatening diseases with a lethality of five percent to twenty-five percent. Thus, a real-time sensor capable of detecting specific strains of H. influenzae in the parts-per-trillion range is needed. Any new detection device must be highly sensitive and selective, miniature, self-diagnostic, low cost, have rapid response time, and require no sample preparation. This Phase I project proposes such a novel point-of-care detection device for highly sensitive determination of H. influenzae and other bacteria strains. This approach builds on recent research conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory using microcantilevers as sensor platforms. The BioTELL sensor will consist of an array of microcantilevers with one surface derivatized by an antibody coating receptive to H. influenzae antigens. The commercial applications of this project will be in the biosensor market for detection of H. influenzae and other disease causing microorganisms. The primary customers for products developed through this project are expected to include pediatricians, general practitioners and consumer households. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hansen, Karolyn QGENICS Biosciences, Inc. TN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109798 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Silyl Ether Protecting Groups for RNA/DNA Synthesis. This Small Business Research Phase I project will develop novel silyl protecting groups for RNA/DNA oligonucleotide synthesis. The synthesis of RNA is more difficult than DNA because a more complex protection scheme for nucleoside monomers is required. The 5-silyl-2-orthoester (2-ACE) strategy addresses this problem and provides RNA of excellent purity and yield. This achievement is invaluable to RNA scientists studying molecular biology or developing therapeutic strategies. Such research absolutely requires synthetic oligonucleotides that often incorporate modifications and are made by no other means. The goal of this SBIR Phase I proposal is to reduce the cost and increase the reliability of RNA synthesis so that amidites can be provided to the scientific community. The new silyl groups to be developed will facilitate nucleoside monomer preparation by improving selectivity for 5-protection and will promote economical purification strategies including crystallization. Nucleosides 5-protected with potential silyl candidates will be examined for their stability, ease of deprotection during solid phase synthesis, and amenability to incorporation of chromophores for real-time assays of coupling efficiency The commercial application of this project will be in the rapidly growing RNA synthesis market to support research endeavors in molecular biology and drug design. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scaringe, Stephen DHARMACON INC CO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109801 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Hypertension Treatment Responder Prediction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop the software platform, GeneRx, to incorporate pharmacogenetics and nonlinear adaptive algorithms toward optimizing anti-hypertension therapy on a patient specific basis. Preliminary studies on the psychotropic drug, olanzapine, show a 40% patient-by-patient error between predicted starting dose and optimal therapeutic dose, using a prototype trained only with patient chart information. This is a significant reduction from the range of starting doses for olanzapine currently used, which is from 1 to 80 mg/day. Anti-hypertensive drugs, like psychotropic drugs, have a large window of therapeutic options, including significant variation in dosages, medications, and combinations of therapies used. Using patient information and blood samples from a hypertension study done elsewhere, this Phase I project proposes to apply GeneRx to include genetic data in the modeling of hypertension treatment in combination with patient chart data. Genetic data for each patient will be acquired by genotyping DNA from the blood samples, scored as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present or absent in key hypertension-related genes. GeneRx will take a patient's individual genetic, demographic, and environmental variables and predict if initial diuretic medication or initial beta-blocker medication will be effective. A more efficient method to prescribe effective anti-hypertension therapy would expedite recovery, minimize side effects, and reduce medical costs. The commercial application of this project will be in the field of healthcare management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Man, Albert PREDICTION SCIENCES, LLC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99189 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109805 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Orifice Microarrayer with Disposable Droplet Generator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a low cost micro droplet generator for use in creating large scale micro arrays for biotechnology applications. Conventional methods are expensive and require cleaning operations and chemicals which can be eliminated with the disposable pump unit thereby reducing the costs for pumps, chemicals, cleaning hardware and associated operations. Principal aspects of the development plan are insuring that drop volume and shape are of highest quality among disposable pump units. The commercial application of this project will be in the potentially large market for production of microarrays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bertera, James Adaptive Medical Systems, Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99990 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109806 July 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: High-Temperature Polymeric Relative Humidity Sensors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses the need for relative humidity (RH) sensors that operate at high-temperature with good stability. The research objective of this project is the fabrication of composite RH sensors. The morphological stability mandated by the composite coupled with the documented excellent humidity response of the sensing material should result in enhanced durability and drift stability. Owing to the thermal stability of the composite sensing layer, these RH sensors should function at temperatures up to 300 C. If successful, the technology proposed will enable a new high temperature regime of RH sensing. The composite materials science and engineering proposed is straightforward but innovative. If successfully developed, the research project proposed is quite amenable to large-scale production and will make a significant contribution in this field. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schulz, Douglas CeraMem Corporation MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109821 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Near-Instantaneous, Whole Blood Immunoassay. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase 1 Project (SBIR) will contribute towards the development of a near-instantaneous, all-optical biosensing technology to replace ELISA-type (enzyme-linked immunoadsorbant assay) assays. Utilizing the unique optical properties of Metal Nanoshells, a new type of nanoparticle containing a dielectric core coated with a thin metal layer, immunoassays can be performed in the near-infrared region of high physiological transmissivity (wavelengths between 800 and 1300 nm) using Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering techniques. The equipment required to perform this immunoassay will be both highly portable and inexpensive. Initial research with a model antigen has shown that the nanoshell-based assay can produce results on whole-blood samples in 20 seconds. This is quantitatively equivalent to ELISA results requiring 24 to 48 hours. The proposed research will investigate the effects of bioconjugation of clinically important antibodies onto the nanoshell surface and examination of multiple Raman dyes for multi-antigen/analyte assays . The primary commercial application of the technology being developed in this project is in the $20 billion immunoassay market. The proposed research could lead to rapid immunoassay devices for ambulances, military and civilian health agencies, point-of-care analysis and high volume pharmaceutical testing. The core technology may have additional commercial applications in the area of biochips, in genomics and proteomics research, and in animal biology SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Watkins, Daniel NANOSPECTRA BIOSCIENCES, INC. TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109828 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A High Frequency Beam Steered Electromagnetic Impulse Radar to Locate Human Targets Through Opaque Media. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate beam steered electromagnetic radar using differential synchronization signal path switching (DSSPS) to increase the operable frequency and target resolution. The research will also determine the effective imaging beam refraction as it exits opaque media, the feasibility of classifying human targets in the downrange profile, and the feasibility of implementing fractal geometries into bow-tie antennas to reduce ringing. Phase I will result in a compact system capable of penetrating thick opaque materials using high frequencies to locate targets in an arena that is otherwise reserved for low frequencies because of attenuation and the steering limitations of electronic delay methods. Potential commercial applications are expected in electromagnetic application for subsurface feature detection, including voids, contaminants, hazardous waste containers, hydrologic-lithologic interfaces, the location of buried utilities, and for locating human targets through opaque materials such as buildings, earth, rock, and snow. The smaller size of a high frequency array offers portability for the latter application. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Scott REALTRONICS CORPORATION SD Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9150 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109829 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Synthesis of Long RNA Oligonucleotides via Enzymatic Ligation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop methods to prepare 60-200 base RNA/DNA oligonucleotides. Current methods for preparing long oligonucleotides suffer from limitations that hinder their application in biological science. Investigators have expressed an immediate need for longer material incorporating unnatural modifications and non-canonical substitutions. Access to these oligonucleotides is critical for continued discoveries in molecular biology and nucleic acid based therapeutics. Despite such demand, the most reliable synthetic method, 2-ACE chemistry, can provide quality oligonucleotides no longer than 50 bases. This SBIR Phase I project will use 2-ACE RNA to develop a novel biochemical technique using RNA ligase to enzymatically splice oligonucleotides together. RNA substrates will be coupled as part of a complex with a complementary splint. This project will evaluate different conformations of the ligation site, the tolerance of the enzyme for different substrate sequences, the optimal design and composition of the splint, and the ideal concentrations of substrates and cofactors. Once determined in an iterative process, the best conditions will be applied to more challenging research problems identified by collaborators. This research will directly address a critical deficit in the resources available to the national biotechnology research community. The commercial applications of this project are expected to be varied and immediate. As example, site-specifically modified RNAs of 50-200 bases in length should be in high demand by investigators who are developing RNA-targeted drugs or other RNA-dependent technologies beyond the reach of current synthetic means. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scaringe, Stephen DHARMACON INC CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109845 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Microfluidic Protein Crystallization Device with Valves. 0109845 Haushalter This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop micromachined fluid handling components as part of a new technology platform for high throughput protein crystallization and the collection of single crystal x-ray diffraction data. As increasing effort is directed toward proteomics and high throughput protein structure determination, the data derived from the determination of 3-D protein structures will have enormous impact in such areas as protein engineering, recombinant DNA technology and gene therapy. This project proffers a simple design for an inexpensive device, a Microfluidic Protein Crystallization Chip (MPCC), that possesses a high-density array of vessels, each with fluid inlets and vents, and a design for simple on-chip two-way valves. Methods are proposed to rapidly prototype new designs with design modifications made on the order of a day. The MPCC will be able to dose solutions appropriate to run commercial screening matrices. Since the device will be on the order of 1 mm thick, x-ray data will be collected by simply placing the crystal-containing MPCC device directly into the x-ray beam, thereby abrogating the expensive labor and equipment intensive exercise of isolating several micron sized crystals from 20-100 nL of mother liquid. The commercial applications of this project will be in the Structural Genomics market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99416 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109851 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Next-Generation Nonlinear Optical Materials for Production of Ultraviolet Laser Light. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused upon demonstrating the feasibility of developing a new class of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Continued advances in laser-based system components are essential for keeping the nation's technology infrastructure at the forefront. Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser systems represent one of the most important technologies being developed for many of these applications-with particular emphasis being placed on generation of coherent light at heretofore unrealized combinations of power levels and wavelengths extending from the IR to the deep UV. A limiting factor in the development of DPSS laser technology is the lack of suitable laser and nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals having optimized physical properties. The development of new, efficient, robust, versatile, and readily manufacturable fixed- or tunable-frequency laser and NLO crystals is essential for the continued advancement of DPSS technologies. Demonstrating the potential to develop materials having these required NLO properties-coupled with unprecedented transparency into the DUV combined with superior thermal and mechanical properties-is the Phase I goal. Successful completion will lead to commercialization of a new class of materials that will enable production of a variety of state-of-the-art laser-related products. In the private sector, laser materials and systems have become critical components in the manufacture of essentially all microprocessor-based electronic devices and in a variety of medical therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Other key government and commercial uses include sensors for remote sensing of pollution and atmospheric gases such as ozone and water vapor, satellite-to-satellite communications, optical computing, and advanced communications. Clearly, the potential market for this type of next-generation technology is substantial and diverse. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reynolds, Thomas REYTECH CORPORATION OR Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109853 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Laser Direct-Writing Technique to Produce Integrated Optical Amplifier/Splitter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop integrated optical amplifier/splitters through direct writing of sol-gel-derived, erbium-doped coatings. Since optical signals decrease with transmission and manipulation, amplifiers are required. Current designs involve serial arrangements of passive (splitters) and active devices (amplifiers). This serial design is bulky and expensive, due to the number of components and interconnects. Integrated optical devices would greatly simplify optical communication networks. Phase I will incorporate amplification into passive devices, such as splitters, resulting in lossless optical devices. To provide amplification, erbium will be incorporated into ceramic films via wet-chemical processing. Subsequently, laser irradiation will selectively densify channels in porous coatings, thereby locally increasing the refractive index and providing light containment in the channels. Pumping the planar device will amplify signals as they pass. This technology in integrated amplifier/splitters will be key to making more complex integrated optical circuits in telecommunication. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Taylor, Douglas TPL, Inc. NM Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99512 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109860 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Gallium Nitride High Temperature Gas Sensor for Measuring Combustion Gas Product Concentrations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project comprises the design, fabrication and testing of continuous and discontinuous catalytic metal films as detection elements on a gallium nitride metal-semiconductor-field-effect transistor (MESFET) gas sensor for measuring combustion gas products in high temperature gas streams. Gas adsorbs and reacts on the metal surface. The steady state composition of adsorbed species changes the metal work function. The significant innovation is a gallium nitride (large bandgap) semiconductor device which will advance this emerging technology to high temperature (ca. 600 C) applications. The multiple catalytic metals: platinum, palladium/silver and rhodium have different sensitivities and detection limits. These differences can in principle be used to distinguish the effects of up to three concentration variables. This is the first time rhodium will have been used in this kind of sensor. The outcome of this work will be a proof of the concept that quantifying high temperature gas compositions is possible with the multiple catalytic gate FET sensor technology. A work product will be: (1) the isotherms for gas (propane, methane, propylene, NO, NO2 and CO) adsorption on polycrystalline films of Pt, PdAg and Rh; (2) investigation of anticipated significant interactions of multiple gases on these metals; (3) the documentation of any solid-state reactions between the metals and the gallium nitride substrate by x-ray, TEM and other surface techniques; and, (4) the mechanical and electrical effects on the FET structure in various gases and at temperatures as high as 850 C. The goal of the research is a robust sensor structure and composition that can be used to monitor combustion gas including automobile exhaust for "breakthrough" of the catalytic converter and possibly engine control for better efficiency. The potential commercial applications of the research is a sensor for monitoring emission to meet anticipated regulatory requirements for ultra-low-emissions-vehicles for the future. Other applications include a variety of combustion gas environments and monitoring and real-time control of refinery and other industrial chemical processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pyke, Stephen Peterson Ridge LLC (dba Fluence) OR Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 96957 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109865 July 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Near Field Microscope Intra-cellular Imaging of Intact Cells. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to develop a novel high-resolution instrument, the Near-Field Cell Penetrating Microscope (NCPM), for analyzing and comparing molecular characteristics of cells. This instrument will adapt a Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscope (SNOM) with a probe that can penetrate the cell membrane and image the inside of intact cells. The hypothesis is that precancerous, cancerous and normal cell lines have different molecular profiles and can be differentiated with the resolution power of SNOM. The proposed instrument will be able to collect data via high-resolution imagery, thus providing the means to investigate tumor cells at the sub-cellular and the molecular level. Incorporation of this data into a signature will facilitate the molecular analysis of cell lines and their transformed counterparts. The near term commercial application of the product to be developed in this project is in the near field optical microscopy market as a research tool for the medical and biological community. The long term commercial application is in the medical diagnostic market as an early warning device for detection of diseased cells. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG O'Connell, Daniel OCEANIT LABORATORIES INC HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99850 9150 BIOT 9184 5371 1505 0203000 Health 0109868 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents in Saturated, Low Permeability Soils. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the problem of chlorinated solvent contamination in saturated, low permeability soils. The specific objectives of Phase I research are : (1) to quantify the effectiveness of chitin as an electron donor facilitating reductive dechlorination and enhancing bioavailability of tetrachloroethylene (PCE and TCE); ( 2) to incorporate chitin into a delivery system designed for low permeability soils; and (3) to evaluate the delivery method in the field. Preliminary studies have shown that chitin may be an ideal candidate to facilitate low cost, low maintenance bioremediation of chlorinated solvent residual sources. Obtained as a byproduct from the shellfish industry, chitin is particularly attractive as it is very commonly available. If favorable results are obtained during Phase I column and field studies, then a follow on Phase II project will further examine mechanisms controlling process efficiency and longevity. The commercial applications of this project will be in the multi-million dollar bioremediation market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sorenson, Kent North Wind Environmental, Inc. ID Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99478 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0201000 Agriculture 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109913 September 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Compact Driver Technology for Extending the Lifetime of High Power Laser Diode Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop compact, all-solid-state, pulsed drivers coupled with solid-state protection circuitry for powering laser diodes/diode arrays and increasing their reliability and lifetime. New high-current semiconductor switch technology will be coupled with proprietary new diode protection circuits featuring fault-mode detection and high-speed current limiting to extend laser diode lifetime tenfold. This leads directly to a tenfold reduction in annual laser operating cost. Recent breakthroughs in high power semiconductor technology, namely the Gate Commutated Thyristor (GCT) switch, also offer significant improvement in speed, power, and compact size over existing commercial devices. Phase II will develop advanced, compact pulsed power modules based on these technologies. GCT technology, coupled with a proprietary fast protection circuitry, offers a significant decrease in diode laser system size and weight and a tenfold decrease in laser cost-of-ownership made possible by increased diode lifetime. New commercial applications for the diode-pumped solid-state lasers are expected to include powering diodes for optical telecommunications and ultraviolet and X-ray point sources for Next Generation Lithography in the semiconductor industry, as well as in laser cutting and welding. Medical uses for this new fault-protected, solid-state driver technology will include oncology and gene therapy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Petr, Rodney Science Research Laboratory Inc MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 497208 5373 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 0109973 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Differential Long-Path Spectrophotometer for On-line Measurements of Controlled Halogenated Organic Compounds in Potable Water. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a prototype instrument for measuring harmful bi-products of chlorination in drinking water. These disinfection bi-products are subject to EPA regulations. The Phase I project demonstrated that the concept of differential UV absorption measurement, i.e. absorption before and after chlorination, is suitable for the needed measurement. A pre-production prototype instrument will be constructed during the Phase II project. This device shall employ a multi-pass cell design using our novel dual-ratio technique that eliminates concerns about long term drifts. The overall instrument architecture design and systems design will be carried out prior to assembly of the full microprocessor-controlled recording device. Extensive laboratory and field tests will be used to review design changes before production. The potential commercial applications of the instrument proposed may be used in the laboratory or in-line at utilities. The market for the proposed product is quite substantial as EPA regulations will result in the installation of such devices at all utilities and drinking water facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Agrawal, Yogesh Sequoia Scientific, Inc. WA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 498274 5373 EGCH 9197 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 0109976 March 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Broadband Split-Beam Fish Tracker. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project will develop a broadband split-beam fisheries sonar system for shallow water applications. As the number of fish in rivers and streams diminishes and becomes threatened, endangered or extinct, there is a need for better fish monitoring tools for such shallow water environments. Through a series of workshops, the leaders in the riverine sonar community have highlighted several deficiencies in the current monitoring systems. This Phase II Project proposes to build a fish tracking and counting system that addresses many of these deficiencies, and that has a ten-fold better range resolution and at least a 6 dB improvement in detection. The broadband sonar system, to be built in the course of this project, will include (a) a unique bizonal shaded transceiver array, (b) a full complement of functions for collection, storage, analysis and display of data, and (c) a multi-hypothesis tracker for tracking fish in low SNR and dense target environments. The sonar system will be validated first in a comprehensive set of pool tests, and then subjected to a rigorous set of evaluation experiments in the Kenai and Copper Rivers of Alaska and in the Rogue River of Oregon. The commercial applications of this project are in a broad range of markets that require fish counting and tracking equipment. The overall market size for such equipment worldwide is estimated to be on the order of 1.8 billion dollars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jung, Jae-Byung Scientific Fishery Systems, Inc AK Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 518000 5373 BIOT 9251 9178 9104 1148 0521700 Marine Resources 0109981 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Low Temperature Partial Oxidation Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an economically competitive, novel, catalytic process for low temperature hydrocarbon partial oxidation. An innovative process for ethylene epoxidation will be developed as a commercially significant application. Most heterogeneous hydrocarbon partial oxidation reactions utilize engineered catalysts, which incorporate novel promoters to enhance selectivity. However, reactor heat management significantly impacts process energy efficiency, catalyst selectivity, and ultimately, process profitability. The Phase II project will develop an innovative process for hydrocarbon partial oxidation which addresses these issues. In Phase I, technical and economic viability of the novel process was demonstrated. The Phase II project will focus on the intrinsic reaction kinetics, heat transfer, and mass transport. A continuous ethylene epoxidation process will be demonstrated at the bench-scale and small pilot-scale in novel, three-phase reactors. In addition, an engineering process design and cost analysis will be developed. The commercial application from this project will be the heterogeneous hydrocarbon partial oxidation, if successful would greatly increase raw material and energy efficiency as well as increase process profitability in the chemical and petrochemical industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bradford, Michael CeraMem Corporation MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9165 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109983 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Copper Selective Silica-Polyamine Extraction Materials for Processing Copper Ore Leach Liquors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will investigate production of an exciting new material CuWRAM (Copper Waste Recovery from Aqueous Media). Evaluation of these pilot procedures will support the design of full scale manufacturing facilities. A processing system utilizing the patented ISEP separations hardware obtained from Calgon Carbon Corp. and CuWRAM as the extractant material for copper extraction and separation from iron (III) will be produced. Extensive testing will provide information to: (1) establish the effectiveness of the CuWRAM - ISEP system on real samples; (2) establish the economic feasibility of this system under various conditions; and (3) develop a targeted marketing strategy based on the first two items. Results from the Phase I project have generated excitement throughout the mining community. Initial testing on actual mining solutions will be conducted with one of the largest copper producers in the U.S. Commercial applications for a CuWRAM copper extraction include use in the primary extraction circuit of copper mining operations, recovery of copper for reuse in copper plating processes and recovery of copper from remediation projects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fischer, Robert Purity Systems, Inc. MT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 512000 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0109985 September 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Revenue Management in a Dynamic and Stochastic Network Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a state-of-the-art Revenue Management (RM) application suite that addresses inventory allocation and supply-chain management issues. RM, a new way of approaching the supply/demand concept, is best understood as the set of actions leading to revenue maximization by efficiently utilizing the available perishable resources. In Phase I a software prototype was developed based on highly optimized inventory allocation algorithms that produced 2-5% revenue improvements over algorithms used in practice. Phase II has a two-fold objective: to advance the software and produce a state-of-the-art RM application suite to be used in the airlines, hospitality and equipment rental industries; and, to add new components that address supply management decisions interconnected with the inventory allocation decisions addressed in Phase I. RM is currently applied primarily to the airlines and (to different degrees) to cruise lines, hotels, car rental companies, energy, entertainment industry and telecommunications. It is widely acknowledged that companies that neglect to implement RM techniques to maximize their revenue will risk becoming uncompetitive. Therefore, there is a large potential market for a flexible state-of-the-art RM suite built on highly sophisticated algorithms. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mourtzinou, Georgia DYNAMIC IDEAS, LLC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 378101 5373 MANU 9148 9102 1465 1464 1463 0107000 Operations Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110105 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Flexible and Transparent Coating Polymers for Flat Panel Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new optically transparent intrinsically conducting polymer (ICP) that can be processed from organic solutions. Despite much information on ICPs in the technical literature, the number of commercial applications of ICPs is still very small because of their intrinsically poor stability and the lack of reasonable processing methods. Phase II will address the problem of processability. Phase I successfully prepared ICPs that are soluble up to 15% weight in alcohols. Cast films are optically transparent, have conductivity of 1-100 Siemens per centimeter, and maintain constant conductivity when elongated up to 30%. ICPs were made from commercially available monomers. Phase II will bring the polymers developed in Phase I from a feasibility stage to commercial products by optimizing their composition and synthesis and scaling up production and purification. These materials could be used to replace indium tin oxide in flat panel displays and other electronic applications. ICPs are expected to find application in the manufacture of electronic components, inks, biomedical materials, electronic devices, and specialty coatings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Luebben, Silvia TDA Research, Inc CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 504956 5373 MANU AMPP 9231 9178 9163 9146 9102 1773 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0110193 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Facilitated Transport Membranes for Olefin Separations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on olefin/paraffin separations. In the USA, ethylene and propylene are produced in larger quantities than any other organic chemical. Currently, olefin/paraffin separation is done by distillation, an extremely energy-intensive process because of their low relative volatility. Selectivities of polymeric membranes are inadequate for these separations, but selectivities of facilitated transport membranes are higher. However, membrane instability, low gas fluxes, and a required water-saturated feed limit their industrial application. To overcome these problems a new type of facilitated transport membrane is being developed. The membrane has high gas fluxes, dramatically improved olefin/paraffin selectivities over conventional facilitated transport membranes, operates with a dry feed, and is stable for several weeks. The commercial applications from this project will be membranes that will significantly lower cost and energy consumption of industrial olefin/paraffin separations. Other applications include by product/vent gas streams in polyethylene/polypropylene, cumene, isopropanol and acrylonitrile plants. Subsequent applications are propylene recovery from FCCU off-gas and from large processes (propane dehydrogenation and steam crackers). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Merkel, Tim MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0110214 October 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Digital Machine Shop - An Immersive Two-Handed Precision 3D Modeling Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project, The Digital Machine Shop, is a practical immersive precision modeling system. With the aid of Digital Jigs, Digital Blades, and other innovative techniques, the user sculpts and assembles precision objects in a natural fashion with his or her own two hands. Real users from many backgrounds have validated the approach, showing these new paradigms to be easy to learn and easy to use. They have achieved comfort and productivity in a fraction of the time required by conventional modeling products because natural dexterity and real-world strategies apply. The apparent absence of Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) in the Digital Machine Shop's two-handed interface promises to be a bonus of immeasurable value. The ease of use of the Digital Machine Shop will serve to tap the talent, creativity, and expertise of a large segment of society that has been discouraged by the complexity and tedium of conventional interfaces. Those comfortable with digital methods will benefit from enhanced productivity and creativity. The Digital Machine Shop embodies enabling technologies whose impact far exceeds the scope of this project. It is through the example of practical innovation that the industry will adopt new and improved methods. The potential commercial applications include: architectural design, visual simulation modeling, game modeling, industrial design, automotive design, education, fine arts, and medicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mlyniec, Paul Digital ArtForms CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 551985 5373 HPCC 9139 4080 0108000 Software Development 0110217 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Robotic Systems for Network Interrogation of Smart Civil Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II, project is aimed at the continued development and field testing of an autonomous robotic structural inspection system capable of remote powering and data collection from a network of embedded sensing nodes with remote data access via the internet. The system will utilize existing microminiature, multichannel, wireless, programmable Addressable Sensing Modules (ASM's) to sample data from a variety of sensors. These inductively powered nodes do not require batteries or interconnecting wires, which greatly enhances reliability and reduces installation cost. Networks of sensing nodes can be embedded, interrogated, and remotely accessed in applications where visual inspection by people is not practical due to: physical space constraints, remote geographic locations, high inspection costs, and high risks involved for those performing the inspections. The sensors can indicate the need for repair, replacement, or reinforcement, which will reduce the risk of catastrophic failure and will be useful after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. The availability of critical structural health data on the internet would greatly assist highway engineers and scientists to acquire information about these structures, which will improve our understanding of the safety of civil structures and their requisite maintenance. Market potential is significant, as various task specific robots can be employed (with our systems) for remote inspection and internet data delivery from a broad spectrum of structures, such as: bridges, bridge footings, dams, offshore oil rigs, buildings, hazardous waste sites, and nuclear power plants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is aimed at the continued development and field testing of an autonomous robotic structural inspection system capable of remote powering and data collection from a network of embedded sensing nodes with remote data access via the internet. The system will utilize existing microminiature, multichannel, wireless, programmable Addressable Sensing Modules (ASM's) to sample data from a variety of sensors. These inductively powered nodes do not require batteries or interconnecting wires, which greatly enhances reliability and reduces installation cost. Networks of sensing nodes can be embedded, interrogated, and remotely accessed in applications where visual inspection by people is not practical due to: physical space constraints, remote geographic locations, high inspection costs, and high risks involved for those performing the inspections. The sensors can indicate the need for repair, replacement, or reinforcement, which will reduce the risk of catastrophic failure and will be useful after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. The availability of critical structural health data on the internet would greatly assist highway engineers and scientists to acquire information about these structures, which will improve our understanding of the safety of civil structures and their requisite maintenance. Market potential is significant, as various task specific robots can be employed (with our systems) for remote inspection and internet data delivery from a broad spectrum of structures, such as: bridges, bridge footings, dams, offshore oil rigs, buildings, hazardous waste sites, and nuclear power plants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Arms, Steven MICROSTRAIN INC VT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 733285 5373 CVIS 9251 9150 5371 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110221 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Dissolution of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a cost-effective procedure for the production of soluble single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in commercial quantities. Phase I results demonstrated dissolution of full-length SWNTs in common organic solvents by exfoliation and covalent functionalization. It has been found that the purity of as-prepared SWNT (AP-SWNT) soot greatly influences both the cost and quality of the final product. The major emphasis for the project will be directed towards the synthesis of byproduct-free AP-SWNT soot, in purification of the SWNTs and in optimizing and scaling-up the dissolution step. The dissolution of carbon nanotubes can greatly enhance the processability of this unique material and facilitate the entry of SWNTs into commercial applications requiring high strength light weight materials, electromagnetic shielding materials, conductive composites and nanoelectronics. The development of the solution chemistry of SWNTs will facilitate applications in polymer science, and in medicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Itkis, Mikhail CARBON SOLUTIONS INC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 376589 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9148 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110266 December 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Design of a True Three Dimensional (3-D) Information Display System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes the development of a low-cost desktop true three dimensional (3-D) information display system suitable for commercialization during Phase III. The proposed video monitor will provide highly realistic static and dynamic 3-D images by presenting information over a volumetric space, rather than a conventional planar space. As a result, the displayed information neither suffers from the loss of actual depth information as in a conventional monitor, nor requires the use of specially designed eyeglasses needed for stereovision systems. Fullcolor true 3-D views will be generated by projecting plane-by-plane image slices onto a projection screen that moves backward and forward in synchronization with the information generated on a CRT screen. By accessing these planes-of-view 30 times per second, flicker-free true 3-D views are generated over a volumetric space that are viewable from multiple angles. The anticipated low cost of this practical system should make it affordable for personal use since it will be designed primarily with commercially available system components, aided by novel digital imaging techniques and software approaches. Thus, the proposed system is expected to find many diverse applications ranging from scientific and industrial visualization to entertainment. Some of the initial applications include biomedical image processing, scientific visualization, protein structure determination, general-purpose 3-D computer graphics, radar imaging, battlefield management, and aircraft design. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chakrabarti, Soma BioComp Systems KS Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 503325 9150 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9150 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110267 July 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Concentration of Thermally Labile Solutes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demonstrate in actual field tests the novel room temperature dewatering process. In the Phase I project, Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) demonstrated a stable osmotic distillation (OD) process on orange juice, grape juice, and coffee. In typical applications, solids levels were increased from approximately 10% sugar to approximately 70% sugar. Taste tests showed no significant difference between original juice and re-diluted OD product. Process stability was demonstrated by obtaining equivalent product when operating temperature was increased to 40C and maintaining performance after multiple juice dewatering and cleaning cycles. Product stability was demonstrated by leaving OD juice concentrate open to air with no microbiological growth due to very low water activity in the juice concentrate. In the OD process the solution to be dewatered is placed on one side of the hydrophobic membrane and a high salinity feed is placed on the other side. Water vapor then moves from the solution to the high salinity side. While OD has been around for 15 years, no significant commercial products have been developed due to these hydrophobic microporous membranes rapidly wetting out. This project will demonstrate a novel, non-porous perfluoromembrane that eliminates wet-out while maintaining high water vapor transport. Potential commercial applications include beverages, pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, and industrial chemicals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bowser, John COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 576146 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110276 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Inversion of Geophysical Measurements for Fracture Geometry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project considers an innovative method for detecting and quantifying natural fracture systems in rock. The geometry of the fracture system controls the permeability of many oil and gas reservoirs and aquifers. Both oil and gas and environmental applications require new tools and techniques to quantify the fracture geometry, thus allowing prediction of permeability. During the Phase I research an inverse method was developed for fracture geometry from diverse geophysical measurements. This was accomplished by combining forward models relating fracture geometry to various anisotropic, stress-dependent properties including permeability, electrical conductivity, and seismic velocity with a maximum entropy regularization criterion. It was demonstrated that a relatively small number of geophysical measurements could be used to invert for a statistical description of the fracture geometry with some predictive power. Following this proof of principle, in Phase II, this method will now be turned into an interactive tool for studying and understanding fracture system behavior for oil and gas and environmental applications. To accomplish this, the forward models will be refined, the inversion algorithm will be tuned for this specific problem, and the algorithms will be validated using case studies. This new capability will likely provide many improvements to exploration, development, and reservoir performance activities by defining realistic input parameters for reservoir fluid flow simulators. It is in our national interest to develop new innovative and cost effective exploration and reservoir simulation technologies which will extend the useful lifetime of oil and gas reservoirs and extending the period of time that competitively priced oil and natural gas can be produced in this country. l SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Brown, Stephen NEW ENGLAND RESEARCH, INC. VT Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 492251 5373 CVIS 1266 1038 0510703 Rock Fracture Mechanics 0110278 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Workflows to Enable Agile Virtual Enterprises (WEAVE). This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project, Workflows to Enable Agile Virtual Enterprises (WEAVE), is envisioned as an on-line service to manage workflow for virtual enterprises. Phase I feasibility was undertaken in the context of virtual enterprises that arise in supply chain management. Phase II will do full-scale implementation of WEAVE to efficiently establish and manage supply chains in an e-commerce environment. Traditional supply chains are built with a small number of long-term suppliers because of the high cost of finding and establishing new supply sources. The Web and a variety of legacy data sources provide abundant information about possible supply sources. But this information is often dynamic and unstructured requiring manual effort to discover. XSB, Inc has developed technology to infer supplier capabilities, giving manufacturers an instant view of 'who makes what' across their own supply chain as well as thousands of potential suppliers across the web. WEAVE will implement this technology to locate sources of supply. This ability to locate sources for parts will be integrated with a system to plan and manage purchasing strategies for a user's complete bill-of-materials. Using WEAVE small-to-medium manufacturers can quickly create supply chains that is relevant for their enterprise. In the long-term WEAVE will serve as the infrastructure for establishing a peer-to-peer supply network. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pokorny, Robert XSB, INC. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 730566 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 6850 0108000 Software Development 0110316 September 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Active Control of Gas Turbine Engines Using Eddy Current Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and test algorithms for active control of blade vibration and engine stability (stall and surge) using an eddy current sensor (ECS) array. The approach utilizes signal analysis and diagnostic tools in active control algorithms for the detection of engine faults. Phase II will extend the functionality of the ECS system beyond diagnostics to active and automatic real-time control of gas turbine engines. An ECS array is currently the favored sensor system for installation on the Joint Strike Fighter, in which a software system upgrade capable of using ECS data to compute the necessary indicators and estimate the disturbances needed is desirable for active vibration and engine stability control. It would reduce the number of new sensors needed for active control and potentially save millions of dollars. Large commercial markets are indicated in commercial aircraft and gas turbine power plants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Teolis, Carole Techno-Sciences Incorporated MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 661332 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9146 9139 9102 7218 1359 0104000 Information Systems 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110317 August 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Dynamic, High-Resolution Volumetric Dilatometer. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop innovations pertaining to optrodes (optical sensors) and electro-optical instrumentation for advanced material characterization. Specifically, this project will develop the first commercially available high-resolution volumetric dilatometer. In addition, the innovations will allow for: (1) a linear dilatometer that possesses a resolution that is 2-3 orders of magnitude better than its conventional linear counterparts; (2) an optical control system for micro-translation stages; (3) an optrode for thin film characterization that possesses a linear resolution exceeding 1 nanometer; and (4) an ultra-fast, high-resolution spectrometer that will enable commercialization of three optical sensors (pressure, temperature, and load) suitable for harsh environments. Potential commercial applications are expected in electronics and microelectronics manufacturing for dilatometry, thin films analysis, micro-translation stages, ultra-fast spectroscopy, and various optical sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Christian, Sean AIRAK, INC VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 512000 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 9102 0522100 High Technology Materials 0110323 September 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Cold Gas Dynamic Spray Processing of Bioactive Nano-hydroxyapatite/Titanium Nanocomposite Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project will develop a fully integrated process for applying a well-bonded, bioactive coating to the stem of an orthopedic hip implant by a novel Cold Gas Dynamic Spray (CGDS), or Hyperkinetic Deposition process. The new process is a potential major advance in the state-of-the-art for surface modification of medical implants. The medical community hitherto has relied primarily on plasma spraying to activate implant surfaces. Plasma spraying is a cost-effective means of applying the coating material but is far from ideal. In particular, the high temperatures experienced by the hydroxyapatite feed powder during plasma spraying can seriously degrade its compositional integrity and thus its bioactive properties. The cold spray process eliminates this problem, and enables, for the first time, high-surface-area nanostructured hydroxyapatite powder to be incorporated into the implant surface without sacrificing its intrinsic bioactivity. As an added benefit the implant surface is left in a state of compression, which should extend the service life of the implant by eliminating the possibility of surface cracking caused by low-cycle fatigue. The commercial applications for this project will be to improve the life of implants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McCandlish, Larry Ceramare Corporation NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9147 0110000 Technology Transfer 0110341 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: On-Line, Non-Destructive, Rapid Characterization of Nanopowders and Agglomerates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop, test, and demonstrate a novel approach for characterizing nano-scale powders and their agglomerates. Nanostructures are a novel family of materials that allow customization of structural, electrochemical, electrical, electronic, optical, magnetic, and chemical properties. The use of nanomaterials to fabricate valuable devices and to manufacture new products depends in large part on the ability to characterize these materials during synthesis, processing, and device production. Current high resolution characterization techniques are off line, slow, expensive, and unreliable; the few on-line particle sizing instruments available make questionable assumptions (e.g., that all particles are spherical in shape) which introduce unnecessary error into the diagnosis. The commercial applications of this project is to use nano-scale powders, which are the fundamental building blocks of many products used in a wide variety of industries (e.g., advanced ceramics, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, etc.). As the technology develops, the application areas will increase. The ability to characterize nano-scale particles and agglomerates on-line is crucial for controlling the quality of products and for the invention of new products and processes. In addition, characterization of environmental particulates is critical for understanding air quality concerns and health effects - leading to improve clean air regulations and monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Manickavasagam, Sivakumar Synergetic Technologies, Incorporated KY Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 511997 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9163 9146 1415 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110358 October 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Development of a Compact Cloud Spectrometer and Impactor. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop a compact cloud spectrometer and impactor (CSI) for the measurement and study of condensed water in the atmosphere. Condensed water includes cloud droplets and ice particles. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of integrating a counterflow virtual impactor (CVI) for condensed water content (CWC) measurement together with a new forward scattering spectrometer system for measurement of the cloud droplet size distribution. This combined airborne instrument will be considerably lighter than previous versions of the two separate instruments, and easier to use. The objective of Phase II is a commercial, integrated instrument for the study of atmospheric condensed water content and droplet size distribution. The accurate measurement of these parameters is important in weather prediction as well as understanding global climate change. This instrumentation will have worldwide application, and the users will be government, university, and commercial atmospheric research institutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kok, Gregory Droplet Measurement Technologies CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 460945 5373 1505 EGCH 1325 0110000 Technology Transfer 0110363 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Interactive Tools for Active Learning (ITAL). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project, ITAL-2 (Interactive Tools for Active Learning) will develop comprehensive e-Learning solution for conventional academic Science, Mathematics, and Educational Technology (SMET) education and for corporate training. The project product, 'Active Learning Suites' (ALS), is a highly interactive online learning content delivery and management system. It includes an Active Shell, Simulations and Virtual Experiments interactive lessons, a Problem Solving Tutor, a scriptable Instructor's Agent, an Assessment system, Authoring tools, and more. ALS uses real-life objects and situations, such as those related to home, telecommunications and sports, as the context for science investigations. Immersion in these contexts that are populated with appropriate sets of objects enables learners to discover the connections between the scientific theory and its practical applications in technology. Authoring tools helps instructors to easily assemble a single e-learning environment from heterogeneous educational resources and the WWW. ALS can facilitate both problem-based learning and more conventional learning strategies. It can be used on a campus or in a school equipped with either stand-alone computers or a local network, at home (self-learning), in a corporate setting, or via distance learning over the Intranet and Internet. Active Learning Suites (ALS) offer a wide variety of lessons that can be designed to address many different audiences: (1) two-year college students enrolled in science, technology and engineering programs; (2) non-science majors; (3) high school students taking science and technology courses; and (4) instructors and technicians of telecommunications companies. The approach of immersing students or technicians in practical problems has great potential for facilitating understanding of science. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cherner, Yakov ATEL, LLC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 499855 5373 SMET 9177 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0110370 November 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Electrochromic Devices Fabricated from Self-Assembled Polyelectrolytes for Flat Panel Displays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will continue development of a new electrochromic device based on self-assembly of organic nanomaterials. Phase I used these materials to create laboratory scale devices. Precise control of the material composition at the nanometer (nm) scale, combined with the thin layers deposited (40 nm thick), allowed switching speeds of 25-50 milliseconds for the first time, which are nearly fast enough for display applications. Further, it was found that these materials, fabricated in the solid state, could be switched by applying only 1.0 volt. Phase II will focus on optimizing device performance, developing tri-state and multi-color devices, and evaluating performance under environmental conditions necessary for commercial product development. Markets for the technology are very large and range from automotive self-dimming rear-view mirrors to smart windows for residential and commercial buildings, smart glasses, and display products. Phase III is planned for manufacturing scale-up and will be conducted in an industrial partnership. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Phillips, Paige Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 511913 5373 1505 MANU HPCC 9251 9178 9146 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110399 October 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Fabrication of Photonic Band Gap Structures Embedded in Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic for Millimeter Wave Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop new materials engineered for microwave electronics. As microwave applications expand, including portable wireless devices, and as digital integrated circuit speeds and clock rates increase to the millimeter wave (MMW) range, the need arises for low-loss elements of microwave/MMW interconnects (EMIs) with properties uniform over a broad range of frequencies and environmental conditions. A new technique is now sought to embed EMIs based on Photonic Band Gap Structures (PBSs) in ceramic substrates at an early stage of fabrication. PBSs will reduce radiative losses in devices fabricated using the Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic On Metal technique by preventing radiation leakage and by minimizing undesired scattering. The result will be improved performance, without increasing manufacturing costs. Phase I designed, fabricated, and tested PBS-based EMIs, wherein, cross waveguides with low cross talk were successfully tested. Phase II will automate the design and production of devices that include PBS EMIs. The technology will be demonstrated through the design and fabrication of a MMW antenna based on PBS. A PBS will lead to quite new applications: frequency-band controlled filters, perfect channel-drop filters, point-defect resonant cavities, line-defect ninety-degree waveguide bends, waveguide intersections with low crosstalk, and others. The new technique will be employed in high-volume production items for applications such as automotive radars, avionics, as well as in a variety of broadband wireless communication devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Manasson, Vladimir WAVEBAND CORPORATION CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 761828 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9165 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110419 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Bimetallic Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop platinum-transition metal alloy catalysts that are supported on high area carbon for oxygen cathodes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The Phase II project will build on the success of Phase I by optimizing the alloy composition and particle size of supported Platinum (Pt) alloy catalysts for efficient oxygen reduction. Low temperature synthesis methods allow T/J Technologies to produce supported Pt alloys with minimal Pt aggregation. Alloy compositions that reduce the over potential toward oxygen reduction by >50 mV versus Pt alone and will be produced with particles sizes (3-5 nm) that maximize Pt utilization and oxygen reduction efficiency. Performance will be demonstrated in half-cell and full fuel cell experiments. Catalysts resulting from this project will enable PEM fuel cells to operate more efficiently. The potential commercial applications from this project would be improved oxygen reduction catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells for vehicle propulsion and kilowatt-scale off-grid electric power generation. These are potentially large markets with beneficial impacts on energy efficiency, international competitiveness, and emissions reductions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Renock, Devon T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 637000 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110432 November 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Revitalizing Spectrofluorimeters with Cryogenic Fiber Optic Probes, Fluorescence Lifetime Capability, and Tunable Laser Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop new instrumentation for fluorescence and phosphorescence spectral measurements. Phase I produced a customized spectrofluorimeter equipped with a tunable laser source, fluorescence lifetime capability, and fiber optic probe for cryogenic measurements. However, better methods are needed to analyze benzo[c]fluorene, which researchers now believe may be an environmental concern comparable to benzo[a]pyrene. Phase II will develop an upgraded new instrument, capable of retrofitting the low temperature probe, fluorescence lifetime, and tunable laser capabilities onto laboratory spectrofluorimeters. The emission monochromator, photomultiplier tube detector, and control/analysis computer can be retained from the spectrofluorimeter, and none of its functionality will be lost. Phase II is expected to produce several models of commercial spectrofluorimeters, test data for publication in technical journals and trade magazines, and instrument upgrade options as a commercial service. The market for these upgrades presently has an estimated 30,000-40,000 spectrofluorimeters in service. An additional 4,000 individuals or institutions purchase new units each year. The new instrument upgrades will be used in research and development, analytical services, quality control, environmental studies and surveys, and teaching and other applications. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gillispie, Greg DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 762000 9150 5373 EGCH 9251 9197 9178 9150 0110000 Technology Transfer 0118000 Pollution Control 0110442 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: High Temperature Pressure Transducers from Shape Memory Alloys. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will complete the development of a prototype, cost effective high temperature pressure sensing device that can be integrated into diesel and turbine engines. Phase I results show that it is feasible to use the proposed novel metal alloy as a sensing element in a high temperature pressure transducer. However, further work needs to be performed to optimize the fabrication process of the sensing element, improve the design of the transducer, and to establish the manufacturing process for future production. The project will address five major aspects of developing a novel, high temperature pressure transducer and present a final packaged prototype at the end of the project. These are to develop the sensing element fabrication process, develop the manufacturing process for a 400 degrees C sensor, fabricate the sensor diaphragm, design and fabricate a substrate heater, and to package the sensing element. The firm has already received significant interest from potential manufacturing and commercial partners in the diesel engine and aircraft turbine engine industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Snyder, Joseph ORBITAL RESEARCH INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499999 5373 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110447 September 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Magneto-Rheological Fluids for Sensor Actuator Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop advanced magnetorheological fluids for various damping applications. The Phase I project focused on a microwave plasma synthesis technique (NANOGENTM) and chemical precipitation technique; both techniques were successfully used to synthesize nanoparticles of iron, cobalt and iron oxide. NANOGENTM was selected as one of the 100 most innovative technologies in 1998 when it won the prestigious R&D 100 Award. MR fluids were prepared from these fluids and preliminary results on their damping behavior was found to be comparable with commercially available fluids. The Phase II project will scale-up the production of nanopowders and will conduct testing of their damping characteristics to help foster the development and application of MR fluids in key technology driven areas. The possible commercial applications will be in automobile suspensions, hybrid actuator valves, semi-active vibration control in turbines and bridges as well as for seismic damping. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Radhakrishnan, R Norman Wereley Materials Modification Inc. VA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9147 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0110453 August 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: High Sensitivity Raman Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will design, build, and test a hybrid Raman analyzer suitable for "on-demand" or continuous process monitoring. The Phase I project demonstrated feasibility by designing and testing a unique combination of components that yielded greater than 100 times improvement in sensitivity (defined as the signal-to-noise ratio) compared to traditional Raman analyzers. The novel design also demonstrated high resolution (1 cm -1), invariant wavelength stability, and freedom from fluorescence interference; which are critical requirements for autonomous chemical process monitoring or rapid raw-material identification. The Phase II project will further improve sensitivity, as well as demonstrate long-term temperature and vibrational immunity, and fast "turn-on" time. Complete internal analyzer diagnostics will allow greater than 1000 hours of unattended operation. As such, the analyzer will be rugged, compact and portable (10"x 12" footprint), low-maintenance, require minimum power, and suitable for numerous industrial applications. The commercial applications will be directed toward the chemical manufacturing industries. The Phase II prototype will be used to develop specific applications with customers during Phase III. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Farquharson, Stuart Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499997 5373 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110456 August 15, 2001 STTR Phase II: Alignment of Low Cost, High Modulus, High Strength Carbon Nanofibers in Composites. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop low-cost, composites reinforced with carbon nanofibers. Methods demonstrated in Phase I will be further developed to generate alignment and promote adhesion of nanofibers polymer systems. These efforts help to capture the extraordinary intrinsic mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of carbon nanofibers in practical, affordable composites. One thrust of the program seeks to align nanofiber in extruded and spun flows, in materials that include polypropylene, polyester, and nylon. The composite filaments produced by these means will then be formed into net-shape composite components for a variety of applications. A second thrust focuses on fabrication of nanofiber papers for applications that include fuel cell electrodes. Potential end users of the technology and leaders in their respective markets, will evaluate materials and prototypes produced during Phase II. Specific commercial applications targeted by the Phase II work include nanofiber reinforced polyester and nylon tire cord, thermally conductive plastics for electronics packaging, nanofiber paper for fuel cell components, and conductive, high service temperature plastics for electrostatic precipitators needed to clean exhaust streams from power and chemical production. Each of these applications has an associated Phase II partner participating in the program. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jacobsen, Ronald M. Khairul Alam APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499980 5373 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110460 October 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Programmable, Scalable Wireless Information Infrastructure. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project has two primary objectives: to continue the research and development of clustered software radio technology begun in the Phase I project, and to use that technology to extend current waveform implementations to a fully functional base station. A high impact application of clustered software radio is for cellular telephone base stations, changing them from fixed hardware devices into flexible software devices that can support multiple commercial standards and also public safety needs. This Phase II project will develop a clustered software radio base station that interoperates with commercial GSM mobile units and switching centers. The goal is a base station sufficiently functional to be deployed in a field trial, which is the necessary next step in commercializing the technology. The project will include innovative technology development in timing control, wideband synthesis, and intra-cluster data transport. In the telecommunications industry, many foresee that base stations for third-generation wireless systems will be software radios or software-defined radios. The development of clustered software radio technology by Vanu, Inc. for this market will improve interoperability, improve service to underserved rural areas, enable more efficient use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum, provide substantial public safety benefits, and increase the pace of technological innovation in the wireless communication marketplace. Moreover, the firm's computing architecture has broad application to signal processing problems outside the wireless industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chapin, John Vanu, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 749683 5373 HPCC 9218 4096 0206000 Telecommunications 0110472 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Expression Pattern Screening for Agriculture Genomics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will use a novel high throughput platform comprising of many, small gene arrays, contained within the wells of microtiter plates. This platform, termed Multi-Array Plate Screening (MAPS), allows simultaneous testing of the expression of a specific group of genes of interest and appropriate controls using RNA derived from 96 separate samples, within each well of a 96-well plate. MAPS provides the endpoint assay for a high throughput screen, in which investigators can evaluate how different chemical compounds, applied to cells, tissues, or organisms in vivo, affect the expression pattern for the genes of interest. This technology will address an unmet need of the agricultural industry to make efficient use of novel genomics information in a manner that does not require distribution of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the form of transgenic plants. The plants are grown in each well of a 96 well plate to facilitate high-throughput screening. The platform allows facile and efficient testing of gene targets including newly identified genes, and also provides important information about selectivity and specificity. The commercial potential from this project is in the agricultural market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kris, Richard NeoGen, LLC AZ Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9109 1167 0201000 Agriculture 0110478 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Information Extraction from Synthetic Procedures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is directed at developing a collection of software tools for use in selective extraction of information from the running text of synthetic recipes. Synthetic procedures are batch recipes used in the creation and discovery of new chemical entities for drug discovery. The ultimate aim of the project is to automate information extraction and place the information in a computer-understandable data structure that fully captures the data and semantics of the synthetic recipe. The Phase I program successfully demonstrated feasibility of the approach by constructing a prototype system and using it to solve a range of representative synthetic-recipe-related information extraction problems. In Phase II, the objectives are to (1) refine and extend the features of the prototype system; (2) implement machine learning capability for extraction rule induction, (3) construct focused demonstration applications, and (4) test, evaluate and validate the software system in conjunction with pharmaceutical-company research-collaborators. The ultimate goal of the program is to develop a commercial software toolkit that enables chemists to easily construct systems for information extraction from synthetic recipes. Recipes for more than 19 million unique compounds are contained in the public literature, and there are a comparable number in the archives of pharmaceutical companies. The vast majority of these procedures are maintained as unstructured running text. Intellichem, Inc. proffers tools for extraction of synthetic recipe information into computer-understandable data structures that will benefit the following: database construction and updating, summarization, chemical process discovery, knowledge reuse, improved productivity of the chemist, and chemistry-related e-commerce. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG van Eikeren, Paul IntelliChem Inc. OR Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 781919 5373 SMET HPCC 9251 9216 9178 7218 6856 0104000 Information Systems 0110486 September 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Nanostructure Fabrication Using Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will further develop a revolutionary approach to nanostructure fabrication. This Near-Field Scanning Optical Nanolithographic approach, which we have already shown to be capable of writing 100nm width lines, utilizes a direct, optical write technology in conjunction with optical photoresists. The direct optical writing is performed with a customized Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscope (NSOM) tool. The major goal of the proposed work is to design and construct a commercially viable NSOM lithography tool and demonstrate processes for flexible pattern generation on 4" wafers. Phase I work demonstrated the preliminary design of the NSOM lithography tool and photoresist processes using a novel inorganic hydrogenated amorphous silicon resist, as well as conventional polymer resists. Best line widths of approximately 100nm, comparable to the probe diameter, were obtained. The commercial benefits from this project will be the construction and demonstration of the NSOM lithography tool for rapid prototyping of nanostructures in university and corporate research labs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hollingsworth, Russell Reuben Collins ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 485615 5373 MANU 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110490 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Material Processing for Optimizing the Performance of an Embedded Bragg Grating. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enable the fabrication of waveguides in potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) containing Bragg gratings with specified spectral and electro-optic characteristics. These characteristics include reflectivity, bandwidth, central wavelength, and electro-optic tuning range. To achieve this goal, the relationship between the processing steps used to form the Bragg grating and its resulting spectral and electro-optic properties will be fully quantified. The ability to control the spectral characteristics and electro-optically tune these gratings will enable a broad range of new and commercially useful devices. Using the processing steps developed, an array of Bragg gratings will be fabricated with each grating optimized for stabilizing the wavelength of a laser diode. Translating the waveguide array with respect to the laser diode will tune its wavelength. This novel tuning technique will have significant technical and cost advantages over other tuning techniques. Potential commercial applications include tunable filters for active dispersion compensation, high-speed add/drop filters for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), and a broadly tunable source for test and evaluation of network components. Other applications include stabilizing laser diodes for spectroscopy, seeding high power lasers, and frequency doubled diode-based replacement lasers for low power Argon-Ion and helium cadmium (HeCd) lasers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Battle, Philip ADVR, INC MT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 773021 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9150 9146 9102 7218 1359 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110499 October 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Spinning Performance of Melt-Spun Fibers Containing Microencapsulated Phase Change Material. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project continues the development of the spinning performance of melt spun fibers containing microencapsulated phase change materials (microPCMs). In Phase I, polypropylene fibers less then 3 denier per filament were demonstrated with a good balance of physical properties (tenacity, percent breaking elongation, modulus, etc.) and thermal energy storage capability (latent heat content). Phase II will focus on process and materials variables that affect, in particular, the structure and properties of the as-spun fiber, and in general, the overall spinning process. A key objective is to convert the microcapsule wet cake into a well-dispersed microPCM/polymer concentrate devoid of volatilizing components for adding to virgin polymer and extruding into fiber. Innovative spinning concepts will be employed to improve the capture of microPCMs to maximize thermal energy storage properties. The commercial availability of melt spun fibers and resulting fabrics with enhanced thermal energy storage capabilities will enable products with superior performance for use in situations where comfort, endurance, or survivability in cold or hot environments is demanded. Thus, the perfection of this technology for the production of good quality fabric could be a major breakthrough in the textile industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bryant, Yvonne Triangle Research and Development Corporation NC T. James Rudd Standard Grant 499991 5373 MANU 9146 9102 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110500 November 15, 2001 STTR Phase II: Development of an Autonomous Equilibrating pCO2 Sensor. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop and test an autonomous, low cost, robust, precise, and miniaturized partial and total carbon dioxide measurement system. This system will be able to characterize the carbon dioxide exchange between ocean surface waters and the atmosphere, thus helping to analyze the "greenhouse effect" and assess global warming on a worldwide basis. The partial and total carbon dioxide systems are miniaturized for deployment by the International SeaKeepers Society in ocean and atmospheric monitoring modules on cargo ships, cruise ships, and super yachts around the world as well as for use on piers, ocean buoys, and other platforms. The prototype partial carbon dioxide system, developed in Phase I, measures carbon dioxide in seawater that has been equilibrated with air using an infrared detector. It is sensitive to five parts per million and responds to rapid changes in carbon dioxide. The prototype miniaturized total carbon dioxide system has a precision of three parts per million. Phase II will miniaturize and test both systems in the laboratory and in the field. Based on these tests and any modifications required, final commercial partial and total carbon dioxide measurement systems will be produced. The International SeaKeepers Society is expected to deploy hundreds of these carbon dioxide sensor systems. Other purchasers would include government agencies worldwide performing research and monitoring on the global warming phenomenon. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Cook, Regis GENERAL OCEANICS, INC. FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 495996 1505 EGCH 9197 0110000 Technology Transfer 0313000 Regional & Environmental 0110520 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Reference Electrode with an Invariant Liquid Junction Potential. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a long-lived, stable reference electrode that dramatically improves potentiometric measurements, such as pH, redox, and other ion-specific measurements. The new reference electrode exploits recent developments in microfluidics and nanotechnology to stabilize the liquid-junction potential, a source of error and a cause of frequent sensor calibration and maintenance. Stabilizing the liquid-junction potential of the reference electrode opens a new realm of potentiometric sensor design and application. The technical feasibility of this innovative electrode was demonstrated in the Phase I project. Testing in a variety of environments showed variations less than 0.5 mV in the reference electrode potential over an 8 hour period and response times less than 60 seconds, compared to potential variations up to 20 mV and response times of over an hour for conventional reference electrodes. The flow of electrolyte through the junction was less than 0.1 l per minute, or 50 ml per year of continuous operation. The Phase II project will develop assembly processes, more robust structures, and develop and build sensors for field-tests. The potential commercial application reduction in sensor calibration and sensor replacement which would save the US process industries approximately $240 million per year in sensor costs and labor expenses. Exports of US manufactured sensors with this technology will significantly increase as foreign process industries seek similar cost savings. Furthermore, this reference electrode can serve as a basic building block in microfluidic sensors, estimated to be a multi-billion dollar industry in the next decade. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Broadley, Scott Broadley-James Corporation CA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 630478 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0110524 October 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Non-Contact Measurement of Residual Strain in Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel non-contact strain sensor for quality control in production of polymers and fiber-reinforced composites. By measuring residual strains, good parts can be distinguished from bad parts in the production stream. Internal and surface residual strains will be measured by a strain gauge based on the principle of nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR). A small percentage of tiny additive crystals are blended into the resin during fabrication of the composite. For strain measurement, the composite is irradiated with radio frequencies (RF) to evoke a strain-dependent NQR response from the embedded crystals. Phase I manufactured parts with embedded additive via compression molding. Phase II will build a single-sided strain prototype and measure residual strains in pultruded parts. The NQR-active additive will be introduced into the pultrusion process, and several batches of different types of composites, e.g., fiberglass, will be manufactured. Pultrusion will permit several large batches of samples to obtain the statistics needed to refine the NQR-based quality control method. Potential commercial applications are expected in many industries, such as civil infrastructure, automotive, sporting goods, aerospace, and many others utilizing composite materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vierkotter, Stephanie Quantum Magnetics, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499978 5373 MANU 9146 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110570 December 15, 2001 STTR Phase II: Development of a Solar Air Conditioner for Small Cooling Loads. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop a reliable prototype of a novel, compact and low cost solar air conditioning system for hot and humid climates. The system will consist of an air-cooled single effect absorption machine driven by an array of high performance flat plate collectors and a thermal storage tank. A microncontroller based control system will allow an optimal system operation. The capacity of the system is projected to be in the range of 3-5 cooling tons. The marketing, manufacturing, installation, and product development of the proposed technology is envisioned as a partnership of three small businesses dedicated to: installation of A/C systems, marketing and manufacturing of solar collectors, and to research. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sanchez, Hector A/C & Mechanical Services Corp. PR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 522000 9150 5373 1505 EGCH 9251 9231 9197 9178 9150 9102 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 0111223 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Three-Dimensional Atom Probe Imaging for Nano-Biotechnology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will develop the means necessary to adapt the Local Electrode Atom Probe (LEAP) to provide three-dimensional atomic-resolution imaging and elemental analysis of biochips and other nanoscale biotechnological specimens. Hard lithography used in the microelectronics and biotechnology industries already produces nanostructures that are extremely difficult to evaluate with current instrumentation. Soft lithography, self-assembly, and other methods will produce even smaller features from biological and organic materials. Structural characterization for bio-nanotechnology is already problematic because analytical electron microscopy has substantial limitations in the quantitative imaging of carbon and other low atomic number elements. Further compounding this problem is the fact that unlike the simpler geometries of microelectronics devices, the biomacromolecules intrinsic to biotechnology are three-dimensional. Without analytical instrumentation better suited to the evaluation of 3-D bio-organic structures, industry will be "flying blind" as it develops complex nanoscale biotechnologies. Our project is designed to adapt and develop methods for the LEAP to perform atomic-scale analysis of bio-organic biotechnological specimens. After adaptation, LEAP should be able to rapidly image 3-D structures at atomic (0.2-0.5 nm) resolution, while providing quantum-level elemental composition of synthetic polymers, proteins, and nucleic acids critical for biochips and other biomacromolecular nanoengineered devices. The primary commercial application of the technology and the product developed in this project will be as a supplement to the existing analytical instrumentation used for the determination of structure and composition of nano-biotechnology devices and components. Additional applications are envisioned in academic and industrial research in the areas of structural biology, cell biology and pharmaceutics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Goodman, Steven Imago Scientific Instruments Corp WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99960 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0111331 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Disease Block - Genetically Engineered Plants with Disease Resistance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to produce transgenic citrus and rice plants carrying novel gene fusions for the purpose of controlling citrus canker and rice blight disease. The fusions consist mainly of peptide aptamers and single chain variable region fragments from monoclonal antibodies (SCFVs) that bind to and interfere with bacterial pathogenicity (Pth) proteins that must be injected by the pathogens into host cells to cause disease. Fusions will be selected that show improved binding at physiologically appropriate pH and temperature ranges by BIAcore analyses. Binding affinities of aptamer SCFV fusions over a range of pH and temperatures will be determined. The Phase II project will lead to a new, cost-effective genetic method to control a variety of important plant diseases caused by bacterial plant pathogens. Commercial potential would be to the agricultural and forest industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ramadugu, Chandrika Integrated Plant Genetics Inc. FL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 562000 5373 BIOT 9231 9181 9109 9102 1167 0201000 Agriculture 0111605 October 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Development of NZP-Based Advanced Thermal Barrier Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop and optimize the NZP (sodium zirconium phosphate type) ceramic-based thermal barrier coating (TBC) technology for use in advanced turbine and power generation systems. These advanced systems drive the need for higher operating temperatures to achieve better efficiencies without compromising durability. Such requirements heighten the threat of: (i) microstructural changes which reduce thermal barrier effectiveness; (ii) premature oxidative spalling; and (iii) susceptibility to mechanical stresses in conventional yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based TBCs. Some NZP ceramics have very low thermal and oxygen conductivity, excellent thermal cycling resistance and high temperature stability but also have low thermal expansion. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of thermal spraying simple and functionally graded (to minimize thermal expansion mismatches) TBCs of NZP with YSZ that are better thermal barriers and also have very good thermal cycling resistance to 1200 degrees C. The primary goal for Phase II is to complete the scientific and engineering development in order to commercialize the NZP-based TBC technology. A team of academic and industrial collaborators will work under the guidance of committed end-users to achieve this goal. Potential successful development of the NZP-based TBC concept will enable applications in high efficiency power generating systems and gas turbine engines; specifically, for turbine vanes and blades, and combustors and afterburners. Coatings based on NZP can also double up as environmental barrier coatings (EBCs), and find use in diesel engines and as abradable seals. The financial benefits of the NZP-based coatings could be over $100M arising from reduced component maintenance and fuel and operational costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nageswaran, Ramachandran COI Ceramics, Inc. UT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 496470 5373 AMPP 9165 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0111712 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Subgrade Repair and Stabilization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and demonstrate a novel vitrification process for subgrade soil stabilization. The process includes a method to inject readily available materials into the vitrification zone eliminating subsidence that would otherwise occur as the soils densify during vitrification. The process is based on the use of modifiers that adjust the vitrified soil properties. The Phase I work demonstrated feasibility of the process and that the vitrified material was suitable for subgrade stabilization and resulted in materials having strengths qualified for structural reinforcement applications. Economic analysis completed in Phase I indicated that the method is competitive with conventional subgrade repair methods. The Phase II work will establish the commercial merit of the process by demonstrating its economy, robustness and versatility to produce subgrade synthetic rock from soils in the field. The Phase II work includes participation by a university and an end user. The proposed research and development will yield a fundamental understanding of the relationships between the vitrification process parameters, soil and synthetic rock properties. This will enable optimization of the process in commercial applications. The commercial market for the proposed technology includes soil stabilization of inadequate foundation and slope materials around many kinds of structures including building, bridges and waterways. Customers will be highway departments (state and federal), airport authorities, municipalities and the industrial sector. Essentially, the process will be useful to any entity, including contractors that deal with maintenance of subgrade and/or new construction that have "local" subgrade instability issues to overcome. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Williams, Richard RESODYN CORPORATION MT William Haines Standard Grant 524000 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0111853 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nondestructive Testing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the problem of new non-destructive testing methods. The research will try to develop a smart composite based on inductive coupling. Objectives include successful integration of magnetic material into the composite without causing delamination and successful transmission of the signal out of the composite. The result will be a low-cost alternative to embedding sensors in composites and will be geared especially for thick composites. Commercial applications may include all types of composites where monitoring is important. This technology will be especially useful for civil structures where thickness of composites has often limited monitoring in the past. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Williams, Brent WILLIAMS-PYRO, INC. TX Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0114140 July 1, 2001 Evaluating the Efficacy of Low PPM Process Control Schemes in a High Volume Production Environment. This research focus is on the investigation of a variety of process control schemes for regulating and improving highly reliable systems such as those found in the high volume electronics assembly environment. When the entire manufacturing process is considered, there are a large number of operations that must be performed properly in order to manufacture high quality electronics modules. The Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics (CAVE) at Auburn University recently undertook an extensive effort to evaluate the entire solder paste process for the electronics manufacturing environment, and this effort complements that research in the area of electronics placement and visual inspection of the component devices. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Farrington, Phillip Sherri Messimer University of Alabama in Huntsville AL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0114288 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Imagery System for Automatic and Efficient Analysis of Fish Stock. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to contribute to better and more efficient management of a part of our natural resources. Current analyses of fish stocks (by National Marine Fisheries Service and several state departments of fish & game) are unnecessarily expensive, time-consuming and inaccurate. Ultimately, this contributes to compromised Government resource management policy-making. The result is the risk of over fishing and considerable economic damage. Via research and development this project will produce a prototype integrated 'plug & play' system to automate these analyses. The developed system will be marketed first to the several dozens of U. S. federal and state agencies having a need for it, and thereby will help to establish more precise measurement standards that will be accepted by the worldwide community. The subsequent result of worldwide marketing activity will benefit the fish management and research activities in more than 20 countries, and solidify the U. S. developed and promulgated standards and measurement techniques. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Skvorc, Paul DataFlow/Alaska, Inc. AK Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99949 9150 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0114370 July 15, 2001 Evaluation of Distributed Electric Energy Storage and Generation. The objective of this Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSERC) project is to develop a database of information for use by utilities and electricity end-users in evaluating distributed generation (DG) and distributed energy storage (DES). The information in the database can be used with utility, end-user, and investor economic evaluation methods to compare the various DG and DES technologies with central station generation and transmission and distribution improvement options. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Jewell, Ward Wichita State University KS Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 56000 9150 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9150 9102 0000 0114555 August 1, 2001 Completely Automated Open-Path FT-IR Spectrometry (I/UCRC for Measurement and Control). This project will develop an open-path Fourier transform infrared spectrometer capable of monitoring a variety of volatile organic compounds in a commercial environment. The instrument will be capable of operating for extended periods of time without the need for any intervention by an operator. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Griffiths, Peter University of Idaho ID Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0114744 August 1, 2001 Collaborative Research: Center for Health Management Research. The Center for Health Management Research, then based at Arizona State University (since moved to the University of Washington), received its initial designation as an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in July 1992. From the outset, this has been a multi-university center, drawing its academic resources from a consortium of 15 universities. The goals for the Center are to: 1) Develop a research agenda in collaboration with the corporate members; 2) Undertake research, development, and evaluation projects on behalf of the corporate members; 3) Disseminate to the members findings of health services research; 4) Identify and disseminate to the members successful innovations and management practices from other health care organizations; and 4) Identify and disseminate to the members relevant research findings, successful innovations, and management practices from other industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rundall, Thomas University of California-Berkeley CA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 150000 5761 OTHR 0000 0115217 February 12, 2001 Commercalization Planning Assistance for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Servo, Jenny Dawnbreaker Inc NY Joseph E. Hennessey Contract 240000 5371 OTHR 9102 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116924 July 15, 2001 Validated Modeling of Network Component Performance: A Collaborative Research Effort Involving the Center for Advanced Computing and Communication (CACC). The purpose of this project is to extend existing knowledge in the field of network traffic modeling in two ways. One objective is to develop approximation and bounding techniques that will provide first-order estimates of the performance of deterministic servers under arrival process having long-range dependence. This effort will build upon both our previous work in developing approximate solutions for closed queuing networks having analytically intractable service distributions and the more recent work of Norros which characterized the behavior of a system having a self-similar arrival process and a constant service rate. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Westall, James Robert Geist Clemson University SC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0117518 September 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS). The objectives of this multi-campus research Center are 1) to explore, conduct research and to bring about innovation and practical solutions by focusing on the industrially relevant research needs; 2) to foster collaborative research projects between industrial and academic engineers and scientists; and 3) to promote interdisciplinary and intra-university research activities and to nurture students through testbed and collaborative projects. The Center proposed four key program areas, namely 1) production equipment e-monitoring and e-maintenance systems; 2) web-enabled industrial systems management and optimization program; 3) smart business to devices technologies program; and 4) web-enabled development tools for e-maintenance application systems INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS MANFG ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS MECHANICS OF MATERIALS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Lee, Jay University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 343000 5761 1786 1630 1360 SMET OTHR MANU 9251 9231 9178 9147 9102 0000 0118091 July 15, 2001 Design Parameterization for CAD-Based Mechanism Optimization. The project "Design Parameterization for CHD-Based Mechanism Optimization", is studying how product solid models can be parameterized following a systematic approach to capture design intents in multiple CAD systems and determine if an accurate and efficient design sensitivity analysis can be developed that supports CAD-based mechanism optimization for industrial applications. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Chang, Kuang-Hua University of Oklahoma Norman Campus OK Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0118300 September 15, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power Systems Engineering (PSERC). The power industry must undertake a managed redesign of the Nation's power system so that it can adapt to deregulation and to rapid changes in the power requirements and regional economic conditions. The need for research in this area is vividly illustrated by the recent California power problems. This second five year continuing grant funds the University of California, Berkeley as part of a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Power Systems Engineering (PSERC). The I/UCRC involves 10 university research sites generating over $1.5 million. The four universities, Cornell University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Illinois-Champaign, and the University of California-Berkeley, being addressed in identical proposals as a group have generated over $600,000 in the last year. The Center addresses research projects in marketing, transmission and distribution and systems in electric power generation and transmission. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CONTROL, NETWORKS, & COMP INTE ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Thomas, Robert Cornell University NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 4989015 X935 W242 V915 V638 V188 V105 T313 T752 T543 T479 H232 H108 5761 1518 1480 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9231 9178 127E 122E 1049 0000 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0118889 August 1, 2001 Collaborative Research: Center for Health Management Research. The Center for Health Management Research, then based at Arizona State University (since moved to the University of Washington), received its initial designation by NSF as an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in 1992. The goals for the Center are to: Develop a research agenda in collaboration with the corporate members; undertake research, development, and evaluation projects on behalf of the corporate members; disseminate to the members findings of health services research; identify and disseminate to the members successful innovations and management practices from other health care organizations; and identify and disseminate to the members relevant research findings, successful innovation, and management practices from other industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Conrad, Douglas University of Washington WA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 175000 5761 OTHR 0000 0119230 October 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power Systems Engineering (PSERC). The power industry must undertake a managed redesign of the Nation's power system so that it can adapt to deregulation and to rapid changes in the power requirements and regional economic conditions. The need for research in this area is vividly illustrated by the recent California power problems. This second five year continuing grant funds the University of California, Berkeley as part of a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Power Systems Engineering (PSERC). The I/UCRC involves 10 university research sites generating over $1.5 million. The four universities, Cornell University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Illinois-Champaign, and the University of California-Berkeley, being addressed in identical proposals as a group have generated over $600,000 in the last year. The Center addresses research projects in marketing, transmission and distribution and systems in electric power generation and transmission. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG DeMarco, Christopher University of Wisconsin-Madison WI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 2478074 X943 X935 W351 V915 V638 V105 T313 T479 H371 H232 H108 5761 1480 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9231 9178 9102 127E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0119301 September 15, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power Systems Engineering (PSERC). The power industry must undertake a managed redesign of the Nation's power system so that it can adapt to deregulation and to rapid changes in the power requirements and regional economic conditions. The need for research in this area is vividly illustrated by the recent California power problems. This second five year continuing grant funds the University of California, Berkeley as part of a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Power Systems Engineering (PSERC). The I/UCRC involves 10 university research sites generating over $1.5 million. The four universities, Cornell University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Illinois-Champaign, and the University of California-Berkeley, being addressed in identical proposals as a group have generated over $600,000 in the last year. The Center addresses research projects in marketing, transmission and distribution and systems in electric power generation and transmission. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CONTROL, NETWORKS, & COMP INTE IIP ENG Oren, Shmuel University of California-Berkeley CA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 613153 W351 W004 V915 V638 V105 T846 T313 T479 H232 H108 5761 1518 OTHR 127E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0119654 August 1, 2001 MOLECULAR SIMULATIONS OF CHEMICAL STABILITY OF MODEL PEPTIDES IN AMORPHOUS POLYMERS. Due to the inherent instability of protein/peptide drugs in aqueous solution, the successful formulation of these compounds in lyophilized form has become an important activity within the pharmaceutical industry. However, the extent to which the stability of a given protein/peptide is improved in the amorphous solid-state depends on many variables including moisture, temperature, the viscoelastic properties of the solid, chemical nature of the excipients and impurities present, and the nature of the degradation pathways. Molecular dynamics simulations are uniquely suited to the exploration of various molecular details which are important in the degradation of proteins/peptides in amorphous solids. The researchers will investigate how changes in molecular mobility and conformational flexibility in amorphous matrices influence both the formation of reactive intermediates and the subsequent partitioning of these reactive intermediates to products, which depends on the relative translational and rotational mobility of either the protein itself or smaller molecules which may be participants in the overall reaction. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Xiang, Tian-Xiang Bradley Anderson University of Kentucky Research Foundation KY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0119825 September 1, 2001 I/UCRC: BioMolecular Interaction Technology Center. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries play a vital role in maintaining and promoting a healthy population, and constitute a major sector of the US economy. These industries have evolved from the empirical treatment of disease to a sophisticated approach for drug development which requires a deeper understanding of the biochemistry of life processes. As a consequence, the accurate description of biomolecular interactions has become a central element in understanding disease mechanisms, and now is an essential ingredient for devising safe and effective pharmaceuticals. A variety of instruments and methods are used to characterize biomolecular interactions. This I/UCRC will enable pharmaceutical and biotechnological, and instrumentation companies to work together toward the development of advanced technologies for characterizing molecular interactions. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Laue, Thomas University of New Hampshire NH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 548242 5761 OTHR 5761 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0120153 September 15, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power Systems Engineering (PSERC). The power industry must undertake a managed redesign of the Nation's power system so that it can adapt to deregulation and to rapid changes in the power requirements and regional economic conditions. The need for research in this area is vividly illustrated by the recent California power problems. This second five year continuing grant funds the University of California, Berkeley as part of a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Power Systems Engineering (PSERC). The I/UCRC involves 10 university research sites generating over $1.5 million. The four universities, Cornell University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Illinois-Champaign, and the University of California-Berkeley, being addressed in identical proposals as a group have generated over $600,000 in the last year. The Center addresses research projects in marketing, transmission and distribution and systems in electric power generation and transmission. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CONTROL, NETWORKS, & COMP INTE IIP ENG Sauer, Peter University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign IL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 516496 X943 W338 W242 V915 V105 H232 H108 5761 1518 OTHR 5761 127E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0120433 September 15, 2001 Evaluation for the I/UCRC for Health Management Research. This award is for continued support for the I/UCRC for Health Management Research. The evaluator will attend a number of Industrial Advisory Board meetings and make presentations on "Gatekeeping" as a method to improve information flow from Centers back to member companies. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Tansik, David University of Arizona AZ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 53125 5761 OTHR 5761 0000 0120479 August 1, 2001 NSF IUCRC PLANNING GRANT. This proposal discusses the planning phase of a proposed I/UCRC Research Site of the Ohio State University Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering (CAPCE) at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. CAPCE is an existing, successful I/UCRC. The proposed Florida Research Site compliments CAPCE by bringing to the joint I/UCRC (1) strong partners in the aerospace and construction industries as well as federal labs, and (2) additional capabilities in composite process design, modeling and simulation, and advanced material testing and characterization. This is in addition to conducting advanced polymer and composite materials research and manufacturing technology research similar to CAPCE's research focus. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Wang, Hsu-Pin (Ben) Florida State University FL William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0120725 August 15, 2001 CU-UC Membrane Applied Science and Technology [MAST] Center: A Multi-University I/U CRC. The research focus of the NSF I/UCRC for Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST) is membranes, microporous films, and barrier layers. Membranes are permable films that permit separation or the controlled release of solutes. They are used for water desalination, wastewater treatment, artificial kidneys, and in the controlled release of pharmaceuticals, flavors, cosmetics, inscticides, and herbicides. Microporous films are used in breathable fabrics, surgical dressings, artificial lungs, batteries, and fuel cells. Barrier layers are used in breathable contact lenses, food packaging, water barriers, and protective coatings. Membranes offer exceptional potential for smart sensor and bioMEMS technologies since tey are the only separations technology that will work on the microscale. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Noble, Richard Alan Greenberg University of Colorado at Boulder CO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 790465 W598 W145 V885 V362 T179 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 129E 116e 1049 0000 0120748 September 1, 2001 Multi-University Industry-University Cooperative Research Center for Glass. The proposed continued affiliation is considered crucial to the mission of the Center in at least three ways. First, the affiliation adds immeasurably to the credibility and salability of the Center to prospective members of the U.S. Glass industry and the continuation of the present members. Second it allows the NSF to carry out an annual evaluation of the Center (a total quality management function). Third, it permits the Center Directors to participate in the national I/UCRC meetings and programs offered by NSF. Beyond this, of course, the additional funding from NSF relieves some of the financial burden of Center administration from the members and university. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Seward III, Thomas Alfred University NY State College of Ceramics NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 180000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 0000 0120754 August 15, 2001 COLLABORATIVE: Center for Engineering Logistics & Distribution--CELDi. This planning grant proposal presents information supporting a multi-university, multi-disciplinary Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). The proposed center will be a National Science Foundation sponsored Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC). The vision for the center is to provide integrated solutions to logistics problems, through modeling, analysis and intelligent-systems technologies, building upon the knowledge and expertise available at the three member campuses, the University of Arkansas, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Louisville. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Taylor, Gaylon Don University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc KY William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0120755 August 1, 2001 Establishing an IUCRC Center for Microcontamination Control at Northeastern University: a Planning Meeting Proposal. The proposed center's goal is to develop state of the art techniques for micro and nanoscale contamination control, removal and characterization in manufacturing and fabrication processes. The center will contribute to the competitiveness of the semiconductor, information technology, pharmaceutical, imaging, aerospace and other industries affected by particulate and ionic contamination. The center will especially focus on surface cleaning of patterned, structured and flat substrates. Faculty in the center have identified mechanisms to effectively clean ionic contamination from patterned wafers. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Busnaina, Ahmed George Adams Nicol McGruer Jeffrey Hopwood Sinan Muftu Northeastern University MA Glenn H. Larsen Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0120757 July 1, 2001 Center for Technology and Innovation Management (CTIM): Planning Proposal. The objective of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center is to establish a leading edge Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Technology and Innovation Management (CTIM), challenge and advance the field of technology and innovation management with emphasis on creation and analysis of concepts, tools and processes. The Center will leverage and apply the unusual industry-academic partnership of the Northwestern University and the MATI - a consortium of 17 multi-billion dollar, multinational, technology-intensive firms and the central node in a domestic and international network of other industry-academic collaborations. This Center will contribute to the practical knowledge and application of technology and innovation management. Practice-driven, CTIM will constantly interact with domestic and global firms and institutions. This link will highlight fertile and important topics and provide a dynamic laboratory for research and review of Center output. Membership will consist of actively participating industrial, consulting, legal and other firms and affiliates. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Radnor, Michael Northwestern University IL William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0120793 August 15, 2001 COLLABORATIVE: Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). This planning grant proposal presents information supporting a multi-university, multi-disciplinary Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). The proposed center will be a National Science Foundation sponsored Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC). The vision for the center is to provide integrated solutions to logistics problems, through modeling, analysis and intelligent-systems technologies, building upon the knowledge and expertise available at the three member campuses, the University of Arkansas, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Louisville. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Landers, Thomas University of Oklahoma Norman Campus OK William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0120796 August 1, 2001 Compact High Performance Cooling Technologies Research Center - A Planning Grant Proposal for an NSF I/UCRC. The proposed Compact High Performance Cooling Technologies Research Center will address research and development needs of industries in the area of high-performance heat removal from compact spaces. All product sectors in the electronics industry (high-performance, Cost/Performance, Telecommunications, Hand-held, Automotive, and Military/Avionics) face critical electronics cooling challenges, and the Center brings together an excellent team of faculty to address these needs. Faculty participants in the proposed Center are from the Schools of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University, and contribute complimentary competencies in heat transfer, microfluidics, microfabrication, mechatronics, controls, acoustics, sensing and actuation, diagnostics and measurements, and systems-level research. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Garimella, Suresh Purdue University IN William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0120799 August 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Software Engineering. The SERC addresses the needs for software productivity and quality. It also provides a focal point for the exchange of ideas among industry and academia and serves as a direct infusion of these ideas, thereby accelerating technology transfer. SERC resources include over 50 faculty and 100 students at 9 universities working with practitioners from software intensive industries to solve software problems and advance the state-of-the-practice in software engineering. WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Zage, Wayne Dolores Zage Ball State University IN Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 198642 5980 5761 OTHR 5914 0000 0120807 November 1, 2001 Industry-University-Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) at Arizona State University. This award establishes a research site at the Arizona State University of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Water Quality (WQC) located at the University of Arizona. The research will focus on applied health-related water microbiology and environmental engineering. The overall objective is to perform research to improve the quality of drinking water and investigate physical, chemical and microbial processes that affect the quality of potable water supplies. In addition, the IUCRC at Arizona State University will establish an undergraduate training program for the minority students. A number of area municipalities and industries will form an industrial consortium to provide financial and intellectual support of the research site. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Abbaszadegan, Morteza Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 360000 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9177 7218 5761 1049 0000 0120812 August 15, 2001 Formation of an I/UCRC Multi-University Center for Dielectric Studies. The Multi-university Center for Dielectrics will target research in three focal areas: evolutionary, revolutionary, and basic. Evolutionary topics will emphasize near-term industrial needs such as dielectric degradation mechanisms, which affect component reliability. Revolutionary research involves a paradigm shift in the industry. For example, nanoparticle deposition by electrophoresis will produce new capacitor structures with submicron layers. Basic topics will permit in-depth investigation of defect chemistry and microwave dielectric relaxation mechanisms which opens new research areas in pulse power and wireless components. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS IIP ENG Randall, Clive Michael Lanagan Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 800000 7609 5761 1480 OTHR 122E 0000 0120823 July 1, 2001 CU-UC Membrane Applied Science and Technology [MAST] Center: A Multi-University I/U CRC. The research focus of the NSF I/UCRC for Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST) is membranes, microporous films, and barrier layers. Membranes are permable films that permit separation or the controlled release of solutes. They are used for water desalination, wastewater treatment, artificial kidneys, and in the controlled release of pharmaceuticals, flavors, cosmetics, inscticides, and herbicides. Microporous films are used in breathable fabrics, surgical dressings, artificial lungs, batteries, and fuel cells. Barrier layers are used in breathable contact lenses, food packaging, water barriers, and protective coatings. Membranes offer exceptional potential for smart sensor and bioMEMS technologies since tey are the only separations technology that will work on the microscale. This Center will expand the MAST Center to a Multi-University I/UCRC. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS RES EXP FOR TEACHERS(RET)-SITE ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Clarson, Stephen University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 391326 X898 W592 W255 W229 W053 5761 1359 1340 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9102 7218 115E 1049 0000 0120943 January 15, 2002 Collaborative Research: Fundamentals and Applications of Thiol-Ene Photopolymerizations. This is a tie project between the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Photopolymerization at the University of Colorado and the I/UCRC for Coatings at the University of Southern Mississippi. The objectives of the research are to synthesize a series of novel thiol-ene monomers and study their photopolymerization behavior under a variety of conditions. The mechanisms and kinetics of photopolymerization will be investigated. The fundamental knowledge about the structure-property relations will be used to develop stable photopolymers as industrial coatings. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bowman, Christopher University of Colorado at Boulder CO Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0120965 January 15, 2002 Collaborative Research: Fundamentals and Applications of Thiol-Ene Photopolymerizations. This is a tie project between the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Coatings at the University of Southern Mississippi and the I/UCRC for Photopolymerization at the University of Colorado. The objectives of the research are to synthesize a series of novel thiol-ene monomers and study their photopolymerization behavior under a variety of conditions. The mechanisms and kinetics of photopolymerization will be investigated. The fundamental knowledge about the structure-property relations will be used to develop stable photopolymers as industrial coatings. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hoyle, Charles University of Southern Mississippi MS Tapan K. Mukherjee Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0121307 July 15, 2001 Research Site of the Industry/University Cooperative Center entitled, "Repair of Buildings and Bridges With Composites (RB2C). The proposed research site is an extension to the current active Industry/University Cooperative Research Center entitled: Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites (RB2C) located at the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR). The Research Site of the Center, at North Carolina State University will focus on addressing the needs of the construction industry in development of new innovative structural components and systems using advanced composite materials. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rizkalla, Sami North Carolina State University NC Glenn H. Larsen Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0121868 August 1, 2001 Research Site in Sensors and Nondestructive Testing for the NSF-IUCRC at UMR: Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites. The proposed research site will be based at the University of Illinois - Chicago (UIC) and the R&D activities conducted will be to address the needs of the construction and manufacturing industry in the area of sensors and nondestructive testing technologies for repair of buildings and bridges with composites. The focus of the R&D activities will be development of technologies, manufacturing, implementation, and evaluation of the technologies developed. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ansari, Farhad University of Illinois at Chicago IL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0124037 August 15, 2001 Novel Surface Active Polymers Using Biocatalysis: NSF I/UCRC COLUMBIA/PINY Tie Project. This is a tie project between the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules at the Polytechnic University of New York, and the I/UCRC for Advanced Studies on Novel Surfactants at Columbia University, New York. The research program includes (1) synthesis of new functional polymers from renewable resources by selective biocatalytic transformations, and (2) investigation of fundamental relationships between the polymer structures, adsorption and conformational characteristics at surfaces and interfaces. Surface and interfacial properties of the polymers and copolymers synthesized at the Polytechnic University will be studied at the I/UCRC at Columbia University. A companion award (EEC-0124037) will support the research at the Columbia University. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Somasundaran, Ponisseril Richard Gross Columbia University NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 75000 5761 OTHR 0000 0124092 August 15, 2001 Novel Surface Active Polymers Using Biocatalysis: NSF I/UCRC POLYTECHNIC/COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY NY Tie Project. This is a tie project between the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules at the Polytechnic University of New York, and the I/UCRC for Advanced Studies on Novel Surfactants at Columbia University, New York. The research program includes (1) synthesis of new functional polymers from renewable resources by selective biocatalytic transformations, and (2) investigation of fundamental relationships between the polymer structures, adsorption and conformational characteristics at surfaces and interfaces. Surface and interfacial properties of the polymers and copolymers synthesized at the Polytechnic University will be studied at the I/UCRC at Columbia University. A companion award (EEC-0124037) will support the research at the Columbia University. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gross, Richard Ponisseril Somasundaran Polytechnic University of New York NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 75000 5761 OTHR 0000 0124322 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: 360-Degree Display Monitor for Video Conferencing. This Small Business Innovation Research project has as its primary objective the investigation of the feasibility of a novel 360-degree display monitor concept for video conferencing. Videoconferencing technology has long sought to facilitate more natural and effective one-on-one and group communications and collaboration among people separated by distance. The plan is to build a 360-degree monitor to show panoramic video images from the center of the table to all 360-degree viewing angles. All participants can see the displayed image from where he/she is seated. At the same time, all participants in the conference room can see each other directly, while communicating with people from the other site via the 360-degree display monitor and a 360-degree camera. Genex Technologies' proffered technology will be of interest for a broad range to a broad range of consumers. Its applications include videoconferencing, security, and the entertainment industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Feng, Yuanming GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0522400 Information Systems 0124649 August 1, 2001 NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers: Evaluation Project. Since its inception as a formal program, one of the unique characteristics of the I/UCRC Program has been its commitment to a systematic and objective evaluation effort. As it has evolved over the years, the evaluation effort relies heavily on standardized collection of data by independent on-site evaluators at every IUCRC Center. An evaluation system built upon a national network of local evaluators requires a considerable amount of support and coordination. Although the support and coordination provided by NSF staff and the "evaluators coordinating committee" are essential to the program's success, these mechanisms are not adequate to meet the needs of an evaluation project that has grown to be national in scope. Funding is also being provided for a one-year project, "Quantifying Industry IUCRC Benefits" The project will attempt to develop quantitative measures of some of the benefits firms might receive via their participation in IUCRCs. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gray, Denis North Carolina State University NC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 390936 5761 OTHR 0000 0124874 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Toolbox for Optimal Design. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a prototype of an integrated set of software tools for computer aided optimal design. This tool box will require interfacing with large scale proprietary codes for the simulation of physical phenomena. The industry problems to which will be addressed are such that conventional optimization techniques are not applicable. Intelligent search methods and parallel computing in distributed networks will be the basic tools to be considered. and the applicability of a recently developed system for asynchronous parallel pattern search. The system, that exist today, needs to be extended so that nonlinear constraints can be introduced and larger dimensional problems can be solved. Initial focus will be on optimal structural design, piezoelectric transducer design and the design of optoelectronic devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pereyra, Victor Weidlinger Associates Incorporated, NYC NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99407 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0124925 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of Web-Based Modularized ERP Software System for Manufacturing-Related Companies. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will apply agile manufacturing, and lean production concepts in studying the real time workflow patterns at plant level in a manufacturing-related company. The results will be used to develop a new generation ERP (enterprise resource planning) software system. This project will develop a web-based modularized software for upper/middle levels and as well as shop-floor-level production planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation using agile manufacturing and lean production principles. The commercial application will be directed toward the U.S. Manufacturing industry. This new ERP system will provide rapid and quality responses to plant-level production needs of manufacturers. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Bai, Xue Harbinger NV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9150 9148 9102 1464 0308000 Industrial Technology 0125122 June 1, 2002 Innovations in Internationalization: Building Multi-Sector Partnerships for Research, Education and Economic Development. 0125122 Kalonji This award is to the University of Washington to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for the award include the University of Washington (Lead Institution), Washington State Office of Economic Development, Washington State China Relations Council, Northwest Environmental Business Council, Earth Tech, Inc., and Hart Crowser, Inc. Proposed Activities The proposed effort has the following goals: (1) create new team-based approaches for faculty, students, government and industry partners to collaborate on international research and education, (2) translate the work of these teams into products, systems, and services, (3) produce a scientific and engineering workforce to work in an international marketplace. Teams of faculty and students from the University of Washington and Sichuan University in Chengdu, China will be working collaboratively on water resource management, waste water treatment, forest ecology, environmentally-friendly materials processing, biodiversity, and the impact of humans on the ecology. Proposed Innovation The focus of the project is on building sustainable relationships for research-education-economic development. Innovation outcomes include creation of a workforce to participate in the emerging Chinese market, creation of the opportunities for small businesses to participate in academic research and to gain access to new international business opportunities, increase trade with China for Washington, and "internationalization" of some of the faculty at the University of Washington. Potential Economic Impact The major economic impact will be the expanded opportunities for Washington State business with markets in China. Potential Societal Impact The Pacific Rim could be a very large market for the United States over the foreseeable future. Preparation of a workforce to participate in this market is vital to the citizens of the US in general and especially the West Coast. Asians have already trained a workforce, and the US is behind. This effort will provide the workforce to open trade for small business in China. EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC PROGRAM PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Kalonji, Gretchen Denice Denton University of Washington WA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 597542 5978 1662 OTHR 9200 5251 0000 0125272 September 1, 2001 TALPA: Technology Applications and Learning toward Professional Achievement. 0125272 Schroeder This award is to the University of Alaska-Anchorage to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for this activity include the University of Alaska-Anchorage (Lead Institution), University of Alaska-Fairbanks, University of Hawaii-Manoa, University of Washington, Ford Motor Company, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, The Boeing Company, Kimberly Clark, Alcoa, IBM Kirkland-Washington, Bureau of Reclamation, Microsoft, Flour Daniel, Alaska Technical Center, Northwest Arctic Borough School District, White Swan High School, Confederate Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation, NANA/DOWL Engineers, and NANA/Colt Engineers. Proposed Activities The effort will bring computer technology to remote communities, provide high school students with a vision of a career in science and engineering, connect students with professionals in industry and academia, provide industrial partners with a technologically trained workforce, and develop the enabling infrastructure necessary to sustain the effort long-term. Proposed Innovation The academic institutions will establish a modern computer laboratory with space, utilities, and Internet access in a remote rural community in each state in the partnership. High school juniors and seniors in a college-ready high school curriculum will be targeted. These students will be given state-of-the-art hardware and software training. Students will have summer internships with partner companies where they will be paid cash as well as scholarship money with any of the partner universities. The students will attend a summer bridging program the summer after graduation from high school to prepare them for college. The industry partners provide $500,000 annually for the bridging program. Potential Economic Impact The program will provide hundreds of high school students with access to technology-based education and jobs. These students are from sparsely populated rural states, and most are Indigenous Americans. The economic benefits result from a highly skilled workforce for the industry partners. Potential Societal Impact The targeted students are Indigenous Americans from rural Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington. The program can be replicated for any region with an indigenous population. More than 300 students have "graduated" from the internship program in the past. The current award will provide needed resources to attract more students, provide more computer facilities, and interact with more industrial partners. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Schroeder, Herb E.Lee Gorsuch University of Alaska Anchorage Campus AK Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599832 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0125304 March 15, 2002 Genes for Georgia: Translating Genomic Research into Regional Economic Growth. 0125304 Holbrook This award is to the University of Georgia to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for this award are the University of Georgia, Avigenics Inc., Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Research Alliance, OneGeorgia Authority. Proposed Activities The effort will focus on creating gene encyclopedias and bioinfomatic infrastructure needed to identify diversity of potential value to bio-based industries. Proposed Innovation Leveraging genomic technologies in this manner is expected to spawn an unprecedented era of innovation in bio-based industries, nurturing the development of new value-added products and intrinsic genetic solutions to agricultural challenges, in a manner that is publicly acceptable and compatible with responsible stewardship of the ecosystem. Potential Economic Impact Outcomes from this effort will include: (1) new ventures to expand and diversify regional bio-based industry opportunities, (2) empowering small businesses to compete with multinationals by partnering with public researchers as a virtual R&D resource, (3) strengthening the national science infrastructure by adding enabling tools for new plants and animals, (4) partnering with existing outreach networks to provide regional professionals with the training needed to exploit these tools, while preserving the links of the individuals to their home regions. Potential Societal Impact Young professionals will receive the education and jobs needed to provide regional economic wellbeing and remain in the region avoiding a regional "brain drain". PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Patel, Gordhan Robert Ivarie Andrew Paterson University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc GA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0125343 January 1, 2002 Development And Commercialization of Advanced Wood-Based Composites In Maine. 0125343 Dagher This award is to the University of Maine to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for the award include the University of Maine (Lead Institution), Maine Technology Institute, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, State Department of Economic and Community Development, The Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Maine Department of Transportation, Louisiana Pacific, Dow Chemical, State Farm Insurance, Henderson and Bodwell, The Kenway Corporation, Market Development Alliance of the FRP Composites Industry, APA the Engineered Wood Association, National Institutes of Standards and Technology, USDA Forest Products Laboratory. Proposed Activities The award will support the following activities: (1) strengthen partnerships among the University of Maine, private industry, state organizations, forest product industry organizations, and national laboratories to foster commercialization of composite reinforced wood, (2) develop innovative strategies for commercializing composite reinforced wood hybrids that can become models for other university research centers, establish commercialization projects (reinforced wood composite beams using low-grade hardwoods, disaster-resistant housing using reinforced sheathing panels, novel long-strand composite lumber beams and columns). Proposed Innovation Housing industry in the US accounts for 28% of the total construction industry, and most of the wood used is high-grade conventional wood lumber. The supply of high-grade lumber is declining in the US. Reinforced composite wood will allow the use of low-grade lumber from other species of trees in more abundant supply, and provide skilled jobs in Maine. These products will lower the cost of wood products for housing in the US. Increasing the resistance of housing to disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes will make a major impact on the economy of the nation. Potential Economic Impact Ninety percent of Maine is forested, and 25% of the state's economy is based on forest resources. The forest economy has traditionally been based on export of raw lumber with unskilled labor and few value added timber products. Other manufacturing jobs have moved from the state recently, leaving unskilled jobs and service industries (e.g., tourism) as the major source of income. Successful commercialization of composite reinforced wood will play a large role in developing a growing state economy. Lower costs for wood products for housing construction will have a major economic impact in the US. Increasing the resistance of housing to disasters will lower the cost of repair, maintenance, and insurance for disasters. Potential Societal Impact Maine ranks 29th in the nation in terms of advanced degree scientists/engineers and 50th in science/engineering graduate students. The job market for young scientists and engineers is bleak in Maine. The educational program will include entrepreneurial education as well as science and engineering to provide a skilled workforce for the economy surrounding the new wood-based technology/economy. The housing industry amounts to $800 billion/year in the US alone. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Dagher, H.Joseph Heather Almquist James Ward William Davids University of Maine ME Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 575543 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0125380 November 1, 2001 Implementing a Knowledge Management Infrastructure. 0125380 Reed This award is to Michigan Technological University (Lead Institution) to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for this award include Michigan Technological University, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, NASA, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Upstate Alliance for Innovation (NY), and North Carolina Technological Development Authority. Proposed Activities The award will support the following activities: (1) coupling technology transfer and sponsored research programs in the academic institutions, (2) create an inventory of knowledge assets at the academic institutions via an on-line data base, (3) managing and sharing knowledge assets among the partners via internal collaborative relationships among the partners, and any new partners. Proposed Innovation When completed the integrated knowledge management infrastructure will support university to university as well as university to industry knowledge sharing. The new system will facilitate the recognition and management of the full range of academia's knowledge assets with a sharp focus on identifying, implementing and managing partnership opportunities. The knowledge management infrastructure will be easily replicated by other academic institutions and their partners. The innovation is the research to identify which knowledge an academic institution has that has potential for commercialization plus development of the information technology needed to inventory and manage it. Included in this research is the development of methodology to identify the knowledge of interest to the various private sector partners, both current and future. Potential Economic Impact The methodologies should be invaluable to academia to recognize the value of its intellectual property and to target potential private sector and government partners needed for commercialization more effectively. Potential Societal Impact General economic wellbeing that results from new sustainable businesses will be of benefit to the citizens of the affected regions. The results will be easily replicated by other academic institutions and their regions. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Reed, David David Winwood James Cross Wriston Crowell Michigan Technological University MI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599997 1662 OTHR 0000 0125385 January 1, 2002 Statewide Partnership to Support Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship in South Dakota. 0125385 Ustad This award is to the University of South Dakota to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners of the award are the University of South Dakota (Lead Institution), Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University, South Dakota Board of Regents, Forward Sioux Falls, Rapid City Economic Development, Genesis of Innovation for South Dakota, Genesis Equity Fund, LLC, Small Business High Technology Institute, South Dakota Health Research Foundation, Dairean, Inc., Pacer Corporation, South Dakota Health Technology Innovations, TJ Technologies, Inc. Proposed Activities The activities include: (1) creation of a series of technology entrepreneurship education modules that will be integrated in science, math, engineering, and other subjects, (2) modify several existing business and entrepreneurship undergraduate and graduate courses to focus on technology and R&D businesses, and (3) integrate university and private sector partners into technology evaluation and development teams to move innovations and technologies to market. Current innovation courses at the academic institutions are business-oriented with little science, engineering, and technology emphasis. This award will support integration of science and engineering with the business and management courses and establishment of offices for technology transfer. Proposed Innovation The project will develop the knowledge and skills needed by students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and private sector partners to start and expand technology-based businesses in the technology business incubators being developed in South Dakota. The project involves a collaborative effort between public universities and the private sector to facilitate technology transfer into viable technology and business. The project will educate and encourage new technology entrepreneurs to start and grow new businesses. The technology sectors being emphasized are biomedical sciences and health, materials, information technology/education, and biotechnology and agriculture. Potential Economic Impact The businesses formed will contribute to the economic wellbeing of South Dakota. Education of a workforce to fill positions in those businesses will be a priority. The six university campuses will lead as a source of new knowledge through research and a source of education for the businesses as well as in providing an entrepreneurial workforce. Potential Societal Impact Creation of wealth and high-paying jobs for the citizens of South Dakota will be a major outcome. Indigenous Americans will also benefit from PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Ustad, G. Melvin Royce Engstrom University of South Dakota Main Campus SD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 598247 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0125429 October 15, 2001 Consortium for Stable Laser Applications. 0125429 Craig This award is to Montana State University (Lead Insititution) to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners include Montana State University (Lead Institution), AdvR, Inc., Tektronix, Inc., Scientific Materials Corporation, IBM Almaden Research Center, ILX Lightwave Corporation, MSU Techlink Center, Gallatin Development Corporation, and Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology. Proposed Activities The partners will collaborate to develop the requisite technology and to incorporate it into various operational optical communications and computing systems. The Lead Institution will do fundamental research and transfer the results to the partner companies. Two companies will assist in the development of the technologies based on the research results. Two of the partner companies will provide insertion platforms into systems level products. One company will provide fabrication facilities for the products. The not-for-profit partners will ensure a pro-business climate for establishment of new small and medium-sized companies. The state partner will provide funds when needed to promote the development and commercialization of promising technologies. This effort builds upon a new state-funded center for optoelectronics, named the Spectral Information Technologies Laboratory. The charter of the laboratory includes the directive to perform transfer of technology that results form basic research on optics. Proposed Innovation The consortium of companies, university, and public partners cover the entire chain from research to development, to insertion, to fabrication to development of business opportunities, to funding for formation of companies necessary to transform new research into commercial activities. The optical technologies covered will have a large role in the future of information technologies that underlie the current innovation economy of the last ten years. Potential Economic Impact Montana's economy is currently in the bottom 10% nationally. The population of the state is below 750,000. Creation of 2000 new high-tech jobs in the state will have a major impact. Potential Societal Impact The proposed activity will use the research and education of the state university system to promote new high-paying jobs for bright Montana citizens. Heretofore, most university graduates had very limited opportunity for jobs in the state, making the state a net exporter of highly educated talent. The resulting income will raise the economic wellbeing for the entire state. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Babbitt, Wm. Randall James McMillan Montana State University MT Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 598553 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0125449 October 1, 2001 National Technology Transfer and Commercialization Network - TTCN. 0125449 Silverman This award is to the University of Southern California to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for the effort are the University of Southern California (Lead Institution), California State University Fresno, Caltech, Claremont Graduate University, University of Arkansas, University of Nevada-Reno, University of Pittsburgh, NASA Ames, California Technology Trade and Commerce, LA Economic Development Corporation, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Niagara Broadband, and National Collegiate Innovators and Inventors Alliance. Proposed Activities The partners propose to create and implement a national Technology Transfer and Commercialization Network to coordinate and provide a variety of resources and knowledge so that network users can collaborate and innovate. The activity will provide private sector partners that supply needed technology, financial, and legal expertise, national labs and state and local governments that assist in firming and evaluating the program, academic partners that supply vital content and structure. The partnership will allow the partners and their clients to be successful innovators, sustaining the partnership in the future. Proposed Innovation The proposed network of academic institutions will provide a variety of resources and knowledge to partners, especially under-served schools, that they could not generate on their own. The infrastructure will allow academic institutions to move their intellectual property into commercialization through partnerships with venture capital, private companies, start-ups etc. The combined engineering expertise of the partners will provide resources to small companies that they could not afford otherwise. The business school expertise of the major academic institutions will be available for small universities and businesses alike. Potential Economic Impact The partnership will stimulate and support innovation growth by linking sources of knowledge and expertise with those needing such sources to make their enterprises prosper, particularly those in under-served areas. The resulting economic growth and development will generate additional resources to sustain the partnership. Potential Societal Impact Creation of economic wellbeing and jobs for people in under-served areas will have a beneficial effect on the people of those areas. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Nikias, Chrysostomos Randolph Hall Kathleen Allen University of Southern California CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 700883 1662 OTHR 0000 0125516 October 1, 2001 From Intellectual Capital to Successful Business Enterprises. 0125516 Urban This award is to the University of Southern Mississippi to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners involved include the University of Southern Mississippi (Lead Institution), Petal High School, Jones Junior College, Pearl River Community College, Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, Mississippi Technology Alliance, Mississippi Technology Incorporated, Mississippi Center for Community and Economic Development, Area Development Partnership, Mississippi Polymer Institute, Office of Naval Research Laboratories, Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service, National Institute of Science and Technology, John C. Stennis NASA Space Center, Bayer, Inc., Rohm and Haas, J.M. Huber, Eastman Chemical Company. Proposed Activities The proposed activities include: (1) develop, promote, and sustain an accessible infrastructure for innovation, (2) develop mechanisms for innovation for three model companies (an existing startup, a developing company, a new company), (3) design and implement educational program leading to the increase of the workforce. The vision is to develop a mechanism capable of translating polymer science and engineering discoveries to commercialization through development of new and retention and enhancement of existing companies. Proposed Innovation Proposed innovations include: creation of new jobs in the region, establishment of an infrastructure for beta testing and marketing to drive business plans and strategies for success, provide an educated workforce (engineers, scientists, management, sales), attraction of capital investors, provide continuing technical support for new and young companies, return of capital to the research base to ensure continued innovation. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic impacts include creation of three new companies with up to 300 new jobs in Mississippi over the next five years, establishment of an infrastructure for technical support for new companies to ensure success, establishment of an education partnership to provide a workforce from skilled laborers to Ph.D. scientists and engineers to support the polymers industry in Mississippi, attraction of investment capital to the region. Potential Societal Impact The major societal impact will be the increased standard of living for the state resulting from higher paying jobs and wealth/taxes from new companies in the state. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Urban, Marek Cecil Burge Robert Lochhead Shelby Thames Angeline Dvorak University of Southern Mississippi MS Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 714998 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0125668 December 1, 2001 Delaware Valley Community College and High School Outreach Network. 0125668 Luzzi This award is to the University of Pennsylvania to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners in this effort are the University of Pennsylvania (Lead Institution), Drexel University, the Collegiate Consortium, HUBS (Hospitals, Universities, Businesses, Schools), MAGPI (Metropolitan Area GifaPop in Philadelphia for Internet2), Bucks County Community College, Delaware County CC, Montgomery County CC, the CC of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Camden County CC in New Jersey, Delaware Technical CC in Delaware, Hartford CC in Maryland, SAIC through HUBS, Centocor, Cephalon, Sunthes, Life Sensors, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Proposed Activities This proposal presents a partnership or academic, non-profit and corporate partners in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland region to provide the infrastructure, curriculum development, teacher training and curriculum implementation for Associates Degree programs in nano- and nano-bio-technology. The proposal includes the building of an infrastructure that will leverage the power of high bandwidth communications for regional virtual classrooms and telexperimentation. The program also includes outreach to high schools in the region. Proposed Innovation The proposal centers on the need for a technically skilled workforce, if the region is to achieve its full economic potential in the technology-rich pharmaceutical, life science and advanced chemical sectors. The companies in these technology sectors will need workers from PhDs to technicians to enable growth and economic well-being. The partners propose a coordinated effort in tech-based outreach for education and training, especially at the associates degree level. Approaches included are internet portal and collaboration groupware to support dynamic formation of research teams and virtual classrooms, distance learning, tele-experimentation with remote participation in experiments via near-real-time digital images of scientific instruments, high-bandwidth communication through Internet 2 for video-conferencing. Potential Economic Impact Partnerships with universities, community colleges, the private sector, and regional government are needed to provide the workforce education/training from associate degree through PhD degrees will provide the workforce needed to attract and retain high-tech industry in pharmaceuticals, advanced chemical, and life sciences to the four-state region. Potential Societal Impact Currently a significantly lower percentage of the high school graduates in the region receive education beyond high school than for Silicon Valley. The region needs a highly-trained workforce to attract and retain industry for high paying jobs. The young people in the region now have to accept low-paying jobs or relocate. This integrated effort will provide the training and the jobs needed to change that. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Luzzi, David Eduardo Glandt David Graves Sally Solomon Ali Houshmand University of Pennsylvania PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 714999 1662 OTHR 0000 0125703 January 1, 2002 Enhancing the Northeast Ohio Biotechnology Sector. 0125703 Wagner This award is to Case Western Reserve University (Lead Institution) to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners in the proposed effort include: Case Western Reserve University (Lead Institution), Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Inc., KAL Equity Capital Fund, Metro Health Medical Center, Nortech-Northeast Ohio Technology Coalition, Ohio Innovation Fund, Seven Roien Funds, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Edison Biotechnology, Inc., CID Equity Partners, Enterprise Development Inc. Proposed Activities The award has the following activities: (1) internships for local high school students to work at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Bio Technology Park, (2) academic degree programs for undergraduate students to take one semester of bioengineering and management and internships for post graduates as part of the master's degree, (3) research activities in bioengineering or biomedical design where students design a product plus a business plan for its commercialization, (4) technology transfer with the use of a new incubator activity. Proposed Innovation The goal of the effort is to change the culture in Northeast Ohio to promote vibrant entrepreneurship by attracting young people to biotechnology, creating new biomedical undergraduate and graduate entrepreneur track degree programs that combine engineering and management studies, funding for biology-related entrepreneurs for early evaluation of product concepts and commercialization, and mentoring for entrepreneurs by successful business partners. Potential Economic Impact The award will allow the Northeast Ohio region to apply its considerable academic research and education strengths to entrepreneurial endeavors that will generate economic development. The goal is for the region to become one of the top ten regions for biomedical industry employment by the year 2010. Potential Societal Impact Young people will be recruited for careers in biotechnology and be given education in both engineering and management to prepare them to become entrepreneurs to lead the new biotechnology economy that will be one of the top ten in the nation by 2010. The emphasis on recruit and education of under-represented minorities is a major societal benefit. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Wagner, James Patrick Crago Jeffrey Glass A. Dale Flowers Robert Hisrich Case Western Reserve University OH Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599834 1662 OTHR 0000 0125746 November 1, 2001 Rocky Mountain Agile Virtual Enterprises (RAVE): RAVE Technical Development Center. 0125746 Donovan This award is to Montana Tech (Lead Institution) to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for the award are Montana Tech, Montana Department of Commerce, Montana State University-Northern, Structural Dynamics Research Corporation, PFM Manufacturing, S&K Electronics, Lincoln Electric Company. Proposed Activities The activities for the project include: developing systems through which educational resources can be rapidly deployed to the widely distributed population of Montana, creating virtual organizations through which independent organizations efficiently combine core competencies to attain strategic market advantages, development of on-line courses in concurrent engineering and collaborative commerce, establishment of procedures and systems through which Montana's private industry can rapidly and efficiently for mutually beneficial collaborations with units of the Montana University System, and advancement of the state-of-the-art in collaborative methodologies. Proposed Innovation The proposed innovation is the development and establishment of state-of-the-art systems and methodologies for collaborative virtual organizations to promote combination of core competencies for a rural economy that is widely dispersed. Potential Economic Impact The proposed economic impact is the potential to increase the ability of small companies to respond to opportunities for business by combining their core competencies in virtual organizations. The average company size in Montana is 12 employees and the ability of any one company to meet the talents needed to compete is limited to its talent pool. Combinations of talents from several companies increases the opportunity to respond to business opportunities on an ad hoc basis. Potential Societal Impact The economy of Montana is dominated by farm income which has remained constant for more than 20 years. The average company size in the state is 12 employees. The population is sparsely dispersed. Increased business revenue that will result from these companies becoming more competitive will create much-needed wealth for stability and growth. The project involves underrepresented minorities, especially native Americans in the business enterprise of Montana EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IIP ENG Donovan, Richard Joseph Figueira Montana Tech of the University of Montana MT Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 719299 9150 1662 1465 OTHR 9150 0000 0125752 October 1, 2001 Large Scale Dynamic Simulation And Optimization Tools For Chicago Freight Infrastructure And Operations. 0125752 Ziliaskopoulos This award is to Northwestern University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for this award include Northwestern University (Lead Institution), University of Illinois-Chicago Circle Urban Transportation Center, Chicago Area Transportation Study, City of Chicago, Metropolitan Planning Council, Business Leaders for Transportation, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company, Union Pacific Railway Company, Central States Trucking Company, and Roadway Express. Proposed Activities The objective of this effort is to forge an effective partnership among all major stakeholders of the intermodal freight industry in Chicago. Three interdependent research programs will be established to create a sustainable effort: (1) development of a framework with advanced quantitative decision support tools, to evaluate innovations in business process, infrastructure, and technology that streamline operations and eliminate unnecessary delays, (2) perform in-depth analyses of past, current and future trends of the intermodal freight industry by collecting and interpreting data, and (3) promotion of the use of decision support tools through educational programs for the partners. The framework with decision support tools includes a dynamic traffic simulation assignment/simulation module, a terminal operations module, and a logic module to assist in coordinated planning of all operations in the Chicago area. The in-depth analysis of past, current and future trends will include data from Illinois DOT, City of Chicago, trucking companies, rail companies, maritime and custom data, shippers, and freight industry proprietary data. Proposed Innovation Modules exist that model each sector of the intermodal transportation system, but there has not been an integrated analysis/simulation of the integrated transportation system for a city as large as Chicago. The proposed effort will incorporate data and models for each sector and integrate them in a mathematical tool for scheduling the movement of freight to minimize loss of time and efficiency for the system. Potential Economic Impact More than 60% of the US container movement go through the Chicago region. Conservative estimates predict a fourfold growth by the year 2020. This means more than 100,000 daily truck movements between rail terminals, all over existing streets and roads. Empty trucks returning to a terminal plus traffic delays taken alone will cost millions of dollars in lost revenue. An integrated computer-based scheduling tools to minimize empty trips and efficient use of the street grid will save millions. Potential Societal Impact The impact on the efficiency of movement of freight plus the reduction of unnecessary traffic on the street system in the Chicago region will have a large impact on the quality of life in the region. Loss of freight traffic because the region has reached gridlock could have a huge negative societal and economic impact. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Ziliaskopoulos, Athanasios John Birge Jay Franke Northwestern University IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 592376 1662 OTHR 0000 0126172 April 15, 2002 Florida Interdisciplinary Center for Environmentally Sound Solutions. 0126172 Phillips This award is to the University of Florida to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for this award include the University of Florida (Lead Institution), Florida A&M University, the University of Miami, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Bionetice, Camp Dressen & McKee, Inc., Dynamac Corporation, Jones Edmunds & Associates, Koppers Industries, and Post, Buckley, Shuh, and Jernigan (PBS&J). Proposed Activities The proposed partnership will establish the Florida Interdisciplinary Center for Environmentally Sound Solutions. The center will create a forum for effective communication and collaboration among all synergistic university researchers while serving as a focal point for establishing an interface with the private sector and government. The center will identify and respond to important environmental problems and develop innovative solutions. Proposed Innovation The partnership will provide science and engineering solutions for environmental problems, improve understanding of complex relationships involving public policy, economic issues, risk assessments, and public education. Potential Economic Impact The potential impact will depend upon the perceived economic value the public places on environmental issues and the cost the private sector places on abatement and cleanup. Potential Societal Impact The societal goal of economic growth compatible with preservation of the environment using renewable resources can be achieved by a judicious marriage of technology with public policy. The center will contribute to this. The potential societal impact of environmental protection is limitless. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Phillips, Winfred Timothy Townsend John Schert University of Florida FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 719992 1662 OTHR 0000 0126460 August 1, 2001 Adaptive and Survival Strategies of Microorganisms in Biofilms. A collaborative research program will study adaptive and survival strategies of microorganisms in biofilms. The collaborating team includes researchers at the University of Buffalo and at Malmo University (Sweden). The program has three objectives: as a clear test of the induction hypothesis with a well-studied system, to identify the general and acid-specific stress proteins induced in S. mutans H7 during the early stages of the acid tolerance response and to initiate studies on their function; to establish the relationships between the acid tolerance and starvation responses in S. mutans, as functions of the surface energies of the substrata to which they have attached as biofilms; and to expand the study of the induction of stress proteins to include the response of S. mutnas to dynamic shear stresses that characterize relevant microbial biofilm environments. WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING IIP ENG Baier, Robert Anne Meyer SUNY at Buffalo NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 180000 5980 5761 1440 OTHR 5937 0000 0126602 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Dense Shaped SiC by Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS) Reaction in Electroconsolidation Process. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will develop a cost-effective commercial method for production of fully dense structural ceramic parts of complex shape directly by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction under pressure using the Electroconsolidation process. Many already developed high-performance ceramic materials are not used because of the high cost to fabricate components. The use of SHS to make parts offers considerable opportunity to reduce costs if dense, shaped parts can be made directly from reactant powder mix. Electroconsolidation is a newly developed process for low-cost pressure-assisted densification that is uniquely capable to meet this requirement. The project will determine the technical and economic feasibility of employing Electroconsolidation for making dense silicon carbide. The commercial benefit if successful, would be products made from high-performance materials such as carbides, silicides, and carbo-nitrides could become more economical to produce. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Goldberger, William Superior Graphite Co. IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0126629 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Time-Lapse P- and S-Wave Monitoring of Fluid Flow. 0126629 Tura This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project concerns using elastic P-wave and S-wave seismic data simultaneously to obtain time-lapse seismic monitoring images of fluid saturation and pore pressure changes in an oil reservoir. Time-lapse seismic using P-waves alone may not allow discrimination between fluid saturation changes and reservoir pressure changes since such information is contained in the large source-receiver offsets of P-wave seismic data, which can be contaminated by noise and subject to data acquisition aperture limitations. Using S-waves in addition to P-waves in time-lapse analysis can lead to more accurate inversion results, yielding reliable estimates of reservoir saturation and pressure changes. The proposed project will allow customers to avoid costly errors in development and production of economic oil reservoirs and yield higher recovery rates. For this feasibility phase a reservoir model will be constructed, and three-dimensional P- and S-wave synthetic seismic data at two production times will be generated. These time-lapse P- and S-wave data sets will be processed simultaneously and will be cross-equalized and inverted to yield changes in reservoir saturations and pressure. The inverted data will be analyzed to assess the feasibility of the proposed approach on field data. Commercial applications of the technology proffered by Fourth Wave Imaging will include accurate mapping of bypassed oil and monitoring of costly injected fluids. In addition, the firm will be able to better image flow compartmentalization and determine the hydraulic properties of faults and fractures. These applications will allow cheaper and more efficient production of oil reservoirs, guide reservoir management decisions, and help maximize the life of both new and existing fields while minimizing recovery costs. The proposed methods also have commercial applications in monitoring ground water reserves, contaminant plumes and environmental clean-up projects. In medical imaging, use of elastic waves has the potential to yield superior results over acoustic waves alone. Commercial products resulting from this work will consist of time-lapse P- and S-wave seismic data processing, interpretation and analysis tools and methods. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lumley, David Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0127603 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Light Weight Composites for Automotive Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will integrate materials processing and will develop a new lightweight and resilient three-dimensional woven fiber reinforced cellular matrix composite (3DCMC) material. Lightweight materials will allow fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly vehicles. The 3DCMC have the potential to significantly surpass the strength, stiffness, damage tolerance, energy absorption, and characteristics of current composite materials. Predictive analysis for a detailed characterization and optimization will be performed. The commercial potential of this project will be a new class of lightweight 3-D woven composites with cellular matrix; this will benefit the automotive industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mohamed, Mansour 3TEX, Inc. NC T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99739 5371 MANU 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0127714 January 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Automation of the Crosscut Operation in a Wood Processing Mill. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is to design and develop appropriate mathematical models and algorithms for optimizing the crosscut operation in a wood processing (lumber processing) rough mill. The goal is to incorporate these algorithms into an integrated software system for automatic control of the process. The software system consists of a main engine that contains the mathematical models and algorithms for finding an optimal cutting pattern for each piece of incoming uncut lumber, along with all necessary mechanisms to interface with (and to coordinate the operation of) various components of the manufacturing line. These components include automatic scanners, automatic crosscut saws, and all associated conveyor belts and positioning devices. At the present time in most rough mills the task of identifying a good cutting pattern for each piece of lumber is done by visual inspection. The commercial benefits of this software system wil be on the efficiency of the crosscut operation, by increasing both its speed and its yield. This could lead to substantial reductions in the manufacturing cost as well as significant savings in the overall consumption of wood, which is a scarce national resource. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mullin, Alexander Barr-Mullin Inc. NC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99835 1505 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0127812 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of Smart Seal Using Shape Memory Alloy Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will development a smart seal using shape memory alloy technology (SMA) combined with elastic foundation bedding. The use of active control allows corrections to take place during the operation. Active control protects against seal failure and preserves the tribological characteristics. The objective is to develop a class of non-contacting mechanical annular seals (e.g. labyrinth, smooth bushing, and step) where their clearance can be actively controlled. The commercial benefits from this application will be in compressors and steam/gas turbines. This project will have a significant advantage over existing types of labyrinth seals by reducing the leakage rates, extending operational life, decreasing required maintenance, decreasing fuel consumption or electric power of the machinery and will lessen contamination of the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Lei B & C ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0127834 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Fiber/Boron Nitride Matrix Composites: A Unique Low Wear Friction Material. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore the processing of boron nitride (BN) composites for a wide variety of wear applications with a focus on aircraft brakes. Significant research has been performed worldwide to develop greatly improved braking materials at significantly lower cost. Of the approaches under consideration, a composite using BN as a matrix appears best in terms of desired cost-performance characteristics. Phase I will produce stable boron nitride composites from a unique pre-ceramic polymer (borazine) that allows for simple impregnation. The oxidative and hydrolytic stability of these composites is greatly improved over current carbon fiber/carbon (C/C). Based on preliminary testing, a carbon fiber/carbon-BN matrix displayed a five-fold decrease in wear as compared to C/C. C/C matrix composites have been used extensively for both military and commercial aircraft brakes since they were first developed in the mid-1960s and later optimized in the early 1970s. Problems with such systems include rapid wear at elevated temperatures leading to frequent replacement. In fact, commercial airlines consider the maintenance of brakes to be the second most serious cost problem. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mangun, Christian EKOS Materials Corporation IL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 95753 5371 AMPP 9163 0106000 Materials Research 0127886 January 1, 2002 SBIR PHASE I: A New Process for Hot Rolling Titanium Alloy Sheet. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will study the feasibility of an innovative new process for the production of hot rolled titanium alloy sheet. Hot rolled titanium alloy is currently manufactured using facilities designed to produce other materials, such as stainless steels. As a consequence, it is common for the production of hot rolled titanium alloy sheet to require several months of processing, with a material yield of less than one-half. In the proposed research, equipment specifically designed for the production of titanium sheet will be developed and implemented to streamline production. In conjunction with equipment improvements, cutting-edge processing technology and innovative ideas will be incorporated to yield the following benefits over traditional titanium alloy sheet production processes: 1) significant reduction in the number of manufacturing steps required; 2) improvement in the quality and mechanical properties; and 3) substantial reduction in the yield loss, production time, and final cost. The commercial benefits of this new process will make hot rolled titanium alloy sheet more competitive with other metals on a cost basis. Ultimately, it is believed that the proposed process will lead to an increase in the market share and number of products that can economically incorporate titanium alloy sheet. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Busby, Charles Advanced Rolling Technologies LLC WV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99968 5371 MANU 9150 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0127918 January 1, 2002 SBIR PHASE I: Functional Nanostructures Through Spontaneous Emulsification and Self-Assembly. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project explores the feasibility of a novel and inexpensive synthesis, fabrication and processing route for creating nanostructures at high rates. The approach specifically targets synthesizing synthetic gecko pads. Geckos have the unusual ability to adhere to surfaces with a dry nanostructure found on the pads of their feet. These nanostructures are so flexible and numerous that stresses on the order of one atmosphere result. This permits walking up walls and hanging upside down on ceilings. Phase I and Phase II, if successful, will provide adhesive manufacturers with synthetic gecko pads. The commercial applications of this project include toys, clothing, and shoes, and any application that requires a dry, self-cleaning adhesive. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Campbell, John Cape Cod Research, Inc. MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99420 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0127938 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: OODLE: An Object-Oriented Design Learning Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop and evaluate a software prototype to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of an Object-Oriented Design Learning Environment (OODLE) that will help software engineers acquire expert-level object-oriented design skills rapidly and economically. Unlike earlier tutoring systems that help novices learn to write short programs that generate "merely" correct results, OODLE will help software engineers learn to design more complex software systems by appropriately balancing factors such as the importance of each functional requirement, time and space efficiency, simplicity, flexibility, clarity, and code modularity. Because complex design problems have no single correct solution, the tutoring system will assess the strengths and weaknesses of each student's design and then "converse" with the student within a Socratic dialog to clarify understandings, intentions, and rationales, as well as point out additional facts, issues, and experiences that suggest design alternatives worth considering. Although OODLE will teach object-oriented software design skills, many of the findings of this research may also apply to other engineering disciplines. Thus, this research would significantly advance our ability to create curriculum development and learning assessment tools that help student and professional engineers enhance their design skills. Software engineers require better methods of acquiring the extensive experience and instructional feedback needed to become proficient designers. Ideally, the engineers would receive individualized instruction in one-on-one or small group mentoring situations. In practice, however, mentored instruction can be difficult to achieve because expert mentors are an expensive resource that is infrequently available. To satisfy this market need, the company will develop an object-oriented design skills tutor that can be marketed to software vendors and IT organizations. Initially, the OODLE technology will be packaged within semi-custom solutions sold directly by the firm to large end-user companies or indirectly via licensing or reseller arrangements with software training and consulting companies. ADVANCED LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Domeshek, Eric Stottler Henke Associates CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1707 1666 SMET OTHR HPCC 9179 9178 7355 7256 0000 0000912 Computer Science 0108000 Software Development 0127991 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Novel Magnetorheological Fluids with Nanosized Magnetic Particles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop magnetorheological (MR) fluids using nano-sized magnetic particles. MR fluids are a family of smart materials that have the unique ability to undergo rapid, reversible, and significant changes in their rheological properties on application of an external magnetic field. These unique properties make MR fluids very attractive for such applications as shock and vibration control, brakes, and precision finishing technology. However, problems persist with commercial MR fluids due to the relatively large magnetic particles used (typically 3-5 um). These problems include poor stability against sedimentation and redispersibility. In this Phase I project, nanosized magnetic powders will be developed to produce MR fluids with improved stability and redispersibility. This will be followed by optimization of synthesis, characterization, and testing of the MR fluids. The commercial applications of this project are expected to include electrically controllable dampers, brakes, clutches, engine mounts, throttle valves, cross steppers and precision finishing technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Giri, Anit Nanomat, Inc. PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128026 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of High Temperature/Low RH Catalyst Coated Fuel Cell Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at optimizing the mass-transport properties of the cathode electrode for high temperature (120C), and dry air operation. The overall objective is to fabricate complete catalyst coated membranes utilizing the newly engineered cathode electrode layer, and test the improvements in a high temperature(120C) fuel cell. A second objective is to understand the water and reactant transport mechanisms occurring in the cathode electrode that are limiting the operating temperature and requiring high levels of cathode humidification. Major benefits could be realized if proton exchange membrane fuel cells could be operated under hotter (> 90C) and drier conditions on the air electrode. Higher operating temperatures allow for an easier system heat rejection and a greater anode tolerance to CO contaminants typically found in reformed hydrocarbon fuel streams. Similar benefits can also be realized in building co-gen applications where a higher temperature. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Grot, Stephen Ion Power, Inc. DE Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99580 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128034 January 1, 2002 SBIR PHASE I: Revolutionary Manufacturing Process for UV Cured Composite Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel method of UV curing composite structures that will extend UV curing techniques to any size, thickness, or shape composite and with any type of reinforcing fiber by uniformly distributing UV light throughout a composite structure. The anticipated result is a new UV curing process that can be used in many diverse applications, including aircraft, automotive, spacecraft, and marine. The process will significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing composite parts, improve the performance of these parts (by reducing residual stresses), and open new applications for composite materials using this fabrication technique. This novel UV curing technique is most attractive for large or complex composite parts. The proposed UV curing process has the potential to replace thermal curing for nearly all composite parts because it will achieve large cost and time savings while improving, or at least equaling, the thermally cured composite part performance. Additionally, the size limitations imposed by the use of an autoclave are removed because this UV curing process does not require an autoclave or any specialized tooling. Applications for this UV curing process exist in all fields, including next generation vehicle applications SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bilanin, Alan Continuum Dynamics, Inc. NJ Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99935 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128040 August 1, 2001 Multi-University Industry/University Coop Research Center for Glass. The proposed continued affiliation is considered crucial to the mission of the Center in at least three ways. First, the affiliation adds immeasurably to the credibility and salability of the Center to prospective members of the U.S. Glass industry and the continuation of the present members. Second it allows the NSF to carry out an annual evaluation of the Center (a total quality management function). Third, it permits the Center Directors to participate in the national I/UCRC meetings and programs offered by NSF. Beyond this, of course, the additional funding from NSF releives some of the financial burden of Center administration from the members and university. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Smith, Jeffrey Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 120194 W236 5761 OTHR 0000 0128046 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Interactive Software for Environmental Sampling and Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will provide interactive software to improve the quality of data obtained in environmental monitoring projects that involve chemical analysis. It will facilitate understanding and successful implementation of the complex interactions between project data quality objectives, sampling and analytical method selection, and numbers and kinds of samples analyzed. Developing an expert system that can be used as a tool for cost-effective project planning will do this. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated systematic planning for environmental sampling and analysis over ten years ago, successful implementation of it has been difficult. This SBIR project will provide solutions to the frequently misunderstood areas of data quality, information quality, and method performance. It will enable scientists and engineers to generate environmental analytical data at a quality level (and resulting cost) based on the use of that data (i.e., performance based measurement systems - PBMS) instead of only using current prescriptive protocols. Interactive software will be developed that facilitates more rapid and cost-effective environmental sampling and analysis which is based on the interrelated factors of confidence levels, numbers of samples, and analytical method selection. The software will combine method performance information from a new National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) with U.S. EPA's Data Quality Objective (DQO) Process and a user's desired Measurement Quality Objectives (MQOs). Although it will be primarily a commercially useful product for industry and government organizations, it will also function as an educational tool to support university and technical school curricula. Another potential application is for the software to be incorporated as a technical basis for a future front-end user interface to NEMI. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Keith, Lawrence Instant Reference Sources, Inc. GA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 88054 5371 HPCC 9215 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128048 January 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase I: Detection Systems for High-Speed Optoelectronic Sortation of Low Z Metal Alloys. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will develop a novel optoelectronic sensing system for the high-speed identification and sorting of metals including aluminum alloys. The goal is to demonstrate the ability to unambiguously identify metal alloys by alloy type, including low atomic number elements, in less than 50-milliseconds per sample. The Scrap Recycling Industry reports that more than 30 billion pounds of nonferrous scrap metals are produced each year in the U.S. alone. About 70% of this scrap is aluminum or aluminum alloys. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) reports that more than 10 billion pounds of these nonferrous metals are discarded each year in landfills, because recycling is neither technically nor economically practical. Existing methods of sortation use visual examination and hand sortation. Smelting facilities for mixed metals are polluting and expensive to build and operate. Using advanced spectrographic radiation and detection techniques, including computer analysis, the proposed technology will improve alloy identification accuracy and sort metal alloys automatically by type of alloy at speeds never before attainable. The commercial impact of this project will be increased scrap utilization, increased scrap value and reduced environmental pollution is enormous. The potential worldwide market exceeds $2 Billion annually. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spencer, David wTe Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99934 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128052 January 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR PHASE I: Fluorescent Polymeric Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will exploit the unique fluorescence and signal amplification qualities of poly(phenylene ethynylene)s in a nanoparticle format. This combines the intense solid-state fluorescence and sensing capabilities of poly(phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs) with the many unique attributes of nanoparticles, including their tremendous surface area and their surface adsorptivity. In this project, a series of charged PPEs whose emissions span the color spectrum will be synthesized and systematically evaluated for the formation of stable, aqueous nanoparticle dispersions. They will be functionalized and conjugated to biologic recognition molecules (i.e. antibodies and nucleic acids). The Phase I effort will yield a series of functional, highly fluorescent nanoparticles which may be used directly for the labeling of biological molecules. The commercial applications of this project will be in standoff explosives detection for wide area mapping. Standoff, wide area mapping is of intense interest for military and humanitarian uses as well as for environmental remediation of explosives contamination. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hancock, Lawrence NOMADICS, INC OK Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128054 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Hydrogen from Organic Wastes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine the feasibility of a process for producing pure hydrogen and electricity at low cost from the oxidation of organic wastes. This program will measure oxidation and eduction properties of the chemistry, efficiencies of oxidation for model organic materials, and effects of other species. This should result in the identification of an effective chemistry and establishment of the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed process. Commercial application of the process will result in lower pure hydrogen costs, increased energy efficiency, lower fossil fuel use, pollution prevention, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a safer environment. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Dhooge, Patrick Environmental Technology & Education Center NM Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128073 January 1, 2002 SBIR PHASE I: Incorporation of Carbon Nanotubes into Nylon Filaments. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will develop a method for incorporating Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) into nylon fibers to act as reinforcement. This incorporation will be achieved by wrapping the SWNTs with a functionalized polymer that both allows the tubes to be dissolved in the solution containing the nylon precursors and acts as a load transferring conduit between the fiber matrix and the nanotubes in the final composite. The primary focus of this project is to optimize the SWNT/nylon matrix interaction in order to obtain the best load transfer properties and to direct the orientation of the SWNTs along the long axis of the nylon filaments in order to maximize the fiber's strength. The commercial application of this project will be in the aerospace industry. The high strength nylon fibers are expected to be used to construct flywheel rotors for airplanes and spacecraft that are capable of performing the dual functions of high density energy storage and control of gimbal and altitude. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bley, Richard Eltron Research, Inc. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128081 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nanoparticle Production for High Performance Coating. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new approach to economical, ultra high performance coating composites. This approach is based on the use of alumoxane nanoparticles. These functional inorganic-organic nanoparticles improve physical properties such as toughness, impermeability, chemical resistance and flexibility. This novel approach to production will demonstrate a highly cost effective manufacturing methodology that can be easily carried out in the coating plant, wherein the nanoparticle production becomes an integral part of the coating manufacturing process. The project will seek an understanding of the mechanisms that influence the top down fragmenting phenomenon. Nanoparticles, in slurry form, will be functionalized and then incorporated into the high performance coating. The commercial applications of this project will have a broad and significant impact in the nation's 1.7 billion dollar industrial coatings market. This market includes interior linings, chemical resistant coatings and rail car linings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lomasney, Hank Isotron Corporation KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99913 5371 MANU 9150 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128082 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Polysiloxane-Polyimides for Low Temperature Curable Polymer Matrix Materials. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the synthesis of new polysiloxane-polyimide co-polymers for use as high-temperature resistant polymeric matrix materials. Phase I will develop new highly usable synthetic methodologies for the production of inorganic-organic hybrid materials composed of cross-linked polysiloxane-polyimide segments. The cross-linking or curing (hydrosilylation) reaction may be conducted at room temperature, thus providing the opportunity to develop a non-autoclave or low-temperature curing system, similar to the well-established room temperature vulcanization process widely used in the silicone industry. The expected high-performance polymeric materials would be employed in Phase II as matrix materials for low-temperature fabrication of polymeric matrix composites (PMC). In Phase II polymer formulation will be optimized, and distinctive PMC components will be fabricated by employing proprietary low-cost resin transfer molding technologies. Commercial applications are expected in low-temperature curable/high-temperature resistant cure-in-place materials. Potential fields of application include automotive components, aeronautics, microelectronics, composites, construction materials, and other industries where outstanding thermal, chemical (solvents and oxidation resistance), physical, and mechanical properties are important. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Homrighausen, Craig Eltron Research, Inc. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 0106000 Materials Research 0128090 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Concrete-Filled Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Modular Framing System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop: connections between concrete-filled fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes (splicing and joints) and with other traditional construction materials; a cost-effective structural framing system; and design aids and specifications for these structural framing systems. The advantages of concrete-filled FRP tubes (CFFT) over concrete-filled steel tubes (CFST) include high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and the possibility of optimizing and engineering the fiber orientation for best result. Experiments have shown that CFFTs can significantly increase strength and ductility of normal strength concrete (3-5 thousand pounds per square inch (ksi) and 0.003-0.004 ultimate strain) to the level of high-performance concrete (15-20 ksi and 0.02-0.04 ultimate strain). Phase I will develop both analytical and experimental components, conduct modeling, calibration, and parametric studies, and perform limited proof-of-concept testing. Phase II would concentrate on manufacturing these new system components. The new framing system utilizing CFFTs and other structural forms are expected to be used in civil construction such as buildings and bridges. It will offer superior seismic performance and higher resistance to explosion damage, such as in terrorist attacks, in comparison with traditional systems. In addition, long durability and corrosion resistance are expected to extend the designed life span of many civil structures with low maintenance costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shahawy, Mohsen SDR Engineering Consultants Inc FL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99750 5371 AMPP 9163 0522100 High Technology Materials 0128093 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: High Volume MOCVD AlGaN Production Tool. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop a high volume/high pressure RDR-MOCVD nitride production tool. Two fundamental problems will be addressed. The first is the need for large area substrate quality and the second is the need for large area/high volume MOCVD nitride epitaxy production tools. This project will demonstrate a scaleable tool to meet these needs. The commercial applications of this project will be in electronics and optoelectronic device markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tompa, Gary STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128103 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Automating Regression - An Optimization Approach. The Small Business Innovation Phase I Research will develop a formal algorithm, and a corresponding software package, which constructs and evaluates regression models automatically and can handle large data sets efficiently. Regression analysis is widely used in all areas of physical and social sciences, medicine, management, and engineering. Despite its widespread use, there is a significant element of art in building regression models. In addition, the wide availability of data makes it important to be able to perform regressions with very large data sets and a large number of potential explanatory variables. The objective is to take the art out of the construction of regression models, and, in doing so, will achieve better regression models that are significantly faster, and extend their capabilities to build much larger models in the presence of very large data sets. The commercial benefits of an automated regression package would allow data mining in diverse areas such as marketing, health care, insurance, credit cards, and finance. An automated regression package that can handle very large data sets and many explanatory variables can become the critical engine for data mining in all these industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mourtzinou, Georgia DYNAMIC IDEAS, LLC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99950 5371 MANU 9148 9102 5514 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128105 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Compressible Gas-Liquid Framework For Simulating Cavitating Pumps. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will study an innovative formulation for simulating unsteady cavitation phenomena in pumps. The formulation is based on a compressible gas-liquid framework that accurately models the acoustics in multi-phase mixtures, and may be extended to account for generalized thermodynamic effects. An innovative cavitation model based on tracking the surface area associated with dense, bubbly vapor clouds is presented: this permits the implementation of detailed bubble dynamics within a continuum framework. The multi-phase formulation will be available within a commercial CFD code CRUNCH, which has a multi-element unstructured framework and is ideally suited for complex turbomachine geometries. The Phase I effort will focus on validating the procedure for unsteady cavitation in unit problems that will be extended to three-dimensional pump geometries in the Phase II program. This technology will be applicable to a wide variety of pump systems that have to operate over a range of low, off-design flow rates and Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)conditions, where the coupling of unsteady hydrodynamics and cavitation has the potential for causing excessive vibration and damage. The limited reliability of current design tools in this flow regime makes this innovation a useful tool for high-energy pump designers. Commercial Potential Manufacturers of high-energy pumps have to certify their systems for operation at off-design conditions. However, unsteady flow behavior coupled with fluctuating vapor volumes at low NPSH levels can result in significant damage in this flow regime. Hence, considerable resources are currently being expended by the pump industry to better understand the formation of cavitation instabilities. The development of innovative designs that eliminate or mitigate the formation of cloud cavitation will result in a significant competitive advantage for both marketing of new products as well as aftermarket upgrade opportunities. However, current design tools, such as empirical correlations and one-dimensional analyses, have limited reliability in this flow regime. Furthermore, experimental testing over the entire flow regime is impractical. The proposed effort here will address these needs by providing a tool for refining preliminary designs, as well as correcting problems with existing designs. In addition, The innovative technology proposed here would resolve the deficiencies of currently available commercial CFD codes: such codes typically do not resolve the acoustics within the gas/liquid mixture, which can have very low sound speeds and directly impact hydrodynamic time scales. Indeed for accurately modeling this unsteady multi-phase problem, the generalized compressible framework proposed is essential for simulating the coupling between hydrodynamic pressure fluctuations and the cavitation rate process. Potential customers for this product are anticipated to be U.S. manufacturers of a broad range of high-energy industrial pump systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hosangadi, Ashvin Combustion Research and Flow Technology, Inc. PA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99955 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128109 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Guided Generation of Software Requirements. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate methods for improving the process of requirement definition for software projects. It will investigate how the stakeholder in a project can be constrained to create only those requirements that have good characteristics. The approach is to codify the domain comprised of "all tasks which can be implemented on a computer" and present the stakeholder with decisions to make about what will be implemented in a specific system. Use cases will be used to facilitate the process. After capturing the requirements, an initial object-oriented analysis model will be generated automatically from the requirement descriptions. The model will be based on the Unified Modeling Language (UML). However, diagram notations will define the model in terms of UML metamodels rather than by diagram notations. UML modeling tools such as Rational Software's Rose can import the metamodels and create their associated graphical representation. This research will develop a prototype tool that will guide the stakeholder to describe requirements within a fixed format, and automatically create UML metamodels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pia, Patricia Software Frameworks, Inc. CT Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99508 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0128117 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: An Aspect-Oriented Solution for Unit Test Generation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will conduct research to design a system for the unit testing of modules. This system will operate by automatically capturing events at the boundary of the module under test while a client of the module executes test cases. These events will be logged to a file so that they can later be replayed to the module in isolation. It is proposed to use Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) techniques to implement this tool and to use a third-party open-source licensed tool named AspectJ to implement this tool for Java. Unit testing solutions offer considerable cost-savings by automating the recording and playback of events for testing by organizations that either develop or use software. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, Paul GRAMMATECH, INC. NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99657 5371 HPCC 9216 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0128122 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Electrochemical Impedance Sensor to Monitor Composites in Infrastructure. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use a moisture sensor to monitor moisture ingress, corrosion, and delamination of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) concrete structures. Phase I will build on the development of a moisture sensor for composite aircraft and adapt its use for infrastructure such as bridges. FRP is increasingly being used to reinforce such structures during rehabilitation, but uncertainties concerning the health of the composite and the bond between the composite and the concrete prevent widespread application. The moisture sensor, which is based on the established technique of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), will allow moisture intrusion and the effects of moisture to be tracked from very early stages. Initial commercial applications will involve an inspector using a portable computer to interrogate the sensors to determine structural health. The advanced application would include a permanently mounted potentiostat module that would periodically send signals to a central location. Commercial opportunities include over100,000 structurally deficient bridges that are candidates for FRP rehabilitation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Guy DACCO SCI, INC MD T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 0512204 Nondestructive Measurement 0128125 January 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase I: Electro-Explosion of Composite Metal Wire for the Production of Nanometer-Scale Alloy Powder. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an innovative process for the fabrication of nanometer-scale alloy powders. The innovation will result from the combination of state-of-the-art composite wire manufacturing techniques with recently developed powder fabrication technology. The project will focus on the production of nanometer-scale Nb-Al (Niobium-Aluminum) powders for use in the fabrication of improved Nb3Al superconducting wire. A Nb-Al composite jelly-roll wire will be fabricated, this wire will be converted to nanometer-scale Nb-Al solid solution powder by an electro-explosion process, and this powder will be used to fabricate monofilament wire by a powder-in-tube process. Samples of the wire will be heat treated to form Nb3Al and the resulting superconducting properties will be measured. The commercial applications will be in magnets for high energy physics and fusion machines, high frequency NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) units, and, potentially, cryo-cooled MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) units. This process could be extended to the fabrication of nanometer-scale aluminide powders, these materials could be used as in the fabrication of structural parts for use in high temperature environments encountered in aerospace applications (e.g., turbines), and in the automotive industry (e.g., heat treatment furnaces). Nanometer-scale refractory alloy powders could be used to coat parts in the corrosive environments found in the chemical industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rudziak, Mark Supercon Inc MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0128133 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Surface Engineered Powders by Fluidized Bed Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop the Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) process to modify surface properties of particulate matter in a fluidized bed. The proposed Fluidized Bed CCVD (FBCCVD) technique will enable production of next generation surface engineered powders for applications such as decorative and specialty chemicals. In the CCVD process, low-cost, environmentally friendly, metal-bearing reagents are dissolved in solvents that serve as a combustible fuel. Using MicroCoating Technologies (MCT) innovative atomizer, the Nanomiser TM , this solution is atomized to form submicron droplets that are then combusted in a flame to produce the desired material. This flame-based method will be integrated with an externally recirculating fluidized bed and used to encapsulate particulate matter suspended in the fluidized bed with dense and well-adhered thin films. The effect of the FBCCVD process variables on the encapsulated powder properties, deposition efficiency, and production rate will be investigated. Inexpensive powders with functionalized surfaces are in high demand for decorative, optical, specialty chemicals, and electronics applications. The powder market is estimated to be over a billion dollar market annually and represents a growing segment. Success of the proposed research will result in a new FBCCVD process that could facilitate inexpensive production of encapsulated powders. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Oljaca, Miodrag NGIMAT CO. GA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128136 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Scalable, Parallel Automatic Mesh Generation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop technologies to automatically generate large meshes appropriate for finite element and similar analyses. This will be done using scalable, parallel algorithms that will enable the generation of meshes on distributed parallel computers including workstation clusters. The result of this project will be software that is capable of generating meshes with hundreds of millions, or billions of elements in an efficient manner. The generated meshes will already be partitioned to be compatible with the needs of parallel analysis codes. The commercial applications of this research are in those industries that need to perform large scale simulations of complex problems over general domains. The procedures to be developed will allow simulation based design technologies to be applied to applications that demand massive simulations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Beall, Mark Simmetrix, Inc. NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 98155 5371 HPCC 9216 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128141 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Parallax Barrier Technique for Autostereoscopic Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will be used to investigate an optical system to be used with LCDs or plasma displays to produce 2D/3D switch-able autostereoscopic displays which produce images possessing the full resolution of display. Various companies have begun to market autostereoscopic displays. Such displays are encountering a market barrier in some applications because they achieve their 3D effect by sacrificing resolution. They divide the pixels on the display between a right and left eye image, thus leaving each image with half the resolution of the flat panel itself. The proposed technology will produce autostereoscopic images without sacrificing resolution. The objective of the project is to establish the feasibility of the autostereoscopic imaging concept, to identify the best configuration for the optics, and to determine the feasibility of using the concept on LCD and plasma displays. To accomplish this objective, small test optics will be created and evaluated, measurements of relevant properties of representative plasma and LCD panels will be made, and a development path for the next phase of the project will be identified. The project has the potential to produce a practical high resolution flat panel autostereoscopic displays suitable for high resolution 3D imaging applications. The direct commercial potential of the projects lies in autostereoscopic products that will be manufactured using this technology. Such display products will find widespread use in scientific and medical visualizations applications, industrial inspection, telerobotic and other remote vision applications. Consumer based applications may include electronic commerce and computer gaming. l SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eichenlaub, Jesse DIMENSION TECHNOLOGIES INC NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0128156 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of a High Manufacturing Rate and Low Cost Membrane and Electrode Assembly for PEM Fuel Cells. This Phase I SBIR program will investigate and develop a new process for depositing catalysts on fuel cell membrane and electrode assemblies (MEAs). The proposed process for producing reliable MEAs is conducive to high volume manufacturing using fabrication tools familiar to industry. In addition to high rate production capability, the proposed process optimizes the electrode/catalyst structure allowing us to reduce the catalyst loading that further reduces the MEA cost. This program will demonstrate the process in operating fuel cell stacks and evaluate the economics of employing the process on a larger scale. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell is a promising power source for vehicles with residential, stationary, and portable power applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pien, Michael ELECTROCHEM, INC. MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99975 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128163 May 15, 2002 Establish a NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers & Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing (LAM). The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) in the area of Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing will develop a science, engineering and technology base for laser and plasma processing of materials, devices and systems. Laser and Plasma processing of materials is used in various manufacturing sectors such as semiconductor/electronic manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, general manufacturing, life science products, medical device manufacturing. The focus of the center includes: bulk processing, surface processing, coatings, surface etching and patterning. The I/UCRC will also take full advantage of being cited next to Free Electron Laser Facility of Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The Facility is the world's most powerful, tunable laser, currently delivering kilowatt average power in the mid infrared. The strong interest in the center is evidenced from various letters of commitment received from industry and federal laboratories. INTERNATIONAL PLAN & WORKSHOPS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ELECT, PHOTONICS, & DEVICE TEC IIP ENG Gupta, Mool Old Dominion University Research Foundation VA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 249000 7299 5761 1517 OTHR 5998 5979 0000 0128164 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Protective Metal Foam Hybrid Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result in manufacturing processes for low-cost, multi-functional composite materials that have marine, rail and other ground transportation safety applications. The key steps will involve (1) development of innovative manufacturing methods using out-of-autoclave processes, that are derivatives of liquid molding approaches, to co-infuse resin systems in multi-layered composites of simple shapes representative of structures and (2) production of a number of fiber ply/metal foam combinations and measurement of mechanical and physical properties of these combinations to assess potential improvements in structural performance such as damage tolerance and high fatigue life. Existing materials designed to protect against flying debris or provide impact protection in vehicles tend to be heavy and to be appendages on structural systems. The new materials produced here, which consist of a metal foam surrounded by facing plies of resin-infused glass, carbon, or aramid fibers, will be designed to integrate affordability and functionality. Improved properties will lead to new markets with a focus on enhanced passenger protection in aviation, marine, and ground vehicles. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Grow, Dana SIOUX MANUFACTURING CORPORATION ND T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99250 9150 AMPP 9163 0522100 High Technology Materials 0128168 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Platform for Designing and Evaluating Electric Power System Generation Sources. 0128168 Laufenberg This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a new software platform for designing and simulating electric power generation and delivery networks. The demand for reliable electric power, both in this country and in developing nations seeking to forge a sustainable industrialized economy, is growing dramatically. At the same time, fears over the environmental repercussions of burning carbon-rich matter, particularly in regards to the emission of greenhouse gases and acid rain, are intensifying. While using cleaner energy sources and technologies could help mitigate the environmental impact of increased power production, the larger initial investment required by such alternatives has made their adoption a tough sell. The software will enable system architects to design a system graphically and to assess and compare its merits using an integrated approach that considers reliability, financial cost, and environmental impact. Users will be able to distribute generation resources throughout a system, change generator fuel and technology types, and experiment with various transmission topologies with unprecedented ease. The package will assess system reliability using an integrated contingency analysis tool. It will evaluate the financial implications of a design by accounting for start-up and construction costs associated with various generating and transmission equipment and calculating projected operating costs using economic dispatch. Finally, it will assess the environmental impact of a design by calculating the amount of pollutants emitted by its power sources based on empirical formulas for emissions defined by the user. The market niche that PowerWorld Corporation is attempting to exploit is the development of high-quality, yet extremely user-friendly power system visualization software to help answer the question: how can increased demand for electric power be met reliably, cleanly, and economically? By integrating reliability, economic, and environmental analyses into a single package, the tool will enable developers, engineers, economists, and policy makers to develop efficient and clean power system designs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Laufenberg, Mark POWERWORLD CORPORATION IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0128180 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Volumetric Microbatteries Using Soft Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop microelectronic systems that will increase speed and capability combined with smaller size. As the patterning/feature size of microelectronics continues to decrease, the need for power systems of smaller physical size emerges as a critical need. This project will develop novel microbatteries that will deliver a minimum-area, volumetric electrochemical energy source in a MEMS device. In order to realize minimum volume devices, the project approach will be to exploit zinc-air (Zn-air) chemistry that promises the highest energy density available for battery chemistries (36 J/mm3). The company has developed a novel microfabrication process for non-silicon materials, including polymers, ceramics, and glasses that will enable reliable microscale fabrication of Zn-air batteries using appropriate materials. In this way, miniaturization of the highest performance system will be realized. The commercial potential of this project will be batteries that have increased life and will be smaller. This will help the electronics industry in reducing the size of many electronic and microelectronic devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lakeman, Charles D. TPL, Inc. NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128185 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: The ResonantSonic Enhanced Mixer and Coalescer (RSEMC) as an Advanced Solvent Extraction Technology. This Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using an agitation device based on a resonating elastic member for dispersing and coalescing immiscible liquids. This will have a significant impact in the liquid processing for solvent extraction of metals. The proposed technology offers a mixing regime that promotes high mass transfer, yet easy disengagement between immiscible liquids by forming uniform droplet dispersions and creating interfacial activity that increases mass transport. The post-contact phase disengagement can be further enhanced by applying higher frequency energy. The near term commercial application would be presented by the changing technological landscape of the international mining and metals industries. The shift to leaching technology has created a need for advanced solvent extraction equipment. Applications also exist in the pharmaceutical industry, where solvent extraction is an entrenched and accepted approach to recovering products from microbial fermentation broths. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pierce, Joel RESODYN CORPORATION MT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128198 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Light Weight Thermal and Electrical Insulation Using Fullerenes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop as well as establish technical and commercial feasibility of the advanced low weight thermal and electrical insulation materials using fullerenes. This approach combines high reflectivity of metal foil and high absorptivity of low thermal conductivity fullerenes in attempt to produce effective structurally integrated low cost insulation material, which is expected to be much thinner than any other option currently available on the market. During the course of investigation, the proposed insulation materials will be fabricated and fully characterized in terms of density, thermal conductivity as well mechanical integrity and compared with other candidate materials. The approach should provide viable solutions to various heat management problems in numerous fields. If proved viable, this insulation will find extensive applications in rockets and satellites, cryogenic industry, electronic devices, fire-retardant packing materials, thermal insulators for temperature-sensitive products, insulative clothing, insulation of buildings, cars, refrigerators, water heaters, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wexler, Eugene Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128201 January 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Magnetically Controlled Microwave Powered Fluidized Bed Reactor. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes development of a magnetically controlled and microwave powered fluidized bed reactor, incorporating three primary innovations: [1] highly energy efficient waveguide-based microwave transmission and irradiation of fluidized media, [2] unique self-regulation of fluidized bed temperature using a localized magnetic field gradient and the temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility to confine only relatively cold particles within the heating zone, and [3] a novel microwave-compatible temperature measurement system. The temperature dependence of the benefits of microwave heating have been applied to a vast array of chemical syntheses and related unit operations. However, most work to date has been conducted using relatively inefficient multi-mode cavities with poor temperature control. The innovation couples the excellent mass transfer efficiency of Fluidized Bed Reactors (FBRs) with the vastly superior heat transfer efficiencies achievable using high performance waveguide-based microwave irradiation systems. Anticipated benefits include: 1) energy savings resulting from improved thermal efficiency, 2) much faster reactor start-up due to substantially improved heating rates, 3) improved temperature uniformity, 4) improved control of reactor operating temperature, 5) development of novel magnetically controlled particles, and 6) greater understanding of the heat transfer characteristics in fluidized bed reactors. The successful coupling of optimal heat transfer and mass transfer characteristics with novel temperature control materials can be utilized to improve reactor efficiency and reduce costs. It is most probable that small-scale laboratory units will be the first commercial product STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Atwater, James Goran Jovanovic Umpqua Research Company OR Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128203 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Microstructurally Stabilized Pd-based Hydrogen Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop Pd-based sensors that are durable and exhibit stable response to hydrogen gas. These sensors will be fabricated using microstructurally stabilized Pd films. The morphological stability mandated by the novel composite film should result in enhanced durability and drift stability by circumventing the issue of film delamination often observed in Pd-based systems. This should result in the commercial development of safe, reliable and inexpensive hydrogen sensors, and thus help promote commercial acceptance of hydrogen as a fuel. The commercial application of this project is in the hydrogen sensor market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schulz, Douglas CeraMem Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128213 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Exploring Complex Biological Concepts in an Interactive 3-D Learning Environment over the Internet. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will catalyze the creation of interactive worlds accessible over the Internet where students, professionals, and consumers can experientially learn scientific concepts not readily accessible to human physical interaction. The specific focus is the construction of a cellular world where University students can explore complex cellular mechanisms, and through customized versions, corporations can educate physicians, researchers and patients on the cellular basis of their products. As a proof of concept, Voyager Interactive has created a demonstration of 3D content delivered over the Internet using narrowband connectivity. This demostration allows students to become" a virus particle and if successful, infect a cell. The student moves within a 3D cellular world, activates viral functions, interacts with objects, and triggers events in the world. A Cellbot companion interacts by voice and by uploading text and figures to assist the student. The content and functionality requirements described in the proposal will be translated into a comprehensive software development plan, which will serve as the blueprint for success in the phase of the research. The BioMachine Cellular World proffers a significant contribution to science education and an excellent launch point for custom commercial collaborations. It has prospects for science publishers interested in immersive 3D cellular educational software for use by electronic texts as well as indirect benefits associated with the identification of functional requirements for promoting student active learning in these highly interactive environments. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Seifert, Douglas Syandus, Inc. PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1666 SMET 9180 9178 9177 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0128236 January 15, 2002 SBIR/STTR PHASE I: Novel Ambient Temperature Emissions Control Catalyst. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to establish the technical and economic feasibility of a novel technology to completely oxidize formaldehyde at dilute concentrations in air at room temperature by use of a novel catalyst system. Formaldehyde-containing resins are widely used in the U.S., leading to widespread emissions of formaldehyde at the product formation molds, and in storage and use of these resins. A novel technology will be developed to completely destroy the formaldehyde using room temperature catalytic oxidation with a new class of noble metal reducible oxide (NMRO) catalysts designed specifically for such compounds. This new class of catalysts provides destruction efficiencies for the complete oxidation of formaldehyde dramatically higher than traditional platinum VOC oxidation catalysts. This research program will utilize catalyst composition studies to tailor a superior catalyst for this application, reactor studies of the destruction efficacy of the NMRO class of catalysts, and a competitive cost analysis of the technology relative to other alternatives for formaldehyde destruction. The commercial applications for the concept will be for efficient cleansing of indoor air, cleansing of workplace air, and control of emissions at ambient temperature and low cost, capable of rapid deployment. The commercial applications of the research should be of value to both the private sector and the government sector, providing cost effective commercial systems to enhance indoor air quality and emissions controls. The program should help protect the nation's environment and improve economic competitiveness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kittrell, James KSE Inc MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128263 January 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR PHASE I: NMR Properties of Carbon Nanomaterials for Medical Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop novel trimetallic nitride template endohedral fullerene (TNTs) materials for use as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). TNTs, which offer significant diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities, are now available in sufficient research quantities. Chemical functionalization reactions to solubilize the TNTs are also now available. TNTs offer an exciting alternative to current MRI contrast agents. TNTs offer the flexibility of excapsulating a variety of paramagnetic metals into the C80 fullerene cage. As several of the metals are paramagnetic, a production optimization plan balancing cost of materials versus efficiency as an MRI contrast agent is a primary focus of this project. The development of TNT based contrast agents is expected to lead to smaller patient doses, increased T1 relaxation rates and increased product safety. The commercial application of this project is in the contrast agent segment of the MRI imaging market. If successful, this project could result in a significant expansion in MRI capability and usage, with the potential of developing new business on the order of $700 million per year. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stevenson, Steven Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99901 1505 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128268 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Green Solvent Mixtures as Alternatives to Environmentally Damaging and Toxic Solvents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project will demonstrate the capability of a universal solvent set concept to reduce the environmental and health impact of solvents used in the construction of fuel cells and printed wiring boards, without significantly increasing cost or reducing performance. The key objectives involve (1) development of solubility maps for mixtures of solvents using only the solvents and solvent mixtures contained in the proposed universal solvent set (2) Formulation of trial precursor solutions derived from the solubility maps (3) Screening of the trial formulations for desirable characteristics (thermal stability, ease of atomization, shelf life, low nozzle buildup) (4) Performance of trial thin film depositions to produce sample fuel cell catalyst membranes and resistor materials for printed wiring boards and (5) customer evaluation of fuel cell and resistor material samples. The proposed work will facilitate creation of environmentally friendly precursor solutions that will have impact in the fuel cells and embedded passives industry and, in particular in the combustion chemical vapor deposition process which is enabling next generation products in electronics, advanced energy, and broadband. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Flanagan, John NGIMAT CO. GA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 1417 1414 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128288 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Fullerene Production. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and assess electrochemical methods for recovery of the giant and insoluble fullerenes that comprise the bulk of the fullerenes made by the hydrocarbon combustion route. Of the fullerenes produced by the combustion system at TDA, ca. 10 0E 12 % of the raw soot weight is recovered as fullerenes (C60, C70, etc.) by washing the soot with o-xylene and filtering. Yet other analyses demonstrate that most of the fullerenes are not recovered by straightforward washing techniques. In a prior NSF SBIR Phase I, Diener and Alford (Nature 393, 688) demonstrated an electrochemical method for separation of C74, giant fullerenes, and other traditionally insoluble fullerenes from mixed fullerene sublimate. This Phase I project is for the expansion of those ideas to processing of the extracted soot and implementation on a kilogram or greater batch scale. The recovered fullerenes will be useful for applications demanding a more robust, but still fullerenic material or coating. One possibility is carbon coatings for artificial biomaterials, where roughness on a nanometer scale promotes cell growth and increases the already high biocompatibility of carbon. A thin, robust film of higher fullerenes on steel implants potentially offers the high performance of carbon implants, but with a fraction of the cost. It is also possible that the small bandgap fullerenes could have roles that make use of their postulated three- dimensional electrical conductivity, as optical limiters, or as scaffolds for nanotechnological devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Diener, Michael TDA Research, Inc CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128291 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Analytic Simulation Method for Oil/Gas Field Management and Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project assesses the feasibility of new oil and gas reservoir management tools for optimization of hydrocarbon recovery. It proposes extension of state-of-the-art analytic solution methods for potential flow in porous media from 2-D to 3-D. It will incorporate 3-D analytic fluid flow simulation technology into large-scale optimization routines where reservoir recovery performance is required. Unlike previous analytic solution methods, complex heterogeneous reservoir architecture can be entertained. Well conditions are modeled directly, making possible design of complex wells. Phase I will also address the possible extension of the method to alternate subregion shapes to allow even faster and more flexible implementations. This project will provide a new class of reservoir management tools capable of rapidly and accurately screening what-if scenarios for field development. The objectives of the research as to 1) generalize analytic solution boundary element methodology to three dimensions; 2) build a prototype, 3-D, analytic simulation tool; 3) propose and test algorithms or well and field optimization using an analytic solution performance evaluation; and 4) extend algorithms to include additional geometric shapes for enhanced flexibility. The next phase of the research involves algorithm refinement, generalization, optimization shell implementation, and testing. Subsequently, concentration will be on commercial software development and a user interface. There is a recognized need for speed, accuracy, and simplicity in reservoir engineering management tools. There is also a demand for such tools without the high-end computational horsepower expected of most numerical reservoir simulators. Potential Research Solutions envisions a PC software product as a deliverable from this research and development, allowing improved management of existing hydrocarbon resources, especially in mature reservoirs. The proffered software product would benefit in-fill drilling programs, allocation of production rates to balance well load and drainage volumes, and screening of a large portfolio of reservoir management options--all with accurate reservoir performance predictions in complex reservoir architecture--and, it will be of particular interest to independent oil and gas producers with limited access to high-end computers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hazlett, Randy POTENTIAL RESEARCH SOLUTIONS TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9186 9139 1266 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0510604 Analytic Tools 0128306 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Spectroscopic Imaging Polarimeter using Nanoscale Antenna Arrays and Integrated Nano-Diodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop the technology to perform Spectroscopic Imaging Polarimetry using Antenna Arrays with Integrated Diodes (SIP-AAID) to measure both the amplitude and phase of the light in an image at each pixel. Typically, visible and IR detectors / imagers measure only the intensity of light, ignoring potential information in the phase. Since antenna size and diode capacitance scales with electromagnetic radiation wavelength for optimum collection, this SIP will require the use of antenna's with features < 100 nm, and diodes with layer thicknesses < 5 nm and geometric areas < 50 nm, for visible and IR light. The development of a high resolution SIP-AAID that determines the complete polarization state of light at each pixel over a broad range of wavelengths is expected to revolutionize the IR and visible imaging detector industry. The relatively low cost and the unique capabilities of the SIP-AAID, when compared to present IR detectors, will likely provide a market pull for applications ranging from in/on-line process and product control to surveillance with unmatched recognition and tracking abilities. The commercial applications of this project will be in space and defence related industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Simpson, Lin ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99984 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128308 January 1, 2002 SBIR PHASE I: ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance) Plasma Treatment of Polymer Tubing Such As Catheters. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project will develop plasma processes to treat both internal and external surfaces of medical polymer tubing such as catheters. The treatments will facilitate attachment of bioactive coatings, will clean, sterilize, and reduce friction; similar processes can also deposit organic or inorganic coatings. Plasmas driven by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) will treat the lumen and external surfaces more uniformly, and over a greater range of process parameters, than conventional glow discharge or corona plasmas. Phase I will demonstrate that all treated surfaces of polymer tubing samples have been significantly and uniformly activated by the ECR plasma treatment without causing damage or discoloration of the material. A final Phase I test will evaluate the uniformity of a heparin-containing bioactive coating applied to the lumen wall of actual hemodialysis catheters. Phase II will refine plasma processing parameters for attachment of antithrombotic and antibiotic coatings, sterilization, pore sealing, and removal of contaminants on the lumen wall and exterior surfaces of medical catheters. Phase II would also begin applying research results to an ECR plasma activation system for Phase III production and commercialization. The ECR plasma process should be expandable to large-scale, low-cost commercial production of polymer tubing for catheters. A surface treatment to facilitate attachment of bioactive coatings and for cleaning, sterilization, and friction reduction would add both therapeutic and economic value to dialysis and other catheter types. The same plasma treatments can be applied to tubing for other medical and non-medical applications, such as prevention of biofilm formation in dental water lines SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Halverson, Ward Spire Corporation MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128313 January 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Solid Freeform Fabrication Based Dental Reconstruction. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will determine the technical and commercial feasibility of using the rapid freeze prototyping (RFP) and jet model making (JMM) processes to produce ice and wax patterns used in investment casting to fabricate metal castings for dental restorations. The Phase I effort is to develop a solid freeform fabrication based dental reconstruction system that can be used by dental labs to produce high-quality crowns, bridges, and implant structures rapidly and cost-effectively from digital images and computer-aided design data. The commercial potential of this project will be more precise dental restorations costing less. In 1999 this market was estimated to be about $2.5 billion with an expected annual growth between 10-15 percent. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schmitt, Stephen Tel Med Technologies MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128316 January 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR PHASE I: Novel materials technology for high conductivity p-type AlGaN based on AlxGa(1-x)N / AlyGa(1-y)N superlattices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a highly conductive p-type AlGaN by construction of AlGaN superlattices. The material p-type AlGaN is key to many optoelectronic and some electronic semiconductor devices. Many characteristics of semiconductor devices containing p-type AlGaN (that is, power efficiency, maximum power, noise properties, maximum operating temperature, heating of the device and reliability) depend on the resistivity of this layer. In this Phase I project, a novel approach for a low-resistivity p-type AlGaN is proposed, namely p-type AlxGa1-xN / AlyGa1-yN superlattices. This approach is based on exploiting potential variations induced by the superlattice and on the polarization fields occurring in the AlGaN material system. The commercial applications of this project will be in the market for electronics and optoelectronic devices. Examples of such devices include bipolar transistors, lasers, LEDs, and photodetectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Graff, John Boston Nitride Technologies, Inc. MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128320 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Assessing Complex Learning Outcomes through Web-based Classroom Assessment Services. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop database information technology for constructivist teachers who are dissatisfied with the limitations of classroom testing for guiding reform. The Learning Partnership will provide Web-based classroom assessment services that measure a wide range of complex learning outcomes. Unlike EduTest.com, a test preparation program, The Learning Partnership's system will be optimized to diagnose student learning and provide direction for improvements in the learning process. The technical objectives for this project are as follows: 1. Adapt the discrete assessment approaches developed at the NASA Classroom of the Future for use with the Looking at the Environment curriculum, a one-year comprehensive inquiry-based high school science curriculum that is fully technology integrated that is being developed at Northwestern University in partnership with the Chicago schools.. 2. Create an assessment framework that integrates these discrete assessment approaches. The framework will track student performance at three levels: activity level, module level, and course level. 3. Develop database information technology that will support mass customization of assessment tasks, tracking of student performance, and reporting of results. These services will address a growing demand for online assessment materials. If science education reform in the U.S. is to succeed, new approaches to assessment are critical. On the one hand, assessment is essential provide school administrators with empirical evidence of student learning for accountability purposes; on the other hand, it is also essential to provide teachers with the depth of information needed to guide their practices. The Learning Partnership proposes to address this problem by providing classroom assessment services that bring together multiple forms of assessment for tracking student progress from the activity level to the high-stakes testing level. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG McGee, Steven The Learning Partnership IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 9150 SMET 9180 9178 9177 9150 0108000 Software Development 0522400 Information Systems 0128326 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Innovative And Cost-Effective Process for Net-Shape Microfabrication of Ceramic Components. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and characterize a novel ceramic material and microcomponent fabrication technique for two different industrial sectors: the fiber-optic communications industry and the chemical industry. Current processes for microcomponent fabrication, primarily based on silicon processing technology are expensive, and often do not meet the production rates required for optical component (fiber-connectors, beam splitters) fabrication or possess the desired high-temperature performance for chemical industry applications (micro-channel devices for gas separation/reforming). The objective of this project is to develop a cost-effective technique for microfabrication of components with properties and/or production efficiency comparable to or superior than silicon technology. The process will use a low-temperature, net-shape fabrication technique that is expected to be efficient, cost-effective, scalable and environmentally friendly (no-byproducts). The commercial benefits will be an alternative to silicon processing technology. The high production capacity and tight dimensional tolerances for components fabricated using this material/technique makes it an attractive option for optic fiber component manufacturers. The high achievable surface areas and the inherent thermochemical stability of ceramics make this material very attractive for fabrication of microchannel devices for gas separation/reformation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nair, Balakrishnan CERAMATEC, INC. UT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99885 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128328 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Oven-less Fabrication of SiC/SiC Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address the high cost and size and shape capability of ceramic matrix composites. Silicon carbide (SiC) fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites require furnaces, reactors, or ovens to produce the SiC/SiC composite matrix. These reactors, furnaces, and ovens are large capital expenditures limiting product size and shape and significantly increasing the cost of composites. Phase I will use an oven-less process to make SiC/SiC composites with a reaction-bonded silicon carbide matrix to remove cost, size, and shape constraints on SiC/SiC composites. Phase I will determine the thermal processing parameters required to produce SiC/SiC composites comparable to furnace-produced composites. Density, microscopy, and strength will be used to evaluate the process. This is a technology for producing SiC/SiC composites that are not dependent on furnace proportions that control the size, shape and cost of the composite parts. Large and complex shapes are expected to be produced rapidly in an oven-less process for advanced turbine engines, radiant tube heaters, heat exchangers and the numerous erosion, corrosion and thermal applications of the chemical, petroleum, and paper and pulp industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sibold, Jack TDA Research, Inc CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128330 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nanocrystalline Superhard Homometallic Films for Replacement of Ceramic Hard Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop the technology for fabrication of M50 bearing steel coatings that are superhard, adherent, nanocrystalline, homometallic (an integrated layer without interface), and resistant to scratch and corrosion. These homometallic coatings will be similar in composition to the metallic substrates onto which they will be deposited. However, their nanocrystalline structures will provide enhancement in important properties such as hardness, toughness, and wear and corrosion resistance, without the brittleness, poor adhesion and other problems associated with conventional ceramic coatings. Prior research has demonstrated that nanocrystalline (3-40 nm grains) Co-Cr deposited onto Co-Cr-Mo substrates possesses hardness close to that of some ceramics (18-26 GPa, 400% increase) without the associated problems with adhesion to metallic substrates, and that fabrication of nanocrystalline (<40 nm crystals) Ti, with hardness of 12-14 GPa, can be accomplished. The commercial application of this project will be in the manufacture of aircraft, boats and ground vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Namavar, Fereydoon Spire Corporation MA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 0 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128356 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Automated Linking and Metainformation Services. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will help launch the development of a Metainformation Engine. Every application could be supplemented by a rich set of links; most items on display screens should have multiple links tailored to current task and preferences. The Metainformation Engine will automatically generate links within the majority of computer applications, generate metadata about the application elements and the relationships underlying each link (which users can examine for better understanding), and provide several hypermedia-style services such as annotation. Instead of keyword search or lexical analysis on the display text, the Metainformation Engine generates links on application elements based on application structure and context. These links lead to related elements in the same application or in related applications or databases. Integration requires few or no modifications to existing applications. This product will be valuable to enterprises as they attempt to collect and integrate new and legacy information meaningfully across corporations and the entire supply chain. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bhaumik, Anirban Metainformation Inc. NJ Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0108000 Software Development 0128372 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Software Tools for Authoring American Sign Language. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop software tools allowing educators, interpreters, and linguists skilled in American Sign Language (ASL), but not skilled in computer 3-D animation, to create fully grammatical synthesized ASL to provide access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to Internet web pages and CD-ROM based interactive media; and to create interactive courses for learning ASL. While this project will build upon Vcom3D's commercial SigningAvatar(TM) product, a signficant advance is proposed. The current SigningAvatar(TM)technology allows users to generate unique sentences in Signed English thus providing partial access to digital media. However, the absence of many elements of ASL grammar limits the use of SigningAvatar(TM) by the larger segment of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population who require grammatical ASL for comprehension and for ASL courses. This project addresses the numerous requests to provide fully grammatical ASL that Vcom3D has had from the Deaf community. The resulting ASL products will significantly reduce federal costs of public school education for Deaf children and will move toward improving universal access and equity of service goals, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act; and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act. UNIVERSAL ACCESS RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Roush, Daniel VCOM3D, INC. FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 6846 1545 SMET 9177 9102 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0108000 Software Development 0128375 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Phase Acoustic Fluid Micro-Mixing and Mass Transport. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will establish a method to quantitatively predict the level of micromixing and mass transport in single-phase and multiphase fluid systems that are generated by a novel low-frequency acoustic technology. The primary Phase I objective is to demonstrate the feasibility for development of a theoretical understanding of the governing mechanisms for the transformation of high-intensity, low-frequency, acoustic energy radiation into useful work for mixing and mass transport applications in multi-phase fluids. A secondary, but essential, objective will be to develop the transfer functions coupling the acoustic transducer to the radiated acoustic energy in the fluid. The models will be accompanied by experiment methods that will correlate classical micromixing amd mass transport techniques with acoustic field experiment data. The proposed work will result in establishing a fundamental understanding of the governing mechanisms for acoustically-driven, single-phase and multiphase fluid processes, as well as fluid-particle interactions. The analytical models are essential for exploitation of the industrial market by innovative low-frequency acoustic mixing methods that are emerging. Mixing is the most common operation encountered in the Chemical Processing Industries. In North America alone, the conventional industrial mixer market is between $200 million and $250 million annually. Other industries reliant upon mixing and mass transport include food, petroleum, mining, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, water treatment and municipal waste water treatment. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Post, Thomas RESODYN CORPORATION MT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 9150 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128377 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Synthesis of Polymer Composites with Functional Nanoparticles via Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an economical platform technology for producing well-dispersed polymer nanocomposite films. Emphasis has been placed on the mechanical property advantages of mixing nano-sized clay flakes into conventional polymers. Processing techniques include sol-gel, various vacuum-based deposition methods, physical mixing, gas phase synthesis, chemical synthesis, liquid dispersions, and mixed solvent casting. To overcome potential production problems, a low-cost alternative technology, the modified Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) process can be utilized. The modified CCVD process allows for the incorporation of nanoparticles of various sizes, distributions, and types in the polymer matrix. As a test bed for this platform technology, nanocomposite films for light emitting diode (LED) with voltage dependent wavelength output will be synthesized for display applications. The commercial application of this project will be in the polymer based LED segment of the flat panel display market. A low-cost, voltage variable LED system that is less expensive to manufacture, more reliable and with a longer life-span could have a significant impact in capturing more of this market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, Stein NGIMAT CO. GA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128378 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nanocomposite Metal Oxides for Advanced Catalytic Converter Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop compositions of nanocomposite metal oxide catalysts for use in automotive catalytic converters. Such nanocomposite catalysts will potentially lower emissions of polluting gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NOx) particularly in the initial warm-up phase of engine operation. With more stringent regulations on mobile source emissions, the need for improved catalytic conversion has become a major priority for research efforts worldwide. The key task will be to develop the ceria-based nanocomposites suitably doped with highly dispersed noble metal (Pt or Pd) to achieve highly active and thermally stable performance at costs comparable to conventional catalysts. The proposed project will have a major impact on commercial and consumer automotive applications. Catalytic converters are used in nearly all gasoline-powered automobiles. Improvement in catalytic converter efficiency will have significant environmental impacts on the mobile air pollution sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zarur, Andrey Advanced Nanotechnologies Corporation CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 92983 5371 OTHR 1417 1414 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128379 January 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: NUMBERS: Bringing Statistical Machine Translation into the Real World. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project concerns R&D aimed at assessing the feasibility of applying statistical Machine Translation (MT) techniques to the problem of improving the productivity of human translators. Currently, human translators use translation memory tools, i.e., software packages that provide access to databases of previously translated sentences. Unfortunately, these tools do not provide significant help in translating previously unseen sentences and do not improve over time (with the exception of providing access to increasingly larger databases of previously translated material). Because automatic translation systems produce low quality translations that are not tailored to their genre and domain of interest, human translators refuse to use automatic translation systems. In this program, a prototype hybrid translation system and computer interface that will permit humans to translate text by exploiting both a translation memory and an automatic, statistical-based MT system will be built and the increase in text translation productivity that is enabled by the use of the hybrid tool will be measured. A hybrid translation tool such as that proposed here has the potential to reduce significantly the costs associated with human translation, and increase translation productivity. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wong, William WEAVER LANGUAGE INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9216 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0128392 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Characterization of Three Dimensional Discontinuity Properties from Digital Images of Rock Masses. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the usefulness of image processing technologies for characterizing discontinuities in rock masses. Discontinuities in rock masses include joints, faults, bedding planes, etc., and characterizing these features is one of the most important inputs to engineering design in rock masses. Split Engineering LLC has developed image processing and mathematical algorithms for I) delineating fracture traces in images of rock fractures, and 2) extracting three-dimensional properties (including strike and dip) from the delineated fracture traces. The first objective of the Phase I work is to test and further refine the image processing and mathematical algorithms that have been developed. The second objective is to investigate the synergies between this technology and the laser scanning technologies, which also have great commercial potential in the field of fracture characterization. The third objective is to conduct a number of field case studies to validate the trace analysis approach and to determine under what circumstances it is beneficial to incorporate laser-scanning technologies into the approach. Knowledge of geologic discontinuities is important for a number of industries. Current technologies have resulted in either millions of dollars in damage due to a missed fracture or costly reinforcement where it was not needed because of a misinterpreted discontinuity. Important end-users of the technology proffered by Split Engineering LLC, referred to as the trace analysis technology, are the mining and geotechnical industries. The capability fits in especially well with the need to automate certain rock characterization tasks and incorporate the resulting information into the mining process. If the project is successful in developing improvements in fracture system characterization, benefits for the petroleum and environmental industry are also plausible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Handy, Jeffrey SPLIT ENGINEERING LLC AZ Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 90770 5371 CVIS 9102 1038 0108000 Software Development 0109000 Structural Technology 0128395 January 1, 2002 SBIR PHASE I: Meshless Petrov-Galerkin Geo-Environ Technology For Wide Scale Field Uses. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project seeks to develop a meshless Petrov-Galerkin geo-environ technology for wide scale field uses. Groundwater supplies are increasingly threatened by organic, inorganic, and radioactive contaminants introduced to the environment by improper disposal or accidental releases. Estimates of remediation costs at U.S. government sites alone range into the billions of dollars. Geo-environ assessment tools play an important role in design and evaluations of remediation alternatives and long-term management of groundwater. Proposed mesh free geo-environ technology will open a new era for easy simulation of large complex systems without grid generation. Node density will adjust dynamically for accurate solution. A Petrov-Galerkin based model will provide stable robust technology for contaminant transport and remediation alternative evaluations. Interfaced 2D and 3D displays and animations will provide efficient means for easy communications within project team, decision-makers, and regulators. Consultants for Environmental System Technologies' proposed technology has applicability to numerous waste site restoration programs and groundwater management projects that are implemented at an enormous cost by Federal agencies, states, counties, petroleum facilities and chemical industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gupta, Sumant CFEST INC CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 9197 1666 1038 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128400 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Catalysts for Hydrogen/Air Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is for the development of platinum catalysts for hydrogen/air proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. The proposed catalysts will be more active than the current catalysts. The goal is to develop advanced fuel cell catalysts that are sufficiently active to meet DOE's goal for precious metal loading for fuel cells. More active Platinum catalysts will help commercialize hydrogen/air proton-exchange membrane fuel cells for vehicle and low- to medium-power generator applications. Fuel cell manufacturers and users will benefit greatly if the proposed research becomes successful. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Kwang GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99993 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128402 December 15, 2001 Operating Center Proposal for The Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR): An I/UCRC in Biometrics. The automated interaction of computers with humans and the biosphere in which they reside represents an increasingly important attribute of computing in the information age. Identification is a critical component of this interaction whether the application be projection of human identity at a distance over the internet, criminal justice and forensics, or medical diagnostics and therapy delivery. Defined across this application spectrum, automated biometric identification systems measure a physiological, behavioral, or biological "signature" from the human body or environment, process and recognize classifiable signal components, and then renders an identification decision based upon the parameters of a given application. Effectively addressing the breadth of needed biometric identification system research from the life sciences to the computing sciences represents a significant challenge to industry and government. Cohesive university faculty groups are particularly well suited to address innovations at this intersection of disciplines. The Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR) organizes the activities of faculty groups at four universities spanning the physical, health, and computer sciences and engineering, to effectively address the cross-cutting research needed to address automated advance biometric identification technology and systems. CITeR will serve an enabling role in the technical and economic development of this area through research of new enabling technologies, the integrative training of scientists and engineers across its breadth, and the facilitation of the transfer of this technology to the private and government sectors. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIS SPECIAL PROJECTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hornak, Lawrence West Virginia University Research Corporation WV Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 2189961 W462 W354 W235 W107 W089 W064 V977 V922 V910 V702 V641 V639 V606 V484 V467 V425 V332 V107 T428 T376 T312 T219 T178 T160 T140 T106 T071 T673 T620 T552 9150 7484 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9150 9102 122E 1049 0000 0128410 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Dye-Loaded Mesoporous Material for the Amplified Fluorescence-Quenching Detection of Metal Ions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase Iproject will explore a system for improving the sensitivity of fluorescence-based metal-ion sensing. It will use a novel mesoporous material that responds to the presence of certain metal ions by undergoing a precipitous drop in fluorescence intensity. This will enable the detection of trace amounts of toxic or otherwise problematical metal ions in e.g. drinking water, hazardous waste sites, and industrial waste streams. This sensing system can then be incorporated into a test strip-like format in a polymer matrix to give a mass-producible and hence cost-effective, single-use trace metal sensor. These sensors can be made widely available and thereby can improve the amount of information on the presence of metals of concern in the home, workplace, and environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stuhl, Louis CHEMMOTIF INC MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99996 5371 AMPP 9163 0106000 Materials Research 0128420 December 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Residual Stress and Part Distortion Prediction in Machined Workpiece Surfaces. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will develop and validate a three-dimensional finite element modeling capability to predict machining induced residual stresses. This project will significantly extend the current state-of-the-art that is limited to 2D residual stress analysis and recently, 3D oblique cutting models of single cutting edge geometries. Residual stress has become increasingly important because of its effects upon surface quality, fatigue, and workpiece distortion. Residual stress has high economic impact to industry since the cost of manufacture is incurred prior to any measurement or detection. Testing methods are very expensive, difficult, and not developed for production purposes. Industry and government testing has determined that machining induced residual stresses can be significant enough in magnitude to induce part distortion and out-of tolerance conditions on completed workpieces. This project will demonstrate an integrated approach to predicting residual stress effects upon completely manufactured parts. Workpiece residual stress due to machining parameters will be modeled, verified, and then integrated into a complete part analysis to determine the final state of stress and distortion for a complete workpiece part prior to any manufacture. The commercial applications include large, thin walled aerospace parts (such as wing spars), structural components, and parts susceptible to high rates of fatigue (rotor wing hubs and load carrying parts, spindles, structural, and powertrain components). The economic impact to predict and control part distortion induced by machining processes is very high. The cost of rejection of one part due to out-of-tolerance conditions can easily exceed $100,000 and routinely create weeks in production delay and scrap. The automotive sector, primarily within engine block manufacture, piston liners, bearings, spindles, and hard turning applications (generally) could also benefit from this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Marusich, Troy THIRD WAVE SYSTEMS, INC. MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128423 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Niobium Silicide Intermetallics Castings for the Next Generation of Very High Temperature Applications. 0128423 Chen This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test the feasibility of a new production technology for affordable near-net shape components of a class of advanced refractory metal intermetallic composites. Niobium (Nb)-based intermetallics will permit a revolutionary increase in operating temperatures for many very high temperature applications. Phase I will employ an innovative reactive metal investment casting method to create a cost-effective and robust process for manufacturing complex shapes. Phase II would explore strategies for producing actual components. Anticipated commercial applications are those at very high temperatures, such as turbine airfoils now made of single crystal nickel-based superalloys. Unprecedented levels of fuel efficiency and thrust-to-weight ratio are expected for future aircraft systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Edward TiTech International, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 0106000 Materials Research 0128429 January 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Real Time In Situ Sensor Development for Thermal Spray Coating Properties. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop a real time coating property sensor to measure intrinsic material properties of thermal spray coatings. The project proposes to develop this technology into a production capable tool for thermal spray process development and control with the following attributes: measures useful coating properties in situ; usable by real world spray shop operators at both small and large shops; relatively inexpensive (<$25K); able to operate in harsh environment; and uses minimal assumptions and complexities associated with property interpretation. The project will demonstrate feasibility of producing such a tool under Phase I. Under Phase II, a production tool will be developed and important relationships between the tool output and the functional properties of the coatings will be generated. Despite this need, there are no simple procedures currently available to rapidly determine the mechanical properties of coatings both in laboratory and industrial settings. As thermal spray coatings evolve from a role of life extension of components to performing a prime reliant function, there exists a critical need to develop procedures to obtain design relevant properties. The impact of this project will provide commercial thermal spray customers with engineering support directed at improving quality and repeatability of coatings application. This should result in significant capital expenditure savings for companies over many disciplines that are involved in manufacturing. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Greenlaw, Rob Integrated Coating Solutions, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128435 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Environmentally Benign, High-Pressure Plasma Cleaning Tool for Photoresists. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will establish the performance of the Plasma Flow Source for stripping and residue cleaning of photoresists on 200 mm semiconductor wafers without producing any environmentally-damaging waste streams. In particular, it will determine the effect of process conditions and gas chemistry on stripping rate and uniformity. Measurements will be performed on standard and heavily implanted photoresists as well as on patterned wafers following reactive ion etching. The novel Plasma Flow Source system produces a large flux of oxygen atoms at low-temperatures and pressures between 10 and 1000 Torr. It has been shown that this source strips photoresists from 100 mm wafers at rates of up to 0.9micron/min at 120 C and 3.0 micron/min at 250 C, with excellent uniformity. The high ash rate observed at 120 C shows promise for removing heavily implanted resists and hardened residues from reactive ion etched substrates. Moreover, operation at higher pressure reduces gas consumption and dramatically decreases pumping requirements. The knowledge gained from this study will establish the potential of this exciting new technology for environmentally-benign, photoresist stripping of wafers for next-generation semiconductor devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Babayan, Steven Surfx Technologies LLC CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99200 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128443 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Real-Time Image Processing Based Motion Detection for Science and Mathematics Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will create image processing based software that tracks objects using real-time video input for use in the teaching of mathematics and physical science. Image processing has not previously been used in educational motion detection. Compared to the currently used methods-real-time graphing and frame-by-frame analysis of stored video-the proposed innovation will have many advantages, such as the simultaneous display of video and graphs and the automatic generation of stroboscopic images. Phase I has two research objectives. To develop a system that can track one object and display a graph of its motion on a computer screen in real time, and to investigate with teachers and students the applications of this system to understanding motion, graphing, shapes, visualization, and projection. Used in conjunction with inquiry-based curriculum, the system proffered by Paul Antonucci & Associates could improve teaching and learning of physical science and mathematics nationwide, and it expands the possibilities for exploring motion in real-world situations. This innovation will create the opportunity to surpass in learning effectiveness and ease-of-use the technologies now used widely in high school and college physics. In addition it will potentially reach a much larger market-mathematics classrooms from middle school through college. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Antonucci, Paul Alberti's Window, LLC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 88835 5371 SMET 9180 9177 9145 7355 7256 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0128451 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Wireless Smart Devices and Their Coordination. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop innovative technologies for smart infrastructure, and in particular coordinated wireless sensors and control devices. The first smart wireless devices will focus on measurement and control of environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity, although these devices are archetypes for a wider range of smart components. The behavior of the smart devices will be coordinated by the MetaOS, a software system developed by Ambient Computing, Inc. to provide traditional operating system functions to fully distributed collections of smart computing and networking devices. The system will demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility of connected and coordinated smart devices. The early commercial applications of the proposed work will focus on improvement of energy consumption and personalization of environmental parameters. Existing means of addressing these problems are highly proprietary, difficult and expensive to deploy, and have limited flexibility. The proposed more advanced systems will lead to significant reduction in overall energy consumption while providing personal comfort and financial benefits to consumers. This effort aims to build some of the missing and necessary pieces for smart environments, specifically, small and low-cost wireless devices with integrated computing capabilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ewy, Benjamin Ambient Computing, Inc. KS Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9150 0108000 Software Development 0128452 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Information Theoretic Learning and Application to Fetal ECG. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project focuses on the development and evaluation of a new class of algorithms for blind source separation (BSS) and independent component analysis (ICA) based on a recently proposed information theoretic learning (ITL) criterion. The algorithms yield several practical criteria to adapt universal mappers, either under unsupervised or supervised paradigms. The ITL criterion can dramatically improve upon systems trained with mean square error. NeuroDimension will develop new algorithms to choose the segments for separation, address BSS of noisy mixtures, and extend the ITL criterion to convolutive mixtures. The firm further proposes to validate these methods via the fetal heart rate monitoring problem, which requires the separation of the maternal and fetal ECGs, a blind source separation problem. The ITL criterion of minimum cross entropy can exploit the fact that the ECGs are statistically independent. The expectation is that the new information theoretic learning will extract a much cleaner ECG because it is exploiting all the information about the signal statistics, not only the second order statistics (as MSE does). Finally the ITL criterion will be compared with the conventional interference cancellation algorithms in real data obtained from the University of Florida College of Medicine. The project has the potential to develop a new piece of clinical instrumentation, a fetal heart monitor, for which there is a demonstrated market. The firm utilizes a new approach to information signal process that may be able to identify the elusive fetal heart signal in a practical, real-time manner. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Euliano, Neil Convergent Engineering, Inc FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 96874 5371 HPCC 9216 0510604 Analytic Tools 0128453 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Visualizing Arbitrary Basis Functions for Advanced Engineering Analysis and Simulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the lack of visualization technology for advanced engineering simulation tools. Such tools routinely depend on interpolation and approximation (basis) functions for a variety of purposes, including modeling geometry via CAD/CAM tools, or for computational techniques such as the finite element method. What distinguishes advanced tools from earlier, less sophisticated tools is their dependence on higher-order basis functions, as compared to the linear functions typical of early tools. While modern simulation tools have moved to more sophisticated basis functions, visualization technology has lagged behind. Visualization technology, which plays a vital role in understanding, communicating and steering computational design, has not moved beyond supporting linear basis functions, with a few special exceptions (e.g., quadratic). This situation poses a significant problem for engineering computation, since advanced techniques of high accuracy are coupled with lower-accuracy display of results. Such an approach is error prone, and introduces significant penalties in terms of time and computer resources required. Kitware, Inc. proffers software technology that will enable analysts to use higher-order basis functions for visualization. This technology will be available for licensing in the combined CAD/CAM and finite element market. In addition, Kitware, Inc. will build visualization applications for commercial sale. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schroeder, William KITWARE INC NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0128456 January 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase I: Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser Based on Nanostructured Active Material. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I Project will further develop a nanostructure technology for use as the active material of a fiber optic laser. Prior research has demonstrated that self-organized III-V semiconductor nanostructures grown on GaAs (gallium arsenide) substrate can operate as the gain region of a 1.3 micron wavelength laser, and that these structures are effective in realizing vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). 1.3 micron VCSELs are a key device for high speed fiber optic links for use in Ethernet and other metro access and metro applications. This project will have access to a high quality epitaxial growth facility with the capability to grow the III-V nanostructures and VCSEL mirrors and to develop a broad range of electronic and optoelectronic device materials. The commercial application of this project is in the fiber optics communications market. It is estimated that the market for a 1.3 micron VCSEL could reach close to $1 billion within the next 10 years. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pan, Noren MICROLINK DEVICES INC IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128460 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Surface Passivation to Prevent Coking in Pyrolisis Environments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will eliminate coking in ethylene furnaces and dusting in steam reformers. Ethylene and hydrogen, two very important feedstocks, are produced by processing hydrocarbon feed streams at high temperatures. Unfortunately, when hydrocarbons come into contact with iron and nickel (major components of steel) at high temperature, reactions can occur which cause coking in ethylene production and formation of metal oxide particulate (dusting) in hydrogen production by steam reforming. The lost time required to decoke ethylene crackers and the removal of metal oxide particulate from steam reformers are costly. Although pyrolysis and steam reforming are carried out under different conditions, the initial steps in coking and dusting are identical, the formation of iron and nickel carbides. In this project, additives will be developed that bind strongly to iron and nickel on the steel surface, eliminating the formation of these metal carbides. Additives that reduce coke in ethylene crackers and eliminate dusting in steam reforming would find immediate application in both ethylene and hydrogen production industries. These problems are significant sources of cost to each of the industries and their elimination would result in measurable reductions in price for both ethylene and hydrogen. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wickham, David TDA Research, Inc CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 96153 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128469 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Novel Solid State Facilitated Transport Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Removal. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of novel solid state facilitated transport membranes for the separation of carbon dioxide/hydrogen and carbon dioxide/methane mixtures. Current best technologies are amine absorption or pressure-swing-adsorption both expensive, energy intensive processes. The key objective of this project is to deliver a new type of facilitated transport membrane in the form of a solid polymer electrolyte. To provide high gas fluxes, the membranes will be formed as thin-film composites. Preliminary studies indicate that solid polymer electrolyte composite membranes can show significantly improved performance over conventional facilitated transport and polymeric membranes. Separation of carbon dioxide from natural gas and from hydrogen-containing refinery off-gases in refineries present a significant opportunity for membrane-based-gas separation. About 17% of U.S. natural gas requires processing to remove carbon dioxide. In refineries, hydrogen is typically produced by steam reforming of natural gas or light hydrocarbons and must be separated from carbon dioxide, which is produced as a by-product. Membrane separation offers many advantages over amine absorption or pressure-swing adsorption in these two applications. However more selective and robust membranes are needed to achieve these economics over conventional separation technology and this is reason for developing solid polymer electrolyte composite membranes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pinnau, Ingo MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128483 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Encasement of Light Emitting Ceramic Devices for Signage and Lightscaping Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will establish the feasibility of a materials system to encase customized ceramic signage (and other lightscaping products) which utilize solid-state ceramic lamps as a backlight source. These systems should achieve extraordinary power efficiency by illuminating the information rather than the entire sign area and are intended for external operation over a wide environmental range (e.g. extremes in temperature, humidity, acid rain, etc). The proposed encasement method uses special materials formulations applied through ultrasonic spray and CNC technologies to create custom ceramic surfaces. These surfaces display the information content in a backlit format while protecting the light emitting ceramic layer from the external operating environment. This system provides a semi-transparent, multi-colored outer ceramic layer exhibiting a combination of information display and artistic presentation features when backlit by a solid-state ceramic lamp. This technology can be applied to a wide variety of commercial signage and lightscaping applications. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Brown, Wayne Meadow River Enterprises, Inc. WV T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99981 9150 AMPP 9163 0000908 Urban Problems 0128488 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Novel Low-Cost Inorganic Nanofiltration Module. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves development of fully inorganic nanofiltration (NF) membrane modules that combine the attributes of low cost, excellent chemical resistance in aggressive organic and aqueous media, high thermal stability, and high mechanical strength. The key objectives will be to develop NF membrane modules based on low-cost multi-channel honeycomb supports with 220 square cetimeter membrane area and to demonstrate they have NF retention capability, high productivity (flux rates), and resistance to aggressive organic and aqueous media. Preliminary work to fabricate analogous modules with 1200 square centimeter membrane area will be performed. The modules, when ultimately commercialized to very large size, will be especially suitable for in-process recycling of solvents used in a wide variety of applications and could replace distillation as a cost-effective purification method for solvents such as hexane and acetone that are used in very large quantities in edible oil processing. In addition, the products would have wide application in the chemical manufacturing, petrochemical, petroleum production, pharmaceutical, food processing, and water treatment industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Higgins, Richard CeraMem Corporation MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128492 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: The Use of Gestural Interface and Robotics Technology to Facilitate Language Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project examines the feasibility of using gestural interface technology and interactive robotics to facilitate receptive and expressive language development of children with severe and/or multiple disabilities. Developed by AnthroTronix, Inc., the technology uses a child friendly robot controlled by various interfaces adapted to individual needs, regardless of physical limitations. The robot imitates movements and tells the child's written or spoken stories, providing reinforcements and motivation for learning. Speech and language impairments, affecting 10% of school children, including most children with severe disabilities, significantly impact abilities to read, write and communicate. Objectives are to examine the technology's (a) applicability across a range of disabilities, ages, and interventions in the promotion of speech, language, reading, and writing skills, and (b) ease of use by therapists and teachers. Methods will include qualitative data and pre-post tests with 3-5 children representing a range of disabilities, cultural backgrounds, and ages who attend a K-5 public school. Results will enable Beta Prototype design specifying a range of applications for children with disabilities and will determine specific interventions to be tested in the next phase of the research. Completion of the project will enable the refinement of the hardware and software to target specified interventions that promote language literacy across a range of children with disabilities. The technology will be marketed in a package that includes a CD-ROM and instructional manual to teachers and therapists working with children with disabilities. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Lathan, Corinna ANTHROTRONIX, INC. MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1545 OTHR 9102 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0128496 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Microwave Molecular Dynamics of Bound Water in Hydrating Cements. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the correlation between bound-water dielectric relaxation observed by broadband permittivity measurement and the degree of hydration in Portland cement, and apply the results to the refinement of a concrete cure monitoring system under development at the company. Complex permittivity over the frequency range 10 kHz to 10 GHz in curing cement shows signal components due to 1) free-water behavior near 10 GHz which decreases during cure and follows percent hydration, and 2) bound-water behavior between 1-1000 MHz which increases during early hours of cure and decreases and broadens thereafter. The bound-water relaxation does not appear in the initial cement paste but does appear after several hours of cure, mirroring the formation of hydration products to which it is attaching. This behavior will be elucidated by varying initial chemistry and determining effects on signal, quantifying changes in relaxation frequency and amplitude with cure time and fitting to appropriate models. The commercial potential of this project is in the construction industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hager, Nathaniel Material Sensing & Instrumentation PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 98748 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128498 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Education on Demand for Technique Training. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project investigates the feasibility and design of a novel authoring and server-client system that delivers interactive education-on-demand for technique training and telescience. Rich media including live and archived video, data, and 3-D models are (1) collected from instructor sources, (2) objectized and integrated into MPEG-4, MPEG-7, and MPEG-21 compliant streams, (3) securely conveyed via dynamically selected transport protocols to wide audiences with diverse computing platforms (from workstations to wireless PDAs), (4) tailored to individual demographics and physical handicap, and (5) rendered in a participant-driven interactive fashion that supports user-directed manipulation of views and articulation of models, real-time scientific visualization, technique learning, real-time analysis of experiment data, and experiment control (if authorized) without the need of special hardware. The client admits future media types, and user-supplied extensions (e.g., MatLab workspaces) for personalized data analysis, and content is adapted to the demographics, physical handicaps, and computing resources of the student. A graphical authoring tool facilitates the set-up of lectures and peer sessions, and assessment of student performance and courseware. The concept proffered by Sorceron provides technique training and telescience to the academic and commercial markets, which require interactivity not available in traditional streaming media architectures. Commercial success is enhanced by compliance with emerging multimedia standards and partnering with potential clients during technical and business requirements assessment. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Bandera, Cesar Sorceron NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99520 1666 SMET 9178 9177 7355 7256 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0000912 Computer Science 0102000 Data Banks 0104000 Information Systems 0522400 Information Systems 0128508 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Xtractica: A System for Extracting Coherent Data from Documents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of designing and building a software system: Xtractica. This software system will allow domain experts to specify programs that transform unstructured or partially structured data from a variety of document sources, such as World Wide Web sites, PDF files and text into structured, coherent and readily usable information. Xtractica will consist of a set of tightly integrated powerful syntactic and semantics-driven data extraction technologies that are managed from a graphical user interface to retrieve information that was created for human understandability, and extract and reason about it to create knowledge that can support automated decision making and transactions. An important feature of Xtractica is that users can rapidly create extractors by simply supplying examples of the data to be extracted. Thus it will empower users who are knowledgeable about their application domains but are not necessarily trained as computing technologists, to structure data into knowledge. The Phase I project will develop the operational specifications of Xtractica and determine its feasibility by prototyping its critical components. Phase 2 will then produce a fully functional Xtractica system based on results from Phase I. Finally Phase 3 will make Xtractica commercially available to clients with diverse business interests including content aggregation, e-procurement, ERP and supply chain management vendors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davulcu, Hasan XSB, INC. NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99804 5371 HPCC 9216 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0128511 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Electrochemical Disinfectant Generator for Multiple In-Situ Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will focus on the development of an electrochemically operated organic peroxy acid generator. Peroxyacids are popular disinfectants that can eliminate even resistant microorganisms (i.e. spores, viruses). Peracids produce biodegradable end products, are effective at dilute concentrations (ppm levels), are safe for use even in food preparation applications, and are thus applicable to many point-of-use applications in homes, restaurants and hospitals. These include the use of peroxylactic or peroxyacetic acids for diverse uses, including: i) preventing the build up of heterotrophic bacteria in water treatment appliances, ii) destroying pathogens in water and on food surfaces, iii) sterilizing medical devices, and iv) sanitizing food processing equipment by incorporating a clean-in-place capability. The conventional method of manufacturing peroxy acids involves mixing concentrated hydrogen peroxide, organic acid, and inorganic acid catalyst (concentrated sulfuric acid) with numerous stabilizers and additives. In the proposed method, peracids can be generated and used on demand using oxygen or air, thus eliminating the need for hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid. In Phase I, optimization of the electrocatalyst (to improve current and energy efficiencies), preliminary cell design and catalyst configuration, and biocidal properties of the peracid product will be conducted. There is a considerable need for miniature and scalable clean-in-place devices in point-of-use applications in homes, hotels, food service establishments and hospitals. Many equipment manufacturers are trying to incorporate a self cleaning capability into their existing product lines due to concerns of microbial contamination, especially one that requires minimal user interaction, is cost effective, and environmentally friendly. In water treatment applications alone, the market for these decives is estimated to be over $1billion annually in the U.S. and $3 billion worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tennakoon, Charles Lynntech, Inc TX Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128513 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Surface Modification of Textiles for Protective Clothing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project concerns the surface modification of textiles in order to impart properties to the fabric necessary for their use as protective clothing. The increase in disease transmission, the widespread use of pesticides in agriculture, and the increased proliferation of chemical and biological weapons worldwide have increased the need for the development of effective fabric treatments for protective clothing. During the Phase I research, agents will be covalently attached to the surface of fabric in order to give them the desired properties. The modified fabric will then be tested for antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms, for detoxification of chemical pesticides and appropriate surrogates for chemical and biological weapons, as well as for skin cytotoxicity. The Phase I research will show that the modified textiles are able to effectively eradicate a broad range of pathogenic microbes, detoxify chemical pesticides and surrogates for chemical and biological weapons while retaining their original physical properties and possessing no skin cytotoxicity. Potential applications for this technology include protective clothing and materials for medical and dental institutions, agricultural workers, and military soldiers as well as for cloth products for household disinfection and various consumer products. Commercial applications for fabric that is active against pathogenic microorganisms as well as chemical agents are wide and diverse. Protective clothing for agricultural workers and military servicemen could be produced from these modified fabrics. A multitude of applications could be found in the medical and dental area. Clothing for medical and dental personnel and patients including lab coats, scrubs, caps, shoe covers, masks, privacy drapes, surgical drapes, bed sheets, etc. could be rendered antimicrobial utilizing this technology. Consumer products such as diapers, athletic socks, water filters, and disinfectant wipes could also be prepared from these materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elrod, Don Lynntech, Inc TX T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128515 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of MAC-to-PHY Convergence Tools for Broadband Fixed Wireless Access. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address one of the major obstacles to commercial development of broadband fixed wireless access under 5 GHz, namely overcoming a "convergence bottleneck" arising from distance-sensitive propagation conditions. It is well known that as distance ranges from line of sight to well beyond line of sight, transmission parameters can degrade dramatically. However, current state-of-the-art treats this condition in a highly unsatisfactory way, through statistical models, through "handshake" schemes, modulation fallback, use of preambles and embedded pilot tones, to name just a few. An innovative concept will be demonstrated for rapid, two-way, unobtrusive and easily scaled RF measurements that permit characterizing thousands of hub-to-subscriber paths precisely without guesswork. Regional operations centers, hub base station and consumer terminals will operate more efficiently due to the network's ability to converge rapidly on near-optimum transmission characteristics. This innovation will make broadband more readily available to populations that live and work where DSL, fiber, and cable modem service is not offered. This includes: people who work in outdoor locations, in hard-to-get-to schools, libraries, college campuses, transportation systems, factories, waterways, and small businesses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Arnstein, Donald Saraband Wireless, Inc. VA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99608 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0128526 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Functionally Gradient Partial Insert Development for Thin-Skin Sandwich Composite Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative system for reliably and inexpensively attaching medium- to heavy-weight equipment to thin-skin composite sandwich structures. This will be accomplished with proprietary metallic foam (patent applied) and polymeric partial inserts with functionally graded stiffness. This is different from the stiffness of the sandwich material and is set to the stiffness and strength required to carry the equipment. By varying the stiffness of the insert from low to high, it will be possible to carry the weight of the equipment without damaging the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) core material. Inserts of metal foam and polymer composite with varying density and stiffness will be fabricated by a patented extrusion, free-form fabrication technology. Due to the materials low density, less than one or two pounds of the attachment material will be of adequate volume for a composite attachment system. Thus, the material cost of the attachment system will be small relative to the cost of a traditional sandwich composite structure. Potential applications are anticipated in manufacture of vehicles for commercial transportation, e.g., buses, trains, small crafts, and aircrafts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vaidyanathan, Ranji ADVANCED CERAMICS RESEARCH, INC AZ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 0522100 High Technology Materials 0128529 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Synthesis of High Capacity Sn/MOx Nano Composite Anode Materials for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will develop technologies to synthesize nano tin/metal oxide anode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries. Reducing tin particles to nano size is known to be critical for a good cycle life of tin-based anode materials. The materials are expected to show a capacity of >1000 mAh/cm3 which represents a >50% increase over the practical capacity of carbonaceous materials presently used in lithium rechargeable batteries. In addition, the materials are expected to have a first cycle reversibility of >80%, comparable to that of carbon. The commercial application of this project will be in the materials market for the next generation of lithium rechargeable batteries. The market for portable batteries is about $6 billion, with an annual growth rate of 15% in the last 10 years. Of this, the worldwide portable lithium-ion battery market is $2.93 billion, with 530 million cells shipped in 2000. New markets are also emerging for electric and hybrid vehicle propulsion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Liya T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128531 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Optimal Replisnishment Algorithms for Service Parts Logistics Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new methodology to manage the inventory of service parts used to provide after-sales support of mission-critical products. In particular this research will develop computationally efficient and optimal algorithms for replenishment and allocation of inventory in service parts logistics networks. Subsequently, the algorithms will be incorporated into a commercial software product platform for service supply chain optimization. Service part optimization requires specialized models, since demand (due to machine failures and unscheduled maintenance) is infrequent and difficult to predict. Movement of parts must be coordinated across many inter-connected stocking locations in order to facilitate on- time delivery, often within hours or even minutes. In addition, there are multiple sources of supply for these parts such as internal manufacturing, external suppliers, repair vendors, and de-manufacturing. Current commercial service supply chain optimization systems do not incorporate these complexities of the service supply chains. As a consequence, they perform poorly in after-sales service environments resulting in extensive in service parts inventory that turns only 1 to 2 times per year. This research can lead to commercial technology that can reduce this expense substantially. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Agrawal, Vipul MCA SOLUTIONS INC PA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0128542 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Electrochemical Method to Fabricate Flexible Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a new low cost electro- chemical fabrication method to produce flexible photovoltaic cells based on the commercially important copper indium diselenide (CIS) films. The project will develop an innovative n-CIS solar cell with fewer components and processing steps. The cell will be constructed on a flexible foil to reduce weight, fragility and balance-of-system costs. The project also develops a new roll-to-roll electrodeposition technology for large volume manufacturing. Phase I will synthesize CIS films and construct n/p heterojunction devices on metal foils. It will evaluate the solar cell performance to validate the concepts. The proposed n-CIS solar cell configuration and its fabrication are specially designed to simplify manufacturing, reduce costs and increase production speed. It will circumvent the complexity, expense, safety and scale-up issues of the present p-CIS technology. Its commercialization will provide a timely solution to the nation's escalating energy and environmental problems. It will avert future power crises and help reduce global warming. Applications for the copper indium diselenide technology range from the electric utility to satellites. Flexible, lightweight, photovoltaic cells may be used in non-utility applications such as electric vehicles, building integration, mobile systems and new space systems. Lower costs, fewer components and easier manufacturing could translate into a wider spectrum of commercial markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128545 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Enabling Sharable Infrastructure for the Human/Computer Interface. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the challenge of seamless interoperability among computer systems and user interface components such as displays and keyboards. Today these components are tightly coupled with the computer, which restricts the utility of both-especially in mobile computing systems, where users invariably have to choose between usable displays and reasonable portability. A familiar manifestation of the opportunity is the "conference display swap" problem. The over-all goal of the project is to develop and specify robust, efficient and secure interfaces that enable computers to dynamically discover, connect to and use displays over moderate-bandwidth network connections. The Phase I investigation will focus on efficient encoding techniques for an interoperable virtual display interface that can be run over existing wireless network technologies. The interface will make it possible for multiple computers to share a projection display serially via software. In the longer term, it frees mobile computing systems to evolve independently of display technology, and leads to a model in which user interface devices are considered public infrastructure. This research has commercial application in a number of industries where seamless display sharing is routinely required but is not yet supported, such as conference management, higher education, and medicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Seales, William Lumenware LLC KY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 112000 5371 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9150 0108000 Software Development 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128547 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Environmentally Benign Process to Enhance Performance of CuInSe2 Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new surface modification technique for manufacturing copper indium diselenide (CIS) thin films, an important emerging photovoltaic technology. It will eliminate present toxic processing steps involving cadmium sulfide deposition, cyanide etch, all of which have many unfavorable repercussions to the manufacturer and the environment. The key step will be to devise a simple, inexpensive process, using air and a non-toxic aqueous solution, to alter the surface properties of CIS films. This step will eliminate the need for the cadmium component, the cyanide etch and the disposal of hazardous chemicals. It will also improve the efficiency of solar cells made with inexpensive coating methods. Performance evaluation of the modified CIS solar cells will validate the new concept. This innovation is anticipated to simplify manufacturing, lower costs and improve the efficiency of photovoltaic modules. Applications for the CIS photovoltaic technology range from powering small appliances to electric utility. Non-utility applications include solar cars, building integration, mobile systems and space systems. Lower costs, fewer components and easier manufacturing could translate into a wider spectrum of commercial markets for CIS solar cells. Eliminating the toxicity issues will enhance the public perception of CIS photovoltaic technology. Its implementation will promote the market success of CIS solar cells to provide a timely solution to the nation's escalating energy and environmental problems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 9102 1417 1414 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128556 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Decision Support Software for Short-Term Hospital Occupancy Forecasts. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address the problem of short-term hospital census prediction. Fluctuating occupancy can impact many operational metrics: direct staffing costs, emergency center ambulance diversions, medical errors triggered in understaffed patient areas, quality of care, and job satisfaction for the dwindling nursing pool. This project will result in a computer based decision support system for predicting short-term patient occupancy at a nursing unit level over 72-hour time horizons. The short-term forecasts will be tested in a 226-bed community hospital. The first objective is to quantify sources of error in an alpha-version of the model and to develop an improved model. The objective is to prove that the improved model generates accurate predictions of patient census. Next, the research will quantify the potential impact of short-term forecasts on nurse staffing and scheduling. Surveys with hospital personnel will gauge the interest in and utility of the forecast information. The national shortage of nurses demands better use of this limited resource. Improvement Path Systems' objective is to build commercial forecasting software to be licensed to hospitals. The daily forecasts of hospital occupancy will allow hospitals to make better staffing decisions and operate more efficiently. The proposed decision support system can be generalized to other dynamic systems involving people flows. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Littig, Steven Improvement Path Systems, Inc. MI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9125 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0510604 Analytic Tools 0128562 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Digital Starlab. This Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a computerized projection system to be used in planetariums in the nation's schools. With such a digital projector, a simulated night sky can be imaged with the capacity for a multitude of motions and displays surpassing all but the most sophisticated of museum planetariums. When coupled with suitable simulation software, information-based technology can be used to encourage interactive and inquiry-based activities. In addition, the planetarium projector will have capabilities shared by no other; that is, being able to project dynamically changing information displays of the earth, including plate tectonics, weather patterns, and biological distributions. The system proffered will help promote interdisciplinary studies, use the latest astronomical and GIS data, and aid in teaching the content of the national standards, especially earth science at the elementary and middle school level. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Stupp, Edward LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES, INC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 98048 1666 SMET HPCC 9215 9180 9177 7355 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0128583 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Segmented Proton Exchange Membranes with Edge Seals for Compact Fuel Cell Electrode Structures. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate a design approach for a high energy density hydrogen/air Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The proposed research will demonstrate a means of creating sections of membrane, integral with the parent material, which are thermoplastic in nature and which are impermeable to hydrogen, oxygen and water for sealing edges. The same membrane modification will be used to create narrow, inerted sections of membrane to serve as borders of inactive membrane between segmented, series-connected, coplanar fuel cells. The material innovations will be demonstrated in actual 50 cm 2 PEM fuel cells, both single and segmented. Ionic conductivity and water and gas permeability will be determined to show the extent of inactivation in treated regions. Tensile strength tests will be conducted to demonstrate the integrity of the structures and the strength of thermally bonded edge seals. PEM segmented or coplanar have potential fuel cells applications where exceptionally long total service lives (>30,000 Hrs) of operating times are required. Long service life is required for residential applications, battery replacement and standby power supplies for critical computer and control facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McDonald, Robert GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99996 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128588 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: UNiCAP--Universal Combinatorual Auction Platform. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at developing a general platform for conducting combinatorial auctions. It is proposed to develop a bidding language and user interface, along with a system architecture for an integrated combinatorial auction platform that can be used to facilitate combinatorial auctions. The system will provide a wide degree of flexibility in terms of the number of rounds, stopping rules, and bidder and/or object-specific constraints that can be implemented. If successful, this project will lead to a development of a combinatorial auction system that will become a standard part of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and will greatly enhance electronic procurement in business-to-business environments. Some examples of industries that can benefit from combinatorial auctions include: airport time slots for flights; shipping and transportation companies, as well as the retailers and manufacturers who use these shippers; computer hardware manufacturers, as well as auto manufacturers who can use combinatorial auctions for material procurement; and television networks who can use combinatorial auctions to sell advertising space in TV shows. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Katok, Elena Active Decision Support, Ltd. PA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 105600 5371 HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 9102 0522400 Information Systems 0128599 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Adaptive Online Assessment of Mathematical Problem Solving Strategy Applications for Students with Learning Disabilities. This SBIR Phase I project from Learnimation (TM) will produce a browser-based assessment and feedback engine prototype that evaluates mathematical problem solving skills for students with learning disabilities. This assessment engine prototype will provide adaptive instruction in a learning environment designed to meet individual students' needs. It will also provide adaptive guidance to a student's teacher and caregiver. The importance of high level mathematical problem solving and reasoning and the assessment of these skills is emphasized for all students by the national standards-governing bodies in the United States (NCTM, AAAS, NRC), yet as many as 6% of all school age children have severe math deficits with very few tools at their disposal to help them gain fluency and measure accountability in an increasingly information-based society. This investigation will provide an alternative assessment platform for mathematics skill development designed specifically for learning disabilities and will ensure that all students with disabilities are included in the present national educational assessment reforms. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Manning, Sarah Learnimation NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 96080 1666 SMET 9178 9177 9102 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0522400 Information Systems 0128603 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Securing Operating Systems Against Intruder Attacks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses security of operating systems. This approach is based on developing specifications that capture security-relevant behaviors of programs, and constraining their execution to ensure adherence to these specifications. Since all security-relevant operations are administered through system calls, program behaviors are modeled in terms of sequences of system calls made by them, together with their arguments. The system will achieve enhanced security without compromising on functionality by (a) being able to protect against known as well as novel kinds of attacks, (b) maintaining a very low false-alarm rate, and (c) reduced maintenance needs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ganapathy, Umamaheswari Immunet Security Solutions, Incorporated NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99942 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 0108000 Software Development 0128604 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Comprehensive Database Resource on Protein Localization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will enable the development of the first knowledge management system dedicated specifically to protein localization (ProLoc). Data generated from high-throughput genomic and proteomic experimentation and information published across the entire spectrum of cellular and molecular biology is proliferating at exponential rates. Moreover, current database systems remain incapable of handling the intricate network of relationships between proteins. ProLoc, a database system that integrates expert-curated information from published literature with primary data from a range of experimental methodologies, will begin to attack this problem by focusing on one discrete area of cell biology (protein localization). Researchers will be able to mine pathways and mechanisms, leading to disease elucidation and new therapies. Phase I will be used to create the framework for a functioning relational database, with representative entries for initial beta testing. This will provide an essential foundation for Phase II, when comprehensive content and ancillary tools will be added, creating a highly structured, sophisticated, and interactive relational database system. Once the daunting challenge of reflecting biological pathways into standard database formats has been met through the ProLoc database, the ProLoc structure can be extended to many other cell regulation pathways and processes. ProLoc will stand out as an extremely high quality specialized resource in the field of protein localization that will be a necessary part of any set of molecular biology benchtop databases and tools. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rubin, David Cognia Corporation NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 106444 5371 HPCC 9251 9231 9215 9178 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128606 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Direct Manufacturing Method for Miniature Medical Components. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop a hybrid, co-flow laser material deposition system in order to enhance the ability to fabricate materials with nanocrystalline microstructures and to produce miniature, three dimensional structural components such as dental implants and stents directly from a CAD (Computer Aided Design) solid model. This work will leverage two technologies previously developed by the researchers : (a) Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS), and (b) Direct Write Electronics (DWE). The LENS process provides the ability to fabricate large structures directly from a CAD solid model, whereas the DWE process provides the ability to fabricate microelectronic components directly from a CAD representation. The principal commercial application of this project will be in the field of miniature biomedical components. Additional applications are expected in the field of electronics and defense. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Keicher, David Optomec Design Company NM T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99952 9150 MANU 9146 0203000 Health 0128609 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Simulator for Use in Education. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of designing the scanning electron microscope (SEM) component of an instrument simulator. Cost prohibits that incorporation of a variety of image/composition-based instruments used in research and industry into relevant modern science/math/ engineering/technology curricula. Some of these instruments are becoming available over the Internet, but they provide limited access to students and, in general, they are not fully functional. The research objectives in Phase I to will primarily relate to the method(s) of manipulating a very large image (the equivalent of over 1000 SEM images) in a manner that faithfully simulates the operation of a real WEB-based SEM. The key research area will be to develop an image-management and input/output engine. The anticipated deliverable of Phase I is the SEM image simulator, and the outline of several educational modules on CD/DVD media. Instrument simulation proffered by the RJ Lee Group has the potential to distribute the benefits of the resource of a variety of image/composition-based instruments (via CD or DVD) to all students in a class throughout a school year. A simplified viewer mode would be developed for the informal education and home markets, and an advanced mode incorporating specific science content interactive discovery-based modules would be developed for the K-college formal education market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Casuccio, Gary RJ LEE GROUP, INC PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99796 5371 SMET 9267 9180 9178 9177 7355 7256 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0108000 Software Development 0128610 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: CdSe Nanoparticle/Metal-Organic Inks for Printable Electronics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a low-temperature, atmospheric-pressure deposition process for metal chalcogenide nanomaterials in electronics. This process will use a hybrid ink containing CdSe nanoparticles mixed with a reactive dispersant in a non-aqueous solvent. The reactive dispersant, a metal-organic molecule, will strongly coordinate to CdSe nanoparticles to form a suspension at ambient temperatures. During spray deposition, this reactive dispersant will thermally transform into CdSe and byproducts at relatively low-temperature. As a consequence, this approach will allow printed CdSe thin film materials on temperature-sensitive substrates such as those of interest in flexible displays. The commercial applications of this project include large area flat panel displays, thin film transistor fabrication, jet deposition ink formulations and printed electronic materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schulz, Douglas CeraMem Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128613 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Mechanical Characterization of Artificial Muscle. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the commercial feasibility of conducting polymer muscle-like actuators as active elements in prosthetics, pumps and automatic valves. Rigorous characterization has been performed, demonstrating the active stress, strain, power to mass and efficiency of actuators in which the active element is a thin film of the conducting polymer polypyrrole. Studies show that polypyrrole actuators generate up to 100 times the force per cross-sectional area of mammalian skeletal muscle, and up to 10 times the work per stroke. Conducting polymers convert electrical energy to mechanical work at low applied voltages (typically 1 V), and increase in speed as the film thickness is reduced, making them ideal for micro and nanoscale applications such as micro-pumping and fluid switching. The commercial potential will be for polymer driven artificial urinary sphincters and low cost automatic irrigation valves. Later applications include incorporation into micro and nano-devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Madden, John Molecular Mechanisms LLC MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 98700 5371 MANU 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0128618 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Lattice Boltzmann Technique for Heat Transfer Prediction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will produce a unique computational tool for heat transport prediction. The novel approach to be used here will hybridize the Digital Physics technology based on Lattice Boltzmann Methods (LBM) for hydrodynamics with efficient partial differential equation (PDE) solution methods for heat transfer using grids of up to a hundred million computational cells thus allowing for quantitative prediction of heat transfer phenomena of interest in materials processing and manufacturing. With this platform, the highest standards of numerical accuracy, efficiency (including nearly perfect parallel scalability) and geometrical flexibility (including full integration with commercial CAD tools), as well as a user friendly interface, shall be naturally inherited. Upon algorithm optimization and benchmarking against test flow data, a complex heat transfer problem of industrial level complexity shall be simulated. The hybrid thermal transport prediction tool will open major new commercial markets for the PowerFLOW product, especially at the engineering design level. This new technology shall enable prediction of internal flow and heat transfer within the automotive industry. The ability of the proposed LBM-PDE methods to address microscale thermal transport problems in which Knudsen number effects are important should open important new markets for novel technologies in MEMS and related industries as well as broad new markets for computer aided engineering (CAE), especially in manufacturing industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Staroselsky, Ilya Exa Corporation MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99774 5371 MANU 9146 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128623 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Ultrasonic Cavitation Probe for Monitoring and Testing Engineered Surfaces. This Small Busuness Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop an initial prototype design for a cavitation probe that uses the property of a collapsing cavitation bubble to produce visible photons (sonoluminescence) has been designed and constructed. These light emissions can be easily detected within a small, finite volume and thus this probe provides a direct means of measuring the cavitation density (activity/per unit volume) within a cavitating fluid and the delivery of ultrasonic energy at an engineered surface. As a result, ultrasonic methods treating a surface can be directly monitored and controlled in real-time, leading to the ability to improve and predict the performance of the resulting structure. For example, since cavitation is thought to be the principal mechanism that leads to particle removal from silicon wafers during an ultrasonic/megasonic cleaning operation, it is likely that a strong correlation exists between cavitation probe output and cleaning effectiveness. Thus, this probe provides the potential for constructing a real-time monitor of ultrasonic/megasonic cleaner efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, because the entire three-dimensional cavitation field can be measured with this probe, it can also serve as a useful tool in ultrasonic/megasonic cleaner design. A real-time cavitation-density measuring device would have great utility in the semiconductor cleaning industry and thus this probe provides considerable promise for commercial development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gens, Timothy L-Tech Corporation CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128631 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Group Coding for Reliable High Performance Network-Centric Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will study the feasibility of building a reliable, high-performance network-centric storage system technology (NetSTOR). NetSTOR's architecture is based on a new very fast group data coding (GC) scheme that will achieve efficient and dependable data delivery across the network. Recently, the need for network storage has burgeoned, without truly universal solutions being available. Phase I will evaluate the performance improvement achieved by NetSTOR's unique architecture and validate the effectiveness and efficiency of the GC technique. Efficient decoding algorithms will be employed to achieve reliability against server failure and faulty network connections. Multi-threaded parallel data transfer will ensure high performance data delivery. Automatic system reconfigurability will provide high data availability. The system will be application-aware addressing application specific issues such as cache management, data layout, and prefetching will be employed for performance optimization. Potential commercial applications of the proposed storage system include distributed web hosting, multi media network-based services, high performance computing, modeling and simulation, distributed information retrieval, and terrain visualization. Applications of group coding in areas other than data storage include mobile communication, reliable multicasting, audio/video streaming, and digital fountain systems will be considered. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Malluhi, Qutaibah Data Reliability Inc. MS Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0128636 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Universal Technology Platform for Remote Sensing and Controlling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims at the development of a universal technology platform for remote sensing and controlling. This technology development will be carried out with a focus on affordability, ease of use, reliability, usage of and compatibility with existing communication standards, computer platform independence, modularity/reconfigurability, scalability and expandability. One commercial application using this Internet-based technology will foster the enhancement of education through remotely accessible experimental devices, the availability of which will provide significant relief to the strain on the spatial, temporal and fiscal resources that traditional laboratories impose on educational institutions. The initial beneficiaries of the proposed technology will be students at the undergraduate and graduate college levels. Subsequently, the propagation of the technology into the K-12, corporate training, and scientific experimentation arenas as well as into industrial and consumer applications appears to be both feasible and plausible. The enabling of remote access to various experimental devices proffered by JDS Technologies will facilitate improved student learning of scientific and technical principles. The proposed technology will promote independent and asynchronous learning patterns. It will also permit experimental demonstrations in lectures and allow experimentation to be included in distance learning programs. It thus provides access to sophisticated and cost intensive experimentation for a much larger student audience than would be possible in the absence of the remote-access capabilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hromin, Dennis JDS Technologies NJ Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99641 5371 SMET 9267 9180 9178 9177 7256 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0128641 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nanofabricated Clay/Polyion Multilayers for use as a Proton Exchange Membrane in Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of using nanofabricated clay membranes as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) in fuel cells. The project team will incorporate high cation exchange capacity materials (clays) with polyions as thin films and compare them to Nafion, the current material of choice for PEMs. Initially, fifty four different nanomembranes will be assembled and evaluated against Nafion. The project team will identify those formulations of nanomembranes that show the most promise in terms of technical performance and economic feasibility. The fuel cell market has tremendous potential and initial estimates forecast growth from $5 to 60 billion between 2005 and 2020. Successful research developing nanofabricated clay/polyion membranes for use in PEM fuel cell could lower the costs of fuel cell systems by 38% (1 kW system). These nanomembranes have the potential to increase the power output of fuel cells because they are orders of magnitudes thinner and use high cation exchange capacity materials. Furthermore, these nanomembranes are inexpensive to make, thus reducing the cost of the overall fuel cell substantially. Not only do nanomembranes have the potential to cost less than Nafion, but they can also lower the price of fuel cells due to higher operating efficiencies. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Taft, III, Karl HOKU SCIENTIFIC, INC. HI Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 9150 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128647 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A New Technology for Rapid Identification of Aluminum Metals. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine the technical feasibility for applying a new innovative sensing technology to rapidly identify and sort aluminum metals from other non-magnetic metals such as copper, zinc, nickel, and non-magnetic stainless steels commonly found in scrap metals, particularly metals derived from automobile shredder facilities. The objective will be to develop an environmentally friendly computerized dry process which can be situated locally and which can rapidly and cleanly sort aluminum scrap from mixtures of nonmagnetic metals at low cost. This technology will replace the large, costly, and environmentally burdensome heavy media process that is current used. The commercial applications for this technology will be sorting of aluminum from automobile shredders. This technology will significantly reduce the environmental impact of sending these materials to landfills. The materials recovered can be recycled and sold back to industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sommer, Edward NATIONAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128649 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Feasibility of Using Anonymous Cell Phone Tracking for Generating Traffic Information. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is an investigation of the feasibility of using anonymous tracking of cellular phones to generate traffic information on a road network. Delays due to congestion are expensive both in terms of lost time and in aggravation. Management of congestion is difficult due to lack of information on current conditions. While most information is gathered via expensive detector systems installed in the roadways, it is possible to determine traffic conditions by following the movements of sample vehicles, called probes. Many vehicles contain a cellular phone, and, due to a recent FCC mandate, which requires that all telecommunication carriers be capable of locating a cellular phone to within 125 meters, an opportunity exists to build a system where the movements of a large number of cell phones can be used to determine conditions on every road in a road network. This project will determine whether the location systems installed by the carriers can be used to generate traffic information. The results will enable the development of an area-wide traffic information system which can be used for the dissemination of travel information and for the study of traffic patterns on road networks. Commercial application of the results of this project fall into 3 areas: traffic management, fleet operations, and information dissemination. Traffic information is valuable to the users of the road network. Traffic management includes the many public agencies around the country tasked to aid in the management of the roads. Fleet operators consist of large and small delivery vehicles. Information dissemination includes cellular phones, personal digital assistants, in-vehicle display systems, websites and radio. All three markets are significantly affected by traffic congestion, particularly unexpected congestion. Each market is large and commercially addressable by a traffic information system based on cell phone tracking. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cayford, Randall IntelliOne Technologies Corporation GA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99908 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0128657 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Applications of Fluid Models to Semiconductor Fab Operations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will evaluate the use of innovative multiclass fluid models for analyzing factory capacity and finding optimal scheduling policies for semiconductor fabs. Historically, queuing theory models and other analytical tools have not modeled wafer fabs well because of their massive size and highly reentrant flows. Recently, researchers in modern queuing theory have made considerable progress in developing a new type of model known as a multiclass fluid network, which addresses many of the shortfalls of earlier analytic methods. The objective of this project is improved analytic and computational techniques and tools for design, optimization, and simulation of fab operation systems using queuing theory and stochastic processes (as models of complex, dynamic fab systems and processes) for production planning and control in scheduling wafer processing and integrated material logistics (including automated material handling and human delivery to and operation of equipment). The project will show the feasibility of several algorithms for solving fluid models when applied to realistic fab data in a robust, usable, portable, and scalable computing environment. Anticipated results include the development of new software tools to improve the performance of manufacturing production systems. The commercial benefits will be to semiconductor manufacturing companies and other firms that operate large factories with reentrant flows (such as flat panel and disk drive producers). The worldwide semiconductor revenue was over $203 billion in 2000 (with 914 fabs in current operation), and is projected to be nearly $283 billion by 2004 (with an additional 38 fabs on line). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Billings, Ronald Fluid Analysis for Balancing Queues TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128660 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Low-bandwidth Long-distance Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project investigates the opportunities inherent in long-distance learning alternatives fashioned around the telnet internet protocol. To date, virtually all long-distance learning trials have been designed to operate using the procedures of the world-wide web (HTTP, CGI, Java, etc.), but these web-based solutions have a number of obvious intrinsic problems. Such solutions tend to be quite slow, and they are capable of only moderate interactivity, often quite fragile, and rapidly become surprisingly complex. In contrast, the telnet protocol, when used with a more or less standard terminal emulator, tends to be very responsive over the internet, especially when the protocol is very slightly modified, and very simple to program against. The creation of a freely distributed player and accompanying inexpensive authoring tool built around a standard terminal interface could be of importance to areas with underdeveloped communications infrastructures, thus making the internet accessible to those who can afford only low-bandwidth internet. The distributed player and authoring tool proffered by Aics Inc has the potential to have an important impact on the nature and methods of the distribution of information opportunities for secondary education through graduate and continuing professional education, and they could serve in technical commercial sales and training and in more generally in crossing the digital divide. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Atmar, Wirt Aics Inc NM Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99438 9150 SMET 9180 9178 9177 9150 9102 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0522400 Information Systems 0128662 January 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR PHASE I: Ceramic/Polymide Nanocomposite Possessing Controlled Coefficient of Thermal Expansion. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on development of unique ceramic/polyimide nanocomposite materials. It will demonstrate the ability to formulate a polyimide (or other polymer material) with a designed coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) through the covalent incorporation of ceramic nanophase materials. The key tasks involve (1) sol-gel synthesis of ceramic nanospheres possessing a negative CTE (2) covalently bonding them into the backbone of the polyimide through the use of bi-functional linker molecules and (3) evaluation of various doping levels of the ceramic nanospheres to determine optimum impact on the CTE of the composite material. In terms of commercial uses, polyimides have wide application as films in the electronics, aerospace, and manufacturing industries where they are used for flexible circuitry, insulation materials, speaker cones, automotive switches, disk drives, and in many other applications. A common problem in the design of these systems using polyimides is the inherently high CTE of these materials and to a certain extent poor thermal dimensional stability. The proposed effort seeks to provide an approach to resolve these issues. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Paxton, James PHYSITRON, INC. AL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9150 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0128664 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: BriefMaker - A Requirements Definition Tool. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will enable design professionals and their clients to produce concise and accurate statements of project requirements. The initial work will be done for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The proposed requirements definition tool empowers businesses to develop on-line user needs and analysis statements according to customers' preferences and to model, in real-time, the type of constructed project desired. With superior understanding of clients' needs, designers can shorten the product delivery cycle and provide an end product with greater customer satisfaction. The potential market for this innovation is since it can be used in any segment of the AEC industry such as industrial, office, commercial, residential, hotel, and education. Firms producing large, complex products-such as aircraft, flight simulators, and telecommunication systems-have the same need for early, accurate identification and statement of requirements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hansen, Karen EHPW Design and Construction Consulting CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 97595 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 0522400 Information Systems 0128677 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Low-Temperature, Low-Cost Manufacture of Oxide Thin Films. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a rapid, low-cost, low-temperature, scalable, environmentally benign method for the deposition of crystalline oxide thin films. The specific Phase I goals are to demonstrate the feasibility of developing procedures for growing these specific high-quality thin-film crystals and to evaluate their crystal structure, optical properties and texture. The commercial benefits of this type of processing method would revolutionize applications ranging from electronics to medicine to energy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reynolds, Thomas REYTECH CORPORATION OR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9163 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128691 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: High-Throughput Purification of Combinatorial Libraries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will develop a highly-parallel, mass-selected purification system for large pharmaceutical drug libraries. The need for high-throughput purification is driven by the industry recognition that combinatorial chemistry samples must still be purified even after chemical screening. This is a daunting task considering the exponentially increasing number of drug candidates being synthesized by combinatorial and parallel methods. This proposal will examine monolithic parallel flash chromatography and preparative liquid chromatography configurations. The key enabling technology is photoionization mass spectrometry, which permits accurate molecular detection in mixtures of compounds without the problems of competition-for-charge and ion suppressions that plague conventional ionization methods. This will make it possible to monitor several chromatography columns at the same time. The goal of the project is to have a purification system in place that has a practical purification rate of 1 min per sample (16 parallel purifications in about 16 min) corresponding to a potential 16 hr daily rate of 960 sample purifications per day. The commercial application of this project will be in the important niche market of molecular analysis and screening for drug discovery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Syage, Jack SYAGEN TECHNOLOGY INC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99862 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128695 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Continuous Recovery of Bioethanol by Dephlegmator-Enhanced Pervaporation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the development of a commercially viable continuous process for bioethanol recovery. The proposed process will integrate a novel permeate condensation approach with the energy-efficient pervaporation technology. Due to increased interest in renewable fuels, domestic use of bioethanol is expected to grow steadily over the next decade. The primary processing steps, fermentation and ethanol recovery and purification are a significant component of the total cost of bioethanol production. Process improvements, such as incorporation of continuous fermentation and development of energy-efficient ethanol recovery technologies would reduce the production cost significantly. Successful completion of the project objective will lead to a reduction in the sizes of the fermentor and elimination of the distillation step, and consequently reduce the cost and enhance the energy efficiency of the entire bioethanol production process. The primary customers of the proposed technology will be the ethanol producers, but the technology has potential applications in the recovery of other fermentation-derived organic solvents as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mairal, Anurag MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128698 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Using Variable Polarization Ultrasonic Shear Waves to Isolate and Quantify the Competing Effects of Microstructure and Stress on the Acoustic Properties of Steel. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop prototype equipment to achieve control of acoustic shearwaves in ferromagnetic materials, and introduce innovative technology to enable scientists and engineers to utilize variable shear wave polarization as a new tool for measuring and characterizing material properties. This will greatly enhance non-destructive testing of metals.To establish the feasibility of the proposed technique, a specially configured Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) will be used to demonstrate electronic steering of shear wave polarization. Acoustoelastic relationships, relative to polarization angle, will then be analyzed for several steel samples of varying microstructure with the objective of establishing a measurement method capable of accurately determining longitudinal stress, independent of sample microstructure. Commercial applications exist for both rapid, in-situ, nondestructive assessment of microstructure, and for longitudinal stress measurement in steel members. Specific examples include monitoring and process control at critical stages of steel manufacture and thermomechanical processing; improving railroad safety through early detection and preemptive correction of extreme rail stress that can contribute to train derailments; and verification of correct load distribution in older or compromised steel structures such as bridges, stadiums, factories and multi-story steelframe buildings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Turner, Steven Analogic Engineering, Inc. WY T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99958 5371 MANU 9150 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0128709 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Friction Materials & Manufacturing Process. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate a unique method of producing hybrid metal ceramic composite friction materials.Friction materials are the replacement elements in braking,clutch and transmission systems.In this effort,Thor Technologies,Inc.will team with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)and an aircraft braking systems company to integrate two novel technologies into an innovative method of producing hybrid ceramic composite brakes.Preliminary studies with the Polymer Infiltration/Microwave Pyrolysis (PIMP)processing method indicate that it is capable of producing fiber-reinforced ceramic brakes with integral metal features.Such ceramic brakes will offer substantial competitive advantages over traditional friction materials,and should integrate seamlessly with existing systems.Thor Technologies will use the LANL Gyrotron Facility to produce hybrid ceramic composite frcition materials through the PIMP process.These will be evaluated through dynamometer tests conducted at the braking systems company.These tests will validate hybrid ceramic composites for friction applications,and will justify full-scale development of the PIMP manufacturing process.Thor Technologies,Inc.and the Principal Investigator are uniquely well positioned to meet the technical challenges of producing ceramic friction products and transitioning them to the market. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Schwab, Stuart Thor Technologies, Inc. NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 9150 MANU 9150 9146 9102 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128710 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: eTandem Distance Coaching. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a distance coaching system for foreign language learners using the tandem method through electronic media (eTandem). The objectives of the proposed research are to establish a fundamental understanding of issues and parameters affecting eTandem distance coaching and to demonstrate feasibility of an eTandem distance coaching system. Language learners lacking access to foreign language learning opportunities will be targeted. Rural and disadvantaged learners are key target groups. Tandem is an autonomous form of language learning where two native speakers of different languages form a reciprocal learning partnership. Tandem coaching was conceived, researched and demonstrated to improve the effectiveness of the tandem learning process. Since 1994, Tandem has been practiced using electronic media (eTandem) with great success. The concept of distance coaching for eTandem learners, not previously researched, offers high potential to advance language learning and intercultural exchange for an international audience. Parvis proffers a system, eTandem coaching, with potential for a dramatic impact on distance foreign language learning worldwide, serving a wide range of possible customers from K-12 to adult education. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG D'Atri, Dawn Parvis, Inc. MT Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1666 SMET 9178 9177 9102 7355 7256 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0522400 Information Systems 0128715 January 1, 2002 SBIR PHASE I: Heterogenized Homogeneous Catalysts based on Polymer-Supported N-Heterocyclic Carbenes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will research technical and commercial feasibility of heterogenized homogeneous (supported) palladium N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysts. Homogeneous palladium-catalyzed reactions are powerful methods for carbon-carbon and carbon-hetero atom bond formations, such as Heck and Suzuki reactions. However, their commercial adoption in fine chemical manufacture has been burdened by the inefficiencies associated with homogeneous catalysts, primarily recovery and recycling, which could be eliminated by the development of supported catalysts. Successful research and development would result in commercial products that would simplify post-reaction processing, reduced waste streams and reduction in costs via recycling. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Labadie, Jeffrey Argonaut Technologies CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128718 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Dendritic Carbon Tape Adhesive. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a a dry, strong, compliant adhesive tape that is removable and reusable. This will be based on a novel dendritic architecture consisting of a compliant velvet of micron-diameter carbon fibers, each with a compliant carbon nanotube array on its tip. Pressed against a surface, each nanotube array will make contact at multiple points on an atomic scale, resulting in a strong intermolecular (van der Waals) adhesive force. The Phase I project is expected to accomplish fabrication of dendritic structures, examination of these structures with electron microscopy and measurement of adhesive properties to a variety of surfaces under varying environmental conditions (i.e. air, vacuum, elevated temperature). The commercial applications of this project will be in a broad range of markets, extending from aerospace to consumer electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Seaman, Christopher Energy Science Laboratories, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128723 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Photo-Curable Silicon Oxycarbide Fiber for Diesel Engine Particulate Filters. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative new ultraviolet (UV) curable pre-ceramic polymer chemistry for the fabrication of high yield and low cost silicon oxycarbide (SOC) fibers for diesel particulate filters and other applications. Silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si3N4), and silicon nitride/silicon carbide (Si3N4/SiC) ceramics have been fabricated from UV photocurable pre-ceramic polymers to SiC and Si3N4/SiC with higher than 85 percent ceramic yield. Preliminary experiments have demonstrated that SOC fibers can also be fabricated from high-viscosity, photocurable thermoplastic pre-ceramic polymers. The poly(ethynyl)siloxane pre-ceramic polymers also have potential as a binder or matrix phase in SOC/SOC composites. Phase I will optimize fiber production techniques. Potential commercial applications are expected in particulate diesel filters for manufacturers in the automotive and truck markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pope, Edward EDWARD POPE DR CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 0522100 High Technology Materials 0128729 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Numerical Techniques for Human Oriented Interaction. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will research and develop the missing link in current virtual prototyping systems for computer-aided design (CAD). This missing element is the human hand. Current virtual prototyping strategies involve mice or other low-dimensional point-like interaction mechanisms. By adding life size, real-time interaction at the level of the human hand, virtual prototyping becomes significantly more valuable because of the higher order information available to the user. Interaction methods like grasping, pushing, sculpting as well as force feedback data can provide designers with critical product related information not usually available until a physical prototype has been built. Building on Immersion Corporation's existing SOLID infrastructure for real-time interaction with NURBS geometries and kinematic assemblies, the firm proposes to both research and develop numerical techniques necessary for true interaction with realistic models as well as the interaction paradigm itself. This innovation has great potential for all designers who build and prototype products that humans interact with. The introduction of interaction at the level of the human hand will leverage existing infrastructure at Immersion Corporation for intellectual property, product evaluation and marketing. The result will be an efficient transition to a product with a large existing market of designers and engineers from a significant cross-section of industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kramer, James IMMERSION CORPORATION CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0128779 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Versatile Low-Pressure Injection Molding Process for Net-Shape Ceramic Components. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an innovative and versatile low-pressure injection molding (LPIM) process for the fabrication of net-shape ceramic components. LPIM has been recently recognized as an attractive process for the fabrication of high-precision, complex-geometry ceramic parts. However, one major factor that limits the use of injection molding process for production is the lack of reliability and throughput. Thus, there is an immediate need for technologies that can substantially improve the LPIM process. This project will utilize a low-pressure injection molding approach for the net-shape forming of high performance ceramics reliably and at low cost. Specific innovations include: utilizing an environmentally-safe solvent extraction debinder technique, improving the thermal conductivity of the current binder system, and demonstrating an improved fabrication versatility that is relatively insensitive to material and size constraints. The commercial benefits will be to alumina ceramic based cross-flow particulate filtration systems for liquid waste streams; mullite based filters for hot gas streams; NZP based engine liners; and alumina based element holders for furnaces. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nageswaran, Ramachandran COI Ceramics, Inc. UT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0128814 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Implementation of an Internet-Based Natural Language Query System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the widespread need to improve the productivity of the student learning process in a wide variety of public, private and commercial environments. Using the Internet. speaktomi, LLC. has conceived, developed, and, demonstrated an innovation: a natural language query system (NLQS). This system is an Internet-based intelligent query system that combines distributed speech recognition and natural language understanding technologies. Speaktomi demonstrated and tested a NLQS prototype system using English in 2000 and Japanese in May 2001. The core technology of speaktomi's NLQS is a set of proprietary software components, integrated by speaktomi, LLC., using speaktomi's architectures and approaches (patents applied for) which support several languages and require no speaker training. The objectives of this research are to advance the performance of the NLQS system to the point of being able to define the specifications for a commercial product embodying NLQS. Specifically we will improve the system accuracy, latency, port the system to a PDA and identify client-server bottlenecks. The applications span learning grades K3-16 and above, in a broad array of commercial and military training programs, and when in combination with a translation engine, the NLQS technology can form a basis for systems that support interactive queries and real time collaboration across several languages. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bennett, Ian speaktomi LLC CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99955 5371 HPCC 9216 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0128817 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: HARBINGER: A Networked Embedded Systems Design Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the problem of constructing high-assurance real-time, networked embedded systems. The project will develop a design environment, called HARBINGER, supporting the specification, composition, analysis, and refinement-to-code of embedded systems, in a way that preserves consistency between requirements and code. HARBINGER will also supported guided refinement, e.g., by generating resource tradeoffs throughout the process, enable capture and reuse of design knowledge, and yield formal proofs of correctness to the extent possible. It is anticipated that HARBINGER will lower the cost of producing new embedded systems and improve the assurance of their correctness. Once in use, HARBINGER will also make radical improvements in the evolution of systems originally constructed in its environment. Practical problems such as targeting applications to changing host platforms will be handled much more easily within HARBINGER In this project, the firm will assess the practicality and effectiveness of the HARBINGER approach for commercially important applications. This will require selecting an initial market with strong requirements for high assurance software and systems as the basis for a proposal for the next phase of the research. Initial application candidates include automotive and aviation vehicle control systems, areas in which the firm has extensive connections. In both of these areas, attention will be paid to the practical consideration of legacy code and to the impact of important new protocols. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Douglas Kestrel Technology LLC CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99803 5371 HPCC 9216 0128846 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Protecting Multimedia Authenticity with Vaccination Of Electronic Bacteria Watermarks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project develops a novel method to protect the authenticity of multimedia. The Internet allows cost-free distribution of multimedia products of all sorts, from simple documents to music, video, or virtual reality. Free product samples become the gravity for snowballing success. Yet the same medium is plagued with theft and piracy of copyrighted media. The resolution of this dilemma is critical for inventors and copyright holders, and indeed for the growth of e-commerce as a whole. Media duplication is critical for exposure as long as the author, artist or company is cited. This novel research embeds three markings in multimedia by an independent component analysis (ICA) blind mixing algorithm: a visible logo or advertisement, an invisible watermark, and an invisible electronic bacteria code. The logo serves as a "vaccination" against a dormant digital "electronic bacteria" code. Once the logo is removed the bacteria code awakens and degrades only the multimedia. The invisible watermark enables retrieval by hardware media players and tracking. The product of this research is twofold: intellectual property and software tools. Revenue originates from the sale of advertisement space, IP licensing, and sale of software to the content producers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Landa, Joseph BriarTek Inc. VA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99960 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0131228 March 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A New Digital Video Surveillance System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a digital video surveillance system prototype. Over the past few years, video surveillance systems have been moving from analog to digital. The success of a digital video surveillance system depends on three key enabling technologies: compression, search and retrieval and network transmission. Existing commercial systems generally use standard video compression techniques, which often result in higher memory and bandwidth requirements and jerky object motion. In current video search and retrieval, the existing systems offer only search-by-time and no search-by-content. In network transmission, today's systems use relatively simple techniques that tend to make remote monitoring slow and sluggish. The company is using a highly efficient compression algorithm that exploits the special characteristics of surveillance video and is based on a segmentation technique. This technique, when applied to video search and retrieval, leads to search-by-content, which is more efficient and effective in practical applications. Finally the proposed system will employ fast network transport protocols and scalability techniques to make remote monitoring faster, uninterrupted by network traffic surges, and to allow display on a range of user devices. This digital video surveillance system can be used to maintain the security of banks, airports, government buildings, corporate sites, homes, and small businesses. It can also be used to monitor the performance and operating conditions of machines and equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Drake, Laura JunTech, Inc. WI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0131395 March 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Process for Preparing Nanometer-Sized Ceramic Particles at High Production Rates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and commercialize a new technology for mass producing nanometer-sized ceramic powders at dramatically reduced costs. The technology, Combined Atomization and Reaction Technique (CART), involves providing an atomizing gas medium containing a reactant element such as hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, chlorine, fluorine, boron, or sulfur; preparing a metal alloy melt super-heated to a spontaneous reaction temperature at which the alloy can undergo a self-sustaining reaction with the selected reactant element; and introducing reactant gas to concurrently mix, atomize, and react with the critically super-heated alloy melt to form ultra-fine ceramic particles in an atomizer chamber. This Phase II project will design and build a prototype pilot-scale CART apparatus to demonstrate the commercial viability of the technology as applied to the synthesis of nano-sized oxides of selected metals that are deemed to have the greatest commercial potential. The commercial potential of ultrafine powders are in the production of catalysts, coatings and films, conductive pastes, cosmetics, electromagnetic components, electronic devices, fire retardant materials, magnetic fluids, sintered and injection-molded parts, ceramic composites, magnetic storage media, phosphors, pigments, polishing media, and toners. Indium-tin oxide (ITO) powders are used to prepare sputtering targets for deposition of transparent films for use in flat-panel display technology. Nano-grained materials can be employed to replace various load-bearing and non-structural parts in automobiles, infrastructures, off-shore structures, piping, containers, electronic equipment housings, etc. Nano-grained cermets and ceramics are outstanding cutting tool materials. Transparent nano-grained ceramics can be utilized in a broad array of applications, including transparent ceramic appliance components, clear "glassware" and artistic artifacts. Transparent ceramics may also be used in ballistic protection armor by law enforcement, security police and armored car personnel. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Huang, Wen Nanotek Instruments, Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 382093 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0131791 March 15, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase II: A Low Cost Semiconductor Metallization-Planarization Process. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II Project will establish market demand for a novel electrically mediated leveling technology and position the technology for market launch via a joint venture. The specific Phase II objectives are: 1. Scale-up and demonstration of the electrically mediated process on eight inch wafers, 2. Development of a process library for feature sizes 1-5 down to 0.17 microns, and lower, and 3. Design of a "proof of concept" plating tool. Preliminary concept design of a plating tool incorporating the electrically mediated process will be performed by an outside firm. The sustainable competitive advantage associated with the project for leveling is cost. Minimal overplate will eliminate or minimize the need for chemical/mechanical planarization (CMP) by reducing the copper waste slurry compared to the state-of-the-art copper metallization processes. This in turn would eliminate the associated control, environmental, and cost issues. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Taylor, E. Jennings FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 530042 5373 MANU AMPP 9251 9178 9163 7218 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0131833 March 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Census Microdata in the Classroom. This SBIR Phase II project proposes to research ways to increase accessibility and utilization of microdata from censuses of the U.S. and other countries in secondary school and college courses in mathematics. A seamless, XML-driven interface to a web server at the Minnesota Population Center will make it possible for teachers and students to specify, request, and import this microdata into Fathom Dynamic Statistics software. Enhancements to Fathom software will increase its already considerable ease and power for working with census microdata; curriculum materials in mathematics will provide teachers with effective ways to begin working with this highly motivating data--both to teach existing content and to teach data literacy. Phase I research suggested strong similarities between census microdata and school census microdata data that is gathered by K-12 schools about student demographics and performance, course offerings, and classroom practice. Accordingly, Phase II leverages this overlap to produce greatly needed interfaces for easily accessing school census microdata, survey tools for producing it, and extensions to Fathom for analyzing it. KCP Technologies' census microdata project exploits the merging web connectivity in American schools, thus symbiotically fitting a larger pattern of evolution of school technologies. The project offers a product that supports analysis of complex data through an easy-to-use interface which will contribute to data anlysis and learning from data analysis. U.S. education is very much in need of the kinds of software and curriculum resources to be produced under this project SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Finzer, William KCP Technologies CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 499831 5373 SMET 9178 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0131966 February 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Organized Search Results with Document Clustering. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will produce advances in document clustering technology. The company's proprietary software transforms a long list of raw search results into organized hierarchical folders that are browsed in Windows Explorer style. This software brings into easy view relevant information that otherwise would remain buried in the search results. It also enables effortless knowledge discovery: at a glance, a user learns themain subtopics corresponding to the query. The company has the first document clusteringtechnology good enough for mass use, in terms of speed, quality of the clustering, and ease of interaction. The resultant software product will augment the capabilities of web, enterprise, and database search engines. The market will include search engine vendors, system integrators and large organizations in business, academe, and government. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Valdes-Perez, Raul Vivisimo, Inc. PA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 862027 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 9178 9102 7207 0522400 Information Systems 0131967 February 15, 2002 STTR Phase II: Long-Gage Fiber Bragg Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring and Damage Identification. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will further explore the use of long-gage fiber Bragg grating strain sensors in conjunction with vibration-based system identification techniques for health monitoring and damage identification of civil structures. In phase I, the proof of concept was shown based on static and dynamic laboratory experiments on small-scale structural models. In this Phase II effort, field tests on bridges identified in Oregon and California will be performed to further validate this very promising tool for structural health monitoring and damage identification. These bridges provide unique opportunities as two of them are scheduled for demolition and both State Departments of Transportation have agreed to support testing as these bridges are systematically damaged to provide a true real-world test of the damage identification system. These field tests will be an important step in providing feasibility data for future commercialization of the structural health monitoring and damage identification system. Once the proposed methods are debugged and validated for field applications, the California and Oregon DOT's will strongly consider adopting them for widespread use in their structural health-monitoring and bridge rehabilitation programs. The proposed structural health monitoring and damage identification system offers very promising advanced solutions to the triple problem of: (1) monitoring the state-of-health of the civil infrastructure system for optimum allocation of rehabilitation resources, (2) optimally designing the rehabilitation scheme for a specific deficient civil structure, and (3) evaluating the efficacy of the rehabilitation measure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Udd, Eric BLUE ROAD RESEARCH, INC OR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 553249 5373 1505 MANU CVIS 9251 9178 9146 7218 1038 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132003 February 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Software for Interactive Chemistry Tutoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will produce a set of completed and commercially viable intelligent tutoring systems for chemistry education, building upon a rule-based, model-tracing, cognitive modeling tutor prototype for chemical equation balancing. Teachers, students, parents and administrators state that existing chemistry education software does not satisfy their need for truly interactive and on-demand computer instruction. Current approaches are rigid and linear, offering only a limited number of fixed and statically scripted problems. They do not deal with the individual student's own work in any meaningful or intelligent way. By simulating reasoning using chemical principles rather than compiling a database of problems and answers, artificial intelligence methods can provide a route to overcoming these serious fundamental limitations. Although the technology proffered by Quantum Simulations, Inc. is technology that will assist all students, those students of average or marginal performance will benefit the most. Creating tutoring systems that can function as guides and not just as graders of student work is an important step in realizing the full value of computers in education. The proposed work takes a significant step in this direction. Moreover, the technology has been designed in a general way such that it can be applied to other educational topics beyond chemistry and can work together in a synergistic, value-added fashion with other tools and curricula in a multi-resource learning environment. Quantum Simulations, Inc., customers are driven by strong end user needs and include textbook publishers, software provides, and distance learning companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Johnson, Benny Quantum Simulations Incorporated PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 582000 5373 SMET 9178 9177 0108000 Software Development 0132025 February 15, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Machine Vision System for Automated Imaging and Process Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an entirely new form of machine vision technology for process control of metallic components. The technology is based on an array of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors that produce high-resolution images of hidden defects, missing parts, and other features. Minute GMR sensors detect magnetic fields associated with eddy currents induced in the component being imaged. High spatial resolution images are achieved through the high density and small size of the sensors in the array, coupled with the high sensitivity, low noise, and fast response of the sensors. A GMR sensor array, combined with a magnetic field generator, can produce high resolution, three-dimensional images of parts as they are produced, using a rugged, non-contacting sensor system. The images provide on-line feedback for process control, quality assurance, and safety protocols. The Phase I project developed functional GMR sensor arrays, and successfully imaged defects in metallic parts clearly demonstrating that the technology is feasible. The commercial potential of the proposed technology will be in manufacturing, quality assurance (QA), and process control. It will be used for rapid imaging and inspection of parts used in electronics, aerospace, automotive, transportation, construction, biomedical and other industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Summers, Steven TPL, Inc. NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 487477 5373 MANU 9150 9147 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132030 February 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Nanoparticle Photostimulated Luminescence Based Optical Storage. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demonstrate the ability to generate photostimulated luminescence (PSL) in nanoparticles. The potential applications in digital imaging and storage offered by PSL phosphors, including X-ray imaging could be significant. PSL phosphors currently in use present several drawbacks including greater expense and poorer resolution as compared to conventional screen-film methods. The quantum confinement of nanoparticles offers solutions to many of the shortcomings of existing PSL phosphors. The project will characterize nanoparticles with a goal of optimizing these materials for use as phosphors in thin films. The project will also fabricate the required thin films and compare them to commercially available PSL phosphors for performance, longevity, and other factors of interest. The commercial applications will be widely applicable to digital imaging, offering high resolution, low cost, easy storage, low complexity, easy portability, and other desirable features. Materials with efficient PSL have great potential for technical applications such as optical storage, X-ray imaging, radiation measurements and quality control, optical dosimeters and dating, infrared sensors, image intensifiers, near-infrared-to-visible light converters, and bio-molecular structure recording and probing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chen, Wei NOMADICS, INC OK Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499988 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132035 March 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: The Auto-Autodidact - A Web-Delivered Learning Environment Based on Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will combine the Internet, electronic libraries, and a new machine learning technique that simulates human understanding of text to produce an independent learning and problem-solving environment for individuals and groups. Using Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), Auto-autodidact (autodidact: a self-taught person) first learns the vocabulary and concepts of a topic by automatic training on textbooks. Then, as students study and write, and groups discuss and plan, it will continuously evaluate what they know and do not know, find relevant information anywhere in an electronic library, and connect participants with complementary needs and knowledge. Auto-autodidact capitalizes on the motivational power of peer interaction, the instant availability of enormous textual resources, and the possibility of sharing individual knowledge over time and space. Auto-autodidact will integrate LSA with a state-of-art environment for distributed knowledge-building discussion and newly available electronic libraries to provide continuous embedded assessment, tutorial dialogue, and meaning-based information insertion. It will be unique in its ability to construct a learning environment for a new domain, customizing it for the needs of either an individual learner or a collaborating team, in a matter of days or even minutes. As we move into a networked world, Knowledge Analysis Technologies' proffered technology has the potential to weave together people and ideas, generating knowledge and fostering collaboration. If the project realizes its potential and consistently delivers useful results to users, it could transform how we interact with data and with one another. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Laham, Darrell Knowledge Analysis Technologies CO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 671257 5373 1666 SMET HPCC 9178 9177 9139 7410 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0132046 February 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Novel Instrument for the Determination of Extensional Rheology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project describes the development of a Capillary Breakup Rheometer (CaBER) from a proven breadboard design to a commercially viable instrument for both analytical and process control functions. In this document the results of the successful completion of a Phase I SBIR are outlined. The fundamental operation of the CaBER's component parts is supported by data that validates the chosen components and verifies the suitability of the design. In addition, sample data from model fluids will be used to both illustrate the functionality of the CaBER and to highlight the broad applicability of the instrument. Ongoing developments of the CaBER include more robust software analysis, cheaper manufacturing costs and a more intuitive user interface. These improvements will result in an instrument that is invaluable to industry in both a research laboratory and a process control environment. Currently there is only one commercially available extensional rheometer and a handful of academic rheometer designs. By providing a virtually unique tool for the determination of extensional viscosity in a freely draining fluid thread, this instrument will fill a segment of the instrumentation field that as here to fore been neglected. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Braithwaite, Gavin CAMBRIDGE POLYMER GROUP INC MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 499127 5373 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132055 March 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Source for High Rate Growth of Gallium Nitride Films. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II Project will develop a neutral, high flux/fluence nitrogen atom beam source for application to the high rate growth of III-V nitride semi-conducting materials over large areas. The proposed source is based on proprietary MID-JET technology. This technology employs an electrode-less discharge contained by vortex flow, rather than a dielectric tube commonly used in traditional sources. MIDJET technology utilizing a temperature of 5000 C to produce1021 nitrogen atoms has been demonstrated. This is 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than that generated by currently available sources. It is particularly applicable to Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) systems, where it will allow both high growth rate and the elimination of the use of ammonia. The MIDJET will be adapted for use in a MOCVD reactor and a demonstration made of the system's ability to grow gallium nitride at a rate of at least 10 microns per hour. This project will develop a charge-free, high flux/fluence nitrogen atom beam for the growth of III-V nitride materials which can replace existing plasma-based tools. With higher growth rates of high quality material over larger areas, systems based on the MIDJET will have with application to the fabrication of high power/high temperature semiconductor devices and blue illumination sources (including those for flat panel displays). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schwarz, Willi Physical Sciences Incorporated (PSI) MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 493649 5373 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132058 March 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: An Information Handling System for Low Vision. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop software and hardware products that assist people with low vision to efficiently read and process information from many sources. These products will combine optical character recognition (OCR), speech synthesis and recognition technologies, together with customizable displays based on the latest vision research to accommodate a variety of visual impairments. These products will incorporate a 'Pick and Click' user interface, developed in Phase I, which does not require viewing the screen, yet presents visual displays useful to a low vision person, and is intuitive to fully sighted teachers experienced with graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Included in the products will be functions particular to the low vision market, such as reading text optimally, enlarging pictures, and using a video camera for magnification while handwriting and viewing 3D objects. In addition, 'Pick and Click' interfaces to the most common computer applications programs, such as word processing, e-mail, Internet browser, spreadsheet, and financial accounting will be included. Low vision users will benefit from a low cost interface that provides a clean and less cluttered presentation of information on the screen. JBliss Imaging's proffered new technology has potential to improve access to and capability of manipulating information for the low vision population.. The technology also has potential to serve individuals with other disabilities, such as dyslexia and other forms of challenges to learning and reading abilities. Commercial applications are in schools, libraries, businesses, and homes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bliss, James JBliss Imaging Systems CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 498629 5373 SMET 9180 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0000912 Computer Science 0116000 Human Subjects 0132076 March 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Next Generation Component Software for Simulation-Based Econometric Estimation. This SBIR Phase II research project proposes to develop user-friendly component software for classical econometric estimation and inference based on simulation methods, such as maximum simulated likelihood, method of simulated moments, and efficient method of moments. In the last decade different simulation-based methods have been developed to tackle complex economic/statistical models which cannot be estimated by conventional methods such as Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). Although these simulation-based estimators have desirable theoretical properties, they have remained as research topics in academia and have not become useful tools for practitioners because of the lack of user friendly software. Building upon the Phase I research and development, Insightful (formerly MathSoft) plans to study two classes of models: mixed logit models for discrete choice analysis which represent cross sectional and panel data problems, and models for term structure of interest rates which represent discrete time and continuous time structural models. Extensive Monte Carlo experiments will be used to explore finite sample properties of various aspects of simulation, estimation and forecasting, with an aim of improving and stabilizing the current algorithms. The user-friendly component software will be developed using both object oriented S-Plus language and the state-of-art JavaBean technology, and it will provide intuitive graphical user interface. The S-Plus functions of the technology proffered by Insightful for econometric estimation and inference will serve the purpose of quickly gaining a broad user base, while the JavaBeans can be used to develop custom applications. The software will help economists and practitioners in other fields such as the financial industry, social sciences, and biotechnology to conduct flexible and extensible model estimation and inference. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zivot, Eric Insightful Corporation WA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 511604 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 0108000 Software Development 0510604 Analytic Tools 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0132078 March 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Carbon Electrodes to Reduce Ultracapacitor Size and Cost. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop advanced carbon electrode materials for ultracapacitors. Presently, ultracapacitor voltages are limited to 2.3 - 2.7 V/cell. New carbonaceous electrode materials are expected to increase cell potential limits to >3.6 V. Given the quadratic dependence of energy density on cell potential, these materials will increase ultracapacitor energy storage by >100%. The increased cell potential will reduce device size and cost by reducing the number of cells required to attain a given voltage rating. Phase II will demonstrate that these materials can withstand extended charge/discharge cycling to high voltage. A scalable process will be developed to produce the new carbon electrode materials. Prototype ultracapacitors will be produced to support customer demonstrations. The commercial potential of this project is for ultracapacitors that are used in portable electronic devices, power conditioning (UPS), and electromechanical actuators. Additional applications include hybrid electric and conventional vehicles to service intermittent high power loads (e.g. regenerative braking, engine start, electromechanical valves, and electric power steering). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wixom, Michael T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132084 February 15, 2002 STTR Phase II: Autonomous Undersea Systems Network (AUSNET). This STTR Phase II project will result in the creation of an advanced network capability to enable ad-hoc networks to operate in a low bandwidth undersea environment. The specific application of the resultant capability will be to support Autonomous Undersea Systems Networks (AUSNET), which are fleets of unmanned robotic vehicles that can provide survey, search, and monitoring functions for customer bases including the oil industry, environmental monitoring, undersea communications infrastructure, search and rescue, and military applications. The capability will build upon the emerging standard Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocols to create a network that is entirely self-configuring, bandwidth conserving, and tailored to the unique requirements of cooperative undersea robotic operations. The two technical thrusts of the effort include AUSNET low-level protocol development, and higher level Application Programmer Interface specification and development. The cooperative Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV) market is emerging and substantial. There are currently 17 companies selling undersea communications devices, each of which is a candidate licensee for AUSNET technology. Near term application of Phase II results is anticipated in Naval applications. Even greater application is to be found in support of offshore undersea operations addressing requirements of the oil industry, communications (undersea cable) installation and maintenance, environmental survey and monitoring, search and rescue operations, and exploration/scientific research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Benton, Charles Technology Systems, Inc. ME Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 725000 5373 1505 HPCC 9215 9150 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0132096 April 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Novel Joining Process for Tubular Structures in Automotive and Aerospace Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and commercialize the Magnetic Pulse Welding (MPW) system, a novel materials joining process. The goal is to establish MPW as a reliable and economic method to weld tubular structures. The project will conduct research and engineering that will address the critical technical hurdles for the commercial implementation and dissemination of the new welding technology. The commercial applications would revolutionize the assembly process of the hydroformed tubular structures in automotive chassis and space frame applications. This process will promote the hybrid automotive body structure design that uses tubes of both aluminums and steels and will enable joining of different materials such as titanium to superalloys for aerospace and electronic applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cheng, Wentao Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus OH Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 478535 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132112 January 15, 2002 STTR Phase II: A New Device for Quantitative Determination of Trace Gas Species. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project substantially furthers the development of a powerful means to simultaneously measure trace amounts of multiple species vital to environmental control, industrial process control, and human health and safety. A fast, flexible, accurate, and low power-consuming technique, prism Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) will measure trace species to levels as low as parts-per-trillion. The research completed in Phase I demonstrated that the technology requires prisms fabricated from high-purity, super polished materials of high optical homogeneity. Phase I served both to identify appropriate materials to construct a fully functional prism and to prove that the prism cavity operates from the near UV down to the near IR range, greatly enhancing the breadth of CRDS performance. The commercial market for the prism cavity lends itself to a wide range of applications: manufacture of compound semiconductors for telecommunications; continuous emissions monitoring for environmental compliance and workplace safety; laser weapon development and performance verification; detection of explosives or chemical warfare agents; and chemical analysis of breath for medical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Yan, Wen-Bin Tiger Optics, LLC PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 1505 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0132118 February 15, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Development of High Efficiency NanoFilter Media. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will demonstrate using a prototype design the commercial feasibility of electrospinning to produce nanofibers. Nanofibers will be combined with conventional filter media to form a novel NanoFilter media for liquid and air filtration applications. These applications have been shown to remove particles smaller than 3 microns from effluent streams with superior filtering efficiency and attractive cost potential. The acrylic nanofibers will be electrospun as a nanoweb directly on to a conventional support (filter media) substrate. The web will be combined with a protective cover layer to form a sandwich structure, which will be collected as a roll. The filter will be easily tailored to achieve the desired composite filter performance by varying architecture: substrates, nanofiber diameter, nanoweb density, and the nanoweb thickness. This project will be carried out collaboratively with academic centers and major corporations as its strategic partners. Nanotechnologies developed in the coming years will form the foundation for a significant commercial platform. Commercial applications in a variety of filtration processes such as: high-end industrial raw material purification, biological separations, ultra pure air and water systems, hospital clean rooms, agriculture and food industries filters, and microelectronic industries next generation clean environment needs are anticipated. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Doshi, Jayesh ESPIN TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 1051999 5373 MANU 9146 7218 5373 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132126 March 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Novel Catalyst Substrate for the High and Low Temperature Water Gas Shift Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to develop a compact, lightweight, and low cost Microlith Water Gas Shift (WGS) reactor capable of rapid start-up, excellent transient response and high CO conversion efficiency with very low levels of methane formation. This technology offers a key low cost contribution to meeting objectives for efficiency and clean emissions. The Microlith based WGS reactor will be optimized by developing prototype reactor designs for fuel processor applications, and demonstrating predicted durability of up to 5000 hours. Target customers and markets are fuel processor/fuel cell manufacturers developing and seeking to sell Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell products for stationary residential and distributed power, and for heavy duty vehicles in the short term, fuel processor/fuel cell manufacturers developing products for automotive markets in the long term and opportunistically, specialty chemical reactor applications (e.g. for hydrogen and syngas production and in ammonia synthesis) where the technology's size and performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lyubovsky, Maxim Precision Combustion, Inc. CT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 646745 5373 AMPP 9163 5371 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132134 February 15, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Rapid, Low-Cost Processing of Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic Composites. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project will validate the polymer infiltration/microwave pyrolysis (PIMP) process and ceramic product whose feasibility was demonstrated in Phase I. The Phase I project demonstrated a reduction in pyrolysis time of greater than 90%; the Phase II project will confirm a corresponding cost reduction. During the Phase I, a strategic partnership with a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) was established. The Phase II project will refine the process to produce ceramic parts for a specific commercial application, and will validate the weight and performance enhancements projected in Phase I. The PIMP process will be expanded to the pilot plant scale, and with the collaboration of the OEM and a business development specialist. Commercial applications exist for fiber-reinforced ceramics, if they can be produced at low cost. The potential applications range from gas-fired turbine engines for power plants and aircraft to brakes, waste incineration and chemical production. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schwab, Stuart Thor Technologies, Inc. NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499756 1505 MANU 9150 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132146 March 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A New Pseudo Amorphous High Temperature Oxide Material. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will investigate the use of a new high temperature amorphous oxide material, CerablakTM, as a protective coating on components used in the molten aluminum industry. CerablakTM is a newly discovered sol-gel derived material that is thermally stable up to 1400 degrees Celsius over many hours. A patented precursor is used to form a continuous, dense, and smooth thin film using a simple dip coating process. The key property of CerablakTM is its relatively low oxygen diffusivity which enables its use for oxidation protection of metal and alloy surfaces exposed to elevated temperatures. The Phase I project showed that the material is non-wetting and compatible with molten aluminum. CerablakTM coatings developed on full-size thermocouple protection tubes showed excellent durability and non-wetting behavior. The Phase II project will optimize the coating quality for use in protection of thermocouple protection tubes, riser stalk tubes, molds, and dies. The commercial applications include protective coatings for metals and alloys used in turbine components and petrochemical refining, molten metal processing, thermal protection systems for space propulsion, cookware, and glass. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Steiner, Kimberly APPLIED THIN FILMS INC IL Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 489887 5373 AMPP 9163 9102 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0132155 April 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: "RT Photocurable Preceramic Polymers to Si3N4 Ceramics". This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop a program that will optimize poly (ethynyl) silazanes (PESZ) synthesis with an emphasis on improved efficiency and low production costs; will scale-up the production of PESZ polymers to pilot scale batch sizes; will optimize PESZ processing for component fabrication; will fabricate "real world" components, such as thrust deflectors and diesel engine particulate filters; and will obtain "real world" mechanical and performance testing data. Through the course of achieving these objectives, commercial opportunities will be pursued. This approach potentially permits the fabrication of extremely large ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) structures never before possible in much the same manner as large polymer matrix aircraft structures and boat hulls are currently manufactured. The commercial application will be the fabrication of extremely large CMC structures that can be used in the aircraft industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pope, Edward EDWARD POPE DR CA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 613600 5373 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0132164 February 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Automating Workflow In Agriculture - Integrated Pest Monitoring System for On-Time and Online Decision Making. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will proceed with the development of a fully automated and integrated pest management (IPM) system. The goal of IPM is to minimize reliance on pesticides by emphasizing the moment-to-moment knowledge of the field situation to dynamically make decisions and deliver timely, targeted actions. Current IPM programs use data collection technologies from early 1900s, thus lacking speed and integration necessary to generate reports required by decision-makers who need to act quickly. With the Phase II development of a robust centralized Internet hub housing expert systems for automated data analysis, reporting (with GIS) and quick distribution of information, the benefits to agriculture will be unsurpassed. The company targets its suite of field data management and decision-making tools the pest management market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mafra-Neto, Agenor ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 836001 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9102 7218 1359 0522400 Information Systems 0132166 January 15, 2002 STTR Phase II: Enhanced High Volume Reinforced Al/SiC Metal Matrix Composites. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) project will develop advanced, nano-engineered thermal spray powders for producing composite coatings with revolutionary enhancements in performance. The Phase I project demonstrated the production of high volume reinforced (25-65 wt % SiC) aluminum and nickel matrix composite materials using CVD fluid bed coated powders and low cost consolidation techniques. Dramatic increases in flexure strength and modulus were achieved, with results showing greater than 5% (80% increase) ductility and a 600% increase in flexural strength compared to current metal matrix composite state of the art. A greater understanding of the nano-engineered particles being produced, and the relationship between nano-structural features and the resulting mechanical property improvements will be developed leading to repeatable, predictable performance and application to additional composite and coatings systems. The commercial potential will be for producing low cost; high volume fraction consolidated spray-deposited composite systems with significant improvements in mechanical properties and desired physical properties for structural and corrosion applications for the electronic industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Patel, Parth POWDERMET INC OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 499998 5373 1505 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0132241 February 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Magnetohydrodynamic Formation of Metal Monospheres. This NSF Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project continues research and development of a commercial process for the manufacture of mono-size-dispersed, spherical powder (size 1-10 micron) from metals melting up to 200C. A unique magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) jet exciter will be designed, fabricated and developed as a component of the system essential to producing monosphere powder to high tolerances (e.g., as demanded by the electronics industry of ball grid arrays for surface-mount components). The electrostatic means, for preventing coalescence in the drop cloud, will be developed further. Development of cooling means for solidification will be completed. Specific industry quality control standards and testing will be applied to qualify the monosphere product. Finally, a refined analysis of cost of manufacture, and a complete business plan will be produced. The outcome expected from this project is the technology base for the commercial, large-scale production of monospheres. This unique process innovation for large-scale production of monospheres, will provide a major new source of precise and economical powder for electronic solder balls and paste, powder metallurgy, composites, magnetorheological fluids, catalyst carriers, solid/fluid reactions and a multitude of other uses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dean, Jr., Robert SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 563999 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9147 7218 1467 1359 0308000 Industrial Technology 0132521 September 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) on Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS). The objectives of this multi-campus research Center are 1) to explore, conduct research and to bring about innovation and practical solutions by focusing on the industrially relevant research needs; 2) to foster collaborative research projects between industrial and academic engineers and scientists; and 3) to promote interdisciplinary and intra-university research activities and to nurture students through testbed and collaborative projects. The Center proposed four key program areas, namely 1) production equipment e-monitoring and e-maintenance systems; 2) web-enabled industrial systems management and optimization program; 3) smart business to devices technologies program; and 4) web-enabled development tools for e-maintenance application systems INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ni, Jun University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 405000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 1049 0000 0132742 February 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Mesh Generation for High-Order Finite Element Methods. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop technologies to generate meshes over general three-dimensional domains that are appropriate for high-order finite element analysis. A current stumbling block to the wide adoption of high-order finite element techniques is the lack of automatic means to generate appropriate curved meshes. This project will develop a new and innovative procedure for the effective generation of these types of meshes. The commercial application of this research is the integration of CAD technologies with advanced automated simulation techniques to be used within engineering design processes. These tools will reduce the time and costs associated with performing engineering analysis during design and increase the accuracy of the predictions obtained. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG O'Bara, Robert Simmetrix, Inc. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 562839 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0138192 September 15, 2001 Commercialization Planning Assistance for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROG IIP ENG Servo, Jenny Dawnbreaker Inc NY Joseph E. Hennessey Contract 1176000 5371 5370 OTHR 9102 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0140203 May 1, 2002 RUI: Development of the Back Index: A Collaboration Between Lamar University and the NSF I/U CRC in Ergonomics at Texas A&M University. This research will employ a faculty/student team to develop an epistemological study using non-occupational, psychosocial, and personal risk factors to predict occupationally related low back pain. The study will validate the usability and predictive power of the "Back Index" model to predict a manual materials handling job's risk for producing low back pain. This work will be an extension of the work done by the PI at the Texas A&M Ergonomics Industry/University Cooperative Research Center which will collaborate in this study. Research results will be incorporated into undergraduate teaching. Low back and trunk injury was responsible for 30% of the 2.8 million industrial injuries in 1998. In 1996 the total cost of industrial injuries was $122.6 billion. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Craig, Brian Lamar University Beaumont TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 49745 5761 OTHR 9229 1504 1049 0000 0196151 January 1, 2001 CAPPS: Effect of extended cold and cold/acid storage on subsequent heat, acid, and freeze/thaw tolerance and virulence factor expression of Escherichia coli O157:H7. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Drake, MaryAnne North Carolina State University NC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0196320 February 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: A New Device for Quantitative Determination of Trace Gas Species. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Yan, Wen-Bin Tiger Optics, LLC PA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 20000 1505 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0196323 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: IBEX - Restoring Functional Mobility in the Elderly Through In-Bed Exercise. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Greenwald, Richard SIMBEX LLC NH Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 311744 5373 BIOT 9251 9184 9178 5342 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0200076 May 1, 2002 Polymer Engineering Center at University of Wisconsin-Madison. This planning grant is the first step toward the setting up a multi-institutional Polymer Engineering Center (PEC) of the Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering (CAPCE) at the Ohio State University (OSU). This proposed multi-institutional I/UCRC is a university-industry-government collaborative initiative to create, integrate, transfer, and apply knowledge of polymer engineering and processing. It is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and effectiveness of companies involved in design and manufacturing of plastic components or production of manufacturing and sensing equipment related to the plastics industry. The Engineering Polymer Industrial Consortium (EPIC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a formal means for the PEC faculty and its industrial collaborators to jointly set up a research agenda, share expertise and resources, validate research outcome, educate a preeminent workforce, and facilitate two-way transfer of technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Osswald, Tim Lih-Sheng Turng University of Wisconsin-Madison WI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0200377 January 15, 2002 Center for Experimental Research in Computer Systems. This planning grant award is the first step toward the setting up of the Center for Experimental Research in Computer Systems (CERCS) seeks to address complex communication/computation systems by bringing together researchers with knowledge of the key technologies underlying these systems, and thereby, create research teams that can address future systems and applications in a fashion that is integrated across multiple technologies and heterogeneous system components. The mission of CERCS is to develop new hardware and software technologies, to create technological advances, and to take advantage of these advances to remove technological barriers faced by complex, integrated systems. The CERCS approach is experimental and fosters research in which new technologies are evaluated experimentally, with large-scale applications and on systems of substantial size or complexity. The aim is to understand the challenging application requirements that cause novel system-level research, where insights at the system level motivate changes in how certain applications are implemented, and where new system technologies enable new classes of applications. The Center will work with external partners to comprehend their needs and requirements, and to experiment with alternative solutions and approaches. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Schwan, Karsten Douglas Blough Calton Pu Sudhakar Yalamanchili GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0200471 March 1, 2002 I/UCRC for Fuel Cell Research - Planning Grant. This planing grant plans to expand the research on Fuel Cells by creating an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Fuel Cell Research. This center builds on the strength of electrochemical engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina. The center provides an opportunity to focus research, nationally and perhaps internationally, to benefit commercialization of an environmentally friendly technology with a $10 billion US economic potential. The vision for the Center is to be recognized internationally for developing mathematical models useful for PEMFC design; producing experimental data and techniques that provide an understanding of PEMFC stack performance; studying hydrogen storage materials, devices, and their interface with PEMFCs; and developing new catalysts development for reforming hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels and the oxygen electrode. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Van Zee, John University South Carolina Research Foundation SC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0200502 January 15, 2002 Planning Grant: Connection One--Telecommunications Integration Circuits and Systems Center. This planning grant award is the first step toward the establishment of a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center I/UCRC at the College of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU). The focus of the proposed consortium is to develop a Telecommunication Circuits and System Center through leadership that offers the vision, focus and direction for the advancement of the next generation of telecommunication systems. The "Connection One: Telecommunications Circuits and Systems Center" has established a foundation for ASU researchers and industry partners that are committed to the advancement of integrated circuits and systems for wireline and wireless communications. The focus of the Center will be to simplify communication by identifying new circuits and system technologies that will enable a "system on a chip" single communication device. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kiaei, Sayfe Arizona State University AZ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0200639 November 15, 2001 SBIR PROPOSAL PROCESSING SUPPORT. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROG IIP ENG TRIUMPH TECHNOLOGIES INC VA Joseph E. Hennessey Contract 4744855 5373 5371 5370 OTHR 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0202463 November 1, 2001 SBIR Conference Support Contract. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROG IIP ENG DelaBarre, D. DelaBarre & Associates, Inc. WA Joseph E. Hennessey Contract 2750680 T443 5373 5371 5370 OTHR 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0308000 Industrial Technology 0211111 May 1, 2002 First International Workshop on Glass and the Photonics Revolution. Recognizing the pivotal role that glass as a material has played in development of the field of photonics, a workshop entitled "Glass and the Photonics Revolution" will be convened in Bad Soden, Germany, in May 2002. Held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the German Society of Glass Technology, the workshop will be sponsored jointly by the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Glass Research, The New York State Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology, both located at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, and the Research Association of the German Glass Industry, Germany. Held over a two-day period, the workshop will conclude with a panel discussion of important recent developments in the field of photonics and optical glasses. A major goal of the workshop is to convene glassmakers and glass users engaged in research, development or manufacture of photonic devices and to provide a forum in which both groups can learn the needs and capabilities of each other. WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pye, L. David Alfred University NY State College of Ceramics NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 20000 5980 5761 OTHR 5936 0000 0211203 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Investigation of Charge Trapping in Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) Dielectrics Using Electrostatically Actuated Mechanical Resonators. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will develop a novel way to measure charge trapping in dielectrics. The feasibility of our method by applying it to the characterization of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) nitride and oxide will be demonstrated. The deposition chemistry of these materials leaves trap sites that capture charge when subjected to large electric fields. Trapped charge affects the stability and performance of micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) devices that employ these dielectrics. A novel technique that uses a resonant, electro-statically actuated mechanical structure to measure charge trapped in a suspended dielectric layer is proposed. The real part of the device impedance, measured using a network analyzer, can be correlated to changes in electric field in the dielectric resulting from trapped charge.. PECVD dielectrics are critical constituents in MEM devices that enable $3.5 Billion in annualized sales (optical components, RF components, and medical imaging components). Although the technique itself is not a commercial product, it is broadly applicable to the engineering of MEMs devices utilizing suspended PECVD dielectric layers, such as radio frequency (RF) switches and micro-mirrors. This control of charge trapping in highly process sensitive PECVD dielectrics will allow us to realize the full commercial potential of our ultrasound devices in medical imaging applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fitzgerald, Alissa Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0211408 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Software Tools for the Design of Nanoscale Electronic Devices and Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project features as the main goal, the development of a simulator of nanoscale electronic devices, and circuits. Emphasis will be placed on devices and circuits that are based on carbon nanotubes, or tunneling in lithographically defined junctions. The simulator will be based partly on the extensive collection of theoretical and numerical techniques that have been developed by the firm to describe charge transport in single electron devices. A diagrammatic technique and non-interacting Green's functions were used to obtain the tunneling rates in such junctions. Those techniques will be extended to describe the nanotubes. A graphical user interface will be developed, as well as a module that provides movies of the dynamics of charge flow. A package that enables the visualization of charge transport in these ultrasmall devices is expected to be a stimulating teaching and learning tool. with the standard SPICE package. Powerful simulation tools are essential for the evaluation and development of nanoelectronic devices and systems. The primary customers of the proposed nanosystems simulator is expected to be chip manufacturers, manufacturers of high sensitivity electrical measuring instruments and academic researchers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Richardson, Wayne Qusemde CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 96850 5371 MANU 9148 0110000 Technology Transfer 0211476 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Advanced CdZnTe for Room Temperature Radiation Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the fundamental issues limiting the applications of Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride/Cadmium Telluride radiation detectors. Currently, x-ray and gamma ray equipment industry producing medical imaging, manufacturing, and security inspection instrument is a multi-billion dollar business. Room temperature Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride/Cadmium Telluride detectors and arrays appear to be the obvious choice as the sensing elements. However, after forty years of research, many problems remain. It was not clear why the yield in producing Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride/Cadmium Telluride detectors is still so low. Based on semiconductor physics, two parameters are most crucial in determining the detector performance: the need of the deep level of donor or acceptors to pin the Fermi level near the middle of the bandgap and the necessity to avoid defects which trap the carriers. Potential commercial applications of the research can be used by researchers at accelerator laboratories for particle analysis, by scientists for crystallography, by security personnel for inspection, by engineers for the control of packaging such as bottling, and for numerous medical applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chu, Muren Fermionics Corporation CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0110000 Technology Transfer 0211501 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Coherent and Tunable Terahertz (THz) Module for Chemical Identification. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the implementation of a Terahertz (THz) module that can emit coherent and tunable Terahertz waves. This project naturally follows the recent result obtained by the Project Investigator. Recently, coherent Terahertz radiation was generated at room temperature, which could be continuously tunable from 56.8 mm to beyond 1618 mm (5.27 to 0.18 THz), in Gallium Selenide, based on difference-frequency generation. The peak Terahertz power can be as high as 69.4 W at 196 mm. The corresponding photon conversion efficiency reaches 3.3%. This value has been greatly improved owing to the combination of extremely low absorption coefficients in the Terahertz domain and a large second-order nonlinear coefficient for Gallium Selenide. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that optical parametric oscillator in Lithium Niobate can be used to generate a Terahertz wave tunable in the range of 110-460 m (2.7-0.7 THz) with a peak power of 300 W. However, Lithium Niobate suffers from photorefractive damage. One needs a much higher laser intensity to achieve parametric oscillation. The Terahertz source will dramatically impact molecular spectroscopy. Such an instrument can be eventually used to control pollution and to identify toxic chemicals, for remote sensing, bio- medical imaging, and security screening. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shi, Wei DING, YUJIE J. PA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0211557 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Cavity-Enhanced Capillary Electrophoresis. 0211557 Gupta This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to apply cavity-enhanced spectroscopy to Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). CE typically relies on absorption spectroscopy to detect analytes eluting from a separation column. Although this detection method is very useful, the capillary's short absorption pathlength has limited its sensitivity, forcing the development of more complex detection schemes. Preliminary results suggest that an optical cavity can be used to enhance this absorption sensitivity by a factor of hundred to over ten thousand. The aim of this proposal is to interface a CE column to an optical cavity and demonstrate the enhanced detection of various biological samples. Due to the increasing popularity of CE in biochemical research, the commercial applications of this technology continue to grow. It is currently used to analyze DNA fragments, proteins, and various drugs. Moreover, it is also being considered as an alternate to gel electrophoresis for DNA sequencing and is a leading prospect for lab-on-a-chip technologies. The commercial applications of this project are in genomic sequencing, medical diagnostics, and drug screening. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gupta, Manish LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0211584 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Urea Sensing Biocatalytic Polymers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase Iproject proposes to develop a urea sensor using enzyme polyurethane polymers. The product concept is inexpensive, very easy to use and requires no additional analytical equipment or electricity. The strict specificity of the enzymes used in its formulation will provide the sensor with high precision in detecting urea and should limit false positive and negative signals. Sampling of surfaces and solutions will require only 1 simple step, limiting the potential for user error. Finally, rapid response times, on the order of a few minutes, will correspond well with the target applications of the sensor. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of regulatory testing linked to the food service industry and health care establishments. Because improper cleaning practices of restrooms can lead to bacterial contamination, the use of urea-detecting sensors in hospital bathroom facilities may aid in reducing patient infection rates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Erbeldinger, Markus AGENTASE LLC PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 96180 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0211933 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Polymer Imaging Guide For Endoscopic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to use novel polymer processing techniques to fabricate high quality, inexpensive polymer (plastic) optical fiber image guides and other highly customized endoscopic devices. Polymer based imaging guides have several distinct advantages over their glass counterparts. The key advantages include reduced cost, a smaller bend radius, and increased ruggedness. Additional benefits include the ability to dope the polymer matrix with molecules that can be used as environmental probes or indicators, to tailor the imaging guide for specialized applications, and to impart diverse functionality into a single imaging guide. The cost of the polymer imaging guide is expected to be significantly lower than those currently in use. This will allow the polymer guides to be used as disposables if desired. Disposable endoscopes for one-time use will eliminate the need for sterilization, which is costly, often unreliable and time-consuming. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of medical devices and instrumentation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welker, Dave PARADIGM OPTICS INCORPORATED WA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99958 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0212012 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Novel Water-Soluble TNT Metallofullerene Derivatives for Imaging Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project proposes to functionalize TNT-metallofullerenes with highly water-soluble, steric-stabilizing ligands and to evaluate these materials as general MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) contrast agents. Classical endohedral metallofullerenes are produced in exceedingly low yields and are unstable in air. In contrast, the development of trimetallic-nitride-template (TNT) process by the investigators has allowed the production of a new class of extremely stable endohedral metallofullerenes in sufficient research quantities. Biomedical applications in diagnostic and therapeutic areas offer a near-term opportunity to utilize these materials because the quantities required for such applications are relatively small, and these nanomaterials offer unique advantages over current systems. The TNT process allows the encapsulation of 1-3 paramagnetic lanthanides, isolating the metals from the body. Preliminary data indicates that hydroxylated, gadolinium-containing TNT-metallofullerenes increase the proton relaxation rate of surrounding water molecules significantly over currently used gadolinium chelates. However, aggregation of typical hydroxylated fullerenes prevents their maximum efficiency and utility. Addition of large, highly soluble ligands is expected to promote enhanced water solubility, deter aggregation, and deliver an even larger enhancement over current gadolinium MRI contrast agents. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of Biomedical Imaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stevenson, Steven Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99988 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0212035 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nanofabricated Gas Chromatography Column-Oven System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will fabricate a nanostructured, palm-size gas chromatography (GC) for the in-situ, and low cost analysis of volatile chemicals. Gas chromatography has been widely used as an analytical instrument for volatile organic compounds. The existing GC instruments, including the portable ones, have inherent limitations that make them unsuitable for the continuous, on-line/in-situ monitoring applications. The proposed program will design and demonstrate a nanotechnology-based miniature GC to detect, identify, and quantify chemical pollutants. The proof of principle demonstration is based on an EPA furnished test matrix. The miniature GC is expected to be pocket sized, low power (1-5 W), low cost (< $500/unit) and low maintenance. In addition to the EPA environmental monitoring applications, the miniature GC has a variety of other applications for DOD, NASA, and other government agencies involve in chemical warning medicine, homeland security, and demilitarization and treaty verification. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dong, Jim NanoTek, Inc. AZ Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99200 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0212405 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Bioremediation of N-nitrosodimethylamine in Groundwater. This Small Business Phase I Project is to develop a bioremediation technology for treating groundwater contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a potent carcinogen and an emerging groundwater contaminant in the United States. Accordingly, the State of California has established an acceptable level in drinking water for NDMA of only 20 ng/L. Current technologies for treating NDMA, such as ultraviolet irradiation and carbon adsorption, are expensive and/or ineffective for removing the contaminant to required levels. Envirogen scientists have recently discovered a bacterial strain that is capable of metabolizing NDMA during growth on a second substrate (i.e., by co-metabolism). This bacterium is one of only a few strains that are known to degrade NDMA. In the course of this Phase I project, the biodegradation of NDMA by this organism andby other bacterial strains possessing similar broad specificity oxidase enzymes will be examined. The most effective culture(s) will be seeded into bioreactors and the abilities of these strains to remediate NDMA in groundwater will be quantified. In addition, the potential to stimulate specific microorganisms in contaminated aquifers to degrade NDMA by cosubstrate application will be tested. The commercial application of this project is in the area of wastewater treatment linked to municipal drinking water supplies. Additional industrial and military uses of the core technology are also expected. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hatzinger, Paul Envirogen, Inc. NJ Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99976 5371 BIOT 9181 0313040 Water Pollution 0213210 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Broadband Ferrite Circulators/Isolators. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project addresses the development of Innovative Ultra-Broadband Ferrite Circulators/Isolators providing a transmission bandwidth broader than a 10:1 frequency ratio. A traditional circulator junction utilizing a single ferrite material results in a 3:1 bandwidth. A non-traditional stripline junction circulator for which the transmission band extends from 1.6 to 16 GHz has been designed and fabricated. This circulator design involves 3 different kinds of ferrite materials to be packed as tiles to form a composite junction. Even broader bandwidth has also been theoretically predicted, if more ferrite materials are used to compose the junction, rendering a bandwidth covering from 1 to 20 GHz. Researches on broadband transformer circuits are thus proposed, allowing for 50 S impedance to be realized with the input/output ports accompanying the operation of the broadband circulator/isolator junctions. The proposed innovative circulators/isolators can be used as universal instruments under broadband considerations. For example, it can be used in measurements requiring interband operation, such as encountered in a Network Analyzer performing scattering parameter measurements. In radiometry applications it allows for narrow-width electromagnetic pulses to be used with monostatic radars. Multiple radars operating at distinctive frequency bands can be combined to share a common antenna aperture so as to reduce overall radar cross section. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG How, Hoton HOTECH INC MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0213594 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Low-Voltage Poling of Waveguides in Nonlinear Optical Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel low-voltage periodic poling technique for creating highly efficient quasi-phase matched waveguides in nonlinear optical materials. The key innovation of the proposed technology is the use of co-planar micro-comb electrodes to periodically pole waveguides embedded in a nonlinear optical material such as potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP). Periodically poled waveguides will enable highly efficient, quasi-phase matched (QPM), nonlinear optical frequency conversion of continuous wave and low peak power quasi-continuous radiation. The proposed technique will allow multiple waveguides with different QPM gratings to be fabricated onto a single device, thereby building in wavelength flexibility as well as reducing cost. The anticipated benefits of low-voltage poling are waveguides with significantly improved conversion efficiency, low scattering loss, and increased manufacturing yields. The commercial applications of this project are in the areas of bioanalytical instrumentation (such as medical diagnostics, flow cytometers and medical imagers) and telecommunications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Battle, Philip ADVR, INC MT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99761 5371 MANU 9150 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0213601 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Isotope Ratiometer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project concerns the novel application of cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy to determine the carbon isotope ratio of carbon dioxide emitting from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Although, this isotope ratio has recently been identified as an indicator of biological activity, the currently used analytical methods are expensive and inaccurate. The aim of this Phase I proposal is to design a portable cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy system to accurately determine isotope ratios of deep-sea samples in situ. Preliminary results suggest that the system can determine isotope ratios to better than 0.1 percent, which is sufficient to determine the presence of biological activity. This effort will provide an accurate determination of carbon isotope ratios in an inexpensive, portable device. It will also have significant commercial impact in medical diagnostics, the petroleum industry, and environmental monitoring. Projected sales of the ratiometer in the former two areas alone are expected to exceed $65M over the next five years. Moreover, the proposed prototype can be readily modified to monitor various industrial gases, further increasing its commercial impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gupta, Manish LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0213609 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: An Optical Sensor for Semiconductor Back-End Processes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to develop an innovative intelligent optical sensor for semiconductor back-end processes control and inspection by using our matrix-addressable laser/detector array chip. The sensor will be incorporated into the fine pitch component placement machines, to ensure accurate component placement, and co-planarity of component leads and to inspect components immediately before placement. Identification of defective or damage lead tips that lie within the same plane will be. Additional inspection capabilities include solder bump volume and height, bump position and quality, ball height and diameter of ball grit array, ball coplanarity and foreign materials. The sensor actually is a miniature confocal scanning laser microscope without any moving parts. Since there are no moving parts or bulky optics, we are able obtain image rate at least 60 frames per second, and sensor can be made a very small dimension. This sensor will enable semiconductor packaging manufactures to increase operating efficiency, increase product yield, and add to their quality control. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hang, Jim New Dimension Research MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0213614 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Large Depth of Field and High Resolution Imaging Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project's objective is to overcome the drawbacks of existing imaging sensor designs, and to demonstrate a novel video camera design concept. Named the Super-Eye, this camera is able to provide simultaneously both large depth of field the dynamic scene and selective high-resolution video images for the object of interest. The unique advantages of the proposed Super-Eye concept include: (a) achieving simultaneous high image resolution and large depth of field; (b) Intelligent guidance of the high-resolution image channel; and (c) 3D Modeling Capability. The requirements for high image resolution, large depth of field, and wide field of view are applicable to both the commercial and military markets. The security surveillance market has experience near double-digit growth and is expected to maintain this growth in light of the events of 9/11. Security cameras are roughly 30 percent of the $100 billion global security industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Hui GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0213619 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: High Intensity, High Brightness Source of Low Energy Positrons Based on the Generation of Free Nitrogen-13. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a novel positron source based on the generation of free 13 N produced via the 12 C(d,n) 13 N reaction. In a major advance over existing technologies, the 13 N will be extracted as nitrogen gas from a porous carbon target, fed to a remote location, and condensed onto a small diameter spot. A layer of solid Ne will moderate the 13 N beta-particles to produce a beam of slow positrons. This approach will yield an unrivaled brightness and two orders of magnitude higher intensity than current 22 Na sources, thus opening the door to many valuable uses of positron probes for science and industry. The high intensity, high brightness positron source to be developed will have many applications to high-data-rate, positron micro-beam instruments for use in determining such things as: (1) the effects of radiation damage due to ion implantation on the conduction characteristics of IC semiconductors; (2) the effects of electro-migration on the failure of current carrying leads in ICs; (3) the properties of low-k dielectrics used in high speed ICs; and (4) the aging of the mechanical properties of plastic films. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Bayless, John First Point Scientific, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 1505 MANU 9146 5371 1505 0110000 Technology Transfer 0213645 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Patterened substrates For Biochips. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 Project is to develop microarrays for analyzing thousands of sequences of DNA for genomic and diagnostic applications. The microarrays would be made from sol-gel coatings with specific microstructures. These substrates will allow higher density arrays and higher signal/noise ratio from each of the array elements. This will result in increasing analytical throughput with an improved accuracy in detection and reproducibility of the data. The commercial applications of this project will be in the areas of healthcare and agriculture. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Agrawal, Anoop ENKI Technologies AZ Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0213789 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Optical Instruments for Monitoring Asthma and Treatments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a diagnostic instrument to detect molecular species, such as nitric oxide, in exhaled breath as a biomarker of airway inflammation to assess the effectiveness and compliance of asthma therapies. This project will result in the fabrication of a biosensor suitable for clinical use. Pre-clinical studies will be performed during the Phase I research to ensure that a proper protocol has been established. The follow on Phase II project will incorporate clinical trials in preparation for FDA approval. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of biomedical diagnostic devices and instrumentation. It is hoped that the instrument developed in the course of this project will acquire a good share of the $1 billion a year asthma diagnosis and treatment monitoring market. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Namjou, Khosrow EKIPS TECHNOLOGIES INC OK Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0213843 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Novel Optical Sensor for Monitoring Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) Levels in Soil at Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Sites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I addresses the development of a remote-telemetry compatible sensor for measuring reductions in methyl tertiary butyl ether levels in soil at underground storage tank cleanup sites. At present, there are over 160,000 sites with petroleum and methyl tertiary butyl ether contaminated soil, which poses a significant threat to the environment as well as human health and safety. In addition, there are approximately 286,000 underground storage tanks that pose a significant risk to the environment because they are not in compliance with federally mandated leak detection requirements. This sensor would enable the development of a new and improved chemical detection system for identifying methyl tertiary butyl ether levels in soil and to accurately determine the risks of underground storage tanks in cleanup sites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thomas, Ross Eltron Research, Inc. CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99995 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0213863 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Micromachined Ultrasonic-on-a-Chip for Medical High-Resolution Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project objective is to research and develop the next generation of ultrasound real-time volumetric imagers, with enhanced spatial resolution and picture definition. The innovation is based on LEEOAT Company's patented micromachining technology and its expertise in parallel high-density electronic interconnections to innovate the Ultrasound-on-a-Chip (UOC) device. In phase I of the SBIR program, LEEOAT Company will design the device and demonstrate the fabrication feasibility of the crucial components, thus demonstrating the proof-of-concept of the UOC imaging system. Additionally, LEEOAT Company will theoretically simulate the UOC device and the support electronics for performance optimization and to predict the anticipated final performance of the imager. Finally, the cost/effort will be estimated for the final development, fabrication and testing of the UOC imaging system prototype for medical applications. The major commercial application involves ultrasonic noninvasive medical imaging. Industrial applications include non-destructive evaluations such as defect identification in integrated circuits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wiener-Avnear, Eli Leeoat Company CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0213876 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Genomic Mapping of DNA by Means of Gene Engine\(TM\) Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to refine the novel Gene Engine Technology foruse in effective and inexpensive genomic analysis. The specific objectives of this project are to experimentally determine the actual limits of applicability of the Gene Engine TM technology and to develop all components needed for its use in high-resolution genomic mapping. To accomplish this, fluorescent sequence-specific tags will be designed and methodsdeveloped for their attachment to DNA targets. Microfluidic system will be improved to reliably stretch long DNA fragments. Algorithms needed for data processing and DNA map building will be developed. During the Phase I study, mixture of DNA fragments up to 200 kilobases long will be analyzed. Further development will lead to design and commercialization of an instrument capable of analyzing genomes up to 10 megabases in length. The commercial applications of this project will be for rapid screening of populations as well as for personalized genetic analysis in clinical settings in the form of routine laboratory tests. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gilmanshin, Rudolf U.S. GENOMICS INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99873 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0213900 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: A Molecular Approach for the Long-Term Preservation of Shrimp Embryos. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Project will examine the feasibility of long-term preservation of shrimp embryos using gene transfer technology. Encysted embryos of the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana, are resistant to extreme environmental stress including temperature, salt, anoxia and desiccation. A small heat shock crystallin protein (p26) gene identified from A. franciscana has been shown to play a major role in the brine shrimp's ability to tolerate environmental stress. This Phase I Project proposes to introduce the p26 gene into the commercially important marine shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, through micro-injection and electroporation techniques, and to use the shrimp -actin promoter (that has previously been isolated from L. vannamei) to drive the expression of the p26 gene, resulting in the production of transgenic shrimp capable of surviving harsh environmental conditions. The commercial application of this project will be in the marine shrimp industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Chen, MingCheng Rainbow Hawaii Farms HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 31716 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 5371 0521700 Marine Resources 0213917 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of Reduced Engineering Models for Prediction of Growth of Ternary III-V Semiconductor Materials Grown by Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I study is aimed toward development of an efficient procedure for predicting growth of ternary III-V semiconductor materials grown by Metal Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE). These techniques are now used extensively in the semiconductor industry to model growth of materials on substrates by chemical vapor deposition. The success of such modeling depends largely on the complexity of the gas phase and surface reaction mechanisms used to predict the growth process. While multi-step finite-rate reaction mechanisms involving approximately ten to twenty species are adequate for modeling growth of binary alloys, accurate modeling of ternary alloy growth necessitates many more reactions and species. This renders the calculations for such scenarios extremely expensive and prohibitive. This technology can improve a wide variety of electronic and opto-electronic are devices. Optimization and characterization of their growth is crucial to the success of the opto-electronic and semiconductor industry. While commercial these codes have been used with great success for modeling growth of pure and binary semiconductor materials, their success has been limited (if not non-existent) for ternary materials due to the lack of knowledge of the chemistry and the extreme computational efforts required o perform such calculations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mazumder, Sandip CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99988 5371 MANU 9150 9147 0107000 Operations Research 0213924 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Phase Shifter Utilizing Nonreciprocal Phase Shifter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project addresses the development of Innovative Phase Shifter Utilizing Nonreciprocal Resonator. In a nonreciprocal resonator, such as a ferrite disk, wave propagation is non-degenerate, and the resonant modes all assume at differently frequencies. Thus, for a given resonant mode its phase is unambiguous, allows it to be coupled out providing the function of a phase shifter. Phase shift obtained in this manner is uniform, and the operation is independent of the phase angle obtained. The phase shifter for this project will be compact in size, providing 360 degrees phase angle with low insertion loss. Furthermore, it allows for circuit minimization facilitating fabrication as a large array. Potential commercial applications include Low-cost, small-volume collision avoidance radar capable of beam steering. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG How, Hoton HOTECH INC MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0213982 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Sensitive Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) Technology: A Photon Counting Camera. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result in an innovative, technologically advanced, imaging system-with the potential of counting of individual photons. The imaging system will be a compact avalanche-gain, charge-coupled device, and digital camera. The innovation will offer high photo-response from the deep ultraviolet to the near infrared in very Low Light Level, as well as photonic light conditions. In addition, the Photon Counting Camera will present solid-state reliability without typical intensifier imaging tube limitations, such as, image burn-in and blooming. A possible research, military, law enforcement, or "home land security" application for the Photon Counting Camera will be "black-on-black" detection that is when faint objects are difficult to discriminate from the background. This far-reaching technology will also be beneficial for many non-military applications, such as astronomy, bio- and chemical-luminescence, microscopy, and beam imaging. Furthermore, the innovation will offer significant cost savings and enhance multi-spectral imaging performance, compared to conventional intensifier imaging systems. In short, the Photon Counting Camera will have the most impact where MHz readout speeds (real-time or TV speeds) and lowest possible noise are required. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meisner, Mark Titan Optics & Engineering NH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214074 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Coatings for Dental Biofilm Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to synthesize and test lubricious/antimicrobial coatings to prevent biofilm formation in dental water lines. Microbial contamination of water delivered by dental-unit water systems continues to be a significant problem. The most common cause of dental-unit contamination is believed to be the formation and subsequent sloughing off of microbial biofilm from the surfaces of tubing within dental-unit water systems. Persons who are immunocompromised may be at risk due to some opportunistic microorganisms present in most biofilm. Contaminated water may be ingested by the patient or be aerosolized and inhaled by the patient or dental worker. During the Phase I research, antimicrobial monomers will be incorporated into copolymers with additional monomers, that upon wetting, cause the coating to become quite lubricious. The coatings will be tested in order to evaluate their effectiveness in preventing biofilm formation. The lubricious component will help prevent microbial attachment while the antimicrobial constituent will eradicate microorganisms on contact. The antimicrobial and lubricious parts of the coating are expected to perform synergistically when used in combination in order to significantly inhibit biofilm formation. The commercial applications of this project will be in a number of areas, including medical, industrial, marine and consumer products. Specific examples include the following: medical coatings for catheters, stents, endoscopes, implants and endotracheal tubes; various industrial coatings; food/beverage packaging; coatings for ship hulls; and coatings for various consumer products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elrod, Don Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214075 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Mouthrinse Generator for Plaque and Halitosis Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a miniature electrochemically operated antimicrobial agents generator for suppression of dental plaque and halitosis control. Plaque, oral malodor, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and discoloration of the teeth are all undesirable conditions that affect many people. It is broadly estimated that 25-85 million Americans have halitosis, especially due to gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. While good oral hygiene, as achieved by brushing the teeth with a cleansing dentifrice, reduces the above-mentioned conditions, it does not necessarily prevent or eliminate their occurrence. Microorganisms contribute to both the initiation and progression of these conditions. Thus, suppressing microorganisms is the key to good oral hygiene. In this Phase I project, optimization of the electrocatalyst (to improve current and energy efficiencies as well as long term stability) and biocidal properties of the dual disinfectants will be conducted. In the follow on Phase II project, the miniature device will be constructed. This miniature mouthwash generator, simultaneously producing two FDA approved antimicrobial agents, has a significant potential for commercialization. The device is expected to be robust and maintenance free, and will require only the replacement of penlight batteries and inexpensive consumables. The commercial application of this project is in the area of dental hygiene for general household use. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tennakoon, Charles Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214077 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: An Electrochemical Array-Based Nondestructive Evaluation System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project concerns the development of an electrochemical-based array nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDE) system for the detection of corrosion at the microscale level. Formation of small flaws of a destructive nature results during corrosion of a number of engineering metals and alloys used in transportation, microelectronics, electrical power production, and hazardous waste containment. The stability of these materials is determined by the extent to which a high integrity passive oxide film forms and is retained during continuous exposure to the ambient environment. Localized corrosion due to breakdown in these oxide films is responsible for limiting the lifetime of components made from these materials. The key to avoid flaw formation in engineering metals and alloys is the detection of early stages of corrosion. The proposed technology will provide spatially resolved information on the corrosion process at the microscale level as well as information on corrosion rates. The fabrication and test of a lab-scale electrochemical array-based corrosion sensor will be carried out during the Phase I project. There are large potential commercial applications for this technology in various industries, such as aerospace (defense and commercial), marine and automotive industries, electric utility plants, chemical processing plants, refineries, microelectronics, electrical power production, and hazardous waste containment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gonzalez-Martin, Anuncia Lynntech, Inc TX Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214083 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Integrated Optical Circuit Fabrication and Processing Techniques. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a method of fabricating integrated optical circuits (IOCs) using alternate waveguide materials (AWMs). Currently, IOCs comprise silica glass waveguides, and are patterned using an expensive, multi-step photolithography process in conjunction with high temperature deposition techniques. However, AWMs are associated with lower glass transition temperatures, and have the potential of patterning optical circuits through alternate printing methods, bypassing the photolithography process. This will dramatically reduce the complexity and hence the cost of photonic device manufacture. Another important advantage of AWMs is lower minimum attenuation levels, possibly one to two orders of magnitude lower than that of silica glass. This is critical for long waveguide applications such as integrated optic delay lines for telecommunications, integrated optic gyroscopes, and more sensitive chemical sensors. In addition, because some alternate materials can host rare earth elements, the development of AWMs has further applications for improved optical switches, amplifiers, and solid-state blue lasers. This project will establish the feasibility of fabricating optical circuits comprising AWMs. Improved fabrication of optical waveguide circuits has the immediate potential for integrated optic amplifiers, lossless splitters, and up conversion blue fiber lasers, essential to numerous commercial applications in optical storage, color printing, and projection, up converters, isolators and fluorescent coolers, as well as convenient, low-cost solid-state laser sources for the laboratory. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fitzpatrick, Colleen Rice Systems, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214150 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Of Ultra-High-Speed Electronic Integrated Circuits, Interconnects, and Dielectric Ribbons. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will describe a new way to use specially designed low loss dielectric ribbons (with attenuation as much as 100 times less than that of a conventional circular polymer rod at Ka band), made with either alumina, silicon, InP or GaAs as fundamental building blocks for electronic integrated circuits or interconnects. The absence of metallic structures in the ribbon approach provides the possibility of high power carrying capability. This technology offers the possibility of directly incorporating active devices with a low-loss transmission medium, provides the foundation for ultra-high-speed integrated circuits. Major commercial markets include the automobile, semiconductor, computer, and satellite industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yeh, Cavour California Advanced Studies CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99700 5371 MANU 9148 5371 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214256 June 15, 2002 Collaborative Research: Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). The Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) is a new multi-university, multi-disciplinary Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC). The vision for the center is to provide integrated solutions to logistics problems, through modeling, analysis and intelligent-systems technologies. The four universities involved in this proposal, the University of Arkansas, serving as the lead institution, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Louisville, and Oklahoma State University are assuming a leadership role in engineering logistics research and education. The scope of CELDi will address (1) value-adding processes that create time and place utility (transportation, material handling, and distribution), (2) value-sustaining processes that prolong useful life (maintenance, repair, and rework), and (3) value-recovering processes that conserve scarce resources and enhance societal goodwill (returns, refurbishment, and recycling). EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Heragu, Sunderesh University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc KY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 316000 9150 5761 1360 1340 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9150 9102 7218 1049 0000 0214272 July 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase I: Targeted Drug Delivery with Magnetic Nanoparticles. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I Project will develop a methodology for improved diagnosis and treatment of cancer by combining therapy and imaging in the same drug. Specifically, this study proposes to bind polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated magnetic nanopheres to a cancer targeting therapeutic agent (doxorubicin encapsulated temperature sensitive liposomes and hydrogels) and chelated to Tc-99m for imaging. After administration, the drug will be concentrated at the site of action by external magnetic guidance, verified by gamma camera imaging and released to the tumor using herperthermia treatment. A tumor specific marker bound to the complex will improve drug transport into the tumor. Once inside the tumor, therapeutic agents will be released to kill the cancer cells. Specific Goals of this Phase I Project are: (1) to develop the necessary chemistry and conjugation, (2) to examine the magnetic susceptibility of the complex using an in vitro flow model, and (3) to conduct tests in an in vitro cell culture model. The commercial applications of this project are in the treatment of cancer. The proposed method will enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment by ensuring that the drug reaches the target tissue while minimizing non-target tissue uptake. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Giri, Anit Nanomat, Inc. PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99999 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0214280 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Anthrax Detector for Mail Sorting Systems. 0214280 Farquharson This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to develop a real-time anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) detector for mail-sorting systems. The proposed analyzer would allow detecting, identifying and removing anthrax laden letters in a mail-sorting machine prior to distribution. The Phase I Project will focus on improving sensitivity so that 1000 spores can be detected in 10 seconds. The folow on Phase II Project will develop a prototype anthrax detector for testing in mail sorting facilities. Successful completion of the proposed project will result in a tool that will decrease the threat of widespread anthrax infection and increase homeland security. The commercial applications of this project are self evident. The proposed analyzer wil be of immediate use at the US Military Postal Service Agency, at the US postal office, at private postal services, as well as in large office buildings and corporations that employ their own internal mailing office centers. Modifications to the system would also allow rapid detection of chemical agents in glass or plastic containers at ports of entry (e.g. at airports). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farquharson, Stuart REAL-TIME ANALYZERS, INCORPORATED CT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99994 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214408 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Novel Lipid Deposition for Biosensor Surfaces. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop sensing instrumentation containing bioengineered surfaces that are compatible with relevant, disease-associated proteins. Of particular interest in the fields of pharmaceutical design and cell biology is the seven-transmembrane segment, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs represent a class of bioactive proteins that encompass 1-2 percent of all encoded protein within the human genome and have been the focus of extensive study in signal recognition and propagation within the human body. These receptors, it is estimated, comprise up to 70 percent of potential drug candidates. However, a valid measurement of protein-protein interactions has been elusive due to the technical reliance upon cell extracts or live cellular systems, both of which can convolute data. Luna Innovations along with their partners at the University of Pennsylvania propose a novel, cell-free system to measure the biophysical association between hydrophobic GPCRs and their ligands. The proposed optical fiber-based system, based on a lipid bilayer deposition, is essential not only to understand the important components of biological systems but also to vastly improve the accuracy of contemporary biochip measurements. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of biosensor instrumentation. An instrument capable of detecting and characterizing protein interactions is expected to have a good market in the pharmaceutical industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pennington, Charles Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99984 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 9102 5371 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214416 June 1, 2002 Collaborative Research: Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution \(CELDi\). The Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) is a new multi-university, multi-disciplinary Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC). The vision for the center is to provide integrated solutions to logistics problems, through modeling, analysis and intelligent-systems technologies. The four universities involved in this proposal, the University of Arkansas, serving as the lead institution, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Louisville, and Oklahoma State University are assuming a leadership role in engineering logistics research and education. The scope of CELDi will address (1) value-adding processes that create time and place utility (transportation, material handling, and distribution), (2) value-sustaining processes that prolong useful life (maintenance, repair, and rework), and (3) value-recovering processes that conserve scarce resources and enhance societal goodwill (returns, refurbishment, and recycling). EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ingalls, Ricki Oklahoma State University OK Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 340000 9150 7218 5761 SMET OTHR 9177 9150 7218 115E 114e 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0214442 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Electrostatic Based Adhesion Test for Thin Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel, electrostatic based metrology solution that has the potential of being developed into a rapid and quantitative test of interfacial adhesion for the semiconductor industry. The portion of a semiconductor device that carries logic signals between the transistors on a chip is commonly known as the Back-End-of-the-Line (BEOL). The BEOL typically consists of, among other components, current carrying metal lines surrounded by an insulating or low-dielectric constant (low-k) material. To keep increasing chip performance at the current pace, it will be necessary to replace the current dense insulators with a porous low-k material. Interface adhesion between porous low-k and the various other layers in the BEOL is known to be poor and extremely problematic during integration. The semiconductor industry faces a significant barrier to further progress, because a rapid and quantifiable test to assess interfacial adhesion does not currently exist. The principle of the technique is to use a normal tensile force created by an electrostatic field to delaminate thin films from their underlying layers. This is a unique undertaking with regards to adhesion testing and reflects a revolutionary shift in how adhesion tests will be conducted if successful. The economic benefit to the industry will be achieved by reducing the time to market and improving yield. If interfacial adhesion can be monitored rapidly and quantifiably, the effects of varying process parameters (deposition, etch, pre-treatments) on film-adhesion can be quantified in a greatly shortened time reducing the length of the process development and R&D phase. This would lead to shorter times to market, increased productivity, and may increase market share for early adopters of the technology in the US. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lucas, Barry Fast Forward Devices, LLC TN Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214457 June 1, 2002 Collaborative Research: Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution \(CELDi\). The Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) is a new multi-university, multi-disciplinary Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC). The vision for the center is to provide integrated solutions to logistics problems, through modeling, analysis and intelligent-systems technologies. The four universities involved in this proposal, the University of Arkansas, serving as the lead institution, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Louisville, and Oklahoma State University are assuming a leadership role in engineering logistics research and education. The scope of CELDi will address (1) value-adding processes that create time and place utility (transportation, material handling, and distribution), (2) value-sustaining processes that prolong useful life (maintenance, repair, and rework), and (3) value-recovering processes that conserve scarce resources and enhance societal goodwill (returns, refurbishment, and recycling). EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Pulat, Babur M. Cengiz Altan University of Oklahoma Norman Campus OK Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 1348258 W602 V976 V819 V550 V027 T911 S092 T670 T618 H344 9150 5761 1360 SMET OTHR MANU 9251 9178 9150 9146 9102 7218 5514 124E 122E 114e 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0214478 June 15, 2002 Collaborative: Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). The Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) is a new multi-university, multi-disciplinary Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC). The vision for the center is to provide integrated solutions to logistics problems, through modeling, analysis and intelligent-systems technologies. The four universities involved in this proposal, the University of Arkansas, serving as the lead institution, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Louisville, and Oklahoma State University are assuming a leadership role in engineering logistics research and education. The scope of CELDi will address (1) value-adding processes that create time and place utility (transportation, material handling, and distribution), (2) value-sustaining processes that prolong useful life (maintenance, repair, and rework), and (3) value-recovering processes that conserve scarce resources and enhance societal goodwill (returns, refurbishment, and recycling). EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT RES EXP FOR TEACHERS(RET)-SITE ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Meller, Russell University of Arkansas AR Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 1236713 W445 V759 V532 V031 T304 T035 S083 T671 T606 9150 5761 1360 1359 1340 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9150 9102 7218 125E 122E 115E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0214480 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Microfabricated Silicon Devices for Low Cost Microarray. 0214480 Haushalter This Small Business Innovation Research Project proposes to use silicon microfabrication techniques to produce new silicon spotting pins that will be used for the preparation of microarrays. Microarray technology has rapidly spread into many diverse areas of biological research. The preparation of a large portion of these arrays is accomplished by direct contact printing using high precision metal spotting pins, which are individually machined at costs up to $400 each. Using straightforward silicon microfabrication techniques,this company has prepared prototype silicon spotting pins, holders and transfer devices for the preparation of microarrays whose performance characteristics are expected to far exceed those of current state-of-the-art devices. Advantages of silicon spotting pins over machined metal components include 10-100 fold higher dimensional tolerances, less than 1% of the weight (lighter pressure gives more uniform spots), tip hardness, the ability to chemically modify the SiO2 surface of the pins to control wetting and liquid uptake/release, higher pin density in array (higher spot density in microarray), more precise volumetric uptake into pin, lower surface friction (ease of sliding movement in holder), resistance of tip to bending damage and the ability to fabricate complex features not obtainable by traditional machine shop fabrication. Since the parts will be mass produced, it is estimated that a hundred to a thousand fold reduction in cost per pin would result. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of DNA microarrays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99700 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214522 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Novel Breath Diagnostic Instrument for Detection of Disease. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a carbon isotope ratio analyzer based on Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy to measure the ratio of C13 to C12 in exhaled breath in real time. The analyzer will serve as a medical diagnostic instrument that will operate in a point-of-care setting and reference labs. The instrument will be inexpensive, portable, easy-to-use and report C13/ C12 measurements with sufficient sensitivity and precision to replace mass spectrometry in C13-labeled breath tests for diagnosis of a number of conditions, including exposure to chemical and biological warfare agents, sepsis, assessment of liver and pancreatic function, delayed gastric emptying, bacterial overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome and viral infection. The Phase I Project will develop an instrument to determine infection due to Helicobacter pylori, a Class-1 carcinogen, using the C13-urea breath test. The follow on Phase II Project will develop a prototype commercial instrument for clinical trials. The commercial application of this project is in the area of medical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baer, Douglas LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214598 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Membrane-Electrolyte Assemblies (MEAs) for Small Fuel Cell Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop highly proton conductive, water insoluble and thermally stable electrolytes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, based on a hybrid membrane of a functionalized polyoxometalate (POM) cluster in a sol-gel matrix. Phase I will focus on developing the technology of fabrication of cathode/electrolyte and anode/electrolyte membranes. The procured cathode/electrolyte and anode/electrolyte membranes can then be pressed together and thermally cured to form a cathode/electrolyte/anode membrane assembly. The development of small fuel cell systems for residential may provide the householder with electricity and heat at a significant saving over conventional services. Fuel cells make distributed cogeneration a competitive alternative as they provide a unique combination of advantages. Being small, clean and quiet, they can be sited wherever electricity is needed, even in the most congested urban location. Fuel cell generators can be used in hospitals and computer centers where there is a need for uninterruptible, high quality power. Micro fuel cells as portable generators and to replace batteries since they are quick and easy to refuel, have longer operating times and lower operating costs. Systems are suitable for a number of applications, including portable computers and telephones, video cameras and generators for camping, boating and emergency power. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wei, Qiang (Ethan) CHEMAT TECHNOLOGY INC CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214614 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Jet Vapor Rotating Disk Tool for SiC-Thin Film Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will synthesize will demonstrate that a hybrid system combining the attributes of Jet Vapor Deposition and Rotating Disk Reactors solves existing Silicon Carbide film deposition problems and can be developed to create a superior film production tool. The high speed "jet" convectively transports precursors directly to the surface, overcoming diffusion-limited transport rates, and largely avoiding unwanted pre-reactions in the gas phase; the rotation allows the "jets"to uniformly "paint" the surface with precursor. Our Phase I efforts will focus on proving that the hybrid tool will be a superior tool for Silicon Carbide epitaxy--highly desired for microelectronic devices such as high-power, high-temperature, high frequency devices. Potential commercial applications of the research are expected in reliable, micro-fabrication process. The successful development of Silicon Carbide film deposition would represent an important advancement in metal thin film deposition process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tompa, Gary STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214618 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Programmable Liquid Crystal Based Optical Attenuator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a programmable motionless optical attenuator that over performs commercial electro-mechanical attenuators and state-of-the-art MEMs attenuator. Made from a revolutionary liquid crystal and polymer composite material, i.e., polymer stabilized liquid crystal material, the new technology ultimately promises to achieve the following performance specifications, (a) over 10,000:1 contrast ratio, (b) less than 5 ms response time, and (c) less than 2dB insertion loss. In Phase I, the demo device will be constructed to show the technological feasibility. The Phase II effort is to develop the prototype attenuator that meets all the projected performance specifications followed by a full commercialization in the later phase. The technology, once successfully developed, will be used in liquid crystal display, photonics instrument, telecommunication, and military systems SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Le Kent Optronics, Inc. NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99873 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214621 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Ultra High Resolution Head Mounted Display. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate three key components necessary to incorporate Dimension Technologies Inc's (DTI's) proprietary ultra high resolution display technology into head mounted systems for virtual reality applications. To be commercially viable, the technology must provide additional resolution without tradeoffs in key areas such as visual performance, size, weight and field of view. The objective of this Phase I will be to assess the feasibility of applying DTI s increased resolution technique to leading edge HMD products. Three main areas will be investigated. The first is the design of an array of compact, bright, rapidly flashing colored light sources. The second is the optical design to efficiently direct light from the light sources to a light valve and then to the user's eye with maximum brightness and even light distribution. The third area will be means of configuring and fabricating flat, precisely formed microlens arrays. . If successful, virtual reality displays will be capable of generating images with near eye limited resolution across a wide, immersive field of view. Products resulting from this research will expand markets for virtual reality systems in many markets. This technology could find initial use in small scale, moderate budget, or tight quarters simulation or public exhibit applications where high end VR systems are now used. In the longer term, as the capabilities of PCs increase, consumer products for games and other recreational activities will incorporate the technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eichenlaub, Jesse DIMENSION TECHNOLOGIES INC NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214624 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Development of Versatile Proximity Effect Correction Schemes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to create state-of-the-art proximity correction software, which will ultimately be merged with the Nanometer Pattern Generation System, which is an advanced SEM lithography system that is already commercially successful. In recent years, SEM lithography has become an increasingly popular tool in university and government research labs, as well as at industrial R&D labs. The interest in SEM lithography comes from both its low cost and versatile nature when compared to the dedicated e-beam writing systems that are designed primarily for writing full wafers in industrial settings. The purpose of this project is to create an advanced proximity correction system that matches the inherent versatility of a well-designed SEM lithography system such as NPGS. To achieve this goal, this project will investigate the development of two advanced proximity correction techniques that are currently not commercially available. Specifically, the techniques are "grayscale" proximity corrections for manufacturing multi-level (grayscale) structures and binary proximity corrections for non-rectangular pattern elements. Potential commercial applications, if successful, will give researchers worldwide a much more advanced e-beam lithography capability than is presently available. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Nabity, Joseph Soo-Young Lee JC Nabity Lithography Systems MT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99663 5371 1505 MANU 9150 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214637 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Safe, Effective Fungicides Against Fruit Pathogens. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop formulations of natural fatty and organic acids as alternatives to traditional fungicides for the control of diseases in fruits such as grapes, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. In the course of this project, the efficacy of these formulations as pre-harvest and post-harvest treatments for disease control in a number of fruits will be determined. Replicated trials will be conducted in the laboratory and on commercial and university farms. The follow on Phase II project will incorporate more extensive field testing to determine efficacy against a wider range of pathogens under various climatic conditions. The commercial application of this project is in the area of agriculture. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Coleman, Robert summerdale MI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 76450 5371 BIOT 9181 0201000 Agriculture 0214645 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Location and Depth Measurement of Undersea Fiberoptic Cables by Magnetic Susceptometry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will fill a critical need for accurate location and depth measurement of undersea fiberoptic cables. This program will builds on prior expertise in ultra-sensitive magnetic susceptibility detection in the human body. The susceptometry technique provides the high signal-to-noise ratios, and then ability to suppress the background response of bottom sediments, that are needed for accurate depth measurements. At the same time, this program will require significant high-risk developments to maximize the accuracy of depth determination, localize fiberoptic cables 2 m or more below the sea floor, and adapt the measurement system to the deep ocean environment. This program has strong support from industry leaders. These experts emphasize that no existing cable location system provides adequate depth information, and that accurate cable depths are crucial to avoid damage that can cost millions of dollars per second. With more than 680,000 kilometers of fiberoptic cables in the ocean, and the cable inspection market growing at an estimated 30% per year, this new fiberoptic locator system has excellent commercial potential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Avrin, William MENON AND ASSOCIATES, INC. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214655 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Ink-Jet Printing of Lensed Fiber for Optical Interconnects. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new method for fabricating lensed fibers used in optical interconnects. An inkjet printing technique will be used to print optical polymers onto the tips of optical fibers, directly or via collets, to form microlenses. The output beam characteristics of these monolithic devices will be collimated or focused, depending on the specific designs. The low material/part cost and the self-aligning feature will result in lower cost than current collimation/focusing methods that use ball lens and GRIN lens assemblies. The performance will be similar. Inkjet printing is precise, data-driven, and direct-write. This technique will be suitable for low cost/high volume production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Ting MicroFab Technologies Inc TX Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214663 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Combinatorial Development of Chitosan-Based Drilling Fluid Additives. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop chitosan-derivatives through proprietary chemistries for use as additives in oil and gas drilling fluids. For this specific application, it is important to tailor the viscoelastic properties of the chitosan derivatives. Since little is known about how polymer structure affects polymer properties, a combinatorial approach will be used on this project to screen for the viscoelastic properties of the derivatives. Specifically, a high throughput mechanical screen will be adapted and examined, with the results from the screen correlated with more extensive viscoelastic measurements. The commercial application of this project will be in the additives market for oil and gas exploration. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Blanchard, Andre' The Venture Group (Venture Innovations, Inc.) LA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214668 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Improved Magneto-Optical Imaging Films Employing Surface Plasmon Resonance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing surface plasma resonance phenomena to obtain significant improvements in magneto-optical imaging. Improved sensors and systems are needed for non-destructive, non-contact testing and evaluation (NDE) in many areas, including security, structural, medical, research and industrial manufacturing and quality control applications. Magnetic detectors and imagers play a major and growing role in these applications. In Phase I, the research objectives include improvements in spatial and magnetic field resolutions and imaging bandwidth over existing methods. Magneto-optical materials quality and sensor design will be improved. Prototype sensors measuring 1cm2 will be fabricated by combining surface plasma structures with materials exhibiting high Verdet constants. The compositional, magnetic and optical properties of the starting sensor materials will be measured, and the magnetic imaging capabilities of the prototype sensor structures will be evaluated in terms of magnetic field and spatial resolution. Imaging tests will be made on electrical current patterns, magnetic inks, magnetostrictive structural composites and magnetic medical cell-tagging particles, among others. Commercial applications include magnetic character reading, magnetic code reading for security, superconductor research, spin valve and magnetic RAM research and manufacturing, integrated circuit electrical current imaging, structural composite stress imaging using magnetic and magnetostrictive materials, flaw detection in metals, biomedical tagging and identification of cancer and other cells, and research and testing of MEMs actuators and devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lindemuth, Jeff Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 98595 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214695 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Optimized Microvia Generation Technology for Low-Cost Manufacturing of Electronic Modules. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the requirement of high-density microvias, which are critical in a variety of microelectronic modules, such as Flat-Panel Displays (FPDs), Multi-Chip Modules (MCMs), and Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). As these modules become ever faster, more compact, and more capable, their density of interconnects has been increasing dramatically and new packaging technologies such as Chip-Scale Packages (CSPs) and Ball-Grid Arrays (BGAs) have been developed to accommodate all the required input and output (I/Os) connections. Such dense interconnects are realized by the generation of hundreds of thousands of microvias in the substrate layers on which the electronic modules are built. These microvias are also both difficult and expensive to produce because of their small sizes and large numbers. Current technologies for microvia generation are not optimized for the varied cost considerations of different manufacturing requirements direct-write tools address low-volume needs, whereas mask projection systems are designed for very high via-density products. The system technology described in this proposal offers several desirable features, including: high-speed microvia generation for different via densities, full microvia pattern programmability, capability to drill high-threshold photo-ablation substrates, and full and efficient utilization of available high-power excimer lasers. A variety of microelectronic modules, such as flat panel displays, multi-chip modules, and printed circuit boards play an important role in numerous advanced technology applications in both commercial and military systems. Results from this project could result in substantial cost reductions in a wide range of electronic modules. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Klosner, Marc Anvik Corporation NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99995 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214696 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Trace Metal Ion Sensor Based on High Resolution Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Anodic Stripping Voltammetry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the use of a highly sensitive technology to measure the amount of trace metal ions presented in water or other liquid samples and the eventual development of portable instrumentation. This novel approach to detection is effective, sensitive, selective, inexpensive, hazard-free, and truly portable. The system uses an innovative high-resolution bi-cell surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detector combined with anodic stripping voltammetry to achieve detection of ultra-low concentrations of trace metal ions in water. The device based on this technology can be used as a laboratory instrument as well as a portable device for field evaluation of water quality. Further, it could be used as a clinical diagnostic tool for detection of toxic metal ions in blood or saliva samples. This effort will provide an accurate determination of trace metal ions in water. This technology could have a significant impact for protection of the environment. The ability to determine what is hazardous in the environment is very important. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Shaopeng NOMADICS, INC OK Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9150 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214697 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I:Microsphere-coupled Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Probe. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop an efficient and reliable enhanced Raman spectroscopy probe by integrating a microspherical resonator with nanoparticles providing Surface Enhanced Raman scattering. This spectral information provides a chemical "fingerprint" and analyte identification. However, broader application of this technology is hindered by the powerful laser sources and sensitive optical detection equipment that the inherently weak Raman scattering requires. The proposed probe addresses these limitations by (1) locally increasing the light intensity at the probe head with an optical resonator to permit the use of lower power sources and (2) improving the Raman scattering efficiency with metallic nanoparticles to permit the use of less sensitive detection equipment. Raman spectroscopy has wide commercial application in chemical process monitoring, pharmaceutical analysis, and environmental site monitoring because it provides rich spectra arising from the chemical structure of the analyte. In addition to expanded use in the above-mentioned industries, reducing the cost and size of Raman spectroscopy equipment will enable point-of-care systems for medical diagnostics and field portable systems for rapid identification of chemical unknowns from accidental or intentional releases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Strecker, Brian NOMADICS, INC OK Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 98938 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214715 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Electric and Magnetic Free-Space Sensor for Geosciences. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will integrate a new free-space low frequency electric field (E) sensor with a miniaturized magnetic induction (B) sensor to form a compact six channel sensor package. The proposed new E and B sensor offers a completely new instrumentation capability for geosciences, providing for the first time measurement of the full electromagnetic field vector in a compact package without contact to the ground or any other physical object. The Phase I objectives are to study the trade-offs involved in reducing the overall sensor volume to allow airborne operation, and the use of multiple baseline methods for cancellation of local noise. The application of the new sensor to a variety of geosciences applications ranging from the measurement of ULF atmospheric phenomena and lightning characterization, to magnetotellurics from a mobile platform will be studied. In Phase II a full prototype will be built and tested for the most promising applications. Commercial applications include general research instrumentation for low frequency electromagnetic fields, atmospheric electromagnetic phenomena, military sensors, and complete systems for potential new applications in lighting characterization and airborne magnetotellurics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hibbs, Andrew Quasar Federal Systems, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99890 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214718 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Photonic Band Gap Optical Waveguide Structures in Electro-optic Substrates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I proposal is directed at the fabrication of photonic band gap structures in lithium niobate optical waveguide substrate. Lithium niobate, with well-understood material properties, is currently the preferred material for electro-optic modulators and switches. The addition of photonic band gap structures in and around channel waveguides endows this material with further functionality. The enabling technology developed in this proposed development effort can be further extended to other electro-optic and ferroelectric materials. This proposal addresses the development of novel Photonic Band Gap technology that will benefit next generation photonic waveguide devices. Applying Photonic Band Gap technology to electro-optic materials such as lithium niobate crystals paves the way for a new class of innovative, compact, electro-optic devices with enhanced sensitivity, particularly for phase and intensity modulation, spatial and wavelength switching, second harmonic generation, frequency conversion and optical mixing. Electro-optic modulators using this design principle would be able to achieve switching voltage of less than 100 milliVolts. These passive optical devices could be used for the electrical to optical signal conversion from very sensitive Radio-Frequency antennas with a bandwidth of many gigahertz. In addition, Photonic Band Gap technology would allow for improved bandwidth in electro-optical devices. Photonic Band Gap technology would offer significant performance improvements in the next generation of photonic devices. Applications in the Ultra low switching voltage for intensity and phase modulators, compact and highly sensitive sensors, low noise figure optical front-end for antennas is targeted. Compact integrated optics; all optical switching and efficient generation of light sources are needed in billion-dollar telecom industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sriram, S SRICO INC OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99989 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214719 July 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase I: Model-Guided Development of Spin-Dependent-Tunnel Junctions for Magnetoelectronic Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Program will demonstrate the feasibility of model-guided approach for developing spin dependent tunnel junctions in magnetoelectronic devices. Spin dependent tunnel junctions are at the forefront of nanotechnology that is under intensive research and development worldwide. Spin dependent tunnel devices are expected to be commercialized in about two years in sensor, isolator, and memory. Due to the unique requirements of the tunnel barrier with a nominal thickness of ~1nm and its interfaces with two ferromagnetic layers, an experimental approach by itself is inefficient in developing new junctions. There is a critical need for guidance from a realistic modeling in the fabrication processing, and this project is specifically designed to fulfill this need. Realistic atomistic modeling will be established and experiments will be judicially chosen to demonstrate the feasibility of this integrated approach. Magneto-random access memories are used in reprogrammable logic, read heads, generic magnetic field sensors, and galvanic isolators and are important components for the electronic storage industry. They have the potential to be applied in other microelectronic devices where thin layers and interfaces are critical. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Dexin NVE CORPORATION MN Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 1505 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214720 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: New Convergent X-Ray Beam Based System for Protein Crystallography. 0214720 Huang This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project proposesto develop a new approach to protein x-ray crystallography using convergent beams. This new technology is based on the development of convergent beam x-ray optics and of protein diffraction theory with 2-dimensional convergent x-ray beams. Compared with conventional collimating optics, convergent beam optics can provide x-ray beams with orders of magnitude higher flux density, which is crucial for structure measurements with small protein crystals (less than 100 um) using low-power laboratory-based x-ray sources. In this Phase I project, simulation diffraction patterns for different protein crystals will be generated by a new software package CBMPRO to theoretically evaluate the feasibility for determination of protein crystal quality, unit cell, space group, and structure. The commercial application of this project is in the area of proteomics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Huang, Huapeng X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99935 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214722 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: On-Line Optoelectronic Sensing of Molten Metal Chemistry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of developing a highly innovative, low-cost, high-speed opto-electronic sensor capable of continuously monitoring molten metal alloy compositions during casting and melting operations. Development of this sensor is among the highest priority technology needs identified by both the metal casting industry and the aluminum industry in their industry roadmaps of the future. In order to effectively compete, U.S. metal industries must increase their use of low cost scrap and must also find ways to increase production efficiency. The proposed sensor will acquire critical compositional data thousands of times faster than current commercial methods and will operate on a real time basis without the need to place the sensor in contact with the molten metal. At these speeds, a melt shop could produce one extra metal production batch (i.e. heat) per day, amounting to a 15% increase in productivity. The $30 Billion aluminum smelting industry translates to a potential $4.5 Billion increase in production output for little or no additional capital investment other than the sensor system itself. Improved product quality, reduced emissions, energy savings, and increased product yield will result from the shorter melting times. Similar improvements would be possible for zinc, copper, brass, bronze, iron, ceramics and glass industries that also have need for a similar continuous sensor system to monitor composition and quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spencer, David wTe Corporation MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214732 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nanocomposite Barrier Coatings for Organic Electronics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop novel flexible, transparent and photocurable nanocomposite barrier coatings to prevent the degradation of conducting polymers by oxygen and water vapor. Conducting polymer electronic devices can be made rapidly, low-cost, flexible, lightweight and mechanically more robust than inorganic electronics; the main limitation to their wide-scale commercialization is the problem with degradation. The solution to this problem is to use a barrier layer to prevent oxygen and water vapor from reaching the conducting polymer. Current barrier coatings do not block oxygen and water permeation well enough to make long lifetime conducting polymer devices possible, and the need is especially great for flexible products such as roll-up displays. Nanocomposites, polymeric materials that contain inorganic particles smaller than 100 nm, have exceptional barrier properties and are ideally suited for display applications because the small size of the nanoparticles allows the composite to be transparent. This project will utilize nanoparticles in a photocurable urethane-acrylate coating system to prevent oxygen and water vapor from reaching the underlying conducting polymer. Coatings are needed to extend the lifetime of conducting polymer electronic devices including: flexible OLED (organic light emitting diode) displays, thin film transistors, new rapid scan chips used as bar-code replacements, printed electronic circuits and lightweight electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elliott, Brian TDA Research, Inc CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214745 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Very-Large-Area Lithography System for Flexible Displays and Fluidic-Self-Assembly-Based Electronics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the manufacturing of very-large-area flexible displays. It is critical to develop a low-cost manufacturing process that enables very-large-area flexible displays to be manufactured for the military as well as the consumer. Recent technical innovations in the area of very-large-area lithography and fluidic self-assembly offer a unique process for low-cost high-volume flexible display manufacturing. Anvik Corporation has developed a breakthrough lithography technology that enables high-throughput, cost-effective production of very large displays (20 to 120 inches diagonal) on flexible substrates, which may be either loaded as discrete sheets or fed continuously in a roll-to-roll configuration. Anvil's very-large-area lithography technology represents a significant breakthrough in display manufacturing. In this proposal, we present a program for developing a production-worthy lithography system for high-throughput, low-cost fabrication of flexible, high-resolution displays of sizes up to 60-inch diagonal. This lithography process are that it is compatible with fluidic self-assembly manufacturing techniques will potentially result in higher performance and lower cost displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Klosner, Marc Anvik Corporation NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99995 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214746 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Srbi2TaO9 Thin Film Laser Annealing Tool for Ferreolectric Memory Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will prove that laser annealing can crystallize thin films of SrBi2Ta2O9 (SBT) to a device ready quality, while keeping the substrate temperature at a level compatible with CMOS components. SBT films are strong candidates for use in non-volatile ferroelectric memory applications (FeRAM), due to their "fatigue-free" read/write performance and low voltage operation. However, SBT films typically require a post deposition-annealing step (> 700 C in oxygen) to crystallize the films and achieve optimum performance. This high temperature-annealing step is incompatible with current IC fabrication schemes, particularly designs that use tungsten for the first level contacts. This laser-annealing tool will prevent thermal damage to the underlying CMOS structures, and enable SBT film acceptance in FeRAM device applications. The project will show proof of concept by annealing films and demonstrating device performance. Ferroelectrics are poised to rapidly expand into the several billion-dollar non-volatile memory markets. This tool will accelerate this market penetration and thereby become a key component of a multiple hundreds of million dollars per year tool market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sbrockey, Nick STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214758 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Synthesis of Environmental Reference Standards. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop novel approaches for the synthesis of carcinogen-modified oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and carcinogen deoxynucleoside monomer adducts that can be used in physical, chemical, conformational, and biological studies, and as reference standards in both academic and commercial work. These reagents are difficult to acquire and they are available to only a few large laboratories with sufficient resources to synthesize them. The proposed methodology will reduce the cost of synthesizing these types of materials substantially, resulting in the widespread availability of these important biological components on a cost-effective commercial scale. One of the attractive features of the proposed methodology is that it will be applicable not only to carcinogen-modified ODNs, but will also be employed for the construction of ODNs modified with other types of agents, such as, tethers and dyes. Tethered ODNs can be attached to arrays and used as targets for gene sequence analysis. The commercial applications of this project are straightforward and involve direct sales of the modified ODNs and carcinogen adduct monomers to the academic community for fundamental research investigations and to industrial firms for environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meehan, Thomas GAIA GENOMICS, INC. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99948 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214760 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Resonant-Enhanced Crystallization (REC) Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel Resonant-Enhanced Crystallization (REC) Process. REC technology is similar to conventional impeller stirring crystallization but with enhanced mass and heat transfer, low shear or reduced crystal breakage, and improved crystal size distribution. Purification and separation by crystallization is a multicomponent mass transfer phenomenon of the crystallizing solute and impurity solutes. Mass and heat transfer in crystallization process are key factors affecting crystal growth rate, size distribution and habit. However, in conventional crystallizers, the mass transfer coefficient is maximized when crystals are in their terminal velocity and increased agitation results in significant crystal breakage. The proposed technology will further increase mass transfer even in cases where crystals are in suspended status. Due to the low shear associated with the acoustic agitation, crystal breakage will be minimal. The second nucleation will also be reduced and therefore, crystal size distribution will be improved. The objective of this proposed research is to incorporate low-frequency acoustic agitation to the crystallization process to greatly enhance mass and heat transfer. This is expected to improve crystal growth rate, size distribution and quality. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of pharmaceutical separation and purification. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yang, Fangxiao RESODYN CORPORATION MT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214761 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Accoustically Enhanced Airlift Bioreactor. 0214761 McGrath This Small Business Innovative Research Project proposes to combine a novel low-frequency acoustic energy technology with an airlift bioreactor. This is expected to provide a dramatic increase in bioreactor productivity by greatly increasing mass transport. The proposed technology will meet contemporary industry needs for a high productivity, low-shear bioreactor that can be used to economically produce a broad range of traditional and newly emerging biochemicals and bioproducts. The commercial applications of this project include the culturing of pharmaceuticals and other biochemicals from a broad range of organisms including plant cells, mammalian cells, fungi, bacteria and yeast. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG McAdams, Todd RESODYN CORPORATION MT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214766 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Simple and Practical Solid-State 157 nm Coherent Light Source for Applications in Lithography Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to study the feasibility of a simple and practical narrow-bandwidth vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)laser light source,tunable around 157 nm.This work will combine recent advances in laser technology and nonlinear- optical techniques with previously-studied frequency-conversion schemes.A doubly-resonant four-wave mixing in a guided-wave geometry will be used to convert UV light into the VUV. Extrapolation from previously observed conversion efficiencies shows that the overall conversion efficiency of this process may be increased by 100-1000x,from ~10 -4 to near-unity efficiency.The laser system that will be developed to drive this process will be small-scale and all solid-state. The commercial potential for such a device promises to radically-improve the practicality of VUV light sources over current laser systems,and will find immediate application as a tool for development of 157nm lithography for manufacturing of integrated circuits,and well as in a variety of other basic science and technological applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Backus, Sterling KAPTEYN-MURNANE LABS INC CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99583 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214769 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Plasticized Poly(lactic Acid) (PLA) Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites. PLA is a biopolymer derived from corn that is stiff at room temperature, but that can be made more flexible by adding significant amounts of plasticizers. Plasticizers are small, often volatile molecules that are incorporated, but not bound, into polymers to make them softer. These plasticizers can migrate out of PLA, forming a sticky layer on the surface and leaving the plastic hard and brittle. Technology that could both reduce the amount of plasticizer necessary to lower the glass transition temperature and to prevent the plasticizer from leaching out of the polymer would create large new market opportunities for PLA. This Phase I project proposes to increase the permanence of plasticizers by incorporating nanoparticle-anchored plasticizers into PLA. Anchored plasticizers would not be volatile, and extraction and migration should be significantly lower. The anchored plasticizer will still affect the glassy to rubbery transition of the host material, and yet the permanence of the plasticizer will be substantially increased. The commercial applications of this project will be in a number of consumer use markets that rely on petroleum as the starting material. They include flexible plastic films, bags, and toys. Flexible PLA also has the potential to replace commodity thermoplastics like polyolefins and PVC in specific applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Myers, Andrew TDA Research, Inc CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214771 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Optical Based Chemical Sensing Using Luminescent Nanomaterials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves the exploitation of nano-materials as optical based chemical sensors. This innovative approach to chemical sensing will take advantage of the material's quantum size effects, such as enhanced absorption and photoluminescence properties (sensitivity), high surface areas for analyze sensing (miniaturization), and ease of synthetic preparation (specificity). The use of optical based sensors provides additional advantages, such as no electrical noise, fast response, ease of miniaturization, safe near flammables, more durable than electronics, and applications to remote sensing. The characterization of the optical and electronic properties of the nanomaterials is critical to their development into the proposed optical sensor arrays. This research will also contribute to the increasing information database of nanomaterials as they pertain to advanced electronic materials. The research will lay the groundwork for fabricating multi-analyze optical sensors. The technology, once successfully developed, will be used the semiconductor manufacturing industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cordero, Steven INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99995 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214776 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Power Generation from Ambient Vibration Energy Using Re-configurable Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Generator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on providing ambient power for wireless smart sensor units used for condition-based monitoring. Specifically, this project is to develop a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)-based power-scavenging module. Current research in the area of ambient power has established a strong foundation from which future solutions in the area of condition-based maintenance will take shape. Research will also be performed on rare earth magnets to custom design thin permanent magnets that will produce a high-flux density in the compactly designed system. The proposed component will provide power through the conversion of ambient machine vibration using electromagnetic induction. Design objectives include the optimization of energy-scavenging efficiency in varying environmental conditions, operating conditions, and system types. The proposed system uses MEMS technology to realize small dimensions (one-inch square and less than 0.5 cm. thick) and energy storage capabilities. Commercial applications include industrial machinery, vehicles, air conditioners, and refrigerators. Additional options are large markets such as building controls and manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Das, Sudipta WILLIAMS-PYRO, INC. TX Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214782 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: An In Vivo Small Animal Optical Tomography Imaging System. 0214782 Chinn This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to develop an optical tomography imaging system for in vivo small animal imaging. This system will support both active exogenous imaging of oxy/deoxy-hemoglobin using near-infrared laser sources and endogenous light sources from bio-luminescent or fluorescent probes .With the goal of developing a state-of-the-art small animal scanner, this Phase I project will investigate source/detector configurations to determine the optimum geometry to maximize image resolution and to minimize cost. This will be followed by the development of novel image reconstruction algorithms and of innovative methods to achieve quantitative imaging for bioluminescent and fluorescent optical probes. The commercial application of this project is in the area of animal imaging. Animal imaging methods are important in the evaluation of new drugs and in basic biomedical research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chinn, Garry Intellis Technologies, Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99831 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214787 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Software for Fast and Accurate Density Functional Calculations on Biomolecules. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a fast density functional (DFT) program for accurate electronic structure calculations on medium-sized molecules (30-200+ atoms). The proposed method will have the same accuracy as traditional integral-based DFT codes, but will be an order of magnitude faster, with the speed-up increasing with system size. The increased efficiency is particularly important for molecular dynamics applications. In the Phase I project, the accuracy and speed of the method for single-point DFT energies will be demonstrated. In a follow on Phase II project, a fully functioning program will be developed, including gradients (for geometry optimization and dynamics), second derivatives (for vibrational frequencies), NMR chemical shifts and other important molecular properties. The code will be parallelized, integrated into our PQS program and supplied with our QuantumStation, a combined hardware-software package for running parallel implementations of the most important methods of quantum chemistry. The commercial application of this project is in the area of software development for academic and business community involved in biological and biomedical research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baker, Jon PARALLEL QUANTUM SOLUTIONS AR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99000 5371 BIOT 9181 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214789 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Genetic Engineering of Maize for Increased Tolerance to Heat Stress. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase 1 Project proposes to develop transgenic maize (Zea mays L.) with increased tolerance to heat stress. It has recently discovered that a gene encoding the maize chloroplast protein synthesis elongation factor, EF-Tu, plays a role in the development of heat tolerance. EF-Tu protects other proteins from heat-induced inactivation and aggregation. The overall goal of this project is to genetically engineer maize that overproduces EF-Tu under high temperature conditions and to exploit the protective role that EF-Tu plays in heat tolerance. The key objectives of the Phase 1 research include (a) the creation of EF-Tu transgenic maize protoplasts, Arabidopsis and maize whole-plants and (b) the assessment of their heat tolerance in the laboratory. The results of the Phase 1 project will lay the groundwork for the follow-on Phase 2 and Phase 3 projects. They will include the testing the performance of EF-Tu transgenic maize in the field (Phase 2) and its commercialization (Phase 3). The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of agriculture. High-temperature is a major limiting factor to plant productivity, often causing significant economic losses to both domestic and international agricultural markets. The development and commercialization of transgenic maize with greater ability to tolerate heat stress is expected to have enormous economic benefits for the United States and the world. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Butler, Eugene Genetic Architecture Education Analysis (GAEA), Inc. SD Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99990 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 0201000 Agriculture 0214792 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Microalgal Vaccines for the Control of White Spot Syndrome Virus in Shrimp. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop oral vaccines for controlling white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)in marine shrimp using transgenic algae. In recent years shrimp production on Latin American shrimp farms has been reduced by up to 50 percent by WSSV outbreaks. Current technologies for controlling WSSV have had limited effectiveness. This Phase I Project will test the hypothesis that transgenic algae expressing WSSV capsid proteins can function as ideal vaccine delivery vectors for nearly all life-stages of shrimp. Larval shrimp feed on microalgae and adult shrimp consume dried microalgae in their diet. Recent work by the investigators has demonstrated that both live and freeze-dried microalgae expressing foreign antigens can induce an antigen-specific immune response in fish. It is therefore likely that microalgae can deliver functional antigens via oral delivery. The commercial application of this project is in the area of shrimp farming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wagner, Richard Phycotransgenics, L.L.C. IN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99955 5371 BIOT 9181 0521700 Marine Resources 0214798 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Recovery of Natural Beta-Carotene from the Marine Alga Dunaliella Salina. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 Project is to investigate the technical feasibility for harvesting natural carotenoids from the marine algae, "Dunaliella salina". Due to the high capital and operating costs associated with existing technologies, the current price of natural beta-carotene is about twice that of the synthetic variety. By enabling the commercial production of natural beta-carotene at a cost closer to that of the synthetic product, this research is expected to lead to a significant growth of the "natural beta-carotene" market. The specific objective of the Phase I research is to determine the feasibility of a low-cost method to harvest the above mentioned marine algae from the growth medium and to extract the beta-carotene from this algae. The technology to be developed in this project could also be used to harvest and to purify other carotenoids from the algae. The commercial application of this project will be in the beta-carotene market. Beta-carotene is currently used for a wide range of applications : as a nutritional supplement, as an agent for food fortification, as an animal feed, and as a food colorant. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Kanel, Jeffrey J. S. Kanel & Associates LLC WV Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 5371 0521700 Marine Resources 0214802 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Force Transducer Based on Phase-Modulated Optical Polarimetry. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes the development of a high sensitivity, large dynamic range force transducer capable of measuring transient force changes in tension and compression. The operating principal is based on the change in optical properties at the molecular level with loading of a pre-stressed polymer material. The polymer acts as a linkage to which a force would be applied either in compression or tension. The molecular deformation of the polymer linkage will be analyzed using miniature optical components arranged as a phase-modulated polarimeter capable of birefringence measurements on the order of 10^-9. Calibration of the measured birefringence with known loads will provide the necessary calibration parameters. Potential commercial instrument would be capable of directional force, pressure and acceleration measurements and would be extremely accurate for measuring low-level forces. Since the force transducer is based on optical techniques, it would be immune to electronic noise, and would allow measurement of rapidly changing loads. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mackey, Jeffrey MK OPTICS INC. OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99972 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214808 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Novel Microsphere Biomaterials for Genomics and Industry. 0214808 Pegg This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to develop novel biomaterial-based microparticles called Sphericules. These microparticles are self-contained micrometer-scale reactors capable of performing genetic analysis without expensive instruments. The new composite beads, with temperature stability, solvent resistance, controlled buoyancy and other properties, will find applications in many diverse markets. The Sphericule methodology combines layers of natural and synthetic polymers, metals, ceramics and other chemicals to produce new composite beads, fibers and coatings. In contrast, multifunctional latex beads using a surface coating of antibody on a micron sized fluorescent particle are labor intensive to produce. Particle batch processing results in aggregation, uneven surface treatment, and loss of signal molecules. This Phase I project proposes a novel method for synthesizing uniform particles using micro-scale systems in a continuous process. In this process, the chemistries of bead formation, optical reagent incorporation and surface modifications are expected to be straightforward, stoichiometric and predictable. The commercial applications of this project are in the areas of biomedicalresearch, diagnostics, electronics, and defense. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pegg, Randall NUCLEIC ASSAYS CORPORATION FL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214816 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nanomaterials with High Strength for Fabrication of Microgears. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes a highly innovative technique for using nanomaterials of high strength in fabrication of microgears with end applications in medical instrumentation. The demand for precision instruments required for medical diagnosis and microsurgical tools are increasing continuously over the past decade to provide better service. Endoscopes and microsurgical instruments have decreased in size from 25 mm to 10 mm over the past six years. The decrease in size of these instruments has become possible due to the reduction in size of the drive systems employed. Electric motor drives currently in use have evolved from a size of 10 mm to 2 mm. The tiny gears used in these motors for torque transmission fail due to friction and wear. Thus, there is a need for increased performance of the microgear components in the micromotors. The mechanical properties of strength and hardness are increased by fabrication of these microscale components using nanocrystalline particles. This Phase I Project proposes a novel approach for fabrication of the microgears with nanocrystalline copper. The feasibility of the technique will be evaluated by fabrication of microgears (100 microns diameter) and by the characterization of their physical and mechanical properties. The commercial applications of this project will primarily be in the area of biomedical devices and instrumentation. Other applications would include disk drives, toxic-gas monitors, camera-lens drives and pagers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Raffi, Mohamed Materials Modification Inc. VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214817 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Lobster-Eye X-Ray Imaging Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will meet the need for advanced optical instrumentation to support scientific research in the area of X-ray radiation in the upper atmosphere. It is proposed to develop a Lobster-eye X-ray Imaging Sensor as a low-cost, all-plastic, X-ray focusing optical device for real-time, remote sensing of X-rays in auroras in the polar regions. Lobster-eye X-ray Imaging Sensor will be light enough to be carried by stratospheric balloons for use in remote observation and mapping of the precipitation of energetic electrons from solar eruptions. It is designed to collect spatial, temporal, and spectral information both by day and by night. Its low-cost, plastic, potentially disposable X-ray focusing/collimating optics, which are lobster-eye-like fiber elements with specially treated cladding to reflect X-rays, will be based on the company's advanced precision replication of plastic, single-fiber, optical components. Conditions in near space and the upper layers of the atmosphere affect telecommunications, weather monitoring, and sea transportation in the Polar Regions. Current state-of-the-art visible aurora studies are limited to the dark hemisphere, and X-ray mapping now uses single-detector sensors that are expensive, heavy, and complex. Commercial applications are in astronomy, meteorology, nuclear power stations, crystallography, and related areas. An even broader spectrum of applications exists for the LEXIS systems plastic, X-ray focusing optics, which can easily and completely replaces the capillary Kumakov optics and metal anti-scattering grids used in medical radiology, security, X-ray lithography, and many other X-ray applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shnitser, Paul PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99996 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214819 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Synchrotron Mimic for Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a compact source for lithography. As a synchrotron equivalent, this proposal presents a single-stepper, XUV or soft-x-ray source, which offers high brightness, high collimation, modest operating vacuum, excellent spectrum and moderate cost. The x-rays are generated inside a compact betatron by the electrons passing through thin radiators made of thin metal foils, crystals or multi-layers producing a forward-directed beam of x-rays whose photon energies can be XUV, soft and hard x-ray depending upon choice of radiator. As a synchrotron mimic, the source can have many applications. For lithography the x-ray wavelength can be optimized for highest photo-resist sensitivity, e.g.1.4 nm. In a proof of principal experiments, tunable monochromatic x-rays from thin crystal and multi-layer radiators mounted inside a betatron have been observed. Pulse-height spectra were obtained and tuned by rocking the crystal or multi-layer relative to the electron-beam direction. We will use our existing experimental apparatus to demonstrate high x-ray flux at soft x-ray wavelengths. Potential commercial applications effort will demonstrate the capability of generating XUV and x-rays for lithography and crystallography. It can also function also as a medical source for imaging and as a laboratory source for scientific purposes now relegated exclusively to synchrotrons. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Piestrup, Melvin Adelphi Technology, Inc CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214822 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Pharmacogenomic Depression Treatment Prediction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a software platform, GeneRx for depression. This platform will incorporate pharmacogenetics and nonlinear adaptive algorithms toward optimizing anti-depressant treatment on a patient-specific basis. In this Phase I project, a predictive algorithm will be developed using genetic and medical chart information from patients diagnosed with major depressive disorders who have taken the anti-depressant citalopram. Genetic data will be acquired by genotyping DNA from blood samples for selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that have been directly affected by citalopram. Prediction of response to citalopram is important in order to avoid delays in receiving adequate treatment and to avoid exposure to unnecessary side effects. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of healthcare management and delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Herold, Christopher PREDICTION SCIENCES, LLC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214847 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Fast Response Sensor for Airborne Biological Particles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel, electro-optical sensor capable of capturing single airborne particles and analyzing their compositions on a time scale of a few minutes. The sensor concept is based on a previously developed innovative technology for single-particle electrodynamic capture and Raman spectroscopy. The electrodynamic trap is capable of capturing and suspending single airborne particles of sizes 1 to 100 m. Analysis of the trapped particle by Raman spectroscopy provides a fingerprint of the vibrational structures of the particle's chemical components, analogous to that obtained by infrared absorption spectroscopy, but with single-particle sensitivity. This in turn leads to identification of the particle as bacterial or otherwise, as well as to preliminary identification of the bacterial species. In this Phase I project, a compact sensor that can continually screen ambient habitat air and analyze each trapped particle on a time scale of minutes will be devised. The commercial application of this project is in defense and health-related industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hunter, Amy Physical Sciences Incorporated (PSI) MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99979 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214853 July 1, 2002 SBIR/Phase I: New Methods for Detecting Bioterrorism. 0214853 Drukier This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to examine Multi Photon Detection (MPD) of biological warfare agents using a panel of MPD enhanced immunoassays. MPD based techniques promise to deliver: (1) parallel detection of all biological warfare agents, (2) improved sensitivity of biotoxin detection, leading to fewer false positives and negatives, (3) more rapid results, (4) lower cost per assay, and (5) greater ease of use. This Phase I project has the following specific objectives : (1) production of recombinant fragments of biotoxins and development of antibodies, (2) development and characterization of antibodies for biotoxins, including botulism, tetanus and anthrax, (3) development of IA/MPD (MPD enhanced immunoassay) for these three biotoxins and comparison of sensitivity with the prior art, mainly ELISA, and (4) further assay optimization. The commercial application of this project is in the area of homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Drukier, Andrzej BioTraces Inc VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99982 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214854 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Protein Microarrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to apply Multi Photon Detection technique (MPD) to quantify proteins bound to a microarray of antibodies. The first arrays will target cytokines, the important secreted proteins that regulate the immune system. The goals of this project are to create an immunoassay based protein-chip for the concurrent measurment of all the cytokines down to the level of a few zeptomole/ sample, to implement improved P-chip designs using peptide nucleic acid linkers, and to study the levels of cytokines in cell cultures and human samples. By analyzing patterns of protein expression and their post-translational modifications, correlations of functions and/or of disease states with specific protein expression patterns are expected to be established. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of medical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Drukier, Andrzej BioTraces Inc VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99978 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214861 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Novel Method for In Situ Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a sensitive and rapid method for detecting rare cells infected with viruses. Although PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) has revolutionized nucleic acid detection, leakage of amplicons from cells during thermocycling, an inherent problem in conventional procedures, limits its use for in situ PCR applications. Furthermore, microscopic visualization after in situ PCR is tedious and not amenable to rare cell detection. Development of a rapid method to identify and quantify activation of genes involved in viral infection and tumorigenesis in single rare cells would significantly benefit both research as well as clinical applications such as diagnosis and therapeutic staging. The Phase I research will develop the assay using model cell lines infected with the human T-cell leukemia virus type I. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of diagnostics linked to the managemement of genetically based diseases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Trnovsky, Jan ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214865 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Label-Free Biochip for Ultra-High Throughput Screening. 0214865 Thompson This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a label-free biochip for applications in genomics, proteomics, life sciences, and pharmaceutical research. Biochips are intended to enable rapid, massively parallel analyses for such applications. However, the typical biochip relies on the use of labels to detect the binding event. Labels are expensive, especially for high-throughput screening (HTS), and can change the chemistry of the ligand. The binding of a low-molecular weight ligand is particularly difficult to detect by any current (or emerging) biochip technology. During the Phase I project, experiments are planned to show(1) that the proposed technology can be used to detect hormones, drugs, metabolites, carbohydrates, and signal transduction molecules in the 100-500 Da size range binding to enzymes, lectins, and DNA; (2) that this technology can differentiate among cross-reactive ligands that bind to a given biomolecule; (3) that the signal is specific to ligand binding and is not affected by artifacts that affect other biochips; (4) that protein denaturation caused by carrier solvents can be detected, and (5) that chip read-out will be exceptionally sensitive and rapid. The commercial applications of this project are likely to be in a number of different areas. They include the markets for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food and beverage safety, proteomics, drug discovery and development, biomolecule development, and ultra high-throughput screening. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Peggy Biopraxis, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214866 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: High Density Resistor Arrays via Soft Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will research passive components in electronic circuits increases, new interconnect technologies, such as embedded passives, are under development to optimize utilization of board real estate. For embedded passives, dimensional accuracy translates into control over component values, and so there is a need for high-precision fabrication processes. TPL has developed soft lithography micro-contact printing, an additive process that can fabricate near-net-shape structures with features between 100 microns and the sub-micron scale. The innovation exploits the compositional flexibility of sol-gel chemistry to synthesize powder-free inks with a wide range of materials properties that can be patterned with high resolution using the novel micro-contact printing technology. Potential commercial applications effort will demonstrate the feasibility of micro-contact printing for application to high-density interconnects solutions, and could be an enabling technology for high-precision embedded passives. The PI has pioneered the use of micro-contact printing as a novel interconnect technology while TPL has extensive experience in developing packaging solutions for the electronics industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Lakeman, Charles D. TPL, Inc. NM Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99997 9150 MANU 9150 9146 5371 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214880 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: High-Throughput Specific Cell Loading by Optoinjection. 0214880 Sasaki This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I projectproposes to develop a novel technology for Laser-Enabled Analysis and Processing (LEAP ) of living cells. The ability to load cells with compounds is critical in many areas of research and medicine such as drug discovery and gene therapy. Current methods have limitations with respect to specificity, efficiency, toxicity, and/or throughput. Optoinjection is a novel and versatile procedure for cell loading that has been demonstrated in a few laboratories. Unfortunately, it is a slow and laborious procedure carried out on specialized microscopes. Oncosis is developing a LEAP platform for high-speed cell scanning and purification via lethal laser effects on unwanted cells. The LEAP platform could be used to implement optoinjection in a high-throughput, cell-specific manner that would enable the commercialization of this novel form of cell loading. In this Phase I Project, feasibility studies are proposed to modify a LEAP instrument, and then to evaluate conditions of optoinjection for different cells and compounds. Phase I Research will yield a model/database providing greater understanding of optoinjection, and will define the scope of feasibility. Phase II Research will optimize and implement optoinjection in biologically relevant experimental systems, resulting in data supporting this powerful new tool for the analysis and manipulation of living cells within a physiological environment. The commercial applications of this project will be in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sasaki, Glenn Cyntellect, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214881 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A New Solid State Surgical Imaging Probe. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new intraoperative imaging probe based on a solid-state, compact readout sensor coupled to a high resolution, high light output converter. Nuclear Medicine imaging has been widely used to preoperatively image structures of interest for excisional biopsy. Radio-guided intraoperative procedures utilizing non-imaging gamma detector probes and radiotracers have facilitated a cost-effective, highly specific means to locate suspect tissue and access it for pathologic analysis. The result of radio-guided surgery is increased tissue specificity obtained for biopsy, minimally accessed incisions, and the reduction of inpatient hospital utilization with an improved patient recovery. The main drawback of non- imaging gamma guidance is the lack of ancillary information of the surveyed area, such as distinction between two neighboring radioactive regions, which can be overcome with an intraoperative imaging probe. Also, the highly penetrating gamma radiation from other parts of the body increases the background, and limits the practical use of current probes. This Phase i project seeks to address these limitations by designing a new-generation intraoperative probe intended to image the tumor bed with short-range beta rays. When developed, this detector will allow accurate delineation of the tumor, thus facilitating precise resection. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomedical devices and instrumentation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Entine, Gerald Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214894 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Optical Detection and Sizing of Aerosol Nanoparticles (diameter detection limit below 2 nanometers). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project intends to fabricate, and test a condensation nucleus counter (CNC) of the turbulent-mixing type, with a detection limit below 2 nm particle diameter, and able to measure the size distribution of aerosol nanoparticles. A novelty of this apparatus is that its super-saturation level can be adjusted quickly and accurately along a wide range. This ability, along with the dependence between critical super-saturation and embryo diameter, will make it possible to measure in real time the size distribution of the nanometric fraction of the aerosol. It will be shown that the design of this CNC effectively delays the onset of homogeneous nucleation; uncharged particles smaller than 3 nm in diameter are readily activated; a detection limit below 2 nm for uncharged particles can be achieved by using the appropriate condensing vapor; and charged nanoparticles of arbitrary small size are detected. Note that this demonstrated detection limit is substantially smaller than that of the best CNC commercially available (TSI model 3025A, 3 nm detection limit). Three tasks have been identified to materialize the goals of this proposal: design and fabrication of a CNC prototype; experimental demonstration of the performance of the CNC; and execution of fundamental research on heterogeneous nucleation. The overall work will eventually lead to the commercialization of an improved CNC. The main fields of application include: bio-aerosol detection, air quality testing, environmental studies, particle emission testing, and materials, pharmaceutical and basic aerosol research. This turbulent-mixing CNC will enable the analysis of macromolecules via liquid chromatography with a very significant gain of sensitivity with respect to more common schemes. This analytical application has considerable commercial potential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gamero, Manuel BUSEK CO, INC MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 97852 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214895 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Encapsulation Technology for Organic Light Emitting Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop encapsulation layers for organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. Cost-effective thin film encapsulation is widely recognized as a crucial key technology needed to capitalize on the full potential of OLED technology. Transparent thin film encapsulation layers deposited at low temperatures and moisture-free ambient are needed for lightweight and low cost OLED displays and microdisplays. This project is focused on novel atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques that are especially designed for cost-effective encapsulation of OLED devices at process temperatures below 100 C. Traditional ALD techniques are impractically slow at this temperature range and make inefficient usage of chemicals. These problems are circumvented by a combination of efficient ALD process and equipment. Objectives include evaluation of encapsulated OLED device performance and reliability, with corresponding cost analysis. A successful project can mark a breakthrough in the market of portable display devices since adequate thin film encapsulation technologies for OLED devices have not been developed successfully so far. The OLED market is projected to grow to over $1.6 billion in revenues annually, attributed mostly to microdisplay applications, within the next five years. It is expected that OLED will play a bigger role in the $50 billion Flat Panel Display (FPD) market in subsequent years. Currently the missing piece in OLED device processing equipment, vacuum-deposition encapsulation technology will provide a substantial competitive edge to process equipment vendors. It can thus signify an entry point for the U.S. to regain a substantial market share in the FPD market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sneh, Ofer Sundew Technologies, LLC CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99625 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214899 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Microemulsion-based Nanoencapsulates of the Anticancer Drugs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop temperature-sensitive nanoparticles to protect drugs from degradation in a targeted drug delivery system. Several important pharmaceutical compounds have low solubility and short half-life in the aqueous phase. As a result, significant portions of the therapeutic agents hydrolyze during formulation or in the blood before reaching the required site. Nanotechnology and microemulsion technology provide a novel approach to overcome these limitations. In this project, a model therapeutic agent, an anticancer drug, has been chosen for the development of an effective formulation. Microemulsion will eliminate hydrolysis of the therapeutic agent and also provide thermodynamically stable nano-size encapsulates for further development of the temperature-sensitive release characteristics of the end product. These nanoencapsulates will circulate in the blood for the long time and therapeutic agent can be delivered at the site of interest (tumor cells) by increasing temperature of that site with the help of a laser. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of pharmaceutical drug delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Chittaranjan NANO INTERFACE TECHNOLOGY VA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0214911 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced Spectral Interferometry for Biological Imaging. 0214911 Kane This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to develop an enhanced spectral interferometry method for biological and biomedical applications. This method will provide rapid, high resolution optical imaging and can be easily coupled with fiber optics for in-vivo applications using endoscopes, catheters and similar devices. The Phase I Project will demontrate the utility of enhance spectral interferometry for cross-sectional imaging in biological tissues. In the follow on Phase II Project, a fiber optic imaging spectral interferometer capable of high speed will be developed. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of biomedical devices and instrumentation. This technology will be applied to a variety of biomedical research and clinical needs including monitoring of tissue response to drugs or radiation exposure, detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous tissues, and the imaging of venous and arterial structures and ocular pathologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kane, Daniel Southwest Sciences Inc NM Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0214924 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Optical Switch Manufactured Using Direct Write Method. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop enabling technology for construction of a small, low cost fiber optic switch. The switch will be based upon vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays and PIN photodiode arrays, both coupled directly to a silicon switching/interfacing integrated circuit. The switch design and fabrication processes will be enabled by new interconnect technologies using direct-write of both organic materials and liquid metals using ink jet printing technology. Collimating or focusing polymer microlenses will be printed directly onto the vertical cavity surface emitting laser arrays with photolithographic accuracy, coupling the output of the vertical cavity surface emitting lasers directly into arrays of multimode optical fibers. The same will be true for coupling into detector arrays. Solder-Jet technology will be used to electrically interconnect the active optical elements to the silicon integrated circuit with practically zero interconnect distance, drastically decreasing parasitic effects The optical and electrical interconnect methods developed in this project will have commercial applications far broader than the fiber optic switch. Some of the other applications include: fiber optic transceivers, imaging sensors, read/write heads, laser sources for printers, optical sensors for medical diagnostics, micro-assembly, micro-electromechanical machines packaging and 3D-packaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Ting MicroFab Technologies Inc TX Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214936 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Chemically Selective Sensors Based On Conducting Polymers. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of employing novel conducting polymers (e.g. poly 3,4-diphenylpyrrole) to prepare solid state gas sensors. The proposed sensor will be low cost and selective to a specific class of chemical compounds, namely chlorinated hydrocarbons. The proposed sensor will also be capable of operating at room temperature, thus eliminating the need for significant power consumption and making the development of small, selective, low-cost, and portable detectors feasible. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of preparing solid-state gas sensors based upon this material. Variations in materials chemistry, including monomer composition and dopant ion, will be used to develop sensors that are highly stable, sensitive, and selective to chlorinated hydrocarbons. This sensor technology will complement Nanomaterials Research's existing product line by continuing the development of low cost sensor technologies that provide unique commercial advantages. The proposed sensor will be marketed to companies who manufacture instrumentation for health and safety, environmental monitoring and process control applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Deininger, Debra Nanomaterials Research LLC CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 1505 MANU 9148 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214949 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nanoengineered Epitaxial Surfaces for High Throughput Protein Crystallization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new type of nanoengineered surface to epitaxially nucleate protein crystals. These surfaces should greatly accelerate most high throughput Structural Genomics efforts. The basic concept for the epitaxial surfaces is to prepare a surface that possesses chemical modulations commensurate in size and periodicity to protein unit cells. It is speculated that exposure of the protein growth solution to certain compositional periodicities (5-100 nm) on the surface of the heterogeneous nucleants induces an ordered layer of sorbed protein molecules which form the incipient nucleus of the protein crystal. Since for a given unknown protein the unit cell is not known in advance, the heterogeneous nucleants are prepared as a combinatorial library in a chip based format, with a wide variety of modulations per unit chip area. In this Phase I proposal, methods and techniques will be developed to allow a more efficient survey of surfaces and proteins with the goal of better defining the role of the surfaces in inducing nucleation. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of biological research and in drug discovery and development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99500 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214951 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Fast-Response Conductometric Oxygen Sensor for Combustion and Fire Environments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a miniaturized fast-response oxygen sensor. Fuel efficiency of automotive engines and power generating systems improve when operated under lean-burn conditions. Oxygen monitoring in industrial processes promise higher productivity while effective fire fighting requires information regarding local combustion conditions. These applications all require in-situ oxygen sensors that combine rapid response, sensitivity, selectivity, resistance to fouling, and thermal and chemical robustness. The firm proposes to develop an Oxygen Sensor by combining key innovations including (1) unique thin-film semiconducting metal-oxides (SMO) sensitive to oxygen concentration in the 0.001-21 percent range, with rapid (10-100 ms) response time, and temperature insensitivity in the 700-1000....C range, and (2) refractory SiC microhotplate gas sensor platform capable of operating to 1000....C, with only 20 mW power consumption. Commercial application of the proposed oxygen sensors includes automotive and aeronautic propulsion systems, power generation, incineration, food packaging technology, and fire fighting. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doppalapudi, Dharanipal BOSTON MICROSYSTEMS INC MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214958 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Novel Droplet Multi-Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project is aimed towards the development of comprehensive engineering equipment capable of measuring droplet sizes, velocities and temperature simultaneously in a manufacturing environment. The innovation of the project is multifold, as the proposed equipment will be capable of measuring diameter sizes, velocities, and temperatures simultaneously using a novel concept referred as Laser Induced Fluorescence Thermometry (LIFT). Under LIFT molecules are excited in the electronic levels by a light source emitting a secondary emission (excited state) that is sensitive to temperature. The commercial application will initially be in the powder production industry and the ink-jet industry. These industries require the full characterization of in-flight droplets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Perez-Reisler, Rafael Caribbean Thermal Technologies PR Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 96780 5371 MANU 9150 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214959 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Flux-Gated Spin-Dependent-Tunneling Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops novel spin-dependent-tunneling (SDT) magnetic-field sensor devices based on innovative methods of flux modulation. The program identifies two modes of "flux gating" as a means of chopping or sweeping the magnetic field which is sensed by the SDT transducers. The flux gating methods are proposed as enhancements to the functionality of the already promising SDT magnetic sensor. The first method offers a low-power solution for increasing the SDT signal-to-noise ratio especially at low frequencies where 1/f noise is present. The second method enables the determination of absolute field magnitudes. Successful development of these novel ideas will lead to the advancement of small, solid-state, inexpensive, low-power, high resolution magnetic-field sensors. These sensors can be used discretely or in compact arrays for diverse applications including non-destructive evaluation of metallic structure flaws. The commercial applications of the research include non-destructive evaluation of flaws in metallic structures; detection, surveillance and tracking of magnetic or metallic objects; security systems; and magnetic media sensing-which includes currency evaluation and discrimination, and magnetic card readers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nordman, Catherine NVE CORPORATION MN Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99972 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214984 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Delta-Sigma All-Digital Magnetometer. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore a fundamentally different approach to digital magnetic sensors. The traditional approach combines a sensor having an analog output with an electronic analog-to-digital converter. In the proposed magnetic field sensor, the analog-to-digital conversion occurs in the physical mechanism of the sensor itself. With this approach only inexpensive digital electronic circuits are needed to complete the sensor system, resulting in a robust, and economically manufacturable design. Being based on standard integrated circuit processing techniques, the new digital magnetometer will be easily mass-produced. The new products will be smaller, cheaper and use less power than existing sensors in a range of applications including: digital compasses, geomaganetic surveying equipment, and vehicle sensors for traffic control and intrusion detection. The very small size of the sensor will also enable new applications using high-density sensor arrays for example in currency and document validation or portable biomedical assay devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jander, Albrecht NVE CORPORATION MN Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99987 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0214985 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: DNA Binding Proteins as Biosensors. 0214985 Heyduk This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new general platform for preparing biosensors for a large number of target molecules. The target molecules for these biosensors will be the compounds (ligands) which regulate DNA binding activity of sequence-specific DNA binding proteins. A large number of such highly-selective ligand-dependent DNA binding proteins has evolved in nature to regulate gene expression. Many of the ligands for these proteins are compounds of interest in environmental, forensic, toxicological and biomedical analysis. This project proposes a general strategy to prepare biosensors that can detect these ligands and that take advantage of the outstanding specificity of DNA binding proteins. The presence of the target molecule will be reported by a change of fluorescence intensity of the sensor. The overall objective of the Phase I project is to provide experimental verification of the biosensor design. The commercial applications of this project are expected to span a number of different markets requiring detection of many target molecules. The new biosensors to be developed in this project will find commercial use as detectors of environmental pollutants, of toxic compounds in food and of regulatory molecules in biological and biomedical research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Heyduk, Ewa MEDIOMICS, LLC MO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99106 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0214993 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Induced Smectic-A Liquid Crystal Material for Advanced Flat-Panel Display and Electro-Optic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an entire new class of LC materials consisting of unique mixtures of polar and nonpolar nematic LCs that form an induced smectic-A phase with bilayer or multilayer microstructures. The proposed Induced Smetic-A LCs (ISALCs) are intrinsically low in viscosity, and therefore their optical properties can be electrically switched at low voltages without power pulse heating. ISALC materials will significantly improve the performance of flat panel displays, electro-optic devices, and storage media with infinitely long-term intrinsic memory. In contrast, current monolayer smectic-A LCs are highly viscous, and thus require either very high voltage for electrical driving or complicated thermal addressing. Other LC materials such as ferroelectric smectic-C and cholesteric require careful treatment of substrate surfaces and precise thickness of LC layers, which has limited their widespread commercial use. The commercial applications of these materials include scientific and industrial instrumentation ranging from microelectronics manufacturing, telecommunications, computers, and training and simulation systems, and extending to security control systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chirkov, Valeriy PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99993 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215003 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Modification of Terpenoid Production in Mint. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to establish metabolic engineering approaches to increase the production of commercially relevant terpenoids in mint. This program will be directed toward high priority areas that will allow U.S. mint growers and processors to become more competitive in the production of existing products such as menthol, as well as the ability to produce novel high value compounds. The specific objectives include biochemical profiling of terpenoids in 150 different mint varieties, production of tissue-specific cDNA libraries and generation of 15,000 Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs), development of a mint DNA microarray and the use of this array to investigate gene expression patterns during trichome development, determination of protein function for one putative terpenoid biosynthetic enzyme, and improvement of mint transformation efficiency to the range of 50-100 percent. Completion of these objectives will provide a basis for the development of a robust system for metabolic engineering in mint that will allow the creation of improved lines that have enhanced production of commercially relevant terpenoids. This endeavor will create new products for U.S. mint producers and enhance their competitiveness in the world market. The commercial application of this project is in the area of high value, plant derived compounds. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Keith ICORIA INC NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0201000 Agriculture 0215008 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Homeland Security: Photocatalytic Destruction of Air-Borne Bacteria. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to establish the technical and economic feasibility of a novel photocatalytic technology to inactivate air-borne surrogate bacterial spores representative of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax bacteria). The technology is to be incorporated into circulating air ducts of buildings, providing protection against introduction of anthrax into central air systems by a terrorist act. The investigators have previously developed a new class of photocatalysts that are orders of magnitude more active for organic compound oxidation than the traditional titania. This new class of photocatalysts will be adapted for use in anthrax spore destruction. The program will utilize photocatalyst composition studies to tailor a superior photocatalyst for this application, to be followed by reactor studies of the bactericidal efficacy of the new photocatalysts, and a competitive cost analysis of the technology relative to other alternatives for maintenance of indoor air quality. The immediate commercial application of this project is in the area of homeland security. The proposed technology will protect against the threat of introduction of lethal anthrax spores into central air systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kittrell, James KSE Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0313040 Water Pollution 0215013 July 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase I: A High Throughput Gene Discovery System in Arabidopsis using Geminivirus gene expression vectors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project proposes to develop a geminivirus-derived gene expression system, based on cabbage leaf curl virus, to test the effect of agronomically important genes in a transient, high throughput model. While the genomics revolution is a major step toward understanding gene function, the foremost challenge is correlating bioinformatics data with actual functional responses. Paradigm Genetics, Inc., currently uses the plant model species, Arbidopsis thaliana in a pipeline developed specifically to address the bottleneck between sequence and functional data. Arabidopsis plants genetically engineered to over or underexpress single genes are analyzed in developmental, biochemical and molecular platforms. While this pipeline has been successful in many ways, two disadvantages remain : (1) the amount of time required to generate stable Arabidopsis transformants, and (2) the ability to test only one gene at a time. To address these issues, this proposal initiates the development of an additional platform using geminivirus vectors. First, a genetic screen of Arabidopsis ecotypes and a mutagenized population will be carried out. This screen is designed to isolate symptomless Arabidopsis lines supporting viral replication and spread. Second, based on the hypothesis that lower viral levels can decrease symptom development in the plant, the viral vector will be modified to replicate at lower levels. Results from this research will be used to start a high throughput assay to determine functions of agronomically important genes. Additionally, these results will lead to important agronomic understandings of virus/host interactions. The commercial applications of this project are in crop plant improvement. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kjemtrup, Susanne ICORIA INC NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99962 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 9102 5371 1505 0201000 Agriculture 0215022 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Inexpensive Widely Tunable Source Laser for Telecommunications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will lead to the development of a new type of widely tunable external cavity diode laser for use in next generation optical networks. These networks, parts of which are being deployed now, will rely on a high degree of network flexibility, especially on the ability to dynamically provision wavelengths throughout the communication grid upon demand. Key to deployment of such networks will be the availability of widely tunable source lasers at price points that are competitive with present fixed-wavelength telecommunications lasers. The result of this multiphase R&D effort will be production and marketing of a widely tunable transmitter module for long-haul telecommunications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pilgrim, Jeffrey Southwest Sciences Inc NM Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215025 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Augmented Micro-manipulation System. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to develop and validate augmentation strategies for micrometer scale laboratory tasks by using a prototype Augmented Micro-manipulation System (AMS) based on a cooperative robot. The AMS is applicable to a vast range of micrometer scale laboratory tasks including biomedical research ranging from tissue manipulation, to cell injection and other engineering laboratory tasks such as MEMS assembly. The AMS uses the cooperative paradigm (where the robot shares the control of the tool with the user) to allow easy integration of human intelligence, superior analytical abilities of a computer, and the precision of the robot to achieve better accuracy, and success in performing the selected task. The AMS complements the basic compliant motion of the robot with appropriate sensor-based augmentation strategies for efficiently performing different portions of the selected task. The AMS is a compact, flexible, and cost-effective system for performing common micrometer scale laboratory tasks. The commercial application of this project is in the area of laboratory instrumentation linked to biomedical research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kumar, Rajesh Foster-Miller Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99957 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0215038 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Scanning Magnetic Microscropy for Real-time Electromigration Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a magnetic microscopy technique for real-time imaging of electrical current densities with sub-micron resolution for the analysis of electromigration (EM) processes. EM failure remains one of the most challenging problems facing the semiconductor industry. The microscopy technique uses specially designed magnetic sensors called magnetic tunneling junctions. By non-invasively measuring and analyzing the magnetic fields generated by current-carrying elements, one can image EM processes in real-time, with high sensitivity and resolution under ambient conditions. The Phase I research will focus on two critical issues for the commercial viability of this technique: 1) the design and fabrication of sensors with low noise and high-temperature tolerance for real-time operation; 2) optimization of electronics and algorithms for application to multi-level and deep sub-micron ICs. EM-induced failure analysis remains one of the most active fields of study in the semiconductor industry. It is important to any chip manufacturer that it be able to characterize EM in real-time and on-site. The research results will have numerous potential applications in electronics-related fields including semi conductor integrated circuits and data storage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schrag, Benaiah MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215044 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Automating Linkage and Association Based Gene Mapping Analyses through Knowledge Acquisition. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to investigate the application of an automatic inference engine called "Discovery Machine" to the domain of gene mapping. Discovery Machine is a set of knowledge acquisition tools that aid experts in solving problems over large amounts data. The proposed enhancements to the Discovery Machine will allow genetics experts to model their own strategies for interpreting the information needed to map genes. The development of bioinformatics tools is aimed at researchers who wish to better leverage computing power to solve problems across large sets of data but cannot easily write software to enable their efforts. The commercial application of this project is in the area of bioinformatics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Griffith, Todd Discovery Machine, Inc. PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215045 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Optical Pulse Measurement for Telecommunication Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a pulse measurement device intended to fully characterize optical pulses used in fiber optic telecommunication systems. Next generation optical networks will use 40 Gbit/s rates requiring pulse widths of less than ~25 picoseconds. At this pulse width, dispersion compensation is required to obtain transmission distances of greater than 25 km. In addition, nonlinear optical effects will complicate system development by adding intensity-dependent dispersion. Optical network designers are anticipating these problems by developing active dispersion compensation. However, a requirement of active dispersion compensation is accurate measurements of pulse intensity and phase within an optical network. Then, corrections to the dispersion compensation can be determined exactly. A pulse characterization device is proposed that will be self-contained, have only one fiberized input, be rugged and easy to use. This technology has commercial potential as a diagnostic for telecommunications research and as a diagnostic for optical network design. As optical networks move beyond the OC-192 standard, active dispersion compensation will be required. This technology can used in research applications and can be part of a feedback mechanism to actively control dispersion in functioning optical networks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kane, Daniel Southwest Sciences Inc NM Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9150 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215046 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Liquid Phase Epitaxy of Potassium Tantalum Niobate on Low Dielectric Constant Substrates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop the Liquid Phase Epitaxy (LPE) of potassium tantalum niobate (KTN) on a cubic perovskite substrate. This film material will have much higher electrooptic coefficients than current generation lithium niobate waveguides. This project proposes to develop new, low dielectric constant substrate materials that will enable better matching of the effective microwave dielectric constant to the optical dielectric constant of the film material and lower bias fields. In Phase I, the researchers will identify congruently melting substrate materials with suitable lattice parameter match to KTN that can be grown by the Czochralski method. Various flux systems and growth conditions will be tested to find those most conducive to LPE growth of good quality films. Electrooptic devices are used in communications, analog and digital signal processing, information processing, optical computing and sensing. Devices include phase and amplitude modulators, multiplexers, switch arrays, couplers, polarization controllers, deflectors, correlators and sensors. The proposed work will enable electrooptic modulators and innovative new device applications with lower costs, smaller footprints and lower power budgets. All this contributes to improvements of the infrastructure of the Internet and more rapid, lower cost deployment, especially in the local loop. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fratello, Vincent INTEGRATED PHOTONICS, INC. AL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215053 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Low-Power VLSI Circuits for Large-Scale Neuronal Recording. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop the technology necessary to produce low-power, low-noise VLSI amplifiers for large-scale neural recording applications. Although there are many emerging multi-electrode arrays for neuroscience and neuroprosthetic recording applications, these arrays are practically limited by wiring densities and percutaneous connections. In order for chonic neural recording applications to achieve electrode densities in the 100 to 1000 electrode range, implantable amplifier, signal processing, and multiplexing circuitry will be required. The existing VLSI technology available for microelectrode recording is inadequate to create implantable amplifier systems with this number of channels. These types of implantable amplifier systems will also be necessary for emerging clinical neuroprosthetic applications that will require chronic recording from large numbers of neurons in the brain. In this Phase I project, novel CMOS techniques will be developed for producing the necessary high-density, low-power amplifier elements. In the follow on Phase II project, these techniques will be integrated and fully developed into implantable amplifier systems for neuroscience and neuroprosthetic research. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomedical device and instrumentation. The implantable biopotential amplifier systems produced in this project will be directly marketed to neuroscience researchers for use with high-density microelectrode arrays. The technology will also be used in the development of clinical neuroprosthetic applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Guillory, Kenneth Reid Harrison Bionic Technologies, L.L.C. UT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99964 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 5371 1505 0110000 Technology Transfer 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0215061 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Time of Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer for Atmospheric Aerosol Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the accurate measurement of the composition and microphysics of atmospheric aerosols that have significant implications for global and regulatory environmental issues. This project would replace the quadrupole mass-spectrometer (QMS) with a compact time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS). This would enable the measurement of complete chemical composition on a particle by particle basis. Key to this is the electronic and data acquisition system, which will make semi-continuous TOFMS practical computationally. The Phase I project will lead to the construction of a prototype instrument that will have unique capabilities for real time monitoring of ambient aerosol chemistry and microphysics. Moreover, the coupling of high efficiency EI to the compact TOFMS will have many other potential mass spectrometric applications. The commercial market for the existing aerosol mass spectrometer includes government and educational research labs, and may expand to include regulatory monitoring efforts and process industrial laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Worsnop, Douglas Aerodyne Research Inc MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215065 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Surface Modification to Direct Cell Behavior. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a surface coating technology that will be used to create improved materials for regulating cell behavior for research, tissue engineering and cell therapy applications. For these applications, advanced materials are needed that display multiple types of active proteins, while preventing nonspecific protein adsorption. Current methods of protein immobilization do not meet these requirements. This project will use a previously developed technology, based on an end group activated Pluronic (EGAP), that tethers proteins to materials while preserving protein activity. In the proposed Phase I research, this technology will be further developed to facilitate coimmobilization of multiple proteins in predetermined proportions. The specific objectives of this project are (1) to develop a new form of EGAP that contains a versatile protein binding tag, (2) to evaluate the feasibility of using this new coating to coimmobilize multiple biomolecules on a substrate, in controlled ratios, and (3)to create materials that display two important regulators of cell growth and differentiation, namely fibronectin and epidermal growth factor. The commercial applications of this project are in a number of areas, including proteomics, drug development, toxicology, environmental testing, tissue engineered devices and medical implants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Neff, Jennifer allvivo, Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 97543 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0215066 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Chemical Vapor Deposition (HCVD) for Synthesis of Copper and Silver Interconnects. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will synthesize semiconductor interconnects by using a novel chemical vapor deposition technique for deposition of silver and copper films on high aspect ratio patterned substrates for sub 100 nm CMOS devices. This technique called hybrid chemical vapor deposition combines the advantages of conventional Chemical Vapor Deposition to achieve integrated circuit super filling, of trenches and vias under low temperature processing conditions. This technique utilizes precursors made with metallic nanoparticles (size of metallic particles: 35 nm) that can be uniformly dispersed inorganic solutions using appropriate surfactants. The liquid precursor can be transported to the patterned wafer surface in the form of mist and under appropriate low temperature thermal conditions can form a conformal film of metal on the surface, which further aggregates inside the pores to achieve super filling. Initial work conducted on copper films has shown very promising results. Application of the research is expected in microelectronics industry. The important are of reliable interconnects will help signal integrity. The successful development of hybrid chemical vapor deposition process has not yet been reported in the literature and would represent an important advancement in metal thin film deposition process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99949 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215070 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Crystalline Ferroelectrics Combined with Transistor Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is directed towards making devices that take advantage of ferroelectric's properties and overcome the current roadblocks in the way of commercializing ferroelectric devices. MicroCoating Technologies (MCT) proposes a novel concept that would enable ferroelectric based capacitors to be integrated with transistor technology. Ferroelectric devices have potential for applications such as tunable capacitors, phase shifters, and others. If MCT succeeds in its product plan, it would enable a smaller, low-noise, high transmission rate microwave devices and components and successfully commercialize ferroelectric devices. The market for tunable microwave devices continues to grow as the world untethers itself from telephone lines, that is the increasing use of cell phones. An industry leader in wireless technology has expressed significant interest in ferroelectric materials, and has identified a number of areas in a cell phone that would benefit from variable capacitor, for example. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stollberg, David NGIMAT CO. GA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215073 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Novel Particulate Fluidization Systems for Pulmonary Drug Delivery Applications. 0215073 Singh This Small Business Innovation Research project proposes to develop novel fluidization systems that are needed for synthesis of nano-encapsulated insulin particles for pulmonary drug delivery applications. By coating the insulin particle with very thin (10-50 nm) layer of biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), the sustained release characteristics of insulin can be significantly altered. The unique method has several advantages over conventional methods including low polymer loading, and impurity-free processing. The nano-encapsulation method involves using laser ablation thin film deposition technique to coat drug particles which are fluidized in the gas phase. This Phase I project will develop batch scale fluidization systems which are capable of fluidizing up to 1 kg of particles at a time. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of pharmaceutical drug delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99993 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0215075 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Novel Materials & Coatings for Efficient White Down-Converting Light Emitting Diodes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project involves the development of photoluminescent phosphors and coating materials for ultraviolet light emitting diodes that will make possible a white light emitting diode having high color purity, efficiency and lifetime far exceeding those of current state of the art. The white light emitting diode light will be produced by down-converting the ultraviolet amplitude emission from light emitting diodes using an efficient mixture of several photo-luminescent phosphors. The materials will be optically coupled to light emitting diode dies using a newly developed selective deposition process (electrophoretic) that is currently being patented jointly by PhosphorTech and Agilent Technologies. Improved solid state & phosphor material technologies are expected to result in dramatic changes in the lighting industry over the next several years. This new white light source would change the way we live, and the way we consume energy. The worldwide amount of electricity consumed by lighting would decrease by more than 50%, and total worldwide consumption of electricity would decrease by more than 10%. The global savings would be more than 1,000TWh/yr of electricity at a value of about US$100B/year, along with the approximately 200 million tons of carbon emissions created during the generation of that electricity. Moreover, more than 125GW of electrical generating capacity would be freed for other uses or would not need to be created, a savings of over US$50B of construction cost. Finally, the impact on the environment will be dramatic, resulting in the elimination of one of the main sources of mercury pollution SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Menkara, Hisham PhosphorTech Corporation GA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99989 5371 1505 MANU 9146 5371 5370 1505 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215077 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Nanotubes for Field Emission Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims at developing a novel low-cost method for the preparation of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) for Field Emission Displays (FED) applications. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are characterized by high aspect ratio and small radius of curvature at their tips. This structural property, together with high electrical conduction, chemical inertness and mechanical strength makes them promising emitters for field emission flat panel displays. CNTs have been conventionally prepared by high-pressure, chemical-vapor-deposition processes, but these approaches have serious limitations owing to high cost of production. Recently suggested alternative methods of CNT preparation include plasma activation and catalytic growth, but they are limited by low yields or metal contaminations. In this Phase I effort, Materials Modification, Inc. proposes to synthesize carbon nanotubes from readily available raw materials by combining a pyrolysis and chemical process. The CNT thus produced will be chemically pure since no metal catalyst is used in the process and any side-products formed are in vapor state and will not contaminate it. Potential commercial applications include display aided flat bedded control panels, all types of touch screen facilities, flat panel monitors for both professional and entertainment displays, and naval and air surveillance systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sudarshan, T. Materials Modification Inc. VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215081 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nanosecond Pulsed Sensor System for Intrinsic Structural Health & Cure Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel method of interrogating the structural condition and cure state of composite materials. It works by propagating a sub-nanosecond voltage pulse along an intrinsic microwave transmission-line fabricated directly in the laminate. The transmission-line is formed using graphite-reinforcing fibers as the conducting path. Changes in pulse propagation are used to monitor changes in cure state, and detect various structural failures such as microcracking, delamination, disbonding, marcelling, and moisture absorption. The fibers are native to the material and constitute zero structural defect, and negligible cost. Applications include graphite composites, glass composites, composite joints, and metal-adhesive joints.The commercial potential will be an inexpensive and spatially continuous structural-health and cure monitoring system with minimal invasiveness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hager, Nathaniel Material Sensing & Instrumentation PA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99959 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215085 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Solid State Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the development of a miniaturized and inexpensive solid-state electrochemical carbon dioxide gas sensor for environmental air quality control, based on a novel-sensing concept, utilizing solid polymer electrolytes and thick film device miniaturization techniques. Carbon dioxide emissions are a global issue. In addition, CO2 monitoring and control in offices, homes, indoor sport arenas, enclosed parking garages and schools are of growing importance. The method of infrared spectroscopy is predominantly used in commercially available carbon dioxide monitors. Although the infrared spectroscopic system offers acceptable precision, it is large and relatively expensive. To the best of our knowledge no solid state, room temperature electrochemical carbon dioxide sensor is commercially available for environmental air quality control applications. The proposed novel electrochemical sensor, which could be configured as a handheld or a panel mount room device or for surface mounting on air ducts, will be reliable, inexpensive and compact and will yield an enhanced response signal at room temperature, utilizing miniaturized thick film sensors for CO2 monitoring in environmental applications. The feasibility of the proposed novel concept will be demonstrated and the best catalyst material and thick film sensor design parameters will be identified. The potential commercial applications for the proposed solid state, room temperature electrochemical carbon dioxide sensor include: A) Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) control applications where demand control ventilation based on CO2 concentration of residential, commercial and industrial spaces occupied by people, could improve energy efficiency while simultaneously improving the indoor environment. B) Agricultural and bio-related process applications. The growth rate and development of plants can be improved by controlling the concentration of carbon dioxide. C) Food packaging industry. In the meat packaging industry, a high concentration of CO2 in the packaging inhibits bacterial growth and retains the natural color of the meat. D) Medical applications where an inexpensive electrochemical sensor could be used to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in an exhaled breathe and could be incorporated in breathing systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Manoukian, Mourad GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99964 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215088 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Colorimetric Sensor for Real-Time Detection of Nitroaromatic Explosives. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a cost-effective, fast-acting sensor for detecting the presence of nitroaromatic explosives. It involves a unique chemical detection technology in which colorimetric changes in an array of dyes constitute a signal much like that generated by the mammalian olfaction system; each dye is a cross-responsive sensor. This technology has been dubbed "Smell-Seeing". The program is designed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of the electronic nose when used to detect nitroaromatic explosives and to integrate the smell-seeing technology into an inexpensive, portable monitor for real-time detection of explosive substances. This work will result in a hand-held, battery-powered device for preventative surveillance and early detection of these compounds, thereby reducing risk to the general public, public servants and military personnel here and around the world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kosal, Margaret CHEMSENSING, INC IL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99693 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215093 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I:Use of Inducible Antimicrobial Peptides for Rapid Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of Disease in Finfish Aquaculture. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I Project proposes to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for management of infectious pathogens in finfish such as the hybrid striped bass (HSB). HSB aquaculture has become the fourth largest form of U.S. fish production. Prior research by the investigators on the molecules involved in the innate, non specific immunity of HSB has led to the discovery, cloning, and characterization of a novel, cysteine-rich, antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that has been named bass-hepcidin. Hepcidin homologs are present in many finfish species. Bass-hepcidin is strongly expressed in the liver upon experimental challenge with the devastating aquaculture pathogen Streptococcus iniae. Phase I research objectives include: 1) synthesis and purification of the peptide, 2) development of a polyclonal antibody and ELISA assay), 3) testing of the minimum inhibitory concentration of the peptide against important aquaculture, agriculture, and human pathogens, and 4) measurement of gene expression in finfish tissues in experimental challenges with pathogenic bacteria using Northern blots/rtPCR. If successful, this project will allow development of cost-effective test kits for rapid diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infections in several species of cultured finfish. The commercial application of this project is in the area of aquaculture. On a worldwide basis, disease costs aquaculture producers more than $3 billion annually. The development of a cost-effective immunoassay will allow rapid diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infections in HSB and other commercially important cultured finfish. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carlberg, James KENT SEATECH CORPORATION CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99548 5371 BIOT 9181 0521700 Marine Resources 0215098 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Optically Addressable High-Density Interconect. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I proposed innovation is an optically addressable, dynamically reconfigurable, bi-directional, high-density, optical interconnect micro-array based on the phenomenon of grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance). The proposed device addresses the need for dense, fast, low power dissipation interconnect technology created by highly parallel, next generation computationalsystems. These systems will require highly dense connection networks containing many long-distance connections. In such highly connected, highly parallel systems, the module-to-module and long distance chip-to-chip connections are responsible for the majority of the power dissipation, time delay and surface area. Thus, it has become critically important to minimize the area, power and time delay of the chip-to-chip and module-to-module interconnects while, at the same time, increasing density and bandwidth. Potential commercial applications effort will find applicability in a number of commercial markets. These include emerging interconnect devices in electronics, generalMEMs fabrication and in photolithography, where it would save time and eliminate expensive photomasking processes. Other potential markets include optical processing, certain applications in telecommunications and other miscellaneous applications for spatial light modulators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fernandez, Salvador CIENCIA INC CT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99995 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215109 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Reactive Mounting of Heat Sinks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a rapid, heat sink mounting technology that produces a metallic bond between the heat sink and the microelectronic device. The metallic bond is far superior to current mounting technologies in its thermal conduction and its mechanical strength. The proposed technology for mounting heat sinks onto substrates and chips is a reactive joining process that uses reactive multilayer foils as local heat sources for melting solders or brazes. The foils are a new class of nano-engineered materials, in which self- propagating exothermic reactions can be ignited at room temperature with a spark. By inserting a multilayer foil between two solder (or braze) layers and two components, heat generated by the reaction in the foil melts the solder and consequently bonds the components. This new method of soldering eliminates the need for a furnace and, with very localized heating, avoids thermal damage to the microelectronic device. The resulting metallic joints are stronger and far more thermally conductive than common, commercial mounting technologies (greases, pads and epoxies). The reactive bonding process is also far more rapid than most of these technologies, offering substantial savings in processing time and convenience. Phase I research will (1) demonstrate the feasibility of this mounting process, (2) characterize the thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting interfaces, and (3) develop a model that predicts thermal exposure of devices during the reactive mounting process. Successful development of this reactive mounting technology will advance the thermal management of microelectronic devices, and it will help accelerate future improvements in the performance of these devices. The world wide market for thermal management solutions is about $3.7 billion, with most of this market being outsourced. The trends in the computer industry are towards smaller devices with higher power dissipation, increasing the need for superior thermal management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weihs, Timothy REACTIVE NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC MD Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215114 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Feasibility assesment for Stachybotrys Chartarum and Aspergillus Fumigatus ELISA Kits. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will investigate a biotechnological approach to rapidly detect two notorious toxin-producing fungi. Indoor fungal growth related to water leaks and floods can induce a variety of disease symptoms. The presence of some fungi, like Stachybotrys chartarum , can cause severe morbidity. Unfortunately, the detection of harmful fungi, like Stachybotrys, has been hampered by inadequate methods. The proposed research will determine the feasibility of developing a rapid detection method for toxigenic fungi that could be used at any test site. The primary objective of this research is to isolate a diffusible spore molecule from S. chartarum spores and one from A. fumigatus spores for the development of an antibody-based detection kit. The molecules will be extracted in saline solution to mimic diffusion into lung linings and used for polyclonal antibody development. If successful, the antigens will be used for monoclonal antibody development in a Phase II project. This will allow for the development of a rapid, on-site testing kit to detect potentially dangerous fungal organisms quickly and inexpensively. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of diagnostics linked to human health and animal health. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Piceno, Yvette MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC TN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 76009 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215118 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Channel Fluorescence Lifetime Measuring Instrument Using a Novel Low-Cost Digitizer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project concerns the development of a multi-channel fluorescence lifetime measuring instrument using a novel low-cost digitizer. The key to bringing the well-known utility of fluorescence lifetime measurements "to the masses" is to have a low-cost instrument with excellent speed and accuracy. This work will pioneer a measuring technique that, by taking advantage of recent developments in lasers, goes a long way toward meeting the needs of such an instrument. However, there is one vital component, the digitizer that presently accounts for more than half of the cost. Commercially available digitizers do not match the needs of the application and are therefore too expensive or lack essential capabilities. However, This work has found a unique custom ASIC that appears to be a good match. This ASIC is a waveform digitizer developed at Berkeley National Laboratory for the AMANDA neutrino telescope. This work will prototype and characterizes a multi-channel fluorescence lifetime measuring instrument that uses this ASIC as the digitizer. If the phase I objectives are achieved, this work will be able to build exceptionally affordable instruments that can enable and greatly expand the use of fluorescence lifetime measurements in a vast range of applications. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Pavicic, Mark DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9150 9146 5371 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215119 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Reagent-Less Multi-Channel Biological Agent Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of a miniaturized MEMS-based, reagent-less biological agent detector, capable of performing rapid assays for tens (or even hundreds) of analytes simultaneously, for detection of whole bacteria (or spores) with single bacteria/spore resolution. National defense against biological warfare agents and naturally occurring pathogens, such as drug resistant tuberculosis or food and water contaminates, requires low cost, robust, and easy to use technologies for rapid detection and identification of biological agents. Rapid detection is needed to provide early warning to minimize the numbers of exposed personnel, and to provide timely and effective medical treatment of those exposed. Current identification technologies depend on time-consuming amplification, which also adds appreciably to the cost, complexity, power requirements and size of the detector as it must perform multiple sample treatment steps and provide the necessary reagents. In this Phase I Project, Boston MicroSystems, with the assistance of the US Naval Research Laboratory, will quantify the performance of the proposed biological agent detector by fabricating prototype single channel detectors, immobilizing antibodies for bacillus globigii onto the detectors, expose them to samples of bacillus globigii, and quantify the response and detection limits. The prinicipal commercial application of this project is in homeland defense. However, the proposed biological agent detector may have significant additional applications in the areas of medical diagnostics, agribusiness, and environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mlcak, Richard BOSTON MICROSYSTEMS INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215130 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Engineering Broad-Spectrum Disease Resistance in Crop Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to establish the feasibility of engineering broad-spectrum disease resistance in crops. Pathogens cause enormous world-wide annual losses in crop yield. Prior research has shown that constitutive activation of the transcription factor AtERF1 confers resistance to several fungal pathogens in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This Phase I project has three major goals : (1) To test additional Arabidopsis lines constitutively expressing AtERF1 and correlate AtERF1 expression levels with resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens ; (2) To determine if constitutive expression of AtERF1 is detrimental to Arabidopsis plants, and (3) to identify transcription factors that are functionally analogous to AtERF1 in a number of crop species, including canola, tomato, rice and maize. The results of Phase I research are expected to indicate the technical feasibility of using AtERF1 to engineer enhanced pathogen resistance without adversely affecting other important agronomic properties of plants. The commercial application of this project is in the field of agriculture. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Heard, Jacqueline Mendel Biotechnology Incorporated CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0201000 Agriculture 0215143 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: High-Temperature Gas Sensors with Enhanced Stability. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is focused on the development of highly stable and sensitive metal oxide semiconductor sensors for high-temperature applications. Currently available semiconductor sensors are typically restricted to the 200 C to 500 C range in order to have adequate response times and the necessary selectivity. In order to operate in the 600 C to 900 C range, stability of the porous sensing materials has to be enhanced in order to have a fast responding, sensitive sensor. In the project, the unique nanocomposite sensor materials will be developed first, followed by preparation of the substrate with high temperature electrodes, on to which the sensor film is deposited and then evaluated for sensitivity, response time and stability. The sensors to be developed will be applicable to high temperature engine control and monitoring, combustion system control for fossil-fueled power plants and incinerators, and monitoring of product gases from chemical process reactors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schulz, Douglas CeraMem Corporation MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215146 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Versatile Continuous Adsorption and Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) System for Multi-component Biochemical Purification. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to develop an integrated software package for the design and optimization of novel Simulated Moving Bed processes for multi-component separation and purification. Innovative design methods, simulation software and equipment have been developed and tested at the laboratory-scale for a number of biological separations, including amino acids, sugars, a peptide drug, an antibiotic, an anticancer drug and an antiviral drug. Laboratory data show that the new technology can produce high purity (>99%) chemicals at high yield (>99%). When compared to conventional batch chromatography, this technology can increase product yield by 5% to 15%, increase throughput per bed volume and reduce solvent consumption by an order of magnitude. During this Phase I Project, new tools for parameter estimation and cost optimization will be developed and integrated with existing design and simulation tools. This will result in a user-friendly interface for the integrated package. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of recovery and purification of pharmaceuticals and other biochemicals. The proposed technology is expected to impact purification costs in a major way, resulting in annual savings of several million dollars per product. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Nien-Hwa(Linda) Versachrom, LLC IN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0215147 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of a High Precision, Autonomous Quantum Cascade Laser-Based Detector for Methane and Nitrous Oxide. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a compact and autonomous, high precision monitor for the potent greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide. This proposal is submitted under the Geoscience Instrumentation subtopic (subtopic E) of the Electronics topic. The target molecules are currently detected with cw lead salt diode lasers. These lasers require cryogenic cooling and, due to their lack of long term stability, a highly trained operator. Quantum cascade (QC) lasers are spectroscopically stable and can be operated near room temperature when they are pulsed. This allows the design of compact, rugged, inexpensive and autonomous molecular monitors. This system is further simplified by detecting both methane and nitrous with a single QC laser using nearly coincident transitions near 1300 mm . The Phase I research objectives will be to demonstrate that the required sensitivity and specificity can be obtained in this spectral region using a pulsed QC laser and non-cryogenic infrared detectors. The Phase I research will produce a preliminary design for an instrument to be constructed during Phase II. The resulting turn-key monitor will address the widespread need to monitor these important species in a sensitive and cost-effective manner. Potential commercial applications for this research include 1) the research market attempting to quantify the worldwide sources and sinks of greenhouse gases, 2) the market for trading credits for greenhouse gas emission reductions which requires quantitative documentation of these reductions, 3) the market for goods and services able to identify and locate leaks in natural gas distribution systems and 4) various research markets needing to quantify methane and/or nitrous oxide concentrations or emissions in both laboratory and field settings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nelson, David Aerodyne Research Inc MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215148 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: New Biopolymers for Metal Recovery in Enhanced Diafiltration Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new biopolymer for primary metal removal and a poly-g-glutamic acid (g-PGA)diafiltration system for recovery of metals from dilute solutions. Preliminary results obtained to date indicate that this process holds considerable promise in effectively removing metals from dilute aqueous streams to within EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) acceptable limits. The research planned in Phase I is expected to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed g-PGA-PEDF(polymer enhanced diafiltration) system. It is also expected to show that g-PGA will achieve satisfactory metal uptake, that it will reduce representative metal concentrations to EPA mandated levels, and that it is amenable to suitable regeneration cycles. Finally, it is expected that the proposed process will satisfactorily treat the representative industrial wastewaters. These results will set the stage for the development efforts in Phase II that will further consolidate the efficacy of the process, and address scale-up and commercialization issues. The commercial applications of this project are in the processing of industrial wastewaters within established EPA guidelines. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yalpani, Manssur CarboMer, Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0313040 Water Pollution 0215150 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Vegetable Transplants. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop grafted tomato transplants for greenhouse and field applications in the USA. Genetic-based sources of resistance to soil-borne pathogens and pests are currently being used as the rootstocks for grafted tomatoes in Southern Europe, Asia and Australia. In these countries, vegetable production is being impacted by the elimination of methyl bromide. Biological control strategies, such as grafting, will have increasing value in the USA as disease profiles and chemical pesticide regulations change. This research will demonstrate the production of high quality greenhouse bench grafts using rootstocks with disease resistance. The commercial applications of this project are in the field of agriculture. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sluis, Carolyn Tissue Grown Corporation CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99982 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0201000 Agriculture 0215151 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Nematode Intestinal Proteins as Anthelmintic Targets. 0215151 Hresko This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to identify potential targets for the development of therapeutic agents to treat infections by parasitic nematodes. Nematode infections represent a serious heath concern for both humans and domesticated animals and, as such, represent a significant market for anthelmintic drugs. This project proposes to test a new approach to the discovery of anthelmintic agents. Divergence, LLC has identified a class of essential nematode-specific genes in Caenorhabditis elegans, representing a rich pool of potential targets for the control of human, animal and plant parsitic nematodes. Antibodies will be produced against a subset of proteins that are predicted to be gut-localized. The antibodies will be used to confirm localization of the protein and to challenge cultures of nematodes. Based on "hidden antigen" vaccine theory, it is anticipated that the antibodies against one or more of the gene-products proposed in this project may disrupt or impair the life cycle of the nematode. Completion of this Phase I project will allow a swift transition into the investigation of parasite genes. Expression of parasite genes introduced into C. elegans, which can be grown in large scale, will allow production of protein for the in vitro screening of peptide or small molecule libraries and for potential vaccine antigens. The commercial application of this project is in the area of therapeutics aimed at both human and animal health. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hresko, Michelle Divergence, Inc. MO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 93016 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0510102 Role-Terrestrial Ecosystem 0215158 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Remote Radio Frequency Measurements for Pipeline Monitoring - FloWatch911. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop remote radio frequency (RF) measurements for critical monitoring of fuel pipelines for failures. This novel application of RF measurements uses the pipe as a RF transmission line, and antennas launch radar pulses that travel inside the pipe, without disturbing the transported fluid. Pulses reflect-off obstructions/breaches in the pipe and are measured by distributed low-cost GPS receivers to locate the fault. The outcome of this research will lead to a marketable product, which when implemented by pipeline corporations, can save millions of dollars annually in pipeline spills and advert potential loss of life and property. Further, the development of this technology supports the current US homeland security initiative to protect valuable assets against overt acts of vandalism and/or terrorism. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Auerbach, Mitchell Emergency Management Telecommunications FL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99803 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215159 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Flexible Displays for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will demonstrate the feasibility of producing flexible displays that can be used to make radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic labels. These labels will be electronic analogs of paper labels. The innovation will be to combine known flexible RFID circuitry with flexible displays to create an electronic paper-like label that can be wirelessly updated. . The Phase I activities will involve active matrix backplane fabrication on polyimide substrates followed by display construction using a polymerized liquid crystal mixture. The commercial applications include retail electronic shelf labels, airline security luggage identification, and employee identification tags. The use of these tags for airline security luggage tags and employee identification represent applications that address issues in homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Forbes, Charles Visible Tech-knowledgy NJ Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99962 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215172 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Voltage Contrast Microscopy for Inspection of Integrated Circuit Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project was motivated by the need for rapid in-line inspection of quality of nanometer-scale devices in a production environment. An efficient diagnostics instrument, like the proposed product, is a rudimentary requirement for improved business operation in related industries minimizing possibilities for loss of revenue. The proposed innovative approach aims at developing an integrated technology using both electron and ion beams. Unique to this work is the idea of incorporating very special merits of high-brightness negative ion beams in a critical technology for device inspection. A novel system will be built to (i) deliver high yield in device inspection, (ii) achieve nm-level resolution and (iii) insure device integrity. This research will identify the characteristics of appropriate ion species from proof-of-principles experiments. Application of this work would be the design and development of an optimized ion beam column for the microelectronics industry. The end product would be an integrated product with improved optical characteristics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guharay, Samar FM TECHNOLOGIES INC VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215175 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Visible Blind Ultra Violet Photodetectors on Glass and Polyimide. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop innovative visible blind UV detectors based on a novel metal-oxide system that is analogous to Gallium Aluminum Nitride (GaN). It is based on a wide band gap oxide system that is realized by alloying two primary oxide compounds, exhibiting a wider and tunable band gap, creating semiconductor materials which have energy gaps from 3.3 eV to 7.9 eV with high radiation hardness. The project investigator has already patented the concept of making and applying tailorable band gap oxide materials. The goal of this proposal is to study the feasibility of growing wide band gap metal-oxides and ultraviolet detectors on low cost substrates such as glass, polyimide, and silicon for commercialization of cost effective products. This technology can be extended to produce large format detector arrays and which can improve their reliability. Other areas where GaN detectors can be used are in telecommunications, chemical sensing, and homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vispute, Ratnakar BLUE WAVE SEMICONDUCTORS, INC MD Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 95583 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215179 August 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Low-Cost Glass Fiber Composites Tailored Towards Concrete Reinforcement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will refine the polymer matrix of glass fiber composites with ion exchangers in order to enhance their longevity in the alkaline environment of concrete. Glass fiber composites offer a desirable balance of performance and cost for replacement of corrosion-prone steel reinforcement in concrete; their rapid deterioration in the alkaline environment of concrete is, however, a major setback. Ion exchangers are insoluble solids carrying cations (or anions) which can be exchanged with ions of the same sign. Cation exchangers of hydrogen form replace alkali metal cations (e.g., K + in alkaline solutions diffusing into the polymer matrix) with H + . This exchange of cations neutralizes aggressive alkaline solutions by converting K + OH - (and Na + OH - , etc.) into H2O. Through laboratory investigations and industrial-scale pultrusion efforts, the Phase I research demonstrated that introduction of selected ion exchangers into the polymer matrix (or a surface layer of matrix) does not interfere with the pultrusion process, and yields significant gains in alkali resistance of glass fiber composites. The Phase I effort also established a theoretical context for selection of the dosage of cation exchanger in the polymer matrix of glass fiber composites, and verified the economic viability of our approach. The proposed Phase II project will: (1) develop refined theoretical principles and design procedures for formulation of polymer matrices with ion exchangers; (2) develop and experimentally verify optimum polymer matrix formulations incorporating ion exchangers; (3) optimize the pultrusion process of glass fiber composites with the refined polymer system, and fully characterize the end products; and (4) evaluate the structural performance and durability of concrete systems reinforced with refined glass fiber composite bars through comprehensive laboratory studies complemented with a field investigation involving design, construction and monitoring of a reinforced concrete bridge deck. The Phase II effort will receive critical support from major manufacturers of composite rebars (including Hughes Brothers, the world leader in this field), the leading supplier of ion exchangers (Dow Chemical), Michigan Department of Transportation, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Michigan State University (Composite Materials & Structures Center) will also take part in the proposed research effort. Close to one-third of reinforced concrete structures, including bridges, parking structures, buildings in coastal areas and offshore structures, are exposed to corrosive environments (deicer salt, seawater spray, etc.); domestic sales of steel for reinforcement of these concrete structures is about $2 billion/yr. Glass fiber composites embodying our technology are resistant to both corrosive effects and the alkaline environment of concrete; they offer a desirable balance of performance and cost to replace steel reinforcement in corrosive environments. Major savings in life-cycle cost can be realized at competitive initial cost through replacement of steel reinforcement with alkali-resistant glass fiber composites in concrete structures exposed to corrosive environments. Glass fiber composite jackets and sheets applied onto concrete surfaces for repair/rehabilitation purposes are also prone to attack by the alkaline pore solution of concrete, representing another market opportunity for our technology. We have filed a patent application, and have reached agreements with Dow Chemical (leading supplier of ion exchangers) and Hughes Brothers (world's leading manufacturer of composite bars for concrete reinforcement) towards transfer of the technology to marketplace. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Aouadi, Fadhel DPD INC MI Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 681995 5373 CVIS 9251 9178 7218 1635 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0215181 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Engineering Platform for the Nanoformulations of Water Insoluble Drugs Using Supercritical Antisolvent Process with Enhanced Mass Transfer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a flexible platform for nano-formulations of water insoluble drugs. As the practice of medicine progresses towards "complete cure for diseases", delivering new drugs to specific areas to target specific tissues becomes an important objective of overall pharmaceutical research. Unfortunately many new drugs have poor water solubility that reduces their bioavailability. Carefully formulated nanoparticles and nanospheres are reported to have therapeutic advantages such as bioavailability, ability to avoid reticuloendothelial system (RES) removal, and direct tumor targeting. This project will develop the Supercritical Anti-Solvent with Enhanced Mass Transfer (SAS-EM) Process for producing nanoparticles of water insoluble drugs and encapsulating them in biodegradable polymers as nanospheres. The three key steps in the Phase I study include : (1) Phase behavior studies to identify the suitable solvent and experimental conditions, (2) Particle formation studies where nanoparticles of said drugs are produced using supercritical antisolvent process with enhanced mass transfer, and (3) Characterization of the nanoparticles/nanospheres for particle size, size distribution, and crystallinity. Light scattering techniques will be used to measure the size distribution complemented with Scanning electron microscopic visualization. X-ray diffraction measurements will be used to describe the crystallinity. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of pharmaceutical drug delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Muthukumaran, Poongunran Thar Technologies, Inc. PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99901 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0215183 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Formulation of Non-Phospholipid Nanoparticles for Delivery of Drugs with Poor Aqueous Solubility. 0215183 Nguyen This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to improve delivery of clinically used drugs through formulation of a non-toxic, tissue-specific drug delivery vehicle. A number of drugs and drug delivery vehicles cause toxic side effects,thereby limiting the drug dose that can be administered. This Phase I Project proposes to solve these problems by using a proprietary mixture of non-phospholipid lipids for drug delivery. Suspensions of lipid-coated microbubbles (LCM), made with this lipid mixture, have been found to be highly tumor selective. Paclitaxel, delivered in LCM, has been shown to reduce tumors in rats more effectively when compared to paclitaxel delivered in the traditional vehicle, and produced less systemic toxicity. However, there are no methods currently available to generate LCM on a commercial scale. In the course of this Phase I Project, lipid nanoparticles from the proprietary lipid mixture will be developed using a high pressure homogenizer. This will be followed by the formulation of a number of clinically used drugs in lipid and trsting of these formulations in cultured tumor cells. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of pharmaceutical drug delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nguyen, Hoanglan Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals NY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99875 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0215186 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Large Area Platform Technology for Small Diameter Silicon Carbide. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is intended to demonstrate the fabrication of multiple, unconventionally small diameter, and foundry incompatible wafers on a single, large-area 8-inch substrate. The success of this effort will bring the benefits offered by devices made from such wafers to the global community at affordable cost. The superior thermo-mechanical properties of silicon carbide have made it a material of choice for use as sensors in harsh environments. However, the lack of profit incentive due to high substrate cost, small diameter (implying high production cost per unit volume), and high capital equipment cost have combined to inhibit industry interest in its global commercialization. A recently patented wafer platform technology offers four immediate crucial benefits: 1) It significantly reduces the high production cost by an order of magnitude to make silicon carbide based sensors economically viable and competitive; 2) It utilizes semiconductor-on-insulator technology to improve silicon carbide sensor functionality at 600oC over pn-junction based silicon carbide sensors, which suffer from leakage current as it approaches 500C; 3) A large-area (8-inch) platform technology will significantly increase industry confidence toward global commercialization; and 4) It opens a new technology growth path toward integrated micro-systems packaging. Potential commercial applications a wide variety of electronic and opto-electronic sensors. The domestic sensors and instrumentation market in 2000 was $49 billion at an annual growth rate of 13.5%, Worldwide Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMs) market was $14.2 billion, expected to reach $30.4 billion with at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21% in 2004, of which the Silicon Carbide MEMs; worldwide market is expected to reach $6 billion by 2005 (Sensors magazine, July 2001). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kareem, Lee ZIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215189 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Assistive Reading Device for Persons with Disabilities. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to further improve an assistive device for reading that is currently under development at the company. The device, an electromechanical page turner, allows people with upper extremity impairment to conveniently and easily turn pages of a book in either direction. With the touch of a button, the page turner can automatically grab the next page, turn it, and keep the book opened flat during the entire process. If necessary, an alternate activation method can be employed, such as a sip-and-puff switch, chin switch, or foot pedal. There are three key phases of the page turning process : page engagement, page restraint, and page transport. In its current form, the page turner prototype offers superior solutions to each of these phases and addresses the limitations of commercially available systems. Several key research problems must now be addressed in order to improve the reliability of the apparatus. The problems center on the unit's turnstile element which serves two principle functions: page restraint and page transport. The turnstile is necessary to hold the book open flat, as well as to move a page from one side of the book to the other. The turnstile-on-paper and paper-on-paper frictional properties are important considerations for successful operation of the page turner. The goal of the Phase I Project is to investigate optimal contact pressure between the turnstile and the book page, as well as to exxamine the bending stiffness, coefficient of friction, and the mechanical characteristics of paper. To achieve the stated goals, experiments are proposed to test a variety of paper materials and book sizes, and to develop computer models that will help in parametric studies of the design. The experimental and computational results will be validated with the standard test methods recommended by the U.S. Trade Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) and Japan Industrial Standards (JIS). The results of this investigation will allow the company to optimize the design and thereby improve the performance and reliability of the page turner. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of assistive home-care technology for the elderly and disabled. A page turner would be particularly beneficial to people with limited bilateral upper extremity function caused by neurological impairment, musculoskeletal problems, and generalized weakness. The proposed device would serve to enhance their quality of life by improving their independence in this activity of daily living. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schipper, Irene PAGEFLIP NY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0215192 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Biosensor for Label-Free, Real-Time Monitoring of Environmental Pathogens. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I Project proposes to develop a microarray-based biosensor for on-site, real-time identification and enumeration of multiple environmental microorganisms from aqueous and/or aerosol samples with high sensitivity and specificity. The operation of the biosensor will be based on a recently developed novel technology involving grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance (GCSPR). The proposed biosensor system, with the capability for continuous on-line monitoring, would have numerous applications where rapid assessment of a contaminated environment would be needed. The specific objectives of the Phase I project are (a) to engineer the manner in which aerosol and aqueous samples will be delivered to the GC-SPR biosensor flow cell, and (b) to assess and optimize the performance of the biosensor in the detection of a prototype microbial target. In the follow-on Phase II project, specific target pathogens will be selected and specific chips will be constructed to detect these pathogens. The commercial applications of this project are expected to be in a large number of locations. They include (1) hospitals, where nosocomial infections may arise; (2) office buildings, where accidental contamination with mold spores, Legionella and other pathogens may create health hazards; (3) natural bodies of water or commercial water supplies, where Cryptosporidium, coliform bacteria and several other waterborne pathogens are of great concern ; and (4) the food industry, where there is a need for sensitive methods for on-line and real-time detection of pathogens. Finally, the proposed technology will provide for rapid, on-site detection of biological agents, such as spores of Bacillus anthracis, that may be intentionally introduced into the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fernandez, Salvador CIENCIA INC CT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215196 July 1, 2002 STTR Phase I: Transgenic Plants for Metals Phytoremediation. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to study the feasibility of a phytoremediation process to remove lead, a model metal, from the soil. The approach is to increase the efficiency of chelate-assisted phytoremediation of environmental contaminants by using transgenic technology to provide plants with the ability to exude significant amounts of a specific chelating agent from their roots. Isolated from the DNA of the organism pseudomonas stutzeri, this chelating agent, pyridine-2,6-bis (thiocarboxylic acid) (ptdc), has the ability to degrade carbon tetrachloride and to attain high stability constants for most heavy metals, thereby assisting preferential plant uptake of these metals into harvestable leaves and stems. In this Phase I project, the pdtc transgene will be placed under the control of plant promoters to overexpress the gene in roots. ptdc excretion will be explored in two model plants, tobacco and canola. The commercial application of this project is in the area of environmental phytoremediation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Blaylock, Michael EDENSPACE SYSTEMS CORP VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 5371 1505 0313040 Water Pollution 0215197 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Polymer Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells with Frozen p-i-n Junctions. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is structured around the design, synthesis of new organic electroluminescent (OEL) materials, and their innovative applications in fabricating frozen-junction polymer light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) - an alternative to organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) displays. Reveo has identified the OEL display as the most promising display technology of the future and the solution that best meets the new demands for bright, portable displays. These bright, thin displays will eventually replace expensive flat panel liquid crystal displays (LCDs), but they have not yet seen huge commercial success because of the poor OEL materials and non-optimized device fabrication techniques. The mission of this program is therefore to develop, optimize, and commercialize new OEL materials and devices that will make OEL displays the new market standard in the multi-billion dollar display market. LECs fabricated with these new materials are predicted to have high luminescence efficiency, high brightness, and longer lifetime compared with current OEL displays. The new materials thus have excellent commercial potential as the enabling technology behind the next generation of full-color, low-cost, flat panel OEL displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Shujun Reveo Incorporated NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99652 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215206 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Hybrid Microelectromechanical (MEMS) Driven Tunable Optical Filter Technology. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I objective of this project is to develop an integrated wafer-scale, high-speed tunable filter technology for high-bit-rate fiber optic networks. Specifically, the feasibility of developing a wafer-scale array of innovative Fabry-Perot tunable filters for use in either the transmitter or the receiver of a communications system is explored. The operating voltage of the filters is designed to be in the range of 0 - 40 volts, the scanning times are less than 0.1 milliseconds and the filtering wavelength region between 2.5 and 5 m. In Phase I, the innovative tunable filter will first be prototyped in a small array (88 pixels), and in Phase II it will be scaled to a 3232 module that will be driven by an active matrix high voltage VLSI chip. In the Phase II work these filter arrays will be integrated directly onto the surface of VCSEL arrays and detector arrays (to be supplied by one of our corporate partners) to form a pre-aligned rugged and compact package. This novel MEMS-based tunable filter array will find applications in fiber-optic telecommunication systems, and in low-cost, high-performance remote sensing instruments and spectrometers SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, Xingtao Optron Systems Inc MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215207 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Cell-Based Microfluidic Platform for Drug Discovery. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to design and construct a novel cell-based microfluidic platform for the discovery and development of therapeutic drugs. Utilizing state-of-the-art microfabrication techniques, micro-sensor and controller design, fluid handling and cell culturing techniques, the project seeks to address the shortcomings and bottlenecks of current biopharmaceutical drug discovery and development processes. The specific project objectives include the design and fabrication of micro-scale bioreactors for microbial and mammalian systems as well as the design and construction of a microfluidic cell culture media and gas handling system. These components will be integrated into a highly parallel and completely automated platform of cell culturing devices. These devices have the potential to introduce a new paradigm that would streamline the development of new cellular products for therapeutic applications. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of drug discovery and development. Automation and parallelization of the drug discovery process will allow for increased efficiency in drug time to market as well as offer the opportunity to extend research efforts to areas that had previously been limited by manpower constraints. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schreyer, Brett BioProcessors Corporation MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99938 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215211 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Ytterbium-Doped Stoichiometric Lithium Niobate for Self-Frequency Conversion Lasers. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the potential of new sources of laser radiation based on ytterbium (Yb) doped stoichiometric lithium niobate (SLN) crystals. The Yb-doped SLN crystal will serve as both the laser and nonlinear frequency converter to enable the production of a broad range of wavelengths in a simple, compact device. As an active lasing ion, Yb has the advantages of efficient diode pumping, low thermal loading, and minimal reabsorption of laser radiation. This laser radiation can be converted to various wavelengths of interest via nonlinear optical effects that are intrinsic to lithium niobate. Recent developments in quasi-phase matching techniques in lithium niobate have increased both the efficiency and range of wavelengths that can be generated by nonlinear optical frequency conversion. The use of stoichiometric lithium niobate over conventional congruent lithium niobate leads to greater ease in fabrication of quasi-phase matched structures via electric field poling, and higher power handling capabilities. The combined advantages of Yb lasing, quasi-phase matched frequency conversion, and fabrication and power handling of SLN in one single crystal will enable the realization of new sources of laser radiation at wavelengths not currently available. This will make possible new lasers characterized by lightweight, compact construction, efficient operation, and spectral versatility. Commercial applications include the development of eye safe lasers for non-laboratory environments such as range finders, laser surveying and mapping, and pollution monitoring. Significant medical applications also may exist. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wechsler, Barry NOVA PHASE INC NJ Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99954 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215214 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Optoelectronic Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of integrated optoelectronic circuits through a novel integration process. These devices will be hybrid electronic/optical elements embedded in an integrated platform comparable in size to existing electronic integrated circuits, and will permit the monolithic integration of microelectronic and photonic elements. This project will fabricate a test 'chip' to demonstrate controllable phase modulation on the sub-micron scale while contemplating the integration of multiple devices onto a single platform to confirm dense integration densities. This approach to integrated optoelectronic circuits to act as an enabling technology for tomorrow's dense optical networks, significantly improve processing speed and computational precision for multiple applications including intra-computer and inter-computer communications, image processing, and increasingly more dense processing platforms. This potential suggests that integrated optoelectronic circuits will have applications in the telecomm industry, the medical imaging device market, and the computing equipment market including, but not limited to, Digital Signal Processors and CPUs for digital communications networks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Bryan PRESSURE PRODUCTS COMPANY INC WV Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99766 5371 MANU 9150 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215224 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I:Multimodal High-Conductivity Filler for Epoxy Molding Compounds. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will investigate the feasibility of incorporating diamond powder in epoxy molding compounds at high packing densities using optimized multi-modal distributions of diamond powder. The resulting thermalconductivities of these composite encapsulants are expected to be higher than 100 W/mK. Selection of semiconductor molding compounds that exhibit high thermal conductivity are crucial in dissipating heat generated by high-power electronic components, particularly as feature sizes of future chips decrease in size. Most epoxy molding compounds used to encapsulate semiconductors contain fused silica (55-70% by volume) to maintain a compatible thermal expansion coefficient and impart moisture resistance. However, the resulting thermal conductivities of the composite compounds are very low (<3 W/mK). By loading commercial molding epoxies with optimized diamond powder distributions, diamond volume fractions above 65% may be obtained in the epoxy molding liquid with a viscosity compatible with commercial molding processes. The diamond/epoxy molding compound will serve as a upper-limit benchmark material for thermal conductivity and will be used in high-performance microelectronic packaging applications where heat dissipation is critical. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sommer, Jared Sommer Materials Research, Inc. UT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99987 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215226 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Wireless Infrastructure Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will evaluate a technology capable of meeting the demands of future mobile wireless information systems. The fundamental challenge facing designers of the physical layer of mobile networking solutions is to improve speed, precision, and power efficiency. Athena's proprietary arithmetic technology, which enables engineers to rapidly develop high performance semiconductors, can provide up to 10 times higher performance or up to 10 times less power compared to existing technologies. The Phase I study will evaluate opportunities to apply this arithmetic technology to mobile wireless systems by developing an infrastructure technology targeted for placement between the antenna and the back-end digital processor. The goal of the project is to demonstrate that this infrastructure technology can meet or exceed the industry performance standards in a 250mW, low-power package. The company will be able to rapidly develop high performance, high accuracy, low power solutions for the wireless communications market. Specific applications include use in automobiles where information, audio, navigation, and other services will be linked. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lewis, Michael THE ATHENA GROUP INC FL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215231 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: New Beta-Glucurondise (GUS) Substrates for Cell Regulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop commercial uses for conjugates capable of exploiting cloned gene expression in transformed plant cells to control their growth and physiology. The specific goal of this project is to synthesize a series of new beta-glucuronide conjugates of plant regulatory substances and to test these conjugates for their ability to modify the growth and protein expression of specific tissues and cells expressing the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) marker gene. Conjugates will be assayed in tissue culture and in whole plants for the ability to cause localized cell death in a promoter dependent manner. Such compounds will be of general use for plant research on the control of development and gene expression and have the potential to produce agriculturally important plant species in a reversible manner, through the use of selective application of substrate and choice of reporter gene and promoter elements. The commercial application of this project is in the area of agricultural biotechnology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Naleway, John MARKER GENE TECHNOLOGIES, INC OR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99973 5371 BIOT 9181 0201000 Agriculture 0215236 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: High Sensitivity, Tunable GaN/AlGaN Multiple Quantum Well UV Photodetectors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is directed toward the development of highly sensitive, solid-state, solar-blind photodiodes based on the group III-nitride material system, aluminum gallium nitride. Ultraviolet detectors are used in water treatment plants, automated arc-welding systems, and the monitoring of atmospheric ozone depletion. The objective of the proposed project is to develop tunable, high efficiency, Gallium Arsenide Nitride/ aluminum gallium nitride multiple quantum well UV photodiodes utilizing sequential resonant tunneling to enhance carrier collection efficiency and detector response time. The multiple quantum well detectors will improve the characteristics of nitride detectors specifically in the solar blind wavelength region. Significant commercial interest has been expressed in this wavelength region for flame detection, ultraviolet photolithography, space and military applications include missile detection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dabiran, Amir SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99979 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215237 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Millimeter Wave Transceivers on Large Metamorphic Wafers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will utilize an innovative high output ultraviolet (UV) lithography 0.25 mm T-gate fabrication process to develop high yield and high throughput manufacturing of millimeter-wave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) transceivers on 6" substrates. This effort will focus on (1) developing high quality 6" metamorphic wafers for high circuit yield; (2) demonstrate a metamorphic field-effect transistor (FET) using a 0.25 mm T-gate (non-E beam) process, (3) select the key MMIC to combine for high performance transceiver functionality. Successful completing of these objectives will serve as the basis for combining proven MMICs for the design and fabrication of Ka-band and E-Band transceivers. The MMIC technology market has shown great potential for applications in telecommunications (including radar-based systems). Single function MMIC designs require expensive machining and packaging. This effort should to a lower-cost transceiver for the $10 billion MMIC market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Childs, Timothy TLC Precision Wafer Technology MN Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99993 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215240 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Production of Fullerene Radiopharmaceuticals Using Nuclear Recoil. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Projectproposes to develop methods for producing fullerene radioisotope carriers using the nuclear recoil implantation method. A persistent problem in the safe delivery of radioisotopes to cancer tissue is the premature leakage of the radioisotope and the damage it causes to healthy tissues such as bone marrow. Currently, when radioactive metals are used in the body for diagnostic or therapeutic applications, organic chelates must be employed as carriers for the metal atom. However, current chelates do not bind with 100% efficiency, and potentially toxic radioactive metal atoms can be lost in vivo. Because of their unique cage structure, fullerenes do not suffer this deficiency and offer a novel alternative method for entrapping radioisotopes and producing labeled compounds useful for medical imaging and therapy. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of cancer radioimmunotherapy. Given the recent advances in the design of monoclonal antibodies for targeting cancer and in the clinical successes of several new radioimmunotherapy treatments, the field of radioimmunotherapy is currently poised for rapid growth and commercialization. A superior radioisotope carrier would be a welcome addition to the current arsenal of radiopharmaceuticals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Alford, John TDA Research, Inc CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0215247 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: An Innovative Normal Stress Sensor System for Complete Characterization of Polymer Shear Flow Properties. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address the critical need for a commercial rheo-meter that can be used to measure all three shear flow properties of a molten thermoplastic. Currently available commercial rheo-meters can measure at best only two of the three independent shear flow properties, which are the viscosity, first normal stress difference (N1), and second normal stress difference (N2). The objective of the proposed project is to demonstrate proof-of-principle for a novel rheo-meter plate with monolithically integrated miniature pressure sensors fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems technology. It will be shown that this novel rheo-meter plate can be used to extend the capabilities of conventional rheo-meters, enabling measurement of all three shear flow properties with greater accuracy than previously possible. The innovative rheo-meter plate will allow smaller sample sizes to be used, with greater control over sample thickness during testing and should lead to better design and control of manufacturing processes with polymeric materials and spectrometers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baek, Seong-Gi RheoSense, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99627 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215253 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Highly Efficient, Long Lifetime, and Inexpensive Nanocrystal Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will explore high efficient, long lifetime and inexpensive light emitting diodes (LEDs) based on semiconductor nanocrystals. The fabrication technology of the semiconductor nanocrystal LEDs is very much similar to the one used for the fabrication of polymer LEDs for commercial purposes. As a result, the commercial potential of the nanocrystal LEDs relays mainly on the optical quality of the nanocrystals. This project design adopts two recent technologies, which yields semiconductor nanocrystals with extremely high emission efficiency and exceptional chemical and thermal stability. The dendron ligand technology provides nanocrystals with exceptional stability against the chemical processing and the thermal effect in the operation of the devices. The nanocrystals synthesized using the bright point concept produces unprecedented optical quality, about 80 percent photoluminescence quantum yield, 23-27 nm emission full peak width at half maximum, and tunable emission window from 450-700 nm. With those high optical quality and highly processable semiconductor nanocrystals, it is possible that a new generation of semiconductor nanocrystal LEDs, which have at least compatible performance to the polymer LEDs, but with low cost and continuous tunable and narrow emission profile. The commercial potential of the polymer LEDs and nanocrystal LEDs will highly depend on the lifetime and the cost of the devices. Nanocrystal LEDs possess nearly all of the advantages of polymer LEDs, but with significantly more tunable and narrow emission profile. At this stage, the commercial standard for the lifetime of the polymer LEDs is around several thousand hours. The commercial goal this project is to boost the performance of the nanocrystal LEDs to at least the level of that of polymer LEDs. The usage of those devices is on portable electronic devices, such as portable computer and cellular telephone. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Yongqiang NANOMATERIALS AND NANOFABRICATION LABORATORIES AR Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99972 5371 1505 MANU 9150 9146 5371 1505 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215254 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A New Scale-Up Technology for Industrial Production of High Quality Semiconductor Nanocrystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project intends to develop a new technology for the industrial production of high quality semiconductor nanocrystals. Semiconductor nanocrystals are nanometer sized fragments of the corresponding bulk crystals, which have shown great potential for a variety of electronic and optoelectronic applications. At present, all of those commercial applications rely on the availability of high quality semiconductor nanocrystals on a large scale with an affordable price. The new design maximizes the power of the existing batch synthetic schemes developed in academic institutions, although it possesses a continuous production nature. In this way, the quality and the quantity of the resulting nanocrystals are both guaranteed and the optimization of the production is minimized. The proposed technology should be extendable to the industrial production of other types of colloidal nanocrystals as long as the related batch synthesis is available. The commercial value of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals in the field of electronic and optoelectronic applications lies on large area display, portable electronic devices, imprinting of integrated circuits, solar cells, etc. A multi-billion dollar market for the production of those electronic devices is in rapid development. For all of those devices, colloidal nanocrystals with an affordable price play a vital role, and will have a significant share of the market. It can be predicted that the success of any of those active commercial developments will open an economically significant market for the production of high quality semiconductor nanocrystals. It is also true that the existence of a commercial production technology with an affordable price will promote all of those commercial efforts on electronic and optoelectronic applications of nanocrystals. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Wang, Yongqiang NANOMATERIALS AND NANOFABRICATION LABORATORIES AR Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99746 9150 MANU 9150 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215258 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Ellipsometer for Semiconductor Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test a novel method for Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurements for process control and monitoring in semiconductor lithography applications. It builds on the demonstrated success of employing planar grating diffraction to achieve SE measurements in the visible wavelengths. For SE measurements in the VUV, it is necessary to employ conical diffraction geometries which do not require sheet-type polarizing elements in the detection system. This permits the construction of a Conical Diffraction- Grating Division of Amplitude Photopolarimeter (CD-GDOAP) that is the analyzer/detection system in the VUV-SE. By intercepting four or more dispersed orders of the cone of diffraction, a CD-GDOAP can measure the polarization state of light over the full spectrum in the VUV with no moving parts. The VUV-SE will: (i) operate in the 140-280 nm spectral range, (ii) have no moving parts, and (iii) provide high temporal resolution. In Phase I, we propose to characterize the performance of a laboratory breadboard CD-GDOAP by investigating (i) conical diffraction geometries, (ii) robustness of polarization detection, and (iii) performance of optical components in the VUV. If successful, it will lead to a compact, high-speed VUV-SE for use in semiconductor processing. Potential Commercial Applications of the Research The proposed SE based on CD-GDOAP will permit real-time measurements for VUV lithography applications at 157, 193, and 248 nm in a single instrument. Presently there are no commercially available instruments (used in production facilities) that can access all of these wavelengths. Successful completion of this project will ensure rapid entry into the marketplace, through the business relationship that CRI is developing with major semiconductor metrology equipment companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hampton, Daniel Containerless Research, Inc. IL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215267 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Study, Evaluation and Prototype of a Continuous Flow Reactor and Size-Selection Chromagraphic Scheme for Use in High Throughput Manufacture of Silicon Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a high volume manufacturing technology for the production of InnovaLight's highly advanced silicon nanocrystal technology. InnovaLight has discovered a highly controlled way to make high quality, uniform, and stable silicon nanocrystals with novel properties based on original research at The University of Texas. This is a very important discovery, as the unique properties of these nanocrystals will enable a host of large commercial applications. However, in order to capture this value, a high-volume manufacturing scheme will need to be developed from the current low-volume, batch process. The ability to produce high volumes of crystals that are favorably characterized for use in electronic components will enable their cost-effective use in a host of electronics applications. Potential commercial markets include use as pixels for use in high-resolution, low-power flat panel displays on computers and electronic instrumentation panels. The crystals can also be made to emit a tightly confined, coherent stream of light. This opens them up to use as lasers for short reach optical communications, terahertz-speed optical chips, smart cards, etc. The crystals also have extremely unique charging behavior that enables their usage in advanced, multi-level memory chips. Such chips would have an order of magnitude increase in capacity over existing chips. Lastly, the non-toxic nature of silicon, coupled with the highly controlled surface chemistry of InnovaLight's process, opens these crystals up to many biotech uses such as in vivo cancer cell detection and oblation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wiacek, Robert INNOVALIGHT, INC MN Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99960 5371 MANU 9148 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215279 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Biocompatiblization of Charged Vesicles and Colloids. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test the feasibility of new drug delivery applications arising from Advanced Encapsulation's patented method of lipid membrane encapsulation. This passive method has demonstrated the ability to encapsulate nearly any object of colloidal dimensions at relatively high yield under gentle conditions. Specifically, no other technique has been reported which encapsulates interior vesicles intact and having a composition distinct from the outer membrane. Cationic vesicles and iron oxide nanoparticles are all known to have poor compatibility with blood environments resulting in rapid aggregation and/or clearance. However, these materials have shown great promise in vitro for various biomedical applications including medical imaging, controlled release, and localized delivery via magnetic fields. This project will test the encapsulation and separation efficiency as well as the stability of these materials in bovine serum and/or plasma. Based on the successes of liposomes in intravenous drug delivery, and on the physics of macromolecular interactions, liposomal encapsulation should engender biocompatibility to both classes of materials in question. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of pharmaceutical drug delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kisak, Edward Advanced Encapsulation, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0215288 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Development of Novel Enzymatic Antibiofilm Formulations. 0215288 Barton This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to develop alternative biofilm control products for preventing biofilm accumulation on a wide range of household, industrial, and medically relevant surfaces. Biofilm formation in industrial water systems leads to poor system performance, to accelerated biocorrosion, and to increased maintenance expense. Microbial colonization of food processing equipment and medical devices poses a serious health threat when biofilms harbor pathogenic organisms. Toxic biocides, even at high concentrations, often fail to control problematic biofilms. The efficacy of traditional antimicrobial agents would be greatly improved if used in conjunction with biofilm degrading enzymes. This Phase I project will identify promising biofilm matrix- hydrolyzing enzyme candidates. The follow on Phase II project will develop enzyme products that are stable in the presence of chemical biocides and a variety of adverse reaction conditions. These enzyme formulations will eventually be tested against mixed-species biofilms. The commercial applications of this project are in a number of areas, including water distribution systems, food processing equipment, industrial machinery and medical devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Barton, Nelson Diversa Corporation CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98334 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215289 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Xenon 3D Detector for Gamma Ray Astronomy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will seek to achieve a quantum leap in sensitivity of gamma ray astronomy in the 100 keV to 10 MeV region through development of a novel high pressure xenon (HPXe) detector element for imaging the region of interest. This development will incorporate (1) a cost-effective means of containing HPXe safely up to pressures of 3240 psig, (2) innovative means of measuring the spatial coordinates of gamma ray interactions within the HPXe detecting element for high quality spatial and angular measurements, and (3) novel methods of realizing the optimal spectroscopic properties of HPXe at a density of 0.55 g/cm3 to achieve an energy resolution approaching 0.45% at 1 MeV. A large array of such detecting elements could provide the ideal detector for a next generation HPXe Compton gamma ray telescope, having an angular resolution of a few tenths of a degree and providing a hundred-fold increase in sensitivity over that predicted for the upcoming Integral (SPI) satellite gamma observatory. A scaled down version of such a telescope could also be used for regional neutron activation analysis of the Martian surface, remote detection applications, or an excellent alternative to HPGe detectors currently used in laboratory settings. The anticipated outcome of this project is a new basic detector element, which can be used for a variety of space physics, field detection, and laboratory applications. The physical characteristics of such a detector combined with an order of magnitude improvement in energy resolution make it well suited for gamma detection in the 100 keV to 5 MeV band aboard satellite or balloon-borne instruments. Another very exciting application of this technology is a spectrometer for detection of radiation emitted as a result of neutron activation of the Martian surface. Such research could provide important data regarding planetary soil composition. In addition to astrophysics applications, a high energy resolution detector element based on high pressure xenon cylindrical detectors has significant commercial potential as a replacement for HPGe because the requirement of cryogenic cooling is eliminated, resulting in greater convenience and broader applicability. HPGe is currently employed in many laboratory settings, and the proposed technology could offer a cheaper and much more convenient alternative. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lacy, Jeffrey PROPORTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES INC TX Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215292 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Efficient Si-based Light Emitting Diodes and Lasers via Wafer-bonded Quantum Dot Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will provide an inexpensive, highly-scaleable process technology to create high-brightness, short wavelength, silicon-based LEDs (light emitting diodes) and laser diodes. We will utilize a biological template technology, developed at the University of Colorado, combined with proprietary Astralux expertise to prepare an array of silicon nanoparticles (quantum dots) that will emit visible light. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the feasibility of creating the device structure . This device will have the advantage of being compatible with on-chip silicon processing. These devices can be used in optical storage (such as read/write compact disks), printing applications (laser printers), full-color displays (laptop computer screens) and indicators (traffic lights), medical applications, and white light emitting diodes for replacing incandescent light bulbs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Treece, Randolph ASTRALUX, INC. CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215296 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Self-Imaging Fibers for High Power Optical Beams. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will investigate self-imaging in fiber structures, and determine feasibility of developing two classes of novel device: highly efficient, near diffraction-limited rare earth ion-doped glass lasers and amplifiers, and high power/energy fibers for transport, routing and coupling of diffraction-limited beams. Conventional single mode fiber lasers can deliver similar performance at low power/ energy, but higher power systems require larger fiber apertures, leading to multi spatial mode propagation. Self-imaging accesses a new operating regime for guided wave devices, enabling diffraction-limited power scaling of lasers and beam-transport fibers. In comparison, bulk lasers are less efficient, and more susceptible to thermo-optic distortions. The self-imaging proof-of-concept has been demonstrated in a 16W planar waveguide laser fabricated from diffusion-bonded crystals. However, that approach is not well suited to fabricating 2-dimensional waveguides where 4 separate polishing/bonding steps are needed. Application of this work would be the design and development of optimized waveguides for the telecommunications industry. The end product would be an integrated product with improved optical characteristics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mckinnie, Iain COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99858 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215299 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Preventive, Corrective, and Emergency Control for Equipment Outages Producing Voltage Collapse and Blackout. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an autonomous method for curing voltage collapse and blackout in a power system that may occur when a loadflow has no solution. This method will identify over 100 different voltage collapse problems in a system when current methods may only detect two or three. It can find 1000 or more double equipment outages that have no loadflow solution that are unknown due to the overwhelming computation required to find them. For each such equipment outage that has no loadflow solution, the method will determine (a) if the lack of solution is due to loadflow algorithm convergence problems or not; (b) which of the over 100 voltage collapse problems is producing the blackout; (c) whether the lack of solution is due to insufficient sufficient reactive supply and the corrective or preventive control that would enable a loadflow solution to be found; (d) whether the lack of solution is due to network reactive losses that require reduction in load(emergency control) to enable a loadflow solution to be found; (e) the corrective and/or emergency controls that require very few control changes because it depends on the structure of the subsystem that initiates the blackout. the method would be used in design, scheduling, and in on-line control of power systems. Currently, it takes an average of 15 hours of engineering manpower/ computation time to obtain a solution and in many cases no solution can be found. The proposed method can be expected to obtain a preventive, corrective or emergency control solution for every equipment outage that has no solution in seconds and without human intervention. It accomplishes the task because it learns and acquires knowledge of the structure of the system that produces cascading instability that is voltage collapse and that produces blackout. This project has substantial commercial potential by reducing blackouts and the economic and societal costs associated with power interruption. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schlueter, Robert INTELLICON INC MI Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99900 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215304 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Automated 2D Protein Cell Mapping. 0215304 Syage This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to test a method for conducting high-throughput, automated analysis of the protein content of cell lines using a novel mass analyzed 2D liquid-phase separation technique. The conventional method of 2D PAGE (Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis) has several limitations. It is labor intensive, time consuming, difficult to automate and often not readily reproducible. In addition, quantitation, especially in differential expression experiments, is often difficult and limited in dynamic range. The proposed technology provides automated, faster, and more accurate 2D protein maps, and can be used to purify specific proteins and enact protein/peptide digest and sequencing information. These capabilities will prove valuable for studying drug-protein interactions for detecting early signs of cancer. Studies of cancer cell lines can reveal signatures of cancerous cells that can serve as markers for actual diagnosis. The proposed system is based on 2D liquid-phase protein separation using chromatofocusing (CF) in one dimension and non-porous silica, reverse-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography (NPS-RP HPLC) in the second dimension. The HPLC eluent is monitored in real-time by on-line electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) to provide molecular weight and intensity information. The commercial application of this project is in the area of proteomics. This market is forecasted to grow from $0.7 billion to $5.8 billion over the next 5 years. There is a tremendous need to develop automated methods of protein analysis of cell lines to better understand whole system biological function for improved drug therapy and early detection of disease, such as cancer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Syage, Jack SYAGEN TECHNOLOGY INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99906 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0215305 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: A Planar Excimer Lamp for Electronic Device Manufacturing. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is directed to the development of a novel planar excimer lamp. This lamp design offers numerous potential advantages over conventional cylindrical coaxial lamps which includes high irradiance (>100 mW/cm2), uniform area illumination, compact size, improves cooling, longer life, and lower cost. This lamp will be designed to be easily integrated able in tools used in the manufacture of electronic devices. Excimer lamp applications include in-situ reticule cleaning, in-situ pre-deposition cleaning, photochemical vapor deposition, and UV curing. Conventional UV lamps are inadequate for these tasks. Excimer lasers, which can easily illuminate a large field size, are often inadequate at integrating into a production tool, and have a very high cost of ownership. Three goals has been established to guide this work in: 1) design and fabricate a planar excimer lamp with novel electrode structure and lamp cell design, 2) evaluate the area uniformity of the narrow band excimer emission, and 3) measure the UV spectra, radiant power output, and efficiency of the lamp filled with KrCl* (222 nm) or XeCl*(308 nm). The technology, once successfully developed, will be used the semiconductor manufacturing industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Boyers, David Phifer Smith Corporation CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215308 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Overexpression of Membrane Proteins from Hyperthermophilic Bacteria by a Novel Expression System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel membrane protein expression system using hyperthermophilic bacteria that are capable of synthesizing a vast amount of membrane proteins and supporting extensive internal membrane structures. Membrane proteins are of significant medicinal value. However, efforts to study membrane proteins are often hampered by their low level of biosynthesis. An efficient membrane protein overexpression system will facilitate the biochemical and biophysical characterization of such proteins. In this project, self-replicating expression vectors, genome integrative vectors and mini-viral genome vectors will be constructed and explored for the expression of hyperthermophilic membrane proteins. To establish the general applicability of the system, the expression of various membrane proteins of different size, structure, and function will be examined. The system, once properly developed, will allow the economical mass production of hyperthermophilic membrane proteins essential for large-scale structural genomics effort as well as for specific industrial applications. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of Structural Genomics Research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nguyen, Hiep-Hoa TransMembrane Biosciences CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0215309 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: 3-D Photonic Band Gap Materials and Devices from Self-organized Anodic Alumina with Modulated Morphology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project seeks to develop and commercialize novel types of 3D microphotonic materials and devices for the visible spectrum. Despite the significant amount of research performed on photonic bandgap materials in the past decade, an approach to create full 3D photonic crystals in the visible region that could combine high performance with low cost manufacturability has remained a largely unobtainable goal. This breakthrough approach is enabled by an unique ability to precisely modulate the vertical pore structure in highly ordered nanoporous alumina, which can allow the confinement of light not just in-plane, but in 3 dimensions. The process will allow tuning of the photonic characteristics of the material, in particular the bandgap, to the desired levels. Several innovative techniques to deposit materials inside the nanoporous lattice will afford both lateral and vertical modification of the refractive index of the structure. This, combined with the ability to micromachine the resulting structures, will enable the creation of advanced microphotonic and optoelectronic devices and components for optical communications and computing. The techniques proposed could lead to the creation of dense monolithic photonic and optoelectronic components and circuits for very high speed optical computing and communication. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Nanomaterials Research LLC CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215322 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Electrowetting Micro Optical Switch Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at developing a micro optical switch array that implements the principle of electro-wetting-on-dielectric, a liquid micro-actuation mechanism based on the electrical control of surface tension on dielectric surfaces, for use in optical telecommunications and optical computing. While MOEMS devices move solid micro-mirrors, liquid actuation is attractive because of the compactness of the device and absence of the stiction problem inherent in solid-solid surface contact. Currently, a couple of companies use liquids for their optical devices. Compared with their liquid-based optical MEMS under development, which use thermal energy to move liquid, electrical control of surface tension (i.e., electro-wetting) is especially promising because of its unprecedented energy efficiency (estimated ~10 W during switching with < 30 V) and reliability. Unlike other electro-wetting principles the proposed electro-wetting-on-dielectric driving promises high speed and long-term reliability, which are critical for commercial success. The electro-wetting-on-dielectric micro optical switch arrays will find use within any system requiring optical signal routing such as optical computers, optical instrumentation, distributed sensors, and medical monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG de Guzman, Peter-Patrick Core MicroSolutions, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99200 5371 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215327 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Materials for Thermal Management. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will enable a 2-fold increase in conductivity for products without sacrificing power or capability. Recently, a new high thermal conductivity material has been produced using CVD fluid bed coating process and low cost consolidation techniques. The realization of improved electronic substrates is dependent on the increases in thermal conductivity over standard materials. Though high conductivity materials have been identified, consolidating these materials in a cost effective and durable manner has remained illusive. The encapsulation of materials prior to consolidation has aided the durability and low cost processing. The innovation in this program is to improve the encapsulated materials being produced, and potentially develop even greater and distinctly different physical properties additional development of the encapsulated powder/consolidation process is necessary. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will enable a 2-fold increase in conductivity for products without sacrificing power or capability. Recently, a new high thermal conductivity material has been produced using CVD fluid bed coating process and low cost consolidation techniques. The realization of improved electronic substrates is dependent on the increases in thermal conductivity over standard materials. Though high conductivity materials have been identified, consolidating these materials in a cost effective and durable manner has remained illusive. The encapsulation of materials prior to consolidation has aided the durability and low cost processing. The innovation in this program is to improve the encapsulated materials being produced, and potentially develop even greater and distinctly different physical properties additional development of the encapsulated powder/consolidation process is necessary. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baker, Dean POWDERMET INC OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 98144 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0215328 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase I: Cartilage Repair by Autologous Tissue Engineered Implant. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to define methodology to facilitate the growth of engineered cartilage tissue. Recent studies have demonstrated that the alginate recovered chondrocyte (ARC) method can be used to stimulate isolated adult articular chondrocytes in vitro to form viable cartilaginous tissue with good physicochemical properties. The innovation of this work is that it describes for the first time a method in which the cells from articular cartilage from skeletally mature animals can be used to form engineered tissues in vitro. The overall hypothesis of the proposed project is that tissue, engineered using the ARC method, can be used for long-term repair of full thickness cartilage defects. Initial experiments have shown promise in producing ARC tissue as both an allograft (from a donor) and an autograft (from self). The purpose of this proposal is to advance current ARC technology for use as an autograft procedure to repair full thickness cartilage defects in swine. At various times before and after transplantation, the biochemical composition, histological appearance and functional properties will be assessed and related to one another. The data will help determine the feasibility of using the ARC method for the repair of injured or diseased cartilage tissue. The commercial application of this project is in the area of articular cartilage repair The incidence of articular cartilage injury is estimated to be approximately 27,200 cases per year. The proposed research will lead to a commercial method for production of tissue for surgical implantation to repair articular cartilage defects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pfister, Brian Articular Engineering, LLC IL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0215552 August 15, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Engineered Zeolite Catalyst for Paraffin Alkylation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to develop a step-out technology for paraffin alkylation to produce high-octane clean gasoline. Conventional alkylation processes require large volumes of corrosive liquid acids, which can inflict serious injury via skin contact or inhalation. The new alkylation process will be fundamentally safer and cleaner, reducing the use and generation of toxic chemicals. It uses a first-of-a-kind engineered zeolite catalyst that is environmentally benign and eliminates the risks associated with liquid acids while producing alkylate of comparable quality. The new catalyst promises significantly improved yields and selectivities, minimizing waste by-products and disposal problems associated with liquid acids. The engineered zeolite catalysts can be used most effectively for liquid phase alkylations of paraffins and aromatics, such as the production of high-octane alkylate, and industrially important petrochemicals such as cumene and ethylbenzene. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 512000 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215672 August 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Question Answering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is developing an advanced questions answering (QA) system with the use of innovative natural language processing (NLP). The specific areas addressed by this project are: (1) a true open-domain, high precision QA system optimized for commercial deployment; (2) distributed processing that provides an unprecedented QU system response time; and (3) system management and reporting tools for real-time customer feedback. The final product will provide accurate and short answers to questions asked in plain English. The need for this capability is widespread in companies, government agencies, and among individuals. The users may be casual questioners who ask simple factual questions, consumers who look for specific product features and prices, research analysis that collect market, finance, or business information, or professional information analysts such as law enforcement officials searching for very specific information requiring considerable expertise. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Niles, Ian Language Computer Corporation TX Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9215 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0215792 August 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Novel Low Cost Technology for High-Performance Integrated Microcombustor/Evaporator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is aimed at the continued development of novel microscale combustors/evaporators, which are intended for evaporation of fuel and water in fuel reformers as well as for personal portable heating and cooling systems. The general objective of the Phase II program is to optimize and scale up a technology for microchannel combustor/evaporators demonstrated in the Phase I and to develop a compact device, which could generate at least 25- 30 watts of thermal energy per square centimeter of heat transfer area and transfer that energy to fluid with efficiency greater than 85 percent. Innovative fabrication technology and a new microreactor concept were combined to create a highly efficient device, which uses hydrogen or hydrocarbon fuel combustion for heating and/or boiling working fluids. Conditions of heat transfer and combustion of hydrogen and methane in microchannel combustor/evaporators will be determined and optimal design of the microscale device will be established. Potential commercial applications include lightweight, safe and high performance microcombustors for microturbines, man-portable microheaters for cold climates, man portable cooling microsystems for hot climates, on-board fuel processors for hydrogen generation, distributed space conditioning of buildings, etc. Utilization of microchannel combustor/evaporators for these applications will result in increase of energy efficiency, reduction of air pollution and enhancement of life quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tuchinskiy, Lev Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ Deepak G. Bhat Standard Grant 643000 5373 MANU 9147 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215797 August 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Nonintrusive Diode Laser Sensor for Bottled Drugs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is designed to develop a nonintrusive diode laser sensor for detecting oxygen in the headspace of pharmaceutical vials. Many drugs are oxygen sensitive and must be bottled in an oxygen free environment. There are no nonintrusive methods available to measure residual oxygen levels in sealed product vials. A nonintrusive sensor would generate large cost savings for pharmaceutical manufacturers. During the Phase II project, a prototype off-line instrument will be constructed. This instrument will be tested at pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. In addition if time permits, on-line experimental measurements will be performed. In addition to being useful for the pharmaceutical industry, this technology will be extendable to a variety of packaged products in other industries. These industries include the food, alcoholic beverage, and medical instrument markets. This technology can also be used to detect other species in packaged products such as water vapor or carbon dioxide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Paige, Mark Southwest Sciences Inc NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9150 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215816 July 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: High Rate Synthesis of Highly Reactive Solvated Metal Atom Dispersion Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on the development and implementation of a Solvated Metal Atom Dispersion (SMAD) technique to support high rate production and commercial application of metal nanoparticle materials. Synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticle colloids for commercial use in the health care industry will be pursued as part of the proposed effort; the SMAD synthesis method will be optimized for commercial-scale manufacturing of gold and silver colloids. This approach yields high purity colloids, free of unwanted byproducts and ready for further processing without the cumbersome purification steps characteristic of other synthesis methods. This innovation significantly simplifies the manufacturing process of colloidal products and reduces production cost. The proprietary digestive-ripening step will be scaled up and developed to achieve monodispersion and particle size control of the metal nanoparticles contained in the colloids. Methods for transferring solvent-based colloids into an aqueous environment will be developed. Synthesis steps involved in the manufacturing of colloidal gold and silver will be integrated in a semi-continuous or continuous process. The commercial potential of this project will be for immunological labeling and DNA detection using the colloidal gold solutions. The project offers an alternative-manufacturing route that significantly lowers the cost. Silver-based colloids have potential applications in burn wound treatment or as effective disinfectants and anti-inflammatory agents. The development of SMAD technology will enable high-volume manufacturing of many nanoparticle materials whose availability is currently limited by production inefficiencies. These nanomaterials will support future technologies in industry and find application in both commercial and academic research, as highly reactive catalytic materials, magnetic information storage media, ferrofluids, and magnetic tracers. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Winecki, Slawomir NANOSCALE MATERIALS INC KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499959 9150 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215819 September 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Nanomaterial for Microchip Chemical Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project will develop a novel microchip chemical analyzer that incorporates a new nanomaterial that performs both separation and detection of small quantities of chemicals and biochemicals. Phase I demonstrated feasibility by incorporating a proprietary nanomaterial in 20- by 50-micron channels etched in a glass microchip and performing chemical separation and surface-enhanced Raman spectral analysis of several test chemicals. Phase II will complete development of the microchip chemical analyzer by designing reproducible plastic microchip cards that fit into an integrated micro-fluidics and Raman system. Development will include the following chemicals: p-aminobenzoic acid, phenyl acetylene, adenine, acetaminophen, secobarbitol, cocaine, and related metabolites. The microchip analyzer will have broad commercial value to the agricultural, biotech, chemical agents, environmental, medical and pharmaceutical industries. Specifically, the microchip is being designed to measure drugs and metabolites in body fluids to aid clinical trials of new drugs, assist dosage control of chemotherapeutic drugs, and diagnose drug overdose. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Farquharson, Stuart REAL-TIME ANALYZERS, INCORPORATED CT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 514925 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215914 August 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Focused Beam Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis Using Doubly-Curved Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to meet the demand from the microelectronics industry for improved wafer contamination analysis. Wafer contamination control is critical for Ultra Large Scale Integrated (ULSI) technology and there is a strong demand for a non-destructive analytical tool with improved sensitivity and spatial resolution over the conventional total x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) method. A new technique, focused beam TXRF, can meet this important market need. Based on point-focusing toroidal crystal optics, focused beam TXRF will improve the spatial resolution by a factor of more than 100 and provide 30 times better detection sensitivity for local contaminants on Si as compared to the conventional TXRF method. This technique also has potential for low-level Al, Na and other low Z elements analysis on Si that cannot be addressed effectively by the conventional TXRF and other techniques. In this project, preliminary focused beam TXRF data will be collected using WL1 excitation provided by a toroidal Si (220) crystal to demonstrate the improvement of sensitivity and resolution for transition metal detection. Theoretical calculation will be also carried out to determine the feasibility for Al and Na detection for wafer contamination control at 10^ 9 to 10^10 atoms/cm^2 level. Focused beam TXRF analysis has commercial applications in the microelectronics industry for wafer contamination control including localized and homogeneous contaminants with high resolution. These contaminants include many important elements such as transition metals, Al, Na and other low Z elements. By being able to identify these contaminants, the quality of silicon wafers can be improved. This will be a tremendous cost savings to a multi-billion dollar industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chen, Zewu X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY William Haines Standard Grant 999696 5373 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215930 August 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Nonintrusive Species Specific Velocimeter. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a passive, nonintrusive species-specific velocimeter (SSV) that simultaneously measures spatially resolved velocities of multiple species in a flame, sorting the information by species and spatial scale size. The SSV will be geared to spatially resolve the mixing and chemical dynamics occurring within flames, and to track these effects in real time. No instruments are available that can make such measurements passively and non-invasively in a com-pact geometry. The SSV will play a critical role in a novel deposition process, combustion chemical vapor deposition (CCVD). CCVD is a continuous open-air deposition process that is targeting a wide spectrum of thin-film-coating markets, including electronics, glass, anti-corrosives, superconductors, catalytics, polymers, and nanopowders. Phase 1 demonstrated feasibility by measuring spatially resolved, species-specific CCVD flame velocities on different spatial scales. Phase 2 will be a proof-of-principal program to (1) construct an engineering prototype, (2) demonstrate the correlation between SSV data and bottom-line CCVD film properties, and (3) design an SSV-based CCVD controller that can be fabricated economically and commercialized in a privately funded This technology will facilitate smart deposition that streamlines the reliability of CCVD. Incorporated into a CCVD system, the SSV will become the central element of a feedback control module that maintains the consistency of the flame and maximizes deposition efficiency. The commercial market for this technology generates about $50 million annually. This project addresses the interest in advanced control techniques for manufacturing. It supports the development of improved and more reliable coatings that will enhance technology and lower the cost of many common products, e.g. electronic memory devices in computers, appliances, and automobiles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Flusberg, Allen Science Research Laboratory Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499158 5373 AMPP 9165 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215960 August 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Integration of Electromagnetic Actuation Using VOST Design. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will produce an emission-free control valve to address an industry need for environmentally safe valves. The axially rotated Venturi Off-Set Technology valve will be equipped with a conical seat for internal sealing and a magnetic coupling for leak-proof actuation. The commercial potential of this project will provide the Petroleum industry with valves that are emission-free which will result in a cleaner environment. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Ronn Big Horn Valve, Inc. WY Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 616844 1505 MANU 9251 9178 9150 9147 5373 1632 0308000 Industrial Technology 0215988 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Thermostable Phage DNA Polymerases: Improved Tools for Genomics Research. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop novel DNA polymerase reagents for use in current and developing DNA diagnostic procedures. The approach is to develop thermophilic phage DNA replicases in place of the currently used DNA repair enzymes. The feasibility of this approach was demonstrated during Phase I research. This follow on Phase II project will extend the methods used in Phase I to isolate additional activities, characterize them and develop them as reagents for various amplification platforms. The commercial applications of this project will be in a number of markets that use molecular analysis of DNA. They include the areas of biomedical research, medical testing, genetic identity testing, public health and agriculture. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schoenfeld, Thomas LUCIGEN CORPORATION WI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 773373 5373 5371 1505 BIOT 9251 9231 9181 9178 9102 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0216021 September 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Minimal Sensor Signal Processing for Turbine Engine Health Monitoring. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)Phase II project will develop full waveform models and minimal sensor algorithms for the General Dynamics - Advanced Technology Systems (GDATS) eddy current sensor (ECS). These algorithms will enable the practical real-time high performance health monitoring for turbine engines. Current processing techniques could require four or more sensors; however, these approaches do not make use of all the information made available by the ESC. Using the full ECS signature, it is possible, in theory, to estimate integral vibration frequency, phase and amplitude using only a single sensor. The reduction of the number of sensors required in each engine stage could potentially save millions of dollars over the life of the engine. There are no systems commercially available today for continuous health monitoring of gas turbine engines. Once in use, this system will allow pilots to react immediately to critical engine health problems thus avoiding potentially catastrophic engine failures and loss of lives. The minimal sensor algorithms for continuous health monitoring have a large market spanning the aviation industry, as well as the rapidly expanding power industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Teolis, Carole Techno-Sciences, Inc. MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 516000 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9102 7218 1359 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0216035 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: New Elastomeric Microelectrodes for Improved Neuroprostheses. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop electrically conductive polymer-silicone composite materials for improving the performance of implantable neural prostheses. Prior Phase I study has demonstrated the feasibility of synthesizing electrically conductive polymer nanocomposites with mechanical properties of silicone elastomers. Polymer-based prototype electrical devices were found to be stable toward simulated physiological conditions and cyclic current pulsing. The Phase II program will extend the benefits of these systems to the fabrication of more complex devices such as multi-poled cuff electrodes for chronic peripheral nerve stimulation and recording. An expanded test plan would include development of advanced device fabrication methods and extensive testing of the prototype neural prostheses for electrical response, tissue compatibility, and durability in chronic implantation applications. The optimized elastomeric electrodes will be characterized for biocompatibility, stability and electrical properties. Methodology will be developed for fabricating prosthetic electrodes for extensive in vitro pulsing studies and acute animal testing. Finally, test protocols for the new electrode products will be established in an effort to obtain FDA approval. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of biomedical devices and systems that serve the needs of disabled individuals following stroke or spinal cord injury. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Keohan, Francis Cape Cod Research, Inc. MA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 522740 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0216042 September 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Innovative Blasting to Eliminate Nitrogen Dioxide Formation While Maximizing Energy Efficiency in Surface Mining. This Small Buisness Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the urgent need to improve control of the blast chemical reaction. These blasts are produced by drilling boreholes into the overburden and filling them with an ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) mixture. These explosive charges are then ignited to push the overburden into a previously excavated trench. This Phase II project will complete the design, fabrication, and testing of a prototype detonation system to be deployed in surface mining boreholes to preferentially initiate detonation of the powder column, thus insuring a high efficiency blast without the unwanted release of toxic air pollutants. This project will lead to commercialization of a method of improving the efficiency and environmental quality of the cast blasting technique used by the surface mining. The market for this detonation system is any mining that involves cast blasting, primarily the surface coal mining industry. The United States is one of the two world leaders in coal production with nearly one billion tons of coal being produced in 2001. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Watson, Eugene Industrial Alchemy WY Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 611000 5373 1505 MANU EGCH 9251 9231 9198 9187 9178 9150 9146 9102 1417 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216076 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Wireless Firefighter Lifeline. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demonstrate a capability for locating imperiled firefighters in buildings using wireless technology based on long wavelength signals that penetrate buildings with lower perturbation than observed at higher frequencies. The system is being developed for firefighters (estimated 5 year market of over $150 million) but is useful for any application requiring geolocation in buildings where GPS cannot work. Such applications include tracking personnel and equipment in crisis situations, military combat, inventory management and police and military training. This concept has significant advantages over competing technologies; ultra-wideband solutions pose frequency licensing problems, and man-portable inertial units are bulky, costly and have significant time-dependent errors. The Wireless Firefighter Lifeline (WFL) system is completely mobile and supports multiple firefighters. It complies with Part 15 rules and will not require FCC licenses. Phase II will demonstrate the underlying technology over a wide range of conditions and will produce a prototype system that will serve as the baseline for future system development. It provides extensive commercial and societal benefit, offers performance superior to that of other potential technologies, and is well positioned to attract further funding. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Halsey, James INFORMATION SYSTEMS LABORATORIES INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 749977 5373 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0216100 September 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Surface Engineering of Metals with Plasma Polymers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will replace current environmentally damaging metal pretreatment processes with an environmentally benign process whereby the metal surface is etched then coated with a sub-micron film of plasma polymerized SiO2. Current metal pretreatment processes for painting and adhesive bonding perform well, but generate tremendous volumes of wastes, including hexavalent chromium and various inorganic acids. To obtain performance superior to the current state-of-the-art wet chemical surface treatments, the surface chemistry and morphology of the plasma polymerized films need to be tailored for specific interactions with the adhesive. Effects of variables including substrate chemistry, monomer chemistry, and ion kinetic energy on surface chemistry and morphology of plasma polymers will be determined. Then, the effect of the resulting structure on the strength and durability of adhesive joints will be determined. By combining in-situ analytical techniques with accelerated aging and mechanical testing of adhesive specimens, a superior, environmentally benign process based on plasma polymerization will be developed and commercialized. These primers will have well understood morphologies and surface compositions tailored to the adhesive chemistry through control of the deposition conditions and/or chemical derivitization of the plasma polymer surface. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dillingham, Giles BRIGHTON TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC OH Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 519475 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216106 August 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Novel Use of Microspheres In Plasma Display Device. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project continue the development and commercialization of novel plasma display panels which utilize gas filled microspheres (Plasma-spheres) as the pixel elements. The project has six objectives: (a) improve process control of the Plasma-sphere production system, (b) produce Plasma-spheres with optimum properties and characteristics, (d) develop reliable microsphere-electrode configurations, (e) develop a semi-automated process for fabricating Plasma-sphere panels, (f) construct and evaluate prototype plasma-sphere panels, and (g) determine techniques for a fully automated production process. The Plasma-spheres will be produced with a prototype production system built in Phase I. The Plasma-sphere panels will be characterized for operating voltages, current and brightness. As part of the prototype panel construction a reliable method of applying the Plasma-spheres to substrates will be developed. The use of Plasma-spheres will dramatically increase manufacturing throughput, reduce materials cost by half, and eliminate many process steps and expensive specialized machinery which are part of the current plasma panel technology. These cost reductions along with new applications which will result from the availability of an open flexible substrate (e.g., large conformal and panoramic displays), will provide Plasma-sphere panels with a significant competitive edge SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wedding, Carol IMAGING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INC OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 748578 5373 MANU 9148 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216200 September 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Eddy Current Condition Monitoring of Metallic Flaws Under Surface Coatings Using Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop prototypes of fieldable eddy-current systems with GMR and SDT sensors that can detect defects in metals even with significant lift off from the material under inspection due to such things as thermal barrier coatings. Techniques for maintaining the a constant distance between the eddy-current probe and the conductive surface despite intervening coatings will also be developed in this project. Such a system can be used to lengthen the lifetime of mission critical components such as aircraft bearings, which at present have to be replaced on schedule using rather conservative lifetime estimates. The main commercial application of these systems would be military and commercial aircraft. A simple system capable of rapidly scanning an area would require eddy-current probes that can inspect a large surface in a single pass. Compact and low-power arrays of GMR and Spin Dependent Tunneling (SDT) sensors developed for this program can be used in this application as well as other applications such as nanotechnolgy read heads to read implanted magnetic noise that is extremely difficult to compromise. The implications for more secure forms of identification are clear for the post 9/11 world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Smith, Carl NVE CORPORATION MN T. James Rudd Standard Grant 499995 5373 MANU 9147 9146 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216212 July 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Supply Chain Management via the World Wide Web. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop a new Flow Path Management System (FPMS) representing an innovation in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) that is more effective than existing supply-chain management software paradigms, incorporates "lean manufacturing" principles, and is more available to smaller manufacturing companies than existing systems in that it can be delivered via the World Wide Web. The software has the potential to reduce inventory by 20% or more in companies with complicated manufacturing operations and/or supply chains. In addition, the software can recommend supply chain planning policies that increase throughput, decrease cycle times, and improve customer service. The commercialization strategy is to use distribution channels: (1) on-site Intranet installations at large companies (2) delivery as a web service via the Internet for smaller companies, and (3) licensing the algorithms to larger ERP/SCM vendors for incorporation in their software suites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Knight, Thomas Invistics Corporation GA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 1036000 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216213 July 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Machine Learning Approach to Approximate Record Matching. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enhance the company's approximate record-matching software, the Maximum Entropy De-Duper, MEDD(TM) by: 1) Enhancing MEDD's performance using advanced standardization tools to convert data, such as names and addresses, into standard formats; 2) Expanding MEDD's market by matching business names not only person names; 3) Internationalizing MEDD to support Canadian French or Mexican Spanish; 4) Benchmarking MEDD against the competition and developing a methodology to objectively compare matching systems; 5) Reducing MEDD's reliance on training data to ease deployment; producing the best possible "untrained" models that will adapt and improve through client use; 6) Applying the latest advances in machine learning technology to the record-matching problem to increase competitive advantage; and 7) Speeding MEDD word blocking with a fast, innovative memory-resident data-store. MEDD's market includes all business and government entities that store mission-critical information in large databases. The project will yield societal benefits for public health, anti-terrorist efforts, epidemiological research, the U.S. Census, and the data quality of records relating to racial and ethnic minorities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Borthwick, Andrew ChoiceMaker Technologies, Inc. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 880105 5373 HPCC 9215 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0216220 October 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Automated Analyzer for Drug Delivery Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a new analytical tool for characterizing drug delivery aerosols and powders. This instrument will be based on a previously developed aerosal mass spectrometer that provides real-time size distribution and chemical composition measurements for aerosol particles. During Phase I research, a new inlet for the aerosol mass spectrometer, allowing detection of particles in the size range relevant to inhalable drug delivery aerosols and powders (2 to 10 mm in diameter), was successfully developed. The key objectives of the Phase II project are : (a) to further improve the collection efficiency for particles in the 2 to 10 mm diameter size range ; (b) to design and construct a sampling apparatus that conforms to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U. S. Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) guidelines for sampling drug delivery aerosols from metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (PDIs); and (c)to develop and to validate an analytical method that meets FDA standards. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of drug delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Williams, Leah Aerodyne Research Inc MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 594136 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 9102 7218 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216231 September 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Scanning Automultiscopic 3-D Visualization System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a scanning automultiscopic 3-D visualization system. Current 3-D systems have very limited field-of-view or require intrusive headgear with head tracking to emulate look-around, and introduce inconsistencies between binocular convergence and eye accommodation. This project will develop a new class of 3-D displays based on proprietary liquid crystal scanner panels that time-sequentially project a large number of perspective images over a wide field-of-view into the view space in front of the display. The device will be a fully functioning full color, high resolution 3-D display system with large screen, large look-around field-of-view with many-perspective-image scanning at a flicker-free rate, using a high speed video projection system. The proposed 3-D system will be used for visualization of multidimensional scientific and medical data, for 3-D design and simulation, training and education of government and civilian personnel in a collaborative 3-D virtual environment, and for telepresence and teleoperation SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Aye, Tin PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 749988 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0216240 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Programming Environment to Enable Engineers to Program Distributed Measurement and Control Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a high level graphical programming environment for distributed measurement and control networks used in industry. Using this environment, an industrial control engineer will be able to describe the desired behavior of his/her system at a high level of abstraction (e.g. 'control motor speed', 'monitor bearing', 'monitor pump') and then "click a button" for the executable distributed application to be generated. In addition, the engineer will be able to monitor the behavior of the executing system at the graphical level to help identify problems. This system will automatically partition the graphical description into components targeted at specific processors on the network based upon the resources required by the algorithm. This functionality will greatly benefit the industrial control engineer, who will be able to focus on algorithm and application development rather than details of hardware and networking realizations. As the commercial potential of distributed approaches are becoming more prevalent in industrial applications, the potential of this software system will grow at a fast rate. For example, 15 network controllers instead of one now manage a Proctor & Gamble diaper manufacturing line. Currently the market for distributed measurement and control is fragmented, with over 60 proprietary process network standards in use. The advent of the IEEE 1451 smart transducer standard creates a huge market opportunity by providing a portable application model that enables development tools, such as those being developed in this project, to be used with the multitude of existing commercial process busses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sharp, Thomas SHEET DYNAMICS LTD OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 479286 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0216284 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: No Preparation, Flexible, Dry Physiological Recording Electrodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to complete the development of a low-cost, no preparation required, flexible dry physiological recording electrode. These electrodes have the potential to significantly improve quality of care and reduce total cost of biopotential signal analysis by reducing the time and preparation required to obtain a good signal and reducing the total cost of fabricating high quality electrodes. The Phase I results showed feasibility of fabricating dry electrode structures on rigid substrates onto low-cost flexible substrates. However, further work is necessary to optimize the fabrication processes and to ensure that the lowest cost and highest performing flexible dry electrode systems and fabrication processes are chosen to establish a solid foundation for future use. The key objectives of this Phase II project include parallel development of two particularly promising fabrication techniques, selection of a single fabrication technique for further development, and testing and evaluation of the capabilities of the dry electrodes in clinical environments. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of physiological monitoring of patients in a clinical setting. Physiological measurements such as ECG (electrocardiogram), EMG (electromyogram), and EEG (electroencephalogram) are expected to benefit from the use of dry electrodes, in part due to the reduced time and preparation needed to apply the electrodes and in part, due to the elimination of abrasive skin prepping and electrolytic gels in the measurement procedure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lisy, Frederick ORBITAL RESEARCH INC OH George B. Vermont Standard Grant 506000 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216288 July 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Laser Direct-Writing Technique to Produce Integrated Optical Amplifier/Splitter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II project will continue the successful work from the Phase I project and develop integrated amplifier/splitters through laser direct writing of wet-chemically derived, erbium-doped coatings. Precursor solutions will be mixed on the molecular level to produce pure and homogeneous materials. Waveguide structures will be written into the erbium-doped fluoride coatings with a laser, which raises its index of refraction to confine light. The erbium-doped channel waveguides will be pumped with a 980 nm source to amplify 1550 nm signals. Markets in which integrated optical devices, such as amplified splitters, can be used total several $100 million. This device will expedite bringing fiber the last mile because it will replace the current serial arrangement of discrete splitters and amplifiers, which is bulky and expensive due to the number of components and interconnects. The proposed integration techniques will also enable optical integrated circuits and next-generation computing. Prototypes will be fabricated during Phase II. TPL has extensive experience in wet-chemical processing and demonstrated ability to commercialize its technologies. The PI is a pioneering researcher of laser-fired, sol-gel derived films. LightPath Technologies will assist TPL with device and marketing development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Taylor, Douglas TPL, Inc. NM Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 518998 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9178 9150 9146 9139 9102 7218 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216299 September 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Improved Electrodes for Capacitive Deionization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project will develop improved monolithic carbon electrodes for capacitive deionization. Capacitive deionization technology (CDT) is a new method for purifying ocean and brackish well water. In this process, a constant voltage is applied between two porous carbon electrodes, and soluble salts are collected on their surface, thus purifying the water. The operating costs of CDT are roughly half those of reverse osmosis, the current system of choice. Obtaining a reliable and plentiful supply of clean water is becoming a worldwide problem. From this work, society (both in the U.S. and worldwide) will benefit from an inexpensive method of producing potable water from large existing reserves of brackish (saline) water. Inexpensive mesoporous carbon electrodes could also be used in capacitive deionization for industrial processes such as boiler feed, as well as in electrical energy storage, such as in capacitive energy storage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dietz, Steven TDA Research, Inc CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216309 October 1, 2002 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Microchip-Laser-Based Optical Alloy Analysis Instrument. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project concerns the development of an optical alloy composition sensor based on laser induced plasma spectroscopy. A key element of the sensor is the use of a microchip laser excitation source. The technology has the capability to detect industrially relevant compositions in steel alloys and possibly aluminum alloys. The Phase I results indicated the efficacy of the technique for the analysis of iron alloys. The Phase II project will focus on the development of a small, lightweight and mobile field prototype, which will be able to analyze various alloy samples. The key commercial application of this technology is aluminum and iron scrap metal analysis, substantial market niches which are not effectively covered by existing analysis technology. The major market is for steel and aluminum alloys that have significant components of light elements. These precision instrument currents have sales worldwide in excess of $10 million per year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wormhoudt, Joda Aerodyne Research Inc MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499957 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216324 September 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Rare Earth-Aluminum Oxide Glass Photonic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop photonic devices based on a new and proprietary family of rare earth oxide - aluminum oxide glasses, the real glasses, doped with Yb, Tm, and Er oxides. Phase I research showed exceptionally broad emission from Yb 3+, efficient energy transfer in co-doped glasses, and fluorescence lifetimes and spectra of Tm and Er that meet device requirements at high dopant concentrations. Feasibility of scaled-up production of the glasses was demonstrated. The Phase II activities include: collaboration with firms engaged in the glass and optical device business; scaled-up glass synthesis; optimization of dopant concentration and optical properties for devices; and construction and characterization of prototype laser devices. Markets for optical device products are extremely large, multinational, and growing though expanded applications and displaced technologies. The Phase II R&D is focused on lasers, amplifiers, and optical devices for communications, laser surgery, and emerging military applications. The patent position and the absence of complex proprietary interests in the technology place this work in a strong commercial position. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Weber, J.K. Richard Containerless Research, Inc. IL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 767997 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9146 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216373 September 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Novel Methodology for Purification and Separation of Platinum Group Metals. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is focused on designing a series of extremely efficient metal extraction products (MEPs) with tailor-made properties for specifically extracting and purifying platinum group metal (PGM) anions from acid solutions. Existing PGM recovery and separation methods are complex and expensive. The Phase II project will fully develop the separation and purification of PGMs, scale up the MEP synthesis and expand the scope of the work to launch the technology into PGM recycling market. These novel MEPs will have wide applications in the precious metal refining as well as recycling industries. It is estimated that the total value of precious metal catalysts in spent automobile catalytic reactors in the United States alone is $ 800 million a year. Additionally, these MEPs could also be used in the separation and purification of actinides, such as plutonium, and in the pre-concentration of trace amounts of anions (e.g. chromate, arsenate) to aid in environmental analysis. Modifications of the structure may also lead to the production of highly specific environmental sensors for the in-situ detection of contaminants in groundwater and other aqueous streams. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Singh, Waheguru Lynntech, Inc TX Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 481340 5373 AMPP 9163 1417 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216379 August 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Ultrafast Block Retrieval for Optical Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and commercialize an ultra fast block data retrieval method for the company's patented chiral film-based optical data storage system. The technology will combine ultrahigh storage capacity with ultra fast retrieval speed. The current retrieval rates of CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and MO technology is inherently limited for applications such as image retrieval for medical diagnosis or target recognition. The company's block retrieval technique is a new method for solving the bottleneck of data retrieval. Using imaging and pattern recognition techniques, data is retrieved in 2D blocks. This retrieval method will result in orders-of-magnitude increases in throughput and increases in storage density. Since the need for high density, high-speed storage is continuing to escalate, there will be a ready market from storage system vendors who supply products to the myriad of industries whose business depends upon volumes of storage and quick retrieval. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fan, Bunsen Reveo Incorporated NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 498950 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0216382 September 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Novel, Non-Toxic, General Purpose Oxygen Activated Disinfectant. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a novel method for on-site and on-demand generation of an extremely potent and safe disinfectant. Phase I research has established the basic feasibility of this unique method to generate the disinfectant, as needed, at appropriate concentrations. The overall objective of the Phase II project is to design, demonstrate, and challenge test a fully operational bench-scale device for on-site and on-demand generation of the disinfectant. Additional work will be done to improve the yield of the disinfectant, to examine various additives, and to conduct antimicrobial experiments in accordance with EPA test requirements. The commercial applications of this project will be in the areas of domestic/personal healthcare, food service and healthcare delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hitchens, G. Duncan Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 490946 5373 BIOT 9231 9181 9178 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216413 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Parallel Processing of Time-Lapse Seismic Data Via the Internet. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project concerns the processing and analysis of time-lapse seismic data on parallel computers, using the Internet to control the processing flow and visualize the results. In recent years, there has been exponential growth in time-lapse seismic project activity. Time-lapse seismic analysis facilitates the management of oil and gas reservoirs by imaging fluid movement in the reservoir over time. The results are used to guide reservoir management decisions-such as where to place a new well or where to inject water, gas, or steam to stimulate hydrocarbon movement-and help maximize the life of both new and existing fields while minimizing recovery costs. The computer algorithms needed to process time-lapse seismic data are complex and require advanced computational hardware-typically multiprocessor Unix workstations or clusters of personal computers-that many potential customers do not have. The proposed innovation will allow customers to process their data on a centralized PC cluster, using the Internet to control the processing and to visualize the results remotely. The proposed innovation will improve the links between the components of the time-lapse seismic workflow, leading to greater understanding and more widespread commercial acceptance of the technology. Potential applications of the research proposed by Fourth Wave Imaging include petroleum industry mapping of by passed oil, monitoring of costly injected fluids, and imaging flow compartmentalization and the hydraulic properties of faults and fractures. Non-petroleum applications include monitoring groundwater reserves, subsurface monitoring of contaminant plumes and environmental clean-up projects. The web-based parallel software system developed for this project could be applied to other computer-intensive fields such as earthquake seismology and medical and satellite imaging. Tools from this web-based software platform such as those for modeling rock physics and seismic data may also be useful for educational purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cole, Stephen Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 608687 5373 HPCC CVIS 9251 9178 9139 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0216422 September 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Nanoparticle Te Inks for Spray Deposition of Submicron Te Contact Layers in CdTe Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is aimed at making Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric power more affordable to our nation and to the world. The technology in this program, represents a new process for the manufacturing of cadmium Telluride (CdTe) solar cells. In this process the contact layers of copper-doped tellurium nanoparticles are sprayed on rather than sputtered, which promises to be a more efficient method of manufacturing. The successful CdTe solar cell prototype will be designed with input from potential end-users as a means of increasing the likelihood for commercialization. It is anticipated that this process will result in solar cells with superior initial and long-term efficiencies. Such improvements in performance could result in reduced costs for solar cell manufacturing ($/W), higher power during operation (kW-h/yr), and an extension of the useful lifetime - three aspects that will allow solar energy to be more competitive with existing methods for electric power production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Matulionis, Ilvydas CeraMem Corporation MA William Haines Standard Grant 485547 5373 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216489 July 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Novel Technique for Polymer Encapsulation of Nanopowders. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will focus on developing polymer coated superparamagnetic nanobeads for isolation of biomolecules; namely cells and nucleic acids. The superparamagnetic nature along with the "nano" size of the particles offers low remnant magnetism, magnetization at low fields, and larger active surface area per unit volume. A proprietary microwave plasma synthesis technique was adopted to reduce these nanospheres and the feasibility of the technique was established during Phase I. Process scale up and extensive cell/DNA isolation testing will be the main R&D objectives for the Phase II project. Industrial partners will evaluate beads produced to evaluate parameters, which are critical for transitioning the technology to an immediate useful product. The commercial potential of polymer coated nanospheres can be used in various separation modules. This technology could also be extended to isolation and detection of pathogens in water. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sudarshan, T. Materials Modification Inc. VA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 724157 5373 1505 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216507 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Development of Integrated Fluid/Solid/Bio-Kinetic Simulation Software for the Characterization of Microsphere-based Bio-analytic Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and customize advanced simulation software for the design and optimization of microsphere and cell-based assays. Current assay design by trial and error is slow, unreliable, expensive, and a bottleneck for multiplexed, high-throughput analysis. Prior Phase I research has successfully established a first-ever, truly integrated (buffer flow, resolved microsphere motion and surface biochemistry) assay design and analysis tool. The objective of the Phase II effort is to further develop the initial models demonstrated in the Phase I effort into a comprehensive, generalized design environment. A suite of bead-surface biochemistry models (enzyme kinetics, multi-step reactions) and including user specifiable surface reaction mechanisms will be developed and fully integrated. In seeking to expand the application to cell-based assays, models for the motion and capture of deformable cells will be created, and detailed flow visualization experiments tracking bead and cell motion as well as assay endpoints in microfluidic channels will be conducted to guide and validate these models. The value of the developed simulation tool will be demonstrated in the proof-of-concept design of a novel microfluidic, cell-based H-filter assay for red-blood cell based aminothiols. The commercial applications of this project will be in the biotechnology and bioassay design markets. Miniaturized, multiplexed, high-throughput, fast, efficient and sensitive assays are a pre-requisite to translating the wealth of data from the human genome and combinatorial libraries into effective therapeutics. The developed software product will enable rational, computer-based design of these bioassays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sundaram, Shivshankar CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 523948 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216532 August 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Latent-Reactive Surface Modification Reagents for Biofilm Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project continues the development of new thermally activable reagents for bonding microbicidal polymers to inner surfaces of a variety of opaque tubing materials, initiated in Phase I under the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (AM) topic, Surface Engineering subtopic (F). Materials have been developed with bulk physical properties needed for transport of aqueous mixtures; however, the development of biofilm on the wet surfaces is a continuing serious problem in the dental, pharmaceutical, food processing, and marine transport industries. Surface modification of waterlines could decrease the formation of biofilm while retaining the desired bulk properties of the tubing. Photochemistry has been proven commercially successful in enhancing the surface properties of medical devices with radical-based surface modification initiated by RF plasma or ultraviolet light. However, these energy sources are not effective for modifying the inner surfaces of opaque tubes such as waterlines used with dental units and plumbing in pharmaceutical plants. This project is designed to develop latent-reactive radical generators activatible with thermal energy which penetrates these opaque devices. This innovative approach to scheduled activation of radical generators will provide a method to modify inert surfaces which cannot be activated with external light or plasma sources. Microbial colonization and biofilm formation remain a major cost and threat to human health and product quality for dental and pharmaceutical industries, health care and public lodging, and marine vessel utilization. Successful development of microbicidal and antifouling coating technology for the luminal surface of opaque transport and storage vessels for aqueous liquid ingestible products, constitute an incremental market size of tens of millions of dollars, not subject to current commercial coating technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Guire, Patrick SurModics, Inc. MN Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 496893 5373 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216574 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A High Frequency Beam Steered Electromagnetic Impulse Radar to Locate Human Targets Through Opaque Media. This SBIR Phase II project will develop a through material imaging system that will locate human targets through opaque media. The technology will also provide wide area subsurface sensing for ground probing applications. The phase I results demonstrated that the system has the capability of detecting human targets on the opposite of building walls and through walls of granite over 10m thick. The thrust of the phase II research lies in software development to classify targets in the downrange profile, track targets, and count targets; and hardware development to eliminate the need for an external off the shelf receiver. The latter effort will also require software development to process data for the classification algorithms. The unique innovation of this project is that it can conduct full area investigations and locate stationary targets from a fixed location. There are two primary applications for this technology, situational awareness and subsurface investigation. The former, which is the most attractive for early market entry, comprises homeland security, police/fire/search and rescue, and military actions where the location of human subjects on the opposite side of walls, vegetation, snow, fire, or other opaque media is sought. The latter includes geophysical exploration, ore body investigation, utility detection and location, road-bed and bridge subsurface scans for cracks and voids, and unattended ground sensing from a fixed point to assess subsurface changes that can be used to predict earth or structural failure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Scott REALTRONICS CORPORATION SD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 487361 5373 5371 1505 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9150 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216590 September 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Newton-Krylov Based Solver for Modeling Finite Rate Chemistry in Reacting Flows. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling technology that uses state-of-the-art techniques for modeling finite rate chemistry in chemically reacting turbulent flows with recently developed numerical methods for solving systems of non-linear equations. In Phase I an improved CFD solver was developed that used reduced chemical kinetic mechanisms to model finite rate chemistry effect and solved the resulting stiff system of partial differential equations with a matrix-free Newton-Krylov method. In Phase II two Newton-Krylov based CFD tools will be developed, one to model combustion from turbulent, diffusion flames and the second to model turbulent, pre-mixed flames. The commercial potential for this work is the electric power industry, designers and builders of commercial chemical plants, and designers of chemical process heaters and other industrial furnace applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tang, Qing REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL UT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 574250 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9148 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0216620 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Three-Dimensional Atom Probe Imaging for Nano-Biotechnology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop the Local Electrode Atom Probe (LEAP) to rapidly provide three-dimensional atomic-scale imaging and elemental identification of nano-biotechnology devices. Structural characterization of nano-biotechnology devices is currently problematic because available microscopy and analytical techniques have substantial limitations in quantitative imaging at the atomic-scale. Moreover, current microscopy techniques cannot adequately resolve three-dimensional biomacromolecules, which are intrinsic to nano-biotechnology devices. Until better analytical instrumentation is developed, researchers will "fly blind" as they develop more complex nano-biotechnology devices. The overall goal of this Phase II project is to rapidly analyze the three-dimensional atomic-scale structure and elemental composition of biological and organic molecules on nano-biotechnology devices. The focus will be on developing technologies to analyze commercial specimens using LEAP technology, and to initiate commercialization and marketing of this technology to academic and industrial researchers. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of bioanalytical instrumentation and nano-biotechnology devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kelly, Thomas Imago Scientific Instruments Corp WI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 1001642 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0203000 Health 0216628 July 15, 2002 STTR Phase II: Light Transparent, Electrically Conductive Coatings by Filtered Cathodic Arc Plasma Deposition. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will build upon and extend the encouraging results obtained in the Phase I program, which investigated the properties of thin, electrically conductive, UV transparent films and tri-layer metal coatings as possible diamond switch electrode structures for power electronics. Phase I benchmarked UV transmission, electrical conductivity and substrate adhesion for 14 to 44 nm Mo films, deposited using an energetic filtered cathodic arc deposition process. A companion program demonstrated a significant reduction in the diamond switch on-state resistance, and hence, improvement in switch efficiency, using these films as contact electrodes. The Phase II program will apply these results to a commercially relevant specification by demonstrating that the thin film deposition process can be scaled and the complex thin film mesa-shaped electrode topology can be realized. The anticipated mesa-shaped design will consist of a series of narrow tri-layer conduits, with the relatively large spaces in between coated with the thin UV transparent, electrically conductive film. This design maximizes the UV input into the diamond, which is used to activate the switch, while minimizing the electrical resistance. The properties of the electrode will be benchmarked against commercially relevant operating requirements. The project's commercial potential is considered significant since it both supports the entry of diamond switch technology into the $21 billion per year power electronic device market as well as advancing the energetic deposition process thin film knowledge base, which in turn provides an improved platform for launching additional commercial ventures. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG McFarland, Michael Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation CA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 499993 1505 MANU 9147 5371 1630 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216656 September 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Connecting Science and Mathematics Through Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project creates new technology and materials that emphasize data analysis in science education. Data analysis makes scientific concepts and processes concrete and gives students another way - besides memorization or analytical understanding - to learn quantitative science, often bypassing the need for advanced symbolic mathematics. This project will emphasize physics classes in high school and beyond, where labs are often cookbook demonstrations of phenomena and the data analysis mere verification. The first phase of this research, with the help of new technology, provided evidence those students understanding and competence could be improved beyond their previous capabilities. This project enhances that technology-Fathom Dynamic Statistics Software (KCP Technologies 2000) - to make it more useful in the science classroom, and it develops curriculum materials that use this software. Specifically, the firm will produce complete manuscripts for two supplemental books in physics appropriate for the high-school, AP, or college introductory course: a lab manual and a book of problem sets. In addition, Epistemological Engineering will begin to explore and prototype additional materials in physics, materials for other sciences, and staff development offerings. The proposed research will lead to significant enhancements to Fathom software and open the door to creating curriculum materials in science education using tools previously available only to math educators. Epistemological Engineering proffers technology that will contribute to strengthening science education in this country by teaching students to thoughtfully approach the world with a zest for measurement and prediction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Erickson, Timothy BigTime Science CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 516761 5373 1666 SMET 9177 7218 5373 1666 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0216665 November 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: ELEX - Innovative Low-Cost Manufacturing Technology for High Aspect Ratio Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase (SBIR) II project will further develop ELEX (Electro-Extrusion) which is a manufacturing process for prototyping and batch manufacturing high-aspect ratio microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and related microparts and microstructures. The goal is to replace (in many applications) the so-called LIGA process, which is an electrodeposition-based technique, requiring the use of a clean room and synchrotron. The commercialization potential of this project to the MEMS industry will provide a dramatic reduction in cost and time, which will greatly accelerate the commercialization of MEMS and other microscale devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhang, Gang Microfabrica, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 417779 5373 MANU 9146 1468 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216671 September 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: A Fast Parallel Grid-Free Method for Simulating Turbulent Incompressible Flow In/Around Time-Varying Geometries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project builds on algorithms developed for simulating turbulent incompressible flows in and around time-varying geometries. The Phase II project proposes to develop and commercialize a state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package utilizing the algorithms developed. The computational engine is based upon an advanced parallel, adaptive fast multipole (FMM) implementation of a 3-D Lagrangian vortex-boundary element method. Turbulence is accounted for via Large Eddy Simulation (LES) using a dynamic Smagorinsky sub-grid scale model. The method is (1) grid-free in the fluid domain, (2) virtually free of numerical diffusion, (3) inherently solution-adaptive, and (4) capable of modeling inhomogeneous unsteady wall-bounded turbulent flow. During Phase II additional innovative algorithms will be developed for FMM to substantially increase it computational speed as well as accuracy. Additionally, an LES model for unsteady inhomogeneous flows will be implemented and tested rigorously using problems of potential interest to industry. The software is ideal for simulation and analysis of complex laminar-through-turbulent flow phenomena involving massive flow separation, unsteady vortex shedding, transient jets in cross-stream, and wake-body interaction. Examples of interest to industry are flow over bluff bodies such as ground vehicles or buildings, in data storage units with rotating and moving parts; in internal combustion engines; and in and around rotating machinery such as pumps and fans. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gharakhani, Adrin Applied Scientific Research CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 589800 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0216676 August 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Mechanism of the Layer Transfer Process for Silicon-on-Insulator. This Small Business Innovations Research (SBIR) Phase II project builds on demonstrated and patented new hydrogenation-based processes for producing silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. It has been demonstrated that this new techniques can be bonded for improved activation of the surfaces of silicon wafers. The innovation also serves to suppress layer transfer faults. The improvement in yield and the reduction in cost in the SOI production process have also been achieved. The process is expected to scale down to the formation of SOI surface films of thickness well below 0.1 micron. During Phase I, an RF plasma treatment was developed which optimizes the amount of adsorbed activating species on surfaces resulting in an improved layer transfer yield over previous wet chemical activation techniques. The process optimization was based on molecular dynamics simulation of the sub-monolayer hydroxylized surface. In Phase II the simulation-based process design continues with experimental characterization of the resulting probability of the layer transfer faults. The Phase II work plan includes more detailed process design and optimization leading to a characterization of best effort SOI wafers by the venture partners. The impact of the proposed commercialization activity on the existing $10B worldwide silicon starting-wafer industry is potentially huge. The increasing usage of SOI by the leading semiconductor manufacturers is optimistically projected to grow from 1% to 10% of the worldwide silicon market. If successful, a ramp up to commercialization SOI pilot production will begin immediately upon the completion of this Phase II contract. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Usenko, Alex Silicon Wafer Technologies, Inc. NJ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 477220 5373 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0216929 October 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: High Performance Nano-Fe/SiO2 Soft Magnetic Cores Based on Exchange Coupling. This Small Business Innovation Phase II project is directed toward optimizing and scaling up fabrication of exchange coupled Fe/ceramic nanocomposites for high performance soft magnetic applications. In Phase I, Inframat Corporation took pioneering steps to develop Fe/ceramic magnetic nanocomposites, which resulted in significant improvements over microsized ferrites including higher saturation magnetization and lower power loss. The design of the Fe/ceramic nanocomposite is based on an exchange coupling effect between neighboring nanoparticles, where Fe nanoparticles are uniformly distributed within an insulating ceramic matrix. Successful Phase I efforts have provided the scientific and technological groundwork for further magnetic nanocomposite technology advancement in Phase II. The proposed Phase II program scales-up the Fe/ceramic nanocomposite technology performed in Phase I. Emphasis is on rapid commercialization of nanocomposite cores. Key Phase II milestones include (1) scale-up of the demonstrated chemical synthesis into pilot-scale production, (2) demonstration of prototype cores having desirable magnetic properties through exchange coupling, and (3) demonstration of high performance prototype DC-to-DC converters using the exchange coupled magnetic nanocomposite cores. Phase II participants include Ceramic Magnetics, UConn, Villanova Univ., Georgia Tech, and a converter specialist, Colonel William McLyman. Ceramic Magnetics has pledged $75,000 cost share to the Phase II and will carry a $250,000 follow-on funding. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhang, Yide INFRAMAT CORP CT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 499997 5373 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0217364 June 1, 2002 Compact High Performance Cooling Technologies Research Center - An Operating Center Proposal for an NSF I/UCRC. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Compact High Performance Cooling Technologies will address research and development needs of industries in the area of high-performance heat removal from compact spaces. All product sectors in the electronics industry (High-Performance, Cost/Performance, Telecommunications, Hand-held, Automotive, and Military/Avionics) face critical electronics cooling challenges, and the Center brings together faculty from the Schools of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University, and contribute complimentary competencies in heart transfer, microfluidics, microfabrication, refrigeration, computational techniques, mechatronics, controls, acoustics, sensing and actuation and diagnostics and measurements. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH CCLI-Phase 1 (Exploratory) INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS THERMAL TRANSPORT PROCESSES IIP ENG Garimella, Suresh Purdue University IN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 622227 7609 7494 5761 1406 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 116E 1166 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0220512 May 15, 2002 Center for the Management of Information. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for the Management of Information at the University of Arizona has been an I/UCRC for the past five years and will continues to follow the model of the I/UCRC program. The Center's goal is to create knowledge, methodologies, practices and software to support individuals, organizations and society in the collaborative use of information technology. Research in the area of collaborative computing is an integral part of the development of the office, school and government of the future. Current research centers within the Center include collaborative computing, knowledge management, and technology-supported learning. In the past five years, the Center has developed a synergistic partnership between university researchers and industry users through its industry relevant research and its structure. Research projects are developed and pursued with significant input from the industry partners. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nunamaker, Jay University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 620436 V656 V402 T233 T075 5761 OTHR 122e 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0220661 September 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Hypertension Treatment Responder Prediction. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a clinical predictive algorithm for hypertension medication response based upon patient genetic and medical information. The development of effective treatment for hypertension is critical to controlling costs of this disease which has the largest negative impact on the U.S. economy in loss of productive years. Anti-hypertensive drugs have a large window of therapeutic options, including significant variation in dosages, medications, and combinations of therapies used. The objective of the Phase II project is to continue development of the software platform, GeneRx, which incorporates pharmacogenetics and nonlinear adaptive algorithms toward optimizing anti-hypertension therapy on a patient specific basis. Genetic data for each patient will be acquired by genotyping DNA from the blood samples, and scored as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present or absent in key hypertension-related genes. GeneRx will take a patient's individual genetic, demographic, and environmental variables and predict lickely efficacy of a hypertension medication. In Phase I, the basic feasibility of a predictive algorithm for predicting patient response for the ACE inhibitor class of hypertension drugs was established. The Phase II project will use patient information and blood samples from both archival and ongoing hypertension studies to predict the effectiveness of other classes of hypertension medications, including calcium channel blockers, dieuretics, and beta blockers. The commercial application of this project is in the area of hypertension therapy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Man, Albert PREDICTION SCIENCES, LLC CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0221736 March 1, 2002 Capitalizing on Science, Technology and Innovation: An Assessment of the Small Business Innovation Research Program. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wessner, Charles National Academy of Sciences DC Joseph E. Hennessey Contract 1279107 5373 1505 OTHR 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0222052 June 1, 2002 Antimicrobial Packaging to Improve Safety and Quality of Fresh Strawberries - Center for Aseptic Processing and Packaging Studies. Spoilage and pathogenic bacteria affect the quality and safety of fresh produce such as strawberries and mushrooms. The surfaces of these products can be naturally contaminated with molds such as Botrytis cinera and bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7. For many years foods have been treated with antimicrobial agents however, packaging materials may also provide the same benefits using similar or different additives. A packaging system that allows for slow release of an antimicrobial agent into the produce could significantly increase the shelf life and improve the safety of fresh produce. The use of these packaging systems is not meant to be used as a substitute for good quality control standards. It can, however serve as an additional protective measure to help ensure safe and high quality foods. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Cooksey, Kay Clemson University SC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 9232 0000 0222582 September 15, 2002 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Software Engineering Fellowship. An Industry/University Fellowship award will assist with the conduct of collaborative research at the Laboratory for Telecommunications Research in Telcordia Technologies. Telcordia is an industrial affiliate of the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Software Engineering Research (SERC). The PI is currently a professor at Purdue and a former site director of SERC. The general are of research deals with reliable operation of next generation systems. A next generation system is a collection of distributed components intended to work in harmony with the objective of providing services to authorized customers in an efficient, secure, safe, and reliable manner. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mathur, Aditya Purdue Research Foundation IN Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 25000 5761 OTHR 0000 0223592 October 1, 2002 An Operating Center Proposal for Renewing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering. The polymer industry is one of the most dynamic and expanding industries of our time. It is one of the few industries in which the U.S. still holds a strong leadership in an extremely competitive global market. A focused collaboration between industry and academia has been underway for nearly five years through the activities of the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering (CAPCE) at the Ohio State University. CAPCE offers comprehensive and well-organized collaboration between application-oriented researchers in industry and fundamental-oriented researchers in universities, enhancing commercialization of advanced polymer and composites materials. The Center will continue to emphasize the needs of the more traditional manufacturing sector of the polymer and composite industry, since these members dominate the industrial support base. In addition, their efforts will include: - Cooperating with industry members to translate basic research results from NSF supported research into commercial products and processes; - Incorporating environmentally-friendly technologies in product manufacturing by reducing energy consumption and toxic chemicals; reducing the amount of volatile solvents and manufacturing waste; and increasing sustainability; and - Enabling efficient, low-cost mass production of parts for bio-MEMS, sensors, and other applications, using micro and nanno-fabrication techniques. EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC PROGRAM INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS MATERIALS PROCESSING AND MANFG HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Koelling, Kurt Ly James Lee David Tomasko Anthony Luscher Jose Castro Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 389652 5978 5761 1467 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 5942 5251 0000 0224447 June 1, 2002 The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Virtual Proving Ground Simulation: Mechanical and Electromechanical Systems. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Virtual Proving Ground Simulation will focus unique capabilities and facilities for vehicle system simulation at the University of Iowa and electromechanical system simulation and design at the University of Texas at Austin on the goal of creating fundamental new capabilities for virtual proving ground simulation of complex vehicle and equipment systems, including off-road equipment, hybrid-electric vehicles, and next-generation enhanced vehicle mobility and vehicle power systems. The I/UCRC will create and make available to its members an internationally unique virtual proving ground using (1) state-of-the-art networked computing facilities for high fidelity engineering simulation, (2) the National Advanced Driving Simulator at Iowa for driver-in-the-loop virtual proving ground simulation, and (3) unique capabilities at UT-Ausgtin, including access to facilities at the Center for Electromechanics. With these assets and significant extensions to be developed in the proposed research program, the I/UCRC will support its members with internationally unique modeling , analysis, and virtual prototyping capabilities for simulation of complex vehicle and equipment systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Chen, Lea University of Iowa IA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 686280 W220 T686 T491 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0224612 October 1, 2002 An Operating Center Proposal for Renewing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering. The polymer industry is one of the most dynamic and expanding industries of our time. It is one of the few industries in which the U.S. still holds a strong leadership in an extremely competitive global market. A focused collaboration between industry and academia has been underway for nearly five years through the activities of the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering (CAPCE) at the Ohio State University. CAPCE offers comprehensive and well-organized collaboration between application-oriented researchers in industry and fundamental-oriented researchers in universities, enhancing commercialization of advanced polymer and composites materials. The Center will continue to emphasize the needs of the more traditional manufacturing sector of the polymer and composite industry, since these members dominate the industrial support base. In addition, their efforts will include: - Cooperating with industry members to translate basic research results from NSF supported research into commercial products and processes; - Incorporating environmentally-friendly technologies in product manufacturing by reducing energy consumption and toxic chemicals; reducing the amount of volatile solvents and manufacturing waste; and increasing sustainability; and - Enabling efficient, low-cost mass production of parts for bio-MEMS, sensors, and other applications, using micro and nanno-fabrication techniques. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS MATERIALS PROCESSING AND MANFG IIP ENG Wang, Hsu-Pin (Ben) Florida State University FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 1225475 W465 W341 W340 V948 V882 V738 V531 V530 V163 T769 T605 T541 T481 T083 I440 I178 H253 H205 5761 1467 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 5761 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0224718 June 1, 2002 The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Virtual Proving Ground Simulation: Mechanical and Electromechanical Systems. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Virtual Proving Ground Simulation will focus unique capabilities and facilities for vehicle system simulation at the University of Iowa and electromechanical system simulation and design at the University of Texas at Austin on the goal of creating fundamental new capabilities for virtual proving ground simulation of complex vehicle and equipment systems, including off-road equipment, hybrid-electric vehicles, and next-generation enhanced vehicle mobility and vehicle power systems. The I/UCRC will create and make available to its members an internationally unique virtual proving ground using (1) state-of-the-art networked computing facilities for high fidelity engineering simulation, (2) the National Advanced Driving Simulator at Iowa for driver-in-the-loop virtual proving ground simulation, and (3) unique capabilities at UT-Ausgtin, including access to facilities at the Center for Electromechanics. With these assets and significant extensions to be developed in the proposed research program, the I/UCRC will support its members with internationally unique modeling , analysis, and virtual prototyping capabilities for simulation of complex vehicle and equipment systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Longoria, Raul University of Texas at Austin TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 150000 5761 OTHR 0000 0224889 August 1, 2002 Collaborative Research: Cooperative Research Center: Planning Grant for a Cyber Protection Center. Information security has become a critical concern of both government and industry, and numerous groups have independently called for more and better research and education efforts in computer security. During the first computer security education workshop (1997) attended by industry and government agencies, there was a clear call to action for universities to create programs in information security. In response to these demands, faculty members from several universities have been working to increase both education and research in the area of information assurance. This initiative proposes to build on the existing strengths of the faculty and universities involved by creating the Cyber Protection Center. The Center will be one of the first facilities dedicated to creating a simulated Internet for the purpose of researching, designing, and testing cyber defense mechanisms. The Laboratory will also be used to test key components of the critical infrastructure. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Vaughn, Rayford Mississippi State University MS Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0225055 July 15, 2002 Research Site of the I/UCRC entitled"Repair of Building and Bridges with Composites ". The Research Site of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites (RB2C)" at North Carolina State University is an extension to the currently active I/UCRC located at the University of Missouri-Rolla. The research site at North Carolina State will focus on addressing the needs of the construction industry in development of new and innovative structural components as well as strengthening/repair methods for existing structures using advanced composite materials. The primary research activities of the site will involve: use of the three-dimensional weaving technology, developed by the College of Textiles at North Carolina State University in cooperation with the textile industry and the fiber producer; Installation, understanding, manufacturing and use of more durable construction materials; Examination of the durability of the proposed advanced construction materials under severe environmental conditions using the unique environmental chamber installed at the Constructed Facilities Laboratory (CFL), North Carolina State University; Develop new construction materials for rehabilitation of steel structures using high strength and modulus composite materials; and Standardization and code approval of products and design control, education and transfer of technology to industry. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HAZARD MIT & STRUCTURAL ENG HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Rizkalla, Sami Mihail Sichitiu Rudra Dutta North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 412000 7609 5761 1637 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 125E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0225080 October 1, 2002 An Operating Center Proposal for Renewing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering. The polymer industry is one of the most dynamic and expanding industries of our time. It is one of the few industries in which the U.S. still holds a strong leadership in an extremely competitive global market. A focused collaboration between industry and academia has been underway for nearly five years through the activities of the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering (CAPCE) at the Ohio State University. CAPCE offers comprehensive and well-organized collaboration between application-oriented researchers in industry and fundamental-oriented researchers in universities, enhancing commercialization of advanced polymer and composites materials. The Center will continue to emphasize the needs of the more traditional manufacturing sector of the polymer and composite industry, since these members dominate the industrial support base. In addition, their efforts will include: - Cooperating with industry members to translate basic research results from NSF supported research into commercial products and processes; - Incorporating environmentally-friendly technologies in product manufacturing by reducing energy consumption and toxic chemicals; reducing the amount of volatile solvents and manufacturing waste; and increasing sustainability; and - Enabling efficient, low-cost mass production of parts for bio-MEMS, sensors, and other applications, using micro and nanno-fabrication techniques. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS MATERIALS PROCESSING AND MANFG IIP ENG Osswald, Tim Lih-Sheng Turng University of Wisconsin-Madison WI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 318445 T796 T450 5761 1467 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0225093 September 1, 2002 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for the Built Environment. This proposal requests to continue support of the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, the Center for the Built Environment (CBE). CBE was established at the university of California, Berkeley, in 1997 and is dedicated to the industries and professions that design and construct buildings, manufacture building components, and that operate and maintain buildings. Its objective is to improve the performance of buildings by enhancing their indoor environmental quality, and by improving the energy efficiency with which that quality is produced. There are great opportunities to improve the performance of buildings in the U.S. through applied research and development. Improved building design and technologies may reduce energy consumption, improve employee health and productivity, and improve economic competitiveness and domestic security by reducing US dependence on energy imports. CBE builds upon the accomplishments of an extensive group of faculty members that perform building science research at UCB. This group has an impressive record of achievements, both individually and in past joint projects, and maintains extensive and state-of-the-art research tools and facilities. Through collaboration with its industry partners, CBE's research focuses on providing tools and analysis to assist building industry firms and design professionals. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Arens, Edward Gail Brager University of California-Berkeley CA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 418469 V602 V243 V029 T367 T208 H142 5761 OTHR 125E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0225163 September 1, 2002 Center for the Study of Wireless Electromagnetic Compatibility. The Center for the Study of Wireless Electromagnetic Compatibility was established in the College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma in 1994. Its purpose is to link with the various industries affected by wireless technology and bring them together to develop common solutions. This is essential for the health growth of these industries. It is expected that the growth of the cellular phone industry will continue to accelerate and exceed that of the personal computer industry in the 1980's. The research focus of the Center has been carefully developed to support the needs of the wireless industry as defined through an original pilot study, the Charter of the Center, and the continual input from the Center's Industry Advisory Board. The Center's research focus encompasses the following: Electromagnetic compatibility between products in the wireless industry and the following electronics industries; Medical; Automotive; and Aviation. Research leading to the identification and resolution of interaction mechanisms between the radiating devices in the wireless industry and other electronic devices. Research concerning the development and growth of wireless technology as well as future bands of transmission. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Grant, Floyd University of Oklahoma Norman Campus OK Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 129000 5761 OTHR 0000 0225178 July 15, 2002 Establishing an I/UCRC Center Site for Microcontamination Control at Northeastern University. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center research site at Northeastern University will work jointly with the industrial members and the existing Microcontamination Control center at the University of Arizona and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to develop solutions that will improve the industry's yield and contribute to their competitiveness. The industrial members at all three sites will share the research results of all the sites. The research focuses on the fundamentals of surface cleaning and preparation, particle adhesion and removal mechanisms, reduction of the use of chemicals through dilute chemistries, cryogenic aerosols and supercritical fluids (such as supercritical CO2) and reduction of water use through increased cleaning efficiency. Contamininants in gases will also be addressed through physical modeling of particle generation, transport, deposition resulting in contamination in thin film process. The center will also work toward the development of micro-sensors that can be used to detect impurities insitu in ultra pure gases used in semiconductor and other processes. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Busnaina, Ahmed George Adams Nathan Israeloff Jeffrey Hopwood Sinan Muftu Northeastern University MA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 270000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0225191 August 1, 2002 Cooperative Research Center: Planning Grant for a Cyber Protection Center. Information security has become a critical concern of both government and industry, and numerous groups have independently called for more and better research and education efforts in computer security. During the first computer security education workshop (1997) attended by industry and government agencies, there was a clear call to action for universities to create programs in information security. In response to these demands, faculty members from several universities have been working to increase both education and research in the area of information assurance. This initiative proposes to build on the existing strengths of the faculty and universities involved by creating the Cyber Protection Center. The Center will be one of the first facilities dedicated to creating a simulated Internet for the purpose of researching, designing, and testing cyber defense mechanisms. The Laboratory will also be used to test key components of the critical infrastructure. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Jacobson, Douglas James Davis Iowa State University IA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0225235 August 1, 2002 Collaborative Research: An Initiative for a Cyber Protection Center. Information security has become a critical concern of both government and industry, and numerous groups have independently called for more and better research and education efforts in computer security. During the first computer security education workshop (1997) attended by industry and government agencies, there was a clear call to action for universities to create programs in information security. In response to these demands, faculty members from several universities have been working to increase both education and research in the area of information assurance. This initiative proposes to build on the existing strengths of the faculty and universities involved by creating the Cyber Protection Center. The Center will be one of the first facilities dedicated to creating a simulated Internet for the purpose of researching, designing, and testing cyber defense mechanisms. The Laboratory will also be used to test key components of the critical infrastructure. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Saiedian, Hossein University of Kansas Center for Research Inc KS Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0225305 August 15, 2002 Collaborative Research: Multi-University Center for E-Design: IT Enabled Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the University of Pittsburgh are jointly planning to establish an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for e-Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems. The Center's mission is to serve as a center of excellence in IT enabled design and realization of discrete manufactured products by envisioning where information is the lifeblood of an enterprise and collaboration is the hallmark that seamlessly integrates design, development, testing, manufacturing and servicing of products around the world. The proposed Center, a fusion of expertise and resources from the already successful Center for e-Product Design & Realization at the University of Pittsburgh and the Center for Manufacturing Productivity at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, is a joint effort to achieve synergy in the development of the enabling technologies to support the new project development paradigm. The proposed I/UCRC would leverage the existing talent faculty from complementary engineering disciplines, infrastructure and experience of each university. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Terpenny, Janis University of Massachusetts Amherst MA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0225331 August 15, 2002 Collaboration Reserach: Center for e-Design: IT-Enabled Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the University of Pittsburgh are jointly planning to establish an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for e-Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems. The Center's mission is to serve as a center of excellence in IT enabled design and realization of discrete manufactured products by envisioning where information is the lifeblood of an enterprise and collaboration is the hallmark that seamlessly integrates design, development, testing, manufacturing and servicing of products around the world. The proposed Center, a fusion of expertise and resources from the already successful Center for e-Product Design & Realization at the University of Pittsburgh and the Center for Manufacturing Productivity at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, is a joint effort to achieve synergy in the development of the enabling technologies to support the new project development paradigm. The proposed I/UCRC would leverage the existing talent faculty from complementary engineering disciplines, infrastructure and experience of each university. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nnaji, Bartholomew University of Pittsburgh PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0226188 August 1, 2002 Analytical Ultracentrifugation as a Method for Identifying and Characterizing Src-Containing Multi-Protein Complexes in Cancer Cells. The goal of the research will be to involve science students from Saint Anselm College, an undergraduate teaching institution, in a meaningful research project incorporating state-of-the-art technology. All research will be conducted in the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biomolecular Interaction Technologies (BITC) at the University of New Hampshire and will make extensive use of the fluorescence detection optical system on the BITC analytical ultracentrifuge. All data will be reported to BITC. The project will serve as a test of the new device, and it will help develop protocols for using analytical ultracentrifugation with whole-cell lysates. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Laue, Thomas University of New Hampshire NH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 25000 5761 OTHR 0000 0226328 January 1, 2002 STTR Phase II: Nano-Layered Composites as High-Temperature Hard Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project aims to develop novel nano-layered coatings for high-temperature tribological applications, specifically cutting-tool coatings that perform well at elevated temperatures (up to 1000 degrees C). There is a high level of interest in these coatings because of the desire to cut at higher rates and due to increasing environmental concerns over the use of coolants during machining. Traditional coating materials do not perform well under these conditions, primarily because their hardnesses decrease rapidly as temperature rises. Research in Phase I developed a new class of coatings, combining many alternating nanometer-thick layers of metals and nitrides, which show substantial hardness enhancements. Hardnesses up to 44 gigapascals (GPa) were maintained after high temperature annealing, demonstrating the feasibility of these new materials as high-temperature stable coatings. Strong dislocation confinement in nano-layers is likely to yield higher high-temperature hardness than in monolithic coatings, providing improved wear resistance. In Phase II, nano-layered coatings will be developed that optimize key properties including hardness, thermal expansion match with the substrate, stability against dissolution into different workpieces, and oxidation resistance. Nano-layered coated cutting tools have the potential to make dry-cutting a practical alternative, and to improve wet-machining performance. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Ilwon Functional Coating Technology, LLC IL Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 375000 1505 MANU 9163 9147 0226364 April 1, 2003 Characterization of Conformal Plasma Polymer Particle Coatings. The performance of particle-polymer composite systems is critically dependent on the nature of the solid-matrix interface. Methods to integrate different surface chemistry and functionality on small particles will play a vital role in next generation composites. This work explores the utility of a novel FR-plasma conformal particle coating technique. The work will encompass both the effects of monomer sources and reactor conditions on coating composition, thickness and uniformity. These attributes will be investigated using FTIR (-ATR), TEM and XPS. Work will also explore the effects of coating composition on the dispersion and rheological behavior of highly filled A1N and BN/polymer systems. The preliminary work has been sponsored with seed funding from the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Micro-Engineered Materials at the University of New Mexico. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Weinkauf, Don Hyun Sik Jeon New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology NM Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 146236 9150 5761 OTHR 9232 9150 0000 0226846 July 15, 2002 Connection One - Communications Circuits and Systems Research Center. The establishment of a new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Arizona State University focuses on Telecommunication Circuits and Systems for the advancement of the next generation of telecommunication systems. The objective of the Center is to establish a cooperative research center for Arizona State University researchers and industry partners to work together on the advancement of integrated circuits and systems for telecommunication by identifying new technologies that will enable "system-on-a-chip" communication devices. The I/UCRC will comprise three major initiatives: Research, Internship, and Curriculum development. Research initiatives will provide consortium partners a complete spectrum of expertise in Telecommunications, RF Design, Wireless and Wireline communications, optical electronics, and analog/digital integrated circuits. The research roadmap of the center will be conceived and executed by the Center industrial Partners and will be monitored and evaluated by the Industrial Advisory Board. INTEGRATIVE, HYBRD & COMPLX SY INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CISE RESEARCH RESOURCES ELECT, PHOTONICS, & DEVICE TEC IIP ENG Kiaei, Sayfe Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 701987 7564 5761 2890 1517 SMET OTHR HPCC 9251 9178 9139 9102 130E 129E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0227693 November 1, 2002 Scanning Bodegas. 0227693 Williams This award is to the Polytechnic University of New York to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include the Polytechnic University of New York (Lead Institution), Bodega Association of United States Inc. New York, Datasym, All Long Island Cash Register, Symbol Technologies Inc., South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Accion-New York, New York National Bank and Wagner Graduate School of Public Service-NYU. The goals for this program are: (1) create the necessary organizational conditions to foster the transformation of knowledge into the systems and services that will educate underrepresented minority retail owners on the value of implementing point of service scanning technology, (2) introduce a point of service scanning technology linked to cash registers in small grocery stores owned by underrepresented communities in New York City, and (3) conduct research to understand the resistance of immigrant and minority communities to using technology. The partnership of companies that make, install and service the scanners, city organizations responsible for economic development, and financial institutions to process loans to the store owners has been formed. The program develops training to overcome the knowledge, skill, and psychological barriers associated with getting underrepresented minorities to adopt technology and extends the use of scanned data to identify, record and order inventory. Bilingual minority students are involved in the research and implementation stages. There is a genuine resistance by this minority-dominated retail market sector to use of technology. The university has the confidence of the retailers association to manage the installation of the equipment and training of personnel in its use. The partnership includes financial institutions to make loans to the retailers to purchase the equipment. The minority-dominated retail sector will gain from use of this technology. The study of the factors that cause the resistance to technology and how they were overcome will serve as a model for technology insertion in other demographic sectors where there is resistance to it. Extensive involvement of bilingual underrepresented students in the effort has obvious societal benefits. In addition, the scanning equipment will lead to increased profit for an estimated 8000 small grocery stores in New York City by providing inventory control and reduced inventory costs. Retail scanners have been shown to reduce cashier errors and increase profitability nationally. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Williams, Blair George Bugliarello Michael Greenstein Polytechnic University of New York NY Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 597897 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0227729 January 1, 2003 Creating New Economic Opportunities in Downeast Coastal Maine by Enhancing Marine Education and Research Capacity: Developing the Infrastructure for Innovation. 0227729 Beal This award is to the University of Maine at Machias to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include the University of Maine at Machias (Lead Institution), Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education, Sunrise County Economic Council, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Town of Bealls, Carver Shellfish Inc, Washington County Commissioners, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, Cobscook Bay Resource Center, The Nature Conservatory, Maine Department of Marine Resources, Maine State Planning Office, and Maine Science & Technology Foundation. The goals of the program are to produce a significant increase in applied marine research and technology transfer leading to commercialization of products and processes, and to increase the numbers of people from eastern Maine enrolled in associate and baccalaureate degree programs at the University of Maine at Machias preparing them for the new workforce in marine technologies. To accomplish these goals new faculty positions will be created in the areas of marine ecology, marine biology, and natural resource economics. Research facilities for marine research will be installed. Positions for managers to enable technology transfer and commercialization are being established at the university. More than 40% of the households in the region have incomes less than $20,000 annually. The economy of the region relies very heavily on renewable marine resources. Marine aquaculture has a huge potential to revitalize the regional economy given increased research and education/training to provide the technological and business support as well as the trained workforce for start-up companies. The participation of underrepresented minority students in the program will be increased through several currently existing programs, such as Alliance for Minority Participation Program, McNair Scholars Program, Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program, and affiliate programs with the University of Puerto Rico. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Beal, Brian University of Maine at Machias ME Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0227754 January 1, 2003 Biotechnology Resource Group: A Framework for Innovative Partnerships. 0227754 Cheatham This award is to the Middle Tennessee State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include the Middle Tennessee State University (Lead Institution), Austin Peay State University, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Oakland High School, Riverdale High School, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Department of Health, Communicable and Environmental; Disease Services, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, BioVentures Inc, Esoterx Center of Innovative Research, Orchid Cellmark, Tennessee Biotechnology Association. The program includes: establishment of training programs; provision of equipment and materials; development of laboratories for teachers to encourage the use of hands-on biotechnology exercises in science curricula; establishment of internships for teachers to work in the partner companies; establishment of a seminar course for students and company employees in biotechnology; and enhancement of biotechnological growth by developing and applying novel sensors in microarray technology. Currently there are more than 50 biotech companies in the region that have started with research done at the regional universities. This proposed effort will provide the workforce to make and keep these companies competitive in the biotech industry. It will also provide the workforce for additional jobs created by the regional university research enterprise. These jobs will have considerably higher salaries than the traditional jobs in the region. The academic institutions involved serve traditionally underrepresented groups. In addition minority students will be involved in this effort. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Cheatham, Thomas Stephen Wright Rebecca Seipelt Middle Tennessee State University TN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 581059 1662 OTHR 0000 0227793 September 1, 2002 Montana Business Foundry: Tech Ventures for a Rural State. 0227793 Swearingen This award is to Montana State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include Montana State University (Lead Institution), MSU Techlink Center, Center for Entrepreneurship for the New West, Montana Office for Economic Opportunity, Technology Venture Center. The program includes: (1) formation of a sustainable, long-term innovation partnership that will provide a major engine for the emerging technology sector in Montana, (2) formation of an enhanced infrastructure for creating new technology companies in the state, (3) recruitment of women and Native Americans for entrepreneurship training and new technology-business opportunities, (4) establishment of at least a dozen new technology companies in Montana State University's Advanced Technology Park and then elsewhere in Montana, and (5) development of a new model for technology-business creation in rural states. Montana currently ranks 50th in the United States in annual pay and 48th in the percentage of households at the poverty level. This program will increase the number of new sources of higher-paying jobs, mobilize the underrepresented populations in the state, and reduce the "brain drain" to other regions. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Swearingen, Will Nicholas Zelver Joan Wu-Singel Montana State University MT Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0227801 August 15, 2003 Cincinnati Creates Companies. 0227801 Harrison This award is to University of Cincinnati College of Medicine to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). Partners The partners include University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (Lead Institution), Children's Hospital Medical Center, BIO/START, Emerging Concepts, Inc, Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, and the Hamilton County Business Center. Proposed Activities The proposed goals include the following: (1) recruitment of potential entrepreneurs from all socioeconomic and cultural groups represented in the region, (2) establishment of a nine month education program that includes product feasibility assessment, concept development, business plan development, implementation planning, financial strategies, management, marketing etc, (3) providing assistance in technology and business support, (4) connection with federal and state financial assistance and grants such as SBIR or STTR, and (5) referral to venture capital funds in the various technology sectors. The following innovations are proposed: (1) stimulating the transformation of knowledge created by the national research and education enterprise into successful businesses that create economic well-being, and (2) providing and enhancing the available infrastructure to foster and sustain innovation in the long term. Potential Economic Impact The goal is to increase the number of new sources of higher-paying jobs, and to mobilize the underrepresented populations in the region by providing training, technology and business support, and connecting entrepreneurs with sources of capital for their companies. Potential Societal Impact The creation of new jobs will have a significant impact on the region. Involvement of underrepresented groups in technology-businesses has obvious societal implications. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Air, Dorothy University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 597473 1662 OTHR 0000 0227802 November 1, 2002 Innovations in Business Intelligence: Drexel University's Partnership Between Academia, Industry and the City of Philadelphia. 0227802 Arinze This award is to the Drexel University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include the Drexel University (Lead Institution), University of Pennsylvania, SAP America, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Philadelphia area high schools, and The City of Philadelphia. The proposed goals are: (1) creating theoretical and methodological knowledge and innovation in the area of business intelligence, (2) spurring product innovation within the participating private sectors information technology forms, and (3) educational innovations by creating business intelligence related training and educational programs for students at the high school and college levels. The program focuses on basic research, methodology, knowledge creation and documentation. Business intelligence curriculum of 3-5 courses with input from the private sector partners is being developed. Methodologies and toolsets for business intelligence are being prepared and documented. The methodologies developed are being applied to specific projects in management in the City of Philadelphia government. The high school curriculum will be evaluated and assessed after the first year and will then be disseminated to other high schools. The development and application of business intelligence methodology to management of local government and private sector partners will make them more efficient. The methodology and software will be available for other government and private sectors once it has been shown to be efficacious. In addition, workforce training using the business intelligence methodology will prepare graduates for higher paying jobs in the information economy. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Arinze, O. Bay George Tsetsekos Murugan Anandarajan Susan Lippert Chittibabu Govindarajulu Drexel University PA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599128 1662 OTHR 0000 0227806 October 1, 2002 Digital Pueblo Project. 0227806 Angel This award is to the University of New Mexico to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include the University of New Mexico (Lead Institution), Sandia National Laboratory, City of Albuquerque, Connect New Mexico, National Hispanic Culture Center, New Mexico Trains, Aquila Group, Bandelier EFX, Big Byte, ContiFilms, Drumfire, IBM, Intel, National Indian Telecommunications Institute, Pixar, Poeh Center, Pueblo of Zuni, Vizeon, and The Studio. The proposed goal is to create a Digital Arts and Technology Pueblo that will create an infrastructure in New Mexico for economic development and innovation in the digital arts and science industry. Three state-of-the-art centers with equipment and facilities for digital arts, which are similar to incubators to create and nurture innovations in the digital arts are being developed. Curricula in digital arts for training and education are being developed and implemented. Infrastructure to enable the innovation, technology commercialization and entrepreneural process is being established. New Mexico is rich in culture and art as well as science and technology. Much of the well-trained talent has been forced to leave the state owing to lack of job opportunities. The state's isolation is an obstacle to entrance into the information technology sector. This partnership establishes the infrastructure for innovation leading to economic well being in the digital arts and sciences industry. The effort brings expertise in digital science and technology with the expertise in graphic arts to create an infrastructure for digital graphics industry in New Mexico. The new companies and new jobs will bring economic well being to the region. A strong emphasis is placed on recruitment and involvement of Native Americans and Hispanics in the new industry in New Mexico. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Angel, Edward John McIver Ernest Herrera Zoe Falliers University of New Mexico NM Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0227827 September 1, 2002 Sparking Innovation and Participation in High Throughput Screening. 0227827 Wicks This award is to the University of Southern Mississippi to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include the University of Southern Mississippi (Lead Institution), Mississippi Technology Alliance, Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership, the Society of Mississippi Inventors, and the Mississippi Polymer Institute. The proposed goals are to bolster competitiveness and innovation in Mississippi companies by establishing infrastructure for participating in high throughput screening techniques (HTS) and combinatorial methodologies (CM), and to establish a laboratory for HTS/CM experimentation and a support organization drawn from the University, companies and private/state economic development authorities. A high throughput laboratory for screening of formulations and providing an understanding of its impact on the development of new products to companies is being established. This laboratory provides new HTS methods and equipment for the technology companies and individual inventors in Mississippi. Currently there are 100 companies in Mississippi involved in producing polymeric formulations, representing approximately 6,000 employees. There are an additional 10,000 employees in other related polymer products manufacturing fields. The effort will make these companies more productive and shorten the development time to market for new products and polymer formulations. The University of Southern Mississippi has several active programs to recruit and retain minority students, e.g., Alliance for Graduate Education in Mississippi, the Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation, Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education. Minority students will be involved in this effort. The creation of more jobs combined with the training of workforce for the polymer industry have obvious societal benefits. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Wicks, Douglas Robert Lochhead University of Southern Mississippi MS Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599999 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0227828 January 1, 2003 ToolingNET: A Partnership for Enhancing the Tooling Industry in Indiana through the use of Information Technology in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. 0227828 Ramani This award is to Purdue University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include Purdue University (Lead Institution), Alcoa, Caterpillar, Metal Technologies, GT Automation, Kirby Risk, Lear, Office of Technology Commercialization, Innovation Realization Lab, and WeToollT, 21st Century Research and Technology Fund, Cunningham Pattern & Engineering, American Foundry Association, National Tooling and Manufacturers Association, Indiana Manufacturers Association, Mid-America Plastics Partners, and Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. The goals of the program include the following: (1) comprehensively integrate industrial tooling marketplace interactions into a streamlined structure and help manage the network using information technology, (2) use an advanced three-dimensional communication tool that will use and link geometry communication to partner manufacturing firms, and (3) promotion and use of advanced tools for rapid manufacturing by partnering with state-wide use in the tool and die education programs to enhance the readiness of the workforce. The program provides an integrated and structured development of the tooling/manufacturing capability for the manufacturing firms in Indiana. The infrastructure provides a common platform for all types of information exchanges including 3D Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing that will streamline and improve efficiency in the design to manufacturing cycle. Faculty of community colleges will be trained in advanced manufacturing technology so they can train the new workforce. A product informatics system is being developed at Purdue and will be made available to the manufacturing firms in Indiana. Technical support in rapid tooling, manufacture, and design will be provided to small manufacturing firms in the state. The program combines information technology with manufacturing technology and education programs that simultaneously develop the manufacturing workforce. The aim is to increase the efficiency and productivity of the manufacturing sector in Indiana. This will make the manufacturing sector in Indiana more competitive and contribute to the economic well-being of the region. Workforce development will provide workers for the growing industry. Underrepresented groups in technology-businesses will have a greater access to training and jobs in the manufacturing sector. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS IIP ENG Ramani, Karthik Christoph Hoffmann Linda Katehi Sunil Prabhakar Purdue University IN Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 1504 OTHR 0000 0227830 January 1, 2003 Great Lakes Wood Manufacturing Partnership. 0227830 Brashaw This award is to the University of Minnesota at Duluth to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include the University of Minnesota at Duluth (Lead Institution), Michigan Technological University, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Northern Economic Initiatives Corporation, Beaver Manufacturing, Shell Lake (WI), Besse Forest Products, Ladysmith (WI), Colonial Craft (Roseville, MN), Conner Sports Flooring (Amasa, MI), Crystal Cabinet Works (Princeton, MN), Fentech, Inc (Superior, WI), Ferche Millwork (Rice, MN), Glen Oak Lumber & Milling (Montello, WI), GFP Strandwood Corp Houghton, MI), Maple Flooring Manufacturing Association (Northbrook, IL), Northern Contours (Fergus Falls, MN), Northern Hardwoods (South Range, MI), Smurfit Stone (Ontonagon, MI), TrueRide, Inc (Duluth, MN), Wisconsin Business Innovation Corp (Spooner, WI). Kaizen techniques are being used to improve the manufacturing process by implementing lean manufacturing, resulting in reduced costs and improves profitability. These techniques are being used in development projects to address technical, material, and market issues for new products and to reduce the development time cycle. The partnership cooperatively provides assistance to private companies in adoption of best manufacturing practices, introduction of new technology, and development of new products. These activities promote and sustain innovation by training wood products specialists in lean manufacturing and group facilitation, strengthening their capabilities for contributing to economic growth and stability of the wood products industry. A model for promoting future ties between universities, state agencies, federal laboratories, economic development organizations and private wood products businesses in other regions of the United States will be developed. The program will also provide a well-trained workforce for the wood products industry. During the first phase of the project, 15 companies will participate in company-specific manufacturing process improvement and/or product and market development projects. In the second phase, an additional 12+ company partners will be identified for projects. Further outreach to the wood products companies in the Great Lakes Region will be completed through short courses and case studies. Improved manufacturing technologies will make these companies more profitable and new jobs will result. The creation of new jobs will have a significant impact on the region, which currently has a high unemployment. In addition, more efficient use of the natural wood supply will have ecological implications for the future. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Brashaw, Brian Michael Lalich University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599550 1662 OTHR 0000 0227833 December 1, 2002 The Florida Innovation Partnership. 0227833 Soileau This award is to the University of Central Florida to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). Partners The partners include the University of Central Florida (Lead Institution), University of South Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, City of Orlando, City of Tampa, Florida High Technology Corridor Council, Mid Florida Economic Development Commission, Museum of Science and Industry, Orange County Government, Orlando Science Center, Tampa Bay Technology Partnership, Applied Photonics, Central Florida Innovation Corporation, Central Florida Technology Partnership, Florida/NASA Incubator, Florida Business Incubator Association, Florida Photonics Cluster, Laser Institute of America, Team of Professional Internet Entrepreneurs. The proposed goal is to develop the infrastructure in education, technology transfer, commercialization, and entrepreneurship in the technology sectors of photonics, space science, and simulation and software. The following activities are proposed: (1) develop education and training programs to increase the number and sophistication of technology entrepreneurs and high tech entrepreneural start-ups in Florida, (2) identify commercial applications of developed and developing technology and facilitate and foster technology transfer, (3) provide special program curriculum and mentors to underrepresented groups, and (4) provide infrastructure to enable the innovation, technology commercialization and entrepreneural process. The Central Florida economy is largely dependent on tourism, which provides low-paying service sector jobs with limited opportunity for advancement. Minorities constitute a large percentage of the workforce in this industry, but they are underrepresented in the technology and entrepreneurship sectors. The program has a strong effort to recruit, educate and train entrepreneurs from the regional minority academic institutions. The current program will create new start-up companies and train personnel to work in these companies. The new high-tech jobs will be considerably higher in pay scales for the employees. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Soileau, Marion Martin Wanielista Thomas O'Neal Thomas Keon University of Central Florida FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0227837 October 1, 2002 Building the "Last Mile" of the Research Enterprise Infrastructure: An Innovative Model to Connect Advanced Agriculture/Bioscience Research to the Resources of the Local Community. 0227837 Kapfer This award is to Eastern Iowa Community College to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). Partners The partners include Eastern Iowa Community College (Lead Institution), Iowa State University, University of Iowa, City of Davenport, Kaizen Corporation, USDA-Peoria Research Lab, and DavenportOne. The program produces web-based publication of summaries of emerging research written in language for the business/investment audience, training curriculum to educate entrepreneurs in AG-based Biotech business, and a model for economic development of rural communities in the AG-based biotech sector. Continuing education/training for business developers will be conducted. In addition, they will create a system to capture and screen emerging Agriculture Technology-Bioscience ideas, technologies, and patents that have marketplace potential; communicate research information to potential entrepreneurs and the economic development community of eastern Iowa; educate potential entrepreneurs, business development consultants/trainers and economic development professionals on the process of creating a business based on emerging research; disseminate the results and practices to other regions; promote the development and effective use of Native American governments for economic development and management of their lands; and establish internship programs in industry and government for the workforce. The AG-based Biotech sector produced $1B in 1995, and is expected to reach $10B by 2005. The community college expertise in training coupled with the research universities is a powerful team to produce both the sources of technologies and the trained workforce to create new companies in this rapidly growing economic sector. The community colleges can also provide continued business tech support to small emerging companies to improve their probability of success in the early stages of development. Eastern Iowa is suited to be a large player in this emerging technology sector, resulting in economic well being and creation of new jobs. The model will also be helpful to other rural, agriculture-based regions. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Kapfer, Mark Eastern Iowa Community College IA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599669 1662 OTHR 0000 0227838 November 1, 2002 Partnering for Innovative Commercialization of Technology: The University of Kentucky Natural Products Alliance. 0227838 Smith This award is to University of Kentucky to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include University of Kentucky (Lead Institution), Alltech, Apolmmune, Equine Biodiagnostics Inc, Limestone Capital Partners LLC, Martek, Neogen, Stoll, Keenon and Parks LLC, Venture Laboratories Inc, Coldstream Research Campus, KY State Office for the New Economy, KY Science and Technology Council, KY State Office on Agriculture Policy, KY Tobacco Research and Development Council, Lexington United, and The Innovation Group. The activities include launching at least 4 start-up companies based on intellectual property derived from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture research programs, involvement of 4-6 students (some recently graduated) in the start-up companies, and development of at least 2 new advanced training courses to provide new technical and business skills in the new natural products technology sector. The proposed goals include the following: (1) education of entrepreneurs in management of intellectual property, business planning, incorporation and other legal issues, financial management and accounting, human resources management, insurance, financial resource acquisition and planning, and technology assessment, (2) creation of a mentoring network to provide new businesses with access tot business and tech support, (3) provide financial resources to develop novel technologies and proof-of-concept research, (4) internships for students just completing their degrees (BS to PhD) to initiate or join new start-up companies, and (5) workforce development in the agricultural biotechnology sector. The effort will increase the number of new sources of higher-paying jobs, and mobilize the underrepresented populations in the region by providing training, technology and business support, and connecting entrepreneurs with sources of capital for their companies. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has traditionally been a rural economy that is stressed by the demise in demand for some of its cash crops. They have had recent success in attracting business and capitalizing on the intellectual property generated by the University of Kentucky. The proposal is based on their traditional strengths in agriculture and life sciences to create agricultural-based biotech start-up firms to create new jobs and economic output. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Smith, M. Scott Glenn Collins Nancy Cox Joseph Fink University of Kentucky Research Foundation KY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0227869 January 1, 2003 The Biomedical Engineering Partnership Program at FIU: Fostering Technology Entrepreneurship, Commercialization, and Clinical Implementation. 0227869 Prasad This award is to the Florida International University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). Partners The partners include Florida International University (Lead Institution), Baptist Health Systems of South Florida, Beckman Coulter, Inc, Bioheart, Inc, Boston Scientific Corporation, Cardis (Johnson & Johnson), IDEXX Laboratories, Inc, Medtronic Peripheral Vascular, Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami Children's Hospital, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Scion Cardio Vascular, Scion International, Inc, Syntheon, LLC, and The beacon Council. The program establishes a permanent infrastructure for entrepreneurial and technology transfer activity at Florida International University with a focus on the biomedical industry. The infrastructure provides a venue for faculty and students to engage industry to transfer their developmental projects to commercialization. The region has a balanced mixture of large and small entrepreneurial corporations in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries that rank in the top 13 in the nation. In addition to commercialization of the research and development output of the university, an activity that will create economic wealth and new jobs, the activities supported by this award will educate students in biomedical engineering for the workforce for the regional industry. The biomedical industry is growing very rapidly with large investments of venture capital. South Florida has established this industry as a top priority for economic growth. The goal of this proposal is to provide the workforce to enable the industry to grow in the region. The creation of new jobs will have a significant impact on the region. Florida International University currently ranks in the top 20 in graduation of Hispanic and African American engineers in the nation. In addition, the population of the region is high in underrepresented groups. Hence, the award broadens the participation of underrepresented groups in the technological and economic enterprise of the region. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Prasad, Vishwanath Chin-Sheng Chen Richard Schoephoerster Florida International University FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599612 1662 OTHR 0000 0227879 January 1, 2003 Virtual Markets in the Wireless Communication & Computation Grid. 0227879 McKnight This award is to the Tufts University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include the Tufts University (Lead Institution), Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, ETH Zurich, Mystic Valley Development Commission, Btexact Technologies, Cisco Systems, Dialout.net, Fractal Antenna, NimbleMicro, The Telmarc Group LLC. The proposed goals are to create a collaborative pool of Massachusetts research universities in the wireless communication sector, to improve education and integrating wireless communication technology into the school system, to investigate the tremendous value that wireless grid networks offer to increase access to wireless communication, and to develop new economic sectors utilizing these ubiquitous networks to access grid networks. Wireless communication and computation multi-provider and multi service grid services for usability and network, power, spectrum, and economic efficiency are being designed. The critical characteristics and features of the service layers that may be required for both virtual and real organizations to do business across a wireless communications and computation grid will be identified. The virtual organizations model will be extended to include the concept of a virtual market across a wireless communications and computation grid. A wireless communication and computation grid services platform, designed for usability as well as network, power, spectrum, and economic efficiency, will increase access and engender productivity gains that crosses multiple market sectors. This model will transform the way that the national research enterprise innovates and help to create collaborative networks that strengthen local and regional economies. Communication and computation networks are a necessary part of the infrastructure for economic well-being and growth. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG McKnight, Lee Vincent Manno Peter Wong Amar Gupta Mark Gaynor Peter O'Reilly Tufts University MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 719477 1662 OTHR 0000 0227899 October 1, 2002 Northwest Ohio Partnership on Alternative Energy Systems. 0227899 Calzonetti This award is to the University of Toledo to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include the University of Toledo (Lead Institution), Bowling Green University, Owens Community College, IQ Systems, First Solar, Cooltech, Dana Corporation, General Motors Corporation, Owens-Corning, Pilkington, Center for Technology Commercialization, EISC, Inc, Regional Technology Alliance, NASA Glenn, Regional Growth Partnership, City of Toledo, COSI-Toledo, and Toledo Zoo. The activities of the program include the following: (1) improvements in the technical skills of the workforce by design of the technical programs at Owens Community College in the area of alternative energies, (2) participation of African American and Hispanic students from the Toledo EXCEL Program, (3) promotion of related industrial and business development through support provided by the Regional Growth Partnership and the Regional Technology Alliance, (4) increased public awareness of alternative energy systems, (5) development of statewide support through the Ohio Alternative Energy Development Council, (6) transfer of alternative energy research and technology from the University of Toledo and Bowling Green University to the partner companies. The program will increase academic research on alternative energy systems, develop the energy systems technologies, make innovations in manufacturing of these systems, develop the workforce for these companies, increase the participation of underrepresented populations in alternative energy systems technology, improve the environment from responsible manufacturing and less-polluting energy systems, and promote regional cluster development and increased investment in alternative energy technology. The region of northwest Ohio is in a state of economic depression. The proposed effort will provide new technologies, new companies, and new jobs. The creation of new jobs will have a significant impact on the region, which currently has a high unemployment. Involvement of underrepresented groups in alternative energy technology has obvious societal implications. In addition, lowered energy costs and environmental improvements from less-polluting energy will have societal benefits. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Calzonetti, Frank Thomas Stuart Alvin Compaan Maria Coleman Xunming Deng University of Toledo OH Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0227907 October 1, 2002 Enhancing the Emerging Biotechnology Cluster in Southeastern Ohio. 0227907 Wight This award is to Ohio University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include Ohio University (Lead Institution), Intherthyr Corporation, DiAthegen LLC, GeneBact Biotechnologies, Battelle Memorial Institute, Diagnostic Hybrids Inc, Sen Med Medical Ventures, Athenian Venture Partners, Adena Ventures, Appalachian Regional Commission, Edison BioTechnology Center, Governor's Office for Appalachia, Governor's Regional Economic Development Office. The goals of the program include accelerating and enhancing the growth of the biotechnology sector in southeast Ohio region, accelerating the growth of existing companies and increasing their probability of success, creating the technology pipeline and creating new companies, sustaining the regional cluster, and keeping the companies in the region. New start-up companies based on intellectual property derived from the Ohio University research programs will be launched and nurtured. Training of the workforce for the biotech industry is a top priority. Partnering with existing corporate and other private and public partners will form a strong nucleus to form and retain start-up companies in biotech in the region. The aim of the program is to increase the number of new sources of higher-paying jobs, and to mobilize the underrepresented populations in the region by providing education, research and technology and business support for new start-up biotech companies. The economy in southeastern Ohio is among the worst in Appalachia. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Wight, David John Blazyk John Bantle John Kopchick Douglas Goetz Ohio University OH Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0227919 October 1, 2002 NativeView: A Geospatial Curriculum for Native Nation Building. 0227919 Bordeaux This award is to Sinte Gleska University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include Sinte Gleska University (Lead Institution), The Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Global Sciences and Technology Corporation, and Earth Satellite Corporation. The goals of the program include developing and implementing a curriculum in geospatial information technology that is focused on the natural and cultural resource information needs of tribal governments. The program creates an academic program that is focused on the cultural and land management information needs of Native American communities. This academic program provides training in geospatial technology, and increases the level and quality of science and math education in Native schools. A series of workshops for tribal elders will help ensure that the development of the proposed curriculum will be relevant to and will address real operational needs of the Tribes. In addition, the program is developing a business plan for a geospatial services enterprise that will serve indigenous communities, federal and state agencies, and will ultimately be able to compete successfully for geospatial services work for public and private sector clients worldwide. The aim of the program is to create a self-sustaining Native American business that provides the skills to manage land resources with the initial focus on Native American communities and government agencies. Remote sensing and geospatial services that provide real time agriculture weather and storm information will be made available to Indian Nations throughout North America. The model will be made available for other indigenous communities. Unemployment and underemployment are widespread, and self-sustaining enterprises are rare among the Native Americans in this region. The geospatial industry exports work in foreign countries, and this program is designed to provide trained workforce to keep these jobs in the U.S. The creation of new jobs, training for future employees plus providing a service to Native American communities to give them tools to help them manage their land will have a significant impact on the region. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Bordeaux, Leland Michael Kalb Jhon Goes In Center Gregory Koeln Sinte Gleska University SD Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599055 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0227925 January 1, 2003 Innovations in Aquaculture Feeds. 0227925 Korpchak This award is to the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). Partners The partners for the proposed scope of work are Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (Lead Institution), ADM Animal Health and Nutrition, Illinois Fish Farmers Cooperative, Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, City of Carbondale/Southern Illinois Research Park. ADM Animal Health and Nutrition is contributing its trademarked animal feed supplements to be used by the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center in dietary /feeding experiments. The Illinois Fish Farmers Cooperative will contribute technical support in fish processing and storage, and coordinate participation of its members in field trials. Aquaculture is the most rapidly growing sector of U.S. agriculture. Illinois is the largest inland state consumer of seafood and the second leading consumer of farm-raised fish in the country. The state of Illinois has recently invested $12 million to build a state-of-the-art fish processing facility. This effort will build on this initiative by addressing the issues of feed for farm-raised fish, which is the most costly factor in aquaculture. The following innovations are included: (1) farm-raised fish with substantially higher levels of long-chain, omega-3 fatty acids in their edible fillets, (2) healthier fish in terms of growth and survival in winter, (3) higher survival percentage for the hatchlings. Potential economic benefits include, less expensive food for farm-raised fish, higher production yields for fish farms, reduction of over fishing of thee oceans, and increased new jobs in fish-processing plants. The creation of new jobs will have a significant impact on the region, which currently has a high unemployment. In addition, lowered food costs and environmental improvements from less over fishing of the oceans plus a fish supply from waters known to be free from industrial contaminants will have obvious benefits to society. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Koropchak, John Christopher Kohler Charlette Kohler Southern Illinois University at Carbondale IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0227936 September 1, 2002 The Women's Entrepreneurial Life Science Initiative. 0227936 Villa-Komaroff This award is to Northwestern University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 02060). The partners include Northwestern University (Lead Institution), Illinois Technology Enterprise Corporation and the Women's Business Development Center, Evanston Township High School, Truman Community College, Young Women's Leadership Charter School of Chicago, Abbott Laboratories, Accelerated Business Solutions, Biotron Group, Counseltech, cue BIOtech, Piper Rudnick LLC, Springboard Enterprises, Wellspring Communications, Women Advancing Bioscience, Association for Women in Science. The program will increase the participation of young women of all backgrounds in science and innovation and document the partnership's activities so that similar partnerships interested in women-focused life science economic development can benefit from the experiences and lessons learned. The program has the following goals: (1) increase the number of women-owned and managed life science start-ups in the Chicago region, (2) increase the number of women receiving SBIR and STTR awards, (3) increase the percentage of venture capital raised by women-owned businesses, (4) create wealth through additional high paying life sciences technology jobs, (5) broaden under-served young women's life science knowledge and participation, and (6) create a documentation study emphasizing the people, tools, and activities needed by similar partnerships interested in related activities. There will be an increase in the number of new sources of higher-paying jobs, especially among underrepresented populations in the region, by creating woman-owned and managed life science companies. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Moore, C. Bradley Nancy Sullivan Northwestern University IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 675614 1662 OTHR 0000 0228483 September 1, 2002 Proposal from the University of Minnesota to Join the Purdue University/University of Connecticut/ University of Puerto Rico Center for Pharmaceutical Processing Research (CPPR). The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is joining the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Pharmaceutical Processing Research established at Purdue University with affiliated sites at the University of Connecticut and the University of Puerto Rico. The University has established expertise and industrial connections in several areas of pharmaceutical processing. This application stresses the fundamental understanding, at the molecular level, of the effects of processing on critical quality attributes of pharmaceutical products and in minimizing validation requirements through improved process monitoring. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Suryanarayanan, Raj Theodore Labuza University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 75000 5761 OTHR 0000 0229003 August 1, 2002 International Collaborative Project on Informatics Platform for Prognostics and Maintenance Optimization. The NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS) has developed a joint collaborative project with the Condition Based maintenance Labs of University of Toronto in Canada to advance the prognostics tools to augment the research capabilities at the Intelligent Maintenance Systems Center. This international project will develop a Collaborative Informatics Platform for Prognostics and maintenance Optimization by integrating smart prognostics agent and hybrid Proportional Hazard Model and Time Depended Markov Chain to enhance the effectiveness of the predictive maintenance system. This integration will further enhance the prognostics capabilities to achieve the vision of near-zero-downtime performance of the IMS Center. The results of this joint project will be shared among the company members of both the Center on Intelligent Maintenance Systems and the Condition Based Maintenance Labs of the University of Toronto. AMERICAS PROGRAM INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lee, Jay Muammer Koc University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 100000 5977 5761 OTHR 0000 0229715 January 1, 2003 SBIR/Phase I: Native Accent Pitch. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project will develop automatic pitch error detection (pinpointing) for non-native speakers and determine whether software using this detection method helps people improve their pronunciation. Over 50 million people worldwide spend over $50 billion per year learning to speak English. Carnegie Speech's NativeAccent teaches English sounds and rhythm, but not pitch since its detection was unreliable in the past. New detection methods, however, will enable the software to show differences between non-native and native speakers' utterances. Correct pitch makes speech understandable over more than one sentence as the listener is guided from one high-content word to the next. Recent cognitive science findings have produced successful techniques for training non-native speakers to contrast phone sounds. This project will adapt those techniques to pitch contrast, specifically, tones in Mandarin. Tonal training breaks the pitch problem down into one basic type variation, later building up to larger, more complex pitch contours and applying the techniques to English. Trainees will use a game with feedback piloted by NativeAccent pinpointing and intelligent tutoring techniques. Success in Phase 1 will be measured by whether people can be taught to produce tones more effectively with NativeAccent Pitch than with classical methods. If the major long term target application of this technology to enable effective English prosody instruction succeeds, the firm will have advanced the state-of-the-art in language teaching and will have provided an important capability to a number of people especially in business contexts for whom the ability to speak more than one language is becoming increasingly important The system could be used across diverse educational settings and could be further extended to other languages. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eskenazi, Maxine Carnegie Speech Company PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0230108 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Star Polymer Micelles as Targeted Drug Delivery System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel nanostructured polymer micelle system for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. A star structural polymer will be synthesized for use as the drug delivery vehicle. The star polymer will form unimolecular micelles under aqueous conditions. Hydrophobic drugs can be encapsulated in the unimolecular micelles and delivered to the cancer tissue via an active targeting process. Functional groups at the micelles surface will act as targeting moieties and lead the drug carrier to the desired cancer cells. The specific aims in the proposed program are to synthesize and characterize a candidate star polymer, and to conduct in vitro endothelial cell adhesive assay to determine the affinity of the star polymer to v3 and v5 integrins. Commercially, with this proposed new drug delivery system, more selective delivery by active targeting is possible. This will reduce the drug dose and undesirable side effects and make chemotherapy for cancer treatment more efficient. New drug delivery systems have had an impact on nearly every branch of medicine. Annual sales in the United States of advanced drug delivery systems exceed $10 billion alone and are rising rapidly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Fei EIC Laboratories Inc MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231107 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Nanofiber Reinforced Carbon Composite. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating carbon nanofiber reinforced carbon-carbon (C-C) composite by integrating catalytic nanofiber growth and carbon deposition into a single operation. The main advantage of this process is the ability to directly fabricate components on substrates at a high rate thus it avoids the conventionally used lengthy C-C fabrication approach with multiple steps. As a result, the manufacturing complexity, the process cycle time, and the cost will be greatly reduced. In addition, since high density carbon and high strength carbon nanofibers are engineered in an integrated form, the C-C composite is expected to have unprecedented mechanical properties compared with conventional C-C composite. Commercially this technology will increase the reliability and reduce manufacturing cost, thus making the American C-C composite products more competitive in the world market. One immediate application of this composite will be for aircraft brake components. The technology can also be applied to many other applications such as computer hard disc media substrates and the next generation medical implants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chu, Steven Sunnyside Technologies MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99888 5371 AMPP 9163 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231439 June 1, 2003 Center for Technology and Innovation Management Research. Northwestern University has established an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center as one of the centers of this type coming within the rubric of the NSF program of that name. The proposal is the final step in the NSF structure for establishing such a center, having passed through the initial concept paper and planning grant proposal stages. Both of these were approved during 2001. The new research center focuses on technology and innovation management. The general description of the center and its plans were detailed in the planning grant proposal and have not fundamentally changed in concept through the planning period. There are, however, changes in the descriptions of specific research projects, responding to the final list of the center member organizations and their particular research interests. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS SPECIAL STUDIES AND ANALYSES IIP ENG Radnor, Michael Northwestern University IL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 270000 5761 1504 1385 OTHR 7237 0000 0231492 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Speculative Compilation for Energy Efficency. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will outline a plan to commercialize the retargetable power-aware compilation technology that we have developed over the past several years. The central thesis of this proposal is that much speculative information about a program can be extracted at compile time that is currently not exploited. This information can then be exposed and used in making operational decisions (such as throttling various system sub- units) to reduce power consumption with minimal (or no) impact on performance. Our approach relies primarily on compiler-based energy reductions, rather than on circuit and architectural techniques. The key difference between our work and that of others is that we do not require all our compiler-derived information to be provably correct: all that we require is that predictions are correct often enough that they can be usefully exploited in making resource-control decisions. Relaxing the requirement to be provably correct in making predictions (of, for instance, the instruction-level parallelism of certain portions of a program) greatly reduces the complexity of otherwise highly sophisticated analysis techniques (e.g., flow-sensitive alias analysis) and expands their scope to large and complex applications. Extensive preliminary work has been carried out to validate this approach. We believe this approach is orthogonal to many other power-aware approaches currently being used, and that its effects can be additive to these traditional approaches. Further, the nature of our approach lends it to being retrofitted to current technology. Extensive analysis of the significant power-aware computing market indicates the high level of applicability of our techniques to a very wide range of applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moritz, Csaba BlueRISC Labs MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0108000 Software Development 0231503 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High-Resolution Imaging and Petrophysical Characterization of Oil Reservoirs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a key technology designed to enhance the definition and characterization of oil reservoirs, by using state-of-the-art 3-D prestack depth imaging technology coupled with advanced rock physics principles to produce high-resolution petrophysical and structural information. Briefly stated, this technology will allow oil and gas companies to extract rock information from seismic data. Extensions to this technology are not limited to only 3-D or 4-D (time lapse) imaging, but can also be applied to medical imaging, EPA projects of identifying buried hazardous substances, remote imaging using ground penetrating radar, etc. The complete software package will be a state-of-the-art program offering features and utilities that are presently unavailable in the exploration industry. The commercial potential of the technology proposed is considerable because it allows 3-D and 4-D seismic data to be much more effectively used to characterize and delineate oil reservoirs and to monitor enhanced oil recovery processes. This area of seismic imaging and reservoir characterization is greatly influenced by technology developments and represents a fast commercial growth sector. This advanced technology directly impacts the discovery and recovery of hydrocarbons and could decrease dependence on imported oil. In existing oil fields, better seismic images of complicated subsurface geology directly coupled with petrophysical information, can reduce development costs and increase the amount of hydrocarbons recovered. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Popovici, Alexander 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0231563 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Assessment of Induced Subsurface Stress in Single Crystal Materials Using Photon Induced Positron Annihilation (PIPA). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will perform research aimed at characterizing subsurface residual stresses induced through surface treatments in single crystal and complex polycrystalline materials. Photon Induced Positron Annihilation (PIPA) will be used to quantify subsurface residual stress in single crystal materials and operational components subjected to high stress/high temperature environments. PIPA as a nondestructive material characterization technology has the potential to provide quantifiable, empirical data on atomic level, lattice structure changes in advanced metallic/intermetallic alloys used for critical component applications that result in failure. Commercially, government and industry spend billions of dollars each year in the maintenance and repair of components and systems. Many of the maintenance procedures are based upon conservative engineering models instead of actual empirical data, leading to early replacement of components, accelerated maintenance cycles, and a reactive versus proactive approach to failure mechanisms. PIPA provides real-time, empirical information on material characterization, redefining conservative prediction models and supplying decision makers with the hard data to evaluate materials and components for extension or replacement considerations, based upon the actual assessment of material damage. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Urban-Klaehn, Jagoda Positron Systems, Inc. ID Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 98724 9150 AMPP 9163 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231606 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High-Temperature Fuel Cell Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project addresses the development of a proton- exchange membrane for use in elevated temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (ETPEMFC) (>100C) for automotive applications. In this work we propose to develop a membrane that can operate at temperatures approaching 150C. Specific program objectives include: (1) to demonstrate feasibility of fabricating a membrane for ETPEMFC use, (2) to evaluate select, important physical/chemical properties of the membrane, (3) to fabricate high performance Membrane-Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for ETPEMFC use, and (4) to demonstrate performance of the MEA in single-cell ETPEMFC at temperatures up to 150C. The proposed research will consist of membrane synthesis, evaluation and fuel cell testing. The potential market for PEMFC, for transportation vehicles and utility applications (residential, power) is in the 100s of billions of dollars. The California (CA) legislature previously mandated that by 2004, 10% of large volume manufacturer's sales in CA must be Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). Many other states, including Massachusetts, followed the lead taken by CA. The market value of residential fuel cells, by the year 2020, is expected to reach $40 billion according to estimates by the Small Scale Fuel Cell Commercialization Group, Oklahoma City. Retail prices for the residential systems (approx 7 kW) are expected to be $4,000 by the year 2003. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kosek, John GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99992 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231609 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Reduced Emissions from Combustion Processes. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the reduction of NOx emissions from coal-fired power plants. The concept uses existing burner technology plus nitrogen enriched air (NEA) based on membrane technology to reduce NOx emissions. Modeling work projects 300-fold NOx emissions reductive using this approach. Preliminary estimates suggest that this approach will be less expensive than existing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. The program focuses on coal fired electrical power facilities since they are most demanding due to high flame temperature and high contamination level. Phase I will demonstrate process feasibility on small furnace system and will identify leading low cost NEA candidate (membrane or pipeline nitrogen). The results will be compared to existing SCR NOx cleanup technologies. If successful this technology offers major cost effective routes to reduction of NOx in coal-fired power plants and other facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stookey, Donald COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231650 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: QTIPs - 24-Hour Technology Intelligence & Forecasting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to devise software to provide quick (24- hour) and affordable analyses for competitive technological intelligence and innovation forecasting. It substantially enriches intelligence on external technology progress for decision-making. Search Technology proposes to work closely with our partner to develop "Quick Technology Information Products" (QTIPs) to address the needs of a spectrum of senior technology managers and professionals. Macros will be prepared to expedite information search in extensive R&D publication and patent databases, text analyses, and graphical representation of findings for intranet dissemination. Findings will address "who's doing what?" on technologies of interest, and go further to identify research and development patterns, map topical interrelationships, and forecast likely developmental progression using a series of innovation indicators. The project entails requirements analysis, evaluation of pilot analyses, and coding of macros to facilitate the priority information products. Potential commercial applications include enhanced analytical software for industry and fast-response information services on emerging technologies. Both aim to enhance technology management by improving R&D portfolio selection, intellectual property exploitation, new product development, and external collaboration in technology development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Porter, Alan Search Technology Inc GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99574 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0231670 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Transparent AlON via Novel Powder Synthesis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a transparent AlON with superior mechanical and optical properties using a novel powder synthesis method. This innovative powder synthesis method can not only reduce the particle size but also enhance the uniformity of the reactants. Increasing the sinterability and reducing the diffusion path can reduce the sintering time and sintering temperature reduced significantly. The advantage of these sintering conditions is a lower processing cost and a microstructure with much smaller grain size compared with the conventional processed AlON. Mechanical and thermal shock capabilities of transparent polycrystalline ceramics are limited by their mechanical strength, which in turn is enhanced when the grain size is decreased. The optical properties can also be improved due to less milling process, which results much less impurities pick-up. This innovative synthesis method can convert the surface of the powder into oxide, which makes it possible to process the powder in aqueous solution. The processing cost can be reduced significantly by using the aqueous solution. The transparent AlON developed in this program can be used to replace translucent Al2O3 for the sodium and halogen lamp applications. It can also be used for IR missile domes, transparent armors, supermarket scanners, glass for Xerox copy machine and scanners, and optical lenses. This new material could revolutionize the optical industry by replacing glass and sapphire. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Ching-Fong Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231682 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Cost-Effective Manufacture of High-Power Li-Ion Batteries for NGV. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a unique rolled-ribbon cell for a Lithium-ion battery that has inherent cost advantages for a NGV FreedomCar compact pulse-power application. It can meet the cost requirements and deliver thousands of pulses and recharges. The battery is formed by stacking large capacity (5-10Ah), sealed, 125mm diameter, button cells to optimize power capability. The battery design projects power at 2-4kW/kg and power density at 7.5kW/liter similar to a ultracapacitor, with 20 times greater specific energy at 70-90Wh/kg . Of particular importance to high-power battery, the rolled-ribbon design overcomes safety concerns by its unique internal heat dissipation. Perpendicularly oriented electrode foils remove heat from the electrode interface to the disc-cell hardware without crossing Celgard separator. The high temperature stability of Lithium ion will be enhanced with a flame retardant electrolyte additive. The NGV FreedomCar can anticipate a viable safe, high power Li-ion battery using the rolled-ribbon cell design, that is more compact and cost-effective than ultracapacitors or other high-power batteries. Improved performance and temperature stability for Li-ion battery can enhance prospects for the civilian hybrid vehicle market. Gasoline savings will reduce air pollution and oil imports. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kaun, Thomas INVENTEK CORP IL Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99928 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231685 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Cubic Phase-Stabilized Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings Applied via a Novel Chemical Vapor Deposition Route. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of producing thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), along with sealcoats engineered to minimize oxygen ingress through the TBC to the bondcoat, by a novel chemical vapor deposition (CVD) route. Success will largely be determined through evaluation of test coupons in actual use conditions. The key innovation of the project is the development of a technique for the application of yttria- and ceria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ and CSZ respectively) using inexpensive metal halide precursors. Improved TBCs will have wide application to commercial and military propulsion and power generation systems, including turbine and reciprocating SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Babcock, Jason ULTRAMET, INC. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99997 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231688 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Low Sulfur Gasoline by a Novel Membrane Pervaporation Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the development of a unique, scalable membrane pervaporation process that can be used in a wide array of separations that are of national and economic importance. This research will demonstrate the technical viability of a novel pervaporation system, which generates its vacuum by passing a special working fluid through a Venturi nozzle. More specifically it will show that an intermediate cat naphtha stream having up to 2000 ppm sulfur can be selectively separated into (1) an aromatic-rich permeate fraction that contains almost all of the sulfur-bearing molecules and (2) a virtually sulfur-free saturate-rich retentate fraction that contains almost all of the olefins. A small scale laboratory system will be used to generate permeation rate and quality data on model feeds using membranes that have previously been shown to have high aromatic/aliphatic selectivities. One application of particular interest is the reduction of sulfur in gasoline. The National Petroleum Council has estimated that it will cost U.S. refiners $8 billion in 1998 dollars to meet the 30 ppm Tier 2 requirement for sulfur in gasoline, primarily because of the limitations of existing commercial hydrotreaters. If successfully demonstrated, this technology could be used in tandem with existing hydrotreaters worldwide to allow refiners to more cost effectively meet lowered sulfur specifications for gasoline. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schucker, Robert TRANS IONICS CORPORATION TX Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231691 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Accessible Scalable Vector Graphic Authoring and Editing Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop proof-of-principle software permitting any graphic to be converted easily into a universally usable file in the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) web language format. Any sighted person with rudimentary computer skills could use this software to convert a graphic to SVG and could add information that does not change the visual appearance of the graphic, but makes it usable by individuals who are blind or have other print reading disabilities. A blind computer user could then download the file from the web and view it by embossing a copy on the Tiger Tactile Graphics and Braille Embosser, placing the tactile copy on an inexpensive digitizing pad, and pressing objects in the graphic in order to hear them identified by the self-voicing Accessible SVG Viewer. ViewPlus Technologies expects Accessible SVG to be adopted rapidly by authors who need to display graphical information and who work in institutions required to provide accessible information. As SVG becomes more and more popular, a substantial fraction of web authors and webmasters are likely to purchase the SVG conversion software. Generally, most companies and institutions are discovering that it is good business to make their information accessible and are likely to do so if most authors can understand easily ho to accomplish that objective. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bulatov, Vladimir VIEW PLUS TECHNOLOGIES INC OR Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 SMET 9178 9177 1545 0522400 Information Systems 0231697 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Automatic Fabrication of Custom-Fit Hearing Instruments Using Rapid Proptotyping Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and demonstrate a novel three dimensional (3D) ear camera technology that enables audiologists to acquire multiple 3D images of external ear (auricle) and ear canal, and to produce complete 3D digital ear model that serves as a "digital ear impression". The digital ear impression data will be sent instantly to manufacture's lab via the Internet, dramatically reducing the delivery time. The digital impressions enable the hearing aid manufacturers to take advantages of the latest breakthrough of CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping technologies. This technology will permit mass product customization of hearing aid devices within a one-day time frame. The commercial potential would be a process that would drastically reduce the time for custom-fit hearing-aid devices. Even including the quality insurance, electronics calibration, and shipping, the entire process would be shorted from weeks to a few days. More importantly, the digital impression technology will improve the quality of fit, thus enhance the hearing functionality for impaired people. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Feng, Yuanming GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231699 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Three-Dimensional Ear Biometric Technique. This Small Business Innovation Phase I research project seeks to investigate the feasibilty of a novel 3D ear-shape recogniton system for enhancing the performance of video-based human identification (ID) systems in protecting highly secured facilities. Human ears are highly complex 3D structures that offer a rich set of features that can be used as effective biometric properties for video-based surveillance and identification of human subjects. Genex Technologies' proffered "3D Ear ID" technique would significantly advance the current identification and surveillance capability and greatly enhance the protection of U.S. forces/civilians and facilities, at home and abroad. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Qiao, Jinglu GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0510604 Analytic Tools 0231708 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: An Adaptive Remote-Data Access System For Wireless Handheld Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project designs and develops an adaptive remote-data access system for wireless handheld devices. The key innovations in the project include adaptive data compression and adaptive partitioning techniques to save network bandwidth and battery consumption. The central concept is the ability to adapt to the changing wireless network environment and to different types of data. The proposed techniques go beyond existing bandwidth-saving techniques such as nonadaptive compression and "diff"-based data synchronization. A research prototype will be built for extensive experimentation in order to measure the effectiveness of the proposed technique for the saving of network bandwidth and battery consumption. This prototype will integrate heterogeneous systems, runtime systems, and compiler techniques. Commercial Applications of Research: The success of this research will lead to a software product which provides users of wireless handheld devices with secure, convenient, and cost-effective access to the data (and associated applications) located on their stationary computer systems, such as desktop machines and servers. This product can be used by both business and individual users for various functionalities which require to access data stored on the main computer systems in the form of text, graphics, photographs, data images, speeches, sound, and so on. The adaptive features of the system fulfill the need of remote-centric workforce to access host-based data and applications from anywhere at any time over wireless connections in a highly cost-effective way. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Song, Xiaohui L. S. Technology IN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99840 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0206000 Telecommunications 0231710 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Studies on Preparation and Reactivity of Surface Derivatized NanoActive Metal Oxides. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop new surface derivatized reactive nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are expected to be highly active adsorbents and should be important in a number of applications. In the project, attention will be focused on preparing nanoparticles containing Lewis acid or base centers. The chemical modification involves introducing Lewis acidic boron or Lewis basic alkoxy functionalities on the surface of the nanoparticles. It is expected that introduction of such sites should enhance the adsorptive capability and the destructive ability of the nanoparticles appreciably. In particular, boron, by virtue of its affinity for electronegative atoms (in nerve agents) and the thio group (in mustard agent and nerve agent VX) should bind and help pull these agents quickly through the nanoparticles. Lewis basic sites should enhance the chemical reactivity of the nanoparticles thereby promoting destruction of agents by reactions such as elimination and/or hydrolysis. Commercially, these materials will find application in both civilian and military markets; for example, in civilan markets as adsorbents in air filters for various industrial toxic agents, scrubbing agents for raw natural gas and as novel catalysts. Militarily, the new nanoparticles will provide faster and more efficient decontamination of chemical warfare agents and environmental toxins. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rajagopalan, Shyamala NANOSCALE MATERIALS INC KS T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231717 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Quantum Intelligence System for Production Systems of the Extended Enterprise. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a Quantum Intelligence System (QIS), a cross-industry Business Activity Monitoring (BAM) platform that integrates business intelligence and optimization for real-time performance monitoring, automation, and optimization of complex business processes. The objectives are to demonstrate how to look through real-time data, report performance indicators, detect and diagnose problems, and visualize results. Its key innovation is to integrate a large amount of quantum information, automatically perform many what-if analyses and optimize a sequence of responses. The anticipated results include a preliminary prototype demonstrating the business values. QIS can be applied to supply chain management such as inventory management, production planning and logistics, resource/budget allocation, quality monitoring, and control and maintenance for reliability. QIS can also be applied to industries in the area of revenue, resource, and business activity monitoring. QIS is a cross-industry platform to provide real-time performance monitoring, problem detection and diagnosis, and improvement of overall business efficiency and performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhao, Ying Quantum Intelligence, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98817 5371 HPCC 9178 9177 9139 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0231722 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Laser Crystallization of Amorphous Sputter-Deposited Quasicrystalline Coatings on Conventional Engineering Substrates. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a laser treatment to crystallize amorphous quasicrystalline (QC) coatings on thermally sensitive engineering substrates. Application of these materials has been limited by the high temperature-annealing requirement, which restricts their deposition of super alloys and ceramic materials only. In the program, it is proposed to develop laser treatment of amorphous sputter-deposited QC coatings to provide localized thermal energy to the coated region only. This will enable the amorphous-to-crystalline conversion, while not degrading the load-carrying capability of the underlying substrate materials (Aluminum, Titanium, and bearing steel allows). The spectral reflectance of a-QC sputtered coatings will be measured to select the appropriate laser (and wavelength) for processing, laser glazing trials will be conducted, and then the microstructure and mechanical/tribological properties of the crystallized QC films will be characterized. Results will be briefed to major diesel engine manufacturers. Quasicrystalline materials offer a unique combination of material properties; low friction, high hardness, and low thermal conductivity, which makes them ideal coatings for non-galling tools for aluminum forming, engine drive-train components, and aluminum engine block cylinder surfaces. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nicholas, Norman ENGINEERED COATINGS INC CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99992 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231744 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Liquid Lens for Laser Nanomachining. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, will develop a liquid lens for nanomachining materials with pulsed laser beams. The project team will design and fabricate a liquid lens capable of producing laser beam spot sizes on the order of nanometers (20-100 nm) through its nonlinear effects, including self-focusing, self-trapping, and harmonic generation obtained through intense laser beam propagation in liquid. The end product will be a fiber optic cable assembly in which the nonlinear optical liquid will be filled in hollow glass waveguides with a core diameter of one millimeter and the end faces will be fastened with two standard SMA 905 connectors. Upon interfacing with a high energy, Q-switched Nd: YAG laser, this unique liquid lens will facilitate obtaining various nanometer spot sizes and wavelengths by simply changing the liquid medium. The project team will demonstrate the feasibility of a liquid lens for nanomachining of medical devices such as catheters in a vibration-isolation work environment. Commercially, the proposed liquid lens and nanomachining are intended to fill the miniaturization needs of high-technology industries. Possible commercial applications include medical devices (pacemakers, implants,stents,catheters), electronic and photonic devices, magnetic disks, instrumentation, telecommunication devices, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The liquid lens will offer new capabilities for modern laser systems, flexible processing with single wavelength laser, and ultra-precision machining. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ramanathan, Diwakar Photon Energy Technology IA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231746 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Automated Pattern Recognition in Images Produced by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project initiates rigorous investigation of automated pattern recognition in images produced by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) is an emerging technology for chemical separation that provides a multiplicative increase in separation capacity over traditional GC. With this greatly increased performance, GCxGC generates data in significantly larger quantity and with significantly greater complexity. The quantity and complexity of GCxGC data makes human analyses of GCxGC images difficult and time-consuming and motivates the need for automated processing. This Phase I project undertakes both experimental and theoretical investigations into automating the process of matching observed patterns of chemical separations against previously recorded patterns annotated by human experts. The goals are to determine promising statistical models for GCxGC pattern matching and to demonstrate the feasibility of automated recognition. In this Phase I work, important anticipated results include statistical characterization of pattern variations and warping in GCxGC images, a catalog of useful annotations of previously observed pattern templates, and development of a prototype algorithm for automated pattern recognition. Phase I results, characterizing GCxGC patterns, cataloging annotations, and demonstrating the feasibility of automated processing, will provide a foundation for Phase II research aimed at developing commercially sign cant GCxGC methods. This research has high potential impact for a variety of applications. Commercial applications of GC include analyses of petroleum, environmental samples, foods and beverages, fragrances, and toxins (e.g., chemical warfare agents). The availability of software for automated recognition of chemical components from GCxGC images will facilitate adoption of GCxGC technology in laboratories using traditional GC and will contribute to the development of new markets, which require superior separation performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reichenbach, Stephen GC Imaging NE Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0231757 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Templated Pyrolyzed Metallomacrocycles as Electrocatalysts. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the synthesis of new electrocatalysts from metallomacrocycles by the catalyzed pyrolysis of the complexes in mesoporous materials. It is anticipated that the approach will give rise to novel nanoparticulate carbon supported metals, which will be initially implemented in the advanced anode electrocatalysis of direct methanol oxidation fuel cells (DMFC) and in cathode electrochemistry as oxygen reduction catalysts. Thermal decomposition of these compounds is expected to result in atomic or small cluster metal active sites supported by and bound to nitrogeneous nanotube materials. Work proposed will consist of synthesizing the subject electrocatalysts followed by their electrochemical performance evaluation under representative proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell conditions for oxygen electroreduction and direct methanol oxidation. Potential customers for these technology include automotive companies. In additon, application to stationary power sources is also possible. Consequently, electric power utilities would find interest in the proposed technology as well as power for commercial and industrial installations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, James Eltron Research, Inc. CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231783 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I:Privacy and Risk Mitigation Assessment Tool (PARMAT). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates and develops techniques to determine the privacy risk to databases and data sets. The research results in the implementation of a suite of techniques, Privacy and Risk Mitigation Assessment Tool (PARMAT), to quantitatively assess data privacy and to mitigate risk. A prototype implementation is developed to test and demonstrate the feasibility of the techniques and methods. Privacy is a growing concern especially with the proliferation of personal information in electronic format, making it easier to access and gather individual-specific information. The tools and techniques developed during Phase I will be of interest to a wide variety of users that must protect the privacy of personal information stored electronically. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides a set of standards for protecting the privacy of Americans' personal health records. The new regulation requires the protection of personal health information maintained by health care providers, hospitals, health plans, health insurers, and health care clearinghouses. The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates the cost to industry associated with the privacy regulation implementation for HIPAA to be $17.6 billion. While the company only addresses one segment of healthcare information privacy, the market potential for the proffered technology is considerable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Winburn, Michael 3-SIGMA RESEARCH, INC. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99671 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0231850 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Grain Boundary Doped Thin Film Mixed Conductor for Oxygen Separation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on the production of grain boundary doped thin film mixed ionic - electronic conductors for optimized oxygen separation membranes. Ion transport properties of mixed conducting ceramics will be studied as a function of controlled grain boundary doping. Ceramics known to perform well for O2 separation will be doped with magnesium for increased performance. Doped thin films will be prepared, tested, and compared to un-doped films and films doped in the bulk rather than the grain boundary. Cost effective grain boundary doping will be accomplished through a tape casting procedure used to produce thin films which can be laminated onto porous supports for increased strength. O2 separation will be maximized while minimizing the amount of dopant used. Test structures will be mechanically characterized for strength and durability. A cost efficient method of separating O2 from air would be beneficial in a number of industries. Chemical industries would benefit from a cheap source of oxygen for the synthesis of value added chemicals; manufacturing industries such as steel, glass and paper, for example, would be able to heat furnaces more efficiently with an oxidant undiluted by nitrogen; and the energy industry would see improved performance in processes such as coal gasification and conversion of natural gas to syngas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Evenson, Carl Eltron Research, Inc. CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99994 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0231961 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Relational Bayesian Modeling for Electronic Commerce. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will advance Relational Bayesian Modeling (RBM) technology, with specific focus on Information-based Technology applications in electronic commerce, especially customer and application-system behavior modeling. Relational Bayesian modeling combines recent advances in graphical statistical modeling with modern relational and object-oriented data models. An RBM is compact, precise, and efficient. It is compact because structural information, represented graphically, identifies a minimal set of numeric information needed to complete the model. It is precise because any probabilistic model, of arbitrary complexity, can be represented. No global simplifying assumptions are made. Finally, the structural information can be exploited to support efficient computation with the model. Work under this SBIR will focus an open problem in RBMs: the representation and discovery of, and computation with, probabilistic dependencies in many-to-one relations. Preliminary research has shown that relational Bayesian models can effectively capture dynamic behavior, and can be applied to recognize behavioral profiles in real-time, of both users and systems. This will enable a new generation of adaptive web interfaces, improve the reliability and predictability of multi-tier system performance, and be an important element in realizing autonomic computing. The commercial application for this technology is electronic commerce which is in need of the improve reliability and predictability of multi-tier systems which this solution will provide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG D'Ambrosio, Bruce ESHOPPERTOOLS.COM INC OR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99763 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0231977 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Membrane Reformer for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells: Novel Application of Deposition Processes for Low-Cost Hydrogen Separation Membranes. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the development of economical processes to produce a highly selective, long life, low-cost hydrogen separation membrane for the purification of a fuel stream from a steam reforming fuel processor. Recently developed processes for rapid direct-write deposition processes will be applied to produce thin (<10microns) palladium alloy membranes as a primary cost reduction step. Preliminary trials with these novel processes on porous metal show encouraging results in terms of deposition of a uniform membrane, homogeneous alloy compositions and stability to thermal cycling. Producing pure hydrogen from hydrocarbon based fuels on-site and on-demand is critical to enabling the burgeoning fuel cell industry. At present, distribution costs for hydrogen can represent more than 99 percent of the total cost of hydrogen. To meet and/or surpass cost projections for 2005 and beyond in the stationary, portable and automotive fuel cell markets, it will require innovative concepts for reducing both high volume manufacturing and material costs. Estimates project that costs for fuel processing systems must be reduced 3x - 6x by the year 2005 to meet cost targets of $1,500 per kilowatt and allow the fuel cell industry to become a viable energy alternative. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chellappa, Anand Mesofuel, Inc. NM Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99530 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232001 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A New Approach for Enhancing Capital Investment Decisions by Optimizing Returns and Risks of Project Portfolios. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project seeks to design an algorithmic approach and develop pilot software for optimizing the returns and associated risks of project portfolios to significantly improve the performance of capital finance and budgeting. This project is expected to achieve: an algorithmic approach for intelligently achieving near-optimal solutions for project portfolios in industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, heavy manufacturing, etc.; pilot software that incorporates this approach when integrated with simulation; key performance indicators to test the software; and a value proposition to assess the satisfaction of customer requirements. This new approach will provide a way to generate a model representation that is far more exploitable than those produced by past efforts. Coupled with other software, the outcome will provide a major advance in the ability to solve problems of project portfolio management effectively. The commercial applications anticipated for the ultimate software system are enhancement of the performance of capital budgeting and project portfolio management. While recognition of the limitations of current approaches is universal, none of the alternatives to these approaches has proved attractive enough to become widely embraced as a viable method of choice. Based on this observation and an estimate of the market size to be over $750M, a significant business opportunity exists. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Glover, Fred OptTek Systems, Inc. CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99962 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232022 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Porphyrin and Porphyrin-TiO2 Nanoparticles: Method of Preparation and Application. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a method for preparation of porphyrin and porphyrin-titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Porphyrin and porphyrin-TiO2 nanoparticles are promising advanced materials for catalysis, artificial photosynthetic systems, nonlinear optical and electronic materials. In initial work, a broad range of porphyrin nanoparticles of 10-100nm diameter were prepared by mixing solvent techniques. The prepared porphyrin nanoparticles were characterized by DLS, AFM and UV-Vis. The prepared porphyrin nanoparticles are stable in air from weeks to months and have been successfully transferred to an alumina (Al2O3) surface. The porphyrin nanoparticles were found to have excellent catalytic activities in epoxidatin of olefins. The method has been scaled up to prepare 1g scale porphyrin nanoparticles. The elegance of the method lies in its simplicity and can be economically scaled up to industry scale, which is the subject of this project. The preliminary results also show that the agent used to prevent agglomeration can be covalently attached to the dye forming the particle or as part of the solvent system. The potential commercial application of porphyrin and porphyrin-TiO2 nanoparticles will include epoxidation of olefins, partial oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons, photosynthetic reaction centers, novel photonic materials and electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gong, Xianchang KAVA TECHNOLOGY INC CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99603 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232034 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: An Innovative Carbon-Polymer Matrix Material for Gas Separations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative carbon- polymer-matrix material for gas separation applications. Synthesized with a unique method, the material possesses unique chemical-physical properties, such as liquid expelling and catalytic reactivity. These unique properties, plus a suitable chemical modification, will render the material capable of removing sulfur dioxide and mercury vapor simultaneously from coal-fired power plant flue gases. During this Phase I program, the feasibility to synthesize the proposed material and to use the material for SO2/Hg removal will be established. The different synthesis methods will be tested to optimize the material's liquid expelling property; different chemical modification routes will be tried out to optimize the Hg capture capability; and the material's SO2 and Hg removal performance will be evaluated. The research will provide a path-breaking new technology for flue gas pollution abatement, which is simple, low cost, and environment friendly. The technology will greatly benefit coal-fired electrical generation industry, which currently generates more than 50% of the electricity in the United States. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lu, XiaoChun CM-TEC, INC DE Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232036 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Intelligent Learning Objects for Science Education. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to investigate the design of learning objects that are intelligent, activity-based, accessible and reusable. Intelligent tutoring systems have been shown to be instructionally effective in mathematics, science, and writing instruction. Intelligent tutoring systems, however, are often not practical due to the costs and resources required to design, develop, and evaluate them. The goal of this effort is to enhance the capability of instructional developers by creating intelligent learning objects that can be used in intelligent tutoring systems across domains in multiple science education learning environments. The plan is to analyze skill-based science instruction to determine functional requirements for reusable learning objects; to design and develop one intelligent, activity-based learning object; to demonstrate its application in two science domains; and to develop preliminary design and use guidelines. The long-term goal of the project is to improve science education by making instructionally effective, intelligent technologies more commercially feasible. Commercialization plans are to market an Internet-based tutoring system for biology/microbiology high school and community college science departments; reuse the intelligent learning objects in the development of other intelligent learning environments; and license the intelligent learning objects to other educational software developers. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Steuck, Kurt Command Technologies, Inc. TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99935 1666 SMET 9177 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0522400 Information Systems 0232043 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Next Generation Binary Decision Diagrams (BDD)-Based Logic Optimization System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the need to synthesize very large silicon chips designs in very short time. Currently available commercial synthesis tools are based on the methodology, data structures, and algorithms that are predominantly algebraic (as opposed to more efficient Boolean methods), and are characterized by slow run time and inadequate design quality. This SBIR project is devoted to the development of efficient algorithms and techniques for logic synthesis based on modern BDD data structures. At the heart of the algorithms is a novel BDD decomposition theory, recently developed by company researchers. The resulting commercial product is a software solution for very fast, high-performance logic synthesis; as indicated by initial experiments it will be at least an order of magnitude faster than software tools available on the market today. The main version of the product is a core engine for logic synthesis used in several classes of applications: ASICs, microprocessors, and FPGAs. Another version of the tool will target formal verification, which also relies on fast logic optimization. The logic optimization engine can be plugged into any existing synthesis flow utilized by customers and offered by the existing EDA software vendors The SBIR Phase I project will stimulate research in design automation and inject much needed innovation in the EDA industry. This work will culminate in the development of a next generation, high-performance logic synthesis system that will have a significant commercial impact on the EDA tools market. This activity will also have important educational impact. It will educate a new generation of design engineers and students by exposing them to new design methodologies and innovations pioneered by this project. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Qiushuang LogicMill Technology MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0108000 Software Development 0232064 January 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Low-Cost Manufacturing of Fuel Cell MEAs with Highly Dispersed Catalyst. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses the need for low-cost manufacturing of fuel cell components, by the development of a reel-to-reel electrodeposition process to maximize catalyst dispersion and utilization at loadings of 0.1 mg/cm2. In Phase I, 1) The feasibility of plating 0.1 mg Pt/cm2 loadings of highly dispersed catalyst (120 m2/g Pt) onto carbon electrodes will be demonstrated, 2) the catalyzed electrodes will be analyzed for loading, dispersion and performance in fuel cell stacks, and 3) a reel to- reel electrodeposition system will be designed. The ultimate customer for the proposed technology is the automotive consumer. It is expected that 2.4 million fuel cell powered vehicles, a 4.3% market share in global auto production, will be on the road by 2011. Further commercial applications include stationary and non-automotive mobile power sources. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Inman, Maria FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 5371 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232067 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Fiber Film Reactors for Organic Synthesis Processing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project targets conversion of a technique perfected for washing hydrocarbons in the oil industry, fiber film reactor (FFR) technology, into a production organic synthesis technique. A FFR will be constructed in Phase I and two reactions studied- an epoxy polyol reaction and an epoxy synthesis. Feasibility will be proven by demonstrating producible conversion yields. FFR is an elegant, economical, and environmentally friendly approach to production-scale organic synthesis. Both PTC-based and conventional processing methods will benefit from FFR technology. The commercial market value of FFR processing is enormous - over 3 billion pounds annually of organic production could potentially benefit from FFR. The environmental advantages are compelling - a waste factor due to emulsion in DGEBA production of just 0.05% would add 250,000 pounds to our national waste streams- and the added costs to the manufacturer in materials and time are equally huge. These two factors will drive FFR demand. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bray, Alan Systems and Materials Research Consultancy TX Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99996 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232068 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: The Atmospheric Information Remote (AIR) Project: A Commercial Software Application for Personal Computing Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I researches a commercial software application for personal computing devices. This commercial software application for personal computing devices is called the AIR (Atmospheric Information Remote). Its purpose is to provide consumers with an accurate, convenient and inexpensive way of measuring air pollution in their locality. AIR devices are used by people with atmospheric sensitivities. People with atmospheric sensitivities are children under 14 years old, people with asthma, heart disease or chronic respiratory disease, and the elderly. The AIR device protects the health of people with atmospheric sensitivities by letting them know when to go indoors or otherwise shelter themselves from the effects of nearby polluted air. The research objective of this SBIR Phase I project is to define the information infrastructure needed to support the commercial delivery of the AIR application. Defining the information infrastructure involves detailing the specifications of each component within the information infrastructure. Some of these components exist, such as personal computing devices. Some do not exist, such as project specific software. The results of the component specification detail is a design document. This design document determines the feasibility of further research and development based on marketability and profitability. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Priestley, Janice Priestley Consulting, L.L.C. ME Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99992 9150 HPCC 9215 9150 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232073 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Efficient Software Implementation for New Peer-to-Peer (NPP) Communications Processor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project, Efficient Software Implementation of NPP Communications Processor, tests and analyses a prototype of a software implementation of a New Peer-to-Peer (NPP) asynchronous communication processor, which performs communications coordination in parallel with computations. Three areas of commercial applications for NPP are; Massively parallel High Performance Cluster Computing for real-time and non-real-time computations, Self-scheduling Parallel Programming with data distribution based on data availability, and Network-Oriented applications in finance, health, education, business and manufacturing. Efficient software implementation of NPP communications processor can dramatically decrease asynchronous communication latencies by several orders of magnitude, provide tools to dynamically debug and schedule portable parallel software systems, and provide infrastructure to produce robust software systems that can evolve dynamically. The size of this market opportunity is at least 1.2 trillion dollars over the next 10 years. NPP communications processor deployed through an API will dramatically impact this market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Srinivasan, Chitoor EDSS., Inc. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232124 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Evolving Object Neural Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the problem of generating intelligent behavior in complex settings. The need for generating such behavior is evidenced in many areas, including game playing, business operations, and military engagements. The objective of the research is to identify suitable means for a self-adaptive system to explore alternative possible allocations of resources and to learn how to respond to stimuli with only minimal human intervention. The research will focus on the combination of evolutionary computation and neural networks, and, in particular, will include object networks that examine subsections of a scene and are combined to render a decision regarding the appropriate course of action. The anticipated results include the identification of appropriate methods for evolving these complex object neural networks, as well as the suitability of the results for direct application in commercial markets, particularly in the area of software entertainment The possible commercial applications include strategic assessment of dynamic combat environments, optimization of business operations in supply-chain management and logistics, and the development of intelligent opponents in video games. Natural Selection, Inc plans to focus on video game products as the most direct method for bringing the research to a commercial application with significant impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fogel, David NATURAL SELECTION, INCORPORATED CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99888 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232127 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: HIVbase, Data Integration Software to Support the Study of Chronic Viruses. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will support the development of software, designated HIVbase, which will modernize the way that clinical researchers manage their data. For researchers that need to maximize the value of their collected information, we will offer a product that contains unique applications for integrating multiple sources of disparate data into an automated high-dimensional warehouse, applications that perform repetitious tasks common to genetic and clinical research projects, and applications that are easy to use. Investigators of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus have an unsurpassed amount of research information in user-hostile formats, error-filled spreadsheets, out-dated databases, directories containing thousands of individual files and even paper records. Never before has so much informational power been available to HIV scientists. We will exploit current technological advances and put together a program containing several novel applications: protein identification tools to eliminate repetitious sequence editing, the ability to create user-defined searches based on specific genetic attributes, and the ability to efficiently share information with outside collaborators. The outcome of this project will have broad implication in the health (HIV) and data mining areas. Health service providers will now have access to more complete data in a more expeditious way. Other fields will be able to use this application to make information available in an ordered and reliable fashion to its service providers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lamers, Susanna Gene Johnson, Inc. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 5371 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0232131 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High-Performance Oxygen Electroreduction Catalysts for Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to reduce the cost of fuel cell electrodes by preparing a novel class of oxygen reduction electrocatalysts featuring high activity, low cost, and greater longevity. The basis of this catalyst is a novel multimetallic catalyst. The result of this effort will be an electrocatalyst suitable for use in the fuel cells envisoned for next generation vehicles (NGVs), as well as fixed fuel cells for commercial power generation. This research will advance the understanding of electrocatalysis, extending the world of known catalytic materials, and providing further opportunities for research. This will also provide opportunities for teaching, training, and learning. Additionally, the technological fruits of the project will benefit society by reducing pollution from fossil fuel sources. Finally, society will benefit economically from the elimination of costly platinum from fuel cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Campbell, John Cape Cod Research, Inc. MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99291 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232134 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Hydro Optical Analysis System (HOPAS) for Environmental Monitoring of Water Quality. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project in Information-Based Technology will develop a user-friendly yet powerful software package that enables users to import marine or fresh water optical data in commonly used formats; process the data with a variety of ecological and radiative transfer inversion models to derive essential physical, chemical, and biological descriptions of the water column; and view/export the resulting information in convenient digital and graphical formats. This software will be the tool that connects commercial optical instrumentation and recently developed radiative transfer models with the large communities of oceanographers, ocean color remote sensing researchers, and water-quality and aquatic-resource managers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Atkinson, Charles SYSTEMS SCIENCE APPLICATION, INC. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99994 5371 EGCH 9186 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232158 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Virtual Gorilla Construction Kit - Virtual Modeling for Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project provides a plan to develop, deploy, and evaluate a virtual reality-based modeling kit that will enable students to build virtual models of gorilla motion and social interaction within a web-based inquiry framework. Using the Virtual Gorilla Construction Kit, students will build virtual models within the context of answering questions about gorilla behavior. The modeling possible with the virtual environment the investigator is proposing, which is quantitative/logical in its underlying operation, can help students move beyond the purely descriptive to an understanding of the relationships between relevant variables. Virtual reality is an environment that is uniquely suited for the dynamic nature of 3-D gorilla motion. Research has shown that students do not effectively blend lectures, 2-D static images, and textual descriptions of scientific phenomena. Building virtual reality models provides the right match for the content and builds deep understanding of the 3-D nature of science concepts and the inquiry skills of model-based science. Thus, the investigator will develop the Virtual Gorilla Construction Kit as representing an exciting learning environment, which uses the power of cyberspace to learn about gorilla space. The market for the project for this immediate version of the software will be other zoo educational programs, middle school life science, high school biology, and university freshman-level animal behavior survey courses. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Cohen, Charles CYBERNET SYSTEMS CORPORATION MI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99714 1666 SMET 9177 7355 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0522400 Information Systems 0232169 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Power Aware Latency Minimized Source Routing (PALMS). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on developing novel network routing techniques that provide power-conserving, latency-minimized, throughput-maximized data delivery in mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) environments. It is well known that existing shortest path algorithms used for optimal routing tend to yield routing topologies, where a small number of the available paths and the available network nodes are heavily used. This tendency induces both path contention (and associated increased latency and reduced throughput) and disproportionately heavy loads on a small number of critical nodes (which yields premature ad hoc network failure when the batteries on one of those critical nodes become drained). The approach introduces a retroactive accounting mechanism in the core dynamic programming-based shortest path algorithm to establish balanced, parallel pathways through a MANET in order to avoid these problems. Preliminary results using a pair of crossing flows have shown a factor of two improvements in throughput and latency, and a factor of three improvements in network lifetime. The key objectives for this effort are exploring the performance bounds of this approach on a larger scale, where the investigative team expects the differences between traditional techniques and the proposed approach to emerge as even greater than they are now. The commercial goal for this effort is developing a highly responsive, critically needed, enabling technology to provide situational awareness for the first responders and emergency management teams in large-scale emergencies and crisis situations. The proposed effort directly supports the ongoing thrust into this commercial area, which provides a natural conduit for technology transition. Standardization of this technology, as needed for interoperability, will also lead to licensing opportunities with other suppliers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zabele, Stephen Alphatech Inc MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0522400 Information Systems 0232185 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Optical Diagnostics for Whole-Field Measurement of Dense Fuel Sprays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims at developing diagnostics for liquid fuel combustion systems. The proposed instrumentation will provide a noninvasive measurement of liquid volume, surface area and velocity within a cross-sectional plane of the dense spray. The technique is applicable to burning and non-burning sprays and is equally effective for spherical and non-spherical drops and particles. The proposed device is a novel combination of ensemble laser diffraction and image correlation velocimetry, both of which are well-developed technologies and many practical issues concerning their implementation have been already resolved. The goal of the project is to build a bench-top system and prove the underlying concepts. A number of issues concerning the effectiveness of the proposed diagnostics in the combustion environment will also be addressed. The broad impact of this work will be commercialization of a new diagnostics tool that may enable cleaner and more efficient liquid fuel combustion systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Naqwi, Amir POWERSCOPE INCORPORATED MN Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99849 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232188 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Temporal Extensions to a Commercial Geographic Information System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of developing temporal extensions to a commercial Geographic Information System (GIS). In many fields, temporal information is a key part of the domain models. For instance, a demographer studying population changes, an environmental biologist investigating migration patterns, or a public official looking for patterns of criminal activity all need a system that can work with data that have both spatial and temporal dimensions. Temporal extensions would leverage the strength of an existing GIS system and market demand for spatio-temporal support is growing, but response by GIS vendors has been minimal. The research will lead to the development of a marketable product in the form of extension software to be sold to current and future customers of existing GIS systems. The range of application includes natural resource management, meteorology, agriculture, health, archeology, crime detection and prevention, urban development, and other applications in government, military, and corporate environments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Loomis, Jeremy ProLogic, Inc. WV Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99935 5371 CVIS 9150 1041 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232199 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of Process Technology for Novel Polymer Based Microcellular Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is intended to establish the technology for the production of an innovative polymer-based microcellular nanocomposites (MCNC). The synergistic marriage of microcellular foaming with nanocomposite technology would create an end product with enormous market potential. This new composite would fill a critical need for the next generation of materials for the aerospace, automotive, medical and electronic industries. Nanocomposites offer enhanced mechanical and physical properties while the microcellular foaming process offers distinct processing advantages and weight savings. The project research entails three inter-related stages: application of mixing theory, computational simulation, and experimental investigation. This systematic study of the processing technology will permit for the efficient production and facilitate market penetration of MCNC materials. The project has the potential for numerous commercial applications. Current trends across various industries create the demand for materials that offer enhanced physical and mechanical properties, reduced weights, and improved processing times. These requirements lead to a significant impetus to develop a new class of materials derived from the marriage of nano-fillers and microcellular foaming technology. Some estimates put the worldwide market for nanocomposites by 2009 to be in excess of 1 billion lbs. MCNC materials have the potential to capture part of this market, while opening new ones due to the attractive properties that these materials possess. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gramann, Paul The Madison Group: Polymer Processing Research Corp. WI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232203 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Secure and Scalable QoS-aware Routing Algorithm for Ad Hoc Wireless Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will develop a novel, secure and scalable Quality of Service (QoS)-aware routing algorithm for ad hoc wireless networks. The algorithm utilizes several wireless routing optimization techniques and lightweight security mechanisms. This research will also extend the routing algorithm to support multicast in ad hoc wireless networks. The proposed routing algorithm will permit reduction in the cost of building communication infrastructures by facilitating and increasing the adpatation of ad hoc wireless networks for building reliable communication networks in locations where it is difficult to establish fixed infrastructure or centralized administration. Examples of such locations are conferences, lectures, crowd control theaters, search and rescue theaters, disaster and recovery theaters, and battlefields. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kaddoura, Maher ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION MN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99804 5371 HPCC 9216 0522400 Information Systems 0232204 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Purification of Metallic Nitride Nanomaterials by Chemical Separation. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop trimetallic-nitride-template metallofullerenes (trimetaspheres) for use as improved MRI contrast agents. The largest barrier to providing these trimetasphere materials in significant quantities is the lack of an economical, efficient means of separating these materials from undesirable empty-cage C60 and C70 fullerenes. To address this issue, the proposed effort offers innovative, ingenious solutions to the problem of large-scale synthesis and separation processes for these nanomaterials. The project tasks are 1) to increase generator throughput of trimetasphere-containing soot, 2) to advance vapor-phase deposition techniques as a prepurification step, and 3) to establish the feasibility of a chemical-separation process, which will enable large-scale nanomaterials production. The expectation is to totally remove HPLC from all stages of purification. Commercially, trimetaspheres are expected to find valuable applications in 1) improved medical care through novel imaging and diagnostic properties, 2) new pharmaceuticals, via high throughput screening, 3) faster and more productive internet use, through faster optical switches and components that provide higher bandwidth, 4) faster computers, through quantum computing devices built from nanomaterials, and 5) military devices including sensors, imaging devices, non-linear optical devices, new superconductors and variable capacitors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stevenson, Steven Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99990 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232215 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Automatic Classification of Magnetocardiograms. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks development of novel machine learning capability for pattern recognition in magnetocardiography (MCG), which measures minute magnetic fields emitted by the electrophysiological activity of the heart. The company has developed a revolutionary measuring device for early identification/diagnosis of heart disease, inside regular, magnetically unshielded hospital rooms. However, interpretation of MCG recordings remains a challenge for cardiologists, since there are no databases from which precise rules could be deduced. Hence, there is an urgent need to automate and guide interpretation of MCG measurements, in order to minimize cardiologists' efforts to make meaningful diagnosis. The company will explore the application of automatic pattern recognition and classification schemes to MCG data. The goal is to develop a technique to accurately differentiate between abnormal and normal heart patterns and even to identify heart diseases. The differentiation will be performed using Support Vector Machines because they can handle high dimensional data and are especially suitable for a small number of samples. Since it is expected that different diseases will be located in separate clusters the investigative team plans to apply Self Organized Maps because they are suitable for multi-cluster formation. The proffered technology, which has the potential to deliver a diagnostic system for the detection of ischemia and coronary artery disease, could lead to the production of devices for detecting small disturbances in cardiac function and thus may warn doctors and patients of impending malfunction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sternickel, Karsten CARDIOMAG IMAGING INC NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 90518 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232216 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Design of New Polymeric Composites for Proton Exchange Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design and synthesis of a new family of polymer composites tailored for the fabrication of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) to be used in fuel cell applications. The novel PEMs, based on a new family of polymeric composites, are expected to surpass state-of-the-art Nafion.-type PEMs in general fuel cell applications, and to have all the properties needed to allow the development of the next generation of H2 and methanol fuel cells. The energy and transportation industry is quickly recognizing fuel cells as the leading technology in an upcoming revolution in energy production systems. The market accessible to fuel cell applications is simply gigantic, ranging from personal electronics and car design to portable and stationary power generators. Superior fuel cell systems are needed to penetrate deeply in those markets and superior fuel cell systems is exactly what the project will enable if successful. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rogers, Martin Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99994 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232219 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Application of Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis over Continuous Flow Models to a High-Performance Content-based Routing Network. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate distributed traffic-management algorithms applied to overlay networks of Semantic Routers constituting a high-speed Semantic Web. Semandex Networks is pioneering new categories of information routers based on eXtensible Markup Language (XML). These routers automatically know where content is and to where to deliver it, dramatically reducing information breaks. A hierarchy of edge and core application-layer routers interconnect for scalable, accurate, and timely information delivery, in a manner that could not otherwise be economically or technically realized. Traffic management in this real-time heterogeneous system presents new challenges that cannot be solved by traditional link-based point-to-point approaches. Specifically, the bandwidths of the underlying links are shared with other layer-3 traffic of unknown characteristics, and outputs from individual virtual ports are aggregated over the outgoing link or links from an individual layer-7 router. Commercial application for this project is that flow and management issues needed to enhance next generations Internet structures will be tractable therefore reducing downtimes and increasing net performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG French, Leslie SEMANDEX NETWORKS INC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98991 5371 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232223 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Artificial Intelligence Software for Student Assessment in Chemistry Education. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the development of meaningful interactive tutoring and assessment capabilities for chemistry tutorial software. Although there has been a clearly articulated user demand for advancement in this area, it has been repeatedly identified as one for which existing offerings are weak. Quantum Simulations a new and different approach, adapting and incorporating new concepts from artificial intelligence (AI). More than just assigning a grade, meaningful opportunities will be created for students to learn directly from the assessment itself. The proposed technology will benefit all students. The technology, however, is specifically targeted to help those who have the greatest need--such as students of average or marginal performance and students from historically underrepresented groups--by lowering barriers to accessing high-quality science instructional software. The firm has established a partnership with an NSF-funded systemic reform initiative to further these goals. The customers for the proffered technology include textbook publishers, software providers, hardware vendors and distance learning companies. Quantum has entered into a long-term contract with a prominent textbook publishe, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, to commercialize this technology. This arrangement will result in rapid dissemination to an established end user base. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Johnson, Benny Quantum Simulations Incorporated PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1666 SMET 9178 9177 0108000 Software Development 0232231 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Hydrogen for Next Generation Vehicles. This Phase I project will provide a low-cost process for producing high-pressure hydrogen (e.g., 7.500 psia, 510 atm) for use in vehicles. This process uses a proven, regenerable, low cost CO2 sorbent and a small-scale process that reforms natural gas, diesel, gasoline, or oil derived from biomass to hydrogen and compresses that H2 to high pressure for use in vehicles. Although the regeneration of the CO2 sorbent requires energy, the new sorbent/process effectively minimizes the efficiency impact. All of the necessary reforming reactions, water gas shift and carbon dioxide removal are performed in one reactor. This results in higher hydrogen purity, better energy integration (i.e., higher efficiency), reactions eliminate high temperature heat exchanges or valves, and greatly reduces steam requirements and minimizes the use of downstream process. The result is a lower cost, smaller system with improved efficiency. The key aspect of the system is the low cost reforming of the fuel. In the near term, the production of H2 would benefit merchant applications. The proposed system can generate on-site hydrogen at scales that are similar to the current on-site hydrogen generation plants at very high purity and low cost. In the long term the new system can provide hydrogen at low cost to distribution centers for use in vehicles and other fuel cell applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Copeland, Robert TDA Research, Inc CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232236 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Proxies for Shared Wireless Internet Access. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will research an advanced form of transparent network TCP proxies for both satellite and terrestrial broadband wireless communications to the Internet. Low cost shared wireless access links to the Internet often exhibit what we have called a traffic/cost anomaly. While almost 90% of the traffic in the network can flow from the Internet to the user, almost 90% of the cost of the access links can be attributed to the channel transmitting packets from the user to the Internet. Much of this cost can be directly attributed to the performance penalties imposed upon wireless access channels by the structure of conventional TCP protocols. The proxy to be developed will be designed to deal with these performance penalties with the objective of providing an improvement of 10x in the effective throughput of the multiple access channels. The broader impacts of the use of such proxies would be to make practical a cost effective broadband Internet access option for millions of users without such an option at this time. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Abramson, Norman Skyware, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232238 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Cermet Heating Materials for Thermal Control and Energy Efficiency. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will optimize a newly developed ceramic-metallic (cermet) resistive heating material and prove its feasibility for use in diesel particulate filters. Objectives include optimization of the cermet composition and laminates, characterization of physical properties, and development of multi-layer ceramic tape manufacturing methods for producing multichannel filter monoliths with integral cermet heating elements. The research will optimize the cermet composition based on analysis of life and temperature cycling, heat transfer capabilities, and thermal gradient control. The anticipated result of the project will be a small-scale particulate filter with an integral cermet heating element that provides continuous thermal oxidation of particulates. The new cermet heating material has immediate commercial potential as a heating element that can be integrated into diesel particulate filter structures for the continuous thermal oxidation of particulates (at approximately 600 C). With new emissions controls scheduled to take effect in 2007, there is presently a compelling need for a compact, simple-to-maintain, durable, and effective diesel particulate filter for both new and existing diesel-powered vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ferguson, Luke Harmonics, Inc. WA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 98829 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232245 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Fiber Impregnation Using Molten Thermoplastic Polymer Spray. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a prepreg material that, while maintaining the advantages of a powder towpreg system, will eliminate the use of high price, finely ground powders. By generating fine particles in situ using aerosol formation from molten polymers two steps will be eliminated from the manufacturing process -- powder grinding and powder sintering, resulting in greatly reduced cost and complexity of the operation. Commercially, composite materials have an ever growing importance in the development of new technologies due to their inherent advantages over conventional materials. These include better strength-to-weight ratios than most metals, extreme corrosion resistance, and novel processing techniques, which will allow a variety of shapes not achievable by conventional means. However in many cases, the costs for fiber-reinforced composites is five to ten times higher than that of base metals like steel or aluminum. This project will make the composite material considerably more cost competitive. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wesson, Sheldon Adherent Technologies, Inc. NM Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232246 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Authentication of Mobile Video Recordings (MVRs) Based on Real-time Hybrid Digital Watermarking. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at developing an authentication technology that enables the deployment of a digital Mobile Video Recordings (MVR) system. MVR data are collected daily by a very large fleet of patrol vehicles operated by the law enforcement community across the country that record events involving contact with civilians. Due to staggering costs associated with operating current analog, non-indexing systems, there is an overwhelming need for a computerized digital MVR technology. Its deployment, however, is hindered by legal acceptance, because a digital medium can be easily altered. Authentication plays a critical enabling role by providing an effective means to safeguard the integrity of MVR content. The objective of this research project is to develop a prototype for real-time MVR authentication software, based on a novel, hybrid watermarking algorithm, that integrates seamlessly with existing digital infrastructure. This algorithm is specifically designed to meet stringent operational requirements set forth by next generation MVR system. It achieves progressively varying robustness in one single watermark by means of error-correcting signature coding and rate-distortion guided bit embedding. It combines fragile watermark's ability to localize content tampering and robust watermark's ability to characterize the severity of content alteration. The MVR authentication, envisioned in this SBIR project, provides an enabling technology for the deployment of a digital MVR system for law enforcement agencies across the country that is more effective and much less costly to operate than the current analog system. The company's technology is inspired by and modeled after a set of realistic and specific requirements of the MVR program of the New Jersey (NJ) State Police, and its software-only solution is designed to integrate easily and seamlessly with its digital infrastructure. It provides a secure and economical mechanism for safeguarding MVR content integrity that is minimally invasive to the daily routines of patrol officers and MVR administrators. This NJ State Police and similar agencies across the country can easily adapt this technology so as to realize enormous cost saving through the deployment of a digital MVR system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, Zhenyu MY EZ Communications LLC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99768 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0522400 Information Systems 0232252 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Extension of the VorCat Code to Two-Phase Particulate-Flow Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop innovative, grid-free, numerical models of two-phase, particulate, incompressible turbulent flows. The intent is to provide a high fidelity model for the simulation and analysis of numerous environmental and industrial flow applications wherein particulate motion is a critical feature. Among the potential benefits are more accurate and timely predictions of health hazards and abatement strategies for the late-time dynamics of toxic particulates or contaminant clouds arising from routine, accidental or purposeful chemical and biological releases. This work will be applicable to the dynamics of pollutants in the atmosphere, particulate flows in liquids, two-phase turbulent mixing and particulate dispersion, among others. This revolutionary technology will expand its potential computational fluid dynamics (CFD) market share by extending its capabilities to treat complex flows which are of great importance to including: aircraft manufacturing, automobile manufacturing and power generation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Krispin, Jacob Vorcat, Inc. MD Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232255 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Highly Accurate Reconstruction Module For Multidisciplinary Computation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a highly accurate reconstruction module for Godunov-type schemes to upgrade the capability of current multidisciplinary computational software packages for simulation of a class of engineering problems with small scales and high frequencies. The unique and innovative aspect of this work is to combine both Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (WENO) concept and compact differencing into a single upwind algorithm. Instead of using multiple polynomial candidates, a hybrid power-exponential spline is used as the underlying interpolation for a WENO scheme with local smoothness measures as the perturbation parameters. In this way, the weight functions of a WENO scheme can be analytically determined from the underlying interpolation. Their Taylor series expansions around the smooth regions can be used for further accuracy improvement. The resulting piecewise quadratic reconstruction with compact difference computed slope and curvature can dramatically reduce numerical diffusion inherent in upwind schemes. By using this upwind scheme, the numerical simulation of vortex dominated flows, boundary layers, turbulence, acoustic waves, and electromagnetic waves, etc., can be significantly improved without loss of the shock-capturing feature. The highly accurate reconstruction module, which is independent of physics, can be easily integrated into the current production and research codes and has the potential of providing cost improvement of at least an order of magnitude over the current versions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tang, Lei ZONA TECHNOLOGY INC AZ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 81636 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232259 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Gallium and Germanium Recovery from Acidic and Alkaline Ore Leaches with Selective Silica-Polyamine Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop advanced materials for the separation and concentration of germanium and gallium from both acidic and basic ore leaches. The primary objective of the project will be to develop synthetic routes for grafting polyamines to silica particles resulting in composite material that provide an excellent platform for immobilizing metal selective ligands on a matrix is resistant to acids and bases and elevated temperatures. This should permit germanium and gallium loadings and usable materials lifetimes that are superior to current technologies. The development of more efficient means of extracting these metals will result in the exploitation of germanium and gallium deposits in the United States that cannot be currently developed due to the limited availability of economically viable and environmentally benign ore processing protocols SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fischer, Robert Purity Systems, Inc. MT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232266 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Simulation Tool for the Prediction of Performance of Liquid-Feed Direct Methanol Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of commercial software, based on computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques, to predict performance of liquid-feed direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). While computational modeling of fuel cells has been widespread in the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and hydrogen-air proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) areas, it has been limited in the area of direct methanol fuel cell. This can be attributed, in part, to the fact that in DMFC, since the liquid fuel produces gaseous products, the modeling necessitates careful consideration of two-phase phenomena, which is numerically challenging. A comprehensive simulation tool for the prediction of performance of gas-feed PEMFC and SOFC have been developed and marketed. In order to capture the rapidly growing DMFC market, this project proposes to extend the simulation tool to address issues specific to liquid-feed DMFC modeling. The model will be validated against experimental data available from the literature. Liquid-feed Direct Methanol Fuel Cells have become the center of attention, especially for portable power applications where optimal space utilization is critical. The proposed research will produce a commercial-quality predictive tool, which could be utilized extensively for design and optimization of DMFCs, in addition to providing better understanding of the transport and electrochemistry that occur in such systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mazumder, Sandip CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99949 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232270 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Sensing Materials Based on Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the effect of carbon nanotubes on the photoconductivity of electroactive polymer matrix composites and on their performance and sensing efficiency. Several formulations of additives/polymer(s), including functionalized carbon nanotube systems, have potential to interact selectively, sensitively, and reversibly with trace analytes in the electroactive matrix. Nanotube-polymer sensing probes based on conductivity changes or mechanical force fluctuations exerted by the surrounding media, will be developed and tested for their sensitivity, reversibility, fast response to different analytes, and chemical and environmental stability. Superior formulations will be tested and compared to existing commercial sensing materials. Commercially, conventional metal oxide and polymer based sensors are usually impractical at ambient temperature due to low sensitivity. The combination of advanced conformal coating processes and advanced formulations of nanotube/polymers has the potential to alleviate the sensitivity and response to inorganic, organic, and biological analytes. These low cost ultra-light weight nanotube-polymer composite films with improved structural, stability and electrical properties will be important for portable sensor applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Abdelkader, Mohammed Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232274 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Breaking the Barriers to the Commercialization of Super-Resolution Video Enhancement Algorithms. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the two primary barriers to the commercialization of super-resolution video enhancement, namely, that (1) the motion compensation-based video enhancement algorithms are extremely computationally-intensive, and (2) the ability to extract additional visual information from digital video is highly dependent on image sequence content. Provided that people, objects, and entire scenes move in subpixel increments between video frames or fields, this motion can be exploited by temporally integrating neighboring pictures to increase spatial resolution and to actually see details where there were once blocky pixels. The proposed research focuses on determining the feasibility of significantly increasing the processing speed of the associated numerical algorithms on desktop and notebook personal computers running Microsoft Windows or Linux, as well as determining the feasibility of automatically detecting the video frames/fields which contribute additional information to a specific region-of-interest selected for enhancement. A number of commercial applications in forensic image analysis for law enforcement and security end-users can be developed around this technology. Super resolution video enhancement is of particular interest to government agencies, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice for extracting additional details from reconnaissance and surveillance video, as well as to the private sector for forensic image analysis in law enforcement, surveillance, and security. By successfully tackling the proposed technical objectives, the capability will be developed to embed super-resolution enhancement video technology into commercial nonlinear video editing software packages such as Adobe Premiere. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Schultz, Richard Machine Visionaries ND Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 84023 9150 HPCC 9216 9150 0108000 Software Development 0232277 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Fluorescence-Amplified Nana-Assembly for Sensing Bio-Toxins. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a novel functional nanostructure for detection/identification of biological warfare agents (BWA). A new class of fluorescence-amplified nano-assembly (FLAN) is proposed for real-time, selective, and ultra- sensitive BWAs and toxins assays. The basic concept of this technology is to mimic the cell membrane under certain organisms and toxins initially attack. Living cells quickly recognize and selectively respond towards invasion. The FLAN using three key elements for target detection: 1) molecular recognition, 2) fluorescence transduction, and 3) fluorescence amplification, to provide simple and direct fluorescent assay. The molecular receptors recognize the BWA; the binding causes a change in the local ternary structure, and which leads to an amplified fluorescent structure that can be quantified optically. The synthetic nanostructures exhibit bioactivities and high stability. The BWA-FLAN receptor binding is a rapid one-step reaction; it does not require complicate separation and washing steps, labeled fluorophore, or visualization reagents. During the Phase I project, the investigator will design and synthesize functional nanostructures with BWA- specific receptors, develop FLAN molecular assembly, develop fluorescence sensing system, characterize, test, and evaluate its technical merits. Highly selective and sensitive molecular recognition is important throughout biology, biotechnology, and clinical diagnostics. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS Homeland and civilian defense applications include medical diagnostic of pathogens and diseases as well as non-medical contamination avoidance sensors for biological terrorism agents. The proposed nanostructure-based assays could be easily adapted to targets of interest to the medical community, environmental and agricultural testing, and food industry and used in conjunction with the portable reader for diagnostics in clinical or hospital setting. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ho, Winston MAXWELL SENSORS INC. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99912 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232296 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Data Squashing for Massive Data Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on massive datasets containing millions or even billions of data points. Statistical analyses of data on this scale present new computational challenges. Squashing algorithms compress massive datasets into much smaller ones so that outputs from statistical analyses carried out on the smaller (squashed) datasets reproduce outputs from the same statistical analyses carried out on the original datasets. Squashing represents an alternative to sampling as a way of dealing with massive data and aims to significantly outperform sampling in terms of predictive and inferential accuracy. Squashing affords several advantages: (1) Computationally intensive statistical procedures such as non-linear modeling or large-scale variable selection, infeasible when directly applied to the massive dataset, become feasible when applied to the squashed representation; (2) Since the squashed dataset may be several orders of magnitude smaller than the original massive dataset, electronic data dissemination becomes much simpler; (3) Because squashed datasets are synthetic (they contain no actual data points), they pose no disclosure risk. The objective of this research is to critically evaluate squashing, and, contingent on a satisfactory evaluation, develop a commercial data squashing software product. Such massive data sets can be encountered, for instance, in computational biology, medical surveillance systems, telecommunications, and astronomy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lewis, David Ornarose, Inc. NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232312 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Smart Engineered Composites for Thermal Management. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will synthesize and consolidate a smart composite material, copper-zirconium tungstate, with high thermal conductivity (>240 W/m.K) and low thermal expansion (< 5 x 10-6/K) for thermal management applications. As packaging densities and power requirements increase, more and more power is being generated per specific area, thereby generating more heat. The current chip performance limitation is related to packaging materials when considering the component size reduction. The recent findings of negative thermal expansion in zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) have attracted many interesting applications for this material particularly in composites where thermal expansion is a major concern. Copper (Cu) has good thermal conductivity but it is not currently in use as a thermal management material, because of its high thermal expansion mismatch with either silicon (Si) or gallium arsenide (GaAs). A composite such as Cu- ZrW2O8, consisting of a high-conductivity metallic matrix and ceramic phase with strongly negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is ideally suitable for electronic thermal management applications. In the project synthesis of Cu-ZrW2O8 composite will be achieved using the microwave plasma and low temperature chemical coating methods. Consolidation of Cu-ZrW2O8 composite will be carried out using a rapid consolidation technique, plasma pressure consolidation (P2C). Commercially, the major applications of this material are in substrates for microelectronics, and heat sinks in electronic devices. It will also improve the performance of ceramics in electrical insulators and power transistor modules.The other potential uses of zirconium tungstate are in thermal expansion compensation in dental fillings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sudarshan, T. Materials Modification Inc. VA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232318 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High-Rate Production of Nano-Architectured Hybrid Oxide Materials for Lithium Battery Cathodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel method, Reactive Vapor Deposition (RVD), which is capable of mass producing thin-film, meso-porous and nano-phased cathode materials for use in lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries. Theoretical calculations and a primitive bench-top set-up have given the initial indication that this highly versatile method could potentially produce various stable cathode materials at a high throughput rate and at low cost. The Phase-I research is aimed at designing and building a bench-top RVD apparatus to demonstrate the general technical feasibility and commercial viability of this method as applied to the fabrication of nano-phased hybrid oxides for re-chargeable battery cathodes. The commercial applications and other benefits will be lower-cost and more stable lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries. This could have a major impact on the markets of portable electronic, computer, and communications devices. The market demands for all types of rechargeable cells is expected to grow at a compound rate of 11% per year, reaching a total of 3 billion cells by 2005. The lithium ion cells are expected to capture a 20% market share with a total of $6 billion (based on a wholesale price of $10 per cell). An even greater market size will become possible when much lower-cost and stable lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, Leon Nanotek Instruments, Inc. OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232345 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Web-Based International Trade Knowledge Discovery System (TradingCube). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on applied research. The goal is to create a commercial Web-Based International Trade Knowledge Discovery System based on the TurboRAD Inc. innovative copyrighted software also known as TradingCubeTM. TradingCube is a Web Based Large Scale Information Application requiring only a standard browser to be used. With TradingCube, a decision maker can easily navigate the dynamic analysis of world markets for a wide range of product groups as well as specific products. TradingCube enables the functionality of a novel combination of tools including data management technologies, web technologies, knowledge discovery, econometrics and statistics. It requires the creation, storage, retrieval, and display of large volumes of international trade information effectively and efficiently. TradingCubeTM provides an intuitive interface and rapid results expressed in textual and graphic ways that do not require specialized knowledge to be understood by the user. The potential market includes any commercial, private or public enterprise or entity with the need to evaluate international trade opportunities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sanchez, Carlos TradingCube Inc. PA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99963 5371 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232358 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Attachment Interface Design for an Advanced Composite Power Transmission Cable. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and demonstrate an attachment interface for an advanced carbon composite transmission conductor for electrical power. The attachment will interface with existing power transmission hardware and techniques. In the project the tasks will involve reviewing existing techniques for composite cable connections, possibly from other industries; initial design and analysis of interface hardware; fabrication of hardware and structural testing; evaluation of test reults and recommendations for final design including field installation considerations. Commercially, the advantages of an advanced carbon composite transmission conductor are the lower weight and higher power capacity over conventional bare overhead conductors. The weight savings will allow for a higher packing density on existing transmission towers. This higher packing density will ease or eliminate the need for new power transmission right-of-ways, which are difficult to obtain. The higher power capacity will allow for higher peak power delivery during power crisis and avoiding power transmission bottlenecks over conventional conductors. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Smith, Jack Applied Thermal Sciences, Inc. ME Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99993 9150 AMPP 9163 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232361 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Generation of High-Resolution, Geographically Registered, 3D Terrain Models. The goal of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to improve the way in which Geographic Information System (GIS) databases are created, updated and utilized. Software systems will be built that enable users to rapidly and inexpensively generate, update, analyze and visualize high-resolution 3D digital terrain models from digital images collected by a wide range of aerial and satellite platforms. Using an integrated approach that takes into account all aspects of the terrain modeling process, software tools will be developed that transform raw data collected from new high-resolution digital imaging sensors and low-cost navigation instruments into high-resolution, geographically registered 3D terrain models. The low cost and short turnaround time for these products will enable government and commercial organizations to expand the scope of their GIS applications, especially in the areas of environmental monitoring, change detection, and urban planning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schultz, Howard Aerial Vision Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98385 5371 CVIS 5371 1059 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232362 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Robotic Surface Finishing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new robot architecture targeting fine-fidelity, force dependent tasks. The project will use an innovative 2 degree-of-freedom manipulator with lightweight construction and smooth, low friction joints. The control system follows the biological model of sensing the environment by touch and performing work by applying force. The project will test the validity of a manipulator concept by constructing a simple unit and attempting a task commonly required of cast metal parts, such as grinding excess material left by the casting process to produce a smooth surface. Successful results can be applied to more sophisticated manipulators for automating the finishing of cast, forged, and molded parts. The concept can also be extended to other labor intensive industrial processes that are difficult and hazardous for people to perform. Further, its more natural mode of operation could permit it to safely work in close concert with people, including the physically impaired. The potential commercial applications include automated finishing of fabricated parts, including grinding, deburring, polishing, and blending. Automated assembly of closely fitting parts. Robots that can work in close proximity, and provide assistance to, human laborers as well as the physically impaired. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Somes, Steven Western Robotics Co OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232365 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Joblet: A System For Creating Software Development Exchanges. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a unique system, known as Joblet, which offers the potential to improve innovation and success in software engineering. Joblet utilizes economic principles to address areas of software development that have been chronically problematic. Failures in software development have been rampant in many technology industries. This problem has grown as the complexity of software, and the number of developers needed to create it, have grown. Open Source software has demonstrated the power of distributed collaborative development, and has shown that independent, creative individuals can join together to develop innovative products. Joblet combines this power of collaborative development with the concepts of economic markets to enable a software engineering environment that will foster innovation, productivity and project success. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the feasibility of a system that will support Joblet exchanges and study key mechanisms of Joblet that will lead to sustainability of markets for software development services and knowledge. Such a system will have broad application in all areas of software development and can enable the creation of active communities for product innovation. The commercial potential for the Joblet system includes application as a public website for hosted development services, as well as a product for application in private enterprises for internal and outsourced development efforts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Touris, Todd Touris Todd C NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0108000 Software Development 0232369 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Multilayer Membrane-Based Permeation for Cost-Effective Olefin/Paraffin Separation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a gas permeation process and membrane to separate olefin/paraffin mixtures in which a multilayer multifunctional membrane configuration ensures high selectivity, high olefin productivity, good mechanical stability, excellent impurity tolerability, and long-term operational reliability. Hollow fiber membrane modules will be developed to enhance the olefin permeance 2~10-fold compared to those by conventional polymer facilitated transport membranes in addition to much enhanced olefin/paraffin selectivity. This membrane system has long-term stability and reliability to dry feed containing trace amounts of H2, C2H2, and/or H2S that cannot be treated by traditional membrane processes. Compared to the other membrane processes, this process is more promising and cost-effective. If successfully developed, it could be applied very widely to olefin/paraffin separations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Qin, Yingjie Chembrane Research and Engineering Inc NJ Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99988 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232377 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A WebTurbine for Lightweight, Ubiquitous Internet Publishing. This Small Business Innovation and Research Phase I project will design and develop an innovative technology that enables those at the edge of the Internet to easily and efficiently become Web publishers. The solution is a compatible enhancement to the existing Web that counters the notion that all Web content be published in a hub and spoke fashion from central servers. The primary distinction between Web server and client thus becomes one of chosen roles, not physical location in a fixed topology. The project addresses the special needs of lightweight Web publishing, including intermittent connections (dial-up and wireless), location independence (roaming, dynamic DNS/IP address), modest resources (handheld devices), and limited bandwidth. The solution builds upon Creare's RBNB DataTurbine middleware, which provides asynchronous access to cached sequential information, a proven technology for peer-to-peer data distribution at educational and government research facilities. The project adapts and applies RBNB as a Web solution (WebTurbine), and, in Phase I, will demonstrate it by establishing a wireless Web publisher and publishing live video images to the Internet (viewable by our NSF sponsors). Commercialization Prospects: Millions of new publishers, now inhibited by cost and technical hurdles, will publish to the Internet. The unique capabilities of RBNB will enable the scientific and educational community to collaborate in a manner far more time-sensitive and flexible than is now possible. Our solution creates new commercial opportunities for seamless streaming media, a new approach to virtual private networks, and a micro payment pay-per-transaction model. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Matthew CREARE INCORPORATED NH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99356 5371 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232384 January 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Integrated Software and Systems for Large-Scale Nonlinear Optimization. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will address the problem of creating robust and efficient software for the solution of large-scale nonlinear optimization problems. Taking advantage of recent advances in algorithm design, the project will investigate novel versions of both interior-point and active-set methods for nonlinear optimization, and will examine an innovative integrated approach that takes advantage of both methods to achieve greater speed and reliability than are available from current single-method codes. Optimization software resulting from this research is expected to have commercial applications to difficult nonlinear problems in such areas as network planning, optimal power flow, computer-aided design, and aerospace engineering, as well as in applications for decision analysis in such areas as finance and revenue management. Broader impacts of the activity include enhanced understanding of optimization techniques that play a key role in engineering and commerce; an advance for NSF's educational goals by providing support to a postdoctoral researcher; and commercial software products whose further development can be supported by sales revenues. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Waltz, Richard Ziena Optimization Inc. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99994 1505 HPCC 9216 1505 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232387 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Removal Of Halogenated Compounds By Microwave-Induced Non-Thermal Plasma. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will assist in the development of an innovative method for effective and low cost destruction and removal of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), specifically Halogenated Volatile Organic Compounds (HVOCs), using non-thermal plasma generated in microwave discharges. In the non-thermal technique described in this proposal, the non-equilibrium properties of the plasma are fully exploited. These plasmas can produce energetic electrons (typical energies of 1-10 eV), which effectively lead to the creation of free radicals without the necessity of adding the enthalpy associated with very high gas temperatures. Therefore, from the chemical point of view, destruction reaction rates normally associated with temperatures of 10,000 to 100,000 K can be realized with the gas near ambient temperature. The proposed technique utilizes the dissociation and ionization of the background gases to produce radicals that, in turn, destroy and decompose the toxic and hazardous compounds. The input energy of the system is directed mostly to the production of the desired density of radicals which react preferentially with the HVOCs that are often present in very small concentrations in the exhaust gas. The proposed technology will meet a growing need in the semiconductor industry, and other HVOC sources for a simple and cost-effective method for the removal of hazardous compounds from the flue gas. The new method is likely to be successful due to its simplicity and the ease with which the gas-cleanup unit can be retrofitted to the existing combustion systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Golkowski, Czeslaw SUPER PULSE NY Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232389 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Sample Introduction Technique for ICP-MS/AES Using A NanomiserTM Device for Spray Formation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a method to lower the practical quantitation level of arsenic using a novel instrumental improvement to existing Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Atomic Emission Spectrometry (AES) techniques. by replacing the standard sample introduction nebulizer and spray chamber used in ICP-MS and ICP-AES with the Nanomiser. device and thus lower the detection limit of arsenic and other elements. The Nanomiser enables very fine atomization of solvent/analyte mixtures with exceptional control over size, while maintaining a narrow size distribution. Results to date show that this breakthrough technology leads to the generation of a monodisperse aerosol with a mean diameter in the sub-micron to micron-range. Furthermore, this technology provides high residence time (due to low and independently controlled carrier gas velocity), which is, together with the small particle size, one of the main requirements for adequate thermal evaporation and dissociation of aerosol particles. The independence of gas flow and atomization will help to significantly increase the ionization of elements with higher first ionization energies, such as arsenic, by allowing for longer residence time in the plasma. The development of a reliable sample introduction technology can significantly improve the detection limits of conventional systems for atomic spectroscopy. Furthermore, the small size and compact design of the Nanomiser device will allow this technology to be easily retrofitted into existing AES and MS systems in collaboration with major instrument manufacturers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Oljaca, Miodrag NGIMAT CO. GA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232393 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Develop a Cost-Effective Route to Recycle Post-Consumer Plastic Exterior Automotive parts. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will define technologies to successfully recover painted plastic automobile parts from end-of-life vehicles. 400 million pounds of plastic is consumed annually to produce automotive exterior parts. These parts are typically large and readily identifiable and could be recovered from automobile salvage yards yet they continue to be disposed of in landfills. This project will evaluate the quality of plastic from parts recovered from automobile salvage operations from various regions of the country and develop a process to remove paint and economically recycle the plastic back into many of the original automotive applications. The automotive industry uses approximately 425 million pounds of thermoplastic polyolefins annually on vehicles produced in North America. Success of this work will allow the U.S. automobile industry to enhance its competitiveness when faced with mandates for minimum recycle-content materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Merrington, Adrian American Commodities, Inc (ACI) MI Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232395 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Reactive Multilayer Joining of Metals and Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new joining technology that will provide substantial technical and cost advantages for multiple industrial applications, including metal-to-metal and metal-to-ceramic joining. The technology for joining metallic and ceramic components is a reactive joining process that uses reactive multilayer foils as local heat sources for melting solders or brazes. The foils are a new class of nano-engineered materials, in which self-propagating exothermic reactions can be ignited at room temperature with a spark. By inserting a multilayer foil between two solder (or braze) layers and two components, heat generated by the reaction in the foil melts the solder and consequently bonds the components. This new method of soldering eliminates the need for a furnace and, with very localized heating, avoids thermal damage to the components. The commercial potential of this reactive bonding process is more rapid than most competing technologies, and results in strong and cost-effective joints. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weihs, Timothy REACTIVE NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232398 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Stabilization of Nanostructured Reactive Multilayers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will develop a new class of nano-engineered multilayers for reactive joining of materials that enables one to control the stability and ignition energy of the corresponding reactive foils. Two general approaches will be explored in this project. The first approach is based on vapor depositing a periodic quad-layer structure, in which two nanoscale layers, alternating between elements with high heats of mixing (Al and Ni), are separated by thinner, barrier layers comprised of a relatively inert material (Cu) that interacts weakly with the other two. Control over foil stability, ignition requirements and reaction properties can then be achieved by varying the nanoscale thickness (0.5nm to 5.0nm) of the inert (Cu) barrier layers. The second approach is based on the development of composite structures, which combine nanolayered reactive foils (50-150 micron thick) with micron scale braze and solder layers. In this approach, one takes advantage of the thermal mass of the braze and solder layers in order to enhance the stability of the reactive foil. In the project, the team will (1) demonstrate the feasibility of this new class of nano-engineered multilayers, (2) characterize their stability and ignition requirements, and (3) develop and validate predictive computational models that complement experimental observations and amplify their scope. Commercially, successful development of these novel nanostructed materials will lead to significant improvement in reactive joining technology. Letters of support from potential customers and suppliers demonstrate interest in the development of stable reactive multilayer foils and their use in joining applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weihs, Timothy REACTIVE NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC MD T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232399 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Lean Physics: Streamlining the Supply Chain Using Factory Physics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a new manufacturing improvement, planning and execution system that combines the data of a supply chain management system with the incentives of the lean manufacturing philosophy along with the author's own Factory Physics knowledge base in a systematic manner. The result will be a system containing implementation methods, training, and software that is repeatable, portable, and will always result in predictable, improved manufacturing logistical performance. Understanding manufacturing measures such as cycle time, throughput, capacity, work in process, inventory, and variability allows one to develop effective control procedures that are uniquely suited for any particular manufacturing environment. This project attempts to create a system that includes benchmarking (diagnostic) tools, analysis (planning) tools, and execution tools. What makes the proposed approach different is Factory Physics, Inc.'s systematic way of improving the manufacturing operation and addressing the planning and control needs. The broader impact of this research will be a well-defined methodology to improve the effectiveness of production systems that can be marketed to the manufacturing sector. In addition, using the system will result in better-educated manufacturing managers and engineers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spearman, Mark Factory Physics, Inc. TX Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232401 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Fire Modeling Software. This SBIR project will develop an integrated fire modeling software package for use in building design and accident analysis. Modeling fires using a rigorous, scientific approach makes it possible to predict the course of an evolving fire and its impact on the building occupants, contents, and structure. The software will help designers implement new fire safety codes and standards that allow the use of Performance-Based design as an alternative to Rule-Based design. Performance-based design and post-accident analysis offer the potential to reduce injury, loss of life, property damage, and the overall cost of constructing and maintaining buildings through advanced technology. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) computer program. FDS is research-oriented software with text-based input that is difficult to use for large-scale commercial applications. This project will integrate the FDS computation engine with an interactive, graphical interface for model setup and visualization, making the power of FDS accessible to a broader fire safety community and facilitating responsible engineering solutions. Potential markets include investigators performing post-accident analyses, architects and fire protection engineers designing the next generation of buildings, and local, state, and national authorities having jurisdiction (fire safety regulators). Applications also exist for wind-driven fire analysis, including tank-farm incidents and wildland fires. In addition to software sales, there is also an opportunity to provide training in performance-based design and analysis. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Swenson, Daniel THUNDERHEAD ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC KS Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99850 9150 CVIS 9150 1038 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232410 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Modular Online Simulations for Math and Science with Integrated Assessment of Complex, Standards-Aligned Learning Objectives. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will culminate in the design of a system that integrates assessment of complex, standards-based instructional objectives within interactive simulations and makes the resultant data available in a timely and efficient manner to teachers and administrators. Standards-based educational reform efforts are currently impoverished by a lack of assessment instruments that measure complex instructional objectives. Although complex objectives can be addressed through interactive simulations, these simulations neither explicitly assess students' competencies against these objectives nor make this information available to teachers. As a result, students' activity within simulations is largely invisible to teachers, relegating simulations either to an extremely limited role or to one that involves displacing the teacher. The proposed project will analyze the practices of master teachers using simulations while tutoring students and index these practices against hierarchies of instructional objectives derived from state standards. New simulations designed expressly for assessing complex instructional objectives will be designed, along with reporting mechanisms for communicating assessment results to teachers. This innovation will foster alignment with standards-based curricula, support teachers in integrating technology effectively and efficiently into their classrooms, and provide a new approach for measuring the impact of educational technology on student learning. The proffered innovation in assessment capability addresses an important nation problem, the "assessment gap." It can potentially be applied to any system involving interactive content that is used in the cont SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cholmsky, Paul ExploreLearning TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 SMET 9177 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0522400 Information Systems 0232416 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Feasibility of On-line Metalloid Recovery in Gasification Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of developing a technology to optimize accumulation and subsequent removal of a valuable element from integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) systems. IGCC is a highly efficient, low-emissions technology that uses coal and other feed stocks to produce electricity, process heat, and high-value fuels and chemicals. Deposits containing a valuable metalloid accumulate in an IGCC system, requiring significant downtime for cleaning and loss of revenue. The proposed technology will lead to recovery of a metalloid as part of routine operation of IGCC systems. Metalloid capture will be performed using bench-scale laboratory equipment with a simulated gasification environment. Bonding mechanisms will be characterized to determine if spalling of deposits through thermal cycling and soot blowing is a feasible method of recovering deposits on-line. This innovation would substantially increase revenue by providing a marketable product stream and would decrease operating and maintenance costs by improving the efficiency of the system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Laumb, Margaret Microbeam Technologies Incorporated ND Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 88531 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 5371 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232419 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: New Synthetic Strategies for Fluoropolymer Integrated Optics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on synthesis methods to bring the cost of perflurocyclobutyl (PFCB) containing polymers to commercially practical levels. PFCBs are exciting photonic materials due to their breakthrough optical performance and manufacturing characteristics of low optical transmission loss, high Tg, broad refractive index tailorability, and excellent melt and solution processability. Optical performance is tailored based on the fluorine content and backbone structure of the polymer, making synthesis innovation of this family of photonic materials critical to achieving unique performance and commercial availability. The photonic materials market is projected to grow significantly due to the step change in performance for electronic materials. Commercialization will be achieved through sale of the polymer into the optical device market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99930 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232436 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Chatter Control Strategy for Machine Tools. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and implement a completely novel chatter control scheme. In many machine tools, fluid bearings (also known as hydrostatic and hydrodynamic bearings) are gaining popularity. The project will apply low-power piezo actuators to modulate the input flow rate of the fluid into the spindle housing. By carefully computing the actuator voltages, we can generate the correct amount of input flow rate so that the chatter effects will be minimized. There are several advantages associated with this new approach. First, since the fluid pressure is directly acting on the spindle unit, the response will be fast, direct, and effective. Second, since piezo is used to control the flow rate, not the whole-spindle housing, only very low power amplifiers are needed to regulate the flow. Third, the overall chatter control cost will be significantly reduced as commercial off-the-shelf, rather than custom designed, piezo actuators can be used. Fourth, no significant modification of the machine is needed because four small piezo actuators will be inserted near the inlets. Only a modest change in mechanical design needs to be done. The commercial application will provide a practical approach to chatter control. Chatter is the primary limiting factor in metal removal rate in machine tools. To a first order approximation, a machine tool with twice the metal removal rate is worth twice as much. This technology will be useful for other types of machine tools such as milling, lathe, and boring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kwan, ChiMan Intelligent Automation, Inc MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232438 January 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Production of Clean Fuels from Biomass: Aqueous-Phase Catalytic Reforming of Oxygenated Hydrocarbons. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a catalytic process for the generation of hydrogen and/or hydrocarbon fuel gases from biomass. The project will generate fuel gases by reactions of oxygenated hydrocarbons derived from carbohydrates (biomass) with liquid water at low temperatures (~200 C). Current hydrogen production is based on fossil hydrocarbons. The problem with fossil hydrocarbon use is that it is non-renewable, increasingly imported and generates greenhouse gasses. This project represents a new route for renewable fuel gas generation. The overall project objective is to identify cost effective catalysts, catalytic structures and operating parameters to maximize the efficient production of hydrogen and/or hydrocarbons derived from US grown biomass for use in fuel cell and combustion engine applications. The commercial and broader impacts of this project will be improved energy security as well as clean and renewable fuel gases that may be used as fuel sources for fuel cells, internal combustion engines, and gas turbines. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Cortright, Randy Virent Energy Systems LLC WI Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99900 1505 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232449 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Animated Real-Time Road Traffic Visualization for Broadcast and The Internet. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will provide practical tools for visualizing real-time road traffic data and computer-generated traffic simulations using 2D and 3D animation for broadcast and the Internet. Except for weather forecasts, data-driven animations are rarely produced in real-time from live data. Traffic visualization contains more challenges than weather visualization. The objective of this project is to determine the feasibility of building practical, fully functional tools to access data in a timely fashion and produce a compelling animation within seconds. This tool must model traffic incidents and flow in a timely and accurate fashion. The anticipated result includes animation and video-production tools that will be converted to a commercial product during Phase II. Potential applications include TV broadcasts, traffic control centers, police dispatch centers, and visualization tools for transportation studies and planning. In addition, the animation principles derived from this project could be applicable to visualizing other real-time data in an animation. The first application is broadcast television, for morning traffic segments. Further applications include traffic control centers, dispatches, and tools for transportation planning. A third domain of application is information dissemination on small-screen displays (PDA, etc) when the bandwidth and market materialize. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gueziec, Andre Triangle Software CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99700 5371 CVIS 5371 1038 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232454 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Spider Explorer Data Visualization. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project will initiate creation of a capability termed Spider Explorer Data Visualization. This project will explore new means for organizing, exploring, and visualizing large data sets by incorporating into a fundamental presentation format, the spider diagram, innovative hierarchical capabilities and a supporting data management tool set. The project team will research, develop, and integrate innovative data exploration and visualization capabilities with emphasis on hierarchical structures and data normalization. The foremost benefits will result from an unprecedented ability to explore and organize large data sets and thus achieve levels of comprehension not possible with current methods. The objective is to enable humans, with their finite cognitive resources, to effectively organize and absorb copious amounts of data. The impact of such a capability will be significant, and the potential benefits span many domains including scientific research, economic growth, productivity, and education. Commercial potential is broad ranging and has strong potential for domains including scientific research, manufacturing and production, financial analysis, and engineering. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Benton, Charles Technology Systems, Inc. ME Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9150 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0232462 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Lightweight, Low Cost Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assemblies. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to produce low-cost gas diffusion electrodes with integrated flow fields for PEM fuel cells used to power next-generation vehicles. The proposed gas diffusion electrodes will increase both the power per unit mass and volume, and reduce the overall cost of PEM fuel cells. The proposed research would eliminate the need for intricate bipolar plates, reducing the weight, complexity and overall cost of the PEM fuel cell whilst still maintaining the performance. Our proposed, low-cost, gas diffusion electrodes with integrated flow fields for PEM fuel cells will increase both the power per unit mass and volume, and reduce the overall cost of the fuel cell. Success of this project will accelerate commercialization of fuel cell technology. Well over $1 billion has been spent on the development of fuel cell technology for next generation vehicles (NGVs) alone. The stakes are high and the potential market for viable, cost effective fuel cells is immense. Initial applications include micropower generators and alternative power systems for NGVs and portable electronic equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gonzalez-Martin, Anuncia Lynntech, Inc TX Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232465 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Computational Design of Nanostructured High-Performance Shape Memory Alloys. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project focuses on the computational design of a new class of shape memory alloys (SMAs ). In this project advanced computational design methodology will be used to incorporate precipitation strengthening and demonstrate the feasibility of computationally designing a nanostructured high performance nickel titanium (NiTi) SMA. The computational tools, based on thermodynamic and mechanistic modeling, will be extended to predict the nanoscale Heusler precipitation microstructure and strengthening within a NiTi matrix. Reversible thermoelastic transformation of the matrix will be modeled with multicomponent thermodynamic modeling and martensitic interfacial mobility theory. Integrating the extended models, the predictive design of novel high strength SMAs will be undertaken by assessing various design strategies and trade-offs. Commercially, the most common SMAs are monolithic NiTi, having a wide range of use in markets representing billions of dollars. However, along with copper-based SMAs, they have been empirically optimized to their limits and the true economic potential has yet to be realized. This approach promises to lead to the production of robust SMAs, with fundamentally designed characteristics, possessing longer cyclic lifetime and superior performance for both thin film and bulk applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tang, Weijia QUESTEK INNOVATIONS LLC IL Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99855 5371 AMPP 9163 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232474 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Bio-Based Design of Structural Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will identify materials with desirable properties and performance standards. Rapid advances in communication technology, flight-based transportation, medical components and military strategy due to rapidly changing global alliances is pushing a need for materials that goes beyond current capabilities. This project will use advanced 3D fabrication techniques to produce innovative materials that mimic bio-based shell structures. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology could lead to a commercial product with unique properties. The project will expand the capabilities of digital and rapid manufacturing, two areas that this country must push forward in, if the country is to maintain any sort of dominance in worldwide manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Emory, Eugenie Javelin3D, LLC UT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99247 5371 AMPP 9163 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232479 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Contagious Disease Modeling Toolkit- Virtual Model Building for Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop, deploy, and evaluate a virtual reality-based modeling kit, called Contagious Disease Modeling (CDM) Toolkit, which will enable students to build virtual 3-D models of viruses and bacteria within a web-based inquiry framework. This system will enable students to explore fundamental questions of virus/bacteria trajectories, infection methodologies, public health strategies, and treatments. Built on a simulation of virtual people's activity in the home (similar to The Sims game, where one can set up a household, define the character traits of the residents, and control their interactions), students will create models related to infectious diseases: models of viruses and bacteria that will infect the virtual people, models of immune system and treatment interventions that will fight viruses and bacteria, and models of behavior that will enact public safety recommendations. Research has shown that students do not effectively blend lectures, 2-D static images, and textual descriptions of scientific phenomena. Building virtual reality models is the right match for the content and builds deep understanding of the 3-D nature of science concepts and the inquiry skills of model based science. This instructional approach and base technology, by Cybernet Systems, has the potential to open up an entirely new mode of instruction that will be extendable to many other mathematics, science, and technology domains. The market will be middle school life science, high school, undergraduate and graduate biology, graduate public and environmental health, and professional medical-related programs including medicine and nursing. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Cohen, Charles CYBERNET SYSTEMS CORPORATION MI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99560 1666 SMET 9180 9178 9177 7256 0522400 Information Systems 0232481 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Solid State Proton Conductor as a Hydrogen Pump. This SBIR Phase I program involves the development of a solid-state proton conductor (SSPC) suitable for intermediate temperature applications, i.e., >100 to ~300C. We will develop an ultra-thin (<1 m) dense film (using a properly selected inorganic electrolyte), which is supported on our existing commercial ceramic membranes as a solid-state proton conductor (SSPC). Based upon the specific conductivity, the proposed ultra-thin proton conductor can potentially deliver a hydrogen permeance comparable to or better than existing polymeric (e.g., Nafion) and high temperature (e.g., perovskite) proton conductors and permit operation at the intermediate temperature ranges. This SSPC can be used as (i) a hydrogen pump for hydrogen recovery from waste/recycle streams, (ii) a 2nd stage hydrogen separator to conventional pressure-driven membranes for further hydrogen separations without an interstage compressor, and (iii) a membrane reactor (MR) to enhance the conversion/yield of industrial dehydrogenation reactions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Paul Media and Process Technology Inc. PA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232482 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Elimination of Chromate from the Electrolytic Production of Sodium Chlorate. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will permit production of sodium chlorate without the addition of Na2Cr2O7 to the electrolyte during electrolysis and thereby eliminate all the treatment steps involved in removing chromate to achieve zero chrome in the crystal chlorate and in the plant effluent streams. We propose to investigate various non-chrome based, poorly conducting, porous films. Such films will be formed on the cathode before assembly of the cell. We propose to demonstrate the superior performance of such coatings for the production of chlorate in an environmentally acceptable manner. Potential customers for this innovation include producers of electrolytic sodium chlorate and the sodium chlorate technology suppliers. Currently, the world production capacity of NaClO3 is 2,800,000 metric tons/year, with the North American share being 1,950,000 metric tons. This industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2-3% through 2005. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bommaraju, Tilak Process Technology Optimization, Inc. NY Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99935 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232487 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: ACIM Wafer Saver: A Novel CMP Slurry Monitor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is targeted to save semiconductor wafers from being deeply scratched by unchecked large errant agglomerates in chemical mechanical planarizing or polishing (CMP) slurries. CMP has become the method of choice for restoring the surface trueness of wafers at all stages of integrated circuit manufacture. No method currently exists that can implement a CMP-safe slurry at the point of use. The proposed novel technology of Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcavitation (ACIM) is a means to constructively control acoustic microcavitation and direct its high intensity energy implosions at specific particle sites. ACIM will achieve both the detection and destruction of the stray large particles and render the entire slurry CMP-safe at the point of use. A high-end wafer scratched at the final stages of manufacturer results in a large direct loss. Using ACIM to save post-CMP wafers is therefore a direct savings. The ACIM Wafer Saver, the slurry monitor-comminuter, would be the first fully in-line, real-time, point of use device for detecting stray large particles and agglomerates, and for reducing them to a nano-fine state. The rapidly growing CMP industry presents a well-developed market for this environmentally friendly ACIM tool. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Madanshetty, Sameer Uncopiers, Inc. KS Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232493 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Continuous Production of Nanofluids by Flame Aerosol Process. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the development of an innovative liquid combustion process for continuous production of nanofluids with suspended unagglomerated metallic and non-metallic nanopowders of uniform size and composition. It has been demonstrated that fluids containing solid metallic nanoparticles -nanofluids- display significantly enhanced thermal conductivities relative to conventional heat transfer fluids. A related goal of this effort is the development of a new large-eddy simulation (LES) model for nanoparticle formation and aggregation coupled to local Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation models. This numerical tool will be applied to design process parameters to produce the desired particle size distribution. The use of nanofluids can impact many industrial sectors, including transportation, electronics, energy supply, textiles etc. Mostly all the sectors that have thermal-management systems will benefit from this project. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lal, Mihir NGIMAT CO. GA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232499 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Radially Constricted Consolidation (RCC) Technique for Rapidly Engineered Forging Dies. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a process to significantly lower (up to 74%) the cost of forging dies, improve die life, and at the same time lower the cost of forgings. The project method involves the use of a near-net-shape manufacturing process, called the RCC process. This process, once optimized for die applications, will be replacing several high energy, expensive steps in the existing methods. The process allows localized control of surface chemistry, which can lead to better metal flow and die cavity filling, improved resistance to wear and heat checking. The process combines the shape capability of investment casting with structural uniformity of full-density powder metallurgy, and strength of forgings. The process has been used successfully to manufacture several complex shaped superalloy, titanium alloy, and stainless steel prototype parts. The potential commercial application will be a new die making process. It is projected that an annual cost savings could be as much as $1.2 billion if successful. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ecer, Gunes Applied Metallurgy Corporation CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99935 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232507 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Next Generation Plastic Actuators and Transducers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an optimized manufacturing process for new robust, high efficiency, polymer piezo actuators and transducers based on polyvinylidene di-fluoride (PVDF) - carbon nanotube nanocomposites. These new actuators and transducers have recently been demonstrated in the laboratory and have shown a remarkable 300-500 % performance improvement over current technology. It appears they can be made with the same or lower cost using existing extrusion manufacturing techniques. In the proposed project scale-up strategies for low cost manufacture and commercialization will be examined particularly in terms of how they impact the performance of the actuator or transducer. Comparisons will be made to commercially relevant standards to identify the optimal process. Commercially, these materials are used in a variety of applications, such as switches, computer graphics, infrared detectors, ultrasonic medical imaging, musical instrument pickup, hydrophones, and transducers for military and civilian sonar applications. The transducer composite and polymer film market equaled $222 million in 2000, and is expected to grow to $340 million by 2005. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99930 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232514 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: The Natural Tag (TNT). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on automating the identification of individual fish while eliminating mutilation. The project, named TNT ("the natural tag"), is directed at developing a new fisheries management tool using the latest image processing/pattern recognition technology, and it is based on the knowledge that natural marks on animals, specifically fish, are unique and can be used to identify individuals over space and time. Proof-of-concept will demonstrate: 1) elimination of fish mutilation 2) larger number of fish 'tagged' per dollar spent, 3) more fish tagged per unit time, 4) a more comprehensive set of statistical data archived for each fish, 5) reduction or elimination of 'tag loss', and 6) elimination of tag reading errors. The first expected outcome substantially addresses the perennial issue of ethical standards and behavior with respect to mark-recapture science. The last five deal with advancing the state-of-the-art of fisheries science and represent immediate improvement of the cost/benefit ratio associated with fish tagging research and commercial aquaculture in local, state, federal and international programs. The TNT system will provide fisheries managers and scientists a higher level of biologically sound and statistically justifiable data. Nationally, expected customers of this technology include Department of Commerce's NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service and Department of Interior's U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management, the Departments of Fish & Game for each of the 50 states as well as many universities. Organizations in approximately 35 foreign countries are target customers also. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Skvorc, Paul DataFlow/Alaska, Inc. AK Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232515 January 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Novel Nanocoated Ferromagnetic Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will apply novel Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology for the encapsulating of ultrafine particle surfaces used in certain advanced materials for aerospace applications and drug delivery. Ultrafine sized iron particles will be nanocoated with alumina providing film thicknesses of 50, 25, 12.5, 6.3, 3.2, 1.6, and 0.8 nanometers. The particle nanocoating will be carried out in a fluidized bed process developed at the University of Colorado. The produced particles will be characterized for film thickness, particle size distribution, surface area, and film coverage uniformity. They will be evaluated for coercivity, remanent magnetization, hysteresis loss, and oxidation resistance. Nanocoated iron particle filled epoxy composites will be fabricated and tested for electromagnetic transmission/reflection. Commercially, this powerful and versatile processing method can encapsulate ultrafine particles with ceramic nanolayers to offer unparalleled control of coating thickness ( 0.1 nm) relative to more conventional methods. Such ultrathin, chemically bonded, conformal coatings on individual primary particles provide for materials opportunities never before realized . Envisioned applications include novel ferromagnetic materials for artificial dielectrics for microwave lens antennas, radar crossection reduction materials, and drug delivery. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Buechler, Karen ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232518 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Texturing of High Curie Temperatures (Tc) Piezoelectrics by Templated Grain Growth. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will lead to the fabrication process of Bismuth Scantanate-Lead Titanate(BiScO3-PbTiO3) ceramics with a textured microstructure to yield materials with very large piezoelectric properties over a broad temperature range. In the case of existing ceramics, the piezoelectric properties are too low for these applications while recently discovered single crystal materials suffer from low Curie temperature and high manufacturing costs. The objective of this research is to develop textured ceramics from the BiScO3-PbTiO3 system. These materials have been shown to possess a very high Curie temperature (Tc. >450 C) and high piezoelectric properties suitable for meeting the needs of emerging sensor, transducer, and actuator applications. The templated grain growth method will be used as a means of texturing microstructure to produce polycrystalline ceramics with properties close to those of single crystal. Commercially, piezoelectric ceramics and single crystals are tantalizingly close to enabling a broad range of advanced applications including vibration sensors with sensitivity at the theoretical limit, two-dimensional ultrasound phased arrays for three dimensional volumetric imaging, and high authority actuators for smart structures (vibration control and surface morphing). This program will lead to highly piezoelectrically active material produced at nearly the same cost as existing ceramic compositions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kwon, Seongtae TRS Ceramics, Inc. PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99655 5371 AMPP 9163 1774 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232524 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Colorimetric Detection in Aqueous Solutions. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project possesses a unique chemical detection technology in which colorimetric changes in an array of dyes constitute a signal much like that generated by the mammalian olfaction system; each dye is a cross-responsive sensor. This technology has recently been expanded into the realm of the detection of aqueous analytes for use as an electronic tongue - dubbed TasteSeeing. Preliminary results indicate that near-instantaneous, vivid responses are obtained from small solution samples and that the majority of the array appears to be robust in water. This Phase I program is designed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of the technology as a methodology to characterize aqueous solutions. This technique, while attractive to a wide range of markets, will initially be focused on the detection and identification of potential terrorist chemical agents. The goal is to integrate the TasteSeeing technology into a portable and inexpensive device to detect rapidly low levels of dissolved chemicals in water and other fluids. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hulkower, Keren CHEMSENSING, INC IL Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99556 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232527 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Law Enforcement Analytical Tool for Visualizing Complex Relationships. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I will develop research of a commercial application that permits law enforcement or intelligence analysts to visualize complex relationships among objects in a consolidated database. This software will operate on large data stores that automatically refresh to maintain currency. Existing tools that perform this function display the results of user queries in textual or numeric formats. Certain inherent human cognitive processes interpose difficulties in converting the raw data to actionable information and knowledge. This visualization program will give analysts the ability to discover previously hidden linkages and relationships among criminals, organizations, locations, weapons, and vehicles that may not be readily apparent by simply examining raw data. The Phoenix and Tucson police departments have agreed to be development partners in this effort. Interviews and observations of investigators and analysts at work will form the basis for the research outcome. This will be a comprehensive software requirements statement. There is substantial demand for easy-to-use analytical software that removes technical and data entry burdens from analysts. Software of this type can assist law enforcement and homeland defense agencies in carrying out their tasks more effectively, at less expense and more quickly than is currently possible. The commercial application of such a software product is all law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local level that engage in criminal investigations, and all intelligence gathering agencies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fund, Robert KNOWLEDGE COMPUTING CORP AZ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 69360 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0232529 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Proton Conductive Membranes for Cost-Effective Fuel Cell Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will support the development and preliminary evaluation of low-cost, high-performance, environmentally-clean proton exchange membranes (PEMs). The project involves the manufacture of PEMs using a patented hot filament chemical vapor deposition process, depositing ultra-thin fluorinated sulfonic acid polymer films directly onto inexpensive membrane substrates. Structure-property-processing relationships will be established and compared with performance with commercially-available membranes, measuring electrical conductivity, relevant gas/liquid permeability and acid capacity, characterizing chemical composition and stability, and identifying the significance of polymerization parameters. The results will enable selection of suitable polymer chemistries for optimization, aggressive evaluation and testing of the PEMs in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) in Phase II. Ultimately, rapid, integrated process for fabricating composite MEAs through the deposition of multiple functional layers will be developed, in a manner analogous to the manufacture of microchips. The market potential for fuel cells is massive, with PEMs and more broadly MEA components constituting a significant portion of the overall market share. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pryce-Lewis, Hilton GVD CORPORATION MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99668 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232536 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: SHOWME - Systematic Historical Overview of Water Management and Environmental Data. This research will develop a commercial version of the SHOWME (Systematic Historical Overview of Water Management and Environmental) database for a wide variety of waste sites, groundwater basins, and water resource projects. Each SHOWME plot will include a concise informative display of 40-60 chemicals with regulatory limits, well location map, sampling depth, geology, water levels, and well construction details. SHOWME voluminous displays of water quality, geologic, and hydrologic data are designed for expedited site characterization and environmental restoration. Site workers, regulators, stakeholders, and the concerned public spend hours to understand environmental data. The processed informative displays in SHOWME will help avoid the collection of trivial data and delay in environmental restoration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gupta, Sumant CFEST INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9186 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232544 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Temperature-Adaptive Nano-Crystalline Combinatorial Self-Lubricating Coating. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel temperature-adaptive nano-crystalline combinatorial self-lubricating coating for cutting tools. Solid lubricant and hard phase combinatorial coated tools have significant potential application for machining applications. Currently available self-lubricating coatings have a soft lubricant phase deposited over a hard phase. The soft phase quickly wears out leaving the under layer of hard phase without lubrication. Also, todays lubricant coatings do not offer temperature adaptability. Both of these problems are addressed will be addressed in this project. The commercial potential of this project will be tools that have an extremely wear-resistant nano-composite coatings which will increase the life of a tool. This technology will have siginificant impact on the cutting tool and die industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Wenping NANOMECH, LLC AR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9150 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232551 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A New Class of Transparent Coatings with Multiple Functionalities. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) coating suitable for polymer substrates which are attractive alternatives to TCO coated glass, because of their low cost, reduced weight and enhanced toughness. Conventional techniques used for depositing TCOs require the substrate to be heated to elevated temperatures, since low temperature deposition leads to films with poor optical and electrical properties. However, polymeric substrates cannot be processed at elevated temperatures. Further, the surface of polymeric materials needs to possess adequate abrasion and scratch resistance. Accordingly, there is a need for a low cost coating technology that imparts multiple functionality to the surface, i.e. combined electrical, optical and mechanical properties. In this project it is proposed to develop coatings composed of a high volume fraction of homogeneously dispersed conducting nanoparticles in an organic-inorganic matrix. The project team will develop coating formulations, deposit films on polymer substrates, characterize the structure, and determine the electrical, mechanical and optical properties. The properties will then be benchmarked against currently used coatings. Commercially, the proposed technology can be used in applications, such as, electromagnetic shielding, low emissivity windows, automobile side windows and aircraft transparencies because of their superior mechanical, optical and electrical properties. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jain, Mohit NEI CORPORATION NJ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232558 January 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Feasibility of Generating Electricity Using Thermal Energy Extracted From Existing Underground Coal & Waste Bank Fires. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of generating electricity from existing fires in abandoned coal mines and waste banks. These can be high temperature fires (charted in excess of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit) that have been burning for decades and will continue to burn long into the future. There are currently over 600 fires associated with past coal mining activity. Millions of dollars have been spent trying to extinguish these fires only to find that there is no practical and cost effective solution. We will drill into burning coal seams and install a thermal extraction system that would tap into these unutilized heat sources and in turn, convert these otherwise wasted energies into a useful product commercially viable electricity. This research may lead to the construction of commercial power plants at sites now regarded as unproductive liabilities. The generally shallow depths and high temperatures of these fires lead to the belief that commercially competitive power plants can be built and operated at these sites. These factors, as well as others, should lead to lower costs in construction and in higher efficiencies of the power plants as compared to already proven power plants in the geothermal industry. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stebner, Lance Drakon Energy LLC WY Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232559 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Scanning Electron Microscope Micro-Force Testing System (SEM/MFTS). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a Micro-Force Test Apparatus inside a Scanning Electron Microscope to better learn the micromechanical properties of materials and MEMS devices. The project will explore mechanical properties of MEMS devices as well as individual phases in metals. The properties to be explored are compressive strength, shear strength, tensile strength, flex, and peel. In addition, microgrippers will be added to the end of the linear motion feed though. This addition will allow for assembly of other components using various attachment techniques including thermoset polymer adhesives, solders and brazes. The potential commercial application for the Microforce Testing System and fixtures will be to characterize materials such as metals and ceramics and MEMS-type devices. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Murty, Gollapudi TOUCHSTONE RESEARCH LABORATORY LTD WV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99984 9150 MANU 9146 9102 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232565 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Study of Particulate Composites of Aluminum with Intermetallic Reinforcements. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop composites of aluminum with intermetallic reinforcements. These are important for products that demand higher strength and more ease in processing than is currently available in metal/ceramic discontinuously reinforced aluminum (DRA) matrix composites. The project will explore the mechanical properties of particulate composites of aluminum with intermetallic reinforcements from a fundamental viewpoint. Silicon carbide has been a common choice of the particulate phase in DRA composites. Because the fracture toughness and strength properties of DRA are influenced by the interfacial bond strength between the matrix and the reinforcing phase, there are advantages to a metal/intermetallic particulate composite approach rather than silicon carbide. This will be demonstrated in the project. From a commercial point of view, discontinuously reinforced aluminum matrix composites are attractive for various applications because of low cost, greater flexibility in processing and isotropy of properties. The resulting material may be used with greater strength for vehicle drive shafts, brake drums, engine pistons, jet engine fan exit guide vanes, satellites, aircraft ventral fins and fuel access covers, bicycle components, golf clubs and a wide variety of other commercial applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Murty, Gollapudi TOUCHSTONE RESEARCH LABORATORY LTD WV Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99990 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1774 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232574 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Membrane-Electrode Assembly for High-Temperaure PEM Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed at developing novel high-temperature membranes/MEA for PEM fuel cell system for next generation vehicle (NGV) application. The overall objective is to operate PEM fuel cell at 120-150C to achieve high cell performance, improve CO tolerance, mitigate water and thermal management challenges and reduce system cost. The technical approach is to develop high-performing MEA consisting of membranes of high water retention capability and cathode of low polarization at high temperatures. High-temperature PEMFC is attractive due to its unique characteristics of simple system design. Such a clean, high-efficiency and simple system is very attractive for NGV. The main commercial market will be NGV passenger car and bus. Other markets will include mobile/portable power, ship, and commercial/residential building applications.. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yuh, Chao-Yi FuelCell Energy, Inc. CT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232593 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructures for Controlled Fluid Transport. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel method of pumping and controlling fluid flow within microfluidic devices via surface nanostructures consisting of self-assembled monolayers containing covalently bound electrochemically active species. By controlling the surface energy (surface wettability) within the flow channels, fluid can be made to flow to the desired location within the device. Application of a low voltage (<2 volts) switches the surface between hydrophilic and hydrophobic states. At this low voltage, silicon can be used to make the microdevices, in contrast to electro-osmotic pumping which requires glass, quartz, or plastic devices. Silicon is highly advantageous because unique ultraprecise low cost manufacturing methods have been developed by the electronics industry for silicon, which will lead to cost-effective manufacturing of the microfluidic device. Commercially, the compact integrated sensor devices emerging from this work will have widespread commercial use in clinical medicine, drug discovery, genetic testing and research, environmental monitoring, and military and antiterrorism security (monitoring pathogens, toxins, and nerve agents). In particular, these enhanced microfluidics can be combined with the unique silicon microneedle devices developed for painless one step diabetic glucose self-testing, relevant to minority populations in which diabetes is very prevalent. Additionally, the ease of use of biodiagnostic products made possible by this new technology will benefit long-term diabetics handicapped by poor eyesight and limited hand-eye coordination, because performance of a test is completely automatic requiring no transfer of blood from a fingerstick or armstick to a test strip (required in all current products). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tsai, Jr-Hung KUMETRIX, INC CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232594 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Automated Personalized Rich Media Broadcast Generation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of creating a system that automatically generates personalized broadcasts from a library of audio / video (rich media) content. Such a system is needed because individuals are overloaded with rich media content and lack advanced tools for navigating this deluge of rich media. Building upon StreamSage's existing expertise in dealing with rich media information, StreamSage's research will alleviate this problem by creating a system capable of creating "personalized rich media broadcasts" that automatically characterize the gaps between disjointed segments of content and fill these gaps with bridging text that provides necessary background and structure to the segments from multiple rich media files. The effort in Phase I will expand the current-state-of-the-art by developing algorithms capable of automatically identifying the types of gaps between the rich media segments and by establishing methods by which the information necessary for coherently bridging these gaps can be automatically extracted from the rich media files. The personalized broadcast system created by this research would greatly improve end-user interactions with the rich media content by intelligently ordering and bridging the content pushed or pulled to the end-user. Additionally, an automated personalized broadcast system would enable the pushing of rich media content on a large scale, which has been impossible to date because of the tremendous manual intervention required to create a broadcast of usable quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rubinoff, Robert STREAMSAGE INC DC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232597 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Growth of "BioCarbon" Nanotubes on Nanostructured Silicon Templates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel material, Bio-Carbon Nano-Tube (BCNT), for a neural prosthetic application. The project involves a highly innovative approach, which uses a surface-engineered nanostructured silicon wafer as a template to grow the desired BCNT material. In this way, the carbon nanotubes nucleate will grow in a specific alignment due to the restrictions set by the size and shape of the nano-structured silicon matrix. Also, the project will investigate the feasibility of forming BCNT material on nanostructured porous silicon substrates and will conduct in-vitro studies on nerve cell function and fibrous scar tissue formation. Subsequent work will optimize the growth process for BCNT and conduct systematic studies aimed at demonstrating the medical, and possibly industrial, applications of the proposed functional nanostructured material. Commercially, the material is expected to perform many functions, in particular, as a neural prosthetic material to bridge damaged areas of the central and peripheral nervous systems in patients with neurological disorders. Preliminary studies conducted using existing nano-carbon tube technology, have had limited success due to the lack of control on growth of aligned nanotubes with desired size, shape, and electrical properties. The current approach will overcome these limitations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kalkhoran, Nader Spire Corporation MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232608 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Aspect-Ratio Boehmite Platelets. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a process for producing high-aspect ratio boehmite nanoscopic platelets. Boehmite is an inexpensive mineral produced in large volumes as a precursor to alumina catalyst supports. In the project simple and inexpensive methods for modifying the surface of boehmite to render it dispersible in and reactive with a wide variety of polymeric matrices will be developed. Subtly changing the boehmite synthesis conditions and adding morphology-directing compounds to the reaction mixture will achieve the formation of high aspect-ratio boehmite platelets. Particle size and shape will routinely be measured by a combination of x-ray diffraction and light scattering techniques which will, in turn, be verified by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The high aspect ratio boehmite developed in this research project will result in dramatic improvements to the barrier properties of its composites, leading to inexpensive nanocomposite barrier films for packaging, paints and coatings. Mechanical properties of composites with high-aspect ratio boehmite platelets are also expected to improve. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Bryan TDA Research, Inc CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232614 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Inductive Analysis Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will research the technical feasibility and commercial viability of an innovative interactive environment that supports an inductive analysis approach to unifying heterogeneous, distributed information systems. This innovation, called the Inductive Analysis Environment, will allow end users to develop abstract models of target domains by manipulating existing data and creating new relationships and attributes. By enabling end-users to manipulate representations of data objects while itself taking care of housekeeping tasks (such as connecting to data sources and converting data), the environment will allow users to essentially develop applications on the fly, making many of the traditional application development cycles unnecessary. After creating these new application contexts, users may then save them and share them in a multi-user, collaborative space. This process will represent a new kind of problem-solving environment. The Inductive Analysis Environment thus will introduce a new methodology for developing certain classes of information systems. This innovation will also enable seamless, end-user controlled integration of heterogeneous systems without requiring the intermediate steps of software development or data warehousing. By making many steps of the traditional software development process unnecessary, the Inductive Analysis Environment will make the creation of software applications a much higher- quality, more reliable process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Worthington, Jeffrey Technology Innovation Enterprise, LLC PA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99300 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0108000 Software Development 0232617 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Personalized Wireless Network. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will research high bandwidth individualized wireless network (IWN) which is personalized to maximize flexibility and capability for individual users and minimize interference, crosstalk and extraneous information. A wireless network will be established which uses a standard protocol like IEEE 802.11b wireless Ethernet standard or the Bluetooth standard. Talking Lights optical selection technology will allow users to select among transmitted signals, personalize the transmission for individual users, provide CART captions and permit assisted conversations. The system will be developed in connection with experts on education of deaf and hard of hearing students and will be evaluated and tested in schools specializing in education of the handicapped to maximize user friendliness and value. Anticipated Results and Commercial Applications: As a result of this project, a new technology for communication of information will be developed which enhances the capability of wireless networks. A single network will be able to carry a broad variety of information. Modified IWN ballast transformers will be commercial products sold to replace current ballast transformers and allow fluorescent lights to perform dual use as locators. IWN optical will be commercial products sold to users. The software used to enable optical control of the wireless network will be a commercial product. Once installed, the modulated light sys-tem can also be used for assistance to hearing impaired and visually impaired users, assisted audio, direction finding, description of exhibits and many other applications SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Avestruz, Al-Thaddeus TALKING LIGHTS LLC MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0232626 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of Porous Lubricated Nozzles for Suppression of Nozzle Wear in Abrasive Water Jet Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop technology to prevent nozzle wear in abrasive water jets used for machining (e.g. automotive/aerospace components). Nozzle wear limits the life and accuracy of jet cutting and currently requires entrainment of abrasives downstream of the nozzle in a larger mixing tube. The new method consists of nozzles made of a porous material surrounded by reservoirs containing high viscosity lubricant, and exposed to the pressure that drives the slurry in the nozzle. This method extends the nozzle life and allows premixing of the particles prior to injection (abrasive suspension jets), enabling operation at lower pressures, cutting of harder materials and smaller jets (micro machining). The commercial potential of using this diverse technology by both small machine shops to automotive and aircraft industries is very appealing. Wear of the nozzle or mixing tube in present systems is a major problem affecting all the applications of jet cutting. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anand, Umang Lubrijet, Inc MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99614 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232632 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: DIAGNOSTICA: Clinician's Assistant for Diagnostics and Treatment Planning in Mental Health. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on computational aspects of Diagnostica, an application that provides advanced diagnostic decision support and outcome monitoring for individual mental health clinicians without significantly altering accepted clinical practices. A critical problem in mental health care is that while a definitive standard for making formal diagnoses exists (as encoded in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), its complexity prevents community clinicians from utilizing it effectively. This project will develop the computational machinery needed to model and process the temporal and severity aspects of DSM-IV. Diagnostica's reasoning capabilities will be implemented by combining techniques drawn from constraint processing, non-monotonic reasoning and logic programming. Diagnostica will use explicit temporal and severity measures, thereby enabling rigorous DSM-IV diagnostic work in the normal course of documenting a clinical encounter. With increasing pressure by third party payers for detailed DSM-IV based documentation and the need to minimize misdiagnosis, a majority of clinicians may be expected to use DSM-IV-based systems over the next decade. By enabling the improvement of the quality of mental health diagnosis, widespread use of Diagnostica will dramatically improve the quality of care, enable the aggregation of community data for public health improvement, and spur further development of the DSM rule base. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gartner, Joseph Medicine Rules Corporation NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99965 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232633 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Low-cost, Closed-cell Ceramic Foams. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop engineered closed cell ceramic foams, suitable for low temperature processing, to replace lower performing metallic and open cell ceramic foams now in widespread use. Design specific requirements will be accommodated by ceramic selection, porosity control and reinforcement technique. A unique capability to be developed is self-healing of cracks to prevent damage to fiber reinforcements in hot gas environments. The project includes fluid flow and finite element modeling. Samples will be fabricated and mechanical and thermal measurements taken to explore material performance sensitivity to key design variables. It is anticipated that the research will result in a family of low cost, low density, self-healing ceramic foams, with widespread application. Commercially, closed cell ceramic foams will improve the performance of high temperature systems used in the power, chemical and transportation industries, resulting in three major benefits to society; lower process cost, reduced consumption of fossil fuel and lower pollution levels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rimer, Melvyn Bethpage Technologies, Inc NY Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99972 5371 AMPP 9163 1774 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232638 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Direct Conversion of Heat to Electricity with Nanowire Antenna Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of collecting and converting to DC power infrared radiation (IR) from heated sources using monolithically integrated, nanowire antenna/rectifying diode arrays (IR-AAID). Using scaleable, self-organizing, and inexpensive electrochemical processing on low cost substrates, the antenna/diode systems can be engineered to convert IR radiation from a particular heat source/emitter with specific characteristics by simply changing the antenna geometry. Unlike traditional semiconductor-based IR photovoltaic materials with their associated low efficiencies, high material costs, temperature sensitivity and matched high temperature emitter requirements, an IR-AAID system could potentially convert heat to electricity at over 40% efficiency. The best IR photovoltaic modules typically operate at less than 5% efficiency, require 1200 to 2000 Celsius emitter temperatures to match available band gaps, and require very expensive materials with chemically tailored compositions to match specific energy applications. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology will be low-cost nanowire arrays with high density and tunable diameter/length aspect ratios over a relatively large area for heat collection applications. These applications will vary from portable power packs that use low temperature heat, to the generation of electricity from high temperature nuclear and conventional heat sources where noise or other environmental concerns are an issue. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Simpson, Lin ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99991 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232640 January 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Nanoscale Transport Processes Prediction/Design/Analysis Tool for NEMS Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will produce a unique computational tool for predicting transport in nanoscale systems. The novel approach to be used here is based on Lattice Boltzmann Methods (LBM) which will enable virtual prototyping of nanodevices using grids of up to a hundred million computational cells thus opening the way for computer aided design and analysis of NEMS devices in the data storage industry. Existing LBM codes will be extended to handle the high Knudsen number range applicable for the head disk interface in computer disk drive system. This new analytical model will then be implemented in a commercial software package, PowerFLOW, which is now used for automotive applications worldwide and has early applications in the data storage industry. With this platform, the highest standards of numerical accuracy, parallel efficiency, and geometric flexibility (including full integration with commercial CAD tools), will be obtained. Upon benchmarking this algorithm against simplistic flow data, a nanoscale transport problem of industrial level complexity will be simulated, with the goal to resolve all the relevant geometric details of the slider and to obtain detailed pressure and shear (head) stress distributions. Commercially, this nanoscale transport prediction tool will open new simulation markets, especially at the engineering design level. Secondly, this new technology should open broad new markets for computer aided engineering (CAE), especially in NEMS and related industries, by enabling nanoscale transport prediction in devices of real world complexity which are now designed/optimized using either experimentation or semi-empirical rules. Market analysis shows that the existing CAE market of about $150 MM per year should increase 10- to 100-fold by introducing new prediction technologies at the engineering design level. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Staroselsky, Ilya Exa Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232641 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced Location-Based Services Clients: Accessing Real-time Virtual Information Spatially Embedded in Mission-Critical Environments. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will test the feasibility of an innovative method for extending traditional Location-Based Services clients into a real-time, 3D spatially correct, interactive system that interacts with virtual information embedded into mission-critical environments. The demand for 'point-of-need' information delivery is most evident in mission-critical environments typical of first responders, homeland security and other themed-specific situations. However, current LBS's suffer from inadequate networks, clients, delivery mechanisms and imprecise spatial/contextual relationships between the physical environment and virtual media information. VRGIS Corporation proposes an innovative Enhanced Location-Based Services system that integrates Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, wireless and augmented reality technologies to enhance in situ 'Just-In-Time' information and communication layers aware of both a user's physical environment and information requirements. By accessing this system through an augmented client (PDA, portable, wearable computing devices), users can maneuver through mission-critical environments interacting with 3D positioned, real-time, intelligent data points derived from online GIS databases, early warning systems, critical building information, sensors, hydrological data and communications through a multi-user network. The proffered technology has the potential to produce an Enhanced Location-Based 3D software client that can be utilized in homeland security and emergency services applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Refsland, Scot VRGIS CORPORATION WV Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0232646 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Nano-Polarizer for OFC. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate polarization effects in mono-layers of evaporative deposited prolate metal nano-spheroids in order to fabricate low-cost, high performance polarizing optical coatings. Recent investigations of nano-spheroid arrays have resulted in a major technical innovation for achieving high performance polarization in the spectral region from 1300 nm to 1650 nm. Techniques for fabricating these polarizing nano-spheroid (PNS) layers will be investigated in order to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating near-IR polarizing coatings. The research effort will consist of assembly of test equipment for precision characterization of the nano-spheroids, development of PNS mono-layers with high performance characteristics, encapsulation of the PNS layers in a dielectric matrix and demonstration of a multi-layer PNS polarizing coating. Commercially, a high performance PNS polarizing coating will provide a low-cost alternative to expensive glass polarizers now used in Optical Fiber Communications components including optical isolators, high-frequency modulators, and fiber tip coatings for Metro and Home optical fiber links. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brown, Andy INTEGRATED PHOTONICS, INC. AL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99965 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232661 January 1, 2003 SBIR/Phase I: The Accessible Semantic Web. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a proof-of-concept, multi-modal Universal Access Web Interface that provides the user with a choice between text, speech, and animated American Sign Language (ASL). A representative knowledgebase, encoded using Extensible Markup Language (XML) Schema, will be translated into differentiated representations in Vcom3D's Character Animation Markup Language (CAML). CAML, developed under a previous NSF SBIR grant, is currently being used in several educational products and on Websites (including www.signingavatar.com) to create grammatically correct ASL, as well as synthesized speech with correct prosody and coordinated gesture and expression. The effectiveness of the proof-of-concept Universal Access Web Interface in K-12 educational environments will be tested. Based on successful demonstrations of the proof-of-concept , the extensibility of the Interface to more general knowledgebase domains will be examined. In particular, the investigative team will evaluate the applicability of Resource Description Framework (RDF), Ontology Web Language (OWL), and other Semantic Web initiatives to the creation of a standards-based Accessible Semantic Web. The project has potential to produce in Software Tools that can be used to economically create e-Learning materials that are accessible to both deaf and blind persons. Longer-term development, in concert with the emergence of the Semantic Web, can result in products that provide general accessibility to Web-based information in multiple language modalities. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Sims, Edward VCOM3D, INC. FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99870 1545 SMET 9180 9178 9177 9102 1545 0510604 Analytic Tools 0522400 Information Systems 0232669 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: C5: An Educational Simulation Architecture For Wireless Handhelds. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project uses wireless handheld devices that are interconnected to create an educational simulation architecture called C5, supporting simulations that are compact, connected, continuous, customizable, and collective. C5 tightly connects four information technologies: handheld devices to run individual and distributed simulations; a desktop computer with a wireless network hub acting as the simulation manager; the Web as a live data and information source; and. end-user customization entailing customization of simulations and the integration of real time Web information into simulations. Because next generation handheld devices are sophisticated regarding the following features: speed, networking, and display; they are capable, respectively, of running complex simulations, of running distributed simulations over fast wireless networks, and of displaying high resolution color. Thus, handheld devices promise tools well beyond electronic versions of paper and pencil applications. Individuals can run handheld versions of interactive simulations and collectively create advanced distributed simulations. The research objectives of this project are to explore cognitive (interface), pedagogical (classroom), technical (hardware and software) and commercial issues for handheld-based simulations. The proffered education simulation architecture portends the revolution to come; it has the potential to provide cost effective information technology enabling learning and scientific exploration in wide range of fields, such as life sciences, biology, health, political science, and economics. While the project initially focuses on K-12, it ultimately aims to generate the more general lifelong learning markets that include distance learning, secondary education, home schooling and corporate training. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Repenning, Alexander AGENTSHEETS INC CO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1666 SMET 9177 7256 0000912 Computer Science 0101000 Curriculum Development 0232672 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Cellulose Aerogel Thermal Insulation Material for New Construction. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on producing novel cellulosic aerogels insulation materials for new construction. This project will focus on producing ultra-lightweight cellulose aerogels with exceptional high thermal insulation and mechanical performance. In the project new cellulosic aerogels will be designed and fabricated. Samples will be characterized by scanning electron microscopy and surface area/ pore size measurements and then optimized for thermal insulation, mechanical performance and hydrophobicity. Commercially, ultra-lightweight and hard cellulose aerogel will be useful not only as thermal insulator material for building construction but also as a shock absorbent (military helmet, automobile, etc), in clothing and in space suit applications. Thermal insulation is a major industry serving a wide range of residential and industrial application needs. Development of a new super-insulation material will maximize fuel efficiency in process industries and reduce heating and utility bills in residential markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Begag, Redouane ASPEN AEROGELS INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232675 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Process for Production of Carbon Nanotubes from Re-Usable Catalytic Substrate. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes (CNTs). There is great demand for CNTs from composite materials manufacturers, but current technology cannot yet provide large quantities of CNTs at an affordable price. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes will be grown from a re-usable catalytic substrate by pyrolysis of a carbon feedstock gas. The reusable catalytic substrate will provide control over the diameter of the CNTs in the range from 5nm to 100nm. After the CNTs have been grown from the catalytic substrate they will be physically removed (harvested), and the catalytic substrate can be reused. The resulting CNTs will be free of catalyst metal contamination and largely monodisperse. This process can be fully automated and is scalable to high volumes at very low cost. This project will prove the feasibility of this approach by demonstrating repeatable synthesis of carbon nanotubes from the same catalytic substrates. Nanotubes of different diameter will be produced and their structure will be characterized. The experimental data will be used to create a detailed analysis of the manufacturing economics for the approach and its competitiveness will be evaluated. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology would offer a major breakthrough in the cost/quality relationship to produce and sell loose CNTs. End customers will use CNTs in composite materials with improved structural integrity, and unique electrical and thermal performance. Potential customers are also focused on the use of carbon nanotubes for energy storage. Spin-off applications could include electromagnetic radiation shielding and field emission cathodes for flat panel displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carpenter, F. Nanomaterials Research LLC CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232688 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Multimodal Activated Network of Tactile Interfaces for Advanced Computing With Haptics (MANTIACH). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, Multimode Activated Network of Tactile Interfaces for Advanced Computing with Haptics (MANTIACH), is an innovative approach to provide a virtual tactile stimulation display to a human operator in three-dimensional space. This device conveys both the haptic information about a virtual object such as position, placement, and orientation as well as the tactile information of force, compliance, and texture. MANTIACH provides a non-visual interface to enable visually impaired operators and to augment the ability of visually enabled operators to interact with 2D and 3D graphics environments. MANTIACH uses proven stimulation technology, finger and hand positioning, stimulation mapping, and a three-dimensional graphics interpreter. MANTIACH is designed to be integrated into standard computer systems with minimal effort and standard interfaces. Key to this device is its ability to completely free the operator from fixed mechanical arms or levers in the work area, while still providing the full haptic and tactile stimulation directly related to the virtual graphic of screen display. MANTIACH provides humankind with a new user interface to standard computers for full 2D and 3D display capability to enable blind and visually impaired people. Ultimately Orbital Technology Corporation projects a simple human interface that plugs into a standard computer that would provide the entire control and feedback interface with 2D and 3D simulated objects and screens. A primary application would be computer graphical displays and controls for the blind. Additional commercial applications include virtual reality training and entertainment systems, feedback for calibrated and remotely controlled tools and robots and feedback and control interfaces for hazardous chemical and weapon handling, laparoscopic and robotic surgical equipment and many other applications. Advanced user interfaces for the blind to decrease the gap between sighted and blind users of computer systems is possibly the most far reaching and general use for the system. Specific commercial areas to be investigated further include the following: (1) 2D and 3D graphical user interfaces for the blind, (2) software and entertainment interface equipment, (3) interfaces for current robotic and telerobotic equipment, (4) sound interpreters for the deaf, (5) prosthetic hand sensor augmentation, (6) augmented surgical and instrumented tools, and (7) force feedback systems for nano-manipulators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Crabb, Thomas ORBITAL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION WI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 SMET 9180 5371 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0232698 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Hydrothermally Stable H2 Selective SiC Membrane for Membrane Reactor Appliction. This NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program involves the use a hydrothermally stable SiC membrane as a membrane reactor for steam reforming. We have developed an innovative hydrogen selective SiC membrane. This membrane has demonstrated an excellent material stability required for performing methane steam reforming and dehydrogenation via a catalytic membrane reactor. Thus, we believe that the time is ripe to harvest the catalytic membrane reactor technology. We will be able to perform experimental and reaction engineering study to demonstrate a commercially viable catalytic membrane reactor process using an appropriate membrane under an ideal operating condition. We will conduct a bench-top experimental study using this selected membrane to demonstrate the benefits of reactive separations for an industrial significant reaction, hydrogen production via methane steam reforming. In addition, the hydrothermal and chemical stability of the SiC membrane under the proposed reaction condition will be experimentally verified. The use of hydrothermally stable SiC membranes froe reactive separations can overcome the key technical barriers preventing the implementation of membrane reactor technology in the steam reforming of methane, as well as in dehydrogenation applications. Both are industrially important reaction processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Paul Media and Process Technology Inc. PA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232702 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: 3D Video Immersion Room. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop the technology for a "3D Video Immersion Room", based on the company's previous 3D video capture work. A user of this room will don a Head Mounted Display (HMD) with a camera attached. Entering the room, the user will experience immersive virtual scenarios containing arbitrary combinations of (1) realistic live 3D video from a Zaxel 3D Video Capture Studio, (2) prerecorded Zaxel 3D video, (3) virtual Computer Graphics (CG) content, and (4) the actual room, people, and objects around them. The proposed research will provide a new paradigm for interaction with live or recorded 3D content. The system will very accurately track the position and gaze of the viewer via the camera attached to the HMD. The investigative team will extend work on camera-based marker tracking so a large space can be instrumented with paper markers. The system will automatically determine the position and orientation of the camera relative to these markers at video frame rate. It will be quickly self-calibrating so it can be set up by simply attaching the paper markers to the walls and slowly sweeping the camera around the room. Thus, this technology will be much cheaper and more accurate than competing technologies. The "3D Video Immersion Room" is a new tool for education and training with numerous applications. Some examples are as follows: Live 3D Video Teleconferencing, which permits two participants to step into different geographically separated rooms, enabling them to see each other to communicate naturally; Sports Training, which permits an individual to review his or her own athletic performance (a golf or baseball swing, a basketball shot) with a trainer, including overlaying own previous performance or performance of professionals; Historical Reenactment, which uses live or recorded actors and enables students to go to a 3D reconstruction or recreation of a historic place with live actors and/or tour guides. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Williamson, Todd Zaxel Systems, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99804 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232703 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Ion-Beam Assisted Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves developing an ion-assisted plasma-enhanced deposition process for producing solid-state proton-conducting hydrated metal oxygen cluster-based materials to serve as electrolytes in electrochromic (EC) devices. Recent developments in infrared and THz sensors, superconducting electronics and EC thermal control systems require rugged solid-state electrolytes for low temperature high speed operation. Hydrated metal oxygen clusters deposited from solutions can extend the performance of existing EC systems but are not compatible with solid state vapor phase deposition processes. Eclipse suggests developing a modified duoplasmatron system to deposit thin-films of metal clusters serving as ion conductors in EC devices. The objectives include fabrication of a microplasma cluster deposition system, selection of metal oxide precursors, deposition and characterization of thin film electrolytes, fabrication and performance evaluation of EC devices. The proposal innovation is the use of enhanced microplasma deposition to prepare ionic conductors with controlled microstructures for use in EC systems. This effort will result in improved control of the microstructure of intercalation materials afforded by the proposed plasma deposition technique leading to advances in batteries, catalysts and nano-structured materials for electronics, optics, and low temperature applications. Successful completion of the program will result in the development of EC devices having substantially lower operating temperature, improved contrast ratio, faster switching speed and greater mechanical stability for use in terrestrial and space-based thermal control systems, in visible and IR sensors, and in optical data storage systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shannon, Kenneth Eclipse Energy Systems, Inc. FL Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99978 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232704 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of High Performance NbTi Superconductors Utilizing Nanometer-Scale Metal Oxide and Nickel Pinning Sites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an innovative process for incorporation of nanometer-scale inclusions into superconducting Niobium Titanium (NbTi) alloy wires. These inclusions will serve as magnetic flux pinning sites, resulting in improved critical current density (Jc) performance as compared to that which can be obtained by conventional processing methods. The innovation will consist in the use of mixtures of nanometer-scale NbTi powder and nanometer-scale metal oxide powder or nickel powder. The use of nanometer-scale powders will greatly reduce the amount of wire deformation required for optimum inclusion (pin) size and spacing as compared with other powder metallurgical and rod-based processes. This will be beneficial for wire piece-length and processing costs. At the same time, the process will have the benefit that pin volume may be easily adjusted for maximum Jc performance. By contrast, the volume of pinning sites that may be realized by conventional thermomechanical processing techniques for NbTi conductors is limited by precipitation kinetics, resulting in an upper limit to Jc performance. Commercially, an improved NbTi conductor will find application in superconducting magnets used for high energy physics accelerators, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) devices. Increased critical current density performance will translate directly into cost savings and greater design flexibility for the MRI and NMR industries. This will be of particular interest to the MRI industry (an industry rapidly approaching $3 billion dollars in sales), where it is difficult to maintain an advantage in an increasingly competitive international market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rudziak, Mark Supercon Inc MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232706 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Cost-Effective Long-Fiber Thermoplastic Composites for Next-Generation Vehicles Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing an innovative manufacturing process to produce cost-effective, high-performance long-fiber thermoplastic composites for Next-Generation Vehicles applications. There is general concern in the U.S. over the growing usage of imported oil, and about 68 percent of the total U.S. consumption of petroleum are related to transportation. Materials technologies to enable production of safe and cost-effective lightweight vehicles have been identified as critical to reducing fuel consumption in future vehicles. This project will validate the concept of using compounding technique to produce well-mixed long-fiber thermoplastic composites with a fiber length exceeding its critical length. Additionally, the innovation would be versatile and inexpensive enough for widespread use. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology will be to supply the automotive and other industries with improved performance long-fiber thermoplastic composites at a significantly lower cost (by 30-50 percent) to meet their needs for lighter, stronger, recyclable and cost-effective materials for future generation vehicles applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chung, Jerry FRONTIER PERFORMANCE POLYMERS CORP NJ Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232709 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanoporous Silica Slurry Technology for Enhanced Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) of Low "K" Dielectrics. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will synthesize novel slurries for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of low dielectric constant (K) materials. Standard abrasives such as silica and alumina lead to significant scratching, indenting and delamination of the soft low K surface. In this project it is proposed to use nanoporous silica based slurries in which the hardness of the particle can be controlled. In the project, synthesis of nanoporous silica particles will first be carried out followed by charcterization; next will be development of the slurry formulation followed by charcterization and finally testing against the specific needs of the CMP application. Commercially, these slurries are expected to reduce surface defects and enhance slurry stability. It is expected that major electronic manufacturing companies will use this new type of slurry. Wafer level experiments are already planned on patterned wafers in collaboration with key industrial partners. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99938 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232711 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Networked CIRF.B Basin Simulation Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will test the viability of a desktop computer-based basin simulator that is networked to distribute database management, simulation, and visualization. The basin simulator has been in development since the mid-1980's and presently exists as a research tool. The focus of this project is to bring recent developments in operating systems, programming languages, desktop computers, and client/server database management systems into the program to make it accessible to industry and academia. The software will be a computationally intensive, networked program. Off-the-shelf technology and hardware will allow the cost of the program development and maintenance to be competitive in the market. Success of this project will further advance geological sciences to include more fundamental physical and chemical concepts, and to promote multi-disciplinary industry and academic collaborations for developing even more advanced basin simulators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Park, Anthony Geo-Chem Research Associates Inc IN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 80865 5371 HPCC 9216 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232720 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanocrystalline Diamond Coated Cutting Tools. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop the process necessary to bring nano-diamond coating technology to the cutting tool market. The technical objective of producing a commercial size lot of nano-diamond coated cutting tools will be accomplished through application of the hot-filament Chemical Vapor Deposition process, which is the only economical process that produces a uniform diamond coating over several hundred square inches in a single batch operation. The technical approach will consist of migrating the current microwave-plasma CVD process to the hot-filament CVD process. Commercially, the immediate application for diamond-coated tools is machining aluminum-based metals and composites for the automotive industry. The 2001 automotive cutting-tool market for machining these materials was $780M. The potential market for applying the diamond coating to these tools is $53M in 2002 with a forecasted market growth rate of 4percent so that it is an important development. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Thompson, Raymond VISTA ENGINEERING INC AL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 98854 9150 AMPP 9163 9150 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232725 January 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: A CBN/TiN Nanocomposite Coating for Cutting Tools. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a novel class of coatings, initially for hard turning cutting tool application, using a new hybrid coating technology. Specifically, it is proposed to develop cubic boron nitride-titanium nitride (cBN-TiN) nano and micro particulate composite coatings using a combination of electrostatic spray coating (ESC) of cBN powder and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) of TiN. The project will follow a concept where initial work indicates that a thick cBN/TiN composite coating can be deposited in a practical hybrid deposition process using the ESC/CVI combination, and that cutting tools coated using this method can provide significant improvement in machining performance. Commercially, cBN tools are excellent candidates for machining hardened ferrous alloys and superalloys tools. Development of a cBN coating process can circumvent limitations of existing tools and thereby provide a significant improvement in cutting tool selection, productivity and application range where cBN tools simply do not exist (e.g., chip-breaker inserts, round-shank tools such as end-mills, and drills). STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Wenping NANOMECH, LLC AR Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232727 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Discharge Rate Rechargeable Lithium Batteries Based on Novel Cathode Materials. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of novel lithium based cathode materials for high discharge rate applications. Significant attempts have been made in the past decade to commercialize lithium manganospinels but have met with limited success due to poor cycle life and low rate dischargeability. Proprietary synthesis technologies have been developed to stabilize defective lithium manganospinels, which in thin film form, exhibit high capacity (> 230 mAH/g), long cycle life(> 700 cycle) and high discharge rates (> 25C). These materials have been fabricated using a special Vapor Phase Activated Oxygen (VPAO) method. This project proposes to explore the feasibility of the VPAO method to synthesize bulk electrodes for high discharge rate applications. Two methods will be explored using the VPAO techniques: (i) direct scale-up of the thin film technology to thick films and (ii) synthesis of defective manganospinel powders by gas phase nucleation process. Li-based batteries are presently used in low power applications. Success of the proposed research will allow lithium batteries to capture the market for high-powered applications such as power tools and electric vehicles, as well as the portable batteries market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99980 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232731 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Non-Expert Conceptual Annotation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project explores an approach to document indexing and search, which replaces conventional keywords with "concept terms" from a linguistically and semantically rich ontology. Its direct research objectives will be to determine whether the use of such a rich descriptive language can allow non-experts (i.e., non-archivists/librarians) to effectively annotate media resources (especially non-textual media) with "concept terms" which usefully improve both the precision and recall of subsequent searches. The research will prototype technologies and practices that enable semi-skilled workers (drawn from ethnically and economically diverse neighborhoods) to usefully and easily describe content using a conceptual language. The results of this process will be evaluated as to the accuracy of the annotations and their effectiveness in guiding browsing and search. Enabling non-experts (especially content producers) to improve the quality of searches, that is, to create rich and useful metadata, will make the publication and sharing of content more effective and useful. This could be a useful resource for the research community. In addition, the development of the proffered technology may also mean that language technologies can be deployed by enabling a new segment of the work force to perform the important task of concept annotation. Thus, supporting the creation of new semi-skilled entry-level positions in metadata production may broaden the impact of the new economy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Haase, Kenneth beingmeta, inc MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232733 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Scalable Synthesis and Processing of Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop processes and controls for producing commercial quantities of nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HAP) biomaterials suitable for load bearing orthopedic and dental applications. Though hydroxyapatite's osteoconductivity has generated interest in many clinical applications, conventionally processed hydroxyapatite materials have been limited by their poor sinterability and lack of mechanical strength attributed to poor phase purity and homogeneity. By controlling physical processes such as the method of mixing of reactants, particle recovery and synthesis conditions during the chemical precipitation of HAP, the crystallinity, stoichiometry and particle morphology of HAP will be optimized for mechanical strength. Hydroxyapatite optimized for mechanical strength will be nanocrystalline and possess increased chemical and thermal stability; these properties will lead to enhanced sinterability and minimal grain growth. As a result, fully dense, nanocrystalline HAP monoliths possessing superior chemical homogeneity, microstructural uniformity, ultrafine grain sizes and minimized flaw sizes will be achieved. In the final result, the nanocrystalline HAP monoliths produced will provide superior compressive (900 MPa) and bending (200 MPa) strengths as well as fracture toughness (1.3 MPam1/2). Commercially, these nanostructured materials can be formed into constructs and utilized in experimental models commonly employed to validate orthopedic implants. Nanostructured hydroxyapatites will contribute to better osteoblast attachment, proliferation and mineralization. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ahn, Edward Angstrom Medica, Incorporated MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232735 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Neutralizing Utility Mercury Control Sorbents for Fly Ash Use in Concrete. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop inexpensive methods to pretreat commercial powdered activated carbons (PAC) used for power plant mercury control so that they will not interfere with effective use of fly ash in concretes. The objective of this project is to screen and optimize such pretreatment methods. Major project tasks include producing pretreated samples; testing for effects on AEAs, resulting cements, and mercury removal performance; and developing a fundamental understanding of the chemical processes involved. Carbon materials researchers at Brown University and their Energy and Environmental Technologies Laboratory will assist in the effort. Commercially the substitution of fly ash wastes for cement in construction applications is one of America.s biggest recycling successes. Unfortunately, it was recently discovered that if even minimal PAC is injected into power plant flue gases for mercury emission control, the fly ash will be rendered unusable for concrete. The highly-adsorbent carbons severely interfere with the air-entraining admixtures (AEAs) added to concrete for air entrainment and stabilization. The economic implications for utilities may be huge. Thus the PAC pretreatments developed here which minimize adverse effects on AEA while enhancing, or at least not degrading, PAC mercury removal performance are of prime importance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhou, Qunhui SORBENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232744 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Power Component Evaluation System (PCES). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the need to of power component performance as a function of system design to reduce the overall risk associated with integration. The project focus is the development of a Power Component Evaluation System (PCES) which improves on traditional methods of system evaluation. PCES couples actual power hardware to a virtual simulation of a system through a Simulation-Stimulation (Sim-Stim) interface which sources and sinks power to the Hardware Under Test (HUT) as well as measuring variables. Since PCES should replicate the HUT's performance just as if connected to a physical system, the Sim-Stim interface will be transparent to the overall operation. The objective is to develop a methodology to design Sim-Stim Interface parameters for a wide range of power system types, operating modes and phenomena so the HUT operates as if it were in a physical system within a prescribed level of accuracy. The anticipated result of the research is a metric to perform trade offs between implementation complexity and accuracy. PCES will enable the development of new all electric and/or hybrid-electric systems as well as quantifying the effect of new/prototype hardware components on such issues as power quality, vulnerability and power transients. The potential commercial benefits of the PCES system will be a faster, cheaper and more effective method for the design, development and commercialization of new electric power products and services. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fischl, Robert F&H Applied Science Associates, Inc. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99820 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1786 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232749 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Polymer Workbench: Web Service Based Modeling Application Service and Integration for the Polymer Industry. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a prototype Polymer Workbench - for use by scientists/ engineers in the polymer industry - using the concept and tools developed around Web Services. Large investments in developing models for use in polymer manufacturing are not effectively utilized as the usage is currently limited to few specialists because the user needs to navigate through a multitude of models in a multiple and highly disjointed user environment, often requiring tedious manual transfer of data and modeling results from one environment to another. The Polymer Workbench will address this need through applying Web Services concept designed to allow the user to access a large number of various polymer models through a single software platform with common user interface, database, and communication protocol for all models. This work will develop the common communication protocol by developing an XML-based markup language specific for polymers, PolymerML, to achieve standardization of the data and information flow between the user and models. The proposed work will address this important need in a very large industry where annual sales in the U.S. for polymer materials alone are $250 billion and expenditure on modeling and simulation exceeds $ 100 million. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ko, Glen RES Group, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232759 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Reactive Distillation for Vinyl Ether Synthesis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to establish the technical and economic feasibility of a novel technology to utilize reactive distillation to produce vinyl ethers, the production of which is otherwise plagued by equilibrium limitations and side reactions. The program will combine the catalysis expertise of KSE, Inc. with the reactive distillation strengths of the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Massachusetts, to develop the new technology. The resulting work product will not only advance the practice of the field of organic synthesis, but also will provide useful case study examples for academic teaching and research. The Phase I program requires completion of three tasks. First, research is needed to improve the catalyst compositions to promote vinyl ether synthesis, to match distillation requirements. Second, laboratory reactor tests, including reactive distillation, must be performed to guide catalyst improvement and to demonstrate success of the technology. Third, design and competitive economic analyses are required to complete the feasibility assessment. The proposed research will solve a major problem in vinyl ether synthesis, reducing byproducts and eliminating solvents. It will also provide valuable teaching and research tools for the practice of reactive distillation. Commercial applications of the reactive distillation technology will allow production of vinyl ethers as an important building block in organic synthesis, eliminating the energy intensive acetylene route based on World War II technology. It allows new synthesis methods to be used, by eliminating critical equilibrium and byproduct constraints. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kittrell, James KSE Inc MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232772 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Performance Identity. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project explores a new way to authenticate the identity of a remote computer user. While anonymity is often an attractive feature of online experience, it creates problems for both host and visitor. Anonymity impedes important functions: financial transactions, information access, secure decision-making, etc. Proof of identity enables such action. Existing technologies--passwords, signatures, electronic keys, digital certificates, physiological biometrics, etc.--all address this problem. Each is limited by constraints including hardware requirements, immobility, ease of forgery, ease of transfer, etc. The approach offers clear advantages. Like password protection, it requires no special hardware, it is readily deployed, and noninvasive. Passwords can be stolen, forgotten or compromised. Not so this technique. Like retinal scanning, it identifies individual humans, not secret keys. In this study, biometric data will be collected non-invasively from a broad population of computer users. Statistical analysis and signal processing techniques will be applied to isolate the metrics that reliably identify individuals. The applications of such technology are manifest. This will focuses on one significant application: online credit card authorization. It establishes milestones on the path to a system by which an authorized cardholder can easily make credit card purchases anywhere on the web, but nobody else can--even when having the actual card in hand. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jacobson, Dov Big Fun Development Corporation GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0232775 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Visualization of Large Multidimensional Datasets in a Lower Dimension. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims on creating a visualization technology for advanced analysis of large multivariate datasets. Such technology will be harnessed for finding hidden dependences in data, revealing its cluster structure, selection of features, and finding regions of extreme values of the functions defined on the data. Successful solutions of such problems require preserving the most important distances between data patterns in a lower dimension. Currently existing visualization methods only preserve distances for datasets of the size up to few thousands. Many applications in the process industries, bio-informatics, medicine, and defense include analysis of datasets containing large datasets with 10,000-1 million patterns. The hierarchical technique suggested in this project will expand the use of visualization for advanced data analysis to that range of datasets. The first applications are seen in process industries such as power generation. Broader use of this innovation is anticipated in medicine, bio-informatics, and defense for knowledge discovery through revealing the structure of data. This project will be used in education for teaching multivariate analysis. The Phase I activities are expected to create a foundation for further development in Phase II, leading to integration in a commercial software package. The first applications of this visualization technology will be for building models for use in coal-fired power plants advanc pollution control systems. The visualization tool will become part of a commercially available package and will be incorporated into a more comprehensive data analysis, modeling, optimization, and control systems. Medicine, bio-informatics, and defense are seen as additional potential beneficiaries of the visualization tool. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Igelnik, Boris Pegasus Technologies Inc OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98683 5371 HPCC 9216 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0232777 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Quality-Based Knowledge Discovery for Information Retrieval in Large Organizations. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine the feasibility of a novel, powerful technique to determine the quality of documents and the reliability of human reviewers in a large community, such as a company, government agency (particularly intelligence organizations), or university. Many organizations have difficulty locating their own knowledge. They cannot determine the quality of their internal documents nor the ability of their employees to evaluate those documents. Important information may get buried in layers of bureaucracy. This research seeks to address these problems by measuring document quality and user reputation, based on human evaluation and automated processing of those evaluations. The research objectives are: study and refinement of information theoretic techniques underlying the current technology; discovery of practical designs for expanding its scope; and creation of proof-of-concept demonstrations. The research will produce technical papers describing such systems and prove them feasible through software. Potential applications include stand-alone knowledge management products focused on document quality and plug-ins to add this capability to existing KM systems. Members of communities using these products will find the information they need more quickly and with greater confidence, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in corporations, academic institutions, and government agencies. The research will lead to marketable knowledge management software products and/or services which offer quality-based knowledge discovery and are targeted to large organizations in any sector (business, public, academic, or not-for-profit). This technology is not another kind of search engine. It is an evaluation system that identifies the best sources of knowledge, and the most valuable knowledge items, based on the experience of the users in the community. Today there are many vendors providing a variety of knowledge management solutions to large organizations, but we know of none that offers a knowledge discovery solution based on quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Robinson, Gary Transpose, LLC ME Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99799 5371 HPCC 9216 9150 5371 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0232780 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: The Production of Silicon Esters With An Advanced Enzymatic Reactor Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative, environmentally benign, enzymatic catalyst process and an advanced reactor design for the production of silicon esters from various feedstocks. All current processes for making silicon esters are either using expensive rare earth metal as catalysts or using halogen elements containing compounds as starting materials and high temperature. Some of them involve using or generating HCl gas and the formation of complex mixtures, which cannot be readily separated. The Phase I objective is to demonstrate feasibility of using immobilized enzyme as a catalyst for silicon ester synthesis coupled with the sonic-enhanced packed bed reactor technology. The investigation will focus on esterification reactions between alkyl silanols and saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids to produce silicon esters with designed degree of saturation. This enzymatic process will produce both saturated and unsaturated silicon esters that can be used for a broad range of applications, that include repellent coatings, contact lenses, electrical assemblies, perfumes, dyes, brake fluid, chromatography equipment, rubber products, products to reattach detached retinas and more. The unsaturated esters can also be used as monomers for silicon containing polymer production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yang, Fangxiao RESODYN CORPORATION MT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 5371 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232783 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Bulk Production of Passivated Metallo-Carbohederenes Utilizing Laser Assisted Molecular Beam Synthesis. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a process to generate bulk quantities of Metallo-Carbohederenes (met-cars). The project will use a particle and deposition technology, called Laser Assisted Molecular Beam Deposition, which is ideal for producing met-cars on the nanoparticle size scale. The unique structure of the met-cars makes them applicable for a variety of applications requiring activated metals. However, to date, in spite of several attempts, no one has been able to produce bulk quantities of this material for study and commercialization. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology will be the production capability for Met-cars nanopowders, which will have a market in the areas of activated metal and catalysis and promising applications in the field of nanofabrication. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DeLeon, Robert AMBP Technology Corporation NJ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232794 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Application of a Novel, Non-Thermal Plasma Technology for Surface Modification of Polymeric Objects. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop non-thermal, plasma technology to achieve uniform surface modification of plastic materials at atmospheric pressure in air, without need of significant amounts of a carrier gas. This uniform surface treatment can be achieved flexibly and economically on three-dimensional objects of practical size to a multitude of industries. In the program, well-characterized flat surfaces of polypropylene will be subjected to plasma treatment using a matrix of experimental conditions to determine surface modification and damage effects as a function of voltage/current characteristics, plasma source configuration and processing speed. Surface analytical tools such as Scanning Probe Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, XPS and FTIR will be employed to evaluate changes in surface morphology and surface chemistry. Changes in surface energy will be gaged by standard wetting tests. The program will then examine performance with three-dimensional objects of various size and shape and TPO blends of industrial significance. The proposed program is compelling because the technology offers a major leap forward in surface treatment across a spectrum of major markets. Typically the surface preparation for finishing involves chemical treatment with highly caustic or acidic agents or with organics, imposing concomitant safety and environmental problems. The plasma technology of this proposal can be applied in place of many of these processes. Markets include, for example, sterilization or biological activation in the biomedical field and fiber conditioning in optical and composite-fiber technologies. However, the greatest commercial impact will be to promote better adhesion, whether it be for inks used in labeling, for thin films in electronics or for paints or other coatings to provide color, texture and/or corrosion protection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ricatto, Pascal PLASMASOL CORP. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232800 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Computerized Tool for Baggage Screening. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is directed at homeland security and will determine the feasibility of developing a computerized tool for airport security checkpoint baggage screening that will assist baggage screeners in x-ray image inspection and which will provide networked electronic communications among security checkpoint personnel. Current baggage screening methods at airport security checkpoints are essentially manual systems that take little advantage of today's computerized technologies, electronic communications, and data networks. The proposed system introduces networked database capabilities to the airport enabling security personnel to analyze and correlate real time and/or historical data on passengers and their baggage throughout the airport and will significantly improve the airport's ability to run smoothly while enhancing safety. With post 9/11 diminishing of consumer confidence, our nation's airports are in search of ways to make the air travel experience as streamlined as possible, so that the day-to-day economics of travel are profitable, and, at the same time, to make the entire system safer thus protecting lives, their investments, and promoting a national grassroots level perception of safety that enhances our lives, our consumer confidence, our economy, and our willingness to travel. As a software product with a hardware platform that interfaces with existing and new hardware systems being utilized to meet security needs at airports, the proposed technology promises to offer a relatively low cost way to introduce significant improvements to the situation. This technology brings screeners a communications infrastructure to build on each other's knowledge and expertise, and with the addition of such an infrastructure platform to daily processes, to be constantly evaluated on their statistical accuracy. This will improve their performance while also speeding the process of luggage searchers, and thus improve security. The proposed computerized inspection system can be utilized in any of the nations' 429 commercial service airports either directly or through relationships with security consultants and hardware manufacturers. Similarly the technology can be used advantageously in international markets as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sommer, Edward NATIONAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0510604 Analytic Tools 0232804 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Automatic Information Awareness. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to design a generic framework for formalizing and automatically extracting domain-specific information from unstructured text for the purpose of automatic processing. The rate at which new information becomes available has increased to a point that it is impossible for people to identify the nature the information content as it is made accessible and even less feasible to absorb the actual information content. Current search technologies solve the problem of finding documents, but they do not address the fundamental problem of cognizance of the information contained in newly available documents. Being aware of the information content has now become the real challenge. Therefore it has become critical to automatically process information as it becomes available. The framework will handle domain specific areas where language variations are wide. The commercial applications of Teragram's proffered technology include alerts based on content, feature extraction for clustering and visualization of large information contents, and structuring data from documents into databases for numerous domains, including financial analysis, financial earnings releases, sport results, weather forecasts, terrorist events, election results, and product price comparisons. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schabes, Yves Teragram Corporation MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99221 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232806 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Polarization Insensitive Tunable Diffraction Grating. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will investigate the use of a fast switching ferroelectric liquid crystal structure, particularly in the inverse twisted smetic structure (ITSS) to make a polarization insensitive diffraction grating structure. This will be done using the high tilt ferroelectric liquid crystal material. In this program two different approaches will be explored to make a polarization insensitive beam deflector. In one approach, a fast switching ferroelectric liquid crystal in combination with doped cross-linking agents will be used to make a switchable grating without the use of holography. A second approach will make the polarization insensitive structures using patterned alignment layers. The optimal method will be identified for further development and implementation. Commercially these diffractive structures are expected to form the basis of optical attenuators as well as beam steering devices. Although several applications, such as optical light attenuators for the telecommunications industry can be expected, the ultimate application as always will depend on the performance of the device. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhuang, Zhizhong Optellios, Inc NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99508 5371 AMPP 9163 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232816 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Electron Beam Curing of Polymer Interlayer in Silicon Carbide Joints. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project entitled " Electron Beam Curing of Polymer Interlayer in Silicon Carbide Joints" will develop the technology to enable economical commercialization of silicon carbide components. Current joining techniques are too time consuming to be economically viable for commercialization and mass production They tend to produce excessive polymer shrinkage and thus require excessive number of polymer infiltrations. The proposed pulsed electron beam curing technology will remove these obstacles by completing the polymer cross-linking in the microsecond time scale, which is comparable to the duration of the electron beam pulse. In this Phase I effort, the polymer shrinkage in the interlayer material will be studied first by subjecting it to electron beam irradiation. The resulting samples will be compared to those processed under conventional method, i.e., without undergoing electron beam processing. This will then be followed by the production of SiC joints. These joined test samples, produced with electron beam curing, will again be compared to a control joint sample. Computer simulation code will be used to guide the experiments. Success of this project will pave the way for commercializing SiC components in many different industrial and manufacturing markets, including petrochemical, semiconductor, heat-treating and heat-exchanger systems, aircraft and terrestrial gas turbines, and aircraft structural components. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Len, Lek FM TECHNOLOGIES INC VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232817 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Creating Accessible Science Museums for Blind and Visually Impaired Visitors with User-Activated Audio Beacons. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will include the design, implementation and evaluation of a new product intended to improve accessibility to science museums and other public exhibit spaces for visitors who are blind or visually impaired. The proposed system will rely on a network of user-activated audio beacons arrayed throughout an exhibit environment: visitors will control the system using cell phones. A limited but functional, version of the system will be installed at the New York Hall of Science in New York City, and user trials will be carried out to evaluate the system's effectiveness as a navigational tool and as a provider of exhibit-related information. Based on positive findings in Phase I, the next phase of the research will include outfitting the entire museum with a network of user-activated audio beacons, in anticipation of marketing the system, including device, software and installation/service, to other institutions wishing to expand their visitorship, to include members of this growing and often overlooked population. Long-term goals include extending the audience for telephone-based museum guides to mainstream audiences, and developing audio beacon networks for other types of public environments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Landau, Steven Touch Graphics NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99492 5371 SMET 9180 1545 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232822 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Mesogenic Molding Process for Optical Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a process technology for composite ordered films based on liquid crystal (LC) materials that will have a significant impact on the performance of LC optical devices, both passive and active. These devices include ultrafast optical signal processing and high-density optical storage, just to name a few. The process technology is simple in concept. A blend of cross-linkable liquid crystals and non-reactive liquid crystals is formulated, and then prepared into a film using usual techniques. The non-reactive components are then removed from the film to create a nano-structured, mesogenic "mold" that retains some of the LC-like ordering. If desired, additional components can be added into the mold, creating a device with tailored mechanical, chemical, and optical properties. The technology can thus be used to overcome inherent shortcomings of LC materials and improve the performance, durability, and applicability of many LC optical devices. In the proposed program, the goal is to fabricate low-cost, high-efficiency, reflective broadband UV polarizing films. This technology makes it possible to realize such films even though all currently available LC materials exhibit substantial absorption over the UV spectral range. This process technology for composite ordered films will have immediate commercial applications in a wide range of optical devices, both active and passive, as it will dramatically improve performance. The improvements may include better temperature resistance, wider wavelength range, reduced chemical sensitivity, or any combinations of these. The first application to be produced with this process, UV polarizing films, has a wide range of uses: chiral drug development, optical components, liquid crystal displays, and even skin protection. Anticipated revenues for UV polarizing films could reach $4.5 million in its first year alone. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fan, Bunsen Reveo Incorporated NY T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99431 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232826 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Electrosynthesis of High Quality Cadmium Telluride Films. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a molecular level electrochemical approach to fabricate semiconductor compounds. It targets a commercially important electro-optic application, the low temperature synthesis of cadmium telluride thin-film for solar cells and infrared devices. Present technology uses expensive vapor phase deposition methods that are unsuitable for large-scale or low-temperature fabrication. This project will develop a low-cost, electrochemical process to produce high quality thin-films. Phase I will identify process parameters, demonstrate the proof of concept and validate the approach for deposition of cadmium telluride films. Phase II will extend the method to the other device layers. Method implementation will raise the photovoltaic efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs of thin-film modules. Its success will accelerate the large-scale commercialization of this technology and provide a timely solution to the nation's escalating energy and environmental problems. Commercial applications of the Research Applications for the cadmium telluride thin film technology range from the solar cells to infrared detectors. Lower cost, higher efficiencies and simpler manufacturing will translate into a wider spectrum of commercial markets. The nanoscale electrosynthesis method has applications for fabricating a range of novel quantum well structures and devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232828 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Statistical Text Categorization with Task-Specific Constraints. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase project will implement and test the feasibility of a new algorithm for statistical text categorization. This algorithm combines the ease and effectiveness of learning from examples, while incorporating task-specific constraints that currently require ad hoc rules. The project will evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of these algorithms. Alternative optimization algorithms and alternative approximations to intractable quantities will be benchmarked. Categorization accuracy will be evaluated on public text categorization data sets and on data from operational text categorization users. Ornarose, Inc. will develop and license software libraries including this algorithm to software vendors in a variety of industries. Vendors for whom text categorization is not a core competency increasingly wish to support categorization in software that works with text data. Market niches where text categorization under task-specific constraints is compelling include knowledge management, news alerting, email/web filtering, and data mining. Discounted licenses will be provided for academic institutions and scholarly publication of nonproprietary results on publicly available text categorization data sets is planned. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lewis, David Ornarose, Inc. NJ Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99423 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232829 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Manufacturing Method for Conformal, Embedded Electronics and Sensor Systems: Combining Thermal Spray with Laser Micromachining. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an approach that combines two new, unique, and complimentary technologies to fabricate mesoscopic electronics and sensors. For example, thermal spray as an additive process to deposit a wide variety of high-quality ceramic, metal, semiconductor, polymer, etc. materials, with the precision subtractive capabilities of High-Speed High-Resolution Ultraviolet Laser Micromachining to fashion mesoscale (~10-1000 microns) devices on a wide range of substrates. The technology is based on a direct-write process that requires no masks, photoresist, or wet chemistry. The benefits of such a combined technology are vast, and will allow a dramatic reduction in feature size to the ~10 um level and below, while being able to utilize an enormous variety of materials and perform design iterations in a matter of minutes or hours, compared to the traditional 1-4+ week turn-around time for typical photoresist mask alterations/fabrication. The potential commercial applications are unique and far-reaching. Examples include strain gauges, thermistors, thermocouples, thermopiles, magnetic and piezoelectric sensors, interdigitated capacitors for LCR circuits, antennas, microheaters for integration into chemical and biological sensors, and others. The devices can be integrated into existing components and embedded or overcoated for added reliability and survivability in harsh environments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Chengping Potomac Photonics Inc MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99987 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232833 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Highmarks Advanced Planning and Scheduling System for Schools. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop an innovative technology to radically change the organization of teaching and learning at schools; in particular, grade 7-12 public and private schools in the United States. The main problem to be solved concerns the current .assembly-line. nature of most schools, whereby semester and quarterly classes force students with greatly different needs to proceed at roughly the same pace through a curriculum. This largely inflexible pace, combined with a lack of transparency of student needs across semesters/quarters, leads to a greatly stratified typical class as each student accumulates his own unique gaps in meeting the learning objectives of the school. Based on teacher interviews, Highmarks found a typical classroom of students in a given semester/quarter class can be broken down into 3-6 subgroups of readiness to learn. Most teachers cannot effectively teach to these subgroups simultaneously, and they do not receive enough training from those teachers who, being masters in the art of teaching, can handle these classes. A primary objective of the prototype proffered is to ensure that every class consists of a group of students fully ready to learn the material being taught; that is who have no key gaps in knowledge so far as the current material is concerned. To enable this to happen, the proposed technology will overhaul how classes are assembled at a school, making the scheduling and organization of teaching and learning far more dynamic than it is today. With a similar technique, the proposed technology will also have an impact on the learning disabilities and bilingual sectors, by making it far easier to integrate special needs students into regular classes. The prototype will also overhaul teacher training at schools, because teachers will no longer be locked. into quarterly and semester classes; and in-house, hands-on training will become a much greater percentage of their daily schedules. So not only will the standard .readiness to learn of a class be vastly improved; the standard .readiness to teach. of an average teacher will also be greatly enhanced. The combination of enhanced readiness to learn and readiness to teach should build more effective and enjoyable schools, in a way that is measurable by all standard assessment regimens including standardized national, state or local tests. The prototype will be highly scalable, aligned with K-12 content standards and will feature the direct, heavy involvement of curriculum and teacher designers. The kind of radical change in school scheduling proposed could provide a critical step toward the goal of "leaving no child behind." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Snyder, Jonathan Highmarks, Inc. MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 SMET 9177 7256 0522400 Information Systems 0232844 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Enterprise Economic Knowledge Modeling For Data-Driven Offer Design. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project applies Infolenz' proprietary model-reduction technology to the development of a data-driven economic framework for supporting a firm's offer design. The objectives of the project are: 1) development of a modeling methodology capable of handling the complexity of enterprise transaction data, 2) development of a robust integrated offer design methodology, 3) prototyping the methods in software, and 4) applying them to actual client data. The resulting commercial application emerges in a tool that automatically integrates the strategic decisions of business users with the economic information gleaned from transaction data to design optimal offers. The proprietary model-reduction technique of the proposer represents a missing link that can now support the development of a practical theory of robust modeling and control of these complex economic systems that is truly data-driven. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shamma, Jeff Infolenz Corporation MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232852 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Optical Fiber Breathing Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop optical fiber sensors for the quantitative measurement of humidity and air flow for use in medical diagnostics for breathing. Initial research indicates that these physically small and mechanically robust sensors respond over a wide range of relative humidities, with a response time of microseconds, orders of magnitude faster than commercially available devices. In the project, a molecular-level electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) processing method will be used to form multilayered, interleaved metal nanocluster and polymer thin films on the distal ends of optical fibers to form the sensors. The project will involve work with a biomedical institute partner to develop the sensor thin film chemistries with improved response, and to design and fabricate the optical fiber sensor support instrumentation system. The Optical Science and Engineering Research Center at Virginia Tech will assist in thin film materials analysis and optical device testing. Commercially, these small, rugged, intrinsically safe, ultra-fast optical fiber-based humidity and air flow sensors offer an attractive and low-cost approach to breathing diagnostics for both clinical research and home health care. Additional large markets for similar sensors exist in the industrial gas flow, automotive and transportation areas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mecham, Jeffrey Nanosonic Incorporated VA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232861 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: World Wide Student Laboratory. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will evaluate the merit and feasibility of the World Wide Student Laboratory (WWSL). WWSL is a scalable Internet-based education infrastructure that enables students, under the guidance of their educators, to have 24x7 remote access enabling them to carry out, advanced educational experiments in modern laboratories at leading universities and research centers worldwide, regardless of the students' location. This approach will improve the quality of the laboratory experience and substantially reduce the cost of the educational laboratory, which is the most difficult and expensive segment of science and engineering education to provide. Using WWSL, educational institutions will be able to afford better facilities for the education they provide, access to the best lab facilities in other institutions, and substantially broaden the number of lab study subjects in their curriculum. Individual instructors can customized the content and methods of lab for their students. WWSL will make available all materials necessary for fulfillment of the lab work The economic and societal benefits of the WWSL approach are based on the potential a dramatic increase in the efficiency of existing lab facilities in universities. WWSL can serve traditional universities, colleges and high schools, as well as distance education institutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Arodzero, Anatoli Constellation Technology Corporation FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99487 5371 SMET 9178 9177 5371 0522400 Information Systems 0232873 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on the formation of improved performance, lead-free, piezoelectric ceramics for various high performance sensor and transducer applications. The piezoelectric response of Barium Zirconium Titanate (BZT) ceramic compositions will be enhanced by altering the degree of grain orientation within the ceramic. Seeding with a small percentage of properly oriented anisometric, isostructural particles (template particles) within the bulk BZT ceramic will produce the texture during thermal densification. The piezoelectric response of the textured BZT ceramics would be comparable to current lead-based materials, which would allow for greater utility in the commercial sector due to environmental constraints. Commercially textured, piezoelectric BZT ceramics can be used for various electromechanical transducer and sensor applications, which include the aerospace, marine, biomedical, and ultrasonic industries. The BZT ceramics have the potential of replacing all applications currently using lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics, which are environmentally unacceptable because of the lead content. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sabolsky, Edward NEXTECH MATERIALS LTD OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1774 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232877 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A New Approach for Effective Detection of Cyber Attacks Based on Anomalous Program Behaviors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) based on recognizing anomalous system call patterns via finite state machines. Networked information systems play critical roles in essential infrastructures such as power generation and distribution, transportation, commerce, and national security. The continuing spate of security incidents from the CERT Coordination Center (the CERT/CC was originally the Computer Emergency Response Team) demonstrates that existing approaches for securing systems against cyber attacks are not effective. These approaches are focused almost exclusively on previously exploited vulnerabilities, and offer no protection against attacks that may exploit countless (as-yet-undiscovered) vulnerabilities that continue to exist on the target systems. Whereas current threats are largely attributed to unskilled hackers (script kiddies), the future holds the threat of rapid escalation of cyber-warfare, cyber-terrorism and cyber-crime. Attackers in these cases are highly skilled, organized and well funded, and can develop new kinds of attacks very quickly. Thus there is an urgent need for developing approaches that can protect against unknown attacks launched by highly skilled attackers. In previous research conducted at SUNY, Stony Brook, the key personnel have developed a new approach for securing systems against unknown attacks. Immunet Security's approach is based on a new algorithm for learning program behaviors using finite-state automata models and detecting attacks as deviations from this model. The approach has been show to be very effective in detecting known as well as unknown attacks and produces significantly fewer false alarms than previous approaches. This proposal seeks to develop the approach into a commercial intrusion detection system (IDS). The market for commercial Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) is large, running into billions of dollars, and is growing fast. Given the market for IDS and the heightened national interest in security, this technology offers the possibility of more sensitive detection than currently exists. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ganapathy, Umamaheswari Immunet Security Solutions, Incorporated NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99983 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 5371 0522400 Information Systems 0232882 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Generation of Metal Nanojets and Precise Monosize Nanospheres. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel process capable of high-volume production of monodisperse nanoparticles of arbitrary metallic composition. Such highly-controlled materials are desired as components for engineered nanostructures. The current standard precipitate or aerosol processes for metal nanoparticle formation are limited in available materials, the particle size distribution, or productivity. In this project an adaptation to jetting processes will be used to enable formation of metal nanojets and nanoparticles. Because this is entirely a physical process, it is expected to be able to be adapted to any metal alloy. second The specific tasks of the project will inolve survey of possible approaches, analyzing the proposed process, and preparing the preliminary design of the key parts of a prototype apparatus. The objective is a system capable of the precise formation of nanojets and monosize nanoparticles at rates greater than one gram per second. Commerically, there are many possible long-term applications for metal nanoparticles. Nanoelectronics and high-density data storage are two appealing examples. The established markets for the technology described with the most initial opportunity relevant to this proposal appear to be in the following fields: solid propellants, explosives, and catalysts. Monodisperse nanoparticles will allow mechanical packing into ordered array structures for filtration. The high surface area of nanoparticles enables their use as substrates for catalysis of chemical reactions. While supported by these initial markets, further innovation in many other markets and derivative technologies (such as oxide ceramic nanoparticles, and nano-patterning devices) will be developed from this new technology. This technology offers a means of producing significant quantities of monodisperse nano-spheres at commodity prices. It also enables further significant innovations in nanoscale fabrication, materials and processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dean, Jr., Robert SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 111999 5371 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232897 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Manufacturing of Encrypting Metallic Powders. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an anticounterfeiting technology, which is the magnetic analog of thermo-luminescence. This technology makes use of a series of ternary alloys that exhibit a unique first order transition and is based on the iron-rhodium classical antiferromagnetic (AF) to ferromagnetic (F) behavior. Additional alloying elements such as Rhenium, Platinum and Palladium by varying their concentration, enable this transition to be precisely varied in temperature. This material, will be synthesized in perfectly spherical particles ranging in size from 2-10 microns and will be suitable for use in an ink pigment. This capability enables standard ink jet printing to be used, to print a series of complex three dimensional bar codes, two spatial and one in temperature. The bar code will be non magnetic at ambient temperature. In the proposed program the ability of the processing technology to yield compositions and particle sizes which are uniform and small enough to flow in a ink jet printer, will be explored. From a commercial point of view, the cost to the US economy of counterfeiting is conservatively estimated at $200B/year. It is estimated that implementation of this technology would save between 1 to 10% of this figure or up to about $20B/year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lashmore, David SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 111793 5371 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232907 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: ACIM deBonder: Thin Film Integrity Testing Using Controlled Microcavitation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new method of measuring how strongly a thin film anchors to its substrate. To date no method exists that can truly measure thin film adhesion. The Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcaviation (ACIM) deBonder uses controlled microcavitation to directly reveal a thin film's adhesion strength by subjecting it to controlled erosion. ACIM is a means of constructively controlling acoustic microcavitation. By directing ACIM's high intensity energy implosions at specific film sites one can quantitatively determine adhesion strength. The potential commercial benefits will be applicable to any type of film or coating that can erode in a controlled manner by cavitation. This technique is a nondestructive method that only uses small areas of films. No special sample preparation is needed and the method is capable of in situ inspection. Microelectronic manufacturing and the semiconductor industries will benefit from this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Madanshetty, Sameer Uncopiers, Inc. KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9150 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232920 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Discovery Analyst: A Data Mining System for Image Databases. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes a powerful new approach to GIS data-mining for large image databases. The current inefficiencies in extracting information from these databases are primarily caused by the limited ability to extract baseline geographic information (such as road networks) from images. The proposed system addresses this need by combining feature extraction efficiencies with the ability to refine queries efficiently. The feature extraction system reduces the labor required for extracting information from imagery and the query refinement system incorporates user-driven and data-driven strategies to focus on interesting and relevant discoveries. The proposed system will also provide solutions for multi-media applications containing imagery, web-based applications, medical image repositories, and other applications. Geo-spatial information technology is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of scientific research, environmental modeling, local government planning, and federal government security programs. The proposed system also has commercial potential for other application domains such as medical imaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Blundell, Stuart VISUAL LEARNING SYSTEMS INC MT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9150 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232923 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Piezo-Driven Inertial Stages for Ultra-High-Vacuum (UHV). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a piezoelectric motor-drive with Ultra-High-Vacuum (UHV) compatibility for high-speed driving of positioning platforms. The proposed piezoelectric motor-drive will provide an as-yet unrealized combination of several desirable characteristics: nanometer and sub-nanometer precision; speeds in excess of 500 mm/s; drive capacities in the range of 10's of kilograms; and, ranges of travel in excess of 500 mm. The commercial potential of this concept will provide a revolutionary means for rapid and accurate materials handling for fabrication, inspection, metrology, and packaging of microparts and microsystems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Paine, Jeffrey DYNAMIC STRUCTURES AND MATERIALS, LLC TN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232925 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Fluoropolymer Material. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel nanoparticle-fluoropolymer (NP-FP) material that fills an immediate commercial need and represents a prototype for a family of compositions that should spawn new products, businesses, and industries. Desirable optical properties of materials often come mixed with undesirable properties. An example is the yttrium iron garnet (YIG) which will be employed in an all-fiber optical circulator. While it provides strong Faraday rotation and optical transparency, these come with a high refractive index and an inconvenient crystalline structure that makes incorporation in coatings or molded components difficult. Deposition limitations have been overcome by incorporating YIG nanoparticles into a polymer matrix, but hydrocarbon polymer matrices also have moderately high refractive indices and strong optical absorption beyond 700 nm. The project will develop solvent-cast amorphous fluoropolymers films impregnated with YIG nanoparticles. The porosity, inertness, and low refractive index characteristics of amorphous fluoropolymer materials offer great hope that a variety of nanoparticle-impregnated materials will be developed based upon nanoparticle modification techniques. The commercial applications for this technology will be to the telecommunications, photonics, and sensor technologies. The networking market alone will benefit greatly from this technology. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Strecker, Brian NOMADICS, INC OK T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99173 9150 AMPP 9163 9150 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232943 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: QoS guaranteed VTC for telemedicine over broadband IP networks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will research, develop, and deliver an unsurpassed high performance video teleconferencing (VTC) system in software, based on Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) protocols and the growing Quality of Service (QoS)- provisioning IP architecture. This VTC system will be specifically designed for premier telemedicine application over broadband IP networks in the USA and throughout the world, and will provide a great help for achieving ``Healthy People 2010'' by reducing the cost of health care for both the providers and patients, extending the high-quality services otherwise limited by location and time. Specifically, this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to (a) design and analyze improved transport mechanisms for real-time interactive telemedicine oriented VTC, as well as control and management mechanisms of IP networks with some measures of QoS guarantees; (b) design high-speed high performance, error resilient, and network-friendly layered video coding and transmission scheme; (c) analyze the interaction between the VTC transport mechanism and the IP network.s service provisioning mechanisms to find the best feasible combination, and explore, in particular, the relationship between the importance-based video layering and the network.s methods of differentiating the QoS grades. The commercial applications of the project are premier telemedicine services at low cost required by health care providers and patients, as well as high quality VTC services required by government organizations and corporations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhuang, Xinhua SPEEDATECH LLC MO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232945 January 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: PDA-Based Bird Identification Program. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop and test a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)-based software that will facilitate bird identification in the field by combining geographic information with images, audio, and descriptive data. The proposed software will facilitate research and educational activities by allowing multiple users to collate their observations via the desktop version of this software. Rather than being locked into one platform, the application will be designed for efficient transfer across both Palm OS and Pocket PC platforms. The specific platform decision for Phase I will be made in the initial stages of design after re-evaluation of existing technology. In Phase I, South Dakota Health Technology Innovations, Inc. in collaboration with the University of South Dakota, proposes to develop and test a prototype system for 100 South Dakota birds. The research team will work with the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology to establish appropriate links between this software and their BirdSource website, and to coordinate with Citizen Science programs. The three main selling points of this application will be the mobility offered by the PDA, the access to multimedia and GIS data in the field, and the potential for building an interactive community of naturalists. The software will provide for the first time, mobile access to multimedia data on birds via the PDA. It is expected that this integration of data on the PDA will be purchased by and greatly benefit educators, communities of birdwatchers, and researchers. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Timms, Giles Paula Mabee SOUTH DAKOTA HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES INNOVATIONS INC SD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99968 9150 HPCC 9216 9150 1505 0206000 Telecommunications 0232946 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Hybrid Neural Net Enterprise System Simulation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project is designed to address the problem of managing and simulating extended enterprise systems as specified in The Extended Enterprise/C.2. As networks and enterprise systems have grown in complexity, it has become increasingly difficult to determine the most cost effective way to deploy hardware to maximize system availability and network performance. Poor resource planning decreases the effectiveness of information technology organizations, resulting in increased labor costs and decreased company wide productivity. New tools are required to increase productivity. This proposal is for research to produce a modeling and forecasting software system that use combination of neural net and rules based algorithms to simulate enterprise systems. Individual components of the enterprise system will be modeled with appropriate neural nets trained by constructive techniques. The enterprise system will be modeled by connecting these component neural nets with data pipe rule-based software. Such software would be able to forecast strains on the system and identify bottlenecks in the network. The completed modeling and forecasting software will become a cornerstone technology for a tool that will diagnose, troubleshoot and predict IT issues. The project will be developed in Linux with C, C++ or FORTRAN, as appropriate. This research could help in making the management of enterprise systems and networks more efficient therefore making them more affordable to teaching and service institutions. The result of this endeavor will assist enterprise systems and network managers to manage the tasks in faster and more economically manner. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tarte, Robert Pacific Code Works CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99840 5371 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232955 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Automated Discovery and Removal of Hidden Data in Digital Documents. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will demonstrate the information security risks posed by sharing desktop publishing documents, which occurs frequently over the Internet, and the feasibility of mitigating those risks using rigorous software techniques. Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) and Component Object Model (COM) standards permit seamless integration of software applications to produce professional looking documents commonly described as Desktop Publishing. Unfortunately, these standards do not consider privacy or security, leading to significant vulnerabilities. These security problems are created during the routine use of an application, and the user is generally unaware that this information has been included in the file. SRS Technologies will demonstrate the risks caused by embedded objects, Meta data, and file fragmentation using the Microsoft Office XP suite to generate digital documents with known problems that the average user is likely to unwittingly create. Next, SRS Technologies will demonstrate why existing review techniques are inadequate for identifying and removing unintended data. Finally, SRS Technologies will develop and demonstrate software techniques to decompose OLE/COM documents and expose the hidden data for sanitization. Information sharing over the Internet is expanding exponentially. Any organization, Government or commercial, that has sensitive information to protect will benefit. Society will benefit from the availability of simple, reliable, easy-to-use tools for use by professionals (law, health, financial, etc.) with sensitive client information. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hackett, Ronald SRS Technologies CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99978 5371 HPCC 9139 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0232966 January 1, 2003 STTR PHASE I: Weather Information Network Enabled Mobile System. The goal of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to determine the feasibility of leveraging existing weather and communication systems to provide location-specific, detailed, automatic, and continuous weather information nationwide to the general public. The project will determine the feasibility of using an existing nationwide communication system in a novel manner to augment regional weather broadcasts. It will also determine the features and capabilities that must be included to make the commercial system user friendly and autonomous. The commercial implementation of this research is expected to provide the traveling public with weather information presented by portable units suitable for personal use in automobiles, aircraft, and pleasure boats. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Sale, Darryl Denet Labs LLC ND Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98291 9150 CVIS 9150 1038 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0232976 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Industrial Scale Formation of the Stable and Processable Core/Shell Semiconductor Nanocrystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new technology for the industrial production of high quality core/shell semiconductor nanocrystals, which have shown great potential for a variety of electronic, biological and medical applications. At present, all of these commercial applications are constrained by the availability of stable, high quality core/shell semiconductor nanocrystals on a large scale with an affordable price. Different from the existing organometallic approach, this project is built up on the greener, inexpensive and high performance Solution Atomic Layer Epitaxial (SALE) synthetic strategies developed by the NNL and the University of Arkansas. The SALE makes possible the scale-up and the high quality of the core/shell semiconductor nanocrystals by growing cationic and anionic ion shell materials on the core nanocrystals surface in the solution layer by layer alternatively. This new synthesis scheme for producing the core/shell nanocrystals should be extendable to the continue batch (CB) method that maximizes the power of the existing synthetic schemes. The core/shell nanocrystals could be stabilized by dendron ligands and further crosslinking. In this way, both the quality and the quantity of the resulting core/shell nanocrystals are guaranteed. The commercial applications and other benefits of this technology is in the value of the core/shell colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals in the field of electronic and medical applications lies on the large area display, portable electronic devices, medical devices and medical diagnostics, etc. A multi-billion dollar market for the production of those electronic devices and medical diagnostics is in rapid development SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Yongqiang NANOMATERIALS AND NANOFABRICATION LABORATORIES AR T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99738 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232985 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Uncertainty Analysis of Manufacturing Process Models. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will create a software system for performing uncertainty analysis of manufacturing process models. When the models are large, or when there are many parameters, even the best Monte Carlo, or importance based sampling methods for uncertainty analysis can be prohibitively expensive. One consequence is that systematic uncertainty analyses are often never carried out. This project will implement a new method for uncertainty analysis, based on polynomial chaos expansions, that can determine the probability density functions of the response and can identify which of the parameters contribute most to uncertainties in outcomes. The commercial potential of this project has broad application to such fields as circuit design, risk management, allocation of experimental resources, chemical plant design and operation of production systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meeks, Ellen REACTION DESIGN CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99947 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1786 0308000 Industrial Technology 0232994 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Spray Forming Titanium Alloys Using the Cold Spray Process. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is focused on improving the material properties of spray formed titanium shapes using the Cold Spray process. Development of new, low-cost methods for direct fabrication of spray formed titanium shapes is critical for many industries and in particular, for manufacturing parts of expensive metals and alloys such as titanium. Direct fabrication technologies would have tremendous commercial potential for many industries such as the aerospace and automotive because these technologies hold out the potential to quickly manufacture, and provide fast prototyping of complicated parts and to fabricate them with minimal material waste. Current methods of spray forming typically involve melting and solidification, which can cause high residual stresses, undesirable phases, poor microstructures, rough surface finishes, warpage, and other problems. This proposal presents a new technology that is under development that appears promising for directly fabricating solid, near-full-density, free-form shapes of many metals, at or near room temperature without melting and solidification. The objective of this Phase I study is to develop a low cost technology for spray forming titanium and Ti- 6Al-4V alloy and to perform post-test processing on thick-sprayed billets to improve the bulk material properties to near that of the wrought material. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Papyrin, Anatolii KTECH CORPORATION NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99995 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0233005 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Work-Centered Application Development through Patterns. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the skill gap that exists within the software development community in the production of work-centered software. To this end, Stottler Henke will develop a novel software development environment that reduces the complexity of interaction design &#8211; bridging the gap between the analysis of the work domain and the development of well-designed supporting software. The proposed WorkWell system will provide for an enhanced Contextual Design process with tools that enable software developers to draw on the aggregate experience of other work-centered application designers. This will be achieved through the application of proven design/interaction patterns that will, for instance, enable software developers to resolve the conflicts between the desire for automation and user&#8217;s need for a feeling of control. Further, WorkWell will support an incremental process for mapping the semantics of user goals to underlying software functionality and the user interface design. Phase I will result in a limited prototype that will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The results of these efforts will have a great impact on society &#8211; furthering the understanding of work-centered design and enabling corporations to produce software that will enjoy higher user adoption rates and improve efficiency. There is a large market for tools that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of software development efforts. The WorkWell system offers corporations the means to produce intuitive and effective software under the time and resource limitations that exist in the commercial world and thereby achieve much higher user adoption rates for their products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Goan, Terrance Stottler Henke Associates CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0108000 Software Development 0233011 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Dense Hydrogen Separation Membrane Based on Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop high-efficiency, high-quality dense hydrogen separation membranes based on nanocomposites of a stable proton conducting ceramic and a metal phase. The proposed effort would result in highly conductive, chemically stable and mechanical robust membranes for hydrogen separation in high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive environments. In Phase I, basic composition-processing-microstructure-property relations of the membranes will be established through characterization of the microstructure and the performance of the membranes. Ceramic hydrogen separation membranes have wide applications in integrated gasification combined cycle and in fuel reformer for PEM fuel cells. This technology will benefit the on going efforts in increasing hydrogen-to-carbon ratios in transportation fuels, decreasing pollute emissions, and use of alternative fuels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hu, Hongxing AMSEN TECHNOLOGIES LLC AZ Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0233024 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Monodisperse Ceramic Membranes and Membrane-Reactors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop and commercialize novel monodisperse ceramic membranes and membrane-reactors. Our innovation is based on self-organized anodic alumina with precisely engineered porous structure and previously unattainable pore size (down to 1 nm or less), greatly enhanced chemical and thermal stability, and superb mechanical properties. Commercially available anodic alumina membranes have limited practical application due to their fragility, susceptibility to acid and base attack, as well as the lack of membranes with pore size smaller than 100 nm for symmetrical membranes. The proposed approach addresses these limitations by combining innovative synthesis of highly ordered nanoporous anodic alumina with symmetrical porosity, conversion of anodic alumina into polycrystalline ceramic while preserving its morphology, and conformal deposition of functional layers. The proposed technology will enable the fine-tuning of the pore diameter in the ranges from below 1 nm to 200 nm. Deposition of materials inside the nanopores will afford desired functionality. The membranes will target selected applications, such as fuel cell reformers sized for Next Generation Vehicles, integrated mesoscopic power sources for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), as well as future portable energy sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Nanomaterials Research LLC CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0233028 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Mobility Agents for Persons with Cognitive Disabilities. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop Mobility Agents that help persons with cognitive disabilities use public transportation systems and help caregivers customize these agents to serve the specific needs of the travelers. Increasingly, public transportation systems are equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) systems connected to control centers through dedicated wireless networks. Controllers currently use this infrastructure to efficiently schedule and optimize operations and avoid organizational problems such as bunching. Agentsheets, Inc.'s investigative team will use this existing infrastructure to compute highly personalized information and deliver it on PDAs or cell phones to persons with cognitive disabilities. The research will explore user interface issues of agent-based real-time interfaces on handheld devices and build a prototype to be tested in a real-world setting using the Boulder Colorado bus system as a public transportation system test bed The proffered technology will develop public transportation management tools to provide services for persons with cognitive disabilities and for the elderly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Repenning, Alexander AGENTSHEETS INC CO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 1545 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0207000 Transportation 0233033 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Personal-Knowledge-Management eLearning System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will aid, support, and encourage eLearning students and instructors to find the best matches for their purposes in each other's skills, and to find the best knowledge and program resources to suit their immediate, particular needs. The software automatically extracts taxonomies from textual materials, which then allows those materials to be cross-referenced automatically. Taxonomize thus will provide extensible and low-cost eLearning support software, which is based on knowledge management (KM) capabilities, rather than attaching KM as an added feature. For example, an advanced auto-categorization engine will provide content management to help students find the best resources of tutors and workgroups to match their immediate needs. Current customers are colleges seeking economical ways to meet increasing demands for a popular international tutoring program. The research program, "PerK," will enable this expansion at costs far below current market. Ultimately the goal is to disseminate PerK capabilities into the full eLearning market, with target functionality and at lower cost than other current eLearning providers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG London, Robert TAXONOMIZE CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 98800 5371 SMET 9180 9178 0522400 Information Systems 0233042 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: SoftPDA, a Wireless Software Platform for Enterprise Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will assess the technical and commercial feasibility of SoftPDA, a wireless software platform for enterprise applications. The platform is focused on modeling business processes and automating business critical tasks for wireless device users. As a result of this approach, the platform addresses some of the well-known deficiencies of wireless devices. Such deficiencies have made wireless devices clumsy or inappropriate for compute-intensive tasks. The result of this research will be detailed design of that platform along with the algorithms necessary to enable it. The results of have applicability to a wide base of mobile professionals utilizing wireless devices to conduct business, including sales personnel, executives, consultant, attorneys, and finanical personnel engaged in any business enterprise. The results are also relevant to mobile workers in vertical markets such as field service and medicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lusher, Elaine LightCloud Software CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0206000 Telecommunications 0233043 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Object-Oriented Groundwater Data Repository Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is Object-Oriented Groundwater Data Repository Technology. Subsurface groundwater systems require large-scale models. Credible groundwater modeling needs the assemblage of all available information. Currently, the interpreted groundwater data and calibrated parameters are stored as input files of a code. All new modeling efforts are generally attempted from scratch. This object-oriented data repository will systematically store basin data, and will be independent of any groundwater code. It will have integrated tools to import, edit, view, and export information. It will have capabilities to convert any model data into a selected repository format. Integrated tools will provide options to screen water level and chemical data for generating good quality datasets for inverse parameter estimators. Groundwater is the primary water source for millions of people, agriculture, and industries. Groundwater modeling is a key requirement for (1) groundwater management; (2) permit applications; and (3) each waste site EA, RI/FS, risk assessment, and record of decisions (ROD) negotiations. Anyone using these data will potentially benefit from the use of this data repository. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gupta, Sumant CFEST INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9186 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0233047 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Separation of Light Hydrocarbon Mixtures by Pervaporation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the separation of light hydrocarbon mixtures by pervaporation. Chemically and mechanically robust composite membranes have been made; these membranes showed good selectivities and fluxes when tested with propylene/propane mixtures. In the proposed project a range of related membranes will be evaluated with three target light hydrocarbon mixtures: propylene/propane, n-butane/isobutane and toluene/n-octane. These close-boiling mixtures are produced on a very large scale in petrochemical plants and refineries and are expensive to separate by distillation. Based on the Phase I membrane performance results, a preliminary economic and technical analysis will be prepared. The most promising membrane and application will be targeted for the focus of the Phase II project and for commercialization activities. Potential Commercial Applications of the research separation of close-boiling light hydrocarbon mixtures, such as propylene from propane, is performed on a massive scale in the petrochemical and refining industries. Lower-cost, more energy-efficient membrane-based separation technology would be widely adopted. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Da Costa, Andre MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0233050 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Cross-language Information Retrieval Using Deep Syntax Parsing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the construction of a cross-lingual retrieval system based on deep linguistic analysis intended to deliver efficiencies and cost savings and reduce communication barriers worldwide. By 2003, 70 percent of the estimated 1.3 billion users of the Internet will be non-English speaking. Thus the need to enable automated, reliable accessibility to information in more than one language is clear. Most existing information retrieval systems are either monolingual or cross-language with limited success and no translation capabilities. The investigator's Cross-Language Information Retrieval System (CLIR) will produce significant performance increases in the recall and precision of a cross-language sear. The investigative team will encapsulate cutting edge natural language processing (NLP) technology developed on a consistent theoretical foundation into a modular and scalable application-programming interface. The system will incorporate an extraction component for the matching of relevant lexemes based on their syntactic context, and a probabilistic module, which will disambiguate multiple interpretation based on expectation. The firm has secured an exclusive license from Russian Academy of Sciences for the use of complex NLP algorithms that will be integrated into the CLIR technology, creating a state-of-the-art linguistic kernel. Universal Dialog proffered technology will provide any person, business, organization or government, as well as any software that integrates their Cross-Language Information Retrieval, a faster, less costly solution for the retrieval of multilingual information, with a higher degree of precision, recall and scalability that CLIR methods currently available. The firm plans to integrate the technology to be developed in this project into its Cross-Language Communication Platform (CLCP). CLCP will enable users to retrieve, summarize, and fully translate retrieved data. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bogatyrev, Konstantin Universal Dialog, Inc. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99973 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0233051 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanofluidic Reference Electrode with an Invariant Liquid Junction Potential. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the technical feasibility of a nanofluidic flowing liquid junction (NFLJ) reference electrode. These electrodes, because of their low flow and stable potential, can operate for years without human attention. The objective is to develop a reference electrode with an invariant potential, a flow rate of <100 nanoliters per hour, and a reservoir of 5 ml sufficient for 5 years of continuous operation. I. This nanofluidic device will operate at two orders of magnitude lower flow rate than the microfluidic liquid junction reference electrodes currently under development. The reduced size, and extraordinary long lifetimes due to exceedingly small electrolyte consumption, will make possible handheld pH and potentiometric sensors with a combined shelf life and operating life of up to five years without recalibration or refilling. These miniature reference electrodes are being developed for use with existing portable, handheld, commercial instruments. They will find application in laboratory research, environmental monitoring, and detection of chemical and biological agents. Commercially, a pH sensor with an NFLJ reference electrode offers significantly greater measurement precision over a longer time than any other pH sensor on the market. The precision pH sensor market is involved in measurements for regulatory compliance and for matters of process validation. This market segment pays a premium to obtain the most precise pH sensors available for applications that must withstand the scrutiny of Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies. The annual market for precision pH sensors is 200,000 units and $45 million in sales. This market segment will readily respond to any new sensor technology that results in more precise measurements over longer periods. The NFLJ pH sensor has the potential to become the new standard for such precision pH measurement applications. In addition, the new sensor will require less calibration and maintenance, which will significantly lower the cost of ownership and operation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Broadley, Scott Broadley-James Corporation CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 98896 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0233068 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Adaptive Personalization and Context Management for Location-Based Mobile Devices (AdaptTribe). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to dramatically improve the usability of location-aware devices such as mobile phones. Mobile internet devices herald a revolution in personal computing, but small screen sizes, awkward input capabilities, and poorly designed application environments can limit their potential. BigTribe addresses these problems with a Location Application Platform that incorporates adaptive location-based personalization, chaining context management and context-based applications. The personalization system tracks a user.s behavior and, using a new, distributed algorithm, predicts preferences and adjusts menu selections. Chaining context management helps users rapidly select venues, such as a theater, select activities to perform there, such as purchasing tickets, and then .chain. to other nearby activities, such as reserving a table at a nearby restaurant. Context-based applications present a natural user interface to find and operate on venues, friends or events. These innovations reduce the .clicks. users must perform to accomplish tasks. They will improve personal efficiency for a broad, price sensitive consumer market (including underrepresented populations not reached by Internet advancements), save people time, improve social interaction, make planning for meetings more efficient, and reduce fuel consumption. This work advances knowledge in personalization algorithms, location-based services, context-awareness, and ubiquitous computing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greening, Daniel BIGTRIBE CORPORATION CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0206000 Telecommunications 0233095 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Interactive Earth: Tools for Earth Systems Science. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will conduct research and develop prototypes of an Earth Systems science-learning program for secondary schools. The product will consist of a DVD-ROM that combines a library of high-resolution visualizations with an inquiry-based curriculum and the ability to update with new content from web sites on the Internet. Building on WorldLink Media's previously published CD product, Interactive Earth, the investigative team will research and prototype an advanced tool set for data analysis and image interpretation that will enable students to inquire, hypothesize, analyze, discover, and communicate with peers, replicating the work of real scientists. Using NASA's Earth Observatory and Visible Earth web sites as a test case, the Phase I research will define Web protocols that let users seamlessly upload data and imagery into the DVD-ROM interface. TERC, a research and education organization will evaluate teacher needs and develop a curriculum framework that aligns with the National Science Education Standards. This project recognizes the vital interplay between a curriculum developer (TERC), a data provider (NASA) and a tool-builder (WorldLink) in creating exemplary materials. Principal commercial applications include a DVD-ROM and curriculum package for schools, a DVD program for homes and libraries, and an interactive multimedia resource for museums and science centers. The proffered technology will not only contribute to earth science learning but also to solving information management problems: dealing with large amounts of data effectively in a classroom setting. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bergstrom, Kirk WorldLink Media, Inc. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 SMET 9178 9177 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0233137 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Knowledge-Based Adaptive Software Development Methodologies. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project builds on a research program investigating the design of process-based software development tools and methodologies. The project will develop a next generation of this software that supports the creation, refinement, and adaptation of software development methodologies in a principled manner while preserving the need for rapid innovation. The BORE (Building an Organizational Repository of Experiences) software development approach uniquely provides two levels of process adaptation based on project experiences. The system allows individual development efforts to create an instance of a defined process and tailor it to meet project needs. This is accomplished through a rule-based system that formally captures project decisions in a manner that can easily be used to assess project experiences for potential process improvements. These experiences are used in a feedback-based framework that refines the defined process to meet the emerging needs of the organization. The objectives of this Phase I research project are to refine the concepts and implement them in a stable version of the BORE system that can be used in evaluative studies. These studies will be used to assess the feasibility of the overall approach for potential commercialization. The innovative approach investigated in this project has the right mix of flexibility and discipline not found in current methodologies or tools, which have had minimal impact on the industry thus far. Success of this project also has the potential for impact beyond software development organizations. It has already been used in educational settings and is general enough to be applied to a number of industries that face dynamic production and design processes in today's fast-based, customer driven, business milieu SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Henninger, Scott ADAPTIVE PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES NE Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9150 0108000 Software Development 0233409 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Simulation-Based Design Tool for Machining. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the viability of a design-focused approach to modeling and simulation that will create a unique machining software model applicable to machine shops and manufacturing facilities of all sizes. No such tool currently exists or is pending. U.S. shops are continually losing business to foreign sources because of price. They need a dynamic software tool to help them rapidly and confidently determine lowest cost machining conditions. This project will focus on one cutter/material system and for extending the science to other cutters, materials, and machining systems. The software will predict cutting tool wear for each particular cutter/material pair based upon the iterative interactions of over eight different wear phenomena including temperature, force, rigidity and friction. It will account for differing part designs, run quickly on a personal computer, and will accurately compute the highly non-linear wear characteristics of a cutting tool during its wear history from a new tool with a sharp edge to a tool that has reached its wear limit The potential commercial benefits will be the ability to predict cutting tool wear and relating it to cost and quality for difficult-to-machine alloys. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shrader, Donald TechniRep, Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99501 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1786 0308000 Industrial Technology 0233846 June 30, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Enhanced Phase Sensitive Spectroscopy Using Matched Gratings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a trace-gas detection system based on a novel laser spectroscopic technique called Phase Sensitive Spectroscopy. This new spectroscopy technique may increase sensitivity by an order of magnitude compared to existing capabilities, and it is expected have lower capital and operating costs as well. The proposed technique relies on measurements of phase shifts of an amplitude modulated laser beam that occur when the laser is tune through a molecular resonance. Unlike current technologies, the measured quantity is insensitive to variations in the amplitude of the frequency components within the modulated laser beam. This fundamental difference promises to eliminate the need for calibrations that are currently required. Phase II will develop the fundamental understanding and lay the groundwork for commercialization. A prototype instrument will be fabricated by utilizing the 'backbone' of an existing commercially successful laser based trace-gas detector. The detection limit, stability, and cost of the prototype instrument will be characterized. Potential commercial applications are expected in monitoring gases in aluminum production and in other industries as environmental regulation and work place safety may require. Point source monitoring SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Swanson, Rand RESONON INC. MT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 59909 5373 EGCH 9188 9150 9145 0236569 January 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Analytic Simulation Method for Oil/Gas Field Management and Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II project provides the foundational R&D for new oil and gas reservoir management tools to optimize hydrocarbon recovery. It proposes extension of state-of-the-art analytic solution methods for potential flow in porous media from 2-D to 3-D. It incorporates 3-D analytic fluid flow simulation technology into large-scale optimization routines where reservoir recovery performance is required, such as in the optimum placement of new wells or the optimum operation of existing wells. Unlike previous analytic solution methods, complex heterogeneous reservoir architecture can be managed without a loss of accuracy. This project will provide a new class of reservoir management tools capable of rapidly and accurately screening what-if scenarios for field development. Phase II will: i) generalize analytic solution boundary element methodology to three dimensions, ii) build a prototype, 3-D, well optimization tool, iii) develop analytic stream-function technology for optimization of improved recovery operations, and iv) extend algorithms to additional geometric shapes for enhanced flexibility. Powerful analytic solution technology has been developed that allows robust solution of fluid flow problems with complex, heterogeneous rock properties. This general analytic solution methodology is an industry first, providing the ability to generate a brand new line of desktop hydrocarbon reservoir management tools. In particular, the results of this project will provide software and services to optimally locate new wells within existing hydrocarbon reservoirs. While reservoir simulation and well planning software both exist in the marketplace, no current commercial product offers the ability to rigorously compute well productivity within a feedback loop of a powerful gradient search optimization method to automatically select the best drilling location for new wells. This technology also addresses the optimum performance of existing wells in improved recovery operations. Using analytic stream-function optimization, well configurations in mature fields can be optimized for maximum productivity and ultimate recovery, thus minimizing unrecoverable natural resources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hazlett, Randy POTENTIAL RESEARCH SOLUTIONS TX Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 512000 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9186 9178 9139 1266 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0510604 Analytic Tools 0237472 March 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Ultraviolet (UV) Water Remediation with Surface Discharge UV Lamps. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop an Ultra-Violet (UV) water remediation process using a novel Surface Discharge Pulsed UV lamp (SD lamp) to treat organic contaminants. The objective of the Phase II research is to extend Phase I accomplishments and to develop a prototype Surface Discharge UV water treatment system for subsequent commercialization. For UV water treatment, the SD lamp offers advantages in terms of inherent UV efficiency, spectrum, high intensity and the absence of concerns linked to the use of mercury. Prior Phase I studies have shown that the effectiveness of SD lamps is greater than that of commercial mercury lamps by more than what would be expected based on UV efficiency alone. The proposed NSF Phase II Project will examine the reasons for this high effectiveness and to use this information in order to develop a Phase II prototype SD UV water remediation system. This Phase II work will be carried out in conjunction with a major UV water treatment company. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of water treatment. The Surface Discharge UV lamp is expected to replace mercury lamps currently used in most UV water treatment systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schaefer, Raymond PHOENIX SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 493339 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0313040 Water Pollution 0237474 March 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Low-Cost, High-Efficiency Power Amplifiers for Magnetic-Resonance Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II will develop and test a prototype low-cost, high-efficiency transmitter for magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) systems. Existing MRI transmitters use conventional power amplifiers (PAs), which makes them inefficient and consequently large, heavy, and expensive. Phase I has demonstrated the feasibility of using developed high-efficiency amplification techniques to produce significantly more power from a given transistor, thus lowering the cost. Also demonstrated was the feasibility of using these amplifiers to produce the pulsed-RF signals used by MRI. Phase II will develop a prototype transmitter that combines high-efficiency power amplification with digital signal processing to provide both low cost and superior signal quality. This in turn will produce superior image quality, resulting in improved diagnostics. The transmitter will be organized into broadband RF-power modules that can be combined in building-block fashion to produce transmitters for different MRI applications. The prototype transmitter will be configured into a manufacture able form to facilitate transition to Phase-III commercialization. Finally, the prototype transmitter will be tested in an MRI system and images obtained will be compared to those obtained with a conventional transmitter. The primary commercial application for the new transmitter is medical imaging. Every MRI system includes a high-power RF transmitter. The manufacturers of MRI systems purchase transmitters from smaller manufacturers. The RF transmitter is the most expensive subsystem, and keeping the cost down is of great interest. The building-block approach allows all market segments to be addressed, beginning with the lower-power "1-T" systems for specialized applications and moving subsequently to higher-power "3-T" systems for high-resolution whole body scans. The combination of lower cost and superior signal quality is expected to make the proposed transmitter very attractive to systems manufacturers. Secondary applications include security systems such as suitcase scanners and communication radios for both civilian and military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Raab, Frederick GREEN MOUNTAIN RADIO RESEARCH CO VT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 5373 0206000 Telecommunications 0237958 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Residual Stress and Part Distortion Prediction in Machined Workpiece Surfaces. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and validate the predictive capability industry needs to dramatically improve machined workpiece quality by controlling machining induced stresses while simultaneously reducing distortion in aerospace and automotive parts. The objective for Phase II will be to continue the development and verification of analysis tools for predicting residual stress and part distortion. The goal is to supply industry with a validated analytical tool to easily and economically predict and prevent part distortion-reducing costs due to testing trials, part scrap, and time-to-market, increasing product quality and competitiveness. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology will be provide industry with the ability to predict and prevent part distortion due to machining induced residual stress. Current techniques, which rely upon testing, and experience are not sufficient technically nor are they cost effective. Aerospace parts (large, monolithic, thin-walled, and expensive) and critical automotive powertrain applications, which demand flat surfaces to maintain fuel efficiency, component life, and lower emissions, are typical examples. A significant impact will be to manufacturing costs, lower scrap material, higher productivity, lower time-to-market, and increased product quality and performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Marusich, Troy THIRD WAVE SYSTEMS, INC. MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 1035965 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0238545 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Novel Ultrasensitive Gas Chromatography (GC) Detector with Highly Specific Response to Aromatic Hydrocarbons. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance commercialization of an aromatic-specific laser ionization detector (ArSLID). The photoionization detectors (PIDs) that are widely used as gas chromatography (GC) detectors and hand-held organic vapor analyzers form a natural basis of comparison for the ArSLID concept. The ArSLID uses a high repetition rate pulsed laser instead of a vacuum ultraviolet lamp to create molecular ions. The prototype ArSLID built and tested in Phase I is approximately 10-times more sensitive, has ten-times shorter response time, and is several orders of magnitude more selective toward aromatic hydrocarbons than any commercially available PID. The linear dynamic range is at least 5 orders-of-magnitude. The ArSLID is also immune from interferences by water vapor or oxygen. Technical improvements planned for Phase II include improving the resolution by 4 bits and correction for variations in the laser pulse repetition frequency. Features will be added to facilitate easy integration of the ArSLID with existing GCs. Another focus of Phase II will be applications development to show the versatility and value of ArSLID. The Phase I work, which emphasized GC detection, will be expanded to HPLC detection, which opens up tremendous opportunities in the Life Sciences. The aromatic-specific detector will find a wide range of applications as the detector for gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), general vapor monitoring, and specialized environmental techniques. Of these, the HPLC detector has the greatest commercial potential as a highly sensitive, low cost alternative the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jarski, Paul DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 646078 5373 EGCH 9188 9150 0313010 Air Pollution 0238610 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Protective Metal Foam Hybrid Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a low-cost manufacturing processes for multifunctional composite materials that have specific air and ground transportation applications. Existing materials designed to protect against explosions or impacts tend to be heavy and to be appendages on structural systems. The new materials, which consist of an aluminum foam surrounded by facing plies of resin-infused glass, carbon, or aramid, will be light weight and designed to integrate affordability and functionality. Innovative manufacturing methods, using out-of-autoclave processes that are derivatives of liquid molding approaches, will be developed to incorporate automation to improve quality and decrease processing time. A number of fiber-ply/foam combinations will be fabricated with a focus on manufacturing a container for explosives transport and on a hardened aircraft door. Prototypes will be fabricated for customer testing. The improved processing and unique properties are expected to lead to a variety of other applications. These applications of aluminium foam core composites for making protective structures will meet the national need for materials that provide increased protection and security. The market for protective materials is expected to grow, and is already a sizeable $150 - $200 million per year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Grow, Dana SIOUX MANUFACTURING CORPORATION ND Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 495783 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9150 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0238667 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Novel Method for Class Switching IgM Secretors to IgG. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a rapid IgSwitch Assay for inducing and isolating IgG class switch variants from IgM hybridomas using in-vitro culture conditions, microencapsulation technology and fluorescence activated cell sorting. The IgSwitch Assay is expected to be a significant improvement over conventional methods used to isolate class switch variants, and will be useful in cell line development and monoclonal antibody production. Prior Phase I research has already demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method using a model IgM hybridoma. This Phase II project will develop in-vitro culture conditions that promote switching to different IgG subclasses. The Phase II research will also validate reagents for a family of isotype specific IgSwitch Assays. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of monoclonal antibodies. Use of the targeted IgSwitch Assay in monoclonal antibody production will help to generate new IgG specific antibodies from a largely untapped source of IgM hybridomas, for potential use as research, therapeutic, diagnostic, and imaging reagents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Akselband, Yevgenya ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 641950 5373 BIOT 9251 9231 9181 9178 9148 9102 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0238674 January 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Green Solvent Mixtures as Alternatives to Environmentally Damaging and Toxic Solvents. This SBIR Phase II Project will develop software to aid formulation chemists in the replacement of environmentally damaging and toxic solvents such as those listed as hazardous air pollutants (HAP) in Section 112(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act. Phase I provided successful proof of concept for MCT's approach to use mixtures of "green" solvents that are tunable to obtain a wide range of solvent characteristics. This approach allows for the replacement of a broad spectrum of harmful solvents by using a small number of benign solvents. The system is flexible, allowing end users to control factors such as the organic functional groups present to fit their application. MCT will incorporate this method into software to guide non-specialists through the selection of solvents and optimization the mixture. MCT will collaborate with the research groups of Professors Charles Eckert and Charles Liotta at the Georgia Institute of Technology to develop a predictive model for the solubility of metal-organic compounds in organic solvents. We will perform quantitative solubility measurements on the systems initially studied in Phase I and use the resulting data to verify and improve the solubility model. The resulting solubility model will be incorporated in the solvent selection software. The recent trend towards environmentally friendly products has caused an increase in the use of green solvents in product formulations and industrial processes. Regulations governing the use of solvents classified as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) or as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are forcing companies to look for alternatives to solvents presently in use. Therefore, there is an opportunity for the introduction of products that are designed to assist companies that need to reformulate products or processes that use organic solvents. The niche market for reformulation tools is estimated to fall into the $30 million range. MCT's goal is to release a software product that meets these needs within 3 years, and to gain the majority of the market share, producing revenues of $10 million over a period of 6 years. MCT will license software developed under Phase II to companies that manufacture chemicals and allied products. Solvent replacement tools can be applied to find alternative solvents almost anywhere solvents are in use, including coatings, pharmaceuticals, printing inks, toiletries, cosmetics, adhesives, household and car care, rubber and polymer manufacturing, industrial cleaning and degreasing, agrochemicals, oil seed and food extraction and dry cleaning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Flanagan, John NGIMAT CO. GA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 1047994 5373 1505 EGCH AMPP 9251 9231 9187 9178 9163 1417 1414 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0238696 January 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Circuit Design for Biological Data Transmission. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes to develop, test, market and produce low-power wireless headstage systems for the neural prosthetic market. The wireless neural headstage devices will be able to transmit and to receive sixteen electrodes sourced from a patient. The analog signals will be encoded and transmitted wirelessly to a remote receiver where they will appear on a 16-channel connector. The wireless headstage technology will replace the tethered connections and create a more natural and productive laboratory environment for patient data acquisition. Ultimately, wireless technology will improve the quality of life for anyone using a commercial neural prosthetic device by offering extended freedom of motion, improved product safety and reliability, and less visual distractions. The primary commercial application of this project is in the wireless neural prosthetic market. Additional applications are expected in the biomonitoring business markets, such as for electrophysiological patient testing and monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Morizio, James Triangle Biosystems, Inc. NC F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 999924 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0238697 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: An Aspect-Oriented Solution for Unit Test Generation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to make it much easier to create unit-level regression tests for Java programs. Their benefits are clear, but existing techniques for creating them are flawed because they are difficult to apply to existing code, and tool support requires modification of the target code. The innovation is to instrument a gold-standard version of the module of interest so that when a client application executes, all events that cross the boundary to the module are intercepted and logged to a file. Later, after the unit has been modified or extended, and without any further need for the client application, the events can be reconstructed and fed to the unit. The results are checked for consistency with the log, and discrepancies flagged as faults. This makes it much easier for a user to create a test suite for a module. The approach is made feasible by using Aspect-Oriented Programming, and object mocking. The research challenges are: how to devise techniques for tolerating permitted changes in the target module, and how to reduce the chances of a single failure triggering a profusion of cascading failures. The use of advanced static analysis techniques, including dependence analysis, is the key to solving these problems. If successful, this system will help software development organizations reduce the cost of development and maintenance of their software assets while at the same time increasing its quality. It will help increase assurance of safety-critical software, such as in medical equipment, or flight-control systems, thus reducing the risk of damage to property and loss of life. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Anderson, Paul GRAMMATECH, INC. NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 496406 5373 HPCC 9216 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0238857 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: A Parallax Barrier Technique for Autostereoscopic Displays. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is designed to leverage the success in polarized strip development. It will also advance two configurations for 2D and 3D capable auto stereoscopic display products, and initiate customer evaluation of these products. Specific objectives of the project include: completion of the technical developments necessary to produce 2D/3D products using the proprietary Strip Polarizer Parallax Barrier (SPPB) technique for flat panel displays; collaboration with a target customer to design and develop a market specific product; initiation of a pilot-manufacturing run to produce prototypes for initial market feedback; qualification of the initial prototypes in terms of performance, quality, manufacturability and acceptance; and continuation of research efforts needed to produce full resolution 2D/3D products. A successful Phase II program will advance the technology to prototype and initiate market feedback in target applications. Phase II prototypes will embody the majority of the technology needed to produce the full resolution products and will serve to firm up manufacturing processes while establishing initial market demand in those segments where natural upgrades to full resolution will increase market penetration. The direct commercial potential of the projects lies in autostereoscopic products that will be manufactured using the proposed technology. Such display products will find widespread use in scientific and medical visualization applications, CAD, industrial inspection, and remote vision applications. Consumer based applications may include electronic commerce and computer gaming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Eichenlaub, Jesse DIMENSION TECHNOLOGIES INC NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0238863 January 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Xtractica - A System for Extracting Coherent Data from Documents. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will implement a software system that allows domain experts to specify programs that transform unstructured or partially structured data from a variety of document sources, such as World Wide Web sites, PDF files, and text into structured, coherent, and readily usable information. The system will consist of a set of tightly integrated syntactic and semantics-driven data extraction technologies that are managed from a graphical user interface. The goal will be to retrieve information that was created for human understandability, and work with it to create knowledge that can support automated decision-making and transactions. The system will empower users, who are knowledgeable about their application domains but are not necessarily trained as computing technologists, to rapidly structure data into knowledge. The Phase II implementation effort will build upon the results from the Phase I feasibility study to produce a fully functional system. Phase III will make the system commercially available to clients with diverse business interests including content aggregation, e-procurement, ERP, and supply chain management vendors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vidrevich, Tatyana XSB, INC. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 736731 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 9178 9102 5373 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0238882 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Software Tools for Authoring American Sign Language. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a fully functioning prototype software tool that will allow educators, interpreters, and linguists skilled in American Sign Language (ASL), but not in computer 3-D animation, to create fully grammatical synthesized ASL. This technology will provide language access for Deaf individuals to Internet web pages and CD-ROM based media. This project builds upon the P.I.'s commercial Sign Smith products, which were developed, in part, under an earlier NSF SBIR grant. The current technology allows users to generate unique sentences composed of signs that are in citation, or non-inflected form and to add facial expressions. The resulting sign and sentence structure approximates English grammar and therefore represents a transliteration, also known as Signed English. Although Signed English does provide some access to digital media, the absence of many elements of ASL grammar limits the use of the technology by the larger segment of the Deaf population who require grammatical ASL for access. These tools will enable the user to dynamically compose and inflect ASL signs from parameterized components using several spatial frames of reference. These sign types include pronouns, indicating and locative verbs, and classifier predicates. The final commercial product will be a new integrated tool within the P.I.'s commercial Sign Smith Studio Authoring Tool. This tool will allow educators and multimedia developers to create engaging, grammatically correct, ASL animations for language access to digital information on Web Pages and in CD-ROM titles. The software interface not only allows authors to spatially inflect signs, but also it can be used to create signs as well. This capability opens opportunities for quickly building libraries of technical and scientific terms to be used in educational and scientific curricula. It also affords the potential to create libraries of foreign sign languages, therefore making it possible for the product to enter international markets. Content can be viewed using a proprietary licensed software Player. This product will increase access of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and adults to digitally based information and promote inclusive education and employment approaches which accords with the language and intent of the New Freedom Initiative, recent amendments to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act. Not only does this technology have a viable commercial market, it also has broad societal benefits for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in America and beyond. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sims, Edward VCOM3D, INC. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 684203 5373 SMET 9251 9231 9178 9177 9102 7218 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0238947 March 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance) Plasma Treatment of Polymer Tubing Such As Catheters. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop new techniques to treat both internal and external surfaces of polymer tubing such as catheters. The treatments will modify the surfaces to facilitate attachment of bioactive coatings, clean, sterilize, or reduce friction; similar processes can also deposit organic or inorganic coatings. Plasmas driven by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) will treat the lumen and external surfaces more uniformly, and over a greater range of parameters, than conventional plasmas and can be spatially localized to provide different effects on each. The ECR plasma process should be expandable to large-scale, low-cost commercial production coating and surface modification of catheters. Surface treatments to facilitate attachment of bioactive coatings to hemodialysis and other catheter types would have societal benefits by extending the period between catheter replacements clear therapeutic and economic. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Du, Ying Jun Spire Corporation MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 474739 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0238964 March 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Visualizing Arbitrary Basis Functions for Advanced Engineering Analysis and Simulation. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project will create general-purpose software tools for visualizing the results of advanced numerical simulation. Simulation techniques, which make up a large part of the multi-billion dollar CAD/CAM/CAE market, are widely used to design and build the majority of products manufactured today. Visualization plays an important role in this process by transforming simulation results into images which designers, engineers, and scientists can use to understand and communicate about their products. Recent advances in numerical simulation provide an opportunity for methods based on higher-order basis functions. These functions better model curved geometry and are more accurate than conventional techniques employing linear approximation functions. The use of this technology is limited by a lack of general-purpose visualization software tools for higher-order methods. Providing these tools will accelerate the adoption of this technology into the marketplace resulting in software that will produce superior product designs, in shorter time, and at lower cost. An adaptive tessellation process that converts higher-order basis into linear graphics primitives and preserves the visual accuracy of the solution, while maintaining interactive graphics performance, is proposed. This technology will be licensed and add-on adaptors will be offered that will enable vendors to easily and efficiently interface their systems to this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schroeder, William KITWARE INC NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 551467 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0238965 March 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Enabling Sharable Infrastructure for the Human/Computer Interface. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project addresses the challenge of seamless interoperability among computer systems and user interface components such as displays and keyboards. Such components today are tightly coupled with the computer, which restricts the utility of both especially in mobile systems, where users invariably have to choose between usable displays and reasonable portability. The system being separates I/O devices from computing devices enabling a different mode of use of computers where a user can carry around much smaller computing devices and use shared larger I/O devices as available.. The design and implementation of these enhancements will be guided by feedback from users of prototypes deployed in the field. In the long run, the widespread adoption of this approach has the potential to revolutionize the way humans interact with computers, by allowing computing devices to shrink out of sight, while freeing interfaces from the constraints of portability. The technology has immediate commercial applications in health care and mobile computing as well, these markets will be explored through future strategic partnerships. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Calvert, Kenneth Lumenware LLC KY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 522000 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9231 9215 9178 9150 9146 7218 0108000 Software Development 0239008 January 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Nanocrystalline Fe-Co For Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Suppression. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on developing nanocrystalline soft ferromagnetic materials for various end use applications such as Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) suppression, magnetic bearings and inductors. Phase I clearly established the feasibility of producing these materials via a patented microwave plasma technique. In addition, these nanomaterials were consolidated to near theoretical densities using a patented plasma pressure compaction technique and the compacts exhibited high magnetic strength and low coercivity. During Phase II, the process will be to develop these materials for specific applications. Our Industrial partners will evaluate the produced materials to evaluate parameters, which are critical for transitioning the technology to an immediate useful product. In addition, an IP protection and various avenues to commercialize the technology will be sought. There are numerous applications for nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials with superior magnetic and mechanical properties and low core loss. This includes EMI prevention components, generators, transformers, data communication interface component, magnetic bearings (commercial high-performance applications in the domain of rotating machinery), magnetic recording heads, motors, sensors, and reactors. MMI plans to focus on three market segments including (1) EMI suppression (2) Magnetic Bearings and (3) Inductors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sudarshan, T. Materials Modification Inc. VA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9146 5373 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239030 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Optimal Replenishment Algorithms for Service Parts Logistics Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II Project will develop prototype software to provide optimal real time purchase and repair replenishment, and allocation of service spare parts used to provide after-sales support to mission-critical products. It will design, develop and test advanced optimization algorithms to ensure that the right part is ordered from the right source in the right quantity at the right time and then allocated to the right location. In Phase III these engines will be incorporated in MCA Solutions planned commercial enterprise software product Replenishment and Allocation Optimizer (RAO) and complement MCA Solutions current product Service Parts Optimizer (SPO). The use of this tool will result in higher availability of service parts, increase products uptime and lower expense in service parts inventory. The target industries for this solution will be Defense, Aerospace, and manufacturers of Automotive, Computer, Telecommunications and Hi-Tech equipment. RAO will be the first commercial software product to support near real time optimization of inventory management in service supply chains. The requirement allocation optimizer software market is underdeveloped. The size of this opportunity is significant. Over 1,100 companies in the United States generate sales higher than $250 M/year in the original equipment manufacturer segment. Combined sales in this sector are $3.3 trillion with total inventory investment in service parts of about $250 Billion. Service parts inventory accounts for about 5 to 10% of product sales for an OEM. The technology has the potential to reduce these investments by 20% to 40 which in turn may pass some of the reductions to the customers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Agrawal, Vipul MCA SOLUTIONS INC PA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 498419 5373 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0239034 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Group Coding for Reliable High Performance Network-Centric Storage. This SBIR Phase II project takes advantage of a powerful new coding technique called Group Coding (GC) pioneered in Phase I by Data Reliability Inc. (DRI), and an innovative storage system architecture called NetSTOR, to build a prototype for a highly available, reliable, high performance, application-friendly, and scalable network-based storage engine. The engine is multi-platform software that cost-effectively aggregates distributed islands of independent storage resources into a single virtual shared pool of storage. GC typically offers 6 to 27 times enhancement for encoding and 3.5 to 6.5 times enhancement for decoding. The NetSTOR approach is superior to commonly used data replication because it offers optimal redundancy leading to better resource (storage and bandwidth) utilization. NetSTOR is capable of aggregating the capabilities of multiple parallel storage nodes to get improved response times in both WAN and LAN environments. NetSTOR dramatically enhances the overall system throughput and exhibits perfect linear throughput scalability. The NetSTOR engine serves as an enabling core storage technology. Applications can build on and benefit from the unique feature of this core. Many applications will exploit the competitive advantages of NetSTOR including storage virtualization, electronic software distribution, multimedia network-based services, modeling and simulation applications, data grids, document storage and delivery, distributed information retrieval, medical imaging, video on demand and terrain visualization. The GC technique pioneered by this project provides a new way of looking at and understanding existing array codes. This understanding will lead to the discovery of new codes and could result in significant scientific advances in coding theory. The impact of Phase II is not limited to the technological and commercial merits. For this project, DRI is partnering with Jackson State University (JSU); therefore, the project will offer JSU students a tremendous educational experience. Since Jackson State University is an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), the project will set a precedent for continuous collaboration and will increase the participation of underrepresented and minority groups in science and technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Malluhi, Qutaibah Data Reliability Inc. MS Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 505011 5373 HPCC 9231 9215 9178 9150 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0239038 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Surface Modification of Textiles for Protective Clothing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project involves the modification of the surface of textiles through graft polymerization of an oxidizing polymer resulting in a fabric which has the ability to eradicate/neutralize pathogenic microorganisms, pesticides, and chemical/biological weapons. The fabric could be used to produce medical textiles in order to reduce the transmission of infectious pathogens in hospitals, protect agricultural workers from contact with pesticides, and protect military personnel and first responders from contact with chemical/biological weapons in the event of terrorism or war. The Phase I research showed that the grafted fabric was highly effective against both microbial and chemical agents. The modified fabric was also found to be non-irritating to both intact and abraded (compromised) skin. In this Phase II project the research will consist of optimizing the graft polymerization process, extensive testing of the optimized fabric against microbial and chemical challenges, durability testing through repeated laundering, mechanical property evaluation, extensive cytotoxicity and irritation testing, capacity and regenerability assessment, stability assessment in storage, pilot plant production runs, and custom production/testing of fabric for a strategic partner. The fabric technology to be developed in this project has a vast amount of potential in a variety of niche applications in the medical, agricultural, and military arenas. In addition to the huge markets that exist for these products, there are obvious societal benefits that are inherent with the technology. Infection control is a huge problem in medical facilities resulting in prolonged hospital stays and leads to higher medical costs. The modified fabric could be constructed into medical textiles for use as surgical drapes, scrubs, lab coats, bed sheets, privacy drapes, gowns, etc. Farm workers could protect themselves from exposure to the pesticides they use in the field. The fabric could be employed in the production of protective clothing for first responders and military personnel who find themselves in an environment where there is a potential risk of exposure to chemical/biological weapons. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Singh, Waheguru Lynntech, Inc TX Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 487598 5373 MANU 9148 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239055 January 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: A New Technology for Rapid Identification of Aluminum Metals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new technology for rapid identification and sorting of aluminum and its alloys from a mixture of non-magnetic metals and will provide a new high quality source of these valuable materials for industrial manufacturing processes. This project plans to complete development of an innovative new optoelectronic sensing method integral to the new technology and then design, construct, and test a near commercial scale prototype metals processing system based upon the new technology. The prototype system will be integrated into an existing pilot plant test facility located on-site at the commercial partner's metals recycling facility and will be tested on metal feed streams derived from an automobile shredder processing line located at the recycling facility. A primary objective is to develop an environmentally friendly computerized dry process which can be situated locally and which can rapidly and cleanly sort aluminum scrap from mixtures of nonmagnetic metals at low cost to replace large, costly, and environmentally burdensome heavy media processes and smelting processes for mixed metals. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology will be to reduce the amount of scrap aluminum alloys that are discarded each year in landfills because recycling of these materials are neither technically nor economically practical. Existing methods of sortation use visual examination and hand sortation, or hand-held/bench-top analyzers that are cumbersome and slow in speed. Heavy media separators and smelting facilities for mixed metals are polluting and expensive to build and operate. Using advanced optoelectronic detection techniques, including computer analysis, the proposed technology will sort aluminum alloys from mixed nonferrous metals automatically at speeds never before attainable. If the approach is successful, the impact to increased scrap utilization, increased scrap value and reduced environmental pollution is enormous. The potential worldwide market exceeds $2 Billion annually. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sommer, Edward NATIONAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 1036000 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9163 9146 1468 1467 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239060 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Information Theoretic Learning and Application to Fetal ECG. This Small Business Innovation Phase II Project will develop information theoretic methods to separate fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) signals from the noisy electrical environment of the maternal abdomen based on statistical properties of the mixtures (blind source separation). The separation is done using a recently introduced algorithm (Mermaid) that is computationally and data efficient. Phase I research showed that Mermaid is a marked improvement over prior methods of FECG separation. The project will develop the technology for a comprehensive fetal and maternal monitor including fetal heart rate, FECG, and maternal Electrohysterogram (EHG, which measures contraction information) in a very compact device. The project includes clinical studies designed to provide the information necessary to create and validate NeuroDimension's system and also to illustrate its effectiveness. Potential markets include hospital-based fetal monitoring, home/physician's office fetal monitoring and stress tests, and use as a research tool. The monitor not only will be less expensive than current monitors, but also will provide additional information that can dramatically improve patient care and reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary procedures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Euliano, Neil Convergent Engineering, Inc FL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 595578 5373 HPCC 9231 9216 9178 9102 0116000 Human Subjects 0510604 Analytic Tools 0239065 March 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Applying Transgenic Technology to Improve the Pearl Production Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop the technology to produce faster growing oysters that yield bigger and higher quality pearls than those currently available. Prior Phase I work has already shown the production of the first-ever verifiable transgenic pearl oysters, and the successful isolation of the first nacre gene from Pinctada margaritifera. The proposed work in this Phase II project will demonstrate commercial viability by isolating other potentially-important genes from Pinctada, refining proven transfection methods, and evaluating nacre quality and deposition rates in transgenic phenotypes. Biosecure land-based grow-out of transgenic oysters, as mantle-tissue donors only, will increase application efficiency and overcome environmental concerns. The commercial application of this project will be in the black pearl market that is estimated to be of the order of $ 5 billion worldwide. A U.S.-led expansion of this lucrative industry could provide economic benefits to Hawaii and to U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, increasing investment, employment opportunities and self-sufficiency in these remote islands, and reducing the economic burden on the U.S. Government. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sarver, Dale Black Pearls Inc HI F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 499979 5373 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0521700 Marine Resources 0239071 May 15, 2003 STTR Phase II: A Rapid-deployment, Three-dimensional (3-D), Seismic Reflection System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project aims to build a prototype of a rapid-deployment, three-dimensional (3-D), seismic reflection system for near-surface exploration. Although the 3-D seismic reflection method enjoys tremendous commercial success in marine applications, 3-D seismic systems for land-based geophysical exploration have been limited because cost-effective and environmentally friendly deployment systems have not been developed. Such a system would be useful to build models of ground water flow, track pollutants, identify mineral-laden zones, and aid the sitting of large construction projects. The next generation seismic system based on the land streamers concept using gimbal-mounted vertical geophones will be assembled. An industrial, low-impact All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a critical part of the system both to pull the land streamers and minimize environmental impact. The primary advantage of such a system is that fewer field personnel would be needed compared to conventional surveys and data can be collected more efficiently. The customer base for this seismic reflection system includes civil and environmental engineers and geophysical contractors. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Patrick Marvin Speece PFM MANUFACTURING INC MT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 494296 1505 MANU 9150 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239119 March 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Characterization of Three Dimensional Discontinuity Properties from Digital Images of Rock Masses. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will further the investigation of two innovative technologies for characterizing fractures in rock masses. The first technology involves image-processing algorithms for the extraction of 3D fracture properties from fracture traces in digital images. The second technology involves the use of laser-scanners to extract the 3D properties of exposed fracture surfaces. The two technologies complement each other well and there are situations where the characterization of fracturing is best analyzed with one or the other or both technologies. The first objective of the Phase II research is to continue to improve the two technologies, and to integrate all the various algorithms into a single user-friendly software tool. The second objective is to thoroughly evaluate sources of error in both technologies through synthetic and field studies, and to develop a set of recommended field procedures and equipment for various applications to optimize the techniques and minimize errors. The third objective is to develop relationships with potential customers for the software and also groups interested in collaborating on software development and validation. Once a beta version of the software is developed, this software will be provided to some customers for validation and assessment. Within the broad scope of the rock engineering market, four distinct market segments have been identified for this innovation. Each market segment has a separate end-use application: mining, geotechnical, petroleum, and environment. Market research and letters of support from various market participants have demonstrated that a market need exists for automation of tasks currently performed manually by rock engineering professionals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Handy, Jeffrey SPLIT ENGINEERING LLC AZ Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 501897 5373 CVIS 9251 9231 9178 9102 1038 0108000 Software Development 0109000 Structural Technology 0239151 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Harsh Environment Fluid Viscosity-Density Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is aimed at developing MEMS-based miniaturized fluid viscosity and density sensors that can operate within small confines provide electronic readout, and that are capable of surviving harsh environments (high temperature, high pressure, corrosive, abrasive) typical of many fluid sensor applications. The Harsh Environment Fluid Viscosity-Density Sensor consists of a packaged flexural plate wave (FPW) resonator instrumented with low cost, compact electronics for sensor read-out. In Phase I, the technical objectives were successfully accomplished by fabricating resonant FPW fluid sensors from harsh environment compatible single crystal SiC and epitaxial piezoelectric AlN materials, and demonstrated their ability to independently measure fluid viscosity and density. In Phase II, fully functional, packaged and electronically instrumented Harsh Environment Fluid Viscosity-Density Sensor prototypes will be developed and optimized for specific customer applications. The fluid sensors will be field tested in our customer's systems to demonstrate precise and accurate fluid viscosity and density measurements and stable operation in the customer's fluids and environmental conditions. After successful completion of Phase II, the Harsh Environment Fluid Viscosity-Density Sensor will be ready for scale-up manufacturing and commercialization in Phase III. The Harsh Environment Fluid Viscosity-Density Sensor has commercial applications in 1) Condition-Based Maintenance of oils and other fluids in engines and industrial process equipment, 2) Process and Quality Control in manufacturing, chemical processing and water/waste treatment industries, and 3) down-hole sensors for Petrochemical Exploration and Extraction SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mlcak, Richard BOSTON MICROSYSTEMS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 1015034 5373 HPCC 9251 9197 9178 9139 5373 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239174 January 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Segmented Proton Exchange Membranes with Edge Seals for Compact Fuel Cell Electrode Structures. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project will demonstrate practical and cost-effective designs for a high energy density Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell. The approach taken will utilize the treatment of membranes with Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPN), as demonstrated in Phase I, to create regions with enhanced strength and the desired ionic, reactant and water transport properties for a viable Segmented Fuel capable of operating with ambient diffused oxygen for portable applications. A systematic modeling procedure will be developed to generate optimal, thermally and hydraulically stable segmented fuel cell designs, with specific electrode arrays, given voltage, and power requirements. Size/weight trade-offs will be considered. The work supports the effort to develop fuel cells for portable consumer and industrial power which is safe, durable and energy efficient. PEM based fuel cells are a mature technology which takes advantage of very simple chemistry and the introduction of the GES IPN-improved membranes will permit designers greater flexibility in producing fuel cells which meet the needs for portable computers, tools, communication, medical and industrial equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McDonald, Robert GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 499926 5373 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239176 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Hybrid Lattice Boltzmann Technique for Heat Transfer Prediction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will produce a unique computational tool for heat transport prediction in industrial devices by hybridizing our Digital Physics technology based on Lattice Boltzmann Methods (LBM) for hydrodynamics with efficient partial differential equation (PDE) solution for heat transfer. The project will start with the development and implementation of a wide range of physical features including variable thermodynamic and kinetic molecular properties as well as flow dependent turbulent/transitional Prandtl number, followed by introducing algorithms that ensure stable, accurate, and noiseless performance of the full-physics LBM/PDE algorithm. Upon algorithm optimization and benchmarking, we will focus on full thermal studies of industrial devices provided by our commercial customers. These beta tests will be followed by Phase III commercialization. The hybrid thermal transport prediction tool for development in this Phase II SBIR project will open major new commercial markets for our current PowerFLOW product, especially at the engineering design level, as well as open important new markets for novel technologies in various industrial problems ranging from classical macroscopic flows to microscopic flows like those in MEMS devices. This new technology should also establish new markets for computer aided engineering (CAE), especially in manufacturing industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Staroselsky, Ilya Exa Corporation MA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 1000000 5373 MANU 9146 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239180 March 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Education on Demand for Technique Training. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and evaluate a delivery platform for interactive rich media and effective simulation-based e-learning. The platform will interface with learning content authoring and management systems that are scaleable to commercial operation without further development. Interoperability is achieved through verified compliance with the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiatives Shareable Content Object Reference Model, and the ability of the platform to directly admit and reuse e-learning assets in all pervasive formats. Rich media is represented in an object-oriented fashion that retains the identity of each media asset in order to: (1) facilitate courseware maintenance and reuse; (2) allow refined server bandwidth and storage utilization, and system scalability; (3) enable data rights management of individual assets and diverse revenue models; (4) render content as an interactive multimedia engagement that promotes attention retention and the refinement of learner skills without the need for special hardware; (5) tailor content to diverse client platforms, distribution channel configurations, and the individual demographics, curriculum certification, and physical handicap of the learner; and (6) enable client-side rendering of high-definition content not possible to deliver pre-rendered over conventional Internet access. The proposed system enables learners to receive courseware of higher audiovisual quality, greater interactivity, more refined personalization, and with greater learner retention than that possible with current streaming technologies. Interoperability with existing learning content management systems, and scalability to large and diverse audiences strengthen commercialization potential. Enabling technologies that rely on rich-media delivery, such as collaborative visualization and distributed interactive simulation, are also supported by the proposed object-oriented rich media representation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Bandera, Cesar Creneaux NJ Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 640300 5373 1666 SMET 9180 9178 9177 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0000912 Computer Science 0102000 Data Banks 0104000 Information Systems 0239183 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: The Use of Gestural Interface and Robotics Technology to Facilitate Language Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to enhance functionality and clinically evaluate an interactive robotic system to facilitate receptive and expressive language development of children with disabilities. Developed by Anthrotronix, Inc., a rehabilitation engineering, consulting, and product development company, this child-friendly robot is controlled by various interfaces adapted to individual needs, regardless of physical limitations. The child controls the robot via gestures and voice activation. Gestures may include reaching for a button, operating a joystick, or activating wearable sensors through body movement. The child can play and record sound and movement commands and interact with the robot in the context of programmed games. The robot allows the child to interact with its environment. The controlling software can be updated so that the robot continues to hold the child's interest and imagination over time. This robotic technology is designed to provide reinforcements and motivation for learning and therapy. Objectives are to (1) finalize the design and manufacture of the robotic systems hardware and software and (2) evaluate the systems ability to provide interventional activities, motivation, and positive reinforcement in speech/language therapy. Over 10% of all children have one or more disabilities. The number of children with speech and language impairments is higher than that for any other disability. A total of 1,050,975 students between the ages of 6 and 17 have a primary speech and language impairment and another 441,410 students have a secondary diagnosis of speech and language impairment. Anthrotronix is addressing the market need for therapists to have effective tools that support an approach that integrates speech/language development with children's educational development and social development, such as communication and interpersonal skills. There is a clear opportunity for products that enable therapists to provide increased motivation and education of children with disabilities while performing therapeutic functions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lathan, Corinna ANTHROTRONIX, INC. MD Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 1107315 5373 OTHR HPCC 9261 9251 9231 9218 9178 9177 9139 9102 7218 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0239197 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Electrochemical Disinfectant Generator for Multiple In-Situ Applications. This Small Business Research (SBIR) Phase II project is concerned with the development and commercialization of electrochemically operated devices that will revolutionize the disinfectant industry by providing on-site, on-demand generation of extremely potent dual disinfectants. Peroxyacids are well known disinfectants that remove even resistant microorganisms (i.e. spores) by attacking S-S and S-H bonds on cell walls. The conventional method of manufacturing peroxy acids involves mixing concentrated hydrogen peroxide, an organic acid, and a catalyst (usually concentrated sulfuric acid), and involves the transportation and storage of hazardous chemicals. During the Phase I, the feasibility of a novel approach for the generation of the dual disinfectant was amply demonstrated. In this process, reactants for converting organic acids to dual disinfectants are generated within the device, avoiding problems associated with storage. All the criteria of success specified have been successfully accomplished and a well-known industrial partner has shown a keen interest in commercializing the novel devices. In Phase II, further optimization of the electrochemical devices will be followed by fabrication of prototypes of three devices for demonstrating their efficacy for a variety of disinfection applications. There is a considerable need for devices that produce potent disinfectants that are biocidal against a broad spectrum of microbes including spores and viruses. These devices that produce potent disinfectants on-demand have commercial potential in domestic health care and food service establishments as well as in infection control applications in hospitals and nursing homes. It is estimated that revenues of the entire cleaning/sanitizing industry will be $31 billion in 2007. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tennakoon, Charles Lynntech, Inc TX Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 484703 5373 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239206 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Comprehensive Database Resource on Protein Localization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes to develop the database and associated software to enable analysis of protein trafficking and localization. The system will be designed to enable drug discovery researchers to identify, elucidate, eliminate and design leads and targets, while facilitating the general training of researchers. During the Phase I work, proteins involved in trafficking and diseases related to mislocalization were identified, and a relational database to house information on protein trafficking was constructed. Curation interface applications were created to allow remote data entry, and graphical user interfaces designed to maximize the utility of the information. The objective of this Phase II Project is to exhaustively populate the database from the primary journal literature. Selection of proteins involved in protein trafficking will be guided by relevant human diseases and corresponding drug discovery efforts. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biological informatics. The potential users of the biological database to be developed in this project would include pharmaceutical and drug discovery companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rubin, David Cognia Corporation NY F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 1009959 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0239238 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Exploring Complex Biological Concepts in an Interactive 3-D Learning Environment over the Internet. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will create a 3D, interactive learning system to communicate complex scientific concepts from biological and medical science, which are difficult to grasp via long narrative scripts. The detailed technical specifications formulated in Phase I will be developed into a software solution distinctive from what is available today. This learning tool allows the user to inquire about objects in a visualization context, where specific aspects of these objects can be manipulated. Syandus has adapted sophisticated real-time 3D rendering technology common to video games as follows: 1) by creating the ability to interact with time driven, 3D process models of complex scientific phenomena; and 2) by associating textual information with these visualized objects and processes. At a user's mouse click, objects intelligently reveal what they are about in deeply layered text, illustrations and linked files. This interface can aggregate all kinds of information, such as all of a pharmaceutical company's technical information on a disease. Finally, Syandus is building the software to be delivered across the Internet through a standard browser interface or launched from a CDROM and automatically updated via a narrowband Internet connection. The differentiation among pharmaceutical products is ever increasingly grounded in rapidly evolving complex science, thus making essential a mechanism for aggregating and communicating scientific information that relates how drugs work to disease states. Focusing on the pharmaceutical industry as the firm's first target market, Syandus proposes to create a tool to help physicians understand the breakthrough medicines to treat complex disease states that adversely impact people's lives. The firm's custom projects will result in enduring resources for medical students, professionals and healthcare consumers. As the technology matures, the firm will pursue higher education markets. Through Internet connectivity, the product can reach wide audiences across the globe. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Seifert, Douglas Syandus, Inc. PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 831000 5373 SMET 9251 9180 9178 9177 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0239240 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Rubbed Protein Substrates for Low Cost Biochips Based on Liquid Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop an entirely new class of biochips, with a particular focus on biochips designed to track the expression, activation and post-translational modification of proteins involved in cell signaling processes. The technology is based on the use of liquid crystals to image biomolecular interactions at structured surfaces. The goal of this Phase II Project is to demonstrate the substrates for liquid crystal-based biochips that detect activated states of proteins and that can be prepared from mechanically rubbed films of protein (that are) covalently attached to glass substrates. Important issues of non-specific binding, binding of activated states of specific target proteins, sample delivery, sensitivity and quantitation will be addressed. These results, when combined with the results of the Phase I research, will make possible the determination of the extent to which cell signaling proteins are activated within biological samples (eg. in cell lysates). The commercial applications of this project will be in the areas of proteomics and in vitro diagnostics. The development of the proposed technology will allow for rapid, inexpensive, multi-target, high-throughput analysis of proteins and their modification states. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Israel, Barbara PLATYPUS TECHNOLOGIES L L C WI F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239285 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Fluorescent Polymeric Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new generation of fluorescence amplifying reagents based on poly (phenylene ethynylene (PPE)) nanoparticles. Because of the role of the amplifying polymer in the enhanced sensitivity of these compounds, these compounds are called Amplimer reagents. The project will develop and launch two types of Amplimer reagents: microarray and quantitative PCR reagents. The Amplimer reagents will improve the sensitivity and performance of fluorescence-based assays by providing brighter, more stable fluorescence signals and by improving sensitivity through fluorescence amplification effects. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology are consumable fluorescent reagents that improve the sensitivity and reliability of two rapidly growing diagnostic platforms for genetic sequence analysis: microarray-based assays and quantitative PCR assays. Diagnostics based on genetic sequence information currently account for $1 billion of the $24 billion dollar diagnostics market. This figure is expected to grow significantly as the follow-on of the human genome project filters through drug discovery and medical science. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hancock, Lawrence NOMADICS, INC OK T. James Rudd Standard Grant 998241 5373 MANU 9150 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239290 February 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: NUMBERS: Bringing Statistical Machine Translation into the Real World. The goal of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to bring radically new technology to the machine translation marketplace. While current systems are rule-based and difficult to extend, this company employs a statistical system that learns to translate by automatically analyzing large collections of previously translated material. This technology already outperforms rule-based systems, and it easily adapts to specific domains of interest, such as technical documentation generated by multinational corporations. The company has licensed (and co-developed) key software engines from the founders' research team at USC/ISI, a world leader in machine translation. In this project, they will extend their statistical engine in three ways, driven by customer needs -- they propose to build (1) a parallel, cluster-based training system for handling large text volumes (2) new capabilities for translating numbers, dates, personal names, locations, etc. ("named entities"), and (3) rapid customization tools that will assist with customized translation engines for specific customer domain requirements. There has been substantial client/funding interest from intelligence agencies, corporate users, and angel and venture investment groups. Over the next year, the plan is to capitalize on this interest by developing several clients and shipping the first products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wong, William WEAVER LANGUAGE INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1000000 5373 HPCC 9216 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0239326 January 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Volumetric Microbatteries Using Soft Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop novel microbatteries. As microsystems emerge from the lab into applications such as implantable medical devices, smart surgical tools, and discrete, autonomous sensors, there is a critical need for power systems of a similar physical size (a few cubic mm or smaller) to the new miniaturized systems themselves. The microbattery developed under the Phase I effort exploits a volumetric approach to deliver power with a minimum volume and a minimum footprint. Compared with thin film batteries, which are surface area devices requiring a large footprint to achieve useful capacities. These novel devices meet the need for a small self-contained source of electrical power. The objective of the project will be to reduce the critical dimensions of the device to the order of 1mm, fully characterize their performance, and develop production and assembly procedures to manufacture integrated devices. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology will be to emerging new devices based on microsystems technology (devices containing microelectronics and MicroElectroMechanical Systems, (MEMS)) such as implantable medical devices, microsensors for broad area surveillance, and microsatellites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lakeman, Charles D. TPL, Inc. NM Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 483257 5373 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239330 March 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Parallel Hardware Implementation of the Split and Merge Discrete Wavelet Transform for Wireless Communication. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop the Intellectual Property (IP) core of a novel image compression / signal decomposition algorithm based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT). This is a fully parallel, scalable, multi-resolution, and low power implementation of the JPEG2000 DWT engine and is particularly well suited for use in both consumer applications at one end of the spectrum (as in reduced bit-rate web browsing over wireless communications channels as found in the next generation of web enabled cell phones) as well as in high-end commercial applications at the other end of the spectrum (as in non-linear video editing accelerators for the movie industry). This particular implementation is a highly efficient implementation of the DWT transform and makes use of a novel Overlap-State wavelet decomposition algorithm which minimizes memory, I/O and computational requirements. Over the next decade, spiraling consumer demand for fast mobile communication of voice and IP over increasingly integrated terrestrial and satellite based systems plagued by a limited electro-magnetic spectrum allocation necessitates the pursuit and development of better compression algorithms that a visually pleasing at low bit rates. As a consequence of extensive research, transform coding techniques now dominate every single image and video coding scheme proposed to-date. Consequently, efficient software and hardware based transform coding system designs and implementations have become a high priority objective. In fact, it is widely accepted that JPEG2000 will become the universally accepted format for digital images and high quality video - whether on the web, cable, over wireless systems, in digital cameras, printers, faxes or remote sensors. With its wavelet based image-coding technology, it offers features previously impossible in JPEG. Compared with the old baseline JPEG, the new JPEG2000 spec poses formidable technology challenges for the myriad of developers and OEM's planning on using it. The new standard uses coding algorithms based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) which is fundamentally different from the discrete cosine transform (DCT) JPEG spec. In JPEG2000, the importance of computational and especially memory bottlenecks has clearly increased several fold over the old specification. In fact, various implementations of computationally efficientCE wavelet transforms have been reported in recent years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moopenn, Alexander Mosaix, LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 494150 5373 MANU HPCC 9146 9139 7218 5373 0104000 Information Systems 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239331 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Environmentally Benign, High-Pressure Plasma Cleaning Tool for Photoresists. This SBIR Phase II project focuses on the development of a cleaning tool for the removal of tenacious organic residues from 200 mm wafers. These residues arise from ion bombardment of the photoresist films during processing. Organic residue removal encompasses approximately half of the cleaning operations in a semiconductor manufacturing plant. Surfx Technologies has developed a novel high-pressure plasma cleaning process that uses environmentally benign reagents and generates minimal waste. Results from Phase I indicate that ion-implanted resists may be stripped away in 5 min at 125 C, without any film popping and particle contamination as is normally observed during dry processing. The Phase II project will thoroughly research and optimize the process chemistry. In addition, a prototype cleaning system will be developed that meets all the technical criteria established by the semiconductor industry for organic cleaning operations. This SBIR Phase II project has broad commercial and societal impact. Semiconductor equipment devoted to organic residue cleaning represents a mult-ibillion dollar market. If our environmentally benign, high-pressure plasma cleaning tool can achieve all the technical objectives outlined in the proposal than it stands a good chance of garnering a significant share of this market. Moreover, it will replace current water-wasteful and hazardous wet cleans with an innovative process that uses non-toxic reagents and generates minimal waste. This will substantially benefit our society by mitigating the environmental, health and safety impacts of semiconductor manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Babayan, Steven Surfx Technologies LLC CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 511999 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239336 January 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Photo-Curable Silicon Oxycarbide Fiber for Diesel Engine Particulate Filters. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will scale-up a manufacturing process for curable preceramic polymers in the fabrication of high yield and low cost Silicon Oxycarbide (SOC) fibers and bonded fiber mats for diesel engine particulate filters. In the Phase I effort, SOC fibers and fiber mats were successfully fabricated and the critical materials properties required for the diesel particulate filter application were attained. This development represents the first Silicon Oxycarbide glass-ceramic fibers to be fabricated from curable poly(dimethyl)siloxanes. In addition, the photo-curable and chemically-curable polysiloxane preceramic polymers demonstrated also have potential as a binder or matrix phases for other structural composites. This Phase II effort seeks to optimize fiber mat production techniques through collaboration with Cummins Engine Company's subsidiary Fleetguard/Nelson (FGN), the world's largest manufacturer of filters for the automobile and truck market. In the project, critical factors related to automated manufacturing, process scale-up, fiber mat performance characteristics, and performance testing will be addressed to ensure a smooth transition to a commercial product. The diesel particulate filter (DPF) market will grow dramatically due to EPA requirements that all diesel vehicles be equipped with diesel particulate filters by 2007, thereby significantly improving the nation's air quality. The diesel manufacturing industry in North America now exceeds $85 billion in gross output annually. Total U. S. "on road" vehicles requiring DPF's will exceed 3 million units annually, resulting in a potential on road market size of in excess of $6 billion per year. The DPF product to be scaled up in this project has comparable performance to the current extruded ceramic honeycomb filter but with a projected unit cost of about one-tenth. This will have a dramatic impact on diesel filtration system costs with substantial environmental, energy, and trade deficit benefits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pope, Edward EDWARD POPE DR CA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 5373 0522100 High Technology Materials 0239344 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Numerical Techniques for Human Oriented Interaction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is focused on research and development of whole hand interaction with computer aided design (CAD) models. This project incorporates advanced numerical constraint optimization techniques, tessellated and algebraic collision detection algorithms, and CyberGlove-based input devices to interactively manipulate the kinematics of large commercial CAD models. Immersion will develop techniques for enforcing graphical non-penetration of virtual avatars with CAD models. Grasping and manipulation-state machines will permit users to naturally grasp and manipulate CAD parts. Force feedback will be calculated and displayed to users with CyberForce hardware devices. A client-server infrastructure for offloading the computationally intense algorithms from desktop workstations will be developed. All CAD related development would occur in CATIA V5 from Dassault Systeme SA. The technology has potential for a broad impact on virtual prototyping of consumer products and processes. Enabling real-time interaction with a virtual design will facilitate higher quality products with reduced development costs. Virtual prototyping of manufacturing processes will reduce laborer stress and injury by allowing detailed analysis of human factors before a factory work-cell is developed. Immersion will realize commercial returns from this project through a combination of increased hardware sales, product revenue, intellectual property licensing, and contract opportunities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ullrich, Christopher IMMERSION CORPORATION CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 989863 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0239356 January 15, 2003 STTR Phase II: IntelliStitch AI: Intelligent Computerized Embroidery Design Automation for the Textile Industry. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop an automated means for embroidery design specification for use in the textile industry. This technology will provide simplified mechanisms for converting scanned artwork into high quality embroidery design data. This data will then be utilized by commercial sewing equipment to produce embroidered artwork that has become quite common on all types of garments and woven goods. Embroidered artwork is often quite expensive to produce and in many cases may substantially exceed the costs of the actual garments being imprinted. These costs arise from a variety of factors including an embroidered design's size and complexity. Well-designed embroidered artwork permits efficient production with high yields (i.e. minimal defects produced). Automating design creation provides additional benefits by eliminating the time consuming manual process that must otherwise be undertaken by a human expert. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology facilitate lower manufacturing costs while allowing consistent production of high-quality goods. Additionally, this research may have broader applications within other fields such as document processing, image recognition, or other areas where image understanding and interpretation are important. STTR PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Goldman, David Soft Sight, Inc. NY Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 682029 1591 1505 MANU 9251 9178 9147 9102 7218 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239587 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Novel Sensing Material for Waterborne Pathogens. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes to develop a method to detect Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst in water using a novel sensing coating deposited on filters. C. parvum has been responsible for a number of outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis, including the outbreak in Milwaukee in 1993 that affected 400,000 people. Crytosporidiosis is characterized by abdominal pain and severe diarrhea, and can be fatal to immune-compromised individuals. Currently, there is no easy and reliable test allowing the routine monitoring of drinking water supplies for C. parvum. The approved EPA method for this purpose is slow, expensive, and requires interpretation by highly trained personnel. The innovation inherent in the proposed pathogen detection platform resides in a unique "smart" polymer filter coating that permits pathogen concentration, detection, and signal generation in a single step. The signal is generated from interactions between the target and specific antibodies, resulting in a fluorescent signal. Prior Phase I work has already demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. The proposed Phase II effort will focus on the optimization of the filter coating and the development of the accompanying hardware and testing protocol needed for commercialization and EPA approval of a complete water-testing product. The commercial application of this project is in the market for detection of pathogens in drinking water supplies. The testing market for C. parvum, the specific pathogen targeted in this Phase II project, is estimated to be $75 million in the U.S. and $ 100 million worldwide. It is expected that further adaptations of the pathogen detection technology proposed in this project will have added applications in the markets for the testing of foods and beverages, and in medical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Reppy, Mary ANALYTICAL BIOLOGICAL SERVICES INC. DE George B. Vermont Standard Grant 466762 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0308000 Industrial Technology 0239859 January 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents in Saturated, Low Permeability Soils. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes to develop an innovative solution to the the problem of chlorinated solvent contamination in variably saturated, low permeability soils. Prior Phase I work has demonstrated that: 1) chitin is an effective electron donor for stimulating biodegradation of chlorinated solvents, 2) that chitin enhances bioavailability of the solvents, 3) that chitin can be incorporated into a proprietary hydraulic fracturing process for low permeability soils, and 4) that the delivery method for chitin is effective in the field on a small scale. The objectives of the Phase II Project are to evaluate biodegradation efficiency and longevity of chitin on a large scale. Current approaches for low permeability soils are very capital-intensive and are seldom totally effective. The proposed approach, in contrast, is low-cost and passive, and applicable "in situ". The method is particularly attractive since chitin is available in abundance as a byproduct from the shellfish industry. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of soil bioremediation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Starr, Robert North Wind Environmental, Inc. ID George B. Vermont Standard Grant 499996 5373 BIOT 9181 9150 0201000 Agriculture 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0245375 April 1, 2003 A Multi-Campus I/UCRC for Supply Chain Research. This proposal is to plan for a new partner to join an existing mutli-university I/UCRC that aims to promote a research program of interest to both industry and universities on supply chain management. This existing multi-university center will be able to have an even broader impact on the industry through having its existing resources enhanced by the addition of this partner and the other two partners that are also being recommended to receive a planning grant. Three partners, of which this is one are the University of Florida, Lehigh University and the University of Minnesota. The proposed Center's goal is to focus on tackling the sophisticated challenges and interdependencies of logistic and distribution, simplifying and advancing communications systems by identifying new circuits and new circuit-design techniques as well as new methods in systems design and information technology. The new partners will bring to the existing center, a focus on: - Demonstrating the value of operations research in business operations - Enabling industry partners to harness available technologies, and - Creating new practice-based research and education models for engineering curricula. The proposal deals with an area of significant need and by assembling these three additional institutions into an already strong team, their added breadth and depth enhances the prospects for success. The existing institutions in this Center, together with the three new ones will be a national resource on this topic. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Geunes, Joseph University of Florida FL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0245495 January 1, 2003 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant for I/UCRC on Experimetnal, Theoretical, and Computational Analysis of Multiphase Phenomena. This proposal is one of three proposals to each plan participation in a new multi-university I/UCRC that aims to promote a research program of interest to both industry and universities on the analysis of multiphase phenomena. This new multi-university center will be able to have a broad impact on the industry through having each member's resources being enhanced by those of its partners which are also being recommended to receive a planning grant. The three partners, of which this is one are the Michigan State University, University of Tulsa, and University of Akron. The proposed Center's goal is to focus on tackling the sophisticated challenges of computational multiphase transport phenomena which are of importance in the automotive, biochemical, chemical, food, mining, petrochemical an pharmaceutical industries. The new center will focus on challenging problems in: - Multiphase turbulent flows - Multiphase materials processing, - Multiphase mixing - Next generation filtration based on nanoscale fibers, and multiphase separations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Chase, George University of Akron OH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0245516 April 1, 2003 A Multi-Campus I/UCRC for Supply Chain Research. This proposal is to plan for a new partner to join an existing mutli-university I/UCRC that aims to promote a research program of interest to both industry and universities on supply chain management. This existing multi-university center will be able to have an even broader impact on the industry through having its existing resources enhanced by the addition of this partner and the other two partners that are also being recommended to receive a planning grant. Three partners, of which this is one are the University of Florida, Lehigh University and the University of Minnesota. The proposed Center's goal is to focus on tackling the sophisticated challenges and interdependencies of logistic and distribution, simplifying and advancing communications systems by identifying new circuits and new circuit-design techniques as well as new methods in systems design and information technology. The new partners will bring to the existing center, a focus on: - Demonstrating the value of operations research in business operations - Enabling industry partners to harness available technologies, and - Creating new practice-based research and education models for engineering curricula. The proposal deals with an area of significant need and by assembling these three additional institutions into an already strong team, their added breadth and depth enhances the prospects for success. The existing institutions in this Center, together with the three new ones will be a national resource on this topic. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Wu, S. David Susan Sherer Lehigh University PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0245644 January 1, 2003 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant for I/UCRC on Experimental, Theoretical, and Computational Analysis of Multiphase Phenomena. This proposal is one of three proposals to each plan participation in a new multi-university I/UCRC that aims to promote a research program of interest to both industry and universities on the analysis of multiphase phenomena. This new multi-university center will be able to have a broad impact on the industry through having each member's resources being enhanced by those of its partners which are also being recommended to receive a planning grant. The three partners, of which this is one are the Michigan State University, University of Tulsa, and University of Akron. The proposed Center's goal is to focus on tackling the sophisticated challenges of computational multiphase transport phenomena which are of importance in the automotive, biochemical, chemical, food, mining, petrochemical an pharmaceutical industries. The new center will focus on challenging problems in: - Multiphase turbulent flows - Multiphase materials processing, - Multiphase mixing - Next generation filtration based on nanoscale fibers, and multiphase separations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Petty, Charles Tom I-P Shih Andre Benard Michigan State University MI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0245669 January 1, 2003 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant for I/UCRC on Experimental, Theoretical, and Computational Analysis of Multiphase Phenomena. This proposal is one of three proposals to each plan participation in a new multi-university I/UCRC that aims to promote a research program of interest to both industry and universities on the analysis of multiphase phenomena. This new multi-university center will be able to have a broad impact on the industry through having each member's resources being enhanced by those of its partners which are also being recommended to receive a planning grant. The three partners, of which this is one are the Michigan State University, University of Tulsa, and University of Akron. The proposed Center's goal is to focus on tackling the sophisticated challenges of computational multiphase transport phenomena which are of importance in the automotive, biochemical, chemical, food, mining, petrochemical an pharmaceutical industries. The new center will focus on challenging problems in: - Multiphase turbulent flows -Multiphase materials processing, - Multiphase mixing - Next generation filtration based on nanoscale fibers, and multiphase separations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mohan, Ram University of Tulsa OK Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0245705 April 1, 2003 A Multi-Campus I/UCRC for Supply Chain Research. This proposal is to plan for a new partner to join an existing mutli-university I/UCRC that aims to promote a research program of interest to both industry and universities on supply chain management. This existing multi-university center will be able to have an even broader impact on the industry through having its existing resources enhanced by the addition of this partner and the other two partners that are also being recommended to receive a planning grant. Three partners, of which this is one are the University of Florida, Lehigh University and the University of Minnesota. The proposed Center's goal is to focus on tackling the sophisticated challenges and interdependencies of logistic and distribution, simplifying and advancing communications systems by identifying new circuits and new circuit-design techniques as well as new methods in systems design and information technology. The new partners will bring to the existing center, a focus on: - Demonstrating the value of operations research in business operations - Enabling industry partners to harness available technologies, and - Creating new practice-based research and education models for engineering curricula. The proposal deals with an area of significant need and by assembling these three additional institutions into an already strong team, their added breadth and depth enhances the prospects for success. The existing institutions in this Center, together with the three new ones will be a national resource on this topic. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Benjaafar, Saif University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0245729 February 1, 2003 I/UCRC Planning Grant for Connection One: Telecommunication Circuits and Systems. This proposal is to plan for an I/UCRC that aims to promote a research program of interest to both industry and universities on telecommunications circuits and systems, by joining with the currently established I/UCRC at Arizona State University. This proposed multi-university center will be able to have a broad impact on the telecommunications industry by using the joint resources of the multiuniversity faculties. The proposed Center's goal is to focus on simplifying and advancing communications systems by identifying new circuits and new circuit-design techniques as well as new methods in systems design and information technology. All research would be carried out within the multiuniversity center with its own resoueres aas well as those of the existing I/UCRC at Arizona State Universaity. The overall aim of this collaborator as well as the existing Center is to build partnerships between industry and academe through conducting appropriate research while transferring technology both ways to the benefit of both parties. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rodriguez, Jeffrey University of Arizona AZ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0296066 March 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Design of a New and Improved Print Reading Machine for the Blind. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tretiakoff, Oleg C. A. Technology, Inc. FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 80000 5373 SMET 9178 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0296116 November 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: High Sensitivity Raman Spectrometer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Farquharson, Stuart REAL-TIME ANALYZERS, INCORPORATED CT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 386997 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0296135 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Clinical-Scale Suspension Bioreactor for Primary Hematopoietic Culture. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McAdams, Todd RESODYN CORPORATION MT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 244000 5373 BIOT 9251 9231 9181 9178 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0296216 December 19, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Handwriting Based Interface for Mathematical Notation. IIP ENG Garst, Peter MathSoft Engineering & Education, Inc. MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 159484 0000912 Computer Science 0303596 April 1, 2003 Collaborative Research: Wireless Internet Center for Advanced Technology. This proposal is to plan for a new multi-university I/UCRC that aims to promote a research program of interest to both industry and universities on technologies for wireless internet. This new multi-university center will be able to have a broad impact on the industry through having its existing resources enhanced by the addition of the partner that is also being recommended to receive a planning grant. The two partners are this University and Polytechnic University of New York. The proposed Center's goal is to work on two overlapping categories: - Information delivery focussing on software development, addressing security and robustness, and - Data transmission related to management of radio resources and the management of competition and cooperation between different technologies The proposal deals with an area of significant need and by assembling the two institutions into one research team, the breadth and depth is enhanced INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Campbell, Andrew Columbia University NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0303678 April 1, 2003 Collaborative Proposal: Wireless Internet Center for Advanced Technology. This proposal is to plan for a new multi-university I/UCRC that aims to promote a research program of interest to both industry and universities on technologies for wireless internet. This new multi-university center will be able to have a broad impact on the industry through having its existing resources enhanced by the addition of the partner that is also being recommended to receive a planning grant. The two partners are this University and Columbia University. The proposed Center's goal is to work on two overlapping categories: - Information delivery focussing on software development, addressing security and robustness, and - Data transmission related to management of radio resources and the management of competition and cooperation between different technologies The proposal deals with an area of significant need and by assembling the two institutions into one research team, the breadth and depth is enhanced INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Goodman, David Shivendra Panwar Phyllis Gail Frankl Polytechnic University of New York NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0308883 May 15, 2003 Renewal Request for Existing Center for Silicon Wafer Engineering and Defect Science (SiWEDS). The SiWEDS Center works closely with the industry member scientists and engineers, carries out a unique multi-university program of research in silicon materials. They provide critical materials physics and chemistry solutions that increase the yield, performance, and reliability of silicon materials and devices used for Giga Scale Integrated Circuits. The SiWEDS targets areas with great potential for true long-term breakthrough on the one hand, coupled with near term payoffs on the other. This multi-university I/UCRC is led by North Carolina State University and involves the University of California-Berkeley, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, University of South Florida, University of Washington, MIT, and Stanford University. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Duscher, Gerd North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 589000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 116E 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0312173 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Bioinformatics System for GCxGC-MS (Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromography). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a bioinformatics system for analyzing data from comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GCxGC-MS). Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) is an emerging technology that provides a multiplicative increase in separation capacity over traditional GC. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a promising tool for computer- assisted and automated analyses of the incredibly complex GCxGC separations, but there is no bioinformatics software designed for working with the data generated by GCxGC-MS. The Phase I project will undertake both experimental and theoretical investigations of graphical user-interfaces for GCxGC-MS data; methods for on-line handling of large GCxGC-MS data-sets ; a language for manipulating GCxGC-MS data ; and schemes for structuring GCxGC-MS data and metadata. A prototype system will demonstrate the significance of GCxGC-MS data analyses for identifying toxic chemicals in complex environmental and health-care assays. The commercial application of this project is in the area of scientific software for GC x GC-MS. Commercial applications of GC include analyses of petroleum and chemical processing, environmental samples, foods and beverages, fragrances, health-related tests, pharmaceuticals, and toxins (including chemical warfare agents). The availability of software for computer-assisted and automated recognition of chemical components from GCxGC-MS data will facilitate adoption of GCxGC technology in laboratories using traditional GC and will contribute to the development of new markets which require superior separation performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reichenbach, Stephen GC Imaging NE Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0313540 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Industrial Process Tomography for Turbulent Pipe Flows. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project proposes to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining statistics (mean, RMS and spatial correlation) of mixing of particulates in turbulent pipe flows. The two key issues that will be addressed during the proposed work are: (1) the feasibility of obtaining local statistics of particles in a turbulent smoke jet using the deconvolution algorithm, and (2) the feasibility of obtaining laser extinction measurement in smoke laden turbulent flow confined within a pipe. Two tasks are planned to address the feasibility of obtaining statistics of particulates in a turbulent pipe flow. The first is to evaluate the deconvolution algorithm in a turbulent smoke jet. The second is to utilize the algorithm in a smoke laden turbulent pipe flow with a variable size opening on the pipe. The statistics of particulates confined in the pipe will be determined asymptotically by varying the opening size. There are two major commercial applications for the on-line monitoring of particulates in confined turbulent flows. The first involves online monitoring of particulate emission from engines and smoke stacks. Power plants, waste-to-energy plants and chemical industries that apply high cost particulate controls would be interested in identifying the efficiency of their control devices at various process conditions. The second application involves assuring quality control in process industries. Solids and powder processing, power, chemical and pharmaceutical industries would benefit the most from the quality improvements that are enabled with on-line particulate monitoring in pipes. The additional commercial application of the particulate monitor will be to help two-phase flow scientists in universities and research laboratories to obtain data for model validation SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sivathanu, Yudaya EN'URGA INC IN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0314258 September 1, 2003 Power Systems Engineering Research Center. Washington State University continues to be a research site for the multi-university Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSERC) headquartered at Cornell University. PSERC is now a consortium of 13 universities and about 40 companies and is a unique and premier resource for the country in electric power engineering research. The intellectual merit of the activity is the development of novel technologies to increase the reliability and efficiency of the electric power grid of the country. The broader impact of this research is on the economy of the nation for which a reliable, economic and secure electric power supply is an absolute necessity. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bose, Anjan Washington State University WA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 472251 V915 V638 V105 T313 T479 H371 H108 5761 OTHR 127E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0314300 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Ge-Free Strained Silicon Via dTCE Bonding (Differential Thermal Coefficient of Expansion Bonding). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I propose to combine the technologies of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) manufacture with strain-inducing wafer bonding to produce Strained-Si On Insulator (SSOI) wafers. Silicon-based devices with silicon/germanium (Si/Ge) heterostructures have been extensively researched and this has lead to the discovery that tensile strained silicon exhibits superior electronic properties. Bi axially strained-silicon devices are currently strained via expensive which is a highly technical heterostructure fabrication process. Tensile strain can be introduced by growing silicon pseudomorphically on to a lattice of larger unit cell, usually an alloy of Ge/Si. In this work, it is hoped that by optimizing Strained-Silicon-on-Insulator will increase carrier mobilities by more than 3 times The anticipated benefits of this technology would yield ultra-fast, mainstream silicon-based electronics, which would effectively be new host materials with speed, and performance would surpass Gallium Arsenate (GaAs). The multi-billion dollar chips industry would benefit would benefit by reducing the costs for a new plant to design technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Belford, Rona BELFORD RESEARCH, INC SC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99880 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 9102 1467 1403 0106000 Materials Research 0315163 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Power-Aware Statically Speculative Microprocessors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I presents a feasibility study to commercialize a microprocessor technology that will address the challenge of delivering power-constrained technology while still fulfilling the increased performance needs in modern systems. Aggressive performance optimizations enabled by reduction in feature sizes have contributed to increase of power/energy consumption with every chip generation. The approach is based on a tightly integrated compiler-architecture framework and provides a coherent strategy for chip-wide energy reduction with no (or minimal) performance impact. The focus of this is on the microarchitectural components. A key idea is to complement traditional mechanisms in microprocessors with low energy, statically managed access paths enabled by static information extracted at compile time. A central thesis is that much speculative static information can be extracted that is currently not exploited, and that this information can be leveraged in novel statically speculative microarchitectural mechanisms to significantly reduce energy consumption. The company plans to license its patented technology in form of synthesizable and hard cores to leading equipment, semiconductor and OEM partners worldwide who focus on applications, design, and manufacturing. Immediate vertical markets targeted include: handhelds such as smart phones and PDAs, wireless portable applications, and battery driven military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moritz, Csaba BlueRISC Labs MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9107 0106000 Materials Research 0315588 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Soft Magnetic Nanocomposites for High Frequency Electronic and Electrical Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research project will develop soft magnetic nanocomposite materials for applications in electronic and electrical devices operating at high frequency. AC electronic and electrical devices operating at high frequencies require soft magnetic core materials that possess high saturation magnetization, high initial permeability, and low loss. Various metals and alloys e.g. Fe, Fe-Si, Fe-Ni Permalloys, Fe-Co are used in applications. These materials have high saturation magnetization, low coercivity and high permeability but because of low resistivity of these materials, the loss is very high at high frequencies. Ferrites on the other hand have low loss because of its high resistivity but have lower saturation magnetization compared to the soft magnetic metals and alloys. This project aims to synthesize a new kind of nanocomposites consisting of some ferromagnetic and ferrite materials. These novel nanocomposites will be manufactured utilizing an inexpensive and easily scalable process. These nanocomposite powders will be compacted to near theoretical densities to produce bulk materials with different shapes and sizes. The synthesis, structure and frequency dependent magnetic properties of these materials will be evaluated in the Phase I research effort. Commercially the principal applications of these nanocomposites are in alternating current machines operating at high frequency e.g. transformers, generators, motors, inductor cores, magnetic amplifiers, power converters and motor drivers for military and commercial satellites, aircrafts and spacecrafts, tunable filters for cellular handset, loading coils for impedance loading in audio industry, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Giri, Anit Nanomat, Inc. PA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1775 1676 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0315851 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Composite Structural Damage Self-Sensing via Electrical Resistance Measurement. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project is an in-situ and real-time composite self-sensing and structural health monitoring (SHM) system/technique development with application of the multifunctional properties of composite structural carbon (graphite) fibers. Composite structural damage sensing and SHM are accomplished by measuring electrical resistance (conductivity) changes in the carbon fiber structural composites the way they are designed and manufactured. Unlike embedded sensor applications such as piezo-ceramic (PZT), fiber-optic (FO) and micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS), this self-sensing composite SHM system/technique is applicable to fielded (currently in service) composite structures as well as new composite structures to be manufactured. The embedded sensor application presents sensor installation difficulties (applicable only to new composite structures to be manufactured), material (fatigue) property degradation due to foreign object material embedment in laminae, sensor repair-ability and reliability problems. Surface mounting sensor application also presents its own unique problems. Commercial applications include structural health monitoring/tracking technology for diagnosis and prognosis of the conditions of the mission/function critical composite structures in order to prevent catastrophic failures and to extend the lives of the critical composite structures. The technology will save substantial time and effort in maintaining the composite structures used in space station structures, spacecraft, aircraft and rotorcraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), rocket boosters, submarine composite structural components, pressure vessels, and civil composite infrastructures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chung, Jaycee GLOBAL CONTOUR LTD TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99827 5371 CVIS 9163 1775 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0317285 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Density Optical Data Storage Based on Photonic Band Gap Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project addresses the market need for advances in commercial optical data storage technology. The demand for increased data capacity, higher performance, and the commercial success of products such as digital versatile disks (DVDs) is ever increasing. Despite improvements in recording media, laser sources, and electro-mechanical design, ultimately the data density is limited by the minimum spot size that can be produced for recording and reading. Recently, it has been demonstrated that near-field optical systems, which produce optical features below the diffraction limit, have the potential to significantly increase data storage capacity. Researchers have investigated a variety of near-field methods including tapered fibers, solid immersion lenses, and mode index waveguide lenses. Based on advances in semiconductor processing techniques, a new class of optical devices based on submicron periodic structures has emerged and is referred to photonic band gap (PBG) devices. Preliminary research indicates that these devices will be capable of performing a wide variety of optical functions including switching, modulation, and filtering. PBGs can be integrated into small packages making them desirable for applications such as optical interconnects and wavelength division multiplexing, sensors, and engineered coatings. Our preliminary studies indicate that waveguides based on PBG structures may be useful in near-field optical data storage systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Behrmann, Gregory EM PHOTONICS INC DE Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99814 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0317782 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Multi-coil Surface NMR Instrumentation and Software for 3-D Groundwater Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a multi-coil surface NMR imaging for 3-D groundwater imaging and characterization. Surface NMR techniques are generating interest in the groundwater exploration community because of their unique ability to directly detect groundwater, and to distinguish between bound and unbound groundwater. Present surface NMR techniques can produce, at best, an estimate of the 1-dimensional groundwater density profile directly beneath the coil. These 1-D profile estimates are subject to a variety of errors stemming from the use of a single surface coil, and inaccurate 1- D models of the coil fields and water density profiles. The goal of this project is to develop a 3-D surface NMR groundwater imaging system based on coherent multi- coil array processing. The commercial impact of this technology will be an inexpensive, low-energy and non-invasive groundwater exploration method. This technology could have significant positive impacts on both world health and natural resource management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Walsh, David VISTA CLARA INC WA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1518 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0318006 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: The Interfractor - A New Optical Dispersive Component. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an Interfractor which is a new type of robust optical dispersion element that combines a relief grating with appropriately optimized dielectric films to achieve both high dispersion and high efficiency (in excess of 90%) into one diffraction order, independent of polarization. Grating efficiency is critical for wavelength-management in modern fiber-optic telecommunication systems that employ dense wave-division-multiplexing (DWDM) transmission. Dynamic gain equalizers, reconfigurable channel blockers, programmable optical add-drop modules, and wavelength-selective switches all require spatial separation of the wavelengths from an input fiber, typically with a diffraction grating, which is also typically the largest source of insertion loss. Because the polarization of the optical signal of any particular wavelength within a fiber may change over time, the net power loss through the device must be independent of polarization. It is very difficult to achieve high grating efficiency in both polarizations. The Interfractor achieves this goal with a novel and proprietary combination of diffractive and thin-film interference effects, and can be fabricated to be robust over the wide temperature range required of DWDM components. The most immediate commercial use of the Interfractor will be to improve the insertion loss in free-space optical wavelength-management products, such as dynamic gain equalizers, reconfigurable channel blockers, programmable add-drop modules, and wavelength selective switches now being implemented in modern fiber-optic telecommunication systems that employ dense wave-division-multiplexing (DWDM) transmission. This technology will be implemented in products as soon as Interfractors can be manufactured. The Interfractor will also be a stand-alone product for use in optical analytical instruments, such as spectrometers, that require a combination of high dispersion and high efficiency. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Senturia, Stephen Polychromix, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9163 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0318008 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Heterogeneous Catalytic Peroxidation of Environmental Contaminants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a continuous heterogeneous catalytic peroxidation process for destruction of aqueous organic and inorganic heterogeneous contaminants. Fenton peroxidation with Fe (II) as a homogeneous catalyst is used extensively for the oxidative treatment of organic and inorganic contaminants in industrial wastewater. This requires acidification, flocculation, iron recovery by precipitation, and is generally limited to "batch operations." Homogeneous peroxidation often achieves only partial oxidation of organic contaminants, yielding organic acids. This project will develop a highly effective heterogeneous peroxidation catalyst and reactor design for oxidation of organics using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, which will facilitate deeper oxidation of organic contaminants, simplify process design, reduce power usage, and increase oxidation rates, especially for more refractory organic contaminants such as carboxylic acids. Environmental contaminants that will be studied include phenol, methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE), cyanide and toluene. The commercial application of this project will be in pollution control and remediation. The project will be run in collaboration with a major hydrogen peroxide producer and a leading supplier to the pollution control market. The project will benefit society by providing more effective processes for control of pollution and cleanup of environmental contaminants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Akse, James Umpqua Research Company OR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318517 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Electro-Optic Sensor for Real-Time Defect Detection During Integrated Circuits (IC) and Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Wafer Growth. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a novel methodology for real time (in-situ) non-destructive detection of defects and damage at micron and sub-micron length scales. The objectives of this research are (a) to demonstrate detection of defects in semi-conductor thin-films and micro-structured materials by generating and detecting high-frequency elastic waves, and analyzing the acoustic response; and (b) to design a damage detection technique for real time inspection of integrated circuits (IC) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) during wafer growth. The method utilizes a high-speed polymeric electro-optic (EO) integrated sensor to analyze the acoustic response due to a pulsed laser induced elastic waves. The sensor is an interferometer that has an EO element built in, which is used to down convert gigahertz range (GHz) acoustic response signals to lower-frequency (kHz to MHz) detectable signal by heterodyning. The commercial application of this work is real time (in-situ) defect detection during IC and MEMS wafer growth. Current wafer technology utilizes high-resolution lithography and expensive, time-consuming processing steps. Early stage detection of defects using the proposed method will result in high-yield and low-cost wafer manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yacoubian, Araz Ler Technologies CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99996 5371 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0318520 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost, High Definition Display Element for Projection Display Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I proposes using micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to make low cost, high definition display elements in the application of digital projector display. In the proposal, the display uses electrostatically-actuated light modulators in which a beam of light is directed towards a light valve target, e.g., an array of micromirrors. The micromirrors response to a video addressing signal, imparts a modulation onto the light beam in proportion to the amplitude of the deflection of the individual reflective micromirrors. The amplitude or phase modulated beam is then passed through projection optics to form the image. The digital projector display market, including business projectors, televisions, and portable Displays, has been growing continuously, and reached the size of ~$4 billion in 2002. The key Performance criteria for displays are brightness, contrast ratio, resolution, uniformity, and optical Efficiency. The market for low cost, high brightness projection display is expected to grow at a rate of 120% until 2005. In 2005, the estimated market size is ~6 million units for home projectors only, about 60 times of the market size in 2001 (98,000 units). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Yin LW MICROSYSTEMS CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 1517 0522400 Information Systems 0318642 September 1, 2003 Microsensor and Actuator I/UCRC. MEMS is an important research field with promise of significant applications in a variety of areas, including healthcare, security, safety, and power conservation. Commercial applications range from micro-accelerometers, to micro-pumps, to million mirror projection displays, to self-discovering networks of wireless sensors, to optical micro-scanners. NSF participation in this important area of nanotechnology will further stimulate research and development of micro and nano devices and have a significant impact on improving the design, manufacture, accuracy, and utilization of these and other devices. Such investments by NSF will ultimately have a significant and beneficial effect on the economic health and global competitiveness of the United States. This award is the second 5-year phase of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Micro-sensors and Actuators. In 1998, the I/UCRC Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center (BSAC) was extended from on-going research in this area to research in new areas with a multi-university component at UC-Davis. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ELECT, PHOTONICS, & DEVICE TEC IIP ENG Muller, Richard University of California-Berkeley CA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 947417 7609 7298 5761 1517 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 7234 5980 5936 1591 130e 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0318662 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: An Innovative Normal Stress Sensor System for Complete Characterization of Polymer Shear Flow Properties. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will address several technical improvements needed for successful commercialization of a novel MEMS sensor plate containing monolithic miniature capacitive pressure sensors. As shown in Phase I, the sensor plate can be used to accurately measure the first (N1) and second (N2) normal stress differences, which are important nonlinear elastic flow properties of various classes of viscoelastic liquids. In Phase II, sensor packaging and lead transfer to the sensors will be made suitable for high volume, high quality manufacturing of sensor plates. One version will be optimized for measurements at lower pressures and another version optimized for measurements on molten commercial thermoplastics at higher temperatures and pressures. The latter version of the sensor plate will be smaller in diameter to make possible measurements on smaller samples at higher shear rates, and will contain miniature temperature sensors that will enable accurate compensation for changes in sensor calibration constant with temperature. Improvements will be tested with a wide variety of commercial polymer systems and other important classes of viscoelastic liquids. This novel sensor plate will meet the critical market need for an inexpensive instrument for fully characterizing shear flow properties of molten thermoplastics. The competing alternative technology, the force rebalance transducer (FRT) is expensive and works best with large samples. It is simpler/less expensive to adapt a sensor plate rather than a transducer to existing rheometers. Hence the sensor plate has significant commercial potential to satisfy pent-up demand for an inexpensive way to upgrade rheometers to allow flow elasticity measurements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Baek, Seong-Gi RheoSense, Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 1011289 5373 MANU 9251 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318677 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Room Temperature, Mid-infrared Thin Disk Laser. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves the development of material that is suitable for the fabrication of a tunable, room temperature, mid-infrared thin disk laser. Novel, tunable room temperature solid-state laser material using transition metal doped Cd1-xMnxTe has recently been developed. Lasing up to 3.01 microns with a tuning range of 2.1 to 3.1 microns, the widest ever reported was demonstrated; and quasi-cw lasing in Cd0.55Mn0.45Te:Cr was demonstrated. Calculations of the gain profile indicate that the material is capable of operation up to 3.4 micron. However, problems related to the inhomogeneity of the dopant concentration and the low thermal conductivity of the material have hindered the development of a laser device. In this work, problems related to the thermal conductivity will be alleviated by thinning the CdMnTe crystal to approximately 250 micron prior to doping, the homogeneity of the chromium will be improved through a systematic study of the doping process aided by theoretical and computational modeling. Applications of this technology include infrared countermeasures, mid-IR spectroscopy, active/ hyperspectral imaging, mid-IR room temperature power limiting, atmospheric measurements, optical communications, remote sensing, medicine, and environmental studies. Numerous civilian industries such as the aviation, communications, meteorological and the chemical/petroleum industries are potential customers for this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kutcher, Susan BRIMROSE CORPORATION OF AMERICA MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9139 1517 0522100 High Technology Materials 0318700 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: All-Optical Method to Detect and Diagnose Optical Faults in Advanced Optical Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate a breakthrough, enabling technology for monitoring of optical signal transmission. Optical networks must be continuously supervised to ensure reliable data delivery. Advanced networks are evolving towards denser wavelength spacing and optical nodes. This trend obsoletes current optical signal quality monitoring techniques. An integrated all-optical method that not only monitors but also performs on-line diagnosis of optical faults in advanced networks will be demonstrated. Phase I will show the feasibility of a new measurement principle for monitoring optical noise components at the same wavelength as the optical signal itself. This capability is designed or a real network environment which includes the presence of polarization mode dispersion (PMD), a phenomena which has frustrated other approaches to in-channel noise detection. The project will include development of mathematical models of optical noise and PMD behavior, assembly of a network testbed, and experimental data. Results will meet commercially accepted standards of sensitivity and repeatability. This monitoring technology enables network equipment to develop and deploy advanced networks. Advanced dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems, which employ higher channel density and optical routing, are becoming available. These systems are very attractive to carriers because they offer cost savings of greater than 50% on both initial capital expenditure and on-going operating expense. This represents an enormous cost savings for telecommunications carriers and ultimately all data communications consumers SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Melman, Paul Newton Photonics, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99720 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0318701 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Efficiency, Water-Vapor-Fueled Plasma Propulsion Thruster for Low-Power Satellite Attitude Control and Station-Keeping. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a compact, efficient, all-solid-state Gas-Fed Pulsed Plasma Thruster (GF-PPT) that can perform critical orbit phase changes or plane (inclination) changes for near- and intermediate earth orbit satellites. The GF-PPT technology provides fuel-mass utilization efficiency close to 100%, based on solid-state power modulators that allows high repetition rate (10 kHz) pulsing of the thruster plasma discharge. This is achieved by delivering multiple micropulses to the thruster during the entire operating cycle of the gas delivery system. In the project the tasks will consist of designing and fabricating the GF-PPT thruster, integrating the power supply with the GF-PPT thruster and then characterizing and optimizing the electrical performance of the thruster hardware. A detailed plan will be developed with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to test the proposed high efficiency GF-PPT in an appropriate space chamber. Commercially, the GF- PPT developed in this program will have applications to a broad range of space missions in both the government and private sectors. Significant fuel savings will result from reduced propellant mass, which can be lowered by a factor of three or more using an electric thruster, as compared with chemical thrusters. Furthermore, the GF-PPT can operate with a wide range of propellants, including water-vapor and hydrazine, and the solid-state electronics capability of GF-PPTs can extend the useful life in station-keeping satellites 1-3 years, thereby prolonging mission lifetime. The successful development of the proposed GF-PPT can result in substantial (>10-20%) reductions in launch costs and orbit maneuvering costs. This can save the Federal Government hundreds of millions of dollars per year, when one considers that the current NASA budget for space transportation is over $2 billion/year, and the DoD invests approximately $4 billion per year launching satellites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Petr, Rodney Science Research Laboratory Inc MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99976 5371 MANU 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0318781 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Glycerin Product for Burgeoning Biodiesel Industry. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop biomass-processing technology for converting crude natural glycerin to antifreeze. The rapidly expanding U.S. biodiesel industry collects millions of gallons of crude glycerin per year as a by-product and much of this glycerin is disposed of as waste. The proposed research will allow the conversion of this crude glycerin to a product that can be produced and marketed by these very same biodiesel facilities. The Phase I work is expected to result in an improved understanding of the hydrogenation of glycerin to a propylene-glycol-based antifreeze, and to commercialization of a non-toxic bio-based antifreeze. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomass processing for production of a valuable consumer product from waste materials. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sutterlin, William Renewable Alternatives, LLC AL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9181 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318802 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Effect of Human Population on Land Use and Species Viability: Methodology and Software. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop methods and software that can be used to evaluate or explore the impact of human population and land-use changes on species viability. Changes in human population and land use affect the viability of native species through habitat loss to agriculture, urban sprawl, and industrial development; habitat fragmentation; decreased habitat quality; and increased direct harvest of species. Existing RAMAS software for modeling the effect of changes in the quality and amount of habitat on the viability of species will be modified to allow the incorporation of the human element into this methodology. It will lead to software that will be used to forecast the changes in the human population, and the effect of these changes on the land-use and resource-use patterns. These results will be used to predict the changes in the habitat of native species, and to assess species viability and persistence. The commercial application of this project will be a specialized software product, the market for which would include federal, state and local planning agencies, international development organizations, academic institutions and non-profit research organizations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Akcakaya, H Applied Biomathematics Inc NY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99992 5371 BIOT 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0318809 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: All Optical Switch Based On The Photorefractive Nonlinear Rugate Effect. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to put forth a highly innovative all-optical solid-state photonic switch based on an optically controlled nonlinear photo-refractive rugate structure. This innovation provides for a new and effective switching solution for advanced optical network routing and wavelength division multiplexing systems where switching time requirements are 10 to 15 msecs, i.e., circuit switching and routing. A rugate structure is defined by its continuous, often periodic, variation of the refractive index and can be used to produce diffracting optical devices. These devices can be grown using thin film deposition techniques and can provide efficient diffraction for use in wavelength dependent optical systems. However, once grown, such a structure has a fixed performance, diffracting at certain wavelengths for a certain incident angle, similar to standard off-the-shelf optical gratings. The proposed optically controlled rugate configuration provides a unique optical switch and simultaneous wavelength select-ability, while also providing an enormous potential for monolithic designs with no moving parts. The Phase I effort will include a comprehensive investigation and analysis of all potentially usable nonlinear materials, all potentially usable laser sources for optical control, optical and mechanical designs, and an experimental demonstration of the proposed optically controlled switching technique. The proposed all-optical switch technology will develop and market a new type of optical switching product for circuit switching and routing in metro-area networks (MANs). The product also has the potential for wide applications in the long haul fiber optic communications arena. Additionally, the all-optical wavelength tuning capacity can be utilized for a host of widely used wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) applications. The market for optical switching will remain strong; the goal is to develop an optical switch that will directly compete within a sector currently served by the telecom sector. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chalfant, Charles Space Photonics Inc. AR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0318827 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Self-Sensing Piezoelectric Actuator. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a self-sensing piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator will act at the same time as the sensor that will provide information to the actuators and as its own actuator. No separate sensor is needed. The self-sensing piezoelectric actuator uses an unconventional impedance approach for both dynamic (AC) and static (DC) force measurements By using piezoelectric materials, the load sensor will have a much wider dynamic range than those of conventional strain gage sensor. The simplicity in structure and electronic circuitry have made this design inexpensive, when compared to crystal resonator pressure sensors, and feasible for a wide range of applications in both sensing and control industries. During Phase I, a pre-prototype self-sensing and actuating unit will be developed for the proof of concept. A variety of targeted tests will be carried out in this phase to test and examine the accuracy and limitations of the innovation. Commercial applications include machine components; intelligent structures, intelligent self-acting machine components including bearings and seals, high-precision positioning devices, advanced electronic consumers goods, toys. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Lei B & C ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1648 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318828 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Pipeline Integrity in Natural Gas Distribution and Transmission Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop intelligent acoustic sensors to detect and pinpoint leaks on gas pipelines. Applied to transmission lines the technology has the potential to provide early alerts of failed pipeline integrity. In distribution systems the technology will be able to pinpoint gas pipeline leaks accurately and non-intrusively. Almost 2 million miles of hazardous pipeline in the US carry flammable materials under high pressure through rural, residential, and downtown areas. Mandatory Pipeline Integrity Management plans are limited by existing technology. The limited detection capability and delay might easily allow on the order of 10,000 liters or more of hazardous material to contaminate the environment. There is a compelling need for new technology to reduce the cost, effort, and risk associated with ensuring pipeline integrity. The technology to be developed under this research project has the potential to detect losses of 0.02% of flow or less on a loss-dependent time scale. Therefore, total losses could be reduced by one or two orders of magnitude; the source of emissions could be pinpointed without taking the pipeline out of service; and a timely integrity alert (with supporting data) could be transmitted to a person or office from remote pipeline locations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lander, Paul Flow Metrix, Incorporated MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99920 5371 EGCH 9197 9139 1179 0316000 Trace Contaminants 0522400 Information Systems 0318840 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Regulated Expression of Therapeutic Proteins in Transgenic Brassica Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to evaluate the use of Brassica juncea as a low cost source of human therapeutic proteins. The proposed research would utilize a newly developed floral transformation method to introduce the gene encoding human alpha-interferon, together with a regulated plant promoter and an optimized translation initiation sequence for high level expression in Brassica juncea. Floral transformation produces large numbers (25%) of transgenic Brassica seedlings within 3 weeks. Transformed plants will be selected by herbicide resistance and expression of interferon after induction of the promoter measured by immunoblotting. The anticipated outcome of this project will be a well regulated, high level expression system for a rapidly growing, inexpensive, hydroponically cultivated crop plant as a source of therapeutically valuable proteins. The commercial application of this project will be the low cost manufacture of human therapeutics using plant biotechnology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ensley, Burt NuCycle Therapy, Inc. NJ Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 95846 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0318842 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Dendrimer-Immobilized Antibody Kits for the Detection of Bioterror Pathogens. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop rapid detection protocols for bioterror-related pathogens. At the current time, there are no simple and inexpensive recognition systems that are well suited to the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogenic agents. This is particularly true for first responders at the point of attack, such as police, paramedics, and firefighters. Since exposure to Class A bioterror pathogens causes flu-like symptoms in their victims during the first few days after exposure, it is critical that the pathogen be identified as quickly as possible (that is, in one to four hours) in order to minimize fatalities. In this project, a unique biorecognition system based on immobilized antibodies to a variety of protein toxins will be developed. Fluorophores will be attached to multi-branched dendrimers that are also derivatized for immobilization of antibodies against bioterror pathogens. The detection ensemble will be in a kit form, with easy to follow instructions for the identification of specific pathogens by antibody-antigen binding, using chromatographic separation and fluorescence detection of the complex. It is anticipated that a typical protocol starting from samples obtained at the point of attack will be able to identify a wide variety of bioterror agents in 1 to 4 hours. The main commercial application of this project will be for first responders involved in Homeland Defense. Additional applications are expected in the food and beverage industry, biomedical research laboratories, water treatment facilities and medical diagnostics companies. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Spangler, Brenda SENSOPATH TECHNOLOGIES, INC. MT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99957 9150 BIOT 9150 9107 9102 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318843 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Highly Sensitive Surface Plasmon Resonance Instrumentation for Detecting Biomolecular Interactions. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop affordable, highly sensitive instrumentation for detection of biomolecular interactions without the need for labeling. Although many methods are available for detecting biomolecular interactions, most require that one of the molecules involved be labeled. Such labeling may inadvertantly alter the natural binding properties of the molecules. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instruments detect molecular binding in the absence of fluorescent or other labels. However, some applications of SPR are limited by the method's sensitivity or its throughput: SPR imaging instruments use light of one wavelength to analyze multiple molecular interaction sites on a biochip simultaneously, thereby improving throughput; Fourier-Transform Infrared SPR (FT-SPR) instruments measure SPR of a single molecular interaction at multiple wavelengths, thereby increasing sensitivity of detection. Combining the multiple-site detection capabilities of SPR imagers with the wavelength scanning capabilities of FT-SPR instruments should improve both sensitivity and throughput in a single instrument. This project aims to design, assemble and test a prototype irFT-SPR imaging instrument. The commercial application of this project will be broadly useful in markets such as the detection of bioterrorism agents, drug discovery, forensics, and crop improvement. The instrument would reduce costs compared with competing detection techniques while bringing the label-free benefits of SPR to these commercial applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Burland, Timothy GWC Technologies, Inc. WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99724 5371 BIOT 9181 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318849 July 1, 2003 SBIlR Phase I: Coherent Blue-Light Converters. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the implementation of a blue-light converter based on a novel structure of KTiOPO4 (KTP) crystal. It proposes to integrate quasi-phase-matched (QPM) second-harmonic generation (SHG) with 90 degrees phase-matched sum-frequency generation (SFG) in the exclusive partly-periodically-poled KTP crystal. This structure will be used to achieve blue laser through effective third-harmonic generation (THG) from the latest technologies in 1.319 micron Nd:YAG, Nd:YVO4 and other Nd-doped lasers. The proposed blue devices naturally follow our recent demonstrations. They rely on the advantages of a KTP crystal including large second-order nonlinear coefficients and large angular and temperature tolerance. Most importantly, only a KTP crystal can be used in these devices since it can reach 90 degrees -phase-matched SFG from 1.319 micron and 659.5 nm to 439.7 nm. Therefore, the proposed blue devices are simple, highly efficient, highly reliable and low cost. Since the blue-light converter is built from one crystal, it is suitable for intracavity THG similar to intracavity SHG in Verdi and Millennia. Blue-Light Converters can be used in a number of important applications. Some areas of inclusion are health care, photodynamic therapy, spectroscopy with short-temporal and narrow-spectral resolutions, naval communications, nondestructive evaluations, and entertainment. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Zotova, Ioulia DING, YUJIE J. PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 9150 OTHR HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0318851 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Coherence-gated Backscatter Particle Sizing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will show proof of principle for an innovative optical technique using backscattered laser light to perform particle sizing measurements. Limitations of existing systems include the need to measure transmitted instead of reflected light, the inability to make accurate measurements in dense particles fields, and the inability to characterize particle shape. Phase I research will lead to the realization of a unique diagnostic system capable of fast, non-invasive measurements in media of high turbidity; use of backscattered, not transmitted, light; solid-state fiber optic construction; cost effective gain-guided laser diodes for light sources; and assembly from commercial-off-the-shelf components. Particle sizing techniques are critical for process characterization and control in diverse areas of manufacturing and research. The worldwide market for particle sizing instruments has been estimated at $300 million. Industries using particle sizing include agrochemical, cement, ceramics, cosmetics, personal care, soil testing, wastewater processing, paints, inks and other surface coatings. The proposed system will introduce a patentable new technology to the field of particle sizing by the novel extension of a proven commercial technique. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lysogorski, Charles North Dancer Labs, Inc. VT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99596 5371 MANU 9150 9146 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318853 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: The Use of Halophytic Plants for the Bioremediation of Coal Bed Methane Discharge Waters. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project plans to use halophytic plants for the bioremediation of coal bed methane (CBM) discharge water. CBM discharge is widely viewed as an environmental liability. Indiscriminant surface discharge causes salination of soils. The drilling companies are therefore in urgent need for an acceptable discharge process. The hypothesis for the proposed work is that halophytic plants will consume enough sodium to enable surface irrigation of CBM discharge. These bioremediation efforts will be further enhanced by intensive fish production in CBM waters prior to discharge. Successful experimental results will provide complementary, alternative, sustainable tools to manage CBM discharge. The commercial application of this project is in the area of bioremediation. CBM discharge would be more environmentally acceptable when utilizing water that has significantly reduced sodium absorption ratio (SAR). This could open up huge areas of land for responsible CBM exploration and recovery. Forage animals could derive significant nutrition from select halophytes irrigated with CBM discharge. Noxious weeds encroaching on discharge areas would be displaced by organized agriculture of halophytic plants. Surface soils would ultimately contain less salts. Nutrient input from fish manures could result in significantly greater growth of desirable plants. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Woiwode, John AquaMatrix International, Inc. WY F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0318856 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) Biosensor for Rapid Bioterrorism Related Agent Diagnosis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a self-contained enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) biochip, for rapid and confirmatory diagnosis of bioterrorist related pathogens. The ELISA chip utilizes microfluidic technology to automate and simplify the assay process on a small chip platform. The plastic chip (reagent pre-loaded) is affordable and ready for use, but eliminates the need for a network of tubing connected to bulky external reservoirs and pump systems used in current large clinical laboratory systems and microfluidic systems. The Phase I research will focus on developing the ELISA sensor platform, constructing a pressure driven micro-mechanism for automation, integrating the reader system, performing assays and evaluating the system's technical merits. The commercial application of this project will be in detecting biological warfare agents (BWA) and in managing BWA suspected patients. The ELISA based biochip has the potential to be used as a rapid testing standard to quickly yield preliminary data in advance of microbiology tests. The system, with its extreme sensitivity and specificity, also offers a great deal of commercial opportunities in the field of clinical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ho, Winston MAXWELL SENSORS INC. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99776 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318857 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Modification of High Surface Area Tantalum Powder for Capacitor Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop methods for preventing oxidation of air or moisture sensitive metallic or ceramic nanoparticles used for electronic devices. The specific problem this proposal addresses is the need to process nanometer sized tantalum particles such that they do not spontaneously oxidize on contact with air or moisture and that the particles may be integrated into the manufacture of capacitors. This project will examine the use of organic molecules to derivitize tantalum nanoparticles as produced by the Sodium Flame Encapsulation (SFE) process. It is anticipated that derivatization should provide an oxidation resistant coating allowing for the production of low oxygen materials for electronic applications. Commercially, the research will contribute to the commercialization of products derived from SFE process, initially limited to tantalum, but ultimately applicable to a wide range of nano-scale metals and ceramics. This research has the broader implication of bringing the SFE process for nanoparticles manufacture to commercial realization and it enables further discovery in the areas of materials processing of these important new particles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gershenson, Harvey AP Materials, Inc. MO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9147 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318864 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Design and Development of a Unified Object Oriented Software Platform for Biomolecular Computations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will perform the research needed to design and construct an object-oriented software development platform (SDP) in Java for sequence manipulations, storage in relational databases, molecular mechanics computations, three dimensional structure visualizations of proteins and DNAs. It will capture established methodologies and techniques contained in legacy packages such as AMBER and Insight II into a modern framework of object hierarchy and provide an Application Programming Interface (API) that is easy to use by computational biologists for advancing proteomics and bioinformatics research and development. Java is commonly used in bioinformatics due to hardware independence and web availability. It is designed for rapid software development. Although it suffers from poor performance for computational applications, it also provides a means of rectifying this problem through Java Native Interface (JNI). The computer-intensive portions of biomolecular manipulations will be written as native Java methods in C to regain the performance of legacy programs. The commercial application of this project is in the area of bioinformatics and computational biotechnology. Academic research groups and researchers in pharmaceutical industry are the likely customers, who could use the proposed software development platform to prototype new ideas rapidly and to explore new computational algorithms and methodologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kottalam, Jeyapandian Kuyilan BioSoft Corp. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318865 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Ferrite Circulators/Isolators of Reduced Size. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project addresses the topic of size reduction of a ferrite junction at low frequencies. Circulators are needed to separate the signal paths in a T/R module to protect the receiver amplifier circuit. Also, isolators are required by a microwave system to reduce internal reflection of the signal. However, at UHF and L-band, the size of a conventional circulator/isolator junction turns out to be too big to be practically inserted in a space-limited environment. Although lump-element circuits using ferrite inductors and multiplexer circuits using semiconductor junctions may be employed instead, however, they are extremely narrow-band devices subject to low power ratings. Devices that are five times smaller in linear dimensions than the conventional junctions have been fabricated. By incorporating high dielectric materials with the junction ferrite even smaller junction sizes are expected, giving rise to miniaturized UHF/L-Band circulators and isolators. This research project directly applies to UHF/L-band power amplifiers deployed in space-limited environments in ground vehicles, ships, airline jets, satellites, and spacecrafts. Applications also include microwave radars operational over a long distance and future broadband cellular systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG How, Hoton HOTECH INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1648 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0522100 High Technology Materials 0318870 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Low Volume Reloadable Printhead for Microarray Production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design and build a reloadable printhead for ink-jet deposition of biological fluids into microarrays. Production of mid range microarrays (hundreds of different fluids) is not best addressed by the existing tools. Photolithography is expensive and with long turnaround time and existing single jet devices have large volumes. The reloadable printhead will fill this market segment. The first step in this project will be to optimize the geometrical dimensions of the printhead using numerical simulations and models for a low loading volume and for best operation. Special printheads will be built for evaluation and simulation verification. The second step would consist of the actual fabrication of the devices. Functionality of the fabricated printheads will be verified using a set of oligonucleotide probes designed to detect polymorphism in the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes. Current research indicates a correlation between the class II HLA polymorphism and the occurrence of cervical cancer. Microarrays produced with a reduced set of probes will be fabricated and hybridized with prefabricated target DNA. A design of a full probe set will be made considering the use of the reloadable printhead to fabricate microarrays for investigating genetic susceptibility of cervical cancer. The commercial application of this project is in the area of microarrays. On completion of the work through Phase I and Phase II, revenues are expected to be obtained through sales of the printhead and printing systems for microarray production, and through actual production . SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Antohe, Bogdan MicroFab Technologies Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318879 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Super Broadband Gain Medium for Next-Generation Optical Communications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a super broadband, 1.27~1.61 micron, Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) light source for spectral test instrumentation. This innovation has significant market potential. Spectral measurement is necessary for all components used in the Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) optical communication systems, in particular, for next-generation WDM networking systems using the newest optical fiber: zero-water-peak fiber, which eliminated the water absorption peak at 1.4 micron and extended the low-loss transmission window to 1.27~1.61 micron continuously for the first time. This innovation would offer a solution for the need of a super broadband gain medium that traditional gain media such as fiber lasers and diode lasers cannot offer. This innovation has significant intellectual merit. A disruptive technology would be used in this project. The device module would be composed of a specialty crystal fiber with designed single-mode confinement structure, directly pumped by diode laser. The overall package would be compact with its output power coupled into a standard single-mode fiber at a target of 100 mW. The novel transition and linkage between conventional bulk-crystal optics and contemporary fiber optics would inspire many publications and patents. This project would strengthen the U. S. technology leadership in WDM and would have a multiplier effect to the overall optical-telecommunications industry. Moreover, this innovation would establish a technology platform for a series of super broadband amplification products, which would be among the key components enabling the next-generation optical communications using super broadband zero-water-peak fiber. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yeh, Ping-hui Optospace CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99556 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 0206000 Telecommunications 0318884 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Residual Gas Analyzer Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a fundamentally new type of residual gas analyzer based on a novel ion source concept. The new instrument will have a combination of performance, cost and size parameters that greatly exceeds those of commercially available instruments. The technical objectives of Phase I are to: (1) design and construct a proof-of-principle experiment for the instrument concept; (2) conduct tests to characterize the basic performance of the new instrument; and (3) develop the preliminary design for a Phase II prototype instrument. If the Phase I project is successful in demonstrating high sensitivity over a wide mass range, it will provide a firm foundation for further development in Phase II. The research will provide the basis for the development of a new residual gas analyzer with substantial advantages in terms of cost, size and performance over existing systems. The new instrument will reduce capital and manufacturing costs in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, vacuum coating, electro-optics, and chemical processing. It will also have widespread uses at research and educational institutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greaves, Rod First Point Scientific, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0318901 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: III-V Nitride Structure for Far Infrared Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I will explore new structure designs for low light level far infrared detection. The aim is to develop multi-quantum wells made of III-V nitride semiconductors to achieve operational and cost advantages over existing technologies. During Phase I, the proposed sensor will be designed and fabricated. Far infrared absorption will be demonstrated at low temperatures. In Phase II, sensor design and fabrication conditions will be optimized. The responsivity, uniformity, and dynamic range of detectors will be measured, and prototype far infrared sensors and focal plane arrays will be produced for governmental and commercial evaluations. Successful completion of the project will provide lower-cost sensitive detectors for the far infrared operating at higher temperatures than prior art. Far infrared sensing and imaging market is over $1 Billion in size, and current technologies rely on cooling and are expensive. The applications of the technology include but are not limited to infrared imaging space surveillance, public safety and security, and search and rescue operations. Multiquantum-well and superlattice infrared detectors are very promising for space surveillance and imaging applications because of their adjustable band gaps and device structures. They have the potential to detect targets at long ranges in cluttered environments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Qiu, Chang-Hua FORUN Technologies, Inc. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0318902 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Real-Time Micro-Array Imaging for Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to establish the feasibility of a novel micro-array technology based on measurements of kinetics of hybridization of biopolymer molecules. By measuring kinetics of hybridization in real time, the perfectly and non-perfectly homologous DNA can be distinguished with much higher accuracy than by using conventional micro-arrays. An important innovative component of this technology is the labeling of target DNA by colloidal gold particles that are of the order of hundreds of nanometers in diameter. This labeling technique significantly increases the detection sensitivity and can be implemented using a very inexpensive detection system. Prior work has shown that the use of gold particles can increase the speed of hybridization to allow complete analysis in minutes, whereas conventional micro-array protocols require many hours. The proposed system is advantageous for many micro-array applications, including screening of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), when high hybridization specificity is required, and performing express micro-array analysis during time-critical medical procedures such as surgery. The commercial applications of this project include drug screening, nucleic acid identification and sequencing, single base mutation screening, and gene expression analysis. The increasing applications of micro-arrays in medical research will create additional opportunities for introducing the proposed technology into routine clinical practice. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Golovlev, Val Sci-Tec, Inc. TN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99675 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318904 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Screen for Drug Discovery. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a novel screen for drug discovery using gel microdrop (GMD) encapsulation technology, phage display technology and fluorescence activated cell sorting. In the last decade, phage display has evolved into a powerful tool for identifying "leads" for drug discovery. High affinity binders with sub-nanomolar dissociation constant have the greatest potential therapeutic value, however, they are difficult to isolate by biopanning. Currently, biopanning is effective at screening ~10 8 libraries in which the phage of interest is present at ~10 4 copies. Screening of highly diverse libraries (>10 9 ) in which phage of interest are typically present at 10-100 copies is difficult using such a method. Improvements have been made to increase the sensitivity of biopanning, but these improvements are limited to certain phage. Using a ~10 8 human growth hormone random library as a model library, Phase I research will develop a novel approach for screening phage libraries. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of drug discovery. The proposed technology will provide a controlled means of producing peptide and protein libraries that can be used to manufacture and refine molecules for use as therapeutics, and diagnostic and imaging reagents for diseases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Akselband, Yevgenya ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0318909 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanocomposite Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an innovative solar cell design that combines nanotechnology with conducting polymer photovoltaics to achieve low weight, flexible solar cells of almost any size and shape that far surpass current solar cell efficiencies. This project demonstrates the potential of this design for increased efficiency and low cost by prototyping single-layer solar cells with spectral responses tuned to the solar spectrum. The research develops approaches to explore the four main technical areas that are currently limiting nanocomposite photovoltaic cell performance: illumination intensity saturation, conduction efficiency, charge-separation efficiency and dispersal control of nanomaterials in a host matrix of high concentration. In Phase I, these technical areas are explored to determine the magnitude of potential performance improvements that can be achieved by optimizing these parameters in Phase II; and compare these projections to the maximum performance predicted by theory. In Phase II, the information gathered in Phase I will be used to produce a prototype of an optimized, lightweight, low-cost, flexible solar cell with efficiency greater than 10%; amenable to large-scale, low-temperature manufacturing. Commercial applications exist for high performance, low-cost solar cells that can provide an alternative power generation source. Specific examples of use include on-grid building integrated electricity generation systems; on-grid wholesale power generation; remote off-grid power generation; and portable power generation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scher, Erik NANOSYS INC CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99653 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 1463 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0318910 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Compact, High-Power, Terahertz (THz) Radiation Source. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a high-power Terahertz (THz) source concept and an overall THz system definition for fabrication and testing under a subsequent Phase II program. THz electromagnetic radiation, in the frequency range from 0.1 to 10 THz, is the next frontier in imaging science and technology. THz radiation promises to find broad application in areas that embrace medical imaging, counter terrorism and homeland security, and land mine detection. New initiatives and advanced technology developments in the THz band have, to date, been very limited because, while potentially rich, the source technology, at least for high-power applications such as imaging, has not been developed. A unique and extremely high power THz source that is orders of magnitude brighter in average power than previous source technologies, thereby enabling rapid, wide field-of-view (FOV) THz imaging for the first time will be developed. The resultant source coupled with a detector system can in principle be used for rapid, nondestructive, stand-off detection of hidden weapons, contraband materials such as plastic explosives, and chemical and biological agents. By developing and demonstrating a novel, compact, high-power THz source, this research seeks to capitalize on an emerging capability to utilize THz radiation for non-destructive evaluation. Potential applications include but are not limited to: walkthrough portals for personnel screening, through-wall imaging for emergency personnel, stand-off explosive and contraband detection, land mine detection for humanitarian relief, crowd and material screening. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bluem, Hans ADVANCED ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 96056 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0318911 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Ultraviolet Sparker Technology for Water Remediation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new UV sparker remediation process that is low cost, has no envelope to clean, and offers the potential to eliminate the need for chemical additives. Most UV commercial water remediation processes utilize mercury lamps, which have safety concerns associated with mercury and are significant cost components, due both to their cost and to the need for periodic cleaning of the lamp envelope. Also, chemical additives such as peroxide are a significant cost and have safety concerns. The proposed sparker UV remediation system employs pulsed high power electric discharge in water that produces UV light and OH radicals in the water, which combine to provide enhanced remediation of organic contaminants. The research objective is to demonstrate the commercial viability of UV sparker water remediation through the optimization of a sparker with high UV efficiency and remediation testing of key organic contaminants. The commercial application of this project will be in the treatment of municipal water streams and plant waste effluents to remove organic contaminants SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schaefer, Raymond PHOENIX SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99960 5371 BIOT 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0318916 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Miniature NOx Sensor for Small Airborne Platforms. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is intended to develop a new type of NOx sensor for use on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other small aerial platforms. Many of these vehicles are quite small, and therefore have very limited space and weight allowances for instrument payloads - in fact, most traditional instruments used for real-time measurement of trace gas species of interest are simply too large and consume too much power to be used on UAVs. This project is to develop a new instrument for the measurement of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) based on a novel technique that lends itself to miniaturization. The instrument will be very small and light to allow it to be used in very small UAVs as well as on sounding balloons. Phase I research will demonstrate operation of a proof-of-concept instrument. A variety of medical applications are foreseen, particularly in relation to asthma diagnosis and treatment. The instrument will also find extensive use in satellite calibration and validation. Ultimately, the NOx instrument will lead to two public benefits: improved air quality (and resulting health benefits), and improved treatment methods and diagnostic measures for asthma. An important direct medical application will be in the diagnosis and treatment of people suffering from asthma. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bognar, John Anasphere, Inc. MT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99721 5371 EGCH 1636 1303 0202000 Atmospheric Science-ICAS 0318935 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Clamp-On Self-Powered Flowmeter. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate a low-rate fluid flow measurement technique for nuclear power plants that incorporates several novel features that permit its use as a clamp-on measurement device having minimal installation costs and complications. By utilizing waste heat on piping lines and wireless data links, the flow sensor system avoids the requirement for an extended wiring system that interconnects and powers the instrumentation within the containment vessel. The proposed flow sensor should significantly enhance nuclear power plant system safety by providing a robust, self-contained, zero-maintenance, zero-power instrument for monitoring in-plant piping systems. Accurate and reliable measurement of critical flow systems will ensure piping thermal stresses remain below design limits, for safe continued generation of electric power. The commercial impact of this technology would be a new class of non-intrusive, self-powered flow and temperature sensors, that could form the basis of the next-generation health monitoring systems for nuclear power plants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McKillip, Jr., Robert Continuum Dynamics, Inc. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99975 5371 EGCH 9197 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0318936 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: On-Line Cross-Belt Mineral Analysis Using Neutrons. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses increased quality control in the cement industry. Quality control is vital in conserving natural resources And energy. If, for example, cement is not mixed with desired specifications, the mixture must be wasted. When one considers the energy expended in the various kilns and mills, the wastage is not only of materiel but tremendous energy as well. Once the mixture has been incorrectly produced, it may not in most cases, be economically feasible to correct the defects. This project will develop an on-line cross-belt mineral analysis system to ensure quality control. The system will couple two new technologies: a new long-lived electronic neutron generator and a new method of data analysis. It is hoped that the resulting system will have increased sensitivity over current systems. The commercial benefit of this technology aims to improve the quality of products produced by the cement industry. With on-line analysis, incorrectly mixed products can be corrected before the milling and drying processes. Thus, resources and energy can be conserved. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Womble, Phillip Advanced Nuclear Technology, Inc KY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 97429 9150 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0318938 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Membrane Protein Microarrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop chemical strategies for the fabrication of membrane protein microarrays. Membrane proteins are important to many aspects of biomedical research because a major percentage of drug targets are membrane bound. Thus, the ability to fabricate membrane protein arrays will greatly aid the drug discovery process. In principle, the success of a membrane protein array requires two critical ingredients: (1) the membrane must be immobilized on a solid surface with sufficient robustness to survive repeated contacts with liquid environment under physiological conditions ; and (2) protein molecules must be present in the membrane environment with sufficient membrane mobility to ensure their activity. The fine balance between these two factors requires the understanding and development of necessary surface chemistry. This Phase I project will demonstrate that such a balance could be achieved by controlling the electrostatic interaction between the supported membrane and the solid surface. The research is centered around this hypothesis and includes two specific aims: (1) to develop robust lipid membrane bilayers supported on a solid surface based on electrostatic interactions , and (2) to immobilize membrane proteins and demonstrate their functions in protein-ligand interactions using a model system: opioid receptors. The commercial application of this project is in the area of membrane protein microarray technology. The technology is expected to accelerate efforts aimed at drug discovery and development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guo, Athena MICROSURFACES INC MN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0318946 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Ultra Low k Silicon Dioxide Film for Inter-Metal Dielectrics (IMDs) Application. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will fabricate low dielectric constant materials by using stepwise coupling polymerization process. Low dielectric constant materials play a key role in the future semiconductor manufacture of low-k dielectric materials as inter-metal dielectrics (IMDs). IMDs will increase chip speed by reducing RC time delays. Currently, organic polymers (e.g. polyamides) and silica have been investigated and the feasibility to be used as IMDs has been demonstrated. The approach will to make nano-porous silicon dioxide by preparing reactive ladder-like polysilsesquioxane (LPS) and introducing nanometer size pores before converting it into silicon dioxide with low thermal expansion, low density, high thermal stability and good mechanical property. The objective will be to make an ultra low dielectric material with a constant k, 1.8~2.0. The broader impacts of this work will be to the semiconductor industry's roadmap. There is a need to develop materials with dielectric constants lower than that of silicon dioxide for inter-metal applications: lower dielectric constants mean lower capacitance and therefore shorter RCA delays, faster device speeds, less cross-talk and less power dissipation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wei, Qiang (Ethan) CHEMAT TECHNOLOGY INC CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1775 0522100 High Technology Materials 0318954 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Photolithographic Patterning of Reactive Nano-scale Multilayer Materials for Hermetic Wafer Scale Packaging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves a feasibility study of lithographically patterning reactive nanoscale multilayer foils for use in hermetic waferscale packages for MEMS and other electronic devices. A patterned reactive foil sandwiched between two wafers can be ignited and will self-propagate, providing the heat needed for wafer bonding. Because the reaction is very rapid, heat is localized to the vicinity of the foil. Therefore high temperature hermetic bonds confined to the lithographic pattern are obtainable, while temperature sensitive components inside of the sealed package remain unaffected. These foils can also be used to join dissimilar materials with dramatically different thermal expansion coefficients without creating large residual stresses. A typical MEMS device produced today, 80% of the manufacturing cost goes into packaging. Waferscale packaging will dramatically reduce this cost because it leverages knowledge, equipment, and cost models from the semiconductor industry. Features include hermeticity, miniaturization, massively parallel assembly, automated equipment with increased repeatability and yields, and substantial integration of electronic, optical, and mechanical features. Patterning of reactive foils as covered in this proposal will enable wafer bonding that can be generically used for low cost miniaturized packaging of sensing, optical, medical, RF and other MEMS devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Snyder, Tanya MicroHouse Technologies MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0318958 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Scale Discovery in Data-Driven Ecological Modeling. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a relational Bayesian modeling framework for automated discovery of tamporal and spatial scale in ecological modeling. Scale resolution and cross-scale articulation are key problems in scientific model development, especially for complex ecosystem-scale and mixed human-natural systems modeling. Modeler's facilities for automatic generation of aggregators and for clustering based on hidden variables provide a natural and tractable basis for scale resolution and cross-scale articulation for ecological modeling. The objective of this Phase I project is to develop both fully automated and mixed-initiative scale discovery methods. A mixed-initiative approach, in which intelligent computing is used to assist humans to harness the vast amount of data at their disposal, will permit investigator-driven development and exploration of the multiple, simultaneous hypotheses necessary to describe complex ecosystem behaviors. The immediate commercial application of this project is in the area of ecological modeling. However, the core technology may find additional uses in biomedical research, epidemiology and commerce. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jorgensen, Jane ESHOPPERTOOLS.COM INC OR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99626 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0318964 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Drug Delivery Elution Kinetics of Antibiotics From Hollow Calcium Phosphate Microcarriers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to evaluate hollow CaP microspheres for the delivery of antibiotics in orthopedic and dental infections. The key objectives of the Phase I project include : (1) Development of optimal microsphere properties for the delivery of antibiotics to site-specific infections, (2) Evaluation of alternative methods for antibiotic loading within the CaP hollow microspheres, (3) Determination of antibiotic elution profiles, and (4) Development of cost models for producing these microcarriers. The commercial applications of this project will be in the orthopedic, dental, and allied soft tissue markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Starling, L. Brian CaP Biotechnology, Inc. CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9148 0203000 Health 0319014 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Low-Cost Harsh Environment Vibration Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test feasibility of using inexpensive wireless chipsets as a means of directly measuring mechanical vibration. Microwaves are a reliable means of sensing in the harshest of industrial and laboratory environments. The radar signals can be transmitted to the object of interest from a remote location via waveguide or through microwave transparent materials. However, the current state of the technology uses high-end radar devices with extremely high component costs that prohibit its use in most applications. The proposed research will develop a prototype non-contact sensor based on the latest electronic components used for wireless applications. Through specialized assembly of chipsets developed for Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 wireless applications, it may be possible to assemble ultra low-cost radars for measuring vibration. Vibration and position sensing are critical measurements in many industrial and laboratory processes. Applications for the sensor are many of those within the $800 million accelerometer market and include factory automation (especially in the chemical and biological industries), electric motor (of all sizes) monitoring for condition-based-maintenance, semiconductor/thin film manufacturing and quality control, and automotive applications, particularly engine monitoring and terrain sensing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Geisheimer, Jonathan RADATEC INC GA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99861 5371 AMPP 9163 9153 1463 0106000 Materials Research 0319026 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Ultra High Thermal Conductivity Substrate for High Power Optoelectronics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a high thermal conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and low weight substrate material for optoelectronics packaging. The metal matrix composite (MMC) system uses a high thermal conductivity metallic alloy as the continuous metal matrix and ultra high thermal conductivity particulates as the discrete reinforcement phase. Heat sinks produced using this process are near net shape as fired, requiring minimum machining to meet specifications. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the material can be made to match that of the die that will be placed on top. A good match to silicon and to gallium arsenide is obtained by adjusting the composition for the composite. The composite has better properties than other existing MMC substrates systems in the market. It is lighter than Cu/W or Cu/Mo; has better thermal conductivity than Cu/W or Al/SiC; and exhibits a better thermal expansion match to the die than any of them. The uniqueness of this ultra high thermal conductivity metal matrix composite is that the carrier substrates can be better designed to match the thermal expansion characteristics of the chip or other heat-generating components attached to the carrier substrate while also providing improved heat transfer. Commercially, high thermal conductivity heat sink materials are in high demand in fiber optic components intended for underwater and long haul related applications including amplifiers, receivers, transmitters, tunable lasers, modulators; also for voice and high speed data transmissions and medical and research lasers. Other areas of application include RF power package components that are used in wireless telecommunication infrastructure for cellular phones, base stations, high definition television (HDTV), and satellite communications. The materials also have important applications in advanced automotive or ignition systems intended for aerospace applications, military radar, and guidance systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sepulveda, Juan INTERTEC ADVANCED MATERIALS, INC. AZ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99985 5371 MANU 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0319053 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Miniaturized Lightweight Broadband True-time Delay Phased-array Antennas. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investiate a new miniaturized, highly efficient, and reconfigurable optical feed transmit/receive architecture for airborne and space-borne phased-array antennas. The system will provide multiple simultaneous beams for a large-scale phased-array antenna operating in broad frequency bands. The true-time delay module, employing Erbium-amplified polymer waveguide (EAPW), has great advantages in providing high efficiency, lightweight, and small size features when used in space-based radar applications. The most innovative feature is obtained by the utilization of EAPW that allows optical gain along the true-time delay lines. Optical switch technique provides large delay selections enabling the module to operate in ultra-broad radar bands. The scalable architecture due to the integration of wavelength division multiplexing devices further makes the approach power efficient and suitable for very large arrays. To demonstrate the feasibility of this project, the simulation and experimental demonstration of Erbium-amplified polymer waveguides and optical switches will be performed during Phase I. Success of these tasks will lay a solid foundation for the phase II and phase III continuation. The market for the high performance phased-array antenna transmit/receive architectures is a rapidly growing area for commercial applications, as well as for remote sensing. Design of a transmitter/receiver for commercial applications suffers very similar challenges as in military applications. Therefore, the solutions developed for remote sensing will be immediately applied to such communication systems as satellite-to-satellite communications and ground-based wireless communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Yihong Omega Optics, Inc. TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99969 5371 HPCC 9139 1596 1463 0206000 Telecommunications 0319086 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Continuously Operating Sensor for Detection of Nerve Agent Contamination in Aqueous Solutions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate the utility of a continuously operating sensor for detection of nerve agent contamination in aqueous solutions. Single-use surface-sensing technology will be adapted to an on-line, real-time sensor format for detection of trace amounts of nerve agent contamination. The unit will be small, self-contained, inexpensive, and compatible with other sensor constructs. The sensing mechanism will be based on using two enzyme reactions in dynamic equilibrium with each other. The equilibrium is disrupted when one of the enzymes (cholinesterase) is inhibited, resulting in a dramatic pH change. This pH change can be measured electronically or visualized by color indicators. The sensor is expected to outperform any conventional technology for nerve agent detection in its simplicity of use, interference resistance, broad-based compatibility with surfaces, liquids, and gases, and low cost. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of homeland defense. Early warning and continuous monitoring devices are of urgent need in the event of a chemical warfare attack. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Erbeldinger, Markus AGENTASE LLC PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99990 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319092 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Sex Pheromone-Based System to Suppress Populations of Soybean Aphids. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a sex-pheromone based mass trapping and mating disruption system for soybean aphids. The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, is a newly invasive aphid pest, and the only aphid pest on soybeans. This species causes major economic losses either as direct pests or as vectors of plant viruses. This Phase I project will identify and optimize the sex pheromone blend of Aphis glycines, and develop effective controlled release dispensers to be used for disrupting the mating of females, either by classical pheromone mating disruption or by mass trapping. Novel ways of inexpensively procuring large amounts of the pheromone components will also be initiated. The research builds on preliminary studies showing that the soybean aphids can be cultured in the laboratory under controlled conditions to produce sexually active adults. Preliminary experiments have also indicated the production in A. glycines of two compounds known to serve as pheromone components in other aphid species. These compounds evoke upwind flight by males in the wind tunnel, and are attractive to both males and gynoparous female soybean aphids in the field. The commercial application of this project is in the area of pest management for soybean crops. It is expected that the technology developed against the aphid species in soybean may also be applicable against other aphid pests in other economically important crops. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhu, Junwei MSTRS Technologies Inc. IA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99912 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0319105 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: ChromArray, Chrosome Analysis Wafer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a new technique for rapid Karyotyping based on a "ChromArray" device, which would allow the collection of a large number of chromosome spreads in a precise array. By collecting the inherent spectrum of chromosomes, the addition of dye is not necessary. Each physical coordinate within the karyotype would contain a third axis (spectra), adding further criteria for automated karyotpying of large number of chromosome spreads simultaneously. This project will investigate a technique of karyotyping that permits rapid identification of chromosomal alterations, thereby identifying chromosomal abnormalities of a large array of chromosome samples simultaneously. Therefore a large number of cells from the human body (of which there are 200 cell types) can be studied, to screen for genetic disorders. The commercial application of this project is in the area of human healthcare. The use of chromarray technology and near field optical microscopy would impact a variety of clinical disease assays when completely implemented. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG O'Connell, Daniel OCEANIT LABORATORIES INC HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99920 5371 BIOT 9150 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319113 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Wireless, Embedded Sensors for Long-term Monitoring in Concrete Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the development of a new non-destructive testing and evaluation (NDT/E) sensor for in situ monitoring of temperature, stress, and corrosive chemical compounds from within the core of concrete blocks. The sensor, made of a magnetostrictive ferromagnetic ribbon embedded inside concrete structures, is remotely detected via the magnetic higher-order signature. Multiple sensors of different properties can be arrayed for simultaneously monitoring various parameters. The harmonic sensor is powered by the magnetic query field used to interrogate the sensor, thus eliminating the need of battery replacement or physical wire connections to the sensors. The sensor effectively has an unlimited lifetime, certainly comparable to that of the buildings and structures it could be used to monitor. Since each harmonic sensor costs less than a fraction of penny, the application of this sensor technology for highway and building-health monitoring can significantly reduce the maintenance cost of these structures and, perhaps more importantly, inform as to whether the building is still structurally stable after an earthquake, explosion, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ong, Keat SenTech Corporation PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 97682 5371 CVIS 9139 1596 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0206000 Telecommunications 0319117 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Highly Nonlinear Total Internal Reflection (HINTIR) Fiber for All-Optical Wavelength Conversion. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to produce a highly nonlinear hgh-index-contrast total internal reflection fiber (HINTIR Fiber) for all-optical signal processing. The projected nonlinear response of this fiber is five orders of magnitude greater than that of a typical silica fiber. Because of this extraordinary enhancement of non-linearity, these HINTIR Fibers will be superior for most nonlinear applications at 1.55 micron. The main engineering challenge in manufacturing HINTIR Fibers is finding highly nonlinear materials with highly dissimilar optical properties (i.e. very different indices of refraction) and very similar thermo-mechanical properties, which are necessary for co-drawing these materials in a single fiber. HINTIR Fibers could be an enabling technology for a large class of all-optical devices, including wavelength conversion, all-optical logic, all-optical pulse reshaping and regeneration, etc. This project will focus on the application of these fibers for wavelength conversion. The optical networking equipment was a $12B market in 2002. Line cards account for roughly 50% of this market. They perform wavelength conversion by converting the signal from the optical to the electrical domain and back at a different wavelength (OEO conversion) and signal regeneration by processing the signal in the electrical domain. This requires expensive high-speed electronic and opto-electronic devices operating at the line rate of the network. If deployed in the context of an all-optical network, the proposed technology could dramatically reduce the need for OEO conversions, thus opening up a $6B market. While the adoption of all-optical networks has not happened yet, it is expected to take place in a few years by both the equipment vendors and the network operators, when current network capacity is used up. This transition will open up a large market SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fuflyigin, Vladimir OmniGuide Communications, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319148 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Ion Exchange Material for the 227Ac/223Ra Generator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a generator to produce pure radium-223 for use in cancer therapy. The alpha-emitter Ra-223 has a longer half-life than the other alpha-emitting radioisotopes (213 Bi, 212Bi and 211At) currently evaluated for use in radioimmunotherapy (RIT) and has been shown to have higher bone uptake than the commercially available beta-active bone seekers. This makes it very attractive for further development for radiopharmaceutical applications and for use as a pain palliation agent. However, the research and clinical application of this isotope are hindered by the limited availability of pure Ra-223. A simple technique to produce the isotope is a generator where a suitable parent, in this case Ac-227, is immobilized on an ion exchanger column and Ra-223 is eluted when required. Current separation methods frequently use organic resins, which tend to degrade under ionizing radiation and thus the product may contain impurities. This Phase I project will develop new hybrid inorganic/organic ion exchange materials with a high affinity for actinium, but low affinity for radium and good resistance against radiation, allowing the construction of an efficient Ra-223 generator. The commercial application of this projectin the area of human healthcare. It is expected that the developed generator will be used at medical research centers, radiopharmacies and hospitals to produce pure 223Ra to treat patients with bone metastases and other small solid tumors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moller, Teresia Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0319151 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Sensor Technology Enabling Large Array Based Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will advance innovative sensing technology to overcome the limitations of a broad range of undeclared airborne toxic industrial chemicals (TIMs) by incorporating a large number of arrays of sensing elements numbering in the 100's or 1000's into a package smaller than a conventional pager, including all data analysis, display, and batteries. In addition, this innovative technology can be applied to metal oxide semiconductors, polymer based sensors or any other sensing material. Large arrays allow much greater breadth as well as sensitivity of electronic nose devices, making them a viable option for low cost, accurate detector or analysis tool for personal air quality monitoring as well as for many industrial applications. The commercial applications for a low cost, small, rugged, simple and accurate sensor, capable of detecting a wide variety of chemicals, range from personal air quality monitoring to the food and beverage industry; from the medical field to military units; from permanent sensor installations (similar to smoke detectors) in hazardous areas to installation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's). The instrument can be used to analyze a patient's breath to diagnose diseases or on a battle field to detect chemical warfare agents and can be used in the rapid development and analysis of new sensing elements. Because the technology is very similar to current standard manufacturing techniques, the units can be produced in mass for small per unit price, and sold in a variety of markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Andrews, Craig Lynntech, Inc TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0319153 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Five-Dimensional Fluorescence Microscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project proposes to develop an innovative approach to fluorescence microscopy that will provide high spatial resolution and improved contrast. As demonstrated from previous work, the proposed fluorescence microscope is unique because it provides simultaneous measurement of lifetime decay profiles at multiple wavelengths. The addition of simultaneous spectral and temporal resolution to the fluorescence microscope will enhance their utility and allow the design of more sophisticated fluorescence experiments for structural and functional imaging of cellular and sub-cellular systems. The commercial application of the product to be developed in this project will be as an instrumentation useful to researchers across many areas of biological and medical sciences. Additional medical applications such as endoscopic probes for the identification of tissue types and abnormal tissue based on differences in fluorescence spectral and lifetime properties are also envisioned. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Peterson, Kristen Southwest Sciences Inc NM Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319158 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Bottom Anti-Reflective Coatings - BARCs - for Production of Advanced Semiconductor Devices by 157 nm Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop bottom anti-reflective coatings (BARCs) for production of advanced semiconductor devices by 157 nm lithography . The NSF Phase I technical objectives are to demonstrate the feasibility of potential technical approaches to workable 157nm BARCs. The prototype 157 nm BARCs will be produced and characterized for critical industry requirements such as low reflectivity, fast plasma etching rate, and lithographic performance. At least one prototype will be selected and optimized for use with 157-nm photoresists so that the commercialization will be projected in the Phase II. The 157-nm BARCs developed from the NSF Phase I study will result in a significant step forward for 157-nm lithography technology and contribute to the future of advanced semiconductor devices (integrated circuits) fabrication. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG He, Liu Brewer Science Incorporated MO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1467 0106000 Materials Research 0319163 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Monolithic Ka to W Band Voltage Controlled Oscillators Using on Chip Varactor Integration. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop novel, highly integrated, high performance series of high frequency (Ka to W-band) GaAs Monolithic Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCO) by efficient integration of hyperabrupt varactor diode with the Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (PHEMT) oscillator. This Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) will integrate the two exclusive doping profiles needed for the hyperabrupt varactor diode and the PHEMT process. This level of integration will simplify and improve the overall system performance and meet the cost compatibility for reliable commercial production. To date, there is no product in the world market, which is a fully integrated high frequency VCO. Moreover, the MMIC VCOs available so far have very low tuning range (120 MHz) and mediocre phase noise, which does not meet the demands of present day communication systems (tuning range of >500 GHz). This technology will integrate a patented varactor diode with a millimeter wave VCO MMIC design to develop and deliver a family of single chip VCOs with over 1GHz bandwidth, low phase noise of -90dBc/Hz at 100 KHz with > 16dBm output power for frequencies from 20 to 94 GHz. A stable, wide tuning range, low phase noise, high power, light weight, low cost VCO MMIC is an essential component of any commercial and military wireless communication system. This project plan is to develop MMIC VCO at millimeter wave frequencies to enable low cost, small size commercial communication systems with high performance. The project will address the needs of high frequency commercial wireless communication systems world wide, ranging from Local Multi Point Distribution Systems (LMDS) at Ka-band to Automotive collusion avoidance communication systems at W-band. In addition, resulting product will contribute to Homeland security systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Childs, Timothy TLC Precision Wafer Technology MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99952 5371 HPCC 9139 1596 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0319169 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Coded High Density Optical Disk Data Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project studies a new coding and implementation techniques for high-speed high-density optical disk data storage. It is well known that conventional optical disk storage is based on recording and readout binary data pits in an optical disk such as compact disk and DVD. The data storage density is thus limited by the size of these pits that can be recorded and readout optically due to diffraction limitation. This proposed research explores a new coding concept and uses an extended depth of focus diffractive optical element to facilitate recording and readout many bits of data in a single storage pit. The data storage density can thus be significantly increased. The novel approach can potentially reach 50 Gbits/in storage density using the same optical and motion scanning system as DVD and using a commercially available data recording material. Thus, the technology development can reach its near-term maturity. Phase I research will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed novel disk storage concept. Compatibility with existing data storage technology will also be demonstrated. The research will develop a simple proof-of-concept high-density optical disk storage prototype based on a new coding concept. Implementation of such coding concept can significantly increase the disk storage density for commercial and military applications such as computer data storage, on-line storage, library archival applications, image storage and processing for medical applications, and military target identification and fast access to large intelligent database. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yang, Jianwen NEW SPAN OPTOTECHINOLOGY INC FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99997 5371 HPCC 9139 1631 0104000 Information Systems 0319170 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Non-Contact/Zero-Stress Surface Polishing Process for Copper/Low Dielectric Constant Semiconductors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel, non-contact/stress-free polishing method for planarization of copper (Cu)/low-k (dielectric constant) interconnects required for the fabrication of nanochip integrated circuits (IC). A currently used process step, chemical-mechanical-polishing (CMP), is adequate for copper/silicon dioxide interconnects. However, the reduced mechanical strength of the low-k dielectric materials required for nanochips (100nm and smaller interconnects) renders CMP incompatible with future IC interconnects. The proposed method utilizes pulsed electrolysis to effect complete electrochemical removal of copper overplate beginning from the center of the wafer and moving outward where electrical contact is provided. The Phase I research issues include: 1) complete removal of copper overplate, i.e. no copper islands remaining, and 2) no damage to the interconnect, i.e. filled and not eroded or dished. Real-time video feed observation and post process FIB-SEM analysis will be conducted to validate process feasibility. Analytical work will be conducted to establish a theoretical basis for the proposed electrochemical process. Commercially, the non-contact/stress-free polishing method will find application to Cu/low-k interconnects required for integrated circuits down to the 35nm mode. Additional applications of the process include micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS). The industry addressed semiconductor is an important aspect of the US commercial economy. The result of the research will lead to a marketable manufacturing process/manufacturing tool in the form of an electrochemical module incorporating the non-contact/zero stress polishing process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Taylor, E. Jennings FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99991 5371 MANU 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319173 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Application of Membrane Transporters to Increasing Bioaccumulation of Nutraceutical Compounds in Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will increase accumulation of nutritional compounds in plants through overexpression of membrane transporters. Plants are the source of a wide range of natural metabolites important to human nutrition including vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. However these compounds are often produced at exceedingly low concentrations, making cost-efficient extraction extremely difficult. Specialized proteins called ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters mediate movement of these metabolites across membranes for accumulation in storage organelles, such as the plant vacuole. Prior research has shown that overexpression of membrane transporters in crop species can dramatically increase accumulation of specific metabolites. In this Phase I project, ABC protein transport function will be further characterized and applied to improving the efficiency and yield of plant-based nutraceutical production. The commercial application of this project is in the area of agricultural biotechnology. The use of ABC transporter technology is expected to lead to production of transgenic crop varieties with increased levels of specific carotenoids, unsaturated fatty acids and plant sterols. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ciardi, Joseph PlantGenix, Inc. PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98682 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0319181 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: MMW Polarimeter for Ice Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of a universal single-channel polarimetric receiver. A novel polarization measurement technique based on a spinning phase plate makes it possible to measure all four Stokes parameters of the incoming radiation with the use of one receiving channel only, while the conventional technique requires at least three channels for the same purpose. The major application of the proposed device is the in-flight detection of clouds that pose icing hazard. Measurement of the Stokes parameters of the radiation emitted by (radiometry) or reflected from (radar) these clouds proved to be useful for the determination of their potential danger. The device can operate as both a stand-alone radiometer and as the receiver of a radar system. The proposed polarimetric receiver is compact, capable of detecting icing conditions with excellent sensitivity and resolution, and manufacturable within existing infrastructure. There is an urgent need for such a low-cost and high-performance product for detecting potentially hazardous clouds along the flight paths, especially for helicopters, commercial commuter aircraft, and light, private, unpressurized aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Manasson, Vladimir WAVEBAND CORPORATION CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99980 5371 AMPP 9163 9148 1463 0106000 Materials Research 0319184 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Microscale Interferometric Sensor for High Speed MEMS Metrology. This SBIR Phase I project investigate the scientific and technical feasibility of an innovative micromachined optical interferometer as a quality control tool for MEMS production. One of the barriers to the growth of MEMS both as an enabling technology and as a new market is quality control. Quality control not only provides quality assurance but also it provides feedback to optimize the design, fabrication and assembly processes involved. The proposed microscale position sensing grating interferometer (uPSGI) with electrostatically actuated grating is itself microfabricated and integrated with optoelectronics. It measures the displacement of MEMS with high resolution (sub-nm) and bandwidth (> MHz). In this project, a uPSGI with movable grating will be fabricated and integrated into a microscope objective. The performance of the interferometric will be tested on dynamic MEMS devices and the feasibility of parallel array operation will be evaluated. The proposed technology converts the large-scale interferometric metrology system to a miniature sensor using a patented technology. It can be tailored for specific needs of MEMS manufacturers to reduce manufacturing costs, lead-time and waste of material and to increase product reliability. Potential customers include all the MEMS manufacturing companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kurfess, Thomas MEMScan, Incorporated GA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 87282 5371 MANU 9146 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319202 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Mid-Infrared Diode Laser Sensor for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project addresses an immediate need for a real-time means of endpoint monitoring solvent drying processes in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The specific innovation is the combination of a novel, broadly tunable, mid-infrared diode laser source with ultra-sensitive absorption techniques, to provide a non-contact means for sensing trace organic solvent vapor concentrations in fluidized bed dryers and spray coaters. The probe laser source utilizes Difference Frequency Generation (DFG) to convert visible and near-infrared laser light to the mid-infrared. Its ability to continuously tune over 200 cm-1 enables the measurement of organic vapors having broad, infrared absorption bands near 3.5 microns. The Phase I objectives are to use the DFG source to measure organic solvent vapors, determine analyzer detection limits, and create a preliminary design for an industrial sensor. The Phase I program will verify the technical and commercial feasibility of the mid-infrared solvent monitor. The proposed solvent drying endpoint monitors will provide the pharmaceutical industry with real-time data enabling improved drug manufacturing process efficiency and quality. The sensors may eliminate the need for off-line residual solvent analysis that often halts processing and holds completed product for release. There are numerous applications for the technology, including environmental monitoring of organic pollutants, industrial HVAC controls, breath analysis, hospital air and gas quality control and sensors to screen for alcohol and other toxics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kessler, William Physical Sciences Incorporated (PSI) MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99996 5371 MANU 9153 9147 9139 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319204 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Detection and Identification Instrument for Single Molecule Analysis. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel, low cost laboratory instrument for genetic analysis and single molecule studies. The technology is suitable for the detection and identification of DNA and RNA through fluorescent hybridization probes without the need for Polymerase Chain Reaction amplification, or for proteins and small molecules through fluorescence immunoassays. The general scheme is based on single molecule detection (SMD) and utilizes the two-color cross-correlation spectroscopy (TC-FCCS) technique with coincident detection analysis scheme to simultaneously probe ten focal regions of a microfluidic assay. High efficiency single photon detectivity Geiger mode microavalanche photodiode (uAPD) arrays will function as detection elements. The commercial applications of the instrument will be in research, medical applications, and for drug development. Applications range from the study of conformational dynamics and interactions of macromolecules to biochemical kinetics of single molecules. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Karger, Arieh Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319205 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) Wavefront Correction Device for Ophthalmic Adaptive Optics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to design and deliver a low cost, MEMS- based wavefront correction device for use in ophthalmic adaptive optics systems. The use of adaptive optics in ophthalmics shows great promise, but the lack of suitable cost-effective solutions has hindered the advance of research and the development of associated commercial markets. MEMX will leverage the most sophisticated surface micromachining technology available today to design and deliver, for the first time, a MEMS wavefront correction chip that addresses all of the requirements specified by the vision science community. In this project, a number of design concepts will be created and fully analyzed, after which a baseline design will be fabricated and tested against ophthalmic requirements. The main commercial application of this project is in the area of ophthalmic devices and instrumentation. Additional applications would include optical coherence tomography, confocal microscopy, portable military imaging systems, free space optical communication systems, and semiconductor lithography. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rodgers, Steven MEMX, Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 97059 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319217 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: The Synthesis of Xyloglucan Conjugates for Textile Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop methods to prepare xyloglucan conjugates for use as molecular anchors for the attachment of functional chemicals to cellulose and/or cellulose textiles. The functional chemicals that can be attached to cellulose by this method include dyes, fabric softeners, antimicrobial agents, and lubricants. The water-soluble xyloglucan conjugates will bind irreversibly to cellulose, providing an economical and efficient alternative to the currently available textile industrial technology. The objectives of this project are to develop and optimize chemo-enzymatic methods for the preparation of novel xyloglucan conjugates and the testing of the conjugates in various textile manufacturing processes. This Phase I project will result in the laboratory scale production of these xyloglucan conjugates and to the analysis of these molecules as industrial materials. The commercial application of this project is in the area of consumer products. The development of environmentally benign methods for the production of finished textiles and the reduction of need for re-application of textile finishes (e.g. fabric softeners) will provide significant economic and health advantages over existing technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Heiss, Christian MURO Corporation GA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319219 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Sensitivity Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging Bioarrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project proposes to develop, fabricate and test a sensitive array chip sensor for monitoring biointeractions using the technique of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging. There are many methods to detect biomolecular interactions, but most require that one of the molecules be distinctly labeled using fluorescence or other approaches. Such labeling may inadvertently alter binding properties of the molecules. SPR based technologies have the distinct advantage of being label-free. However, despite continued improvement of SPR based instruments, the detection limit remains insufficient for applications that require the binding of small molecules. The vast majority of SPR instruments are also limited to a very small throughput of 4 channels or less. This project will address both of these limitations by employing a novel sensor array design based on the concept of long range surface plasmons. Numerous model binding experiments involving the attachment of small analytes to larger proteins immobilized on the sensor surface will be performed to assess the improved chip performance. The commercial applications of this project are very broad, ranging from detection of biological warfare agents and environmental monitoring to drug design and discovery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wark, Alastair GWC Technologies, Inc. WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99800 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319221 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Electronic DNA Biosensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to focus on the development of a biosensor for the rapid and reliable field detection of pathogenic organisms. This biosensor will couple the sensitivity and specificity of DNA hybridization with direct electronic detection. The biosensor consists of a microchip with oligonucleotide probes attached to paired electrodes. Preliminary research has shown that DNA will specifically hybridize to the probes forming DNA bridges, which link the electrodes. The focus of this proposal is to assess palladium-catalyzed nickel chemistry as a method of making these DNA bridges conductive so that they can be detected electronically. This biosensor is fundamentally different from all other technologies currently available and will provide significant improvements in sensitivity, speed, portability, ease-of-use, and cost. The initial commercial applications of this project will be in the areas of public safety and bio-defense (i.e. for detection of biowarfare pathogens such as anthrax). Later versions of the device will be targeted towards applications in clinical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chafin, David INTEGRATED NANO-TECHNOLOGIES LLC NY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319236 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Co-Encapsulation of Efficacy Enhancers to Improve a Mycoherbicide. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to use innovative co-encapsulation processes to enhance infectivity and efficacy of the biocontrol agent, Colletotrichum capsici, for control of the noxious weed "pitted morning glory". The enhancing components to be examined in this project include germination stimulants, conidia protectants, moisture retainers and nutrient supplements that are encapsulated with conidia of C. capsici inside a sprayable and biodegradable microcapsule. This co-encapsulation technology will lead to commercial development of mycoherbicides and other biocontrol agents that are expected to be economical, practical and biocompatible. The commercial application of this project is in the area of weed control agents for use in agriculture. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cartwright, D Agricultural Research Initiatives Inc AR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 96505 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0319247 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Bioinformatic Data Mining for AIDS Resistance Genes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop data mining software for identification of genes and genetic mechanisms that contribute to the resistance of primates to development of full blown AIDS. It is hoped that that the genes so identified and the corresponding gene products will lead to development of new therapies for HIV infected humans. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biological informatics for use in human healthcare. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Messier, Walter Evolutionary Genomics, LLC CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99960 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319253 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Characterization of the Metabolic Competency of Centrifugal Bioreactors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to examine the biochemical and metabolic characteristics of a novel Centrifugal Bioreactor (CBR) used to culture suspension mammalian cells. The CBR achieves suspension of animal cells at densities greater than 10 8 cells/mL in a fluidized bed where nutrient liquid flow forces counteract centrifugal forces. The phase I overall goal is to provide a solid scientific understanding of the CBR culture process. The specific technical objectives include measuring the growth rate of a representative cell line in the CBR , establishing steady-state operation of the CBR in terms of nutrient consumption and metabolite production by the cells and manipulating the steady state by changing the dissolved oxygen concentration at the CBR inlet. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of animal cell culture bioreactors. The principal impact of the proposed technology will be to reduce the scale and capital costs of commercial animal cell culture equipment and to potentially improve the quality and consistency of secreted protein product. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Herman, Heath Kinetic Biosystems, Inc. NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99719 5371 BIOT 9181 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319265 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Large Aperture, Periodically Poled, Hydrothermal Potassium Titanyl Phosphate for Highly Efficient Frequency Conversion of High-Power Solid-State and Fiber Lasers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to investigate the feasibility of fabricating large-aperture, periodic ferroelectric domain gratings for quasi-phase matched laser frequency conversion. The key innovation in this effort is the use of low temperature hydrothermally grown potassium titanyl phosphate (LTH-KTP) as the nonlinear optical substrate material. Using LTH-KTP will enable a simplified poling process, resulting in increased fabrication yields, lower component costs as well as allow the fabrication of high-quality, large aperture (>2mm) periodically poled wafers. The ability to periodically pole thick wafers of hydrothermally grown KTP, combined with its high resistance to optical damage (>500MW/cm2) will enable highly efficient, wavelength conversion of high-power laser sources for use in Lidar-based remote sensing applications including the increasingly important Homeland Security area of standoff detection of chemical and biological agents. The anticipated results of the Phase I effort include a demonstration of periodic poling in LTH-KTP using the micro-electrode technology and a preliminary assessment of the effect different poling configurations have on the quality of the domain grating. In the Phase II effort, the poling technology will be refined and grating structures suitable commercial applications will be fabricated. The ability to periodically pole thick wafers of hydrothermally grown KTP, combined with its high resistance to optical damage will enable highly efficient, nonlinear optical frequency conversion of high-power ytterbium fiber and diode pumped solid state Nd: YAG lasers sources. Laser sources with increased pulse energies, wavelength flexibility, and excellent beam quality, will find use in both civilian and military applications. Specific applications include laser-based material processing (cutting, welding and marking), remote sensing for standoff detection of chemical and biological agents, environmental monitoring, forest management as well as Lidar-based missile identification, tracking, and targeting. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Roberts, Tony ADVR, INC MT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99543 9150 HPCC 9150 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319274 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Miniature Mass Spectrometer for Expired Breath Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to explore novel medical diagnostic methods based on the detection of volatile compounds in expired breath. Non-invasive medical diagnostics are clearly preferable to invasive testing whenever possible. Breakthroughs in biotechnology and instrumentation hold the key to a major expansion in non-invasive methods. Detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath is a non-invasive testing method that has the potential to allow diagnosis of a broad range of human and animal health-related issues quickly and inexpensively. Current state-of-the-art techniques for detecting VOCs in breath are slow, expensive, laboratory-based, and require extensive operator expertise to collect and analyze the data. The goal of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of employing previously developed proprietary technology to develop a portable, easy-to- operate, miniature mass spectrometer (MMS) that will provide a real-time, automated, highly sensitive, low cost, and reliable method for detecting a broad range of breath VOCs in point-of-care or field settings. The commercial applications of this project cover a broad range of markets. The proposed instrument could be used in biochemical and medical research labs, in clinical labs and hospitals, in workplaces, at contaminated environmental sites, and at military installations and battlefields. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wells, James Griffin Analytical Technologies, Inc. IN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99588 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319279 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I proposes to develop a new method for antibiotic susceptibility testing having unparalleled speed and simplicity. The technical approach is based on a novel implementation of impedance sensing to monitor cellular growth with unprecedented sensitivity and stability. This enables results to be obtained directly from bacterial suspensions in less than one hour with a simple, inexpensive, and easy to use device ideally suited for mass production. This method avoids the need for growing cultures reducing the time from sample collection to complete diagnosis by weeks compared to currently used methods. In this Phase I project, the feasibility of the proposed diagnostic tool with antimicrobial drug resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis will be demonstrated. The commercial application of the proposed product will be as an in-office medical diagnostic. A low-cost and easy-to-use rapid and specific monitor of biological samples has broad application throughout the microbiological testing industry. Specific large markets include rapid techniques for urinary tract infections, testing of mycobacteria, and testing of biological threat agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rieder, Ronald BioSense Technologies Inc. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319282 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Advanced Sodium Beacon Laser. This Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)Phase I project will design an all-fiber optic 589nm guidestar laser. The use of guidestar lasers in conjunction with adaptive optics can provide for near diffraction-limited performance of large aperture telescopes. A compact and efficient fiber laser based device that emits a nearly diffraction limited, 10W beam at 589nm for sodium guide star applications will be demonstrated. This laser can be mounted directly behind the secondary of any major telescope eliminating issues with complex coupling optics and attendant stability requirements. Telescope resolution is limited by atmospheric distortion to that of a 23 cm telescope 1. Using adaptive optics schemes, atmospheric distortions can be removed allowing for up to a 4 m diffraction limited telescope. The key component to this system is the guide star laser. The next generation 589 nm Sodium laser proposed in Phase I would have significant applications to the astronomy community. Currently, argon-ion pumped dye lasers or sum frequency generation lasers are used. The 589 nm laser presented in this proposal is a cost-effective, turnkey solution that has a long lifetime. There are approximately 10 observatories throughout the world that could benefit from the proposed device. For optimal compensation five 10 W laser systems are required. A secondary market is for the laser trapping and cooling of sodium for atomic clocks. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Brasseur, Jason Russell Teehan Directed Energy Solutions CO Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99964 1505 EGCH 9197 9153 0106000 Materials Research 0319283 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of Organic Photovoltaic Solar Panel Using Ink Jet Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop low cost / high volume manufacturing methods for plastic organic solar cells. Ink jet printing will be utilized because it is an additive technology with low pollution, that is non-contact and digitally controlled (flexible). Recent promising developments in the field of organic photovoltaic cells cannot be taken directly to production because there is no manufacturing technology suitable for making them in volume at lowest cost. This project will use the unique microscale printing ability of ink jet technology to precisely deposit the active materials by printing on plastic substrates to form photovoltaic solar cells arrays. The current organic bulk heterojunction material systems are most suited to ink jet printing and show improved performance over their predecessors. This project will use single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT), and poly (3-octylthiophene) (P3OT). These materials represent some of the newest work in the field. The commercial potential of this technology will be low cost, plastic film-based solar cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wallace, David MicroFab Technologies Inc TX T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0319284 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Photonic Crystal Coherent Thermal Emission for Sensors. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project proposes to model, fabricate and test 2-D photon crystals for far-field coherent emission. Very recently published research showed that thermal emissions from 1-D photon crystals (PC) had near-field coherent components. Interference between photons and surface structure effective turned the PC into an infrared antenna emitting radiation in narrow bands. Ion Optics will fabricate thermally heated PC emitters based upon patterned silicon (dielectric-air PC) covered with very thin patterned metal films. Computer models will first study potential structures. Optimal structures will then be fabricated and tested. Emission will be measured as a function of angle and wavelength, and we will look at diffraction effects to test coherence. The project will lead to production of inexpensive, highly efficient, narrow line-width, low dispersion infrared MOEMS sources well suited to spectroscopic applications. Phase I results will be used to model spectroscopic vapor detection to determine potential for improved sensitivity. Significant advances over available MEMS components would show feasibility for Phase II. Such light sources would enable detection of vapor species at very low concentrations (parts per billion or parts per trillion) for applications to atmospheric research, environmental research, detection of chemical warfare agents, explosives, etc. Potential sales could exceed $20 million per year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greenwald, Anton ION OPTICS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99670 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0319295 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost, Needleless Drug Injection System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of producing a novel, needleless drug injection system for widespread vaccination applications. The key element in the technology will be a novel high pressure pumping device. This device will enable high pressure flows to be precisely and easily controlled by the user in order to control injection drug amount. This is a capability currently lacking in existing low cost needleless injector technology. The Phase I project will show that the high pressure pumping device actually works. The follow on Phase II effort will focus on building a prototype system that will integrate the pump with the control electronics and injection nozzle for subsequent testing. The commercial application of this project is in the area of drug delivery. The proposed needleless injection device is expected to be reused thousands of times with a single low voltage battery source and will be invaluable for widespread vaccination use in the field for domestic as well as foreign markets. The unique ability to precisely meter injection volume will enable the device to be easily adjusted in the field to deliver a dosage appropriate for the associated weight, age, or physical condition of the patient. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scherer, James NOVAWAVE TECHNOLOGIES CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0319301 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced Biomolecular Analysis Using Advanced Direct Detection Methods. This Small Business Innovation Research project will investigate enhanced measurements that can be made using a system that simultaneously reports mass capture during a biomolecular interaction along with changes in the structure of the capturing molecule. Current direct detection instruments are based on optical techniques that respond to changes in refractive index. To date, this response has been attributed strictly to mass capture as molecules are bound to the sensor surface. Using an optical fiber based grating technique, this project will show that conformational changes in derivatized proteins can create a transduction signal upon binding. Separating out these two effects will provide a more accurate picture of the molecular interaction, a better understanding of immobilization chemistries and the effect on protein response, and the potential for instruments with increased measurement sensitivity. The main commercial application of this project will be in the area of drug discovery research. Companies involved in drug discovery require an instrument able to detect and characterize protein interactions. Current direct detection biosensor instruments are limited to measuring bound mass. The proposed development effort will enable the characterization of conformational changes simultaneously with the measurement of bound mass and will be implemented in a high-throughput format. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pennington, Charles Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99980 5371 BIOT 9181 9139 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319303 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: An Unique, Low-Cost, Real-Time Mold Detector. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research proposal will demonstrate a novel, inexpensive, nano-crystalline based metal oxide semiconductor sensor array that will provide a new technology platform for the real-time early detection of the presence of molds found in commercial office buildings, schools, hospitals and homes, before their presence can cause problems. The aim is to develop a new low-cost detector for mold that operates in real-time with exceptionally high sensitivity and selectivity to discriminate the marker Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs) specific to harmful strains of mold. This novel approach uses a highly active nano-crystalline metal oxide semiconductor material to achieve the necessary sensitivity and to establish high selectivity to MVOCs through the use of temperature of operation, introduction of catalysts and dopants into the semiconductor oxide film, and by control of the material's morphology. MVOCs are associated with mold growth in problem building environments. The proposed research will lead to the development of an inexpensive sensor array that is capable of real-time detection of the presence of mold. This unique detector would be a new and innovative product for the Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry and for building control manufacturers. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Smilanich, Nicholas Chung-Chiun Liu SENSOR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99998 1505 EGCH 9197 1179 0316000 Trace Contaminants 0319320 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: n-Type Conducting Polymers for All-Plastic Electronic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new class of n-type conducting polymers and evaluate their electronic and optical properties when they are doped with various reducing agents and used under different environmental conditions. These n-doped conducting polymers will be used as a cathode material to fabricate a prototype of an allplastic organic light emitting diode (OLED). The cathodes of today's OLEDs are made of reactive metals such as calcium or magnesium. These low work function metals are, so far, unmatched in their ability to inject electrons into the device. Unfortunately, these metals quickly degrade upon exposure to oxygen or moisture. Cathode oxidation and delamination are largely responsible for the growth of non-emissive spots on the emitting device area, even when the devices are sealed against the elements. Reactive metal cathodes have been long recognized as one of the major barriers to the commercialization of OLEDs. Thus, replacing reactive metal cathodes with more stable materials is critical to the commercialization of these devices. The objective of this research is to develop new polymeric materials with suitably low work functions and good electrical conductivity that can replace the reactive metals in cathodes for OLEDs. n-Type conducting polymers have many interesting potential applications; their use has been evaluated for the development of all-plastic energy-storage devices, as anode materials for nonaqueous batteries, for the fabrication of all-plastic n-p junctions and field-effect transistors, and as a cathode-replacement for OLEDs. Other applications may include photochromic devices, photovoltaic cells, electrochemical sensors, and catalytic reducing agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Luebben, Silvia TDA Research, Inc CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319323 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Non-Disruptive Radiometric Calibration of Array Sensors. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to establish the feasibility of merging a novel radiometrically-accurate nonuniformity correction (NUC) algorithm with the wireless infrared-sensor technology. As the low cost of uncooled amorphous-Si technology is accompanied with substantiated fixed-pattern noise (FPN), the proposed NUC capability is an enabling technology sought to elevate the performance of the affordable uncooled sensors to a level competitive with that of the costly cooled sensors. In addition to its impressive computational efficiency, the proposed NUC algorithm has the unique feature that it maintains radiometric accuracy without compromising the continuous operation capability of the sensor. In this project, a comprehensive study will be launched to optimize the proposed NUC algorithm for both on-sensor and near-sensor modes of operation in microbolometer sensors described above. Prototype digital and hardware will be developed to implement the algorithm. With the ability to remove the calibration dead time and the FPN, the system reliability will be increased dramatically. The diversification of the market for the detectors is currently limited because of the FPN in the detector. If, by some means, the FPN can be eliminated, the uncooled cost-effective microbolometer detector can be applied to markets where cooled high performance detectors dominate, such as predictive and preventative maintenance and surveillance applications. In addition, the existence of a cost-effective uncooled detector can be integrated into smaller packages such as flashlights and can be provided to mobile security forces, government special agents and law enforcement officials. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Agi, Kamil K&A Wireless, LLC NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99980 9150 HPCC 9150 9139 1631 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0319325 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanoceramic Coated Artificial Knees for Improved Wear Resistance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to investigate a new coating for artificial knee replacements, using nano-ceramic materials. The proposed nanoceramic artificial joints, with the wear surfaces containing ceramic coating against ceramic coating, are expected to be superior in wear resistance to a CoCrMo alloy against ultra high molecular weight polyethylene ("UHMWPE") pair. Also, the metallic substrate will provide considerably higher strength and toughness compared to UHMWPE - ceramic combination, thereby avoiding brittle fractures. This project will select a suitable nanocoating composition using a plasma spraying technique for follow on in-vitro evaluation and physical property characterization. The commercial application of this project is in the area of prosthetic devices. This project will allow for the development of artificial prostheses for the knee, hip, elbow, shoulder and other joints, as well as for treatment of osteoporosis and sports related joint damage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Zongtao INFRAMAT CORP CT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319327 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Novel OptoCeramic Materials for High Efficiency Ceramic Lasers. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop next-generation ceramic materials for high-energy laser applications. The significance of this innovation include (1) high concentration doping capability; (2) a comprehensive doping material and concentration screening which can be easily and timely accomplished; (3) an innovative material system capable of multifunction performance; (4) a unique ceramic material which is very low-cost. Success in the ceramic laser material development will lead to an exciting new family of luminescent ceramics capable of delivering high efficiency lasers at many different wavelengths. In the project the tasks will involve predetermining the dopant materials, sintering the PLZT powders including optimization, combinatorial screening of the materials coupled with characterization to identify the optimum composition. Commercially, the technology developed in this program will greatly benefit many technology sectors. High efficiency laser materials developed from this project would lead to high power and low cost solid-state laser systems that would have tremendous strategic and commercial values to military and civilian applications. These include remote sensing, target recognition and detection, missile guidance illumination, measurements from air- and space-borne platforms, multiple wavelengths next-generation measurement systems, and industrial laser machining. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Kewen Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99986 1505 MANU 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0110000 Technology Transfer 0319328 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Average Power Solid State Laser. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a laser that can be used in a variety of applications requiring high average power such as to drive a nonlinear crystal for efficient frequency conversion to generate radiation at the desired wavelengths. A novel cooling approach will be used to remove heat from the laser crystal. Preliminary heat transfer analysis show that a rod cooled with the new technique can be pumped at a rate that is a factor of ten higher than the rate used to pump a rod using conventional cooling techniques. A demonstration device will be assembled in Phase I so that the volumetric efficiency and system performance can be measured. The same cooling technique can be used in cooling the crystals used in non-linear frequency conversion. It is anticipated that a compact, efficient, high power, inexpensive IR laser can be developed using this cooling approach. Commercial applications of moderate to high average power lasers can be found in the remote measurement of atmospheric aerosols, clouds, molecular species, meteorological parameters, surface topography, vegetation and subsurface ocean layers. They can also be used in long-range wind shear measurements, laser ranging, and atmospheric back scatter. A variety of laser wavelengths are necessary for these measurements to be successfully performed. Variable wavelengths can be used in monitors and video displays. The manufacturing of high average power lasers will have a broad impact on commerce and society if these lasers can be used to make color computer displays. This application could generate new jobs in the manufacturing segment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tekula, Milan Maine Research and Technology Co. Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1518 0206000 Telecommunications 0319333 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Nanosized Magnets for Highly Sensitive Multiplexing Bio-Molecular Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at significantly increasing the signal level or the sensitivity (i.e. by 100~1,000 times) of existing magnetic resonance methods in biomolecule detection and medical imaging, by developing and applying novel contrasting agents or sensor materials based on unique ferromagnetic nanoparticles. Compared to the conventional paramagnetic sensors or contrasting agents used in current magnetic resonance detection methods, the proposed magnetic nanoparticle sensor has a coherent magnetic moment about 1,000 times larger. The nanoparticle sensor is comparable in size to most proteins to minimize the steric hindrance for the binding between cell surface membrane and ligand-attached particles in tagging processes. The unique nanoparticles can be readily prepared in multiplexing forms with distinctively different magnetic resonance signatures for complex bio-molecule tagging and diagnosis applications. Their surfaces can be chemically modified for in-vivo detection of various bio-molecular targets in a cell with high biological specificity. The main commercial application of the this project will be in human healthcare. Products developed from this project will find use as advanced contrasting agents in hospitals for medical diagnosis with MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and EPRI (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging). In addition, these products will also find applications in medical research institutes and academic labs for various advanced molecular detection and imaging experiments using NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sun, Ted LS TECHNOLOGIES CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0203000 Health 0319342 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: An Electrowetting Microfluidic Device for Bioassays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative approach to fabricating microfluidic devices for bioassays within a Micro Total Analytical System (`TAS) format. The device will be based on electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) technology, and will offer potential lower fabrication costs for numerous applications. The EWOD approach for microfluidics is to transport droplets, as opposed to continuous liquids, along an electronically programmable path on a large array of driving micropads, rather than through fixed microchannels. The EWOD mechanism is inherently effective for droplets, and appears well suited for open two dimensional microfluidic array applications, and use with physiological fluids. An EWOD microfluidic device will be capable of manipulating droplets of physiological fluids. Feasibility will be demonstrated by implementing a heterogeneous chemiluminescent immunoassay for ferritin in blood serum on an EWOD device. The main commercial application of this project will be in the area of medical diagnostics. Additional applications would include bioassays for homeland security and environmental monitoring and for sampling systems to support DNA and protein microarray assays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bastiaans, Glenn INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99996 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319346 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Electro-Optic Switches. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a high performance optical switch. The optical communication is a fastest growing technology in modern communication industry meeting the ever-increase in market demand for bandwidth. Fiberoptic communication is inherently immune to detection/interception and jam, which is particularly important to missile defense missions, such as laser radar and other military communication. Optical switches are the most critical component in optical communication but yet the weakest part to date. Optical switch technology needs a breakthrough with technology that proposes an innovative solution to overcome the current bottleneck and achieve the state-of-the-art optical switch at the lowest cost. Based on the recent breakthrough of electro-optic material an extremely simple but innovative device architecture, the proposed optical switch will outperform any existing solutions and have a great impact to fiber-optic applications as well as commercial communication and optical computing. The low cost and high performance optical switch will have wide application in defense systems such as laser radar, fiber-optic sensor system, and local area networks. It will also have great application in commercial communication market where optical switches play a critical role. The market potential for such device is huge and is projected to reach $3 billion by year 2006. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Hua Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99979 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0319349 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Gallium Antimonide (GaSb) for High Speed Infrared Photodetectors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to create a new, high performance photodetector operating in the near/mid-infrared spectrum. Gallium antimonide (GaSb) will be used to create avalanche photodiodes (APDs) sensitive to wavelengths < 1.7 micron. The GaSb material is a semiconductor with a direct energy bandgap and higher mobility than Silicon. Thus, GaSb has greater photonic absorption and can operate at a higher speed than Silicon. Previously issues regarding high levels of parasitic p-type doping have prevented GaSb from being applied to APD structures. This Phase I program aims to create GaSb layers that no longer have a high native doping level, making APD fabrication possible. The growth techniques demonstrated in this project will be applicable to other similar material systems, allowing practical development of novel devices. Scientific understanding of the electrical characteristics of actualized III-V compound semiconductors will also be improved. Upon successful completion of the program as a whole, photodetectors operating in the near/mid-IR spectrum (< 2 microns) will be developed that have higher speeds and greater sensitivity than current Silicon APD solutions. High-speed photodetectors will be readily applicable to atmospheric measurement systems, medical diagnostics, astronomical imaging and optical communications. Moreover, modifications to the GaSb material, such as the addition of Indium and Arsenic, can extend the operating spectrum out to longer wavelengths. Based on the knowledge gained in this program, APDs using InGaAsSb could be created which are sensitive photons out to 12 microns. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moy, Aaron SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 98857 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0319384 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Aerosolized Biological Agents Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a fast, reliable and sensitive technology that can identify the nature and the content of the particles in aerosol samples, and provide an early warning of the presence of bio-warfare agents. Current biological agent detection systems rely on point detectors that cannot sample actual aerosol condition in real-time. Additionally, standoff detectors are large, expensive and not suitable for use in urban terrain. With a unique combination of bio-identification and ultra-sensitivity particle counting, the proposed project will develop an extremely sensitive, yet reliable detection and monitoring system that can satisfy most current and potential needs for bio-agents detection. This Phase I project has two specific aims: (1) to determine the optimal conditions for the detection of bacterial spores (eg. Bacillus subtilis) with highest sensitivity using antibodies; and (2) to demonstrate that the retained bacterial spores can be detected by a particle counter operated in solution at a sensitivity sufficient to detect few hundred particles. A testing device will be designed and produced based on these results at the end of the project. The commercial application of this project is in the area of homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sheng, Sitong Allomics, Inc. VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99998 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319386 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Liquid-Crystal Waveguides for Optical Integrated Circuits. This small business innovative research Phase I project proposes a new method for electro-optic control of light on planar waveguides. Currently, electro-optic control of light on silica-on-silicon planar optical waveguides is by the thermo-optic effect, which is slow, consumes high power and exhibits a small effect. The new method provides unprecedented levels of optical phase delay, requires low power and moderate voltages, and exhibits response times under 10 microseconds. The method can be used to steer beams, tune waveguide gratings and control coupling between channels, thus enabling a new class of integrated electro-optic devices on silicon substrates. The Phase I project will demonstrate a large electro-optic modulation index and demonstrate a waveguide beamsteer with 10 degrees of steering capability within the waveguide. It will also explore methods of manufacturing integrated optical circuits using this technology. Phase II will design and build an integrated optic such as a waveguide Fourier transform spectrometer, barcode scanner, or CD/DVD pickup with dynamic tracking and focusing. Commercial applications of this technology include waveguide spectrometers for chemical sensing, identification of solvents and plastics, and mobile emissions monitoring. Other commercial applications include barcode scanners, CD/DVD optical pickups, free-space optical communications, beamsteering for angle-multiplex holographic data storage, and optical interconnects for computer backplanes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, Mike VESCENT PHOTONICS INCORPORATED CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319398 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Terahertz Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop ultra-high speed detector for terahertz applications. The ever-increasing volume of the information to be Transmitted and processed demands fast communication systems that will have to fulfill a throughput of 1 Tb/s or even 10 Tb/s. This requires more than 100 times improvement of performance over today's fiber optic communication systems, and calls for the development of terahertz or femtosecond technologies. The success of this program will lead to drastic improvement of device performance in response speed, gain, responsivity and detectivity. Phase I of this program is to demonstrate the proof-of-concept. The recent surveys suggest that the communication systems will have to fulfill, a throughput of at least 1 Tb/s or even 10 Tb/s by 2010. This puts a demand for more than 100 times improvement of performance in today's fiber-optic communication systems, and calls for the development of terahertz or femtosecond technologies. The potential applications include, detector of ultra-fast laser pulse, generator and detector of ultra-fast electrical transients, broadband detectors, samplers, demultiplexers, and mixer in multi-gigahertz range, high speed optical switches, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yang, Liu Applied Quantum Systems, Inc CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0319402 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-fast Broadband Imaging Spectroscopy for Geosciences Applications. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to fabricate ultra-fast imaging spectroscope for applications in geosciences. One of the key components in a hyperspectral imaging system is the tunable filter. Existing mechanical tunable filter are usually heavy, bulky, slow and unreliable, while those liquid crystal based are slow and limited in terms of useful spectral range. The company proposes to develop an ultra-fast broadband tunable filter based on the recently invented electro-optic ceramics. These electro-optic effect based tunable filters are intrinsically fast (micro-second response), with superior transparency for wide spectral range (from visible to mid-IR) and ceramics rugged for airborne application. The proposed unique multiple-tuning design greatly enlarges the free spectrum range and reduces the driving voltage. Imaging spectroscopic instruments can find applications in earth resources monitoring, precision agriculture, mineral exploration, medical imaging, military targeting, manufacturing and much more. The proposed fast broadband spectral imager has particular applications for air- or space-borne earth remote sensing. The success of this project will have great impacts not only to many current NSF sponsored R&D and commercial programs such as biological imaging and microscopic research programs, but also to defense applications such as target detection and recognition, as well as remote sensing that will directly relate to the country's security and economy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Qiushui Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99968 5371 HPCC 9216 1518 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0319404 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Infrasonic Avalanche Identification. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop avalanche-warning systems to improve the safety of those who travel and live in mountainous areas. Avalanches produce low frequency infrasound (1-5 Hz), which can propagate miles from their origin, and thus provide a means for remote, automated detection and warning systems. Single sensor monitoring systems are capable of detecting avalanche infrasound, but associated detection algorithms suffer from false alarms under high noise conditions. Sensor array based systems provide spatial signal information, which can be used both for noise suppression, and source location, potentially greatly improving detection capabilities. However, the use and limitations of array-based signal processing techniques and associated theoretical assumptions, as applied to the large scales and field demands of avalanche infrasound, needs to be investigated and understood. A monitoring system will be operated during planned avalanche control activities to gain experimental data to determine the feasibility of sensor arrays for avalanche detection. Commercial applications of this technology exist for monitoring, warning, and controlling routes of travel and commerce, for backcountry travelers, recreation areas, search and rescue operations, and for monitoring and warning of avalanches where people reside. It is estimated that there is a large international market for this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scott, Ernest INTER-MOUNTAIN LABORATORIES, INC WY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 9150 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0319407 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Fast, Inexpensive Microrarray Printing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a new approach to building a microarray (biochip) printing system. The result is expected to be a proven design capable of spotting sub-picoliter droplets of biofluids onto substrates at a tenfold to hundredfold speed improvement over existing systems. A second design will be a very low cost (under $4,000) and reliable printer suitable for the tens of thousands of biotechnology labs worldwide. The research objectives are to use modeling and systematic testing to optimize an electrohydrodynamic droplet ejection mechanism based on Taylor instability and adapt it for microarray printing. Although the droplet emission phenomenon has been observed in a few research papers, it has not been adequately characterized and adapted to the requirements of a high capacity microarray printing system used in a production environment. The Phase I research would involve a study of the droplet ejection mechanism, including voltage patterns, nozzle shape, grounding grids, dielectric constants of materials, and substrate separation from nozzle. These results will be incorporated into proprietary designs for the microarray printers. The commercial application of this project is in the area of microarrays. Clinical genomic applications (disease diagnosis, drug sensitivity testing, and forensics) will require production of standard and custom microarrays (biochips) by the millions. Although ongoing genetic and proteomic research is making these applications possible, an important missing link is a technology for a large improvement in the speed, cost, and reliability of the mass production of microarrays. This project expects to address this market niche. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Forker, John Femtodrop Corporation CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99240 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319414 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Photonic-Encoders/Electronic-Decoders for Optical Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the design and performance analysis of a novel photonic/electronic hybrid concept for optical code division multiple access (CDMA). The small business has developed families of matrices and hardware designs whereby these can be implemented as wavelength/time (W/T) matrix codes for high performance optical CDMA networks. Optical CDMA is usually based on photonic encoding and decoding. There are three functions which may be better executed by an integrated electronic decoder/receiver that complements a photonic encoder: (1) electronic rather than photonic correlation to optimize the signal-to-noise-ratio; (2) programmable compensation for fiber impairments; and (3) signal processing for multi-user interference suppression. This project will design a system concept based on photonic encoding and electronic decoding; carry out design analyses and network simulations; and generate design specifications and R&D recommendations for Phase II. A technology applicable to local-area-network (LANs), and metro-area-networks (MANs) and access networks has been developed. Optical CDMA has traditionally been developed for local area networks to support multiple concurrent, asynchronous, bursty users; since the late 1990s it has been considered as a viable contender for the emerging applications of metropolitan and access networks. The proposer has developed a technology applicable to either application. This permits supporting a large number of subscribers with relatively simple transmitters and receivers. The proposer is targeting metropolitan, access, and extended private networks. Another potential application is steganography for Homeland Security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mendez, Antonio MENDEZ R&D ASSOCIATES CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99989 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0319425 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Sensitive Integrated Multi-Speckle Laser Interferometer for Industrial Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes an innovative approach for development of a high sensitivity laser ultrasonic receiver for applications in industrial environments. Combining the high sensitivity of classic reference beam interferometer with the ability to efficiently overcome the limitation caused by the speckle light generated from the reflection from rough surface will make this interferometer well suited for demanding industrial applications where a low cost, sensitive and rugged receiver is needed. Because the proposed interferometer takes advantage of the high integration level of current state-of-the-art in electronic packaging, the system can be made very compact. The robustness, high sensitivity and lower cost of this ultrasonic receiver will enable laser based ultrasonic inspection to become a cost effective solution. The commercial market for this measurement system is the very broad NDT market. More specifically, this laser ultrasonic receiver is targeting process control and in-service inspection applications where there is a very high need for reliable and low cost inspection systems capable of withstanding the demanding environment of factories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pouet, Bruno BOSSA NOVA TECHNOLOGIES LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 94848 5371 EGCH 9197 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0316000 Trace Contaminants 0319426 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Zinc Oxide Based Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will synthesize and coat doped Zinc Oxide (ZnO) as a transparent and conducting thin film on a polymer substrate for flexible flat panel display applications. The objective is to find a low-cost alternative to widely use Indium tin oxide. Thin films of doped nanocrystalline ZnO will be coated on flexible polymer substrates using a proprietary plasma coating technique. The target temperatures will be less than 100 degree C. During the Phase I, these low cost coatings will be developed and their performance parameters will be studied, which will be followed by extensive field-testing and scale up studies in the Phase II effort. Commercially, important applications of ZnO as a TCO (transparent conducting oxide) include: Flat-screen-high definition television (HDTVs), high-resolution screens for portable computers, electrochromic mirrors, defrosting mirrors, touch panel controls, and electromagnetic shielding. The market potential for such products is increasing exponentially owing to the microelectronics revolution and has become a part of everyday life. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Raffi, Mohamed Materials Modification Inc. VA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319428 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Linearizer for Wireless Integrated Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop methods for wireless integrated circuits. The linearization method can be summarized as a "bad amplifier" is added to a "good amplifier" to form a "much better amplifier." This new technology enables complete implementation on a single integrated circuit, leading to cellular radio and wireless systems with lower cost, smaller size, and smaller batteries. Competing technologies are not applicable to radio receiver designs and not suitable for integrated circuit implementation. The target market is primarily cellular phones, at 300 million units per year. Commercialization feasibility and strategies will also be evaluated for target markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weldon, Thomas MIXSIG LABS INC NC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99337 5371 HPCC 9139 1596 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0319429 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Miniature Waveguide Rowland-Circle Spectrograph. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to perform research to design, fabricate, and test a new type, compact, high resolution, fiber optic spectrograph combining the Rowland geometry with a single mode optical channel waveguides and slab waveguide and with a curved, blazed echelle grating. Original Rowland design needs no intermediate collimating or focusing optics, has very high resolution, but suffers severe astigmatism in the third dimension, rendering it inapplicable for fiber optics. New design overcomes this deficiency by confining the light in the third dimension with a single mode optical waveguide. Two new blazed echelle gratings will be formed on the waveguide layer with reactive ion etching. Four fabricated spectrographs will be critically tested. Preliminary analysis indicates high resolution, high wavelength density, cost competitive with any current WDM devices. This technology's portability and fiber optic capability should permit many other applications besides WDM, including surveillance of trace explosives, and other molecules in vehicles, planes, and ships. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Asawa, Charles MJC Optics CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99988 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0319432 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Integrated Magneto-Optic Current Sensor for Power Electronics Modules. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop magneto-optical current and temperature sensors capable of direct integration into power electronic modules, with the design goal of improving reliability and survivability of the power conversion and control circuitry. Existing power electronics designs generally use one of three components to sense current in power devices or in the control subsystem: Hall effect transducers, resistive shunts, and current transformers. Each of these components and their associated interface circuitry, while functional, are becoming obsolete as switching frequencies of power conditioning equipment surpass 100 kHz (10e5 Hz), and as the power contained in these circuits exceeds 1 MW (10e6 watt). Additionally, miniaturization of these components has become increasingly difficult and has not kept the same pace as with the miniaturization of power electronic modules. The Phase I program will develop a hybrid electro-optic power electronics module (HE-OPEM) capable of measuring local current and temperature on the module using optical methodologies. When coupled with on-board intelligence, expensive and high-power density power electronic modules will be able to sense potential fault conditions in nanoseconds, resulting in their ability to self-regulate their operation and protect themselves from catastrophic failure. This is not possible with today's technology. The technology developed under this program could be used in all high-power, power electronic semiconductors to self-monitor self-regulate their operation, leading to systems that have higher reliability and lower corrective maintenance costs. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Duncan, Paul AIRAK, INC VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0319433 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Bioaerosol Concentrator/Sampler for Enhanced Biosensor Performance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of integrating two established particle separation technologies with a continuous particle transfer mechanism to produce a bioaerosol concentrator/sampler that offers significant improvements over conventional sampling devices. Rapid biosensing/detection requires a concentrator/sampler that can (a) efficiently collect and concentrate respirable particles (1-10 mm) from large air volumes, (b) efficiently transfer collected particles (dry or wet) for sampling, (c) maintain high viability of sampled bioagents, and (d) be scaled up/down for various applications. The research plan consists of designing, fabricating and testing a novel prototype concentrator/sampler, evaluating particle collection/concentration performance, and evaluating sampling efficiency and microorganism efficacy using inert particles and biological simulates (e.g. spores). The prototype will integrate a dry cyclone prefilter, a proprietary concentrator/sampler module, a novel containment housing and particle extraction/sampling mechanisms. Target performance for the prototype includes: collection/concentration efficiency of >85%, dry/wet sampling efficiencies of >80%, and microorganism viability of >75%. The primary commercial application of this product will be for military use and homeland defense. This novel aerosol particle collector/sampler would also have commercial uses in the monitoring of hazardous bioaerosols in a variety of civilian/industrial environments. Some application areas include monitoring: (1) hazardous particulate emissions near EPA Super Fund sites, (2) airborne asbestos or lead paint particles during and after removal and remediation operations, (3) PM-2.5 particles (i.e., replacing older PM-10 samplers) when collecting EPA compliance data on outdoor air quality, (4) the spread of herbicides and pesticides during agricultural spraying operations, and (5) the spread of infectious diseases in hospitals, nursing homes, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wright, Steve INNOVATECH INC NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0319442 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Photonic Crystal-Based Optical Fiber Temperature Sensors for Process Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop novel photonic crystal-based optical fiber sensors for the rapid measurement of temperature for real-time process control and civil structure monitoring applications. A patented molecular-level electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) processing method will be used to form multi-layered dielectric stacks with periodically interleaved high and low refractive indices on the distal ends of optical fibers to achieve one-dimensional photonic crystal sensor structures. Such dimensionally-resonant optical structures can be used in several configurations to measure temperature change by detecting thermally-induced resonance mode frequency shifts. Both the temperature measurement range and resolution of such physically small and mechanically robust sensors can be controlled by varying packaging material constitutive properties. Similar devices suggests a typical dynamic range of 80C, resolution of 0.2C and response time of microseconds, orders of magnitude faster than conventional contact-based thermal probes. During Phase I a major research university would assist through thin film materials analysis and optical device testing. There is an immediate need for such fast response time temperature sensors in a commercialized and field-deployed instrumentation system for the oil and gas industry. Fast response time temperature sensors have specific applications in closed-loop feedback control systems. Similar photonic crystal-based sensors may be applied to measurements of strain, pressure and chemical and biological targets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Bradley Nanosonic Incorporated VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 CVIS 1059 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319444 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Biocompatible Magnetic Drug Delivery Systems that Allow for Greatly Diminished Doses. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop noble metal and polymer stabilized magnetic nanoparticles and biodegradable microspheres as nanovehicles for use in magnetically guided drug delivery. Site-specific release of therapeutic agents results in greatly reduced whole body dosages to minimize toxicity. Controlled, ultra thin coatings for magnetic nanoparticles would yield biocompatible systems with significantly improved magnetic susceptibility required for effective magnetic guidance through the arterial system. Analgesics and stable magnetic nanoparticles would be contained in and subsequently released from biodegradable polymeric microspheres. The commercial applications of these highly magnetic nano-vehicles would be as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging contrast agents, magnetically guided drug delivery systems, and for cell separation techniques. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lalli, Dr. Jennifer Nanosonic Incorporated VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0319448 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Rapid, Nondestructive Residual Stress Characterization of Semiconductor Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to produce an infrared photo-elastic stress analysis system utilizing cutting edge technology analogous to visible light photo-elasticity and applied for the first time to optically opaque, yet infrared transparent, materials. The device will allow nondestructive, full-field stress characterization of silicon, compound semi-conductors, photonic materials, thin films, interfaces, and buried layers at a speed applicable to on-line inspection. Currently, residual stresses are not routinely measured because there are no efficient commercially available techniques. The result of Phase I will be an industrially driven design criteria for an instrument that can measure these residual stresses in a manner that is rapid, affordable, easy to master, and easy to justify. A prototype stress imager will find applications in nearly every portion of the micro-electronics industry including; wafer manufacture, device manufacture, microelectronics packaging, and MEMS devices. The proposed instrument will be relatively inexpensive, affordable enough for small universities, fabs, and engineering mechanics laboratories. Finally, commercial applications outside the electronics industry have been identified, including; inspecting thermal barrier coatings, measuring sintering stresses in ceramics as well as curing stresses in polymers and polymer composites. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lesniak, Jon Stress Photonics Inc WI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 95393 1505 AMPP 9163 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319463 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Advanced InAlGaAs Oxidation for Photonic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop new manufacturing methods to fabricate photonic devices using the native oxide of InAlGaAs. The Phase I objective is to develop water-vapor thermal oxidation of InAlGaAs for the fabrication of photonic devices. A study of the oxidation properties InAlGaAs will be performed to establish the necessary control of oxidized structures for both vertical and lateral oxide applications. A process model for InAlGaAs oxidation will be developed for the oxidation rate as a function of temperature, gas flow, and Al composition. Both lateral and vertical oxidation rates and oxide quality will be investigated for variations with material thickness, molar composition, and heterointerface effects. Prototype oxide-based photonic structures will be fabricated and delivered in Phase I. In Phase II the technology will be extended to investigate the effects of mixed carrier gas using water vapor and oxygen oxidation. In addition, oxidation variation with n- and p-type doping concentration will be studied and fundamental material analysis will be performed. Commercially, photonic components with increased levels of optical integration are needed for fiber optic communications. Currently, devices are produced using etch and/or epitaxial regrowth technologies that are difficult to manufacture or increase the surface area of devices near p-n junctions. The significance of the innovation in this proposal is to study and develop InAlGaAs oxidation as a practical technique for manufacturing planar photonic integrated components. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sugg, Alan VEGA WAVE SYSTEMS, INC. IL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319466 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Modular, Low-cost Instrumentation System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will study the development of a modular system that will significantly lower the cost of collecting data on oceanographic phenomena. This system consists of individual modules designed to measure beam attenuation, beam absorption, and backscattering at single wavelengths, fluorescence for single excitation/detection wavelength pairs, and turbidity in the visible spectrum. The modular system will allow for the incorporation of other low-cost devices, such as off-the-shelf temperature or CTD sensors. In addition, a low-cost communications module will be designed, which will facilitate communications via cell phone technology or radio transceivers for terrestrial, estuary, and coastal applications. This system will target institutions participating in ocean color validation programs, specifically observing and understanding the role of the oceans in global climate change. It will also target projects with in-situ observations at organizations such as; NSF's Global Change Research Programs, NOAA, NASA, and the National Weather Service. The lowest cost measurement scheme for most researches is to use freely available or low cost satellite data. However, this satellite data is useless without ground truth data and validation of modeled data from satellite measurements. This set of modular instruments will allow a researcher on a limited budget to accurately and independently verify data obtained from "inversion analyses" of satellite data to obtain inherent optical properties and turbidity. By lowering the cost of remote sensing, this activity has the potential to open up hand-on remote sensing to educators, and broaden the participation of all groups, including underrepresented groups. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Godin, Michael Hydro-Optics, Biology, & Instrumentation Laboratories, Inc. AZ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99988 5371 EGCH 9197 0106000 Materials Research 0319470 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Engineering of Non-leaching Antibacterial Surfaces and Textiles. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I proposes to develop antibacterial surfaces and textiles for commercial applications. A series of novel potent dendrimer biocides has been identified, which can be used alone to kill microorganisms, or bound to polymer substrates to produce non-leaching biocidal polymers. The aim of this program is to chemically graft these potent microbiological agents to a polymer backbone and optimize these polymer systems using electrospinning techniques to fabricate inherently antimicrobial microfiber webs. Electrospinning can be performed on a small scale, to produce webs with a high surface area to volume ratio. This optimizes the exposure of the grafted biocide at the surface, where it can exert its microbiological effects. Physical and biological characterization of the resulting webs will be performed. The commercial applications of this project are to develop materials for use where bacterial contamination and infection controls are required, including but not limited to food and beverage handling, water treatment, medical devices, textile manufacture and antimicrobial filters. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lamba, Nina CCL BIOMEDICAL, INC MD Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99977 1505 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319477 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Miniature Mass Spectrometer for Liquids Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will explore liquid-phase analysis systems utilizing novel sample introduction methods coupled with an innovative portable mass spectrometer. Much valuable time and chemical information can be conserved through in-situ analysis at the actual point of sample collection. In light of developing needs in industry as well as current environmental and terrorism threats, the need for rapid, definitive, on-site liquid-phase analysis has become an important analytical challenge. Breakthroughs in instrument design and capabilities are key to providing analytical information in a more timely and efficient manner. Current state of the art techniques for analyzing liquids are slow, expensive, laboratory-based, and require extensive operator expertise to collect and interpret the data. The goal of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of the company's proprietary technology to develop a portable, easy to use, miniature mass spectrometer that will provide a real-time, automated, sensitive, affordable, and reliable method for detecting a wide range of species in liquid-phase samples. The instrument will be deployed in chemical process applications, teaching and academic research laboratories, contaminated environmental sites, and military installations and battlefields, and has the potential to impact society broadly by providing improved monitoring of developing environmental and homeland security threats. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Grossenbacher, John Griffin Analytical Technologies, Inc. IN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99330 5371 EGCH 9197 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319478 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: An Automated Water Pathogen Monitoring System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a continuous, rapid- detection water-monitoring device to identify potential pathogens in water. This device will incorporate immunoassay coupled with electrochemical detection. The advantages are the speed of detection and the ability to automate the procedure. This Phase I project will determine the feasibility of creating a proof-of-concept system to monitor water for the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Cryptosporidium parvum does not respond to common antibiotics and resists water purification treatments. The objective of the Phase I project is to show detection time of less than 4 hrs for pathogen concentrations of the order of 100 organisms per liter without the need for manual sample concentration steps. The initial commercial application of this project will be in the monitoring of drinking water supplies for pathogens. Additional applications would include testing of water in distribution networks, and at bottling and packaging facilities. The device could eventually be adapted for emergency field use, for home use by safety conscious consumers, and for medical, industrial, recreational and combat purposes. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Aguilar, Zoraida VEGRANDIS, LLC AR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9197 9107 0118000 Pollution Control 0313040 Water Pollution 0319483 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A New High Efficiency, Low Cost Scintillator Screen for Digital Radiography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a new x-ray imaging screen that offers superior properties for digital radiography compared to current materials. Specifically, this new screen will address many of the limitations of digital x-ray imaging by allowing fabrication of systems that provide high spatial resolution, high signal to noise ratios, low noise performance, and substantially better detective quantum efficiency. This new scintillator will find wide spread use in areas of medical diagnostics, homeland security, and many other applications of x-ray imaging. The objectives of the project include optimizing the method of synthesizing the scintillator in powder form with appropriate stoichiometry, particle size, and shape for enhanced scintillation efficiency and packing density. A newly developed, cost-effective coating method will be used to produce large-area, rugged and long-lived scintillator screens. Superiority of the approach for digital imaging will be demonstrated by integrating screens into existing digital readouts and conducting detailed x-ray imaging studies. The proposed scintillator screens are specifically advantageous for homeland security applications that are currently focused on efficient detection of illegal or threatening materials. Additionally, x-ray detectors based on the proposed screen will find applications in the areas of biotechnology, medical diagnostics, and non-destructive testing systems such as baggage scanning and building damage assessment systems. Collective market for digital x-ray imaging is in billions of dollars; a significant fraction of this market represents areas where the proposed technology is well suited. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nagarkar, Vivek Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0512205 Xray & Electron Beam Lith 0319484 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Lithium Based Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Radiation Source for Next Generation Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will build and test a lithium cell that will be integrated with an all-solid-state modulator to produce an efficient, 13.5 nm, EUV source, for next generation, sub-70 nm, lithography. To date, a reliable, long-lived, lithium-based discharge cell has not been developed, despite the considerable advantages such a development would engender. These advantages are: (1) lithium will be four times as efficient as xenon; (2) increased efficiency will greatly alleviate waste heat removal; (3) a thin coating of liquid lithium will protect discharge electrodes and result in longer-lived electrodes and; (4) lithium heat pipes which can very effectively remove heat from the electrodes can be easily incorporated into the design. This project aims to complete a design of a lithium cell that will be fabricated and tested in Phase II. EUV sources have a significant market in the semiconductor industry for next generation lithography with annual sales of $200 million, starting in CY 2006. The estimate is based on the market for excimer lasers used in current generation DUV lithography. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bykanov, Alexander Science Research Laboratory Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99981 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319486 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Utility of Thin Film Deposition Sensors in High Temperature Environments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to address the market need for a real-time in-situ thin film thickness monitor for use in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and related high temperature processing of solid-state electronic and optical devices. Current practices, which rely on post process measurements, often result in large amounts of waste and high numbers of failed devices. Furthermore, effects of process conditions on device performance can only be inferred when testing is done post fabrication. By adapting existing quartz crystal microbalance technology, it will be possible to create a sensing and monitoring system capable of operation in excess of 900 degree centigrade. The goal of this Phase I project is to produce a complete high temperature thin film process monitoring system for use in solid state electronic and optical device manufacture. System elements are: 1) a replaceable crystalline film thickness sensor, 2) a reusable high temperature sensor head, and 3) a microprocessor controlled thin film thickness monitor based upon commercially available technology. Industry usage examples of this technology would include the following: 1) Real-time furnace monitoring of nitride and oxide layers on silicon wafers used in integrated circuits 2) Process control of organic thin film depositions used for the production of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), 3) Deposition sensors for the manufacture of LEDs such as Gallium Nitride and 4) Thin film monitoring of multi-layer dielectric optical coatings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Grimshaw, Scott Cold Springs R&D, Inc. NY T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0206000 Telecommunications 0319490 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Biomimetic Coating for Metallic Implants for Enhanced Osteoblast Response. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to evaluate the applicability of a novel surface modification of metallic implant materials, by coating them with polymeric film consisting of active biomolecules as the repeat units so as to biomimetically induce deposition of biological apatite and other osteogenic activities. The polymerizable monomer biomolecules will be synthesized, characterized and tested for apatite deposition from incubation in simulated body fluid, and for their effects on osteoblast differentiation, metabolism and growth. The commercial application of this project will be in bone implants and prosthetic devices where metal to tissue interfaces must be integrated. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Satsangi, Rajiv Rann Research Corporation TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99983 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319494 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Low-Pressure Microplasma Gas Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a gas analyzer based on microplasma emission. Current technologies capable of identifying and quantifying gas partial pressures are not well suited to operation in the 1 mTorr to 1 Torr pressure regime typically used in semiconductor and other vacuum processing. The gas analyzer proposed here would vastly improve the quality of process diagnostics and control, and allow for cost effective real time control in a variety of industries. This project will investigate scaling of microplasma sources to low pressures and small dimensions as well as optical diagnostics of these novel plasma. A gas analysis system capable of operation at <10mTorr, <ppm detection limit, power consumption <5 W, and occupying a volume of <2000 cm3 will be demonstrated. The gas analyzer will immediately be applied in semiconductor manufacturing where it will be used for wafer qualification, system fingerprinting, process diagnostics and control, and as a monitor of system emissions. Spin-offs into other industries which utilize vacuum processing (data storage, industrial coating, etc) as well as into scientific apparatus can be expected. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doughty, Chris Verionix MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0319497 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Determining the best modulation scheme and data rate improvement for ship's hull based acoustic modems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase-I project is aimed at increasing the data rate for modems that uses ultrasonic acoustic energy through metal structures as the means of communication. Wireless networking based on Radio Frequencies (RF) is not very effective within enclosed metal structures such as the hulls of ships. This technique can be used to overcome such limitations and can establish a local wireless network for data transfer among sensors located in various parts of the vessels. The through the hull communications technology is at a nascent but proven state. A better understanding of the medium and the associated issues is needed before extending such technology to a broader context such as ballast water monitoring. The goal of this research is to establish the target data rate, determine the best modulation scheme to achieve it and then verify it on a real shipboard environment This technology will be best used in the area of compliance and verification of ballast water exchange or treatments in a cost effective way. Laws dictating such treatments are already in effect in some parts of the US and other foreign countries to prevent invasion by the various micro-organisms into the native coastal eco-systems. An automated system of compliance that will collect information from various ballast tanks on a ship and create a report will reduce the burden on ship operators and law enforcement agencies. Developing an effective technology for monitoring the ballast water has a broader impact on the society. It has the potential to save economies depending on coastal resources and ensure the preservation of the local eco-systems for the future generations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Talukdar, Kushal Harris Acoustic Products Corporation MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99940 5371 HPCC 9139 1631 1518 0104000 Information Systems 0319508 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Magnetic Flow Sorter Channels for Rare Cancer Cell Enrichment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop the technology for the magnetic isolation of rare cancer cells from human blood. Various problems have been encountered in attempts to collect and identify cancer cells. Success will require processing large volumes of cell suspensions, capturing cancer cells with high efficiency, and avoiding morphological and physiological damage during separation. The company's collaborators at Ohio State University and Cleveland Clinic Foundation have established that quadrupole magnetic flow sorting fulfills most of the requirements for successful cancer cell selection. The methods include positive selection of immunomagnetically labeled cancer cells and / or negative selection by removal of undesired cell types. This project will test the latter, higher-yield method and compare it to the former. The Phase I project objectives are (1) to transfer existing magnetic flow channel technology from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, (2) to determine, through research, the optimum manufacturing processes for high-precision column manufacture using processes eligible for cGMP qualification, and (3) to test, through partners at Ohio State University, the efficacy of such columns. The commercial application of this project is in the area of clinincal research. The proposed project will advance knowledge and understanding within the fields of oncology, cancer biology, metastasis, pathology, hematology and stem cell research by putting a powerful, high-capacity and user-friendly cell separation tool in the hands of investigators and clinicians. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Todd, Paul Space Hardware Optimization Technology, Inc. IN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99976 5371 BIOT 9181 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319509 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: GOLDFINGER -- A Highly Integrated Technology for the Fabrication of Radio Frequency Micro Electro Mechanical Systems Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 Project will develop a highly integrated Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology that will combine SUMMiT V, the world's most advanced surface micromachining technology, with innovative thick metal films to produce Radio Frequency (RF) devices of unmatched performance, cost and reliability. Advanced polysilicon MEMS technologies like the SUMMiT V technology have the mechanical sophistication to achieve wide tuning range at low operating voltage, but the series resistance of polysilicon precludes creation of devices with suitable quality factor, or Q. The selective thick film metallization of SUMMiT V structures will be employed to design RF MEMS devices with both very low series resistance and high quality factors. This integrated technology, named GOLDFINGER, will be demonstrated in the design and manufacture of a high performance tunable capacitor with low actuation voltage (<6 volts), wide tuning range (greater than 1.5:1), and high quality factor (>200). Tunable capacitors with such performance do not exist today, and the successful realization of this device will enable reductions in size, cost, and power consumption in the next generation of mobile phone handsets. The GOLDFINGER technology will enable the building of tunable capacitors with unmatched performance. The tunable capacitor market is estimated to be approximately $120M in size: 400M handsets annually, with 2 tunable capacitors per handset at approximately $0.15 each. The GOLDFINGER technology will also enable the development of other RF MEMS devices as well. For example, the GOLDFINGER technology can be used to make next generation inductors and resonators. The total RF MEMS market is predicted to reach >$1.0 billion by 2007, with RF MEMS being utilized in a wide range of applications. Satellite communication, auto electronics, RFID tags, adjustable antennas, LANs, base stations, radar systems, and other wireless products are just some of the market segments that would benefit from high performance RF MEMS devices SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sniegowski, Jeffry MEMX, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 98934 5371 HPCC 9163 9139 1596 0206000 Telecommunications 0319525 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Catheters with Anticoagulation and Fibrinolytic Properties. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore an antithrombotic coating on catheters through a newly developed surface treatment technique, electron cyclotron resonance (ECR). Such catheters would display improved device functionality by extending the period between catheter replacements and decreasing morbidity and mortality. ECR plasma can be spatially localized to treat the lumen and external surfaces separately and uniformly. Albumin and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can be coated onto polymeric surfaces successfully. In the proposed project, a new approach, enhancing both anticoagulation through albumin (Alb)-heparin (H) complex and fibrinolysis through tPA concurrently, will be investigated. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of medical products that contact blood, e.g., catheters. The project could lead to a low-cost commercial surface modification method for end stage renal disease (ESRD) catheters. Catheters that possess mechanisms to fight thrombosis complications would greatly extend the period between catheter replacements and therefore benefit patients. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Du, Ying Jun Spire Corporation MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99967 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319541 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Power Density Disk Laser Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research will develop an advanced laser photonic device that exploits important technical and market factors including: (i) the large demand for small, efficient, high power lasers for materials processing and surgical applications, (ii) recent development of very high power disk lasers using ~ 0.2 x 10 mm disks (the disk design provides a nearly ideal configuration for small, high power density devices), and (iii) laser host materials which provide a robust gain medium that can dissolve large (>10%) amounts of dopant and exhibit extremely strong pump absorption at almost exactly 980 nm. The Phase I research will establish the feasibility of constructing very high power density solid state laser devices using heavily doped Glass disks containing Er: Yb and Yb as the gain media. A test laser will be built and pumped with 40 Watts of optical power and characterized. The proposed devices meet an important need in materials manufacturing where infrared power lasers operating at a wavelength ~ 1030 nm used for metal cutting, welding, and shaping, and in laser surgical applications which exploit Er-based laser devices that produce laser radiation at ~2900 nm where tissue absorbs strongly. Markets for power lasers are on the order of 1B$/year in the materials processing sector and several hundred million $/year in lasers for surgical/dental applications. Currently the materials processing market mainly uses Nd: YAG lasers. The new technology will compete with Nd: YAG which has low efficiency, large size and little potential for technical advance compared to the proposed new laser designs. Key marketing targets for the Phase I activities include the companies who already supply near infrared lasers SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weber, J.K. Richard Containerless Research, Inc. IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1467 0206000 Telecommunications 0319542 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Ordered Arrays of Surfactant-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for RF and Spintronic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop ordered arrays of surfactant-coated magnetic nanoparticles for application in Radio Frequency (RF) and spintronic devices. The advent of tools to fabricate 2-D arrays of nanoparticles has led to concerted efforts in the development of different methods to produce size and shape-controlled magnetic nanostructures. The incorporation of these nanostructures in functional devices however, requires a thorough understanding of the relationship between nanostructural parameters and electromagnetic performance. The lack of control over crucial parameters like particle size and separation drastically compromises reproducibility. The nascent class of ordered nanostructured materials circumvents this problem by offering control over nanoscale morphological parameters. The potential application in RF and spintronic devices has recently been identified. Monodisperse coated single domain magnetic nanoparticles will be synthesized, with precise control over size and coating thickness. Subsequent fabrication of ordered closepacked monolayer films will be via the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. A study of the spindependent tunneling and RF absorption and tuning characteristics will help understand the role of particle size in RFand spintronic device performance. Arrays of surfactant-coated nanoparticles can be developed into spintronic devices for high-resolution magnetic sensing, vital to the high-density recording industry. When deposited on ferroelectric substrates, these arrays will provide dual tuning (magnetic and electrical) in devices like micro-patch antennas, phase-shifters, resonators etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Suggs, Allison Materials Modification Inc. VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0319567 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: MatchBox Display Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to design, fabricate and test a novel Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) color display system that includes improved integrated pixel driver backplane integrated into a low cost, projection TV light engine. This LCOS display system will have excellent picture quality, high manufacturing yield potential and exceed all quality benchmarks of business projection displays from size, weight, manufacturing cost and brightness and will reduce the need for high speed CMOS technology thus reducing IC manufacturing costs. The LCOS development includes design of a full custom, mixed signal integrated circuit (IC), LED sourced light engine and mechanical sub-assembly. The IC will contain novel pixel circuits that remove charge sharing noise and expand charge storage memory increasing display brightness and contrast ratio. This Phase I objective is to prototype and demonstrate LCOS display technology positioning STI to penetrate 10% of current $5.2B business display market with an OEM display parts kit during the Phase II grant period. This display market includes business multimedia projectors and HDTV project displays, which is expected to grow to $20 billion by 2007. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morizio, James Southeast TechInventures NC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99617 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0319568 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Large Area GaN Wafers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of producing large area stress-free GaN substrates. This research will focus on the development of defect free GaN wafers by growing thick GaN films using the high growth- rate HVPE method on to novel micromachined sacrificial (111) silicon substrates. The low-cost Si(111) substrates are made compliant by a proprietary photoelectochemical micromachining method. Availability of such high quality GaN substrates will make commercialization of GaN- based devices for various applications feasible. Furthermore, it will be demonstrated that large area (up to 12.) GaN wafers can be produced by this method, which will reduce the device cost dramatically, by economy of scales. Commercial applications of the proposed large area GaN wafers include general lighting, full color displays, traffic signal lighting, information storage, full color copying, RF communications, high temperature and power electronics and chemical/ biological sensors SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doppalapudi, Dharanipal BOSTON MICROSYSTEMS INC MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0206000 Telecommunications 0319577 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Fabrication of Large-Area, High-Density Microdischarge Arrays on Flexible Substrates. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop a technique for the fabrication of large-area, high-density microdischarge arrays on flexible substrates. Microdischarge devices are a type of photonic emitter and detector in which a weakly ionized plasma is confined to spatial dimensions typically less than 200 microns. Microdischarge devices and arrays have the ability to operate continuously at atmospheric pressures with specific power loadings of the plasma of several tens of kW per cubic centimeter. In the proposed project, in order to evaluate the full potential of microdicharge devices for these applications they will be fabricated in higher densities on large, flexible substrates (as compared to the small arrays that have been previously demonstrated in the laboratory). Large-area processing techniques for deposition, patterning, gas filling, and lamination will be developed. In addition roll-to-roll processing techniques for the above mentioned steps, which is especially attractive for volume applications will be explored. Commercially, the development of a new technology to enable the fabrication of large-area, highdensity microdischarge arrays would enable the construction of a wide variety of devices, including flexible sheet light sources for numerous commercial applications including chemical sensors, microdisplays, and large area emission sources. Further, if the microdischarge pixels are made to be individually addressable, it will be possible to develop a flexible plasma display panel (PDP). Finally, through the use of roll-to-roll processing, such devices could be manufactured economically in high volumes. Such devices would be ideal for lighting applications where portability, conformability, ruggedness, and low cost are required. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Zemel, Marc Anvik Corporation NY T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99999 1505 MANU 9147 0110000 Technology Transfer 0319602 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Gene Targeting System for Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a homologous recombination or gene targeting system for plants. Gene targeting offers great promise for harnessing the biosynthetic capacity of plants to produce compounds of commercial value. A major limitation in implementing this technology is the low frequency of homologous recombination. This project plans to overcome this limitation through the use of a proprietary method to introduce chromosome breaks at specific target loci. Chromosome breaks greatly enhance localized homologous recombination, and experiments are designed to modify a plant gene to confer herbicide resistance. Success of these experiments will provide the foundation for developing an efficient system of gene targeting for use in a variety of important crop species. This technology will be a powerful tool for studying gene function, modifying genomes, and engineering biosynthetic pathways. The commercial application of this project will be in the development of new crop varieties, that better withstand pests, have enhanced food value, and produce compounds of industrial importance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wright, David Phytodyne, Inc. IA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99531 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0319613 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Milisecond Microwave Annealing for Next Generation Ultra-Shallow Junction Formation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop the next generation of rapid thermal processing (RTP) equipment for advanced CMOS technology. This research will investigate the commercial feasibility of millisecond microwave anneal system for 300 mm silicon wafers. The anticipated goals of this research are (1) to demonstrate the maximum power/heating capabilities of millisecond microwave RTP, (2) to demonstrate that millisecond microwave RTP will satisfy the CMOS technology nodes for the years 2005-2015, and (3) to illustrate the commercial feasibility of millisecond microwave RTP. The development of a novel rapid heating technology directly satisfies a CMOS requirement and introduces a new field of rapid heating technology for novel materials processing. The establishment of this technique as a viable anneal technology should attract significant funding from the semiconductor industry. Finally, millisecond heating has materials processing applications beyond the scope of silicon processing technology. Once established in silicon, this technology may expand into related fields, most notably ultra-rapid ceramics sintering. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Keith Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99525 5371 MANU 9148 0206000 Telecommunications 0319623 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: In Line Thin Film Battery (Cathode) Plasma Enhanced-Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE-MOCVD) Production Tool. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate proof of concepts of a next generation plasma-enhanced low temperature in-line linear PE-MOCVD (Web coating) system for thin film batteries. The requisite thin film battery technology exists and prototyping of the same on a polymer substrate has begun. Presently, the major limitation is the ability to effectively manufacture the solid-state cathode. Present efforts have shown a low temperature PE-CVD approach to be the best; however, no such tool meeting all the needs exists today. In defined steps, a prototype of the needed tool will be made, which will be sold commercially. Thin-film rechargeable batteries have numerous possible applications as active or standby power sources for microelectronics. Examples of active power sources include MEMS devices, smart cards, remote sensors, miniature transmitters, and implantable medical devices. Standby power applications include PCMCIA cards and other types of CMOS-SRAM memory devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rice, Catherine STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 9102 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319630 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Detectors for X-ray Diagnosis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will investigate a novel low capacitance design of high purity silicon detectors that offer high-energy resolution, high efficiency, high count-rate operation and straightforward fabrication. By maintaining a low capacitance, the new detectors can reach greater volumes than previously achievable with standard Si (Li) detectors. The research plan requires a combination of device modeling, prototype fabrication and extensive testing, with a goal of producing the largest high purity silicon detectors to date. Collaboration with a manufacturer on this project will bring great expediency to the work plan and provide an immediate pathway to commercialization. The detectors will find great use in a multitude of settings - industrial and academic research labs, portable instrumentation, and large-scale scientific research. Given the many diverse areas that employ x-ray characterization, the detectors will be found in fields such as materials analysis, astronomy, medicine, structural biology, nuclear physics and environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Squillante, Michael Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0512205 Xray & Electron Beam Lith 0319634 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Secondary Electron Emission from Nanowire Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will optimize the secondary electron emission (SEE) properties of arrays of metallic anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) nanowires coated with a thin magnesium oxide (MgO) film. Arrays of gold, iron and nickel nanowires will be produced using a template technique. The technique exploits the self-organizational pore structures that develop when aluminum is anodized under the proper conditions for use as a template to form the nanowires. After the nanostructured materials are processed the SEE coeficient will be measured and the optimum structure identified. The coupling of the nanowire SEE structures with photocathode technology to produce a new class of miniature optical detectors that are fast, efficient and low-cost will be explored. These devices could outperform PIN and avalanche photodiodes. Further, these devices can be directly integrated with silicon based control electronics. The commercial potential that can be derived from studying the SEE from MgO coated metallic nanowire arrays lies in using the projected enhancement in the SEE to engineer electron multiplier devices that surpass existing technologies to rapidly amplify a small number of electrons into a significant signal for data acquisition and analysis. These devices would find a market in the commercial and scientific communities as optical sensors for experimentation, optical communications, and the detection of hazardous bio-chemical agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Habib, Youssef ILLUMINEX CORP PA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319635 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Optical Monitor for Hybrid Opto-Electronic Transmitter. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes a hybrid integrated circuit that consists of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) fabricated on a III-V semiconductor wafer that is flip-chip bonded to a Silicon chip that contains a CMOS circuit used for driving the VCSEL and a Silicon detector that is used for monitoring the output power of the laser. Semiconductor lasers are typically supplied with discrete, external detectors that are used for power monitoring. We propose an integrated detector structure that would provide a simpler, more efficient, and cheaper solution. In this proposal, monitor detectors are designed into the Silicon CMOS laser driver circuits and are flip-chip bonded to the VCSELs creating a compact, three-dimensional circuit structure. This technology provides an optoelectronic-VLSI integrated circuit solution that can be accomplished in large arrays to achieve low cost. The result is wafer-level integration, packaging, and testing of photonic-on-VLSI leading to tremendous manufacturing efficiencies for transceiver modules. The commercial benefit of the proposed work is very straightforward. Monitoring functionality is critical for telecommunications and storage-area-network applications, but is currently not available with arrayed VCSEL transceivers that were originally produced for intra-system links for data-com applications. There is a strong market-pull for incorporating this functionality into parallel optical links. The invention would also enable more quantitative research into VCSEL degradation and lifetime measurements because of built-in real-time monitors on every VCSEL. Thus far this type of studies have relied on intermittent measurements on small sample populations. The invention would allow, for the first time, continuous, real-time reliability data to be gathered on VCSELs from deployed systems in the field. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cunningham, John Sina Investments NJ Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 0319647 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Metal Nanoclusters Embedded Composite Thin Films for Photonic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel approach to synthesizing nanocluster embedded dielectric thin films for photonics applications. Nanosized particles embedded dielectric matrices have shown unique physical, chemical, optical, electronic, catalytic, and magnetic properties. For nonlinear optical (NLO) applications, the intrinsic properties of the nanoclusters such as particle size, size distribution, and volume fraction are of great importance, and for the matrix materials it is their dielectric constant and refractive index. A modified Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) technique will be utilized to produce the nanocomposite NLO materials with controlled nanocluster size and distribution, which will exhibit high third-order optical nonlinearity and fast response. The unique CCVD technique will produce well-dispersed metal nanoclusters embedded dielectric thin films. In Phase I, the project team will deposit the nanocomposite films, characterize their NLO properties, and establish process-structure-property relationship. Primary efforts will be made on improving nanoclusters' physical properties such as size, shape, composition, crystallinity, structure, as well as their size distribution and volume fraction. Today, no third-order NLO material applications are practical because the nonlinearities observed to date are two to four orders of magnitude short of what will be required for commercial devices that use lasers of moderate power. The embedded nanocluster approach developed here will lead to the necessary orders of magnitude increase in performance. Commercially, NLO effects have important applications in optical communications where optical switching and optical signal processing devices are essential elements. The use of optics is advantageous over that of electronics because of the higher carrier frequency used, which gives a potentially higher bandwidth. Practical applications of the NLO effects are in optical switching, amplification, beam steering and clean-up, and image processing for optical communications, computing, and integrated optics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhao, Zhiyong NGIMAT CO. GA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0319653 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A MEMS Fiber Optic Sensor with High Sensitivity. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase (SBIR) I project proposes to develop a sensor system that will overcome many of the current limitations of the public works infrastructure. The design will be based on optimally partitioning the desired system functionality into the various components such that overall the system can achieve the system-level goals of adequate performance and low life-cycle costs. The various system functions, such as power distribution, signal communications will be included as elements of the design rather than focusing solely on sensor sensitivity or some other single variable. The primary objective of the project is to develop a sensor for application of large numbers of sensors in a very compact and portable manner in civil structures. The commercial potential is a fiber optic sensor based on a high finesse Fabry-Perot that has the potential to meet the needs for structural health monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Little, Michael Agoura Technologies CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99996 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319656 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development and Manufacture of High-Density Plate Washer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a high-density plate washer for very high-density microplates (1536 or more wells per plate). Currently, there are automated plate washers for 96 or 384 well plates that are heavily used for ELISA assays or most other biochemical or cell-based assays. However, there are none for plates with ultra-high density. This is because currently available washer technology cannot be made reliable enough so that dispense and aspirate nozzles consistently reach within each of the many, very small wells, and so that the many thin nozzles needed do not clog. This project will incorporate a wholly innovative design to get around these problems. The proposed technology will allow scientists to wash the 1536 well plates. The implications are that fluoroscent chemical compounds can now be used for screening because they are removed before the measurement of the samples. This will mean cost savings and efficiency in the screening process for both academic and commercial scientists. The commercial application of this project will be a new product that can be used by the research community involved in screening programs for drug discovery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kris, Richard NeoGen, LLC AZ Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319657 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: New Heat Flow Sensor Development for High Throughput Microcalorimeters. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will yield a new heat flow or differential temperature sensing technology that will fundamentally improve micro-calorimeters and other instruments that depend on temperature measurement or control. The activity will complete the detailed design and fabrication of a new type of heat flow sensor having 10 to 100 times greater sensitivity than currently available thermopile and Peltier devices. The new "Micro Fabricated Silicon Thermopile Sensor" employing patented technology will be optimized for use in a Differential Scanning Calorimeter designed specifically for the study of biopolymers in dilute solution. A DSC test platform will be constructed for the evaluation of prototype MFST sensors and the performance of the MFST-DSC will be compared to existing Bio-DSC instruments. High-throughput screening approaches are ubiquitous in the pharmaceutical industry as part of the drug discovery process. The new MFST sensor will be critical to the development of high throughput bio-calorimeters with sufficient sensitivity to address applications in drug discovery, diagnostics, cell screening, and other practical health care applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lewis, Edwin Energetic Genomics Corporation UT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 5514 1179 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319658 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Electrophotographic Patterning of Flexible Backplanes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to develop a novel process for manufacturing flexible active matrix backplanes on plastic substrates. The backplane consists of individual amorphous silicon thin-film transistors (TFTs) in a matrix grid pattern fabricated on a thin sheet of plastic. The proposed process will use electrographic printing methods (laser printing) to replace conventional photolithography. The backplanes will be fabricated using techniques such as plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and electrophotograhic patterning. The significance of this innovation is that it will reduce the number of processing steps compared to photolithography, lower manufacturing costs, and be compatible with future roll-to-roll manufacturing. The final goal will be to fabricate a working display based on these technologies using a polymer dispersed liquid-crystal medium. Commercially the backplanes are used to control both electrophoretic and liquid- crystal displays as part of a radio frequency identification (RFID) label. The commercial applications for the backplane/RFID label include retail electronic shelf labels, airline security luggage tags, and dynamic camouflaging. The total market size is estimated at $33 billion annually, with $13 billion in the United States and $20 billion internationally. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Forbes, Charles Visible Tech-knowledgy NJ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99950 5371 MANU 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319663 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Wheat Straw to Purified Cellulose Fiber Utilizing Novel Reactive Fractionation Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of producing biofibers from wheat straw using a novel biomass fractionation technology. This fractionation process separates lignin and hemicellulose from biomass, leaving a relatively pure cellulose fiber fraction that is easily hydrolyzed enzymatically to sugar. The sugar can then be converted to fuel ethanol and a variety of other chemicals, but there may also be markets for the cellulose fiber itself. The patented process for fractionation of lignocellulose employs a counter-flow alkaline wash with progressive wet oxidation (reactive fractionation). The process emphasizes cellulose purity as a key feature of pretreating lignocellulosic materials. This Phase I project will employ the reactive fractionation process to extract the fibers from wheat straw, to evaluate them for fiber material applications such as paper, fiberboard, or dissolving pulp, and to assess the process economics of fiber production. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomass processing to produce valuable products (eg. biofibers). These biofibers could find use in paper, non-paper, and engineered materials markets. The benefits of using wheat straw as a source of fiber includes potential economic benefits to farmers, the environmental benefits of recovering agricultural residues, and reduction of energy and resources required to produce, harvest and transport virgin fibers from conventional sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wingerson, Richard PureVision Technology, Inc. CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99633 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319666 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Detection of Bacterial Contaminants Using Micro-fluidic Biochips. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop micro-fluidic biochips for the rapid viability detection of bacterial microorganisms from water, specifically for the pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing applications. There are over 500 million bacterial tests performed in the industrial microbiological control market (pharmaceutical, food and environment) every year and over 200 million of those are for pharmaceutical applications where sterility of water, buffer media, and any injectable fluids is a necessity. Over 70 percent of these tests performed are for the detection of total viable microorganisms using traditional colony culture count (2-7 days). Once any viable microorganisms are detected, more detailed genetic analysis or immunoassays are performed for identification (another 5-10 days). This Phase I project will build on technology licensed from Purdue University to develop part of its first product which will incorporate a micro-fluidic lab-on-a-chip. This chip will use dielectrophoresis to concentrate cells in an aqueous buffer, and micro-scale impedance measurements to electronically detect the viability of microorganisms from water samples in less than 3 hours. The follow-on Phase II project will develop the complete prototype system that could be beta-site tested at biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. The initial commercial application of this project will be in the bio-pharmaceutical industry. Additional applications in the areas of food processing, environmental monitoring and homeland security are also envisioned in the future. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Razouk, Laila Biovitesse, Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319668 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: X-ray Microscope for In-vivo Biological Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop an x-ray microscope capable of providing real-time, in-vivo images of specimens ranging from from mice to bacteria. The proposed technology combines visible and x-ray optics concepts to develop a completely new radiological imaging system capable of record x-ray-imaging resolutions. This microscope will be built using commercially available characteristic line x-ray tubes and high-resolution imaging detectors along with the company's previously developed x-ray lenses and optical system, making it an inexpensive, table-top tool. The Phase I work will provide a design for a commercial prototype to be built in the follow on Phase II project, and will answer critical technical questions including what narrowband x-ray flux can be delivered to the specimen and what image quality can be expected for a variety of biological samples. In addition, experimental work will demonstrate imaging using an x-ray tube source, both as a proof-of-principle and to confirm the accuracy of design calculations. The commercial application of this project is in biological and medical research. The proposed x-ray microscope will be a valuable research tool for scientists, biotechnology and medical research companies and institutions. By allowing high resolution, in-vivo imaging of organisms and structures as small as 10 nm, the microscope is expected to be a valuable tool for molecular and cellular research. At larger resolutions, the microscope would allow imaging in small animals, particularly mice, allowing the tracking of biological processes, such as angiogenesis, without harming the mouse. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gary, Charles Adelphi Technology, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9148 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319676 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Portable Electrochemical Based Pathogen Biosensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I aims to develop an electrochemical DNA biosensor to simultaneously detect and identify multiple nucleic acid determinants of a variety of biological pathogens using a combination of dynamic hybridization, microfluidics, and electrochemical detection. The sensitivity of the detection method is high enough that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification could be eliminated. The detection system would consist of a sampling device, sample lysis and hybridization chamber fluidically connected to an electrochemical cell for detection. With this method, specific target nucleic acid species captured by oligonucleotide probes on magnetic particles are released into neighboring working electrode where the nucleic acid targets are directly detected by electrochemical oxidation. This provides a method of rapid, highly sensitive, and specific DNA detection without the need for complicated sample purification procedures, exogenous labels, labile reagents, or expensive, heavy, power-hungry instrumentation. The commercial use of this product will be in military applications and homeland defense for prompt detection of potential bioterrorist attacks. Development of such devices for DNA and RNA detection without the need for amplification steps would also find wide application in the detection of pathogens in medical diagnostics, point-of-care clinical testing, environmental monitoring, agriculture, food production, and various industrial settings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wong, Season Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319685 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Response Portable Detection System for Trace Levels Of Foodborne Pathogens and Toxins. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop an easily used sensing technology capable of the multiplex detection of trace levels of foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli 0157:H7, hepatitis A), viruses (Hepatitis, Norwalk group), and toxins (e.g., botulinum toxins, shellfish toxins) with a simple direct detection assay format (no labels or wash steps required). The detection sensitivity of the proposed technology will rival that of more complicated amplification and labeled detection methods with projected sensitivities in the femtomolar concentration range for toxins, proteins, and other small bioactive molecules, and less than 100 organisms/ml for bacterial and viral pathogens. The commercial application of this project is in the area sensors for use in clinical diagnostics, point-of-care health applications, water quality monitoring, process control, and environmental air quality monitoring. The proposed technology is also expected to fulfill the needs for a sensitive, easily used biowarfare agent monitoring system for military and homeland defense programs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schneider, Bernard NGIMAT CO. GA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319687 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Automated Monitoring and Alarming for Elder Care. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop an automated monitoring system for the elderly staying alone at home or under nursing care. This system would enable the caregivers to remotely attend to any event or behavior trends requiring intervention. Specifically, the project seeks to develop a laboratory prototype and automated image analysis for generating behavior reports and alerts. With the elderly representing an increasing percentage of the United States population and rapid inflation in nursing home costs, it is very important to have such technologies that extend one's ability to live independently. The proposed solution is based on the use of computer vision techniques that also help in mitigating privacy concerns by not requiring videos to be transmitted to the caregiver like competing solutions. The proposed project will contribute to the research and development of new techniques for alarm generation and activity reporting using video cameras and could have a broad impact on the healthcare industry, especially for elder care. The home monitoring solution will appeal to several constituencies, including the elderly, their families, and the nursing home industry. Factors impacting adoption include the growing population of seniors, high health care expenditures, and the cost and service challenges facing the nursing home industry. The automated monitoring and alarming can potentially offer several advantages over existing monitoring products and services, such as, where subscribers press a worn or wall-mounted call button when in trouble or where they wear an accelerometer that triggers an alarm when the accelerometer notices certain patterns. The activity recognition capability developed as a result of this SBIR project will lead to quicker alerts and will mitigate privacy concerns. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sharma, Rajeev VideoMining Corporation PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 5345 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319705 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Precision Refractometry for Chemical Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes a compact and low-cost optical based system for the rapid detection of chemicals. The detector system relies on precision measurements of refractive index changes from analytes absorbed within a thin film polymer coating. Significant advantages in sensitivity and stability are obtained from the long coherence length of a laser compared to existing methods. Feasibility will be demonstrated during the Phase I effort with a proof of principle experiment designed to monitor trace amounts of water vapor; Phase II will result in a fully designed and characterized prototype system. A compact, high sensitivity monitor of specific chemicals in both vapor and liquid having modest cost of material would find wide spread application in the areas of environmental and industrial detection. Large commercial markets have been identified for air and water quality monitoring, the monitoring of volatile organic compounds, and trace moisture SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rieder, Ronald BioSense Technologies Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 9197 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319706 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Multimodal Interfaces for Interventional Cardiology and Radiology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a Speech Gesture Interface for Interventional Procedures (SGIIP). The sterile environment found in interventional radiology and cardiology suites presents unique challenges for motion control. Spoken words and hand gestures potentially provide a very intuitive way to control devices in this environment. The proposed work will leverage the team's past experience in speech/gesture interfaces and medical devices. In the Phase I project, Domain experts in radiology and cardiology will aid in the design of an experimental test-bed for interventional cardiology. In the follow on Phase II project, this test-bed will be refined and integrated with commercial interventional systems. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomedical devices and instrumentation. The proposed SGIIP system, when commercially deployed, will significantly impact the way radiologists and cardiologists interact with the interventional devices, leading to improvements in safety and efficiency. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sharma, Rajeev VideoMining Corporation PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9139 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319710 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Three-Dimensional (3D) Laparoscope. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to build a three-dimensional (3D) depth extracting laparoscope that will provide real-time 3D imagery to assist the surgeon. Laparoscopic surgery is performed about 1.8 million times per year. It benefits the patient with reduced trauma and hospital stays and has lower procedure costs due to quicker recovery. However, laparoscopic procedures take an additional 20 percent longer when compared to standard open procedures. This is primarily due to the difficulty in visualizing the operational area. This project will provide the surgeons with a 3D visualization tool that will allow them to visualize and immerse themselves similarly to traditional open cut surgery. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomedical devices and instrumentation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Keller, Kurtis Inneroptic Technology Incorporated NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98538 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319722 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Targeting Low Abundance Proteomics: Selective Enrichment in Combined Displacement Chromatography and Isotachophoresis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop and demonstrate a multidimensional protein/peptide separation/concentration platform, capable of reducing the range of relative protein abundances by "balancing" or "leveling" the concentrations of the protein complement. Such selective enhancement toward low abundance proteins can drastically reduce the range of relative protein abundances in complex samples and significantly enhance the dynamic range and sensitivity of conventional mass spectrometry toward global proteomic studies using small cell populations or limited tissue samples. The commercial application of this project is in the area of proteomics. The development of the proposed bioanalytical methodologies are expected to be valuable in screening / drug discovery efforts by bio-pharmaceutical companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gao, Jun CALIBRANT BIOSYSTEMS INC MD Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319725 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanometer-Scale Magnetic-Tunnel-Junction Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating nanometer-scale magnetic-tunnel-junction (MTJ) sensors that are highly sensitive, operate at room temperature, and surpass the performance of existing magnetic sensors. Nanoscale MTJ sensors, currently unavailable in the marketplace, are urgently needed for sensing weak magnetic fields with nanometer-scale resolution. One application is a scanning magnetic microscope that can non-invasively measure the electrical current distribution of semiconductor chips down to the smallest spatial feature. Other applications include magnetic imaging arrays, biomagnetic sensors, and read/write heads for data storage devices. The project is to develop a process for fabricating sensors with unprecedented miniaturization. The feasibility study will address three key issues: 1) the large increase in junction resistance that accompanies the reduction of junction area will be minimized; 2) the nonlinear response caused by discrete domain-wall motions in small sensor elements will be overcome; and 3) the thermal fluctuations that become problematic as the anisotropy energy of the sensor is reduced will be stabilized. If successful, this will deliver versatile magnetic sensors with the potential to broadly impact the semiconductor, data storage, and biotechnology markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ritchie, Lance MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0319726 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Compact Micro X-Ray Absorption Spectrometer System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of a polycapillary optics-based micro-x-ray absorption spectrometer (XAS) system with a low-power microfocus x-ray source by building a laboratory prototype. The system overcomes limitations of current state-of-the-art systems in that (a) the x-ray source and sample are stationary; (b) a low power x-ray source will be implemented; (c) both XANES and EXAFS analysis are possible using the same instrument; (d) small spot microanalysis with a 15 micrometer x-ray beam is possible with advances in poly-capillary x-ray optics; and (e) the probing energy may be varied by simply choosing the appropriate off-the-shelf mono-chromator. Custom poly-capillary optics will be developed, a new x-ray source characterized, and a laboratory system will be built and the performance of the system will be analyzed to determine spot size, energy resolution, intensity, detection limits, and ease of use. A successful micro-XAS system would be used to determine chemical state information of materials as a tool in manufacturing process control systems, or as for routine screening of field samples. It overcomes the shortcomings of synchrotron based micro-XAS systems (size, availability, cost, maintenance, etc.) and makes it possible to perform chemical state analysis for monitoring manufacturing processes and routine evaluation of field samples. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gao, Ning X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99995 5371 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0319741 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Two-Stage Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Bioconversion of Pretreated Biomass for Production of Fuel Ethanol and Industrial Chemicals. This Small Business Innovation Research project is to develop a novel two-stage hydrolysis and fermentation process for conversion of purified cellulose to ethanol. The process would be part of a larger biomass refining system in which lignocellulosic biomass would first be fractionated into a hemicellulose / lignin stream and a purified cellulose stream. The specific objectives of this project are to identify optimal conditions for simultanous saccharification and fermentation of partially hydrolyzed cellulose to ethanol and to evaluate the economics of the overall process. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomass processing. The successful completion of the tasks in Phase I and the follow on Phase II project is expected to lead to economically viable production of fuel ethanol and industrial chemicals from biomass. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wingerson, Richard PureVision Technology, Inc. CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99598 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319742 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced Dense Nonaqueous Phase Liquid (DNAPL) Degradation by Thermophilic Bioaugmentation of Electrical Resistance Heating. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of isolating a consortia of thermophilic microorganisms that can degrade chlorinated hydrocarbons to benign products in situ with the use of a novel technology involving electrical resistance heating (ERH). The commercial application of this project falls more broadly in the area of environmental biotechnology, and more specifically in the area of hazardous waste cleanup through high temperature bioremediation. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Matheson, Leah MSE Technology Applications, Inc. MT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99969 9150 BIOT 9150 9104 9102 0116000 Human Subjects 0313040 Water Pollution 0319743 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Nanofiber Based Supercapacitor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop activated carbon nano-fiber based ultra-capacitor with ability to store large energy and power density. Super-capacitors are increasingly becoming attractive because of their potential to provide highly reliable peak power but are not notable for energy storage. Achieving this step improvement in energy storage may be judged by a maturing advancement but if successful it would have a major impact on many more business sectors. Under this proposed study, polymer precursor nano-fibers will be produced using an electro-spinning process from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer. PAN nanofibers will be converted to activated carbon nano-fiber with surface area in excess of 3 to 5 times more than the conventional electrode material used in super-capacitors. The nanofiber architecture will be tailored to achieve the desired power and energy performance by varying various process and product properties. This material will be used to build single cell electrode based super-capacitor. Capacitor's capacitance (i.e., energy) is a direct function of available surface area. Carbon nano-fibrous membranes are expected to produce a thin, low-density electrode having low resistivity combined with high surface offering a unique electrode material and super-capacitor. The development of high power ultra-capacitors has been an important change in the electronics component world. This technology gives equipment designers new capability to manage and more effectively use energy in their products. Any improvement in double-layer capacitor performance will bring more attention to the industry's ultra-capcitor potential. Super-capacitors are candidates for many applications including electric vehicles, consumer and industrial electronics and power tools, power management, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doshi, Jayesh ESPIN TECHNOLOGIES INC TN T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319744 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High-Sensitive, Multiplexed, Digital Readout for Transition-Edge Sensor Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a sensitive digital read-out system with on-focal-plane digitization, multiplexing and data transfer from large arrays of cryogenic transition-edge calorimeters to room-temperature electronics employing rapid single flux quantum digital technology. A set of over-sampling digitizers converts the output sensor signals to digital data that are processed by control units, which multiplex several digitized data streams into a single output line. Phase I will involve the design and simulation of system components and a complete single pixel readout circuit, and the lay out, fabrication and comparison of the experimental results of an integrated prototype to simulations. In Phase II, a complete digital readout system for 3232 transition-edge calorimeter arrays will be fabricated. Commercial applications include magnetic relaxation/remanence immunoassay systems for drug research or for read-out of multiple SQUID-based qubits in a quantum computing system. This readout architecture can be easily tailored to meet the application requirements for speed and sensitivity for scientific (astronomy) and industrial (semiconductor microanalysis) high- resolution x-ray spectrometry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kirichenko, Dmitri HYPRES, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99798 5371 EGCH 9197 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319748 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Temperature Pressure Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating SiC based pressure sensors that function accurately and reliably in harsh environments and at high temperatures (20-800 C). There are a number of uses for such devices, particularly in energy conversion and Conservation applications. These innovations will enable formation of diaphragms with precisely controlled thickness, integrated with strain gauge sensing elements and temperature compensation sensing elements. Phase I will also include demonstration of an innovative SiC packaging concept for high temperature and harsh environment use, which will include materials validation, computational analysis and testing. It is anticipated that the successful demonstration of the pressure sensor chip fabrication Processes, the chip module packaging concepts, and the housing assembly design will enable Subsequent prototype development and then commercialization of pressure sensors for high Temperature and harsh environment applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Odekirk, Bruce Zeus Semiconductor, Inc. WA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 97138 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319759 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Beamforming Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) for Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) and Medical Ultrasound. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an advanced ultrasonic beamforming Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip. The beamformer ASIC will enable three-dimensional imaging to be employed in intra-cardiac catheter imaging, surgical guidance of instruments, and tumor ablation. The level of integration, frequency of operation, and scalability proposed in this project have never been attempted. The purpose of the Phase I effort is determine the feasibility of this ASIC. To accomplish this task: (1) a finite element substrate noise model will be developed and used to evaluate the effect of noise on signal integrity; (2) the signal path will be modeled using a MATLAB-based architectural simulator embodying the exact numerical and sampling rate representations of the ASIC; and (3) a partial circuit design of the chip will be obtained in preparation for later stages of development in Phase II. Diagnostic ultrasound is used to non-invasively and non-destructively investigate both living and inanimate objects, spanning applications from diagnostic obstetrics to defect detection in aerospace structures. The fundamental function shared by all imaging ultrasound machines is beamforming. The beamforming ASIC proposed in this Phase I SBIR effort will be developed with the explicit purpose of exceeding the technical requirements of most applications in both medical and non-destructive evaluation. The significant performance advantages featured by the ASIC will make it an attractive choice to instrument makers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lupien, Vincent ACOUSTIC IDEAS, INC. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319766 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nuclease-Shielded DNA Aptamer Antibiotics that Couple with Complement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to design DNA-aptamers that will be covalently linked to C1qrs and will subsequently induce an immune response to the target organism. Specifically, this Phase I work has the following key objectives: 1) recreating the aptamers against isolated surface antigens for better specificity with 2'-fluorine or other chemical modifications to make the aptamers nuclease-resistant, 2) cloning and sequencing the successful aptamers, 3) devising new aptamer-C1qrs conjugation chemistry that would be more amenable to future in vivo applications, and 4) verifying the mechanism by transmission electron microscopy and other techniques. The commercial application of this project is in the area of infectious diseases. The proposed technology could have a very far-reaching, positive impact on combating otherwise antibiotic-resistant bacteria and parasitic diseases that are difficult to treat. New families of aptamers could be made over time and coupled to the complement system in vivo to combat emerging diseases and patient relapses due to organism mutations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bruno, John Operational Technologies Corporation TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99933 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319769 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Hybrid Optic for Proximity X-Ray Lithography. This SBIR Phase I project will determine the feasibility of a hybrid reflector/polycapillary collimating optic to produce an intense and uniform x-ray beam at least 50x50 mm2 in cross a sectional area from a high-intensity laser plasma x-ray source. An all polycapillary collimator has been shown to be able to produce an intense, uniform beam up to 30x30 mm2 field size but is impractical for larger beams. Proximity x-ray lithography (PRXL) is a strong candidate for the next generation lithography (NGL) systems needed for continued progress on the semiconductor device roadmap for sub 100 nm feature sizes necessary for ultra high-density, high-speed (>100 GHz) applications. To overcome the physical constraints of a polycapillary collimating optic for large field sizes, a novel hybrid collimator is proposed in which a single bounce reflective (SR) optic serves as a virtual source for a follow-on polycapillary optic thereby increasing its effective capture angle while retaining its proven high gain and beam quality. The critical physical and design parameters for such a hybrid will be examined through measurements and modeling in Phase I. Development of a high-gain, high-field size hybrid collimator optic to enable a compact PXRL collimated plasma lithography (CPL) system capable of meeting the throughput and resolution requirements for next generation (NG) 300 mm wafer Si-based microelectronics production could have far-reaching and even nationally important consequences. It would provide an attractive, lower cost alternative to advanced and as yet unproven extreme ultra-violet (EUV) and electron projection lithography (EPL) systems. Such a system would take advantage of more than ten years of experience and hundreds of high-density, high-speed circuits that have been made using expensive synchrotron research facilities and would give the US a possible counter to SR based PXRL commercial developments in Japan. In the short term, such CPL systems could seamlessly fit into existing fabrication lines and provide medium throughput sub 100 nm production facilities for specialized ultra high-speed, or high density applications which include a broad range of sophisticated, high-performance commercial and military communications products and systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Huang, Huapeng X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99971 5371 MANU 9148 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319776 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Microbial Enhancement of Soybeans for Salmonid Diets. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop microbially enhanced plant protein to replace fishmeal in aquaculture feeds. Environmental issues and commercial constraints make substituting plant protein for fishmeal a long standing goal of the aquaculture industry. Non-nutritive carbohydrates in soybeans represent a particularly difficult technical challenge in using microbial treatment to enhance soy protein. To address this challenge, this project proposes to combine innovations in rapid, multi-criteria strain isolation and screening, solid substrate culture technology and salmonid diet formulation. The principle tasks of this Phase I project are to demonstrate technical feasibility of selecting microbes to meet multiple criteria, to develop solid substrate culture processes, and to incorporate enhanced soy into trout diets. The commercial application of this project is in the area of aquaculture. A plant protein meeting requirements of the domestic trout industry and government hatcheries could find immediate commercial application in displacing approximately 25,000 tons of fishmeal. Worldwide aquaculture is forecast to consume about 2.8 million tons of fishmeal in the year 2010 with commercial value in excess of $1.5 billion. An enhanced plant protein could capture a significant share of this market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bradley, Clifford Montana Microbial Products MT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99970 5371 BIOT 9117 0521700 Marine Resources 0319777 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Flip-Chip - Ink Jet Printed Under Bump Metal (UBM) and Lead Free Solder. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an environmentally friendly, low cost, fine pitch and high reliability flip chip interconnect for the electronic industry. The ultimate goal of this technology is to develop a process that begins with a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) with either aluminum (Al) or copper (Cu) bond pads and results in an IC ready for flip-chip bonding using lead-free solder. The Phase I project will demonstrate printing the under bump metal (UBM) on Cu pads using a combination of nanomaterials and thermally converting the deposit into a solder wetable, layered metal film, and printing the lead free solder bumps on the UBM using a high temperature solder-jet printing technology. The commercial applications of this technology could lead to reduced cost and cycle time for the electronic industry. Flip chip performance and size advantages would be available to low volume applications at minimum entry costs. No photolithography, vacuum processes, plating processes or lead are needed. This not only reduces the manufacturing and facilities cost but also replaces historically hazardous processes (photolithography and plating) with an environmental friendly additive process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hayes, Donald MicroFab Technologies Inc TX T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9153 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319786 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Monitoring Fire Hazards in Head Space of a Liquid Fuel Tank. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop an oxygen sensor for monitoring explosive mixtures in the head space (ullage) of an aircraft fuel tank. This sensor integrates technological advancements in micro-electronics such as digital signal processors, new vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, high sensitivity absorption spectroscopy, and the development of innovative shields to prevent liquid interferences of optical surfaces. The sensor is expected to detect oxygen concentrations between 5 to 21 percent at a rate of one sample per second, and to perform in conditions where the temperature range is -70 to 120 F and the pressure range is 100 to 760 Torr. The proposed sensor system will be initially compatible for aircraft fuel tanks and later modified for oil tankers and other potential applications. The successful completion of this program will lead to a rugged and miniaturized oxygen sensor system that is compatible with aircraft fuel tanks. Commercial and military aircraft will greatly benefit from this sensor since it increases their survivability. In addition, the sensor can monitor fuel tanks in oil tankers to prevent oil spillage due to explosions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Shin-Juh Southwest Sciences Inc NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 1179 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319787 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: The Development of Self-Organizing Maps for Drug Discovery. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will test the feasibility of using Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs), a non-linear, topology-preserving pattern recognition technique, in the design of small molecules with biological activity. Due to a serious unmet need for computer-based tools that can accurately predict early development issues such as potency, safety, and efficacy of drug candidates, the pharmaceutical industry currently relies almost exclusively upon expensive prototyping to evaluate candidates. Many drug candidates fail only after costly pharmaceutics development and/or clinical trials, limiting the ability of drug companies to address anything beyond the most profitable markets. The early stage technology proposed in this Phase I project will significantly advance the state-of-the-art of drug design by addressing one of the major problems with which current computer-aided drug design has long struggled: how to model the non-linear feature-target relationships with dependent features commonly associated with biological systems. The commercial application of this project is in the area of drug discovery and development. The innovative software to be developed through this project will allow the drug companies to computationally evaluate a vast number of drug candidates, resulting in more candidates being investigated and more effective drugs discovered. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schmitt, Jeffrey Targacept, Inc. NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99959 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319789 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Systematic Study of the Synthesis of Polythiophenes by GRIgnard Metathesis (GRIM) for Use As Base Materials for Conductive Block Copolymers.. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the chemistry and reaction conditions necessary to synthesize the conducting polymer polythiophene with a high degree of end-group control and in a cost-effective manner. An understanding of this chemistry is vital for the commercialization of novel single-molecule integrated conductive plastics with useful mechanical properties. The project is designed to investigate the synthesis of these materials, determine the reaction equilibrium between two regioisomers of the thiophene monomer which directly affect the ability of the resulting polymer to conduct electricity, determine the end-group capping of the polythiophenes by other reagents in the system, and determine the typical end-group composition of polymers synthesized by the method under investigation. The results of the project will lead directly toward a phase II project which will be focused on using the knowledge gained in this study to engineer novel block copolymers of polythiophene with other types of plastics. These new materials will revolutionize the conductive plastics industry by providing low-cost conductive materials in large quantities for electronic, conductive, anti-static/ESD and anti-corrosive applications. In primary and secondary market research, demand is seen for this type of material for broad technological applications such as coatings, thermoplastics, rubbers, and fibers in a variety of industries, such as electronics, automotive, shipping, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Laird, Darin PLEXTRONICS INC PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99585 5371 AMPP 9163 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319790 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Structural Tailoring of Carbon Nanotube Composites for Field Emission. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to tailor the low cost single-walled carbon nanotube/silica composite, produced a unique cobalt-molybdenum catalyst system (CoMoCATtm) method, for use as uniform, reliable, and cost-effective nanotube emitters. Preliminary results have shown that composites prepared from purified single-walled carbon nanotubes and dielectric nanoparticles lead to better emission characteristics than plain nanotubes. Recent collaborative studies demonstrated that the CoMoCATtm material has the potential of being used in its "as-prepared" form, which is already a composite of nanotubes/SiO2 (dielectric) particles. To further improve the field emission characteristics of the CoMoCATtm composite, the structure of the catalyst support and carbon concentration will be optimized by synthesizing mesoporous silica materials of specific pore dimensions. At the same time, the effect of changing the average diameter of the carbon nanotubes will be investigated, capitalizing the flexibility of the CoMoCATtm process for tailoring single-walled carbon nanotubes. Commercially, an important first use of single-walled carbon nanotubes will likely be in field emission devices (FEDs). The nanotube emitters that will be developed in this project are important for many sub-applications in this broad FED field, but the main focus will be in large diagonal TVs due to the considerable market size. The target market for large area FEDs is the existing and predicted market for CPTs (color picture tubes) and color PDPs (plasma display panels). Even a small penetration into this market will yield a considerable opportunity, with a projected market of $1B in the next 5 years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Balzano, Leandro SOUTHWEST NANOTECHNOLOGIES OK T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1788 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319794 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of High Performance, Environmentally Benign Lapping Fluids for Hard Disk Drive Manufacturing Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves the development of aqueous, environmentally benign computer read - write head lapping fluids based upon polyaspartic copolymer dispersants. In order to accomplish this, a whole new class of polyaspartic acid copolymers will be synthesized and their lapping performance will be characterized. The overall results from this study will have a significant impact upon the computer hard disk manufacturing industry since it will enable the production of read write heads having better surface quality / planarization needed for next generation, higher storage density computer systems. Results from this work will be beneficial to the domestic hard disk drive industry; enabling it to maintain its prominence despite its increased overseas competition SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lombardi, John VENTANA RESEARCH COMPANY AZ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99920 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0106000 Materials Research 0319810 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A New Biotherapeutic Approach to Combating Unwanted Bacteria. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new method for killing unwanted and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is becoming a crisis of epic proportions. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics is seen as a major cause of this problem. In June 2001, the American Medical Association went on record opposing the use of antibiotics in agriculture for "non- therapeutic" use in animals. A Public Health Action Plan, written by a federal task force, recommends that entirely new approaches are needed to go beyond the use of traditional antibiotics to employ novel anti-microbial agents that kill pathogens while minimizing the ability of the target bacteria to develop horizontally transferable resistance. The goal of this project is to develop just such a technology. The proposed technology does not incorporate traditional chemical antibiotics, but utilizes well-understood biological processes in a novel and proprietary fashion. It involves engineering harmless bacteria to kill unwanted bacteria by redundant mechanisms that will minimize the development of resistance. The commercial applications of this project are expected to be primarily in the areas of agriculture and veterinary medicine. Initial project efforts will be aimed at combatting Fire Blight (Erwinia amylovora) in fruit crops and reducing Salmonella contamination in poultry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Suzuki, Hideki CONJUGON WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99657 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0319826 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I:Polarization Sensing of Stress Levels in Vegetation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to apply the polarization properties of light reflected from vegetation to examine environmental stress and species-specific identifiers by remote sensing. The research will impact science by creating a body of experimental data on the diffuse reflectance spectra of plant species. The proposed methods could be used to optimize fertilizer use and to detect invasive species that can cause huge crop losses. The primary commercial application for these sensors will be in agriculture, especially in large-scale precision farming. The relatively low cost of these sensors and large markets in which they could be used, should promote prompt commercialization of the technology following successful demonstration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Finkelman, Steven Containerless Research, Inc. IL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319828 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Diode-Pumped, High-Power, Cr:LiSAF-Based Ultrafast Laser and THz Source. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to conduct key experiments directed toward the development of an innovative, ultrafast-pulse laser source. While Ti: sapphire-based femtosecond sources are widely deployed in scientific laboratories throughout the world, they have a level of complexity and cost that is a barrier to wider use of femtosecond systems. Based on a directly diode-pumped Cr:LiSAF laser and following a multi-pass slab design that has proven successful with similar materials, the source to be developed in this project will be less complex, smaller and less expensive than present ultrafast laser systems. One application that will be emphasized in the project is terahertz generation, which in turn has a variety of significant uses. In the Phase I program, Cr:LiSAF lasers will be built and characterize, with two possible diode-pumping geometries. In addition, a Q-switched laser based on one of the Cr:LiSAF designs will be built and characterized to provide data on the potential performance of a regenerative amplifier based on the proposed technology. Finally a preliminary design will be conducted of a high-power, diode-pumped, Cr:LiSAF-based THz-radiation system. If the overall effort is successful, the outcome will be ultrafast- and terahertz-generation products suited for scientific and industrial customers. The initial market for the ultrafast laser would be the scientific research community, but it is anticipated that industrial applications such as process-control spectroscopy, ultra-precise micro-machining, biological imaging and high-speed electronics circuit testing, would also accept this technology. The development of the associated THz source would provide the option of supplying devices to address the emerging applications of THz systems. These applications include, but are not limited to, communications, atmospheric sensing, collision avoidance, medical imaging, non-destructive inspection and security scanning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Slobodtchikov, Evgueni Q-PEAK, INC. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99996 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0319845 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Minature Radio Frequency/Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems Absolute Pressure Transducer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of an entirely new MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) pressure sensor architecture that is capable of providing a combination of sensitivity and dynamic range much beyond the state-of-the-art. The sensor structure is made small and light enough to be able to move under the influence of the pressure bombardment in a manner that can be recorded by phase sensitive electronics. The differential pressure is eliminated so that there is no net average force on the transducer membrane and hence no DC term in the output. A purely electrical measurement technique that exploits the change in the structure's capacitance as the membrane moves will be used. The proposed detection approach is a phase measurement technique; promising very high sensitivity and noise immunity. The worldwide market for compact pressure sensors is in excess of $2.5B and extends from low-cost consumer products to high-end scientific and military systems. For all applications, low-cost, small-size, and especially low power dissipation are essential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Knopp, Kevin Ahura Corporation, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99753 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 1179 0206000 Telecommunications 0319851 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Speed Optoelectronic Recognition of Al, Si, and Mg Alloys. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop a novel optoelectronic sensing system for the high-speed identification and sorting of metals, in particular aluminum alloys containing silicon and magnesium alloying elements. The goal of the program is to develop a commercial system that will be capable of sorting wrought alloys from cast alloys. This new sensor driven technology, called the Spectramet Technology, will ultimately provide a revolutionary remote sensing intelligent-machine system (actually a platform of sensors and systems) that will accurately and unambiguously analyze and sort recycled metals at currently unachievable high accuracy and high speeds into compositions of metals and alloys custom mixed to smelter or mill specifications. If successful, the result would be a commercially viable sorting system. Worldwide generation of aluminum scrap amounts to 8 million metric tons per year, of which half is generated here in the U.S. If successful, applying a projected scrap value of $1500 per metric ton, this technology would create a paradigm shift in a $10 billion market for sorting and recycling scrap aluminum. The new technology would be important in helping U.S. industry compete with low cost, labor-intensive overseas operations. It would replace the need for new primary production allowing substitution of existing U.S. aluminum scrap resources into high-grade specification applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spencer, David wTe Corporation MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 1517 0522400 Information Systems 0319855 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: DNA-Based Chemosensors for Direct Detection of Volatile Compounds. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel portable sensor array device, based directly on biological principles, for rapidly detecting, identifying, and quantifying volatile compounds in the environment. Lab and field tests show that this platform is sensitive enough to detect and discriminate the vapor signature of buried TNT-filled landmines. This SBIR Phase I project focuses on incorporating into the device a novel sensing technology that uses dye-labeled DNA to directly detect volatile chemicals with the use of state-of-the-art microarray equipment. The commercial application of the product will be as a lightweight, low-cost, hand-held volatile chemical detection system for use in security screening for the rapid detection of explosives, chemical warfare agents, and other hazardous materials. Other potential uses include medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, Joel CogniScent, Inc. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319860 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Robotic Scrub Technician. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop the initial component of a cognitive structure for a robotic scrub technician in the operating room. The scrub technician will maintain a tray of instruments, handing an instrument to the surgeon when requested and retrieving the instrument when the surgeon is finished with it. The opportunity is to reduce hospital personnel costs and alleviate a critical nursing shortage problem. The problem is to provide the robot with situational awareness comparable to an experienced human scrub technician, particularly in the ability to anticipate the surgeon's next request. The objective of the project is to determine the feasibility of using artificial intelligence and statistical techniques to provide this ability. The research method will compare selected techniques for time series prediction and classification, using data sets from actual surgeries. The candidate techniques will include first to third order Markov methods, N-sequence matching, neural networks and fuzzy set based inference. The end product is expected to be a prediction engine that will enable the clinical version of the robot to perform as well or better than an experienced human scrub technician. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomedical devices and instrumentation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Treat, Michael ROBOTIC SURGICAL TECH, INC. NY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 94875 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319868 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Proof of Concept of a Digital Magnetic Biosensor. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to develop the detector portion of a novel Digital Magnetic Biosensor ("DIBS"). The primary goal is to establish the feasibility of detecting and counting individual protein molecules using magnetic reagents and digital detector technology adapted from existing magnetic data-storage devices. A prototype microfluidic device will be built and used to investigate detection limits. Products are envisioned that use multiple DIBS in a wide range of disposable diagnostic "cards" that are driven by a hand-held analyzer based on a popular PDA platform. The device will be capable of single molecule detection/resolution, simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes in a single pinprick-sized sample, giving results within minutes. An initial conservative target of 1000 molecules per sample is a first objective. The commercial application of this product will primarily be in diagnostic medicine. Applications in remote environmental testing and homeland defenses monitoring are also possible. The initial targeted customers for these products are distributed healthcare providers who wish to provide rapid and cost-effective quantitative immunoassay-based diagnostic tests on site. These include primary healthcare physician practices, specialist healthcare centers, and hospital emergency rooms. A large potential secondary market for home testing is also anticipated. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gregory, Malcolm Digimmune Corporation PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99999 1505 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319870 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel AlGaN-Based Structures for High-Efficiency and High-Power, Deep Ultraviolet Emitters. `This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed toward the development of a nitride-based semiconductor laser operating at 280 nm or shorter. In Phase I, high-efficiency and high power ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LED), incorporating novel AlGaN quantum-well (QW) structures, will be demonstrated as the proof of concept. The LED structure will overcome most of the current challenges in AlGaN-based UV emitters. These challenges include enhanced p-type doping of the cladding layer and reduction of the non-radiative recombination in the QW layer. The LED structure has unique advantage of transporting carriers through miniband of a short-period high-Al-fraction alloy superlattice. In this structure, the desired UV wavelength can be obtained by adjusting QW parameters such as well thickness and Al mole fraction. The research will be carried out by a joint effort consisting of the III-N molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) group and the semiconductor group. Semiconductor ultraviolet (UV) optical sources have a wide variety of applications in polymer curing, water purification, white light generation, projection displays, high-recording-density compact disk data storage, photolithography, biological agent detection, and non-line-of-sight covert communications SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dabiran, Amir SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99989 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319874 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy for Subcellular Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a nuclear magnetic resonance force microscope (NMRFM) that will make it possible for the first time ever to routinely image intracellular diffusion properties, relaxation times, and hydrogen densities of live cells with sub-optical spatial resolution, down to a volume resolution of 0.1 micron on a side. The hypothesis is that an NMRFM technique can be used for NMR-based imaging of living eucaryotic and procaryotic cells with sub-optical resolution, thereby allowing measurement of diffusion properties, relaxation times, and hydrogen (proton-spin) densities of the cell itself and its larger internal structures (e.g. nucleus, cytoplasm, plasma membrane, and mitochondria). The commercial applications of this project will be in the research instrumentation market. Prospective customers include biologists, medical researchers, clinical practitioners, and others interested in functional and structural imaging of living cells and acellular tissue samples. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir XIDEX CORPORATION TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319879 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Signal Processing Techniques for Neural Discovery and Communications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop custom signal processing algorithms and embedded software for arrays of tiny neural probes that are currently being manufactured for simultaneously recording the activity of multiple neurons. Most of the effort expended to date on neural probes has focused on the formidable challenges of manufacturing the hardware elements of the probes. One crucial element for making neural communications via probes technically and commercially viable has received little attention. Advanced signal processing technologies needed to condition, recover and transmit the signals from neurons, and to deliver transmitted neural stimulus to muscle tissue has received little attention. This project aims to develop algorithms and embedded software that will render neural probes more reliable and practical. Neural probes so equipped can reliably capture, condition, filter, transmit and receive neural signals, and restore the needed high degree of repeatability and consistency to their operation. This, in turn, will accelerate the deployment of the probes, greatly enhancing the value of the substantial investment in neural probes to date. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Erten, Gail IC TECH, INC. MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1631 0104000 Information Systems 0319902 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Optics Design Feasibility for a Massively Parallel Oligonucleotide Synthesizer. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to develop the instrumentation and processes to fabricate ex-novo large numbers of user-specified oligonucleotides in hours, using a proprietary tabletop production system. Oligomers will be synthesized in parallel on a glass slide using light-directed phosphoramidite chemistry with computer-controlled imaging, and then selectively eluted using a novel photosensitive release process. Maskless exposure will make possible the rapid synthesis of any number (up to > 700,000) of different sequences of 10-40 base pairs oligomers, with a user-defined tradeoff between the quantity and variety produced. Scaling up from a proof-of-principle instrument to a Massively Parallel Oligomer Synthesizer (MPOS) tool requires larger product throughput (picomoles of oligomers) which will be facilitated through the combination of an optical research study to increase the exposure area and intensity, and the evaluation of various engineered surfaces to increase the density among the oligomers. The commercial application of this project is in the area of oligonucleotide synthesis. Successful genome sequencing programs have led to an urgent need for massive sets of different DNA oligonucleotides to be used as affinity reagents in various types of genetic tests. The current generation of DNA synthesizers are designed to produce large quantities of only a few oligonucleotides. This project proposes to develop a system capable of producing thousands of oligonucleotides on a scale compatible with high throughput genetic assays. It is expected that practically every laboratory performing molecular biology or genetic research will benefit tremendously from this project, since the use of oligonucleotide primers is basic to such fundamental and routine laboratory protocols as PCR, DNA sequencing, and site-directed mutagenesis. Specific groups in the commercial sector that will directly benefit from this project include biotechnology companies that manufacture products for genetic screening and clinical laboratories performing genetic analysis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kaysen, James Franco Cerrina GENETIC ASSEMBLIES INC WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99997 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 1505 0110000 Technology Transfer 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319909 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Conductivity Photoprintable Conducting Polymers for Polymeric Electronics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop printable conducting polymers that can be used to produce polymeric electronic devices. The printable conducting polymers envisioned are initially soluble and become insoluble and spatially fixed after exposure to ultraviolet light, thus a positive resist of the conducting polymer material can be produced with standard printing processes. This Phase I project will build on the soluble conducting polymer technology, and add the ability to form positive resists for polymeric electronics. Conducting polymers with a conductivity of 10 to 300 S/cm that can be printed into electronic components for flat panel displays and organic electronics will be developed. This proposal addressed the need to fabricate large area devices, such as displays, by a room temperature printing process. Commercial applications include conducting components of polymeric displays including flexible display electrodes and addressing lines, hole injection layers, and printed wiring boards, other flexible or non-flexible polymeric electronic chips, EMI shielding and antistatic coatings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elliott, Brian TDA Research, Inc CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1676 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0319918 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Mesoscale Optical Element Fabrication Development by Laser Microchemical Etching. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 Project will use a commercial laser system for laser chemical etching to develop processes to fabricate Micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) components such as micro-lenses, channels, and electrical contacts by directly writing with a laser. MEMS/MOEMS devices are often difficult to make and the architectures are often limited by the need to use conventional lithographic tools borrowed from the integrated circuit industry. The main issue that arises in the fabrication of MOEMS devices is simply that of creating controlled non-flat surfaces with high precision, or fabricating something on a non-flat surface, and high quality surface finish. In this proposal the feasibility of creating the general structures in close proximity, for creating by direct laser etching and writing, a MOEMS test structure incorporating optical, microfluidic, and electrical elements will be developed. Micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) are making inroads in the Optoelectronics, medical equipment, sensors, communications, aerospace and automotive industries. This market is ever expanding and will be a multi-billion dollar market by 2005. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Burns, Michael LMC Instrument Corp. A.B.A. Revise, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 0 5371 HPCC 9163 9139 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0319935 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Laser Ultrasonic Receiver for Industrial Inspection Based on Pseudo Phase Conjugation. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of using a passive, interferometric receiver using pseudo phase conjugation as part of a low-cost laser ultrasonic inspection system for industrial inspection and process control. In many industrial applications, conventional nondestructive inspection techniques cannot be applied for real-time process control, because parts are hot, vibrating or translating rapidly. Laser ultrasonics is a remote, non-contact inspection technique that overcomes these limitations and can function in the most demanding industrialenvironments. The new receiver will demonstrate high detection sensitivity and bandwidth, as well as static and dynamic compensation for speckles from rough surfaces. The design is adapted from classical concepts but requires no path-length stabilization and uses no photo-refractive crystal. The receiver can operate at an eye-safe wavelength using fiber optic components developed for telecomm applications. Laser ultrasonics can be used for in-line wall thickness measurement of seamless steel tubes and glass containers, for in-line inspection of laser welds, and scanning inspection of large composite panels used in the aerospace industry. Substantial cost savings have been documented in each case. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wilde, Jeffrey LASSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 96667 5371 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0319936 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Manufacturing and Testing of Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite Orthopedic Implants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project proposes to develop forming and sintering processes suitable for the manufacture of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite orthopedic implants. Though hydroxyapatite's osteoconductivity has generated interest in many clinical applications, conventionally processed hydroxyapatite materials have been limited by their poor sinterability and lack of mechanical strength attributed to poor phase purity and homogeneity. Angstrom Medica, Inc. has optimized its nanostructure hydroxyapatite powders for sinterability, mechanical strength and nanocrystallinity. The nanocrystalline HAP monoliths appear to provide superior compressive and bending strengths as well as fracture toughness, and contribute to better osteoblast attachment, proliferation and mineralization. This project will conduct the early process and product development of a marketable nanocrystalline HAP orthopedic pin for small bone fixation and the testing of this pin in a cadaver bone model. In the follow on Phase II project, these nanostructured materials will be formed into more geometrically complex implants constructs and utilized in in vivo animal models commonly employed to validate orthopedic implants for FDA approval. The commercial application of this project is in the area of orthopedic implants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ahn, Edward Angstrom Medica, Incorporated MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319959 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: An Innovative and Cost Effective Biotechnology for In-situ Treatment of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop and demonstrate unique features of a novel biotechnology process for in-situ bioremediation of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) in groundwater. Major problems with in-situ bioremediation of MTBE include the inability to establish high densities of bacteria, the inability to maintain contact between the degrading bacteria and MTBE, and the upsets and losses of bacteria. The primary objective of this Phase I project is to evaluate degradation performance of the biological permeable barrier [BPB] using Bio-beads as the reactive material. It is anticipated that MTBE will be effectively biodegraded to non-detectable levels. The commercial application of this project is in the area of bioremediation. Success of the work is expected to have major impact on the various environmental problems linked to contaminated sites both in the public and private sectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shirazi, Fatemeh STRATUM ENGINEERING INC MO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99942 5371 BIOT 9104 9100 0313040 Water Pollution 0319962 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Nanoshell-Based Cancer Therapy. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I will develop a novel, nanotechnology-based cancer therapy. This therapy, nanoshell-based thermal ablation (NBTA), holds the promise as a significant new therapeutic tool for the treatment of otherwise inoperable cancers or neoplasms where surgery is accompanied by a high probability of morbidity or mortality. The therapy will utilize proprietary nanoshells to convert externally applied near-infrared (nIR) light into localized heat to destroy targeted cancer cells, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and avoiding the long-term effects of radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Specific goals of this STTR project include (i) understanding biodistribution and clearance of nanoshells, (ii) understanding tumor uptake of nanoshells, and (iii) assessment of the survival time of animals with cancers that have been treated with nanoshells. The commercial application of this project will be in cancer therapy. NBTA will lead to an FDA regulated device comprised of nanoshells and a light delivery system (laser). The company will partner with a laser manufacturer, and with a marketing and sales partner, for distribution of the product. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG O'Neal, Dennis NANOSPECTRA BIOSCIENCES, INC. TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99994 1505 BIOT 9181 0110000 Technology Transfer 0203000 Health 0319965 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Nanoparticle-Assisted Laser Tissue Welding. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project on nanoparticle-assisted laser tissue welding will develop a novel approach for targeting heat generation to a wound site allowing deeper, more uniform welds and a reduction in the extent of tissue damage. Laser tissue welding, the joining of tissues by heat produced from light absorption, has emerged as a commercially and clinically attractive strategy. However, the success of laser tissue welding has been somewhat limited because of (1) generation of superficial welds with poor mechanical integrity due to low optical penetration; and (2) excessive damage to adjacent tissues. In a preliminary study, nanoshells were applied to tissue surfaces and stable welds were formed at laser wavelengths and powers where no significant heating would occur in untreated tissue. Nanoshells are a new class of engineered nanoparticles that can be designed to strongly absorb light in regions where absorption by tissue is minimal and optical penetration is maximal, namely wavelengths in the range of 800-1200 nm. At these wavelengths, light can deeply penetrate tissue with minimal heating and be preferentially absorbed at the nanoshells on the wound surface allowing highly targeted application of the heat required to close the wound. The commercial applications of this project will be in surgical practice for wound closure such as vascular anastamosis, gynecological surgery, thoracic surgery, ocular repair, cartilage repair and liver repair. The core technology may have additional commercial applications in emergency medicine SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG O'Neal, Dennis NANOSPECTRA BIOSCIENCES, INC. TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99957 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0319968 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Wired Fiber: Direct Fiber Connection to Silicon Based on Anodic Bonding for Epoxy-less Fiber Pigtailing of Optoelectronic Components. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses development of an epoxy-less fiber pigtailing technology using anodic fiber bonding appropriate for use with telecommunications transmitters or receivers, or for integration of sensors directly with fibers. The subgoals include: development of the anodic bonding technology for parallel fiber; modeling of the stress distribution in the fiber due to this bonding; characterization of the strength of the fiber-to-Si bond; and, fabrication of a prototype Si bench with a V-groove suitable for passive alignment of fiber to an active device and measurement of the thermal stability of the coupling efficiency. This is based on a solid body of preliminary work, including demonstration of facet-to-Si anodic bonding, and development of telecommunications modules using epoxied fiber-in-a-V-groove to telecommunication laser characterization The research will result in unprecedented levels of cost effectiveness, device performance, miniaturization, and ruggedness of a variety of photonic devices. This will substantially increase U.S. competitiveness in international microelectronics production, new fabrication and assembly technologies. Applications may be found in detection, telecommunications, information processing, micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS), and X-ray device technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Abeysinghe, Don Taitech, Inc. OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 98119 5371 OTHR MANU 9147 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0319970 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: An Integrated Software Tool for Modeling and Model-Based Control of Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of the development of a novel software tool for integrated model-based control design for Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) systems. The use of advanced model-based feedback control has become essential to meeting the increasingly stringent specifications for semiconductor processing. Phase I activity will be a feasibility study consisting of development of techniques for model order reduction and for speeding up Monte Carlo ray tracing calculations, specification of the software architecture, and closed-loop simulation of a generic RTP chamber using the proposed framework. In Phase II, the software prototype will be fully implemented. The final result of this focused effort will be a software package that will be used by semiconductor process engineers and design engineers at semiconductor equipment companies that manufacture RTP systems. Subsequently, the RTP the capabilities of this tool will be extended to encompass other processes for the semiconductor and advanced materials industry such as CVD, etch, CMP, etc. The total market size exceeds $10 billion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ebert, Jon SC SOLUTIONS INC CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99996 5371 HPCC 9139 1467 0104000 Information Systems 0319972 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of an Optical Sensor for Instantaneous Detection of Bioaerosols. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will study the feasibility of an instrument capable of detecting biological agents instantaneously by measuring droplet sizes and the intrinsic fluorescence of biological material. The instrument will provide instantaneous measurements indoors and outdoors of the biological aerosols present in the environment with the use of long-range fluorescence excitation, which produces a multiphoton optical signal. It has been demonstrated in laboratory settings that a multiphoton florescence emission along with particle size could be a clear fingerprint for airborne biological material. A long range laser in the order of 800 nm will detect the micron size aerosol as it pass the sampling volume providing instantaneous measurements of intrinsic fluorescence and particle size. The particle size of the aerosol will be detected by measuring the intensity of eth elastic scattering of the laser. A compact micro-control system will drive all system components. Software will be developed to drive the micro-controller and quantify all the fluorescence measurements. The system will be configured so that it is compact, easy to use and reliable. The first generation of the product will target the stand-alone semi-portable system market. This Phase I project will provide design specifications for the indoor-outdoor air quality conditions, and biological terrorist attacks alarm system applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Perez-Reisler, Rafael Caribbean Thermal Technologies PR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9197 9188 9150 9139 9102 1596 0104000 Information Systems 0118000 Pollution Control 0313010 Air Pollution 0319974 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Sensitivity Micro Strain Sensor Using Magnetostrictive Spin Dependent Tunneling Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to demonstrate a test strain sensor in microchip form using magnetostrictive spin dependent tunneling materials. Silicon piezoresistive materials have high sensitivity but operate at low temperatures, whereas metallic films have much better temperature capability but much lower sensitivity. The limitations in sensitivity/temperature, susceptibility to ESD, cost, and others have precluded the technology to be used in several key commercial and military applications. An approach based on the high sensitivity, wide temperature range, low power, small size and low cost of similar devices is proposed. Although as a magnetic device, the sensor will be insensitive to external magnetic fields of practical magnitude, using a proprietary approach. The feasibility will be demonstrated by fabricating test devices; constructing a miniature strain tester; and achieving high strain sensitivity. It is expected that these sensors will find rapid initial acceptance in application areas of industrial control, civil engineering projects, and robotics, and then expand to other applications. This sensor will function under very adverse conditions of temperature, ESD and radiation. Unlike other magnetic sensors the device will have no response to magnetic fields, either natural or created by the equipment it is trying to control. Because the sensor is manufactured by microelectronics techniques it will be low cost and the packaging requirements will not have to include many of the techniques employed today to "safeguard" the existing sensor. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Dexin NVE CORPORATION MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1676 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0319980 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Out-of-Season Spawning Technologies to Double Yellow Perch Fingerling Production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a reliable method to spawn yellow perch out-of-season, thereby allowing for the production of two crops of fingerlings per year. Photothermal and hormonal methodologies will be used to induce out-of-season spawning. It is anticipated that the technology developed during this project will lead to the doubling of annual fingerling production from existing farms. The greater availability of fingerlings should markedly reduce their cost, and translate into greater profits for growout producers. The commercial application of this project is in the area of aquaculture. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Genson, Steve Coolwater Aquaculture, LLC WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9117 0521700 Marine Resources 0319981 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Integrated High Speed Intelligent Utility Tie Unit for Disbursed/Renewable Generation Facilities. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a novel approach that can significantly improve the operational reliability and quality for disbursed/renewable generation facilities. Due to price hikes and rotating blackouts in California, the power industry has reached a consensus that disbursed or distributed generation via renewable generation facilities seems to be one of the best alternatives for future utility industry. There is a serious coordination mismatch between the local renewable power facility and the utility supply. If external faults occur, the local user will be out of power, will need to manually disconnect tiebreaker, manually connect the local generation facility to provide power, etc. This will not only cause serious problems in operation reliability and quality of service, but also significant inconvenience to the individual users. The innovation proposed is to develop an intelligent utility tie monitoring, control, and protection system that can guarantee a smooth delivery of power to the user irrespective of internal and external faults. The commercial impact of this technology would be a significant cost savings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Frank Intelligent Automation, Inc MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0319991 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanoelectronic Capnography Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and commercialize a new generation of low-cost, disposable carbon dioxide gas sensors based on carbon nanotube sensor elements. The sensors will combine cutting-edge nanoelectronics with recognition chemistry coatings to make nanosensors that can measure carbon dioxide in breath (capnography). The sensors will be small enough to fit into the respiratory tube or nasal cannulae of patients requiring respiratory monitoring. This innovation will lower the cost of many surgical procedures and facilitate capnography monitoring in mobile and temporary settings by decoupling capnography from expensive, fixed monitoring equipment. The net benefits will include improved patient care and lower costs for healthcare providers. The project will take advantage of recent developments in fabricating hybrid nanotube-silicon transducers. This project will help move nanotechnology out of research laboratories into the commercial realm, thereby encouraging additional investment and overall R&D spending. Perhaps most important of all, the technology has the potential to make a small but important move toward lowered healthcare costs with improved patient care. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Star, Alexander Nanomix, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 96886 5371 HPCC 9139 1179 0104000 Information Systems 0203000 Health 0320014 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Personal Microarray Reader. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a magnetic microarray reader that, as part of a magnetics-based bioassay technology, addresses mass consumer applications for microarrays. Magnetic labels as reporters in DNA and immunoassays have already shown excellent sensitivity. Previous versions of magnetic DNA arrays perform DNA and immunoassays directly on the magnetic detector chip surface. A major hurdle for this approach is the intertwining of bioassay surface chemistry and details of magnetic sensor array fabrication. This personal assay reader would permit more rapid breakthroughs in bioassay development by removing this hurdle. This will be accomplished by physically separating the assay chip and the magnetic microarray reader chip. The microarray biochemistry will be performed on a glass slide or whatever surface is best for a given assay. The magnetic microarray reader will be a separate chip with an array of magnetic sensors that physically interlocks with the microarray slide during the assay readout. The commercial application of this project is in the area of microarrays for use in a wide variety of biological and biomedical assays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tondra, Mark NVE CORPORATION MN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99911 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320016 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Create a Building Energy Conservation Optimization Network (BECON). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will create a Building Energy Conservation Optimization Network (BECON). BECON will reduce energy consumed by lighting, HVAC and other systems in buildings. BECON enables the optimal control and scheduling of environmental factors in a building, including lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation among others. BECON involves: (1) An illumination-based audit and control system to monitor accurately, on a frequent, timely and inexpensive basis, the energy requirements and usage in a building, enhancing the capability of a building energy management system; and (2) Electronic lighting ballasts which can control and reduce energy usage based on lighting requirements. The broader impacts of BECON include substantial energy conservation and efficiency within buildings plus the inexpensive availability of monitoring systems customized for individual buildings without extensive sensor installations. Since BECON is based on the dual use of lights for illumination and for data transmission, BECON transmitters can be designed also to provide assistive information to blind, deaf and other disabled users, enabling inexpensive enhanced compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ACT. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hinman, Roderick TALKING LIGHTS LLC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0320020 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Adaptive Phased Arrays for Broadband Wireless Access. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of using electronically steerable phased array antennas in conjunction with commercially available low cost wireless transceivers. The proposed research will demonstrate a low cost phased array that can be used with a commercial wireless networking card. In the past, phased arrays were big and expensive, but two critical developments have brought this technology into economic reach today. The company have conceived a novel technique for implementing ultra-low-cost phase shifters using PIN diodes and have also devised a method of controlling the phased array antenna that does not require radios specifically designed for this purpose. A prototype proof-of-concept system (including phase shifters) will be fabricated and methods for steering the antenna will be verified. The potential impact of the combination of low cost radios with economical phased arrays is enormous, in that it could facilitate wireless broadband access in geographic areas where DSL and cable modem service are impractical. Deployment of broadband wireless access has been slow largely due to the cost of sending a truck with skilled personnel to set up and steer high gain antennas. Wireless Internet Service Providers (ISPs) report that the cost of installation often exceeds the cost of the equipment itself. By simplifying the installation, the cost of deployment is lowered dramatically. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carey, Joseph FIDELITY COMTECH INC CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99967 5371 MANU 9148 1596 0206000 Telecommunications 0320023 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Single Photon Detector for Visible Wavelengths. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel, solid state, avalanche photodiode operated in Geiger mode as single photon sensitive avalanche detector (SPAD). Phase I will experimentally confirm the theory and quantitatively prove the suitability of a device structure and materials choice. Phase II will optimize and implement a high performance SPAD. The novel SPAD will have better single photon sensitivity, quantum efficiency, and response speed than the best vacuum photomultiplier tube (PMT) or silicon SPAD. The photodetector will be fabricated using novel large band gap compound semiconductor materials, which exhibit exceptionally low dark count rates and high materials quality. The novel materials promise a thermal generation rate 50 million times lower than that of the silicon commonly used for SPADs, and has higher carrier velocities and a direct band gap. Together, these promise quantum efficiencies above 50 percent, sub-nsec rise times, nsec reset times, and psec jitter. The project will obsolesce the PMT and silicon SPAD for photon-starved applications using them in biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and remote sensing. The project helps both research and instrumentation. The ability to detect single photons with high detection efficiency, low dark count rate, high sensitivity, high timing resolution, and high duty cycle is a key requirement for many scientific instruments and sensing/detecting applications. The development of a robust, solid state, single photon avalanche detector (SPAD) will transform such components from expensive laboratory curiosities requiring liquid nitrogen or high voltage glass tubes into commonplace parts. New applications with small markets today, such as single photon quantum communications and lab-on-a-chip, could also benefit greatly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Harmon, Eric LIGHTSPIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 98908 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0320024 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Watt Level, Narrow Linewidth, Single Frequency Fiber Laser at 1550 nm. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at the demonstration of a compact, Watt-level, single frequency fiber laser operating around 1550 nm. The laser will take advantage of proprietary, highly Yb: Er co-doped fiber allowing the total length of the fiber-laser cavity to less than 5 cm - a task impossible with conventional fiber approaches. Such a short cavity length is uniquely suited for extremely stable and mode hop free single frequency operation. High doping levels and a large optical mode field diameter will be used in order to reduce the influence of fiber non-linearities and allow for a short and compact linear cavity. The high power and near ideal spectral (spatial output) at an eye-safe wavelength, where Er-doped fiber amplifiers and other fiber-optic components would be readily available. This would make such a laser very attractive for many commercial applications including coherent LADAR, distributed temperature and pressure sensing and frequency conversion. The project should ultimately result in a marketable product that will be used in a variety of civil and military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spiegelberg, Christine NP PHOTONICS INC AZ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99987 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0320029 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Semiconductor Device for Direct and Efficient Conversion of Radioisotope Energy. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will establish the feasibility of constructing a semiconductor device that directly and efficiently converts the energy released from radioactive decay directly into electric current. The semiconductor material will be utilized in a unique manner that will result in an innovative electrical technology. Prior efforts using semiconductor materials to accomplish direct radioisotope energy conversion have concentrated on planar geometries as in, for example, solar and photovoltaic cells. The goal of this research is to distribute the radioisotope throughout the specified active volume of a semiconductor in such a manner as to remain nearly proximate to the energy conversion mechanism. The key to achieving high efficiency is to situate the maximum number of radioactive nuclei so that a minimal amount of decay energy is lost before conversion to electric current occurs. Commercially, this research will lead to the development of a practical nuclear battery. It is anticipated that this direct energy conversion device would be able to replace chemical batteries in a number of applications. Especially attractive is that candidate radioisotope power sources have half-lives measured in decades so that electric current can be delivered continuously in remote or inaccessible locations. Potentially, acceptance and success in the industrial marketplace will lead to a number of consumer applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gadeken, Larry BetaBatt, Inc. TX T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9186 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0522100 High Technology Materials 0320032 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Improving The Bioavailability of the Natural Antioxidant Astaxanthin from Haematococcus Pluvialis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to improve the bioavailability of astaxanthin from the green algae, Haematococcus pluvialis, through molecular genetic manipulation of the organism. Natural astaxanthin is a potent bioactive antioxidant and offers tremendous potential for use in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, aquaculture, and poultry industries. The green alga, Haematococcus pluvialis, is the richest known natural source of astaxanthin. One major constraint in the Haematococcus production system, however, is that astaxanthin-rich cells (cysts) possess thick cell walls that hinder astaxanthin extraction and subsequent bioavailability for humans and cultured animals. Chemical and physical cell disruption processes account for a major cost of the production, yet introduce the risk of oxidation of astaxanthin. In this Phase I project, certain features of Haematococcus will be genetically altered so as to facilitate fast and efficient extraction and digestion of cell-bound astaxanthin. The immediate commercial application of this project will be in the nutraceutical and aquaculture markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lu, Fan Algaen Corporation NC F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99938 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320037 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Direct Measurement of Wafer Temperature in White/UV LED Manufacture. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop an improved method for measuring temperature during manufacture of visible and ultra-violet light emitting diodes (LED's). Unfortunately, LED substrates such as sapphire do not allow one to use currently available instruments because at wavelengths where the substrate is opaque process gases absorb radiation affecting temperature measurements. In this project it is planned to develop a method to correct for process gas absorption of radiation for use with substrates such as sapphire and silicon carbide. This will allow improved real time in-situ temperature measurement, giving improved manufacturing yields, better data for development work, and lower costs for these materials. The instrument will be initially developed for use with gallium nitride (GaN) processes used for LED manufacture. Improved process temperature measurement will lead to faster development through a better understanding of the process and higher manufacturing yields due to improved temperature control. Commercially, the project could enhance manufacturing productivity and improve national competitiveness in wide bandgap materials manufacturing by providing better process control data. The reduced development and manufacturing costs will improve US competitiveness in this critical technology area. Also, reduced costs of LED components will speed widespread adoption of LED lighting lowering US energy costs and bringing economic and environmental benefits. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Bodycomb, Jeffrey Bellwether Instruments, LLC. SC T. James Rudd Standard Grant 98536 9150 MANU 9148 0206000 Telecommunications 0320041 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: State-of-the-Art pH Monitoring in Bioreactors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate a feasible approach to manufacturing metal oxide based pH sensors for use in long-term cell culture and tissue-engineering experiments. Current electrochemical pH sensors do not meet the demonstrable need for accurate, stable, reliable and robust sensors in biological applications. The sensors are expected to replace current optical pH measurement techniques that are cumbersome and unsuitable for long-term, unattended experiments. Extensive research has shown that the precise control of environmental parameters such as culture medium pH have a profound impact on productivity. The sensors will have the advantages of small size, ability to sterilize, resistance to the biological environment, and lack of toxicity. This Phase I project will focus on designing a prototype sensor by evaluating materials that enable the sensor to survive the biological environment without adversely effecting tissue growth. The commercial application of this project is in the area of sensors for use with cell cultures in bioreactors. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Robechek, John SensIrOx, Inc. OH F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9181 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320047 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Neural Plasticity of Bone Marrow Derived Progenitor Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a novel cell therapy using adult stem cells to treat diseases of the central nervous system. A specific stem cell (CD34 "Lin") within adult bone marrow has been isolated that can be induced to express a neuronal phenotype and specifically home to the brain. This project hypothesizes that the multipotential nature of these cells will enable cell replacement and drug delivery therapies to treat diseases or injury of the nervous system, including Parkinson's and stroke. The Phase I project will address isolation and characterization, in vitro differentiation, and in vivo differentiation of CD34 "Lin" cells. The commercial application of this project is in human healthcare. The technology could lead to potential therapeutic treatments for devastating diseases such as Parkinson's disease, stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Each of these diseases represents a substantial number of patients and therefore, a substantial market opportunity. Furthermore, particularly for diseases such as stroke, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, there are few, if any alternative strategies currently available. Other cell therapies are being developed, but most of these are derived from fetal tissue or xenogeneic sources, which introduce safety or ethical concerns. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pykett, Mark CYTOMATRIX LLC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98669 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320048 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Recombinant Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis (IHN ) Virus G Protein Vaccine. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a vaccine for the control of infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) disease of salmon and trout. An efficacious, safe and reasonably priced IHN virus vaccine would improve the productivity of the finfish aquaculture industry in the Pacific Northwest, ensure the productivity of commercial and recreational fisheries, and reduce environmental concerns related to IHN virus transmission between wild and farmed fish. The aquaculture industry has created jobs in remote and rural areas of North America. These jobs are threatened by recurrent IHN outbreaks. Additionally, this project will investigate how the glycoprotein of IHN virus elicits a non-specific, cross-protective immune response in trout and salmon. Such information will be helpful in developing new viral vaccines and adjuvants. The commercial application of this project is in the area of aquaculture. The IHN virus vaccine will provide a significant benefit to the North American aquaculture industry. The product will be marketed to non-commercial and commercial salmon and trout farming enterprises in western Canada and the United States. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, Eric Maine BioTek, Inc. ME Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 94376 5371 BIOT 9150 9117 0521700 Marine Resources 0320050 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Silicon-On-Insulator Wafer Polishing Using Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will evaluate the potential of applying Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF) to the manufacturing of SOI wafers in order to obtain thinner absolute silicon layer thickness and increased thickness uniformity, while achieving realistic cycle times. MRF, featuring advanced polishing algorithms, exceptional system stability, high removal rate and a shear mode of material removal has already been successfully implemented for polishing high-precision photolithographic lenses. However, SOI manufacturing leads to new challenges for MRF: the amount of material removal is extremely small (5-50 nm), the absolute amount is critical, and there are strict cycle time requirements necessary to achieve a commercially viable process. If this research leads to a successful MRF solution for SOI wafers, other applications in the semiconductor industry (other thin films, bulk silicon wafers), as well as other industries (telecom) could be significantly impacted by similar solutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dumas, Paul QED Technologies, Inc. NY T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99928 5371 MANU 9148 0206000 Telecommunications 0320051 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Short-Wave Infrared Focal Plane Array With In Pixel Phase Sensitive Detection. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will develop and deliver an indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) active pixel focal plane array (FPA) capable of phase sensitive detection. The FPA will be sensitive to the short-wave infrared (0.9 `m to 1.7 `m) making it suitable for use with eye safe lasers. Each pixel of the FPA will act as a lock-in amplifier allowing the imager to detect low power modulated signals in the presence of high background illumination. This functionality will be useful in search and rescue operations by enabling detection and location of a low power signal beacon. In tracking applications it will dramatically reduce the power of the eye-safe laser required for operation in a sunlit background. Important commercial applications include near infrared spectroscopy. The phase sensitive imaging technology that will emerge from this program will represent a substantial advance and will be applicable to all spectral bands. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bush, Michael Sensors Unlimited, Inc NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 0106000 Materials Research 0320053 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Transmission, Collection and Reporting of Vital Sign Data Over Cable Television Networks-A New Approach to Home Telemonitoring in the Medical Management of Patients. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for low-cost home medical monitoring for management of large numbers of patients with chronic diseases. The research objectives are to demonstrate a new approach to real-time monitoring of vital signs that connects low-cost medical devices to a remote database using existing Cable Networks, a process for accessing and reporting that information, and a system for generating automated alerts based on data values. The research will focus on creation of a system architecture that will: (1) support vital sign data transmission by wireless monitoring devices over Cable Networks; (2) collect data in a back-end computer; (3) produce and report alarms for out-of-range and abnormal results; and (4) allow end-users and medical professionals to examine vital sign data from a computer via the Internet. This project may result in a simple hardware/software prototype that provides continuous monitoring of vital sign inputs and creates automatic alerts for out-of-normal values. It will demonstrate whether Cable is a viable means of collecting real-time medical information. The research will help develop a technology platform that can be applied in other areas such as home energy management, home security, and videoconferencing over cable. This approach to home telemonitoring has significant commercial potential. Potential end users number in the millions. Changing revenue structure and demographics provide significant incentives for home health care companies to utilize home telemonitoring. The relatively low cost of the devices and the use of cable as an information transmission modality allows for creation of a mass market. The primary customers, cable multimedia service organizations, perceive home telemonitoring as a value-added product that can spur revenue growth. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mathur, Michael BL Software Systems, Inc. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99945 5371 BIOT 9181 5345 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320056 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Geiger Mode Avalanche Photodiodes for Photon Counting from 0.9 Micrometers to 2.0 Micrometers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and deliver an avalanche photodiode sensitive from 0.9 to 2.0 microns, enabling solid-state photon counting applications in this wavelength band. The avalanche photodiode will operate in Geiger mode, wherein the device is cooled to minimize the dark current rate, and biased slightly above breakdown. During Phase I, our commercial avalanche photodiodes will be evaluated for use in Geiger mode. These detectors are sensitive from 0.9 to 1.7 microns. The experimental setup for gated photon counting measurements will be established, and optimum-operating temperatures determined. In Phase II, the cutoff wavelength will be extended to achieve a cutoff wavelength of 2.0 microns at the optimum operating temperature. The cutoff wavelength will be extended using one a technique for decreasing the effective band gap of InGaAs. The first method uses graded layers of InAsP of varying composition to develop a lattice-matched substrate to high In content InGaAs. The second method uses strain-compensation expitaxial growth techniques to grow high In content InGaAs without incorporating misfit dislocations, which act as dark current generation sites. The Phase II deliverable will be a Dewar based photon-counting system for 2.0-micron wavelengths. Applications of this technology would immensely benefit spectral analysis in the range from a 1.0 micron to 2.0 micron solid-state photon counting detector. Geiger mode long wavelength APDs can be used in embedded spectrometers for remote sensing, gas detection, or in applications where weak fluorescence signals must be detected. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dries, John Sensors Unlimited, Inc NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0320061 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Pervasive Computing Hardware Nodes for Remote Sensing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I proposal considers new innovations in wireless communication and local positioning capabilities for pervasive computing hardware nodes. There are no suitable off-the-shelf hardware that can be used to deploy a pervasive application for use in real time remote sensing. The Phase I effort will focus on two specific innovations that would alleviate some of those limitations: Multi-modal wireless communications, including the simultaneous use of multiple radio frequency (RF) and non-RF techniques, to enable redundant transmissions and error recovery while closely guarding the system's power consumption and overall cost. Local positioning and tracking, so that when numerous sensors are placed in close proximity in a remote location (for example, within a few inches to yards of each other), their precise locations are automatically determined and broadcast. Tracking is an issue if any of the nodes are mobile. There are vast markets for pervasive computing hardware technology. In most cases, desired or necessary applications don't exist because deployment is either too expensive or not possible using existing off-the-shelf hardware and software. Some examples of such markets are inventory tracking and asset management, human physiological monitoring, machine health and diagnostics, battle theatre intelligence, telecommunications, and environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stewart, David EMBEDDED RESEARCH SOLUTIONS, INC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99998 5371 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0206000 Telecommunications 0320062 November 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: An Optical Sensor for Semiconductor Back-End Processes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to develop innovative miniature con-focal laser scanning sensors for semiconductor packaging processes by using diode laser detector array chips. There are no moving parts in this sensor for scanning, unlike other con-focal devices. This sensor with a fast imaging rate will be integrated with chip IC placement robot machines, to inspect solder bump co-planarity of Flip Chip Bonding (FCB) and the ball of Ball Grid Arrays (BGA) before packaging. BGA and FCB are used in mission critical devices in airplanes and medical devices. To ensure quality of the packaging, semiconductor-packaging companies demand lower cost, smaller, fast imaging optical sensors in the automatic optical co-planarity inspection instruments to ensure the reliability and quality of package assembly. The electronics industry's demands for increasing circuit density, higher levels of integration and improved cost/performance capabilities have led to the proliferation of the use of BGA and FCB. This will reduce chip failures and system failures. These high reliability devices may eventually save lives and improve the quality of life. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hang, Jim New Dimension Research MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 9107 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320072 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Microfluidic-Based Biosensor for Food Pathogen Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a portable, low-cost, multi-pathogen rapid detection instrument for food products. This instrument is expected to be fully integrated and will include a microfluidics-based bioseparator / bioreactor for pathogen capture and dual transducers for pathogen detection. The Phase I work will focus on the development of a proof of concept for the microfluidics-based bioseparator / bioreactor system. The commercial application of this project is in the area of food processing and food distribution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Su, Xiao-Li BIODETECTION INSTRUMENTS LLC AR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9150 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320074 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Developing Crop Plants with Wide-Spectrum Disease Resistance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop genetically engineered, broad-spectrum disease resistance in plants. Farmers spend a significant amount of money on fungicides every year to combat plant pathogens, yet enormous yield losses due to disease still occur. In addition, toxic chemicals as well as pathogen-produced toxins present human health and environmental concerns. Mendel Biotechnology has identified an Arabidopsis transcription factor, TDR1, that causes resistance to three pathogens when overexpressed in transgenic plants. TDR1 and three closely related genes will be tested in combination with several tissue specific or inducible promoters to identify combinations that confer a high degree of resistance without negative side effects. Expression patterns correlated with TDR1-based resistance will be detected using microarrray experiments to determine how this method will complement other strategies for genetically encoded resistance. Also, TDR1 orthologs will be identified in crop species to demonstrate conserved pathways and the likelihood of cross-species utility of this technology. Results from the proposed experiments will establish the feasibility of using a TDR1-based technology to produce disease resistance in crop plants. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of agriculture. The project aims to confer broad spectrum disease resistance in economically valuable crop plants such as maize, soybean, and sugar beets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Century, Karen Mendel Biotechnology Incorporated CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0320079 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nano-Aluminum Production for Lithium Ion Battery Electrodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop low-oxygen, nanometer-sized aluminum powders with a narrow particle size distribution to be employed in the anodes of lithium ion batteries. Specifically, this research addresses the need to process nanometer sized aluminum particles such that they do not spontaneously oxidize on contact with air or moisture so the particles may be handled in air. This project will examine ability of the Sodium Flame Encapsulation (SFE) process to produce a high-quality nanoscale aluminum powder. In addition the project will investigate a chemical processing strategy to deposit a thin protective oxide layer in order to protect the powder particle from catastrophic oxidation. Once the powder is manufactured, batteries will be fabricated and tested for performance. Commercially, the research will contribute to the development of products derived from the SFE process, initially limited to aluminum, but ultimately applicable to a wide range of nano-scale metals and ceramics. This research has the broader implication of bringing the SFE process for nanoparticles manufacture to commercial realization and it enables further discovery in the areas of materials processing for these new particles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gershenson, Harvey AP Materials, Inc. MO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9163 9147 1676 0106000 Materials Research 0320081 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Next Generation Fast Fourier Transform-Based Instrumentation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project offers a solution to the fundamental challenge facing the designers of the physical layer of diagnostic systems and scientific instruments. Many of these instruments currently monitor and analyze signals and systems in the frequency domain, and are used in virtually every technical endeavor. Currently these systems are compute-bound, either in speed or area/power. The Phase I aims to develop an innovative instrumentation technology, called GAUSS, that will achieve a new standard in speed/power performance and, in the process, enable the development of new and powerful test and measurement products. Using the proposed technology, engineers can rapidly enable system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions for the test and measurement market. Marketed as a semiconductor IP technology, the GAUSS technology can be used to develop both high-end and embedded SoC solutions. This powerful design paradigm will become available to design engineers responsible for developing the physical layer of future diagnostic and instrument products requiring ever increasing performance, lower cost margins, and time-to-market advantages. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lewis, Michael THE ATHENA GROUP INC FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1648 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320082 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Biosensor Signal Amplification by ElectroWetting On Dielectric (EWOD) Droplet Transport and Distillation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to apply electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) microdroplet transport technology and natural evaporation effects to increase biosensor sample concentration levels via droplet distillation. EWOD technology can generate droplets from an on-chip reservoir and achieve pad-by-pad transport of droplets over an electrode array. EWOD capabilities can digitize a fluidic volume into droplets for serial transport and distillation over a sensing site and provide high-speed droplet transport to "wash" a sensor free of unhybridized markers to reduce false positives. This proposed research will apply image recognition software and conductive sensing to evaluate the buildup of fluorescent microspheres and salinity over a sensing site achieved by droplet distillation. It is anticipated that EWOD capabilities will improve commercial biosensor performance by concentrating target molecules and reducing false positives with high-speed washing. The commercial applications of this project will be in the broad field of biosensing. The product will be utilized wherever low concentration measurements and multiple sampling are needed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Wayne Core MicroSolutions, Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99960 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320083 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Aerosol Collector for On-Line Analysis of Organics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to adressss the critical need for improved measurements of individual organic compounds in aerosol particles. Aerosols are crucially important due to their effects in global climate and human health, as well to industrial applications such as pharmaceutical drug delivery. This project seeks to develop a new Aerosol Collector Module (ACM) that will allow the accumulation of sufficient aerosol mass in an artifact-free manner for analysis of aerosol composition in near real-time with high- time resolution (< 30 min.) by a variety of analytical instruments. The ACM will use the techniques implemented by Aerodyne in its highly successful Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) to separate the aerosols from the gas phase. The ACM will consist of: 1) A new cryocollector 2) An interface module to thermally desorb the collected aerosol 3) A flow control. The commercial market for the ACM will include government, academic, and industrial research laboratories and may expand to include regulatory monitoring efforts and process industrial laboratories. The ACM will allow for the first time near real- time analysis of individual organic species present on aerosols and will be marketed at a significantly lower cost than existing analytical methods. The ability to measure aerosol size-resolved organic composition is needed for understanding and mitigating the climate impacts and health effects of particulate matter, and for the characterization and improvement of industrial aerosol technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Worsnop, Douglas Aerodyne Research Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1518 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0320087 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Tissue Engineered Cartilage for Drug Discovery. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to define methodology to facilitate the growth of engineered cartilage tissue for use in a multi-well culture system for drug discovery. Culture systems, which are currently available to study the affect of potential therapeutic factors in degenerative joint disease, are less than ideal for shedding light upon the anabolic and catabolic processes which are taking place. The purpose of this proposal is 1) to define culture conditions for the de novo formation of engineered cartilage tissue, 2) to adapt the methodology for the preparation in vitro of cartilage tissue with defined properties for use in a multi-well culture system, and 3) to develop a system of standard operating procedures and quality control measures for tissue production. Engineered cartilage tissue will offer an alternative to expensive animal studies and provide the option of utilizing human tissue. The studies outlined here will test the influence of factors on the anabolic and catabolic aspects of cartilage matrix turnover and cartilage matrix maturation. This work will ideally lead to an inexpensive commercially available semi-automated cartilage culture system promoting efficient drug discovery and efficacy and toxicology testing. The commercial application of this project will be for use by researchers in the field of joint and bone therapies. Major pharmaceutical companies and research institutes (e.g. NIH) could use the cartilage culture system to identify and test new drugs for cartilage repair and growth. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pfister, Brian Articular Engineering, LLC IL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320092 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Combining Time Compressed Synthetic Pulses and Frequency Scalable Antennae to Optimize UWB Sensor Dynamic Range. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to capitalize on evolving concepts for sensor optimization that will facilitate the detection of human targets through caves, hillsides, buildings, foliage, fog, and other opaque materials. This technology will have broad application in homeland security, airport security, hostile police action, high school and other hostage events, and for search and rescue. The phase I effort will include a feasibility study of simulated and real data to determine if novel pulse and antennae geometries will simultaneously enhance the dynamic range and resolution of evolving ultra-wideband sensing. The hypothesis of this proposal suggests that these improvements will facilitate unattended remote sensing of human and other targets through a wider range of materials without sacrificing extended range, resolution, and clutter suppression. This effort will include field measurements to assess the initial potential of select pulse shapes, antenna geometries, and loading schemes to detect humans through a variety of low-loss and high-loss opaque materials. There are two primary applications for this technology, situational awareness and subsurface investigation. The former, which is the most attractive for early market entry, comprises homeland security, police/fire/search and rescue, and military actions where the location of human subjects and the detection of possible weapons on the opposite side of walls, vegetation, snow, fire, fog, darkness, smoke, or other opaque media is sought. The latter includes geophysical exploration, ore body investigation, utility detection and location, road-bed and bridge subsurface scans for cracks and voids, and unattended ground sensing from a fixed point to assess subsurface changes that can be used to predict earth or structural failure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Askildsen, Bernt REALTRONICS CORPORATION SD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 CVIS 9148 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0320100 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Packaging of Structural Health Monitoring Micro-Components. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)Phase I project will develop manufacturing, packaging and interface concepts for critical Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) components. The intention is to be able to cheaply manufacture robust actuator/sensors wafers, and isolate them from harsh operating environments including natural, mechanical, or electrical extremes. Currently the issues related to SHM system durability have remained unaddressed. In this project, microfabrication techniques will be developed to fabricate, assemble, wire and package the SHM system components for robust operation. In particular, in Phase I of this project, the piezoelectric actuators and sensor used for damage detection will be packaged, and then tested in hot and wet conditions. Research continued through a Phase II program would aim to package the other supporting components such as the battery and wireless chip, as well as integrating all of these components together for operation. Commercially, SHM technologies have the potential for many economic benefits in a broad range of commercial and defense markets. These systems can be utilized by structures from military or civil aircraft, to cars, ships or spacecraft. The first major benefit is that health monitoring eliminates the need for scheduled inspections. A second major economic benefit is that a continuously monitoring system would allow for the use of the much more efficient condition based maintenance (CBM) design methodology of a structure, otherwise known as need-based repair. A third benefit would be from increased service time of the structure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kessler, Seth Simon Spearing Metis Design Corporation MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99999 5371 1505 OTHR MANU 9146 5514 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0203000 Health 0320102 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Toober-Based Molecular Modeling Kit: A New Tool for Teaching Molecular Literacy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Molecular Modeling Kit that will be used by educators to introduce their students to concepts of molecular structure and function. This Modeling Kit will be based on the use of toobers, foam tubes with moldable wire that allows the tubes to hold their shape. One technical objective of this project is to further develop the foam fabrication technology to allow the production of a thin toober that will be suitable for this modeling kit. In addition, a minimal set of ancillary components of the modeling kit will be designed and prototyped. These components include (i) both an alpha helix and a beta sheet bending jig, (ii) a connector that will allow different colored toobers to be joined together, and (iii) cross-linking elements that will allow the final model to be stabilized. As the final objective of this project, curricular modules based on the use of this modeling kit will be developed and field-tested with teachers and students at the high school and undergraduate levels. The commercial application of this project will be in the education market. The modeling kit developed in this project will be marketed to educators at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Patrick, Michael 3D Molecular Designs, LLC WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99738 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320112 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Low Cost Infrared Sensor for Trace Gas Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will study the feasibility of the development of a low cost infrared sensor for the monitoring and detection of ethylene oxide (ETO). ETO is widely used in the chemical industry as a feedstock chemical, and is most commonly used as a sterilant gas in hospitals and related facilities. ETO is very toxic to humans (the OSHA TWA-TLV is 1 ppm), and is also a suspected carcinogen. Currently, the two most frequently used methods for monitoring ETO in the workplace are electrochemical gas sensors and gas chromatography (GC), both of which have several drawbacks and neither adequately meet the current federal regulations. In this research, a low cost monitoring and detection sensor based on infrared spectroscopy will be developed. The investigators fully expect the commercial version of the sensor will not only benefit the medical industry, but will also have potential benefits in the safety, industrial, and chemical industries where gas detection and monitoring are critical for worker safety. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Warburton, P. Richard Praesidium Technologies, Inc. PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99587 5371 CVIS 1636 1402 1179 1059 0203000 Health 0320113 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Homogeneous, High-Efficiency TiO2 and YVO4 Birefringent Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will prove that homogeneous, low-loss TiO2 and YVO4 crystals can be produced via commercially viable hydro-thermal crystal growth processes. Recently, a program to grow homogeneous YVO4 and TiO2 birefringent crystals using hydro-thermal growth methods had preliminary results that indicate that these crystals can be grown in hydro-thermal solutions at ~ 500 degrees C. The crystals appear to have superior optical properties. In particular, hydro-thermal TiO2 and YVO4 should display greatly improved birefringence homogeneity and lower optical loss. These improvements will allow more compact, higher performance, higher efficiency components used in optics, photonics, telecom, and laser devices, equipment, and systems. The broader impact of this technology would be as optical switching, optical, and networking. The demand for crystals used in optical components is expected to skyrocket. Over 10 million optical components (isolators, circulators, beam splitters, etc.) were sold in 2001, and that demand is expected to increase significantly in the next few years. The number of crystals used in optical components is expected to be three orders of magnitude higher than the volume used in solid state lasers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Giesber, Henry ADVANCED PHOTONIC CRYSTALS, LLC SC T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99955 5371 HPCC 9215 9150 9146 1775 0110000 Technology Transfer 0116000 Human Subjects 0320115 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Hydrothermal Growth of Ultra-High Performance Nd:YVO4 Laser Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will work to develop the concept that ultra-high performance Nd: YVO4 laser crystals can be grown via a commercially viable hydrothermal processes. Recently, Nd: YVO4 crystal growth program using proprietary hydrothermal growth methods has been developed. Preliminary results indicate that low defect Nd: YVO4 can be grown in aqueous base at ~ 500 microC. These crystals appear to have greatly superior optical properties. Hydrothermal Nd: YVO4 crystals will enable the development of new, higher efficiency, higher performance, lower cost diode pumped solid state lasers that emit at 1064, 532, 355, 266, and 190nm. In this Phase I program, two novel hydrothermal synthetic pathways to the production of single crystal, Nd: YVO4, will be developed and optimized at a scaleable and commercially viable hydrothermal growth process for the production of mm-scale crystals. The optical properties of these crystals will be characterized and a comparison will be made against similar commercially available optical materials. The market for Nd: YVO4 in 2002 was estimated to range from $6-$10 MM. It is almost ideal for DPSS lasers, and Nd: YVO4 is rapidly becoming the material of choice for DPSS laser manufacturers. The growth of this material is projected to be $16-$21 MM by 2005, and thereafter at 25% annually. Hydrothermal Nd: YVO4 crystals will be used to make higher efficiency, higher performance, lower cost diode pumped solid state lasers; these lasers will emit at 1064, 532, and 355, 266, and 190 nm. Because of the advantages and benefits of hydrothermal Nd: YVO4 crystals, the material will rapidly displace existing Nd: YVO4 crystals in most, if not all, diode pumped solid-state laser applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Giesber, Henry ADVANCED PHOTONIC CRYSTALS, LLC SC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99955 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0320128 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Yb:KGW for High Power and Ultrafast Lasers. This Small Business Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of scaling Yb:KGW based lasers to high powers and high beam quality through well controlled crystal growth of high quality crystals, accurate measurement of critical materials properties, and extrapolation of performance and manufacturability. Ytterbium (Yb) doped lasers are appealing for high power applications due to efficient diode pumping by commercially available diode lasers in the 900-980 nm spectral range. Yb:KGW is interesting in that high Yb doping concentrations are achievable. More significant are the unique properties of efficient self-cooling through anti-Stokes fluorescence and beam cleanup through stimulated Raman scattering. Another application exploits the wide emission bandwidth for mode-locked femtosecond pulses of high peak power leading to new sources for nonlinear spectroscopy and commercial high power pulsed sources. Critical data required to extrapolate the effectiveness of power scaling Yb:KGW lasers have been obtained from crystals of variable quality and from a limited subset of possible crystal compositions. The broader impacts of this technology would be for commercial solid state laser systems. Significant advances in the fields of industrial, medical, and research laser applications can be anticipated. Power scaling and reduced thermal management requirements lead to more efficient and lower cost high power 1m industrial lasers used in materials processing (cutting, welding, marking). Medical laser applications include therapeutic and surgical lasers, and picosecond pulse hard tissue dental lasers. Direct diode pumping allows for simple mode-locked ultrafast systems with reduced complexity and cost over conventional argon ion or frequency doubled Nd:YAG-pumped Ti:sapphire systems. In addition, the 1m mode-locked operation extends beyond the 900 nm limit of Ti:Sapphire creating new possibilities for optical parametric oscillator pump sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wechsler, Barry NOVA PHASE INC NJ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99993 5371 OTHR 1775 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320135 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Low Voltage Ultrafast Traveling Wave Modulator. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate a low-voltage waveguide modulator device, capable of operation at speeds up to 40 Gb/s. Ultimately, this device will be capable of operating at speeds up to 100 Gb/s, with drive voltages as low as 4 volts. The enabling technology for these devices is a process for deposition and patterning of single crystal LiNbO3 thin films. The full potential of LiNbO3 electro-optical devices has not been realized, due to the limitations of producing them by diffusion processes in bulk crystals. This new approach to developing this technology will open the way for a new class of electro-optical devices. This work will transition the epitaxial LiNbO3 film technology to commercial viability. A commercial supplier of electro-optical components will collaborate to provide technical guidance during this effort. Fiber optic networks are being implemented in industry, defense and domestic and international telecommunications. The proposed technology will enable new products that will add increased speed, capacity and flexibility to growing optical communications networks. It is anticipated that products developed from this effort will achieve a significant market share by the year 2005. This technology will be applied to devices for all-optical computing systems, which also require single crystal films of non-linear materials such as LiNbO SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sbrockey, Nick Leon McCaughan STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0320143 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Portable Bioluminescence Regenerative Cycle (BRC) Detector for Nucleic Acid Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will result in the design, development, and prototype of a portable device for nucleic acid detection and quantification for research and medical diagnostics applications. Currently, most of the conventional molecular detection platforms are complex, delicate and bulky devices. Additionally, the associated biochemical procedures are expensive, highly labor intensive, require skilled personnel, and often take days or weeks to complete. There is a need for the development of inexpensive techniques and portable biosensors for environmental, basic research and biomedical diagnostics. It is proposed to develop a prototype device consisting of a compact photo-detector, sensor array, and temperature controlled reaction chamber. An ultra-sensitive novel nucleic acid detection assay, Bioluminescence Regenerative Cycle (BRC), will be integrated into the proposed prototype instrument to overcome the drawbacks of current biological assays. This work will ultimately result in a handheld device that is simple and easy to use for non-expert operators, even outside of the laboratory, for applications such as analysis of patient samples in a doctor's office or student research projects in a classroom setting. This device can also be adapted for consumer and industry-based environmental monitoring for applications requiring fast and sensitive detection and identification of biological agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nock, Steffen Xagros Technologies CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99970 5371 HPCC 9197 9139 9107 0104000 Information Systems 0320149 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Speed MS^n (Molecular Sequencing) Sequencing and Structure Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to test the feasibility of a new method for achieving high-speed sequencing and structure analysis of drug and biological molecules. The proposed work is expected to demonstrate about 10x faster analysis speeds using quadrupole ion trap, time-of-flight (QitTOF) mass spectrometer (MS). The main test will be new MSn sequencing routines that will benefit conventional ion trap MS as well as QitTOF MS. The goal is to achieve sequencing and structure information for fast chromatographic methods such as capillary liquid chromatography (LC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). In this work we will demonstrate these capabilities for protein digest mixtures of peptides using a CE / QitTOF MS. Furthermore, the TOF analyzer has the potential to measure accurate masses for elemental composition. This capability will be tested for fragment loss accurate mass analysis. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of proteomics. There is a tremendous need to develop automated methods of protein analysis and peptide analysis of cell lines to better understand global biological function for improved drug therapy and early detection of disease, such as cancer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Syage, Jack SYAGEN TECHNOLOGY INC CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99892 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320157 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Research to Develop a MEMS Based Multiobject Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to do the background research work needed to enable the fabrication of a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) based multi-object specrometer (MOS). Such an instrument would allow the spectral signatures of many hundreds of targets in the field of view of the fore optics of the MOS to be acquired simultaneously. The key component of the systems is a MEMS array of micro mirrors that allow light to be directed at either an imaging camera or into a true imaging spectrometer. Measurement and understand of the scattering from such micromirror arrays need to be understood so that an end-to-end design can be developed for such a system. This design has mechanical, optical and electronic parts that need to be seamlessly integrated. Multi-object spectrometers of various types are already in use, however, they tend to be either extremely large or expensive, or very limited in capability. Astronomers at some of the largest facility use either fibers or masks to provide the field selection ahead of the spectrometers. Unfortunately, these instruments to be very large and not suitable for use on smaller optical systems. Specific markets would be observatories of the many universities and colleges, in remote sensing for example in monitoring plumes emanating from smoke stacks or the trails of rockets and missiles, coupled to optical microscopes to allow sequences of spectra to be obtained of cells as they move and interact in the field of view. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kearney, Kevin Pixel Physics, Inc. FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99934 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0320162 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Nonlinear Optical Films For Ultrafast Photonics. This Small Business Innovation Research program is to develop a novel technology for fabricating organic nonlinear optical (NLO) composite films that are ideal for photonics. The unprecedented performance for light modulation, switching, frequency conversion and other optical signal processing can be achieved: smaller device sizes, lower driving voltages, to name a few. This breakthrough technology has immense commercial potential in sectors of optical communications and information processing. The proposed film technology takes advantage of organic NLO crystals, which are known to have the highest NLO properties. The technology utilizes the alignment of NLO guest molecules in a host of self-ordered liquid crystal matrix. Field poling is used, if necessary, to remove the centro-symmetry. Advanced processing further enhances NLO properties of the films. Due to coherent interactions, the NLO properties of these films can approach those of bulk organic crystals. Moreover, temporal and thermal stability of the NLO properties is enhanced due to naturally ordered host. The proposed NLO material technology can also used to fabricate low-cost, ultrahigh-performance photonics, such as modulators, switches, phase shifters, beam steering devices that have immediate commercial use. For example, these devices are the enabling components to realize broadband, high-speed, all-optical communication, which has a multi-billion market SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fan, Bunsen Reveo Incorporated NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99728 5371 AMPP 9163 9139 1517 0522100 High Technology Materials 0320167 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Bio-molecular Sequence Recovery Using Statistical Signal Processing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop signal processing methods that allow for real-time sequence recovery of bio-molecules such as DNA. The idea is to use a single simple experiment and to shift the burden of analysis and identification to signal processing. The methodology allows for the use of simple instrumentation (platforms, detectors, sensors, etc.) and compensates for them by using advanced signal processing techniques, thereby making it ideally suited for many biotechnology applications. Although the problem encountered is mathematically one of blind de-convolution, what distinguishes the problem in its molecular biology applications is the sheer number of signature signals involved that form the aggregate signal. In this project, a novel solution based on statistical signal processing will be developed. The technique will explicitly exploit the large number of signals involved and will use a combination of the law of large numbers and Wiener filtering theory. The commercial application of this project is in the area of Genomics. The methodology will allow for inexpensive real-time DNA sequencing. Since the required instrumentation is relatively simple and the burden is shifted to signal processing and computation (which can be implemented directly in standard digital-signal-processing (DSP) chips), the detection method could be readily integrated into a hand-held device. Such a Point-of-Care (POC) device could be used for industrial and laboratory molecular diagnostics applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pourmand, Nader Xagros Technologies CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 66237 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320186 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Anthocyanin Signaling of Heavy Metal Contamination. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to develop an innovative, cost-effective, real time biosensor system that uses plants to monitor water and soil quality. Monitoring heavy metal contaminants in the environment, particularly in large or remote areas, is often cost-prohibitive due to the expense of the extensive sampling required to adequately assess heterogeneous distribution of the contaminants. The development of plant biosensors that indicate the presence of heavy metals could offer high spatial resolution, standoff reporting, ready scaling to large treatment areas, and continuous operation of an in-situ monitoring approach. The system could be used to detect and monitor metal concentrations in contaminated soil, water, or landfill leachate, before, during and after remedial activities, and used for risk assessment by monitoring the levels of bioavailable metals in the environment. This Phase I project seeks to take advantage of recent discoveries of a metal responsive promoter in Brassica juncea and link it to overexpression of anthocyanin production. The production of anthocyanins in response to metal uptake by the plant will create a visible (i.e., purple coloration) indicator of metal accumulation. By transforming plants with the anthocyanin regulatory gene, B, which activates anthocyanin production under the control of a metal responsive promoter (MRP) element, this project will develop plants that express high levels of anthocyanins only in the presence of certain metal ions. Such plants could then be used to monitor the concentration of pollutant metal ions. The development would also provide a valuable research tool for studying heavy metal accumulation in plants. The commercial application of this project is in the area of detection of heavy metal contaminants in soil. Improving the ability to accurately monitor and assess heavy metal contamination will improve awareness of contaminated areas and provide a low cost assessment of private sites by homeowners, farmers, and industry. Of particular usefulness would be the ability of farmers to detect the potential bioavailability of heavy metals to food crops. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Blaylock, Michael EDENSPACE SYSTEMS CORP VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9104 0110000 Technology Transfer 0313040 Water Pollution 0320195 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Closed Loop Drug Delivery System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a device to deliver therapeutic drugs in a controlled and monitored manner. This device will be used to control delivery of therapeutic doses of drugs, and to monitor blood levels of such drugs continuously, with on-demand administration, in order to minimize the dosage fluctuation that occurs through oral and injection administration. As an example, many patients with biphasic psychological disorders benefit from the use of lithium, including those that suffer from acute manic and hypomanic episodes in bipolar disorder, and for maintenance therapy to help diminish the intensity and frequency of subsequent manic episodes. The therapeutic window of effectiveness of lithium carbonate is very narrow. Due to the potential toxicity of lithium at blood levels close to therapeutic concentrations, monitoring lithium levels is absolutely essential. This Phase I project will develop a needleless lithium carbonate delivery/monitoring system (LDMS) capable of injecting sufficient quantities of this therapeutic agent, non-invasively through transdermal delivery mechanisms, to maintain optimal blood levels of lithium carbonate over extended periods of time. The initial commercial application of this project will be in the delivery of lithium carbonate medication to patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million American every year. The most recognized treatment for this disease involves the delivery of psychotropic medications to affected individuals. Many of these and other drugs have very narrow therapeutic windows that are often at or near toxic levels. A closed loop drug delivery system can efficiently deliver and monitor these medications in a controlled manner. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cantor, Hal Advanced Sensor Technologies, Inc. MI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99993 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0320196 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Disposable, High-Purity, Plastic Bag Bioreactor with Levitated Impeller. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to design, fabricate and test a single-use, affordable bioreactor based on a stirred plastic mixing bag. The central challenge in developing a practical single-use bioreactor is to provide efficient mixing in sterile, hermetically sealed plastic bags, ranging in capacities from 10 liters through 1000 liters. This project will address this problem by using a superconducting stator that will stably levitate a single-use mixing impeller within the bag, thus eliminating physical contact with its walls. In this way, the usual impeller drive, shaft, bearings and associated seals will be eliminated. The design will combine the superior mixing properties of traditional metal tanks with the disposability of plastic bags, and will incorporate low-cost, disposable remote pH sensors, oxygen sensors and gas spargers. In the Phase I project, the feasibility of producing novel terpenes by genetically engineered yeast will be demonstrated using such a bioreactor. The commercial application of this project is in the area of bioprocessing. The bioreactor is expected to be useful for both mammalian cell cultures and microbial fermentations. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Terentiev, Alex LevTech, Inc KY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99700 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320197 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Use of Phase-Transition Biopolymers as Novel Enzyme Carriers for Biocatalysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes develop unique biopolymers as carriers for enzymes used for biocatalysis. Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are a new class of biopolymers, which undergo a reversible, inverse phase transition. When coupled to enzymes as a fusion partner, the ELP can act as a soluble carrier for performing biocatalysis (below the transition temperature) and an insoluble carrier for isolation and recovery of the enzyme (above the transition temperature). The research objectives of the Phase I project include : (1) Design and synthesis of a series of ELP enzyme carriers, each with different properties ; (2) Expression and characterization of ELP enzyme carriers in terms of transition temperature and salt susceptibility ; (3) Optimization of expression and purification of recombinant glycosylation enzyme-ELP carrier fusion proteins in terms of soluble protein, and (4) Quantitation and optimization of glycosylation enzyme activity for the fusion protein relative to native enzyme and extent of recovery of enzyme post-phase transition. The commercial application of this project is in the area of enzymes as relevant to the markets for food manufacturing and fine chemicals. Examples include production of sweeteners and antibiotics. Additional applications are expected in the area of protein therapeutics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rose, Don Phase Bioscience NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320211 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Biological Aerosol Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to investigate a novel technology concept, time-resolved, integrated laser-induced fluorescence, for the detection of airborne microbes. Some present detectors function poorly in the presence of diesel fumes or other pollutants, limiting their utility in urban areas. This novel detection device will not be susceptible to pollutant interference and would be simpler and less expensive than present detectors. Proof of concept requires measurement of fluorescence parameters for urban pollutants that are presently unknown so that the chosen parameters for biological aerosols can be shown to be distinctive. The commercial applications of this project include detection of pathogens in homes, hotels, offices, and in the food distribution system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Barney, William TIAX LLC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99945 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320214 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: New Biological/Inorganic Nanomaterials for Photovoltaic Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will develop a unique combination of biological and inorganic materials for fabrication of nanostructured photovoltaic (PV) or solar cells. Photovoltaic cells offer an attractive low cost and renewable source of energy, which is becoming increasingly competitive to conventional sources as the materials used in their construction become more efficient in converting the solar energy to electricity. Current commercial PV cells use inorganic materials, e.g., silicon, amorphous-silicon, or thin layers of gallium arsenide, indium phosphide and cadmium telluride, the semiconductor materials with bandgap energies very near to optimal values for energy conversion in PV solar cells. Unfortunately their fabrication is complex and they cannot compete with the cost of conventional energy sources. For instance, even thin layers of GaAs and InP used in the solar cells are very expensive and some of them, e.g., CdTe may be environmentally unacceptable because of their toxicity. Recent developments in nanotechnology offer material design control at the nano- and molecular scale allowing the properties of the materials to be orderly controlled, taking advantages of the high surface area of nanostructured materials. The broader impacts from this technology would be a new type of nanostructured photovoltaic panel which would capture solar energy in a more efficient way and that could make this source more cost effective. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fu, Tsu-Ju Inventis, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1775 1676 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0320215 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Multipass Second Harmonic Generation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop innovative blue and green lasers based on multi-pass second harmonic generation (SHG). It utilizes a simple Galilean telescope to solve many of the problems associated with this promising technical approach. The goal of the Phase I feasibility study is to develop a multi-pass SHG laser with 20 milliwatts of output power and excellent beam quality. The proposed lasers are expected to be 2 to 5 times more reliable than argon ion and frequency-doubled Nd:YAG lasers (20,000 hours mean time to first failure vs. 4,000 to 10,000 hours). In quantity, the parts for the proposed lasers would cost about $625 (vs. several thousand dollars for a frequency-doubled YAG laser). The commercial applications of this project are in bio-instrumentation (light-induced fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, capillary electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, and confocal microscopy), semiconductor inspection (photomask inspection, wafer alignment, confocal microscopy, and wafer process monitoring), and reprographics (high-speed laser printers, video CD storage, and medical imaging and diagnostics). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sanders, Steve PICARRO INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0320224 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of High Strength Polymers for Utilization as Biodegradable Fracture Fixation Devices in Bone Repair. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop high strength biodegradable polymers with mechanical properties sufficient to function as fracture fixation devices in high load bearing applications. The majority of fractures today are fixed with metallic devices but to prevent bone atrophy, these may require a second surgery to remove the device after bone healing has occurred. By using resorbing biodegradable devices, the need for the second surgical procedure is eliminated. At this time, commercially available biodegradable devices do not have sufficient mechanical strength for high load bearing applications. Prior work has shown that a new class of synthetic, degradable polymers derived from tyrosine, may be useful in bone repair. The objective of this Phase I project is to structurally modify these biomaterials and demonstrate that the modified structures posses an optimal combination of mechanical properties and degradation rate. The commercial application of this project is in the area of orthopedics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schwartz, Arthur Advanced Materials Design, LLC NJ Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 96352 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320238 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: MIDI Messenger: Providing Accessibility to the Musical Instrument Digital Interface.. This Small Business and Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to provide accessibility to the blind and visually impaired American consumers that are severely limited as to what features they can take advantage of on Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) devices, such as electronic musical keyboards, because most, if not all, MIDI devices have inaccessible user interfaces. These interfaces are inaccessible primarily because their displays are purely visual. Membrane-type buttons can also hamper accessibility. Sound selection, creation and manipulation are just some of the basic MIDI device functions that musicians need to be able access but cannot do so at present. Music students also need access to this functionality so that they can learn and understand sound synthesis. This project will investigate the feasibility of making MIDI devices accessible to visually impaired musicians. This project will try to solve these accessibility problems with two separate approaches. The first approach will provide access to the display information of some MIDI devices. The second approach will provide control over other MIDI devices. The success of each approach will be used to determine how much effort should be applied to each approach in the next phase of the project, which will concentrate on adding support for more devices and more features for these devices. The proposed activity will lead to a product that will provide blind musicians unprecedented access to musical devices. MIDI Messenger software will be marketed to visually impaired musicians who want to have more access to their MIDI devices and also to some sighted musicians who wish to control their MIDI devices in a live setting with a PDA, for example. If the product becomes popular in the accessibility market, household appliance and ATM machine manufacturers may be more likely to implement the interface. It is notable that this technology has the potential for making other non-musical appliances accessible in a manner that does not involve electronic hardware devices that are unique to each model, as has been the case heretofore. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Milani, Albert Dancing Dots Braille Music Technology PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 5345 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320239 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High Temperature High Resolution Cesium-Antimony Semiconductor Gamma Spectroscopy Detectors for Borehole Radiochemical. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project aims to construct a novel elevated temperature gamma ray spectroscopy detector for borehole nuclear geochemistry. Cesium-Antimony (Cs3Sb) is a semiconductor widely used commercially for thin film vacuum photocathodes. In single crystal form, it has many properties superior to Ge for gamma radiation detection: (1) a lower electron-hole pair energy (2 eV vs 3 eV) for better intrinsic energy resolution; (2) a higher bandgap (1.6 vs 0.7 eV) for low thermal noise, even lower than CdTe and operation at room or elevated temperatures; and (3) a higher Z (55 & 51, vs 32) for a stopping power 4-5 times greater ~ MeV gamma rays. In Phase I, the aim is to grow sufficiently large crystals of Cs3Sb, and fabricate them into environmentally (oxygen, water vapor) protected room temperature radiation detectors, to demonstrate that they may become the future of gamma ray detectors. These detectors could replace NaI(Tl) and other scintillator detectors, and SiLi and HPGe gamma ray spectroscopy detectors in industrial and medical analytical instrumentation. This development will enable new scientific instrumentation used in research and education in chemistry, physics, planetary science, astrophysics, biology, medicine and other places where x- and gamma- rays are used. The results will be widely disseminated and published. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Beetz, Charles NANOSCIENCES CORP CT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1518 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 0320242 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Library Design Algorithms for Active Learning in Drug Discovery. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a software platform for intelligent library design in small molecule drug discovery. High throughput chemistry and screening technologies combined with a growing list of drug targets from genomics are flooding the drug discovery process with data. Data mining methods are routinely applied to attempt to extract valuable knowledge from these large data sets and build predictive models. However, to maximize the perceptive power of these methods, the size of a data set is secondary to its information content. This project will conduct research towards the development of new algorithms for information-driven library design that enable successful data mining and the rapid construction of robust predictive models for activity. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of drug discovery. Efficient library design and subset selection are expected to maximize the potential of high throughput methods for identifying promising drug candidates in the pharmaceutical industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Penzotti, Julie Rational Discovery, LLC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99189 5371 BIOT 9181 9139 9102 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320253 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Fabrication of Very High Efficiency Gratings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to address the need for large highly efficient gratings as essential components of astronomical, spectroscopic, and optical telecommunications equipment. The goal of the proposed research program is to develop a hybrid manufacturing process combining holography and preferential chemical etching to produce large area diffraction gratings on both planar and curved surfaces that exhibit higher efficiency than gratings manufactured with current techniques. These gratings can be used as dispersing elements and optical filters in astronomical instruments, as extremely narrow band pass filters in pump lasers for optical telecommunications, and as multiplexers and de-multiplexers for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) equipment. Of particular significance will be the ability to produce large area efficient gratings on concave surfaces. This will allow dispersion and focusing functions to combine within the same optical element on space-based telescopes. Diffraction gratings produced using current generation techniques such as ruling engines, holography, and E-beam mask writers can be improved upon greatly in terms of efficiency, cost, and material performance (such as thermal and chemical stability). Highly efficient, large area, planar or curved, diffractive structures made of non out-gassing materials are of great interest to institutions and companies in the fields of astronomy, spectroscopy, laser manufacture, and optical telecommunications. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Kogut, Robert Diffraction Ltd VT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 9150 EGCH 9197 0106000 Materials Research 0320262 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Supply Tracking for Smart Anesthesia Workstation using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop proof of concept for the passive inventory control component of a Smart Anesthesia Workstation. The current standard is a non-automated lock-and-key Bluebell cart that requires frequent manual inventory counting and restocking. Newer solutions, with multiple log-in functions, restrict immediate access to critical supplies, a danger to patients during emergencies. This Phase I project will use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology in the Smart Workstation to provide transparent inventory control, passively tracking and recording all supply transactions. The Smart Workstation will require no changes in current practice, yet could improve patient care through enhanced safety, reliable stocking, and robust inventory control. This research will chart current anesthesia processes, design a system capable of recognizing multiple RFID tags simultaneously, design the optimal workstation architecture, and determine tag specifications. The commercial application of this project will be in human healthcare in a hospital setting. This Phase I project is expected to result in the development of a Smart Workstation proven to track transactions accurately and transparently. Ultimately, this system will identify and track the clinician, the supply or drug being administered and the patient. It will serve as a passive patient safety system, a billing system and a materials management system for hospitals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sriharto, Timur Mobile Aspects Inc. PA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99424 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320274 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Isolating, Locating and Tracking Target Anomalies in Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Sensor Data. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will capitalize on evolving concepts for sensor optimization that will facilitate homeland security by detecting and tracking human targets through foliage, building walls, fog, and other opaque materials. This work will explore repeatable methods to extract target anomalies from ground sensor data and employ statistical methods to mitigate false alarms and track these anomalies. This work capitalizes on target-induced amplitude and phase distortions in the reflected signal to generate an observation set comprised of isolated and potentially classifiable anomalies. The combined approach facilitates extraction of challenging targets such as dismounted terrorist forces in the presence of clutter and neighboring targets. Statistical methods to track these targets also facilitate data fusion from numerous sensors, which simultaneously increases target discrimination and sensor coverage. This technology will have broad application in airport security, hostile police action, high school and other hostage events, and for search and rescue. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Askildsen, Bernt REALTRONICS CORPORATION SD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1059 1038 0206000 Telecommunications 0320281 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Integration of Radio Front End Using Radio Frequency Micro-electro-Mechanical Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will investigate breakthrough improvements in radio frequency (RF) electronics for wireless portable devices, including cellular telephones and wireless local area network (LAN) elements. The focus is on the radio transceiver, or "front-end," circuitry: that portion of the wireless device that first receives signals from the antenna, or finally sends them to the antenna for transmission. This project is important because the rate of improvement in the performance and usefulness of wireless devices is hindered by difficulty in miniaturizing and combining certain components (like inductors, capacitors, and filters) with other microelectronics. The project goal will be achieved by combining micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices with RF circuitry in synergistic ways. The novelty lies in monolithically building ultra low-loss RF MEMS switches with microcoils, to yield electronically reconfigurable, high Q inductors, and thereby enable frequency-agile devices. Additionally, the project will include design of more complex MEMSplus RF-device combinations, the latter including variable capacitors and active circuit elements, to explore greater implementation possibilities. Significant innovation in microfabrication technology and device design will be required, covering both MEMS and non-MEMS elements. This technology will be used by high volume component manufacturing partners and cell phone producers. This will make the solutions emerging from this project broadly available commercially, at low cost. A successful implementation will have a broad, important impact on reducing cost, increasing functionality, and increasingly the data handling capacity of next generation wireless handheld devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Miracky, Robert Teravicta Technologies, Inc. TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99931 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0522400 Information Systems 0320299 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Online Chiral Detector for Industrial Bioprocessing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an online chiral detector for industrial bioprocessing. Manufacturers in the fine chemicals and food additives market are constantly searching for ways to improve quality control in their manufacturing process lines. Online instrumentation is preferred to batch sampling, especially in continuous processes, to maintain more consistent product quality and to enable a quick response to process aberrations that may result in an off specification product. The objective of this project is to build a robust generalizable online detector specific for chiral molecules that is inexpensive, robust enough for manufacturing lines, and has the sensitivity required for quality control. The commercial application of this project will be in the pharmaceutical and specialty chemical processing markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gibbs, Phillip Stheno LLC GA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 94103 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320302 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Novel Instrumentation for Methane Flux Measurements in Ambient Air. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to support the development of a compact, rugged instrument for field measurements of methane flux. The instrument is based on a new technology called Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (Off-Axis ICOS) combined with established eddy covariance techniques. This novel instrument will measure methane flux with high sensitivity, accuracy and specificity in real time. The instrument combines inexpensive, robust telecommunications-grade near-infrared diode lasers with Off-Axis ICOS, a patented innovative technology that provides extremely long optical paths (several kilometers typical) to yield an instrument capable of continuously recording data in the field with state-of-the-art precision (better than 0.2% uncertainty at a 10-Hz rate). By significantly increasing the accuracy of methane flux measurements in the field, the instrument will significantly enhance studies of global warming and facilitate multi-year studies and comparisons between geographically distant sites. These studies (which could involve using the instruments aboard airplanes to enable wide coverage and to correlate with satellite images) will help quantify the global carbon cycle on small and large spatial scales, and enable scientists to generate more reliable models of climate change and to determine environmental impact. The proposed instrument is hoped to exceed current performance levels in accuracy, sensitivity, speed and reliability and thus compete favorably against existing technology (gas chromatographs, flame ionization detectors). As a result, the proposed novel instrument has several commercial applications including industrial process control, vehicle engine testing, and atmospheric and environmental monitoring. For industrial process control, the instrument may be applied to real-time measurements of multiple pollutants in petrochemical and chemical production plants and in vehicle test facilities, and for on-site mud gas analyses in oil and gas exploration, where existing technology is too slow, expensive or insensitive. In engine testing, for example, the proposed instrument should provide measurements with a faster response and a sensitivity that is three orders of magnitude better than current techniques. In addition, the low cost, portability, and reliability of the instrument should enable researchers in atmospheric chemistry, geology, biology and ecology to more accurately monitor, and determine the sources and sinks of, greenhouse gases and pollutants in the field and on board aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baer, Douglas LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9216 1518 0206000 Telecommunications 0320308 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Controlled Energy Storage and Release in an Intelligent Prosthetic Foot. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to develop an intelligent prosthetic foot that reduces the energy consumption of walking in amputees. Commercial prostheses use passive mechanisms to provide articulation, cushioning against heel impact, and elastic energy return; yet the energetic cost of amputee walking is high. Currently the most sophisticated prostheses are intelligent knees, which improve gait by actively controlling braking of the knee. Based on recent laboratory results, Intelligent Prosthetics proposes that controlled energy storage and release could significantly improve the efficiency of a prosthetic foot. Such a foot would store elastic energy after the foot strikes the ground, as in current products. Instead of returning energy spontaneously, however, active control would capture that energy with a latch mechanism and release it later in the gait cycle, coinciding with the push-off phase of able-bodied walking. The mechanism will be microprocessor-controlled and will require battery power mainly to actuate a latch. Phase I of this project will develop a prototype prosthesis, and experimentally test the conceptual feasibility of intelligently controlled energy release. The project intends to develop this concept into a commercial prosthesis with greater energy return and comfort than conventional designs, in a compact and lightweight package. The technology of controlled energy release is intended primarily for the prosthetic foot market. However, the scientific findings could also apply to orthoses or rehabilitation technology for other disabled individuals, such as stroke and cerebral palsy patients. Similar technology could be applied to energy harvesting from locomotion, such as to power wearable electronic devices or more long-term applications such as powered exoskeletons for amplifying human performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Collins, Steven Arthur Kuo Intelligent Prosthetic Systems MI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 5345 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320321 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Transgenic Strategy for Nematode Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop transgenic crop plants exhibiting increased resistance to nematode infection and damage. Present strategies for dealing with nematode infections involve chemicals that are both toxic and environmentally hazardous. A transgenic solution has the potential to provide economic benefit to producers through improved yields as well as social and environmental benefits resulting from the reduction in the use of hazardous and polluting materials. The specific goal of this Phase I research is to genetically modify plants to express the genes necessary for the biosynthesis of specific naturally occurring fatty acids and to determine whether the accumulation of the fatty acids of interest in the roots results in concomitant increase in resistance to plant-pathogenic nematodes. Positive results in this phase of research could lead directly to the application of this transgenic technology to economically relevant crops. The commercial application of this project is in the area of nematode control products for use in agriculture and horticulture. It is estimated that parasitic nematodes cost the agriculture and horticulture industries in excess of $8 billion annually in the United States and $78 billion annually worldwide. In specialty crop markets, nematode damage is highest in strawberries, bananas, and other high-value vegetables and fruits. Among high acreage row crops, nematode damage is greatest in soybeans and cotton. Many of the currently available products for nematode control are highly toxic, expensive and cumbersome to apply, and also represent significant risks to the environment. Most of the chemical nematicides will become unavailable in the near future, mainly for environmental reasons. For instance, methyl bromide is a significant contributor to ozone depletion and will be banned in the U.S. in 2005. Transgenics for nematode control in soy, corn and cotton would likely have favorable market acceptance, since a large proportion of these U.S. crops are already genetically modified for herbicide resistance and insect control. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zentella, Rodolfo Divergence, Inc. MO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0320322 July 1, 2003 SBIR PHASE I: A Spin-Processing Module for High Speed Ozone-Water Based Resist and Residue Removal. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed to the development of a single-wafer spin processing module for high-speed ozone-water-based resist and residue removal in semiconductor device manufacturing. A new ozone-water process which is unique in promising practical throughputs in single-wafer processing configurations has been developed. Experimental and analytical work has shown there is an opportunity to significantly increase the etch rate and etch uniformity of this process with improvements in the design of the spin processing module. Four goals are established for this Phase I: (1) Measure the radial dependence of the etch rate as a function of key process parameters using a standard commercial spin processing module; (2) Develop a computational fluid dynamic model of the module; (3) Validate the model by comparing the measured etch rate to that predicted by the model; and, (4) Use the model to make a preliminary evaluation of promising new spin processor designs. Single-substrate wet processing has applications in wafer processing, magnetic disc manufacturing, optical disc manufacturing, and flat panel display manufacturing. The market for wafer wet processing equipment alone is projected to reach 3.1 billion dollars by 2005. The single-wafer wet processing segment is growing and is expected to be between 300 million to 450 million dollars by 2005. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Boyers, David Phifer Smith Corporation CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99997 5371 MANU 9146 9139 1468 1467 0106000 Materials Research 0320324 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Use of Histone-Like Protein to Assess the Health of Rainbow Trout. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to explore the novel use of an immune protein for measuring stress in rainbow trout. No convenient tests are currently available to measure stress, a condition that often leads to disease. Accurate stress measurements will dramatically reduce disease losses, the major cause of economic losses in salmonid aquaculture. HLP-1 is a potent antibiotic immune protein that is naturally present in many tissues of rainbow trout. This protein is expected to play a critical role in protecting trout against disease. Stress has been noted to cause a dramatic decrease in HLP-1 levels. This Phase I Project will explore the feasibility of measuring HLP-1 in gill tissue using a simple, antibody-based methodology (ELISA). This assay should have sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be used for commercial development of a low- cost, field-deployable, immunoassay prototype test. The commercial application of this project is in the field of aquaculture. The proposed technology will find use in aquacultured food fish, as well as for health monitoring in pet fish, laboratory animals and wild fish populations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Borron, Paul Norcarex Bio Corporation NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 96223 5371 BIOT 9117 0521700 Marine Resources 0320326 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Selective Wafer Bonding for Wafer-Level Packaging of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and Related Microsystems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses selective laser-assisted bonding for wafer-level and chip-scale vacuum packaging of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and related Microsystems. This novel method is especially suitable for vacuum bonding wafers containing devices with low temperature budgets and for managing stress distribution. Furthermore, sealed, encapsulated and released wafers can be diced at the wafer scale without damaging the MEMs devices, thus offering tremendous economies of scale useful toward commercialization. Low temperature solder, such as Pb37/Sn63, will be used to bond silicon chips and wafers using a continuous wave carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Optimum values of pertinent process parameters and the capability to produce high quality bonds at representative scales will be determined. The study will include both lead-tin solders and lead-free solders. The bonding process will be performed in a vacuum chamber at a pressure of less than ten milliTorr to achieve fluxless soldering and vacuum encapsulation of silicon dies. While the bonding temperature at the sealing ring will be close to the reflow temperature of the eutectic lead-tin solder (183 degrees), the global average temperature will be considerably lower due to the localization of the laser heating. This factor will be critical for many MEMS devices, such as those containing stress sensitive radio-frequency (RF) MEMS, optical devices and low temperature biomaterials. Today, 60 percent of the cost of MEMs products is due to special packaging requirements and lack of standardization. MEMs packaging is far more challenging than traditional packaging, and presents technical and cost barriers. This work will develop MEMs packaging to meet the needs of this important segment of the rapidly growing $20B packaging industry. The goal is to have several new wafer level packaging platforms demonstrated and ready to insert into high-volume manufacturing lines when the market starts to regain strength. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG O'Neal, Chad Sysconn Corporation AR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320332 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Polar On Line Acquisition Relay and Transmission System (POLARATS). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project focuses on the feasibility of deploying closely coupled monitors with global positioning systems (GPS), central processing units (CPU), and satellite communication devices to ultimately provide real-time access to a wide variety of data (chemical, biological, radiological, physical) remotely obtained in harsh Arctic climates. Phase I focuses on developing a radiation detection prototype for concept feasibility purposes. The initial prototype module includes beta/gamma detectors, GPS, thermometer, CPU, and a radio-transmission device. Cold weather performance of both individual components and the integrated module will be determined along with corrective methods for hardening the components to achieve reliable detection and reporting at Arctic temperatures. The performance of a hardened integrated prototype will be evaluated over a range of simulated Arctic conditions. Commercial applications include acquiring, transmitting, and managing chemical, biological, radiological, and physical data from remote Arctic environments and installations in real-time. Potential customers include Arctic researchers; oil and mining companies; schools and universities; and municipal, state, and federal agencies with regulation, oversight, and security missions related to Arctic areas. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Yuracko, Katherine YAHSGS LLC WA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99997 1505 CVIS 9102 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0110000 Technology Transfer 0320338 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Electrochemical BioDetection Platform Utilizing Disposable Microfluidic Cartridges. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a handheld automated biosensor for specific and sensitive detection and quantification of proteins and/or pathogenic cells in liquid samples. The biosensor will integrate highly-specific immunodiagnostics with ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensors in a microfluidic format, and will have the following features: (1) Quantitative detection of pathogenic bacteria and protein markers in any liquid sample, (2) Low detection limit (i.e. less than 100 cfu/ml for pathogens and less than 0.1 ng/ml for proteins), (3) Short assay times (i.e. less than 25 minutes for bacterial cells and less than 10 minutes for proteins), (4) Single-button, fully-automated operation requiring minimal user interaction, and (5) Handheld, battery powered operation allowing its use in remote locations. In this Phase I project, the utility of the system will be demonstrated by detecting Escherichia coli (a representative pathogen) and Immunoglobulin G (a representative protein/immuno marker). The commercial applications of the proposed product would include health clinics and mobile laboratories, emergency response to a possible biological warfare threat, microbiology laboratories and environmental monitoring. The handheld biological detection system will be capable of rapidly quantifying the presence of extremely low concentrations of any biological agent in a short amount of time. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Abdel-Hamid, Ihab MESOSYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, INC. WA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99581 9150 BIOT 9107 1596 1178 0104000 Information Systems 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320341 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Device for Measuring Electric Field Strength from Dropsondes and Radiosondes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project evaluates the feasibility of fabricating a module to measure electric field strength that can be dropped from an aircraft through thunderstorms and hurricanes. Electric field strength is a significant factor in the development of lightning and microphysical particle development in thunderstorms, and recent research suggests that it may even play a role influencing the intensity of precipitation. Research aircraft measurements of electric field strength are difficult and potentially dangerous because of the hazardous conditions associated with thunderstorms, such as lightning, hail and turbulence. Droppable devices, such as dropsondes released from aircraft flying over thunderstorms, and devices carried aloft by balloons, such as common weather radiosondes, can be used to probe thunderstorms safely and cost-effectively. There is currently no commercial device available for measuring electric field strength from radiosondes or dropsondes. This research in Phases I presents significant commercial potential and opportunities for Broader Impacts through employment of students in work study programs. There are significant potential societal benefits from improved understanding of damaging thunderstorms and hurricanes, and a better understanding of lightning discharges that threaten commercial aircrafts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lawson, R. Paul SPEC, Inc. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99797 5371 HPCC 9216 1518 0206000 Telecommunications 0320345 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Native-Oxide Defined AlGaAs Heterostructure Bipolar Transistors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a native oxide confined heterostructure bipolar transistor. Oxidation of AlGaAs has been successfully applied to a number of photonic and electronic devices since its discovery in 1990. In particular, it is a critical technology for current confinement in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. This program will design and develop native oxidation for application to AlGaAs heterostructure bipolar transistors in order to increase the breakdown voltage-frequency product, improve the reliability and efficiency of these devices. A study of the oxidation properties of AlGaAs as it applies to heterostructure bipolar transistors will be performed. Prototype AlGaAs heterostructure bipolar transistors will be fabricated and delivered in Phase I. In Phase II the technology will be extended to more complex device designs, including double heterostructure bipolar transistors. Commercially the project will address the need for improved performance in AlGaAs heterostructure bipolar transistors for power amplifier applications. AlGaAs heterostructure bipolar transistors with increased breakdown-voltage-frequency products would benefit current markets for wireless communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sugg, Alan VEGA WAVE SYSTEMS, INC. IL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320348 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Microwave-Based Interconnect Technique for System-on-a-Package Wafer Level Packaging. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will adapt localized microwave heating techniques to emerging System on a Package (SOP) interconnect designs. One critical bottleneck in the realization of the next-generation, micro-electronic industry migration to SOP is the need for an interconnect technology that can handle 20 to 100 micron pitch line widths. The objective of this project is to develop bonding recipes around existing tool sets that will allow realization of interconnect designs. The long-term goal of this project is to develop tools that will facilitate rapid prototype development of a next generation SOP designs. The broader impacts of this technology will be tools that will facilitate rapid prototype development of a next generation SOP designs that will be cheaper and much smaller than existing chips. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Budraa, Nasser Microwave Bonding Instruments, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99813 5371 MANU 9146 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0320360 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Highly Specific Nanoparticle Gas Sensors: HCN and SO2. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I proposes to explore the feasibility of creating a low-cost gas sensor highly specific to trace levels of HCN and SO2. The project consists of two parallel efforts; one to create a nanostructured substrate that selectively binds HCN and SO2, and another to create a low-cost, species-specific Raman spectrometer. Together, both technologies form a complete, quantitative, near real-time sensor for monitoring HCN and SO2. Such a sensor would have broad applicability to homeland security monitoring, environmental emissions monitoring, and to fire rescue applications (smoke inhalation of HCN). The project advances the practice of Raman spectroscopy in several significant ways. First it seeks to apply Au nanostructure technology to solid-gas interfaces. Secondly, it proposes a Raman monitor that is compact and low-cost. The technology used to make the Raman monitor is both novel and highly practical for the development of commercial Raman monitors. This sensor should have broad applications for users of cyanide or sulfur dioxide products. Hydrogen cyanide is particularly toxic and used in large quantities in the production of plastics and mining of precious metals. Perfunctory analysis of the market indicates several large chemical firms that are interested in the proposed device. The device is also needed to provide rapid detection of hydrogen cyanide or sulfur dioxide. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Watson, Mark DeltaNu, LLC WY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9153 9150 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320371 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Frequency Agile Laser for Configurable Optical Networks (FALCON). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will address the needs of future intelligent optical networks. The simultaneous satisfaction of both enhanced technical performance and price parity as compared to fixed wavelength devices will allow the proposed laser technology to proliferate. This project, entitled, Frequency Agile Laser for Configurable Optical Networks. (FALCON), will develop a rapidly tunable laser operating around 1550-nm. This laser is based upon an innovative configuration of intra-cavity electro-optic components that provide rapid tunability from a narrow-linewidth (<5 kHz) source. Truly innovative is the specific design to allow for sloppy, passive alignment tolerances, thereby enabling low-cost devices to be realized. This approach to low-cost manufacturing will also allow for this technology to compete with current fixed wavelength lasers. It is anticipated that this laser, will result in a self-fiber-coupled high-power (>50 milliwatts), widely tunable (> 40-nm) laser, capable of random access wavelength switching to any point in the sub-100 nanosecond regime. Due to the demand for voice, data, and video services, advances in optical networks, together with the laser technologies required to support those networks, continues to be a major focus. Development of advanced, more intelligent optical networks is generally accepted as the path to being able to provide these services at economically viable price points. One major step in this direction will be the commercial availability of rapidly tunable lasers for prices that are competitive (equal to or less than) with today's fixed wavelength devices. The proposed technology offers to meet this demand, with its innovative approach towards manufacturing of tunable laser sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Takeuchi, Eric Photera Technologies, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 66656 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0320373 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) 3D Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) Optical Switch for Dynamically Reconfigurable Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to investigate the integration of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) with optical switching based on Micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) to make important network elements needed for reconfigurable, high capacity fiber optic networks. Optical networks in place today consist predominantly of DWDM fiber optic links connected by electrical switches with optical interfaces (OEO Switch). The goal of next generation transparent networks is to keep the transmitted optical signals optical. In this way, the switch is as transparent as the fiber itself. A problem is that these switches are surrounded by DWDM multiplexing modules that have significant loss (6 dB each) and are relatively expensive. The goal of this proposal is to design an integrated module containing MOEMS switches with DWDM multiplexers and demultiplexers resulting in a significant size, cost and loss reduction. The MOEMS elements will use the technology developed. Two alternatives will be considered for the DWDM elements. One utilizes Arrayed-Waveguide-Grating (AWG) chips and one design uses bulk gratings. At the conclusion of this Phase I study, one design will be proposed for fabrication under Phase II. The integrated DWDM PXC is needed for emerging reconfigurable DWDM networks, and will find application in commercial and government networks. The capacity is huge: 256 ports carrying 10 Terabit/s of data results in 2.5 Petabit/s switching capacity. The significant risk lies in the integration of the DWDM elements with the optical switch elements, and many tradeoffs need to be investigated. The development of the Internet has resulted in tremendous benefit to society as more people have access to more information, regardless of their background. Continued expansion requires larger switch capacities and reductions in cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Helkey, Roger Calient Networks CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99511 5371 HPCC 9215 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0320375 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: P-Type CdSe for Thin-Film Top Cells Enabling High-Efficiency Monolithic Tandem Photovoltaics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a wide-bandgap, thin-film semiconductor to enable a high-efficiency light-absorber layer for the top cell in monolithic tandem or multi-junction thin-film photovoltaics. Because of relatively high device packaging costs, tandem junction thin-film photovoltaic devices can offer higher watt per square meter and lower cost per watt than their single junction counterparts. In order to overcome the current low thin-film device efficiencies for materials with bandgaps greater than 1.6 eV, it is proposed to use CdSe, with a bandgap of 1.72 eV, which is an optimum bandgap for a top cell of a tandem junction device when sharing the solar spectrum with an existing high-efficiency thin-film bottom cell. However CdSe likes to be an n-type semiconductor, which does not allow for its use as a top cell with the correct polarity on the high-efficiency p-type bottom cell for monolithically integrated (two-terminal) tandem devices. In this project an innovative approach to overcome this problem is proposed which involves using existing low-cost deposition techniques with added doping capability to fabricate p-type thin-films of CdSe. The retention of this conductivity type after high-temperature device processing will also be confirmed so as to enable high-efficiency devices as needed for application in the monolithic tandem device. Commercially, two of the most important near-term markets for high-efficiency flexible lightweight tandem-junction photovoltaics are space and high-altitude airships (HAA). In addition it is possible to leverage the monolithic tandem PV space/HAA product technology for the implementation of a low-cost monolithic tandem PV terrestrial product. The terrestrial product is anticipated to have a significant impact toward reducing the cost of alternative energy (solar electric). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Woods, Lawrence ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99932 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9147 0110000 Technology Transfer 0522100 High Technology Materials 0320409 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A Biochip for Biological Pathogen Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a biosensor that measures the inherent electron transport properties of DNA on a semiconductor chip. This biochip is expected to improve data quality, decrease cost and minimize sample processing. The ability of DNA to transport electrons is dependent on the bases being perfectly matched. Thus, only the correct target DNA would give a signal in the proposed system. Furthermore, since the signal is electronic, the instrumentation required to make the measurements will be far less expensive than currently used fluorescent systems. Finally, since the ability to transport electrons is intrinsic to DNA, no modifications and very little sample processing will be required. This project will address two fundamental barriers to a reliable, mass-manufacturable biosensor based on electron transport through DNA. First, the project will investigate decreasing the voltage biases required to initiate electron transport by decreasing the overall resistance of the DNA/electrode assembly. Second, the project will investigate methods to decrease the contact resistance between the electrode and the DNA. Overcoming these two obstacles will greatly facilitate the manufacture of an inexpensive, accurate biochip that will detect DNA without amplification. The commercial application of this project will be in four select markets : biological agent detection for homeland defense, life science research, drug development and medical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scaboo, Kristian GENORX INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0320410 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Efficient Thermal Packaging for High Density Electronics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the need for compact, low cost thermal packaging to cool high power and high-density electronics. This project will develop an automated freeform fabrication process based on stereolithography to fabricate the high performance thermal packages. The research objectives include demonstrating that the fabrication approach can produce the thermal substrates with dimensional tolerances comparable to current substrates and much higher heat flux capacity. Prototype packages will be fabricated and laboratory tested to measure heat flux. The anticipated results will show heat flux capacity of several hundred W/cm2, with the ultimate goal of 1,000 W/cm2 achieved through development of improved materials and package designs. Target applications of this low cost and reliable thermal packaging approach are high heat load electronics devices including high density microelectronics and power electronics such as T/R modules, power conditioning components for electric vehicles, high density CPUs for compact computers and high power laser diodes. The broader impacts from this technology will be a thermal packaging approach which would offer a low cost and compact solution for thermal management of high heat load electronics including radar T/R modules, high power laser diodes, power conditioning electronics for electric vehicles and shipboard electric propulsion, high density CPUs for compact computers, and space-based electronics where compact heat rejection designs are critical. The solution is particularly attractive for devices based on the advanced capabilities of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors such as SiC and GaN. These devices offer much higher maximum temperature capabilities and can handle higher current loads and faster switching speeds. All of these attributes result in a 10x. 100x higher thermal load on the packaging making conventional packaging approaches that utilize heat spreaders and heat sinks obsolete. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zimbeck, Walter Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc. MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99928 5371 AMPP 9163 1775 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0522100 High Technology Materials 0320413 July 1, 2003 SBIR PhaseI: Photo-reconfigurable Alignment Surfaces for Liquid Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project aims to investigate the development of photo-reconfigureable surfaces that will enable control of ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) alignment and switching properties in ways not previously possible. The central problem is that the FLC-surface interaction forces needed to produce good optical uniformity of the FLC (alignment) are different from the forces needed for good analog electro-optic performance. If successful, our solution to this problem has the potential to enable sought-after fast analog electro-optic modulation modes (< 100 us) sought for beam steering, adaptive and active optics, tunable optical filters, optical information processing, displays, and telecommunications. The Phase I objective is to develop prototypes of the proposed surface materials and to evaluate them by building liquid crystal test cells. The crucial test will be to determine whether or not the surfaces can be configured first to promote good FLC alignment during cell fabrication, and then be photo-reconfigured into a state providing optimal surface forces for analog electro-optic modulation. The analog electro-optic modulation that would be enabled by the proposed innovation is the foundation for a class of advanced optical devices. A leading example is laser beam steering and optical wave front correction that find application in free-space optical communications, in MxN all-optical switches for telecommunications, and in beam steering and beam shaping for laser radar in aviation. It would also be useful in megabit write heads for the emerging holographic data storage industry, in tunable filters used in optical telecommunications, in spatial light modulators for optical information processing, and in microdisplays for consumer electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wand, Michael Displaytech Incorporated CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99971 5371 MANU 9146 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320418 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Microfluidic Device for Rapid Analysis, Sorting, and Collection of Biological Particles using Photonic Forces. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project propses to demonstrate that moving optical gradient forces, Optophoresis, provide selective and sensitive analysis and sorting of cells important to optimizing bioreactor production processes. Isolation of stable cell populations, as related to functional phenotype, and maximizing viable cell density are critical to the efficient and economic production of protein-based therapeutic agents. The ability to remove pro-apoptotic cells will significantly improve bioprocess technology. This Phase I effort will demonstrate the analysis, sorting, and recovery of non-apoptotic cells for further manipulations, and the isolation of cells with certain biological characteristics, for example secretion levels. In a microsorter device, cells will be simultaneously analyzed and sorted by the optical gradient force based on the native cell characteristics (such as size, morphology, dielectric properties etc.). The objectives of the Phase I project are : 1) to build an optical and microfluidics workstation; 2) to fabricate microfluidic devices for aseptic loading and recovery of cells, 3) to identify and characterize apoptotic and secretor cell models, 4) to demonstrate that Optophoresis can discriminate between different cell subpopulations, and 5) to collect sorted populations for further manipulations. In the follow on Phase II project, the microsorter instrument will be further developed for both research and continuous on-line monitoring needs. The commercial applications of this project include bioprocess engineering, clinical diagnostics, cancer testing, environmental monitoring, tissue engineering, and drug discovery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Diver, Jonathan GENOPTIX INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99771 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320427 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Analysis of Comprehensive Two Dimensional Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry for High-Throughput Metabolomics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate a new method for analyzing metabolites using novel instrumentation and software. Currently, metabolomics offers critical new information to pharmaceutical and other biological research. However, few researchers can exploit metabolomics, because appropriate methods have not been developed. Recently, gas chromatography has been successfully applied to metabolomics, although peak capacities have been insufficient. This project will combine a leading multidimensional gas chromatography research facility with a seasoned team of software experts, to bring the power of multidimensional GC to metabolomics. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection (GC x GC xTOF-MS) will be combined with pattern recognition to analyze the reaction of metabolites of methylotrophic bacteria to perturbations. The collaborative effort between the Synovec Laboratory at the University of Washington and the Company will produce a software platform for analysis of GC x GC x TOF-MS data. This platform will use data management and analysis technologies that have not previously been commercially available for GC x GC x TOF-MS, and enable GC x GC x TOF-MS for high throughput metabolite analysis. The result will be an enabling technology for the elucidation of biological function. The commercial applications of this project include metabolomics and proteomics. The current market for proteomics is over $1 billion per year worldwide and growing at the rate of 34% per year. The market for metabolomics is $38 million, and growing at the rate of 46% per year. This project will address the current unmet need for multidimensional separations software in both metabolomics and proteomics. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Nilsson, Erik Robert Synovec INSILICOS, LLC WA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320431 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: Novel Cavity Ringdown Detector for High Performance Liquid Chromatography. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop detector based on cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The goal of this Phase I feasibility study is to demonstrate a CRDS detector with a baseline noise of 3 x 10 -7 AU, one order of magnitude better than the best commercially available detector. The commercial application for the HPLC systems to be developed in this project is fairly broad - based, and will span across many industries, including the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and environmental analysis industries, as well as forensic and academic laboratories. A CRDS detector with a baseline noise of 3 x 10-7 absorption units (AU) would allow engineers and scientists in these industries to analyze smaller quantities of material without the loss of sensitivity. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Crosson, Eric PICARRO INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99273 1505 BIOT 9181 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320446 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase I: A Fast Scanning Aerosol Thermal Measurement to Classify Volatile Compounds. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will design and construct a basic fast response scanning thermo system. Laboratory and ambient air measurements will demonstrate the advantage of the fast response thermo system to classify volatile compounds on single aerosol particles. The innovative design will provide for scans from 50 to 800 degrees centigrade in less than 30 seconds. The capabilities of any instrument that measures particle properties, nephelometers, optical particle counters, aerosol mass spectrometers or differential mobility analyzers will be significantly enhanced with this method of characterizing aerosol populations with thermograms of their volatility. Very simple experiments can be performed with this thermographic technique that will yield useful data on classes of volatile compounds found in aerosols. The capability of providing detailed thermographic analysis of aerosol volatility rapidly will have widespread, scientific and commercial benefits in areas of environmental monitoring, studies of the health impact of aerosols, combustion research and emissions inspections. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kok, Gregory Jose Jimenez Droplet Measurement Technologies CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99849 5371 1505 EGCH 1636 1303 0202000 Atmospheric Science-ICAS 0320449 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Genomic Mapping of DNA by Means of GeneEngine(TM) Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to build a technology for long-range, high-resolution DNA mapping based on the proprietary GeneEngine(TM) platform. This technology will be a unique tool for genomics because of the combination of features: single- molecule sensitivity, ability to analyze very long DNA molecules, high throughput, and potential for automation. The basic feasibility of this technology was shown in Phase I. The Phase II project is aimed at creating efficient procedures for sample preparation and measurement, as well as for developing analysis algorithms and combining them into an automated software package. These procedures and software will be united to form a toolkit for DNA mapping. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of Genomics. The product resulting from this project will comprise of instruments and consumables (e.g. reagents) for mapping of whole microbial genomes based on long-range, single-molecule DNA mapping. The ability to scan microbial genomic DNA for genetic information at a fraction of the cost and time of that needed currently will be valuable in a number of commercial applications in life science research and the healthcare industry, including the elucidation of complex genetic pathways, identification of target genes for development of novel anti-infective drugs, correlation of genomic information with unique functions and with drug response, as well as for DNA-based molecular diagnostics and prognostics. The principal market for these applications would be the bio-pharmaceutical companies and academic research laboratories, with additional longer-term markets expected in the area of clinical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gilmanshin, Rudolf U.S. GENOMICS INC MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 999998 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320455 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Orthogonal Frequency/Amplitude Modulation of a Laser Oscillator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of a laser source which can accommodate frequency and amplitude modulation and which combines a high degree of linearity and efficiency with AM/FM orthogonality, i.e., which exhibits little or no coupling (cross-talk) between the two modes of modulation. Together with low phase noise, the requirement for amplitude/frequency modulation orthogonality is paramount in applications that require the generation of arbitrary independent amplitude and phase waveforms. The heart of our proposed diode-pumped solid-state laser source is a compact fiber-coupled optical resonator that contains a unique intracavity electro-optic birefringent filter. Use of this novel filter technology permits us to control independently the optical carrier wavelength, the frequency and/or modulation depth of an impressed FM signal, and the modulation amplitude of the output coupled laser intensity. During the Phase I program, we intend to demonstrate basic Design principles by characterizing the FM and AM response of a prototypical laser. This will validate all high-risk elements of the concept and will provide the data necessary for completing and implementing the composite design, which is envisioned for the Phase II program. The proposed effort will lead to the development of a family of application-specific lasers that are based on the same core technology. Products we see emerging in the near future from these efforts include rapidly wavelength-settable lasers with narrow linewidth, and fast, broad tuning lasers with multifunctional modulation capability. These lasers are based upon a similar, low-cost, fiber-coupled solid-state design, which employs self-aligning resonator concepts together with precision electro-optic manufacturing and packaging techniques. In the special case of lasers, which operate at 1550 nm, the technology is directly applicable to optical networks, wireless communications, telecommunications, phased array radar, precision metrology, LIDAR, and optical fiber sensors for acoustic and seismic sensing. We expect that the main customers for our technology will initially be those involved in niche areas (sensors, phased array radar, research, etc.), and, as the product matures, eventually shift to those involved in more commercially attractive markets, such as optical communications in metro and cable networks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pessot, Maurice Photera Technologies, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 66630 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0320456 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: A New Class of Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals for High Performance Optical Phase Modulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore the development of a new class of ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) materials and a novel FLC operating mode to produce fast, analog, electro-optical phase modulation. The innovation exploits two new developments in the science and technology of FLCs: bent-core FLCs and electrostatically controlled analog modulation of high polarization FLCs. The Phase I objectives are to formulate enhanced materials of the new-type FLCs and use them to test the feasibility of the proposed electro-optic modulation mode. Anticipated results include an assessment of the innovation's feasibility, an improved understanding of the physical, chemical, and optical properties of these new materials, and the identification of further FLC material and cell advances that need to be achieved in Phase II for subsequent commercialization. The new phase modulators will be much faster than existing modulators made with nematic LCs and will operate at lower drive voltage. They will also achieve a full 360 degrees range of pure analog phase modulation with no optic axis rotation, a goal that has been impossible to reach using conventional FLCs. Phase modulation is the foundation for electro-optical beam steering and optical wave front correction, which find application in free-space optical communications, in M x N all-optical switches for telecommunications, in beam steering and beam shaping for laser radar in aviation, and in active optics. The new FLCs will also enable higher performance megabit write-heads for the emerging holographic data storage industry, and will be useful for optical information processing. They also enable fast tunable filters useful for WDM optical telecommunications systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wand, Michael Displaytech Incorporated CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99931 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0320459 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Carriers for Delivery of Ciprofloxacin. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project proposes to test the feasibility of extended delivery of ciprofloxacin from a novel lipid drug delivery vehicle : the vesosome. Ciprofloxacin is a valuable antibiotic whose therapeutic index would be enhanced with an extended release vehicle. Ciprofloxacin remains stably encapsulated in conventional unilamellar liposomes during storage in buffer. However, ciprofloxacin is known to leak rapidly from conventional liposomes in vivo, even with optimized compositions, which limits the therapeutic benefits. This difference is believed to be due to membrane degradation by macromolecular serum components. Hence, fundamental stability advantages are expected in vivo with a multi-membrane vesosome. In this Phase I project, ciprofloxacin will be loaded into vesosomes by standard chemical gradient techniques and the formulation efficiency, stability during storage, and release rates (in serum) will be measured. If performance is found to be superior to optimized unilamellar liposomes, clinical development of vesosomal ciprofloxacin would follow. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of drug delivery, particularly for delivery of ciprofloxacin. Therapeutic indications would include critical blood-borne infections, lung infections, and localized infections. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Coldren, Bret Advanced Encapsulation, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99858 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0320470 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Carbon Isotope Ratiometer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project involves the development of a robust, field-portable gas analyzer capable of determining the carbon isotope ratio of carbon dioxide emitting from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These vents provide access to water that has been trapped under the ocean in a unique, anaerobic environment that is devoid of photosynthesis and emulates the conditions believed to exist under the ice crusts of Europa and Callisto, beneath the surface of Mars, and on primordial Earth. Preliminary carbon isotope studies suggest that biological activity takes place in such an environment and novel instrumentation is sought to provide further evidence. The Phase II analyzer, based upon our proprietary Off-Axis ICOS technology, will determine the isotope ratio in-situ to within 1 angstrom, which is sufficient to discriminate between biogenic and geological carbon sources, and may provide evidence for a Subsurface Lithotrophic Microbiological Ecosystem (SLiME). The proposed instrument, which will interface with the Medusa seafloor sampling system developed by NASA Ames, will operate autonomously and be able to withstand the harsh underwater conditions found near deep-sea vents. The Phase II work will involve scientific development to enhance the prototype's specificity, deep-sea packaging to permit underwater deployment, and testing to demonstrate the analyzer's capabilities. One of the most promising markets for our novel Off-Axis ICOS technology is in industrial process control (IPC). The Phase II instrument can be directly converted to an IPC analyzer due to its ability to autonomously operate in harsh environments, integration of compact control system, and use of sophisticated chemometric algorithms. Within the $1.67B IPC market, the targeted markets will be those in which current technology is either too expensive or insufficient, such as the niche in the fast analysis of acetylene contamination in ethylene. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gupta, Manish LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 666834 5373 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320471 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Commercialization of Membrane Microarray Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a commercially feasible technology for the fabrication of membrane microarrays. Recent studies have extended the microarray concept to include patterns of substrate-supported lipid bilayers and cell membranes (MembraneChipsTM) which retain biological functionality, and enable researchers to perform novel studies of receptor-ligand and cell-cell interactions. These experiments are performed using manual and often laborious chip fabrication and assay techniques. This project will assess the technical feasibility of automating MembraneChipTM production, and manufacturing membrane microarrays in a format compatible with existing liquid-handling robotics and microplate readers. The specific objectives of the project will be (i) demonstration of a scaleable membrane arraying process using nanoscale fluid-dispensing technology, (ii) optimization of the process with respect to substrate design and dispense parameters using a statistical design of experiments approach, (iii) evaluation of process consistency and yields, and (iv) evaluation of membrane array mechanical stability, shelf-life, and sensitivity to assay reagents. This information will be used to fabricate a prototype device in the 96-well microplate format. Incorporation into the 96- well format will enable automation of novel biological assays for basic research and drug discovery, while taking advantage of the instrumentation infrastructure already installed in academic and industrial research labs. The commercial application of this project is in the areas of biological research and pharmaceutical drug development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sundberg, Steven Proteomic Systems, Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99990 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320476 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanotube-Based Electronic Pressure Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at developing carbon nanotube electromechanical pressure sensors. The characteristics of nanotube pressure sensors will include superior sensitivity, higher thermal stability and wider sensing ranges than conventional silicon-based pressure sensors. The project could lead to the first nanotechnology-based physical sensor products and enable a new generation of nano- electromechanical systems (NEMS) that convert mechanical effects into electrical signals. The research will combine chemistry for synthesis of materials and microfabrication. The main task of this Phase I research is to demonstrate the feasibility of nanotube pressure sensor by determining the device's gauge factor, linearity, and the temperature dependence of nanotubes. Phase II will focus on device stability, repeatability, reproducibility and scalability. The development of a new generation of sensing devices with wide industrial applications will provide benefit in many areas. Products with improved performance characteristics and the spread of emerging nanotechnology into other industrial applications and improved pressure sensors at a lower price will directly provide increased public and industrial (automotive, healthcare, etc.) safety. The success of the program will benefit the nanotechnology area in general, making nanotechnology one-step closer to important real-world applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Lian Molecular Nanosystems, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99978 5371 MANU 9146 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320480 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Comprehensive RNAi Technologies: Vector-Based Expression and Chemical Synthesis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to develop a broad-based technology platform for RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing in mammalian cells. Sequence-specific RNAi is achieved by introducing homologous, short interfering RNA duplexes (siRNAs) into cells. siRNAs are generated by several methods of which the most popular are (1) chemically synthesized siRNA duplexes, and (2) short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) expressed from vectors. This project will attempt to bridge these silencing platforms. The follow on Phase II project will build on the integrated technologies to develop a genome-wide platform of siRNAs, shRNA vectors and stable cell lines. The combination of these powerful tools will have broad impacts for general biology, medical and pharmaceutical research and development. The commercial application of this project will be to meet the needs of researchers involved in biological and medical research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Khvorova, Anastasia DHARMACON INC CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320485 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Development of Agents to Promote Cellular Ga-67 (Gallium-67) Uptake. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is proposes to develop new pharmaceutical agents to selectively enhance tumor imaging using gallium (Ga-67). Ga-67 has been widely used in tumor imaging and clinical medicine due to significant advantages in terms of low cost, ease of use and long life. However, the use of Ga -67 is currently limited, mainly due to varying tumor avidity and high dose requirements needed to achieve high signal-to-background ratios in non-gallium avid tumors. Increasing the selective uptake of gallium by tumor cells will dramatically improve gallium imaging, resulting in the development of an innovative, sensitive, and low-cost tumor detection tool. This Phase I program will focus on designing, preparing and evaluating novel nitrosipine derivatives with the potential to drastically increase the uptake of Ga-67 by tumor cells. The commercial application of this project is in the area of tumor imaging and oncology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tsukamoto, Takuji Chemica Technologies Inc OR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320488 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Controlled-Impedance Transfemoral Knee/Ankle Prosthesis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a microprocessor controlled transfemoral knee/ankle prosthesis. This system will include: (1) adaptive swing phase impedance (resistance); (2) control of compliant flexion during stance phase; (3) myoelectric control of knee/foot impedances; and, (4) coordination of knee and foot motion. This transfemoral knee/ankle prosthesis would allow prosthesis users to walk and run more smoothly, stably, and with less effort. Two important developments are necessary for the realization of this objective. The first is the refinement of experimental knee and foot mechanisms, which have previously been developed and the second is the development of an adaptive control system, which will command these mechanisms to exhibit appropriate impedances. There are over 80,000 transfemoral prosthesis users in the United States and there is an estimated a market for 20,000 transfemoral prostheses each year. Considering all industrial nations, the worldwide market is several times that figure. U.S. government sponsored workshops have cited .the following as high priority goals for improved knee systems: stance phase stability, varying walking cadences, and energy conservation. Other manufacturers have shown the feasibility of using electronic control of hydraulic knee resistance, and the C-leg (by Otto Bock, of Germany) controls flexion impedance during stance phase. However all the available knees lack compliant stance and coordinated knee/ankle motion, which this project will develop. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sears, Harold MOTION CONTROL, INC. UT Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 5345 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320492 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Sensitive Diagnostic Technology Based On Novel Physical Principles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a fluidic wave guide biosensor that employs unique physical and structural features to measure biological pathogens. Preliminary research indicates that this diagnostic technology promises to achieve a combination of speed, simplicity, sensitivity and selectivity significantly superior to that attained by current pathogen detection technologies. The versatility of fluidic waveguides makes it possible for these systems to employ a wide range of detection strategies, including probes based on DNA/RNA, antibodies, aptamers, and immobilized enzymes. The initial commercial applications of this project will be in research and development laboratories, and in the food and agricultural industries. Additional applications are expected in the markets for medical diagnostics and for homeland defense. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fagan, John Genetic ID NA IA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320494 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Waveguide Optical Gyroscope. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to use advanced materials and microfabrication techniques to produce a micro-opticalelectrical system (MOEMs) gyroscope. The innovation uses both self-assembled silicon quantum dot nano-composites and a unique poled plasma polymer to produce micro-photonic structures suitable for construction of a solid-state equivalent of a fiber optic gyroscope (FOG). Typically, in a MEMs or micro-optical-electrical-mechanical system (MOEMs), a reduction in size is often accompanied by a reduction in precision. The proposed technology provides the high levels of FOG precision in the compact, low cost MOEMs format. We propose to construct the photonic portion of an optical gyroscope using linear self assembled quantum confined silicon nanocomposites and non linear, stable poled polymers including spiral waveguide arrays to produce significant optical path lengths in a compact form. The compact spiral waveguide structures, which possess long optical path length, can be used for replacement of the optical fiber coil in a FOG and other applications such as biophotonics. The nano-composite materials permit deposition of thin films with varying in plane index of refraction (VIPIR) that achieve performance levels of conventional fiber optic gyros to be constructed in miniature, on chip waveguide optical gyros. Microfabricated gyroscopes for measuring rate or angle of rotation can be used either as a low-cost miniature companion with micromachined accelerometers to provide heading information for inertial navigation purposes or in other areas, including automotive applications for ride stabilization and rollover detection; consumer electronic applications, such as video-camera stabilization, robotics applications; and a wide range of military applications. Current market for fiber gyroscopes is estimated to be $200 million and growing by 7% a year. Other gyroscope type represents a current market of well over $1 billion per year and is one of the fastest growing of the MEMs sensor categories. We believe the proposed technology can bring fiber gyroscope precision to the broader commercial gyroscope market and significantly increase both market sizes. We believe it is possible to attain a minimum of 10% market share with the proposed technology in the five to ten year time frame. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kubacki, Ronald IONIC SYSTEMS INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99875 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0320498 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Quantitative Detection of Bacterial Pathogens in Seeds by Use of a Novel Enrichment Technique Coupled with Automated Real-Time PCR. This Small Business Innovation Research project is to develop an innovation called Amplidisks that would assist in the detection of bacterial plant pathogens in seeds. Healthy seeds are very important to agriculture in the United States and throughout the world. Just a few infected seeds (0.01%) in a seed lot can result in a disease epidemic and significant crop loss. Since the frequency of infected seeds in a seed lot is generally very low, highly sensitive seed testing methods are needed. Currently available assays use small aliquots (0.01-0.1%) of a liquid seed extract, and can lead to false negative results. This assay would enable sampling of several hundred times larger aliquots of seed extract by using a novel enrichment technique, where the number of target organisms are increased in an Ampli-disk and detected and confirmed by real-time PCR. The objective of the Phase I work is to show the feasibility of this technique for detection of Clavibacter michiganensis pv michiganensis in tomato seeds. The follow on Phase II project will validate the procedure and develop commercial kits containing Ampli-disks and dry beads with all PCR ingredients. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of agriculture. The development and marketing of test kits based on the the proposed technique is expected to result in the elimination of diseased seed lots and food materials. Healthier seeds would likely lead to increased crop yields and to improved food safety for the consumer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Randhawa, Parm California Seed and Plant Lab., Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0320509 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Software-Based Clock Recovery for Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM) Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a novel software-based clock and data recovery (SCDR) solution based on a programmable implementation of all critical components in a phase-lock loop (PLL) based clock and data recovery (CDR). This software-based implementation will allow CDR operation for programmable data rates and data formats. The proposed CDR implementation will be able to process new data formats through software upgrade allowing complete adaptability and upgrade-ability. State-of-the-art high-performance dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) optical data transmission systems typically use hybrid clock and data recovery assemblies based on passive filter (usually dielectric resonator based) clock recovery techniques to achieve superior system margins. This technology does not allow the CDR circuit to be adaptable to different data formats (NRZ, RZ, duo-binary, etc.), data rates (9.953Gb/s and forward error correction rates), or jitter transfer/tolerance requirements. Competing CDR implementations using phase-locked loop (PLL) techniques often suffer from insufficient jitter transfer and jitter tolerance performance and usually deliver inferior performance in high-end transmission systems. The purely digital SCDR implementation is compatible with today's fine-line CMOS technologies and will lead to programmable CMOS-based precision CDR technology for LH and ULH DWDM applications. In-service eye and Q-factor monitoring capability is available with minimum overhead. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bussmann, Matthias ELTECH PRECISION INC. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 1518 0106000 Materials Research 0206000 Telecommunications 0320510 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: High-Throughput Functional Proteomics by Automated Chromophore-Assisted Laser Inactivation (CALI). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a novel approach to functional proteomics utilizing a prototype high-throughput platform for laser-enabled analysis and processing (LEAP) of cells. Since most genes function through action of a protein, many academic and commercial research efforts are now shifting from genomics to proteomics to determine the level and function of various proteins in cells. Chromophore-assisted laser inactivation (CALI) uses labeled probes and light irradiation to elucidate specific protein functions. CALI provides direct and immediate protein inactivation and can be targeted within a cell compartment. However, implementation of CALI to date has been low-throughput, and intracellular proteins are difficult to target since the labeled probe must first be introduced into living cells (e.g., by microinjection). To overcome current limitations of CALI, high-throughput viable cell loading and laser irradiation of cells are required. Through SBIR and other funding, the company has been developing LEAP for high-throughput cell imaging and laser-irradiation to achieve cell purification and optoinjection. It is hypothesized that LEAP can be modified to implement CALI in a high-throughput manner, and further provide optoinjection to enable intracellular CALI. Phase I studies will evaluate different chromophores and probes against various protein targets and define conditions for optoinjection, thereby demonstrating feasibility of high-throughput CALI on LEAP. The commercial application of this project is in the area of instrumentation relevant to drug discovery and development. Successful completion of the project will lead to commercialization of the novel LEAP instrument platform for high-throughput cell imaging and laser-based manipulations. Applications of this platform will include high-throughput high-content cell-based assays, cell purification, cell transfection (optoinjection), and CALI. Within each application, LEAP will have significant advantages over existing techniques. The market for equipment for cell analysis/processing, screening, and proteomics are forecasted to grow by the billions. The opportunity for LEAP is therefore significant, as is the potential to carry out experimentation that has previously not been possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Koller, Manfred Cyntellect, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320512 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Nanotube Probe Tips for Atomic Force Microscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a wafer-scale process for the reliable fabrication of Carbon NanoTube (CNT) based probe tips for Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). This project will make use of a novel technique for controlling the placement, number and dimensions of vertical carbon nanotubes, growing them directly onto silicon cantilevers for use as AFM probe tips. The process is based on catalyst deposition and lift-off, followed by use of electric field enhanced chemical vapor deposition growth chamber. Challenges to be overcome in this project include integration of the deposition and growth processes with the harsh environment necessary for cantilever micro-fabrication, and achieving uniformity of CNT dimensions and characteristics at wafer scale. Successful development of this process would enable the batch fabrication of carbon nanotube probe tips (up to 192/wafer) with controlled length, diameter, vertical orientation and crystalline morphology. CNTs make nearly ideal tips for many AFM applications, given their durability, high aspect ratio, and resolution achieved. The initial commercial application developed will be a CNT-based AFM probe for tapping mode microscopes. This process can also be extended to specific demanding applications such as high-aspect ratio/deep trench metrology, and thermal, conductive and magnetic imaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ye, Qi Integrated Nanosystems, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99205 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1676 1179 0106000 Materials Research 0320515 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Mobility Based Label Free Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel mobility based label free detection of receptor / ligand binding in lipid bilayer membranes. This label - free detection will be incorporated into the MembraneChip technology for array sensors to replace costly fluorescent labeling methods. The cell membrane is the richest source of targets with high therapeutic values. Recent advances in automated membrane deposition techniques, combined with the discovery of membrane-compatible surfaces and membrane diffusion barrier materials, allow for the creation of discrete, spatially-addressable membrane array elements which retain their biological functionality and natural fluid character. These characteristics make this technology an attractive format for displaying native or reconstituted membrane targets in an industrialized drug discovery assay platform. In order to fully exploit this platform's potential, a lipid mobility based detection scheme which is effectively label free in that it does not require any label on the ligand or the target, has been discovered. Small quantities of fluorescent lipid doped into the membrane bilayer exhibit changes in lateral diffusion coefficient upon binding without being directly involved in the interaction. This project will explore the feasibility of extending this label free detection discovery to study universal membrane receptor-ligand binding interactions by characterizing the technique with respect to detection sensitivity, quantitation and binding interactions. The commercial application of this project is in drug discovery research. Fluid membrane microarray technology is applicable to both native and reconstituted membrane proteins, and should therefore provide a well-controlled and systematic drug discovery platform for membrane-mediated cell signaling events. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yamazaki, Victoria Proteomic Systems, Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99973 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320525 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Development and Commercialization of a Real-Time Visualization Tool for the Energy Industry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a new software tool for viewing real-time electrical data for the energy industry. The purpose of this project is to allow an advanced visualization environment to be used with real-time power system data as input. Existing product will be decoupled from off-line power flow cases and generalize the visualization links so that any real-time database can be linked to the visualization objects. The end result will be a software product that will allow any user with secure access to view real-time power system data from any Windows PC with a TCP/IP connection to the Internet. The market for this product will be all electrical utilities, independent system operators, and regional transmission organizations in the world since they all must have an energy management system (EMS) installed in their control center. EMS systems have the ability to display real-time power system data obtained from meters installed throughout the electrical grid and sent in real-time to the control center. However this data has been essentially trapped in the control center with no way for company employees in other locations to visualize in real time what is happening on the system. Typically a report on real-time system information necessitates a telephone call to an EMS operator. When implemented this system should generate savings for the power companies which in turn will be passed on to the consumer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Laufenberg, Mark POWERWORLD CORPORATION IL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 512000 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0320529 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: STAR: Surveyor Telescope for Atmospheric Research. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is intended to demonstrate Surveyor Telescope for Atmospheric Research (STAR) as a viable real-time nighttime ozone monitor. STAR is reaching fruition as an atmospheric extinction monitor in support of other optical instrumentation. STAR can also be used for direct data collection by using the extinction properties of absorption lines and bands. To demonstrate this data, which include information from the Chappuis bands of ozone, are analyzed, interpreted and validated against published sources. The anticipated result is to incorporate data analysis algorithms in the data collection routines so real-time data reporting will be demonstrated. STAR is also poised to measure atmospheric water vapor and upon further study has multiple applications for atmospheric research. Such an instrument will aid the understanding of global atmospheric changes by allowing detailed, regular, worldwide nighttime measurements of relevant quantities. Having divulged its potential as an ozone monitor, and through a preliminary survey of the atmospheric studies community, interest in STAR has already been established, and its market potential has developed well beyond initial expectations. Keywords: atmospheric extinction, ozone monitor, computer imaging telescope, nighttime SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wilkinson, Debi-Lee Cygnus Innovations & Scientific Research AK Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9102 1636 1303 0202000 Atmospheric Science-ICAS 0320531 November 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Sensitive Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) Technology: A Photon Counting Camera. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will result in an innovative, technologically advanced, imaging system--with the potential of capturing and counting individual photons. The imaging system will be a compact avalanche-gain, charge-coupled device digital camera. The technology generated from this research effort will profoundly benefit many detection and discrimination applications. The innovation will offer high-photoresponse from the deep ultraviolet to the near infrared in very Low-Light-Level, as well as photopic light conditions. In addition, the camera system will have solid-state reliability without typical intensifier imaging tube limitations, such as, image burn-in and blooming. In short, the innovation will have significant cost savings over current conventional multi-spectrum imaging systems and will offer enhanced imaging performance. A possible research, military, law enforcement, or homeland security application for the camera will be black-on-black detection--that is, when faint objects are difficult to discriminate from the background. This far-reaching technology will also be beneficial for many non-military applications: such as, Low-Light-Level physical, deep space and forensic sciences, as well as, photopic (daylight) medical and life sciences. In summary, the imaging system will have the most impact where real-time and lowest possible noise is required. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Meisner, Mark Titan Optics & Engineering NH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 496174 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 7218 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0320535 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: Nanobiotechnology for Identification of Membrane Proteins. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative, rapid and low - cost nanotechnology that is ideally suited for industrial-scale identification of membrane protein structure. The main emphasis of this program is to develop a rapid and low-cost approach for fabrication of large membrane protein crystals, suitable for high-resolution structural analysis. The feasibility of the approach will be established using members from three different families of membrane proteins as prototypes for the crystallization process. Electron diffraction and microbeam x-ray crystallography using a synchrotron source will be employed for structure determination. In the follow on Phase II project, the technology will be further optimized to enhance resolution and increase throughput, suitable for industrial-scale applications. The commercial application of this project is in the area of drug design and development. Structural genomics, related to identification of a large number of protein structures in a high throughput mode, has become an integral component of research in structure-guided drug design. Membrane proteins are central mediators for numerous diseases including cancer and infections caused by pathogenic bacteria. These proteins have presented a challenge to NMR and crystallography because of problems with their expression, solubility and crystallization. The new approach proposed in this program is expected to circumvent this bottleneck and to further stimulate new developments, for detecting, diagnosing, and intervening in disease at the earliest stages of development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mojtabai, Fatemeh Novatarg Pharmaceuticals NJ George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0320594 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase I: The Molecular Comb: A Novel Tool for Protein Analysis on a Chip. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel microscale technology to aid researchers in understanding the function of proteins in disease. The Molecular Comb technology, invented at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and exclusively licensed by the company, utilizes semiconductor photoelectrochemistry to transport charged biomolecules inside a channel - less microfluidic chip. The key innovation of the proposed work is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a chemically modified hydrophobic surface gradient in concert with the Molecular Comb biomolecular transport technology to reproducibly separate proteins on the microscale. While many of the tools for protein analysis have been in place for decades, current techniques such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, lack the integration, automation, and speed of analysis required by research scientists. If successfully developed, the Molecular Comb technology has the potential to fulfill this unmet market need by providing substantial performance advantages over competing protein analysis techniques, including automation, improved data quality, and direct integration with a mass spectrometer. The commercial application of this project is in the area of protein separation and analysis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sega, Gary QGENICS Biosciences, Inc. TN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9216 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0320618 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Light Weight Thermal and Electrical Insulation Using Fullerenes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a technology to produce an advanced high efficiency multi-layer thermal and electrical insulation using fullerenes. The recently completed Phase I project has demonstrated absolute technical and economical feasibility of producing and utilizing such insulation systems resulting from the unique thermal properties of fullerenes. Fabricated samples of fullerene-based insulation were shown to possess R-values of 36 to 40 per inch of thickness, which considerably exceeds those of commonly available insulation materials (for example, polyurethane (R6.7), expanded polystyrene (R3.8), and even vacuum insulated panels (R9~24)). In addition, proposed fullerene-based insulation is very compact, lightweight and cost-effective. During the course of this Phase II project, the team will optimize fabrication technology, structure and properties of the proposed fullerene-based insulation as well as perform an extended prototype study by producing and fully characterizing various insulation systems. At the completion of this effort, an optimized fabrication technology for producing advanced thermal and electrical insulation systems will be demonstrated, commercial application identified and extensive testing at a potential customer site initiated in order to start the product certification process. Commercially, the proposed high efficiency thermal and electrical insulation system will have numerous applications, especially in the area of cryogenic temperatures. Based on high performance, ultimate compactness, flexibility and lightweight, the premier field of application will include miniature cryogenic storage and shipping containers utilized in pharmaceutical industry, neuro- and bio-storage, assisted reproduction, oncology research, immunology, gene therapy, tissue banking, food industry, micro-refrigerators and mechanical freezers, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wexler, Eugene Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321272 February 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Dynamic, High-Resolution Volumetric Dilatometer. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop innovations pertaining to optrodes (optical sensors) and electro-optical instrumentation for advanced material characterization. Specifically, this project will develop the first commercially available high-resolution volumetric dilatometer. In addition, the innovations will allow for: (1) a linear dilatometer that possesses a resolution that is 2-3 orders of magnitude better than its conventional linear counterparts; (2) an optical control system for micro-translation stages; (3) an optrode for thin film characterization that possesses a linear resolution exceeding 1 nanometer; and (4) an ultra-fast, high-resolution spectrometer that will enable commercialization of three optical sensors (pressure, temperature, and load) suitable for harsh environments. Potential commercial applications are expected in electronics and microelectronics manufacturing for dilatometry, thin films analysis, micro-translation stages, ultra-fast spectroscopy, and various optical sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Christian, Sean StellarNet, Inc. FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 275000 5373 AMPP 9163 9102 0321298 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Detection Systems for High-Speed Optoelectronic Sortation of Low Z Metal Alloys. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel prototype optoelectronic sensing system for the high-speed identification and sorting of metals, particularly aluminum alloys. The goal is to develop the capability to sort aluminum into its exact alloy designations. The technology is expected to sort materials in less than 50-milliseconds per item automatically without operator intervention while the scrap is in motion on a high-speed conveyor belt. The scrap recycling industry reports that more than 30 billion pounds of nonferrous metals are produced each year in the U.S. alone. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) reports that more than 10 billion pounds of these nonferrous metals are discarded each year in landfills, because recycling is either technically or economically impractical. Existing methods of sortation that employ visual examination and hand sortation, or alternatively employ heavy media separation, cannot sort aluminum by alloy type. Refining is accomplished in smelting facilities that are expensive to build and often polluting. Using advanced spectrographic detection techniques, including computer analysis; the proposed technology will improve alloy identification accuracy and automatically sort aluminum metal alloys at speeds never before attainable. The commercial impact of this project will be increased scrap utilization, increased scrap value, reduced pressure on non-renewable resources, and reduced environmental pollution. The potential worldwide market exceeds $2 billion annually. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Peritz, Leigh wTe Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 1011954 5373 1591 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9146 5373 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321305 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: On-Line Optoelectronic Sensing of Molten Metal Chemistry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a highly innovative, high-speed optoelectronic sensor system capable of continuously monitoring molten metal alloy compositions during casting and melting operations. The goal is to design and construct a commercially-viable sensor system capable of performing highly-accurate quantitative measurement of molten aluminum alloy compositions in an aggressive industrial setting. Development of this sensor is among the highest priority technology needs identified by both the metal casting industry and the aluminum industry in their industry roadmaps of the future. In order to effectively compete, U.S. metal industries must increase their use of low cost scrap and must also find ways to increase production efficiency. The proposed sensor will acquire critical compositional data thousands of times faster than current commercial methods and will operate on a real-time basis without the need to place the sensor in contact with the molten metal. At these speeds, a melt shop could produce one extra metal production batch ('heat') per day, resulting in a 15% increase in productivity. The incorporation of this innovative optoelectronic sensor system will result in a tremendous increase in production efficiency, providing for a 15% gain in productivity. Thus, the $30 billion aluminum smelting industry could realize a $4.5 billion increase in production output with little or no additional capital investment other than the cost of the sensor system. In fact, the most immediate broader impact of the proposed activity will be to enhance U.S. competitiveness of aluminum casters and smelters because of this productivity improvement. In addition, the proposed technology will have a significant positive effect on process control and quality assurance, thereby providing further competitive advantages. Broader impact to our society will also be brought about through reduced emissions and energy savings resulting from shorter melting cycles. Similar improvements would be possible for zinc, copper, brass, bronze, iron, ceramic and glass industries that also have need for a similar continuous sensor system to monitor and control composition and quality on a real-time basis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Peritz, Leigh wTe Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 773980 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 9102 1185 0104000 Information Systems 0321408 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Polymer Imaging Guide For Endoscopic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop high quality, inexpensive polymer-based (plastic) optical fiber imaging guides and other new and unique endoscopic devices through the use of innovative polymer processing techniques. Polymer imaging guides have several distinct advantages over their glass counterparts, including reduced cost, smaller bend radius, and increased ruggedness. Additional benefits include the ability to dope the polymer matrix with molecules that can be used as environmental probes, scintillating material, or indicators ; the ability to tailor the guide for highly specific applications, and the ability to impart diverse functionality into a single imaging guide. The Phase II project is expected to result in a truly disposable endoscope. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomedical devices and instrumentation. It is expected that the polymer imaging guide developed in this project will be used as a direct replacement for glass guides in all types of fiber optic endoscopes currently manufactured. The resulting benefits would be lower costs, less patient discomfort, higher reliability, earlier detection of abnormal conditions, and an increase in the number of procedures that could be performed with endoscopes in an outpatient setting. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Welker, Dave PARADIGM OPTICS INCORPORATED WA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 511692 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0321420 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: A Toolbox for Optimal Design. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project combines large-scale simulation of wave propagation phenomena with optimization. Simulation in itself is seldom a final objective. Rather, simulation is usually a step in an iterative process to solve the real problem, that could be the determination of material properties from indirect measurements, imaging, parameter estimation or optimal design, to name a few. All these problems share the need to couple a large simulation package with an optimization one. This project will formalize this concept and proceed to create a set of tools to facilitate this coupling in the area of transient wave propagation phenomena, with special applications to piezoelectric transducer design, oil exploration and production, and optimal and protective structural design. These applications are chosen to exemplify the usage of the toolbox and emphasize its generality. It will couple a wave propagation finite element system and a system for 3D forward and inverse geological modeling, with a number of optimization programs. The target market for the proposed solution is small to medium sized companies in need of a set of affordable design tools that will cover a number of different classes of application areas which have been previously available only to large firms. The results of this project will have a broad impact on a large number of small and medium size industries that rely on Computer Aided Design and Engineering to develop their products, accelerating and making more efficient the process between product conception, production and market introduction, key in a highly competitive world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pereyra, Victor Weidlinger Associates Incorporated, NYC NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 749999 5373 HPCC 9216 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321447 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Optical Instruments for Monitoring Asthma. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a laser based breathmeter for detecting and monitoring asthma in children and adults. The Phase I work proved the feasibility of constructing a machine, based on infrared laser absorption spectroscopy, that is capable of measuring exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and exhaled carbon dioxide (eCO2) levels to evaluate airway inflammation for indications of asthma and to monitor treatment compliance. In the Phase II project, a dedicated hardware design for electronics and data processing plus user-friendly custom written software will be integrated into a compact system that is cost effective, highly sensitive, real-time, and reliable for monitoring airway inflammation. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biomedical devices and instrumentation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Namjou, Khosrow EKIPS TECHNOLOGIES INC OK Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 1000000 5373 BIOT 9181 9150 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321465 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Low Cost Visible Blind Ultra Violet Photodetectors on Glass and Polyimide. This Small Business Innovation Research project proposes commercialization of innovative oxide based visible and solar blind ultra-violet light detectors successfully fabricated and tested. The studies clearly indicate the possibility of growing good quality wide band gap tunable oxide thin films on low cost substrates such as glass, quartz, silicon, and polyimide for photoconductive and Schottky UV photodiodes. The detectors fabricated on these substrates show comparable performance to those of AlGaN on sapphire, and SiC with a high responsivity and UV to visible rejection ratio of more than three orders of magnitude. The feasibility of tuning the detector performance at selective UV regions is also successful which is achieved through innovation of the composition control in the wide band gap oxide layer. The company will extend this technology to commercialize the low cost UV detectors and large format detector arrays for UV radiation monitoring systems for personal safety and consumable products, and exploit additional capabilities beyond the scope of the existing Si, GaAs, and AlGaN technologies. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vispute, Ratnakar BLUE WAVE SEMICONDUCTORS, INC MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 649999 9131 5373 SMET HPCC 9179 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0321474 September 1, 2003 Continuation of UConn Research Site of I/UCRC for Pharmaceutical Processing. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Pharmaceutical Processing was established at Purdue University to partner with pharmaceutical companies to gain understanding at the molecular level, to the effects of processing on critical qualities of pharmaceutical products and to improve process monitoring with the goal of minimizing validation requirements. The I/UCRC has become a multi-university Center now encompassing University of Connecticut, University of Puerto Rico and the University of Minnesota. The University of Connecticut researchers will enhance the Center's expertise in: - Stability behavior and characterization of proteins in both solution and solid state, - The science and technology freeze drying, - Materials science of amorphous pharmaceuticals, - Tablet coating science and technology, - Dissolution behavior, and - The study of disperse systems with a focus on emulsions, interfacial characterization, and micro-encapsulation INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pikal, Michael Robin Bogner Diane Burgess Devendra Kalonia University of Connecticut CT Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 60000 5761 OTHR 0000 0321499 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: The ResonantSonic Enhanced Mixer and Coalescer (RSEMC) as an Advanced Solvent Extraction Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II (SBIR) project will develop and demonstrate a novel prototype solvent extraction (SX) device, which, by virtue of its highly uniform shear and mixing intensity, has the potential to supplant existing SX units in terms of extraction and phase separation rates. The technical approach of the Phase II project is as follows: 1.) Develop performance and scale-up principles for the SX device, optimize the hardware configuration and process conditions; 2.) Apply the results to the design of a reliable prototype SX system that demonstrates improved mass transfer and phase separation, and decreased entrainment at power consumption levels equivalent to existing equipment. The Phase I copper extraction work showed a 3-5 fold improvement in extraction and phase separation rates over existing mixer-settlers that are used in the minerals industry for the recovery of copper. The commercial benefits of the ResonantSonic solvent extraction device to the minerals industry are reduced equipment size and footprint, reduced solvent loss, and improved electrowinning efficiency. Reducing the solvent loss to the environment has great societal benefit as losses can exceed 100,000 gallons per year per mine site. Other potential applications are metals separation, and the recovery of vitamins, antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Yang, Fangxiao RESODYN CORPORATION MT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 524000 5373 1505 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9150 5373 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321500 October 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Reactive Mounting of Heat Sinks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project introduces a new reactive joining process for mounting heat sinks onto chips, chip packages and substrates. The process uses reactive multi-layer foils as local heat sources for melting solder layers, and consequently bonding the components. The foils are a new class of nano-engineered materials, in which self-propagating exothermic reactions can be ignited at room temperature with a spark. The work will focus on reactive mounting of heat sinks onto server chips, an application that is in critical need of performance improvements. Two alternatives will be considered - the reactive mounting of a copper heat sink onto a metallized heat spreader that surrounds the chip, and reactive mounting of the heat sink directly onto a metallized chip. Significant improvements in heat conduction in microelectronic devices are needed as existing approaches such as adhesives, greases and epoxies suffer a number of limitations such as poor thermal conductivity, low mechanical strength and/or susceptibility to degradation. With the decrease in the size and the increase in speed of microelectronic devices, poor heat dissipation has started to limit device performance and applications and thus has become a critical issue. The worldwide market for thermal management in microelectronic devices is about $3.7 billion/year and high-end heat-sink mounting constitutes approximately 10% of this market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Van Heerden, David REACTIVE NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC MD William Haines Standard Grant 999319 5373 AMPP 9163 1467 1403 0106000 Materials Research 0321504 December 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Urea Sensing Biocatalytic Polymers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop prototype urine-detecting products based on enzyme-polymerization and chemical sensing technologies for use in nursing homes, daycare establishments and healthcare facilities. These products will include hand-held sensors, sponge wipes, and bedding fabric pads that change color upon exposure to urine. The strict specificity of the enzymes used in sensor formulation will provide the sensing devices with rapid response times and great precision, thus limiting false positive and negative signals. Having shown the proof of concept in Phase I , the sensor optimization work in this Phase II project will focus on signal enhancement, the development of multi-component sensors for quantitative analysis, and improvements in the usability and the operational shelf life of the proposed sensing products. The commercial application of this project will be for a broad range of public facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers and food / hospitality establishments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Erbeldinger, Markus AGENTASE LLC PA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 511952 5373 MANU BIOT 9251 9181 9178 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321506 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Cell-Based Microfluidic Platform for Drug Discovery. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will complete the development of the microscale bioreactor platform as a useful tool for cell culture studies in drug discovery research and development. The Phase II work has three key objectives : (1) to expand the capabilities of the microscale bioreactor to allow for the measurement of pH, dissolved oxygen, and protein titer ; (2) to construct a fully automated bioprocessing cluster tool ; and (3) to demonstrate the cost and speed advantages of the high-throughput approach to bioreactor production of recombinant protein. The commercial application of this project is in the area of cell culture bioreactors for drug discovery and development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schreyer, Brett BioProcessors Corporation MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 1010620 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321520 December 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: DNA Binding Proteins as Biosensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will complete the development of biosensors for detection of heavy metals and acyl-CoA using sequence-specific DNA binding proteins. The presence of the target molecule will be reported by the biosensor as a change in fluorescence signal that could be read using a hand-held battery-operated reader. The commercial application of this project is in the area of biosensors for markets that include basic and applied research, clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, drug screening, and process control in manufacturing operations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Heyduk, Ewa MEDIOMICS, LLC MO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 498375 5373 BIOT 9107 1185 0104000 Information Systems 0321529 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Scalable, Parallel Automatic Mesh Generation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop technologies to automatically generate large meshes appropriate for finite element and similar analyses directly from CAD model representations. This will be done using scalable, parallel algorithms that will enable the generation of meshes on distributed parallel computers including workstation clusters. The result of this project will be software that is capable of generating meshes with hundreds of millions of elements in an efficient manner. The generated meshes will already be partitioned to be compatible with the needs of parallel analysis codes. The commercial applications of this research are in those industries that need to perform large-scale simulations of complex problems over general domains. The procedures to be developed will allow simulation based design technologies to be applied to applications that demand massive simulations. By enabling these large-scale simulations for industrial problems, this technology will enable the more widespread and effective use of numerical simulation in the design of manufactured products in all industries (automotive and aerospace being two major industries with an immediate need for this technology). The software developed in this project will be available for licensing to all CAD/CAE software developers to enhance the capabilities of their products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Beall, Mark Simmetrix, Inc. NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 496549 5373 HPCC 9215 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321551 June 1, 2003 SBIR PHASE II: Novel Ambient Temperature Emissions Control Catalyst. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to complete the R&D to commercialize a novel catalytic technology for pollution control at ambient temperature. The novel technology will destroy VOCs using low temperature oxidation with a highly active class of novel Heteropoly Oxometalate (HPOM) catalysts. This new class of catalysts is dramatically more active than traditional platinum oxidation catalysts. The Phase II catalyst will provide new avenues for scientific research and education, by studying catalysis at mild conditions needed for advanced instrumentation at diverse geographic locations, and by expanding the applications to other societal needs in fuel cells, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, etc. Commercial applications will provide efficient, low cost industrial emissions control and enhanced indoor air quality. The firm's research facilities and prior SBIR licensing success will facilitate rapid deployment. The program should protect the nation's environment and improve economic competitiveness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kittrell, James KSE Inc MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9197 9188 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321554 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Flux-Gated Spin-Dependent-Tunneling Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to fabricate a novel nanotechnology spin-dependent tunneling (SDT) magnetic field sensor device with increased signal-to-noise performance at low frequencies. The increased resolution at low frequencies is greatly desired in a large number of application markets. The proposed device is based on innovative methods of modulating the permeability of, and/or the flux through, integrated flux concentrators. These methods of "flux gating" (chopping or sweeping the magnetic field which is sensed by the SDT transducers) are employed using on-chip, microfabricated coil structures. The project explores the nature of frequency-dependent (or 1/f) noise that is intrinsic to SDT devices, and offers an integrated low-power method of noise reduction. SDT technology is at the leading edge of magnetoresistive transducer development due, in part, to the fact that its magnetoresistance can be more than 3 times that of the best giant magnetoresistive devices, and more than 15 times that of the anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors on the market today. The devices for this Phase II is based on novel and proprietary concepts for the advancement of small, solid-state, low-cost, low-power magnetic field sensors. The primary need is for high-resolution magnetic field sensors that are more fieldable and cost effective. SDT technology offers this high-resolution potential as well as the low-cost advantages of silicon fabrication methods used for SDT micro-sensors. Applications for these sensors include non-destructive testing, security and surveillance, and magnetic media validation. Each of these very diverse applications share a common need for the small, highly sensitive, low power magnetic field sensing devices being proposed. The new devices will enable each of these areas to expand into small portable applications and into areas where cost effective low-field sensing has not been possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nordman, Catherine NVE CORPORATION MN T. James Rudd Standard Grant 499973 5373 MANU 9146 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0321573 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Multi-Channel Fluorescence Lifetime Measuring Instrument Using a Novel Low-Cost Digitizer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will deliver a low-cost, multi-channel digitizer that can revolutionize applications of fluorescence sensing with its ability to accurately capture over 10,000 complete fluorescence decay curves (waveforms) per second per channel. This novel low-cost digitizer exploits a unique 'flash capture' approach to analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion to achieve an exceptional combination of speed (>1GS/s), resolution (10 bits), and low power. Fluorescence sensing measurement underlies an immense array of cutting-edge applications because it provides a sensitive and versatile probe into nano-scale behavior and properties. The project will develop a full-featured instrument-grade engineering prototype of the digitizer and integrate it into a portable demonstration instrument to showcase capabilities such as distinguishing biological or chemical agents by their spectral and temporal signatures. This custom digitizer will match the capabilities of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to deliver accurate, cost effective, and complete data collection. The digitizer will be the first low-cost compact digitizer suitable for the specific front-end LIF analysis of biological agents. Among the weapons of mass destruction that threaten people around the world, biological agents are perceived to be the main hazard facing us today. The system's ability to capture more information, faster and more accurately will reduce the high occurrence of false alarms suffered by today's systems, resulting in a more reliable system with the potential to save lives. When integrated with biomedical instrumentation, the digitizer will have scientific and educational benefits through the use at academic institutions for research and discovery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pavicic, Mark DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 506000 5373 HPCC 9251 9218 9178 9150 1491 0104000 Information Systems 0203000 Health 0321576 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Micromachined Ultrasonic-on-a-Chip for Medical High-Resolution Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will optimize and finalize the design and the simulation of the ultrasound-on-a-chip (UOC) probe, and itegrate it into a portable ultrasound medical imager with high spatial resolution and enhanced picture definition for noninvasive clinical diagnosis of the internal lumens. The UOC probe architecture is based on patented ultraprecision micromachining technology. The objective is to fabricate and test the UOC probe and integrate it into a portable cost-effective medical imaging prototype system for noninvasive real-time high-definition volumetric medical imaging. The realization of the merits of the ultrasound-on-a-chip based portable medical imager will open a wide window of commercialization opportunities for medical and nonmedical applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wiener-Avnear, Eli Leeoat Company CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 511993 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9146 9139 0203000 Health 0321581 December 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: New Convergent X-Ray Beam Based System for Protein Crystallography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new convergent x-ray beam based crystallography system for measurement of the quality and the structure of protein crystals in an effort to support crystal growth development efforts and as a prescreening tool for very small protein crystals prior to refined, high-resolution structure determination at dedicated synchrotron-based macromolecular structure facilities. Measurements of a broad range of crystal types, sizes, and degrees of perfection will be carried out in an active protein crystal growth and characterization laboratory at the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Health Department. Parallel measurements using the same crystals will be made in this laboratory with a conventional state-of-the-art protein diffraction system in order to examine the potential benefits and limitations of the convergent beam method (CBM). Measurements will also be made in an industrial laboratory to evaluate the potential of CBM as a commercial, compact, high-intensity, low-power, low-cost, protein screening instrumentation. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of structural proteomics. Development of a compact, high-efficiency, high-sensitivity system for measurement of the quality and preliminary structure of small protein crystals is crucial to implementation of the huge opportunities offered by recent advances in human and non-human genomics, with far-reaching consequences in the areas of disease therapy and drug discovery. Furthermore, such a system could find broad applications in academic, scientific and industrial programs for high- resolution microscopy of structure, texture, and strain in metallurgical, geological, environmental and biological or other materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Huang, Huapeng X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 749730 5373 BIOT 9181 0104000 Information Systems 0321598 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Digital Starlab. This SBIR Phase II project will develop a planetarium system based on a new computerized digital projector. Learning Technologies Inc. will make use of recent developments in new micro mirror devices and simulation software. The proposed planetarium system will be capable of projecting an accurate, simulated night sky with the capacity for a multitude of motions and displays and dynamically changing information displays of the earth, including plate tectonics, weather patterns, and biological distributions. The small size of the projector with supporting laptop computer and inflatable dome will allow the units to be shared within school systems and loaned out by museums and educational cooperatives. Standardization will encourage adept teachers and planetarium educators to distribute their programs and activities. Integrated help screens and tutorials will aid in supporting teachers who wish to learn how to master this equipment. The new system will build on the firm's portable planetarium systems, which are now used by an estimated 5% of the school age children in the U.S. A small digital-projection planetarium system will expand the market for small planetariums to teachers interested in earth science and multidisciplinary topics, geology, volcanism, meteorology, oceanography, and biological population studies. In addition, the connections between science and the humanities can be illustrated by coupling the historical age of exploration with the science of celestial navigation. For schools with limited resources, the system's portability will facilitate shared use. Such a system will have a broad impact on the teaching of astronomy and earth science. It will use the latest astronomical and Geographic Information System (GIS) data, and it will aid in teaching the content of the national standards, especially earth science at the elementary and middle school level. Professionally produced interactive shows can be a new venue for astronomers and earth scientists to inform large numbers of students of their results and of the nature of the scientific enterprise. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sadler, Jane LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES, INC MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 530289 5373 SMET 9180 9177 9102 7355 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0321601 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Microfabricated Silicon Devices for Low Cost Microarray. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a new, commercially viable micromachined silicon technology platform for the printing of DNA microarrays that offer significant advantages over current steel pin technology in cost and in quality. The Phase I effort demonstrated very clearly that a silicon pin reliably imbibed DNA printing solution and deposited spots with a size variance better than that of commercial steel printing pins. Phase II work will focus on the development of a new micromachining protocol based on a combination of wet and dry etching that will allow sculpting of the print tip in all three dimensions. This, in turn, will permit the size, shape and fluid delivery characteristics of the tip to be finely tuned. Printing tip sizes (range : 125 microns x 125 microns to 25 microns x 25 microns) and uptake volumes (range : 0 to 100nL) will allow the pins to precisely take up and deliver any volume or spot size/shape desired. Combined with a much denser packing of pins into a newly designed, all-silicon holder, these attributes will allow DNA microarrays to be fabricated at a cost, speed and quality previously unobtainable. The commercial application of this project is in the area of DNA microarrays. Due to the weaknesses in the current manually machined steel pins used for printing DNA microarrays (such as extremely high manufacturing costs and low yield, poor pin-to- pin uniformity, the limited range of spot sizes deposited, waste of valuable DNA in uptake and delivery dead volumes, and deposit variability with time due to rapid tip wear), there is an urgent need for an improved printing technology. The new micromachined silicon printing product to be developed in this project will largely eliminate these drawbacks, and therefore will be well positioned for market entry as a replacement for existing products by virtue of its lower cost, superior accuracy and speed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 672239 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 9151 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321608 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Liquid Phase Epitaxy of Potassium Tantalum Niobate on Low Dielectric Constant Substrates. This SBIR Phase II project proposes to develop the Liquid Phase Epitaxy (LPE) of potassium tantalum niobate (KTN) on a cubic perovskite substrate. In this manner both components of the film/substrate composite may be optimized for device performance. KTN has almost two orders of magnitude higher electrooptic coefficients than current generation lithium niobate waveguides, which would permit shorter path lengths, lower bias voltages or some combination of the two. The new, low dielectric constant substrate material developed in Phase I will enable better matching of the effective microwave dielectric constant to the optical dielectric constant of the film material and achieve lower bias fields. In Phase II, the researchers will develop the new substrate material to commercial quality and size. LPE of KTN will be developed from a new innovative flux system that allows excellent control of growth and superior film properties. Both film and substrate will be fully characterized and optimized as a composite. The process and product will be scaled up to full commercial size. IPI will interact with strategic partner device manufacturers to optimize the material and realize device applications. Electrooptic devices are used in any photonics application where an electrical signal can be used to change the state of a beam of light. While the best-known applications for electrooptic devices are in telecommunications, customers can be found wherever light is used to move information including optical computing, analog and digital signal processing, information processing and sensing. Devices include phase and amplitude modulators, Q-switches, multiplexers, switch arrays, couplers, polarization controllers, deflectors, correlators, sensors, potential transformers and optical parametric oscillators. Potential customers are noticeably found in both the electric power industry and the military. Initial applications in sensors will have an immediate potential for impact in reliability of electric power distribution through failure anticipation and prevention and conservation of electric power through monitoring and control. The proposed work will enable electrooptic modulators, switches and innovative new photonic device applications with lower costs, smaller footprints and lower power budgets. All this contributes to improvements of the infrastructure of the Internet and more rapid, lower cost deployment, especially in the local loop. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fratello, Vincent INTEGRATED PHOTONICS, INC. AL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0321611 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: A New Scale-Up Technology for Industrial Production of High Quality Semiconductor Nanocrystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop the so-called Continuous Batch (CB) technology for the massive production of high quality semiconductor nanocrystals inexpensively. The CB technology has the following advantages over the most closely competitive technology, continuous flow production (CFP: It uses much less toxic and less expensive chemicals as reactants). To date, production of high quality semiconductor nanocrystals can only be performed in well-equipped labs and in very small (dozens of milligram) quantities. The CB's potential for cost savings, improved qualities (i.e. size distribution, optical absorption, and photoluminescence emission)and the high productivity (thousand kilograms/year) makes it superior in comparison to the existing CFP technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wang, Yongqiang NANOMATERIALS AND NANOFABRICATION LABORATORIES AR T. James Rudd Standard Grant 498433 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 1794 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321616 July 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Large Area Platform Technology for Small Diameter Silicon Carbide. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will optimize the key technologies for deployment of high-temperature pressure sensors from proven silicon carbide (SiC) sensor dies for harsh environment applications within aerospace and automotive markets. These include wafer bonding and planarization, electrical characterization, selection of integrated electronics manufacturing methods, and temperature compensation algorithms. The Discrete Wafer Array Process (DWAP) technique will be further developed to demonstrate fabrication of SiC pressure sensors. Prototype platforms for demonstration of low-cost and high volume manufacturability of single crystal SiC devices in conventional foundries will be provided and the semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) technology provided by the DWAP concept will be leveraged to demonstrate superior device performance. This work will focus on developing and optimizing the necessary technical foundation of SiC sensor dies through electrical characterization and interface electronic development, and fabrication of SiC pressure sensor dies on 4-inch platform for testing by GE and Ford. The increasing demand for miniaturization presents unique growth opportunities in the MEMS Market, which is estimated at $7Billion. Combined skills in MEMS manufacturing processes, electronics system design, algorithm development, and market access are required for success. The harsh environment market segment, estimated at $4.5Billion by 2005 is poised to be a major beneficiary of the technical and cost saving superiority of Silicon Carbide (SiC) over Silicon (Si) as the primary semi-conducting material. The pressure sensor sector of the market segment will grow from $3.5Billion by 2005 to $9.06Billion, with a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.5%. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Izadnegahdar, Alain ZIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC OH William Haines Standard Grant 781906 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 7218 1467 1403 0106000 Materials Research 0321625 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Real-Time Image Processing Based Motion Detection for Science and Mathematics Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will create a software-based, real-time, single camera, direct-to-computer, two-dimensional motion analysis system for education using image-processing technology. Image processing has not previously been used in educational motion detection. Compared to the commonly used methods--real-time one-dimensional graphing and frame-by-frame analysis of stored video--this innovation has many advantages, such as the simultaneous real-time display of video and graphs, multidimensional operation, ability to operate over any distance scale, display of the shape and orientation of objects, and the automatic generation of stroboscope-like images. This innovation creates the opportunity to surpass in learning effectiveness and ease-of-use the technologies now used widely in high school and college physics for the study of motion. In addition it will potentially reach a much larger group--mathematics classrooms from middle school through college. The system will operate with ordinary classroom computers and ordinary digital video cameras. Used in conjunction with inquiry-based curricula, Alberti's' Windows' system will be primarily used in physics and mathematics education classes. Improving the teaching of physics and mathematics is basic to science literacy and is essential to creating a technologically capable workforce. Ultimately, the following potential markets can also be explored: CAD/CAM, physiological/medical testing, sports, industrial monitoring and control, videogames, and security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Antonucci, Paul Alberti's Window, LLC MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 551427 5373 SMET HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9177 7218 5373 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0321628 September 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Synthesis of High Capacity Sn/MOx Nano Composite Anode Materials for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a metal-oxide tin-alloy nano-composite for use as an anode material in a new ultra-low cost lithium-ion battery. This new battery system could impact many applications and offer an environmentally benign alternative to lead acid batteries with significant performance enhancements. With the advent of ultra-low cost cathode materials, for example lithiated metal phosphates, the development of a complementary anode material is now the gating item for low-cost lithium-ion batteries. In Phase I, mixtures of transition metal oxides and tin alloy were successfully produced. The electrochemical and physical characteristics were evaluated and these materials showed excellent electrochemical performance but exhibited a high first cycle loss. Internal work on tin alloys mixed with transition metal carbides and nitrides suggests the first cycle loss could be improved through simple chemical modification of the oxide component. The Phase II work will involve development of these modified oxides to reduce first cycle loss. In addition low cost production methods will be developed for preparing the precursors and materials. Optimized electrodes for use in ultra-low cost battery prototypes will be produced and targeted for outside evaluation. Commercially, this anode material will be combined with metal phosphate cathodes to make a new class of lithium-ion batteries that are cost competitive with lead-acid batteries and maintenance free. This higher energy lead acid replacement opens up opportunities in the growing UPS and HEV markets. There are also non-commercial impacts. Any reduced use of lead acid batteries, which creates toxic waste, is beneficial to the environment. This new class of batteries would lead to the reduction of the 50,000 tons of toxic lead released due to incomplete recycling of lead-acid batteries. The development of materials that enable lithium-ion batteries to be cost competitive with lead acid batteries could give US battery manufacturers a chance to compete against the Asian dominated rechargeable battery market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mani, Suresh T/J Technologies, Inc MI William Haines Standard Grant 736103 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321629 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Carbon Fiber/Boron Nitride Matrix Composites: A Unique Low Wear Friction Material. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a testing application for intermediate and full scale boron nitride (BN) composites for a wide variety of wear applications with a focus on aircraft brakes. Viability of this material was demonstrated in Phase I where 3-dimensional needled carbon fiber/C-BN hybrid matrix composites displayed an order of magnitude decrease in wear as compared to current carbon fiber/carbon matrix composites (C/C). The plan is to fabricate stable boron nitride composites from a unique pre-ceramic polymer (borazine) through a commercially viable technique, namely resin transfer molding process. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology of a composite using BN as a matrix appears to provide the best opportunity of addressing the desired cost-performance characteristics (both a decrease in raw material components and in maintenance due to fewer brake overhauls). In addition, the improved properties of these materials over current aircraft brakes have the potential to increase passenger safety in emergency braking situations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mangun, Christian EKOS Materials Corporation IL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 492069 5373 AMPP 9163 5373 0106000 Materials Research 0321630 August 1, 2003 STTR PHASE II: Nuclear-Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Properties of Carbon Nanomaterials for Medical Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project aims to develop advanced contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging diagnostics. In Phase I dramatically improved contrast agents based on carbon nanospheres were demonstrated. The researchers discovered this new class of molecules called Trimetaspheres, which involve three Gadolinium metal ions encapsulated in a fullerene molecule. They are more than 50 times better in terms of relaxivity than the currently available contrast agents and safer, because the metal ions cannot escape the carbon cage. In the Phase II project full-scale production of the Gadolinium Trimetaspheres will be accomplished at the kilogram level to satisfy the market demand. These Trimetaspheres will be developed into future high field contrast agents and functionalization will be pursued to make the Trimetaspheres more soluble and biocompatible for various medical applications including cell targeting. Following this, the Trimetaspheres will be characterized and evaluated for R1 MRI contrast agents for both high and low magnetic fields. Subsequently Trimetaspheres will be developed for R2 MRI agents for high magnetic field applications. Commercially, Trimetaspheres have proven potential in the $1.5 billion market of MRI contrast agents. Trimetaspheres dramatically improve patient care and lower medical costs by improving existing MRI diagnostics and providing new contrast agents that allow diagnoses in cases where there is no current method. The technology developed in this project has immediate applications in current MRI measurements and satisfies requirements for future high field strength MRI instruments. Improved contrast agents increase the likelihood of accurate diagnosis, and ultimately reduce the treatment cost. There are many instances where a MRI scan is not prescribed because no contrast agent exists. For example within the brain, Trimetaspheres can pass the blood-brain barrier and are small enough to fit inside the smaller regions of blood vessels. In addition, Trimetaspheres will lead to applications in other diagnostic equipment (x-ray, PET), and have advantages as a therapeutic delivering radiation upon targeted biodistribution. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pennington, Charles Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 715855 1505 AMPP 9163 7202 1788 0203000 Health 0512205 Xray & Electron Beam Lith 0522100 High Technology Materials 0321635 August 1, 2003 STTR Phase II: Automation of the Crosscut Operation in a Wood Processing Mill. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is to design and develop a fully automated system for crosscutting planks of lumber into parts with specific length and surface characteristic requirements. This system consists of a scanning device with four heads to scan the four surfaces of each incoming plank, a mathematical programming model and a software system to determine an optimal cutting pattern for each plank, and all necessary mechanisms to interface with (and to coordinate the operation of) various components of the manufacturing line. These components include the transport devices such as conveyor belts, the positioning devices, the saw mechanism, and the subsequent cut-piece sorter. Installation of an automated system would result in both higher speed and higher yields. The project will also extend the scope of this mathematical model, in combination with the models for the gang-rip saw operation, to create a combined system for ripping and crosscutting. The software system developed under this research grant will have an impact on the efficiency of the crosscut operation, by increasing both its speed and its yield. This in turn could lead to substantial reductions in the manufacturing cost as well as to significant savings in the overall consumption of wood, which is a scarce national resource. This project supports the educational development of one graduate student at NC State University. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mullin, Alexander Barr-Mullin Inc. NC Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 1000000 5373 1591 1505 MANU 9148 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321643 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Fullerene Production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop electron transfer methods for the recovery of the giant, insoluble fullerenes that comprise about half of the fullerenes made by the hydrocarbon combustion route. Of the fullerenes produced by the combustion process developed at TDA, and practiced at the tons/year scale, ca. 20 % of the raw soot weight is recovered as fullerenes (C60, C70, etc.). It was shown in this project that another ca. 15 - 20% of the soot could be recovered as giant fullerenes using electron transfer methods. This Phase II project will further research the chemistry of the insoluble fullerenes and develop the recovery technique using xylene-extracted soot as a feedstock. We will also implement the process at 100 times the scale performed during the Phase I project, to 100g insoluble fullerenes recovered per shift, to better identify and address issues in the chemistry and engineering of the process. Following the Phase II project, the process will be installed at a plant producing ~32 tons/year of insoluble fullerenes. The process being developed in this project will be commercialized by fullerene soot producers, giving them the ability to effectively double the yield of the synthesis process. The recovered fullerenes will be useful for applications demanding a more robust, but still fullerenic material or coating, such as carbon coatings for artificial biomaterials, optical limiters, or as scaffolds for nanotechnological devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Diener, Michael TDA Research, Inc CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 980014 5373 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321646 November 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Biosensor for Label-Free, Real-Time Monitoring of Environmental Pathogens. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a portable system for real-time, simultaneous detection and identification of multiple environmental microbes and toxins from aqueous or aerosol samples, on site, with high sensitivity and specificity and with minimal false positives or negative events. The system consists of a disposable biosensor chip and an optical reader device. The detection is based on a proprietary optical transduction technology known as grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance imaging (GCSPRI). Prior Phase I work has demonstrated the feasibility of the GCSPR microarray technology for multiplexed detection with high sensitivity. The goal of the Phase II project is to develop a laboratory prototype of a detection/identification sensor and a prototype chip for multiplexed detection of a model set of three analytes including a bacterium, a virus and a toxin. Non-pathogenic organisms will be used as model systems. Multi-epitope detection methods will be explored for reducing the probability of false alarms. The end result of the Phase II effort will be a demonstration with the laboratory prototype using manual sample introduction. This will provide the logical and critical milestone to transition into commercial development of a portable detection system interfaced to an aerosol collector for field testing and evaluation. The commercial application of this project is in the detection of biological agents for Homeland Defense. The capability for near real-time, multiplexed measurements with a low false alarm rate will be valuable whenever rapid assessment of a contaminated environment is needed. The potential applications would include hospitals, where nosocomial infections may arise; large buildings, where accidental contamination with mold spores, Legionella and other pathogens may create health hazards; recreational water and drinking water supplies, where waterborne pathogens are a great concern; and the food industry, where there is a need for sensitive methods for on-line and real-time detection of pathogens. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fernandez, Salvador CIENCIA INC CT F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 510295 5373 BIOT 9231 9181 9178 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321647 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Delta-Sigma All-Digital Magnetometer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and prototype a single-chip magnetometer based on an innovative approach to digital magnetic sensors. The traditional approach combines a physical sensor having an analog output with an electronic analog-to-digital converter. In this sensor, the analog-to-digital conversion occurs in the physical mechanism of the sensor itself. With this approach only inexpensive digital electronic circuits are needed to complete the sensor system, resulting in a robust design that can easily be manufactured. The unique properties of sub-micron sized magneto-resistive sensor elements are used. The small size of these elements allows only two magnetic states, i.e. the magnetic state represents a binary digit that is a function of the external magnetic fields. Using concepts borrowed from over-sampling delta-sigma analog-to-digital converters, it is possible to measure the analog magnitude of a magnetic field by repeatedly interrogating the magnetic state of the bit. Using the principles of delta-sigma converters, including noise shaping feedback and high over-sampling ratios, high resolution and an inherently linear response can be achieved. This single-chip digital magnetometer would be a revolutionary advance in sensor technology since it is based on standard wafer-level integrated circuit processing techniques. It will thus be much smaller and cheaper to fabricate than existing equivalent magnetic sensor systems. The highly integrated nature of this product, low power consumption and the digital output will make it extremely attractive for remote and/or bussed sensor applications. Applications include digital compasses, geomagnetic surveying equipment, vehicle sensors for traffic control, intrusion detection, currency/document validation and portable biomedical assay devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Deak, James NVE CORPORATION MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499991 5373 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0321657 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Combinatorial Development of Chitosan-Based Drilling Fluid Additives. This SBIR Phase II project proposes to use simple chemistries to develop biopolymer derivatives based on chitosan with controlled macromolecular architectures for oil and gas drilling applications. This Phase II project will focus on the following objectives : (1) Show how chemistries common in food processing can be extended for the simple and safe modification of polymers ; (2) Use data on rheological characterization to better understand the structure-property relations of polymers; (3) Use the proposed high throughput screening to demonstrate how combinatorial screening can be adapted to materials development ; and (4) develop an entirely new class of high performance and environmentally-friendly products for oil and gas drilling. The commercial application of this project is in the area of industrial bioproducts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Blanchard, Andre' The Venture Group (Venture Innovations, Inc.) LA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321674 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Lobster-Eye X-Ray Imaging Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop an innovative Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging Sensor (LEXIS) for the observation of x-ray precipitation during long-term high-altitude balloon flights. The pinhole x-ray cameras currently used in such flights have very limited spatial resolution, and need significantly improved sensitivity. The proposed sensor will have a large-field-of-view x-ray lens fabricated of long metal microchannels. With this lens, the LEXIS will have significantly higher angular resolution and higher sensitivity than pinhole cameras. Phase II efforts will culminate in fabrication and testing of a full-scale LEXIS prototype capable of focusing on both soft and hard x-rays. LEXIS will bring unprecedented resolution to the investigation of boreal sources of x-rays. The proposed research will yield a new kind of x-ray optics that overcomes the limitations and shortcomings of current instruments. The lobster eye optics will dramatically improve the resolution of security screening x-ray equipment. It will enhance the penetration capability of screening equipment, more reliably detecting hazardous or illegal materials within thick metal containers. The technology to be developed for fabricating lobster eye optics will be applied to the fabrication of antiscatter grids for medical x-ray detector arrays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Shnitser, Paul PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499994 5373 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0321679 June 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Simulator for Use in Education. This SBIR Phase II project will result in a low cost PC based interactive scanning electron microscope (iSEM) simulator incorporated into modules to enhance existing science curricula. Although the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is an essential scientific tool and has major impact on our nation's industrial competitiveness, its utilization in education has been modest. Only a handful of high schools in the U.S. have access to instrumentation of this nature, and availability at colleges and universities at the undergraduate level is limited. The premise of this project is that the essence of microscopy instruments can be captured in a software-based simulator running on a personal computer such that entire classrooms can become virtual laboratories, with each student exploring a lesson using microscope-simulator software coupled with appropriate imagery and lesson material. The researchers will use the FERA (Focus, Explore, Reflect, Apply) Learning Cycle model to develop iSEM enhancement modules and supporting materials to extend current curricula such as the National Science Resources Center's Science and Technology for Children (STC) and the Lawrence Hall of Science series of Full Option Science System (FOSS) and will include a component of professional development. The iSEM will not only enable schools to perform more sophisticated scientific experiments and help schools meet the standards mandate, it will also help prepare students for joining tomorrow's workforce in this evolving age of nanotechnology. The educational component of the project that will be developed is inquiry-based, encourages explorations and is inexpensive enough that schools and students can afford to purchase it. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Casuccio, Gary RJ LEE GROUP, INC PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 781808 5373 1666 SMET 9251 9216 9180 9178 9177 7218 0108000 Software Development 0522400 Information Systems 0321686 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Assistive Reading Device for Persons with Disabilities. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an assistive reading device for persons with disabilities. The device, an electromechanical page turner, will serve to automate the mechanical tasks associated with page turning, an important ancillary process of reading. With the touch of a button/pedal, the page turner will automatically grab the next page of a book, turn it, and keep the book opened flat during the entire process. In the prior Phase I work, a novel turnstile design was introduced, and data was collected on bending stiffness, static and dynamic coefficients of friction, and the mechanical characteristics of paper. The Phase II project will integrate the Phase I results into an engineering effort to optimize the design and improve the performance and reliability of the page turner. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of assistive technologies for people with disabilities, the elderly, musicians, and avid readers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schipper, Irene PAGEFLIP NY F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 695114 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0321688 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Continuous Flow Reactor and Size-Selection Chromagraphic Scheme for Use in High Throughput Manufacture of Silicon Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to continue the scale up of luminescent Si nanocrystal production using the continuous flow reactor developed during the Phase I period where the main objective of the Phase I proposal of converting a cumbersome batch process into an efficient continuous one was accomplished. This new continuous flow reactor will serve as an enabling technology because the system will be applicable to the high temperature synthesis of numerous nanoscale colloidal materials. This technology could raise the average efficiency of conventional lighting from under 15% to more than 50%, potentially reducing the electricity consumed for illumination by a factor of 3X. The process can create particles that have many favorable attributes that lend themselves to other applications as well, many of which will be pursued for licensing. These include multi-level floating gate memory, optical interconnects, optical integrated circuits, electro-chemical products, fuel cells, bio-molecular recognition, battery electrodes, and displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jurbergs, David INNOVALIGHT, INC MN William Haines Standard Grant 1023872 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1794 1467 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321692 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Innovative And Cost-Effective Process for Net-Shape Microfabrication of Ceramic Components. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a ceramic hydrogen fuel appliance (CHFA) using ceramic microreactor modules (CMMs) using a low-cost, net-shape manufacturing process, and a new material, that was developed in the Phase I project. The new material developed was demonstrated to have excellent capability for cost-effective microfabrication of ceramic components with sub-micrometer precision. Further, it has good materials properties, including very high component surface area and thermochemical stability to temperatures as high as 1000 degrees C, that make it an ideal material for fabrication of CMMs. The commercial and broader impacts of this technology will be as hydrocarbon fuel reformers that supply hydrogen to fuel cells used as auxiliary power units (APUs) on board automobiles/trucks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nair, Balakrishnan CERAMATEC, INC. UT Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 491471 5373 EGCH 9251 9231 9178 9169 9102 7218 5373 0106000 Materials Research 0510102 Role-Terrestrial Ecosystem 0510301 Structure & Function 0321695 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Incorporation of Carbon Nanotubes into Nylon Filaments. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will continue developing a method for incorporating Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) into nylon to act as reinforcement. Their incorporation will be achieved by wrapping the SWNTs with a functionalized polymer that interacts with the SWNTs mechanically, but is not chemically bound to them. The polymer will be chemically bound to the nylon and in this way will act as a load transferring conduit between the nylon matrix and nanotubes in the final composite. How well the polymer transfers the extraordinary strength and durability of the carbon nanotubes to the nylon composite will depend on how well this new interface, between the SWNT and the nylon matrix, functions. For nylon fibers, the degree to which it is possible to align the SWNTs along the major axis of the fiber filaments will play a role in the fiber's thermal and electrical conductivity as well as strength. The primary focus of this work is to optimize the SWNT/nylon matrix interaction in order to obtain the best load transfer properties. Methods to align the SWNTs along the long axis of the nylon filaments in order to maximize fiber strength will also be investigated. Commercially, this high strength nylon composite will have significant applications in the aerospace industry for use in fabricating lightweight, retrievable, satellite launch vehicles, reusable space craft etc. The military will also be interested in this technology because of the combination of exceptionally high strength, lightweight and stealth capability. The successful development of this technology will result in new lightweight thermoplastic composites that have extraordinarily high flexural, tensile and impact strengths and can be easily molded into any shape desired. This new technology will eventually be applicable to many other materials. Additionally, since these composites are thermoplastics and not a thermosets, they will be more easily recycled. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bley, Richard Eltron Research, Inc. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 499995 5373 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321699 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase II: Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser Based on Nanostructured Active Material. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) that operates at 1.3 micron wavelength based on incorporating a quantum dot active region of GaAs-based InAs and GaAsSb. It is based on recent research developments within the university laboratory in developing novel 1.3 micron laser and VCSEL sources, and the commercial epitaxial growth capability of the company. In the project the tasks involved include growing GaAsSb quantum dots and quantum well structures, fabricating VCSELs using the InGaAs and GaAsSb based quantum dot and GaAsSb quantum well active regions, and development, demonstration and evaluation of manufacturable, high Q cavity suitable for commercial 1.3 micron VCSELs. Commercially the project will lead to important new products for an emerging fiber optic market. The low cost 1.3 micron wavelength VCSEL is viewed by industry analysts as a key enabling device for high volume production of fiber optic transceivers for the metro and metro access markets. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pan, Noren Dennis Deppe MICROLINK DEVICES INC IL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 500000 1505 MANU 9163 9146 9139 1788 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321712 July 1, 2003 STTR Phase II: Solid Freeform Fabrication Based Dental Reconstruction. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II project will develop and optimize the Rapid Freeze Prototyping (RFP) technology, producing ice patterns used in investment casting to fabricate dental castings for crowns, bridges, implant-retailed restorations and other prostheses, as well as to integrate the developed RFP technology with commercial digital imaging and computer-aided design technologies into an Internet CAD/CAM dental restoration system. The commercial and broader impacts of this project will be to provide a significant time and cost savings using the patented RFP technology compared with the hand-crafted process of pattern making currently used by the vast majority of dental laboratories. Hundreds of thousands of dental castings are made each year by hand. The high labor cost of making these castings makes the dental market ideal for the application of the proposed RFP technology and other allied CAD/CAM technologies. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schmitt, Stephen Sivasubramanya Balakrishnan Tel Med Technologies MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 521012 1505 MANU 9251 9178 9146 7218 1505 1468 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321715 December 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Ellipsometer for Semiconductor Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will provide a novel, patented sensor of the polarization properties of light for operation in the vacuum ultraviolet spectral range, from ~ 120 to 200 nm. The instrument is a complete polarimeter that measures all four of the Stokes parameters of polarized light. It enables new semiconductor metrology applications and measurements with high precision and accuracy that are not achievable by rotating analyzer ellipsometry. The $30B semiconductor equipment market is continuously challenged to meet changing requirements with decreasing dimensions and thickness of structures on chips. The G-DOAP instrument meets key requirements of the industry for vacuum ultraviolet metrology tools. It also brings new capabilities to surface science investigations in many fields through the product for this market that we will offer. This technology can accelerate progress along the International Roadmap for Semiconductors, which cites VUV tools as a key need. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hampton, Daniel Containerless Research, Inc. IL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1185 0104000 Information Systems 0321728 November 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Millimeter Wave Transceivers on Large Metamorphic Wafers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an innovative low-cost W-band (70-80 GHz) single chip transceiver using the metamorphic wafer technology developed in Phase I, and efficiently integrating the various MMIC components. The low cost non-electronic beam FET processes, MM HEMTs, and initial chip designs developed in Phase I will be used for the development of the fully integrated transceiver in Phase II. The resulting new technology will enable the MMW industry to be cost effective to expand the commercial market to achieve the low cost and high performance required in the industry. This project will enable enhanced performance and low cost consumer compatible volume production of automotive collusion avoidance radar systems, MMW tracking systems, and security radar and detection systems. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Childs, Timothy TLC Precision Wafer Technology MN William Haines Standard Grant 1209126 9131 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 9102 1468 1467 1403 1185 0106000 Materials Research 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321736 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Electrochemical Method to Fabricate Flexible Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is developing an innovative flexible photovoltaic technology based on n-copper indium diselenide (n-CIS). Phase I research devised a new approach to synthesize large-grained films, and a new device configuration with only 3 layers on a metal foil. The research also devised a simple 4-step fabrication method for the n-CIS photovoltaic cell. This process uses high throughput, high yield roll-to-roll electrodeposition on a continuous metal foil. The n-CIS photovoltaic technology will evolve into a stable and efficient flexible prototype device in Phase II, with pilot line production in Phase III. The research will lead to an affordable, non-polluting, renewable n-CIS PV technology to meet the growing demand in the global energy market. Its applications include: remote industrial and recreational power, off-grid and grid-tied residential and commercial power, generation systems, central power plants, spacecraft and satellites. Technology commercialization will make a tangible contribution to the nation's energy supply, the environment and the welfare of the society. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 1126000 5761 5373 AMPP 9261 9251 9178 9163 9102 5761 1403 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321740 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: High-Throughput Specific Cell Loading by Optoinjection. This SBIR Phase II project proposes to develop a novel technology for laser-enabled analysis and processing (LEAP) of living cells. The ability to load cells with compounds is critical in many areas of research and medicine such as drug discovery and gene therapy. Current methods have limitations with respect to specificity, efficiency, toxicity, and/or throughput. Optoinjection is a novel and versatile procedure for cell loading that has been demonstrated in a few laboratories. Unfortunately, this is a slow, laborious procedure carried out on specialized microscopes. Oncosis has developed the LEAP platform for high-speed cell imaging and purification via lethal laser effects on unwanted cells. Phase I results demonstrated feasibility for using the LEAP platform to implement optoinjection in a high-throughput, cell-specific manner that would enable the commercialization of this novel form of cell loading. Phase II studies are proposed to optimize and implement optoinjection in biologically relevant experimental systems, resulting in data supporting this powerful new tool for the analysis and manipulation of living cells within a physiological environment. The instrument design will then be configured for successful commercial manufacturing, and further improvements in capabilities will be pursued in order to maintain market leadership and to expand into other markets. The commercial application of this project is in the areas of cell-based life science research and drug discovery. Over $ 2.6 billion was spent during 2001 on research instrumentation in academic life science research and commercial drug discovery, and growth to $ 5.3 billion by 2005 has been forecasted. For the specific application of optoinjection, LEAP provides many advantages over current techniques including simplicity, robustness, efficiency, speed, high viability, and specificity. The commercial opportunity for this platform is therefore significant, as is the scientific enablement of experimentation that is not currently possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sasaki, Glenn Cyntellect, Inc CA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 1024000 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0321747 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Time-Lapse P- and S-Wave Monitoring of Fluid Flow. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project concerns the use of time-lapse seismic P-wave and S-wave data simultaneously to obtain seismic monitoring images of fluid-flow saturation and pore pressure in subsurface reservoirs. Time-lapse seismic using P-waves alone may not always produce reliable discrimination between fluid-flow saturation changes and pore pressure changes since this information is contained in the large-reflection- angle portion of the P-wave seismic data, which can easily be contaminated by noise and can be subject to data acquisition aperture limitations. Using S-waves in addition to P-waves in the time-lapse analysis can provide more accurate inversion results, thereby improving the reliability and robustness of fluid-flow saturation and pressure estimates. The critical commercialization research and development issues in this project are: (1) mode-equalization image processing and pre-conditioning of the P-wave and S-wave data sets to make them suitable for simultaneous quantitative inversion and analysis; ( 2) computation of optimal seismic attributes and robust pressure-saturation inversion of these attributes; (3) testing and bulletproofing these techniques on a real field data set to overcome the inevitable practical data issues; and (4) developing the tools in an interactive GUI-based software package to provide a workflow that facilitates integrated numerical computation and human interpretation. Commercial applications of proposed research will include accurate mapping of bypassed oil, monitoring of costly injected fluids in hydrocarbon reservoirs and global-warming CO2 sequestration projects. It will have applications in the monitoring of ground water reserves, contaminant plumes and environmental clean-up activities. Medical imaging is another potential market target use of elastic waves as they could yield superior results over acoustic waves alone. Commercial and societal benefits include extending the life of existing oil and gas fields, thus reducing the need for exploration in environmentally sensitive areas and improving the nation's energy security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lumley, David Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0321763 November 15, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Automated 2D Protein Cell Mapping. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a method for conducting high-throughput, automated analysis of the protein content of cell lines using a novel mass analyzed two-dimensional liquid-phase separation method. The conventional method of two-dimensional poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) has several limitations ; it is labor intensive, time consuming, difficult to automate and often not readily reproducible. In addition, quantitation, especially in differential expression experiments, is often difficult and limited in dynamic range. The proposed technology provides automated, faster, and more accurate 2D protein maps, and can be used to purify specific proteins and enact protein/peptide digest and sequencing information. These capabilities will prove valuable for studying drug-protein interactions for detecting early signs of cancer. Studies of cancer cell lines can reveal signatures of cancerous cells that can serve as markers for actual diagnosis. The proposed system is based on 2D liquid-phase protein separation using chromatofocusing (CF) in one dimension and non-porous silica, reverse-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography (NPS-RP HPLC) in the second dimension. The HPLC eluent is monitored in real-time by on-line electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) to provide molecular weight and intensity information. The commercial application of this project is in the area of proteomics. The proteomics market is forecasted to grow from $ 0.7 billion to $ 5.8 billion over the next 5 years. There is a tremendous need to develop automated methods of protein analysis and peptide analysis of cell lines to better understand global biological function for improved drug therapy and early detection of disease, such as cancer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Syage, Jack SYAGEN TECHNOLOGY INC CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 413037 5373 BIOT 9181 9104 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0321765 July 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: High-Throughput Purification of Combinatorial Libraries. This SBIR Phase II project aims to develop a prototype of a highly-parallel, mass-selected purification system for large pharmaceutical drug libraries. High-throughput purification is driven by the industry recognition that combinatorial chemistry samples must still be purified even after chemical screening. This project will examine monolithic parallel preparative liquid chromatography configurations. The key enabling technology is low-pressure photoionization mass spectrometry (LPPI MS), which permits accurate molecular detection in mixtures of compounds without the problems of competition-for-charge and ion suppressions that plague conventional ionization methods. A practical purification rate of >1 sample/min (12 parallel purifications in <12 min column cycle time) corresponding to a potential 16-hr daily rate of >960 sample purifications/day is expected. This work will transition into a Phase II prototype involving strategic partners to commercialize the technology. The proposed high throughput purification system for combinatorial libraries has the potential to dominate an important niche market for molecular analysis and screening for drug discovery. This rapidly growing market will fuel applications in many other directions of drug development. The proposed activity will have a broad and profound impact on society as a whole by providing valuable information that can lead to improved drug therapy and early detection of disease. The practical outcome is to improve health care and reduce costs. This project also has the potential for explosive commercial growth, which will stimulate economic development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Syage, Jack SYAGEN TECHNOLOGY INC CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 425756 5373 HPCC 9163 9139 5373 1788 0104000 Information Systems 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321768 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Development of Novel Enzymatic Antibiofilm Formulations. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a powerful enzyme / biocide formulation for industrial water treatment. The research concept targets enzyme-facilitated diffusion of biocide for maximum biofilm control efficacy and provides a resultant low cost product with lowered environmental load. Proprietary gene evolution technologies will be used to enhance enzyme efficacy and to optimize process stability to provide robust enzyme candidates for formulation with conventional biocides. Optimized enzyme / biocide formulations will be tested against multispecies biofilms grown under simulated industrial process conditions. The commercial application of this project is in the area of industrial bioproducts. Microbial fouling is a common problem in a variety of industrial, household, personal hygiene, and medical settings. To this end, a critical need exists for improved microbial control methods that are effective, economically beneficial, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The anti-biofilm enzyme products, such as those targeted in this project, are expected to meet these needs for a market that represents an opportunity value of $995 million. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Barton, Nelson Diversa Corporation CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 499914 5373 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0322092 November 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Remote Radio Frequency Measurements for Pipeline Monitoring - FloWatch911. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase-II project will develop and test remote radio frequency measurements for integrity monitoring of gas fuel-pipelines. This novel application of RF measurements uses the pipe as a transmission line. Antennas launch pulses that travel inside the pipe, without disturbing the transported fluid. Pulses reflect-off obstructions/breaches in the pipe and are measured by distributed low-cost receivers to locate the fault. Phase-I research demonstrated the proof of concept for this automated monitoring system and defined interfaces with an emergency management telecommunications system that provides notification to the pipeline response team and warning to affected residents/businesses - all within minutes of the event. The objectives for Phase-II are to develop an engineering model FloWatch system, to install this system in an operating gas pipeline, and to perform end-to-end testing of the sensors and emergency notification system. The outcome of this research will lead to a marketable product, which when implemented by pipeline operators, can save millions of dollars annually in pipeline spills and avert potential loss of life and property. Further benefits will result through improved pipeline operations that will result in lower-cost and reliable delivery of energy needs for businesses, industry and the general public. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Auerbach, Mitchell Emergency Management Telecommunications FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 493680 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0324063 June 1, 2003 Synthesis of NanoTabular Particulates for IR Obscuration. Through an Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Particulate Materials will research and develop infrared obscurants for use in military and homeland security applications. The project addresses an experimental validation of an important theoretical prediction of efficient obscuration of infrared radiation with particulates in the 2 to 12 micron range. The major focus of the work is on the production of these nano-tabular particles. IIP ENG Adair, James Jogender Singh Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 765400 V891 V545 V059 OTHR 0000 0324260 June 1, 2003 I/UCRC for Fuel Cell Research - Operation Grant. Fuel cells have the ability to provide environmentally friendly power with at $10 billion U.S. economic potential. Our nations' leaders have recently announced that fuel cell development is now a major thrust of the government with a primary goal of large scale commercialization. A research center addressing this goal is important in that the center will provide benefits to the industrial community by providing an avenue for leveraging risks in a cooperative environment and by developing the technology to keep the U.S. as a leader in fuel cell development. A planning grant (EEC-0200471) has established the feasibility and viability of establishing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Fuel Cell Research at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. The research projects for the proposed center will address such issues as hydrogen storage, catalyst development, computational fluid dynamics of fuel cell processes, mathematical model development for fuel cell design, laboratory testing of fuel cells, and fuel cell characterization EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INT'L RES & EDU IN ENGINEERING IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Van Zee, John University South Carolina Research Foundation SC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 722200 9150 7641 7609 7298 5761 OTHR 9150 5980 5936 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0328200 August 1, 2003 Failure Probabilities for Risk-Based Maintenance and Parameter Estimation of Synchronous Machines. Electric power generation depends largely on the operation of large synchronous machines. These generators represent a costly investment for electric utilities, thus it is of utmost importance that any anomaly in their operation is promptly corrected. On-line estimation of generator parameters is a desirable feature that could aid in better monitoring of the machine behavior. It could have a significant impact in establishing an adequate maintenance schedule for the generator that ensures proper operation while taking into consideration cost and risk. The study will augment the research agenda of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power Systems Engineering. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Irizarry, Agustin Miguel Velez-Reyes Efrain O'Neill-Carrillo University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez PR Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 99444 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0328348 June 1, 2003 Thermal Management of Heat Generating Devices in Close Proximity on Printed Circuit Boards. The thermal management of electrical devices in close proximity, particularly with dissimilar operating temperatures presents a unique challenge to the thermal designer. The reliability of the components depends to a substantial degree on the maintenance of a desired operating temperature. The challenge is to minimize the neighbor effects, thus maintaining the different operating temperatures on the same board without allowing the hotter electronic devices to influence the operating temperature of the lower temperature components. This project will be performed by a woman researcher at the University and will augment the research agenda of the Purdue University Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Electronic-Microcooling. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fleischer, Amy Villanova University PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0328614 June 1, 2003 Renewal Proposal for Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Studies in Novel Surfactants. Surfactants and polymers are used today in every major industry including household and personal care, imaging, printing, advanced mineral and ceramics, petroleum and fuel, micro-electronics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, paints and coating, and environmental control. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Studies in Novel Surfactants (IUCS) at Columbia University was established in 1998 to elucidate the behavior of different surface active molecules and their mixtures and to develop new processing schemes that depend critically on the structure and function of conventional and novel surfactants. The major aim of the center is to develop a knowledge base on the relationship between the structure of different surfactants and their performance in various industrial processes, characterize their solution and interfacial behavior and identify suitable industrial applications. It is also an aim to develop novel specialty surfactants that are "environmentally benign" for specific applications in the chemical industry. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS INTERFAC PROCESSES & THERMODYN IIP ENG Somasundaran, Ponisseril Columbia University NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 614918 7609 5761 1414 OTHR 122E 0000 0329816 July 15, 2003 Proposal to Renew the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center at the Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations (CRITO). The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations is focused on the economic, organizational and societal implications of information technology. With nationally prominent faculty from disciplines such as computer science, economics, and political science, the Center is uniquely positioned to conduct research relevant to the business community, policy makers and consumers. The research agenda will address new or extended thrusts in the following areas: Management of IT, the IT Enabled Enterprise, IT and Society, and User Environments and Technology Enabled Collaboration. DIGITAL SOCIETY&TECHNOLOGIES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gurbaxani, Vijay University of California-Irvine CA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 299097 V954 V492 6850 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0330719 September 1, 2003 I/UCRC Planning Grant: Tree Genetics Research Multi-Institutional Center. This purpose of this award is to plan for the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center at Purdue University to become a part of a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center with the Tree Genetic Engineering Research Center at the Oregon State University. Under the planning grant, the members of both centers will be consulted both in writing and in person, about specific research projects. A joint planning workshop will be held at Purdue University to finalize the research projects and organization and management of the two multi-university Centers. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Michler, Charles Purdue University IN Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0330843 July 15, 2003 Web-based Computer Aided Interpretation of Analytical Sedimentation Data. Sednterp is a computer program designed to enhance the interpretation of analytical ultracentrifugaton data. The program was first developed as a collaboration between the University of New Hampshire and Amgen researchers over ten years ago. Currently, Sednterp exists as a VisualBasic program and it has enjoyed wide use by the analytical ultracentrifuge community. Now in use for more than eight years, Sednterp has proven to be a popular and useful tool. It is, however, becoming dated in its functions, and there have been numerous requests for additional functionality. A new Web-based version of Sednterp could enable users around the world to share information, and would provide a good opportunity to incorporate many of the additional features requested by users. The research and programming work will be conducted for the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Bimolecular Interaction Technology at the University of New Hampshire. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Laue, Thomas University of New Hampshire NH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 49998 5761 OTHR 9232 0000 0331436 August 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: Investigation of Charge Trapping in Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) Dielectrics Using Electrostatically Actuated Mechanical Resonators. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop high quality dielectric films and structures for a family of ultrasonic transducers for medical imaging applications. The technology and methods developed in Phase I to characterize charge-trapping behavior of dielectrics are the critical innovations required to take micro-fabricated ultrasonic transducers from their current state to a commercially viable state. Charge trapping created by the high electric fields in the device is detrimental to transducer performance. Charge trapping is dependent on field polarity and causes shifts in electromechanical conversion efficiency in time. Variations in charge trapping within a transducer array are even more disruptive. A process that removes the polarity dependence of charge trapping and thereby enables a new type of bipolar ultrasound imaging array that improves image quality will be developed. Since performance and reliability are critical to successful commercialization of these ultrasound probes, the issues of how dielectric charging causes time-dependent loss in performance and material degradation that could limit lifetime will be researched. The development and commercialization of micro-fabricated ultrasound transducers (MUT) is targeted at the medical applications market. This work will also enable the development of ultrasound probes that can non-invasively provide more accurate diagnostic information for doctors, such as improved ability to distinguish between cancerous and benign tissue. The image quality to price ratio drives market share in the global $3Billion diagnostic ultrasound market. These novel ultrasonic transducers will significantly improve the image quality/price ratio, and thus realistically create market share swings of 5% upon product release. Specifically, in the $1Billion mid-to-premium segment of the radiology market most relevant to the proposed research, $50M of annual system sales would be generated by the introduction of MUT probes, of which approximately one third are direct probe sales. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ladabaum, Igal Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 999882 5373 AMPP 9163 5373 1467 1403 0106000 Materials Research 0331535 September 1, 2003 I/UCRC Planning Grant: University of Hawaii Partnership with the NSF I/UCRC for Telecommunication Circuits and Systems at Arizona State University. This award supports a planning grant to establish a University of Hawaii partnership with the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Telecommunications Circuits and Systems at Arizona State University. The Hawaii Center for Communications will provide the capabilities, expertise, and research facilities for doing the research and will also be the contracting arm for the University of Hawaii. The vision for the next generation wireless communication technology calls for fully integrated, low cost, and expanded broadband services, with seamless hand-off between heterogeneous networks, full mobility, and minimum latency. These are clearly challenging requirements that can only be met through technological breakthroughs and innovative contributions in multidisciplinary research efforts that may span across the entire communication network layers. The assembled team of researchers from the collaborating groups represents broad background, breadth, and significant research expertise that will help the joint center effectively participate in advancing the telecommunications technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Iskander, Magdy Anthony Kuh Wayne Shiroma Anders Host-Madsen Olga Boric-Lubecke University of Hawaii HI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0331629 September 1, 2003 Collaborative Research: Predictive Infotronics Agent for Integrated Product Life Cycle Support. This collaborative project brings together the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS) involving the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Michigan with the Technical University Berlin to study "Predictive Infotronics Agent for Integrated Product Life Cycle Support". The I/UCRC is developing condition-based maintenance, which senses and assesses the current state of the equipment in order to predict performance and avoid possible downtime. The Technical University Berlin is developing a life cycle unit, which used life cycle data to design a life cycle board, which integrates sensors and data processing to actuate remedial actions to prevent failure. The condition based maintenance approach requires both power and significant computing capability. The life cycle unit approach is more equipment specific and the computing is encapsulated along with the sensor generally requiring only low power. The project goal is for the universities to work together to merge the beneficial aspects of both approaches into a single more versatile system. WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ni, Jun University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 192200 5980 5761 OTHR 5936 0000 0331651 September 1, 2003 Collaborative Research - Predictive Infotronics Agent for Integrated Product Life Cycle Support. This collaborative project brings together the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS) involving the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Michigan with the Technical University Berlin to study "Predictive Infotronics Agent for Integrated Product Life Cycle Support". The I/UCRC is developing condition-based maintenance, which senses and assesses the current state of the equipment in order to predict performance and avoid possible downtime. The Technical University Berlin is developing a life cycle unit, which used life cycle data to design a life cycle board, which integrates sensors and data processing to actuate remedial actions to prevent failure. The condition based maintenance approach requires both power and significant computing capability. The life cycle unit approach is more equipment specific and the computing is encapsulated along with the sensor generally requiring only low power. The project goal is for the universities to work together to merge the beneficial aspects of both approaches into a single more versatile system. WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lee, Jay University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 107800 5980 5761 OTHR 5936 0000 0331845 October 1, 2003 Collaborative Research Proposal for a Friction Stir Processing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. This award is for a planning grant for the establishment of a new multi-institutional Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Friction Stir Processing. Nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the research and development of this novel metals joining and processing technology are located at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Brigham Young University, the University of Missouri-Rolla and the University of South Carolina, bringing together these institutions to establish the Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC. The proposed Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC will focus on furthering developments in the following fields of study for Friction Stir Processing/Friction Stir Joining of ferrous, non-ferrous, and metal matrix composite alloys: Friction Stir Joining; Friction Stir Microstructural Modification; Friction Stir Post-Processing; Friction Stir Structural Designs and Applications; Friction Stir Intelligent Controllers and Efficient Tooling; Friction Stir Cost Benefit Analysis. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Reynolds, Anthony University South Carolina Research Foundation SC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0331908 August 15, 2003 Application of Different Methodologies to Identify Sources of Fecal Pollution in The Rio Grande River. The U.S.-Mexico Border region has unique problems related to water resources. The Rio Grande/Rio Bravo is the major watershed of the bi-national region. The river serves as an important natural resource for industry, agriculture, domestic water supply, recreation, and wildlife habitat fro both countries. Unfortunately, the Rio Grande is also a conduit for infectious microorganisms and toxic pollutants. A variety of activities contributing to the chemical and microbial contamination of source water have been identified and include improperly installed and maintained septic systems, landfill, injection wells, land application of waste, irrigation, runoff, and animal feed lots. This project is a collaborative effort between El Paso County Community College and the Water Quality Center at Arizona State University. The objective of this project is to conduct a comprehensive and comparative study to determine the source of fecal contamination at four sites of the Rio Grande river using 1) Antibiotic Resistance Analysis of fecal streptococci, 2) Antibiotic Resistance Analysis of E coli, 3) Ribotyping of selected E. coli isolates, and 4) Genotyping of E. coli and F-RNA bacteriophages. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Alvarez, Maria Morteza Abbaszadegan El Paso County Community College TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0331946 October 1, 2003 Collaborative Research Proposal for a Friction Stir Processing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. This award is for a planning grant for the establishment of a new multi-institutional Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Friction Stir Processing. Nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the research and development of this novel metals joining and processing technology are located at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Brigham Young University, the University of Missouri-Rolla and the University of South Carolina, bringing together these institutions to establish the Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC. The proposed Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC will focus on furthering developments in the following fields of study for Friction Stir Processing/Friction Stir Joining of ferrous, non-ferrous, and metal matrix composite alloys: Friction Stir Joining; Friction Stir Microstructural Modification; Friction Stir Post-Processing; Friction Stir Structural Designs and Applications; Friction Stir Intelligent Controllers and Efficient Tooling; Friction Stir Cost Benefit Analysis. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Arbegast, William Anil Patnaik South Dakota School of Mines and Technology SD Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0331950 August 1, 2003 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Precision Metrology. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Precision Metrology (CPM) supports the necessary cohesion between university researchers and supporting affilates from the tight-tolerance manufacturing community for the development of the next generation of manufacturing engineers, measurement techniques, metrology instrumentation, efficient processes, and enabling products that will facilitate advances in precision manufacturing where state-of-the-art dimensional tolerances on the order of ten parts per million are common. The above-mentioned broad objective will be realized through the examination of real world precision related manufacturing problems presented by industrial affiliate members in conjunction with university faculty and student researchers. The problems addressed will have sufficient generic interest for industrial affiliate members to approve by vote at semiannual meetings. Addressing real problems will provide the students with an applied education pertinent to current tight-toleranced manufacturing challenges and result in highly-trained employees that can solve similar problems in a real-world environment. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hocken, Robert Robert Wilhelm Edward Morse Angela Davies University of North Carolina at Charlotte NC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 265000 5761 OTHR 129E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0331977 December 15, 2003 Collaborative Research: Operating Proposal for I/UCRC on Multiphase Transport Phenomena. A group of faculty at Michigan State University and the University of Tulsa has organized a pre-competitive, multi-university, multi-disciplinary NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) in the area of Multiphase Transport Phenomena. Center research will focus on the further development, evaluation, and deployment of next generation multiphase models for turbulent and non-turbulent flows as well as computational methods for rapid design and analysis of process and equipment for a wide range of applications encountered in, but not limited to, the automotive, chemical, and petrochemical industries. Funds will be used to promote long-term synergistic partnerships among industrial members and academic research groups at the two universities. Specific problem-oriented research projects will be identified in collaboration with industrial members of the Center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Petty, Charles Krishnamu Jayaraman Andre Benard Farhad Jaberi Michigan State University MI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 250000 5761 OTHR 0000 0331982 October 1, 2003 Collaborative Research Proposal for a Friction Stir Processing Industry /University Cooperative Research Center. This award is for a planning grant for the establishment of a new multi-institutional Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Friction Stir Processing. Nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the research and development of this novel metals joining and processing technology are located at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Brigham Young University, the University of Missouri-Rolla and the University of South Carolina, bringing together these institutions to establish the Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC. The proposed Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC will focus on furthering developments in the following fields of study for Friction Stir Processing/Friction Stir Joining of ferrous, non-ferrous, and metal matrix composite alloys: Friction Stir Joining; Friction Stir Microstructural Modification; Friction Stir Post-Processing; Friction Stir Structural Designs and Applications; Friction Stir Intelligent Controllers and Efficient Tooling; Friction Stir Cost Benefit Analysis. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mishra, Rajiv Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 22000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 0000 0331994 August 1, 2003 Planning Grant: Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. The proposed center plans to create a new technology for materials processing whereby design, analysis and synthesis of materials are integrated to produce material, devices and systems of desired performance. The mission of the center is to develop a fundamental understanding of laser aided intelligent manufacturing to reduce lead-time for "concept to product" manufacturing for U.S. industries by; establishing the science base for laser materials processing; producing materials and devices with novel properties using economical processing methods; transferring this technology to industry by providing a test bed where optimal manufacturing processes and applications can be developed without heavy initial investment by industry; educating university students and industrial personnel in both the basic and cross-disciplinary science and latest technology. The technical approach of the center will be to develop and deploy atomistic level scientific understanding of laser materials processing for industrial applications. The broader impact of the center is to improve the competitiveness of U.S. industries and by reaching out to the underrepresented minorities; the manpower base of the nation will be significantly enhanced. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mazumder, Jyotirmoy University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0332020 December 15, 2003 Collaborative Research: Operational Proposal for I/UCRC on Multiphase Transport Phenomena. A group of faculty at Michigan State University and the University of Tulsa has organized a pre-competitive, multi-university, multi-disciplinary NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) in the area of Multiphase Transport Phenomena. Center research will focus on the further development, evaluation, and deployment of next generation multiphase models for turbulent and non-turbulent flows as well as computational methods for rapid design and analysis of process and equipment for a wide range of applications encountered in, but not limited to, the automotive, chemical, and petrochemical industries. Funds will be used to promote long-term synergistic partnerships among industrial members and academic research groups at the two universities. Specific problem-oriented research projects will be identified in collaboration with industrial members of the Center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mohan, Ram University of Tulsa OK Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 200000 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0332029 October 1, 2003 I/UCRC Center for Safety, Security and Rescue Robotics (C-SSRR). This award supports the planning a multi-university, multi-disciplinary Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Safety, Security and Rescue Robots (C-SSRR). C-SSRR will bring together industry, academe, and public sector users together to provide integrative robotics and artificial intelligence solutions for activities conducted by the police, FBI, FEMA, firefighters, transportation safety officials, and emergency responders to mass casualty-related activities. The need for SSRR has accelerated in the aftermath of 9/11 and a new research community is forming, as witnessed by the first IEEE Workshop on Safety, Security and Rescue Robotics in February 2003. The Center will be built upon the knowledge and expertise of multi-disciplinary researchers in computer science, engineering, industrial organization, psychology, public health, and marine sciences at the University of South Florida and the University of Minnesota. Together, the two institutions support a research program in control of vehicles, human-robot interaction, and sensors and sensor fusion combined with rapid prototyping capabilities and access to users and high-fidelity testing sites throughout the country. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Murphy, Robin University of South Florida FL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0332037 August 15, 2003 Addition of DCPT as a Reearch Site of I/U CRC for Pharmaceutical Processing. This award to Dusquene University Center for Pharmaceutical Technology (DCPT) is to plan to join the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Pharmaceutical Processing Research (CPPR), a multi-university center that includes Purdue University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Minnesota. The purposes of the Center are to explore and develop new technology for pharmaceutical processing, to foster collaborative research projects between academic and industrial scientists, and to promote an interdisciplinary approach to training students in pharmaceutical processing research and development. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Anderson, Carl Lawrence Block Moji Adeyeye James Drennen Wilson Meng Duquesne University PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0332043 August 15, 2003 Collaborative Research: Center for Safety, Security, and Rescue Robotics. This award supports the planning a multi-university, multi-disciplinary Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Safety, Security and Rescue Robots (C-SSRR). C-SSRR will bring together industry, academe, and public sector users together to provide integrative robotics and artificial intelligence solutions for activities conducted by the police, FBI, FEMA, firefighters, transportation safety officials, and emergency responders to mass casualty-related activities. The need for SSRR has accelerated in the aftermath of 9/11 and a new research community is forming, as witnessed by the first IEEE Workshop on Safety, Security and Rescue Robotics in February 2003. The Center will be built upon the knowledge and expertise of multi-disciplinary researchers in computer science, engineering, industrial organization, psychology, public health, and marine sciences at the University of South Florida and the University of Minnesota. Together, the two institutions support a research program in control of vehicles, human-robot interaction, and sensors and sensor fusion combined with rapid prototyping capabilities and access to users and high-fidelity testing sites throughout the country. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Voyles, Richard Maria Gini Nikolaos Papanikolopoulos Stergios Roumeliotis University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0332051 September 1, 2003 Collaborative Structure and the Diffusion of Knowledge: Computer-Mediated Communication in Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers. This project suggests that research collaborations, as a result of Computer -mediated communication (CMC), may operate more smoothly, may diffuse more quickly, and may have a greater impact on the field and industry. The project argues that those research collaborations that are both diverse and aided by CMC have the greatest impact. This project examines the range of technologies utilized in collaborations of faculty members and industry partners in Industry/University-Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC). The resources of the I/UCRCs may offer CMC beyond the email or instant messaging capabilities more typically available for faculty collaborations. Video conferencing, for example, may be a richer medium to sustain collaborations. Thus the project has multiple goals: to demonstrate how computer-mediated communication aids research and industry collaborations; to demonstrate how diverse, multi-university research collaborations improve the quality and diffusion of knowledge to both academic and industry audiences; to examine the interaction between computer-mediated communication and diverse research collaborations, where diverse, multi university collaborations should benefit more from CMC and diffuse more broadly. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Beckman, Christine University of California-Irvine CA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 79012 5761 OTHR 0000 0332054 October 1, 2003 Collaborative Reserach Proposal for a Friction Stir Processing Industry/University Cooperative Reseach Center. This award is for a planning grant for the establishment of a new multi-institutional Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Friction Stir Processing. Nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the research and development of this novel metals joining and processing technology are located at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Brigham Young University, the University of Missouri-Rolla and the University of South Carolina, bringing together these institutions to establish the Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC. The proposed Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC will focus on furthering developments in the following fields of study for Friction Stir Processing/Friction Stir Joining of ferrous, non-ferrous, and metal matrix composite alloys: Friction Stir Joining; Friction Stir Microstructural Modification; Friction Stir Post-Processing; Friction Stir Structural Designs and Applications; Friction Stir Intelligent Controllers and Efficient Tooling; Friction Stir Cost Benefit Analysis. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nelson, Tracy Brigham Young University UT Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0332055 September 1, 2003 Establishing an Industrial/University Cooperative Research Center for Micro and Nanoscale Contaminant Control at the University of Arizona. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Microcontaminiaiton Control will expand and change its focus by transferring the lead university role to Northeastern University with the University of Arizona becoming an affiliate site. The Center's goal is to develop state of the art techniques primarily for micro and nanoscale contaminant control, removal and characterization in semiconductor manufacturing and fabrication processes. However, the broader impact of the Center focus will contribute to the competitiveness of the semiconductor, information technology, pharmaceutical, imaging, aerospace and other industries affected by particulate and ionic contamination. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Parks, Harold University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 90000 5761 OTHR 0000 0332271 August 15, 2003 NCSU TIE: Wireless Sensor Networks for Structural Health Monitoring of Buildings and Bridges. Bridges and concrete structures are subject to ageing and obsolescence and may be considered as the most vulnerable elements of the infrastructure as their condition of out-of-service causes great losses in terms of costs, both for the users and for road owners and operators. Special attention is therefore focused on maintaining them in a serviceable condition. This research is directed toward bettering the state-of-the-art in structural health monitoring of bridges and other similar structure. The research is broad in two parts. The first part addresses sensing/data interpretation, the second part addresses the transfer of data from sensors to the location where interpretation occurs. This project ties together the expertise in the first part provided by the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for the Repair of Buildings Bridges and Composites and the networking expertise provided by the I/UCRC for Advanced Computing and Communication. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kekas, Dennis Mihail Sichitiu Rudra Dutta North Carolina State University NC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0332277 August 15, 2003 NCSU TIE :Wireless Sensor Networks for Structural Health Monitering of Bridges. Bridges and concrete structures are subject to ageing and obsolescence and may be considered as the most vulnerable elements of the infrastructure as their condition of out-of-service causes great losses in terms of costs, both for the users and for road owners and operators. Special attention is therefore focused on maintaining them in a serviceable condition. This research is directed toward bettering the state-of-the-art in structural health monitoring of bridges and other similar structure. The research is broad in two parts. The first part addresses sensing/data interpretation, the second part addresses the transfer of data from sensors to the location where interpretation occurs. This project ties together the expertise in the first part provided by the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for the Repair of Buildings Bridges and Composites and the networking expertise provided by the I/UCRC for Advanced Computing and Communication. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rizkalla, Sami North Carolina State University NC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0332330 July 15, 2003 Collaborative Project Between MCEC and CPACT: Experimental Batch Control and Optimization. East Carolina University is establishing an international collaboration with the Center for Process Analytics and Control Technology (CPACT) on a currently funded Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Measurement and Control Engineering. This project, "Experimental Batch Optimization", research software being developed at Oklahoma State University will be implemented at East Carolina University where it will receive in-situ spectroscopic measurement and process measurements from up to four micro-scale (50 mL) laboratory batch reactor. Funds will be used to support one undergraduate student to spend an extended stay of 2 months per year at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, Scotland. WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM IIP ENG Gemperline, Paul East Carolina University NC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 31900 5980 OTHR 5946 0000 0332378 September 1, 2003 The Development of an Innovation Information Infrastructure. 0332378 Nichols This award is to University of Missouri Kansas City to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include University of Missouri Kansas City (Lead Institution), University of Missouri Outreach and Extension, University of Missouri Rolla, Washington University, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Economic Development, U.S. Small Business Administration, Missouri Small Business Development Centers, Boeing Company, Prolog Ventures, Wilkinson Evans Consulting; Missouri Biotechnology Association, Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, Ewing Marion Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The University of Missouri and its partners provide a solid critique of the conventional, linear model of technological innovation and suggest an alternative social network model for study. The hypothesis states that within the social network theory, innovation is an outcome of interaction between financial, human, social, and physical capital. Within this framework, the effort examines the role of social capital in the process of technological innovation. The investigators will create an electronic 'innovation information infrastructure' that will provide access to technology and business resources, and to then monitor interactions and conduct surveys of participants to measure the relationship between types and levels of interaction and innovation. A tool for predicting innovative behavior and the inputs to maximize innovation will be a major outcome. This model will also create the means for development of educational materials, databases and training focused on the innovation process. This program provides a linkage between creativity and new sources of economic growth. Findings will be used in real time to improve access to innovation resources and to generate new knowledge concerning the role of social capital in innovation. Potential Economic Impact The database and predictive model will improve the ability of universities to interact with industry and small businesses to increase innovation in the region. The resulting new business will provide long-term economic well-being for the region. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in developing a model for prediction of successful innovative behavior by all of the partners, i.e., universities, small businesses, venture capital funds, incubators, and regional and state government agencies. Economically distressed communities do not fully benefit from the activities of the national research enterprise and they often do not have the expertise to know how to promote innovation. This model and analytical tool can be adopted by other regions in the nation to promote innovation. The broader impacts of the activity include the development of research-based educational materials and databases for K-16 digital libraries, partnerships among researchers and students for education and training and use of information technology and connectivity to enhance the factors responsible for innovation. Identifying the individuals critical to the region's innovation will allow the engagement of underserved individuals, groups and communities in science and engineering. The model will demonstrate the linkage between discovery and the societal benefits of creation of new wealth. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Nichols, Michael Stephen Lehmkuhle Arlan DeKock Michael Song University of Missouri-Kansas City MO Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0332461 November 1, 2003 Innovative Ventures for Emerging Technologies in Rural North Louisiana. 0332461 Guice This award is to the Louisiana Tech University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include the Louisiana Tech (Lead Institution), A.M. Pappas and Associates, Louisiana Board of Regents, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, Louisiana Partnerships for Technology and Innovation, Microtec Associates, VCE Capital Partners, LLC. This project fosters innovation as a catalyst for innovations in emerging technologies, such as microsystems and bionanosystems, to be deployed in new business ventures in North Louisiana. The project exploits technologies produced from the research programs of the university's Institute for Micromanufacturing and other science and engineering research centers. Coordination is provided by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Information Technology, which is a state-funded partnership between the College of Engineering and Science and the College of Administration and Business. One of the major activities is to develop and commercialize the intellectual property in the region to create economic and societal well-being. Potential Economic Impact The region is primarily rural with a focus on agriculture, forest products, chemical processing, manufacturing, and transportation. The number of technology-based companies is small. The cultivation of entrepreneurship among the faculty, students, and business communities will create new companies and provide a technologically literate workforce based on commercialization of intellectual property from the university's research and on workforce education and training programs. The effort will be self-sustaining. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in the creation, transfer and application of emerging technologies and novel education and training of the technologically literate workforce through collaboration of the College of Engineering and Science and the College of Management and Business with the regional companies and the state and regional governments. The broader impacts of the activity include integrating high school students with undergraduate and graduate college students, creating a model for technological innovation for rural regions, and integrating engineering and science with business and management for education of the workforce. Underrepresented groups are involved in the research and workforce development programs. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Guice, Leslie Kody Varahramyan Michael McShane Marc Chopin Donald Noble Louisiana Tech University LA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599937 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0332508 August 1, 2003 Collaborative Research: Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for e-Design: IT Enabled Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems. The University of Pittsburgh and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have joined to establish an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for e-Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems. The Center will serve as a center of excellence in IT enabled design and realization of discrete manufactured products by envisioning that information is the lifeblood of an enterprise and collaboration is the hallmark that seamlessly integrated design, development, testing, manufacturing, and servicing of products around the world. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ENGINEERING DESIGN AND INNOVAT IIP ENG Krishnamurty, Sundar Ian Grosse University of Massachusetts Amherst MA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 412000 5761 1464 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 114E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0332522 August 1, 2003 Collaborative Research: Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for e-Design: IT Enabled Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems. The University of Pittsburgh and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have joined to establish an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for e-Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems. The Center will serve as a center of excellence in IT enabled design and realization of discrete manufactured products by envisioning that information is the lifeblood of an enterprise and collaboration is the hallmark that seamlessly integrated design, development, testing, manufacturing, and servicing of products around the world. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lovell, Michael University of Pittsburgh PA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 465680 V106 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0332528 October 1, 2003 Maryland Technology Partnership for Innovation. 0332528 DeLoatch This award is to Morgan State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Morgan State University (Lead Institution), Emerging Technology Center, Maryland Technology Development Corporation, Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, Chesapeake Bay Region Technical Center of Excellence, Geo-Centers Incorporated, University of Baltimore Center for Technology Commercialization, University of Maryland, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Meridian Management Group, New Market Growth Fund, Toucan Capital Corporation. The primary objective of this partnership is to apply the techniques honed by Maryland's industry-university technology transfer infrastructure to the challenge of transferring knowledge created by the State's federal laboratories into innovations that create new wealth and build strong local economies. The primary social impact of this effort is to broaden the participation of underrepresented institutions and groups in the nation's economy. The Maryland Technology Partnership for Innovation consists of a consortium (led by Morgan State University) that focuses on small companies in three economically distressed regions of the State of Maryland: the City of Baltimore (distressed urban area), Prince George's County (inner suburb with high minority population), and the Eastern Shore (depressed rural region). More than 20 companies will be provided with intensive, customized technical and managerial assistance to implement commercialization strategies that create new products from federal technologies, attract private capital, and create jobs in economically distressed communities. Potential Economic Impact Maryland has more federal R&D laboratories than any other state (more than $6 billion annually in intramural research), yet Maryland has many economically distressed regions. The activities of this award focus on providing the infrastructure to commercialize new technologies from the federal R&D in these laboratories to improve the economic well being of three model regions hat are economically distressed: city, suburban, and rural. University involvement provides technical and business/management expertise to make the new companies competitive. The economic development activities of the private sector and state/regional governments provide a more favorable business climate as well as technical and managerial expertise. New jobs in regions with high population of underrepresented groups will result. The management plan is sufficient to give the infrastructure a very high probability of being sustained after the award has terminated. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in developing a model for commercialization of technology developed in federal laboratories via partnership with universities, small businesses, venture capital funds, incubators, and regional and state government agencies. Economically distressed communities do not fully benefit from the activities of the national research enterprise. States typically do not deploy their technology development programs in economically distressed communities. Thus this is a fairly novel approach. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on involving underrepresented groups in the innovation enterprise. This grant is led by Morgan State University (a Historically Black University) and involves an urban and a suburban region with high percentages of underrepresented minorities, as well as a rural region that is economically distressed and underrepresented in the technology innovation enterprise. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG DeLoatch, Eugene LeeRoy Bronner Lawrence Herron, Jr. Phillip Singerman Morgan State University MD Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0332532 September 1, 2003 Eastern Virginia Biotechnology Training Partnership. 0332532 Wasilenko This award is to the Eastern Virginia Medical School to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include the Eastern Virginia Medical School (Lead Institution), Hampton University, Bode Technology Group, Hampton Roads Research Partnership, InCell, Incogen, Inc., NuOncology Labs, Inc., Opportunity, Inc., The Virginia Biotechnology Association, and The Center for Innovative Technologies, This project meets the need nationwide for a workforce in biotechnology with expertise in genomics, proteomics, microarrays, and bioinformatics. The overall goal of the effort is to foster innovation in biotechnology through creation of a workforce highly trained in state-of-the-art technologies that support research and development in the biotechnology sector. The program combines didactic and hands-on biotechnology training designed to qualify graduates for employment in a wide variety of fields including biotechnology/pharmaceuticals and forensics. Potential Economic Impact The new jobs and workers to fill those jobs will make a major impact on the economy of the region in Eastern Virginia. The effort will be self-sustaining. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in teaching students in the latest state-of-the-art in biotechnology to prepare them for a career in this field that is rapidly advancing to keep pace with the enormous amount of research and development in this field. This effort is based on the complete integration of research and education. The broader impacts of the activity include development of the human capital that will foster the growing needs of the biotechnology sector. The program provides the infrastructure to integrate research and education to ensure that the workforce is up to date with the latest knowledge, experimental techniques and tools in this rapidly evolving field. Involvement with SBIR companies provides new jobs for the workforce. The program will serve as a model for other regions seeking to promote innovation in biotechnology. Underrepresented groups are involved in the research and workforce development programs. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Wasilenko, William Timothy Bos Evan Farmer Eastern Virginia Medical School VA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0332583 October 1, 2003 Partnership for Innovation: Economic Excellence in Photonic Materials. 0332583 Ballato This award is to Clemson University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Clemson University (Lead Institution), University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Western Carolina University, Greenville Technical College, TriCounty Technical College, Alcoa-Fujikura, Bell South, Cisco Systems, Kigre, Pirelli Communications Cables and Systems North America, Tetramer Technologies, Carolina Crescent Coalition, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Optical Society of America, Upstate Alliance, Upstate Council on Economic Development, and Ottawa Photonics Cluster. The goal of this project is to develop and grow the photonics industry in South Carolina by: (1) developing an expert workforce, (2) improving transfer of academic innovation to industry, and (3) providing enhanced entrepreneurial resources to support the industry. The project is designed to promote transfer of new technology from university to the photonics industry, to develop a workforce to meet the needs of the emerging industry, to promote inclusion of underrepresented populations in the high tech industry, and to have a sustained impact on the local economy. Potential Economic Impact The economic fortunes of South Carolina have been tied to agriculture and textiles for many years. Automation in agriculture and globalization of the textiles industry have depressed employment opportunities and suppressed economic growth for the citizens of the state. The award fosters development of a skilled workforce in photonics and provides transfer of new knowledge based on research at the universities to companies to create jobs for the workforce. The subsequent economic well being will be a major outcome of the activities of the award. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in its focus on establishing an extended regional partnership including researchers, educators, industrial partners, economic development groups, and entrepreneurs that can help South Carolina create the innovation infrastructure needed to realize economic benefits from the photonics research already being performed at Clemson University and the other partner institutions. The broader impacts of the activity include increasing the content of science, engineering, and business in the education of students at all levels from K-12, 2-year, 4-year, and post-graduate schools in the region, as well as raising the wages in the region by creating higher paying high tech jobs in the emerging photonics sector. Underrepresented groups will participate in all levels of the program. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Ballato, John Christian Przirembel Caron St. John Clemson University SC Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599733 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0332594 August 1, 2003 Initiating and Sustaining Industrial Renaissance through Innovative Partnerships (ISIRP). 0332594 Benefield This award is to Auburn University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Auburn University (Lead Institution), Wayne State University, NASA, Alabama Power Company, Alabama Development Office, City of Auburn, Bessemer Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, Renascens Company, Resource Innovations, United States Steel Corporation, Golden Flake Snack Food Company, Southern Sales & Marketing Group, BOWATER Company, Capitol Vial, GTI, McPherson Oil Products, Southern Ductile, American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Barber's Dairies, Citation Foam Casting Company, Foundry Coatings, Haldex Friction, Jenkins Brick, Mason Corporation, Neptune Technology Group, Riverside Refractories, Sloss Industries, SMC South, Southern Foundry Products, Southern Foundry Resins, Specialty Wood Products, Teksid Aluminum Components, U.S. Pipe, Vulcan Materials, and Wayne Industries. The primary objective of this partnership is to facilitate the transformation of knowledge into innovations that will create new wealth and strengthen the regional economy in the area. A Knowledge Sharing System based on the latest information technology will be developed to expedite technology transfer. Students, faculty, and county technology outreach agents will use this new system to transfer knowledge from academic and federal research laboratories to regional industry in a systematic and efficacious manner. A diverse technologically literate workforce will be trained in modern manufacturing technologies and processes. Educational outreach in the form of short courses will be available to keep industrial partners at the state-of-the-art in manufacturing. Potential Economic Impact Alabama has lost over 48,000 jobs from over 273 plant layoffs and closings since 1998. The state has a very poor record of technology transfer and commercialization, especially for manufacturing companies. The state sees diversified manufacturing as being very significant in their economic future. The proposed effort of knowledge transfer, workforce education and training, and establishment of a strong enabling infrastructure for sustainable innovation will provide jobs and a workforce to perform those jobs. This will result in economic and societal well being in the state. The effort will improve the competitiveness of the existing manufacturing sector and bring new manufacturing companies into the state. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in advances in knowledge through fundamental research in engineering in general and manufacturing in particular and in establishing a model for technology transfer and industrial outreach. The broader impacts of the activity include educational diversity, educational outreach to industry, and regional economic development to ensure long-term sustainability of economic and societal well-being. Underrepresented groups will be represented in the activities of the award. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Benefield, Larry P. Raju Evelyn Crayton Auburn University AL Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0332608 September 15, 2003 Bridging the Technology Gap: A Culture-Based Model for Economic Development in Rural Alaska. 0332608 Dinero This award is to Philadelphia University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Philadelphia University (Lead Institution), University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage, (Yukon Flats School District, Yukon Koyukuk) School District, Arctic Village Local Council, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, Nulato City Council, Doyon Ltd, First Alaska Management and Marketing, GCI.net, and The Numi Group. The primary objective of this award is to transfer technology training within existing cultural frameworks of two rural regions of Alaska Yukon Flats and Yukon Koyukuk by creating a computer skills, small business, and e-commerce learning model. This model will broaden participation of existing educational institutions and businesses by incorporating grade 9-16 competences and workplace skills in a sequential educational path from secondary to post-secondary leading to workforce credentials. The project will catalyze local, regional, and statewide native infrastructures to develop e-commerce ventures to stimulate village cash economy, codify traditional culture to support regional business ventures, and provide venues to apply and increase technology skills. This model will demonstrate how information technologies can be incorporated into indigenous environments to enhance and strengthen traditional social and economic structures rather than supplant them. Activities include: developing intergenerational culturally-based computer training modules, training villagers to replicate modules in other sites, creating state- of- the art computer centers, and introducing small e- commerce businesses for native economic growth. Potential Economic Impact Alaska is a unique state. It is vast in size, 586,000 square miles; and its population of less that 700,000 is diverse and dispersed, nearly a fifth of its population is Native and 33 percent of the state's population live in rural areas that are off the road. The Information Technology revolution provides an ideal opportunity for former nomads to participate effectively in the global economy. Neither agrarianism nor industrialization suited the mobile life style of many indigenous peoples in the U.S. and around the world. But Information Technology systems, like nomads, have virtually no geographic or temporal boundaries. This partnership project proposes to forge connections between the new knowledge available in academe and the expertise of the private sector to enable rural Alaska Natives to participate regionally, nationally and internationally in an economic development enterprise. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in developing a model for technology education that is consistent with native cultural and spiritual traditions. Traditional approaches have been based on western modes of teaching and learning. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on involving underrepresented groups in the innovation enterprise by providing educational modules and technology tools that are totally consistent with the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Native Alaskans, and provide e-commerce economic opportunities for this indigenous society. The model will be replicable for other indigenous societies. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Dinero, Steven Judith McKee Philadelphia University PA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 595512 1662 OTHR 0000 0332613 August 1, 2003 InfinitEnergy: A Coastal Georgia Partnership for Innovation. 0332613 Chameau This award is to Georgia Tech Research Corporation to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Georgia Institute of Technology (Lead Institution), Georgia Tech Economic Development Institute, Savannah State University, Savannah Technical College, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, Advanced Control Systems, Advanced Technology Development Center, AGL Resources, Coastal Business and Education Technology Alliance, Energy and Environmental Enterprises, Georgia Department of Industry Trade and Tourism. This award establishes a full scale applied demonstration and evaluation laboratory or Beta site for Alternative Energy Technologies. The laboratory is located in the coastal Georgia region, which provides the resources necessary to demonstrate and evaluate a number of alternative energies. The activity provides a mechanism for technology transfer from academia to society. It spreads knowledge from one leading research institution (Georgia Tech) to other academic institutions (Savannah State University, Savannah Technical College, and the public school system). It partners with industry to apply the technology in real world environment. Industry partners will ensure that successful projects in this effort will achieve national and international attention and transition to society rapidly. The partnership ensures a broader dissemination of knowledge, and the connections in Africa and South America provide further outreach into the economically deprived regions of the world. Information on alternative energy technology will be disseminated through job training, coursework, and public outreach. Research and development activities will be integrated with education and training. Curricula will be available nationally. Minorities will be targeted for education and training. A regional alternative energy center is likely to spur job creation, and the educational component will provide a technologically literate workforce for those jobs. Development of clean, renewable energy will benefit society at large. Potential Economic Impact Current energy production and usage are emitting high levels of harmful pollutants. World oil reserves are typically found in regions that are threatened by political considerations. World oil supplies are projected to peak by 2020. U.S. oil production is projected to decline while U.S. consumption is projected to increase considerably. The proponents for alternative energy sources predict a large market in manufacturing alternative energies technology. In addition alternative energies will create new job opportunities. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in its focus on much needed advancements in applied alternative energy technology systems. Research efforts have led to considerable reductions in costs of various alternative energy forms. Cost reductions alone are not sufficient to result in widespread adoption of the technologies. An integrated and combined approach is being taken to provide systems that maximize energy utilization that is acceptable to a wide spectrum of the U.S. economy and society. The approach requires innovation at every level of the alternative energy value chain, including public awareness and workforce education and training. The broader impacts of the activity include improving technical workforce skills, improving public awareness and acceptance through community programs and demonstration programs, development of knowledge-based curricula for university through secondary school levels, economic development, and knowledge and technology transfer for commercialization. Underrepresented groups will be involved in all of the activities of the grant. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Frost, J. David Carlton Brown David Parekh Carlise Rathburn GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 641085 1662 OTHR 0000 0332614 July 15, 2003 North Louisiana Partnership for Innovation: Creating Infrastructure for Technology Growth. 0332614 Scheffler This award is to Northwestern State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Northwestern State University (Lead Institution), Consortium for Education, Research, and Technology of North Louisiana (Bossier Parish Community College, Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana, Centenary College of Louisiana, Grambling State University, Louisiana Delta Community College, Louisiana State University Health Sciences in Shreveport, Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, Louisiana Technical College, Northwest State University, Southern University in Shreveport, University of Louisiana at Monroe), Louisiana Board of Regents, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, Enterprise Computing Systems, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, InterTech Science Park, Natchitoches Economic Development Commission, Praeses Corporation, Softdisc, SeriFx The primary objective of this partnership is to facilitate the transformation of knowledge into innovations that will create new wealth and strengthen the regional economy in the area. University partners provide the research and development and the technologically literate workforce, and the company partners provide the manufacturing and commercialization. The academic partners actively identify needs of the industrial partners in both technology and workforce and match research and educational programs at the eleven academic institutions in a coordinated manner to these needs. Potential Economic Impact Louisiana ranks very low nationally in technology-based innovation. The state has recognized this and is mounting a concerted effort to change this as stated in the Louisiana Vision 2020. The university consortium is poised to provide knowledge through the combined research of its members to the regional private sector to promote technology-based innovation. In addition the academic consortium covers the entire spectrum of education and training for a technologically literate workforce. The proposed effort of knowledge transfer, workforce education and training, and establishment of a strong enabling infrastructure for sustainable innovation will provide jobs and a workforce to perform those jobs will result in economic and societal well being in the state. The partners have committed a very large sum to this effort. The management plan is sufficient to give the infrastructure a very high probability of being sustained after the award has terminated. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in creating the web-based informational infrastructure and organizational skills to coordinate the needs of the industry in the region with the research and education of the combined academic institutions in the consortium. The resources of the state government and the regional Chambers of Commerce are all pledged to promote the activities with funds and agency skills and labor. The broader impacts of the activity include educational diversity, educational outreach to industry, and regional economic development to ensure long-term sustainability of economic and societal well being. Underrepresented groups will participate in the activities of the award. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Sisson, Paul Leslie Guice Steven Conrad Joseph Orban Northwestern State University Louisiana LA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599474 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0332690 August 15, 2003 TALPA: Technology Applications and Learning for Professional Achievement. 0332690 Schroeder This award is to University of Alaska Anchorage to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include University of Alaska Anchorage (Lead Institution), University of Hawaii Manoa, University of Washington, Alaska Technical Center, Halau Ku Mana High School, Kotzebue High School, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Northwest Arctic Borough School District, Wellpinit High School, White Swan High School, Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation, Hewlett-Packard, NANA/Colt Engineering, NANA/Dowl Engineering, Siemens Building Technologies, and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. This project seeks to connect remote regions of Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington to college curriculum in mathematics and science via modern state-of-the-art computer laboratories and distance learning and to maintain a program at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, University of Washington, and University of Hawaii to foster and retain the students in science and engineering curricula. The team of educators, Native organizations, engineering firms, contractors and research laboratories is working to provide opportunities for Indigenous Americans to put young people on career paths to leadership in industry and academia. The program is a pipeline for students from rural communities to universities and industry partners ready to hire them upon graduation. The program will engage 325 students in five years. The partners have committed approximately $5 million through 2006 to support the activity. This program can be replicated for other regions and indigenous societies in America. Potential Economic Impact The intellectual merit of the activity lies in establishment of state-of-the-art computer laboratories in very remote locations, working with local indigenous high school systems to establish the science and mathematics curriculum to prepare the students for college, training the local teachers to use the computer systems and tutor the students, and collaborating with industrial partners who provide equipment, scholarships and job opportunities for the students when they graduate from college. The program brings computer technology to remote communities, provides high school students with a vision of a career in science and engineering, connects students with professionals in industry and academia, provides industrial partners with a technologically trained workforce, and develops the enabling infrastructure necessary to sustain the effort long term. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Schroeder, Herb Robert Lang University of Alaska Anchorage Campus AK Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0332696 July 15, 2003 Innovation Networks for Collaborative Product Development in the Wisconsin Plastics Industry Cluster. 0332696 Veeramani This award is to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Lead Institution), University of Wisconsin- Stout, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Phillips Plastics, Serigraph, Flambeau Corporation, Teel Plastics, Bemis Manufacturing, Georgia Pacific, Kelch Corporation, Engineering Industries, Kaysun Corporation, Simtec-USDA Forest Products Laboratory, University of Wisconsin- Extension Small Business Development Centers, Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls Economic Development Association, Office of the Governor of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Wisconsin Technology Council, and Forward Wisconsin. This project fosters innovation-driven sustainable economic growth in Wisconsin's plastics cluster by (1) catalyzing innovation through knowledge creation, technology transfer, application of emerging and novel methods and tools for polymer engineering and polymer processing, and commercialization by the industry partners, (2) building human capital through workforce education and training to provide expertise in innovative polymer materials, engineering, and processing to industry, and (3) enhancing enabling infrastructure for networking, collaboration, and entrepreneurship to catalyze innovation. Potential Economic Impact The plastics industry is one of the few industries in which the United States still holds a strong leadership in the global market. However, the threats of global competition are very real as companies are increasingly outsourcing to foreign companies where manufacturing is far cheaper owing to lower labor and materials costs as well as fewer regulatory constraints. Manufacturing accounts for 23% of the jobs in Wisconsin. The only means to improve and maintain the United States' competitive position is through innovation. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in the creation, transfer and application of emerging materials, tools and technologies that lead to the development of new plastics and processes having superior characteristics and economic potential for commercialization. The broader impacts of the activity include a scientifically and technologically literate and diverse workforce prepared to capitalize on this new knowledge to drive innovation and productivity growth, plus an infrastructure that enables innovation through networking, collaboration and entrepreneurship in Wisconsin's plastics industry. Underrepresented groups are involved in the research and workforce development programs. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Veeramani, Dharmaraj Tim Osswald Paul Peercy Lih-Sheng Turng Lawrence Casper University of Wisconsin-Madison WI Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600001 1662 OTHR 0000 0332714 August 15, 2003 Peoria NEXT: Creating and Sustaining Research, Innovation, and Commercialization in Central Illinois. 0332714 Liberty This award is to Bradley University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Bradley University (Lead Institution), This project stresses leveraging the intellectual capital of the region to create and nurture interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research and development leading to commercialization, education and training for the underemployed and under-trained workforce in the region, and development of models to manage intellectual property. Potential Economic Impact Historically the economy of the region has been based on agriculture and manufacturing of heavy equipment, which are waning. The growth of the economy has lagged the rest of the state of Illinois and the nation. The region possesses potential to exploit the research at the regional academic institutions and to create a well-educated, technologically-literate workforce. These activities will transform the economy, create new jobs and provide people to fill the job opportunities. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in development of a multi-county R&D partnership for a knowledge-based economy to provide greater innovation and commercialization development projects in central Illinois. This effort strengthens the focus on knowledge-based employment and moves away from the region's traditional employment sectors of agriculture and mechanical based economies. The activity includes development of complex models for intellectual property management. The effort will lead to a knowledge-based economy in support of innovation, science and engineering-based commercialization and development of small businesses. Inclusion of a large urban school district and regional government agencies will involve groups traditionally underrepresented in science and technology. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Bolla, Robert Kelly McConnaughay Richard Lister Bradley University IL Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0332723 August 15, 2003 A Center for Product and Process Development and Commercialization for Small U.S. Manufacturers. 0332723 Hoberock This award is to Oklahoma State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Oklahoma State University (Lead Institution), Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence, Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center, Langston University, Southwest Oklahoma State University, Meridian Technology Center, Klutts Equipment Corporation, Unibridge Corporation, and Bermuda King. The primary objective of this partnership is to facilitate the transformation of knowledge into innovations that will create new wealth and strengthen the regional economy in the area. University partners provide the research and development and the technologically literate workforce and the company partners provide the manufacturing and commercialization. Collaborative product development by the partners is one of the major focuses for the award. The Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center is the location where faculty, students and industry partners go from product conception to prototype development to manufacturing engineering to manufacturing and commercialization. Potential Economic Impact Oklahoma has a very large number of small rural manufacturing firms that cannot afford the research and development, state-of-the-art rapid prototyping, and manufacturing engineering needed to remain competitive in the global marketplace. The university collaboration provides this capability and a technologically literate workforce that has learned to work with small manufacturers. Oklahoma sees its economic future tied to manufacturing in the rural areas. The proposed effort of knowledge transfer, workforce education and training, and establishment of a strong enabling infrastructure for sustainable innovation will provide jobs and a workforce to perform those jobs will result in economic and societal well being in the state. The effort will improve the competitiveness of the existing manufacturing sector and bring new manufacturing companies into the state. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in advances in knowledge through fundamental research in engineering in general and manufacturing in particular and in providing a more industrially-relevant educational experience for the students through working with the small manufacturers from product conception through design and prototyping to manufacturing engineering. The broader impacts of the activity include educational diversity, educational outreach to industry, and regional economic development to ensure long-term sustainability of economic and societal well being. Underrepresented groups will participate in the activities of the award. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Hoberock, Lawrence Karl Reid Robert Whitson Daniel Tilley Oklahoma State University OK Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0332749 August 1, 2003 Partnerships for Innovative Bioscience Entrepreneurs. 0332749 Scanlon This award is to Keck Graduate Institute to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Keck Graduate Institute (Lead Institution), Sprout Group, Axiom Venture Partners, Sears Capital Management, Business Technology Center of the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission, and Southern California Biomedical Council. The primary objective of this award is to form a unique industry/academic/government partnership to incubate innovative bioscience ideas from entrepreneurs with the venture capital community to create new products/business enterprises. Innovative ideas are solicited from the Keck Graduate Institute, other local universities, and entrepreneurs from the business community. Business/management expertise is provided by Keck's school of management. The venture capitalists collaborate with entrepreneurs to validate their ideas and provide funds and expertise to grow the businesses. Thee local and regional government agencies help disseminate the ideas/technologies to the biomedical and pharmaceutical business communities. In addition, workforce education and training programs at the lead institution will provide the workforce to support the new and emerging companies. Long-term sustainability is a key component of the program. Potential Economic Impact The long-term goal is to enable these new companies grow over a long period by providing financial, technical and managerial support to create economic well being and new jobs in the region. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in providing a source of new knowledge in the biotechnology area and partner it with managerial/business knowledge and venture funding to create new biotechnology, biomedicine, and pharmaceutical companies. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on creating a new student generation from the underrepresented population with Masters in Bioscience degree and stimulating new economic growth by transforming bioscience ideas into products and services that are beneficial for the economy and the public. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Finegold, David T. Dewey Keck Graduate Institute CA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0333046 July 1, 2003 Connection One: Telecommunication Circuits & Systems (I/UCRC). The University of Arizona joins Arizona State University in the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center named Connection One: Telecommunication Circuits and Systems. This center has the potential to have a significant impact on the broader telecommunication industry, which has become an essential element of the national economy. Because of the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of telecommunication research projects, an integrated research effort that brings together researchers from a number of technical areas is essential for achieving significant technological advances. Connection One provides a collaborative environment that will facilitate this research effort. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Krunz, Marwan University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 250000 5761 OTHR 0000 0334891 October 1, 2003 I/UCRC: Center for NDE Renewal. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) at Iowa State University was originally formed with the objectives of pursuing research in NDE problems of interest to industrial sponsors; increasing the base of students with expertise in NDE engineering; and establishing a focal point for NDE technology transfer. In response to the changing needs of society, these have been significantly extended to address new issues of system integration and other societal measurement needs. The new goals include enabling the integration of NDE with manufacturing and life-cycle planning of modern structural systems, leading the international development of advanced NDE capabilities, and applying core measurement expertise to nonstructural material applications. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Thompson, R. Bruce Iowa State University IA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 565760 7609 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0335622 October 1, 2003 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Experimental Research in Computer Systems (I/UCRC ERCS). An Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) will be established at the Georgia Institute of Technology, called the I/UCRC for Experimental Research in Computer Systems (ERCS). The I/UCRC is committed to fostering interdisciplinary research and establishing a culture of experimental research reaching out to local and national industry, to encourage participation and contribute to the regional and national economics through the availability of intellectual talent and emerging technologies. Operationally ERCS will create, develop, and evaluate hardware/software systems, in the context of realistic end user applications, for platforms ranging from embedded/real-time devices, to parallel/cluster systems, to the Internet and facilitate the construction and management of such systems by creating new principles, algorithms and techniques, software tools and mechanisms. UNDISTRIBUTED PANEL/IPA FUNDS COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS TRUSTED COMPUTING GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS IIP ENG Schwan, Karsten Douglas Blough Calton Pu Sudhakar Yalamanchili GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 605782 9199 7298 5761 2802 1504 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 5977 5913 122E 116E 114E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0342240 September 1, 2003 I/UCRC Proposal from Rutgers University to Join the Purdue/UConn/Minnesota/Puerto Rico Center for Pharmaceutical Processing. This planning grant is for Rutgers University to become a research site for the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Pharmaceutical Processing Research. Rutgers will add significant intellectual content to the existing center. The projects focus on understanding granular constitutive behavior for flow and segregation, and on developing a technology platform for pharmaceutical manufacturing, based on continuous manufacturing, that is both more controllable and more flexible than current batch approaches used in the industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Muzzio, Fernando Benjamin Glasser Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0349673 December 1, 2003 SBIR Phase II: High Performance Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to focus on the formation of grain-oriented (textured) lead-free piezoelectric and dielectric ceramics for various electroceramic and transducer applications. The overall objective of this project will be to produce lead-free ceramics with high piezoelectric performance, and demonstrate that these materials can be used in existing actuator/transducer designs, especially for applications currently using lead-based ceramics. The broader impacts will be the elimination of lead-based compositions, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), there are no commercially available lead-free compositions that possess comparable properties to PZT. Beyond the commercial effect, lead is known to be toxic, so commercial products containing lead present serious health and environmental hazards at both a local and global level. Therefore, there is a substantial need for a high performance, lead-free piezoelectric ceramic with properties comparable to lead-based compositions in order to sustain the growth of piezoelectric transducers and sensor market, while meeting the many environmental and health needs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sabolsky, Edward NEXTECH MATERIALS LTD OH Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1774 0308000 Industrial Technology 9614913 September 1, 2000 SBIR Conference Support Contractor. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROG ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG DelaBarre, D. DelaBarre & Associates, Inc. WA Kesh S. Narayanan Contract 1841030 Z408 Y813 Y350 9150 5370 1480 1340 OTHR 9150 5370 1340 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 99 Other Sciences NEC 9960011 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of Photonic Band Gap Structures Embedded in Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic for Millimeter Wave Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses development of a new material for microwave electronics. As microwave applications, including portable wireless devices, expand, and as digital integrated circuit speeds and clock rates increase to the millimeter wave (MMW) range, the need arises for a low-loss dimensionally stable dielectric with properties uniform over a broad range of frequencies and environmental conditions. The main challenge is to find a way of guiding MMW radiation through a dielectric substrate with minimal scattering losses, and of creating low-loss resonant cavities. Waveband Corporation proposes to develop a new technique to embed Photonic Band Gap Structures (PBSs) in ceramic substrates at an early stage of fabrication. The PBSs will reduce radiative losses in devices fabricated using the Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic On Metal technique, by preventing radiation leakage and by minimizing undesired scattering. The PBSs will be embedded in the ceramic using well-developed fabrication methods. The result will be improved performance, without an increase in the manufacturing costs. Moreover, a PBS will lead to totally new applications: frequency-band controlled filters, perfect channel-drop filters, point-defect resonant cavities, linear-defect 90 degree waveguide bends, waveguide intersections with low crosstalk, and other. The new material will be employed in high-volume production items for applications such as automotive electronics, medical electronics, as well as in a variety of portable wireless communication devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eliyahu, Danny WAVEBAND CORPORATION CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99986 5371 MANU 9165 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960017 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Growth of High Quality Optically Uniform CdGeAs2 Single Crystals by Horizontal Zone Melting. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a novel technique for the growth of CdGeAs2 single crystals based on Horizontal Zone Melting (HZM). CdGeAs2 has outstanding optical nonlinear properties, making it the best material for laser harmonic generation and tunable sources in the infrared. However, CdGeAs2 crystals grown by Horizontal Gradient Freeze have substantial optically non-uniform areas, which limits their use. The smaller volume of the melt and the axial symmetry of the thermal field of the HZM technique are expected to produce crystals of improved compositional uniformity. This project proposes to develop a growth technique based on HZM and apply it to the growth of CdGeAs2. CdGeAs2 single crystals will be grown and their optical transmission will be improved by irradiation with fast electrons. The crystal uniformity will be characterized using x-ray, electrical and optical measurements. Finally, HZM grown CdGeAs2 crystals of uniform composition and quality will be evaluated in an optical parametric oscillator to demonstrate tunable infrared radiation from 4 to 11 um. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zwieback, Ilya INRAD, Inc. NJ Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99755 5371 MANU 9146 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960021 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Cryopreservation of Clam Larvae. Cryopreservation permits the storage of larvae of the clam Mercenaria mercenaria for extended periods with negligible losses. The objectives of this Phase I research are: (1) To determine the efficacy of selected cryoprotectants in preserving trochophore and veliger larvae, and (2) to assess effective freezing and thawing rates of cryopreserved clam larvae. Techniques previously employed in cryopreservation of oyster spermatozoa, larvae of marine mussels, nematodes, and sea urchins will be screened. Selected cryoprotectants and procedures will be applied to test survival and development competency of clam larvae. Effective cryopreservation methods will be further tested for applicability in commercial scale culture facilities. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Cheng, Thomas Atlantic LittleNeck ClamFarms SC Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 94760 9150 BIOT 9150 9117 1167 0521700 Marine Resources 9960024 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: ScenarioNet: Customizable Deep Information Extraction. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Naftware, Inc. addresses the need for better information search methods. Recent advances in computational linguistics (event semantics) present opportunities for major productivity enhancements for American knowledge workers by enabling the development of ScenarioNet, which automatically learns to extract deep event information from text. A major deficiency in current information extraction (IE) systems is that training examples must be painstakingly annotated by human experts. In ScenarioNet, examples are automatically extracted, ranked, and kept or discarded in rapid user-feedback cycles, dramatically streamlining training the system for new or revised domains. To enable a 'deeper' level of event information extraction, ScenarioNet incorporates a statistical full parser, event models, event builder (with sub-event merging), relationship models (extracting multiple relationships from a single phrase or sentence), scenario models, and scenario builder (with event merging algorithms). For deep IE, events themselves must be placed in context of related events: ScenarioNet's hierarchical event and scenario models include representations of causal, temporal, and structural relationships. Event merging algorithms utilize coreference resolution techniques, including discourse-level and cross-document coreference, to recognize multiple elements of events and how events combine into scenarios. ScenarioNet eases cross-domain portability and enables deep event, relationship, and scenario information extraction. A robust, easily customizable event, relationship, and scenario information extraction system has strong commercial potential in such industries as defense, intelligence, insurance (review of applications and claims), healthcare, financial services, legal services, business intelligence gathering, all levels of government (review of applications and reports) and engineering (to keep up with new developments). Naftware's proffered technology, ScenarioNet, removes the barriers to wide commercialization of IE by cutting the customization effort (cross-domain portability) and by incorporating deeper semantics into its object-oriented extraction models and templates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Palmer, Milton Naftware Inc. MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99994 5371 HPCC 9263 9216 1311 0000912 Computer Science 0522400 Information Systems 9960026 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Compact High-Current Industrial Continuous Wave Electron Linear Accelerator (LINAC). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to design a new type of industrial continuous wave electron linear accelerator for electron-based irradiation in industrial, environmental, and medical applications. Our modular, cost effective, high-power accelerator is modular and can be made to produce an electron beam with energy between 0.6-6.0 MeV in 600 keV increments each with currents variable from 0 to 50 mA. In Phase I we will design, construct, and test our second section which will allow us to make 1.2 MeV/50 mA/60 kW output electron beams. The product of this work will be an optimized design that will be summarized in engineering drawings from which we can construct a prototype 4.8 MeV/50 mA/240 kW industrial CW electron LINAC in a Phase II follow-on grant for the cold pasteurization of red meat. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Alimov, Andrey World Physics Technologies, Inc. VA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960029 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Phase Locking of High Power Fiber Laser Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I proposal introduces an innovative idea to generate a very high brightness laser beam from a clad-pumped multicore fiber laser array embedded in a common low loss cladding with a unique 'isometric' structure. In a very low-loss cladding region, very strong evanescent-wave coupling among the fiber cores can provide the highest modal gain for the fundamental supermode. A technique has been introduced to reliably manufacture the isometric multicore fiber arrays. A computer model has been developed to calculate the far-field radiation patterns emitting from multicore fiber laser arrays arranged in isometric rings. Results indicate that a high brightness, diffraction limited laser beam in the far-field with an amplitude 40dB greater than the side lobes, can be obtained from isometric multicore phase locked fiber laser array in uni-phase with a V-value of <2 and a core separation of 1.5 times the core diameter. However, the remaining issues that need to be addressed in Phase I, are the conditions under which a stable oscillation can be maintained in uni-phase. Under the Phase I-SBIR, four tasks have been identified for the purpose of determining quantitatively all laser parameters and operating conditions for the establishment of a stable laser oscillation at the fundamental supermode from a hase-locked, clad-pumped fiber laser array. The results of this Phase I are crucial for the Phase II follow-on to construct and demonstrate a phase-locked fiber laser array with a high degree of confidence. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cheo, Peter P C PHOTONICS CORPORATION CT Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99685 5371 AMPP 9165 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960030 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Dissolution of Full-Length Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a cost-effective technology to prepare full-length single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-l-SWNTs). These SWNTs will be soluble in common organic solvents by the exfoliation and noncovalent functionalization of SWNT ropes. We expect to develop a dissolution process that can be scaled up at low cost, thereby enabling commercial production of soluble full-length single-walled carbon nanotubes. All of the currently known full-length SWNTs are insoluble in organic solvents. While single-walled carbon nanotubes are recognized as the ultimate carbon fiber, the development of soluble full-length single-walled carbon nanotubes can provide the necessary processability for the preparation of homogeneous nanotube-based copolymers and polymer composites in the form of monoliths, fibers, films and coatings. The development of these nanostructured materials is expected to enable applications in high temperature, high strength and light-weight structural materials for aircraft and space vehicles; electromagnetic radiation shielding coatings for military aircraft and ships; antistatic coatings for automobile; organic thin film devices for micro-electronics and -optoelectronics; thin film lithium batteries for space. Soluble individual single-walled carbon nanotubes are versatile building blocks for functional nanostructures which may find important application in molecular electronics. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Itkis, Mikhail CARBON SOLUTIONS INC CA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99910 9150 MANU 9150 9148 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960040 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Throughput Enhancer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project derives, designs, evaluates, tests, and produces forward error correcting codec chip sets. By introducing a modified BCH code into the Internet TCP structure without changing the TCP/IP format, it is feasible to achieve simultaneously: 95% throughput enhancement, 4-order bit error rate improvement, 80% effective delay reduction, transmission speed up to 10 Gbps, and channel utilization approaches unity Erlang. Two decoding algorithms are to be investigated for large quantity production in terms of speed, correcting capability beyond theoretical limit, and complexity. Computer programs will be generated and simulations will be performed. Next, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device will be selected, designed, evaluated, 'burned', and tested before VLSI implementation. The result meets the international standards for Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Internet, and satellite communications. The proposed product is simple, low cost, and in need. The applications range from ATM, Internet, and satellite communications. The market share of ATMco for Internet alone is estimated at $750 Million over more than 5 years for a device to be priced at $25 per unit. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, William Advanced Technology Mechanization, Company MD Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99820 5371 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 9960048 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Chiropticenes: Molecular Chiroptical Dipole Switches. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is based on the development and commercialization of Chiropticenes, a novel class of single-molecule chiroptical dipole switches. Chiropticene molecular switches are triggered by a combination of light and electric field, which cause both the chirality and dipole direction to be reversed. Information stored in the Chiropticenes is read nondestructively with circularly polarized light, which ensures erase-read-write capability. The Chiropticene molecular switch is the fundamental component in CALMEC's nanotechnology-based optical data storage technology. The objective of the Phase I research is to demonstrate the feasibility of the unique Chiropticene switch. Various organic Chiropticenes will be synthesized, characterized and then 'switched' using a combination of electric field and light. The completion of Phase I will verify the switch mechanism and lead directly into Phase II, which is the fabrication of a two-dimensional optical data storage device. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Parakka, James California Molecular Electronics Corporation CA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 1415 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960051 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Preservation of Engineered Human Tissues. The mission of BioLife Technologies (BLT) is to develop improved hypothermic (Cold storage at 4 - 10 degree C) and cryopreservation (-196 degree C) solutions designed to maintain human cells, tissues and organs in a near state of suspended animation. Data presented herein demonstrate that BLT's solutions, the HypoThermosol (HTS) series, are better at protecting kidney, heart and skin cells than is ViaSpan- a product produced by DuPont. BLT has launched an aggressive program to determine the molecular basis of cell death during extended cryopreservation and hypothermic storage so that knowledge of these events can lead to a new generation of cryopreservation solutions. The Specific Aims of this Phase I project are designed to determine (1) which apoptotic inhibitors are best at protecting the engineered human epidermis, EpiDerm, during cryopreservation and hypothermic storage, (2) if upregulation of the cell death inhibiting protein bcl-2 can protect cells from cryopreservation and hypothermia-induced cell death, and (3) if cytochrome c, an apoptosis trigger, is released from mitochondria in human skin cells that have been preserved. A higher risk Specific Aim is proposed to make cold-tolerant mutants from an E67-tranfected human keratinocyte cell line that can withstand hypothermia and/or cryopreservation regimes better than parental progenitors. Completion of the studies will allow BLT to establish itself as the leader in the preservation of engineered human cells and tissues. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Van Buskirk, Robert BioLife Solutions Inc. NY Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960065 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Subgrade Repair and Stabilization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore a novel subgrade stabilization process that injects readily available materials into the vitrification zone, eliminating subsidence concerns as the soils densify during vitrification. The problem of in-situ soil stabilization of poor to marginal foundation and slope materials is endemic throughout the transportation system. Localized subgrade failures in highway fill and around ancillary structures, like bridges and culverts, constitute a major maintenance problem in every highway and road system. Phase I will establish process feasibility by developing a robust and versatile technology that produces subgrade synthetic rock from soils. The vitrified material will have suitable strength for soil stabilization and for structural reinforcement purposes. Experiments will demonstrate a method to modify the parent soil-rock properties by the use of additives during processing. A series of parametric tests will develop a fundamental understanding of process operational variables upon geotechnic properties of the synthetic rock that is formed. The commercial market for the technology includes highway departments (state and federal), airport authorities, municipalities, federal properties and national infrastructure agenciesm, and various industries. Application of the technology is expexted in both maintenance of subgrade and new construction where 'local' subgrade instability issues are important. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farrar, Lawrence RESODYN CORPORATION MT Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1448 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960071 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Multimode Optical Fiber Resonators. This SBIR Phase I project will research and develop multimode step-profile fiber resonators for internal reflectance spectrometric applications, both for absorption and luminescence. Attenuated total reflection spectroscopy is used to measure the constitutive optical constants of a dielectric, or metal, analyte cladding layer replacing lengths of the primary optical cladding. In conventional applications, optical fiber excitation is single-pass, coupled in one end and propagated out the other fiber endface. Alternatively, with the proposed development, forms of fiber-optic resonators would store optical power increasing the spectral sensitivity for small absorption indices by enhancing the analyte cladding interaction. One particular resonator type is a continuous fiber ring, i.e., no endfaces. The practicable purpose of the proposed SBIR Phase I is to develop the fabrication techniques for the fiber optical coupler component appropriate for such a resonator. A unique fiber coupler is described. This type optical coupler will, by design, couple modal power into the resonator selectively, predominately either TE/TM or EH/HE with low or high orders depending on the optimal modal distribution associated with the fiber sensor application. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hanson, Gary Unified Analysis WA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 68600 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960077 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Inversion of Geophysical Measurements for Fracture Geometry. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an innovative method for detecting and quantifying natural fracture systems in rock. The geometry of fracture systems controls the permeability of many oil and gas reservoir rocks. Many of the same aspects of geometry which control the fluid permeability also control the geophysical response. This project is to develop methods to invert geophysical measurements in fractured rock for the underlying fracture geometry, thus allowing prediction of permeability. Several forward models have been developed relating fracture geometry to various anisotropic, stress- dependent properties including permeability, electrical conductivity, and seismic velocity. These forward models will be used as the basis for developing an inverse method for obtaining the fracture geometry from diverse geophysical measurements. This inversion scheme will be modeled after an existing successful method for inversion of rock pore structure from constraining laboratory measurements. An inversion method for fracture properties will be implemented by inserting forward models specific to the fracture problem into the same inversion code previously developed for rock pore structure. This initial method will be tested for robustness and internal consistency using photographic image data from natural fracture networks. Software developed under Phases I and II of this project will provide the needed inputs for dual-porosity fractured reservoir simulators from diverse constraining geophysical data. This software will be invaluable for exploration and production activities in the oil and gas industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brown, Stephen New England Research, Inc. VT G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 99588 5371 CVIS 1266 1038 0510703 Rock Fracture Mechanics 9960078 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Data Driven Microjet Printing of Electrostatically Self-Assembled Multilayer Electronic Materials and Devices. 9960078 Cooper, Kristie Nanosonic Incorporated This SBIR Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of prototyping and fabricating multilayer electronic components by the data driven microjet spray printing of multifunctional electrostatically self-assembled thin films. The electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) process, licensed from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, involves the consecutive formation of alternating, oppositely charged monolayers of metal and metal oxide nanoclusters, polymers and other molecules, at room temperature and pressure. The electronic, optical, magnetic and mechanical properties of the multilayer films are determined by the nature of the molecules in each monolayer and the long-range order of the monolayers. In this prototyping system, the operator inputs computer code and chemicals, and retrieves completed test articles for analysis. During the Phase I program this work will be extended to demonstrate the feasibility of forming similar multilayer, multifunctional components by microjet spraying, and would analyze the molecular-level and macroscopic properties of the fabricated microcomponents. Data driven microjet spray ESA processing would allow the rapid design, synthesis and analysis of prototype electronic devices for communication, display, instrumentation and other electronics applications. Microjet ESA-formed electronic devices with many-micron resolution would allow the low-cost, rapidly reconfigurable fabrication of electronic interconnects, circuit components, simple displays and sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cooper, Kristie Nanosonic Incorporated VA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960084 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Compact Driver Technology for Extending the Lifetime of High Power Laser Diode Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop compact, all-solid-state drivers for powering laser diode arrays and thereby increase their lifetime. New ultra-high-current semiconductor switch technology will be coupled with new proprietary diode protection circuits to extend diode laser lifetime tenfold. This leads directly to a tenfold reduction in annual laser operating cost. Recent breakthroughs in high power semiconductor technology, namely the GCT (Gate Commutated Thyristor) switch, also offer a tenfold improvement in speed and power over existing commercial devices. SRL (Science Research Laboratory ) proposes to develop an advanced, compact pulsed power module based on these technologies that has the power, speed and protection circuitry needed to reliably drive high power laser diode arrays. This GCT-based power conditioning technology offers the improvements in system compactness, reliability and lifetime that are essential to the economic viability of laser diode arrays for many new commercial applications. GCT technology coupled with proprietary SRL fast protection circuitry offers a tenfold decrease in diode laser array size and weight and a tenfold increase in diode lifetime. This new technology is also essential to developing the pulsed power required for critical medical applications including new and improved methods of detecting metastatic cancer and new cancer therapies now under development at SRL and at other laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Petr, Rodney Science Research Laboratory Inc MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99969 5371 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 9960094 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Nanotube Reinforced Polymeric Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will experimentally and theoretically investigate the development of a new class of electrically conductive and structural engineered polymeric matrix composites (PMC). This will be preformed using single and/or multi-wall nanotubes as the reinforcing phase to provide or significantly augment their properties. In addition to homogeneous PMC, the program will investigate nanotubes as a selective structural reinforcement in critical areas of a component. Because of their dimensions, metallic character and electron emission properties, they could be effective at reflecting electromagnetic radiation particularly at high frequencies and high energy. The program will investigate the effect of concentration and processing variables on the ability of these small structures to function in the dielectric polymeric matrix. Because of their high elastic modulus, nanotubes could provide superior mechanical reinforcement at lower concentrations. Discontinuous reinforcements (nanotubes and, where useful, synergistic reinforcements such as chopped carbon fibers) will first be homogeneously dispersed and then rigidized in this configuration. The preform can be fully characterized before the polymer matrix is introduced allowing for superior quality control and assurance that design properties are achieved before the matrix is added. The preform will then be filled with a polymeric matrix using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. Both military and commercial regulations require EMI shielding of every electronic component. However, in comparison to metallic packaging, there is more part to part variability in PMC components made conductive by inclusion of conductive fillers,particularly at the low concentrations anticipated for nanotubes. Automated manufacture and testing of fibrous preforms prior to introduction of the matrix will significantly reduce the potential for variability and thus hasten the acceptance of lightweight PMC components. Inexpensive, reliable conductive plastic components can also be used in major electrically dissipative applications as electrostatic charge dissipation, electrostatic painting and conductive flooring. In addition, lightweight homogeneous and selectively reinforced lightweight PMC's will find use in a wide variety of military and industrial applications. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Meiler, Keith Fiber Materials, Inc. ME Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 97459 9150 AMPP 9165 9150 9146 5371 1415 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960106 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Development of an Optical Glass Colorant Utilizing Holographic Elements. 9960106 Marosz This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will assess the feasibility of producing glass colored by holographic elements. There are very few colors currently used in construction glass because there is no method to color glass without distorting the color of the view through it. A new method for producing aesthetically pleasing colors of glass is expected to foster a multi-million dollar industry. To reach this end, a new holographic method to make images of a uniform field of color will be developed. This property will differentiate the holographic product from most other current applications. The color-producing holograms will be fragmented into small pieces, which can be mixed into liquid laminating resins. Resin will be used to laminate sheets of glass. The color of the hologram will be visible when looking at the glass, however when looking through the glass, the view will not be colored. Using standard holographic techniques, Phase I will optimize the appearance of the color and produce a small piece of laminated glass colored using this method. The product will be a glass colorant with commercial applications in the construction/glazing industry, decorative trades, and automotive glass manufacture. It also has potential applications in surface coatings for safety signs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Marosz, Thomas Botanical Enclosures CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 94160 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960108 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Sensitivity Raman Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will design and test a hybrid Raman spectrometer suitable for 'on-demand' or continuous process monitoring. This will be accomplished by employing an innovative design that overcomes the limitations traditionally associated with Raman spectroscopy: (1) long-term instrument stability, (2) fluorescence interference, (3) wavelength reproducibility, and (4) sensitivity. A unique combination of components and internal diagnostics will allow greater than 1000 hours of unattended operation. The instrument will be rugged, compact, low-maintenance, require minimum power, and as such, suitable for numerous industrial applications. Phase I will demonstrate the ability of the proposed instrument to overcome all of the listed limitations. The Phase I results will be used to build a prototype during Phase II suitable for customer testing in Phase III. Raman spectroscopy is a very general technique and fiber optic probes will allow integration into a broad range of applications. The long-term stability of the proposed Raman system would make it ideal for process monitoring and control in the following industries: chemical, petrochemical, polymer, composites, pharmaceutical, food processing, environmental and semiconductor industries. It would also be ideal for health monitoring and fieldwork. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farquharson, Stuart Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99550 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9960113 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: An Intelligent World-Wide Web Agent that Learns User Profiles to Find Relevant Information. This SBIR Phase I project from Unconventional Wisdom aims to build a recommendation system for the World Wide Web (WWW). Finding relevant information on the WWW is becoming increasingly difficult. Most current search engines produce too much irrelevant information because they search syntactically. This proposal shows how to produce more accurate and personally-relevant search recommendations through three key innovations: a method to learn and combine user information (e.g. demographics and ratings) with WWW source information (e.g. web page features); a method to leverage the power of human-categorized information sources on the WWW; and a method to learn mega-features, that is, large sets of homogeneous features through running a machine-learning algorithm over the sets. In Unconventional Wisdom's framework, people implicitly assign semantics to web pages by their pattern of usage and machines act as the transporters of those semantics to other users so that retrieval can be based on semantics implicit in the user's interests. This makes it possible to retrieve complex multimedia information based on the user's interests. Unconventional Wisdom proffers a technology addressing a significant opportunity in e-commerce. Since a web site can contain information such as text, audio, video or catalog items, the system envisioned by Unconventional Wisdom is flexible in its application to both the WWW and military or corporate Intranets. The area of research and development that this project treats has important implications for knowledge management in general, such as in developing packaged inference mechanisms to address information selection of many types and in systems to generate and support relationships among persons with related information requirements and values. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Prieditis, Armand Unconventional Wisdom CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 6855 0104000 Information Systems 9960114 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Processing Techniques to Produce Biodegradable Nanoparticles. Biogel Technology has been active in developing methods to modify the surface of biodegradable microparticles and nanoparticles since 1993. These nanoparticles, based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLAGA) can be used to target drug delivery to specific cell types in vivo. While many techniques have been developed for larger scale production on PLAGA microparticles, the preparation of submicron PLAGA particles containing an active agent poses serious challenges that are not necessarily present when preparing larger diameter microparticles. No commercial-scale processes currently exist for preparation of biodegradable nanoparticles. The scientific literature contains references to a number of preparation techniques, but almost all are on a very small laboratory scale. This Phase I NSF SBIR Proposal describes our research plan for scaling up nanoparticle preparation techniques. We plan to expand our current processing techniques, which yield approximately 100 mg per batch, to a process that will yield 100 g of nanoparticles per batch. These targeted delivery formulations are being studied for treatment of various types of cancers, as well as, acute blood clots. Potential Commercial Applications of the Research If successful, this technology will form the basis for commercial production of biodegradable nanoparticles. No such techniques currently exist and are necessary before products using targeted nanoparticles may be produced. The results of this project will form the scientific and commercial basis to further develop a wide range of products, including those to treat cancer and acute blood clots. Key Words to Identify Research or Technology (8 maximum) biodegradable, nanoparticles, processing, scale-up SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brannon-Peppas, Lisa Biogel Technology IN Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 9102 1415 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960117 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Integral Resistors for High Peformance Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) project will develop integral resistors for high performance applications. Arkansas Microelectronics Development Corporation (AMDC) and the University of Arkansas . A novel fabrication technique involving amorphous silicon deposition followed by aluminum assisted crystallization and doping at low temperature will be used in order to achieve resistances ranging from 1 - 10 ohm-cm, an important range in high performance applications. Since this poly-microsilicon deposition process was developed at the University of Arkansas'Photovoltaics Center, the University of Arkansas (U of A) will act as the research institution. This patent pending deposition process will allow AMDC and the U of A to design and fabricate 0.1- 0.5 MW integral resistors which will, in turn, result in smaller, more reliable electronic packaging operating with greater overall substrate efficiency. Electrical substrates with integral passive components will not only provide a reduction in size, weight, power, and cost, but they will also improve electrical performance. Phase II will incorporate integral resistors with AMDC's proven integral capacitors. Space Electronics Inc (SEi), of San Diego, CA, will participate as a subcontractor in order to provide product demonstrations applicable to the current market. Matching funds from the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority (ASTA) will also be pursued. Potential commercial applications are in the wireless industries (pagers and cell phones) where product miniaturization and weight reduction are essential. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Nelms, David Integral Wave Technologies, Inc. AR Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9150 9146 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960124 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Nanocomposite Films by Cylindrical Magnetron Sputtering. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop nano-composite thin film materials and deposition methods for wear resistant coating applications. Nano-composites have been reported with hardnesses exceeding that of diamond and are expected to be easier to produce than superlattices and other recent generations of tribological coatings. The hardness and thermal stability of systems such as molybdenum/titanium nitride will be modeled. We will use reactive co-sputtering to synthesize these composites and their physical properties will be compared to calculated values. Cylindrical magnetron sputtering has been chosen for this work because of the ease of assembling targets with various material compositions and because of the advantages cylindrical magnetron sputtering offers for depositing onto the complex shapes that often require wear resistand coatings. Wear resistant coatings are widely used on cutting and forming tools as well as in biomedical, aerospace, automotive and other applications. The value of coatings on cutting tools presently exceeds $1billion annually and other uses are expected to reach $3 billion to $5 billion annually within a few years. Customers have readily adopted several new generations of materials and that trend suggests that nano-composites could capture a significant share of the market quickly. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Glocker, David ISOFLUX, INC NY Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99736 1505 MANU AMPP 9165 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960139 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Nano-Engineered Biosensors for Detection of Organophosphorus Compounds. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop nano-engineered biosensors for detection of organophosphorus (OP) compounds. The growing public concern about chemical warfare agents and the widespread use of the acutely toxic compounds in modern agriculture has required analytical tools for in-field and on-line monitoring of OP compounds. The existing sensor technologies have inherent limitations that are unsuitable for such applications. This program seeks to develop high performance biosensors with an innovation that focuses on nano-engineering of the sensor structure that combines the advantages of nano-ring electrode transducers and enzyme micro- reactors. The proposed sensors are expected to have fast response, high selectivity, high sensitivity, and low detection limits. The research objectives of the phase I will include synthesis, processing, and characterization of nano-ring electrode ensembles; fabricating nano-engineered electrochemical biosensors; and testing the sensor performance. During Phase I, AMSEN Technologies will demonstrate the proof-of-concept of such a sensor. Phase II will build on Phase I success, optimize, build prototypes and field test the technology. Phase III will commercialize the technology and anticipated spin-off. This program will result in miniaturized biosensor devices for in-field and on-line detection of OP compounds that is of importance to the nation for both civil and military applications. The general principles of the sensors would also have widespread applications in environmental programs, control and detoxification of pesticides and insecticides, and chemical manufacturing facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Chuanjing AMSEN TECHNOLOGIES LLC AZ Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9184 1108 0203000 Health 9960144 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Electrochemically Recyclable Ion Exchange Resin. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the development of electrochemically regenerable ion-exchange resins. Electrochemical regeneration offers significant advantages in reduction of the volume of secondary waste generated during target ion recovery. The technology targets the recovery of bichromate from industrial process waste and hazardous waste sites. The proposed technology will dramatically decrease disposal costs for chromium waste in the targeted industries. In this phase, synthesis and characterization of the proposed ion-exchange materials will be carried out utilizing established techniques. Preliminary evaluation of the proposed materials in the removal of bichromate will be performed for a variety of waste simulate compositions to establish selectivity, efficiency, and stability. Electrochemical activation and regeneration of the proposed material will also be demonstrated prior to Phase II scale up and optimization. The proposed ion-exchange resin will reduce raw materials and disposal costs for a number of industries currently using bichromate. These industries include leather tanning, pigment production, wood preservatives production and metal treatment. The proposed technology is aimed toward waste reduction, resource recovery and toxic waste cleanup with a potential market of $60 million. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gaspar, Daniel Eltron Research, Inc. CO Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9960152 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Revenue Management in a dynamic and stochastic network environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the inventory allocation of revenue management (RM) systems. As a new way of approaching the supply/demand concept, RM can be best understood as the set of actions leading to revenue maximization by efficiently utilizing the available perishable resources. Phase I will: (i) devise a highly optimized dynamic inventory allocation algorithm that can be easily integrated in a more general RM framework; and (ii) build a prototype of decision making software implementing the algorithm. The experimental policy will be based on a general RM model that encompasses the dynamic, stochastic, and network characteristics of the problem. Phase I will use state-of-the-art mathematical (approximate dynamic programming and stochastic mathematical programming) and database tools. Potential commercial applications of the work are expected in a diverse set of industries, ranging from the transportation and hospitality industries to telecommunications, health care, legal services, entertainment, and government organizations. The new approach is expected to lead to 2%-3% improvements over state-of-the-art RM systems, and this will translate to considerable increases in revenue especially in highly competitive and highly constrained arenas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mourtzinou, Georgia DYNAMIC IDEAS, LLC MA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 98786 5371 MANU 9148 1465 1464 1463 0107000 Operations Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960154 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Single Cell Reporter Gene Assay for Hormone Receptors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a sensitive, high throughput reporter gene assay by combining gel microdrop encapsulation technology and fluorescence activated cell sorting with a secreted enzyme capture and detection format. Reporter gene assays are used to study eukaryotic gene expression essential for the development of higher organisms. Although there have been significant developments in reporter gene assays, an assay which provides high sensitivity, high throughput and single cell resolution is still needed. Frequently, gene products may be difficult to detect due to low abundance or instability. In addition, many potential therapeutic molecules that modulate transcription, exhibit weak target binding affinities, resulting in low reporter gene expression. The proposed assay will permit detection of a wide range of signal intensities from single, transfected cells which can be isolated for subsequent cloning. Phase I studies will use a model system to identify agonists to nuclear hormone receptors, which are regulatory switches that control diverse cellular processes in higher eukaryotes. The proposed assay will facilitate drug discovery by permitting rapid screening of combinatorial chemistry or natural product libraries against nuclear hormone receptors. The proposed assay will provide a rapid, high throughput method for screening large libraries of compounds for potential therapeutic molecules. Therapeutics is estimated to be a $100 billion market worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Trnovsky, Jan ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 0 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960158 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Unique Catalytic System for Maleic Anhydride Production. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a revolutionary catalytic system for the production of Maleic Anhydride using shaped reticulated ceramic substrates. Butane oxidation to Maleic Anhydride is a fast, exothermic reaction. Conventional extrudate catalysts suffer from severe diffusional limitations and poor bed heat-transfer leading to low product yields. The major objective of Phase I research is to demonstrate the benefits of oxidation catalyst synthesized using this new substrate over conventional extrudate catalyst. Other objectives of the Phase I research include quantifying the transport properties of the new substrate over packed-beds. Catalysts for both conventional and novel systems will be synthesized and performance data obtained for a range of operating conditions. A combination of ultra-low pressure drop, high inter-phase transport rates and an extremely high effectiveness factor will allow this novel catalytic system to enhance catalyst activity and product selectivity over traditional packed-bed catalysts. This will lead to lower operating temperature and reduction in CO and CO2 formation. Potential Commercial Applications: It is expected that this new class of catalyst substrate will also enhance performance of other gas-phase selective oxidation reactions to produce important intermediates such as Ethylene Oxide, Phthalic Anhydride and Acrylonitrile. Key Words: Selective Oxidation, Reticulated Ceramic, Maleic Anhydride, Diffusional Limitations SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 1401 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960164 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Restoring Ecological Control of Swine Waste Storage Lagoons by Selective Ozonation of the Facultative Zone. This Small Technology Transfer Research Phase I project is based on the observation that ozonation of the facultative zone in organically overloaded hog waste lagoons renders the top waters nearly odor free. This technique has lead to two further technical surprises: (1) The low dose of ozone used is much less than the chemical demand and (2) Decreases in the depth of the accumulated sludge are observed. Ozone is suspected to be interacting synergistically with the lagoon microorganisms, especially the non-sulfur purple bacteria, to restore balance to the system ecology. Waste volume reduction, fertilizer value, and pathogen control have environmental and health implications far beyond odor control. This STTR will confirm the observations concerning ecological changes in ozonated lagoons, slurry stabilization, and pathogen control. The U.S. production of hogs in the first quarter of 1999 was 25.3 million head with an inventory of 59.9 million head. The annual rate of hog manure generated 117 million dry tons. There are approximately 70,000 hog farms and many of these farms use lagoons for waste storage. The ability to provide a simple, effective, inexpensive means of improving the stabilization potential of swine waste lagoons is a primary focus of the 17 major hog producing States. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tai, Paul Oxyzone Systems, Inc. MI George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 1505 EGCH 9198 9145 1302 0110000 Technology Transfer 0313000 Regional & Environmental 9960173 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Design of a True 3-D Information Display System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes the design of a computer monitor that provides true three-dimensional (T3D) views of a scene. T3D presents information over a volumetric space. Such a system does not suffer from the loss of depth information, because of the projection of 3-D information onto a 2-D screen. Since such a system is not available commercially, people often use stereo image-based pseudo 3-D display systems to satisfy the demand for visualizing information with increased realism. The research objective for Phase I is to provide T3D views by distributing the contents of a 3-D scene over several planes-of-views, and optically projecting these planes-of-views onto a movable projection screen. A novel scheme is used to synchronize the movement of the projection screen with plane-by-plane information generated on the CRT screen so that T3D views can be generated without flickers. The use of these innovative concepts is anticipated to contribute effectively in designing a commercial quality T3D display system at a reasonable cost. Thus, the proposed system is expected to find applications in the fields ranging from scientific visualization to entertainment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chakrabarti, Soma BioComp Systems KS Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 88117 5371 HPCC 9215 9150 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960174 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: An Innovative Deposition Process for Low Cost Films and Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will provide the necessary precursor chemical kinetic and morphology optimization to produce thin films of yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) via an innovative, low-cost process called Pulsed-MOCVD. The Pulsed-MOCVD system utilizes liquid injection of metalorganic precursor into a low pressure chemical vapor deposition reactor. The problem is that deposition methods currently available to produce YSZ coatings with the required microstructure and properties are extremely expensive, highly polluting and energy intensive. The objective of the research is to determine the best precursor and optimal deposition conditions to produce the desired YSZ film on the target substrates with via Pulsed-MOCVD. The research will utilize an existing experimental system to measure the growth rate and efficiency over the entire deposition range for three promising types of precursors. The microstructure and crystallography of films grown under high-efficiency deposition conditions will be analyzed. The experimental data together with kinetic modeling and analysis of the morphology will result in the design criteria for a commercial application of the innovative technology. Potential applications of the results include the manufacture of corrosion resistant coatings, catalytic surfaces, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Krumdieck, Susan Boulder Material Systems CO Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 9146 9102 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960175 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Microwave-Induced Non-Thermal Plasma for Volatile Organic Compound Emission Control. Emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAP's), specifically volatile organic compounds (VOC's), are an increasing concern because they are major contributors to the predominant environmental problems facing us today such as: global warming, ozone depletion, and photochemical smog.1-3 With the passage of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA), which require increased levels of control for specific organic compounds, the understanding and significant development of technologies for controlling these waste streams have been mandated. Responding to the need to decrease VOC emission from different technological processes, we propose the development of an innovative method for an effective, low cost destruction and removal of VOC's. Unlike other conventional methods which burn VOC by raising the temperature of the contaminated gases, the proposed method uses properties of non-thermal plasma to generate free radicals to oxidize the VOC directly in the exhaust gas. The potential of the approach for VOC oxidation presented here stems from the fact that free radicals react with VOC molecules in a way normally associated with a very high temperature. The free radicals will be generated in the contaminated gas. The proposed device will cause a minimal, if any, pressure drop in the exhaust stream; moreover, its only energy requirement is the relatively low average power supply to its magnetron. It is expected that this device will operate in a wide range of temperatures, and will be maintenance free. The proposed project is expected to result in the development of a new technology for removing undesirable VOC's from exhaust gases. The proposed method can be conveniently combined with virtually any other pollution-control measure. Due to the 'end-of-pipe' approach, only minor, if any, modifications in the operation of the existing exhaust system and in the system itself will be required to accommodate the new technique. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Golkowski, Czeslaw SUPER PULSE NY Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 9960177 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Holographic Disk Data Storage on a New Photochromic Glass. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from New Span Opto-Technology Incorporated studies holographic data storage in a new ion-exchanged photochromic glass disk. It is well known that holographic data storage can significantly increase data storage capacity and reduce access time. However, the technology maturity of holographic data storage is believed to be impeded by the lack of good holographic material that can be erased and recorded optically with almost unlimited rewriting cycles, with large index modulation for large capacity multiplexed data recording, and with long lifetime and immunity to destructive readout for archival applications. The new ion-exchanged photochromic glass in this proposed study can potentially satisfy all of the above requirements. UV and blue laser illumination on the glass can make the exchanged layer blue while red laser illumination can convert the blue layer to violet-red due to de-ionization and ionization in the ion-exchanged layer. The associated refractive index change is the basis for the holographic data storage. The recording media is room environment stable, erasable, re-writable, and does not require any follow-up processing. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of holographic recording on the new ion-exchanged glass. Phase II will optimize holographic recording process and demonstrate a high-capacity holographic storage prototype using the glass. This research will demonstrate the feasibility of erasable, rewritable, high-capacity holographic data storage on a new ion-exchanged photochromic glass disk. The holographic recording does not require hologram fixing process and is suitable for on-line application. New Span Opto-Technology proffers technology that is expected to significantly improve the holographic data storage technology for commercial and military applications such as computer data storage, on-line storage, library archival applications, image storage for medical applications and for military fast access to its large intelligent database. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DeMasi, Ralph NEW SPAN OPTOTECHINOLOGY INC FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99986 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 6855 0104000 Information Systems 9960178 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Intelligent WWW Access for the Visually Impaired. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from AT Sciences will develop algorithms and software that allows screen reading software to be used by the visually disabled to access computers to respond to changes in task context while the user is browsing the World WideWeb (WWW). Some screen readers can adapt their behavior to the current context of the active application through application-specific scripts--sophisticated macros that determine the behavior of the screen reader in response to the current state of the application. Most screen readers do not provide this capability, however, and no screen reading software allows users to associate scripts with individual web pages or sites (linked collections of pages). Software will be developed that will allow screen readers to generate page- and site-specific scripts automatically, based on (1) the Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML) code defining the pages comprising a WWW site and (2) an analysis of the user's actions within that site. Page- and site-specific scripts will allow screen readers to adapt to the current task context while the user is browsing the WWW, which will increase efficiency and facilitate the performance of complex tasks that may span multiple web pages within a site. The vast majority of blind and severely visually impaired computer users require screen readers to access computers. The algorithms to be produced during this project will be applicable to many screen readers and will be useful for automatically generating scripts for standard applications as well. AT Sciences proffers technology that can be licensed by other developers to improve the performance of new and existing screen readers. Thus, in light of the growing importance of the WWW, which will place a premium on efficient web access, the adaptation mechanisms to be developed during this research could serve several screen-reading products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Simpson, Richard AT Sciences TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99745 5371 SMET 9180 5371 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 9960183 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Resolution In-Situ Energy Dispersive X-Ray Diffraction. This SBIR Phase I proposal focuses on the development and characterization of in-situ energy dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDXRD) by using polycapillary x-ray optics and a newly developed superconducting microcalorimeter detector. EDXRD is the method of choice if access to the sample is restricted or the diffraction data needs to be acquired quickly. This applies to in-situ applications, since the sample is surrounded by processing equipment and data has to be acquired quickly to observe different intermediate states of the sample. However, EDXRD is rarely used, since the energy resolution of available detectors is limited. In addition, intense continuous parallel beams require high power x-ray sources. The research team will use a superconducting microcalorimeter detector. The energy resolution of this detector approaches the natural line width of characteristic x-rays and removes the energy resolution as a limitation. The intense 'white' x-ray beam will be provided by a polycapillary x-ray optic. It will collect and collimate x-rays from a low power source. A second optic will concentrate the diffracted beam onto the detector. With this system it will be possible to perform EDXRD at a resolution that has only been possible in wavelength dispersive systems. The proposing team, the material scientists from X-Ray Optical Systems, will ensure that the research effort is focused on important thin film processing applications and the system will become rapidly commercialized once successfully demonstrated. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gao, Ning X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99289 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960184 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Randomly Textured Nanoscale Surfaces for Silicon Solar Cells. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project is designed to improve the efficiency of low-cost multi-crystalline Silicon solar cells by enhancing their light absorption and improving their efficiency. Conventional geometrical texturing schemes are not applicable to multi-crystalline Silicon. We propose a maskless random nanoscale texturing technique using reactive ion etching techniques. This technique has been demonstrated to reduce absolute spectral reflection to less than one percent from the 350-1000 nm spectral region over ~ 130 cm2 areas. The nanoscale texture consists of 20-50-nm linewidth features, and enhanced absorption is based on a physical optics mechanism. The proposed research is aimed at optimization of nanoscale texture and surface passivation for optimized solar cell performance. Solar cells from these surfaces are expected to improve multi-crystalline Silicon efficiency. Potential applications also include Light Emitting Devices and field emission devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zaidi, Saleem Gratings, Incorporated NM Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 9960188 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Far UV Metrology of Semiconductors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will extend the photon energy range over which one performs ellipsometry to 9 eV, well beyond the current 'deep UV' systems which are limited to roughly 6.5 eV. Specifically, an instrument operating over the entire 3 eV to 9 eV photon energy range using conventional laboratory light sources is envisioned. This instrument would be used for material studies, at these higher energies, upon the wide band gap materials SiC and GaN, as well as some alternative dielectrics currently being developed. In both cases, many of the critical points characterizing the band structure are inaccessible to conventional equipment. We shall also emphasize studies of organic electronic materials, including issues such as void fraction, substrate dielectric dependence, and layer-dependent energy levels. Furthermore, this project provides a potential instrumental solution to critical issues facing the semiconductor device industry. It clearly meets the requirements identified in the National Technology Roadmap for gate dielectric metrology as being necessary but having no known solution. It is also required by 157 nm excimer laser lithography programs, one of the candidate technologies for Next Generation Lithography. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Freeouf, John Interface Studies Inc. OR Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 98951 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960199 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Automatic Setup and Control of a 10 GHz Bandwidth Transient Digitizer for Beam Diagnostics Using VXI-Standard Electronics. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project aims to develop the automatic setup and control procedures necessary to commercialize its ultra-wide bandwidth transient digitizer product. The innovative use of superconductive properties, together with a novel error-correcting circuit architecture, results in the potential for the highest performance of any digitizer based on analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The HYPRES transient digitizer already provides bandwidth performance unsurpassed by any other ADC-based digitizer. However, perhaps the most important component for commercialization still needs to be implemented: the setup and control electronics that transform the digitizer from a laboratory tool to a commercial instrument. During Phase I, HYPRES will fabricate and measure digitizer chips. The necessary procedures and algorithms for setting up and optimizing chip performance will be determined and codified. A control unit will be designed, to be implemented in Phase II using VXI-standard electronics and a LabViewTM interface. The transient digitizer is useful for measuring the bunch profile of accelerator beams such as the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). This instrument is also useful for both laser and target diagnostic work at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kaplan, Steven HYPRES, Inc. NY Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 9960200 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Digital Machine Shop: An Immersive Two-Handed Precision 3D Modeling Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new interface paradigm, Digital Jigs, that makes 3D precision modeling in an immersive environment practical. While immersive modeling has proven effective for freeform surface design, precision design has remained elusive to date. In the proposed Digital Machine Shop, freeform tools such as cutting blades will be snapped to Digital Jigs to constrain their paths much as a carpenter's jigs guide physical tools. This paradigm supports familiar construction strategies rooted in the real world, thus encouraging traditionally non-technical experts to take advantage of digital methods. To measure the practicality of this approach, test users will be asked to perform a series of precision tasks such as duplicating a variety of precision objects. Results will be evaluated and the system will be enhanced to make it more effective and complete at which time the software will be re-tested. The results of this research will be a fully integrated freeform and precision modeling environment that is quick to learn and productive in its use. Target application areas are Industrial Design and Automotive Design. Potential commercial Applications of the Research include Industrial Design, Automotive Design, Visual Design for Entertainment and the Fine Arts Key Words to Identify Research or Technology: Immersion, Modeling, Precision, Interaction, Real-time, Human-Computer Interface, Industrial Design, Automotive Design SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mlyniec, Paul Digital ArtForms CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99954 5371 HPCC 9139 4080 0108000 Software Development 9960221 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Improved Dye-Attached Polymers for 193nm Anti-Reflective Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop improved dyes and dye-attached polymers for use in 193nm anti-reflective coatings (ARCs). The recently revised National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors calls for the introduction of 193nm optical lithography as early as 2000-2001, with the initial goal being 0.15-micron resolution. Due to high substrate reflectivity at this wavelength, there will be a definite need for an ARC underneath the 193nm resist. Present generation 193nm ARCs exhibit poor plasma etch selectivity to photoresists leading to etch bias problems during fabrication. The etch rate problems result from the high aromatic carbocyclic ring content and low heteroatom content of the dye-attached polymer component of the ARC. In Phase I, prototype 193nm ARCs will be prepared from new dye-attached polymers that are enriched with electronegative heteroatoms, e.g., oxygen and nitrogen, to enhance etch selectivity. The resulting ARCs will be carefully characterized, including cured film optical density, plasma etch rate, and lithographic performance. The objective of this NSF program (Phases I and II) is to develop at least one outstanding 193nm ARC meeting all industry requirements. The ARC products to be developed in Phase II will fulfill a critical manufacturing need by enabling high yield production of integrated circuits operating at sub-0.15 micron design rules by optical lithography. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meador, Jim Brewer Science Incorporated MO Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960247 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Multilayered Ceramic Impedance Sensors for Detection of Nitrogen Oxides. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop multilayered ceramic impedance sensors for NOx monitoring in chemical and environmental applications. Competitive sensors have several performance gaps that the proposed sensors may help overcome, namely - high costs, poor response times, poor stability, poor selectivity, poor reversibility, poor sensitivity, and fragility. During Phase I, Nanomaterials Research Corporation will establish the proof-of-concept that commercially desired, nano-engineered impedance sensors can be prepared and that the sensors offer significant performance advantages. Phase II will optimize and produce packaged prototypes, while Phase III will commercialize the technology. This effort may also help launch a whole family of sensors for low-cost chemical composition monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Williams, Stephen Nanomaterials Research LLC CO Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 0110000 Technology Transfer 9960250 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Ferroelectric Scaffolds for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is designed to utilize the ferroelectric (FE) properties of alpha helical polypeptides for development of materials for use in tissue repair, especially nerve fiber outgrowths in vitro and in vivo. Esters of poly-L-glutamic acids (PRLG's) are known to display piezoelectric (PE) properties when aligned in magnetic or electric fields. The molecular conformation of the aligned dipoles suggested that the direction of the dipole vector in aligned films may be reversed by application of an electric field, thus giving rise to FE properties. Given our discovery of the FE behavior of poly-methyl-L-glutamic acid, this Phase I project will focus on establishing the feasibility of this biocompatible material to enhance tissue repair in vivo for potential clinical application to peripheral nerve regeneration. Ferroelectrics find a number of applications: pyroelectric detectors, ultrasonic and electroacoustic transducers, and ultrasonic light modulators. The ease with which PRLG can be ordered in an externally applied electric field to create a film with strong dipole alignment suggests that it and other self-organizing and alignable biopolymers may also be suitable materials for development of FE materials for tissue regeneration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Trantolo, Debra Cambridge Scientific Inc MA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960258 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Combinatorial Synthesis of Electrocatalysts for Ozone Production. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project deals with the development of a combinatorial method for the discovery of novel electrocatalysts for ozone generation. Electrochemical ozone generators based on lead dioxide as anodic electrocatalyst have a major drawback in that the current efficiency for ozone production is only 10-15%. There is, therefore, clearly a need for new, novel anodic electrocatalysts that will lead to the development of a new generation of electrochemical ozone generators with ozone current efficiencies of up to 50%, and more preferably, up to 90%. However, synthesis and evaluation of potential anodic electrocatalyst materials by a conventional project, a combinatorial thin film libraries of various metal alloys will be generated on microporous titanium substrates by vacuum deposition techniques using physical shadow masks. The resulting libraries will be screened for ozone production electrochemically. Our innovative combinatorial screening process for ozone production will involve simple dye bleaching/formation process. Commercial potential of a new generation of electrochemical ozone generators one-compound-at-a-time approach is a lengthy process. In this Phase I with high current efficiencies is enormous. Commercial applications of these new generation ozone generators will be for water treatment, food processing, waste treatment, medical sterilization, biofouling control, and paper and pulp bleaching. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eylem, Cahit Lynntech, Inc TX Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960266 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Fire Retardant Nanocomposite Flexible Foam. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the issue of fire as a major cause of injury, death and property loss estimated in the billions of dollars. More than 85% of injuries are caused by smoke inhalation and mobility impairment caused by poor visibility Many fire retardant (FR) additives reduce flammability, but do little to affect smoke generation. Water releasing inorganic fillers can reduce smoke, but they must constitute 40% or more of the material to be effective. This high inorganic content may be used in some plastics and rubbers, but it is unacceptably high for flexible foams, where the thin cellular structure cannot support or maintain such a high loading. Unfortunately, flexible foams make up a major component of our household and office furnishings, and they are among the first items to ignite and propagate a fire. TDA Research has developed a low-cost hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposite FR agent for polyurethane foam; the hybrid additive provides fire resistance, and more importantly, reduces smoke generated during a fire. Potential Commercial Applications of the Research Applications for the hybrid FR agent include flexible foams for furniture cushions, beds, carpet backing, wall acoustic insulation and disposable packaging. Other uses include sporting goods, automotive padding and safety products. Key Words hybrid, nanocomposite, fire-resistant, smoke-suppressant, flexible foam. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Luebben, Silvia TDA Research, Inc CO Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 9102 1415 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960275 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Imaging Subsurface Fluid Flow with Time-Lapse Seismic Data. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project concerns the development and implementation of geophysical inverse techniques and computer algorithms to image subsurface fluid-flow properties from time-lapse seismic data. In recent years, there has been exponential growth in time-lapse seismology project activity. These projects have produced seismic difference anomalies that arise from monitoring time-variant changes in the earth's subsurface. However, these anomalies, even when determined to be real signal, have so far been only indirectly useful and often ambiguous - what causes the anomalies, and what do they mean? The proposed innovation will estimate the 3D distribution of subsurface fluid pressure, multi-phase fluid saturation, or temperature change that causes the seismic anomalies, by using wave-equation seismic imaging techniques coupled with rock physics analysis. The research consists of three parts: amplitude preserved seismic imaging and impedance estimation, robust rock physics inversion, and optimized software and computational design. Uncertainty estimates will be quantified in each step of the process and propagated to the final pressure, saturation and temperature change estimates. This software will be valuable to help oil companies target new wells and optimize reservoir management decisions in the 50+ field areas world-wide that are current active seismic monitoring projects. Potential applications of this project include petroleum industry mapping of bypassed oil, monitoring of costly injected fluids, and imaging flow compartmentalization and the hydraulic properties of faults and fractures. Non-petroleum applications include monitoring groundwater reserves, subsurface monitoring of contaminant plumes and environmental clean-up projects, and applications in geothermal and hydroelectric energy. Academic applications include improvements to earthquake prediction, and the monitoring of methane hydrate deposits to determine their role in global climate change. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lumley, David Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation CA G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 99848 5371 EGCH 9189 1266 0313040 Water Pollution 9960284 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Processing, Properties and Potentials of Precursor Derived Silicon Nitride Nanoceramics. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project involves a systematic investigation of processing techniques to obtain high performance silicon nitride/silicon carbide nanocomposites ceramics. It is expected that the innovative method of polymer precursor pyrolosis will allow lower consolidation temperatures and will consume less energy than conventional processes. Additional benefits are expected to dramatically increase the performance of the nanocomposites produced. Expected process system benefits include broader commercial engineering applications due to lower processing costs and higher component reliabilities. If processing costs can be reduced and high temperature performance can be enhanced potential commercial applications should be widespread. At present, the following applications are envisioned: high temperature gas turbine components, continuous casting nozzle parts, cutting tools, high temperature welding and cutting tools, and high temperature nuclear fusion reactor parts. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Ivers, Lewis Chenega Management, LLC AK Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9165 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960285 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Positron Annihilation Mass Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will establish the feasibility of developing a greatly improved mass spectrometer based on the annihilation of positrons. The project is based on the latest developments in techniques to accumulate positrons from a radioactive source in Penning traps using a buffer gas. The Advanced Positron Mass Spectrometer will use positrons to control precisely the ionization and fragmentation of complex molecules. The technical objectives of Phase I are to: (1) assemble an experiment to investigate positron ionization mass spectrometry of biomolecules; (2) perform experiments to compare the performance of positron ionization of these molecules with currently used ion sources for mass spectrometry; and (3) carry out the conceptual design of a laboratory prototype system for Phase II. The Phase I feasibility experiments will be performed on the positron trap at the University of California, San Diego. If successful, this project will provide the basis for demonstration of a laboratory prototype of the mass spectrometer in Phase II. Phase I and II will provide the foundation for commercializing the new technology in Phase III. This project addresses a 1999 critical technology of national importance, biotechnology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greaves, Rod First Point Scientific, Inc. CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9186 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 9960292 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Magnetic-Tunneling-Junction Sensors for Sensitive Magnetic Microscopes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) sensors, specially designed and optimized for a sensitive magnetic microscope. These miniaturized sensors, by exhibiting giant magnetoresistance (GMR) and working at ambient conditions, will enable construction of a magnetic microscope for imaging, characterizing, and investigating samples that generate minute magnetic fields at microscopic levels. The microscope will "see" local field images resulting from the electrical current distribution of a Pentium chip, revealing any operational abnormality. It will map magnetic domain structures of submicron particles. Researchers can also use the microscope to investigate basic material properties such as superconductor flux-line structures and dynamics, biomagnetism, etc. MTJ sensors are expected to have properties superior to spin-valves and Hall sensors. Phase I will tackle issues critical to the microscopes development: 1) magnetic noise; 2) magnetic couplings; and 3) micromagnetics. Phase II of this project will build a prototype of a new generation of magnetic microscope. MTJ sensors have applications in magnetic microscopy for non-invasive characterization of semiconductor chips and magnetic films and media. They can also be applied to read/write heads in data storage, remote-sensing, automotive control, electronic navigation and compassing, and non-destuctive evaluation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Crisman, Everett MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960294 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Pathway-Based Detection of Minimal Deletion Sets in Metabolic Networks. This is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project. Innovative approaches are now needed to utilize the information generated from genome research in an integrated fashion to analyze, interpret, and predict the function of biological systems to assist in the development of novel therapeutics and the advancement of biotechnology on the whole. This proposal addresses these needs with novel engineering approaches for studying the systemic capabilities of metabolism in completely sequenced bacterial genomes to address the emerging healthcare threat of antibacterial resistance. The overall objective of the proposed research is the in silico identification of the minimal gene deletion sets that are capable of rendering cellular metabolic networks inoperable. This involves the construction of genome specific stoichiometric models of cellular metabolism from genomic information and the subsequent application of convex analysis to determine the set of extreme pathways that can be used to assess the complete production capabilities and functions of the metabolic network. From the set of extreme pathways algorithms can be constructed to identify sets of reactions and their associated genes whose loss to the network is critical or lethal under various combinations of environmental and genetic conditions. The identification of these sensitive or critical steps in metabolism based on their concerted effects represents a new paradigm in the search for antimicrobial chemotherapeutics and the rational metabolic engineering of industrial bacteria. These research efforts will lead to the validation of in silico simulations used to identify minimal deletion sets to be used as molecular targets in the development of antibacterial chemotherapy. Therefore the direct commercial application is in the identification of targets for drug development. Additional applications for the identification of these condition specific sensitive steps in metabolism include the metabolic engineering of bacteria for bioprocesses, and bioremediation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schilling, Christophe GENOMATICA INC CA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99121 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960299 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: On-Line Production of Pyrogen-Free Water in Hemodialysis Units. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes the development of an efficient, fast, and cost-effective photoreactor to supply pyrogen-free water on-line in hemodialysis systems. Several risks and hazards identified for hemodialysis are associated with water quality, including pyrogenic contamination. Current practices in hemodialysis systems do not guaranty pyrogen-free water. Furthermore, several drawbacks exist in current techniques: addition of chemicals, which have to be monitored and destroyed before water contacts the dialysis membrane; formation of toxic by-products; no on-line supply of pyrogen-free water, and cost. In the proposed system, the disinfecting agents are produced in situ, consumed inside the photoreactor, and capable of complete mineralization of organic matter. Short treatment times will be achieved by incorporating an effective photocatalyst (inorganic, non-toxic, and chemically and biologically inert material) in an efficient reactor design. The aim of this Phase I is to evaluate the technical feasibility of the novel photoreactor for on-line production of pyrogen-free water based on the construction and evaluation of a laboratory scale system. During the Phase II, an automatic system will be developed and integrated in a hemodialysis system. The proposed system will find immediate application in many sectors of the industry. Pyrogen-free water is required in all hemodialysis systems. In addition, large quantities of pyrogen-free water are used by the medical industry such as in intravenous infusion fluids, fluids for infection and for irrigation in operating rooms. Also, sterile water is needed in the hydroponics industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gonzalez-Martin, Anuncia Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 0 5371 OTHR 9102 5345 0000 0203000 Health 9960303 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Compact, Robust Integral Three-Axis Motion Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, if completed through Phase II, will result in a single integral motion sensor that will simultaneously measure velocities (or accelerations) along three orthogonal axes. These sensors will be a ground-breaking application of the proven molecular electronic technology (MET) employing a novel geometry, improved response properties, and a unique feedback system based charge and mass transfer phenomena. They will be low in power consumption, com-pact and extremely robust, have no moving parts, and, as a result of their total symmetry, will operate in any orientation. These sensors should find immediate applications in: seismology, especially ocean bottom and borehole seismology; earthquake engineering; inertial navigation; industrial processing; and any application requiring measurement of velocity or acceleration. Their small size, robustness, and insensitivity to orientation make them especially attractive for field use. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Abramovich, Igor PMD SCIENTIFIC, INC. CT Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1038 0104000 Information Systems 0109000 Structural Technology 9960319 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: ILEAD: An Intelligent Interactive Learning Environment for Abstract Data Types and Algorithms. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Stotler-Henke Associates, Inc. seeks to improve Computer Science education by developing an innovative Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) to teach computer data structures and algorithms. Increasing class sizes and decreasing funding have led to a decline in the amount of personalized instruction available to undergraduate students. Lack of confidence among students, especially women and minorities, deprives students of the opportunity to seek individual attention in a classroom setting. This project seeks to address this problem by developing ILEAD, an intelligent interactive learning environment for abstract data types and algorithms, an ITS to provide students with individualized instruction in a risk-free environment. The Phase I research objective is to design an ITS for teaching abstract data types and algorithms, and demonstrate its feasibility and effectiveness. Phase I research will develop innovative techniques for representing knowledge about data structures and algorithms, for student modeling, for diagnosing a student's knowledge deficiencies, for customizing instruction based on this information, and for automatically generating remedial material. Stotler-Henke will evaluate the effectiveness of the ITS by conducting controlled experiments with students a freshman-level course on Abstract Data Types and Algorithms. Dr. Nell Dale, a renowned Computer Science educator, who has published a number of computer science textbooks, will serve as a consultant on the proposed effort. The Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) proffered by Stotler-Henke has substantial commercial potential. Colleges, high schools, and the students enrolled in introductory Computer Science classes at these institutions form a substantial market. The system can also be used by distance learning programs and by individuals for self-education. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ramachandran, Sowmya Stottler Henke Associates CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99999 5371 SMET 9178 9102 7410 7256 0000912 Computer Science 9960325 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Combinatorial Approach to the Discovery of Improved Transparent Conducting Oxides. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is designed to discover improved transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) utilizing the combinatorial approach, and to develop an instrument capable of rapidly characterizing the TCO libraries. TCO thin films simultaneously display the properties of high optical transparency (>90%) and near metallic conductivity that are important to many opto-electronic applications from photovoltaics to flat panel displays. Our three-phase plan is to use the combinatorial approach to identify the most promising combination of metal oxides, to determine the optimal oxygen doping of this compound, and then to develop a commercial-scale deposition process that can be used to manufacture millions of square feet of TCOs per month. The research described in this proposal will have a significant impact on the productivity and efficiency of TCO manufacturers by providing materials of superior performance and an instrument capable of screening large libraries of opto-electronic materials and devices that will be commercialized for the testing of wafers, films, and devices on the production-scale. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Treece, Randolph ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9960329 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: GaAsNSb - New Low-bandgap Material Lattice-matched to GaAs. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop growth of a new material, GaAsNSb, that is lattice-matched to GaAs and has a bandgap as low as 1 eV or smaller. After establishment of growth by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, we will focus on using this material as the base layer in a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT). This low-bandgap base will permit low-voltage operation, while the lattice-match will allow strain-free operation for high reliability and ease of monolithic integration. Another important use of low-bandgap GaAsNSb will be for long-wavelength (1300 nm) laser diodes. GaAsNSb, with 3% nitrogen, 8% antimony, is exactly lattice-matched to GaAs and should have a bandgap of 1 eV; for an HBT. The high-bandgap emitter can then be GaAs, thus eliminating the problems often associated with AlGaAs or GaInP, which are typical emitter materials on GaAs HBTs. Phase I will concentrate on growing, doping, and characterizing GaAsNSb, including forming and testing GaAs-GaAsNSb diodes that simulate the base-emitter junction of an HBT. Growth and fabrication of complete HBT structures is beyond the scope of a Phase I for this previously unexplored material. Since this process is GaAs-based, it is totally compatible with our existing HBT technology. Phase II will include optimizing GaAsNSb growth and doping control, growth of GaAs-GaAsNSb heterojunctions, optimizing HBT design, and growing, fabricating, and testing HBT devices. Use of GaAsNSb in optoelectronic applications may also be explored. The research will result in a new low-voltage heterojunction bipolar transistor for use in cellular telephones. Such HBTs will have improved reliability and efficiency over existing GaAs-based devices. The low-bandgap, lattice-matched material to be developed here also will have applicability to long-wavelength lasers and other optical devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vernon, Stanley Spire Corporation MA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99909 5371 MANU 9146 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960333 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Computational Tool for Plasma Equipment Design Using a Non-Statistical Boltzmann Solver. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a CAD tool for plasma equipment/ processes using a non-statistical Boltzmann solver for the analysis of charged particle kinetics. Currently used hydrodynamic models lack the necessary physics while the statistical (Monte Carlo) methods are too expensive for practical use. The proposed Boltzmann solver will enable precise yet affordable description of low-pressure plasma reactors for semiconductor manufacturing. The innovative aspects of the research include, (i) development of an elliptic representation of the velocity distribution function (VDF) valid for arbitrary anisotropy of the VDF, (ii) incorporation of the recently discovered hot plasma effects, and (iii) integration of the Boltzmann solver with a commercial software, CFD-ACE+, to enable simulations of industrial plasma systems. The elliptic representation reduces the Boltzmann equation to a set of two coupled equations in a four-dimensional space which can be solved by well-established techniques. In Phase I, the feasibility of the approach will be demonstrated on selected systems with small anisotropy of the VDF. The Phase II work will focus on extending the model to problems with arbitrary VDF anisotropy and on validation against experimental data and Monte Carlo simulations of industrial plasma reactors. The CFD-ACE+ software, with the addition of the Boltzmann solver, will be capable of kinetic modeling of low pressure plasma processing reactors. The use of this software will significantly reduce design cycle times/costs for developing new equipment/processes for IC fabrication. Additionally, this tool will be used to analyze and optimize charge transport in deep sub-micron semiconductor devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kolobov, Vladimir CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 99984 5371 OTHR 1266 0000 0512004 Analytical Procedures 9960335 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Polyoxometalate Fabric Catalysts to Improve Indoor Air Quality. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop catalysts to improve indoor air quality by the room temperature catalytic oxidation of pollutants. Initial focus will concentrate on the oxidation of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen and studies have shown it is present in many homes and businesses at levels exceeding recommendation levels. Formaldehyde sources include many materials used in construction and furnishings, environmental tobacco smoke, and both indoor and outdoor combustion sources. The ideal solution to indoor formaldehyde would be catalytic, room temperature aerobic oxidation to carbon dioxide and water. TDA Research, Inc., in collaboration with the research group of Prof. Craig Hill at Emory University, proposes to develop polyoxometalate (POM) catalysts for formaldehyde oxidation. The catalysts will be supported on fabrics, and could be included in draperies, upholstered furniture, and panels used in office cubicles. Previous work has shown that fabric-supported POMs can catalyze the oxidation of several related compounds by O2 at ambient temperature. The Phase I research to evaluate these catalysts will be aided by use of a high-throughput test apparatus, previously developed at TDA, which will allow us to test a large number of catalyst systems. Because polyoxometalates are inexpensive and because room temperature catalysis requires no energy input, a successful project will lead to an simple system to improve indoor air quality. This system should find ready acceptance by manufacturers of many products used in both homes and businesses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bell, William TDA Research, Inc CO Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9188 1401 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960343 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Time-Resolved High Resolution Infrared Microscope. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Project will develop a time-resolved high resolution scanning infrared microscope for applications in cellular biochemistry. The microscope will be able to obtain images at sub-micrometer resolution in the mid-infrared with sub-picosecond time resolution and will offer capabilities not currently available from existing optical imaging techniques. Red blood cells will be used as a model system to demonstrate the ability of the new instrument to obtain infrared images at a resolution 200 nanometers at a wavelength of 5 micrometers over a variety of timescales. The ability to study chemical and physical events in cells, with sub-cellular resolution, is important in understanding the molecular aspects of diseases and to the development of biomedical diagnostics and treatments. This instrument also has applications in semiconductor and polymer materials science. Applications for advanced optical imaging techniques are growing in the biological and material sciences. Examples of commercial applications of this technique are imaging of chemical and structural events in cells and organs that are of interest to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, time-resolved imaging of carrier dynamics in semiconductors and photoconductive polymers, and imaging of chemically active nanostructures for advanced material design. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Peterson, Kristen Southwest Sciences Inc NM George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9107 5345 0110000 Technology Transfer 0203000 Health 9960346 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Laser Ultrasonic Receiver for Non-destructive Testing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is intended to demonstrate the practical feasibility of photorefractive polymers for use in laser ultrasonic receivers. Laser ultrasound can be used for remote measurements of parts in hostile environments where traditional transducer-based ultrasound techniques cannot be used. The primary component of most laser-based ultrasound receivers is some type of interferometer. One promising type of interferometric receiver uses real-time holography in photorefractive material. The photorefractive material functions as an adaptive beamsplitter, coherently combining a plane-wave reference beam and a probe beam which has been distorted while interrogating the test surface. Due to limitations in the photorefractive materials, none of the current interferometric receivers has performed near their theoretical capability. The goal of this program is to implement a robust and highly sensitive laser ultrasonic receiver by combining heterodyne detection scheme with a photorefractive polymer as the real-time adaptive beamsplitter. We also seek to tailor the photorefractive polymer properties in order to reach the theoretical capability of the designed laser-based ultrasound receiver. Laser-based ultrasound has applications in wide range of industrial markets. It offers the capability to improve the inspection rate of conventional scanning systems and it will enable the inspection of many parts that cannot be tested with other techniques. It is particularly promising as an in-process diagnostic for components that are at high temperature and/or are moving at high velocities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Klein, Marvin LASSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99353 5371 CVIS 1038 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960349 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Three Dimensional (3D) Woven Composites for Injury Prevention. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project applies novel 3D weaving and cellular matrix technologies to develop a thin, lightweight composite structure for impact absorption and body protection in sports. The first application will be to design and fabricate a soccer shin guard which significantly decreases the risk of bone fracture due to impact. The primary strategy for constructing superstrong fabric preforms will employ a patented 3D weaving technology in which fibers are interlaced in three axes without the crimping or bending that occurs with traditional weaves or braids. The second strategy is to significantly increase the strength and stiffness properties of the material per unit weight by intentionally creating defined air voids throughout the composite structure using a patented cellular matrix technology. In Aim 1, we will optimize the stiffness and weight of different composite materials by varying the fiber, resin, total void fraction, and fabric thickness. In Aim 2, we will use these novel, lightweight composite materials to fabricate a variety of prototype soccer shin guards for maximization of player safety and comfort. In Aim 3, the protective abilities of the newly designed shin guards will be quantified and optimized via biomechanical impact testing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Leung, Jeffrey 3TEX, Inc. NC Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 0 5371 AMPP 9163 1444 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960350 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: X-ray Microscope. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed toward the development of a table-top x-ray microscope capable of 1 micron resolution at an x-ray energy of 30 keV. This resolution is approximately a factor of ten better than presently available devices using microfocus x-ray sources with magnification radiography. The proposed system is based on a novel x-ray detector capable of better resolution and higher Detector Quantum Efficiency than previously tried scintillators, such as particulate screens, dendritic Cesium Iodide, and fiber-optic-scintillator plates. If successful, the new device will be useful as a general purpose tool for nondestructive testing of materials, as well as biological and medical research SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Steven Spectrum San Diego, Inc. CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99982 5371 CVIS 1038 0512205 Xray & Electron Beam Lith 9960353 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: In Situ Chemical Analysis Of Reacting Thin Films During Thermal Processing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new in-situ thin-film probe for monitoring the chemistry of reacting films in real-time. This probe will provide valuable information on many of the new chemistry-intensive materials that are being developed to replace the current generation of materials used in mainstream IC manufacturing. It will employ a breakthrough in infrared-reflectometry that greatly expands the scope of application to modern IC materials. The probe's improved spectral data will be analyzed with physical and chemometric models to extract the complex optical constants of materials from the reflectance, and to relate the optical constants to the composition and transport properties of the layers. The sensor will be prototyped in Phase I to study 1) the curing process of advanced spin-on low-k dielectric thin films, where preliminary low-k and resist studies have shown the ability to monitor the reactions of various chemical functional groups during cure processes 2) the kinetics of advanced silicide formation during rapid thermal processing, where a preliminary study showed the ability to monitor a two step formation of titanium silicide In Phase II, the sensor will be integrated onto a production fabrication tool for advanced spin-on dielectric formation. This technology will fill needs both for better chemical monitoring of complex thin film materials and for better integrated in-line metrology, for process development and control. With better metrology for R&D, new low-k dielectrics, photoresists, silicides and other complex advanced electronic materials can be developed and integrated more rapidly and at lower cost into mainstream IC manufacturing. With better production process monitoring and control, the cost of production of devices will be significantly reduced. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Jiazhan On-Line Technologies Incorporated CT Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99983 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960358 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Spectroscopic Imaging Sensor for Measuring and Controlling the Particle Conditions in Thermal Sprays. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop particle measurement and control technologies for the thermal spray industry. Thermal spray is a rapidly growing element of the metals processing industry, which needs process control. Currently, there are no direct particle condition controls for lack of a sensor to provide real-time measurement of particle temperature and velocity. A short-exposure imaging spectrometer will be developed for measuring and controlling the particle temperature and velocity in thermal sprays. The innovation combines the technologies of imaging and spectroscopy to capture particle data, critical to the coating quality. The imaging field of view provides spatially resolved measurements in the direction across the particle stream. With the development of the sensor, the system to control the particle stream conditions in a thermal spray will then be developed. When particles are sprayed at optimized conditions over long production cycles, the coatings will be of the highest quality and exhibit excellent bond integrity, strength and density. Critical elements of the sensor will be modeled in a design study. Prototype hardware and software will be constructed and an experiment to examine feasibility of the particle measurement and control will be performed in an industrial thermal spray facility. Commercial Application The technology for measurement and control of particle conditions in thermal sprays has direct application to a wide range of manufacturing industries, autos, aerospace, energy and heavy equipment. Its use in the long production cycles, typical of these industries, will provide significant improvements in their productivity and competitiveness. Key Words Thermal spray, imaging spectrometer, measurement, control, particles SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Craig, James Stratonics Inc CA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99877 5371 MANU AMPP 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960363 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Band-gap Sensor for Wafer Temperature Mapping During Epitaxial Growth. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an imaging instrument to measure the temperature distribution in epitaxial wafers grown on Galium Arsenide, GaAs, or Indium Phosphide, InP, substrates during Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) processing. Many world class companies are involved in GaAs manufacturing to target the wireless satellite and fiber optic communication market. As fabrication facilities incorporate larger (6') and multiple wafer processing technology, the importance of temperature uniformity control becomes an increasingly critical issue. High temperature uniformity is required to achieve electrical and optical quality of the epilayer and substrate temperature is one of the key process parameters during epitaxial growth. Models will be developed of the instrument and its application to GaAs temperature monitoring. A prototype will be designed and constructed. The response of the instrument will be examined in a furnace. Additional requirements related to the detailed design of MBE chambers will be identified to establish a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of system integration as a monitor for real-time process control. This technology will provide MBE and Metal-Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE) process developers with a tool to determine the temperature uniformity produced in new process chambers. Over the past three decades, compound semiconductors have evolved from research laboratories and niche military applications to high volume commercial applications in wireless, satellite and fiber optic communications. As a result of the rapid increase in demand in the 90's, the wafer size has increased from 2' to 4', and currently 6' wafer fabrication lines are being introduced in a number of facilities across the world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Craig, James Stratonics Inc CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99894 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960368 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Toughness Cermet Tool and Die Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phae I project will create tough, very high strength cermets from alumina, silicon carbide, and titanium carbide ceramics in cobalt and/or nicket matrices, using a new nanoengineered particle manufacturing technique. Ceramic materials such as diamond, titanium carbide, silicon carbide, alumina, and others have superior hardness and wear resistance compared to tool steel and cemented carbide tool and die materials. However, due to poor toughness and relatively poor thermal shock resistance and strenght, the use of these materials on metal cutting and forming applications is limited. Through controlled chemistry and thickness, Phase I will apply interfacial coatings to the ceramic particles to provide superior bonding and load transfer to the particles in the resultant tool material. This is expected to make cermet tools with mechanical properties approaching those of cemented carbides and tool steels, but with wear resistance approaching that of ceramics. Cermet/ceramic tools with higher strength, toughness, and impact resistance will enable the application of high wear resistance ceramics to operations such as milling, roughing, forming, and other fabrication functions requiring impact toughness and strength. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Gregory POWDERMET INC OH Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99967 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960369 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Auto-Tracking Using Trailing Templates and Skeletal Guides. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project from the Mostert Group proposes to develop a method to track animals and humans in motion, particularly in athletic events, where movement can be characterized by repetitive motions over a relatively short period of time. An efficient algorithm for tracking of biological motion through cluttered backgrounds and significant self-occlusion that does not require the placement of visual targets, is proposed. While the proposed algorithms will have application in many other domains, the Mostert Group initially focuses on real-time tracking of running subjects over a fixed distance in actual athletic events. Repetitive motions will be exploited by developing mechanisms to learn subsequent search regions for constrained template matching. A small database of tracked positions and velocities (derived from previous motion sequences) will allow the algorithm to generalize to new subjects moving over the same course. The Principal Investigator, Paul Mostert, has created a trailing template method that will be combined with the method of deformable templates of Zhong, Jain, and Dubuisson-Jolly, and used in conjunction with skeletal models that will guide the deformation of the ZJDJ templates through potentially confusing relationships (e.g., the crossover motion of the legs). The primary objectives of Phase I research will be a preliminary development of a graphical user interface followed by that of two key tracking technologies; (1) a predictive algorithm to efficiently guide the search for the next position of the object features within video frames, and (2) a model-based approach to deformation of image templates using skeletal guides to improve tracking robustness of biological motion. Applications for this software proffered by the Mostert Group have a ready market demand. Present commercial tracking technology of biological motion requires the placement of intrusive control targets at critical positions on the subject. The commercial need for tracking and characterizing general biological motion will be exploited, including tools for animal behavior analysis, and predicting and improving motion efficiency in athletes. An initial vertical market for obtaining statistical measures known to be significant to the future performance of a racehorse has considerable potential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mostert, Paul Mostert Group KY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99940 5371 HPCC 9139 6840 0104000 Information Systems 9960372 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Statistical Methods to Enhance Site-Specific Tornado Hazard Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will explore the feasibility of developing innovative spatial/temporal statistical techniques to enhance site-specific tornado hazard analysis for any location in the conterminous United States. The approach involves use of a multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and application of Monte Carlo techniques that can be applied to the SPC Tornado Database for the purpose of regionalizing areas of similar tornado occurrence at the county level. These regionalizations provide an optimal basis for determining areas that are represented by 'homogeneous tornado statistics' (similar tornado climatology) - an important assumption implicitly made during the application of any tornado hazard model, and one that has not been suitably addressed in the past. This will allow quantification of hazard estimates to be associated with confidence estimates based on the characteristics of the data surrounding the point of interest. In addition, a new, statistically-based method will be developed for identifying and removing spatial and temporal bias in the tornado database due to variations in population. The statistical methods will utilize the 'homogeneous' regionalization. Defining 'homogeneous' regions and removing the population bias will enable the SPC Tornado Database to be used to produce a more accurate assessment of the 'true' tornado hazard for a specific site. With the science developed fully integrated into a 'site-specific tornado hazard analysis system,' any group with an interest in tornado climatology, hazard analysis, or risk assessment will have an interest in the technology. These groups include companies and organizations that have responsibility (or vested interest) in mitigating loss of life and costs of tornado-related disasters. Potential users include insurance companies, government agencies (DOE, NRC, civil emergency management), engineers, the media, chambers of commerce, and basic researchers. These end users represent a significant commercial market for the technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nixon, Kenneth Computational Geosciences, Inc. OK G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1473 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 9960374 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Flexible and Transparent Coating Polymers for Flat Panel Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new material that combines good electronic and optical properties with excellent flexibility and elongation as an alternative to indium-tin oxide (ITO). Current flat panel displays contain an optically transparent electrode usually made from ITO, which has acceptable conductivity and good transparency in the visible region, but has poor flexibility and durability and can not be processed in large films. The new material contains both an elastomeric and a conducting component. The conducting component is based on an intrinsically conducting transparent polymer. Phase I will synthesize and characterize the new material, and then optimize its structure and formulation. Phase I will also spin cast this polymeric material from water dispersion and characterize the properties of the resulting thin film. Phase II is expected to cover the synthesis, development, and application of the new transparent conducting flexible material, which could replace ITO in displays and other electronic devices. Transparent conducting materials with good mechanical properties could also be used as antistatic packaging materials for electronic components, and as electrostatic charge dissipation coatings for clean rooms. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Luebben, Silvia TDA Research, Inc CO Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU AMPP 9163 9146 9102 1773 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960378 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Luciferase Directed Substrates for Cell Regulation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop commercial uses for conjugates capable of exploiting firefly luciferase expression in transformed plant cells to control their growth and physiology. The synthesis of a series of D-luciferin conjugates of plant regulatory substances is researched. In Phase I, we will test these conjugates for the ability to ablate specific tissues and cells expressing luciferase (luc) activity. Conjugates will be assayed in tissue culture and in whole plants for the ability to cause localized cell death in a promoter dependent manner. Such compounds will be of general use for plant research on the control of development and gene expression and have the potential to produce agriculturally important sterile plant species in a reversible manner, through the use of selective application of substrate and choice of luc-fusion promoter. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Naleway, John MARKER GENE TECHNOLOGIES, INC OR George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99485 5371 BIOT 9109 1167 0201000 Agriculture 9960392 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Intelligent Human Power Amplifier Module for Pneumatic Material Handling Equipment. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project poses an engineering solution to reduce workers compensation claims related to lifting. Back injuries account for approximately 20 percent of almost 2 million industrial injuries and illnesses each year, and 76 percent of injured workers have had no mechanical assistance in performing the damaging lift. Even when mechanical assistance devices are provided, workers are reluctant to use them because they are awkward, provide no feedback to the operator and reduce human dexterity and speed (i.e. commercially available lift devices slow the workers down). This project develops a human power amplifier module; an integrated system of pneumatic valves, an end-effector, and an embedded electronic adaptive controller, which can be fitted to a variety of commercially available pneumatic material handling devices. This intelligent module senses the worker's motions, while following the human motion exactly, it will amplify the human force for lifting objects without intermediary devices. This module preserves human hand-eye coordination while exerting high forces to maneuver heavy objects. If successful, it is expected that material handling devices equipped with the proposed module, when used by workers to maneuver loads, will greatly reduce the risk of injuries and the associated health care expenditures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Taylor, Michael Gorbel Incorporated NY G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 99880 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960394 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Web-Based Urn Sampler and Statistical Authoring Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Cytel Software will develop a web-based 'Urn Sampler' that allows students to solve problems via the familiar probability mechanisms of drawing balls from an urn, throwing dice, drawing numbers from a list, and shuffling a deck of cards. The Urn Sampler will present a low learning hurdle by using familiar symbols and standard tools: icons for sampling operations and a spreadsheet interface for data entry and calculations. It will be embedded in and serve as the key component of a web-based authoring environment in which statistics teachers create, share and deliver lab exercises based on the Urn Sampler, as well as hyperlinked text, short video clips, self-assessment exams and frequently asked questions (FAQ's). The intent is to create a statistics curriculum development 'community' in much the same way that the open availability of the Linux operating system has created a community that contributes to further development of that system. The Urn Sampler will address a diverse audience, including undergraduate and graduate students taking a required course in quantitative reasoning or statistics, students taking an undergraduate major or minor in statistics, graduate students studying statistics, and continuing education students. Introductory statistics education has always been a problem area: many students learn little from their required course and take a disliking to the subject. By the same token, it is a commercial opportunity for a better product to target the market of statistics students-there are estimated 1,000,000 undergraduate statistics students per year with per student expenditures of $50 to $100 for books, software and other materials and thus a total market of over $50 million annually. Cytel Software's resampling/simulation approach embodied in the Urn Sampler has a successful track record as a teaching strategy, and the web-based authoring and learning environment will allow sharing of the best and most innovative curricular materials. IIP ENG Bruce, Peter CYTEL SOFTWARE CORP INC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 7256 SMET 9178 7400 7256 5371 0000099 Other Applications NEC 9960397 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Combustible Gas Microsensor from Self-Organized Nanoporous Ceramic. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop and commercialize new type of combustible gas microsensors with high sensitivity and low power consumption. The innovation is based on self-organized nanostructured ceramic with high thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability. Deposition of the catalytic material inside the network of high surface area nanoscale pores has a potential to enable high precision, better accuracy, and longer lifetime. Nanostructured sensor element will be integrated with a low power microheater by proprietary micromachining technology. The novel combination of nanoscale morphology and micromachining will be utilized to develop sensor arrays that can monitor concentration profiles of multiple combustible gases. The technology is compatible with mainstream microfabrication, and could be easily scaled up. The program will benefit from the infrastructure for the nano- and micro-scale engineering of materials for devices and sensors that is already operational at the Nanomaterials Research Corporation (NRC) and from day-to-day participation of a team that has extensive multidisciplinary experience including sensor product development and commercialization. Proposed research could enable new types of low cost low power robust gas microsensors and sensor arrays with high sensitivity, selectivity, fast response, and possibility of regeneration. Potential applications of the technology include any area where portable gas sensors are used: mines, combustion and exhaust monitoring, air quality control, fire alarms, industrial processes monitoring, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Nanomaterials Research LLC CO Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 9960400 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: In Vivo Studies of a Glucose Sensor in the Nude Rat Model. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project involves the development of a diabetic small animal model for in vivo testing of a minimally invasive glucose sensor. Diabetes is an increasingly common lifelong disease and is associated with many complications. It is responsible for an estimated 10-15% of all health care expenditures. Effective treatment has been shown to prevent or delay many of the associated complications. The most common current treatments include diet, exercise, and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). An improvement to the current SMBG method would enable and encourage patients to monitor their glucose levels more closely and thus improve the the general health and quality of life of the diabetic population. This technology is based on a small optical sensor implant that is fluorescent and detectable through the skin. In order to bring this novel glucose sensor closer to clinical trials, animal efficacy trials must be performed. The diabetic, immune reconstituted nude rat model will be developed to test the in vivo performance of the glucose sensor. Data will be collected to demonstrate that the sensor measures glucose changes in insulin and glucose tolerance tests. The life-time and biocompatibility of the sensor will also be studied. An improvement to the current method of measuring glucose levels would enable and encourage diabetic patients to measure glucose levels more frequently at home. An advance in glucose measurement technology would greatly impact the diabetes market. A large commercial market currently exists for innovative improvements to the current fingerstick method, such as the minimally invasive glucose sensor described in this proposal. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ellis-Busby, Diane Sensor Technologies Inc. MA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99970 5371 BIOT 9184 9102 1108 0203000 Health 9960403 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Monochromatic Micro X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Using Toroidal Crystal Optics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an improved micro x-ray fluorescence instrument for thin film measurements. A new technique, monochromatic micro x-ray fluorescence (MMXRF) analysis using doubly curved crystal optics, can meet this significant market need. A toroidal crystal can focus characteristic x-rays from a microfocus x-ray source based upon diffraction. The focused beam is monochromatic and the beam size is expected to be significantly smaller than that of current MXRF systems. In this Phase I project, toroidal crystals for focusing Cu Ka1 and Mo Ka1 photons will be designed and fabricated using silicon and mica crystals. The reflection and focusing properties of the optics will be investigated and the feasibility of the MMXRF technique for critical semiconductor applications will be evaluated. This technique will provide high sensitivity and enhance excitation of low Z elements with the selection of beam energy. In addition, this technique will significantly increase the speed of high energy x-ray measurements. An MMXRF instrument is expected to provide process control in the metallization process of silicon wafers and chip packaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Zewu X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 97505 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960406 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Ultraviolet-Polarizing Chiral Film. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will establish the feasibility to manufacture ultralarge thin sheets of ultraviolet (UV) polarizer films possessing excellent resistance to high operating temperatures and high-intensity UV radiation. Although polarization of high-intensity UV light is a key component of several important industrial processes, currently available polarizing systems do not meet industrial requirements. Reveo's inorganic films will be manufactured in large thin sheets at low cost. These films will operate at wavelengths as short as 110 nm, far shorter than standard polarizer films, and with adjustable bandwidth. The technology may even enable polarization in the currently inaccessible far UV (85 - 125 nm) and extreme UV (50 - 90 nm) spectral ranges. The films are based on Reveo's newly invented polarizer fabrication technology that involves stacking of nano-structured layers obtained by oblique vacuum deposition. Previous research performed at Reveo has already demonstrated the viability of a similar technology in the visible region. The superior material properties, achieved through understanding and control of the film nanostructure, will ensure that the proposed UV polarizers find immediate and wide applications in material processing, chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis, and microlithography. As the first low-cost large-sheet polarizers with high efficiency, high damage threshold and high operating temperature, Reveo's inorganic UV polarizer films will be absolutely unique and find wide commercial application. The major markets for UV sheet polarizers are currently the liquid crystal display and optical components industries, but in future Reveo's UV polarizers could be the key enabling technology for low-cost chiral drug development, a huge and rapidly expanding market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fan, Bunsen Reveo Incorporated NY Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99536 5371 OTHR 1415 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960407 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Novel Physico/Chemico Particle Separation Method. This SBIR Phase I program will test a novel physico/chemico method for preparing quality carbon products from unconventional resources. The method consists of a preparation step in which particles are simultaneously treated to enhance separation which is carried out in the second step of the process. A bench scale test reactor will be built for separation experiments and testing ultra-fine particles. The products will be characterized for major and minor metals and trace elements. The objective of this phase is to prepare feedstocks with impurity contents less than 1%. The objective of Phase II will be to combine the two steps of the process into one and will prepare sufficient amounts of the material to test its potential as a substitute for petroleum coke and coal tar pitch in manufacture of carbon electrodes for use in electric furnaces. The technology has the potential to prepare cost-effective alternative feedstocks for manufacture of carbon anodes and cathodes in electric furnace applications. The technology can also be applied other areas including production of refined titanium dioxide and graphite. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Oder, Robin EXPORTech Company Inc PA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 96202 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960408 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Variable-Focal-Length Liquid Crystal Objective Lens. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Reveo, Inc. involves developing the enabling technology for achieving the nearly unbounded digital storage capacity demands of the 21st Century--a problem that will plague all computer users from individuals to businesses to the government. Rewritable optical storage media have many advantages over magnetic media. Despite the advantages, such as greater density, capacity, and stability, rewritable optical storage media have not have not caught on because of high cost and slow, bulky read/write technologies. A paradigm shift to three-dimensional (3D) optical storage media would allow for phenomenal storage density. Reveo, Inc. has invented a variable-focal-length liquid crystal microlens array that could function as the enabling technology for a fast, simple, inexpensive read/write device for 3D optical media. Coupled with active-matrix LCD technology, Reveo's microlens array could revolutionize digital storage, supplanting magnetic media with ultra-high-density 3D optical media. This Phase I project is a feasibility study in which Reveo firm will compare three designs of LC microlenses and fabricate a prototype microlens of the optimal structure. In Phase II, the firm will fabricate the full array and develop a read/write device for 3D optical media, paving the way for full commercialization in Phase III. In order to set the magnitude of the problem in perspective, consider that over 90 million computers were sold worldwide in 1998 alone, and that figure is increasing rapidly. Reveo proffers a variable microlens technology that will enable a commercially and technically viable 3D optical storage device It is difficult to overestimate how keenly computer users will demand prodgious storage capacity in the future. The commercial potential of a 3D optical storage device that holds almost 1 Tbyte/cm3 is vast in that it offers a viable long-term solution to multitudinous computers users. . SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG He, Zhan Reveo Incorporated NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99964 5371 HPCC 9139 6855 0104000 Information Systems 9960410 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Development of Polymer-Based Hydroxide Conducting Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will establish the feasibility of a unique class of hydroxide-conducting, polymer solid electrolyte compositions. These materials are referred to as Hydroxide Exchange Membranes (HEM), which exhibit high OH- conductivity (> 10-2 S/cm) while retaining good film forming properties and mechanical strength. This material would be the first known hydroxide-conducting solid electrolyte. In a preliminary study, Reveo has identified two possible means of synthesizing HEMs. The focus of this study will be on evaluating these HEMs for their hydroxide conductivity, mechanical strength, and film-forming ability, as well as, optimizing the relationships between these parameters. Cost-effective fabrication methods will be identified, and the effect of temperature on performance will be demonstarted. Preliminary results indicate that these HEMs have great potential to fill a tremendous market need in the alkaline battery industry. Since a competing hydroxide-conducting membrane technology does not currently exist, this material will have immediate applications in the alkaline battery industry. It will further have applications and uses in the Reveo zinc-air Fuel Cell Battery and a hybrid class of hydrogen fuel cells. This will remove the need for protection against corrosion or leakage of the liquid electrolyte and increasing the battery energy and power densities. In particular, this material could dramatically reduce alkaline battery material and manufacturing costs while imparting environmentally-safe disposability. Keywords: membrane, hydroxide, fuel cell, battery, solid electrolyte, alkaline, polymer Electrolyte SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yao, Wenbin Reveo Incorporated NY Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99885 5371 OTHR 1403 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960414 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Development of Flexible Magnets with Induced Anisotropy by Thermal Spray. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project aims to develop flexible, magnetic polymer composite coatings and free-standing forms having induced magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy using thermal spray technology. There exists a need for a cost-effective method for efficiently making anisotropic magnetic structures less than 1mm in thickness as well as complex, geometric shapes, which cannot be achieved by an extrusion process. Furthermore, there is a need to deposit flexible magnetic coatings onto a surface without the use of adhesives for sensor applications. Poly Therm proposes to develop magnetic polymer powders using a mechanofusion process. The powders will be injected through a combustion flame whereby the binder melts and the composite impacts a substrate to produce coatings or a release surface to produce free-standing forms. The magnetic phase will also be dispersed in solution and injected externally into the flame during deposition for maximum magnetic phase content. A magnetic field will orient the magnetic particles during deposition to create oriented magnetic structures. The development of flexible magnetic thin films and complex 3D structures will open new markets for flexible magnets. Coatings will be used for magnetic sensors and proprietary fasteners. Automotive components, aerospace components, electromechanical devices, motors, actuators, magnetic fasteners, and magnetic recording devices will benefit from the development of such magnetic materials. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Brogan, Jeffrey PolyTherm Corp. NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU AMPP 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960415 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: New Optoceramics for Advanced Electro-Optic Devices. This Phase I SBIR proposal seeks to develop a new class of electro-optic (EO) materials that will have better properties and achieve higher transmission rates. Many optical devices that use EO materials in their designs, e.g. tunable optical filters, spatial light modulators (SLMs), EO shutters, and beam deflectors, have recently received tremendous attentions due to their potential applications in telecommunication, laser countermeasure, and integrated optics. However, these applications have been limited by the availability of materials with high EO coefficient. The high EO coefficient is required to ensure: (1) the large index change needed to lower the operation voltage; (2) the polarization-insensitive light interaction required for coupling with optical fibers; and ( 3) the high mechanical performance needed for high frequency and heavy load operations. Optoceramics are some of the better EO materials due to their large quadratic EO effect, optical isotropy, and cost effective fabrication process. Studies on using lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) are well known. They are the only optoceramics commercially available, in device applications. There are known difficulties with these materials. They include insufficient EO effect, poor temperature stability, and low mechanical toughness. NZ Applied Technologies proposes to search for new material systems in the relaxor ferroelectric PMN-PT and PZN-PT families. These new systems have shown engineerable ferroelectric behavior and very large room-temperature dielectric constants, which are theoretically predicted to have much better EO performance, and improved mechanical strengths. Success in the Phase I effort will identify the possible new electro-optic optoceramics systems. The military and civilian applications are diverse, and include light modulators, beam deflectors, and optical switches. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lu, Yalin Corning Applied Technologies Corporation MA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99875 5371 MANU 9165 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960419 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Novel Low Temperature Partial Oxidation Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves the development of a novel process for the low-temperature partial oxidation of hydrocarbons. The selectivity in a hydrocarbon partial oxidation reaction is determined by the balance between partial oxidation to the desired product, and complete oxidation to carbon dioxide and water. The selectivity also decreases due to secondary oxidation of the partial oxidation product. In this proposal, a novel process is described which simultaneously addresses these two issues. During this Phase I program, ethylene epoxidation to ethylene oxide will be studied to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed process. Silver catalysts will be prepared, characterized and tested for ethylene epoxidation in both fixed bed and novel bench-scale reactors. The main objective will be to demonstrate equivalent or better activity and selectivity for ethylene oxide formation in the novel reactor, relative to that of the fixed bed reactor. The primary commercial application of the novel process to be developed is low temperature, hydrocarbon partial oxidation, where even incremental improvements in selectivity can translate into significant economic credits. It is anticipated that the process will be widely applicable within the specialty and diversified chemical industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bradford, Michael CeraMem Corporation MA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960421 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Ferroelectric and Ferrite Films on GaAs Substrates - A Solution for True Monolithic-Microwave-Integrated Circuits. This Phase I SBIR proposal addresses a novel deposition process for the manufacture of multilayer films for monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs). MMICs are essential for both commercial and military communication applications, such as satellite, GPS, and wireless phones. Each new generation of MMICs are characterized by their increased density, speed, and functionality, which, in turn, are the basis for lower cost and higher performance devices. Ferroelectric and ferrite film technology is a key to development of a MMIC system-on-a-chip. One substantial advantage of an MMIC chip would be the electric post-processing tuning of circuits in order to bring them within specification. However, such MMICs are not available now, because the high growth temperature of ferroelectric and ferrite films are not compatible to GaAs substrates. In this proposal, NZ Applied Technologies proposes to use a novel metalorganic chemical liquid deposition to fabricate high quality low-loss multilayer films on commercial GaAs substrates. This low-cost technique has the potential to reduce the film growth temperature significantly and to meet all the manufacturing requirements. If the proposed process is successful, miniaturization of true MMICs based on lumped-element designs could also become possible. The commercialization potential for this effort includes a new generation of monolithic microwave integrated circuits, such as on-chip VCOs (voltage controlled oscillators), high speed tunable IC (inductor-capacitor) filters, and tunable delay lines for phase arrays. These advanced systems will have application in the space, military, industrial, and consumer sectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Hua Corning Applied Technologies Corporation MA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99949 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960429 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Information Extraction from Synthetic Procedures. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from is directed at demonstrating the feasibility of using Information Extraction, a computer technology based on Natural Language Processing, to selectively extract key information from the running text of synthetic procedures. Synthetic procedures are batch recipes used in the creation and discovery of new chemical entities for drug discovery. The ultimate aim of the project is to automate information extraction and place the information in a computer- understandable data structure that fully captures the content and semantics of the synthetic procedure. Such data structures dramatically increase the value of synthetic procedures since they allow development and deployment of software applications that automate many common time-and labor-intensive tasks in chemical synthesis. The objectives of this Phase I research project are to design and prototype critical software elements of Information Extraction. Feasibility of the approach will be demonstrated by using the developed elements to automatically perform some common tasks that currently require manual intervention by a chemistry expert. Demonstration tasks will include the following: automated creation of synthetic procedure domain ontology; creation of list of materials; and automated text extraction rule induction. There are recipes for more than 19 million unique chemical compounds reported in the public literature. There are a comparable number in the archives of pharmaceutical companies. Overwhelmingly, these procedures are maintained as unstructured running text. IntelliChem's proffered extraction of synthetic procedure information into computer-understandable data structures enhances the value of a procedure, promotes information reuse, and provides a basis for automating many time- and labor-intensive tasks in chemical synthesis. The proposed system will also provide insights into the automated linguistic analysis of semistructured text in other domains that are sufficiently narrow and well organized, and thus it would be generalizable for many other potential applications and uses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG van Eikeren, Paul IntelliChem Inc. OR Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99751 5371 HPCC 9216 6856 0104000 Information Systems 9960435 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Gallium Nitride Photodiode Array for Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) Lithography Dose and Beam Uniformity Measurements. This Phase I SBIR proposal addresses the development of a standards quality, solid state detector technology for measurement of deep ultraviolet (DUV) irradiance. There is a particular need among manufacturers of DUV photolithography equipment for an accurate and stable detector technology to measure excimer laser (248, 193, 157nm) pulse energy and total ultraviolet (UV) exposure for wafer plane dose uniformity. The current industry standard is the KrF 248 nm excimer laser. Systems utilizing the 193 nm ArF laser are ready now and 157 nm F2 laser systems will soon become the industry standard. The requirements for DUV detection products are high durability under intense UV exposure, uniformity of response over large areas, low noise, linear response, and a high power saturation point. The ultraviolet degradation of existing UV detection technologies, i.e. silicon or GaAsP, restricts the utilization of these materials for the new generation (F2 excimer laser) of DUV lithography tools. A single detection/power measurement technology that can be used for all UV wavelengths would minimize the new engineering work necessary for each new generation of photolithography systems. The wide band gap semiconductor gallium nitride (GaN) is proposed as the ideal material system to meet the current and future needs for DUV photolithography. P-I-N and Schottky barrier photodiode detectors made from GaN, and its ternary compounds with aluminum (AlGaN), have high quantum efficiency responsivity for wavelengths shorter than 365 nm. They have low noise, linear response over several decades of incident power, and high bandwidth. Most importantly for DUV irradiance measurements, the material system has the potential to resist degradation under prolonged exposure to high intensity UV radiation. In this proposal, plans are presented to evaluate the robustness and long term stability of GaN and AlGaN UV detectors under intense, prolonged DUV exposure, and also to develop one of the most important, and currently unavailable, detection products for this industry, a large area, multi-element photodiode array for power and dose uniformity measurements at the wafer plane. In addition to DUV lithography, there are many other industrial and scientific applications for group III-nitride technology including UV curing and drying, printed circuit board fabrication, sterilization control, phototherapy, combustion monitoring, and solar irradiance measurement. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Klaassen, Jody SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99990 5371 AMPP 9165 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960446 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Germanium Tetrafluoride as a Fluorinating Agent. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I program will investigate the use of germanium tetrafluoride (GeF4) as an agent to fluorinate organic molecules. Preliminary experiments show that GeF4 possesses unique fluorinating properties as a direct fluorinating agent or in indirect use as a component of a catalyst system. The fluorinating ability of GeF4 can be employed, for example, in the manufacture of specialty chemicals, fluorocarbons from chlorinated intermediates, and fluorinated coatings for a variety of surfaces. When the full potential of GeF4 as a fluorinating agent is realized industries will gain significant economic benefits and an environmentally more benign fluorination process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stephens, Matthew Starmet Corporation MA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 89516 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9960448 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Meshless Computational Tool for Multi-dimensional Analyses of Fluid Flows and Heat Transfer in Complex Geometries. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel computational tool that totally avoids the generation of a discretization mesh in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations. CFD is currently in use by a large number of industries to study fluid flow and heat transfer issues of a diverse number of process equipment. As computers keep becoming cheaper and powerful, the general trend in design will increasingly be towards simulation and away from experiments. The most time consuming step in the use of computational fluid dynamics for complex geometries is the generation of the grid on which the governing equations are to be discretized and solved. The grid generation step requires considerable human time in order to produce grids of acceptable quality from the viewpoint of solution accuracy and convergence. This effort, will develop a novel computational tool that totally avoids the generation of a discretization mesh. Instead, the governing equations are satisfied at a large number of scattered points whose positions are generated either by a random number generator or adaptively as the flow field evolves during the computation. The scattered points are not connected to each other as in the finite-element and finite-volume methods, but are organized as "clouds." If successful, the approach and software will considerably reduce the grid generation effort required for computation of industrial fluid flows. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carroll, George American Computing Inc AL G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 99437 5371 OTHR 1266 0000 0512004 Analytical Procedures 9960452 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Polymer Surface Engineering for Improved Adhesion and Durability of Biocompatible Hard Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will investigate the use of polymer surface engineering to enhance the adhesion and durability of hard coatings, such as TiN. Hard coatings have the potential to improve a bulk polymer's biocompatibility as well as its wear and durability characteristics. However, the severe requirements of the interface between the hard coating and the polymer caused by the dissimilar nature of the coating and the substrate promote coating delamination and flaking, especially when coupled with exposure to aggressive external conditions. The generally poor adhesion at the polymer/hard coating interface limits the long-term use of such structures and components in a number of applications, including biomedical implants. Accordingly, DACCO SCI, INC., and The Johns Hopkins University propose to engineer the surface of the polymer and the deposited coating using several proce-dures (Ar+ plasma / sputter deposition, NH3+/N2+ plasma/sputter deposition, and Ti evaporation / N2+ ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD)). By characterizing the surface/interface and measuring adhesion before and after accelerated durability tests, the mechanisms of adhesion can be established and the process improved to enhance adhesion and durability, tailored for specific applications. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Guy DACCO SCI, INC MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU AMPP 9165 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960454 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Programmable, Scalable Wireless Information Infrastructure. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Vanu, Inc. provides a plan for the research and development of a programmable, scalable wireless information infrastructure based on software radio technology. The system will support all of the signal processing for many digital wireless communications systems entirely in application level software on a cluster of commercial off-the-shelf PCs. This approach enables significant flexibility, through software upgrades, that can overcome many of the limitations of current wireless communications systems. For example, the cellular telephony infrastructure utilizes hardware-based signal processing in base stations. Adding new services or migrating to new standards requires time consuming and costly hardware upgrades. With a software radio infrastructure, these changes can be executed by simply downloading software. This capability will accelerate the pace of innovation in the wireless marketplace, reduce the risk associated with deployment of new services and reduce the barrier to entry for firms with innovative services, such as wireless broadband internet access and cable television services. The research objectives are as follows: design of a robust, scalable, distributed software radio infrastructure for real-time signal processing; design of a load balancing algorithm; evaluation of the computational requirements for advanced digital communications systems; and the determination of feasibility of this approach in a commercial context. Vanu, Inc.'s proffered technology with be the basis for a commercial software radio product that will permit the deployment of any wireless stand or service as a software upgrade. The firm also intends to benefit the academic community by creating a platform to support university research in wireless communication and networking. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bose, Vanu Vanu, Inc. MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99727 5371 HPCC 9218 9102 4096 0206000 Telecommunications 9960457 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Innovation of Real-Time, Integrative Computer Vision System for Accurate, Full-Field Characterization of Complex Component Response. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop the theoretical and practical bases for constructing a real-time, multiple camera, vision-based measurement system capable of providing accurate, three-dimensional measurements: (a) for verification of advanced modeling and simulation tools; and, (b) for remote, in-situ, non-destructive evaluation of both large and small structural components. The proposed research will focus on construction of a virtual test bed (VTB) for the vision-based measurement system. The VTB will include the processes of digital imaging, system calibration, image analysis for object measurement, and data synthesis for feature identification. We anticipate that results from the VTB development will identify promising concepts in each of these areas, which will be the focus of a Phase II program. Potential applications of the proposed measurement system technology include: (a) remote non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of civilian infrastructure; and, (b) validation of advanced computational models for a wide range of complex systems (i.e., full-scale bridge systems, tank cars, aerospace vehicles) under quasi-static and impact loading. In addition, the measurement technology is readily integrated with other measurement devices (i.e., temperature, pressure, ultrasound, acoustic) for development of a multi-level evaluation system. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Echerer, Scott Alpha Manufacutring, Inc. SC Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9150 9139 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9960458 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Monitoring and Characterization of Fine Particulates from Combustion Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project examines the potential for in situ characterization of fine particulate matter of combustion products using an innovative elliptically polarized light scattering method. Particle size, size distribution, and morphology are key factors that control the inhalation of air borne particulates. Synergetic Technologies, Inc. can determine these parameters via a unique approach based on customization of polarization settings for fine particulates. Unlike current on-line particle measuring techniques, structures of fibers and irregular shaped particles (such as particle agglomerates) can be determined with reasonable accuracy. The ability to discern such shapes will have a great impact on reliability of source and ambient monitoring efforts. This investigation will assess the feasibility of using the system to monitor particulate exhaust from small engines. Fundamental research is proposed to closely examine the accuracy of the instrument (comparing results with electron micrographs) for a range of engine test conditions. Phase I will focus on evaluating system capability and accuracy. In Phase II, a prototype system will be designed and constructed for measuring motor vehicle exhaust at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Saltiel, Craig Synergetic Technologies, Inc. NY Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99955 5371 EGCH 9188 0313010 Air Pollution 9960459 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Low Band Gap Semiconducting Polymers for Photovoltaic and Photosensing Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project outlines a strategy to develop a family of photosensing polymers with low energy band gaps. Such polymers will find application in the area of polymer image sensors and polymer photovoltaic cells. Products that will utilize these polymers include large area flexible sensors for scanning. The use of these sensors for office automation, industrial production controls and home electronics are a vast, untapped commercial market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Hailiang UNIAX Corporation CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99859 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960480 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Alignment of Low Cost, High Modulus, High Strength Carbon Nanofibers in Composites. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop methods for generating alignment of short but highly graphitic and inexpensive nanofibers in polymer matrix composites. These efforts, carried out by Applied Sciences, in collaboration with its subcontractor, Ohio University, are expected to result in excellent mechanical reinforcement of the matrix, and effectively achieve the elusive goal of simultaneously attaining high modulus, high strength, and low cost from a carbon fiber reinforcement. Carbon nanofibers will be made to align in thin, extruded strands of thermoplastic polymer that can then be laid up and molded into composites by conventional textile handling techniques. The formation and lamination of papers from the short fibers will also be explored. Composites will be tested for mechanical properties and evaluated for the degree of fiber alignment actually obtained. A wide variety of military and commercial applications would benefit from carbon fiber reinforced composites. Any application that currently uses chopped glass fiber reinforcement could be replaced by a carbon fiber reinforced component with improved mechanical properties. Application that can benefit from added electrical conductivity in composites panels, such as low observable materials for aircraft, EMI control enclosures, and automotive panels that need electrostatic painting techniques. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jacobsen, Ronald APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960485 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Workflows to Enable Agile Virtual Enterprises (WEAVE). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will study the feasibility of building WEAVE (Workflows to Enable Agile Virtual Enterprises), an on-line service that allows any business to create and manage virtual enterprises using only an XML-enabled Web browser. WEAVE provides automated support to locate participating entities, negotiate for their services, plug them into an enterprise workflow using a graphical tool, and analyze the workflow for possible flaws. WEAVE manages these virtual enterprise workflows by dynamically choosing appropriate task schedules and supporting data interchange using XML document formats. Thus, WEAVE enables businesses to easily set up virtual enterprises with little infrastructure and minimal start-up and maintenance costs. This Phase 1 project will determine the operational specifications of WEAVE and ascertain its feasibility by prototyping its critical components. Phase 2 will then produce a fully functional WEAVE system based on results from Phase 1. Finally, Phase 3 will make WEAVE commercially available to enterprises --- large and small --- thereby significantly lowering the barrier for participation in virtual enterprises. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pokorny, Robert XSB, INC. NY G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 99954 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0108000 Software Development 9960490 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Monolithic Semiconductor Structures for Photovoltaic/Photoelectrolysis Splitting of Water for Hydrogen Generation. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I Project will explore, demonstrate, and develop cost-effective designs and production technologies for semiconductor monolithic photovoltaic/photoelectrochemical (PV-PEC) devices for hydrogen production. This work is motivated by the recent report of a 12.5% efficient laboratory device made by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on a single-crystal GaAs substrate. It is estimated that an order of magnitude cost reduction is necessary to make this technology economic. This approach is based on selective epitaxial growth of III-V compound semiconductors by simple closed-spaced vapor transport and solution growth processes on a large-grain polycrystalline silicon sheet material. Cells based on heteroepitaxy of GaAs, InP, InGaP and GaN on polycrystalline silicon will be evaluated. The simple structure of PV-PEC cells relative to other semiconductor devices such as transistors, photodiodes, lasers, and LEDs, makes the proposed selective epitaxy process especially advantageous in achieving high material quality at low cost with high-throughput processing. This approach will yield the needed cost reductions without significantly sacrificing performance. This is a moderate- to high-risk payoff project that seeks an economically viable, clean, renewable process for hydrogen generation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mauk, Michael AstroPower, Incorporated DE Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 94538 5371 AMPP 9165 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960496 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A 2GHz Bandwidth Cross-Correlator Chip for Interferometry. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project aims to research, develop, and demonstrate experimentally a novel cross-correlator chip and a high-speed multi-chip module package, the basic building blocks of an expandable cross-correlator system, with a frequency bandwidths of 2 GHz and priced at one tenth of the cost of existing cross-correlator systems with the same bandwidth. To achieve the stated goal, no single conventional technical approach could provide a cross-correlator chip operating at such high frequency bandwidth and at such a low cost -- only by synergistically combining innovative parallel architecture, bit-systolic arrays, novel digital circuit techniques, and deep sub-micron CMOS fabrication technologies can this unprecedented level of performance-to-cost ratio be obtained. The correlator chip and the high-speed multi-chip module to be developed in this project, if successfully realized, will have the advantage of enabling the implementation of expandable cross-correlator systems that cost 10 to 20 times less than comparable systems envisioned for large interferometer arrays operating at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths. The family of state of the art cross-correlator chips and multi-chip modules produced in this project will have applications in radio astronomy, earth science, geodesy and surveillance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Timoc, Constantin Spaceborne Inc CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 9960502 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Monoxide-Tolerant Anode Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells via Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the development of low loading/watt CO-tolerant precious metal catalysts for application in fuel cells operating on hydrogen from reformed hydrocarbons. Recent research indicates that Pt:Ru, Pt:Mo and even some ternary and quartenary Pt-containing systems can achieve the power output and CO tolerance required for next generation vehicle (NGV's). However, most catalyst layer fabrication methods are far too expensive for mass-market applications. Furthermore, existing technologies cannot provide the short development duty cycle and amenability to combinatorial methods that optimization of a composite anode catalyst layer requires. The Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) does provide such a technology and has been demonstrated to provide a low-cost solution for catalytic coatings onto both proton exchange membranes(PEM) and carbon electrodes. CCVD's primary advantage is the ability to deposit high quality thin films in the open atmosphere in a production friendly manner. The process uses simple, low-cost equipment and relatively inexpensive precursors. Development of low loading/watt, high performance CO tolerant catalysts is necessary to reduce the cost of manufacturing and enable the large volume production of fuel cell membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs), a fuel cell stack component identified as critical to the successful development of NGV's. The Government/automotive industry Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) has identified proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology to be extremely promising for electric vehicle applications. Adoption of PEMFC power technology for automotive drive trains will enable achievement of industry goals for better automotive fuel economy and reduced emission of air pollutants in comparison with conventional internal combustion engines. This goal will be realized only if costs of PEMFC technology can be reduced further to competitive levels. Achievement of these goals will increase air quality and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil supplies. Successful technical results arising from the proposed program of R&D will have straightforward commercialization avenue from MCT to a variety of automotive manufacturers and fuel cell producers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Faguy, Peter NGIMAT CO. GA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960509 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: On-Line, Non-Destructive, Rapid Characterization of Nanopowders and Agglomerates. 9960509 Manickavasagam This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project tests the feasibility of using polarized light scattering for characterization of nano-sized powder size and shape. Nanostructures are a novel family of materials that allow customized structural, electrochemical, electrical, electronic, optical, magnetic, and chemical properties. The development of nanomaterials into useful devices and products depends in large part on the ability to characterize these materials during synthesis, processing, and device production. Current characterization techniques are off-line, slow, expensive, and unreliable. Synergetic Technologies, Inc. (STI) will develop an innovative on-line, reliable, information-rich and real-time device. A precursor of the proposed system has been successfully used to characterize agglomerates of nano-sized soot monomers from combustion processes. Tasks include accuracy assessment and characterizing a variety of individual nanopowders and their agglomerates. STI has consulted with two leading commercial innovators in the nanomaterials area: Triton Systems and Nanomaterials Research Corporation. These companies have great interest in STI's technology and are eager to assist them in developing a system for on-line commercial use. Phase I efforts will focus on proof-of-concept, with special emphasis directed at characterizing the structure of nano-powder agglomerates. Phase II will involve building and integrating a prototype unit for on-line testing at a production facility. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Manickavasagam, Sivakumar Synergetic Technologies, Inc. NY Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99959 5371 OTHR 1415 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960511 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Tool for Local Stress Measurement of Patterned Microstructures. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop specific innovations, relating to numerical etching procedure (NEP) and nonlinear sequential analysis (NSA), to analyze the local stress field of a patterned microstructure. By step-by-step irreversible numerical etching, and closely coupled with experimental procedures, the proposed technology can directly correlate the stress state of a patterned microstructure to that of a blanket film. Experimental results have proven that these innovative techniques can also solve highly geometric nonlinear problems, such as membranes. The applications can include bond pads, interconnect lines, sensors, and mask distortion analysis in the IC and micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) industries. Such technical innovations can act as a single package, or work as a module for current Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) bundles to support the reliability and performance analysis of patterned microstructures. The impacts of the proposed innovations will make the following contributions: (1) Applications. Perform mechanical reliability analysis of patterned microstructures; (2) Performance. Solve complex geometric nonlinear problems; (3) Efficiencies. Advise on the correct experimental direction and reduce exploration time; (4) Cost. Revise in-house design concepts instead of finding new material to fit an old design code, which can be costly. The numerical etching procedure (NEP) will be an indispensable tool for the semiconductor industry. It will serve to predict the intrinsic stresses of patterned microstructures. If the proposed research meets its goals, the resulting product can be integrated into Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) tools and software, which will have many applications in mechanical reliability and performance analysis in the fields of packaging bond pads, interconnect lines, MEMS devices, membranes, mask distortion analysis, and other future micro devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shyu, Kuokai Manifold Engineering CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99967 5371 MANU 9146 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960515 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Ceramic Composites: Method of Production and Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will merge two recent breakthroughs in nanomaterials research to develop composites with an extraordinarily fine scale and unsurpassed homogeneity. By combining the two technologies of melt forming of metastable nanoceramic solid solutions and Transformation Assisted Consolidation (TAC) of the resulting powders, we will be able to produce a new generation of nanocomposite materials. These materials will be bulk samples that are fully dense and still retain the nanoscale grain size. More importantly, the composite will consist of a homogeneous network of two ceramic phases, each of which retards the grain coarsening of the other and provides mechanical reinforcement. The result will be a material that combines the advantages of composite structures with those of nanomaterials. Materials developed in this project will be used for cutting and wear resistant applications such as tools and bearing components. Many other applications exist such as engine components, seals, sensors, mirrors and situations requiring toughness and wear resistance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mayo, William Nanopac Technologies, Inc. NJ Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 9148 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960520 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Infrared Video Camera. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a novel, low-cost, infrared video camera. Infrared imaging is a rapidly growing market valued at roughly $500 Million. The proposed infrared camera is capable of meeting the requirements of commercial, military, and the R&D markets. It has the potential to make infrared imaging as affordable as imaging in the visible. Successful completion of this SBIR project is expected to lead to a $5,000 IR camera whereas the present cost of a similar system is close to $70,000. The proposer's IR camera boasts ruggedness, high pixel count, and good temperature sensitivity. The goal is to demonstrate an 'uncooled', 1024 X 1024 pixel camera with a temperature sensitivity of 0.2 K in a hand-held format. The proposed IR camera will find applications in the areas of process control, agriculture, machine vision, quality control, military, and R&D. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Deliwala, Shrenik Science Research Laboratory Inc MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99921 5371 AMPP 9165 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960522 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Modeling of Thermal Transport and its Interaction with Crystal Formation in Optical Fiber Drawing on Distributed Memory Machines. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop and demonstrate a computational tool for detailed simulation of thermal transport in a optical fiber drawing process on distributed memory machines. The ZBLAN optical fibers may replace the existing silica optical fibers in the next century because they have broader spectrum and lower loss coefficient. However, the ZBLAN glass tends to crystallize during the drawing of optical fiber. The suppression of crystallization requires a clear understanding of thermal transport involving radiative heat transfer and two-phase flow with a curved free surface. In Phase I, the finite volume method (FVM) will be modified to simulate radiative heat transfer in the gas enclosure as well as inside the glass. The gas-glass interface is treated as an optically directional and reflecting surface. The full elliptic governing equations will be solved for both glass and external gas, which are coupled by the conjugate boundary conditions at the interface. The discretization of the physical domain will be carried out by the multizone adaptive grid generation (MAGG) technique. An efficient parallel algorithm will be developed and implemented in the solution procedure with message passing by the Message Passing Interface (MPI) library. A parallel algebraic multi-grid (AMG) solver will be developed to solve the discretized equations. The Phase I will demonstrate the high accuracy and efficiency of the proposed simulation tool for thermal transport process. In Phase II, the crystal formation model will be developed, and the coupling between thermal transport and crystal formation will be completed in the tool. The simulation tool to be developed will significantly benefit the optical fiber industry that requires a detailed understanding of multimode and highly coupled transport phenomena and their interactions with thermal induced defects. The potential applications include the design, optimization, and control of optical fiber drawing process and many other manufacturing and materials processing systems. Key Words: Optical Fiber Drawing, Radiative Heat Transfer, Parallel Computing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Jiwen ENGINEERING SCIENCES, INC. AL G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 1266 0000 0510302 Energetics & Thermodynamc 9960528 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Temperature (400°C) Instrumentation Amplifier. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project addresses the need for an instrumentation amplifier operating at high temperature for control applications. We propose to demonstrate an amplifier operating at temperatures above 400 degrees C by using transistors fabricated from a new wide bandgap semiconductor composed of Aluminum Gallium Nitride (AlGaN). SVT Associates has already demonstrated operation of transistors in this material system at 425 degrees C. The Phase I effort seeks to demonstrate the key components of the integrated amplifier, namely the transistor, the resistor, and the capacitor. These components would be characterized as a function of temperature and used to fabricate a hybrid version of the first stage of the amplifier (a differential pair amplifier). The Phase II effort will involve the design, fabrication and testing of an instrumentation amplifier operating at 400 degrees C. The proposed amplifier could be combined with sensors operating in harsh, high temperature locations such as geothermal/oil wells, turbine engine control, avionics, industrial process control, nuclear reactor control, boiler combustion control systems, automotive underhood electronics and space based power systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Van Hove, James SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN Darryl G. Gorman Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960534 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Catalyst for Near-Zero NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Fired Power Plants. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project involves the development of a catalyst to control NOx emissions from combined cycle power plants using natural gas fired turbines (natural gas fired power plants). Guild Associates has developed an environmental catalyst for the control of nitrogen-containing compound emissions. The catalyst is unique in that it is able to destroy this class of compounds, which includes NH3, without generating NOx. The catalyst was recently investigated for its ability to reduce NOx in the presence of NH3 in humid air. Operating in the presence of excess NH3, the catalyst was able to completely reduce NOx without NH3 slip. NH3 slip is prevented because the catalyst is able to directly reduce the excess NH3 to N2 and H2O. The objective of this Phase I SBIR proposal is to evaluate this catalyst under conditions consistent with the natural gas fired power plant application and to modify the catalyst to address possible shortcomings. Successful completion of this effort will lead to a simple, low cost technology for control of NOx emissions from natural gas fired power plants without NH3 slip. Current technologies are not capable of reducing NOx emissions to greater than 90% without significant levels of NH3 slip. Should the novel catalyst developed under this effort prove successful, power plants will be provided with low cost, simple technology to meet increasingly tighter NOx emissions levels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rossin, Joseph GUILD ASSOCIATES INC OH Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99220 5371 EGCH 9197 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960535 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Development of a Compact Cloud Spectrometer and Impactor. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project aims to prove the feasibility of developing a new in-situ instrument for measurement of the droplet size distribution and condensed water mass. This Cloud Spectrometer and Impactor (CSI) would be based on two existing technologies: the light-scattering spectrometer and the counterflow virtual impactor. Features of both instruments would be combined in a lightweight, compact, commercial instrument for measurement of cloud microphysical characteristics on an aircraft platform. Specifically, in Phase I the proposer would design two shrouded inlets for the CSI: one that impacts and evaporates droplets for a measurement of condensed water mass, and one that optically measures the droplet size distribution. A plan for incorporating all the necessary measurement and electronic components within the internal framework of a standard housing used on research aircraft would be developed. Methods for providing sufficient dry carrier gas, even at high-altitude, and would be assessed. Candidate techniques for measuring water vapor after droplets and ice crystals are impacted and evaporated within the CSI inlet would be evaluated. This instrument development focuses on an airborne instrument, but the feasibility of ground-based applications would be explored. Research organizations and industrial companies needing accurate measurements of the size and mass of condensed water will use this instrument. For research organizations, measurements of droplet size distribution and condensed water mass are important for weather forecasting and understanding global climate change. In industry, the application of agricultural chemicals and many coating processes rely on liquid water sprays. The accurate determination of the droplet size and total water content is important for correct application of the material. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kok, Gregory Droplet Measurement Technologies CO Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 98605 1505 EGCH 1325 0110000 Technology Transfer 9960536 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Semi-Automatically Constructing Wrappers to Access Internet-Based Information Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Dynamic Domain will enable computer users to create wrappers so that web sites can be queried as if they were databases. The key innovation of this proposal is a method for semi-automatically generating wrappers from examples. The approach combines supervised and unsupervised learning methods to minimize the amount of information required from users to generate wrappers. As a result, unsophisticated users can rapidly create their own wrappers. The research has the potential to make it vastly easier to access and integrate data to create large scale, virtual databases because it makes it possible for information users to create virtual databases, rather than relying on information providers to carry out this task. Dynamic Domain proffers technology with the potential to transform the economics of information integration by giving ordinary users the power to integrate and query information sources. While existing, commercially viable applications of this technology include tools for developing shopping agents and specialized search engines, new possibilities abound for Internet automations. For example, consider a manufacturer who wants to integrate his production schedules with his business partners in a very fluid market where his partners frequently change. Rather than requiring his partners to employ the same enterprise resource planning software that he uses or asking them to develop specialized interfaces, he can easily import data they make available via the web in whatever format they choose. INFORMATION & KNOWLEDGE MANAGE SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Minton, Steven FETCH TECHNOLOGIES CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99450 6855 5371 HPCC 9216 6855 5371 0104000 Information Systems 9960540 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Electrochemical Chlorine Purification. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel electrochemical method of purification of "tail" gas, also known as vent or sniff gas. About half of the chlorine produced in the chlor-alkali industry is liquefied, stored, and shipped. The tail gas from the liquefaction process contains chlorine (Cl2) with oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hyrogen (H2) as impurities. Phase I involves reduction of Cl2 from the impure chlorine stream at a gas diffusion or porous flow-through type cathode. The product HCl is anodically oxidized to generate chemically pure Cl2. The other impurities in the impure Cl2 gas stream, e.g., N2, CO2, are either not reducible at the cathode or their reduction is too low to be significant. The objective of Phase I is high current density.operation, delineating the effects of impurities in the chlorine on cathode performance, and minimizing the contribution of parasitic reactions at the anode. Commercially relevant benefits include: material conservation (Cl2 is not wasted), reduction in energy consumption relative to other technologies, elimination of waste gas streams, and generation of pure Cl2. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sarangapani, Srinivasan ICET, INC MA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 1414 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960557 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Novel Electric Field Probe for High-Speed Integrated Circuits and Semiconductor Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel electro-optic method for noninvasively probing electric fields, and hence waveforms, in integrated circuits without external probes. The technique will work on any semiconductor regardless of its crystal structure, and can be used for both imaging and single point detection without degradation of temporal resolution. Because the technique is optically based, no parasitic capacitance is added to the device being measured. A femtosecond laser probes the device to be measured; thus the technique's temporal resolution is several orders of magnitude faster than the time resolution required to probe present devices. Since silicon MOSFET technology is the dominant technology used in logic and memory devices, it is important to develop noninvasive techniques that work on silicon-based devices. This method for measuring the electric fields present in semiconductor devices will be effective on silicon as well as any other semiconductor. The benefit to industry, government, and academia will be enormous, allowing integrated circuits to be probed and p-n junctions to be studied and imaged. Commercial applications of the proposed research include the development of techniques for studying semiconductor devices, and the development of instrumentation to measure electronic waveforms in integrated circuits noninvasively. Such instrumentation could be used to diagnose problems in integrated circuits during development, on production lines, and in circuit boards. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kane, Daniel Southwest Sciences Inc NM Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 9960564 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Investigation of a Novel Ceramic-Based Composite for Ferrous Metal Cutting Applications. Despite significant advances in materials in the past 30 years, breakthroughs in cutting tool materials for ferrous metals have been limited since the introduction of tuingsten-carbide cobalt (WC-Co) materials early in this century. WC-Co is a compositional compromise between the hardness of the carbide phase, and the ductility of the (Co) Cobalt. This compromise becomes a burden as industry continues to seek improved efficiencies, push the bounds on alloy properties, and develop new manufacturing practices. In particular, the Co phase limits the usefulness of the tool due to loss of hardness at high temperatures. Ceramic composites should technically provide the appropriate properties for improved cutting tools, and in fact, are used already in specific applications. However, the available materials are either unreliable due to poor damage tolerance, or limited due to reactivity of with ferrous alloys. A new ceramic material has been identified that exhibits significantly improved damage and corrosion tolerance. We propose that a composite of this material with a hard carbide phase represents a revolutionary new concept for an essentially all-ceramic cutting tool. The Phase I program will support composite preparation, characterization, and comparative machining evaluation alongside commercial WC-Co materials. Phase II will support composite refinement, properties evaluation, and application development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mroz, Thomas Advanced Refractory Technologies, Inc. NY William Haines Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960571 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: On Demand Cocktail Creation System. This Small Business Innovation Research NSF Phase I project will demonstrate the potential of an 'On Demand Cocktail Creation System' that will significantly improve the MOCVD of complex thin film oxides, such as BaSrXTi1-XO3 (BST), PbZr XTi1-XO3 (PZT), SrBa2Ti2O9 (SBT), and Yba2Cu3O7-X (YBCO). These films represent a rapidly maturing material technology for memory, sensor, electronic, and other important state of the art commercial and military product applications. They are applied in the form of dielectrics, ferroelectrics, GMRs, pyroelectrics, piezoelectric, and superconductors, among others. Presently, sputtering is used to manufacture such films; however, it is well accepted that MOCVD is the needed deposition technology for thin, conformal defect/damage free films. MOCVD for complex oxides is limited by source chemistry and generally requires flash evaporation of chemical solutions (cocktails). COVA is presently leading the development of flash evaporation technologies with patented and developing designs. We have found that the greatest limitation to application of cocktail chemistry for manufacturers is that of stable, repeatable 'cocktails'. The individual chemicals are generally more stable than the created cocktails. We propose to make an 'On Demand Cocktail Creation System' operating in a controlled environment that will solve these and other problems. We will do this in an oxide-CVD lab of a commercial systems vendor. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Huebner, Gregory COVA Technologies, Inc. CO Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99000 5371 MANU 9146 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960572 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Understanding 'Construction/Deconstruction' and the Role of Resistance in Accelerated Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Workplace Technologies Research Inc. (WTRI) will explore the basic principles of learning revealed by one of the firm's more highly successful technology implementations in which user knowledge and performance with the system were found to be critical. The data involved were collected on 3500 shopfloor personnel who were given an activity-based training exercise on a complex computer technology. WTRI's training was based on research showing that experienced adults learn complex concepts in the context of solving problems at work. The trainees' acceptance and rapid development as 'expert' users suggest that a particular set of principles used to design the training may be a key element in learning complex technologies. Further, the later high performance of highly 'resistant' workers may indicate an important role of resistance in innovation. The project seeks to identify the important mechanisms of learning and to find ways to broaden their application. In particular, the project seeks to provide the foundation for designing methods of accelerating learning that can be part of the context of the actual work activity and that will not require the considerable expense and lost productivity incurred with off-line training. At the same time, the model also has significant potential for enhancing our understanding of 'construction/deconstruction' and the role of resistance in accelerated learning. WRTI has conceived of a model, Iterative Technology Implementation Model (ITIM(TM)), to increase technology deployment success rates as measured by time to adoption by the workers and long term retention. The model has great potential for generalizing the facilitation of the process of technology adoption/ replacement, if the principles that have made the approach to training for change and technology adoption so successful can be distilled from the large, rich data set at hand. This distillation can in turn facilitate appropriate training selection and design and faster implementation of change, thus making needed assistance more affordable to a broader spectrum of companies. DIGITAL SOCIETY&TECHNOLOGIES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DiBello, Lia Workplace Technologies Research Inc. NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99998 6850 5371 SMET 9179 9102 7256 7178 6850 5371 0105000 Manpower & Training 9960573 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Novel Catalyzed Nanotubular Structures for Advanced Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will utilize a novel carbon nanotube material to develop an innovative electrode structure for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The innovation in this work targets both performance and cost issues of PEM fuel cells by investigating novel catalyst support structures. This effort capitalizes on the technical expertise of research groups at Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and the Martin Group at University of Florida (UF). The Martin Group, in the role of a subcontractor, will be responsible for nanotube synthesis. Catalyzing the nanotubes is a task that will be shared by both groups; each bringing unique expertise to this project. The catalyzed membranes will then be integrated into a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) by PSI and tested for single cell performance. The development of these support structures will also pave the way to a new single component MEA system, eliminating the expensive solid polymer electrolyte currently employed. Successful development of the technology will substantially improve the performance and cost effectiveness of PEM fuel cells for vehicular applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jayne, Karen Physical Sciences Incorporated (PSI) MA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99979 5371 AMPP 9165 9102 1401 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960578 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Formation of Ultrahard Diamond-Like Coatings. Ultrahard materials (UHM) possess many superior properties, making them highly desirable as industrial materials. Unfortunately, these materials, particularly the hardest of all, diamond-like materials, cannot be used in many high-volume applications due to their low oxidation resistance, low thermal stability, and high cost. For this reason, new, low-cost UHMs with comparable or even superior properties are required. Calculations based on known thermodynamic and structural data predict that cubic carbon nitride, alpha-C3N4, will be significantly harder and much more thermally oxidation-resistant than diamond. Despite significant progress made by researchers over the last decade, the formation of pure phases of this material, as well as others like it, has not as yet been accomplished. In the project, Ultramet will generate novel UHMs such as alpha-C3N4, cubic carbonazenide (cubic C(HN)), and composite ternary nitrides consisting of metal nitride nanocrystals and an amorphous silicon nitride (Si3N4) phase using a novel chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-based process. This new process, which is kinetically driven, allows the formation of a large variety of ceramic materials at or near room temperature. Applications: The proposed novel CVD processes will yield new UHMs such as alpha-C3N4, cubic C(HN), and composite ternary nitride/Si3N4 phases with hardness and oxidation stability equal to or exceeding those of cubic boron nitride and diamond. The new processes will allow these new UHMs to be produced at lower cost and used in a much wider range of applications than current UHMs. Keywords: ultrahard materials, cubic carbon nitride, cubic carbonazenide, ternary metal nitrides, chemical vapor deposition, thin films, superabrasives SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fortini, Arthur ULTRAMET, INC. CA William Haines Standard Grant 99416 5371 AMPP 9165 9148 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960582 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Algorithms and Protocols to Enhance Data Service Quality in Third Generation Wireless Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from 3GCOM proposes specific algorithms suitable for application in Third Generation Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Networks, which couple the technique of re-transmission RAKE with power control in order to achieve high performance gains. The R-RAKE protocol (which gets its name from the fact that it rakes-in energy from previous failed packet transmissions in decoding the current one) provides an increased received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). 3GCOM proposes specific methods for simulation, in order to optimize the algorithm's design and show the benefits of the proposed approach. In addition, specific protocols are proposed to be studied, in order to provide a tradeoff analysis on the algorithm's implementation in the protocol layer of Third Generation systems, allowing for fast software product development during Phase II. The firm will offer products that allow for optimized 3rd generation operation. The products pertain to implementing algorithms in software to achieve this optimized system operation. In the next so-called Third Generation of wireless cellular communications, high-speed, high-quality data services are dominant, but these services place very strong demands on the required power, and the network resources (capacity). Therefore, protocols and algorithms to allow for more efficient high-speed data are necessary. 3GCOM proffers a technology with important potential to enhance data service quality in the US-based wireless industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH ADVANCED NET INFRA & RSCH IIP ENG Ketseoglou, Thomas 3GCOM CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 94660 5371 4096 4090 HPCC 9218 9217 5371 4090 0206000 Telecommunications 9960584 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Accuracy Trace Gas Sensor for Remote Sites. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research Phase I aims to develop a near-infrared, laser-based spectroscopy instrument for detecting carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane in the Arctic as indicators of pollution transport. This instrument will be the first low-cost, remotely operated, high-sensitivity, high-accuracy sensor capable of continuously obtaining, storing, and transmitting data without the need for on-site calibration. It will achieve a significant advance in the accuracy of CO measurements, thereby enhancing studies of pollution transport into the Arctic by allowing multi-year studies and comparisons between distant field sites. It will enable the atmospheric chemistry and Arctic climate scientific communities to generate accurate and reliable models of global pollution generation, chemistry, and transport. This instrument can be used as a medical diagnostic for pulmonary distress detection. It will also enable power plants and other industrial operations to improve the efficiency of their stacks, thereby decreasing emissions and increasing productivity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Paldus, Barbara PICARRO INC CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99961 5371 EGCH 9187 9102 0118000 Pollution Control 9960586 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Ultra High Definition Color Projection Display. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a beam steering system that will enable each pixel on a light valve to become four color pixels thus doubling the light valve's resolution in both directions and adding color without banding effects. The goal of any display device is the creation of a compelling illusion that the user is observing a real object. This is particularly true in simulation applications where realism is paramount or where faithful and accurate reproduction of a physical object is required, as in medical imaging. These applications require ultra high definition. DTI has conceived an optical technique that can use a state-of-the-art light valve with 1.3 million pixels and double its resolution in both directions to produce a display with 5.2 million pixel resolution. Research to date indicates that to be technically viable, an effective mechanism is needed to direct spot illumination to multiple well focused spots with the precision to optically increase the resolution of the light valve. This innovation will enable display products to achieve resolutions not possible though conventional means to meet the most demanding digital display requirements including those for digital mammography, simulators, HDTV and digital cinema. Ultra high definition product monitors resulting from this research can be commercialized in a number of markets demanding high quality images with fine details and improved realism. These include digital cinema, multi-media presentation, dome simulators, digital mammography and radiology and HDTV. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eichenlaub, Jesse DIMENSION TECHNOLOGIES INC NY Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 9960598 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Earth Data Multimedia Instrument. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Planet Earth Science (PES), Inc., the Earth Data Multimedia Instrument (EDMI), will be a software-based, client-side, data-visualization instrument that will bring to the K-12 science classroom much the same data visualization capabilities of advanced research laboratories: the ability to acquire real-time data from the internet and to manipulate these data locally and display geographically-based information. The EDMI will build upon Internet data access capabilities currently under development at Planet Earth Science, Inc. The EDMI is an innovation in educational courseware authoring capabilities, an innovation that responds to the need for interactive courseware to enable secondary-school science students to discover and understand actual Earth-science data sets. Embedded as a plug-in ('Xtra') to the run-time software products made with Macromedia Director and Authorware, the EDMI acquires the advanced interactive multimedia capabilities of these authoring platforms. The EDMI adds the capability to visualize and manipulate the most up-to-date Earth data. As such, the EDMI fully complements and extends the usefulness of the NSF sponsored WorldWatcher program and other data visualization programs available on the marketplace. The initial user population will be America's middle-school Earth science classrooms, although the Instrument can also find application in a wide range of formal and informal instructional settings. As the enabling technology for data discovery software in middle schools, the EDMI will pioneer a new level of pedagogy, where the ability to access and visualize large data sets becomes routine even for pre-teen students. Whether included in the next series of Planet Earth Science's award-winning courseware, or sold as a Director/Authorware plug-in to other software developers, the EDMI realizes the potential of the Internet as a data-delivery network. IIP ENG Caron, Bruce Planet Earth Science, Inc. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 98157 7256 SMET 9177 7355 7256 5371 0108000 Software Development 9960600 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Reactor Scale and Topography Feature Scale Simulator for Plasma Enhanced Semiconductor Processes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a statistical (Monte Carlo) software model and software simulation tool for the pre-sheath and sheath regions of low pressure plasmas used in IC fabrication. The objective is to bridge the time/length scales between reactor scale phenomena and feature scale phenomena. The sheath models will be integrated with an existing reactor scale software model (CFD-ACE+) and feature scale software simulators (SPEEDIE and CATS). The work will fill a void currently faced by designers of plasma equipment and processes. It will evaluate the influence of macroscopic reactor conditions on feature scale profile evolution. Stanford University Center for Integrated Circuits will be a sub-contractor on this project. The Phase I effort will focus on an intermediate-scale model based on kinetic treatment of charged particle transport near the wafer surface. This model will be an interface between a hydrodynamic model in CFD-ACE+ and collisionless gas phase models in SPEEDIE and CATS for interstructure particle transport. The plasma-presheath model will provide spatially resolved distributions of ion flux, energy and angular distributions to SPEEDIE and CATS. Both SPEEDIE and CATS require die level models to resolve the impact of circuit layout/topography on species generation/loss, charged particle collection and currents paths to the substrate. In Phase II, the models will be refined and validated (against experiments conducted at Stanford) for silicon etch processes in Cl2 and SF6 systems. CATS will be expanded to include the wafer charging circuit and will be merged with SPEEDIE. The commercial availability of the capability will allow process engineers to design better processes and identify equipment/process deficiencies before physical prototyping. The use of the model will enable the reduction of potential yield losses due to unsatisfactory gap/step coverage, film noncomformality and undesirable etch profiles. According to industry observers, even a 2% improvement in the fabrication yield will provide significant savings to the industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stout, Phillip CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99947 5371 MANU 9146 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960601 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Spinning Performance of Melt-Spun Fibers Containing Microencapsulated Phase Change Material. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will investigate the spinning performance of melt spun fibers containing microencapsulated phase change materials (microPCMs). MicroPCMs have been successfully incorporated into solution-spun acrylic fibers, significantly increasing their thermal energy storage capability. However, of the billions of pounds of non-cellulosic fibers produced worldwide, melt-spun fiber production far exceeds the amount produced of acrylics. With demand for acrylics expected to continue to decline over the long term, the opportunity for technological innovation in synthetic fibers clearly lies with melt-spun fibers. The overall objective of Phase I is to acquire a fundamental understanding of the relationship between the spinning process, the polymer matrix containing microPCM, and the resulting product. To achieve this the limits of spinnability of microPCM filled polyester and/or polypropylene will be determined. This includes determining the maximum concentration of microPCMs for spinning continuity at 2000 m/min. and higher. Anticipated benefits to the nation include (1) the commercial potential of melt-spun fibers and resulting fabrics with enhanced thermal energy storage capabilities, and (2) an enhancement to national security offered by the use of this technology to extend the endurance and survivability of members of the military services who operate in extreme environments. Commercial potential The commercial potential of melt-spun fibers and fabrics with enhanced thermal energy storage capabilities is enormous for the apparel (e.g., socks, gloves, jackets) and industrial insulation markets, where hot or cold thermal control is required. Key words Phase change material, microPCM, melt-spun fiber, fiber spinning SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bryant, Yvonne Triangle Research and Development Corporation NC Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960623 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Novel Thin Film Electric Field Tunable Microwave Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I program will expand the types of thin film ferroelectric materials for electrically tunable microwave device applications including resonators, filters, and phase shifters. Phase shifters play an essential role in phased array antennas, for example. As opposed to the conventional ferrite-based devices, which rely on magnetic fields to vary the magnetic permeability of the material, ferroelectric devices possess an electric permittivity or, correspondingly the dielectric constant, that is varied by an applied electric field. Electrical rather than magnetic tunability allows more compact and power-efficient devices. Thin film ferroelectrics have further advantages over bulk ferroelectrics in that they operate at lower voltages. In this Phase I STTR project, F&S/Luna innovations and their university research partners will develop a new class of materials for electrically tunable microwave device applications that are based on organic polymers rather than ceramic ferroelectric materials. The advantages of polymers include low cost, easy processability, low dielectric constant and loss tangent, and the versatility of a wide range of potential materials that can be optimized for a given device through organic synthesis. This technology would revolutionize the fabrication of microwave switching and phase shifting components by reducing size, cost and power requirements while improving performance compared to existing component technologies. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Michael Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99981 1505 MANU AMPP 9163 9146 1773 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960625 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: An Advanced Model for Aerated-Liquid Jets in Subsonic Crossflows. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will study the spray atomization and mixing performance of effervescent (or aerated-liquid, or barbotage) atomizer in a subsonic crossflow environment, both experimentally and numerically. The investigation of phenomena associated with the atomization of aerated-liquid jets injected into a subsonic crossflow poses significant challenges due to the complexity involved among liquid, barbotage gas, and cross-stream air. The research objectives are: 1) to identify the near-field spray breakup mechanisms, 2) to characterize the far-field spray structures, and 3) to explore the flow control capability of aerated-liquid injectors. Extensive experimentation will be accomplished, allowing for complete characterization of atomization processes, including pulsed shadowgraph (for the global spray structure visualization and penetration height measurements), holography (for the near-field column structure studies), and PDPA (for the far-field spray structure measurements). Flow control capability of the aerated-liquid injectors in subsonic crossflows will be investigated in terms of the discharge coefficients. Numerical simulations will be performed using the KIVA computer code to predict the far-field spray structures. The application of aerated-liquid atomizers in subsonic crossflows is anticipated to offer enhanced atomization and superior fuel-air mixing in a wide array of engines, such as gas turbine engines, rocket engines, and high-speed air-breathing engines. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lin, Kuo-Cheng Taitech, Inc. OH Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99508 5371 MANU 9149 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960634 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: One-Step Silicon Wafer Manufacturing from Low-Grade Polysilicon for Photovoltaic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes an innovative method for one-step silicon wafer production for the photovoltaic (PV) industry. Starting directly from metallurgical grade silicon (MGSi), it is proposed to use molten metal as the purification media. MGSi with its impurities will be dissolved in the molten metal, which will separate the impurities from MGSi through the impurity partitioning effect. By manipulating the temperature, and taking advantage of the density difference, silicon can be separated from the molten bath. Once the impurities are separated, silicon wafers will be drawn out from the molten bath. This one-step method eliminates the use of chlorosilanes (normally used to produce polysilicon). In addition, eliminates the steps of crystal growth and wafer slicing for the photovoltaic industry. This process will meet the demands of PV industry to produce inexpensive solar wafers. Phase I of the project will concentrate on the experimental and theoretical research for purification and characterization aspects of MGSi. This will lead to a preliminary design of a one-step wafer manufacturing system. During Phase II detailed research will demonstrate how this single step process can be reduced to practice, leading to commercialization in Phase III. This project will lead to a new US-based technology for the photovoltaic (PV) industry. The proposed technology can substantially reduce the cost of silicon wafers that the PV industry uses. It is expected that with this technique, it will be possible to decrease the cost/watt of solar power into the range in which solar power can become competitive with standard utility power. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chandra, Mohan GT EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGIES NH Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960640 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Electrochromic Devices Fabricated from Self-Assembled Polyelectrolytes for Flat Panel Displays. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I program will encompass the revolutionary ionically self-assembled monolayer (ISAM) methods of creating multifunctional thin-films monolayer by monolayer to yield self-assembled, electronically and photonically-active polymeric thin films. F&S/Luna Innovations and research partners have demonstrated that the ISAM technique can be used to fabricate both polymer light emitting diodes and inherently noncentrosymmetric electro-optic polymer films. Because the self-assembly technique relies inherently on polyelectrolytes, electrochromic devices become another important area of opportunity for the combination of ISAM with conducting polymers. Such devices change their color and/or opacity when a voltage is applied. The ISAM process allows molecular level control over the assembly of the layered structures of an electrochromic device with exceptional homogeneity and ease of processing. ISAM electrochromic thin film devices offer the potential for enhanced electrochromic contrast and increased switching speed as well as major advantages of excellent homogeneity, high thermal and chemical stability, simplicity and low-cost. Importantly, the films can be conformally fabricated over large areas on flexible substrates. F&S/Luna Innovations will work with optoelectronic and polymer synthesis university researchers to rapidly transition recent laboratory results to prototype device products. ISAM electrochromic devices have immediate application in military and commercial areas for inexpensive, large area, flexible optical displays, smart windows, and automotive rear view mirrors and sunroofs. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Michael Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99962 1505 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960650 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Transcription Profiling for Environmental Toxicity. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to validate the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a whole animal model for developmental compound toxicity testing using a molecular genetic approach. Many toxic substances produced by the chemical, pharmaceutical and agronomic industries are not properly characterized by comprehensive hazard/risk assessment tests, primarily because of the high cost and experiment time of classical animal-base toxicity testing and the lack of relevance of results to humans. New vertebrate animal models for hazard/environmental toxicity, which are reproducible, rapid and highly predictive of human toxicity, are needed. Inherent advantages of the zebrafish model include the low cost to generate and maintain embryos, rapid embryogenesis, and a morphological and molecular basis for tissue and organ development similar to humans. Phase I research will use in situ hybridization and Northern Blot analysis to study the patterns and levels of expression of zebrafish genes which are highly homologous to mammalian genes involved in toxicity response. Following treatment of zebrafish embryos with chemicals, changes in gene expression will be analyzed and compared with other vertebrate models. The zebrafish model will serve as an inexpensive animal model for toxicity testing for the pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural and cosmetic industries. The zebrafish model will serve as an inexpensive animal model that can be used to rapidly generate comprehensive information about the function of genes in response to exposure to chemicals, including environmental toxins and drugs. It will be useful to the pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural and cosmetic industries in areas such as toxicity testing, pharmacogenomics, drug discovery and screening, and bioinformatics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Willett, Catherine PHYLONIX PHARMACEUTICAL INC MA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9198 9145 0116000 Human Subjects 0313000 Regional & Environmental 9960653 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Planar Positioner with a Two-Dimensional Concentrated-Field Magnet Matrix for Flexible Manufacturing and Automation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project presents a unique integrated planar positioner for flexible manufacturing and automation. Next-generation intrabay and interbay automation in microelectronics manufacturing requires a compact, lightweight, and rigid structure for material handling and processing. The proposed planar positioning technology is a significant advance and simplification of existing positioners that employ a two-dimensional concentrated-field magnet matrix. In this positioner, only a single integrated motor is required for extended planar motion generation. The other degrees of freedom can be controlled by feedback or made open-loop stable. There is no mechanical contact between the single moving part and the machine frame, and no particulate contamination, which makes this technology suitable for clean-room operations. In Phase I, we will design, fabricate, and demonstrate a prototype two-dimensional positioner in order to prove feasibility. The semiconductor market is recovering from a recent recession. The long-term outlook for growth of the industry is extremely good. As the complexity of the overall process and the size of the wafer grow, automatic material handling becomes ever more important in semiconductor fabrication. Reliable low cost planar positioning for manufacturing processes for clean room, extreme-temperature, or vacuum environments will be a priority in microelectronics manufacturing, packaging, machine tool, and high-precision inspection stage industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Won-jong SATCON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION MA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99865 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960660 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Silicon Chip Antenna for Radio Frequency Identification Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to building a very small form factor radio frequency antenna for radio frequency identification (RFID) applications in smart tags. HiPoint has invented and patented a high performance, low cost, small size silicon chip antenna using wafer batch processing that will be combined with a standard, passive (batteryless) RFID chip to form a low cost, high performance RFID tag with small dimensions. The antenna and the RFID chip are stacked directly on top of each other. Passive RFID systems are used in applications such as object tagging, asset management, hazardous materials tracking and tracking of important documents. The existing RFID technology is limited by the need for large transponder antennas (~ 1' x 2' minimum) and costly multi- component assembly. In Phase I proof-of-principle will be demonstrated by building an antenna chip and connecting and characterizing it with a standard RFID chip. Success in Phase I will lead to a Phase II effort where HiPoint will integrate the antenna and the RFID chip using a wafer stacking technology accessible to the company. The product will be commercialized in Phase III in collaboration with manufacturing and marketing partners. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gnadinger, Fred HiPoint Technology Inc. CO Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 93174 5371 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 9960665 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Reference Electrode with an Invariant Liquid Junction Potential. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will provide a powerful tool for monitoring chemical, biological and environmental processes. A major cost component and obstacle of using potentiometric sensors in these applications is the need for frequent calibration and maintenance of the sensor. The foremost cause of periodic calibration and maintenance is due to a variation in the liquid junction, the interface between the reference electrode and the sample. The liquid junction is unavoidable in potentiometric sensors, and is the major limiting factor in the accuracy and operational life of pH sensors and other ion-selective electrodes. Recent developments in microfluidics and nanotechnology provide the means to develop long-lived, invariant, and reproducible liquid junctions that significantly reduce the need for sensor recalibration and maintenance. Reference electrodes using this new liquid junction will find application in all potentiometric sensors. The feasibility of developing an invariant and constant liquid junction will be demonstrated. Improved process control and significant savings in operational costs will make this reference technology the new sensor design requirement. The potential is also great for using this new technology as a basic building block in microfluidic sensor devices that utilize potentiometric microsensors. Such microfluidic devices are estimated by many sources to be a multi-billion dollar industry in the next decade. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Broadley, Scott Broadley-James Corporation CA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9960669 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Low Emissions Diesel Engines. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will establish a novel diesel engine concept in combination with catalyst technology. This will dramatically reduce diesel engine emissions while maintaining the enhanced fuel efficiency. In this program we will demonstrate that the best features of spark engines (low emissions) and diesel engines (enhanced fuel efficiency) can be combined to produce a high fuel efficiency, low emissions diesel engine consistent with the 80 mpg goals of the Partnership For Next Generation Vehicle Program (PNGV). The key to this program is the use of modest levels of oxygen enriched air (22-25% oxygen) to a diesel engine in combination with other after treatment procedures. In Phase I we will demonstrate the needed enhancements from oxygen enriched air (OEA) and simulate overall system performance based on our after treatment model. These results should demonstrate the engines ability to meet the PNGV mileage and emissions objective for passenger cars (hybrid vehicle) and/or meet the 2002 diesel engine emissions goal. In Phase II we will integrate both OEA and after treatment systems into overall engine package for full scale demonstration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nemser, Stuart COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9188 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960671 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced Desulfurization of Gasoline. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will facilitate the development of gasoline and diesel fuel biodesulfurization (BDS). Recent domestic and international targets have been set to reduce the leads in fuel to less than 100 ppm (present regulations are over 300 ppm). Conventional hydrodesulfurization (HDS) is costly and works poorly at these low concentrations of sulfur. In this program we will develop stable non-wetting membrane contactors to provide bubbleless oxygen delivery to grow bacteria for BDS of gasoline and other fuels. Providing non-flammable oxygen delivery is major obstacle to commercial development of gasoline based BDS. Present oxygen delivery technologies introduce oxygen bubbles to fuel, but our membrane is hypothesized to dissolve oxygen directly into liquid. Also, unlike conventional microporous membranes, our membranes should not wet out over time. This new technology, if successful, should help make BDS viable commercial alternative to HDS allowing gasoline producers to further reduce sulfur levels with low cost high quality process. In Phase I, we will demonstrate process using dibenzothiophene as surrogate fuel. We will measure rate of oxygen transfer and sulfur conversion. Economic analysis and durability testing will verify potential of process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nemser, Stuart COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9198 9197 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 9960675 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Concentration of Thermally Labile Solutes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the concentration of aqueous process streams that is common in the food and pharmaceutical industry. When the product activity is sensitive to temperatures above room temperature, process such as freeze-drying are employed. Osmotic Distillation (OD) is a candidate for a lower cost method for concentration of a higher quality product, but has not been developed for the application partly because of potential failure due to penetration of the microporous membrane structure by the solution to be concentrated. The suitability of a new porous/nonporous membrane will be demonstrated for use of OD in fruit juice concentration. The nonporous nature will avoid the failure mode described above. The membrane is based on novel high water permeability polymers. The high chemical and thermal resistance of this polymer will allow common sterilization methods to be used. This study will produce suitable modules of nonporous and porous membranes, investigate the relative efficiency of each in concentrating a model solution, and demonstrate their relative tendencies to 'wet out', or fail due to fouling of the membrane by process streams. This lower cost process, if successful, can have an immediate impact in the preparation of fruit juice concentrate and pharmaceutical products without activity loss. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bowser, John COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9960676 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Continuous On-line Monitor to Detect and Quantify Organic Contaminants in Water. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project significantly broadens the monitoring capability of the Brims Ness continuous on-line monitor to include harmful, water-borne organic contaminants. It combines a new technology, molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) which are selective for individual organic molecules, with the monitor's quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor device. This will expand contamination detection capacity to include dioxins, PCBs, furans and other toxic organic contaminants which dominate the Super Fund priorities list. This advance builds upon the success of another recently completed Phase I project which validated the performance of a low-cost, continuous on-line monitor to detect the presence of heavy metals in an aqueous flow. That project combined two existing, mature technologies, ion exchange resins to select individual heavy metal and other selected ions, and the QCM sensor device to measure the ion selection. The technology will allow full automation of monitoring functions at sites which must now use periodic sampling to detect contaminants. The project will lead to a broad range of commercial applications including (1) municipal water utilities, (2) wastewater treatment plants, (3) process industries, (4) food processors, and (5) entities reliant on groundwater wells. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Schauer, H. Wallace BRIMS NESS CORPORATION ME Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99280 9150 EGCH 9197 9150 5371 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 9960680 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: A New Device for Quantitative Determination of Trace Gas Species. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is addresses the feasibility of an ultrasensitive device for quantitative determination of trace gas species. It is based on fundamen-tal new design for cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS). Notably, present-day CRDS devices have limited spectral coverage; their mirror reflectivity is high for only a few percent of the design wavelength. The proposed device differs from conventional CRDS in that it is a broadband in-strument and useful throughout the UV to IR spectral region for multi-species detection. In addi-tion, the CRDS sensor offers fast response times, requires no calibration, and is compatible with corrosive gases. We will design and build the new CRDS device, and test its sensitivity and capa-bility over a wide range of wavelengths. If feasibility is proven, a very sensitive, broadband, trace gas analyzer will be developed. The principal applications for CRDS include spectroscopy, environmental monitoring, chemical analysis, and advanced process control. CRDS sensors can serve as on-line process monitors that reduce waste and increase product quality and yield. They can be used as a laboratory instru-ments, as well as for moisture and other trace gas detection in corrosive gases. By the same to-ken, CRDS sensors work in hostile environments such as combustion and discharge processes. Other potential applications include medical diagnostics, like neo-natal or asthmatic breath analy-sis, and antiterrorism devices (both explosives and nerve gases). STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Yan, Wen-Bin MEECO INC PA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 1505 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 9960693 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Sensor for On-line Non-destructive Residual Strain Measurement during Composite Manufacturing using Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance. This SBIR Phase I project investigates the feasibility of a novel strain gauge sensing residual strains in composites formed during the manufacturing process. Many factors lead to these residual strains such as poor mold designs, inappropriate temperature and pressure settings, unbalanced ply lay-up, uneven shrinkage of matrix and/or expansion of the fibers and differences in coefficient of thermal expansion between tooling and composite. Residual strains hamper the quality of composites products; the measurement of these strains will yield improved process and quality control. Quantum Magnetics is proposing a novel nondestructive strain sensor based on the principle of Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR). 1-5 wt% of crystalline additives is blended into the resin during fabrication of the composite structure. Composites will be manufactured with low and high residual strains via changes in manufacturing parameters and raw material variations. For measuring residual strains, the composite is irradiated with radio frequencies to evoke an NQR response from the embedded crystals, which is a function of strain. The Phase I objectives are: (1) determine relevant NQR characteristics of additive in composite, (2) investigate shift of the NQR frequency as a function of residual strain and (3) develop a preliminary design for a Phase II prototype. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vierkotter, Stephanie Quantum Magnetics, Inc. CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960694 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Improving Pearl Quality and Yield Using Biotechnology: Plugs, Patches, Therapeutants and Delivery Systems. This SBIR Phase I project applies biomedical principles and practices to the lucrative, but poorly understood process of pearl culture. Despite the value of the world pearl industry (around US$3 billion per annum), it is still based on turn-of-the-century technology. The Pearl Development Group addresses this immense opportunity by bringing together a unique consortium of pearl seeding technicians, farmers, biologists, entrepreneurs and biomedical scientists. Their collective efforts are focussed on using rigorous scientific methods with state-of-the-art biotechnology to improve pearl production. Preliminary trials by PDG reveal two areas of particular promise with the pearl seeding operation. Firstly, improved sterility from use of antibiotics or sealants to reduce the risk of post-operative infection; and secondly, cellular adhesion protein coatings on the nucleus to improve pearl sac formation. Both could result in more pearls, of better quality. These improvements could have a compounding effect, as better yields result in more oysters being subsequently reseeded. Sealants may also allow technicians to insert larger nuclei, resulting in geometrical increases in value of successive pearls. These innovations will be tested on a large scale on our farm, and evaluated by comparing post-seed rejection rates and early assays of pearl sac growth and pearl formation. If successful, these technologies could be marketable to other pearl farms worldwide, through established farm suppliers, as well as leading to increased profitability for our subsidiary and partner farms. Slight improvements in the pearl seeding operation can dramatically improve farm profitability. For our Majuro farm model, production improvements of, say, 35% yield revenue increases of $1.1 million for minimal added costs. The price margin on these products might then be $10 per seeding operation. Extrapolated to the Tahitian pearl industry alone, this is a value-added of over $42 million p.a. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sims, Neil Black Pearls Inc HI George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99844 5371 BIOT 9117 1167 0521700 Marine Resources 9960701 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Differential Long-Path Spectrophotometer for On-line Measurements of Controlled Halogenated Organic Compounds in Potable Water. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is concerned with the development of a Differential Long-path Spectrophotometer (DLS) for on-line measurements of halogenated organic species that are formed when potable water is disinfected (disinfection by-products, or DBPs). The instrument to be developed will eliminate major difficulties that water utilities currently face in their efforts to monitor and control DBPs. Specifically, whereas at present the analyses of interest are extremely costly and time-consuming, the new instrument will provide inexpensive and virtually instantaneous data, allowing utilities to monitor DBP formation in real time and to respond rapidly if DBP concentrations exceed acceptable bounds. The key technical feature of the DLS will be its ability to measure, with high precision, the relatively small changes in light absorbance by natural organic matter (NOM) caused by addition of chlorine to potable water (the differential absorbance). These changes will be correlated with the concentration of individual DBPs formed and of a composite parameter characterizing the total chlorinated DBP concentration in solution, the total organic halogen (TOX). The key concept behind DLS is the extremely strong correlation, first identified by sub-contractors of this proposal, between the differential absorbance and the concentration of the target compounds. The DLS measurements needed to quantify the formation of DBPs are fast and inexpensive. They do not involve the use of any toxic chemicals or organic solvents. Thus, the DLS instrument will address social, engineering and analytical needs and will fill an existing niche in the market of analytical instrumentation. The Phase I project will include the design and assembly of one or two working DLS prototypes and initial testing of the prototype(s) under laboratory and field conditions. Phase II will involve full development and tests of the prototypes and extensive evaluation of the performance parameters (e.g., sensitivity, dynamic range, stability), and will result in a tested and calibrated prototype device. Sequoia intends to carry out the transition to market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Agrawal, Yogesh Sequoia Scientific, Inc. WA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99020 5371 EGCH 9197 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 9960710 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Development of a Solar Air Conditioner for Small Cooling Loads. The need for the development of new technologies having minimum operational impact on the environment has increased consistently during the last few years. Due to the high cost of energy production, a need for these new technologies has become more critical for regions without conventional fuel sources. In Puerto Rico, for example, the combination of scarcity of conventional energy resources and a rapid economic development present major challenges to manage energy production. In response to these challenges the Government of Puerto Rico in their Public Energy Policy recommended the promotion and use of renewable energy technologies as a large component in the future energy infrastructure of Puerto Rico. This recommendation was based upon government commitments to develop a sustainable energy infrastructure and due to the Island's large current dependence of more than 98 percent on foreign oil for electric power generation. Furthermore, solar-assisted air conditioning systems are proven technologies which represent a true alternative for hot and humid climates such as that prevailing in the Caribbean. Estimates indicate that more than 25 percent of the energy use in Puerto Rico goes for cooling and dehumidification in the industrial and commercial sectors, and a larger component in the residential sectors is expected in the years ahead. A team consisting of two small businesses and a research university and sponsored by the local and federal governments was formed in 1997 to address the commercialization of solar air conditioning technologies in the Caribbean targeting a niche market requiring 10-50 cooling tons. This effort is well underway and a final product is expected by the end of the year 1999. However, in fast growing economic areas such as the Caribbean, the residential and light commercial sectors represent the largest market potential in the air conditioning industry. The small usinesses are now focusing on the development of compact solar air conditioning system based on the heat driven absorption cycle. This is the main objective of this proposal. The capacity of the proposed system is targeted within the range of 3-5 cooling tons which is typical of multi-residential and light commercial areas in the Caribbean. The main system's components will be a medium size thermal energy storage tank, an air-cooled compact absorption chiller that uses Lithium-Bromide as the working fluid pair, and a compact array of high performance collectors. Building integration issues will be addressed to minimize energy and space consumption and maximize aesthetics of the product. This system will definitely represent the next generation of absorption machines. The research will draw from the more than four years of experience gained by the proponents in the development of commercial scale solar air conditioning systems in the Caribbean. The target payback period for the proposed product will be five years or less or at least twice the market price of conventional vapor compression systems. The system will be reliable and of simple operation using state-of-the-art optimal control strategies. This project will specifically conduct a technical proof-of-concept effort based on: design specifications; mathematical simulations of the thermal and control processes; and availability of materials and manufacturing techniques. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sanchez, Hector A/C & Mechanical Services Corp. PR George B. Vermont Standard Grant 110000 9150 1505 EGCH 9231 9197 9178 9150 9102 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 9960716 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Smart Instrument Controls with Feel Display. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop instrument control interfaces such as knobs and sliders with force feedback to create input-output devices capable of displaying feel to human operators. Flat-screen displays have significantly advanced the visual display of information in aircraft, automobile, and equipment interfaces. Similar advances for the sense of touch have not occurred - interfaces still use the same inflexible types of instrument controls (knobs, sliders, buttons, etc.) available decades ago. Exploration by the company suggests the potential for human factors benefits from advancing the state of the art in instrument controls by giving them programmable feels. Performance will benefit through the provision of meaningful, intuitive information to the underutilized sense of touch. These systems also could simplify interfaces by reducing the number of separate controls. One control could operate two or more carefully chosen functions, each function having a distinctly separate 'feel'. Instrument controls with programmable feels have the potential to revolutionize operator interfaces for all types of equipment and vehicles. The proposed work will leverage technologies proven in the company's other touch display products. Further development will create cost-effective, manufacturable instrument controls with feel display. A huge potential market exists for vehicle interfaces, professional equipment, and consumer electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hasser, Christopher IMMERSION CORPORATION CA G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 1455 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960722 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Direct Fluorescence Analysis by Low Temperature Time-Resolved Excitation Emission Matrices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will lead to fast, sensitive, and compound-specific analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air, water, soil, and sediment. Risk assessment demands chemically-specific analysis because the carcinogenic or mutagenic potential varies widely for PAHs with nearly identical chemical structures. The traditional chromatographic methods (GC or HPLC, often with mass detection) are slow and expensive. Fluorescence is amply sensitive, direct reading, and the data are inherently multi-dimensional. Prior research has shown that cooling Shpol'skii matrix samples to cryogenic temperature, exciting the fluorescence with narrow band tunable laser light, and time-resolved spectroscopy each enhance specificity. However, technical challenges have prevented the routine utilization of these strategies individually, let alone in combination. This project will demonstrate that benzo[a]pyrene can be quickly analyzed in real-world samples by time-resolved excitation emission matrices acquired for Shpol'skii matrices at 77 K. Technical innovations central to the project are an extremely compact tunable ultraviolet laser, simplification of fluorescence lifetime methodology, and delivering the excitation light directly to the sample by a fiber optic frozen into the matrix. The new procedures and instrumentation will see applications in environmental site characterization and remediation, health research, and fundamental laboratory studies. The initial commercial market is expected to be environmental testing and analytical laboratories. Once the feasibility of the TREEM direct fluorescence analysis is established, expansion to other markets, particularly in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and food industries is expected. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Gillispie, Greg DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 9150 EGCH 9197 9150 5371 0110000 Technology Transfer 0118000 Pollution Control 9960725 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Noncorroding Steel Reinforced Concrete. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop processes and products that effectively prevent corrosion of steel-reinforced concrete, and enhance the interface and mechanical properties between the reinforcing steel and the concrete. A tough and easily applied reinforcement coating would be relatively insensitive to damage during transit and placement. Also, the improved mechanical interface with the cement matrix would reduce the ability of moisture to migrate along the reinforcement, which would increase the life cycle of the reinforced structures. This technology is expected to be robust and inexpensive and have potential commercial applications throughout the construction industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morton, James Concrete Sciences Corporation ID Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99460 5371 AMPP 9163 1448 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960728 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Novel High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Detector: Generating On-the-Fly Fluorescence Lifetimes Concurrently at Multiple Emission Wavelengths. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves construction and optimization of a novel high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detector that can resolve the chemically complex analyte mixtures encountered in environmental and pharmaceutical laboratories. Standard HPLC analysis of such complex mixtures is severely hampered by peak overlap. Even under optimal separation conditions, which necessitate long elution times and drive up analysis costs, the species of interest are often only partially resolved. Dakota Technologies, Inc. has patented a novel detection scheme that concurrently records fluorescence decay curves at four or more emission wavelengths and is ideally suited to HPLC fluorescence detection. The scheme uses fiber optic delay lines to control the arrival of different wavelength fluorescence components at the single photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector. The two dimensional detector (fluorescence wavelength and decay time) is simple, robust, and significantly less expensive than competitive detectors, which are limited to just the wavelength or decay time domain. Proof of principle has been established but further technical developments are needed to optimize the approach for analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In this Phase I SBIR project DTI will implement a flow cell that that employs total internal reflectance to deliver the excitation light, resulting in higher light fluxes at the PMT. A new-to-the market 9-bit digital phosphor oscilloscope (DPO) will be incorporated to increase the accuracy and speed of data acquisition. The optimal emission wavelength sets for individual PAHs will be found by experiment and chemometric algorithms will be tested. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dvorak, Michael DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 1317 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960731 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Novel Microphase Separated Solid Polymer Electrolytes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project concerns with the development of novel nano-structured polymer electrolytes (NSPE) for solid state Li-ion batteries, low cost, 'dye sensitized' solar cells and electrochromic devices. The electrolytes feature high ionic conductivity and excellent mechanical strength, resulting from an ordered structure on the manometer scale consisting of an epoxy scaffold and a polymer electrolyte network. The unique structure is obtained by self-assembly during curing of the epoxy in the presence of an immiscible block copolymer containing the ion-conducting phase. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Peramunage, Dharmasena EIC Laboratories Inc MA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU AMPP 9163 9146 1773 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960737 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Ultrasonic Fluid Probe for Vibration Monitoring of Advanced Machine Tools. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative approach for measuring vibration during characterization of advanced machine tools as well as during the machining process. The approach uses a fluid jet as a probe that will make an accurate, robust, and low cost sensor. The growing demand for high-speed milling, as well as increasing use of small size tools and difficult-to-machine advanced materials, call for improved characterization of machine tools and for controlling vibration and chatter during the machining process. To do this, advanced machine systems must rely on accurate sensors to measure and to control vibrations. Sensor requirements are: (1) accurate vibration measurements; (2) impervious to the machining environment; (3) dual use for characterization prior to operation and for monitoring during the milling process; and (4) small size and low cost. To date, commercially available sensors do not meet these requirements, whereas the Phase I sensor is expected to satisfy much of the need. The fluid probe, as part of a machine control system, has the potential to reduce machine tool vibrations, thereby improving surface finish and increasing throughput. The same sensor will be used both for characterization of the machine tools and for monitoring during machining. The principal commercial market for the fluid probe is the machine tool industry. Machining performance is critical in many industrial sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and rapid prototyping. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pouet, Bruno LASSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99658 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960744 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Hydrocarbon Sensor for Oil Exploration. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project will apply CVD (chemical vapor deposition) diamond chemical sensor technology to petroleum exploration. This project will be performed by Physitron, in conjunction with Vanderbilt University, Microsensor Systems Inc. (MSI), and New Paradigm Exploration, Inc. (NPE), NPE is currently using an MSI developed hydrocarbon sensor to detect single and multi-ring aromatics in soil samples from 30 inches below the surface to locate oil reservoirs. It has been demonstrated that these hydrocarbons are also present immediately above the surface in somewhat reduced concentrations. Physitron and Vanderbilt have previously developed solid state chemical sensors, which detect minute quantities of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon monoxide. With modifications these detectors can be tailored to detect aromatic hydrocarbons and used as the detecting element in the MSI system. The resulting system will be much more sensitive and faster to respond and recover than the current system. During Phase I, Physitron and Vanderbilt will fabricate test structures, perform experiments, and conduct analyses to demonstrate the sensitivity and responsivity of our technology. Meanwhile, NPE will be completing the verification of the correlation between subsurface measurements and surface measurements. Near the end of Phase I, MSI will place a hydrocarbon sensor into a gas chromatograph to demonstrate the applicability and operability of the detector. The most obvious application of this technology is the identification of oil reservoirs by making surface measurements of the aromatic hydrocarbon density. This would be done by driving a vehicle across the surface while taking measurements. The major oil companies expend more than $3 Billion annually to locate oil reservoirs using 3D seismic techniques. Other applications of this technology include detection of explosives, detection and mapping of chemical warfare agents, mapping of chemical contamination, measurement of spraying density for fertilizer, weed killer, and insecticide and monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Price, Melvin PHYSITRON, INC. AL Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 9150 CVIS 9150 5371 1059 0110000 Technology Transfer 9960752 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Smart Fiber Composite System Capable of Early Detection of Material Failure. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a fiber sensor system to be embedded in Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) during their fabrication. During use of the CMC component, a fiber failure could be unambiguously detected. The status of all CMC components could then be examined in real time by a system control hierarchy so that the applied load to the component can be reduced, or if that is not possible, the component could be replaced. Phase I will utilize electrically conductive elements of the load bearing fibers and sense the electrical continuity of these conductive elements to establish the mechanical integrity of the fiber. The sensing technology provides a clear, digital, on/off signal regarding the integrity of each and every fiber or strand. Because the concept is simple and direct, the method is expected to be highly reliable and sensitive. Specific military and commercial use will potentially be found in: commercial engines for air and space, land-based radiant burners and heat exchangers, power generation and industrial gas turbine systems, hot gas filters for environmental applications, and high temperature industrial processing equipment and fixtures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Newton, Kirk Technology Partners Inc. PA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1446 0522100 High Technology Materials 9960759 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Intelligent Control of Internal Combustion Engines using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control and Neural Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a five-level hierarchical architecture for intelligent control of internal combustion (IC) engines. IC engine control problems are highly challenging due to nonlinear, time-varying and stochastic nature of the processes and widely varying operating conditions. Current IC engine control systems have evolved gradually from fully mechanical to computerized electronic systems, but a comprehensive unified control architecture is lacking. Basic objectives of the system to be developed are emissions reduction, improvements in fuel efficiency, driveability, reliability and safety. A Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach based on both physical and Neural Network (NN) models will be employed. During Phase I, a complete five-level control architecture will be developed using the a state-of-the-art survey. The problem of air-fuel ratio control using predictive models and feedback from oxygen sensors will be solved using the MPC approach. University of California, Berkeley (Professor Karl Hedrick) will participate as a sub-contractor, and provide use of experimental facilities. General Motors Research and Development Center (Warren, MI) will provide evaluation and guidance for development and commercialization efforts. The market for IC engine power includes the global automobile industry. Significant improvements in emission control, fuel savings, driveability, and reliability are anticipated through use of this intelligent control approach. Direct commercial benefits could be enormous, given the size and importance of the IC engine in the global transportation market. Indirect benefits include improved air quality and conservation of resources used in the production and operation of IC-powered vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Seereeram, Sanjeev SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS COMPANY INC MA G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 1266 0000 0512004 Analytical Procedures 9960776 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured High Energy Li+ Battery Cathode Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes the technical strategy of Blue Sky Batteries, Inc. for the development of unique nanocomposite cathodes for rechargeable lithium batteries. These cathodes will enable commercialization of lithium ion cells which weigh forty times less than conventional lead acid and nickel-metal hydride cells, and three times less than the best lithium-ion cells now on the market. Additionally, these cells will possess theoretical energy densities of 1500 Wh/kg and capacities of 500 Ah/kg. This significant weight reduction and increased storage capacity will result in more compact energy supplies that will compliment, rather than burden, the current trends in electronics miniaturization. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Pope, John Blue Sky Batteries Incorporated WY Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9165 9150 5371 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960777 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Microflow and Nanoflow Characterization System (MINCS) for Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project concerns the development of a unique characterization system for the enhancement of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that rely on microflows or nanoflows. The proposed Microflow and Nanoflow Characterization System (MINCS) incorporates a suite of laser-based microfluidcharacterization techniques that will be demonstrated during the Phase I program. Important quantities such as velocity and species concentration will be determined simultaneously by acquiring two-dimensional images using multiphoton confocal microscopy. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code including chemical reactions will be incorporated into the instrument. The fusion of the instrumentation and CFD code into the MINCS package will improve the characterization of MEMS devices based on either technique alone. Upon validation using the MINCS instruments, the CFD code will be more applicable to the prediction of microflow characteristics, thereby enhancing the design of future MEMS devices. This Phase I program has important secondary benefits; MEMS-based devices will benefit from improved designs as a result of improved instrumental and computational characterization. This secondary benefit will have a larger economic impact through enhanced manufacturing of MEMS devices. For this reason, the research partners are a consortium possessing MEMS manufacturing facilities and design facilities for MEMS instruments for analytical-chemistry applications. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Fiechtner, Gregory Innovative Scientific Solutions, Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99901 1505 AMPP 9165 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9960803 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Low-Voltage Multi-Output Converters with Unity Power Factor for a New Generation of Computer Systems. This Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer project aims to design advanced power conversion circuit schemes to meet the increasingly stringent power requirements for future computers. This includes development of optimized power system configurations, efficient power stage topologies and high performance control techniques. The design schemes will meet the industry requirements in terms of total harmonic distortion and power factor as well as EMI requirements. In Phase II, advanced packaging techniques and components and device optimization will be carried out. Using high-speed computers has become mandatory in all fields of application. The increasing desire for quick response, fast processing capability and for the multi-functioned features of computer systems drives the computer hardware design engineer to develop high-speed microprocessors. Meeting present and future power requirements for high-speed computers poses a real challenge to the technical community. Today's microprocessor technology enables the new generation processors operate as high as 500MHz. Designs for 800MHz and 1GHz are under way. The new generation integrated circuits are developed based on low-voltage (typically 2.6V to 3.3V) operation. Also the semiconductor companies are targeting chips running at 1.5V to 2V to operate at the GHz. speeds. The technical difficulties facing design engineers are numerous. As the voltage supply decreases, higher currents are needed to meet the required power rating, resulting in high power losses and thermal management problems. Due to the high load current requirements and wide current changes, technical challenges in designing fast dynamic response, low voltage ripple tolerance and short circuit current protection need to be addressed. Potential users of the new designs are computer manufacturers and low voltage IC manufacturers that are used in communication equipment, consumer electronics, etc. The new power supply conversion technique will impact the entire computer industry. The next generation of computer speeds will be in the MHz range with voltage power supplies as low as 1.5volts at 100A. Even in today's computers at 200-400Mhz speeds, power losses are significant and suffer from slow dynamic response. As a result, computer power supplies are inefficient, bulky and expensive. Unlike the existing power conversion methods that based on the conventional scheme that uses voltage regulator modules from a 5V out put to the desired low output voltage, the proposed conversion scheme will be based on new topologies that will directly step down the voltage from line to the desired levels. We believe the new system configuration and topology selection will lead to a low-cost and improved power quality power supplies. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Vaidya, Jay ELECTRODYNAMICS ASSOCIATES INC FL Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9215 0110000 Technology Transfer 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9960806 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Computer-Directed High Throughput Screening for Improved Enzymatic Activity. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an enabling technology for computer-directed high throughput screening of proteins for improved properties. By combining a fast computer screen with experimental methods, the capabilities of random library screening can be greatly extended. This technology will be tested on Bacillus circulans xylanase with the goal of improving its activity at high temperature and pH. Starting from the enzyme crystal structure, Xencor's proprietary protein design automation (PDA) technology will be used to computationally prescreen the possible sequences resulting from varying selected residue positions, thereby eliminating unfavorable sequences and thus enormously reducing the number to be screened experimentally. The result of the computer screen is an amino acid probability distribution for the selected residue positions. A method will be developed to transform these probabilities into a DNA library that will be synthesized and experimentally screened for improved enzymatic activity. The computational prescreening will allow screening of ~10^80 sequences compared to 10^10 to 10^15 with conventional in vitro evolution techniques. The proposed research will result in a generally applicable procedure that allows optimization of far more residue positions and results in the more efficient development of improved proteins by coupling rational and random methods. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bentzien, Joerg Xencor CA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99980 5371 BIOT 9184 1108 0203000 Health 9960809 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Inductive Thermal Plasmas for Ultrahigh Throughput Soft Etch in Integrated Circuit (IC) Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to demonstrate a novel method of very-high-throughput isotropic etching for semiconductor manufacturing. Many steps in semiconductor manufacturing, especially the removal of photoresist, employ isotropic etching, often implemented with low-pressure plasma. We have demonstrated that inductive thermal plasmas can be used for isotropic etching at atmospheric pressure, achieving very high local etch rates while simplifying equipment requirements. We propose to develop a novel extended 'linear' plasma source, which will enable tool throughputs of 200-500 wafers/hour, much higher than conventional methods can achieve. Commercialization of the technology will be pursued through licensing arrangements with existing manufacturers of semiconductor capital equipment, who will in their turn be able to achieve compelling cost-of-ownership advantages in resist strip, backside etch, wafer thinning, and other isotropic etch steps. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Selitser, Simon TimeDomain CVD Incorporated CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99442 5371 MANU 9146 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960811 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Information Density Displays Made with Semiconductor Polymers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at developing a key technology-high conductivity, transparent anode electrode for high information density, large size, emissive polymer displays. Flat-panel, liquid crystal displays are currently used for portable displays such as laptop computers, Personal Digital Assistants or Navigation Guiding Systems. There are several drawbacks and limitations with LCDs (including limited view angle, limited contrast and relatively slow response speed). Backlight is needed for LCDs to be used under weak light conditions. Polymer emissive displays have emerged as promising technology for next generation displays with many novel features. Their processing advantages also allow them to be used for fabricating large area, light weight, emissive displays on flat, non-flat, or even flexible substrates. This technology is currently limited for finite size and the limited number of pixels due to low surface conductivity of Indium Tin Oxide anode. Success in developing a high conductivity, high effective transparency anode will allow the polymer Light Emitting Diodes to be used for large size, high information density displays. Single pixel and model display devices will also be fabricated and characterized during Phase I. Large area (3'-4'), high information density (1/4 VGA or higher), graphic displays will be developed in the Phase II based on the demands from market feedback. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yu, Gang UNIAX Corporation CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99975 5371 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 9960817 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Programmable Tunable Single Frequency Ytterbium Laser. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I Project will produce a narrow linewidth, single frequency, tunable Yb laser having a TEMoo mode. Such a laser would be an extremely useful tool for a number of important applications, such as a pump source for optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) and fiber amplifiers. Our preliminary analysis indicates that the best way to meet the requirements for this laser is through a novel technique based on the spatial structure of the intra-cavity electromagnetic fields. This method allows for scalability and versatility, while still achieving excellent performance in a relatively simple and stable configuration. The proposed system should produce hundreds of mW of power in a single longitudinal mode, with a wide tuning range and excellent frequency stability in a narrow bandwidth. The developed system will radically improve the characteristics of tunable lasers and will be an ideal source for high data transfer rate communication system between moving 'parties' for spectroscopy, parametric oscillators, clocks and others. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Markov, Vladimir MetroLaser, Inc. CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99923 5371 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 9960820 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Alternatives to Roasting: A Two-Stage Biohydrometallurgy Process of High Selectivity for Biooxidizing Molybdenum-Rhenium and Copper Sulfides. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project is designed to develop a biooxidation process module for low grade rhenium-bearing molybdenum ores and concentrates. Molybdenite (MoS2) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) are sulfides of molybdenum and copper, respectively. Rhenium (Re) is a rare metal that can substitute for molybdenum in the molybdenite crystal lattice and for which molybdenite is the only significant mineral source. These minerals frequently coexist in a given porphyry copper ore-body. Currently, rhenium, of high value and with current and potential industrial applications, cannot be recovered unless the molybdenite is roasted. This process in itself is extremely capital intensive and results in SO2 production and other environmental impacts. Here, a novel process is proposed which is highly selective for sequential metal release. We describe a process module for biooxidizing copper sulfide contaminated molybdenite concentrates and selectively mobilizing copper or molybdenum and rhenium. This process is designed to be integrated into a pre-existing chalcopyrite leach circuit or as an independent biooxidation facility and will utilize molybdenite originating from porphyry copper deposits. Variability in the grade of feed stocks should not be problematic. The total annual domestic market is estimated at $60-200 million. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Clark, Thomas LITTLE BEAR LABORATORIES INC CO Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99880 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960830 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Enterprise Visualization. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project investigates techniques and supporting mechanisms for visualizing enterprises. Understanding how enterprises operate is no simple endeavor. Many people who operate small businesses do so without the benefit of a formal education in information systems, organizational or process design. Similarly, people often lack the know-how needed to identify, diagnose and rectify problems in workflow, resource allocation, or business-to-business relationships. A survey, conducted by the firm, of related research indicates that little attention has been directed at understanding how to best visualize or visually represent organizational operations, structures, or processes. Thus, the basic problem for this research effort is, what constitutes an effective approach to visually represent the operations, structures and processes within an enterprise, or between interacting enterprises. The project will investigate, prototype and demonstrate a new approach and supporting mechanisms for visualizing enterprises, starting with a computer game environment, through a two phase research effort. This is to be followed by a third phase of full-scale product development and commercialization. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Neighbors, James Bayfront Technologies, Inc. CA G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 97116 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0108000 Software Development 9960841 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Problem Solving Environment for Reduced Kinetic Mechanisms. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will combine state-of-the-art techniques for automating the reduction of chemical kinetic mechanisms with advanced software tools for the creation of problem solving environments (PSE). The result will be a user-friendly graphical interface for the automated development and testing of reduced chemical kinetic mechanisms. The PSE will be demonstrated on the problem of development of reduced chemistry, and subsequently applied to computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations, of selective noncatalytic reduction (SNCR), used in the control of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in coal-fired utility boilers. This research will use the Computer Assisted Reduction Method (CARM) software, an automated tool for generating reduced kinetic mechanisms based on steady state assumptions, and a newly developed scientific programming environment, named SCIRun, that allows the interactive construction, debugging and steering of scientific computations. This new problem solving environment will equip the novice engineer with an extremely efficient tool for generating, testing, and validating reduced chemical mechanisms over a specified range of conditions. The tool will have immediate use in any application requiring a reduced description of detailed chemical kinetics and provide important scientific insights into factors affecting the validity of reduce kinetic mechanisms under a variety of conditions. Reduced chemical kinetic mechanisms are needed in a wide variety of combustion applications such as utility boilers and industrial process heaters, reciprocating and gas turbine engines, and fire, soot, explosive, and solid propellant modeling. Many potential non-combustion applications exist also, e.g. chemical processing and surface and condensed phase reactions. The target area in this phase I program is the examination of chemistry associated with the formation and destruction of nitrogen oxides in industrial boilers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Montgomery, Christopher REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL UT Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9960847 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: StructuresWorld: An Integrated Modeling/ Multimedia Environment for Engineering Education. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Dr. Software, LLC, will prototype a next- generation structural simulation environment, providing an advance in the way that concepts are taught and learned in undergraduate and graduate-level structural engineering and architectural education. Real-time analysis and visualization will be seamlessly integrated with multimedia content to provide a rich environment for presenting and exploring concepts of structural behavior. In terms of existing technologies, this project will bridge the gap between advanced analysis tools, which are designed to provide numerical/ visual results but limited educational content and context, and multimedia environments, which typically are designed to provide rich context but generally offer limited analysis capabilities. The research will build on an existing simulation environment in which users can manipulate and modify models and simultaneously visualize behavior in real-time. One portion of the proposed research will produce an appealing 3D simulation environment. Based on Dr. Software's experience with developing and using multimedia-based instructional tools, a second aspect of the research will implement capabilities for scripting model manipulations in conjunction with embedded text, images, and time-based media to provide context for the modeling. The total result will be an environment in which structural concepts can be presented in a 'live' context, allowing a rich combination of open-ended exploration and guided study and presentation. Dr. Software proffers technology that will be useful beyond the targeted audience. The user interface and embedded multimedia content can be modified to target other, larger audiences, including professional engineers (civil, aerospace, and mechanical) and architects. Indeed, it is also an appropriate vehicle for introducing engineering concepts to the general public. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rucki, Michael Dr. Software LLC WA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99200 5371 SMET 9178 7410 7256 0105000 Manpower & Training 9960851 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Anonymous Communication Protocol for Internet Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from IDZAP, LLC seeks to investigate technologies for anonymous bi-directional communication, and explore the feasibility of using such technology in Internet applications. A major problem in using the Internet resides in the protection of privacy of individuals. Just about every activity that people perform (such as web browsing, news posting and email) is logged. Commercial organizations frequently analyze the log to extract information to build profiles of users. Often this information is sold to third party marketers. IDZAP is in the business of providing anonymous web services to protect privacy. Anonymous web browsing and email services exist today. However, there is still no practical way to provide bi-directional anonymous Internet services. For example, one who sends an anonymous email to the consultant of a medical web site will want to hear back from that consultant. The problem is that the user may not want the consultant to know his/her identity. There are many similar problems that require solutions that are not available today. The proposed research on bi-directional anonymous communication will provide a basis for the solution to this type of problems. Based on the importance of internet privacy as reported in the mainstream media as well as on the feedback that IDZAP receives in the course of providing anonymous and secure web access services (i.e., anonymous one-directional communication) through its web browsing service, there is significant overall commercial potential for anonymous query and response communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wong, Ping IDZAP LLC CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9218 4090 0206000 Telecommunications 9960856 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Universal Protein Interaction Biosensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to extend a proof of concept result to a more generalized technology for the electronic detection of proteins and protein-protein interactions. The proposers will develop an electronic biosensor of high sensitivity and specificity that is based on electron tunneling and transition metal cross-talk effects that occur at electrodes derivatized with self-assembled monolayers. Preliminary results show that the sensing technology is unaffected by common sample contaminants like whole blood and serum, suggesting that proteins could be detected from samples with little pre-processing. In a model system, sub-zeptomolar concentrations of streptavidin were detected. The system is made up of stable modular components that can be inexpensively produced and are easily customized by an end-user for a variety of applications. Because the sensing technology is totally electronic, it could be readily multiplexed on microelectrode arrays to create a low-cost, high-throughput MEMS (microelectronic and mechanical system) device. Pharmaceutical companies would use this technology to identify families of proteins that are implicated in disease and construct data bases that define networks of interacting proteins to determine points of intervention and potential drug targets. This technology advances a major technology trend toward automated nanotechnology and multiplexing. End-users will prefer to use the proposed technology because it is more cost effective, sensitive, faster, and flexible enough to be adapted to many user applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bamdad, Cynthia ROSENTIEL MEL SCOTT 029 MA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9184 9102 1108 0203000 Health 9960858 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Microcomposite Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for High Performance Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new ion-conducting polymer (ICP) for use in microcomposite polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM). The project will build on previous work in which the viability of the composite approach to PEM for high temperature H2/O2 fuel cells was demonstrated. In conjunction with Virginia Polytechnic Institute, new ICPs, with enhanced chemical stability will be developed. These novel ICPs will be combined with poly (p-phenylene bisbenoxazole) (PBO) substrates to produce PEMs that out perform the current state of the art fuel cell membranes, while retaining significant cost savings. A well-known fuel cell developer, will evaluate the microcomposite membranes for key mechanical / physical properties to demonstrate feasibility of this technology. The low-cost, high temperature, microporous PEM will address the serious problems (excessive cost, limited power / energy density, and water management issues) which are limiting the use of current PEM fuel cells in all electric based vehicles. The primary objective of the proposed effort is to demonstrate feasibility of a composite PEM with chemical/mechanical stability to survive fuel cell operating conditions for 5,000 hours or more. The development of high performance, solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells is essential for the success of next generation vehicles, providing power free of emissions (SOx and NOx). Other applications include stationary power generation as well as low power (1 to 50w), mobile fuel cells for battery replacements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Osenar, Paul Foster-Miller Inc MA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99948 5371 OTHR 1403 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960870 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Reconfigurable and Scalable Fiber-Optic Ultra-High-Speed Multi-Media Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems (IFOS) addresses the next generation data networks which will require terabit information handling capability. Future networks must be reconfigurable, highly secure and easily upgradable in both bit rate and number of nodes. IFOS proposes to apply its extensive fiber optic expertise and its proprietary wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) technology to the development of a reconfigurable high-speed fiber-optic backbone structure that supports the transmission of multiple data protocols between multiple network stations. The approach is based on IFOS's all-fiber static and dynamic WDM network access designs, which offer high efficiency, compactness and low cost. The strong multidisciplinary team for this project includes leading experts in fiber-optic devices, optoelectronic systems, and terabit networking. In Phase I, the investigative team will construct a three-node, two-wavelength system with static access modules to demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneously transmitting different protocols such as ATM and Ethernet. Phase I will form a basis for Phase II where dynamic access modules will be employed and the network will be expanded to more than 10 nodes and over 6 wavelengths to demonstrate network reconfigurability and scalability. The ultra-fast IFOS approach will enhance efficiency in secure, ultra-high-capacity networking systems including Next Generation Internet (NGI) operation with gigabit and terabit bandwidths. The market for fiber-optic networks is growing about 19% per year and will be reaching $18 billion in 2001. Multi-protocol fiber backbones have applications in commercial platforms, such as enterprise networks, ships, airliners, automobiles and integrated manufacturing equipment. Each optical fiber can replace hundreds of wires resulting in substantial drop in costs and increase in performance. The IFOS project will mesh well with the Internet-II and SuperNet (Tbps data rates) programs for the government-wide Next Generation Internet (NGI). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moslehi, Behzad INTELLIGENT FIBER OPTICS SYSTEMS CORP. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 104800 5371 HPCC 9251 9231 9218 9178 4090 0206000 Telecommunications 9960886 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: In Situ Remediation of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Using Bioaugmentation. The gasoline additive methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is the second most prevalent contaminant in groundwater in the United States, and there are currently no economical technologies for its removal from the water supply. Envirogen scientists have recently isolated a novel bacterium (ENV 735) that utilizes MTBE as a growth substrate. This is only the second report of a pure culture that is capable of growing on MTBE. The objective of this Phase I Proposal is to evaluate the potential application of strain ENV 735 for in situ bioremediation of MTBE. Aquifer microcosms will be used to measure the kinetics of MTBE degradation by ENV 735 under different microbiological and geochemical conditions. In addition, the pathway of MTBE degradation by ENV 735 will be studied, and experiments will be conducted to determine whether the metabolic capacity to degrade MTBE is shared among other bacteria of the same class as ENV 735. The data from this study will be used to assess the feasibility of using ENV 735 and similar microorganisms for in situ remediation of MTBE in contaminated aquifers. The commercial potential for a remediation technology that allows rapid, efficient, and cost effective destruction of MTBE in groundwater is tremendous. This potential derives from the following factors: (1) MTBE is the second most prevalent groundwater contaminant in the United States (e.g., 79 % of wells in urban Denver were recently found to be contaminated); (2) traditional technologies are ineffective at removing this contaminant from groundwater, and (3) MTBE has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals, thus regulatory concern is high. Based on these factors, ENVIROGEN analysts expect MTBE to be one of the most active remediation markets over the next decade. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hatzinger, Paul Envirogen, Inc. NJ Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99985 5371 EGCH 9198 9145 0313000 Regional & Environmental 9960901 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Production of Enantiomerically-Pure Monomers. The goal of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to identify, isolate or develop new biocatalysts for producing stereo-specific monomers that can be used to synthesize chiral plastics with unique optical and mechanical properties. Current technologies for resolving racemic mixtures of organic monomers rely on the use of a biocatalyst to selectively react with either a desired or undesired enantiomer. The desired enantiomer can then be purified and used in the targeted process. During this project, new biocatalysts will be identified and used to resolve enantiomers that can be used to synthesize plastics. The resulting plastics will initially be tested and used to construct devices for controlling optical signals on fiber optic cables, and other uses for the plastics will become apparent after the thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of the materials are evaluated and understood. Without such development work, the properties and utility of the plastics can not be predicted, and relatively large quantities of improved biocatalysts are needed to produce sufficient quantities of polymers for testing and evaluation. The new catalysts will overcome existing limitations such as poor reaction kinetics, enzyme instability, insufficient selectivity, and high costs which have hindered widespread acceptance of biocatalysts in organic synthesis. Enantiomerically pure chemicals are becoming increasingly important as products, and as intermediates for synthesizing pharmaceutical and other end products. This work will lead to the production of enzymes that can be utilized to synthesize chiral monomers that can subsequently be used for creating optical devises for the fiber optic industry. Likewise, the enzymes will likely find utility in synthesizing enantiopure intermediates for a wide range of chemical syntheses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Steffan, Robert Envirogen, Inc. NJ Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99915 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960903 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: An Improved Computational Formulation of Density Functional Theory. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a fundamental computational improvement in Density Functional Theory that significantly extends the range of applicability of this method by removing the current computational bottleneck. There is a significant opportunity for considerable advancement beyond current technology in the evaluation of density functional integrals. Development of an improved technique for the treatment of the exchange-correlation terms, that significantly improves the computation time for molecules of all sizes, is the subject of this project. The innovation is in creating a new formulation of density functional theory with auxiliary basis sets that is on a rigorous theoretical foundation, reducing the exchange-correlation cost by considerably more than an order of magnitude while also overcoming the drawbacks from which other treatments suffer. These are attributes that no approach has been able to achieve simultaneously. The potential applications of this new technology are broad-based. QSI's primary intention is to incorporate this improved method into its educational software product, as an engine for a virtual chemistry laboratory. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Johnson, Benny Quantum Simulations Incorporated PA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9960921 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Combinatorial Approach to Combustion Catalyst Development. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the development of a novel combinatorial technique for the discovery of natural gas combustion catalysts. The technique enables rapid parallel screening of multiple catalyst formulations in a realistic combustion environment, thereby greatly accelerating the speed and accuracy with which catalysts can be evaluated. Many existing combinatorial techniques are not suitable for combustion catalyst development because the catalyst screening element does not adequately mimic a combustion environment. The technique discussed in this proposal addresses this issue by using a catalytic reactor design that closely represents designs that are used in the practice of catalytic combustion in gas turbine engine applications. The aim of the proposed work is to demonstrate this technique and apply it to developing more durable, better performing natural gas combustion catalysts. If successful, this combinatorial approach could be used to aid in the discovery of catalysts for other high temperature applications. Successful development of this technique could greatly accelerate the development of durable catalysts for high temperature catalytic combustion of natural gas. This would result in greater acceptance and application of this technology in areas such as gas turbines for ground based power generation. Catalytic combustion offers the promise for reduction of greenhouse gas and toxic gas (e.g. NOx) emissions. Other spinout applications would include application of this combinatorial technique to other areas of high temperature catalyst development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Castaldi, Marco Precision Combustion, Inc. CT Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9960925 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Rapid Prototyping Using Computer Printers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new low-cost rapid prototyping method, based on inexpensive computer printing technology. A variety of rapid prototyping technologies have been developed with equipment costing in the range of $30,000 to $200,000. Costs like this and machine complexity have limited production to a few thousands of machines. The printing technology, by lowering entry costs to the simple purchase of specialty paper and toner, could lead to a new manufacturing paradigm favoring small, just-in-time manufacturing. Phase I will make sheets from simple hand sheet equipment and provide proof of concept. The business potential is estimated to extend to an initial 2,000 users of rapid prototyping equipments. Applications are expected across a broad spectrum of engineering and manufacturing operations in industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kellett, Bruce KQTech CT Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99600 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960932 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Nanocrystalline Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) for Resonance Isolators. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project describes the synthesis and consolidation of nanocrystalline yttrium iron garnet (YIG). YIG is an important material for many high-technology devices. YIG has been used extensively in the polycrystalline, single crystal, and thin film forms. Its crystal structure is that of the garnet mineral Mn3Al2Si3O12. Si and Mn are substituted by Y and Fe to obtain Y3Fe5O13. YIG has the lowest resonance linewidth ever observed, and this property makes it commercially significant. The presence of pores, nonmagnetic impurities and microstructural inhomogeneities broaden the resonance linewidth and deteriorate the properties. Nanoparticles have high coercive force and high saturation magnetization. They also offer the ability to be consolidated into higher densities than micron sized powders. Materials Modification, Inc. (MMI) proposes to synthesize nanosized powders of YIG and rapidly consolidate them using a Plasma Pressure Consolidation (P2C) technique into fully dense shapes. YIG is applicable to high frequency microwave applications such as filters, oscillators, multipliers, detectors, resonance isolators and gyrators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Radhakrishnan, R Materials Modification Inc. VA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9165 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960937 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A New Functional Object Oriented Stochastic Modeling Language. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a new framework for writing and executing stochastic programs. The work expands and generalizes the stochastic functional language originally proposed by Koller, McAllister, and Pfeffer at Stanford University. The goal is to implement a functional object oriented stochastic language for expressing probabilistic relationships over variables and objects. The output includes both joint and conditional probability distributions. The language provides a compact representation of Bayesian Belief Networks as well as a larger class of stochastic models. It enhances the power of Bayesian Belief Networks in several respects. It is more expressive, providing mechanisms for representing abstract relationships as well as functions for expressing model composition and model transformation. The language also supports an inference algorithm that is more efficient than standard Bayesian Belief Network algorithms. It achieves efficiency through lazy evaluation, context-sensitive inference, and compact factorization of conditional probability tables. This new language is an evolutionary step forward from Bayesian Belief Network formalisms in both expressive power and inference and will support stochastic modeling in entirely new domains of science and engineering. Stochastic modeling and stochastic inference are useful in design, simulation and diagnosis, as well as in multiple aspects of decision support. If successful, this new generation of stochastic programming tools will have potential applications in: advanced engineering design; clinical data interpretation and diagnostic systems in medicine; diagnosis and predictive monitoring in industrial control systems; Market trend analysis and prediction for financial institutions; decision support for business, government and other organizations; scientific modeling of stochastic systems, and; genealogical analysis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stern, Carl SandiaView Software, Inc. NM Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99981 5371 OTHR 1269 0000 0206000 Telecommunications 9960952 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Front-End-of-Line Photoresist Stripping Process for Electronic Device Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Project will be directed toward assessing the performance of a new a front-end-of-line (FEOL) photoresist stripping process for electronic device manufacturing. A Sulfuric acid and oxidant mixture (SOM) continues to be used for stripping photoresist from semiconductor wafers. Recently, several groups of researchers have investigated the use of ozone dissolved in DI water (DIO) for photoresist stripping. The use of ozone dissolved in water in lieu of SOM offers a number of advantages including: 1) decreased chemical disposal cost, 2) decreased rinse DI water consumption, 3) increased user safety, 4) decreased chemical cost. Phifer Smith Corporation has developed a new process which has achieved an etch rate that is two to four times faster than the fastest DIO process. We have defined four goals for phase I: 1) modify our existing wet processing test apparatus, 2) measure the etch rate for positive and negative I-line and DUV photoresist, 3) measure the etch rate for positive I-line and positive DUV photoresist ion implanted at dose levels of 1E13, 1E14, and 1E15, 4) develop a preliminary design for a (FEOL) wafer cleaning process for evaluation in phase II. This process can be applied to high-speed photoresist stripping and post ash residue removal. It may also find application in post-etch residue removal for front-end-of-line semiconductor manufacturing processes. Finally, it may also find application in other industries as a residue free, environmentally benign, cleaning process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Boyers, David Phifer Smith Corporation CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99976 5371 MANU 9146 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960955 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Suction Retention Smart Variable Geometry Sockets (SVGS) for Transtibial Prostheses. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate major improvement in suction retention for transtibial (TT) prostheses. True TT suction retention (i.e., intrasocket pressure below ambient) is rare because of sealing difficulty. Fitting is arduous and expensive; stump volume changes diurnally, during illness and menstruation. A TT socket that holds suction on donning, may lose it during the day. The advent of Synergy's Smart Variable Geometry Socket (SVGS), now makes possible maintaining, automatically, a suction seal on the TT stump. SVGS is simple, robust and relatively inexpensive; it enhances blood circulation and automatically prevents ischemia, protecting a stump with dysfunctional nerves from necrosis. Project outcomes include greatly improved comfort, stability, sense of security and tissue health. This project is necessary because TT body weight support is different from TF support, and a proximal, circumferential socket seal is needed. Dynamic intrasocket pressures, ambulation work, endurance, speed and stability, and the amputee's sense of security will be measured. Phase II will include broad clinical trials. There are approximately 165,000 U.S. transtibial (TT) amputees, with 45,000 TT amputations annually. Suction retention of TT prostheses should become popular with success of this project. We project $10s millions/year worldwide sales of SVGS/TT socket-liners kits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dean, Jr., Robert SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99975 5371 OTHR 5342 0000 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 9960957 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Novel Thin Films Based High Efficiency Ferroelectric Cathode. This SBIR Phase I Project develop a low-voltage ferroelectric cathode technology based on ferroelectric films for application to cold cathodes for accelerators, high frequency devices, mass spectrometers and other instruments based on cold cathodes. Ferroelectric materials emit pulses of electrons from their surface during rapid polarization reversal. High current density (up to 100 A/cm2) has been obtained using cathodes with thick ferroelectric layers, requiring excitation voltages in the 3-5 kV range. However, it is desirable to develop ferroelectric cathodes which require operating voltages in the hundred's of volts range, to make them more energy efficient and less susceptible to high voltage-induced breakdown. The primary objective of the proposed research program will be the development of low-voltage, high-current, reliable, film-based ferroelectric cathodes. This will be accomplished by advancing the current understanding of the material requirements and electrode configuration to maximize the electron emission current. It is expected that the proposed technology will provide high current, low voltage ferroelectric cathodes for a variety of applications requiring lower power consumption. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bensaoula, Abdelhakim IONWERKS, INC TX Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99858 5371 AMPP 9165 0106000 Materials Research 9960978 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Active Control of Gas Turbine Engines Using Eddy Current Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the development of algorithms for active control of blade vibration and engine stability (stall and surge) using the General Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems (GDATS) eddy current sensor (ECS) array. The increased demand for aircraft maneuverability and efficiency drive the engine designers to produce lighter engines that will have to operate in the presence of increased levels of steady-state and dynamic engine-face distortion. Such engines demand active control systems for safe operation. Working closely with GDATS, the proposer has been actively involved in the development of signal analysis and diagnostic tools for the detection of engine faults. We shall leverage this ongoing development of diagnostics tools for the ECS in the development of active control algorithms. Current ECS diagnostic tools are already able to provide tip clearance profiles, as well as vibration and stall indicators. We propose to extend the functionality of the ECS system beyond diagnostics to active and automatic real-time control of gas turbine engines. From this project we expect to develop algorithms for active control of gas turbine engine blade vibration and stability that make use of the GDATS ECS array. The GDATS ECS array is currently the favored sensor system for installation on the Joint Strike Fighter. A software system upgrade capable of using ECS data to compute the necessary indicators and estimate the disturbances needed for active vibration and engine stability control will be highly desirable. If this can be accomplished it will reduce the number of new sensors needed for active control, thus potentially saving millions of dollars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Teolis, Carole Techno-Sciences Incorporated MD Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 9960981 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Disease Block: Genetically Engineered Plants with Disease Resistance. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to perfect a method using peptide aptamers expressed in plants that appears to work to control certain bacterial plant pathogens in the genus Xanthomonas. The aptamers block function of critical pathogenicity (Pth) proteins that are literally injected by the pathogens into plant cells. The objectives are to 1) select better aptamers for capacity to block disease development by screening for binding to predicted critical regions on the Pth protein and 2) create transgenic citrus plants that express the aptamers for later testing for resistance to citrus canker disease. Phase II funding will be sought to produce and test transgenic rice and common bean plants genetically engineered to produce the aptamers. Three diseases of economic importance to the U.S. are likely to be controlled by this novel genetic mechanism: citrus canker, common bean blight and rice blight. There are no cures, no stable genetic resistance, nor even satisfactory controls for these diseases. The citrus industry and state regulators consider canker control methods to be a top priority. Localized losses of citrus, bean and rice due to these three diseases can be up to 50%, 20% and 100%, respectively. Applications to other diseases are likely by this new gene engineering technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ramadugu, Chandrika Integrated Plant Genetics Inc. FL George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 1167 0201000 Agriculture 9960985 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Rapid, Low-Cost Processing of Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic Composites. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will demonstrate feasibility a rapid, low-cost method of manufacturing continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composites (CFCCs). CFCCs are a class of material whose tremendous market potential has been thwarted by their excessive cost, resulting from the current, inefficient manufacturing methods. Thor Technologies, Incorporated will team with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to integrate three technologies into a single efficient manufacturing process: (1) preceramic polymers; (2) high frequency microwave (HFMW) radiation; and (3) polymer infiltration/pyrolysis (PIP) processing. The HFMW-PIP process will produce CFCCs in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of current methods. Preliminary studies have mitigated the technical risk, and the potential for greatly enhanced productivity over current methods mitigates commercialization risk. The proposed effort will characterize the effects of HFMW radiation on the materials, will demonstrate process feasibility by manufacturing and testing coupons and simple shapes (tubes), and will assess the productivity and economic potential of the process. The Proposed PI has substantial experience with preceramic polymers and the PIP process, while our collaborators at LANL have extensive experience with HFMW heating. Thor Technologies has the managerial and financial resources to develop the process to full-scale production. A wide variety of industries, ranging from aerospace to the petroleum and chemical processing industry, would benefit from the availability of low cost materials that are stable under hot, oxidizing conditions, do not corrode, and weigh less than metals yet are strong and tough. Although their price has relegated CFCCs to small, niche market to-date, reducing their cost to the point at which they compete with metals, such as intermetallics and superalloys, will open substantial new markets. Applications in transportation and energy will result in increased productivity and a cleaner environment for the nation. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schwab, Stuart Thor Technologies, Inc. NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 1505 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960990 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Investigate and Quantify in Real Time (INQUIRE)- A Framework for Simulation Based on Real Data. Young students in the U.S. who are learning qualitative descriptions of natural phenomena exhibit high levels of achievement in mathematics and science, but as the curriculum become more abstract and quantitative, achievement steadily decreases in older students relative to that in other countries as reported in various studies. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Yaros Communications, Inc. addresses these recent trends in science and mathematics performance of U.S. students with a web based educational simulation with which students can INvestigate and QUuantify In REal-time (INQUIRE). INQUIRE will use complex data of natural phenomena as inputs to a simulation that gives students visualizations related to concrete experiences. The prototype system will use real time weather data as input to a balloon simulation. In this way, students can connect the concrete image of a balloon moving through the air to the abstract concepts associated with atmospheric physics. The INQUIRE system provides a framework for developing other simulations based on any real time data available on the Internet. The INQUIRE system also contains provisions for students to collaborate or to compete over the Internet. The Phase I research will develop (1) educational objectives, technical specifications and evaluation content; (2) a prototype object (balloon) simulator; (3) a prototype system to be evaluated by educators; and (4) objectives for additional scenarios and specifications for the final system.\ The primary commercial application for the INQUIRE system will be as an addition to the existing product line of Yaros Communications, including its nationwide Weatherschool project now licensed by more than 70 commercial television stations with more than 800,000 classrooms enrolled. As a company providing no cost educational materials to classrooms through its partnerships with local television stations and corporate sponsors, the development of this unique real-time INQUIRE science 'engine' for middle schools offers an opportunity for efficient distribution and widespread use. IIP ENG Golladay, William Yaros Communications, Inc. WI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 7256 SMET 9177 7355 7256 0202000 Atmospheric Science-ICAS 9960992 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Manufacturing Technology for Fiber Lasers Using MicroOpto Electro Mechanical Systems (MOEMS). This is a Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Project that addresses new materials and manufacturing techniques for fiber lasers. Fiber lasers have emerged as the most energy efficient, diode-pumped, solid-state lasers demonstrated to date. There have been concomitant advances in fiber laser spectral coherence and power scaling. However, less effort has been directed towards developing an integrated manufacturing process for wavelength tuning and spectral coherence control, both of which are crucial to applications such as laser spectroscopy, rugged industrial optical sensors and optical communications. Coherent Technologies, Inc. and Cornell University propose to jointly develop innovative Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) devices to provide these capabilities in fiber lasers. When compared to competing optical technologies, these devices achieve unprecedented wide-band tuning, variable outcoupling, longitudinal mode selection and optical phase control with servo bandwidths >100 kKhz. Stringent wavelength requirements inhibit large scale manufacturing with conventional technology. The MOEMS tuners relieve the issues of process yield. The Phase I theory and proof-of-principle demonstrator will establish technical viability for the Phase II program. The Phase II goal is to build a first-of-kind frequency-agile phase-locked fiber laser oscillator/amplifier that is suitable for commercialization. The devices developed with this technology will operate in hostile environments, as might be encountered in industrial process plants and telecommunications, in programmable wavelength division multiplexing and in reconfigurable optical drop/add switches. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Duane COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC CO Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99964 1505 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960994 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Bimetallic Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. The Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on development of platinum-transition metal binary catalysts supported on high area carbon for oxygen cathodes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In order to reduce the bulk amount of platinum in the catalyst without losing activity and improve durability under fuel cell operating conditions, different combinations of platinum-iron/platinum-cobalt supported on nitrogen enriched carbon black will be prepared, characterized, and evaluated at T/J Technologies, Inc. Performance evaluation of these materials as the oxygen reduction catalyst for fuel cells will be undertaken in parallel with thorough spectroscopic characterization to obtain structural and compositional parameters. Correlation between activity and structural properties of the binary composite catalysts obtained in this research will be used for combining high catalytic activity with good stability in Phase II efforts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bae, In Tae T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 0308000 Industrial Technology 9960996 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Talking Tactile Computer. This SBIR Phase I research project will test the feasibility of a stand-alone computer device for use by students and others who are blind or visually impaired. This device will incorporate a 'single board computer' that consists of a Pentium-class microprocessor, audio system and connectors for all standard computer peripherals, an internal hard disk drive and a rechargeable battery. The operating system will be Windows 98. Instead of a video display and a mouse, this Talking Tactile Computer will rely on a built in touch-sensitive surface to which a variety of vacuum-thermoformed raised-line and textured tactile graphic overlays will be mounted. All of this apparatus will be housed in a single compact and portable enclosure. No additional equipment or external wiring will be required. It is expected that the device will be competitively priced as compared with standard notebook computers, because it does not include a video display. A blind or visually impaired student will use the device, accompanying tactile materials and associated programs to run interactive, multimedia computer applications. The system is being developed in tandem with a proposed research project to create a semester-long curriculum for College Calculus by Drs. Albert Blank and Michael Kress of the College of Staten Island. For the purpose of the Phase I SBIR test-of-concept, Touch Graphics will adapt a series of tactile plates, from a unit on coordinate geometry already created by Dr. Blank, to the new device described above. The device and accompanying tactile graphic materials and CD ROM-based programs will be marketed to schools, libraries, community and residential centers, businesses with visually impaired employees, and to individuals. This single product is intended to be adaptable, through the publication of additional software titles by Touch Graphics, to a broad range of user groups, including students; technical, professional and office workers; senior citizens with declining visual acuity; and others. With minor modifications, the device could be adapted for fixed-position kiosk applications in public places, like shopping malls and transit hubs. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Landau, Steven Touch Graphics NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99676 1545 SMET 9180 9178 5371 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 9960998 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Novel Joining Method for Self-Assembly of Reliable Three Dimensional Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems. This project will explore a unique and ingenious use of solder to 'self-assemble' two-dimensional surface micromachined Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) structures into useful three-dimensional structures. With this combined joining and assembly approach, surface tension forces in molten solder serve to assemble 3D MEMS structures. A number of promising commercial applications have been identified. Most promising of these applications involves MEMS corner cube reflectors for communication and identification. Current work on MEMS solder self-assembly has yet to provide the level of understanding needed to fully define the capabilities and limitations of the process. Further studies of the fundamental issues are needed to understand these capabilities and limitations so that the process can be made commercially viable. Key research personnel from industry and education and state-of-the-art equipment are in place. This project will develop the solder self-assembly process and contribute to engineering knowledge by answering the following questions: What are the performance limits of MEMS solder self-assembly? What are the commercial applications within these limits? SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schaible, Brian SPORIAN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. CO Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99093 5371 AMPP 9165 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961003 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Fast and Efficient Wave Field Modeling System with Digital Signal Processors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of significantly increasing the speed and accuracy of acoustic and elastic wave field simulations in 3-D heterogeneous materials by using arrays of digital signal processors (DSPs ) in conjunction with a new wave field modeling algorithm. The DSPs will perform the floating point operations of the algorithm by functioning as the processing elements in a parallel computing environment. A multi-processor system based on this concept could achieve supercomputer performance at a small fraction of the cost. The resulting system would, for the first time, make wave field simulation a practical and cost-effective tool for industrial applications to subterranean imaging and earthquake hazards analysis. The most appropriate existing DSP board for the application will be identified. A workstation computer will be configured with DSP modeling software and with the wave field simulation software. The system will be tested, and performance will be optimized. The system's performance potential will be compared to the software's performance on a supercomputer and on a network of workstations. The proposed system could be of immediate use as a practical tool for improving subterranean and medical imaging techniques and for earthquake hazards studies. Potential commercial applications of the research include 1) improving subterranean imaging for oil and gas exploration, 2) providing synthetic data sets for the development and testing of medical imaging systems, 3) ground motion maps for scenario earthquakes in complicated Earth structures, 4) non-destructive testing and failure analysis of solid materials, and 5) industrial and educational applications of high performance computing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Orrey, Jeffrey Ojo Solutions CO G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 98657 5371 CVIS 1448 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 9961006 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Copper Selective Silica-Polyamine Extraction Materials for Processing Copper Ore Leach Liquors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a silica-polyamine composite material to be used in an efficient, environmentally benign system to selectively extract copper from copper ore leach liquors. In this process the copper is extracted from the acidic leach solution into an organic solvent, typically kerosene, where it is concentrated and then released back into an aqueous solution for final processing. While this process is superior to smelting with regards to environmental impact and efficiency it still possesses environmental liabilities, chiefly toxic, flammable organic solvents and unfavorable economic factors namely solvent and solvent modifier loss. In this Phase I project, a material with a long useful lifetime, that will separate copper from low copper concentration acidic leach liquors containing ferric iron efficiently and effectively at high processing rates without using organic solvents, will be produced. Presently thousands of tons of copper are produced in the United States and abroad using a solvent extraction process. The process using these new materials will produce highly concentrated copper solutions ready for final copper recovery. The cost of these materials is predicted to be significantly less than the resin based materials currently being tested for this application. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fischer, Robert Purity Systems, Inc. MT Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 82048 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9961012 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Formal Techniques for Dependable Reactive Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves the introduction of advanced, automated modeling and verification techniques into the design cycle of reactive systems. The state of the art mandates the extensive use of testing in order to ensure that such systems, which typically function in safety- and business-critical settings, behave correctly. The key insight underlying the innovation is that many errors, and much of the cost of testing and other design, development and maintenance activities, can be eliminated through the judicious use of rigorous modeling notations based on process algebra, and through model checking to examine the properties of such models. The project will yield cost-effective techniques for producing reactive systems that are more dependable, cheaper to design, more thoroughly understood, better documented, and easier to maintain than those constructed using current practice. The ubiquity of reactive systems, and the nation's increasing reliance on them point to the dramatic benefits the innovation will have on society's safety, security and economic well being. This technology, if successful can be used in the of dependable reactive systems such as the embedded software found in automotive, medical, aeronautical, consumer-electronic and telecommunications applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sims, Steven REACTIVE SYSTEMS INC VA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99726 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9961022 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Microsphere-Based Optical Spectrum Analyzer. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project focuses on the innovative use of microspheres to provide substantially long pathlengths for spectrum analysis. Microspheres are spheres of optical material 100 um or less in diameter. They have the ability to propagate light around their equatorial diameter. Light can be coupled in and out of the microsphere. In this way, a microsphere can serve as the light chamber for spectral analysis, offering a meters-long path length in a very small volume. This will allow the construction of accurate optical spectrum analyzers in a small, robust package. Typical spectrum analyzers are delicate laboratory instruments that do not support field use. Furthermore, the ultra-narrow channel spacing being planned for optical networks will exceed the currently available range capabilities of optical spectrum analyzers. The proposed device will be relatively inexpensive, easy to integrate into new and existing fiber networks, and rugged enough to survive field deployments. Telecommunications service providers need field monitoring equipment to prevent system shutdowns, and the best tool for that job is an optical spectrum analyzer. The proposed device would provide that capability with better accuracy, at a lower cost, and in a package capable of continuous use in the field. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roark, Joel NOMADICS, INC OK Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99980 5371 AMPP 9165 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961027 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Manufacturing and Interconnection of Carbon Nanotube Transistors. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Project will develop a novel integrated process for manufacturing and interconnecting a 3-D array of transistors made of carbon nanotubes, suitable for large-scale manufacturing. This large-scale, low-cost approach will provide extremely fast, low-power, ultra-high-density logic and memory devices, which operate at room temperature. The fundamental enabling innovation of the proposed process involves introducing controlled discontinuities in the structure of the carbon nanotube. We estimate that our fabrication technology will enable device densities of 10^12 per cm^2, limited only by lateral interconnect technology. A novel interconnect technology will also be investigated to provide device densities to 10^14 per cm^2. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir XIDEX CORPORATION TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9148 1415 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961034 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Expression Pattern Screening for Agriculture Genomics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a high throughput multiple mRNA assay for screening large numbers of compounds to discover potential compounds that affect patterns of gene expression in plant tissue. The expression for a group of genes of interest and control genes can be tested all at once within each well of a 96-well plate. Investigators can evaluate how 96 different compounds affect the expression pattern for these genes in each plate. This technology will address an unmet need of the agricultural industry - to make efficient use of novel genomics information. This will allow testing of more gene targets including newly identified genes, and will provide information about selectivity and specificity. Proprietary methods allow DNA array technology to be used for the high throughput multiple mRNA assay. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of these methods using mammalian cells. DNA arrays can be applied within each well and retain hybridization specificity. The method is sensitive enough to detect genes expressed at one mRNA molecule per cell from cells grown within one well of a 96-well plate. The researchers propose to apply the approach to cultured plant cells, in order to form a reliable and sensitive screening technology for discovering new compounds that modulate gene expression in crops. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kris, Richard NeoGen, LLC AZ Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 1167 0201000 Agriculture 9961036 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Power Density Ultracapacitor by Using Transition Metal Carbide/Nitride Fibers as Electrodes. Electrical performance of ultracapacitors based on consolidated powders such as carbon powders is often limited by interparticle electrical resistance. As a consequence, this requires the addition of conductivity enhancing additives or specialized processing steps. Transition metal carbide/nitride are known for their intrinsic high electronic conductance. To reduce the interparticle resistance, in this Phase I program, we are going to make transition metal carbide/nitride fiber electrodes using sol-gel technology. The microstructure of fibers will be tailored to obtain a uniform pore size distribution and high accessible surface area. The resulting power density of an ultracapacitor made of this material is expected to be notably impoved due to a much lower eqivalent series resistance (ESR). Anticipated Benefits/Potential Commercial Applications of the Research or Developement Load leveling for electric vehicle or as power source for automotive sub-systems such as starter, regenerative braking and air bag. In addition, portable electronic devices such as notebook computers, cellular phones will also be able to use it as primary or secondary power sources. Keywords: Transition metal carbide/nitride, Sol-gel process, fiber, high power density, high accessible surface area, low ESR SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wei, Qiang (Ethan) CHEMAT TECHNOLOGY INC CA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 1403 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961054 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Electro-Mechanical Micro-Vibratory Transducers for Boundary Layer Flow Control. 9961054 Smith This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel electro-mechanical, micro-vibratory transducer that can be used to detect and control boundary layer flow separation in a wide class of aerodynamic flows. This transducer is composed of a very thin, light-weight composite sheet that contains the combination sensors and vibratory transducers that are used to detect boundary layer flow conditions and to excite the viscous sub-layer of the boundary layer to control flow separation. The power consumption of the transducer is expected to be about three orders of magnitude lower than the best competing technologies. The device will be easily applied to or integrated into stationary and high-speed rotating machinery and components such as aircraft wings and control surfaces, aircraft propellers, helicopter rotors, axial compressor blades, diffusers, and nozzles. Phase I will address wide needs for flow control in high-Reynolds Number flows. The performance enhancement and increased efficiency of such an advanced boundary layer control device can provide a competitive edge in many industries. This technology can potentially be applied to a broad range of aviation needs including drag reduction, lift augmentation, and boosting of flight controls in airplanes and similar applications in helicopters. Applications of the technology in the automotive field and in the process industry will also be pursued. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Michael Global Aircraft Corporation MS Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961056 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Development of NZP-Based Advanced Thermal Barrier Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research project will develop highly engineered, oxidation resistant and durable NZP-based TBCs for components in advanced aerospace and gas turbine engine systems. Next generation aerospace propulsion and power generation systems have to meet requirements of higher efficiencies, greater fuel economy, and longer lifetimes. Higher firing temperatures and better insulation are required to improve engine efficiency and lifetimes of components in such systems. State-of-the art thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) based on yttria partially-stabilized zirconia (YPSZ) are inadequate to meet these temperature and lifetime requirements because of:(1) oxidation problems, (2) low thermo-chemical stability, (3) in-service microstructural changes, and (4) low strain tolerance. At least, two compositions viz. Ba1.25Zr4P5.5Si0.5O24 (BS-25) and Ca0.5Sr0.5Zr4P6O24 (CS-50,) belonging to the NZP ceramics family, are ideally suited for advanced TBCs. Attractive properties of these compositions include high melting temperature (> 1800C), high thermal cycling stability, very low thermal conductivity (~1.0 W/mK), excellent thermal shock resistance, and low oxygen ion conductivity. In addition, their thermal expansion coefficients are very low. Functionally Graded (FG) design approach will be used to minimize thermal expansion mismatches and introduce beneficial surface compressive stresses. When successfully developed, this technology will also be beneficial to automotive and metallurgical industries. Specific commercial applications that could be immediately realized for NZP ceramics-based TBCs are: for turbine blades, combustor liners, stator vanes, etc., in jet and gas turbine engines; and pistons, valve heads, exhaust port, and cylinders in diesel engines. Other commercial applications are in: (1) Heat Exchangers, (2) Burner Nozzles, (3) Hot Gas Fans and Filters, and (4) Pump and Valve Linings in Corrosive Environments. NZP-Based TBCs, Thermal Spray, Functionally Gradient, Advanced Gas Turbines, Low Thermal Conductivity, Oxidation Resistance SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nageswaran, Ramachandran COI Ceramics, Inc. UT Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961062 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Improved, Lightweight, Bipolar Plates for Fuel Cell Using Nanotube-Filled Polybutylene Terephthalate Composite. A new conductive composite material is proposed for use in fuel cells as a bipolar plate between adjoining cells in series. The new composite material is lightweight and promises to reduce manufacturing time and costs associated with incorporating complex field flow channels into the plate surface. The conductive material consists of polybutylene terephthalate thermoplastic embedded with carbon nanotubes, which are 10x100 Angstroms in size. The material will be processed to reduce pellets to a powder for compression molding, extrusion and injection molding trials. Processing and manufacturing methods for the composite will be optimized to produce thin plates for testing. The effects of incorporating plasticizers and coupling agents on the material processing will be investigated. Physical and mechanical properties of the molded composite will be determined including gas permeability, tensile and flexural strength, thermal expansion coefficient, resistivity and contact resistance against other cell components. The plates will be tested in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and the electrochemical performance compared with cells containing plates made of graphite and other composites. The effects of service use at 80oC will be assessed by re-establishing the physical and mechanical characteristics after continuous cell operation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McDonald, Robert GINER, INC. MA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99818 5371 OTHR 1403 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961065 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: 'Sensorless' Characterization of Coatings in the Deposited State. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop an instrumentation system capable of characterizing the surface area and surface pore size distribution of coatings without the need for removing the coating from its substrate or using specific deposition substrates. Current state of the art instrumentation is incapable of accurately characterizing the surface and pore size distributions of deposited coatings. The proposed instrument would provide enabling technology for the characterization of coatings and surfaces. The proposed surface characterization instrument represents a breakthrough capability for manufacturers and users of advanced coatings and membranes. Instead of relying on time-consuming empirical trials of large volumes of prototype material, rapid determination of surface area and pore size distribution will be possible with cost-effective small samples. The coatings and membrane industries represent markets exceeding $4 billion in the next decade. Instrumentation that would enable industry to accurately, quickly and inexpensively characterize the vital surface features of coatings and membranes will be widely applicable for quality control of devices. This instrument system is applicable, but not limited, to semiconductor processing, membrane development, optical coatings and pharmaceutical and medical products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tiernan, Timothy TPL, Inc. NM Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961092 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Reclamation of Tungsten Carbide from Scrap Tools. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new technology to reclaim tungsten carbide (WC) directly from WC-cobalt (Co) scrap, generated each year by the cutting tool industry in an amount worth 2 billion dollars. Since segregation by grade is nearly impossible in that it must be collected from end users and since mixing grades is highly likely, a recovery process that focuses on WC is needed. Current methods for recovery are tedious, time consuming, and expensive due to use of highly corrosive chemicals and high energy consumption. The proposed electrochemical process will eliminate the hydrogen reduction step and the recarburization step. Recovered WC can be re-coated and remanufactured into WC-Co tools for applications in machining, ore drilling, in forming tools and dies, and nozzles for oil and natural gas burners, inkjets and abrasive waterjet cutting. Other applications for recovered WC include materials used in electronics, composite coatings for wear resistance, and counterweights for gyroscopes. The electrochemical approach is expected to result in significant cost savings in the recovery process by reducing the amount of chemicals used, lower the equipment infrastructure use of chemicals, and reduce energy costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sudarshan, T. Materials Modification Inc. VA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 1414 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961100 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Hybrid Imaging Avalanche Photodiode. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project aims to develop a low cost single optical photon imaging detector. This detector will support diagnostic systems needing rapidly acquired images obtained from ultra-low levels of light. Examples include: assays for bacterial and yeast contamination in fluids in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries; and clinical diagnostics for gene-specific activity screens. Phase I of this project will demonstrate the device concept. Phase II will develop a manufacturing process to support mass production and will initiate the custom design of one or more instruments for specific assays. Offering a suitable detector for a fraction of the cost of current technologies will facilitate the widespread adoption and development of assays that are faster and more accurate than current common practices. Industries in the U.S. will benefit from increased quality and productivity in processes that depend on these assays, and companies that produce the assays will enjoy growth in the demand for their products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Karplus, Eric Science Wares MA Darryl G. Gorman Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0104000 Information Systems 9961111 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Development of an Autonomous Equilibrating pCO2 Sensor. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is directed towards developing a compact, unattended sensing module for shipboard or moored use, to measure the carbon dioxide concentration (pCO2) of the surface ocean. There remains large scientific uncertainty in the quantitative evaluation of the ocean as a sink for anthropogenically produced (excess) carbon dioxide emissions, a leading greenhouse gas (U.S. GCRP, 1999). At present, despite significant large scale programs such as the NSF and DOE supported JGOFS and WOCE studies of the past decade, the observational oceanographic database is limited in space and time. Current research ship based measurements obtained by discrete water sampling techniques are expensive, require highly skilled scientific personnel and are necessarily limited in their spatiotemporal resolution. The sensor system proposed here is needed to allow largely unattended deployment on a range of at-sea platforms, to greatly extend the global monitoring effort. Potential Commercial Applications of the Research. While the measurement of oceanic carbonate systems parameters has been regarded as a governmental agency or academic research concern, societal and socio-economic factors (e.g. the recent Kyoto Protocol) place great current value on their understanding by an increasing range of environmental agencies and oceanographic researchers both nationally and internationally. Demonstration of an accurate, compact pCO2 sensor will broaden the commercial market for this critical environmental measurement. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Cook, Regis Frank Millero GENERAL OCEANICS, INC. FL Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99828 1505 EGCH 9197 0110000 Technology Transfer 0313000 Regional & Environmental 9961113 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Scientific Data Management System (SDM). The Scientific Data Management (SDM) project from Psychology Software (PST) Tools Inc. addresses the critical need for safe and secure scientific data retention and management with current distributed computing technology. Experimental behavioral testing of the user interface drives the design of the proposed system. PST will investigate SDM in behavioral, economic, biological, and social sciences. Currently, there are few options to meet government requirements for the retention and use of scientific data. Existing options are expensive, complex, and difficult to use, and designed for other organizational environments. As a result, most academic scientists are not meeting government retention and scientific ethics guidelines. The proposed technology uses a scalable distributed computing architecture, suitable for a single laboratory or many investigators spread across an institution. PSI proposes to study how scientists, data entry, and data administrators manage data, as well as develop a user interface that makes the system a scientific data management 'appliance'. Java technology will be used to create clients for use in WWW browsers and servers for retrieval and report generation. The system provides long life expectancies for data, beyond the useful life of the applications that create them. Data submitted to the system are timestamped and catalogued, providing important information for assuring data quality. Psychology Software Tools proffers a user-centered design of an entire suite of data management tools that are customized to meet the particular needs of research scientists. The technology is of potential value to the National Science Foundation in its concern for the accessibility, transparency, and reproducibility of research results as well as to the scientific community. Significant progress in the area of data management along with progress in processing and storage power and in expressive power are important to advancing Information Technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zuccolotto, Anthony PSYCHOLOGY SOFTWARE TOOLS INC PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99558 5371 OTHR 1321 0000 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0522400 Information Systems 9961132 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Active Textiles for Life Support Ensembles and Medical Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves improvements in current pilot life support equipment and emergency medical compression clothing that can be achieved through the incorporation of the shape memory alloy (SMA) Nitinol as part of an active system to replace traditional air bladder concepts. Used to reduce the risk of pilot blackout during high-G maneuvers and for pneumatic tourniquets in emergency situations, clothing components with air bladders may be dramatically improved by using SMAs to reduce size and power requirements. The developed system will be the application of active cinching straps for leg compression and emergency tourniquets, and for mask sealing during high-G maneuvers. These actively controlled straps will be less cumbersome and more reliable than air bladders used to seal masks, and compress limbs. For pilots, the proposed systems will incorporate sensors to activate the uniform components during critical times and reduce pilot error. Shape memory alloys can form very high stroke, high force solid state actuators for use in textile structures. They offer a high degree of flexibility and are easily incorporated into fabric designs. Using amplified designs and leverage mechanisms, DSM proposes to develop the integrated fabric components that will perform the desired functionality. Potential commercial Applications for the Nitinol and smart material reinforced uniform components have a great potential in the medical and physical therapy industry. Pressurized suits or selectively stiffened or reinforced suits can be used to stop significant blood loss, aid in supporting damaged legs, arms or necks, and help patients achieve therapeutic advances in motion by providing some support during rehabilitation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Paine, Jeffrey DYNAMIC STRUCTURES AND MATERIALS, LLC TN Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 5345 0000 0203000 Health 9961136 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Neuromorphic Color Sensor for Object and Place Recognition. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Iguana Robotics, Inc. proposes the construction of a single chip, color aVLSI/dVLSI Neuromorphic sensor (camera) with onboard segmentation and object and place recognition capability. For each pixel, this chip will compute the transformation to hue and saturation values in the focal plane, perform class assignment based on color, and perform histogramming based on the class assignment. This chip will be part of a symbiotic system. In addition to the chip, Iguana Robotics will design special target color and texture coded patterns. By designing the targets to be easy to recognize, the investigators will achieve a very high recognition rate. The utility of this device is that it will (1) be capable of associating symbolic tags with objects in natural environment; (2) estimate the position of objects; (3) track and find human face and hands in an image as a pre-processing step in HCI applications; and (4) provide a technique for place recognition for personal robots. In addition, this chip that will be (1) very low power (<1mw); (2) very low cost; and (3) very small and compact. These features will facilitate the wide spread use of this object in cost and power sensitive applications. Iguana Robotics proffers low-cost, compact neuromorphic color sensor for object and place recognition that can provide real-time object and place recognition for diverse areas of application such as entertainment, education, industry, interfaces, and banking. The research project has the potential to make a significant impact on the discovery and understanding of automation in gesture recognition and to advance the state-of-the-art in on-chip computer vision hardware. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lewis, M Iguana Robotics, Inc. IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 96199 5371 HPCC 9139 6840 0104000 Information Systems 9961156 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Rare Earth Doped Polymer Optical Fiber Amplifiers. The goal of Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project is to demonstrate optical amplification in a single-mode polymer optical fiber. The technical objectives required to meet this goal include the following: 1) incorporate rare-earth chelates into polymers that we use to make fiber; 2) demonstrate amplification in the material; 3) make a polymer fiber with a rare-earth core; and 4) demonstrate amplification in the fiber. Because the principle investigator has the expertise to make single mode polymer optical fiber waveguides with a mode profile that matches the mode in standard silica glass fiber, the amplifier fiber is compatible with existing fiber-optic components. Besides applications for Phased Array Radar, Sentel's amplified single mode polymer fiber (APOF) will have impact on the long-haul fiber amplifier business, but it will have the largest impact in WAN and MAN applications, particularly for fiber-to-the-neighborhood (FTTN) and fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC). As the length-bandwidth products decrease (for smaller networks, e.g., WANs or MANs with fewer channels per fiber but perhaps more fibers), the revenue carried by lit fiber decreases and component costs become more important to the system designer. Thus, it should be clear that this technology could have significant impact on the amplifier market for WANs and MANs, and will also provide cost-effective amplifier solutions for (single-mode) LANs for the first time. This technology is also expected to provide cost-effective solutions for hybrid fiber-coax CATV systems for the same reasons. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welker, David Sentel Technologies L.L.C. WA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99984 5371 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 9961157 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Speed 2x2 Polymer Optical Fiber Switch. The goal of Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project is to make a high-speed 2x2 optical switch using an electro-optic polymer fiber and off-the-shelf fiber components. The technical objectives that will be met on route to this goal include: 1) making single-mode electro-optic polymer optical fiber with connectors, 2) demonstrating coupling between this polymer fiber and standard glass fiber, 3) making a 2x2 optical switch with the researcher's polymer optical fiber and off-the shelf components, and 4) determining the properties of the switch to assess whether or not it meets specifications. Because the Prinicipal Investigator has the expertise to make single mode polymer optical fiber waveguides with a mode profile that matches the mode in glass fiber, the active electro-optic fiber and standard fiber components will make meeting specs possible. The immediate commercial device application of the project's research is a high speed EO switch and modulator. These include bypass and access switches for single-mode LANs, backup and restoration switches for CATV head-ends, network restoration switches for subscriber-side WANs, optical crossconnects for long-haul telecommunication POP (points of presence) centers, and for phased-array antennas. Additional applications are foreseen for niche markets, including instrumentation, network test, component test and evaluation, and potentially computer interconnect network configuration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welker, David Sentel Technologies L.L.C. WA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99907 5371 OTHR 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 9961163 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Bioassay Chip for Massively Parallel Detection of Superparamagnetic Nanospheres using Spin Dependent Tunneling. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of integrating vast numbers of microfluidic channels with Spin Dependent Tunneling (SDT) sensors on a chip. These sensors will detect flow of nanoscopic superparamagnetic particles of the type typically used for separations and as labels in bioassays. The immediate goal is to demonstrate and evaluate particle detection in single channels. Ultimately, the proposed work could lead to a biochip with 1000 parallel microchannels, each able to detect the passing of single superparamagnetic particles at the rate of 1000 / second: a total detection rate of 1,000,000 particles / second! The SDT sensors enable this high capacity because they can be fabricated in sub-micron sized elements, integrated with standard silicon integrated circuits, and combined with typical MEMS and microfluidic structures. They are the latest and most sensitive sensors in the class of ferromagnetic thin film materials including Anisotropic Magnetoresistance (AMR) and Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR). This new biochip tool may have significant utility for detection of cells, proteins, biological pathogens, pollutants in fluids, and performing DNA analyses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tondra, Mark Nonvolatile Electronics Inc MN Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99837 5371 BIOT 9184 1108 0203000 Health 9961165 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Sub-Nanosecond Spin Dependent Tunneling Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop subnanosecond switching spin dependent tunneling (SDT) devices by combining high speed magnetic thin films and low-capacitance SDT structures. SDT devices have high signal, low switching field, and high resistance, which lead to high sensitivity, low power consumption, and small size and weight, when compared with giant magnetoresistive (GMR) materials. While the switching speed of SDT devices is limited to longer than severalnanoseconds, the speed of fast electronics has gone into the deep sub-nanosecond regime in the past several years. In order to make fast SDT devices, the magnetic material used in the devices has to be significantly reduced, and existing attractive static properties have to be maintained. Phase I will address both film switching and SDT structure/design issues. By incorporating high-speed magnetic films into the new SDT structures with fast electrical characteristics, the result is expected to be integrated SDT devices with state-of-the-art static properties, but with switching speeds of much less than 1 nanosecond. There are several commercial applications for this technology in high-speed magnetic field and current sensing devices, high-speed/low-power isolaters, fast magnetic random access memories (MRAM), next generation read heads, as well as gigahertz inductor/transformer applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Dexin Nonvolatile Electronics Inc MN Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 9961166 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Ultra Low Hysteresis Giant-Magnetoresistive (GMR) Bridge Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of building giant-magnetoresistive (GMR) bridge sensors that exhibit tenfold and greater improvement in hysteresis over existing bridge sensors. Unique processing enables edge pinning in GMR sandwich resistor elements that leads to increased stability and significant reduction in hysteresis. Technical objectives required to develop the low hysteresis bridge sensors are: (1) determine the edge hardening mechanism; (2) develop a single-step edge hardening process protocol; (3) develop a two-step edge hardening process protocol; (4) design sensor prototypes utilizing low hysteresis; and (5) build and characterize hard-edge bridge sensors. The research will focus on first gaining an understanding and control of the hard edge treatment. This effort will produce a basic low hysteresis bridge sensor. That knowledge will then be applied to processing variable degrees of hard edge profiles within a given device. The result of this effort will be a self-biased full-output bride sensor and a fully symmetric bridge sensor. In addition to addressing the need for low hysteresis in magnetic bridge sensors, the processes developed can be applied to integrated linear and digital output sensors and signal isolation devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, John Nonvolatile Electronics Inc MN Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99934 5371 CVIS 1038 0106000 Materials Research 0109000 Structural Technology 9961188 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Robotic Systems for Network Interrogation of Smart Civil Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at developing an autonomous robotic structural inspection system capable of remote powering and data collection from a network of embedded sensing nodes, and providing remote data access via the internet. The system will utilize existing microminiature, multichannel , wireless, programmable Addressable Sensing Modules (ASM's) to sample data from a variety of sensors. These inductively powered nodes do not require batteries or interconnecting lead wires, which greatly enhances their overall reliability and reduces their installation cost. Networks of sensing nodes can be embedded, interrogated, and remotely accessed in applications where visual inspection by people is not practical due to: physical space constraints, remote geographic locations, high inspection costs, and high risks involved for those performing the inspections. The sensors can indicate the need for repair, replacement, or reinforcement, which will reduce the risks of catastrophic failures and would be useful after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. The availability of critical structural health data on the internet would greatly assist highway engineers and scientists, to improve their working database on these structures, which will improve our understanding of the safety of civil structures and their requisite maintenance. If successful, market potential could be significant, as various task-specific robots can be employed with the systems for remote inspection and internet data delivery from a broad spectrum of structures, such as: bridges, bridge footings, dams, offshore oil rigs, buildings, hazardous waste sites, and nuclear power plants. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Arms, Steven MICROSTRAIN INC VT G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 99974 9150 CVIS 9150 5371 1473 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 9961191 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Laser-Wave Explorer for the Physics Classroom. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from LASERMIND proposes to design and build an innovative scientific teaching tool that will improve high school physics students' understanding of the principles of light and energy. The need for better understanding and knowledge of physics in secondary education in this country is paramount. Physics teachers need a simple, safe, durable, and hands-on approach to teach students the principles of light. The proposed learning system, Laser-Wave Explorer, will meet the needs of teachers and students. The unique feature of this Laser-Wave Explorer system is the all-in-one design requiring no mechanical assembly. The advanced design interlinks seven combinations of optical components together into one system. Through inquiry-based hands-on learning, physics students can perform over 30 different laser and optical experiments with the Laser-Wave Explorer system. LASERMIND plans to develop a teacher's guide and student workbook and to conduct field tests to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the prototype. During the 1996-2006 period, science and engineering jobs are expected to increase by 44 percent. Advances in laser technology will continue to generate a demand for skilled workers. There exists a widening workforce gap between the number of skilled scientists and engineers that will be needed and those that are available. The Laser Wave Explorer will decrease the workforce gap by preparing physics students for future science and technology IIP ENG Payne, Patricia LASERMIND CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 98506 7256 SMET 9177 9102 7355 7256 5371 0101000 Curriculum Development 9961203 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Biosensor Microprobes for Physiological Measurements. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will combine recent advances in electrochemical biosensor technology achieved in many laboratories with unique silicon microprobe technology developed in our laboratory, to produce low cost disposable biosensor microprobes for painless physiological measurements. The analyte in this work will be glucose because glucose biosensors are the most advanced, and diabetic glucose self-testing is the largest existing biosensor market opportunity. Integration of biosensors with silicon microprobes comparable in cross-section to a human hair to provide a practical technique for painless blood testing is not restricted to glucose but is an enabling technology applicable to many other analytes. Impressive biosensor R&D progress has not yet resulted in commercial devices for painless in vivo applications because workers in needle biosensors have used conventional configurations and fabrication methods. The high cost and size (hypodermic needle diameters, requiring painful surgical implantation) of conventional biosensors requires that they last a long time. The principal approach taken by others to make them practical is to extend their lifetimes toward six months of operation, but this effort has produced only slow incremental progress. The strength of the proposed approach lies in the combination of biosensors and silicon microprobes. By rendering insertion and removal completely painless and sharply reducing the cost, disposable integrated biosensor microprobes employing electrochemical sensor technology at its present state of development become commercially practical. The largest commercial application for biosensor microprobes is diabetic blood glucose self-testing, which is currently a three billion dollar per year market. Other markets include quality control in the food industries, emergency medicine, control of blood levels of therapeutic drugs, and physiological monitoring of many analytes for clinical and research purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smart, Wilson KUMETRIX, INC CA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9184 1108 0203000 Health 9961204 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Microfabrication through Cross-Sectional Lithography. 9961204 Bukkosy This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore the feasibility of a low-cost, microfabrication system known as micro cross-sectional lithography. The system would be capable of creating high aspect ratio, three dimensional micromechanical devices for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) applications with a one-micron resolution from photopolymer resins, typically using UV energy. Phase I will include fabrication of a demonstration unit with 5-micron resolution, design of a one-micron resolution lens for feasibility analysis, and materials evaluation for microscale properties. The experimental design suggests increased resolution, increased flexibility in manufacturing, reduced cost, and reduced fabrication times compared to current lithographic means. Use of such a device enhances the capability of designers and researchers by allowing cost-effective prototypes to be built at the microscale level. This innovative process will greatly enhance the ability to package microsensors and improve on parts designs through the prototyping process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bukkosy, Laura EOM Technologies, L.L.C. MA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99500 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961205 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: StickMouse: An Assistive Device to Enable Full Access to Computer Applications for Physically Disabled Users. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I from Reata Computing Services, Inc. project will develop a computer interface product, StickMouse, that will represent a significant advance in surmounting the limitations of current assistive devices. There are millions of disabled people in the United States who do not have normal use of their hands or arms due to paralysis or disease. These individuals cannot utilize a computer fully because they cannot manipulate both the mouse and keyboard with an integrated device. The educational and economic impact of these disabilities becomes more and more severe as technology-enabled, Internet-based products, services, and education become more prevalent. This situation not only has an impact on each individual's economic and personal well being, but also it has implications for our national productivity as well. StickMouse will enable keyboard entry as well as simulate mouse manipulation within constraints of ease of use; comfort; cost effectiveness; material suitability; and reliability, durability, and maintainability. Because StickMouse is a general user interface device, it will be enabling for any type of computer use, including education, creation of job opportunities, and enhancing personal life and independence. StickMouse will facilitate the use of the computer so that physically disabled individuals will have much greater access to and interaction with computer applications, including web interface and programming skills. The technology proffered by Reata Computing Services will increase employment opportunities and enhance educational development, financial independence and quality of life for disabled individuals through their access to software requiring the mouse. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Sterle, Mark Reata Computing Services, Inc. TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 96086 1545 SMET 9180 9102 5371 1545 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9961206 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Catalysts with Tethered Ligand-Metal Complexes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I program will develop advanced heterogeneous catalyst support materials that will reduce costs and enhance productivity in the chemical process industries. Existing heterogeneous catalysts are limited by slow diffusion of reactants and products in the interfacial boundary region where chemical reactions occur. The objective of this work is to develop heterogeneous catalysts that have the combined benefits of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Solid support materials with long tether molecules terminated with metal-ligand complexes will be prepared. The tether removes the reactive complex from the surface of the support and 'dangles' it into the solution phase, where rapid chemical transformations occur. These non-diffusion-limited catalysts constitute a fundamental physical chemistry change in the nature of solid-liquid interfaces and are an enabling technology innovation for both improved products and processes. Tethered phosphine-palladium catalysts will be prepared and tested for their performance in the olefination reaction of an aromatic halide. The catalysts will be tested for their reaction kinetics, turnover number, and durability for regeneration and reuse. The results of this project will provide technology for a new generation of enhanced efficiency catalysts for the chemical process industry that are significantly more cost effective that those based on diffusion-limited technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hammen, Richard ChelaTech, Inc. MT Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9165 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9961209 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Battery Design by Using an Electronic Interface (ENTERFACE). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will assess the feasibility of a user-directed software system for designing electrochemical power sources (batteries). The software couples performance and process models with an optimization routine. Battery users direct the design of batteries by providing objective functions; battery developers insure the designs are feasible by providing parameters for the process model. This software allows battery users and developers to collaborate without disclosure of proprietary information, and incorporates the best work of university professors. The research proposed here will identify optimal designs for batteries used in portable electronics, and viable strategies for coupling product and performance models. Leading manufacturers of portable computers and cellular phones will participate. This innovation would create a new route for rapid development of battery materials and components, batteries, and devices that use batteries. The innovation would be timely, as new polymer battery technology is emerging that is amenable to customized mass production. This system would give the US an edge in the incredibly competitive and rapidly growing portable electronics industry, help US battery companies and their suppliers compete, be a useful tool for government and educational institutions, and serve as a model for other industries. This research could lead to an Internet-based software system for battery design and evaluation, accessible for a fixed fee. This software would help companies sell products by providing access to battery makers and users, and allowing the benefits of products to be demonstrated through simulation. This system would also help users access and select products, by evaluating them through simulation. By 2003, the business of updating and maintaining this software for battery design and evaluation, could reach $3 million and employ six people. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spotnitz, Robert Battery Design Co. CA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961210 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Highly Aligned Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Composite Fibers for Enhanced Electrical Conductivity and Structural Strength. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel procedure for controlling the nanostructure and orientation of carbon nanotubes within a composite fiber matrix. This technology lends itself well to high volume production of a versatile and usable fiber form for fabricating and molding large composites with enhanced strength to weight ratios, optical and electronic properties. Specifically, this SBIR Phase I project will investigate the ability to achieve alignment of nanotubes in polymer fibers and their contribution to the overall fiber strength. A variety of polymers, including electrically conducting, can be used in this procedure. This combination of achieving small composite fiber diameters (down to 1 micron), as well as the highly aligned nature of the nanotubes within the micro-fiber, has an added benefit allowing greater characterization of the average optical, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes. Despite the significant potential for using carbon nanotubes, successful strategies for utilizing them in composites have yet to be achieved. This SBIR Phase I project represents an important step towards the production and commercial utilization of carbon nanotubes in composite materials and their ensuing applications. POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS OF THE RESEARCH This proposal lays the foundation for fabricating carbon nanotube composite fibers that can easily be used in forming structures with significant physical and electronic properties. These ultra strong, lightweight composite fibers can be used to revolutionize aircraft and other structures and in the process provide the U.S. with significant military and economic advantages. KEY WORDS carbon nanotube polymer fibers composites, versatile nanostructure SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Newman, Gerard NEWMAN TECHNOLOGIES OK Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9150 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961226 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Instrument for Tumor Cell Purging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project states that the use of autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is increasing for treatment of many cancers. However, tumor cell contamination within harvested HSC products continues to be of major concern. Contaminating tumor cells are known to contribute to cancer relapse, based on studies using genetically-marked transplanted cells. Several purging methods have been developed, but all leave detectable tumor cells in the transplant. Furthermore, existing methods reduce HSC numbers, compromising the therapeutic value of purging. Therefore, technology that reliably eliminates detectable tumor cells from a transplant, while leaving HSCs undamaged, is needed. This proposal describes a patented innovative approach integrating fluorescence scanning cytometry, real-time image analysis, and laser ablation. Phase I studies are proposed to evaluate feasibility of an approach that would accelerate the process to the speed required for clinical-scale operation. A breadboard optical system will be assembled and tested for rapid scanning and identification of fluorescent targets. Successful Phase I results will lead to Phase II studies to fully develop the prototype instrument and initiate clinical trials. This will lead to commercialization of a method to eliminate tumor cells from an HSC transplant within a several hour automated procedure. Over 30,000 autologous HSC transplants were performed in 1997, and the number is increasing 20-25% per year. The resulting instrumentation is applicable to any process that requires a highly defined cell product. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Koller, Manfred Cyntellect, Inc CA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99901 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961227 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Reactive Nanoparticles as Destructive Adsorbents. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine how certain critical steps in the synthesis of reactive nanoparticles (RNP) can be transformed from batchwise to a continuous process. This research is critically needed in order to develop a commercially viable process for manufacturing RNP materials for applications in both the civilian and military marketplaces. RNP materials and related technologies hold great promise for meeting a number of critical and high-value needs. Military applications include personnel protection, demilitarization, and decontamination. Nantek's proprietary RNPs are capable of destroying both chemical and biological warfare agents. Applications include destroying chemical weapon stockpiles; developing topical skin protectants against chemical agents; and materials for decontaminating equipment and personnel. Civilian uses include kits for counter-terrorism and safety response for the chemical industry. RNPs are effective against a wide range of toxic compounds, including PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and dioxins, and can remove acid gases from industrial emissions. With the number of important commercial applications growing, it is critical that the synthesis of these nanostructured materials be simplified into a commercially viable process. RNPs are truly a dual-use enabling technology capable of meeting a wide range of critical and high-value needs in both the military and civilian marketplaces. In the military area Nantek is developing RNPs to destroy chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agents for (1) personnel protection, (2) demilitarization, and (3) decontamination. In the civilian marketplace, potential products include materials and devices for counter-terrorism, and emergency response kits for accidental spills and releases in the chemical and biochemical industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Klabunde, Kenneth NANOSCALE MATERIALS INC KS Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99756 5371 AMPP 9165 1415 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961229 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Closed Loop Solvent Evaporation Ovens. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop closed-loop solvent evaporation ovens. Currently, industrial processes pass large.volumes of heated air through the evaporation oven, producing an air stream effluent contaminated by volatile organic carbon (VOC) compounds. These present environmental problems and no opportunity for recovery of the solvent. The proposed process is an enclosed, closed-loop system using nitrogen as the recirculating gas and a membrane to recover the evaporated solvent vapors and remove oxygen and water vapor derived from air that leaks into the gas. The amount of make-up nitrogen required will be small. Operating costs would be justified by the avoided costs of treating the dilute VOC-contaminated air stream and by the value of the recovered solvent. The main Phase I experimental task involves a selection of an oxygen-permeable, solvent vapor/nitrogen-impermeable membrane for the oxygen removal step. The membrane must retain these properties at high solvent vapor pressures and high feed gas temperatures. A prototype of the system will also be designed and the construction costs estimated. Phase II will build a complete system and operate it in the laboratory and at cooperating host sites to evaluate process benefits and costs. Replacement of direct-air-vented solvent evaporation ovens with affordable closed-loop nitrogen recirculation systems would become feasible for use in tablet coating and printing operations, preparation of tapes and adhesive films, and surface coating, varnishing, and painting operations common in industry. The new oven systems will allow solvent recovery and reuse, eliminate troublesome vapor emissiona, and offer many processing advantages. Affordable systems based on this technology are expected to be widely used. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baker, Richard MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 1414 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961230 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: High Data Rate Transmission using TPCs and FM Subcarrier Mod.. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project from Efficient Channel Coding (ECC) will investigate a combination of techniques to enable the transmission of CD-quality digital audio using subcarriers in the commercial FM band. Unlike other proposed services, this approach promises to allow the present analog FM channels to co-exist with new digital services with minimal interference and without requiring vacant FM channels. Specifically, in Phase I, Efficient Channel Coding will determine the feasibility of the reliable transmission of Motion Pictures Experts Group Advanced Audio Coding (MPEG-AAC) digital audio data at the maximum rate of 96 kbps through the existing subcarrier allocation 54-98 kHz above and below the host analog FM-channel. This effort will lead to a prototype implementation and on-air characterization under Phase II. The techniques to be employed included a powerful error correction technique called Turbo Product Codes (TPCs), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and a variety of interference rejection techniques. Within the feasibility study, only algorithms that have a clear path to implementation will be considered. Turbo Product Codes-Application Specific Integrated Circuit (TPC-ASIC) and software devices already developed by ECC will greatly accelerate the practical implementation of the system. The ability to successfully deploy CD-quality digital audio in the U.S. is of obvious merit. The ability to achieve this result without a new frequency band and without impacting the current FM infrastructure is the key to making this happen. The difficulties being encountered with the current IBOC/IBAC systems provide the opportunity for new technology to make an impact. The result of technology and work performed in this project will be a design specification that can be taken forward to the broadcast community (primarily the National Association of Broadcasters) for comment and review. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Vanderaar, Mark Efficient Channel Coding OH Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99853 1505 HPCC 9218 4096 0206000 Telecommunications 9961240 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Cottonseed Trait Development Using Chimeraplasty. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project will study the use of chimeraplasty in plants. Chimeraplasty is the use of a novel technology currently being explored in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems which utilizes chimeric, self-complimentary oligonucleotides comprised of DNA and modified RNA to target and mutate genes in vivo. Phase 1 of this project will use the model system of Arabidopsis thaliana to assess the applicability of this new technology to modify a complex biosynthetic pathway. Follow-on Phase 2 funding will be used to apply the strategies learned in Phase 1 to a commercial oilseed crop. Lipid synthesis in plants has many potential trait development opportunities in many oilseed crops. The major objective of this phase 1 project is to modify a well-characterized gene in A. thaliana with this new exciting in vivo genome modification technology. Completion of this objective will lead to the translation of this technology into a specific trait and product development program. When complete this program will have produced a unique and stable non-transgenic modified-oil product, never before seen in the market place. The development of a novel cottonseed oil product. This product will be a stable genome modification that is non-transgenic and therefore has the potential to quickly reach the market. The product will also have completely new oilseed characteristics never before seen in the vegetable oils market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Beetham, Peter Kimeragen, Inc. PA Bruce K. Hamilton Standard Grant 99449 5371 BIOT 9109 1167 0201000 Agriculture 9961245 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Temperature Pressure Transducers from Shape Memory Alloys. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design, fabricate, and test novel, high-temperature pressure-sensing elements composed of shape memory alloys. Ever-increasing demands on material systems under conditions of high temperatures and harsh environments create needs for high performance, low cost, reliable pressure transducers. The sensing element will be suitable for a wide range of environments along with an ability to provide greater sensitivity than silicon carbide sensors. Phase I will evaluate several candidate shape memory alloy materials and design a packaging scheme to maximize the sensitivity of this novel transducer. Emphasis will be placed on exploiting property changes during phase transformations. A high temperature pressure transducer is expected to have large impact in the automotive industry as an in-cylinder pressure sensor. Furthermore, other industries such as geothermal drilling, industrial applications, and aircraft turbine engines will benefit from in-situ, high sensitivity pressure measurements. The high-temperature pressure transducer would provide more than a three-fold increase in the maximum operating temperature and an order-of- magnitude increase in sensitivity over traditional pressure transducers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lisy, Frederick ORBITAL RESEARCH INC OH Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961253 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Synthesis and Consolidation of Ultrafine Titanium Carbide. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a low cost process to synthesize ultrafine titanium carbide (TiC) powder from its chloride precursor and to consolidate this powder, along with metal powders, to produce fine grained composites. Major impediments to the wide spread use of TiC-based composite materials for high temperature structural and cutting tool applications are their low fracture toughness and high cost of production. Increase in toughness and reduction in cost may be achieved simultaneously by producing composites using nanocrystalline carbide powder synthesized by a low cost, ambient temperature mechanochemical process. Phase I will focus on optimizing the parameters which control (i) the reaction rate during the mechanochemical process, (ii) the particle size of metal matrix powders during milling with hard TiC to produce composite powder, and (iii) grain growth during consolidation. The research objective is production of cost-effective composites with a nanoscale grain size. This process technology has potential as a commercial technique for synthesis of ultrafine metal carbide powders used in products like metal matrix composites and titanium carbide cutting tools. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Eranezhuth, Baburaj Institute for Physics and Technology, Inc. OH Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU AMPP 9163 9150 9146 1774 1505 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 9961256 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Micro-Discharge Based Micro-Lasers for Sensing. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project aims to apply novel micro-discharge structures and techniques for exciting micro-lasers. The proposer will target wavelength regions not accessed by other compact lasers, emphasizing output wavelengths in spectral regions where diode pumped solid state laser approaches are considerably more complex than the proposed technology. The Phase I objectives include the development of the alignment and construction methods needed to make a stack of micro-discharges appropriate for laser action. The proposer will show laser action in the touchstone systems of the Mid-IR Xenon atom laser and the KrF laser in the ultraviolet. An analytical effort using state of the art, multi-dimensional discharge models will support experiments and guide the Phase II prototype design. The proposer will also define the needed risk reduction tests to produce a useful sensor system in Phase II. These very compact sources will be used in sensors for trace species detection, process control, and medical and food industry applications. The small size and low voltage operation will lead to inexpensive hand held uses and very compact automated industrial systems. The semi-conductor based fabrication techniques are inexpensive and systems based on this technology can significantly enhance the market potential. Specific commercial applications include: trace gas sensors for short ranges, screening solid surfaces and foods for pathogens, process controls, and fiber coupled probes for medicine. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ewing, J. EWING TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES WA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9148 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961260 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: High Resolution Position Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new magnetic position sensing technology that utilizes a novel graded magnetic field and giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor. The graded magnetic field is produced in a composite film comprising samarium cobalt (SmCo5) nanorods imbedded in an alumina matrix. High coercivity, high magnetization SmCo5 is desirable so that the sensor may be employed in extreme environments. The composite is produced using well-known electrochemical techniques. A GMR read head is used to sense the strength of the magnetic field as a function of the position of the sensor over the graded field. This arrangement is superior to conventional position sensing devices in that the proposed device may be integrated into a single package along with control and signal processing electronics. Phase I will investigate the fabrication of the graded magnetic field composite and determine the best conditions under which to produce high coercivity SmCo5 nanorods. Phase II will continue the development of a monolithic position sensor for automatic test equipment. These high-resolution sensors, that can be readily integrated with silicon based electronics, will be useful in robotics, automated test equipment, and in interactive electronic devices. Successful implementation of the proposed technology will enable disk drives to be built with data densities exceeding 100 gigabytes per square inch allowing smaller, faster storage systems for portable systems, digital video recording, and digital TV. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Steinbeck, John NANOSCIENCES CORP CT Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 9961268 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Long Gage Grating Sensors for Seismic Damage Identification. This Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer project aims to demonstrate the feasibility, through physical experimentation at small scale, of using newly developed and very promising long-gage fiber-optic sensors, fiber Bragg grating sensors, for monitoring directly the 'macroscopic' internal deformation response of structures to strong ground motions and for non-destructive post-earthquake evaluation of structures. These sensors can be demodulated at high speeds (kHz to MHz) to accurately monitor dynamic events and to provide oversampling capabilities. Determination of the actual nonlinear inelastic response mechanisms developed by civil structures such as buildings and bridges during strong earthquakes and post-earthquake damage assessment of these structures represent very difficult challenges for earthquake structural engineers. Indeed, the ultimate objective of the whole research effort in modeling and analysis of structural response to earthquake ground motions is to predict the actual seismic response of structures with all its key features. Applications include earthquake damage assessment of buildings and civil structures. Capability to correct current unbalance between the analytical capabilities for predicting nonlinear structural response and damage parameters and the incompleteness of the information on the actual seismic response of structures measured in the laboratory and in the field. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schulz, Whitten BLUE ROAD RESEARCH, INC OR Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99979 1505 CVIS 1038 0110000 Technology Transfer 9961270 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Interactive Tools for Active Learning (ITAL). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from PhRAM Inc. ITAL will produce a working and testable prototype of a comprehensive educational tool and it will obtain initial evidence of how the proposed software works with students and how it is accepted by teachers. ITAL's software is designed to create educational modules and tools that will help teachers assemble a single computer-based learning environment from heterogeneous educational resources and the WWW. The proposed open-ended package will include an Active Shell, Modeling Activities, Problem Solving Tutor, Interactive Lessons and a tool to design them, Tools for Assessing student progress, and more. Virtually everything in the software can be controlled from a script. The proposed software package employs a 'learning situation-focused' approach. The Simulation module is based upon a 'real-life situation'. It enables learners to actively participate in modeling and virtual experimentation and observe the physical processes from macroscopic to microscopic levels. The software allows students to assemble various functioning systems from intelligent components and link science content and technology education with real life technical problems and thus to cross a gulf between applied knowledge and fundamental science. The software may be used in classrooms equipped with stand-alone computers or local networks or it may be used over the Internet for distance learning. PhRAM's software is designed to address high, technical and vocational school and college students and teachers as well as people engaged in any kind of distance learning, including those with disabilities. The product can be used by companies for training technicians. It will also target the marketplace of computer-based design and engineering, and it will be useful for presenting household hardware to the customers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cherner, Yakov PhRAM Inc MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99988 7256 5371 SMET 9177 7355 7256 5371 0108000 Software Development 9961275 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Research Into Understanding and Control of Rolling Mill Chatter. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new understanding of rolling mill chatter. Rolling mill chatter is a vibration problem limiting the throughput of nearly all metal rolling operations. In addition, associated sensitivities of the system to external vibration forces necessitate costly maintenance programs to minimize these forces. The root cause of the problem is a destabilizing feedback mechanism, which renders the system extremely sensitive to any excitation. In the limit, the rolling process is unstable and self excited. The extension/tension relationship of the interstand steel sheet is a critical component of the feedback path. Phase I will explore previously overlooked aspects of sheet behavior to modify the feedback control path such that the feedback is a stabilizing rather than destabilizing effect. This technology has wide potential application to hot and cold rolling processes in the steel industry, aluminum industry, tin mills, finishing mills, and plastics processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sharp, Thomas SHEET DYNAMICS LTD OH Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99317 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961280 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Material Processing for Optimizing the Performance of an Embedded Bragg Grating. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I program will determine the feasibility of actively controlling the spectral properties of Bragg gratings embedded in nonlinear optical waveguide devices. The key innovation in this work is the application of an external field to control the embedded Bragg grating. Preliminary calculations indicate that tuning ranges of 1 nm should be possible with rates as high as 10GHz. To fully realize the potential of the electro-optically controlled Bragg grating, an investigation of the effect that different processing conditions have on the spectral properties of the grating will be made. The ability to incorporate an electro-optically tunable Bragg grating with a particular set of spectral characteristics into a standard nonlinear optical material such as ion-modified potassium titanyl phosphate will greatly expand the functionality of the material and enable a broad range of new applications. An electro-optically tunable Bragg grating will open the door to a broad range of applications, including direct high speed frequency modulation of diode lasers for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), spectroscopy, and remote s EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Battle, Philip ADVR, INC MT Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99390 9150 MANU 9150 9146 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961282 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Dynamic, High-Resolution Volumetric Dilatometer. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project aims to develop an instrument to accurately characterize the thermal (T) and/or temporal (t) response of a material's specific volume (Vsp). Presently, no commercially available device exists for the characterization of Vsp (T, t) at ambient pressures. The proposer's involvement in the design, development and validation of a stage I prototype device is what has led to the identification of gaps within the existing technology. The proposed development of this next generation instrumentation was made possible through the implementation of a fiber-optic displacement sensor system developed by the proposer. This is due in part, to a constant influx of new engineering materials to the market place (i.e. thermoplastics, thermosets, metal alloys, polymorphs of existing materials, etc.) and the emergence and/or growth of new and exciting fields (i.e. microelectronics, composite manufacturing, etc.). Ultimately, this need is driven by the fact that there are a variety of physical phenomena which result in dimensional change (i.e. crystallization, curing, melting, glass formation, secondary transitions and physical aging). Specific applications for the fully developed and commercialized instrumentation include atmospheric pressure high-resolution volumetric dilatometry; and non-contact, nano-displacement metrology; as well as, linear dilatometry, non-contact, micro-displacement metrology and thin-film metrology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Christian, Sean AIRAK, INC VA Darryl G. Gorman Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 9102 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 9961283 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Omniscope - An Novel Concept of Endoscope with Ultra-Wide Field of View. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves conventional endoscopes that have limited field-of-view (FOV). They observe objects through a relatively small solid angle subtended in front of the distal end of the scope. Although various prisms can be used in the optical design to change the viewing direction, a wide FOV observation can not be achieved without adjusting the optical system, employing moving parts, or turning the endoscope itself. Furthermore, the panoramic view can not be acquired simultaneously. For many medical diagnosis instrument (gastroscope, cystoscope, colonscope,etc.) and industrial inspections (pipe inspection, turbine engine diagnosis, surveillance, autonomous navigation, security, robotics, video conferencing, etc), simultaneously acquired image in all directions around the sensor system can provide invaluable visual information and a leapfrog advance in the performance of these systems. The primary objective of the SBIR effort proposed herein is to investigate the feasibility of a novel endoscope design, dubbed as the 'Omniscope', based on the omnidirectional imaging technique recently developed by Genex Technologies, Inc. The proposed design allows an ultra wide viewing angle (360 degree) and simultaneous observing capability, therefore can greatly increase the efficiency, accuracy, and patient's comfort in diagnosis and treatment. The Omniscope technique will also provide a unique tool for documentation, surgery planning, and training. Due to its simple structural and optical design, the Omniscope can be fabricated inexpensively and will be reliable in practical field usage environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhuang, Ping GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 5345 0203000 Health 9961284 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: An Intelligent '3D Mosaic' Tool for Multiple 3D Images Integration. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project has as its primary objective to develop a fully automatic and intelligent software tool that is able to mosaic (i.e., align and merge) multiple 3D images of the same object taken from different viewpoints, without a priori knowledge of camera positions. Three-dimensional (3D) modeling of physical objects and environment is an essential part of the challenges for many multimedia tasks. However, most physical objects self occlude, and no single view 3D image suffices to describe the entire surface of a 3D object. Multiple 3D images of the same object or scene from various viewpoints have to be taken and integrated in order to obtain a complete 3D model of the 3D object or scene. We call this process the '3D mosaic'. The main innovations of this proposed effort are threefold: 1. an intelligent alignment method that is able to register multiple uncalibrated 3D images without needing a priori knowledge of camera location and orientation; 2. a seamless merge method to 'stitch' together the aligned 3D images using the fuzzy logic principle; and 3. an intelligent 3D image compression algorithm that preserves 3D image geometric features while achieving high compression ratio. The 3D Mosaic technique to be developed has enormous commercial applications, including industrial design and prototyping, reverse engineering, manufacturing part inspection, part replacement and repair, animation, entertainment, 3D modeling for WWW documents, archiving, virtual reality environment, education, virtual museum, commercial on-line catalogues, etc. If successful, 1t could become an important part of future 3D TV technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhuang, Ping GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 4080 0108000 Software Development 9961286 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Computerized Design System for Custom-Made and Custom-Fit Apparel. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a high-performance, low-cost, computer-aided garment design and pattern flattening (GDPF) system. Using a new three-dimensional (3D) camera technology, the GDPF system would enable the custom fit of apparel. Since the human body is inherently a 3D object with complex shapes and dimensions, the design and production of garments, shoes, hats, and other apparel products must fit. That is, the 3D shape of the apparel piece must match the body shape, style, and fashion selection of individual customers. Since no two human bodies are exactly the same in their 3D dimensions, the first critical step in the custom fit apparel design is to obtain 3D body shape measurements for individual customer. Today, almost all existing garment computer-aided design (CAD) systems only use 2D manual measurements as their input and 2D representation in their designs. Phase I will examine the use of the new 3D imaging technology in providing 3D specifications for CAD software. Potential commercial applications are anticipated in the garment and fashion industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Qiao, Jinglu GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 1465 1464 1463 0107000 Operations Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961295 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Eyesafe Laser Transmitter for Clear Air Turbulence Warning Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel eyesafe laser transmitter for integration into a clear air turbulence (CAT) warning system for commercial airliners. The CAT warning system is a coherent laser radar that measures wind speed in the forward flight path and alerts the pilot to turbulent wind conditions. The proposed high-power eyesafe diode-pumped solid-state laser transmitter utilizes a novel design that does not require liquid coolants, in contrast with existing high-power eyesafe transmitters. As a result the proposed transmitter requires significantly less volume, weight, and prime power than existing eyesafe transmitters, making it suitable for airborne applications such as CAT warning. The proposed transmitter delivers Q-switched output with pulse energies, pulse repetition frequencies, and pulse durations which are ideal for coherent laser radar wind sensing. In Phase I, key laboratory demonstrations will be performed, and a high-power transmitter design will be developed, to show feasibility of the proposed transmitter for integration into a coherent laser radar transceiver. A complete coherent laser radar transceiver would be demonstrated with Phase II funding. The proposed eyesafe laser transmitter will be useful for applications in which prime power, weight, and volume are restricted, in particular for airborne and spaceborne remote sensing. The transmitter will be of use in commercial aviation for clear air turbulence monitoring, and for wake vortex avoidance and traffic monitoring, both airborne and in the terminal environment. The transmitter will also be useful for measuring global winds from space for weather forecasting and modeling. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stoneman, Robert COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC CO Darryl G. Gorman Standard Grant 99976 5371 HPCC 9215 0206000 Telecommunications 9961300 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: 'Live from Space Station' Virtual Space Science School. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes an interactive education program with the International Space Station under the management of Durham Research, Inc. The Telescience Resource Kit (TReK), a software and hardware package developed at NASA Marshall with the help of AZ Technology, has the potential to be a bridge between research and education. This technology was originally developed to allow researchers to access payloads on-board the International Space Station from their laboratories and offices. A web-based add-on component called TOPS was developed and the idea of using the system as an educational tool was born. TOPS (Teleoperations System) is a Sun Java Studio-based visual program that was designed to be easily learned and manipulated by individuals with little or no computer skills. A pilot program at Crofton Middle School in Maryland is being developed and research at the University of Alabama-Birmingham is being built into the eighth grade curriculum to meet Maryland State guidelines. Expansion of the program to interested schools will follow upon completion of the pilot program. Durham Research proffers technology that will allow students to access payloads on the Space Station in real-time over the Internet and to perform actual research alongside professional researchers from around the world. This kind of connection between student work in the classroom and on-going space station research has the potential to have a strong positive effect on student interest in, enthusiasm for, and understanding of science. As the students conduct their own experiments, they will be reinforced by news from the space station. The results of this work can provide a model for other efforts to connect the world of students with those of scientists. IIP ENG Durham, Alyson Durham Research, Inc. MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99408 7256 SMET 9177 9102 7355 7256 5371 0101000 Curriculum Development 9961308 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Compact High Resolution Mass Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will develop the basis for miniaturization of Ion Cyclotron Resonance Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (ICR-FT-MS)instruments. This basis will be deployed in Phase II and Phase III to build and qualify such an instrument for industrial and commercial applications. The proposed research concerns the characterization of an existing small and light superconducting solenoid and the numerical simulation of the relation between ion cyclotron resonance frequency and ion mass-to-charge ratio which undergoes distortion due to a number of effects that are included in the numerical simulation. Such distortion becomes large when the magnitude of the magnetic field and the size of the ICR-FT-MS cell become small. A performance equivalent to a magnetic field of 1 T and a mass resolution in excess of 10,000 at a mass-to-charge-ratio of 100 g/mol is anticipated. Although the performance of such small and light instruments will be much lower than that of large and heavy instruments, it will combine some of the performance of currently deployed non-ICR-FT-MS instruments into a versatile instrument that bridges the price and performance gap between non-ICR-FT-MS and ICR-FT-MS. This is expected to result in a market potential of $5,000,000 per year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tekula, Milan Maine Research and Technology Inc MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1059 0109000 Structural Technology 9961311 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: Investigation of Throttled Flow Performance in Venturi Off-Set Technology VOSTtm Valves. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will explore, using numerical modeling and prototype testing, the feasibility of using axially actuated valves for flow control of various viscosity and two-phase fluids. Preliminary research with the innovative Venturi Off-Set Technology (VOSTtm) valves indicates that these valves exhibit a linear flow response as a function of valve actuation position. Because these valves require short (1/2 turn) and therefore rapid actuation motion, they have great potential for use as flow control devices in a variety of industries. However, before throttling valves can be designed and produced, problems with seals and wear within the valve must be addressed solved. Solution of these problems requires understanding the flow within the valve. The purpose of this Phase I research is to investigate the feasibility of using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools to model flow within the unique VOSTtm valve flow passage when used as a throttling or control valve. Two significant challenges are presented by this problem. First, the need to determine flow through the valve at a variety of opening positions imposes unique demands on the computational grids that model the geometry. Second, it may be difficult for the flow solver to capture details of the flow field in this complicated internal passage. Once CFD modeling feasibility is demonstrated in Phase I, CFD design tools and techniques will be developed in Phase II for use in developing VOSTtm valves for a variety of difficult flow control applications involving high viscosity or multiple-phase fluids. Utilizing University of Wyoming modeling and measurement capabilities and Big Horn Valve Inc. flow testing facilities, investigators will: (1) develop CFD tools to simulate flow characteristics within the flow passage; (2) fabricate a throttling valve body to verify computer results; and (3) conduct parametric studies of flow behavior for high viscosity or multiple phase conditions. Successful research in this arena will strengthen the understanding of valve throttling and performance characteristics, while also investigating new ways to perform numerical flow modeling of changing geometry. Transfer of CFD analytical tools and techniques into the industrial environment will permit designers to develop low loss linear flow control valves for a variety of industries. Initial applications to be studied will be for slurry transport of solids (Trona industry) and for use in the petrochemical industry. Petrochemical process valves alone constitute a $1.4B US industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Burgess, Robert Big Horn Valve, Inc. WY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9150 9148 1505 1443 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961316 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Electroplating of Tribocoatings Containing Nanophase WC/Co Particles. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a unique, cost-effective and low-friction/low-wear tribological coating. This will be accomplished using an electrolytic codeposition process employing a colloidal solution of nanophase WC/Co in a standard nickel or cobalt sulphamate bath. This has not been demonstrated previously. The current effort is directed toward metallic seals and pneumatic ducting components for aerospace and power generation gas turbine engines, and high performance automobile cylinders and piston rings to reduce life-cycle costs. The coating is expected to contain an extremely fine dispersion of metallurgically bonded nanophase WC particles in a nickel or cobalt matrix, which will offer a unique combination of low friction/low wear. Unlike hard chrome, this coating process is environmentally friendly and easily integrated within current operations, thereby facilitating its commercialization. The process will also generate near-net shape coatings with superior surface finish and thickness uniformity. These coatings will require little or no mechanical polishing, therefore, resulting in reducing the overall component cost. The selection flexibility of colloidal nanophase particles and electrolytic bathes will offer the possibility of a new surface engineering tool. This has the potential of filling the gap between thermal spray and vapor deposited coatings and have broader applications of national interest. Commercial potential of the proposed technology includes: aerospace and power generation metallic seals, pneumatic ducting, high performance automotive cylinder linings and piston rings, bearings, and other tribological surfaces. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xiao, T. Danny INFRAMAT CORP CT Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 9961318 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Broadband Fish Tracker. As the number of fish in rivers and streams diminishes and become threatened, endangered, or extinct, we see a growing concern from the local communities that is being met with increased funding and political attention. There is a need for better fish monitoring tools for the riverine environment. Leaders in the riverine sonar community have identified several deficiencies in current systems. Scientific Fishery Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a broadband sonar fish tracking system for use in shallow water environments. The proposed system will address many of the current deficiencies, resulting in a broadband fish tracking system with 10 times better range resolution and at least 6 dB improvement in the signal to noise ratio for targets. EPA estimates that there are 68,000 dams. The National Park Service estimates that thereare 75,000 dams. The Wall Street Journal estimates that there are 80,000 dams. The problems of tracking fish in three dimensions near dams to determine fish behavior is a major issue for many of these dams, especially those in the Columbia River Basin where the threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead have recently received the attention of the Office of the President. Assuming only 5% of these dams require fish monitoring, and that SciFish is able to capture only 10% of that market, this conservatively represents a $34 M market. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Simpson, Patrick Scientific Fishery Systems, Inc AK George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9104 1148 0521700 Marine Resources 9961394 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Magnesium by Carbothermic Reduction in a Plasma Quench Reactor. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project addresses the carbothermic reduction of MgO using natural gas as the carbon source to form magnesium metal powder. The reduction of MgO with natural gas has been used in the past. However, the inability to quench the reaction products sufficiently rapidly reduced the yield to less than an economically acceptable level. Recently MIT, utilizing natural gas, showed yields as high as 90% in a small system. Although more heat is required when using CH4 for reduction, the byproducts CO and H2 have great value. The Plasma Quench process has quench rates of over a billion degrees C per second, and as a result, ITT believes that the yield could be close to 100% in a rapid plasma quench reactor system. The key technical objective is to determine whether the fundamental quench approach will in fact completely prevent back reaction between the magnesium vapor and the carbon monoxide by-product. The secondary objective is to determine the residence time that would be necessary for complete reaction. Most of the required equipment exists to test the concept. This includes a plasma torch reactor system, a feed system, and a collection system for fine powder. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Donaldson, Alan Idaho Titanium Technologies Inc ID Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99000 9150 MANU 9150 9146 5371 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961397 January 1, 2000 STTR Phase I: An Advanced Microstructural Process for SiC Structures and Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop a silicon carbide (SiC) process technology that will permit control of both the microstructure and macrostructure during the SiC deposition process. This will be done by combining a rapid chemical vapor deposition technique using organosilicon sources combined with a transfer mold technique. Patterned and etched silicon substrates will be used as templates. This approach will enable the growth of three-dimensional SiC structures for advanced microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) and vacuum microelectronic (VME) devices with greater functionality and durability. This microstructural engineering process, if successful, will be applied to the development of SiC components such as gyroscopes, heat engines, nozzles, and sensors for MEMS applications and flat panel displays and RF microwave amplifiers for harsh environments. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Robinson, McDonald Lawrence Semiconductor Research Laboratory, Inc. AZ Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 27276 1505 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961400 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Internet Based Remote Seismic Depth Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate that a fully functional internet seismic processing system (INSP) can be developed and smoothly operated. The use of large-scale parallel computers for seismic processing has achieved such technical and economical success that the oil and gas industry is the largest commercial market for scientific high-performance computing; however, the vast majority of exploration organizations have no direct access to high-end seismic imaging technologies because they lack the resources to acquire and maintain the necessary hardware and software. The objective of this project is to take advantage of high-speed networks and recent advances in architecture-independent programming languages to provide a seamless internet/intranet seismic computing solution. The research will attempt to build the software infrastructure that will enable geologists to have direct control of depth-imaging projects and to have access to remote large-scale parallel computers, as effortlessly and effectively as if they were employing a workstation linked to their local-area network. This will overcome the economical and operational obstacles that today prevent the vast majority of exploration projects in difficult areas to fully benefit from the rapid progress in high-performance computing. The commercial potential of the technology is significant because it makes seismic depth imaging and other compute-intensive technologies accessible to a large heretofore untapped client base, while providing an efficient resource distribution and allocation to all potential clients requiring access to high performance computing facilities and state-of-the-art software. The resulting product will allow greatly increased interaction between the client and contractor, thereby increasing the quality of the final seismic image and in turn reducing exploration risk and offsetting the high costs of exploratory drilling and failed reservoir management projects. KEYWORDS Internet, intranet, Java programming language, high performance computing, super computing, seismic imaging, oil and gas exploration SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bevc, Dimitri 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA G. Patrick Johnson Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1448 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 9961412 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: All-Metal Giant Magnetoresistive Memory. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop all-metal support electronics that are based on giant magnetoresistance (GMR) for a nanoscale, nonvolatile, solid-state random-access memory. Silicon technology, alone or in combination with GMR memory elements, cannot match either the density or low cost of all-metal memory because of inherent limits on scaling of semiconductors and because of the fewer masking steps required for all-metal technology. Only all-metal solid-state storage (the combination of GMR memory and GMR circuitry) can realize the full potential of magnetoelectronic chips. At the heart of the proposal's general-purpose electronics is a novel multifunctional GMR device called a transpinnor (TM). The research objectives are to develop and demonstrate transpinnor-based circuitry on the all-metal chip. The research will design the GMR elements, model and simulate their coupling on the circuit, fabricate and test GMR based selection and sense circuitry, and design a complete 1 Kbit all-metal magnetic memory chip. The results are anticipated to demonstrate functionality of GMR circuitry on an integrated chip. The addressable markets for all-metal solid-state chips include not only semiconductor memories such as SRAM, DRAM and Flash, but mechanical storage and general-purpose electronics as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spitzer, Richard INTEGRATED MAGNETOELECTRONICS INC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 9961414 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Novel Facilitated Transport Membranes for Olefin Separations. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the separation of olefins from saturated hydrocarbons. The separation of olefins from paraffins is currently carried out by distillation, which is an extremely energy-intensive process due to the very low relative volatilities of the components. The selectivities and gas fluxes of polymer membranes are inadequate for olefin separation from paraffins. Facilitated transport membranes have higher selectivities and gas fluxes than polymeric membranes for olefin/paraffin separation but their application have limited by membrane selectivity, low gas fluxes, and the requirement of a water-saturated feed. To overcome these problems a new type of solid-polymer-electrolyte facilitated transport membrane with high gas fluxes and high selectivities will be developed for the separation of olefins from paraffins. The membranes consist of rubbery, polyether-based polymers that form polymer electrolyte solutions with the ionic salts used as gas-complexing agents. To provide high gas fluxes, the resulting polymer is formed into thin-film composite membranes. Preliminary studies indicated that these novel membranes show dramatically improved performance over conventional facilitated transport membranes for olefin/paraffin separation and can be used with a dry feed. The membranes are stable in ethylene/ethane separation experiments for up to 40 days. If successfully developed, polymer electrolyte composite membranes will significantly reduce energy consumption in olefin/paraffin separation in the petroleum refining industry. The anticipated improvements in gas separation performance over state-of-the-art facilitated transport membranes will make membrane systems competitive over conventional distillation technology for this or similar applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morisato, Atsushi MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 9961417 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Research on Software for a Multisensor/Actuator Parallel Processor Network. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to research and develop modular software for generic multisensor/actuator intelligent nodes containing commercial embedded microcontrollers and/or digital signal processors (iPod). The software provides an autonomous multiprocessor network with operational computational data processing and actuation capabilities which can 'enable more efficient, safer and more satisfying products and services to improve quality of life in both work and home environments and to augment human capabilities'. It would consist of an instrument development environment (IDE), an ActiveX-like object (iBroker), and an embedded virtual machine (EVM). The IDE generates run-time commands (applets) for the PC and the iPods. The iBroker, as intermediary, links the iPods embedded microcontrollers to a PC and/or a larger network through a master. The EVM residing on each iPod utilizes downloaded applets and communicates through a master to the iBroker and beyond. While some software components have been tested in programs both here and elsewhere, a research effort is needed on a modular, over-arching program for a sensor based multiprocessor systems that can fully utilize their networking capabilities while providing real time multiprocessing of sensor/actuator information. In Phase I, this software will be tested on Scitefair's recent flow measuring nodal network. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lopez-Reyna, Carlos Scitefair International PA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 101812 5371 HPCC 9231 9216 9178 9102 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9961427 January 1, 2000 SBIR Phase I: Miniaturized Air Turbulence Compensating Interferometer Sensor. This SBIR Phase I project is to develop an optical sensor for high performance interferometric measurements which directly compensates for air turbulence and humidity effects on optical path length measurements. It also permits the rapid measurement of refractive index changes at multiple wavelengths for a wide range of materials. This miniaturizable device will provide high sensitivity, and stability, allowing for sub-nanometer precision distance measurements. This sensor will provide greatly enhanced performance and stability over typical nonlinear crystals and allow multiple nonlinear processes to be performed in the same crystal, while being of lower cost and much smaller size. it can even be assembled into two-dimensional arrays for monitoring the performance of high power optical systems, and optical fabrication measuremerts. The Phase I objective is to theoretically and experimentally investigate potential of this device concept for high precision (5ub-nanometer) interferometric measurements. High precision measurements in an air environment are of critical importance in the manufacture of advanced integrated circuits, large optics of high precision such as for the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST), and high precision machining. If coupled with a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) it can enable extremely precise distance measurements over long paths in air. An alternative application is in high power laser diagnostics, where real-time monitoring of pulsed laser optics can provide important information for enhancing stability and performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lis, Steven LightLine Technologies MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99997 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 9981852 May 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) Implementations of Neuromorphic Virtual Sensors for Intelligent Diagnostics and Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a novel, compact, low-cost adaptive neuroprocessor chip for advanced diagnostics and control in the next generation of low emission "environmentally friendly" vehicles. This digital CMOS VLSI electronic neural network device combines on-chip integration of a fully reconfigurable feed-forward/time-lagged recurrent neuroprocessor module with backpropagation-through-time (BPTT) weight training module. Specifically, the technical objectives are to develop a neuroprocessor chip suitable for direct insertion into an automobile's electronic engine computer (EEC). This stand-alone electronic neural network will function as a co-processor to the EEC's central processing unit (CPU), off-loading it of computationally intensive neural based tasks and enabling event rate automotive diagnostics and control. The neuroprocesor is programmable, allowing it to execute multiple neural network applications on-the-fly; is capable of event rate computational throughput (<<50 microseconds) per appli-cation; is a system-on-a-chip (SOAC) design (stand-alone neuroprocessor with on-chip weight training); and cost effective (<$5/chip). On-chip adaptation will not only enable adaptive control, but will address the problem of fixed weight networks - namely that of enabling on-board self-calibration of electronic and mechanical systems for optimal performance. Applications areas of the proposed neural network formalism cover the following industry sectors: (1) ad-vanced diagnostic and control strategies for low emision vehicles & hybrid electric vehicles in the automotive industry; (2) prognostics and diagnostics of jet engines for the aerospace industry; (3) and adaptive equaliza-tion of cell phones for superior noise rejection in the communication industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moopenn, Alexander Mosaix, LLC CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 600000 5373 CVIS 1059 0207000 Transportation 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 9982958 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Interface Functionalization of Commercial Substrates to Promote Adhesion of Solventless Inks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will address in-line treatment for functionalization of commercial substrate surfaces. The proposed treatment will consist of an appropriate combination of vacuum plasma treatment, atmospheric plasma treatment, and/or acrylate coating. It is expected to functionalize the surface of commercial substrates such as packaging films, labeling sheet, paper webs, and Teflon(tm) sheet to readily accept and bond with solventless printing inks, thus reducing the need for solvent-based inks. The EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) for 1995 shows that 1.224 billion pounds of organic solvents were released into the atmosphere over this country in 1995. The number 3 chemical (146 million pounds) contributing to TRI air emissions for 1995 was toluene, a major constituent of printing ink formulations. Regulatory and community pressure to reduce the use of solvent-based inks as a pollution prevention measure is already a significant driving force and will only intensify in the future. Proof-of-concept has been achieved in Phase I. Sigma Technologies has indeed been able to alter the surface functionality of a variety of commercial substrates to the extent that water-based ink formulations will adhere well to the functionalized surfaces without sacrifice of ink deposit quality. Several major players in the packaging film and related industries are very interested in our progress in the area of interface functionalization. They are under pressure from the USEPA to reduce their use of solvent-based inks and are operating in a highly competitive, often narrow margin, business venue. They are watching us closely and at least two of these clients will participate in the proposed Phase II effort by providing in-kind matching funds expenditures to provide inking runs on treated substrates and to help us evaluate ink deposit quality. If we are able to maintain this high level of interest through the Phase II effort we are confident that firm orders for equipment and process development for Sigma Technologies will result. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ellwanger, Richard SIGMA TECHNOLOGIES INTL., INC. AZ Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 400000 5373 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983163 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Biological Process to Utilize Gases from Livestock Confinement Facilities in Biomass Production. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will build and test a 1/30 scale prototype photo bioreactor system, which converts waste gas emissions from confinement swine facilities into algae (biomass). Large confinement production facilities account for a majority of livestock production and represent a significant source of odor and greenhouse gases as well as large quantities of solid and liquid waste. Phase I research demonstrated the ability to capture waste gases from a confinement swine facility and use it to produce micro-algae using a photo bioreactor. The research demonstrated that the algae in the photo bioreactor removed more than 90 percent of the waste gases and odors. During Phase II a 1/30-scale prototype photo bioreactor system will be built and attached to an existing swine confinement facility. The system will be tested using a variety of media and algae or photo organism species during the Phase II research. If successful a full scale demonstration unit will be built and tested in Phase III with sales of the system following. The system will address a serious environmental problem while reducing operating costs for swine producers by providing a feed supplement, algae biomass, and creating the potential to extract valuable co-products from the micro-algae. The initial market for the bioair photobioreactor will be large swine operations. Pro Edge, a large swine producer, has agree to purchase the first demonstration unit and plans to purchase an additional 100 to 300 systems if they work as anticipated. While sales of the system will generate revenue, the ultimate goal is to extract high value components from the algae for use in pharmaceuticals, pigments, carbohydrates, and other chemical products. The market for these products is estimated to be approximately $6 billion in 2000. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schroder, Bruce Dairilean Inc SD Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 400000 5373 EGCH 9197 9188 1440 0118000 Pollution Control 0313040 Water Pollution 0316000 Trace Contaminants 9983175 May 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Electrostatic Self-Assembly Processes for Fabrication of MEMS Materials and Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop sensor, actuator, and micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) products based on electrostatically self-assembled piezoelectric and electrostrictive polymer thin films. Phase I found that an electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) process may be used to synthesize piezoelectric and electrostrictive materials with large transduction coefficients from a variety of dipolar molecular materials. This indicates an ability to replace poled polymer and conventional ceramic transducer materials in numerous sensor and actuator devices and produce benefits in simplified processing, cost savings and improved performance. In addition, the ability to select patterns and release portions of ESA-processed multilayer films allows the formation of MEMS structures, and thereby a new approach to surface micromachining. Phase II will optimize the ESA synthesis process in manufacture of sensors, actuators, and MEMS products and demonstrate ESA thin-film based devices, including polymer MEMS. New ESA-processed piezoelectric and electrostrictive thin film materials will have widespread potential commercial applications in sensor and actuator devices used for instrumentation and controls. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zeng, Tingying Nanosonic Incorporated VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 461800 5373 MANU CVIS 9231 9178 9146 1057 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983184 June 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Novel High-Temperature Molybdenum Alumino-Silicide Heating Elements for Advanced Manufacturing Processes. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop 2000 degree Centigrade (C) molybdenum alumino-silicide (Mo(Si,Al)2) heating elements for advanced manufacturing processes such as sintering, brazing, annealing, semiconductor processing, ceramic processing, and pyrolysis of solid waste. Current technology in heating elements permits temperatures only as high as 1850-1900 degree C. The main technical barriers are (1) spalling of the silica protective layer at 1850-1900 degree C, which exposes the bare MoSi2 to catastrophic oxidation, and (2) extensive weakening by rapid grain growth. Phase II will (1) use alloying elements to form oxidation-resistant ternary phase Mo(Si,Al)2, which leads to the formation of a stable (up to 2080 degree C) adherent alumina layer, and (2) add nano-scale alumina or zirconia (~ 40 nanometers) to stabilize grain growth. Two compositions in the molybdenum-alumino-silicon ternary alloy phase field were identified, synthesized, and tested in Phase I. A rapid heat-up 2000 degree C element would be a quantum leap in heating element technology and lead advances in high temperature manufacturing. Rapid commercialization is expected because energy advantages and productivity (time wise) gains will accrue to the ceramic manufacturing, metal processing, compound semiconductor processing, glass processing, and joining industries. Total savings of nearly $40 million per year are anticipated in lower power consumption in the manufacturing industries that use this heating element technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Penumella, Srinivas MICROPYRETICS HEATERS INTL INC OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 750000 5373 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983275 July 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Two-Wavelength Thermal Imaging Solutions to Materials Process Control Needs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a prototype two-wavelength imaging pyrometer. To monitor high-temperature materials processes, it uses an indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs)-based camera. Two-wavelength imaging uses intensity ratios to provide accurate temperature measurement of objects with emissivity variation. Single wavelength imaging sensors mistake absolute intensity changes, caused by emissivity variation, for temperature changes. Temperature is a central parameter in many high-temperature materials processese. Long production runs require temperature control for consistent product quality. This thermal imaging sensor is expected to meet industry needs for accuracy, low temperature operation, and low cost. Phase II will develop a 'research grade' imaging pyrometer for use in specialized laboratory experiments and a 'ruggedized grade' imaging pyrometer for testing in industrial facilities. Potential commercial applications of the thermal imaging sensor (with its 1-2 mm sensitivity) are expected in industrial process control sensors for high temperature materials processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Craig, James Stratonics Inc CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 513288 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983279 April 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Multispecies Ecological Valuation and Landscape Management. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will refine, validate, and extend new methods developed in Phase I to compute the community-level risk of extinction or demographic threat for individual sites or landscapes and assign a multispecies conservation value. The objective of such methods is to provide a statistically valid approach to ecological valuation and landscape management. This research will provide an independent measure of the value of a particular site based on its ecological components, i.e., species, and the threats facing it. The new methods will estimate a multispecies conservation value as a spatially explicit weighting of species-specific habitat suitability maps by their respective species-specific extinction risks. This research will also develop a multivariate generalization of recently described exact methods for computing risk of extinction for species of which little is known. Two potential areas of commercial applications of this project include software sales and case studies. The final product of the proposed research will be part of RAMAS Library of Ecological Software, and will be made available to potential users in overnmental agencies and industrial companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Root, Karen Applied Biomathematics Inc NY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 400000 5373 EGCH 9198 9145 9102 0313000 Regional & Environmental 9983287 April 15, 2000 Phase II: Knowledge Modeling and Computational Intelligence. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to design, implement and flight test an adaptive critic based flight control system using both the nonlinear and linear quadratic adaptive critic algorithms developed in Phase I; implement a hardware-in-loop test system for the adaptive critic flight control system; and flight test the adaptive critic flight conotrol system in Accurate Automation's LoFLYTE neurocontrol testbed aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Saeks, Richard Accurate Automation Corporation TN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 815888 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9146 9139 9102 7218 5373 1359 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983306 March 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) Mounted Sensor for Benthic Studies. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II Project will result in development of a novel oceanographic chlorophyll fluorescence sensor for the study of benthic microalgae. This sensor will be the first to incorporate fluorescence lifetime measurement capability, and the first to implement such capability for stand-off measurements from an ROV. This is of major significance, because it will permit, for the first time, direct in situ measurements of fluorescence quantum yield, and hence of photochemical efficiency, a feat that is not possible with simple amplitude-based fluorimeters. Continental shelf benthic ecosystems are of critical importance to marine biology and the viability of these ecosystems can be objectively assessed from the physiological status of the resident microalgae. The most important component of this status is the level of their photosynthetic performance, determined by the rates and efficiency of primary stages of light-driven photochemistry. Yet, knowledge about these processes, which control the health, long-term viability, productivity and dynamics of benthic microalgae is minimal because of the lack of suitable research tools for their study. Potential commercial applications include oceanographic sensors, precision farming, photosynthesis analyzers for the laboratory research market, non-invasive brain oxymetry, product authentication, High Throughput Screening, clinical in vitro diagnostics and on-line process analysis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fernandez, Salvador CIENCIA INC CT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 400000 5373 EGCH 9198 1680 0204000 Oceanography 9983307 May 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Disposable Infrared Water Vapor Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a prototype instrument ready for field-testing. Phase I research demonstrated the feasibility of a radically simpler infrared gas sensor based on MEMS photonic bandgap structures. This instrument will sensitive enough to compete with water vapor measurements made by much larger, more complex equipment, but cheap enough to be treated as a 'throw-away' device. Unlike current infrared instruments, assembled from many discrete components, it features a highly integrated 'sensor-on-a-chip' employing advanced surface modification technology and semiconductor fabrication methods. This new, integrated approach replaces discrete-component instruments in much the same way integrated circuits have superseded distributed elements in electronic systems. In addition to the potential for atmospheric research applications, the proposed device is a stepping-stone to next-generation gas sensors for environmental and industrial monitoring. The phase I project showed proof-of-concept while establishing sensitivity and signal-to-noise performance and developed drive circuits and other components to achieve necessary stability. Most important, this project achieved a breakthrough by demonstrating tunable, narrow-band, emission from a photonic bandgap surface structure. The proposed device is a simple, low-cost, lightweight alternative to conventional infrared absorption instruments. By reducing weight, complexity, and cost, it opens applications beyond the reach of current infrared instruments. It is the first step towards next-generation gas sensors for indoor air quality, environmental research, and industrial controls. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Johnson, Edward ION OPTICS INC MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 749890 5373 EGCH 9188 9145 0313010 Air Pollution 9983308 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Robust, Intelligent and Practical Face Recognition Based on Optical Joint Transform Correlation and Neural Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will enable Physical Optics Corporation (POC) to build a highly robust and adaptive face recognition system called the Opto-electronic Intelligent Face Recognition System (OIFRS). This system will uniquely combine an artificial neural network and an optical joint transform correlator (JTC) to increase invariance to distortion, shift, scale, and facial expression. In Phase I, we conducted a concept feasibility study and demonstration, developing an optical face recognition system. In Phase II, POC will implement a parallel optical JTC to increase processing speed, accommodate a large number of training patterns, and enhance scalability. POC will design, develop, and implement an innovative, adaptive, nonlinear, self-aligned pseudo-phase-conjugate joint Fourier-Fresnel transform correlator, which will make recognition highly invariant to longitudinal translation and tilt of the input face, and to head position. The proposed innovative OIFRS technology will lead not only to a new robust face recognition system but also to a variety of other security systems with high dual use application potential. OIFRS versatility will benefit not only the national security concerns of DOE, DoD, and other agencies that require highly secure access control, but also commercial access control, and credit card verification. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kostrzewski, Andrew PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 399967 5373 HPCC 9139 1518 0206000 Telecommunications 9983309 July 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Modeling and Model-Based Control for Chemical Mechanical Planarization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop physical modeling and model-based sensing and control techniques for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) systems. CMP is rapidly emerging as a global planarization technology for microelectronics fabrication. Phase I found feasible modeling and real-time control techniques using actual experimental data from a commercial CMP system. Three-dimensional (3D) results of contact mechanical models correlate closely with experimental results for removal rate distribution across a wafer. Reduced input-output models relating the within wafer nonuniformity (WIWNU) to the pressure ratio and pad conditioning, obtained from detailed 3D models, were used as a basis for real-time and run-to-run control. Phase II will extend these models and control methods and develop a model-based embedded controller for within-wafer and within-die uniformity control. Phase II will culminate in tests of advanced process modeling and control software and an embedded controller for CMP systems. Commercial applications in the semiconductor industry are expected to result in improved and repeatable performance, increased throughput, and improved yields. An embedded controller product promises significant improvements in uniformity and throughput by allowing real-time control of uniformity for various CMP applications. Process modeling software and control software have potential for significant improvements in the 'trial and error' approach currently employed in CMP. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Emami-Naeini, Abbas SC SOLUTIONS INC CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 750000 5373 MANU 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983311 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Increased Freezing Tolerance in Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will establish the feasibility of improving the freezing tolerance of canola and wheat plants. Phase I research has demonstrated that Arabidopsis plants show dramatic improvements in freezing tolerance when expressing the CBF gene. However, constitutive expression of the CBF gene was found to be detrimental to plant growth. This Phase II research will determine whether inducible promoters provide freezing tolerance with normal plant growth. Our Phase I and other published work has indicated this approach is very promising. The project goal is to produce enhanced freezing tolerant canola plants, with commercially efficacious growth levels, and provide the molecular biology tools to similarly engineer wheat plants. Canola with improved winter hardiness would be a new high value crop for the US with a value of at least $300 M, as this amount of canola oil is imported annually, and provide a new winter crop rotation system. The project results will also lead to improved winter hardiness in wheat that would improve wheat yields by $940 M. Applications in additional crops such as corn (1995 frost losses of more than $1 Billion), barley, soy, strawberries, and eucalyptus will likely follow once demonstrated in canola. Mendel has targeted canola and winter wheat for the initial applications of the WeatherGard TM enhanced freezing tolerance technology. Spring canola with increased winter hardiness will be a new winter crop suitable for the southern US. Existing spring canola varieties don' t survive the winters well enough. WeatherGard TM winter canola will have increased winter hardiness that will allow it to be grown in the midwest. Existing winter canola varieties don' t survive midwestern winters very well. One estimate of the value of the trait is that up to 50% of the winter wheat acres or 24 M acres would switch to canola due to its higher profitability and the advantages of crop rotation. Currently wheat is the only widely grown winter crop, so farmers would rotate it with winter canola. The higher oil and protein content of canola creates a higher per bushel value than wheat, translating to a $30/acre increase in value when growing canola. On 24 M acres this higher value crop would create $720 M of new value for farmers. Additional value will be derived from the increased productivity from better crop rotations and the double cropping potential of canola harvested in May. These latter values are hard to estimate in advance but clearly are very large. At a minimum valuation, the US imports $300 M of canola oil annually, so the US canola crop should create at least that much value. Additionally canola is an important crop worldwide (rapeseed) so export opportunities exist as well. The expected economic benefits of winter wheat are to be in excess of $940 M dollars of extra yield for the US farm economy annually. This assumes that the northern portion of the midwest, particularly North Dakota and South Dakota, that currently can only grow spring wheat, could grow the new variety as a winter wheat with an known 25% yield advantage which represents $500 M dollars of added value. The remaining 80% of the US wheat market should also benefit from increased winter hardiness as sudden frosts after warm spells, very cold freezing temperatures and winter desiccation (essentially drought) are all common problems experienced to various amounts every winter. Improved winter hardiness is estimated to improve winter wheat yields by 10% for an increase in value of $440 M. Thus the combined canola and wheat projects could add over $1.2 to $1.6 billion annually to the US farm economy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhang, James Mendel Biotechnology Incorporated CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 752000 5373 BIOT 9251 9178 9109 1145 0201000 Agriculture 9983313 April 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Fiber Optics Confocal Module for Biomedical Application. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop a highly versatile fiber optics-based confocal system for biomedical applications. The proposed confocal fiber optics systems utilizes optical fiber technology to offer extreme compactness, multiple wavelength light excitation/detection (N X N coupling) minimal adjustment, and very low cost. One of the unique advantages of using optical fiber for confocal microscopy is that both the entrance and exit pinholes are, in fact, the endface of the core of an optical fiber, which guarantees that the system will always remain in alignment. During Phase I of the project, we designed and developed two laboratory optical configurations: one for retrofitting regular upright microscopes, and one for high density microarray scanners, we then successfully demonstrated the feasibility of these optical fiber confocal systems. In Phase II, we will expand the fiber and wavelength multiplexity, maximize photon efficiency, optimize the confocal fiber optical module, develop a biochip-based confocal fiber probe array, and characterize and test the systems by performing bioassays. IOS's fiber optics-based will provide confocal microscopes with a capability that will significantly reduce the cost of the system, increase the versatility of the wavelength selection, and increase the popularity of using the confocal effect for many different important applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Saxena, Indu INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 399996 5373 BIOT 9184 1108 0203000 Health 9983317 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Continuous SiC Matrix Composite Fabrication Using UV Curable Precursors. This Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR) Phase II project utilizes a unique photo-curable, high weight-yield preceramic polymer in a continuous fabrication process to produce a low-cost beta-silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic composite. Phase I succeeded in both photo curing and cold-initiation rapid curing (5 minutes) of a new polymer with higher ceramic yield, easier processability, and greater scalability than anticipated. Phase II will optimize the new polymer for both 'cure on demand' and viscoelastic volumetric compression in order to increase ceramic matrix density and to eliminate polymer springback between fabric layers. Use of pre-preg technology will enable large sheets and rolls of fabric to be impregnated and cured into a rubbery, coated fabric-polymer body that can be easily stored, cut to pattern, and applied in a ply-by-ply process. Process machinery will be scaled up to produce component sizes of commercial interest with fast curing and automated part fabrication. Potential commercial application are anticipated in gas recirculating fans, heat exchangers, radiant burner screens and tubes, gas turbine engine combustion liners and tip shrouds, hot liquid filtration, containment shells, gas-fired melting immersion burner tubes, and furnace pipe hangers. Ultimately, large composite structures may be constructed for vehicles such as hypersonic aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kratsch, Kenneth EDWARD POPE DR CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399999 5373 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983318 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Innovative Snap Joining of Composite Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop snaplock design concepts for composite materials, which is a novel and patentable joining and assembly technology. Two snaplock connections were built in Phase I for testing, whereby application to a snaplocked and lightweight, tapered transmission pole was found feasible in both technical and economic terms. Phase II will design, build, and test a prototype 75-foot transmission pole, using pultrusion of two building-block profiles. A tapered beam (or tube) of any desired length is obtained by performing secondary cutting, machining, and assembly, which are operations that can be automated. Potential commercial applications are seen chiefly in the $5 billion international market for electric power transmission poles. Additional applications are expected in highway sign bridges, intermodal shipping containers, housing, and tiltrotor aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Goldsworthy, W. Brandt W. Brandt Goldsworthy & Associates Inc CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 374173 5373 CVIS 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 9983337 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Micro-Pixelized Scintillator for Structural Biology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is aimed at developing a novel digital x-ray detector for macromolecular crystallography. This detector is based on a new generation micro-pixelized scintillator optically coupled to a large area digital readout array. The micro-pixelized scintillator will provide a unique combination of very high sensitivity, spatial resolution, and signal to noise ratios resulting in excellent point spread function (PSF), thus improving the quality of the measured Bragg peak data. When integrated with a large area digital optical detector it will allow a wide dynamic range and substantially enhanced throughput at relatively low costs. In addition to the structural biology application, the proposed detector would find widespread use in instrumentation wherever high-resolution x-ray imaging is used. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nagarkar, Vivek Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 550000 5373 BIOT 9184 1108 0512205 Xray & Electron Beam Lith 9983341 April 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Innovative Software Definable Radio and Network Architecture for Low-Cost Commercial Application. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project follows a successful Phase I technology demonstration and will establish the feasibility of a multimode (IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth) data communications system using a single-chip radio modem and a single-chip baseband processor, both software configurable. The program objectives are, (1) Quantify key system design parameters, (2) Determine the best suited radio and baseband processor architectures, (3) Identify critical system features and interfaces needed to assure system applicability to existing and anticipated commercial applications.systems, (4) Specify a radio and baseband system to be simulated with the Ameranth 21st Century Restaurant(TM) commercial design software, (5) Design a prototype radio, (6) Construct a prototype transceiver module using selected Ameranth terminals, (7)Demonstrate the operation of the system using the Ameranth terminals/system application(s), and (8) Prepare for initial production and commercialization. The technology is a Bluetooth chipset implementation using silicon-on-insulator wafer structure and BiCMOS transistor structure. The market for wireless computing devices is enormous. Ameranth products have applicationacross a wide range of industries, including the hospitality, retail, transportation, law enforcement, health care, finance, telecommunications and defense industries. Ameranth has more than 2,300 customers that have expressed interest in these products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bergfeld, Richard Ameranth Wireless, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 749587 5373 HPCC 9218 9216 4097 0206000 Telecommunications 9983345 April 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: A Self-Triggered Pulse Acquisition System with Greater than 10 GHz Bandwidth. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will result in a demonstration of a self-triggered transient digitizer chip containing a flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and advanced triggering circuits. The self-triggering circuit designed during Phase I will be improved such that an arbitrary delay can be imposed. This will enable parts of single-shot signals occurring before the triggering point to be captured. The advanced comparator work begun in Phase I will be completed in Phase II to result in an error-correcting comparator with sub-picosecond accuracy. The resulting self-triggering transient digitizer chip will be able to trigger either by the signal itself, or an externally supplied trigger pulse. This generalization of our previous transient digitizer chip, together with the advanced architecture developed under other programs, will operate with greater than 10 GHz input bandwidth, and at a sampling rate of up to 20 GSa/s. The Tektronix SCD-5000 transient digitizer provided the highest bandwidth and performance of any digitizer based on an analog-to-digital converter. The removal of this product from the market provides a significant business opportunity. Potential customers from the National Ignition Facility and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Accelerator at Brookhaven National Laboratory have expressed interest in our potential product. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kaplan, Steven HYPRES, Inc. NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 400000 5373 OTHR HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 9983349 July 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: A Trace Contaminant Sensor for Semiconductor Process Gases. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will test a novel sensor for real-time detection of trace impurities important in micoelectronics manufacturing. Gas feedstock quality is an important measurement for any process control strategy because contamination at the part-per-billion (ppb) level may limit product yield. This project's technique, called wavelength modulated photo-acoustic spectroscopy, has the potential to achieve these detection levels at a significantly lower cost than is possible with current technology. This technology is compatible with both corrosive and non-corrosive gases. The Phase II will construct and field test a prototype trace moisture sensor that is expected to achieve 10-ppb detection limits in corrosive gases such as hydrogen chloride and ammonia. Potential commercial applications are expected in on-line removal of trace impurities important in micoelectronics manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bomse, David Southwest Sciences Inc NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 400000 5373 MANU 9147 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983361 April 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Integration and Distribution of Low-Jitter On-Chip Clock for High-Speed Analog-to-Digital Converters. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to integrate two superconducting technologies (rapid-single-flux-quantum (RSFQ) and long-Josephson junction (LJJ)) to build a wide-bandwidth digitizer with on-chip clocking. The performance of a Flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can be enhanced by replacing the external high-frequency clock generator with an on-chip clock with very low timing jitter. In Phase I, we demonstrated an on-chip 10-50 GHz RSFQ clock source using an LJJ resonator with a quality factor of 106. We also built a clock selector circuit that allows the user to select different clock frequencies. We also implemented ballistic transport of SFQ pulses on impedance-matched striplines. In Phase II, we will integrate the high-quality LJJ oscillator along with associated circuitry with a Flash ADC through a hybrid stripline/JTL (Josephson transmission line) clock distribution network. A phase-locked loop (PLL) will be built to synchronize the LJJ oscillator with an external stable low-frequency reference to ensure long-term stability. The LJJ oscillator together with the PLL will constitute a self contained clock module capable of generating 10-100 GHz SFQ clock with femtosecond time jitter. This universal clock module can be used in almost all future superconducting electronic circuits and systems. A transient digitizer instrument capable of sampling rates above 10 GSamples/s is not commercially available today, in spite of a growing demand in fields such as inertial confinement fusion and high-energy physics. HYPRES is developing such an instrument focusing on the $630M/year market for digitizer instruments. Elimination of expensive multi-GHz external clock generators will simplify the digitizer design, lower power consumption, simplify packaging and reduce its cost. Other applications of a wideband ADC include communication signal processors and microscan receivers. A by-product of the Phase II work will be a self-contained multi-GHz clock module that can be used as on-chip clock for a variety of superconducting circuits, including processors for a petaflops-scale supercomputer currently being developed. The LJJ oscillator coupled with the fluxon sender circuit, developed in Phase I, can be used for building instantaneous clock recovery and data re-timing circuits for handling burst-mode data in data communication networks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gupta, Deepnarayan HYPRES, Inc. NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 645271 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9218 9178 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983366 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Thin Film Deposition & Dynamic Characterizations Using Sub-Psec Eximer Laser Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project continues the Pulsed Laser Deposition project using a femto-second or sub pico-second pulsed laser. The sub pico-second regime is a recent (just a few years old)development in the laser industry. As technology progresses these lasers are becoming more common to both the end user and the commercial manufacturer. There are now solid state femto-second lasers available in the product line of some well known laser companies. The recent advances made in the production and sales of the new sub pico-second laser and the results achievable by these lasers have opened up new opportunities in tribological coatings. The Phase I results demonstrated superior hardness using the sub pico-second laser as compared to the traditional nano-second lasers. The coatings were also much smoother when observed under a scanning electron microscope. These initial findings suggest a need to continue the study for applications in the tool and space industries as well as the military. Coatings with such improved performance would be considered a significant contribution to both the scientific and industrial communities. Current coatings are short lived and therefore expensive to maintain. A longer life coating, even if it was more expensive, would provide significant savings do to the life of the tool, device or machine. Some devices are not even practical to make do to poor performing coatings. Coatings produced using a sub pico-second laser source will change that. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Church, Kenneth SCIPERIO, INC. FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 399586 9150 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 1775 0106000 Materials Research 9983370 July 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Continuous On-Line Monitor to Detect and Quantify Inorganic Contaminants in Water. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the resin/quartz crystal microbalance sensor technology demonstrated in Phase I. The device revolutionizes current water monitoring methods by allowing continuous monitoring where only periodic sampling can now be performed. In the Phase II project, ultra-pure water (UPW) monitors will be fabricated and analyzed at a university test facility as well as at a nuclear power plant and semiconductor facility. The monitor will be calibrated and a computerized model characterizing the device's performance in a UPW environment will be developed. The technology consists of applying ion exchange resins to a quartz crystal microbalance sensor device. Once manufacturing repeatability is achieved, the suite of detected contaminants will be broadened to include a wide range of toxic substances of interest to the federal government. Ultimately we expect to increase the monitor's capability to include all heavy metals set forth in the Clean Water and the Safe Drinking Water Acts. Applications include the development of industrial process control monitors for ultra pure water applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, fail-safe devices to insure the continued effectiveness of drinking water filters, and continuous monitors to detect contaminants in EPA-regulated monitoring sites such as municipal water utilities and wastewater treatment plants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Harper, Rex BRIMS NESS CORPORATION ME Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 356400 5373 EGCH 9197 1325 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 9983371 May 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Affordable Handwriting Capture Device for Augmenting Communications Within Groups. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project provides an affordable means of electronically enhancing the nation's installed chalk, white, and drawing board base of 2.5 million units. By adapting conventional writing surfaces rather than replacing them with expensive electronic white boards or graphics tablets, academic institutions, corporations, and governments could save approximately $10 billion in new equipment and installation costs. CyberScan Technologies proposes to develop a retrofittable, low cost, area adaptive product that can optically capture notes, drawings or sketches to a computer or to the Internet. CyberScan will refine the feasibility of digitizing hand strokes in real time that it demonstrated in Phase I using a small optical sensor and an optically transmitting pen or chalk holder. CyberScan's objective is to convert written information on standard school chalk board surfaces of nine feet by four feet into electronic data suitable for display on a PC SVGA display screen and posting on Internet Web pages. Potential commercial applications of the research include: CAD/CAM digitizers, low cost and portable electronic white board alternatives, video conferencing input devices, medical patient charting, and academic, corporate, military, and government interactive presentation devices. Because of the serious interest of three potential marketing partners in the electronic white board field, rapid commercialization of products beyond Phase II is extremely likely. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Goszyk, Kurt CyberScan Technologies PA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 396006 5373 HPCC 9139 6840 0000912 Computer Science 9983385 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Ceramic Cutting Tool for Titanium-Alloy Machining. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new ceramic material, yttrium-aluminum garnet (YAG), for cutting tools used in the machining of titanium (Ti) alloys. Phase I found it feasible to base a cutting tool on YAG, reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) whiskers and TiC. Phase II will further explore the use of YAG-based composites as a cutting tool for Ti alloys through: 1) optimization of compositions and fabrication parameters to obtain a fully dense composite with uniformly dispersed reinforcement phases; 2) evaluate the optimized composite relative to state-of-the-art materials in machining Ti alloys; and 3) identify wear and failure mechanisms by detailed microstructural characterization of YAG-based composite cutting tools, before and after machining tests. Potential commercial applications are expected in titanium-alloy machining operations in the aircraft and aerospace industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mah, Tai-Il UES, Inc. OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399512 5373 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983390 April 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: High Performance Vertical Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) on SiC Using Novel III-Nitride Technology. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II Project is aimed to develop a novel vertical geometry Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) based on III-nitride heterostructures grown on SiC (silicon carbide). There is a strong need for high power HBTs for highly linear, high power microwave amplifiers. The innovation of this proposal is to demonstrate WBG (wide band gap) HBTs on SiC that will take advantage of the vertical geometry, and high thermal conductivity of SiC through the use of highly conductive novel nitride buffer and base structure to enhance p-type lateral conductivity with improved vertical transport properties through the base. The proposed vertical WBG HBT device is a critical component for a new generation of satellite and base stations for wireless communication networks. Another application area is DC switch components for high power electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Norris, Peter Corning Applied Technologies Corporation MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 399737 5373 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 9983395 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of Gas-Particle Flows. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop, validate and demonstrate Large Eddy Simulations (LES) for the prediction of gas-particle flow phenomena. The Phase I study has clearly demonstrated the feasibility of using a commercial CFD code to perform Gas-Particle Large Eddy Simulations in flows with simple geometry. Good predictions of particulate dispersion, deposition and agglomeration in isotropic and channel turbulent flows have been obtained. The Phase II study will refine the models and techniques developed in Phase I and extend them to simulate more complex flows, in practical geometries. The Phase II work will be focused on the following main areas: unstructured and mixed element (adaptive cartesian) grids (driven by the need for fast and accurate simulations; adaptation and implementation of advanced sub-grid scale models and particle transport in these alternative grid topologies; implementation of enhanced particle sub-grid scale models for (a) fluid sub-grid scale (SGS) velocity (b) deposition and (c) agglomeration; extensive and systematic validation in channel, free shear and mixing layer flows; technology demonstration using a practical contaminant transport simulation. A team of experienced investigators and strongly interested end-users of this capability (Aerodyne Research, PLG, Dura Pharmaceuticals) has been assembled. The end-product of the Phase II effort will be an Integrated Large Eddy Simulation System for gas-particle flows (featuring advanced gridding, solver and visualization software). Gas-particle processes cannot usually be well-understood without a detailed consideration of the complex and usually highly nonlinear interaction between the flow and the motion of the particles. The developed Integrated Large Eddy Simulation System will foster a better fundamental understanding of dilute particulate turbulent flows in complex geometries. It will enable improved engineering design in a variety of fields such as air pollution control and chemical/bio-terrorism programs to chemical/pharmaceutical/semiconductor processing. The product developed at the end of Phase II will put a sophisticated physics simulator heretofor only avaialbe with academicians and that too in simple flow situations, in the hands of a trained industrial engineer enabling him to better understand and improve the processes of concern. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sundaram, Shivshankar CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499904 5373 MANU HPCC AMPP 9216 9163 9148 9147 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983399 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: In-Situ, Real-Time Process Control for Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a multiple-applications, low-cost, real-time process monitoring and control tool for micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) deep-etch fabrication. Deep-etch processes are used to manufacture high aspect ratio structures up to several hundred microns thick, and promise to deliver new devices with increased performance and functionality at lower cost. A major difficulty in deep-etch technology is the control of the etch depth, which is currently measured post-etch using ex-situ destructive scanning electron microscopy. This is extremely inefficient, and is a major hurdle to be surmounted before extensive production takes place. During Phase I, an FTIR-based sensor was designed, constructed and installed on top of an etcher chamber. Etch depth and photoresist thickness measurements were obtained, for the first time ever, in-situ and in real-time on several MEMS structures. An excellent correlation between the FTIR measurements and SEM measurements was found. During Phase II, analysis models will be developed and implemented to measure the widest possible range of MEMS structures. These models will extract multiple parameters on any type of patterns, and will allow the use of the sensor for various applications, including deep trenches in silicon or SOI (silicon on insulator) wafers, membranes, thick photoresist, and mainstream silicon applications such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) trenches. Hardware will be optimized for spot size, measurement spot range, compactness and, very importantly for the cost-sensitive MEMS industry, for cost. The result of this project will be the development of a metrology tool with capabilities currently unavailable, and which are in high and increasing need. The specific anticipated results of the use of the proposed metrology are: (1) to reduce cost through the reduction of destructive measurements and the improvement in process control,(2) to increase the reproducibility of the MEMS structures through better process control (run to run accuracy is currently ~3 % and is expected to be lowered by the use of the sensor to <0.5 %), (3) to provide useful feed-back for process development, thus reducing development time. These results will have a great impact on the deep-etch MEMS market, as they willhelp future MEMS applications to mature and come to market at a faster pace through cheaper characterization and improved process control. In addition, this first-of-a-kind real-time wafer-state monitoring and control technology will lead to applications within mainstream semiconductor processing such as DRAM. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Charpenay, Sylvie On-Line Technologies Incorporated CT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399983 5373 HPCC 9218 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983405 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Characterization of Ceramic Particles Based on Elliptically Polarized Light. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is aimed at developing and demonstrating an innovative information-rich and real-time system for particle characterization. Encouraged by results from Phase I which established the feasibility of using polarized light scattering for characterization of micron, sub-micron and nano-sized ceramic particles, Synergetic Technologies proposes to develop an accurate and reliable on-line instrument. Phase I illustrated the high accuracy achievable, the ability to detect and quantify nano-size particles, and the capability of determining the size distribution of high aspect ratio whiskers and irregularly shaped particles. Project tasks include: system design, construction, calibration and testing; software development for more accurate shape determination and automized system use; study of different lasers; and testing and demonstration at three potential customer sites (a major ceramic research university, a large industrial research laboratory, and a small company at the leading edge of nanomaterials production). The University of Kentucky staff and students will assist in this project. The ability to measure fine particle sizes and shapes on-line is necessary for controlling the quality of many high technology products, such as advanced ceramics and pharmaceuticals. In addition, monitoring and controlling particle size is fundamental to the manufacture of many consumer products, medical products, food processing and environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Manickavasagam, Sivakumar Synergetic Technologies, Incorporated KY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 761977 5373 MANU HPCC AMPP 9251 9216 9178 9163 9148 9147 9146 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983412 July 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Fish Freshness Quality Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further the design, development, construction, and evaluation of a prototype fish freshness sensor based on the successful Phase I feasibility demonstration of using an array of semiconducting metal oxide chemiresistive sensors for quantitative fish freshness quality determination. The advantages of this approach to fish freshness monitoring is that the array data will provide information about the complex gases emitted by fish during degradation and will provide a basis for signal processing techniques to quantify the fish freshness. The Phase II research is directed towards extending the Phase I demonstration of determining the freshness of Atlantic salmon to other species of fish and to a wider variety of fish handling procedures. The fish freshness sensor data will be compared with results from a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer and a sensory evaluation panel of trained individuals. A field-deployable prototype will be tested on location at fish processing plants to non-destructively determine the degree of degradation of fresh marine fin fish. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Smith, Dean SENSOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ME Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 393796 5373 HPCC 9150 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983413 June 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: MPI-2: A Systematic Study, Design, and Commercialization of the Extended Message Passing Interface for NOWs and Parallel Computers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project builds on MPI Software Technology, Inc.'s (MSTI's) extensive MPI-1 implementation experience with our MPI-2 design developed in Phase I in order to continue research and advanced prototyping of a quality implementation of the MPI-2 standard for clusters of workstations . In Phase II, we build upon prototypes created in Phase I, while continuing our investigations into scalable dynamic process startup, advanced and poly-algorithmic approaches to one-sided communications, collective operations, and parallel I/O. Our research and development outcomes will enable the high-performance computing community to unlock the potential of the latest workstation and networking technology, providing access to architectural enhancements of systems and software, and more complex computational environments. Rationale for undertaking this effort is that the scientific community needs enhancements to its most important parallel processing environment, MPI, and that workstation cluster targets comprise the fastest growing component of parallel processing environments. Inventing MPI-2 capability for HPC represents widely enabling technology for scientists and engineers to produce new science, while incorporating computer-science challenges of its own, both of a research and advanced development nature. Significant software, protocol, and algorithmic challenges must be tackled in order to create a useful MPI-2 environment. MPI-2's dynamic process management would support several classes of new scientific applications, and computation strategies. These include computational servers, growing/shrinking parallel applications, and multi-disciplinary codes. Support for the one-sided model would enable classes of applications that need fine grain communication support, including certain sparse matrix algorithms, as well as quantum chemistry codes that utilize global array-type algorithms (e.g., Focker-Planck computations) . Support for effective intercommunicator collective operations would simplify and enable applications that work with dataflow models, including composite parallel simulation and visualization techniques. Support for MPI-2's I/O techniques would support myriad out-of-core and database-type applications, including growing interest in financial modeling with MPI, but also the traditional scientific problems in areas of climate and weather modeling, and others with large, out-of-core datasets needed in conjunction with parallel computing. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dimitrov, Rossen MPI Software Technology, Inc. AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 516645 9150 5373 HPCC 9216 9150 0108000 Software Development 9983415 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: An Advanced Computational Simulation Tool for Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy of Compound III-V Layers in Industrial Reactors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will produce a commercial simulation tool to design and optimize Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (MOVPE) systems for the fabrication of III-V materials. The Phase I study has demonstrated the proof-of-concept of using advanced models to optimize MOVPE equipment and processes. Specifically the effects of radiative heat transfer, gas flow field, gas phase/surface chemistry and electromagnetic induction heating on the deposition rate/uniformity were quantified using the models. Following preliminary validation, the models were tested for both two and three-dimensional commercial reactor geometries. The proposed Phase II project will focus on the necessary model refinements and development identified during the Phase I study. Specifically, improvements are sought in the areas of modeling chemistry of ternary and quaternary III-V materials, establishing the relationship between strain and growth rate, and development of mechanisms, which can model deposition accurately both in the kinetic as well as the mass-transport regime. Comprehensive databases for optical, thermodynamic/transport properties, and reaction mechanisms will be implemented to ensure the commercial success of the proposed simulation tool. Model developments will be followed by extensive validation studies on commercial MOCVD reactors, to be conducted in collaboration with Aixtron AG, one of the leading MOVPE equipment manufacturers. Validations will also be performed on reactor geometries and cases available from the open literature as well as research groups currently working in collaboration with CFDRC. Phase III work will focus on commercialization aspects such as improvements in software frontends, improved data handling and development of virtual reactor prototypes for commercial use. The availability of the proposed simulation tool will facilitate the design, optimization and scale-up (to large wafer sizes) of reactors/processes for MOVPE. This will result in lower equipment and fabrication costs and improved uniformity/quality of the grown materials. Thus, the simulation tool will be an enabling technology in eliminating a major road block in the commercialization of III-V MOVPE technology. This will also have a positive impact on the growth of the optoelectronic device and telecommunication industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lowry, Samuel CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 522495 5373 MANU HPCC AMPP 9251 9231 9216 9178 9163 9148 9147 1443 1260 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983420 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: The Study of Superior Quality Thin Films Derived from Liquid Combustion in a Thermal Plasma. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project for clean and efficient combustion of liquid fuels is of importance in many technologies including internal combustion engines, gas turbines, waste-incineration and, more recently, advanced materials processing. The efficiency of the thermal combustion of a fuel controls the efficiency and emissions of a process. Two governing factors in the combustion of a liquid fuel are atomization and vaporization of the liquid prior to its ignition. Two advanced thin film coating deposition techniques utilize the combustion of a liquid fuel containing a dissolved metal complex to deposit films of desired materials on to substrates. The first, flame spray pyrolysis, is a rapid deposition process yielding thick films, however, the films are generally of poor quality due to inefficient atomization. This leads to rough films of low density and purity. In contrast, combustion chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) utilizes an efficient atomization and vaporization process that makes it a true vapor deposition method. The CCVD process incorporates a patented atomization method for liquid fuels, trademarked as the Nanomiser. The Phase I effort studied the flame physics and chemistry of the deposition of high quality barium strontium titanate (BSTO) thin films by CCVD. BSTO is a high performance ferroelectric. This Phase II project will build upon the results of Phase I by expanding the levels of analysis and modeling of the CCVD process to develop a thorough, predictive model and thereby improve the CCVD process. The data and models developed in Phase II will be of extreme importance to spray combustion processes in general. MCT is targeting development of high quality thin film materials for use in electronics, corrosion protection, optical coatings, nanopowders, superconductors, fuel cells as well as other applications yielding a potential multibillion dollar market. Results from this research will be used to increase combustion efficiency and satisfy key requirements for performance of thin film ferroelectrics. This will enable commercialization of the CCVD process applications through a combination of R&D services, advanced license agreements and pilot production services. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Oljaca, Miodrag NGIMAT CO. GA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 739723 5373 OTHR AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 9146 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983421 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Membrane Hydrogen Dissolution for Bioremediation of High Strength Nitrate Waste. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will expand the Phase I study, examine the effect of high nitrate loading and demonstrate the technology at a drinking water treatment site, by treating the brine regenerant stream from an ion exchange water treatment system. This would broaden utilization base of the technology and allow increased market penetration since the technology will supplement the existing technology base and reduce the operating costs of the currently practiced technologies for NO3 removal. This will lead to both high probability of commercial success plus a large sales base to allow for lower pricing in remediation markets. Across the United States there are a number of drinking water facilities that are wrestling with the problem of high concentrations of dissolved nitrates in their influent water streams. The present methods of removal resort to concentrating the NO3 into a small volume by means of reverse osmosis or ion exchange and then disposing off this concentrated stream, appropriately. The recovered NO3 in such a waste stream can be destroyed biologically using dissolved hydrogen gas as the electron donor. Hydrogen offers several economic and operational advantages over other organic electron donors in denitrification. The factor limiting hydrogen use is its low solubility, i.e. existing commercial gas-dissolution technologies cannot dissolve sufficient hydrogen in a safe, cost effective manner. Membrane-based gas-dissolution technologies can potentially supply the hydrogen required for these processes safely, but commercially available membrane suitable for bubble-free gas-dissolution have poor performance, biological fouling, or both. Compact Membrane Systems, Inc., has developed a highly gas permeable perfluoropolymer coating for microporous membranes. The smooth, non-porous nature of the perfluoropolymer coating is highly resistant to biological fouling, especially compared to microporous hydrophobic membranes. This coating could remove the performance, fouling, and cost barriers that preclude the use of membrane-based gas dissolution technologies in continuous biological processes. The Phase I study established concept feasibility and demonstrated that nitrates could effectively remediate without the formation of nitrites in a continuous mode. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nemser, Stuart COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 411500 5373 BIOT 9251 9178 9104 1166 0201000 Agriculture 9983422 May 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Surface Enhanced Dry Magnetic Separation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will apply the ElectriMag (tm) concept to separation of unburned carbon from coal combustion fly ash. A proprietary add-on reactor will be tested for separation of ammonia from fly ash particles at plants using catalytic nitrogen oxide separators. The ElectriMag (tm) separator (patent pending) combines triboelectric forces with magnetic forces to allow the separation of particles which have similar magnetic properties but differing surface electrical charging characteristics, or vice versa. An alpha prototype built and tested in Phase I showed the feasibility of the concept. A beta prototype will be designed, built, and tested on fly ash from coal fired power plants in Phase II; this model will incorporate changes suggested by the work of Phase I. A conceptual level engineering evaluation will be done and a conceptual design of a 2000 Lb/Hr pilot unit will be made. Potential commercial applications include separation of unburned carbon from fly ash, recovery of activated carbon from municipal incinerator fly ash, and dry coal cleaning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Oder, Robin EXPORTech Company Inc PA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 399995 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983433 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Dynamic, Variable Area, Rechargeable Zinc-Air Fuel Cells as Small Power Sources for Cold Regions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a zinc-air fuel cell for replacement of internal combustion engines in polar and other cold climates. Phase I examined the electrochemistry of the zinc-air fuel cell's anode, cathode, electrolyte, and system designs to identify and optimize critical low-temperature performance characteristics. This power source has inherently high energy- and power-density as well as exceptional reliability at start-up temperatures as low as -40 degrees Centigrade. Phase II will develop 500-watt prototypes, capable of internal and external recharging, for low-temperature, low-maintenance remote use. Potential commercial applications include portable rechargeable power supplies, materials handling equipment, personal mobility vehicles, and cellular telephones operated in polar and other cold regions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tsai, Tsepin Reveo Incorporated NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 391325 5373 EGCH 9198 1079 0313000 Regional & Environmental 9983435 June 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Enhanced Organic Electroluminescent Display. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project continues Reveo's successful development of unprecedented high-brightness, polarized-light-emitting electroluminescent devices (ELD's) for the immediate applications of energy-efficient liquid crystal display (LCD) and dashboard backlights, as well as the longer-term applications of glare-free general room lighting and automobile headlights. Polarized light is essential to reduce distracting glare from indoor lights for LCD backlights. However, all current methods of producing polarized light rely on a bulky polarizing panel placed in front of an unpolarized light source. Some have the serious disadvantage of wasting half the energy by absorbing one polarization state, but even reflective panels that polarize the light without waste suffer from the intrinsic disadvantages of high cost, complicated manufacturing, and inconvenient packaging. Reveo's ELD promises to be the first commercially viable polarized light source, bypassing all the disadvantages of present reflective polarizing panels while offering dramatic energy savings of a factor of two in LCD and dashboard backlights by eliminating the need for a polarizer altogether. In Phase II, we will construct prototype demonstration backlights to attract funding commitments from strategic partners, placing this revolutionary technology firmly on the path to fruition for the benefit of the environment and humanity. The polarization properties of light are used ubiquitously in modern technology, as both enabling concepts for other technologies and as direct, important improvements in people's lives. Reveo's polarized-light-emitting electroluminescent device has immediate applications as an LCD backlight, allowing energy savings of a factor of two without being significantly more expensive than current backlights. With further development, this technology offers the potential of functioning as a polarized "light bulb" for room light, reducing eyestrain and other health consequences of glare for millions of office workers. The advent of a low-cost, high-brightness polarized light source has far-reaching positive impact on the environment, the economy, and indeed American health. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wang, Shujun Reveo Incorporated NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 392272 5373 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983448 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: High Rate, High Capacity Anodes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop higher energy storage electrode materials for rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Tin-based oxide materials have attractive reversible charge storage capacities but high first-cycle losses. In Phase I, new tin-based materials were demonstrated with superior capacity and significantly reduced first-cycle loss. The volumetric charge storage capacity was three times better than commercially established carbon-based anode materials. These proprietary materials are based on nanoscale tin domains highly dispersed and stabilized within a conductive ceramic matrix. In Phase II, two ceramic hosts will be investigated. Precursor chemistries, tin atomic fraction, and reactive conditions will be optimized with respect to capacity and cyclability. The composition and microstructure of these materials will be determined and correlated with rate and cycle life. Test cells will be prepared and evaluated to determine their capacity and cyclability. Producibility issues such as precursor cost, process scale-up, and compatibility with established cell components (e.g. electrolyte, separator, binder, current collector) will be addressed. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that the capacities demonstrated in phase I can be realized while simultaneously meeting the cost and cycle life requirements for rechargeable batteries used in consumer electronics. This project will develop advanced electrode materials that will increase the run tim or reduce the size and weight of rechargeable lithium ion batteries. There is a rapidly growing market for lithium ion batteries for consumer electronics (wireless communications, laptop PC's, camcorders), as well as for electric vehicle propulsion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Miller, John T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 749997 5373 MANU 9146 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983456 May 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Investigation of Novel, Low-Cost Materials and Manufacturing Methods for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will continue the development of inherently low cost, mass-producable conductive composite materials and novel manufacturing processes for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM, also called Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells. Current PEM fuel cell bipolar plates often achieve good overall technical performance, but have some combination of high materials, manufacturing and assembly cost. This high cost is a barrier to market penetration of fuel cells. In order to develop a fuel cellbipolar plate which has acceptable technical performance, as well as, low cost, novel composite materials amenable to low cost manufacture will be developed. Three novel manufacturing processes identified during Phase I will be used to fabricate small and large format bipolar plates from composite materials identified in Phase I. These bipolar plates will be tested for electrical conductivity and will be operated in both short-term, performance-oriented testing and longer-term, lifetime testing. Additionally, the materials development work of Phase I will be continued in order to further optimize the novel composite materials for performance and cost. Successful completion of the project will lead to low cost, mass-manufacturable fuel cell stacks, thereby enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the emerging markets for fuel cells. This will further lead to a greatly accelerated market penetration of fuel cells especially in low cost applications such as light duty vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Grammer, Holly DIRECTED TECHNOLOGIES INC VA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 399924 5373 EGCH 9197 1972 1417 0207000 Transportation 9983471 May 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Compact, Lightweight Millimeter-Wave Source. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will involve the experimental study of a novel millimeter-wave source (MWS) that will provide short-wavelength radiation for numerous civilian and military applications. The MWS is based on novel synchronous interactions between a pencil electron beam and rotating wave fields. Our Phase I studies confirm that the MWS will offer order of magnitude improvements in the overall size and weight when compared to conventional millimeter-wave sources which will make these new devices less complex, more affordable, and readily available for a diversity of applications. Some of the applications for these devices include high-resolution radar, satellite telecommunications systems, power beaming, and electron cyclotron resonance heating of fusion plasmas. Also, due to the fact that the MWS does not require a focusing magnetic field, it should be suitable for airborne and mobile applications, as well as other commercial applications where size, weight, and efficiency are critical. Detailed experimental analysis of this concept is proposed during Phase II in order to evaluate key issues such as beam transport, maximum output power, efficiency and gain. Once successfully developed, the MWS will be the basis for a new generation of millimeter-wave sources capable of producing high-power ultrahigh frequency radiation with high efficiency in a very compact and lightweight package. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Velazco, Jose Microwave Technologies Inc VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 400000 5373 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983472 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Web-Based Touch Display for Accessible Science Education. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from Immersion Corporation takes advantage of an opportunity to turn an emerging mainstream computer technology into a universal accessibility tool. During Phase I, researchers at Immersion Corporation and at Oregon State developed enabling software technologies for Web-based force feedback and put them to use by designing a physics computer laboratory module. The module allowed students to actually FEEL forces while holding a simulated charged particle in an electric field, take data points, and then feel a plotted curve using prototypes of a force feedback mouse. Such mice have received excellent reviews from mainstream users who enjoy the ease-of-use and excitement of feeling GUI objects and computer feel effects and have met with enthusiasm from blind users, who require the best touch interfaces at the lowest cost. Phase II will expand the enabling technology, curriculum, and evaluation work begun in Phase I, and it will add interaction with accessibility software developers. Enormous potential exists for accessibility research to push the cutting edge of force feedback technology and for accessibility applications to take advantage of mass market economies of scale, creating a true universal accessibility success story. Over 110 million computer mice are sold each year. Web-based applications will substantially drive the adoption of force-feedback mice. The proposed Internet force feedback innovations will accelerate market penetration. Development of educational applications will boost the market for accessible science education. The technology could also give a competitive advantage to screen reader companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Anastas, George IMMERSION CORPORATION CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 500623 5373 1545 SMET 9260 9180 9102 1545 0000912 Computer Science 9983474 July 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Neural Inverse Control for Ventilators. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from NeuroDimension Incorporated will develop new, biologically inspired solutions to the problem of ventilator control of human subjects. The problem is difficult because the patient is analogous to a time-varying, nonlinear plant. Adaptive inverse control is powerful enough to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining system stability. In Phase I, NeuroDimension developed a control architecture and development environment for neural inverse control and applied it to controlling a ventilator. This solution outperformed the state-of-art commercial ventilator. The goal is to develop a system that will optimize most of the major settings currently set by clinicians on present-day ICU ventilators. The complexity of these ventilators subject their operators to speculative and empirical interpretation of many ventilatory parameters, leading to potentially hazardous misuse. NeuroDimension proposed system will model and extract relevant physiologic conditions in the patient and use this information to either control the ventilator automatically or to advise the clinician on how to change the settings. The primary technical approach utilizes neural fuzzy hybrid systems, Kohonen self-organizing maps (SOMs)-a SOM clusters the input space and assigns a different model to each cluster--and switching multiple inverse controllers. The firm has assembled a unique team of experts in the fields of neural control and ventilation to accomplish this task. NeuroDimension proffers technology that has application to a number of possible products including, inverse neural control application software; an ultra-intelligent respiratory monitor; and an easy to use and optimal closed-loop ventilator controller. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Euliano, Neil Convergent Engineering, Inc FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 761987 5373 SMET HPCC 9251 9178 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983485 May 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Acoustic Microcavitation Assisted Fine Cleaning of Post-Chemical Mechanical Planarizing (CMP) Wafers. This SBIR Phase II project is to continue the investigation in the removal of particulates from silicon wafers. It is a problem which can only become more important as the evolving circuit complexity demands greater miniaturization and multi-storied 'architectural' chip designs. Miniaturization poses a increasing challenge because any particulate which is one-third to one-half the size of the smallest chip circuit feature (i.e. the line width) is deemed a killer defect. As the line width gets thinner, the particle-intolerance because correspondingly greater. Up to 40% of all silicon wafer rejections are due to unremoved particulates. The challenge of maintaining ultra-clean wafer surfaces is further exacerbated by the more complex, multi-storied chip designs. Each new 'floor' of circuitry requires that a high degree of wafer flatness and smoothness be restored using the chemical mechanical planarizing or polishing (CMP) process. Each CMP procedure involves a fine, fumed silica slurry and therefore introduces new particulates. Several CMP operations are typically necessary in wafer processing and each wafer must be perfectly cleaned after each operation. This project is to develop a precision cleaning unit to rapidly clean post-CMP silicon wafers using only 'Silent Sound and Clean Water'. Based on Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcavitation (ACIM), the process requires no chemicals--only silent sound and clean water. The Silent Sound and Clean Water (SSCW) wafer cleaner to be developed through this SBIR Phase-II grant will face none of the conventional limitations with regard to particle size and it will be wholly environmentally friendly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McKenna, Mark RITEC Inc RI Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 750000 5373 MANU 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983499 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Rapid Fabrication of Titanium Boride (TiB2) Anodes for Electrolysis of Aluminum. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop non-consumable and wettable titanium diboride (TiB2)-based cathodes with near-theoretical densities and purity. Phase I demonstrated that titanium and boron powders could be reactively consolidated to produce near-theoretical density TiB2 parts using plasma pressure compaction. A 4-inch diameter by 3/8-inch thickness near-net shape cathode will be fabricated for evaluation in Phase II, and a novel water jet nozzle and abrasive jet mixer tube will be developed based on TiB2. Phase II will also develop zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)- and titanium (Ti)-toughened titanium diboride composites for evaluation as cutting tools. TiB2 electrodes are expected to provide better performance, cost-effectiveness, a hazard-free workplace, and environmentally benign processing in aluminum production; and it is now thought that rapidly consolidated, near net-shape TiB2 parts can also be used in cutting tools for hard metal machining, in mixing tubes for abrasive jets, and in nozzles for water jets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Radhakrishnan, R Materials Modification Inc. VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 650000 5373 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983502 April 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Development of High-Tc Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) Magnetometers for Unshielded Operation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is aimed at developing an ultra-sensitive magnetic sensor technology that is capable of operation in an unshielded environment. These compact sensors will be based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) that are fabricated from high temperature (high-Tc ) superconducting materials. A collaborative effort between MagneSensors and U.C. Berkeley will employ novel design and materials processing solutions to produce high-Tc SQUIDs operating in ambient fields with an unprecedented level of sensitivity. The program will test the developed sensors on real-world applications at both low and high frequencies to demonstrate operation in the presence of large background magnetic field interference. This new enabling technology seeks to overcome the limitations in sensitivity, bandwidth, size, and spatial resolution, which restrict the more widespread application of present conventional magnetic field sensors. The eventual goal is the development of a low-cost, portable system with much greater sensitivity than is available with any other instrumentation. This technology will enable the development of an entirely new generation of instrumentation that will find use in a wide variety of applications. Such applications include non-destructive evaluation of cracks and corrosion in aircraft, inspection of integrated circuits, homogeneous immunoassays and DNA probes using magnetic labels, geophysical surveying, environmental monitoring, detection of unexploded ordnance, diagnosis of intestinal ischemia, and screening for cardiac arrhythmias The potential market size for some of the applications reaches over $1 billion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG DiIorio, Mark MAGNESENSORS, INC. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399974 5373 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983511 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Micromachined Vacuum Microelectronic Devices Using Nanoscale Self-Assembly. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel low-cost microfabrication technology for vacuum microelectronics. Affordable and reliable microfabrication of refractory materials is needed, since these materials are able to withstand high temperature and severe electromagnetic radiation. Although several materials have been identified as candidates, they have both high cost and difficulties with high aspect ratio, high resolution bulk micromachining. An approach based on self-organized nanoporous anodic alumina with unique anisotropy morphology will allow high aspect ratio, high resolution micromachining. Phase I demonstrated that a vacuum microtriode with promising performance could be fabricated from micromachined alumina ceramic. This may be the only technology for making ceramic micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) for vacuum microelectronics and other applications, that are stable in harsh environments, have mechanical durability, are compatible with mainstream microfabrication, cost less, and scale up suitably. Phase II will optimize the technology and design, fabricate prototypes of vacuum integrated circuits (logic and amplifier), and scale-up the processes of device batch production for evaluation. Potential commercial applications include vacuum microelectronics and MEMS for the harsh environments of space, satelliate communicaitons, radars, deep drilling, nuclear reactors, as well as less strenuous environments that attend such uses as cellular phone networks, flat panel displays, and various sensors SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Nanomaterials Research LLC CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 400000 5373 HPCC 9218 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9983523 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Optical Diffusion Tomography in Frequency Domain by the Elliptic Systems Method. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project builds upon the concepts developed in the Phase I grant to develop a clinical prototype of an optical mammography device that could be used for breast cancer screening or diagnosis. The major technical obstacles to the development of an optical mammography device have been the need for imaging algorithms that are fast and accurate in the presence of scattered light, and for developing measurement techniques that can collect enough photons in a safe and timely way to develop an accurate image. Phase I demonstrated the technical feasibility of a new approach to the algorithms and hardware. The software objectives of this project involve testing an approach to compute inclusion absorption coefficients, modifying the software to directly locate inclusions without transformation and developing a 3-D and GUI interface. Hardware objectives include developing a clinical prototype that would be safe and appropriate for imaging human subjects and calibrating and testing the hardware/software device on experimental data. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Benson, Jonathon Medical Optical Imaging Inc NC Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 9983559 April 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Thermal Treatment Process For Sewage Sludge. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of the Slurry Carbonization process in generating an improved fuel product from low grade Municipal Sewage Sludge (MSS). Approximately 7.8 million dry tons of MSS are generated each year in the U.S. as a byproduct of municipal waste water treatment. MSS management is a growing concern due to the increase in generated volumes of sludge, demand for lower pollutant discharges, and rise in disposal costs. Slurry Carbonization is a moderate temperature and pressure treatment, which removes oxygen functional groups from the MSS and produces a homogeneous, carbon-hydrogen enriched char product for co-combustion or reburning in suspension-fired coal boilers. The overall objective of Phase II research is to develop the scientific and engineering data necessary to design, build and operate a demonstration facility in Phase III scale-up. Phase II research will focus on bench-scale optimization using EnerTech's 2.2 gal/hr PDU and pilot-scale engineering studies using HTI's 510 lb/hr PDU. Pilot-scale combustion and reburning experiments then will be conducted in EER's 1.0 MM Btu/hr BSF. It is anticipated that Phase II research will establish Slurry Carbonization as an economically and environmentally desirable method of MSS utilization. In addition to treatment of MSS, other applications of EnerTech's Slurry Carbonization process technology include clean coal combustion and the production of homogeneous slurry fuels from industrial sludge, pulp and paper mill wastes, Kraft mill black liquor, MSW, RDF, wood wastes and other sources of renewable biomass. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Klosky, Michael EnerTech Environmental Incorporated GA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 400000 5373 MANU 9146 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 9983700 March 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: High Speed Chemical Analysis of Combinatorial Libraries. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a high through-put drug screening technology based on the successful Phase I feasibility demonstration. High throughput methods in parallel and combinatorial organic synthesis are revolutionizing the field of drug discovery and biological screening. However, progress is seriously impeded by lack of reliable methods for conducting high throughput chemical analysis (HTCA) for composition and purity assessment. Current approaches rely on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). With a cycle time of about 5 min, an LC/MS instrument can analyze about 300 samples in a 24 hr period. We propose an innovative MS concept that reduces cycle time to about 10 sec, raising the potential analysis rate to >5,000 samples/day. The innovation is based on a novel ionization source that achieves (1) near-universal and efficient ionization of drug compounds, (2) minimal fragmentation molecular ion spectra for accurate analysis, (3) minimal interference from air constituents and commonly used solvents, and (4) suppression of competition-for-charge and ion suppression effects experienced by conventional methods. The proposed technology advances analytical and research capabilities to improve fundamental understanding of drug molecules and to build a knowledge base for implementing more rational approaches to lead drug optimization. Market research indicates the potential for exponential growth on the basis of quick penetration of the chemical analysis niche of the rapidly growing field of combinatorial and parallel synthesis methods for drug discovery. The proposed high throughput chemical analysis system has the potential to dominate the market for combinatorial library analysis, which is a rapidly growing field of drug discovery. Our real-time, complex mixture analyzers will also be marketed for applications in drug testing, environmental monitoring, and on-line process monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Syage, Jack SYAGEN TECHNOLOGY INC CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 748739 5373 BIOT 9184 1974 0308000 Industrial Technology 9984235 March 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Wireless Acoustic Emission Technology (AET) Sensor System for Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation and In Situ Testing of Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II Project will further develop the passive acoustic system to non-destructively pressure test concrete water pipelines. It will locate points of structural weakness in these water pipes to permit reinforcement, and in so doing it will avoid the costs and consequences of catastrophic ruptures. The established goals of the project include: (1) Autonomous Hydrophone System Enhancement - The AH-3 acoustic test system developed and demonstrated during Phase I will be enhanced to incorporate those improvements that will make the system commercially viable; (2) Pipeline Distress Research - The characteristics of concrete pressure water pipe deterioration will be replicated under field conditions in cooperation with one of the major pipe manufacturers. This will provide greater insight into the process of pipe deterioration as well as providing a proving ground for the field testing of the acoustic system; (3) Commercial Feasibility - The research has the potential to greatly prolong the useful life and reliability of the $40 billion U.S. water pipeline infrastructure. PTI has seen significant growth in revenue fueled in part by commercial acceptance of its early technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Worthington, Will Pipeline Technologies, Inc. AZ Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 398328 5373 CVIS 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 9986107 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Development of Self-Sensing Active Control Foil Bearing. This Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a 'Self-Sensing Active Control Foil Bearing' (SSACFB). Through the use of a stack of piezoelectric ceramic elements attached at the lower side of foil elements, the load on the foil element can be determined from the voltage generated by the piezoelectric elements. At the same time, the piezoelectric stack also acts as an actuator to push/pull the foil element from the shaft to increase the loading capacity of the bearing and/or to ensure lift-off at low shaft rotational speeds. The novelty of the concept is in elimination of the sensing system, the integration of sensing and control in a single unit, and the active control of the bearing to provide long-life, lower power loss, and larger loading capacity. In addition, elastic bed and diamond-like coatings on the foil element will be addressed in this proposal. Phase I found the self-sensing and controllability in this bearing to be feasible. Construction and testing of a fully instrumented, prototype self-sensing controllable foil bearing will be performed in Phase II. Potential commercial applications are planned in the $1.5 billion bearing market, which is growing presently at about 11% annually with moderate growth forecasted in the future. The SSACFB technology is aimed at commercial needs for oilless high-speed controllable bearings. Successful development of SSACFB will impact high speed bearing applications, especially in the aerospace/aeronautic and other high speed precision manufacturing industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wang, Lei B & C ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 385466 5373 MANU 9146 1444 0308000 Industrial Technology 9986118 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Photonic Networking of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems Arrays for Smart Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop novel photonic ModeRouting networks containing many nodes for monitoring and controlling the structural health and function of complex systems. Each node is, in general, a microsystem that combines sensing, computing, and actuating functions. The microsystems may contain many Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) with aggregate data rates approaching gigabits-per-second. This research addresses the enormous challenge for interrogating, activating, and controlling all microdevices through a high-capacity interconnection system. Wire-based and wireless approaches cannot handle such data rates. Further problems include operation in electrically noisy and potentially explosive environments. The innovative IFOS solution offers high-efficiency, ultra-high capacity, electromagnetic-interference-immunity, electrical-passivity, and expendability. Phase II will optimize, fabricate, and test several MEMS array nodes, MEMS fiber interfacing, and PhotoPowering, as well as design and build an expandable, ModeRouting network of MEMS nodes. Commercial applications of the IFOS photonically-interconnected MEMS array networks include civil, mechanical, aerospace, chemical, and marine engineering, particularly monitoring and control of programmable structures by microsensors and microactuators for mechanical systems, electrical power plants, automobiles, materials processing, and medicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moslehi, Behzad INTELLIGENT FIBER OPTICS SYSTEMS CORP. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 797292 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9148 9146 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 9986120 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Fiber-Optic Magnetic-Field Sensor System Employing Highly-Efficient Photonic Signal Processing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project expands the magnetic-field sensor system developed in Phase I into an optimized system containing an array of multiplexed two-dimensional sensors using mode-routing architecture for industrial process control systems, including physical-vapor-deposition (PVD) reactors containing magnetic orientation devices which are used in the manufacture of magnetic storage disks and recording heads. The uniformity and orientation of these magnetic fields need to be measured and controlled with high accuracy. In Phase I, IFOS demonstrated devices that virtually eliminate power losses that are characteristic of other known fiber-optic magnetic sensor arrays. IFOS has fabricated novel photonic mode-routing components, built a feasibility system prototype with new sensing materials and ultra-high-resolution demultiplexing, and conducted preliminary tests. IFOS, in collaboration with a federal laboratory, identified another appllication involving cryogenic systems to avoid thermal-leakage problems of electronic sensors. The IFOS solution enables achievement of the necessary accuracy and cost goals. The Phase II objective is to design and construct an optimized 5-point vectorial magnetic-field-sensor system for PVD reactor installation, as well as a 2-sensor system for cryogenic applications. IFOS' strategic partners will provide Phase-II and Phase-III-kind and cash contributions. Commercial applications include measurement of magnetic orientation and confinement fields for PVD systems, cryogenic systems, electric power utilities, hydrogen fusion chambers and linear acccelerators. Improving PVD industrial process control, will yield higher sensitivity and reliability. It will enable storage densities exceeding 60 Gbit/inch2 on rigid media. This is a significant market opportunity identified by IFOS and its strategic partner, the market leader for data-storage PVD systems. Other applications exist in the measurement of leakage current and line sag in high-voltage transmission towers, and complex stresses in automotive, aerospace, and civil structures. The technology will have an impact in a wide variety of optical fiber sensor systems and optical components and subsystems, such as magnetically-actuated tunable optical filters and switches, add-drop multiplexers as well as mode-routing components. IFOS magnetic sensor systems are immune to electromagnetic interference, elecrically and chemically passive, compact, light weight and suitable for use in explosive environments SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moslehi, Behzad INTELLIGENT FIBER OPTICS SYSTEMS CORP. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 771893 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9148 9146 9139 5373 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 9986639 March 1, 2000 A Proposal from the University of Minnesota to Join the Purdue University/University of Connecticut Center for Pharmaceutical Processing, an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Res. This is an application for a planning grant of $10,000 to join and existing NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Pharmaceutical Processing, established at Purdue University with an affiliated site at the University of Connecticut. This application is from four faculty members in three departments, Pharmaceutics, Food Science and Nutrition, and Chemistry, at the University of Minnesota. This application stresses the fundamental understanding, at the molecular level, the effects of processing on critical quality attributes of pharmaceutical products and in minimizing validation requirements through improved process monitoring. The plan is to recruit six additional industrial companies to become members of the Center, to prepare a descriptive brochure, and to participate fully in the Center's activities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Grant, David Theodore Labuza Eric Munson Raj Suryanarayanan University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Cheryl A. Cathey Standard Grant 10000 5761 MANU 9146 0237475 April 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Ultrasonic Inspection of Internal Bond Strength in Paper Products. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development of an ultrasound technology that measures internal bond strength (IBS) in paper and paperboard materials. IBS is a very important quality control parameter because it provides an assessment of bond strength between wood pulp fibers and between plies in multi-ply grades. Two standardized test methods are widely used throughout the paper industry to evaluate IBS: Z-direction tensile (ZDT) and Scott Plybond. However, these methods are problematic in many ways: they require destructive testing, are technically deficient, are labor and time intensive, and cannot be integrated into automated paper testing equipment in quality control laboratories. Since the propagation of ultrasonic waves in paper is sensitive to bonding between fibers, an ultrasonic IBS method has the potential to address all shortcomings of existing methods. Preliminary results gathered during Phase I confirmed correlations between ultrasonic IBS, ZDT and Scott Plybond. Phase II involves additional work on the ultrasound technology to improve its accuracy, reliability, and universality. Also, it includes the development of an engineering prototype instrument for paper mill quality control testing, a comprehensive statistical study comparing ultrasonic IBS, ZDT, and Scott Plybond, and the drafting of a standardized test method. The worldwide market of ZDT and Scotty Plybond Instruments is estimated at 400 units, largely in QC labs. Expected sales are $11M. Commercialization of a few hundred units would be considered as a tremendous success in the paper industry. The successful deployment of ultrasonic IBS in the QC lab could support the future development of real-time IBS monitoring during production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wood, Gary SoniSys, LLC GA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 511948 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0321651 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Meshless Petrov-Galerkin Geo-Environ Technology For Wide Scale Field Uses. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II proposes to develop a Meshless Petrov-Galerkin Geo-Environ Technology For Wide Scale Field Uses. Groundwater supplies are increasingly threatened by organic, inorganic, and radioactive contaminants that are introduced to the environment by improper disposal or accidental releases. Estimates of remediation costs at U.S. government sites alone totals into the billions of dollars. Computational mechanics and aerospace advances in meshless Petrov-Galerkin provide easy means for stable accurate simulations of large groundwater reservoirs without grid generation. The proposed software package Meshless Groundwater Model-Petrov Galerkin (MGM-PG) will be designed for advanced hydrologists as well as for groundwater basin managers, purveyors, and field hydrologists. Current software advancements will be interfaced for easy conceptual model development for various applications. MGM-PG potential market includes: (i) groundwater reservoir quantity and quality management; (ii) cleanup of contaminated sites; (iii) storage of wet year surplus surface water underground and its uses for extended draught periods (ASR projects); (iv) safe disposal of treated effluents by rapid infiltration and extraction projects (RIX projects); (v) conjunctive uses of surface and subsurface water; (vi) landfill sites; and (vii) cleanup of large contaminated Federal Facilities. Proposed technology has applicability to thousands of EPA National Priority List for expedited clean up of contaminated sites and also for groundwater management projects that are implemented at a cost of billions of dollars by federal agencies, State, counties, petroleum facilities, and chemical industries. Worldwide only 4-5 geo-environ codes have been developed for wide variety of societal needs. MGM-PG will be a new technological advancement and will promote training of new graduate students in meshless advances rather than old methods. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gupta, Sumant CFEST INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1223038 9131 5761 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9102 7218 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0332490 May 1, 2004 Partnership for Broadband Wireless Innovations, Development and Commercialization. 0332490 Johnson This award is to Villanova University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Villanova University (Lead Institution), Widener University, Ben Franklin Fund, Air Force Research Laboratory, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Bucks County Community College, Montgomery County Community College, North Penn High School, Ablaze Systems, BAE Systems, Boeing Company, InterDigital Communications Corporation, Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Lucent Technologies, Motorola, Rajant Corporation, and VerdaSee Solutions. The primary objective of this partnership is to facilitate the transformation of knowledge into innovations that will create new wealth and strengthen the regional economy in the area of broadband wireless technology. The activities of the partners include research and development in wireless science and technology, educational diversification (including university, community college, high school, and outreach in engineering to industrial partners), and commercialization of the technologies developed. The partnership creates new knowledge in the area of broadband wireless communications via research, transfers knowledge to industrial partners, educates the technologically-literate workforce, and establishes the entrepreneurial infrastructure to sustain innovations. Potential Economic Impact The effort will increase the competitiveness of the partners in broadband wireless technology resulting in new jobs and will produce a technologically literate workforce to fill those jobs. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in advances in knowledge through fundamental research on smart antennas, low-profile antennas, and thermal management for broadband wireless technology and in development of a model for innovation in this industry. The broader impacts of the activity include educational diversity, educational outreach to industry, and regional economic development to ensure long-term sustainability of economic and societal well-being. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Amin, Moeness Gary Gabriele Amy Fleischer James Woods Richard Thompson Villanova University PA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0332554 October 15, 2004 Center for Innovative Biomaterial Education and Research. 0332554 Ragauskas This award is to the Institute of Paper Science and Technology to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (Lead Institution), Chalmers University of Technology, Dacula Middle School, Freeman's Mill Elementary School, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, North Carolina State University, University of British Columbia, University of Georgia, Royal Institute of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, VTT Biotechnology and Food Research, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service, Appletonideas, Georgia Pacific, Iogen Corporation, Kemira Chemicals Inc., Kimberly Clark Corporation, Novozyme Inc., and Shell Global Solutions International. The activity creates a Center for Innovation for Biomaterials Education and Research that will train students both in classroom settings and using electronic technology to develop scientific and technological advances in the conversion of biomass into novel materials. The Center will serve as a clearinghouse of information to the general public and will serve as a means to create a collaborative team of national and international scientists who are focusing on the same problems in wood technology. The proposal addresses a challenge that is important to the economy and the environment of the US and the rest of the world, i.e., how to shift to renewable, environmentally benign materials stemming from the agro/forestry sector. The move from hydrocarbon to carbohydrate technologies can have a wide variety of ancillary benefits, including enhancing rural employment and improving the environment. The proposed activity is critical to advancing our knowledge and understanding in the area of converting abundant biomass into biomaterials. Two deliverables are proposed: (2) development of new scientific and technological advances in conversion of biomass into novel materials, and (2) development of knowledge-rich workforce skilled in these technologies. The program will train students in innovative methods of converting biomass to novel biomaterials; develop a public outreach program describing the benefits of this technology; and discover new scientific processes for the efficient and practical conversion of renewable wood polymers into novel biomaterials including polyesters, nylon-4 polymers and polycarbonate nano-cellulose derivatives. Potential Economic Impact The activities will create job opportunities in rural areas of the US where, during the past decade, more than 50 pulp and paper manufacturing plants have been closed jobs are declining due changes in international markets. The partnership will enable the development of new innovative forest products technologies that will be developed with scientifically and technologically empowered workforce. These results will improve the economic, technical and environmental well-being of the nation. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in the creation of the science basis for conversion of the plastics industry from hydrocarbon-based technologies to carbohydrate-based technologies. This will dramatically improve rural employment opportunities, enhance national security by decreasing dependence on imported oil, and improve the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This proposal is excellent in terms of Broader Impacts. The project will educate professionals and the general public on the opportunities and science of converting biomass into innovative bio-materials, and develop new technologies that will provide valuable and practical materials for packaging, transportation, and health-care industries. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Ragauskas, Arthur David Orloff Sheldon May Joseph Bozell Institute of Paper Science and Technology GA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 277516 1662 OTHR 0000 0332555 September 1, 2004 An Integrative Workforce Training and Retraining Program for the Computer and Semiconductor Industry in the Rocky Mountain Region. 0332555 Chen This award is to the Colorado State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include the Colorado State University (Lead Institution), Hewlett-Packard, Poudre School District, Fort Collins High School, and Front Range Community College. The proposed program attempts to push computer and semiconductor engineering education into the high schools to increase positive awareness of the computer and semiconductor engineering industry and to provide the opportunity for people who are interested and who may otherwise select a totally different career. The program will provide a large, diverse, and highly trained workforce pool to meet the demand for professionals in these fields. The program seeks to provide a workforce from technicians to PhDs. No single institution can provide such a range of education and training seamlessly, making this integrated approach unique. The goals of the program are: 1. Create a pre-engineering curriculum in computer and semiconductor science and engineering. 2. Create an integrated curriculum that is more responsive to the needs of industry by working closely with the partners during the curriculum development stage. 3. Provide internship/co-op programs through local industry to give students real work experience as part of the education/training. 4. Provide training for high school teachers and community college faculty to maintain long-term training that is relevant to industry. 5. Provide summer camps to attract and train students at the high school level for careers in these two fields. 6. Recruit adults in mid-career who wish to make career changes to enter these fields. Potential Economic Impact The information technology area is pervasive in the U.S. economy. There are not enough workers to fill all of the job opportunities that exist today, and the shortage will grow in the future. The pipeline for educating and training workers is long and we must begin now to keep up with the demands to keep the U.S. economy at the forefront in this global economy. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in the creation of the novel integrated education and training of the technologically literate workforce through collaboration of the university, community college and local secondary school districts with the regional computer-related companies. This proposal is excellent in terms of Broader Impacts. The project, because it is so well integrated with local industrial needs, could have a very positive impact on economic development in the region. The model for workforce education and training could be exported to other regions of the nation. Underrepresented groups will participate in the activities of the grant and will benefit from the outcomes. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Chen, Thomas Steven Abt Glenn Good John Wuu Dennis Baker Colorado State University CO Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599688 1662 0000 OTHR 0332573 May 15, 2004 Greater Philadelphia Bioinformatics Alliance. 0332573 Tozeren This award is to Drexel University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Drexel University (Lead Institution), Pennsylvania State University-Great Valley, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Pennsylvania, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Fox Chase Cancer Research Center, Wistar Institute, and BioAdvance-The Biotechnology Greenhouse Corporation (an alliance of the biopharmaceutical industry in the Philadelphia region). The primary objective of this award is to "transform knowledge into innovation in computational biotechnology in SE Pennsylvania. This is accomplished through developing training and education programs in bioinformatics, creating a virtual network of universities, industry, government agencies, and venture capitalists; promoting interdisciplinary teamwork; and supporting innovative business plans for commercially viable knowledge-based biotechnology ventures. The alliance activities have four main objectives that are interrelated and complementary: developing and maintaining a skilled workforce; creating a robust bioinformatics network; a "computational orchestra" that will catalyze and capture innovation in bioinformatics and biomedicine; and help create an infrastructure for commercialization of innovation. The activities also include development of multi-level, comprehensive and results-oriented educational and training programs to create and maintain a skilled bioinformatics workforce, from graduate level to continuing education. Potential Economic Impact The Greater Philadelphia region is home to approximately 80 percent of the pharmaceutical employment in the U.S. and is rich in medical institutions, medical colleges, and biotechnology startup businesses. The grant will transform the wealth of biology and computational science resources in the regional universities and research institutions into innovation to accelerate the growth of the life sciences industry in the region. The activities will create new companies and jobs, and provide the workforce for those jobs. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in providing an integrated effort from fundamental research in biological and computational sciences, creating a multilevel education and training program in bioinformatics, and support innovation in the region. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on creating a new education program that seamlessly integrates curricula at the vocational and high school level to the community college level to undergraduate and graduate degrees at on of several regional universities. Underrepresented groups will be involved in all of the activities of the grant. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Tozeren, Aydin Susan Davidson Kenneth Blank Gary Kurtzman Drexel University PA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0332596 May 1, 2004 Software Partnerships in NYC: Identifying and Developing New Ideas. 0332596 Brown This award is to the City University of New York to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include the City University of New York (Lead Institution), and the New York Software Industry Association (NYSIA). The NYSIA has a large number of small companies in the information technology industry. The mission of this proposal is to spur the development and commercialization of advanced software technologies and software engineering methods in the NYC economic region. The focus will be on three aspects of the software industry: 1) security, 2) imaging and visualization and 3) software development and system design. To accomplish this, the City University of New York (CUNY) faculty will be paired with software industry professionals from the New York Software Industry Association (NYSIA) to develop and promote the research and development of new technologies, provide specialized development courses, create job opportunities and build upon CUNY's reputation. The group is a university wide consortium and thus can reach all the colleges and the 200 faculty members specializing in computer science. The expectation is that the industry groups will convey to the university the commercial needs and uses for software while the university will convey the technologies available and innovative approaches to design through appropriate pairing of participants. Technical assistance will be provided for small companies through joint university / industrial partnership teams involving experts in business development and marketing people. The expected outcome is to work with at least 50 companies, to get to know 30 well, and to work intensively with 15 of them. Potential Economic Impact The proposal provides a unique outreach approach with an industry association, a more standardized approach with seminars and workshops around industry needs, and an approach of developing joint projects with industry. The project will help to provide industry access to software expertise at CUNY campuses, a potential for students to learn how to work with software companies, and allows important work with smaller software companies. The development of the software industry by providing software help in research and development for small companies that cannot afford to fund research at the universities or to hire people as skilled as students and faculty for development are the major benefits to NY and NYSIA. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in the creation, transfer and application of information technologies and novel education and training of the technologically literate workforce through collaboration of the City University of New York with the regional companies. The project will help to provide industry access to software expertise at CUNY campuses, a potential for students to learn how to work with software companies, especially with smaller software companies. The development of the software industry by providing software help in research and development for small companies that cannot afford to fund research at the universities or to hire people as skilled as students and faculty for development will have a significant economic impact in New York. This proposal is excellent in terms of Broader Impacts. This project is expected to have significant impact on expanding participation to underserved populations and among campuses that could then develop stronger industry relations. There was a good balance between broad involvement and focused implementation on selected high-success probability participants. The City University of New York has a long history of providing educational opportunities to minorities, poorer City young people who cannot afford private school educations. Of the nearly 20 colleges and universities within the system, fourteen the colleges are officially considered minority institutions PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Brown, Theodore Gillian Small CUNY City University of New York NY Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 598980 1662 OTHR 0000 0332597 May 1, 2004 An Industry-State-University Partnership for Southeast Massachusetts Economic Development Through Innovation in Technologies. 0332597 Azadivar This award is to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Lead Institution), Massachusetts Office of Environmental Affairs Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, plus 27 regional companies. At least 10 of these companies have agreed to commit $50,000 each to the project. More are being recruited. The objectives for the project include: 1. Create a business-like environment where products, processes, and systems are developed by university faculty, students, and professional staff for individual private sector partners to commercialize. 2. Make the university-developed technology available and affordable to a broader sector of the regional economy, especial small to medium sized companies. 3. Enhance the economic development of the region by serving the industry by providing technology and a workforce to exploit it. 4. Provide a learning environment for students to supplement their classroom education with experiences in the business world. 5. Integrate research, education and innovation to provide economic development and service to the community via the partnership. 6. Disseminate the model and the experience to other institutions of higher learning. Potential Economic Impact This region of Massachusetts has been left behind in technology-based economic growth. Southeast Massachusetts was once one of the most prosperous regions in the nation due to whaling and textile industries. The region has been suffering economic hardship as both industries have left the area. Today, the economic strength of the region lags behind the rest of the United States, and the employment in high technology industry. The region has begun to change that situation. Electronics, environment, biomedicine, telecommunications, intelligent materials, and fibers are being inserted into the industrial base in the region. This proposed effort provides a university-lead partnership with government and industry to facilitate technology transfer, technology support, and a technologically literate workforce. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in a significant number of innovative technologies developed and commercialized into products, processes, systems and services, and the workforce needed to enable these innovations. This proposal is excellent in terms of Broader Impacts. The project will educate professionals and provide employment opportunities for a diverse group of underrepresented groups in the region. The technology-based economic well-being that will result in the region will serve as a model for other regions that have experienced similar economic downturn from departing industries. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Azadivar, Farhad Thomas Curry University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth MA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0332605 May 15, 2004 Consortium for Security and Medical Sensor Systems. 0332605 Luryi This award is to SUNY Stony Brook to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include SUNY Stony Brook (Lead Institution), Hofstra University, Farmingdale State University, Suffolk County Community College, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Northrop Grumman, Symbol, CardioMag Imaging, Transonics, Tracer Detection Technology Corporation, Technology Next Corporation, BioPhotonics Corporation, IEEE, LISTnet, WEDLI, Long Island Regional Incubator Council, Empire State Development, Suffolk County, and New York State Sensor CAT Center. This project seeks to promote and increase awareness of and expansion of entrepreneurship and technology transfer on Long Island with emphasis on national security and medical sensor systems. The collaboration includes research and technology partners from the private sector and non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. The project has three clear components: a) to introduce entrepreneurial skills to the engineering and technology curriculum across Long Island, b) to provide outreach and dissemination through outreach partners, c) to provide an infrastructure to promote research and technology transfer in security and medical sensor systems. The goal of the Research and Technology Transfer component would be to promote research and technology transfer in security and medical sensor systems. The goal of the Outreach and Dissemination component would be to promote the Sensor Consortium's achievements through the project's Outreach Partners. Potential Economic Impact The activities will result in more patentable inventions, more startup technology companies, and more research and development in national security and medical sensor systems in the region. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in creation of involvement of undergraduate students in entrepreneurial training and planning to transfer technology from the research at the Sensor CAT Center at SUNY Stony brook to form startup companies. The proposed consortium broadens the participation of several different types of educational institutions and an even more diverse population of students in the innovation enterprise. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Luryi, Serge Yacov Shamash K. Wendy Tang Gerrit Wolf Galina Botchkina SUNY at Stony Brook NY Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599785 1662 OTHR 0000 0332648 May 1, 2004 Bridging the Gap between New Materials , Fuel Cell Devices and Products: An Alliance of Virginia Universities, Battelle , VA Center for Innovative Tech, Industry Partners and LANL. 0332648 McGrath This award is to Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Lead Institution), Virginia Commonwealth University, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Battelle, Virginia Center for Innovative Technology, General Motors, Motorola, Hydrosize Technologies, and TeleEnergy Systems, .In addition, student recruitment and faculty exchanges with Grambling State University, Hampton University, Morgan State University, and University of South Carolina Spartanburg will broaden the participation of underrepresented minorities. The primary objective of this award is to integrate recently demonstrated proton exchange membrane fuel cells, processes and related technologies in a partnership with key universities, key industrial organizations, and national laboratories. New membrane materials are being developed. The industrial partners are performing the fuel cell system engineering analysis. The national laboratory partner is Characterization of the molecular structure of the new materials and relating that to the fuel cell performance. The universities and the industrial partners are developing new processing and manufacturing methods. The Virginia Center for Innovative Technology is promoting the outcomes of the work and recruiting/developing new start-up companies. Students involved in the project will become a significant part of the workforce necessary to support the emerging fuel cell business. Long-term sustainability is a key component of the program. Potential Economic Impact Thee fuel cell business is predicted to be in excess of $11 billion by 2011. Fuel cells provide clean, reliable energy in stationary, portable, and automotive applications. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in providing an integrated effort from fundamental research on new materials, development of novel materials processing, fuel cell system performance analysis, and fuel cell manufacturing scale-up. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on creating a new student generation for the fuel cell industry with an emphasis on recruitment and involvement of underrepresented minorities. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG McGrath, James Mark McNamee Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0332650 May 1, 2004 UNCP Biotechnology Business and Industrial Training Center. 0332650 Brown This award is to University of North Carolina at Pembroke to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include University of North Carolina at Pembroke (Lead Institution), Central Carolina Community College, Fayetteville Tech Community College, Richmond Community College, Robeson Community College, Southeastern Community College, Carolina Commerce and Technology Center, Embrex Incorporated, Kelly Scientific Resources, New Brunswick Scientific Company, Wyeth Vaccines, Lumber River Council of Governments/Workforce Development Board, Robeson Office of Economic Development, and Scotland County Government. This award supports regional efforts to foster the establishment and growth of a biotechnology cluster in southeastern North Carolina. It has a broad goal to stimulate economic growth and increase the economic well being of the region. The University of North Carolina Pembroke Regional Center for Economic, Community and Professional Development will coordinate the establishment of a University of North Carolina Pembroke Biotechnology Business and Industrial Training Center. The center will house a bench-to-pilot-scale fermentation and biotechnology facility and will provide the resources, curriculum, and programs for biotechnology-related training, as well as academic activities. The goals for the activity are to increase the number of regional higher paying jobs by accelerating the growth of biotechnology companies, increase the trained workforce in the biotechnology sector, mobilize the underrepresented populations in the region by providing training, and offer entrepreneurs technological and business support, including connections to sources of capital. Potential Economic Impact Southeastern North Carolina is economically distressed. The effort will provide education and training for underrepresented groups to make them employable by an emerging biotechnology cluster sector. The availability of a workforce will help attract other biotechnology companies creating more jobs. The effort is part of North Carolina's Biotechnology Initiative. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in its focus on providing state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in biotechnology to academic and industrial participants. It will serve as a model for academic-led economic development that can be transferred to other economically distressed rural regions. The broader impacts of the activity include improving technical workforce skills and training K-16 teachers in biotechnology, increasing participation of underrepresented group in the innovation enterprise, and increasing the economic well being of a distressed region. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Harrington, Charles Leonard Holmes Sylvia Pate University of North Carolina at Pembroke NC Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0332687 June 1, 2004 Montgomery Bioscience Park. 0332687 Pinkney This award is to Montgomery College Rockville to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Montgomery College Rockville (Lead Institution), University of Maryland College Park, Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, MedImmune, Celera, RRD International, GenVec, Bio Reliance, Toucan Capital, and Emerging Technology Partners. This project seeks to ensure constant generation of well-educated and highly trained scientists, technicians, entrepreneurs for a scientifically and technologically literate workforce capable of enabling the growth and competitiveness of the regional biotechnology industry. The effort seeks to develop a world-class biotechnology education and training program that will serve all levels of the education continuum, maximize the synergy between academia and the businesses in the biotech sector in the region, integrate the education programs with the biosciences business park and incubator, increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the biotech workforce in the region, and track the participation and success rates of students and industry. Potential Economic Impact The biotechnology industry in the United States has doubled in size in the last decade. The global public companies generated revenues of $35 billion, spent $16 billion I research and development, and employed more that 175,000 people in 2001. More that 70% of the revenues were generated in the United States. Most of these companies are clustered geographically where there are academic institutions, a technologically literate workforce and (sometimes) federal government research laboratories. The Maryland region surrounding Montgomery College has a biotechnology cluster that will continue to need a well-educated workforce to remain competitive. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in creation of an integrated education partnership to provide a workforce from K-12 through advanced degrees, which will provide a workforce that remains at the stat-of-the-art in this rapidly evolving biotechnology sector. The proposed consortium broadens the participation of different types of educational and research institutions and an even more diverse population of students in the biotechnology workforce. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Pinkney, Hercules Katherine Michaelian Andrea Edelstein Montgomery College Rockville MD Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0337525 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Dye Co-Sensitizer Combinations for Increasing the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Titania Nanoparticles in Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a critical understanding of the underlying mechanism affecting the efficiency of dye-sensitized titania solar cells (DSSC). This understanding is pivotal to the advancement of the technology and could help move the solar industry forward by overcoming cost and weight barriers. DSSC technology in general has experienced low efficiencies due in part to the back transfer of electrons from the titania to an oxidized dye species on the surface of the titania before the electron can reach the electrode, producing current. In this proposal a simple means of alleviating this energy wasting pathway by anchoring aromatic amines, known as co-sensitizers or donors, at low concentration along with the sensitizing dye to the surface of the titania nanoparticles will be investigated. A significant increase in the cell efficiency due to an increase in current when these species are present on the surface in combination with the dyes has been observed. Since these results contradict other work on aromatic amines used as either co-adsorbed species on titania, or as adducts to the sensitizing dye molecule itself, a study of the effects of structurally modified co-sensitizers on redox potential, photon to electron conversion efficiency, and kinetics of the electron transfer is needed to understand the photophysics of the mechanism. The commercial applications of this project will be in solar cells. DSSC technology holds the greatest potential for low cost photovoltaics due to the inexpensive materials used and the ability to manufacture in volume using roll-to-roll processes. The DSSC technology will be lightweight and flexible as well, two attributes that literally open up new applications including molded plastics that conform to the exterior of consumer electronic devices and flexible fibers that can be woven into fabrics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gaudiana, Russell KONARKA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99636 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0337834 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Automated Foam Index Test Instrumentation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project acquires information for and then designs the first commercial Automated Foam Index Test (AFIT) instrument. AFIT automatically and quantitatively determines the stability or instability of foams and emulsifiers. It innovates foaming and foam stability measurements in industrial production systems. Currently, foam and emulsifier stabilities are measured using visual or mechanical observations. The research uses basic physical and chemical behaviors of foams and emulsifiers to identify bubble stability and breakup activity. Computer-controlled experimental methods are used to acquire and statistically assess data, and then correlations are made with data obtained using currently accepted, manual methods. Although this Phase I research focuses on an instrument for determining the foam indices of cements and pozzolans, AFIT is a generic name for a suite of instruments that would impact food and consumer product specialists and manufacturers, wastewater treatment facilities, minerals industries, petroleum/oil industries, fire retardant manufacturers and beverage manufacturers. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Stencel, John Tribo Flow Separations, LLC KY T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338374 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Unified Oceanographic Data Logger. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will provide the foundation for the technical development of a commercially viable, universal, data logging system for ultra-long duration, unattended, oceanographic measurements. The project will demonstrate a new electronic architecture for oceanographic data loggers. This advanced data logger will unify a highly fragmented commercial marketplace by offering best-of-class performance in nearly all oceanographic applications. The proposed technology employs a modular approach in which individual recording units utilize low-voltage, embedded, digital processors which are optimized specifically for their power performance. The complete recording system promises to have a power consumption that is an order of magnitude lower than existing systems, over a wide range of data rates. The logger will provide large volume mass storage and a non-volatile real-time clock. The system will implement both advanced power conversion and a high-speed communications interface, which will provide compatibility with both stand-alone and cabled applications in future seafloor observatories. Among the activities in Phase I, the project will develop and demonstrate the design for a critical component in the overall system, a 24 bit, ultra-low-power digitizer for seismic recording. A complete data logger built around this module will require less than 5 mW/channel. The commercial application of this logger will be in oceanographic research and exploration. The endemic model in oceanography is to customize off-the-shelf hardware for each specific application. This is a costly process. Many types of highly custom systems are developed and produced in small numbers, at great cost. This approach also presents a major schedule risk for the scientists involved. Not surprisingly, the operational performance of the resulting systems is suboptimal. Often, the diversion of resources for the development of instrumentation affects the scope and quality of the field research. By addressing a wide range of applications using a single, unified system, production volumes would be made large enough to reduce hardware costs significantly. Fundamental improvements to the logger's software will reduce the operational costs typically associated with customization of the system for each experiment. Reduction of both the equipment and operating costs will provide lower cost solutions for unattended oceanographic data acquisition. Reduction of the total cost of instrumentation is a critical step toward enhancing research efforts in many of the world's oceans. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG VanZandt, Thomas GEOSense, LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99765 5371 EGCH 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338398 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Sensitive Magnetometer for Remote Sensing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a new type of low cost, low power, fast and small magnetometer that could attain a sensitivity of approximately 1 femto Tesla (10-15 T) per root hertz. Magnetometers with such sensitivity could easily be used for remote sensing by measuring and locating the source of magnetic fields. These fields are typically one billion times smaller than the earth's magnetic field. This new magnetometer could be in a small (SO8, ~5x4x2mm3), low power instrument package operating at ambient temperature. Such sensitivity currently requires costly superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) that needs expensive and cumbersome cryogenics to operate. In Phase I, MST hopes to quantify the performance gains possible from this new magnetometer and its measurement of magnetic field and noise in operational contexts for remote sensing. The development of low cost, high performance, modular, miniature magnetometer delivery systems will expand the commercial markets for home and industrial security systems, industrial process monitoring systems, and environmental monitoring systems. The magnetometer would also augment the capability to detect submarines by using an array seeded around narrow traffic lanes. It could find use in detecting land and naval mines, and in making sensitive proximity fuses. Commercial uses include prospecting for mineral deposits, nondestructive testing, and research in geomagnetic and biomagnetic studies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ghamaty, Saeid MS TECHNOLOGY CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338502 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Non Destructive Evaluation of Hard Alpha Inclusions in Titanium Alloys and Damage Effects Due to Fatigue Using Photon Induced Positron Annihilation (PIPA). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will perform research aimed at improved detection levels and characterization of inclusions in critical titanium alloy components. Labeled as either low-density or high-density inclusions, these titanium defects can significantly impact fracture-critical airframe structures and jet engine components, resulting in catastrophic failures. The non-destructive detection of hard alpha inclusions in titanium alloys is currently limited to relatively large inclusions that are on or near the component surface, resulting in high potential for missed defects. Photon Induced Positron Annihilation (PIPA) analysis will be developed to detect these inclusions early in the manufacturing process at any location in the casting, and evaluated as a field use NDI technology that can be used to assess damage buildup in operational aircraft components. Research and development in the area of hard alpha inclusion detection using Photon Induced Positron Annihilation has broad impacts in the aerospace industry, in addition to other industries where titanium is used. Development of this technology has primary implications relative to improved aircraft safety and in the maintenance, surveillance, and replacement of highly expensive aerospace components. With improved knowledge of titanium inclusion damage effects, many current costs in the areas of inspection and component replacement can be substantially reduced. With the increasing usage of titanium in many multi-billion dollar industries, PIPA detection of inclusion damage will become increasingly important to the overall titanium and related industries. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Urban-Klaehn, Jagoda Positron Systems, Inc. ID Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99295 9150 HPCC 9150 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338537 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Unified Coordinates Approach to Gridless Computation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop an innovative unified coordinates approach to gridless computation. Instead of using the spatially fixed Eulerian coordinate system as in most Computional Fluid Dynamics (CFD) computation, the proposed unified coordinates approach is based on a generalized coordinate system which moves with velocity hq with q as the velocity of fluid particles and h as a free function. It includes the Eulerian coordinates approach as a special case when h=0 and the Lagrangian when h=1. Choosing h to preserve grid orthogonality can result in a coordinate system which avoids not only excessive numerical diffusion across slip lines as in the Eulerian coordinates but also severe grid deformation as in the Lagrangian coordinates. Unlike Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) approach, no remapping from the distorted Lagrangian grid onto the spatially fixed Eulerian grid is required. All computations are done entirely in the transformed space without a staggered grid. More importantly, using the unified coordinates, the computational grid is generated simultaneously by the flow (more precisely by the movement of the pseudo particles) while computing the flow field. Therefore, the computational grid is no longer a required input for CFD computation and gridless CFD computation becomes feasible. The traditional CFD methods are based on the spatially fixed Eulerian coordinates approach, in which body-fitted computational grids are needed a priori to accurately implement surface boundary conditions. The generation of body-fitted grids around complicated geometries in real applications is a very tedious process, which requires substantial human intervention and hence experience and specialized training, making CFD as somewhat of an art. The proposed SBIR effort will resolve this problem and significantly facilitate the use of CFD in manufacturing industry as a design tool. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tang, Lei ZONA TECHNOLOGY INC AZ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99792 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0338652 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Thick Film Planar Magnetooptic Garnet Faraday Rotators. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the device and market opportunity for thick magnetooptic garnet Faraday rotator films with planar anisotropy to be operated in the near infrared. Such films would be an innovative solution to device problems that require high speed continuously varying Faraday rotation with applied field. The scientific understanding to make thick-film planar Faraday rotators do not currently exist. This project will develop a method to establish the necessary criteria for the growth of materials of this type including melt composition, crystal composition, magnetic properties and growth conditions. The magnetic properties of these films will be optimized for sensors, where the film is required to have a sensitive response at low fields, and photonic devices, where a linear response to applied fields is critical. The commercial impact of this project would be a less expensive magnetic and electromagnetic sensor. Such sensors have a potential for immediate impact in reliability of electric power distribution through failure anticipation and prevention and conservation of electric power through monitoring and control. These sensors could be developed at a variety of near-infrared wavelengths including the 800 nm, 1310 nm and 1550 nm bands. Applications for areas such as wheel and turbine rotation, electric power distribution, monitoring, metering and control and battlefield proximity sensors will be addressed in this project. The electric power application in particular has potential to revolutionize catastrophic failure prevention in the power grid and reduce power costs at a variety of levels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fratello, Vincent INTEGRATED PHOTONICS, INC. AL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 7234 1631 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338656 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Digital Correlator Imaging Spectrometer For Submillimeter Astronomy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a novel broadband digital spectrometer for radio-frequency receivers, with particular application to an imaging spectrometer for sub-millimeter-wave astronomy. For optimum performance, such a receiver will make use of a cryogenic mixer to generate an intermediate-frequency output ~1 GHz. A spectrometer that can accept this type of mixer output and then generate the signal power spectrum with frequency resolution ~1 MHz is proposed. The core of this spectrometer will be a fast, sensitive analog-to-digital converter and a digital auto-correlator based on rapid-single-flux-quantum (RSFQ) digital logic, designed to operate with a commercial cryo-cooler at a temperature of 4 K. Other components of this receiver, such as multiplexers to combine pixel outputs, have already been developed. These components will be integrated monolithically on the same niobium integrated circuit The auto-correlator has extensive applications in RF communications and image-processing systems currently limited by the speed of digital processing. Some of these applications include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communications, advanced instrumentation for ground-based and space-based spectroscopy and signal analysis are further enabled by the combination of the proposed auto-correlator with recent advances in the manufacturing of affordable cryo-coolers. The digital-RF base station target, where the auto-correlator would be used for load management, and its close relative, the cross-correlator could be used for reducing multi-path distortion. The digital-RF base station with software radio architecture represents a multi-billion dollar market, from which even a small market share will be worthwhile pursuing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kaplan, Steven HYPRES, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99985 5371 EGCH 1636 1307 0206000 Telecommunications 0338658 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Dynamic 2D Depth Oriented Y-Z (X-Z) Opto-electronic Position Detector Using Photo Sensitive Semiconductor and Laser Light. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to verify the concept of the innovation and clarify the systems and critical component requirements for building a single instrument to detect the position of an object in motion in a depth oriented 2D space. The instrument will have output signals that identify the position of the object in the different directions from a base location. The instrument will use a laser light to illuminate the object with and photosensitive semiconductor to translate the reflected image into a signal. Measuring the distance with a laser beam and digitizing images are examples of two uses of similar technologies. However, they are limited to flat digital pictures or flat x-y coordinate systems. Detecting the position of an object in a depth oriented two-dimensional Y-Z field of view requires multiple instruments and complex and expensive systems. The application of this research is primarily in the area of automated manufacturing process control but may also apply to architecture for digitizing art and other stationary objects. The technology available to detect and locate objects in a two-dimensional depth oriented Y-Z (or X-Z) field of view is still in its infancy. This research aims to improve the understanding of the methods with which to detect and monitor the 2D depth oriented position of objects that are of non-metallic materials such as plastic, paper, rubber, fabrics, as well as rocks. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Strandbygaard, Svend Sensordyne LLC ME Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0338663 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Development of 802.11 Asset Tag. Project Summary: This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will result in the development and testing of an 802.11 asset tag, which is a new concept in asset management and tracking. The innovation is to create a wireless asset tracking tag that will communicate in any wireless network and in particular will work in 802.11 wireless LANs. Tracking assets such as PCs and other office equipment, warehoused inventory pallets and containers, strategic assets, and manufacturing materials can be accomplished by affixing the tag to the pallet/container/object in any facility that has a WLAN. This concept overcomes the power and cost barriers inherent in designing a small battery-powered long-range wireless tag compatible with conventional WLAN access points. The research will demonstrate overcoming the power management challenge as well as the positioning technique. It will use a MEMS accelerometer to both manage the power as well as provide a novel positioning approach based upon motion and signal strength detection. A breadboard asset tag system will be built using a conventional 802.11 chip set, a motion sensor, and a power management module. Software for the tracking function will be built and tested in a typical office, manufacturing and warehouse setting. Positional accuracy versus tag characteristics, calibration effort, and site map detail will be determined. An estimate of the installed cost versus positional accuracy will be made. The results are expected to define a new asset tracking technology. Broader Impact: The results of this project will be important, as they should yield an approach that will produce an order of magnitude reduction in cost and complexity over existing RF tracking systems currently used in tracking pallets in warehouses, equipment in hospitals/offices/schools and material in manufacturing processes. By eliminating the complexity and cost of current RF asset tracking systems and creating a tag and server software technology that will work within minutes of being affixed to an object in any WLAN, the proposed technology will move asset tracking/security from a few highly specialized applications to an affordable WLAN appliance in offices, hospitals, warehouses, etc. More broadly, it will demonstrate that motion-sensing technology can enhance the effectiveness of asset management, tracking and positioning opening new approaches for monitoring the location of objects and people. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, David Caveo Technology LLC MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98260 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0338664 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Highly Efficient Solar Cells Based on the Liquid Crystal-Inorganic Nanocomposite. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to study and develop novel, highly efficient photovoltaic cells based on composite material from nanostructured semiconductors and liquid crystals. The proposed approach has a number of advantages over existing technologies in the rapidly developing area of organic/plastic photovoltaics including easy processing using cost-effective techniques enabling the fabrication of large area solar cells onto flexible substrates, and a very fast charge transport due to the quasi-1D structure of the liquid crystal and continuous (bulk) medium of the semiconductor. The characteristic size of nanostructures filled with organics is comparable with the exciton diffusion length. Such a design provides 100% light harvesting without exciton loss due to remote interface area. The bicontinous network between the nanopatterned semiconductor and the organic component provides an enormous interface surface, thereby significantly increasing the charge separation. Nanocomposites can easily be integrated with other optoelectronic devices. Composite fabrication offers a large variety in the selection of organic components and does not require the lattice matching that strongly reduces material choice for semiconductor heterostructures. Such nanocomposite material should demonstrate superior photovoltaic properties providing a good chance to obtain 10% of energy conversion, still unachieved with organic solar cells. The commercial application of this project is in solar cells. Cost-effective processing, light weight, flexibility and robustness of the composite solar cells make them extremely attractive for various applications used by industry, the military and in research, e.g., security systems, offshore platforms, emergency power systems, and space applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Levitsky, Igor Emitech, Inc. MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99816 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338706 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Gamma Ray Detector for Geophysical Exploration. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to investigate a new, high performance scintillation detector for eventual use in nuclear borehole logging. Nuclear borehole logging is an important technique for both geophysical research and commercial oil exploration. Well logging can be used to perform remote characterization of subsurface geological properties such as formation density, shale identification, and chemical composition. Well logging is performed by inserting a tool incorporating a gamma ray detector into a borehole drilled through the formation. Important requirements for the x-ray detectors used in well logging application include high detection efficiency, good energy resolution, high count-rate capability, and ruggedness. In addition, the detector must be capable of operation at high temperatures encountered in the borehole. This SBIR Phase I project is unique because it will provide better tools for geophysical research and lead to better understanding of a promising scintillator that can be applied to numerous fields beyond well logging. Teaching, training and learning can be gained by using this scintillator in various settings such as physics experimentation and from the materials science issues that are required to optimize its performance. Agreements with numerous educational institutions will be utilized to facilitate a teaching, and training. These sensors should offer high performance at low cost, which could enable research activities at educational institutions. Useful insights can be gained in particle physics, radiochemistry, and elemental analysis experiments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Entine, Gerald Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338855 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Efficient Light Out Coupling from AlGaN Light Emitting Diodes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project propose to develop new device concepts and manufacturing techniques to greatly increase light extraction efficiency. Current solid state devices suffer from poor light extraction efficiencies (<10%) as the result of the mismatch in the index of refraction between the light emitting diode (LED) material and epoxy/air interface. The new concept maximizes output coupling through detailed control of the optical properties (refractive index, scattering, absorption, etc.) of the materials surrounding the LED die. This will be accomplished through the use of a nanotechnology based material deposition technique suitable for high volume production of LEDs and LED arrays. The commercial application of this project is in energy efficient replacements for incandescent and fluorescent lighting. These techniques have applicability to all LED light sources. Thus, any current application, such as lighting in portable electronics, automobiles, traffic signaling, etc., will immediately benefit from the increased efficiency. Increased efficiency will also open new markets where traditional light sources currently dominate and will lead to significantly reduced energy requirements, lower levels of pollution, reduced toxic waste (e.g., Hg from fluorescent lamps) and a reduced dependence on foreign oil suppliers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menkara, Hisham PhosphorTech Corporation GA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99958 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338857 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Foundation for Emergency Egress Simulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)project proposes to develop new capability to model emergency egress from buildings. The primary focus of the proposal is evacuation due to fires, but the software will be designed such that exposure and response to biological and chemical agents can also be simulated. The project will couple egress analysis to time varying fire conditions (e.g. smoke density and heat) calculated using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) fire simulator. This will enable simulation of emergency situations in which, for example, some exit paths become blocked. In addition to incorporating current human response models, the software will allow researchers to specify more complex individual behavior based on the results of recent studies of observed human behavior during emergencies. Egress analysis is a critical component - with fire simulation - in the implementation of "performance-based building design". This new approach, as compared to traditional rule-based (prescriptive) design, is being adopted in the United States to save building cost and reduce injury. This proposal will lead to a product that will facilitate the introduction of a new technology (coupling egress analysis with CFD fire modeling) into the present fire safety design and regulation process. The integration of fire simulation with egress analysis provides new capability to more accurately simulate emergency building evacuation. The engineering time required for the analyses will be reduced by the common user interface and will enable the broader application of this technology throughout the fire safety industry. This technology will increase public safety, advancement in fire research, and reduced building costs. The software will enable researchers to add their own models of human behavior to the analysis. The software will potentially facilitate peer reviews, an essential component to robust fire protection design in the performance design arena. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Swenson, Daniel THUNDERHEAD ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC KS Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99250 9150 HPCC 9216 9215 9150 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0338896 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Software for Three-Dimensional Simulation of Polymer Coextrusion. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves development of software for accurate simulation of polymer coextrusion. Even though use of coextrusion software is critical for optimizing the process, die designers in the plastic industry rarely use commercial coextrusion software because these packages cannot simulate complex coextrusion systems, and they also fail to capture various complexities of polymer rheology. The proposed coextrusion software will use a unique proprietary constitutive theory, which can accurately capture the complex rheological behavior of polymers. The three-dimensional mesh of tetrahedral finite elements in the coextrusion system will remain unaltered during the coextrusion simulation. Instead of requiring the interface between different polymers to match with finite element boundaries, the interface will be allowed to cut through the finite elements. These innovative features in the new software will allow simulation of complex coextrusion systems. The new software will eliminate the trial-and-error approach currently being used to design coextrusion systems, and it will cut the time to market of coextruded products by over 50 percent. Even though complex phenomena, such as encapsulation of high viscosity polymer by less viscous polymer, and instabilities at polymer interface, have been observed in coextrusion experiments, the mechanisms behind these phenomena are still not understood completely. The software, which will be developed in this project, will enhance the scientific understanding of the root cause behind various complexities encountered in polymer coextrusion. It will provide design engineers as well as engineering students a useful tool to perform numerical experiments for optimization of coextrusion systems. Many different types of companies, including plastic material suppliers, plastic part manufacturers and extrusion equipment manufacturers, will be able to cut cost and increase revenues using this software. Planned experimental verification of coextrusion simulation at Michigan Technological University and University of Massachusetts will benefit engineering education. The scientific knowledge developed in this project will be included in a senior-level course at Michigan Tech. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gupta, Mahesh Plastic Flow, LLC MI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99996 5371 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0338906 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Efficient Multi-Spectral Holographic Filters. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to develop the fabrication technology for an astronomical holographic multi-spectral filter that increases the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of ground-based observations at near-infrared wavelengths by suppressing the narrow lines emitted from atmospheric OH radicals. Many astronomers have recognized that large gains in SNR can be obtained if the OH background could be suppressed. SNR is proportional to the diameter of the telescope. The potential threefold gain in SNR achieved by adding the proposed filter to the Keck 10 meter telescope would thus be equivalent to increasing its diameter to 30 meters, which is estimated to cost five hundred million dollars. In contrast, the cost of the proposed efficient multi-spectral filters is three orders of magnitude less. This project should have a direct impact on applications requiring fine multi-spectral information for accurate substance identification in remote sensing and life sciences. In remote sensing, the design and fabrication of arbitrary narrow multi-band filter profile are powerful tools for global measurements of atmospheric gases of Earth and other planets as well as remote sensing of toxic gases for Homeland Security. The spectral response of the holographic filter can be tailored to match precisely the absorption spectrum of given gases with high sensitivity. With multiple absorption or emission peaks detected simultaneously, the detection sensitivity will be increased greatly compared with traditional methods, and the required data volumes will decrease by several orders of magnitude, which makes it very attractive for remote sensing applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moser, Christophe ONDAX INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99476 5371 EGCH 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338922 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Pneumatic Scour Measurement System. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the problem of measuring scour depth around bridge foundations under flood conditions. Flood-borne debris collecting around bridge piers forms bird's nests that aggravate scour by creating excess turbulence and preventing conventional scour detection techniques. The Pneumatic Scour Detection System (PSDS)addresses both problems of measuring scour through a bird's nest of debris and withstanding the ravages of flood-borne debris. This technique is based on the differential resistance to airflow through a vertical array of porous filters made of sintered brass. The array of filters are sealed into the wall of a probe used as a probe and battered through the bird's nest into the river bottom adjacent to the pier like a large nail. Shallow filters are exposed to water, and deeper filters are exposed to competent soil. The 2002 National Bridge Inventory lists 22, 414 scour-critical bridges, many with bird's nests of debris. Flood-borne debris masks the river bottom surrounding the pier, making ineffective all currently available scour detection instrumentation, such as sonar depth sounders, ground-penetrating radar, and precludes visual inspection, limiting the bridge engineers ability to determine the safety of the bridge during flood events. The PSDS probe is permanently installed adjacent to scour-critical piers with the multiple pneumatic hoses bundled at the top of the probe for easy connection to an off-site portable pressure measurement instrument when flood events are in progress or anticipated. Once installed, the bridge engineers have available real-time information of the scour conditions at the pier, enabling them to close the bridge to traffic when dangerous conditions develop. Additionally, yearly monitoring of the scour conditions provides the bridge engineer the knowledge of depth of scour and is then able to schedule remediation before pier movement occurs, keeping maintenance costs to a minimum. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mercado, Edward North American Geotechnical Co TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338925 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Novel Radial Magnetic Field Actuator for Fully Flexible Electromechanical Valve. This Small Business Innovation (SBIR)Phase I research project will develop a novel radial magnetic field actuator for fully flexible electromagnetic automotive engine valves. Dramatic improvement in engine performance and reduction in environmental impact is possible with this technology. The imminent international adoption of a 42V automotive power system enhances the approach. A fully electronically-controlled inlet/exhaust valve actuating system eliminates camshafts completely, thus (1) eliminating the packaging restrictions placed upon an engine by conventional camshaft profiling, and (2) allowing optimization of the gas exchange process across the whole engine speed and load range. Commercial applications of the proposed concept include: automotive engine valve actuators, general linear actuators, automotive active suspension, and unmanned aerial vehicle flight actuators. A major benefit to society of electromechanical valve technology will be better fuel economy. Improving fuel economy is a worthy national goal: it will reduce America's dependence on imported oil, cut the carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, and reduce vehicle operating cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cope, David ENGINEERING MATTERS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99955 5371 HPCC 9139 7234 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338926 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: An Ultra-High-Speed Cleaning Process for Electronic Device Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a new "green" ultra-high-speed single-wafer ozone-water-based resist and heavy organic residue removal process for electronic device manufacturing. The drive to smaller feature sizes and larger wafer sizes in next generation device manufacturing has led to the growth in the use of single-wafer wet processing in lieu of batch processing. Initial measurements show that this process can achieve photoresist etch rates (removal rates) in excess of 20,000 Angstroms/ minute. Very high etch rate is critical to the achievement of practical throughputs using single-wafer processing. Initial data and analytical modeling indicates the potential of this process to increase etch rates to even higher levels. Five goals of this project are: 1) measure resist etch rate as a function of temperature; 2) measure the resist etch rate as a function of process chemistry flow rate; 3) evaluate the influence of process chemistry on resist removal; 4) demonstrate process performance using patterned test wafers; and 5) prepare a preliminary design for a process for further evaluation in Phase II. The commercial application of this project will be in the manufacture of high density semiconductor devices. The successful completion of this research program will culminate in the development of the next generation of high density semiconductor devices which will not only increase performance and decrease costs, but will also provide significant environmental benefits through the use of environmentally benign chemicals in lieu of acids and solvents. The market for wafer wet processing equipment alone is projected to reach $3.1 billion by 2005. The ozone-water based process developed in the course of this research can not only be used in semiconductor wafer manufacturing, but also for magnetic disc manufacturing, optical disc manufacturing and flat panel manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Boyers, David Phifer Smith Corporation CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0338928 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Ultrafast Optoelectronic Devices Based on Field Emission. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to determine the feasibility of using photomixing (optical heterodyning) in resonant laser-assisted field emission as a new means for generating terahertz (THz) radiation. The many applications of THz radiation include imaging (package inspection, structural examination, cancer detection), spectroscopy (catalysis, reaction kinetics, environmental studies), astronomy (local oscillators, imaging arrays), and high-bandwidth communications. However, researchers describe "hurdles" caused by present THz sources, including limited bandwidth and power. A resonance of optical radiation with tunneling electrons, discovered in quantum simulations, was used to gate field emission current with a laser. Because the tip is much smaller than the laser wavelength, electron emission varies at the optical frequency, and field emission is highly nonlinear, so signals from DC to 100 THz could be generated by photomixing. The commercial applications of this project would be tunable sources with greater bandwidth. These devices are now used as local oscillators in radio astronomy.There is some evidence that the new technology may have a flat frequency response at THz frequencies. Possible applications of resonant laser-assisted field emission would also include areas where the resistance of field emission to ionizing radiation and wide ranges of ambient temperature are required. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hagmann, Mark Deseret Electronics Research Corporation UT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 68065 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0338951 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: 3D Modeling Facial Aging Effect for Enhancing Facial Recognition Performance. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop a novel three-dimensional facial modeling approach to simulate the facial aging effect of human subjects for enhancing facial recognition performance. Despite many advances made in facial recognition technologies, existing system performance is still very sensitive to certain changes between the enrollment image and probe images. These factors include pose, lighting, and expression. The recent Facial Recognition Vendor Tests (FRVT) 2002 performed by 16 US Government agencies quantitatively document another important factor: It shows a 5% drop of performance per year due to the facial changes between the time when a subject's image is taken and the time when the system captures a new image and performs recognition. The SBIR proposal will develop a unique 3D face modeling and computerized age progression/regression technique to solve this problem. This unique technology, when fully developed, is able to eliminate performance deterioration due to aged images in the database and enable robust, field deployments of facial recognition systems in real-world applications. The proposed product could have a big impact with Homeland Security as well other security related applications. Local, federal and international law enforcement groups will benefit from being able to identify people they have not "seen" in a long period of time. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gao, Pan GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0338986 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Passive Sensor for Lifetime Monitoring of Concrete. This Small Business innovation Research Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of using a passive sensor, embedded within concrete, to measure moisture, temperature, and concentrations of chlorides. It will provide critical data for evaluating concrete performance starting with the initial quality control period of freshly mixed or freshly cast concrete, through its useful service life, to the period of deterioration and repair. Data obtained from these sensors should result in longer service life, lower infrastructure costs and the development of more effective means of remediation. The device will be powered and interrogated using radio frequency energy from a distance of over one meter, returning a unique identification number so that data can be correlated with sensor location. Data will be read by frequency analysis of one or more RLC antennas in the device, whose resonance frequencies will be altered by changes in the surrounding material. The initial strength and the service life of concrete used in roadways and its moisture content from the time that it is placed onwards significantly affects bridges. Such a multi-functional sensor can be so pervasively useful because moisture and temperature are the primary drivers for the hydration of portland cement, and are essential factors in the most prevalent deteriorative processes such as damage due to freezing and thawing, alkali-aggregate reaction, sulfate attack or delayed Ettringite formation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Deyhim, Alexander Advanced Design Consulting, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 95632 5371 EGCH 9139 1639 1517 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339004 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Tactile Graphic Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will draw on the research team's experience with electronic Braille Displays to extend their benefits to Tactile Graphic Displays seeking to considerably increase their portability and decrease their cost. C.A.Technology has performed extensive experiments on Shape Memory actuators and intends to test the feasibility of low profile Tactile Arrays based on this technology. In the first part of the research program, the feasibility of a single dot tactile module as described in our US Patent Application will be tested. In the second part, the feasibility of an Array comprising a plurality of single dot modules plugged into a base motherboard will be tested. These Tactile Arrays could be easily implemented into a wide range of electronic data acquisition and processing devices, particularly portable devices: notebook or pocket computers, digital cameras, cell phones. By removing the cost and size factors which have limited the market penetration of current electronic Tactile Displays, this new technology will be accessible to many more blind and deaf-blind individuals and significantly improve their employment opportunities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tretiakoff, Oleg C. A. Technology, Inc. FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 SMET 9180 9179 9178 9177 1545 0104000 Information Systems 0108000 Software Development 0339009 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Laser Deflector Using Stoichiometric Electro-Optic Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use the electro-optic (EO) effect, in which an electric field changes the index of refraction of a nonlinear material, in a novel manner to create a beam deflector with very favorable properties for laser beam scanning and steering. Large angle deflections have been achieved through new multi-stage designs, and 10-GHz scan rates have recently been demonstrated. These designs can now be executed in a commercial product using recent advances in fabrication to improved nonlinear materials. In addition to making commercial manufacturing possible, these new stoichiometric materials should impart favorable properties to a laser deflector, including improved power handling and increased infrared and UV transparency. This work is expected to advance the state-of-the-art with an electro-optic device that has so far not been commercially available. Electro-optic deflectors are predicted to compete quite successfully in the laser scanner market, offering superior performance in scan rate, deflection range, deflection efficiency, and power handling in a very small device. The fast scan rates and high power handling of the proposed EO deflector will be useful in for beam scanning in remote sensing applications. The deflector should be used to overcome existing limitations in free space communications and variable optical attenuators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roberts, Tony ADVR, INC MT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99959 5371 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339012 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Athermal Multiplexers Based on Reflective Arrayed Waveguide Grating Devices. DMI-0339012 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to design and demonstrate an athermal multiplexer based on an already existing arrayed waveguide-grating (AWG) device. AWGs are key components in wavelength division multiplexed optical networks. Temperature induced changes in the refractive index of conventional AWGs based on silica-on-silicon technology result in large shifts in the peak wavelength transmission. This necessitates the use of thermoelectric coolers and temperature sensing and compensating circuitry. A specially designed external mirror combined with a reflective AWG (R-AWG), will be used to compensate the temperature-induced index change. Differential thermal expansion of the mirror assembly rotates its reflecting surface at a constant rate with temperature. The reflective AWG-external mirror combination also allows for wavelength trimming that centers the channel wavelength at the ITU grid. The detailed rotation rate and design of the mirror will be determined by simulation and experiments. The goal of this project is to fabricate a high-performance 40-channel, 100 GHz, passive AWG device insensitive of temperature in the 0-85 degree C range. The work hopes to significantly improve the performance of DWDM-based telecommunication systems. These features hope to make the athermal reflective-AWGs proposed here attractive and commercially competitive when compared to conventional AWGs. The new approach should eliminate complex packaging and processing steps, the need for electric power and external temperature control, resulting in a more robust, easier to use, and considerably less expensive packaged device. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Grave de Peralta, Luis MULTIPASS CORPORATION TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339022 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Microdisplays Based on III-Nitride Wide Band Gap Semiconductors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project's goal is to optimize III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductor materials, layer structures, device design for micro-displays, and to develop concepts for III-nitride full color micro-displays for wearable and head-up display applications. Semiconductor micro-displays, which require the integration of a dense array of micro-size light emitting diodes (LEDs) on a single semiconductor chip, have yet to be developed. Also, color conversion for full color displays cannot be achieved in conventional III-V or Si semiconductors, which makes semiconductor micro-displays based on conventional semiconductors unviable. However, due to the unique properties of III-nitrides, III-nitride micro-displays can potentially provide performance superior to those based on liquid crystal and organic LED displays including: self-luminescent, high brightness/resolution/contrast, high temperature/high power operation, high shock resistance, wide field-of-view, full color spectrum capability, long life, high speed, and low power consumption. By inserting them into any existing visual system, III-nitride micro-displays would provide weight reduction, space and power saving and allow viewing from any angle without color shift and degradation in contrast and resolution. The research here is built on the recent successful fabrication of III-nitride micro-size blue LED arrays and micro-displays. Micro-displays are small displays that are of such high resolution that they are only practically viewed or projected with lenses or mirrors. Micro-displays are typically magnified by optics to enlarge the image viewed by the user. When viewed through a lens, a high-resolution 1-inch diagonal micro-display could provide images comparable to viewing a 21-inch diagonal TV/computer screen. Micro-displays can be used in a variety of devices such as head-wearing displays, camcorders, viewfinders, etc and have many military and commercial applications. Micro-size LED arrays developed here are not only useful as wearable and head-up displays, but also useful as full color mini-displays, emitters for remote free space functions, short distance optical communication, optical interconnects and chip-scale biomedical sensors for early diagnosis of disease. III-nitride blue micro-size LED arrays are very attractive for inexpensive high resolution and high-speed optical links. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fan, Zhaoyang III-N TECHNOLOGY, INC TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339024 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Advanced Virtual Manufacturing Lab for Research, Training, and Education. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to create an Advanced Virtual Manufacturing Lab (AVML). The AVML will be driven by an object-oriented scene-graph virtual reality toolkit. The key elements of the AVML are as follows: (1) textured photo-realistic geometric solid models of the machines and lab; (2) digital model of the machine which includes the machines controls and moving parts; (3) physics-based model of the machining operation; and (4) natural-language human-like intelligent agents which can be used as tutors. Applications of AVML include the following: allowing students and researchers to view and interact with a physically accurate simulation of the manufacturing machine, training students to operate the manufacturing machines in a sage environment, optimization of the manufacturing process plan by testing various plans on the virtual machine before machining on the physical machine, and remote viewing and control of the physical manufacturing machines. The AVML will enhance the quality, accessibility, and productivity of manufacturing education and training and will advance scientific discovery and engineering analysis of next generation manufacturing processes. Also, the AVML will enhance experimentation and learning, increase student creativity and problem-solving capability, enhance collaboration among students, teachers, and industry experts, and promote participation and equal access of underrepresented groups to manufacturing technology training. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Wasfy, Tamer ADVANCED SCIENCE AND AUTOMATION CORP IN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1666 MANU 9149 0108000 Software Development 0522400 Information Systems 0339042 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Customizable Question Answering System for Homeland Security and Commercial Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a novel Question Answering (QA) technology. The intellectual merits of the proposed activity are three fold: (1) it provides automatic decomposition of high level questions into logical, informative sets of fact-seeking questions, such that very complex questions can be automatically answered. This novel QA approach advances the state-of-the-art technology, which is currently limited to simple factual questions, enabling the answering of complex questions that model scenarios observed in actual customer environments. (2) It radically improves the accuracy of current state-of-the-art QA by using a logic prover to extract and justify answers. Language Computer Corporation (LLC) plans to develop an inference mechanism for question answering that is capable of extracting answers based on semantic inference chains, rather than on superficial keyword-based metrics. (3) It introduces a novel approach that adapts open-domain QA technology to domain-specific information using automatically acquired ontologies, seamlessly integrated with the system's open-domain knowledge base. This capability provides a rapid and efficient customization method for various domains of interests, such as weapons of mass destruction. The broader impact of the proffered technology is as follows: (1) the proposed approach allows QA technology to expand its capability, now restricted to synthetic evaluations based on simple, factual questions, to actual commercial applications with complex questions and scenarios. This places LLC in a position to target both government and commercial markets, where the accuracy, coverage, reliability and usability of the retrieved information are crucial. Ideal applications for this QA technology include homeland defense, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), education, medical, and legal. (2) The proposed model uses a logic proving mechanism that associates every extracted answer with a logical, easily understandable explanation of the answer correctness. Furthermore, LLC proposes the introduction of an automatic procedure to quickly adapt an open-domain QA system to domain-specific scenarios. This set of features makes this QA system an ideal tool for the intelligence business, where the quality of the information extracted is paramount, and where switching between completely different domains of interest is frequent. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Niles, Ian Language Computer Corporation TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1654 0522400 Information Systems 0339049 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Innovative and Cost-Effective Packaging Technology for Nanoblock IC-Based Microelectronic Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of using Optomec's Maskless Mesoscale Materials Deposition (M3DTM) technology for packaging NanoBlockTM IC-based microelectronic devices. The assembly of microelectronic systems based on NanoBlockTM ICs presents a number of unique challenges. Unlike the traditional packaging technology in which the electronic components are assembled to a board with pre-printed circuitry, the NanoBlockTM IC-based assembly involves the creation of patterned interconnect structures, not before but, after the ICs are assembled. These interconnects are currently produced by using complex and costly thin film and lithography methods, which are environmentally unfriendly, inflexible, require a highly skilled workforce, and significant capital investment. The objective of this Phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using the M3DTM process for packaging NanoBlockTM IC-based microelectronic devices. M3DTM is an additive process, which deposits a wide variety of materials onto low-temperature substrates without masks or other thin-film equipment. The material is deposited and patterned by an aerosol micro-jet and then laser sintered to achieve properties near that of the bulk material. The research will involve formulation of the deposited materials, optimization of process parameters, and characterization of the electrical properties and geometrical features of deposited materials. The successful implementation of the M3DTM technology for packaging NanoBlockTM -based microelectronic systems would greatly expand the applications for NanoBlockTM IC-based microelectronic devices due to the substantial cost reductions that would be realized. The benefits of such a technology are vast and will allow a dramatic reduction in production cost and time, while being able to perform design iterations in a matter of minutes or hours, compared to the traditional several weeks turn-around time for the conventional photoresist/mask process. The electronics industry and defense sectors would benefit in several applications areas including Radio Frequency Identity Devices (RFID), micro-sensor systems, prototype development, and flexible displays. The significant potential commercial impact of the project results from the fact that the global shipments of RFID systems alone reached approximately $965 million in 2002. The RFID market experienced roughly 8% compounded annual growth since 2000. The top-ranked consumer products companies will need more than 550 billion smart tags per year for tracking merchandise. The military applications for the NanoBlockTM -based devices, especially micro-sensors, are also extensive. Another important consideration is the environmental impact. The proposed technology provides significant environmental benefits by eliminating the energy and water waste and hazardous chemicals associated with traditional manufacturing methods. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Renn, Michael Optomec Design Company NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99818 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1519 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339068 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Assessing Status and Trends of Threatened Species from Uncertain Monitoring Data: Methodology and Software. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop and implement as software methods for entering, processing, and analyzing monitoring data, which is one of the most basic forms of biological information that comes from surveys, censuses, and other routine assessments. These methods will use basic monitoring data to (1) assess the status and trends of the monitored species at the population-level, and (2) estimate the input parameters for the more advanced quantitative models, thereby increasing the use of these models, which include population viability analysis models, habitat models and other GIS-based methods, and quantitative risk criteria, such those used by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the NatureServe. One of the major innovations of the software will be its treatment of uncertainty. Ecological data are often scarce and uncertain, including spatial and temporal variation, measurement and sampling errors, and demographic variance. The methods to be implemented in the software will account for this uncertainty and incorporate it into the assessment of status and other outputs produced. Broader impacts of the project will include standardization of the monitoring process for a broad spectrum of species, significantly reduced the cost of processing and analyzing monitoring data, and increased use of advanced quantitative models and assessment methods in relation to environmental issues. This will, in turn, increase the use of scientific information in environmental decision-making and policy formulation. The methods developed in this project will also allow incorporating data uncertainties in an objective, transparent, and credible way, thereby providing scientifically credible and sound summary of the status and trends of the species monitored. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Akcakaya, H Applied Biomathematics Inc NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99974 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339106 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Development of High Performance Ultraviolet Single Photon Detectors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop and commercialize very high gain and low noise UV single photon detectors for numerous low signal intensity UV sensing over a very wide range of UV spectrum. The novel design for low voltage and high efficiency and advanced processing technologies combined with the unique material property used for the single photon detectors are expected to lead to orders of magnitude improvements to the performance of the UV single photon detectors. The single photon detectors are expected to be capable of high speed, high gain, high efficiency, low noise and high radiation tolerance. The single photon detectors overcome the major problems of their counterparts based on other wide bandgap semiconductors in terms of the excess noise, gain, and reliability. The project will develop a process for designing the single photon detectors, and demonstrating the feasibility by fabricating the proposed UV single photon detectors. The fabricated single photon detectors will be characterized and their potential and suitability for very low intensity light and single molecule detection will be investigated. The broader impacts of this project will result in UV single photon detectors with very high gain and very low excess noise thus enabling numerous applications including biosensing, biological warfare agent detection, single molecule detection, future photolithographic systems, cryptography, astronomy, missile detection, lidar and radar as well as basic quantum mechanics investigation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Alexandrov, Petre United Silicon Carbide, Inc NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339202 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Mass Flux Sensor for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses an immediate need for a real-time means for measuring vapor phase water mass flux in pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing. The specific innovation is the combination of low-pressure vapor phase water concentration and gas velocity measurements to provide a determination of vapor phase mass flux rates. During the Phase I effort critical sensor hardware will be designed, fabricated and tested on commercially available manufacturing equipment. The sensor development targets a new initiative by the Food and Drug Administration and the pharmaceutical industry to use process analytical technology for on-line process control to improve drug manufacturing quality, drug availability, industry competitiveness, and prescription drug costs. The Phase I program will verify the technical and commercial feasibility of the mass flux monitor. The commercial application of this project is to improve quality control in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The vapor phase mass flux monitor will provide the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries with a sensor for real-time mass flux measurements, enabling improved drug manufacturing process efficiency and quality. The project advances research and education via collaborations with pharmaceutical scientists at the University of Connecticut and Purdue University. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kessler, William Physical Sciences Incorporated (PSI) MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99936 5371 AMPP 9163 7234 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339221 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Decision Support System for the Railroad Blocking Problem. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project concerns developing a decision support system for the railroad-blocking problem, one of the most important optimization problems arising in the shipment of cars over the railroad network. It will develop a series of software products using state-of-the-art optimization techniques, advanced data structures, and information technology tools to automate their decision-making process, thereby improving their operational efficiency and reducing costs. A decision support system for the railroad-blocking problem is the first step towards this goal. Railroads have not benefited from the advances taking place in the field of optimization and they rely on manual decision-making process for most of their planning and scheduling needs. The railroad-blocking problem is a very large-scale optimization problem and cannot be solved to optimality using the state-of-the-art algorithmic ideas. The proposed work will use a heuristic algorithm developed by the PI to solve this problem using an emerging technique, known as the Very Large-Scale Neighborhood (VLSN) Search The proposed Phase I research consists of incorporating several additional features to this algorithm and performing a thorough computational testing of the software. The success of this project will lead to greater acceptance of the optimization models and optimization based software in the railroad industry and will pave the way for new software products for several other equally important problems including the block-to-train assignment, train scheduling, locomotive scheduling, and crew scheduling. In the long run, this will lead to more efficient US railroads with improved profitability. It is anticipated that the use of this software will result in an annual savings in tens of millions of dollars for any major US railroad. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ahuja, Ravindra Innovative Scheduling Systems, Inc. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339231 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Algorithms and Hardware for Real-time H.264 Encoder. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop novel algorithms and hardware accelerators for a real-time, high-resolution, H.264-based network video appliance. It is also designed for transmission over packet-based networks while achieving significantly superior compression efficiency compared to previous standards and proprietary solutions. It will improve encoder performance by at least one order of magnitude compared to current implementations. A real-time, network appliance with the compression efficiency of H.264 will have broad applications, particularly in the areas of distance learning, remote training, security and surveillance. The innovations resulting from this research will enable implementers to significantly improve the real-time performance of H.264. A real-time, high-resolution network appliance with the compression efficiency of H.264 will bring digital video in the mainstream by delivering high quality video to the endpoints of the network. This will drive business and consumer uses by making communication crucial to making distance learning and remote training economically feasible. This superior visual communication capability will foster greater scientific collaboration between geographically dispersed researchers and engineers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pejhan, Sassan VBRICK SYSTEMS, INC CT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0339236 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: SUMMiT VII -- A Seven Level Surface MEMS Technology. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to enhance the surface micromachining technology (the SUMMiT V technology) -- with an additional structural and interconnect level. The resultant technology, SUMMiT VII, should enable the monolithic fabrication of devices to address the most difficult Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) product requirements. The primary technical challenge associated with the additional polysilicon and oxide levels is the management and mitigation of stress in the films deposited on the wafer. Left unchecked, this stress would lead to excessive wafer bow that could affect the accuracy of subsequent lithography processes or make the wafers impossible to handle with automated equipment. The goal of this research program is to better understand and characterize the stress in the additional SUMMiT levels during the fabrication process. A variety of techniques to mitigate this stress will be analyzed to ensure SUMMiT VII devices can be built reliably and uniquely positioned to complete this research program. Emerging MEMS device requirements in fields like adaptive optics and advanced tunable radio-frequency (RF) devices are starting to exceed the capabilities of even the most sophisticated surface micromachining technologies. The proposed transition to SUMMiT VII mirrors the progression of integrated circuits and printed circuit boards, where the availability of additional vertical levels permitted the design of smaller, cheaper devices with even better performance and functionality. The incremental mechanical sophistication of the new structural level in SUMMiT VII permits design enhancements like flatter mirror surfaces, integrated particle and electrostatic shields, and increased device robustness and reliability. The additional interconnect level permits larger, denser arrays and removes many of the routing constraints inherent in any single level interconnect scheme. SUMMiT VII should permit the enhancement of existing MEMS application areas, but could also enable solutions for product applications where current MEMS technologies simply fall short. SUMMiT VII should enable a world-class solution in ophthalmic adaptive optics, a MEMS market estimated at $20M per year. The annual market for high performance tunable capacitors is estimated at $120M, part of a total RF MEMS opportunity, which exceeds $1 billion annually. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sniegowski, Jeffry MEMX, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 96901 5371 MANU 9148 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339249 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Nonlinear Modeling in the Presence of Disturbances Using Support Vector Machines. 0339249 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate novel algorithms for developing nonlinear models based upon time series data that is affected by disturbances. The Box-Jenkins algorithm has been the standard approach over the past few decades for developing models for time-series systems that are affected by disturbances. In recent years, Support Vector Machines (SVMs) have been used to create accurate nonlinear models based upon empirical data. The proposed SBIR research will investigate combining SVM modeling approaches with Box-Jenkins type disturbance rejection techniques. Such an approach would be significantly more computationally efficient, thus, allowing commercialization of the algorithms. Because modeling of nonlinear time-series based systems that are affected by disturbances is commonly encountered across a wide variety of fields including economics, the process industries, engineering, psychology and defense, the proposed research has wide applicability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Piche, Stephen Pegasus Technologies Inc OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 0 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339256 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Access to Valid Clinical Knowledge. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will address problems health care professionals face when attempting to rapidly answer clinical questions with current evidence. Most rapid clinical references are neither updated frequently nor derived from the most valid research evidence, while systems for identifying new research leave clinicians struggling with multiple search result lists and no knowledge synthesis. The proposed product uses an innovative design for rapid browsing and updates knowledge syntheses daily from research surveillance. The technical objectives are to determine (1) how clinicians seek information, (2) if the product provides answers to clinical questions more efficiently than current sources, and (3) if the product provides the most valid answers. Results of interviews and direct observations will be used to improve organization of information for optimal browsing by clinicians. Primary care physicians attempting to answer clinical questions during practice will be randomized to use the proposed product or their usual sources, report whether answers were found, and their speed will be recorded. Physicians trained in research methodology will compare validity of answers from this and other sources The societal benefits will be improved health and health care utilization, as decision-makers gain ready access to coherent medical knowledge. The product will be especially useful in information-deprived areas (e.g. rural practices); will advance understanding of how clinicians seek information in practice; and how to facilitate the process. The lessons learned can be applied to any field of knowledge requiring both the functions of quickly finding comprehensive information (synthesis of new and old data) and continuously evaluating the results of knowledge discovery. Failure to integrate these activities contributes to a societal disconnect between what we know and what we do. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Alper, Brian Dynamic Medical Information Systems LLC MO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339263 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Chart Explainer: Automatically Generating Natural Language Descriptions of Charts and Tables. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the problem of information accessibility by creating an innovative Chart Explainer, a generic natural language generation program which automatically composes fluent textual summaries and annotations of graphical and tabular information. The introduction of this new tool will enhance access to information for both specialized and general audiences. Self-sufficient textual summaries of charts and tables will make the information displayed in them Web-accessible to visually impaired people via existing text-to-speech tools. For sighted audiences, textual annotations will be slightly different, and serve more to complement what is easily viewed in charts and tables, summarizing and highlighting salient facts and trends. In addition, automatic production of summary text will make graphical and tabular information accessible to all audiences by phone CoGenTex envisions Chart Explainer to have a profound and beneficial impact in the information accessibility area, making graphical and tabular information Web-accessible to visually impaired people. Chapter 508 of the Federal Disability Act mandates that all the graphical and tabular information on the government Web sites be accessible to visually impaired people. Currently, Web accessibility to tables for the visually impaired is implemented by XML tagging of table cells, which are then read by the page reader devices. Web accessibility to charts is implemented using a list of data points on the chart. In both cases, the information is delivered in a very inconvenient, fragmentary way, which makes its integration and understanding difficult. In contrast, Chart Explainer will deliver graphical and tabular information in a much more natural way, conveniently summarizing it and highlighting its salient characteristics. For a general audience, the substantial impact will be in enabling phone accessibility to such information, as well as in enhancing understandability of charts and tables by providing annotations to them, which highlight salient facts and summarize the rest. Both these features will have a substantial impact on the applications in the business intelligence area, in particular, on corporate scorecarding, which commonly uses graphical displays of various kinds. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Caldwell, Ted CoGenTex, Inc. NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99955 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339270 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Patient Monitoring System with Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Cardio Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a wireless and batteryless RFID heart monitoring system based on phonocardiograph MEMS technology. The system uses a disposable MEMS sensor in the form of adhesive tags that receive power remotely through a remote radio frequency source. In this proposed system, heart sound is obtained through wireless communication with a personal computer (PC) node. With the PC, heart sound is presented graphically, recorded or analyzed for further use. The PC node can be part of a remote patient monitoring (RPM) system. The wireless phonocardiograph offers some other advantages over other cardiograph systems: no wire connections and no electrical contact point between the human body and the sensor as compared with a multi-wire ECG, multi-channel monitoring of the cardiovascular system. The commercialized product with disposable tag-based sensors can replace the jungle of wiring and/or battery powered heart monitoring devices currently in use by the millions worldwide. This system with low cost and a highly versatile system platform will be qualified first with non-clinical setting and later for extensive use within the hospital itself. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Salesky, Ronald NEW JERSEY MICROSYSTEMS INC NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7234 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0203000 Health 0339279 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Mobile-Transit Transaction Device. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes to investigate the feasibility of designing and developing a low-cost mobile phone that can also be used as transit token, leveraging the wireless capabilities of the mobile phone to add token value to a transit card. Transit System Operators throughout the world are replacing their paper ticket and metal token transit with contactless smart card technologies. Financial Institutions and Transit Operators are also utilizing "dual-interface" or "combi-cards" which are smart cards that have both contact and contactless interfaces and typically contain a transit application (such as Mifare) and a payment applications (such as Credit or Debit). A wireless phone that is equipped with transit smart card and antenna creates a unique personal transaction terminal. In the US, smart card transit systems are now in process in Washington DC, Boston, Las Vegas, San Francisco representing millions of commuters, and with mobile phone penetration in the US currently over 45%, there is a significant market opportunity for mobile phones that can be used as transit tokes or used to recharge transit smart cards. If successful this product add more capability to what could be the communication appliance of choice, the mobile phone. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Petrov, Andrew WAY Systems, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99616 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339298 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Software Visualization of Parallel Programs with Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will establish the feasibility of a software visualization tool that extracts and transforms data about the structure and behavior of parallel programs into Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) files. These files will provide a virtual world that a programmer can browse and interact with to better understand the parallel program's performance. The VRML representation provides a standard and portable way of displaying an interactive three-dimensional environment that can include large amounts of performance and program structure information in an intuitive way. The research will investigate methods of using this powerful representation method to best advantage for software performance analysis of large complex parallel software systems. This tool will provide users with a new perspective on parallel programs and their behavior. The broader impact of this proposed activity will be the availability of a tool that will be very useful to programmers of high-performance systems. Anyone who is trying to understand and improve the performance of his or her large parallel programs will benefit from this project. The tool will be of direct commercial interest to all users of parallel systems. In addition, the effective use of a virtual world data exploration paradigm for abstract data such as parallel computer performance information may lead to other commercial applications to help understand large database performance and web usage statistics, for example. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brode, Brian Crescent Bay Software Corporation CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99146 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339300 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Software Protection Shield (SoftShield). This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project proposes to develop the skeletal structure and estimate the technical feasibility of a reverse engineering protective shield software package, a novel advanced integrated secure software processing system comprising a working environment that utilizes the most promising tools and techniques to eliminate or drastically reduce the vulnerability of high-value software binaries from being reverse-engineered. This project explores creative and original concepts of secure wrapper-based capability that utilizes the most promising tools and techniques for processing software binaries. The effort will examine various reverse engineering techniques and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each technique. Based on that, innovative tools and techniques will be identified to counter those reverse engineering techniques through the capabilities of detecting hostile reverse engineering applications including debuggers and disassemblers; detecting falsified operating environments; memory and file protection; and obfuscation, as applied to executables. This set of tools and techniques will be recommended for incorporation into a package to provide the foundation for developing a prototype environment for demonstration in Phase II. The proposed project is important to advancing knowledge and understanding within the software security field since it reduces the vulnerability of high-value legacy software against reverse engineering. The project will advance discovery and understanding of software security while promoting teaching, training, and learning of protection of high performance computing (HPC). It will benefit the society through protection of US Government assets and future investments on HPC. Any computer application where software binary vulnerabilities are a concern would benefit from this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Husseiny, Abdo Technology International Incorporated of Virginia LA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339310 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Ultrasensitive, Real-Time Explosives Sensor. 0339310 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop an ultrasensitive, real-time, laser-based explosives sensor. The novel, all solid state, laser-based system can be configured in numerous embodiments for use in walk-through, baggage, and cargo screening portals and can potentially be manufactured in man-portable versions for mine sweeping applications. The proposed sensor will combine a new laser technology with a new detection method to exceed the detection limits of presently employed ion mobility mass spectrometry based systems by orders of magnitude. The proposed sensor will be capable of rapidly detecting and discriminating among ultratrace levels of different explosives in real time with unparalleled sensitivity. The sensor will be capable of detecting common explosives such as TNT, RDX, and PETN at parts-per-trillion concentration level with high chemical specificity in less than 10 seconds. The commercial markets for such a sensor system are enormous and the need immediate. The proposed instrument will enable explosives to be detected in real-time with unparalelled sensitivity and selectivity. The same instrument can also be used for the trace detection of chemical warfare and potentially biological warfare agents. In addition to security applications, the same sensor can be used for applications in industrial process control, environmental monitoring, and natural gas sensing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scherer, James NOVAWAVE TECHNOLOGIES CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339336 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Vertical EML Source for High-Speed Interconnects. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate technical feasibility of a high-speed Vertical Electro-absorptive Modulated Laser (V-EML) for high-speed interconnects. This novel technology is built on the VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) concept and has all of its nominal advantages such as low-power consumption, on-wafer testability, and possibility of two-dimensional arrays. This technology should eliminate the complications associated with direct modulation of the VCSEL at high speeds. Modulation will be done externally by an electro-absorptive modulator that is integrated with the VCSEL either in a hybrid fashion or monolithically. This approach allows clean modulation without overshoot at speeds higher than 10 Gbps and easily reaching 40 Gbps. Furthermore, by decoupling the modulation issues from VCSEL emission, it provides additional design freedom for achieving extra stability, lower noise and higher reliability. This concept is expected to strongly impact the chip to chip and board to board interconnect industry by virtually removing modulation speed limit and minimizing signal distortion of the optical transmitter. Vertical laser sources in general have cost and size advantages over horizontal emitters in low to medium-power single-device applications. They also lend themselves more easily to two-dimensional array fabrication. The V-EML concept further removes the limitations of direct modulation from these devices. With external modulation, the V-EML can be driven by simpler electronics and at higher speeds. The application that this work is intended for is high-speed interconnects. This can either be in the form of backplane connections, distributed board-to-board connections or chip-to-chip optical interconnects (C2OI). VCSEL arrays known as "smart pixels" have been proposed and tested for such applications. A major impact of this technology is that it will help to remove the chip and board boundaries as significant obstacles to data transport, and will make possible truly distributed and scalable systems of the future. The high-speed interconnects optical communications market size is estimated to be more than $9 billion in 2010. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Riaziat, Majid OEPIC SEMICONDUCTORS, INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99367 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339338 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Nano-Porous Silicon Gas Diffusion Electrode for Miniaturized Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses fabrication of micro- and nano-machined silicon gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for miniaturized Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Novel micro- and nano-machining techniques will enable application of thin-film inorganic membranes with resultant miniaturization and elimination of methanol crossover. The typical PEM fuel cell is designed around a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) in which the membrane is a self-supporting mechanical member. Current state-of-the-Art PEM fuel cells apply relatively thick membranes of NAFION or other organic materials, with GDEs pressed onto each side at high temperatures and pressures to form the MEA. Shifting the requirement for mechanical support from the membrane to one of the GDEs allows the membrane to be made up to two orders of magnitude thinner. This approach opens up broad possibilities for new membrane materials and miniaturization of fuel cells to meet application needs. Thin-film materials have not previously been applied as electrolytic membranes because the integration problems of applying thin films over porous GDEs have not been solved. This project will demonstrate that a GDE with thin-film membrane can be constructed from micro- and nano-machined silicon, with the silicon GDE providing the required mechanical support. Commercially, PEM fuel cells are used in applications ranging from transportation to personal electronics. Current applications of fuel cells to portable electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops or PDAs are limited largely by the difficulty in achieving the necessary miniaturization. The proposed technology will ultimately enable integration of fuel cells with any arbitrary integrated circuit. This creates entirely new possibilities for miniaturized autonomous systems. Additional applications for nanoporous silicon technology are electrochemical sensors, SOFC fuel cells, thermal management, light emission, absorption and detection devices. In this work, silicon is an ideal choice of material with excellent electrical and mechanical properties, allowing application of equipment, facilities and processes developed for the semiconductor electronics industry to fabrication of miniaturized fuel cells. Due to the discipline of standardization practiced by semiconductor fabricators, it is likely that developed processes will be adopted and widely disseminated. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Foster, Ron Moducell Incorportated AR T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1794 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339343 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Hardware Support for 10 Gbps Intrusion Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase Iresearch project addresses the need of business and government organizations to monitor and protect their high-speed electronic networks. Current network intrusion detection technologies are based on software or network processors, both of which are essentially serial in nature, and cannot meet the speed requirements of 10 Gbps networks. The proposed research intends to demonstrate the feasibility of using a novel, massively parallel architecture specifically designed for high-speed intrusion detection. The objective of this project is to take an existing intrusion detection acceleration design implemented for 1 Gbps network, and extend it to meet 10 Gbps requirements. Specifically, this research outlines a path to (1) determine the proper architecture extension needed to achieve 10 Gbps throughput, (2) create the actual logic design, and (3) perform simulation to prove that the design can indeed handle 10 Gbps. It is anticipated that the research will show that an extension of the architecture can indeed handle 10 Gbps. An eventual application is to deploy the hardware detection engine in a complete intrusion detection solution and enabling the solution to operate in a live 10 Gbps network. Today's networks are still vulnerable to hackers, cyber criminals, and cyber terrorists. An architecture which can scale with both (1) the increase in the number and complexity of signatures and (2) the increase in network speeds, is needed not only to meet today's security needs, but also to lay out the groundwork for future intrusion detection and other network surveillance systems. Network managers will be able to upgrade the security of their networks in a shorter period of time and at a lower cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ricciulli, Livio Metanetworks, inc, CA CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149308 V625 5371 HPCC 9139 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522400 Information Systems 0339345 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: The Visual Database: Portable, XML-Based Middleware For Media Representation, Interaction and Exchange. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I research project will create a portable representational and interaction metaphor for digital media embedded in a 3D viewing environment. Currently it is difficult to organize heterogeneous digital media such as photographs, video, sound, and 3D graphics content into a form that is readily understood, intuitive to work with, and easy to exchange via e-mail or other standard data transmission protocols. The work described here will define a representational schema based on data context, data access portals, and ordered space-time paths that can be efficiently represented using the portable exchange language XML. This metaphor-known as the visual database or VDB-is generally applicable to information that is best understood in an interactive 3D visual environment such as electronic medical records and anatomical training material, maps, digital tours of 3D environments, and archival of engineering analysis. The project will also create a prototype viewer and content creation system for the VDB. If successful, this project will establish a pervasive new standard for representing, interacting with, and exchanging digital media. Such a standard could improve the productivity of individuals and firms that create and communicate with 3D content. This project defines a novel metaphor for working with information that extends previous organizational metaphors such as books and web pages to support visual, 3D information. The representational schema is simple enough to be supported by small portable devices such as PDA's, and sophisticated enough to support complex human/computer interaction in a 3D visualization environment. The technology lends itself to a commercialization plan based on open XML standard and associated content viewers in conjunction with commercial content creation applications and licensing relationships. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schroeder, William KITWARE INC NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339355 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Scale Modeling for Fluid-Particle Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop numerical methods and corresponding computational tools for modeling the fluid-particle flows in gas fluidization of multi-sized particles. This work involves the combination of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to describe the continuum flow of the fluid and the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to describe the discrete flow of the solid particles. The aims of this project are: 1) to develop and validate at the particle level computer models that can satisfactorily describe fluid-particle flows under different conditions; 2) to quantify fluid-particle and particle-particle interactions and their effects on the fluid-particle flow via detailed micro-dynamic analysis; 3) to apply the fundamental findings to support the continuum modeling through typical case studies; and 4) to produce high-performance, state-of-the-art software packages capable of simulating the dynamics of the fluid-particle systems. Such simulations will be extremely computationally intensive and it is therefore imperative to use the presently most advanced computational technique, i.e. parallel computation. The parallel computing algorithm with options of Serial, PVM or MPI to accommodate any types of machines will be implemented in the fluid-particle solver to exploit the unlimited power of parallel computers. The potential outcomes of this project will be to provide a CFD model that can reliably simulate the fluid-particle systems that occur often in chemical, pharmaceutical and mineral industries, and to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of fluid-particle flows that can lead to improvement of the fluidization technology. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Chen, Yen-Sen ENGINEERING SCIENCES, INC. AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9215 9150 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339360 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I:Feasibility Study for Cheminformatics Teaching Tools. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the feasibility of designing and building virtual classroom software tools for cheminformatics training in both academic and business settings. Mesa Analytics & Computing, LLC has developed a commercial, integrated suite of the leading edge cheminformatics software tools in the cheminformatics areas mentioned above. However, these tools, containing new and original research by Mesa, are for use in large scale research and industrial applications, where the users already have experience in cheminformatics software. The research goals of this project are to show that virtual classroom software tools will be effective, comprehensive, and low cost products for training in both academic and industry settings. This project will assess the portability and scalability of software tools for interactive distance learning in chemical information topics, such as finding structural commonalities in diverse compound sets, generation and use of structural compound descriptors, similarity searching and clustering, and compound diversity analysis for compound acquisition. The project will produce a report outlining the design of the training software tools, including the graphical user interface and virtual classroom integration, from the underlying research and commercial tools. At present there are no specific software tools for chemical information training in the U.S., though there are several nascent chemometrics and chemical information university departments and curricula. A number of commercial software products used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry are either too expensive or of limited utility for training in either academic or business settings. Converting Mesa's tools into training tools for concept learning will serve the dual purpose in providing cheminformatics training tools for both academia and industry. By employing distance learning through a web delivery system, the training software will provide an effective, low cost solution for academic institutions, whether they are offering a single course to rural students in a remote setting, or an entire program in cheminformatics and a major urban university. In addition, such training tools will be very useful in industry settings with local area networks, where in a multidiscipline setting individuals need to receive training on the concepts employed by industrial chemoinformatics software--an integral part of the drug discovery process for pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Key words: cheminformatics, chemometrics, clustering, compound diversity analysis for compound acquisition, distance learning, similarity searching, structural commonalities in diverse compound sets, structural compound descriptors, virtual classroom. Subtopic: B. Teaching and Learning PROPOSAL NO.: 0339360 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: MacCuish, Norah INSTITUTION NAME: Mesa Analytics & Computing, LLC TITLE: SBIR Phase I:Feasibility Study for Cheminformatics Teaching Tools NSF RECEIVED DATE: 06/11/2003 EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG MacCuish, Norah Mesa Analytics & Computing, LLC NM Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99786 9150 SMET 9179 9178 9150 9102 7256 0108000 Software Development 0522400 Information Systems 0339366 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Ultra Violet (UV) Light Source for High-Precision, High-Resolution Photomask Metrology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is for the construction of an ultra-high-resolution, high-precision phase-shift measurement tool suitable for metrology of advanced phase-shifting photomasks. A number of semiconductor manufacturers now expect to progress from the 90 nm through the 45 nm nodes using an exposure wavelength of 193 nm. Advanced photolithographic techniques are necessary to print these sub-wavelength features. Phase-shift photomasks, i.e., those in which the optical thickness, as well as the opacity is controlled, are a key reticle enhancement technology. Fast and accurate metrology of critical-layer phase-shift masks is becoming necessary, both for process control and repair validation, but the enabling tools do not yet exist. The goal of this SBIR Phase I project is to develop a new, solid-state, high-repetition-rate actinic 193.4 nm laser with high spatial coherence and stability. This illumination source will be integrated into an existing prototype microscope tool to demonstrate high-speed, highly precise phase metrology suitable for use in the 90, 65, and 45 nm node device generations. The project involves the design and construction of a novel optical-parametric-oscillator and a number of associated nonlinear frequency conversion elements. The commercial application of this project will be in the semiconductor lithography industry. The semiconductor industry roadmap for the 90 nm mode and beyond requires measurements of photomask optical path difference with sub-0.4 degrees precision. This metrology must be performed at resolution scales consistent with feature sizes of the respective technology nodes, and for both isolated and densely packed structures. No commercial devices yet exist which satisfy these demands. The high-repetition-rate actinic laser source described in this proposal is a key enabling technology for a new high-precision metrology tool. Further, as a high-power stand-alone source, the ultra-violet (UV) laser will meet the associated optical demands of advanced photolithography, including imaging, bulk material and coating analyses, and damage tests. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Merriam, Andrew ACTINIX CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339377 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Geology Explorer Uses in Earth Science. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop an innovative role-based software for science education. Using a schema called "scenario-based assessment" the company has gathered evidence in controlled studies that this software is effective in helping students to learn and solve science problems. This project will study the feasibility of using enhanced versions of this software to improve K-12 science education by: a) freely disseminating the software to a range of public and private schools in North Dakota; b) creating and providing an array of support documentation to accompany the software: user manual, teacher guide and suggested lesson plans; c) providing online "help desk" technical support for the period of the grant; d) coordinating assessment studies and lesson narratives conducted on the company's behalf by teachers at the schools. This research will address two questions: 1) what is the level and type of support necessary to enhance adoption rates; and 2) what are the measurable effects on K-12 student learning that arise from using this software in school. The commercial application of this research will be a self-sustaining educational media company that takes intellectual property created by the NDSU research team and develops and expands it to produce commercially viable role-based educational simulation environments. This research is aimed at developing and distributing new models of science education, and providing science teachers with new methods and materials for the classroom, thus promoting teaching and learning. Its questions in Phase I will inform the handling of the feedback loop from teachers to developers, thus enhancing the infrastructure for research and education partnerships. These approaches have the potential to change the way science is taught in the schools. As the goal of science instruction is to help foster a scientifically literate public, the goal of this project is to help foster better science education. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Opgrande, John WOWIWE INSTRUCTION CO. ND Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 9150 SMET 9177 9150 0108000 Software Development 0339394 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Electro-Optic Photonic Bandgap Materials and Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop the next generation of photonic devices through innovative tunable electro-optic (EO) photonic bandgap materials. The resulting EO photonic bandgap materials will be useful in applications such as high-speed modulators, filters, and switches. These devices promise to enable photonic integrated circuits and eventually a system-on-a-chip. A one-dimensional tunable EO photonic bandgap modulator/filter will be designed and demonstrated in Phase I. The feasibility of an EO two-dimensional photonic bandgap structure will be studied in Phase I and implemented in Phase II. The commercial application of this project is in the optical communications industry. The resulting EO materials will be useful in applications such as high-speed modulators, filters, and switches. These devices will enable photonic integrated circuits. The materials are expected to have the highest EO coefficient among the known solid materials: about 100 times that of LiNbO3. Electro-optic films are also inherently fast in response. An EO photonic bandgap material modulator with miniature size and lower driving voltage is possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zou, Yingyin Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99996 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339399 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: HW-Accelerated Verification with TestBench Caching and Reduced Design Compilation. 0339399 This SBIR Phase I project addresses issues related to verication and debugging of application specic integrated circuits (ASICs) and systems on chip (SOCs) and proposes a novel solution to drastically improve efficiency and performance of design verication. The design verication already dominates the overall design development time and negatively impacts the designer pro- ductivity and product's time to market. The proposed method is based on a novel technology, called testbench caching, which reduces by the several orders of magnitude the HW/SW communication overhead. It is combined with the technique that also reduces the need for frequent and time intensive design compilation, and increased signal visibility, essential for fast hardware debugging. Over 100 times improvement is expected w.r.to traditional simulation, and 10-20 times w.r.to traditional simulation acceleration. This project will result in the development of a prototype system to validate the above claims. By accelerating the verication and providing efficient debugging facility the proposed solution will substantially shorten time to market for ASIC and SOC designs. Designers productivity will increase, lowering product development and labor costs. The proposed system methodology will have a signicant, positive commercial impact and will contribute to the growth of the verication systems market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ciesielski, Maciej LogicMill Technology MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339410 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: 2D Transducer Array for 3D High-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes the development of a Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based, 2D ultrasonic transducer array for 3D imaging in real time, featuring near-photographic image quality with sub-millimeter resolution at 20cm depth. Current 2D ultrasound systems employ a 1D array of transducers to accumulate images. A 2D array is universally acknowledged as the ideal approach for 3D image acquisition; however, multiple challenges must be overcome to make this practical, including: limitations in existing piezoelectric transducer technology, connecting an array with many elements (e.g., > 16,000) to front-end electronics, and processing large amounts of image data in real-time. The highly collaborative Phase I effort will focus on the design and simulation of key building blocks of the array, including a specialized transducer design; fully-populated array architecture with over 16,000 elements; and integrated multiplexing scheme to reduce interconnect lead count. The developed technology will bring many new capabilities to medical imaging, including volumetric flow, and real-time 3D imaging for tumor evaluation, image-guided surgery, and fetal echo-cardiography. Ultrasound provides real-time medical imaging, is safer than radiation-based modalities, and is less expensive to buy and maintain than magneto-resonance imaging (MRI) system. 2D ultrasound imaging is currently used for abdominal, breast, cardiovascular, OB/GYN, pediatrics, and a host of other diagnostic modalities. The developed 2D transducer array technology, once incorporated into a commercially viable, practical, easy-to-use, high quality 3D/4D ultrasound system has potentially immense societal impact. Such a system would: SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rich, Collin SONETICS ULTRASOUND, INC MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99800 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339412 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Development of Applique Propagation Measurement Circuits for Enhanced Non-Line-of-Sight Broadband Wireless. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to lead to development of embedded propagation measurement circuits that will be used as an applique in conjunction with broadband wireless networks. It is predicated on the principle that it is better to learn about signal strength, path distortion, etc., of non-line-of-sight transmission channels ahead of time rather than placing queries into data packets. Current systems over-compensates for this lack of foreknowledge through redundant transmissions, repeat requests, oversizing transmit power, or by placing limitations on useful range of operations. Research will emphasize performance of trade studies and analyses to optimize algorithms so that they work to the highest possible levels of channel stress including, but not limited to lowest signal-to-noise ratio, highest rates of Doppler, worst multipath, longest range, and highest number of redundancy antennas. Wireless non-line-of-sight techniques such as multiple input multiple output (MIMO), smart antennas, turbo coding, and diversity combining, will benefit equipment suppliers because now they will be able to reuse most of their internal modem designs and still take advantage of the applique nature of this product. This technology will benefit the following groups of users: 1) rural communities, 2) first response groups such as Fire and Rescue, Police, Ambulance services, and Airport Security, 3) people working in groups that require mobility, outdoor work, and 4) close cooperative communications over large distances such as Agriculture, Maritime Trades, Forestry, Oil Drilling, Utilities Operations, Construction and Military personnel. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Arnstein, Donald Saraband Wireless, Inc. VA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339417 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Compact, Tunable, GaN Diode Lasers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to develop a novel, monolithic external-cavity to tune near-UV laser diodes now commercially available between 375 and 440 nm. The external cavity will provide electro-optic control over both the lasing wavelength and the cavity optical path enabling single-mode, mode-hop-free tuning over 5-10 nm sections. The entire optical package will be centimeter sized, environmentally robust, and deliver 2-10 mW of optical power. Tuning speeds are proposed to be in millisecond time scales. Tunable blue and visible laser diodes with these tuning characteristics would be useful for spectroscopy-based sensors of many light molecules, elements, and biogenic materials. Tunable diode lasers from the violet to the IR would have broader impacts to scientific education, the research community, and to the economy. Educators should welcome low-cost alternatives to dye lasers allowing sophisticated atomic and molecular spectroscopy experiments to be performed with modest budgets. Researchers should be able to use a wider variety of wavelengths in their experiments. Tunable blue and visible laser diodes would find early commercial success in the scientific research markets where they would replace troublesome dye-laser systems and expensive frequency-doubled Ti-Sapphire lasers. The robust and compact form factor of our laser, combined with decisive control over the output wavelength should enable a wide variety of in-situ spectroscopy-based sensors for hand-held devices, engine exhaust sensors, and combustion monitoring, SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, Mike VESCENT PHOTONICS INCORPORATED CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339430 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I:A New High-Strain Material for Medical Ultrasound Transducers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at engineering a high-strain piezoelectric material for use in medical ultrasound transducers. The proposed work entails investigations of the relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Yb0.5Nb0.5)O3-PbTiO3 (PYbN-PT). A major increase in the d31 and d33 piezoelectric coefficients can be realized by growing rhombohedral PYbN-PT crystals along the pseudocubic <001> orientation. The objective is to attain the benefits of <001> oriented single crystals, but to do so via the sol-gel thin film method. Our initial research in the area of relaxor ferroelectrics shows that PYbN-PT has significantly higher strain than lead zirconate titanate (PZT), the mainstay material of high performance transducers. In addition, the new film has many other desirable features of PZT. In Phase I, PYnB-PT will be developed and fully characterized for use in medical ultrasound. To be useful for medical ultrasound purposes, a PYbN-PT film thickness of at least 3-4 microns must be achieved. The proposed Phase I optimization study should be able to increase ultrasound system selectivity by more than one order of magnitude. The commercial application of this project is in the field of medical ultrasound imaging. The PYbN-PT film will be used to enhance the sensitivity of medical ultrasound images with cellular resolution. To achieve the necessary spatial resolution, the transducer must emit a high-frequency, broadband pulse. As the ultrasonic frequency increases, the attenuation of the diagnostic wave increases in human tissue and there is a need for more measurement sensitivity. The proposed investigation is particularly relevant to the development of low-cost imaging devices for ophthalmology, dermatology, and otolaryngology as well as for the intravascular assessment of coronary pathologies. For these applications, transducer sensitivity plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of disease.. Ultrasound is one of the most cost-effective imaging diagnostics, and its continued development in other medical disciplines satisfies an important social need. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Djuth, Frank Geospace Research Inc CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339431 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: MEMS Heat Dissipation Foundation for High Performance Microelectronic Cooling. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves the design, fabrication and preliminary testing of a micro-machined, horizontal and vertical heat pipe array to create a sealed, recirculating, "heat dissipation fountain" (HDF) for low cost, high performance microelectronic cooling. Based on this technique, localized, substrate bonding technology, a single-crystal (SC) silicon end plates with micro-machined channels that will sandwich multiple layers of interconnected, porous silicon substrates. The three technical innovations are proposed for this project are (1) the development of a method to assemble a 3-D meso-structure by bonding several substrates together (e.g. SC silicon to porous silicon); (2) a meso-scale heat dissipation device from an appropriately scaled, stacked substrate structure; and (3) in-situ, hermetic sealing of a working fluid within the porous structure. These technical innovations are driven by basic research into techniques to decrease the surface temperature necessary for fluid superheat to initiate nucleate boiling and to raise the critical heat flux value for the system. From an engineering aspect, this will lead to an understanding of design parameters and tradeoffs associated with micro-scale two-phase heat transfer mechanisms. Commercial IC-grade SC silicon can cost less than $10 per wafer than commercial supplier of porous silicon. The commercial motivation behind the development of this technology are (1) there is an immediate need for low cost, lightweight, efficient, cooling of microelectronic devices; (2) two-phased cooling allows for cooling of next generation microprocessors with heat fluxes exceeding 100 W/cm2; and (3) stacked bonding allows for scaling of the heat exchanger with changes in microprocessor heat flux SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mai, John Microwave Bonding Instruments, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99908 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339455 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Variable Dynamic Range Detector System For Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Measurements. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) detector system, which will measure signals over seven orders of magnitude with a digitization resolution of better than 1 percent (from a single laser pulse). The detector system hopes to bridge the gap between analog to digital converters and photon counting systems. The intellectual merit of the system is in the way it combines state of the art logarithmic amplifiers, variable gain on the detectors and traditional photon counting (for very low signals). A microprocessor will be used to process the data and provide a high-speed Internet connection. The final detector system should be relatively inexpensive and will improve LIDAR scanning and miniaturization possibilities. The same design could also be applied to multi-channel detectors allowing scanning LIDAR remote sensing spectral studies (fluorescence, Raman, Differential absorption). EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Porter, John 3SRM HI Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 90334 9150 HPCC 9150 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339457 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Reversible, Colorimetric Hydrogen Safety Sensor Using Tailored Xerogels. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of an all-optical hydrogen sensor system. Safety remains a top priority since leakage of hydrogen in air during production, storage, transfer, or distribution creates an explosive atmosphere over a broad concentration range. The hydrogen economy infrastructure is new and rapidly growing; public acceptance of hydrogen fuel will require the integration of reliable hydrogen safety sensors. Feasibility of the sensing approach will be demonstrated by developing a sol-gel-titania-based sensor. Tasks have been designed to characterize dynamic range, response time, reversibility, accuracy, resolution and lack of interference from humidity. Four criteria have been established to define Phase I success. They are : (1) sensitivity to 0.05% hydrogen; (2) return of the signal to the same baseline upon cycling between 0% and 10% hydrogen 20 tomes; (3) the recovery time staying within 10% of the response time; and (4) the sensor performance remaining unchanged in the presence of 100% relative humidity. The commercial application of the hydrogen sensor developed in this project is as a safety device in the hydrogen fuel industry. The hydrogen-related energy business is expected to exceed $15 billion by 2010. This rapid growth includes fuel cells and liquid fuel tanks for rockets. Hydrogen sensor sales are predicted to accelerate for automotive applications. Other applications include power generation, aerospace, food production, and industrial process control where hydrogen is used as a feedstock. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Goswami, Kisholoy InnoSense LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339459 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Integrated Self Monitoring Sensor Networks within Composite Materials. 0339459 This STTR Phase I research project proposes to develop a new class of self-sensing composites. Self-sensing, self-monitoring composites will be engineered materials with embedded networks of miniaturized transducing and sensing elements, judiciously integrated within reinforcement morphology of a composite, that will acquire, process, and even respond to information crucial for determining the state of structural health. The goal of Phase I is to fabricate a proof-of-concept self-sensing composite without significantly diminishing its overall structural integrity. This will be addressed by developing techniques for integrating sensors, electronics and connecting elements within the braids of a typical fiber-based composite. All electronic components must be able to withstand typical processing techniques, including the moderately high temperatures and pressures. A composite with an embedded sensor network, interconnects, data acquisition and local processing will be fabricated. Its structural properties will be compared with conventional composite of the same composition. We anticipate that this work will result in development of self-monitoring composite materials. These composites will be capable of acquiring and processing information related to its structural health and responding to this information by self-correcting its behavior if needed. Self-monitoring capabilities will result in more efficient higher performance, tighter and more precise specifications for composite structures and greater flexibility in composite design. Adding self-sensing functionality to existing composites offers a unique means of improving structural performance without additional demands on mechanical properties. It will also enable wider use of composites in the remote, inaccessible and hazardous environments where conventional NDE is difficult or impossible to perform in real time. The real time monitoring capabilities will improve safety in the mission-critical composite application areas. The proposed research is expected to have a significant impact on structural and environmental engineering. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Starr, Anthony SensorMetrix CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99996 1505 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339464 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Tools for Protecting Against Online Password Guessing Attacks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the need to protect networked computer systems from sophisticated password guessing or dictionary attacks. Such attacks result in the adversary learning the password or causing a denial of service due to account locking. In many cases account locking is not practically feasible due to the increased costs of supporting customers. Recent countermeasures require human-in- the-loop or Reverse Turing Tests (RTT) as part of the authentication protocol. This project will demonstrate that many RTT protocols are vulnerable to relay attacks. In one instance, RTT challenges are relayed to unsuspecting parties, who generate responses that are then relayed back to the challenger. This project explores this threat of attack, propose mechanisms to address it, and explore specific enhancements to an RTT-based login protocol. A major feature of our approach is increased security, usability, flexibility, and configurability. The protocol will be tailored to match particular environment, classes of users, and applications. These features are necessary for any practical adoption RTT-based solutions. The success of this project will lead to more secure networks that are more user-friendly, flexible and configurable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stubblebine, Stuart Stubblebine Research Labs, LLC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339471 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Network Anomaly Detection Using a Self-Similar Traffic Model. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project targets the development of a new network anomaly detection method. The proposed method uses the deviations in the self-similarity characteristics of the network traffic to detect network attacks such as denial of service (DoS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS). DoS, and DDoS attacks are extremely popular in the Internet, and cause significant financial damage to the U.S. economy every year. The proposed innovation can be used as a standalone IDS or as a module in an IDS framework. The potential advantages of the proposed concept are its speed, efficiency, and its ability to detect new and unknown attacks. The relationship between the existence of a network anomaly, and a change in the self-similarity characteristics of the network traffic will be studied. Existing methods for the real-time estimation of the self-similarity parameter H (Hurst parameter) will be evaluated, and new approaches will be investigated. Possible improvements for accurate anomaly detection with minimum false-alarm rates will be discussed, once the desired relations between attacks and the changes in the H parameter have been established. The results of this project will provide valuable information about the feasibility of real-time, automated network anomaly detectors. The development of these mechanisms is critical for the success of the next generation of intrusion detection systems, and more importantly, intrusion prevention systems (IPSs). The concept of intrusion prevention has great commercial potential, because it allows networks to detect and stop attacks before any considerable damage occurs. An IPS requires not only fast but also accurate anomaly detectors for successful deployment in real networks. The proposed innovation will be a promising step towards the realization of the next-generation of robust network security devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Garcia, Raymond Shadowband Systems, Inc. GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 5225 0522400 Information Systems 0339489 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Visualization API Enablers for a High-End Fine-Grained Parallel Processor. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase 1 project seeks to advance a major application domain for a recent patented technology, Explicit-Multi-Threading (XMT), for building and using computers. Numerous algorithm researchers have developed a computational model, the Parallel Random Access Model (PRAM), during the 1980s and 1990s. From that starting point, a highly parallel XMT processor architecture whose performance objective is reducing single task completion time has been conceived and developed. Using fast driving as a metaphor for fast single task computing, and a flat tire for cache miss, XMT seeks not only to build cars that can be driven very fast; the cars will also allow safely changing a flat tire while the fast driving continues. The XMT technology will give programmers the freedom and power to think and code in parallel. The simplicity of the parallel programming model enables high productivity for the application programmer. Orders of magnitude faster general purpose single task completion time for a given amount of hardware are expected. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Vishkin, Uzi XMTT, Inc. MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339510 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Ensuring Food Safety - A Predictive Modeling Tool for Process Design and Validation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project project proposes to determine the feasibility of a software-modeling tool for the food industry to ensure safety of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. Contamination of RTE foods has caused severe illnesses and major product recalls in recent years. Current methods used by equipment manufacturers and food producers to set parameters for thermal processing rely heavily on testing, which is expensive, time-consuming, and often results in conservative processes that sacrifice product quality and yield. The objective of this project is to demonstrate that an innovative software tool, combining mathematical models of heat and mass transfer to and from the product with pathogen kinetics, can be used to design food production processes and validate their effectiveness in pathogen reduction. The models will be based on extensive studies that have established important parameters affecting product properties and temperatures and thus the rate of pathogen destruction. The proposed research and commercialization of the software tool will provide significant societal benefit by helping to reduce food-borne illness and product recalls among ready-to-eat foods. Also, it is well recognized in the industry that there is enormous potential to improve economics of food production through design of optimized processes that improve yield while maintaining safety. The proposed software tool promises to help producers realize this goal. Finally, there will be significant benefit in terms of the interaction between industry and Government and compliance with new regulations intended to improve food safety. The research will contribute valuable knowledge of thermal and biokinetic processes involved in RTE food production and advance the state of the art in modeling of thermal and biokinetic processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Driscoll, Keith Biokinetic Controls, LLC AR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 9102 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0339525 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: A Software Simulator For Magnetohydrodynamic-Based Microfluidic Networks. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop a design tool for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) based microfluidic devices. SFC Fluidics' exclusive MHD microfluidic technology has the potential to play an important role in the emerging microfluidic applications market, but this requires the availability of an application development design tool for MHD microfluidic devices. No such design tool presently exists. In Phase I, a software program that will be able to predict the flow characteristics of an MHD microfluidic system given user defined design parameters will be developed. MHD microfluidic networks can potentially provide an elegant, inexpensive, flexible, customizable fluidic platform that will allow one to move fluids along programmable paths, stir liquids, and facilitate chemical and biological interaction and thermal cycling. While no single approach to microfluidic control works well for all applications, the proposed approach has several unique advantages that make it very promising for many applications. Much of the current laboratory equipment and instrumentation existing today can potentially be implemented in a laboratory-on-a-chip configuration using microfluidics. This potential transformation has been compared by some to the transformation in electronics that occurred upon the transition from vacuum tubes to integrated circuits. The anticipated advantages include increased speed and performance, reduced materials usage, reduced size and power requirements, improved reliability and robustness, and reduced opportunity for contamination. As an enabling technology, MHD-based microfluidics could improve microfluidic technology for a wide variety of devices, leading to smaller, less expensive, more portable and more sensitive devices for industrial, medical, and defense purposes. MHD-based microfluidics can move samples through fluidic channels at pl/min to ml/min flow rates without moving parts, and without bulky power supplies, making the technology especially well suited for handheld devices. Successful development of MHD-based microfluidics will further knowledge about microfluidic systems, and will lead to more advanced microfluidic devices. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Arumugam, Prabhu SFC FLUIDICS, LLC AR Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0339532 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Long Endurance Autonomous Aerial Vehicles for Geoscience Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and demonstrate capable and reliable autonomous aerial platforms for geoscience missions. This will allow relevant scientific data to be gathered via remote, autonomous means, providing timely atmospheric and environmental data on a global scale, using a reliable, costeffective, easy-to-use tool. Such data has been shown to have significant bearing on the global weather patterns, thereby affecting the lives of people in all parts of the planet, both in the short term and in the long term. There are two major challenges: efficient aerodynamic, efficient engines and robust airframes to withstand turbulence. This proposal tackles these challenges, and presents innovative airframe and engine concepts that will enable long range (3500+ miles), long endurance (50+ hour) missions to be flown routinely. The aircraft will be able to make transoceanic or transcontinental flights, gathering relevant atmospheric data. Due to their improved aerodynamics and engines, such aircraft will also be able to fly in adverse weather conditions, which is currently not possible with existing UAV designs. The company is currently working with several university groups on such scientific missions, along with the US Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, NASA, and the Department of Homeland Security, thus giving us a clear path to commercialization. The vehicle developed in this effort can be sold or leased to end-users for scientific, civilian or military missions including atmospheric and environmental monitoring, wildlife monitoring/tracking, aerial photography, border patrol, law enforcement surveillance, communication nodes, target designation and tracking. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Sherwood, Tom KalScott Engineering Inc. KS Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99956 9150 EGCH 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339536 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Digital Microscopy with Collaborative Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project plans to use digital microscopy to allow students seamless integration between digital image collection, storage, analysis, and sharing over the Internet, combining features of digital microscopy with the power of collaborative learning. Digital Blue will foster development of students' virtual learning communities with shared digital tools, uniformed microscopic techniques, and common goals to explore the invisible world around them. Such explorations will be integrated with AAAS, NRC and state education standards for Earth Science and Biology. By developing four instructional units on the study of: (1) water, soil and minerals; (2) microorganisms; (3) plant growth; and (4) invisible animal features, the project will foster implementation of affordable, yet accurate digital microscopy into science exploration in both formal classrooms and home settings. The project will build an infrastructure allowing individual student and classroom participation. The cornerstone of the infrastructure will be a web site with tools to support the virtual learning community. The web site design includes collaborative workspaces allowing a class to propose and launch an investigation. Each project will be supported by the Tapestry database, allowing easy uploading of an inlay of stored digital images supplemented with student commentaries. The database allows the recognition of unique unusual observations that pose a challenge questioning, motivating further investigations and analysis, mimicking the investigative nature of real science. In additional to the broader educational benefits widely recognized to accrue to collaborative learning, this project has the potential to initiate a new realm of innovation in educational technology; namely, web-enhanced devices. EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIV IIP ENG Hall, Timothy Digital Blue Incorporated GA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99650 7180 SMET 9177 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0522400 Information Systems 0339561 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: New Encoding System for Detection of Pathogens. 0339561 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project entails development of a novel on-chip electronic encoding bead-array detection system for simultaneous multiplexed detection of pathogenic agents. This technology will offer a quick and highly sensitive identification method for pathogens or toxins. Most current systems for the fast detection of pathogens are based on fluorescent dye labeling and optical detection of the signal, which are prone to photobleaching and are likely to fall short when multiplex detection is required. This new electronic encoding and chip-based system is highly flexible and can be used for direct detection and identification of whole pathogens, toxins or DNA/RNA. The method will have a broad impact on a number of bioanalytical fields because it will be capable of rapid, highly sensitive and multiplexed identification of pathogens or their toxins. The proposed research will have broad impact and applications in molecular diagnostics, and detection of infectious disease and biological agents. The applications will range from the detection of pathogens and biological warfare agents in environmental, agricultural and medical samples to infectious disease in clinical, molecular diagnostic and forensic applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fu, Tsu-Ju Inventis, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339563 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Reconfigurable Collaborative Services Framework. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is for an architectural framework for reconfigurable collaborative services as a customizable and efficient solution to computer-supported cooperative activities. The key technical areas in which this project intends to develop innovative solutions are: customizable collaboration software, robustness, and heterogeneity sup-port. Based upon the principle of a flexible backplane that supports core facilities, the project is for an idea of collaboration modules that may be plugged-in as appropriate to a given cooperative endeavor. This research addresses the current dichotomy in collaboration software, and aims to devise new methodologies and systems to bridge the gap between general-purpose and custom-made tools. The objective of this research is to design such architecture and develop prototype software to establish its viability. A framework and a usable system will result from this work. In the conduct of this work, new techniques for multiway collaboration across heterogeneous platforms will be explored, and will likely contribute new and useful scientific findings to the field. Owing to its strong pragmatic bias, the project will have broad impact, both through the framework and via the software produced, on network based platforms for cooperative work in a large number of domain specific situations. This project will fill the large void between simplistic general purpose collaboration systems and expensive, custom built tools thereby bringing appropriate and efficient collaboration technology to numerous cooperative endeavors. Key design concepts in the proposed framework make it effective and usable without substantial infrastructure in terms of devices, networks, and administrative support thereby encouraging adoption in all sorts of communities. In particular, collaborative systems such as this research have substantial potential for broadening the participation of underrepresented groups via remote access to advanced educational, research, and technological facilities using simple, low end client systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sunderam, Vaidy Azomai Systems, Inc. GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98815 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339574 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Oxygen Sensor for Aircraft Fuel Tanks. 0339574 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a new luminescent oxygen sensor that can be deployed within aircraft fuel tanks. This sensor takes advantage of recent advances in polymeric materials and microchip lasers to produce an oxygen sensing system that is not degraded by fuels or most other organic chemicals. This is not simply an overcoat for existing luminescent probes, but rather a unique new formulation. This sensor will be the first that can be deployed within the tank to make real-time measurements of the oxygen concentration while the airplane is in operation. This sensor will be capable of measuring oxygen concentrations in chemically harsh environments such as those encountered in fuel tanks. A direct impact of this on society will be safer air travel by eliminating, or significantly reducing the danger of a deadly fuel tank explosion. The key to being able to measure in these chemically harsh environments is the use of Teflon AF as the matrix material; like other Teflon materials, Teflon AF is virtually immune to chemical degradation. This opens the door for development of a whole host of luminescent sensors that can be deployed in chemically harsh environments including the measurement of water in fuels and alcohols, and the measurement of carbon dioxide in chemical processors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Martin, Travis DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339604 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Bulk Acoustic Wave Oil Quality Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a novel acoustic wave sensor for use as an oil quality monitor for motor vehicles and industrial machinery. Normally oil quality is not monitored in situ. The most common method of ensuring oil quality is to change the oil after a specified amount of time or miles. The research objectives will be to determine the ideal excitation geometry for the sensor, fully characterize the sensor to mechanical and electrical perturbations of the contacting liquid, and demonstrate that the sensor can reliably monitor engine oil quality. Phase I work will demonstrate that the sensor is a vast improvement over both standard quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs) and QCMs with modified electrode geometries. The result will be acoustic wave sensors that are highly stable and optimized for oil quality monitoring. The development of an oil quality sensor will demonstrate that cutting edge sensor research can be brought to commercialization and at the same time promote teaching, training and learning for high school (HS), undergraduate (UG), and graduate (G) students. This project, in concert with an existing NSF Grades Kindergarten-12 (GK-12) program and a previously funded NSF science education grant integrating sensors into the UG and G engineering programs, will offer research, educational and job opportunities for HS, UG and G students to participate in the proposed project. The successful demonstration of an oil quality sensor will motivate the development of similar sensors for applications in health, agricultural, automotive, environmental and military areas. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG French, Lester Mainely Sensors, LLC ME Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99998 9150 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339647 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Lead-free Solder Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for an environmentally benign industrial process for the electronics sector, by the development of a lead-free solder process, capable of meeting the technical needs of the electronics industry, while eliminating the environmental hazard caused by the use of lead. This innovative process will allow electrodeposition of pure tin alloys, using a plating bath which does not contain organic additives, which will allow control of the grain size in the desired range of 1-8 microns, while minimizing or eliminating internal stresses, and producing a deposit with a matte finish. The objective of the Phase I project and subsequent Phase II, if awarded, is to develop a pure tin-plating process suitable for insertion into facilities producing printed circuit boards and other facilities currently using tin-lead plating for electronic applications. Specifically, in the Phase I project, the team will demonstrate that lead-free solder can be deposited onto printed circuit board test panels using an electrically mediated process. Commercially, the printed circuit board industry is searching for a replacement for tin-lead plating that has been the deposit of choice for almost all applications. This technology would have the potential to be applied across all sectors of the electronics industry and be a good candidate to replace lead-based solders thereby reducing the environmental risks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sun, Jenny FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99963 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339650 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Planning and Scheduling Tools for Extended Enterprise Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I research project is intended to develop a high quality, flexible, and adaptive planning and scheduling software prototype for extended enterprise manufacturing environments. Planning and scheduling are some of the most important functions within many production systems. In a competitive environment, effective planning and scheduling have become a necessary condition for survival in the marketplace. Failure to do so would not only mean a reduction in production effectiveness and higher costs, but also a serious erosion of the competitiveness of the entire supply chain. With recent advances in information technologies and the rapid evolution of supply chain management techniques, the need has arisen for more advanced planning and scheduling tools. These tools must be able to communicate, collaborate, and integrate their planning and scheduling functionalities to obtain optimal results throughout the enterprise. This research project will bring state-of-the-art decision and optimization methodologies to bear in meeting this need. This research development is expected to produce a significant practical impact in the area of Supply Chain Management. If successful, it will bring new planning and scheduling tools to the e-commerce business environment. Moreover, the development of the proposed prototype will be critical to the development and commercialization of an advanced planning and scheduling software tool that can be used for many industry sectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Guining LS OPTIMAL, INC. WI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0339651 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Low Noise Scanning Thermal Microscopy for Defect Detection and Characterization of Semiconductor Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project addresses a scanning thermal microscope (SThM) system, which can be used for measuring thermal parameters such as temperature, thermal conductance, and heat capacity in nanotechnology, semiconductor, and biological applications. The SThM system consists of a micromachined scanning probe, an interface circuit, a scanning stage, and instrumentation to synchronize and control the individual components. This proposal addresses critical issues regarding its feasibility as a commercial product by evaluating the manufacturability, robustness, accuracy, repeatability, and ease of use of the SThM system as a whole and by extending the potential applications. The tool is intended for use not only by researchers, but also for pre-college education in nanotechnology and microelectronics. It is also intended for use in process monitoring for yield and reliability in manufacturing applications. Since the technology being evaluated for commercialization originated in an educational institution and will be licensed from it, this effort will indirectly serve to support higher education if successful. This effort will also provide an avenue for undergraduate student involvement in a variety of areas ranging from microfabrication to circuit design to testing the scanning thermal systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gaitas, Angelo PICOCAL, Inc. MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99925 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339652 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Dynamic Tactile Display for Visually Impaired Computer Users. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop an innovative technology to revolutionize computer access for blind and visually impaired individuals. The device provides a touchable display with which the user can feel the windows, panels, buttons, menu items, etc., with much the same rapidity and random access available to the sighted Windows user. The new approach uses an effective but very low cost technique for interacting with the touch receptors of the fingers, avoiding the high cost and complexity associated with mechanical actuator arrays previously used to depict similar tactile images. Thus, it promises to provide the benefits of global, random access computer interface technology at dramatically reduced cost. In Phase I, a prototype Dynamic Tactile Display device will be constructed and interfaced with Windows-based accessibility software on the PC. Several alternatives for tactile display characteristics will be explored, in collaboration with the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI). Volunteer blind participants at ACBVI will be trained on the use of the device. Objective performance criteria on their use of the device will be measured, and quantitative and qualitative user feedback will be gathered to determine overall user feasibility. The primary societal benefit of the proposed activity is to provide more universal access to computer and Internet technology to the visually impaired community, often underrepresented in professional and social groups using computers. In addition to the use of this low-cost tactile interface as an assistive device, it may have many applications in control, virtual reality, and communications. The technology may enable inroads for haptic interfaces for a much wider range of applications than are currently addressed. As advances in human/computer interactions, haptic interface methodology, and user interface design occur, major opportunities for additional spin-off products and research can be expected. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Schaefer, Philip Vortant Technologies NC Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99280 5371 1545 SMET 9180 9179 9178 9177 1545 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0339653 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I:Acoustic Emission and Stress Sensor for Civil Structures. 0339653 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project concerns the development of a new Bragg grating-based technology consisting of optical fibers and integrated optical polymer waveguides. The proposed sensor system can be used for acoustic emission monitoring and inspection of large civil structures made of steel and concrete such as bridges, dams, towers, freeways, and buildings. The hybrid Bragg grating sensor system is expected to demonstrate high sensitivity to stress waves in a wide frequency range, from DC to 2MHz. The proposed technology can be extended to include the growing market involved in acoustic emission, ultrasonic testing, medicalultrasonic imaging, and other NDT equipment testing technology. A secondary market sector that can utilize the integrated optical waveguide technology is optical cross connect and fiber optic instrumentation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nguyen, An-Dien LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339668 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Functionalized Nanowire Chem/Bio SERS Optical Detectors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a novel biological and chemical agent detection system that utilizes optical resonances in nanowires to probe pathogenic species on the molecular and submolecular levels. The project will study the detection of pesticides using functionalized gold nanowire substrates for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis. Arrays of high-aspect ratio nanowires will be engineered and functionalized to detect a target molecule. The project will combine the techniques of immunoassay, Raman spectroscopy, and nanoengineering, with the goal of developing a detector with unprecedented sensitivity. SERS is well a known and extremely accurate detection method that can be employed to identify single molecules, antigens, nucleic acid sequences and protein structure. The goal of the project is to develop enhanced nanowire SERS substrates for integration into a multiple channel fiber-optic nanowire heterostructure optical detector with diode pumped lasers and a charge coupled device sensor to make a rugged, compact, portable, highly accurate, and field -ready biological or chemical agent sensor. The commercial application of this project will be in the detection of low-level quantities of pathogenic chemical or biological agents in the environment. It will be used environmental monitoring, medical testing, and monitoring for release of biological weapons. The device is being designed to identify virtually any molecular or cellular species by its unique Raman signature. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Habib, Youssef ILLUMINEX CORP PA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU AMPP 9163 9146 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339679 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Fine Solder Powder For Electronic Soldering. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of limiting surface oxidation of ultra-fine (1-10 micron) solder powder for electronic solder paste. Today, the use of ultra-fine powder for increased resolution of paste printing on printed wiring boards (PWBs) is impeded by the excessive oxide burden on the powder's huge surface area. If this impediment could be removed, and ultra-fine powders were supplied commercially, not only could PWB component population density increase by 10 times or more, but new forms of solder-paste printing, such as Drop-on-Demand, could be innovated. In this project, oxide control will be demonstrated with two approaches: 1) oxygen-barrier coatings applied in the powder-production apparatus and 2) addition of trace amounts of alloying metals which can protect the powder surface. Assay methods that can profile, in nanometer steps, the oxide layer on the solder spheres, will be employed. The ultra-fine powder will be produced by an existing process developed under an NSF/SBIR Phase II award. The commercial application of this project is in the manufacture of printed wiring boards. The world sales of solder paste for surface-mounted components on PWBs is more than $500million/year. Most of the paste is applied by stencil/squeegee printing. That process wastes about 30% of the paste or about $150 million per year. One objective of this project is to reduce waste by higher resolution printing. However, that cannot be achieved unless ultra-fine solder powder is available at a competitive price (about $0.05/g). As components become smaller (e.g., flip chips), the population is controlled by paste-printing resolution, not by component size. Financial implications of these outcomes should be sizeable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dean, Jr., Robert SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 111979 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1519 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339684 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Adaptive Electrically Tunable Lasers with Ultra-Wide Tuning Range. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a feasibility study on electrically tunable lasers made from novel liquid crystal based tunable photonic crystals (TPC). As predicted by a theoretical model and experiment results, the tuning of the laser wavelength is realized via tuning the TPC stop band. When doped with lasing dye(s) and pumped by a pumping laser, electrically tunable lasing is expected over a wide spectral range of 200 nm. The lasers are also expected to have greater than 20% light-to-light efficiency in a robust, lightweight, compact, and low cost package. The Phase I effort is devoted to developing tunable lasers followed by performance improvement by researching the lasing action and the sources affecting the lasing performance. In addition, the feasibility of using other pumping sources will be explored. Due to the adaptive nature and low cost feature, the new tunable laser technology promises a powerful tool that instantly turns fixed wavelength laser or other incoherent light source into an electrically tunable laser source for various commercial/space/law/military applications. A single laser can replace multiple lasers for a certain spectral coverage to reduce the system cost. Next, a new display product will be created for viewfinder, small display panels for cameras and camcorder. In military and law enforcement side, active light modules and tunable laser sources are crucial components in Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR), targeting, measuring, imaging, remote sensing, and display devices. In telecom, the use of tunable laser will save components inventory cost. In forensic, the advent of the tunable laser technology enables a miniaturization laser eavesdropping system to monitor conversations. In astronomy, tunable lasers are important for a sodium guide star laser. They are also power tools for scene simulation that is widely applied in military unit for cost reduction SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Le Kent Optronics, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99934 5371 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0339703 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Sketchpad for Young Learners of Mathematics: Dynamic Visualization Software in Grades 3-8. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project aims to identify and overcome barriers to the effective integration of The Geometer's Sketchpad software in elementary and middle school math classes. This research-based educational software is already well known at the secondary level for its ability to foster dynamic mathematics visualization and exploration and to enhance student learning. This project responds to clear calls for the software's application and adaptation to younger grades coming from teachers, curriculum development and research communities, and from standards bodies such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The proposed research, led by the team that created and maintains Sketchpad, will identify aspects of the present software and its model of curriculum integration that act as obstacles to effective use in grades 3-8, and investigate, test, and evaluate a series of software design modifications, implementations, and activity scenarios to overcome these obstacles. KCP Technologies will additionally research the potential for deep connection to the most widely-adopted National Science Foundation middle school reform curriculum, the Connected Mathematics Project, to determine how the modified Sketchpad for Young Learners that emerges from this work can best enhance student learning and support effective curricula in today's real-world classrooms. The broader impact of this project reaching its objectives (and pursuing them through Phase II/III) will be the creation and eventual wide availability, in primary and middle grades, of age-appropriate Dynamic Geometry mathematics education technologies (and supporting curriculum) similar to those which define Sketchpad at the secondary level, where the software is considered the most valuable software for students (Becker, 1999) by mathematics teachers across the country. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Jackiw, Nicholas KCP Technologies CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99783 1666 SMET 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0339708 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Collaborative Product Definition Management. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will explore the possibilities for an affordable and fully accessible network that provides clear specification interpretation tools and the means to document key design characteristics. The effort has the potential to provide advancements that will completely transform century-old practices. This will, in turn, transform the Extended Enterprise-and specifically Production Systems-because the root of successful attainment of quality, product reliability and integrity, production planning, and scheduling is the assurance that all components fully meet the design intent. The ability to achieve such innovations as efficient flow lines, just-in-time inventory practices, and a fully integrated supply chain are dependent on material and components that are near-perfect from the beginning and remain that way over the life of the product. Achievement of the Collaborative Product Definition Management research vision will enable realization of these essential objectives. If successful this solution will reduce the time and effort to generate product specifications. By meeting design intent products will go to market after a shorter development time and at a lower cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morris, Robert COHESIA CORPORATION OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98896 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339721 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Packaging of Integrated Advanced Power Electronics Through the Development of Silicon-Carbide (SiC) Based High-Temperature Multichip Power Modules (MCPMs). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to investigate and prove the feasibility of creating high-temperature multichip power modules that utilize silicon-carbide (SiC) power switches at temperatures in the range of 300- 600 deg C. By taking advantage of the key benefits of this emerging semiconductor (which includes high-temperature operation, low switching losses, very high switching frequencies, and high power densities) the entire field of power electronics has the potential to become completely revolutionized on multiple fronts. SiC power switches, with reduced switching losses, would improve the overall electrical efficiencies of power electronic systems. The ability to operate at high-temperatures would greatly reduce the size and weight of heat sinking strategies (perhaps by as much as an order of magnitude) and possibly remove the requirement for power module heat sinks all together. The project involves developing high-temperature (300-600 deg C) multichip power modules (MCPMs) that integrate control and SiC power electronics into a single compact module. Feasibility of such an approach to power electronics will be proven at the conclusion of the Phase I grant with the demonstration of a 3kW MCPM half-bridge power converter utilizing experimental prototype SiC power switches and operating at temperatures of 300 deg C. Since current silicon electronics are typically limited to approximately 150 deg C maximum temperature of operation, the high-temperature research in this SBIR Phase I project has the potential to greatly enhance scientific understanding of high-temperature failure mechanisms, thermal induced electronic packaging stresses, and long-term interconnect reliability issues in addition to technical advancement of state-of-the-art power electronics systems. The commercialization of SiC based MCPMs has the potential to find benefit in nearly every electric motor drive, power supply, and power converter conceivable. The application of such MCPMs could save electrical energy consumption worldwide, due to the improved electrical efficiency of SiC power switches alone. Furthermore, an immediate commercialization application is possible in the development of high-temperature geological petroleum exploration instrumentation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lostetter, Alexander Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc. AR T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99802 5371 HPCC 9139 1519 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339738 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Sign Parameter-to-Text Input Software for People Who Are Deaf. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop assistive technology software that provides an accessible input interface for people who are Deaf. Many Deaf individuals have difficulty with reading and writing English text. Although text is within the visual modality, it is not always accessible from a language perspective. The objective of this project will be to develop Sign Parameter-to-Text technology, which will allow Deaf individuals, who are fluent in American Sign Language, the ability to search for signs based on linguistic parameters such as handshake, location, and movement. Once the user finds the sign, semantically equivalent English words will be displayed for selection as the text input. This research will be done by preparing a corpus of signs using a phonological notation system and performing statistical analysis on the data to discover the discriminatory features which can optimize the search capabilities. Based on these features, this project will develop search algorithms, a proposed graphical user interface and exploration of hardware input devices which correspond intuitively with the interface. The proposed interface features and functionality will be discussed with a focus group for design feedback. Design requirements and feasibility studies will be documented. The commercialization of this technology will result in a product that provides an accessible input interface to off-the-shelf-software such as word processing, email and instant messaging programs and will complement other writing supports such as automated spelling and grammar checking and word prediction as well as English writing tutorials. Additionally, this technology has educational value and may increase the English literacy and writing skills of Deaf individuals. This research will add a distinct input component to VCom3D's current Text-to-Sign Animation output system. This research will also contribute to corpus analysis and search engine algorithms based on sign language phonological parameters. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Roush, Daniel VCOM3D, INC. FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1545 SMET 9180 9179 9178 9177 1545 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0339747 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Novel Wafer Fabrication Technology for Semiconductor Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed toward the development of cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) single crystal films by using an ion beam layer separation process from bulk single crystals. The separated layers will be transferred and bonded onto Si wafers for applications as substrates for epitaxial growth of mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) films. HgCdTe films are of interest in infrared detectors. The ion beam layer separation process will allow the fabrication of a large number of films from a single bulk crystal, thus providing an economical wafer production technology for infrared detector materials. High-energy (MeV) light ions will be used to produce a buried damaged layer in the bulk crystal. Thermal shock induced by rapid thermal annealing at elevated temperatures may generate lateral crack enabling the layer separation. In Phase I, the feasibility will be demonstrated by finding the conditions of layer separation and by analyzing the separated layer in terms of crystalline quality. The commercial application of this project is in IR photodetectors and focal plane arrays for many industrial and scientific sensor applications including environmental monitoring, chem-bio detection and medical and space sensors. CdTe and (Cd,Zn)Te alloy crystals have been grown by various techniques including zone refining, vertical gradient freeze (VGF), liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) methods, horizontal and vertical Bridgman techniques. Due to variable yields, none of these methods have produced enough material with the quality needed for today's infrared (IR) detector applications. The proposed technique has the advantage of producing many good quality substrates from a single bulk crystal by ion beam slicing, thus providing an economic way of producing reliable and reproducible quality material. Also, large area CdZnTe substrate for the growth of HgCdTe will be possible by stacking smaller slices in a floor tile pattern on cheaper Si substrates. Bonding with Si substrate will also allow the integration of IR detectors with electronics on a single chip. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bhattacharya, Rabi UES, Inc. OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99909 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339751 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Novel Pathogen Detector for (Bio)aerosols. 0339751 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses an entirely new approach to identification of pathogens in bio-aerosols based on performing and controlling biochemical reactions and microbiological interactions directly in air. Current methods for testing infectiousness of air, e.g., contaminated by biological warfare agents or other pathogens do not provide direct detection of pathogens in air. Aerosol samples are usually converted into a liquid sample, e.g., using wet cyclones, where analysis based on PCR or immunoassays implies long analysis time. Phase I research will demonstrate feasibility of performing sample preparation and highly specific identification of pathogens directly in air without introducing the sample into liquid. The research will aid in developing diagnostic methods that are based on collecting and/or detecting pathogens in breath exhaled or cough, methods to rapidly determine infectiousness of air in an environment, e.g., contaminated by biological warfare agents and point-of-care diagnosticmethods.. The Phase II research will provide full development of a marketable prototype with a number of potential medical applications as well as applications ranging from forensic analysis and air-quality monitoring in farming and agriculture to detection of biological warfare agents in portable field devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zoval, Jim Inventis, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339759 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Direct-Write Probe Card Fabrication Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project addresses low cost fabrication of probe cards for use in testing advanced circuit technologies. Currently, high-density probe card assemblies employ more than 1500 test points to provide the increased test coverage necessary for System-on-a-Chip and high pin count devices. At $50/test point, such assemblies often sell for over $75,000 and they wear out in only 1 million wafer touchdowns. These assemblies often require integration of multiple components-sometimes thousands-and require many hours of labor to assemble. This project would promote nanoparticle-based meso-film; laser patterned optical-quality glass ceramics; and inkjet printing processes that will reduce the probe card manufacturing cost, increase test point density, increase contact life, and reduce assembly labor. The Phase I project will be a collaboration of several companies bringing together expertise in 3D laser patterning; material and process development; and nanoparticle manufacturing in a unique and powerful way to tackle an important industry challenge. The commercial application of this project is in testing of advanced electronic circuits in such uses as processes for the manufacture, deposition and functionalization of nanoparticle-based coatings with low sintering temperatures; feature resolution of laser patterned substrates for 3D micromachining applications including MEMS, MOEMS, microreplication, and grating manufacture; test integration-optical, mechanical, and electrical wafer testing being combined in a monolithic substrate; faster product development cycle times and production ramps for advanced processor and microsystem designs; and design of test fixtures for the new wave of electronic products built using direct-write deposition of passive and active electronic structures onto non-silicon substrates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Casler, Richard PICOSYS, INC. CA William Haines Standard Grant 99553 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339761 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Flexible "Human-in-the-Loop" Microsystem Assembly Platform. This Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase I research project addresses fundamental issues in the development of human-in-the-loop (HIL) systems for the manufacture of precision microsystem components. Invenios Incorporated, in conjunction with faculty at Johns Hopkins University, proposes to leverage existing NSF-funded research on human-machine collaborative systems (HMCS) in the microsurgical arena to create a generic, yet flexible, microsystem assembly platform (Platform). Invenios/JHU collaboration will build a versatile, HMCS-based microassembly platform and evaluate its performance on three distinctly different micromanipulation tasks: Sub-Micron Optical Alignment, Micro-Mechanical Assembly, and Microsurgery. The goal is to show that a single, common abstract task representation and related graphical user interface can be used to provide significant productivity improvements on all three tasks. If successful, this innovation will lead to the commercialization of a simple and cost-effective Platform that will stimulate on-shore production of components requiring meso- and nanoscale precision and dexterity. The project directly broadens and extends the impact of the work already done in the microsurgical arena at JHU within the NSF-sponsored Engineering Center for Computer-Integrated Surgical Systems and Technology (CISST). In additional, the JHU/Invenios HMCS platform will be donated to JHU at the conclusion of the Phase I research, enabling this platform to be used by students and researchers to promote education and to extend the research and discoveries into new areas. Through this association with the ERC-CISST, the proposed project will have broad exposure to underrepresented groups and will enhance the educational infrastructure. Finally, by improving the productivity of entry-level workers, the research will ultimately mitigate the need for manufacturers to move operations offshore-again promoting participation of recent immigrants who, in large part, are the labor supply for the microsystem component manufacturers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Casler, Richard PICOSYS, INC. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99700 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0339779 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Software Tool for Teaching Reading Based on Text-to-Speech Letter-to-Phoneme Rules. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop software for interactive teaching of reading, based on letter-to-phoneme rules developed for an entirely different technology, namely computer text-to-speech synthesis (TTS). Awareness of letter-phoneme correspondences is important for learning to read English. However, no tools are available that identify and apply all the letter-to-phoneme rules occurring in any word or name of English. Challenges are to identify which letter-to- phoneme rules are useful for the learner, to determine which words are best presented as exceptions, how to present letter-to-phoneme rules and exceptions effectively for learners, and how to integrate the software into an overall reading program. Phase I will develop a software prototype, criteria for identifying and formulating useful rules, and quantitative methods for assessing the effectiveness of the software. The role of explicit reference to the letter-sound correspondences in the teaching of reading has experienced fluctuations in popularity, in part due to the lack of educators' unanimity about which of the rules that can be deduced are real and helpful. E-Speech's letter-to-phoneme rules have undergone decades of development and serve as an excellent basis for identifying useful word pronunciation rules for learners. The resultant software would enable beginning readers, adult learners, learners of English as a second language, and readers with learning disabilities to learn English word pronunciation, and it could be used by teachers who find students having difficulty with certain words. The technology would provide reading assistance to users on an individual basis, it could allow users to learn in a private setting, and it could be cost-effective, since it could reduce the amount of time required with a human teacher. The technology could be incorporated into other educational software packages and programs. Consequently, it would contribute substantially to gains in American literacy as well as support the internationalization of English. In addition, the software might also become part of a computer-based, standard dictionary of English, supplementing the phonetic transcriptions for all words in a dictionary. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Macchi, Marian E-Speech Corporation NJ Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99713 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 1654 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0339803 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Scalable and Reliable Storage Infrastructure for Web Server Farms. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to study the feasibility of building a scalable and reliable storage system for Web server farms. This system is called WebTank. WebTank is a revolutionary system that employs a combination of unique ideas to address the main challenges encountered in Web server farm environments, namely: scalability, availability, and manageability. With the rapid growth of the Internet and data driven Web services, traditional storage solutions are not able to keep pace with the rapidly expanding storage requirements of Web server farms. This solution allows for independent and practically unlimited scalability of capacity, file access performance, and namespace access performance. It will offer the opportunity of applying a more effective block-level edge caching technique, which enhances the performance and achieves better utilization of the valuable cache memory. WebTank utilizes a unique, very fast coding technique called PND to ensure fast, reliable, and highly available access to data. Many applications will exploit the competitive advantages of the proposed solution including multimedia Web-based services, content management, document storage and delivery, digital imaging, file transfer services, and video on demand. These ideas can also be expanded to build general-purpose file servers that are not subject to performance bottlenecks and capacity limitations. Therefore having an important impact on building next generation NAS devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yang, Shaofeng Data Reliability Inc. MS Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9150 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339808 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Slippability Analysis for Scan Registration and Feature Fitting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to investigate the problem of globally aligning multiple point scans of a 3D object. Given the digitized scan data for two partially overlapping surfaces, a numerical measure is described that quantifies the resistance encountered by one sliding over the other (lockability versus slippability). This measure is a heretofore missing piece in the design of successful algorithms for aligning multiple partial scans. It is of fundamental importance in building a prioritized schedule that optimally merges the most lockable scans. It is to be expected that a proper fine-tuning of this numerical method will dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of computed alignments, particularly for mechanical shapes. This yields a classification of the defining surface which enables the detection and fitting of primitive features in CAD models directly from the collected point data since these are generally slippable surface elements such as planes, spheres, cylinders, cones, surfaces of revolution and extrusions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fletcher, G. Y. RAINDROP GEOMAGIC INC NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339809 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Mission: Planet Y--A Game-based Tool for Middle School Science Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to create a video game, which uses contemporary 3D game engine technology, and will incorporate capabilities for embedded, performance-based student skills assessment, teacher reporting, and teacher administration tools. The game will simulate real-world, complex problem-solving contexts, and offer students the ability to assume the role of a scientist performing investigations within virtual simulations of ecosystems, gathering data from a variety of sources, analyzing the data, and developing a plan for solving the complex problem. Science and gaming experts, educators, parents, and students will inform the Phase I research. The game will be a significant innovation in terms of the content of the educational software currently available and its learning and assessment design. Using the best of what is known from cognitive science research as a basis, the game will maximize student engagement in learning. Current educational software uses assessments that interrupt game play; in the proposed software, assessment will occur continuously in stealth mode. In other words, students will be unaware of ongoing assessment and remain focused on the science activities. The requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 will drive national demand for tools to teach students science skills, including research and problem solving. Mission: Planet Y will provide a model for electronic curricular resources that create a high level of student interest, motivation, and learning in middle school science. Middle school students using Mission: Planet Y--males and females, those with special needs, and the gifted and talented--will enhance their science skills, content knowledge, and interest in ways that will be reflected on state and national tests and in science class participation. The game engine technology developed for middle school science can be modified to create software for other subject areas and grade levels. Phase I research will consider the marketability to individual households, as well as to schools. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Wurzbach, Linda Resources for Learning TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99757 1666 SMET 9177 9102 7256 0108000 Software Development 0510604 Analytic Tools 0339811 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Remote Real-Time Methane Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project introduces an innovative gas sensor technology for the remote inspection/monitoring of gas leaks along a gas distribution system. The micro-miniature sensor is a highly engineered instrument based on a proprietary infrared technology using optical and acoustic (opto-acoustic) effects. As an alternative to costly and labor-intensive inspections, the sensor could be deployed for unattended operation in remote gas distribution nodes, e.g. pressure regulator stations, providing round-the-clock, high-speed measurement and notification in real time, a new control technique between the field and utilities control centers. The sensor's round-the-clock monitoring and real-time notification should give the ability to locate and repair gas leaks in a timely manner. The goal of this project is to develop and commercialize the gas sensor to monitor gas leaks in gas compressor, field compressor, pressure regulator and city gate stations, the major sources of gas leak along the distribution network. Target customers are gas transmission and distribution companies, but also Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) serving the oil & gas industry. The objective of this SBIR Phase I project is to build and test a gas sensor prototype to prove the technical and economic feasibility of the opto-acoustic concept and the new features contributing to improved performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baraket, Mourad Carthago International Solutions, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99590 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339816 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Creating Functionally Decomposed Surface Models from Measured Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project deals with the problems of reconstructing complex freeform shapes from measured data. Of primary interest is the creation of well-structured, high- quality CAD models. Several techniques exist to reach this goal. Unfortunately, automatic surfacing systems provide only rough approximations and do not capture the original design intent, while manual segmentation methods are not very stable and require tedious work. Using the functional decomposition paradigm, objects are built up as a collection of large, independent primary surfaces being connected by smaller, dependent feature surfaces, such as fillets or swept surfaces. This project aims to elaborate semi-automatic methods to build up the topology of the object and compute optimal surface representations for the individual point regions. Emphasis is put on different fairing methods to relocate the segmenting curve network and different constrained surface fitting algorithms to assure smooth connections to existing surface geometry. The proposed research starts with theoretical ground work in geometric modeling, followed by a prototype implementation to prove the feasibility and efficiency of the algorithms. This technology should significantly shorten lead-time in related industrial design and manufacturing processes and produce more aesthetic objects. The main applications will be product design, including automotive, aerospace, consumer products, and medical devices. The improved product will help US manufacturing industry to be more competitive in the world market by providing a way to introduce design on demand and engineering on demand services. It will also help US companies increase customer-focused production and reduce the time between product iterations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Varady, Tamas RAINDROP GEOMAGIC INC NC Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0339823 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Monitoring Aid for Physical Security (MAPS) Using Computer Vision. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop a tool for enhancing physical security operations at large facilities using a novel map-centered interface for video surveillance. The interface will incorporate "perceptual filtering" with automatic detection, tracking and behavior analysis of people using computer vision along with user-specified rules. This Monitoring Aid for Physical Security (MAPS) system will allow the security operator to maintain a high degree of situational awareness and to add capabilities for timely intervention. Phase I research will help in establishing the feasibility of the MAPS concept with the help of a laboratory prototype. The research results generated from this project will help in better coupling human capabilities with those of automated computer vision analysis in order to improve current video surveillance systems, impacting several types of public places. Homeland security efforts include protecting the economic infrastructure (for example, 95% of U.S. commerce goes through the nation's 360 ports) and enabling a more effective crisis management response. Additional security efforts are aimed at airports and public transportation terminals and theft prevention in the retail industry. This monitoring tool will aid the retail industry in reducing its over $25 billion annual loss to employee theft and shoplifting. Other beneficiaries include schools and office building owners and users. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sharma, Rajeev VideoMining Corporation PA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339841 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Iptymer Low-k Dielectric Materials. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will develop a new class of low-dielectric constant organic polymers for integrated circuit manufacture. The chemical structure of these materials exploits newly defined molecular concepts of free-volume engineering to reach previously unattainable dielectric capacitance levels for matrix materials. The research objectives are to develop synthetic methods for the manufacture of key Iptymer(TM) polymers, manufacture lead Iptymer materials, evaluate material performance against key performance specifications, and explore manufacturing and scale-up economics. At the conclusion of Phase I, lead Iptymer materials with established performance specifications will be available for sample to potential industrial partners. The principal commercial application of Iptymer low-k dielectric materials is as interlayer dielectric matrix materials that are inserted between copper wires of integrated circuits. The lower dielectric constant of these materials will lead to faster circuits. Commercially, successful development of the materials has the potential to be used in a wide array of high performance electronics such as microprocessors and components for wireless communications. This is estimated to be a $400M market by 2006. In addition to these applications, Iptymer materials also have low refractive indices and can be used as optical coatings to enhance the brightness of displays. The economic and technical impact of reliable low-k dielectrics is considerable. Higher bandwidth processing and communication for the same cost is possible with improved materials, and every country, economic group, and industry will benefit from such advances. The societal benefits realized through the extension of electronic tools into areas where their use is now impractical or not affordable will be tremendous, even if consideration is given only to medical equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hancock, Lawrence NOMADICS, INC OK T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339854 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Use of a Visual Programming Environment to Promote Bioinformatics Education. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project targets the need for a visual programming environment in bioinformatics education. A bioinformatics visual programming tool has never been implemented for classroom use and could potentially revolutionize bioinformatics training at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The work, which will be performed in collaboration with, and under guidance of, science and education faculty, will leverage the existing Visual Integrated Bioinformatics Environment (VIBE) software. Currently, there exists a significant shortage of trained personnel with the necessary skill set to extract knowledge and derive benefits from data generated in life science research experiments. The shortage of bioinformaticists is due in a large part to a lack of formal bioinformatics training programs at universities. The current lack of formal bioinformatics training, training tools, and qualified bioinformaticists creates a significant bottleneck in the discovery process because it impairs the ability to fully exploit the vast amounts of data produced at pharmaceutical and agricultural research companies as well as government and academic laboratories. The software will immediately address the existing shortage of bioinformatics education tools and, as a result, will also address the downstream problem of the dearth of qualified bioinformaticists. This project offers an efficient and elegant approach to provide a partial solution to these significant problems. The primary customers for the software are individual bioinformatics professors and students, as well as entire departments and universities that offer a bioinformatics degree. . RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Sasinowski, Maciek INCOGEN INC VA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1666 SMET 9179 9178 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0339863 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Hive Computing For Data Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes to solve a critical problem in the world of mission critical computing: the problem of data storage. The goal of this project is to design a fundamentally new distributed data storage system that improves the reliability and scalability, while driving down the cost, of mission critical systems. This project will design an interlocking data storage mesh that is self-organizing, self-healing, and self-managing. This project will build on research into the design of distributed systems that led to the development of a fundamentally new, mission critical computing technology called Hive Computing. The prices of commodity computers have fallen to such a degree that in many cases it makes the most sense to regard them as disposable, not precious. The problem is that, while this trend is beginning to drive down the cost of compute power, it has not yet affected the world of data storage. As a result, only a relatively small number of businesses and other organizations can afford the high costs of reliability and scalability. The development of the Hive data storage system will solve this problem and produce a number of significant benefits, one of them being that now more businesses would be able to afford the cost of reliability, leading to dramatic reductions in downtime and significant productivity improvements. More scientists would be able to scale their systems, increasing the number and types of questions they could ask and the problems they could solve. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lozano, Roberto Appistray MO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339878 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: High Power Optic Source Enabling Sensor. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project investigates efficient stimulated Raman amplification in the 1620-1750 nm near infrared spectral region. This spectral range overlaps with the first overtone of the strongest vibration resonances. In addition, no efficient high brightness directs emission sources exist in this spectral region resulting in either low power or complex laser systems covering this important spectroscopic region. In this project, high power tunable laser sources will be developed for the remote detection and spectroscopic characterization of organic compounds. The direct outgrowth of this program should enhance the ability to offer to commercial and government customers a qualified optical sensor array detecting the presence of hydrocarbons. This sensor array could be useful in particular to the Petroleum and Gas industry in their refineries and distribution networks. Oil Companies spend over $100M a year in detecting and preventing gas leaks in their facilities. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Torruellas, William Fibertek, Inc. VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99992 1505 HPCC 9139 7234 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339879 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Low-Noise AlGaSb Avalanche Photodiodes. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to research the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) epitaxial growth and explore new passivation techniques for very low-noise aluminum gallium antimonide (AlGaSb) avalanche photodiodes (APDs). At one particular composition (~6% Al), the AlGaSb bandgap and valence spin-orbit splitting energy become equal, resonantly enhancing the hole ionization rate. Several groups have reported high (7 to 20) hole-to-electron ionization ratios in AlGaSb. Other semiconductors with 1.0-1.7 micron response lack high hole/electron or electron/hole ionization ratios InGaAs~2, e~1.5, InGaAsP~3) crucial for low noise APDs. For example, the AlGaSb APD excess noise factor should be 2, versus 7.5 for Ge APDs at a gain of 10. Previous AlGaSb APDs were made 10-20 years ago by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE), which had quality and uniformity (e.g. 20% thickness variation) issues, and different optimal compositions were reported. MOCVD with high purity sources will be used to grow more uniform (<3% doping variation, <1% for thickness and composition), higher quality epilayers that can now be better characterized. This should enable the exact composition and epi structure to best use the fairly sharp resonant enhancement. Available APDs in the 1.0 to 1.7 micron range are noisy compared with PIN/trans-impedance amplifiers. The proposed low-noise AlGaSb APDs would allow a single component to replace most of the PIN/trans-impedance amplifier front end, and significantly extend the design space in which optical communications and laser radar systems are constrained. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wojtczuk, Steven Spire Corporation MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99927 5371 AMPP 9163 1631 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339883 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Applications of Morse Theory in Reverse Engineering. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to investigate applications of Combinatorial Morse Theory in Reverse Engineering. It relies on a single mathematical approach: the definition of a continuous function on a polygonal model and the decomposition of the surface based on the gradient flow of that function. Variants of this theory will be used to solve several important problems, including the automatic conversion of triangulations into a set of smooth NURBS surfaces, locally smoothing polygonal models, and identifying feature lines. The major advantage of this over earlier approaches to the conversion problem is the capacity to base the algorithm on a number of different criteria for surface analysis and to achieve the best result by intermingling these different criteria. Morse theory is the key to computing patch layouts that naturally adapt to and follow the shape of the surface, a property that is difficult to achieve but necessary to automatically construct high-quality NURBS surfaces of scanned or triangulated CAD models. Applications for the proposed project can be classified into two usages: o Duplication: referencing a physical part creates a digital model. o Remodeling: a designed digital model is kept to be consistent with a physical reference. The proposed innovation may have significant impact on customers who are not using a digital process today in their design and manufacturing process; this covers 90% of all products being made in the United States. Worldwide manufacturing, only 1% of all products made uses CAD/CAM systems. There are many applications that can benefit from a successful implementation of this proposal, such as CFD analysis on actual parts, digital inventory for legacy parts, historical preservation, and custom-made consumer products including medical devices, shoes, clothes, and wearable computers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Facello, Michael RAINDROP GEOMAGIC INC NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339887 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of Single-Crystal-Like PMNPT. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses a low cost technology for the mass production of high performance piezoelectric single crystals. The approach will potentially lead to a new generation of engineered piezocrystals exhibiting attributes of low cost, high quality and volume not previously attainable. The proposed technology uses a novel sintering process to overcome conventional limitations to the mechanical strength, size and homogeneity inherent in pure single crystal forms. The approach incorporates a templated grain growth mechanism within the matrix recrystallization process. The plan is to demonstrate highly grain-oriented piezocrystal ceramics with single-crystal-like properties during this program. The success of this technological development will dramatically expedite the transition of new generation piezoelectric devices from laboratory prototypes to their practical deployment in the market. The commercial application of this project is in piezoelectric devices. The technology makes possible new piezoelectric devices with improved performance that is beyond current technology. The anticipated targets for these materials include medical ultrasonic diagnostics and therapeutics, active machine tool control, and vibration suppression in HVAC systems. A recent report by the National Science Foundation estimates the U.S. market piezoelectric ceramic materials at ca. $1.5B. The global market is estimated at over $11B. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhao, Jing Agiltron Incorporated MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99950 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339891 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A UML Based Framework for Knowledge Acquisition. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop an automated framework for knowledge acquisition. This automated framework will be based on the Principal Investigator's Rhem Knowledge Acquisition Framework and the Unified Modeling Language (UML). This automated framework will provide an environment for developing high-quality, reliable knowledge-based software systems for solving complex tasks that typically require a human expert. This research will advance the state-of-the-art in development of knowledge-based systems. Knowledge acquisition is one of the most difficult and error-prone tasks in building knowledge-based systems. It is a phase in the building of expert systems involving the identification of relevant technical knowledge, recording it, and getting it into computable form so the problem-solving engine of the expert system can apply it. The acquisition of knowledge and data is the most expensive part of building and maintaining expert systems. If this research is successful this commercial tool will significantly reduce the cost of developing knowledge-based systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rhem, Anthony A.J. Rhem & Associates, Inc. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0339898 January 1, 2004 STTR PHASE I: Development of Nanostructured Solder Materials. This Small Technology Transfer Research project seeks to advance the fundamental knowledge base and performance of lead-free electronic solders. Current lead-free electronic solders are performance limited by their thermomechanical fatigue and electrical characteristics due to microstructural instabilities, such as coarsening, grain boundary sliding, and ion migration along grain boundaries in these alloys. While nanoscale building blocks have been shown to alloy and provide enhanced properties in polymers, these tools have not been applied to control the dynamics of analogous structures in metals. An opportunity exists to utilize nanoscopic chemical reinforcement to control both microstructural stability and damage accumulation during service for lead-free electronic solder alloys. It is the objective of this project to utilize polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) to impart structural control at the 1-10 nm level in solders. Such control will afford solders with higher strength, durability, and dimensional stability for use as interconnects in aerospace, automotive, consumer and micro-electromechanical systems. The commercial application of this project is in improved, lead-free electronic solders. The identification of the mechanistic and process limitations for such control in alloys will afford insights into the development of solutions for metal fatigue, creep, and service life issues which plague commercial and military aircraft, automobiles, restorative dental amalgams and related prosthetics. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lichtenhan, Joseph Hybrid Plastics, Inc. MS T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339934 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Enabling Pedagogical Choice and Cost-Efficiency in the Development of Web-based Curricula. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will answer the following question: Is it feasible to build an efficient methodology and computer-based systems for content authoring and Web-based delivery that truly support multiple approaches to pedagogical practices? Specifically, is it feasible to design an online authoring system and a complementary classroom management system, where the features and benefits of both systems are immediately available to innovative instructional designers? The goal is to research an innovation that will empower content providers to use principled learning theories and associated pedagogical practices for creating new online curricula that support technology-mediated instruction. Specifically, the research will produce a new type of authoring and delivery system where the functionality available--creating course structure, managing multi-media content development, translating course specification into reliable production delivery, accessing course-related activities for students and their teachers, including dynamic learning interactions, and real-time behavior tracking and reporting--reflects the authors' preferred learning theories and pedagogies. Agile Mind proffers a set of enabling tools that support the development of technology-mediated instruction through cost-effective means for producing new curriculum, doing so with a focus on supporting instructional design innovation without compromising the capabilities of the technology. The systems to be produced will address a major problem in education, i.e., the consolidation of content development and dissemination in the hands of a small number of publishing conglomerates and the resulting consequent lack of quality and diversity of choice. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Chaput, Linda AGILE MIND INC TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99561 1666 SMET 9177 9102 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0522400 Information Systems 0339938 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Variable Azimuth Wave-Equation Imaging (VAWEM). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to investigate the feasibility of a key technology designed to enhance seismic resolution and imaging of deep-water complex geologic structures by using variable azimuth wave-equation migration (VAWEM). VAWEM will provide much greater resolution and accuracy than what can be accomplished today for towed marine streamer data, and at significantly less computational cost. This advanced imaging methodology will improve success rate and cost effectiveness for new field discoveries and increase recovery efficiency for the development of existing fields. This technology does not exist in the industry, it is a fundamental revolutionary advance, and is a necessary building block in any seismic processing system that images 3-D prestack data using wave-equation methods for imaging deep water, under-salt complex geological structures which are the focus of modern oil- and-gas exploration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bevc, Dimitri 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339940 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High Resolution Infrared Imager. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new materials technology to help drive a revolution in infrared microscopy, using a newly developed technique to grow pure germanium on silicon without crystalline defects. Silicon imagers are widely used, from supermarket scanners to the ultra-sensitive CCDs used in astronomy. Germanium is photosensitive over a much wider spectrum, from visible to well into the infrared. Combining this new spectral ability with fine-line silicon manufacturing could turn infrared dusk into broad daylight Characterization and understanding of material grown by this new technique is limited. Controlling leakage is essential to maximize sensitivity. Pixel geometries to best trade off resolution for noise performance must be identified. The broad impacts from this work would be the near infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral range from 800 to 1600 nm, which holds considerable scientific and applied interest. Initial applications could be in medical imaging and pharmaceutical inspection leading into a much broader application field including night and fog vision for security, monitoring of crops, pollution and climate, and range-finding for defense and construction applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG King, Clifford Noble Peak Vision Corp. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99201 5371 AMPP 9163 7234 1631 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339954 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Packaging of MEMS Inertial Sensors for Mechanically Harsh Environments. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Project will investigate the feasibility of integrating advanced vibration isolation packaging technology with Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial (translational and rotational hybrid) sensors to yield packaged MEMS inertial sensors suitable for mechanically harsh environments, such as automotive and space. To date, many MEMS inertial sensors have been precluded from such applications due to their susceptibility to high frequency vibrations present in these environments. The patent pending vibration isolation packaging technology developed will consist of semi-active mechanical low-pass filters fabricated using MEMS fabrication techniques. This design will be utilized inside microelectronic packaging as high frequency vibration isolation platforms. This effort will combine those two technologies to demonstrate feasibility of the vibration filtering system for MEMS inertial sensors. The primary commercial applications envisioned are in the automotive and industry sector requiring sensor operation in harsh environments. The technologies developed in this work will target those markets that require MEMS sensor performance, in the face of vibrations, above what is currently available. The use of semi-active mechanical damping can improve sensor performance, and hence overall system performance, without large increases in size or cost. Companies who are developing MEMS-based sensors for a variety of applications would be potential customers. These companies would benefit from the availability of an active filtering package for MEMS sensors and could easily integrate The package with their sensor. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kranz, Michael MORGAN RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99998 1505 HPCC 9150 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0339955 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Automatic Extraction and Enforcement of Application-Specific Security Policy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a Program semantics-Aware Intrusion Detection (PAID) system that derives a security policy from an application's source code, and checks the application's system calls against the resulting policy at run time. Not only can this product derive these policies completely automatically, but also the resulting security policy is tailored to individual applications and thus is highly accurate. Some of the most dangerous cyber security threats are "control hijacking" attacks, which hijack the control of a victim application, and execute arbitrary system calls assuming the identity of the victim program's effective user. These types of attacks are highly perilous because commercial applications with such vulnerabilities appear to be wide spread, as shown in the rampancy of the recent SQL Slammer Worm. System call monitoring has been touted as an effective solution to "control hijacking" attacks because it could prevent remote attackers from inflicting damage upon a victim system even if they can successfully compromise applications running on the system. A weakness of this approach is how to construct accurate security policy that could minimize false positives and negatives. Although various approaches have been tried to solve this problem, none of them is satisfactory. Host-based intrusion detection based on system call monitoring, also referred to as behavioral blocking systems, is a well known tend to err on the conservative or false positive side. The tool will automatically derive accurate security policies corresponding to the system call patterns of individual applications, thus reducing both false positives and negatives to the minimum. The PAID system represents a big step in closing the gap between current behavioral blocking products and the actual needs of real world information technology (IT) systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chiueh, Tzi-cker Rether Networks Incorporated NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339956 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Model for Virtual Dialogues with Master Teachers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on the technological feasibility of the use of the Conversim [TM} dialogue model to convey curricular material. This work includes developing and documenting the protocol for transforming lecture material into an effective virtual dialogue program; measuring student acceptance of learning critical, curricular material this way; and measuring the learning success of the students. This Conversim [TM] model represents a new paradigm in education, one that allows the student to learn through a personal interview of the master teacher. The paradigm includes non-directive, independent learning by conducting face-to-face dialogues with master teachers who are always present, always available, and always willing to converse with people who wish to engage them. Conversim [TM] software combines speech recognition, digital video and personal computer technologies to allow PC users to have "face-to-face" dialogues with video characters. Scientific research has shown that most users enjoy the virtual dialogue experience, many have significant, often accelerated, learning gain, and almost all feel as though they have met the person with whom they have been "talking." Multimedia presentations can be used in concert with the dialogue to clarify concepts and complex topics. Also, the power of the computer for tracking and for innovative, dynamic evaluation strategies is inherent in this model. The broad objective is to make this model and this new paradigm available in all educational institutions that would benefit from its use. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Harless, William INTERACTIVE DRAMA INC. MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99972 1666 SMET 9178 9177 7256 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0339959 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Expanding the Reach of Cognitive Tutors with a Software Development Kit. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the difficulties of authoring intelligent tutoring systems. Intelligent Tutoring Systems have proven to be highly effective in delivering computer-based instruction, but have historically been expensive and difficult to build, requiring specialized skill in Artificial Intelligence and production systems programming. This proposal describes a Software Development Kit (SDK) composed of four components: Cognitive Model Authoring, Problem Authoring, Tool Authoring, and Curriculum Authoring. The proposed research activity centers around the first of these components: Cognitive Model Authoring. Cognitive Model Authoring is comprised of three separate steps: defining an object hierarchy, defining the goal structure of the problem task, and representing the behavior of the instructional system. The proposal seeks to define an object-oriented visualization of these steps, so that non-cognitive scientists can create cognitive tutors. This tool will decrease the amount of time it an experienced cognitive modeler to author the cognitive model portion of a tutor, and it will also decrease the amount of time it takes to enable a person with no cognitive modeling experience to create cognitive models. The broader impact of the Cognitive Tutor SDK is two-fold: (1) the easier production of new Cognitive Tutors, and hence the ability to bring them to market more quickly; and (2) the development of a Software Development Kit that could be independently marketed, so that other companies can produce intelligent tutors in other domains, languages, countries and markets. EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIV IIP ENG Ritter, Steven Carnegie Learning PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 0 7180 SMET 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0339963 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: New Class of Ultra Low Dielectric Constant Polymers for Electronic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new class of advanced polymeric dielectrics based on polyphenylene Self-Reinforced Polymers (SRPs). Polymers with superior electrical, thermal and mechanical performance are critical for a variety of advanced electronics packaging and on-the-chip applications. A number of polymers have been proposed as an answer to this problem. All current organic dielectrics, however, have a fatal flaw: they all feature polar moieties that promote high dielectric constants and high moisture uptake. To overcome this problem this project will develop a new type of processable, high temperature, very low dielectric, very low moisture absorbing and low cost dielectrics containing no polar groups for usage in a wide variety of electronic packaging and interlayer dielectric applications. The commercial application of this project is in the broad area of electronic and on-the-chip type products. The absence of low dielectric constant polymers is limiting the development of the next generation of electronic devices. As architectures continue to decrease in size, demands for insulative properties cannot be met by existing materials and consequently emergence of the proposed material will have a significant impact on the industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gagne, Robert Mississippi Polymer Technologies, Inc. MS T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339971 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Reflectance Sensitive Image Sensor for Illumination-Invariant Visual Perception. 0339971 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop an adaptive CMOS image sensor that estimates and largely eliminates illumination variations in sensed optical images thus reporting electronic images that are indicative of the reflectance of the viewed scene. Most present and future vision applications including automotive, biometric, security, and mobile computing applications operate in unconstrained environments and have to cope with unknown and widely varying illumination conditions. The proposed research has a potential to broadly impact computer vision performance and reliability. The core innovation is in a signal processing technique for estimating the illumination field from sensed images. The technique efficiently implements as a dense on-chip massively parallel analog processor distributed among the photodetectors to produce a reflectance sensitive image sensor. Image sensors are rapidly finding their way into cars, cell-phones, personal digital assistants, medical and diagnostic equipment, automated drug discovery, cutting edge security, surveillance and biometric systems. To fully realize the potential of electronic imaging in society, the image sensors will need to adapt and provide useful images most of the time even under the harshest of illumination conditions. The proposed research will make this possible and make people.s lives safer, more productive and more enjoyable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brajovic, Vladimir Intrigue Technologies, Inc. PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99692 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339984 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Application Development Architecture for Product, Process, and Cost Configuration Across Manufacturing Verticals. 0339984 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project explores the feasibility of developing software architecture for backward integration of the knowledge supply chain in the manufacturing industry. It is well known that the decisions made during early stage in design affect a significant portion of the products total cost. The research objectives are to (1) Develop prototype architecture of a tool that includes process configuration with part and tooling for casting initially. (2) Include a geometric analysis of the artifact . Show features in geometry that concern the process and tooling through a generic rules engine that can be used to interface with the geometry. (3) Integrate a hybrid cost analysis approach that can be used dynamically with the design to come up with a method that can allow concurrent cost analysis with what if scenarios. (4) Eventually this tool will be generalized in phase II so that is extendable across verticals in manufacturing using a rapid application development (RAD) methodology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rathod, Nainesh IMAGINESTICS LLC IN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0339988 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Advanced Control of Electron-Beam Deposition for High Precision Optical Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is focused on developing an advanced control system for improving the manufacturing capability of electron-beam deposited optical coatings. The objective is to develop a system that reduces growth rate variations, resulting in higher yield and production rates, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The system will also enable more precise manufacturing of coating geometry and structure which are required for more advanced applications. Examination of the current control practices and process characteristics reveals significant opportunities for improved performance. Preliminary experiments with silica have shown that deposition rate variations can be reduced by a factor of 4-10 which is shown to significantly improve the optical coating quality. This Phase I research is directed at answering several unresolved technical challenges as well as obtaining a more formal quantification of the performance characteristics of the proposed control system in order to determine its commercial potential. The specific objectives for Phase I include: a) reduction of concept to a general algorithm that is robust on a run-to-run basis; b) development of a control strategy that eliminates problems associated with long deposition runs; c) performance evaluation for other important but difficult to deposit materials; and d) quantifying critical production performance characteristics to better determine the commercial significance to end users. To insure that the control concepts are commercially viable, the research experiments will be conducted on a production scale system and will be focused on commercially important manufacturing objectives and designs. The commercial application of this project is in optical coatings for many important applications in telecommunications, defense, satellites, and high energy lasers. These advanced applications require improvements in manufacturing capabilities in terms of achieving greater precision over a greater number of coating layers while being produced in large volumes and at high rates. Although electron-beam vacuum deposition has been used to manufacture the majority of these coatings due to its economics and processing capabilities, more stringent coating requirements are needed in advanced applications. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Douglas Vacuum Process Technology,Inc. MA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99958 1505 AMPP 9163 1794 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0339996 January 1, 2004 SBIR PHASE I: Innovative Methodology for Accelerated Quantum Molecular Dynamics. 0339996 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the feasibility of performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using numerical database representations of quantum mechanical potential energy surfaces (PES). The specific objectives are: (1) Perform ab initio calculations to obtain PES data for a prototype (N2(g)) chemical system; (2) Design a PES database using data from the first objective; (3) Integrate the following software: PES database; tessellation and interpolation algorithms; MD simulation engine; (4)Perform MD simulations using potential energies interpolated from the PES database; and (5) Perform analogous Car-Parinello simulations for speed and accuracy comparisons. The proposed method does not require the complex and time-consuming process of parameterizing force fields for MD simulations, and a PES may be determined to any desired level of theory. The method is general enough for applications in both reactive chemical dynamics and MD simulations where bulk material properties are of interest. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Johnson, Michael CogniTech Corporation UT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 96551 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340006 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Frequency Patch Antennas on Biased Ferrite Substrates for High-Accuracy GPS [7223-680]. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on the design of a new antenna for high accuracy Global Positioning system (GPS) to be used for geodesy, geophysics, meteorology, and transient motion for earthquake studies. A new design is proposed for GPS user antennas that reduces multi-path error and allows multi-frequency operation by using a micro-strip patch antenna on biased ferrite substrates. The desirable properties of biased ferrite will enable a smaller patch, improved antenna pattern, and frequency tunability. Therefore the proposed antenna will be smaller, cheaper, and lighter than existing high-accuracy GPS geodetic antennas, besides enhancing the quality of the GPS measurements thanks to its improved electrical performances. Due to the increasing number of applications of GPS in scientific research studies that require high accuracy positioning, introducing in the market a new multi-frequency low-multi-path smaller and lighter GPS user antenna would give new impulse to the US market of GPS for geodetic equipment. Moreover, the proposed antenna will enable new science applications that depend on dynamic GPS positioning at the millimeter-level. Ferrite Substrate GPS antennas would be widely used in national and international high accuracy GPS measurement campaigns. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scire-Scappuzzo, Francesca Physical Sciences Incorporated (PSI) MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99838 5371 EGCH 9102 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340008 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: IBARS - An Image Barcode Acquisition and Recognition System for Mobile Commerce. This Small Business Innovation Research(SBIR) Phase I research project seeks to leverage the convergence of processing and sensor technologies in widely available camera-equipped cellular telephones to develop e-commerce applications centered on the acquisition and recognition of barcode images. Modern handheld devices present a convergence of many technologies in a handy package, including networking, voice, cameras, processing, location- sensing and displays. However, small-size and long battery-life requirements lead to limited processing power, limited-resolution cameras, and varying available network bandwidth on such handheld devices. To make the concept feasible, improvements are needed in the algorithms performing computer-vision, image processing, and pattern-recognition, so that they are both computationally efficient and small enough to fit in the memory of consumer devices. Challenges to overcome include being able to unwarp images to account for distortions due to perspective imaging, warping of the substrate, or non-flat surfaces. The image needs to be processed to account for imaging artifacts such as non-uniform lighting, blurring, and highlights. The recognition algorithms in the system must be able to recognize many symbologies, make use of extra information available in images to tackle degradations, and be efficient and small. This Phase I research will tackle these issues to demonstrate feasibility. The proposed downloadable component for barcode and signs recognition will enable many applications including sales, order-fulfillment, information-delivery and others. Merchants, advertisers, information providers and other service providers are likely partners and customers for the proposed technology besides service-providers and OEMs. Medical care delivery, military applications, sign recognition for the visually challenged are also potential users of this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doermann, David Applied Media Analysis, Inc. MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99953 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340020 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Embedded Low Power Smart Optical Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel Smart Optical Sensor (SOS) technology (hardware platform and embedded software) that is able to provide localized intelligent image processing capability to existing visible or infrared cameras used in video surveillance systems. Existing video surveillance networks typically utilize multiple visible/infrared video cameras connected to one or more central control station(s) where motion detection and digital video recording take place. The broader impacts from this technology will be computationally intensive smart video processing algorithms -- custom designed, embedded, low power hardware platform placed at the camera location, this can eliminate much of the video transmission bandwidth requirements demanded by current systems, facilitate wireless links between cameras and control stations, reduce the huge amount of video storage equipment, and perform more reliable video surveillance. Such a centralized video surveillance will help meet the ever-increasing demands of homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tunnell, David GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 0340025 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Commoca Internet Protocol Phone - Making Communications Personal. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design and evaluate a Software Development Platform for the rapid prototyping and implementation of applications that will personalize the communications experience of a wide variety of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) enterprise phone users leading to large productivity gains in industry, government, and academic settings. The proposed product shall provide the capability to make an audio voice connection (telephone call) over a packetized data network. This capability will take advantage of the data networks that exist within enterprises (Local Area Networks), and of the infrastructure of enterprise-to-enterprise networks (Wide Area Networks). The proposed product will ultimately take advantage of the global network infrastructure found in the Internet. The "advantages" being leveraged include both cost and functional capabilities found only in a combined voice and data network. This proposed development opens a window of opportunity for new ODM (Original Design Manufacturers) to enter the market provided that they present cost-advantaged, first to market, disruptive technology offerings that may appeal to the enterprise customers of current OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) that may or may not have VoIP phones in their product portfolio. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Melendez, Jose Commoca, Inc. PR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 9102 0522400 Information Systems 0340035 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Wavelength-Division-Multiplexed Grating-Outcoupled Surface-Emitting Lasers with Quantum-Dot Active Layers. DMI-0340035 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to demonstrate a monolithic Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) Grating-Outcoupled Suface-Emitting semiconductor (GSE) laser emitting at 1310 nm using quantum-dot (QD) active layers. The QD active layers provide a broad gain bandwidth, reduced temperature sensitivity, narrower linewidths lower chirp compared to conventional quantum well lasers. In addition, QD active layers allow the use of low-cost GaAs substrates. Two-wavelength WDM GSE lasers in a cross-grating configuration emit at different wavelengths from a common aperture that can be efficiently coupled to a single mode fiber. The number of independently controlled wavelengths emitting from a single aperture can be extended to four (Phase II). The knowledge required to develop these lasers requires expertise in materials, optics, gratings, nanostructures, semiconductor processing, thermal transfer, high speed electronics, packaging, systems and telecommunications. Combining the desirable traits of both edge emitting lasers (high power, reliable material, low voltage, use of proven) and vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (low cost, wafer level testing, simple packaging, high integration ability), the advanced research proposed is an innovative photonics technology that has broad applications in telecommunications, information processing, data communications, fiber to the business and home, instrumentation and computations. This technology would hope too lead to the eventual realization of very high data rates (5 Gbps up to 160 Gbps) at very low cost, and the elimination of barriers to deploying fiber to the desktop and to (or closer to) the home. This should also enable ultra high bandwidth connections for business and entertainment. This proposed project hope to provide an enhanced educational experience for students working on this research since it is performed in close collaboration with science and engineering department of a local university. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Amarasinghe, Nuditha PHOTODIGM, INC TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99848 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0340041 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: iPointer - A Device for Directly Querying Geographic Objects in the Field. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and test the spatial models, algorithms, and software. They are needed to computationally match the real-time measurements of location and orientation with the best candidate object in a geospatial dataset. Integrating location-orientation information data with a digital landscape model and developing a plausible computational model that targets granularity is key to the success of the project. Unlike the current location-based services, which put digital maps on to GPS PDAs, this project will exploit the use of orientation sensors so that geospatial datasets are not only user centered but also egocentrically oriented. This aspect is germane to our product since no distinction could be made between such cogitative aspects as in front and behind an important outcome of the work will be a set of robust and fast algorithms that will form the core technology of an integrated hardware-software-data product. The benefits to society will be felt in several ways. The project will extend the capability of handheld devices and enable a better understanding of the environment through technology. Developing a spatial query device that is simple, easy to use and more intuitive increases accessibility for non-specialist users. The project will advance infrastructure for research and education through collaboration with the Spatial Information and Engineering (SIE) Department at the University of Maine and by being based at the Target Technology Center, an incubator for science and technical research in Orono, Maine. The project will advance discovery and understanding while promoting Teaching, Training and Learning through collaboration with the GK-12 Sensors Project; working with graduates to trial the sensor technology with high school students, and by developing materials for the GIS day at SIE. Participation of underrepresented groups will be addressed through strengthening information technology research in collaboration with the University of Maine, an EPSCoR institution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Frank, Chris INTELLIGENT SPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES ME Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98985 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340042 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Photonic Sensor Arrays for Measurement of Temperature and Pressure in Geothermal Wells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a highly-multiplexed high-temperature sensor system to enable distributed temperature and pressure measurements for reservoir management in geothermal wells. The proposed system synergistically leverages recent advances in laser fabrication of in-line fiber interferometers with state-of-the-art high- resolution optical time domain reflectometers. The resulting system will withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees C and will be insensitive to hydrogen-induced spectral attenuation shifts that render Raman spectroscopy methods inaccurate. The commercial application of this project is in the management of energy producing geothermal wells. Electricity generated from these wells has the potential to fill a significant portion of the country's demand for energy. However, costs must be lowered to make geothermal energy economically competitive with fossil fuel energy. Improved geothermal reservoir management is expected to lead to lower energy cost, but requires down-hole instrumentation that can survive the harsh environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG May, Russell PRIME RESEARCH LC VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99865 5371 EGCH 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340048 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: High Speed Terahertz Tomographic Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Imaging System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop the technological and theoretical foundation of a high-speed terahertz (THz) tomographic non-destructive evaluation (NDE) imaging system. It is proposed to construct and evaluate a multiple THz transmitter and receiver module array test-bed to be employed with a commercially availability spectrometer system. This test-bed will be configured in a tomographic configuration and initially employ 4 and 6 elements in Phase I. This test-bed will be used to evaluate 1) the functional parameters and the feasibility of gathering multiple channels of data from an array of modules driven by the same split fiber optic source; and 2) the functional parameters and the feasibility of the reconstruction of 3 dimensional tomographic images from simple test objects scanned by the array. THz imaging has shown great potential, and there is great potential for innovation and research to provide a quantum leap in imaging speed and three dimensional image reconstruction. The image formation rate and three-dimensional image construction have been identified as two of the most important enabling factors in the widespread adoption of this technology for commercial applications. THz tomography offers tremendous market potential in the fields of Non-Destructive Examination (NDE), and homeland security. THz imaging can be used for the NDE of plastic and composite materials in aerospace and other industries, to insure strength and safety of manufactured components. In addition, rapid imaging of concealed explosives, biological agents, chemical weapons, flammables, metallic and non-metallic weapons, and other potentially dangerous items are of great concern to many civilian and governmental agencies (transportation security, law enforcement), and industries such as commercial aviation. This STTR collaboration will foster the developmental collaboration between industry and university in this rapidly advancing field. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Zimdars, David PICOMETRIX, LLC MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0340059 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Low Temperature Synthesis for Device Quality Semiconductor Films. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an integrated method to produce semiconductor devices without heat treatment. It targets an urgent industry need for low temperature deposition of commercially important copper indium diselenide (CIS) thin-films for lightweight photovoltaic modules. Present technology uses expensive vapor phase methods that are unsuitable for large-scale manufacturing or for deposition on plastic substrates. This research will develop a new molecular level concept to deposit electronic grade CIS films at room temperature. Phase I research will demonstrate the proof-of-concept for CIS film with a precisely designed electrochemical approach. Characterization of film properties will validate the approach. Phase II will extend the concepts to produce an innovative device configuration with fewer and safer materials than the state-of-the-art. Project success will lead to a totally new photovoltaic device made with cheaper materials and simpler methods. Its scale-up will use inexpensive commercial equipment. Method implementation will raise specific power ratings and lower manufacturing cost. These factors will translate into a wider spectrum of commercial markets for remote, mobile, or grid-tied power generation, building integration, spacecraft and satellite applications. The initial commercial application of this project will be in the production of solar cells. Broader application to other photovoltaic devices is likely. Project success will greatly impact solar cell production, semiconductor synthesis and nanoscale deposition. The low-temperature, low-cost features will introduce an enormous competitive advantage for any material synthesized with the molecular layer deposition method. The versatile method presents an exciting range of possibilities for novel nanostructures and superlattices, with applications ranging from quantum well lasers to solar cells and high strength structural materials. The immediate product will be a solar cell. Lower cost and mass production will allow this cell to compete with electricity prices for terrestrial power. Deposition on polymer substrates will extend its use for space applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340071 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Fault-Tolerant MPI: An Enabling Strategy, Product Concept, and Enhancement of Production Cluster Computing. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I proposal proposes to develop a scalable, fault-tolerant and reliable message-passing interface. MPI-2 is a key technology for the next several years in enabling scalable parallel computing on massively parallel machines and Beowulf clusters. Fault-tolerance is absent in both the MPI-1 and MPI-2 standards, and no satisfactory products or research results offer an effective path to providing production scalable computing applications with effective fault-tolerance. This proposal addresses fault-tolerance in both the MPI-1 and MPI-2 standards, with attention to key application classes, fault-free overhead, and checkpoint-restart strategies. It connects the resource management infrastructure in use by many types of MPI users in science and industry with the fault-tolerant mechanisms, to be useful in practical scientific computing. If successful this product will provide key new capabilities to parallel programs, programmers, and cluster systems, including the enhancement of existing commercial applications based on MPI, such as CFD applications. The proposed effort is the first towards realizing a fault-tolerant MPI-2, a technology that would be exploited by scientists and engineers across the spectrum, since parallel computing based on MPI is a widespread enabler of scientific discovery. The project expects to increase the adoption of MPI-2, as well as higher productivity parallel computing for clusters and potentially for the grid. The computer science and engineering experience gained through this work will enable better interoperation of MPI implementations and resource allocators, which in turn will further enable efficient production parallel computing. The optimizations targeted at the popular recovery mechanisms, for key classes of applications, can be applied to any middleware and hence would result in improving the performance of applications in general. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Raman, Pirabhu MPI Software Technology, Inc. AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99958 1505 HPCC 9216 9215 9150 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340097 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Grid Computing for Energy Exploration and Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the implementation of a virtual computer environment that leverages the bandwidth and connectivity of the Internet and computer resources available from multiple geographically dispersed computer systems. This solution will be applied to one of the most compute intensive commercial industries: the 2 billion dollar worldwide seismic imaging market for energy exploration and development. This is a powerful and compelling demonstration of the abilities of the Internet and grid computing to enhance the real time value chain for the end consumer, and will usher in a new business approach for the energy exploration industry, and for other compute intensive markets such as: fluid flow modeling, aeronautics, genetic simulation, computational chemistry, astrophysics, nuclear simulation, and computational physics. The particular demonstration of the Grid technology will be in the seismic computing market ($2 billion per year). This market has been expanding because of the dwindling supply of known reserves and the increased worldwide competition for new sources of oil and gas. The capability to accurately image and evaluate reservoirs before drilling is fundamentally important to exploration companies because of the high cost of drilling wells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bevc, Dimitri 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340112 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I:Low-Temperature Route to Cu(In,Ga)Se2 for Flexible Photovoltaics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project provides a new approach to low-temperature processing of a compound semiconductor material, copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). CIGS is presently being used as the solar absorber layer in some thin film polycrystalline solar cells with world-record efficiencies of 19%. While there is a move in the display and photovoltaic (PV) communities towards continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing owing to cost benefits, roll-to-roll CIGS solar cell processes currently give 6 to 8% efficient modules. This is thought to be due to microstructural limitations in the CIGS absorber layer as a consequence of lower temperature sintering required when using a polyimide substrate. The research objective of this project is to demonstrate improved conversion efficiencies for CIGS solar cells using a low-temperature processing step. To do this, small grain CIGS films will be subjected to conditions that favor grain growth yielding a large-grained polycrystalline semiconductor. Temperature will be carefully controlled and optimized to determine if this process might enable economical substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate. If successful, the approach would be generally applicable to polycrystalline metal chalcogenide electronic materials where performance improvements might be anticipated with a reduction in the number of grain boundaries. The commercial application of this project is in the manufacture of high efficiency, flexible, solar cell semiconductor material. This project allows a feasibility demonstration for a semiconductor growth methodology using CIGS solar cells as the first example. Assuming the low-temperature treatment results in the formation of large-grained materials and gives increased solar conversion efficiencies, the process could be utilized as a plug-in at an existing roll-to-roll CIGS manufacturing facility. The development of 15% efficient CIGS solar cells on flexible and lightweight substrates would address the needs of higher-end solar cell products used in portable electronics such as cell phones and laptops where a 10-year market estimate of $ 5 billion is not unreasonable. While existing PV technologies may meet the cost target for portable PV (i.e. $10/W) these are not applicable given the low-specific power density and inflexibility of the modules thus providing a significant opportunity for an emerging solar cell technology. For this consumer application, the value added through the use of portable PV is the convenience of never "plugging in" to recharge a power system. In addition to CIGS solar cells, this low-temperature growth approach could impact the emerging fields of flexible electronics and electronic textiles through new routes to transistors and/or thermo-electrics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schulz, Douglas CeraMem Corporation MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340114 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Linking Curriculum and Assessment: Products and Services from Research to Classroom. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to create a series of interactive curriculum and assessment materials for middle and high school science. These materials will be in the form of computer-based activities that use scaffolded, manipulable models to encourage scientific reasoning. In addition to capturing their answers to specific questions, the activities will monitor students' actions as they engage in exploratory and problem-solving tasks. This rich source of information will be automatically transferred where it will be analyzed and made available to teachers for embedded assessment of students' content knowledge and reasoning skills. The technology produced by this project will enable researchers and educators to create and customize novel education activities that guide and monitor students' actions as they solve increasingly difficult problems using computer models of scientific phenomena. The technology enables extremely fine-grained performance data to be collected from very large numbers of subjects. This combination will create unprecedented opportunities for conducting scientific research in education. Research with computer-based, interactive curriculum materials demonstrates that they impose no extraordinary requirements for teacher professional development, and are disproportionately effective with precisely those students whom traditional science teaching often leaves behind. By bringing up-to-date research results to the classroom in the form of easily accessible reports on student achievement, the project will accelerate a shift away from the current post hoc, multiple-choice testing modality, in favor of real-time embedded assessment of critical aspects of science learning that are difficult to measure by conventional techniques. The project will give teachers a tool that will help them reach underachieving students, coupled with a powerful assessment technique that will provide them with a continuous measure of their students' learning. EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIV IIP ENG Horwitz, Paul Educational Network Services, Inc. MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99955 7180 SMET 9177 7256 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0510604 Analytic Tools 0522400 Information Systems 0340121 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced Dielectric Performance from MagiCap (TM) Polymer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop thin films of nanoparticle/polymer composites for use as artificial dielectric materials. These artificial dielectrics have the potential to have high dielectric constants while maintaining the low temperature processing ability, adhesion, and flexibility of polymers. The shape, size, and orientation of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix will be controlled at the nanometer scale in order to tune the particle's behavior as dielectric enhancers in the insulating matrix. Nanoparticles having spherical, cubic, and wire shaped geometry and dimensions in the range of 0.4-100 nm will be dispersed into polymer resin and formed into thin film capacitors for testing. The commercial applications of this project will be in improved capacitors for the electronics industry. Such practical, high capacitance materials will enable embedded capacitors for printed wiring board applications. In addition, high energy density capacitors are needed for temporary backup power and pulsed power in electrons, hybrid vehicles, and space applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Flanagan, John NGIMAT CO. GA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340130 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Quantum Confined Atom Based Nanophosphors for Future Efficient Lighting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves the confinement of activator ions in nanocrystalline quantum dots to enhance the brightness and efficiency of LED-white lamps. These quantum confined atom (QCA)-nanophosphors involve a single activator ion confined within a 2-7 nm nanocrystal host (quantum dot) of semiconductor and insulator. The project objective involves the fabrication of the nanophosphors and characterization of their optical and thermal properties. The project will demonstrate that the enhanced luminescent and thermal properties of the phosphors can be applied to high brightness white LEDs and conventional lighting products. The improvements in lamp efficiency should be in the 15-50 percent range depending on the specific lamp. The project will also study the dependency of light generation on temperature. This would be of importance not only for the high-flux and high temperature operation of LEDs and arc lamps but would help in a basic understanding of the thermal properties of nanophosphors. The commercial application of this technology is in the replacement of incandescent lamp lighting with solid state LEDs. The cost of producing electricity is $60 billion annually in the US and lighting accounts for 20 percent of the consumption. Replacing incandescent lamps with efficient solid state LED lamps could result in huge savings and a significant reduction in electric consumption. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bhargava, Rameshwar NANOCRYSTALS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP NY T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99800 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340139 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Saving the Black Rhino: Thinking Globally and Acting Locally. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to support the research and development of a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) to support science content learning and environmental awareness among students ages nine to thirteen. Leveraging an existing platform developed through previous National Science Foundation support and a 2000+ user-base, it will develop an educational gaming context in which children will be engaged in investigating the socio-political and environmental dynamics surrounding the creation and maintenance of a game reserve located in Tanzania. Children learning from the Black Rhino Unit will travel around a virtual environment where they can collect environmental data and interview experts to develop an understanding of the game reserve and black rhino, learn about the reasons for the animals' near extinction, its biology, its habitat, and additionally develop an understanding of the Tanzania (climate, population, terrain, political situation, etc). However, the primary learning goal of the Black Rhino unit goes beyond learning about the black rhino with students also having to identify an issue in their local community that they will investigate and report on. With a fully developed online education game made possible through National Science Foundation support and expected supplemental funding, the firm, One Planet Education Network (OPEN), would have a unique and powerful online education-based 3D gaming application and product to sell or license to schools and homes online around the world. This education game development would align with and extend the firm's current portfolio of online science curriculum programs and result in a product that could have worldwide practical impact RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Newman, George The Power of Three, LLC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1666 SMET 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0340145 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High-Resolution Absolute Linear Encoder Based on a Spintronic Sensing Array. 0340145 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will explore the feasibility of developing an absolute, high-resolution linear encoder leveraging the evolving technology of spintronics. An array of magnetic tunnel junction sensors will sense spatially varying magnetic fields generated by lithographically defined micron-scale current carrying conductors with known geometries. Absolute spatial encoding will be achieved by a unique mapping of sensor outputs to linear displacement. The proposed device will be an absolute encoder, which will dramatically reduce power consumption. In the Phase I work, this idea of a magnetic encoder based on tunnel junction technology will be brought from a purely theoretical idea to the prototyping stage. The proposed product will be low-cost, low power, robust, and extremely sensitive compared to existing techniques and thus may create brand new markets for encoder technology. The potential impact of the proposed work will thus be felt in every field requiring precise measurement of displacement, such as personal electronics, robotics, machine tools, wafer handling equipment, scientific and medical imaging, micromanipulation, and motion control systems. The development of an array of magnetic tunnel junctions with submicron resolution will be of great utility in many fields of basic and applied research, particularly in the emerging fields of nanotechnology, biomagnetism, and spintronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Gurpreet MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340149 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Feasibility of Chiral Fiber Polarizer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of a new class of in-fiber polarizers and polarization converters based upon chiral optical fibers. Helical birefringence is imparted to these optical waveguides by twisting fibers with noncircular cores as they pass through a miniature oven. Thus thesechiral fiber gratings (CFGs) do not require coherent irradiation of photosensitive glass, which is used to process fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), but rather are created in a versatile continuous process from specially prepared glass preforms. They are true fiber devices and do not require any substrates, bulk components, or rigid package. Both the polarizer and polarization converter will be based on CFGs with a pitch of tens of microns. These CFG-based devices, which will be fabricated at dramatically reduced cost, will permit the control of the polarization of transmitted light with high extinction ratio over broad or narrow spectral ranges as dictated by the application. They will have broad application in telecommunications to polarization mode dispersion (PMD) compensation, wavelength- division multiplexing (WDM), and Faraday rotators. Polarizers are also key to sensors relying on optical interference such as gyroscopes. Polarization and frequency selective chiral fibers have applications ranging from telecommunications to sensing. The use of external modulators for high bandwidth fiber telecommunication requires that the incident wave be linearly polarized. This necessitates use of a polarizer since laser sources used in telecommunications generally have random polarization. Further any use of polarization maintaining fiber requires that polarized light be launched into the fiber. Polarizers are also key components in PMD compensation systems. The versatile chiral polarizers may be fabricated from refractory or radiation resistive glasses so that they may function in harsh environments with high levels of radiation, high temperature, or corrosive chemicals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Neugroschl, Dan CHIRAL PHOTONICS, INC NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99991 5371 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0340171 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Environmental Risk Management and Quantification Using Real Options. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project is proposed for developing a methodology and tools for assessing the redevelopment value of environmentally impaired properties. The purpose of this research is to develop a methodology and software to quantify the risk and cost associated with redeveloping such properties. The proposed project involves: (i) identifying and evaluating data for calibrating a valuation model; (ii) developing a valuation model that accurately accounts for uncertainty and the value of management flexibility than other available models); (iii) identifying commercially available products that can support the model; and (iv) developing a working prototype of the model, using the data collected in the first task to check the viability of the prototype. The application of these methodologies represents a unique aspect of this research; this approach reflects the state-of-the-art in research of property valuation, and the proposed project is expected to advance the state-of-the-art in this field. The project offers numerous commercial and societal benefits related to redevelopment of environmentally impaired properties. There are tens of thousands of environmentally impaired properties in the United States, many of which are located near business centers and in areas targeted for redevelopment. Developers can purchase insurance products to mitigate some of this risk, but the costs of currently available insurance products are not based on an accurate evaluation of the true risk. Using the product of this research, developers will be able to more accurately quantify the value of their investment in an environmentally impaired property, will be able to more competitively obtain insurance against unforeseen circumstances, develop better contingency plans in the event that unexpected conditions are encountered, and will be able to identify key management decision points in a proposed redevelopment project. The product of this research will also provide, in some cases, a competitive advantage to redevelopment of environmentally impaired properties over development of undeveloped land. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Espinoza, David GeoSyntec Consultants FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99813 5371 HPCC 9216 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0340172 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Optical Pressure Sensors. 0340172 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop novel optical pressure sensor materials that can be used in low pressure regimes, less than 100 psi, with 1 psi or lower resolution. While conventional "pressure sensitive" materials such as pressure sensitive paints actually respond to oxygen partial pressure, few true optical pressure sensors exist that can claim insensitivity to competing effects such as chemicals, bending, temperature, and electric field. Conventional sensors such as fiber Bragg gratings and fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers will continue to be prohibitively expensive for volume applications for a very long time and cannot match the price performance mark of material- based techniques. This pressure specification covers a wide range of applications where optical sensors (and Fiber-optic sensors in particular) are desirable, including diverse markets such as biomedical and surgical (e.g. intravenous and intra-cranial monitoring), energy (fuel cells and gas turbines), materials processing (plastics and polymers), and petrochemical applications (down-hole temperature and pressure monitoring). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zounes, Maryann IPITEK CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99809 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340175 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Learning Context. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes the unsupervised extraction of contextual information from dedicated video surveillance cameras by providing a mechanism to manually inject pieces of semantic, using semantic knowledge as seed information to learn statistical context models for: functional components, Environmental components, targets, temporal components, and integrating the learned contextual information into video surveillance systems. Automatic exploitation of context from video will benefit: core computer vision research areas such as segmentation, background-modeling, tracking, and classification, event detection, automatic unusual behavior detection; abnormal target behavior, weather conditions, sequences of events, and the like and event handling. This project will have the most impact in the homeland security and law enforcement areas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Haering, Niels ObjectVideo, Inc. VA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 90673 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 0522400 Information Systems 0340181 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Portable SI-HPLC Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of a portable and fully automated chromatographic based analyzer. This analyzer will integrate several proven technologies to produce an automated instrument that is compact, robust and easily implemented for on-line, at-site, or field-ready use, especially where complex HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) analyses are needed. Based on Sequential Injection (SI) protocol and HPLC instrumentation, this instrument will be full automated and provide an integrated approach with respect to sample collection, pretreatment, chemical modification, separation and detection of target analytes. This chemical analyzer will exploit several novel technologies including sequential injection, portable high-pressure syringe pumps and sol-gel HPLC columns in its development of this hybrid analyzer referred to as Sequential Injection for High performance Liquid Chromatography (SI-HPLC). Although HPLC is a fundamental fixture in many laboratories; it remains largely a bench-top instrument due to its overall large size, high power consumption and need for manual sample retreatment/preparation prior to analysis. By integrating several evolving technologies, HPLC analysis can be fully automated and conducted at much lower pressures, which will also make this analyzer very compact and truly portable as well as energy efficient. The proposed SI-HPLC instrument will find applications at on-line process control, at-site environmental monitoring or as a multipurpose field-ready analyzer for medical, law-enforcement or military use. The SI-HPLC instrument will be a low cost, portable system that is highly adaptable to different applications since it will rely on an open architecture made possible by software programmability. Sequential Injection technologies make this analyzer ideally suited for use by untrained personnel or for remote autonomous analysis since sample handling and preparation can be completely automated. Examples for SI-HPLC use will be for online process control (e.g. pharmaceuticals) to provide real-time feedback for Quality Control or optimal product yield; at-site monitoring of pesticide or leachate contamination of water sources; or as a field-ready analyzer for mobile hospital units. The SI-HPLC instrument will have broad application since it will employee widely accepted/desired HPLC methodologies into a completely portable and cost-effective field analyzer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Klein, Garth FIAsolutions WA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340213 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Solar Cell. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to focus on the development and optoelectronic optimization of a prototype for a new, leapfrog class of web-coatable solar cells which are flexible with a light weight form factor, have substantially lower absolute cost per area, and a breakthrough cost-performance. The objective of the project is the creation and optimization of a benchtop prototype device with an efficiency, which will represent the highest solar cell efficiency ever achieved in an organic cell. The project's plastic solar cells are based upon a 200 nm thick, nanoscale charge-splitting network which serves as an active layer, self-organized from solution into highly regular coatings that can be tailored to absorb most of the visible light spectrum. These solar cells can be coated onto large-area panels without the use of lithography, vacuum deposition, or high-temperature processes. Commercially, relative to best practice solar cells, based on thin film, inorganic copper indium gallium selenide technology, this new approach has the potential to enable solar cells with a cost per watt that is 2.5x superior to the industry's anticipated CIGS-based cell performance in 2008, an unprecedented level with the potential of making solar electricity economically feasible for a broad market. In addition, with key differentiating attributes including light weight, a flexible form, and a low cost per area, the technology opens up new markets and application segments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sager, Brian Nanosolar, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340214 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Interactive Anatomy for Grade 7-12 Students and Teachers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I aims to extend an interactive anatomy-learning environment from undergraduate into middle school and high school settings. Life sciences education in middle and high school is severely limited because of the cost and complexity of authentic laboratory experiences. This project will provide easy access to powerful data sources with tools for manipulating the data for a learning objective. This environment marks a unique approach to the application of computer technology to the K-12 anatomy and physiology curriculum, specifically grades 7-12, but with applicability to K-6. The environment supports an interactive work model where students engage in the same cycle of observation, interpretation, and action that characterized the historic "dissect and sketch paradigm." This environment allows students to produce an individual and unique visual record of their investigations, while they learn sophisticated computer skills, problem-solving techniques, and health science content. The tools resulting from this research will greatly enhance the ability of middle and high school teachers and students to access federally funded anatomical data such as the National Library of Medicine's Visible Human data sets, needed to learn basic anatomy. Providing this experience virtually improves overall access, and providing it early in a child's learning program might increase the number and quality of health care professionals in the future.. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG McCracken, Thomas VISIBLE PRODUCTIONS INC CO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 98140 1666 SMET 9177 7256 0522400 Information Systems 0340245 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Ultra Linear FM Transceiver Employing Delta Sigma Modulation in Silicon Germanium. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates a novel digital approach for modulation and demodulation of FMCW signals in precision radar systems and wideband radios. Recent availability of Silicon Germanium technologies supporting clock speeds of 10 GHz make possible this approach for potentially high volume 77 GHz automotive radar and 2 GHz cellular wCDMA applications. Ultimately the SiGe technology will support all digital and microwave circuitry so an entire RF product can be integrated on one low cost silicon-based chip. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project combines two rapidly developing technologies, delta-sigma signal processing of audio and video information, and silicon germanium(SiGe) wafer processing. When the SiGe integrated delta-sigma technique is proven successful for high performance microwave and millimeter wave radios, it has the potential to enable new commercial radio architectures because of the low cost, power and size of SiGe integrated circuits. Investigating the limits of clock frequencies and digital signal processing speeds using SiGe applied to radio modems will contribute greatly to this revolution. A successful delta-sigma modem implementation at microwave frequencies will translate the extensive knowledge of these techniques at lower frequencies to a significant new spectrum of applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Warble, Keith Sensor Technologies & Systems, Inc. AZ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99448 5371 HPCC 9139 4650 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0340259 January 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Surface Plasmon Enhanced High Efficiency Near-field Probes. 0340259 This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project will develop near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) probes with dramatically increased transmission efficiency that will lead to increased spatial resolution and higher scan speed. High transmission efficiency will be achieved by incorporation of newly discovered near-field surface plasmon affects. NSOM probes using surface plasmon enhancement will have 2-3 orders of magnitude higher transmission than existing probes, allowing faster scanning speeds as well as better spatial resolution. A combination of first principles modeling and nanofabrication of test structures in Phase I will provide proof of concept as well as a guide for Phase II optimization. This program will push the fundamental scientific understanding of near-field optics while simultaneously enhancing the capabilities of commercial NSOM metrology instruments, which have wide applicability in nanotechnology development, lithography and metrology. Plasmon optics have potential applications to a broad range of areas where high efficiency and subwavelength sizes are required including the integration of optics with microelectronics, spatial and spectral optical multiplexing, and data storage applications. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hollingsworth, Russell ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99963 1505 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340270 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Compact Heat Sink using Microscale Ion Driven Air Flow. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of designing and fabricating a Microscale Ion Driven Air Flow heat sink device. The heat removal rate required to maintain the temperature of consumer electronics at an acceptable level is increasing at an exponential rate. In spite of the rise in heat fluxes, cooling electronics with air continues to be the preferred method of thermal management because of its low cost and simplicity. However, conventional heat-sinking devices are not able to achieve these heat transfer rates in small portable electronics such as laptop computers. The proposed device has the potential to dissipate the same amount of heat as a conventional fan and heat sink, but in 1/10th the size. To prove the viability of this technology, a series of targeted models and experiments will be run. The program will culminate with a system level feasibility study that will demonstrate, through models and experiments, the ability of this technology to cool electronic equipment. The commercial application of this project is a heat sink for use with small portable electronic devices such as laptop computers. The goal of this research is to develop and produce a compact heat sink that will be completely noiseless, lightweight, smaller and cheaper than any other air-cooled heat-sinking device. The heat sink will have broad commercialization potential, particularly in laptop computers, future cell phones, and other mobile computing applications. It will allow the use of high-performance CPUs in these small portable packages. This will also facilitate further miniaturization and integration of computer chips. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schlitz, Daniel Thorrn Micro Technologies, Inc. IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1519 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340283 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: New Algorithms for PTZ Camera Based Object Tracking. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will investigate and evaluate a new class of moving object-tracking algorithms for PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras in video surveillance systems. In most of today's video surveillance systems, real-time object tracking is performed manually by human operators using PTZ cameras. This is often stressful and inefficient (an operator can only control one PTZ camera at a time) and causes inconsistent results. The proposed project will investigate a new class of algorithms to direct a PTZ camera to track an object of interest automatically. This is done by using an optimal filter with new object and observation models. The project outcome will be software modules that can be integrated into standard video surveillance systems to improve their capabilities. Video surveillance systems are important tools in the fight against crime and terrorism. Most of the systems on the market today are relatively standard DVR's (digital video recorders) with few smart features. The proposed innovation (automatic object tracking) is a smart feature that can significantly improve a standard system's capabilities by allowing it to get better and more useful images. Since this feature is demanded by many end-users, it is highly attractive to equipment vendors and integrators. Hence, it has commercial potential. Finally, by introducing new models for object tracking (detailed in the Project Description), the proposed innovation also advances the state-of-the-art in image processing and computer vision research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Drake, Laura JunTech, Inc. WI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340287 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Efficient Electro-Optical Modulators for Microwave-Photonic Links. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on developing a new type of lightwave transmitter based on the frequency modulation technique. Using the system FM (frequency modulation) gain to overcome the very high radio frequency (RF) insertion loss of optical fiber links, the transmitter should be able to achieve very low voltage operations (estimated to be 0.1V). Furthermore, the laser source and the equivalent modulator could be integrated in a small lightweight chip with a low production cost. The initial study has shown that it is possible to achieve >10 dB RF insertion gain at a < 0 dBm optical power and with a high spur-free dynamic range (SFDR) of > 90 dB-Hz 2/3 and low noise. The result of this work will be the design and development of an integrated chip. With the successful development of the proposed modulator, it should be possible to manufacture very high bandwidth, high efficiency, low voltage?, and low RF insertion loss integrated laser/modulator devices. The outcome of the activity should lead to a marketable product covering the needs of both the military and commercial sectors. For military applications, low-loss RF signal transmissions, RF delay lines, and signal processing units would be the immediate target area of this application because of the great advantages of optical fibers in transmission bandwidth, immunity to electro-magnetic (EM) interference, and size as well as weight. The impact on commercial applications should result in, a low cost, high link budget analog AM CATV optical transmitter with more program channels (200 channels) based on this modulator technique. It could also serve metropolitan sized areas with more program channels and with lower operating and equipment costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fan, Jenyu Adtech Optics Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99927 5371 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0340306 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Thin Film Transistors on Plastic Fabricated From Dense Thin-Films of Oriented Semiconductor Nanowires. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new, high-performance thin-film-on-plastic technology that will provide single-crystal silicon thin-film transistors (TFTs). The project will focus on the challenge of fabricating films and forming high quality electrical contacts (both ohmic for source and drain electrodes, and insulated for gate electrodes) on low-temperature plastic substrates. This project focuses on the basic proof of principle, fabricating individual TFTs on plastic by: (1) the creation of a dense and oriented layer of nanowires adhered to plastic; (2) lithographic patterning of source and drain openings using traditional infrastructure; (3) the creation of high quality ohmic contacts under low temperature conditions; and (4) creation of insulated gate-electrode contacts under low temperature conditions. The commercial applications of this technology will be in the electronics and photonics industries. The unique characteristics of nanowires will enable high-performance macroelectronics on plastic that can be processed using established commercial infrastructure. The research will greatly impact the development of devices for commercial, military, and homeland security markets. Flexible semiconducting films have the potential for replacing amorphous and polycrystalline silicon in important large-area electronics applications such as displays and radio-frequency identification tags. In addition, this fundamental technology can be applied to nanowire materials other than silicon, allowing broader use with materials currently impossible to process onto large area substrates such as gallium arsenide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stumbo, David NANOSYS INC CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99976 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340327 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Creation of a Massively-Scaleable Emergency Medical Resource Information Exchange System (MEMRIES) Based on an Entity-Attribute-Value (EAV) Database. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is intended to design, develop, and evaluate an innovative web-based software application to address a compelling national need to organize emergency resources. The project will develop an innovative Entity-Attribute-Value (EAV) database design to provide a flexible, scaleable platform to meet the needs for a next generation National emergency resource system. Effective communication systems linking stakeholders responding to emergency events are critical to the Nation's preparedness but a standardized, national-level, flexible system is not yet available. The main Phase One activities are: (1) remodel the current database as an EAV system; (2) design web-based application tools that provide the ability to generate aggregate hierarchical views of the data at multiple levels, and agile messaging; and (3) build a prototype system and convert/replicate a set of current data, using it with the new prototype system for performance, scalability and user evaluation during test scenarios. Commercial application of this project will provide first responders with ability to simultaneously monitor the status of emergency resources, and to distribute messages and queries to emergency personnel in local and regional areas. Successful development and implementation will result in major improvements in the Nation's preparedness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Barthell, Edward Infinity HealthCare, Inc. WI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99800 5371 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0340340 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Social Dynamics of Sales in a Global Village. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes to enable company's existing software to extend concepts from social network theory and computer science to create a new data type -the relationship master network. New data types (e.g., customer master) have, historically, solved business problems and created new enterprise software segments (e.g., CRM). While the company's existing software's current focus is on using this relationship to help enterprise sales teams make the appropriate contacts faster and more efficiently (by answering "who knows who?"), this technology supports any referral-based process (e.g., finding jobs). In particular, it only connects parties with mutual interests (e.g., employers and job seekers). Eliminating discovery costs makes it much easier to gain insight into a person or organization - thereby bringing the social dynamics of a village up to global scale. This project will develop a way to prototype components that are significantly more complex than existing products can currently prototype. If successful this project will develop methods, using information in the relationship network, to (1) reconcile the multiple records (each with sparse data) which appear to describe different people or organizations to a record for a single person or organization and (2) identify and extract information of relevance (e.g., biographical information on customers) from the web. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Akella, Prasad Spoke Software CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340348 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Customized Metasearch Engine. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of the company's metasearch technology by developing a prototype system for automatically creating customized metasearch engines based on the search engines specified by a user (i.e., the URLs of the interface pages of the search engines are provided by the user). A metasearch engine is a system that provides unified access to multiple existing search engines and it is an effective mechanism to combine the coverage of multiple search engines and to reach the portion of the Web that cannot be publicly crawled. Several issues must be addressed. First, different form tags that contain search engine interfaces need to be automatically analyzed so that information useful for connecting to the search engines (i.e., submitting queries and receiving results) through a program can be correctly extracted. Another issue is that various result pages returned by different search engines in response to user queries need to be automatically parsed so that useful information such as the URLs and snippets of retrieved documents can be correctly extracted. A third issue is that retrieved documents from multiple search engines need to be automatically merged into a single ranked list with good retrieval effectiveness while minimizing the need to downloading/analyzing the actual documents. One final issue is that created metasearch engines need to be automatically maintained so they can continue to work correctly when independently managed search engines change. The outcome of this project will contribute to research in several related areas such as distributed information retrieval, autonomous systems, information extraction and self-maintainable systems. Customized metasearch engines can benefit individual users and companies/organizations in their information acquisition. This solution saves users' time and increases productivity SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, King-Lup WebScalers L.L.C. LA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99973 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0340351 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Development of New Pulsing Mechanisms for Local Electrode Atom Probe Analyses of Electronic Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to adapt the highest spatial resolution analytical technique, atom probe microscopy, to work on silicon-based electronic materials specifically, and semiconductor and insulating materials generally. The semiconductor and information storage industries, large and critical sectors of the US economy, face daunting development tasks which require analytical techniques that provide quantitative three-dimensional images at the atomic scale. Atom probe microscopy is the only known technique that can fill this very large and crucial need but essential research is needed to make it work. The atom probe uses field evaporation to extract one atom at a time from a specimen and determine its identity and location in three dimensions. Our understanding of the basic mechanisms by which field evaporation of silicon occurs must be improved if this technique is to be applied to electronic materials. This research program proposes to systematically explore and document novel methods of achieving the requisite pulsing. The commercial application of this project is in analytical instrumentation to study, develop, and control semiconductor and insulating electronic materials. Microscopy is required for science/technology development in many areas critical to national economy (e.g. advanced materials, microelectronics, and medicine.) As we embark on the century of nanotechnology, it will be essential that microscopy techniques provide a complete picture of materials at the atomic scale. No other existing imaging or analytical technology can determine the 3-D atomic structure with the resolution and elemental identification capabilities of the atom probe. Therefore, development of methods to broaden the types of materials that may be analyzed with the atom probe, as is the goal of this project, will substantially impact the development of new microelectronic devices, new nanotechnologies, and new science. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kelly, Thomas Imago Scientific Instruments Corp WI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340357 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Virion Capsulated Nanopowders for Dielectric Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is for a novel methodology to produce nanodimensional formulation additives for use in the passive components industry. Presently available materials are rapidly reaching the point of diminishing return in terms of fired grain sizes, microstructural control and electrical performance. Given the ever-increasing demands of the electronics industry, novel solutions enabling next generation passive components must be developed. Of particular interest to this work are dielectric formulations for the multi-billion dollar multi-layered capacitor industry. The utilization of a novel virion encapsulated nanopowder production technology to produce formulation additives for this marketplace is proposed. Virion encapsulation uses self-assembling protein cages as scaffolding for nanoparticle production. Anticipated benefits of the research include the development of a method to produce nanodimensional multi-metal oxides, development of a novel nanodimensional dielectric system and definition of the processing window for nanodimensional passive component production. The technology being developed in this proposal is a direct application of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology impacts the fundamental nature of the products it enables. Objects become smaller, faster, stronger, lighter, possessing entirely new properties and even combinations of properties not otherwise available. The application of nanotechnology permits both the production of novel products and entirely new manufacturing paradigms. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Avniel, Yuval MicroPowder Solutions, LLC. MT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340381 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High-Power Optical Wavelength Converter. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes the development of novel near-infrared coherent light sources. The approach consists of the use of novel means to convert the power of a continuous- wave (CW) multi-watt pump, such as derived from an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), or ytterbium- doped fiber amplifier (YDFA), to a wavelength range where high CW powers are currently not available. The output power will be available via an optical fiber. The wavelength conversion will have high efficiency, of the order of tens of percents. Output power will initially reach several Watts, with possible extension up to several hundred Watts. By this approach, we could in principle make powerful coherent light sources in many wavelength ranges where none have been previously available, in the broad range of 800 to 1800 nm. Each source will be tunable over several hundred nanometers. These light sources should find applications wherever high-power CW coherent sources are Needed. Possible areas of application are: laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, heat treatment, and laser machining, remote sensing, spectroscopy, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Marhic, Michael OPAL Laboratories Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 96746 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0340384 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Filtering Objectionable Imagery. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes a new and innovative approach for filtering objectionable image content distributed on the Internet. As Internet usage in the workplace has increased, companies have had to deal with issues such as loss of productivity, unnecessary bandwidth usage and legal liability due to employees viewing objectionable image content. This project provides an automated, intelligent, object recognition solution that understands objectionable image content based on attributes beyond, for example, skin color. The research leverages the award-winning machine learning technology for object-recognition in imagery. The methodology is widely recognized within the industry as the first instance of an adaptive software agent technology capable of object recognition through both spectral and spatial processing of image attributes. This project will leverage this technology to develop a visual content filter. The system will not only be able to filter objectionable imagery, it will also provide solutions for filtering any image content, or inversely, providing a user-specific profile for finding imagery of a user's choice. As Internet usage in the workplace continues to increase, the research has strong benefits for government and private industry. The anticipated results are an adaptable commercial system that will continually improve the filtering of objectionable imagery from the database. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Blundell, Stuart VISUAL LEARNING SYSTEMS INC MT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9150 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340407 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Germanium Liquid Crystals for Perfect Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to explore the development of a fundamentally new class of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) containing germanium. Only one germanium liquid crystal compound has been prepared until this year. A new germanium compound has shown tremendous promise in revolutionizing the scope of FLC devices. The Phase I objectives are to synthesize 20 new compounds and to explore the unique properties of this fundamentally new class of LCs, applying the findings towards commercial application. Anticipated results include an improved understanding of the physical, chemical, and optical properties of these new materials, and the identification of further FLC material and cell advances that need to be achieved in Phase II for subsequent commercialization. The new class of FLCs may afford a more durable device showing broader temperature range and lower birefringence (ease of manufacture), and most of all, operate in both analog and bistable modes. The commercial application of this project is in optical communications. Because germanium FLCs have the potential to afford both analog and bistable operation (a result of bookshelf layer structure) many areas will be opened to commercialization. Phase modulation is the foundation for electro-optical beam steering and optical wave front correction, which find application in free-space optical communications, in beam steering and beam shaping for laser radar in aviation, and in active optics. The new FLCs will also enable higher performance megabit write-heads for emerging holographic data storage, and will be useful for optical information processing. In addition, fast, bistable LCs have been needed for FLC displays, allowing access to the multibillion-dollar projection display market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wand, Michael Displaytech Incorporated CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340418 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: MathQuery: Improving Computer-Based Mathematics Assessment Using XML. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project proposes to explore the feasibility of creating a new method for analyzing and evaluating free-form student responses within computer-based assessment and tutorial systems for mathematics. This research will apply new XML technologies in an attempt to evaluate a student's mathematics understanding at a much deeper level than is possible with existing computer-based assessment systems, which will lead to improved assessment reporting and adaptation of mathematics curricula. The proposed method for implementing mathematics assessment not only represents an innovative application of XML technologies to a significant problem in education, namely mathematics assessment; it also proposes a new specification that can be used to supplement emerging standards in computer-based learning and interoperability. Traditional standardized assessment methodologies have been criticized for the low level of skills they evaluate. Improved assessment methods are necessary in order to adapt mathematics instruction to the needs of individual students. The proposed research will also demonstrate that XML technologies can address a range of applications much broader than e-commerce and web publishing. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG DeLand, Donald Integre Technical Publishing Company, Inc. NM Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99947 9150 SMET 9178 9150 7256 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0340422 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Diode-Laser Sensors for Real-Time Control of Semiconductor Processing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project proposes to support the development of a real-time, insitu sensor for the monitoring and control of next-generation semiconductor etch tools. The sensor is based on ultrasensitive diode-laser absorption techniques for measurements of important native etch products (HF, DF, CO). This novel sensor system will measure concentrations of native etch products insitu with high sensitivity, accuracy, speed and specificity, eliminating the need for auxiliary etch stop layers. These auxiliary etch stop layers, which are currently used for control of the etch process, increase layer capacitance, and hence reduce operating speed of the devices in production. This sensor system has direct commercial impact on the next-generation etch tools and their process capabilities. The real-time control afforded by this sensor system will likely become an industry standard and become a critical subcomponent of the semiconductor etch tool market. Application to other plasma-based process tools is a natural extension of this technology, as well as extension to other application areas including industrial process control, vehicle engine testing, and atmospheric and environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Owano, Thomas LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340435 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: PZT Multimorph MOEMS Deformable Mirror. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to fabricate an innovative multi-morph actuator. The feasibility of a micro-mirror actuating technology that can produce a MEMS deformable mirror (DM) with unprecedented capabilities will be researched. Conventional deformable mirrors suffer from inadequate speed, large size, and lack of integrated control electronics. A new actuator design should drastically reduce the power consumption for a DM, which should increase greatly the amount of integration possible with CMOS drive electronics. This extremely low voltage should allow the mirror segments to be assembled onto sub-micron circuits, which drive the mirrors and include integrated high-bandwidth position-feedback circuits. This unique high-force multi-morph actuator should find use in a number of MEMS devices that are based on existing actuation technologies. This micro-mirror technology should also be suitable a variety of other optical applications requiring the high speed switching of micro-mirrors such as in telecommunications and in display technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Helmbrecht, Michael Iris AO, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99200 5371 HPCC 9145 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0340438 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High Throughput Screening of High Efficiency Spin Injection Materials in the Transparent Room Temperature Ferromagnetic Doped Indium Oxides. 0340438 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the high efficiency spin injection materials. One of the major technical barriers to realize the practical implementation of spin-controlled devices is the development of spin injection contact materials that will effectively inject spin polarized electrons into semiconductors. One approach is the development of room temperature, soft ferromagnetic semiconductors. Based on Intematix's proprietary combinatorial technology of materials research, transition metal doped In2O3, well-known wide bandgap semiconductor, was found to have impurity-free, room temperature ferromagnetism with high solubility of dopants. With many emerging new diluted magnetic semiconductor materials troubled by magnetic impurities, the impurity-free magnetism in doped In2O3 raises a significant possibility of spin polarization in this wide bandgap semiconductor. The goal is to realize a thin film device to confirm its spin injection efficiency, thus paving the way for a wide range of practical device applications in Phase II. The discovery and confirmation of efficient spin injection materials in thin film device setting is the key to the spintronics semiconductor industry, and its potential benefits to the U.S. economy and environment is enormous. It will set off the industry of spin-enabled semiconductor devices from sensors to spin-current amplifying transistors. Once realized, the spintronic devices will quadruple the capacity and speed of conventional semiconductor devices. This will eventually lead to create quantum computers that encode information in four different spin states -- up, down or two mixtures of both -- instead of representing data in binary digits, as is the case at present. Eventually it will create the spintronics industry whose market is projected to be bigger than the current semiconductor industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yoo, Young Intematix Corporation CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99988 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0340439 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Accessible Electronic Mathematical Content. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project explores the feasibility of making MathML in a web browser and mathematical expressions in Word seamlessly accessible to people with print disabilities. Print disabilities include blindness, low vision, dyslexia and other learning disabilities. While others have explored aspects of accessibility in stand-alone applications, nobody has integrated access to mathematical content for those with print disabilities into users' existing screen readers or other assistive technology. This proposal brings together work on various aspects of making mathematical content accessible and pushes forward the state-of-the-art in audio rendering of mathematical expressions, navigation of mathematical expressions with audio feedback, and synchronizing audio rendering with highlighting the corresponding subexpression. Accessibility of electronic content is a requirement of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, Section 508. Increasingly, states are adopting similar requirements for state-funded entities. Accessibility laws apply to all forms of content, not just textual content. These laws enforce the need to make all forms of electronic content accessible, including mathematical content. The results of this work will be incorporated into MathPlayer (a free software add-on for Internet Explorer (IE) that enables IE to display MathML in web pages) and MathType (a software application for authoring and displaying mathematics within word processors). Between these two applications, all MathML in web pages and mathematics in documents can be accessible to people with print disabilities. Many states have laws requiring textbooks to be accessible. The results of this project will present a fast and inexpensive route for publishers of textbooks with mathematical content to satisfy these laws. More importantly, the availability of these books and other documents coupled with accessible authoring of mathematical content has the potential to dramatically enhance the way students with print disabilities are taught and learn mathematics, science, engineering and other technical fields. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Soiffer, Neil Design Science, Inc. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 95922 1545 SMET 9180 9179 9178 9177 1545 0522400 Information Systems 0340445 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: The Delivery of Content-Rich Traffic Information to Improve Driver Decision Making. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project is an investigation of the data reduction processes and human/computer interfaces necessary to deliver content-rich traffic information to travelers en route. Large volumes of traffic data, of many types and over large areas, is being gathered by public and private agencies. To be useful to a driver while traveling, this data must be reduced to small amounts of information and delivered in a way that allows easy comprehension with minimal distraction. This research proposes to analyze drivers' needs for traffic information to determine a set of task- and goal-oriented behaviors that can be improved by high-quality traffic information. The set of tasks and goals will determine information-filtering contexts that will allow the specification and bandwidth-efficient transmission of very focused traffic information to in-vehicle personal computing devices. Interface designs will be developed that present the context-specific information using available technologies. The results of this research have potentially broad impacts on society. They will drive the development of better traffic information services that truly support the decisions drivers make as they travel. Applications based on these interfaces can improve individual routing behavior, delivery fleet operations and congestion management. Traffic congestion is a growing problem in most U.S. cities. In some areas, it has become a limiting factor on economic growth. Emphasis has shifted in recent years from providing additional capacity to better utilization of the existing infrastructure. Broad dissemination of traffic information in a form suitable for making optimal routing and trip decisions allows efficiency improvements based on the decentralized decisions of many drivers. Trip modifications based on real-time traffic data can save individual drivers an estimated $3.9 billion in lost time, 225 million hours of travel time, and 340 million gallons of fuel, per year. Similar savings are possible for commercial travel, as well, through improvements in delivery routing, on-time delivery and more efficient dispatching. Many congestion management strategies used by public agencies could benefit from better interfaces between the traffic data collected and the individual drivers on the roads. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cayford, Randall IntelliOne Technologies Corporation GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99970 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340469 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Terrabyte Economical Database Server. 0340469 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is a feasibility study of developing a terabyte size database server using advanced software technology developed for supercomputer cluster and scientific computation. With today.s rapid proliferation of information, organizations are facing the challenge of storing and managing the ever-growing company.s data. Today.s infrastructure solutions are complex and expensive. Besides an economical enterprise class database server, other potential applications are for any information intensive job such as data warehousing and data mining. The innovation will enhance scientific understanding by providing a powerful but affordable computing and data storage platform to conduct research in the areas such as bioinformatic, data mining and text mining. It provides a scientific research tool for small research institutes and educational institutes. The innovation will enhance technological understanding since this is the very first project to study data management and storage using openMosix Linux, PVFS2 and MySQL. The software technologies developed will be freely distributed as Open Source code. Other developers are expected to follow Open Solutions initiative to further develop the technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pang, Kam Open Solutions GP CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 94296 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0340484 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Nanotubes FET Platform for Electronic & Sensors Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves the fabrication of a nanoelectronic device research module or kit for use by educational institutions and private sector researchers. The nanoelectronic devices will be used as transducer components in chemical, biological and photonic sensors. The kit will have three components: 1) packaged nanotube based field effect transistors (NTFETs); 2) a functionalization test board (FTB) for testing the devices; and, 3) a data acquisition system by which the users control the FTB. The NTFET development will require refinement of the production of reproducible nanotube array devices on 4" silicon wafers. The proposed work involves extending semiconductor manufacturing to produce 1 nm objects with the attendant challenges of imaging, measurement and process control. The project will optimize the major variables important to the uniform growth of arrays of single-wall carbon nanotubes with the electronic properties necessary for sensor transduction. The work will explore FET geometries and will develop tools and software for nanotube device characterization. The commercial application of this project is a research tool for the electronics market. The impact of the proposed work lies in its potential long-term contribution to the $300 billion electronics industry. Advances in silicon electronics have been driven by reductions in the feature size on the silicon chips. To extend the reach of Moore's Law, nanotubes offer the best path. The transition from silicon electronics to molecular electronics will be facilitated by the introduction of carbon nanotubes into hybrid architectures based on silicon substrates. Commercial availability of the NTFET kit would allow many component makers to study molecular electronic interactions and develop proprietary formulations for NTFET-based sensors. In addition, the academic community will be provided with inexpensive access to a technology with a very high barrier to entry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gabriel, Jean-Christophe Nanomix, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99878 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0348440 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Proxies for Shared Wireless Internet Access. This Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II project will develop advanced forms of transparent network proxies for both satellite and terrestrial broadband wireless communications to the Internet. Shared wireless access links to the Internet often exhibit what has been called a traffic / cost anomaly. While almost 90% of the traffic in the network can flow from the Internet to the user, almost 90% of the cost of the access links can be attributed to the channel transmitting packets from the user to the Internet. Wireless Internet access from the user to the Internet is often implemented by means of some variation of a random access ALOHA channel. The interaction of ALOHA channels with TCP and other high level protocols used in the Internet can limit the effectiveness of both TCP and ALOHA for such access. The goal of this NSF SBIR research program is to understand this awkward interaction of standards in the high cost random access channel and to develop a strategy of migration to a more sensible access architecture based upon transparent proxies. The societal and commercial impact of this project will be to increase the capacity of broadband wireless Internet multiple access channels thereby decreasing the cost per user of the channel. This decrease in the cost per user when shared with customers can increase the market for broadband wireless access to the Internet while increasing the profitability for wireless Internet Service Providers. These fast proxies will make wireless Internet access affordable for under-served and un-served end users in rural areas in the United States and in much of the rest of the world. Additionally the technical innovations of this research will serve to advance the current level of understanding of how TCP/IP protocols interact with other protocols in wireless data networks. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Abramson, Norman Skyware, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1061000 9131 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9102 7218 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0348771 May 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Uncertainty Analysis of Manufacturing Process Models. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to create a robust software system for performing uncertainty analysis of process simulations for manufacturing. For simulations that are large or that contain many parameters, even the best Monte Carlo, or importance-based sampling methods for uncertainty analysis can be prohibitively expensive. Consequently, systematic uncertainty analyses are rarely implemented for complex systems. This proposal presents a plan to produce a commercially viable package of a new method for quantifying simulation uncertainty, based on polynomial chaos expansions. The method can determine the probability density functions of black-box model responses and can identify quantitatively which of the parameters contribute most to uncertainties in responses for multivariate inputs and outputs. The unique sampling approach enabled by the use of polynomial chaos expansions allows more accurate resolution of probability distribution functions at a very small fraction of the cost to achieve similar results with more traditional uncertainty-analysis methods. While illustrative examples from the chemical manufacturing industries will be used to demonstrate the software functionality, the methodology has broad application to such fields as circuit design, risk management, allocation of experimental resources, chemical plant design and operation of production systems. Due to the ability to handle arbitrary or black-box simulations, the methods can be applied as easily to economic market analysis, or global climate modeling, as to chemical process design. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Meeks, Ellen REACTION DESIGN CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 699220 5373 MANU 9146 1786 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0348966 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Speculative Compilation for Energy Efficiency. 0348966 This SBIR Phase II project will develop energy-aware compiler techniques to reduce power and energy consumption in microprocessors, without affecting performance. Over the past few years, energy consumption by computers has emerged as a major area of intellectual and commercial activity. A key principle behind this approach is to use speculative information available at compile time to reduce power and energy consumption. The key qualifier is speculative: the information does not have to be provably correct. Speculative information that turns out to be correct will enhance energy reduction; if it is incorrect, the worst that will happen is that a penalty (in terms of energy) will have to be paid. The use of such speculative compile-time information opens up a largely unexplored dimension in compilers and computer architectures, to target energy efficiency. The outcome of the proposed effort will not merely be a set of products, but also a vastly increased understanding of the means by which compile-time information can be exploited for energy savings. It is expected that this development effort will have a considerable impact on the theoretical underpinnings of compilers and compiler-architecture interaction, as well as a significant commercial impact. With the increasing prevalence of battery-powered computing devices such as PDAs, mobile telephones, and notebooks, power-aware computing is becoming increasingly important commercially. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moritz, Csaba BlueRISC Labs MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9216 0108000 Software Development 0349022 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: High Performance Transparent AlON via Novel Powder Synthesis. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project proposes to develop a high performance transparent aluminum oxynitride (AlON) material, with improved mechanical properties and low cost, via an innovative powder synthesis method. Using nanoparticle sintering, an IR transmission of 80% can be achieved. The smaller grain size leads to a MOR of 400 MPa. The Phase II program proposes to extend the applications of AlON for wide spread commercial applications. Several major forming methods will be developed in this Phase II program so that the forming capability can be established to fulfill all of the different parts for different markets. These products include high intensity discharge lamps, security windows, semiconductor substrates, laser windows, consumer optic windows, orthodontic brackets, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hida, George Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349333 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Electric and Magnetic Free-Space Sensor for Geosciences. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to integrate a new, free-space electric field (E) sensor with a recently introduced, miniaturized magnetic induction (B) sensor to form a compact six-channel sensor system. The proposed new E-field + B-field sensor should offer a completely new instrumentation capability for geosciences, providing for the first time measurement of all components of the electromagnetic (EM) field vector at low frequency in a single package without contact to the ground or any other physical object. The Phase II objectives are to develop a system prototype with sensitivity and bandwidth suitable for the majority of applications in geophysical surveying, lightning detection, electromagnetic sounding for detection of buried objects, and for general EM research. A side-by-side comparison with state-of-the-art conventional technology will be performed for magneto-tellurics and lightning detection in collaboration with academic and industry experts. This technology should help develop products for the stand-alone electric and magnetic sensors, as well as a new class of bio-electrode that shares the same basic technology as the E-field sensor. Applications for the bio-electrodes are for human physiologic monitoring such as the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the electroencephalogram (EEG SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nielsen, Thomas Quasar Federal Systems, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 708367 5373 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349414 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Technology for Integrated Computation and Communication. This Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II research project proposes to develop a prototype product for an innovative parallel program development and execution technology, which can run parallel programs asynchronously in multiprocessors and supercomputers up to 100 times faster than what is currently possible, without using Message Passing Interfaces (MPI). For more than thirty years it had been assumed that the only way to efficiently compile and execute parallel programs was through MPI. Even though it had been recognized that parallel programs would run faster if executed asynchronously on the basis of data availability, technology needed to do that efficiently was not available, until Technology for Integrated Computation and Communication (TICC) came along. This tuning technology eliminates the need for dynamic checking of temporal coordination, and makes it possible to execute control signal exchange protocols in parallel with computations. More than 40 million messages may be exchanged per second. This eliminates communication bottleneck and allows asynchronous execution of parallel programs based on data availability without using MPI. TICC defines the semantics of causal statements and provides a very efficient implementation for them. TICC brings the following additional facilities: (1) Component based parallel program development environment, (2) Dynamic debugging of parallel programs (3) Dynamic monitoring and changing of messages and message traffic, (4) Dynamic repair and failure recovery, (5) Dynamic reconfiguration, and (5) Dynamic evolution parallel software systems. These have the consequent benefit of reducing parallel program development and maintenance costs, making them more easily and widely available. This, together with decreasing costs of multiprocessors, has the potential to usher in a new era of desktop supercomputing by 2007, with profound impact on science, technology, industry, education, theories of computation and communication, and society in general. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Srinivasan, Chitoor EDSS., Inc. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349441 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Nanostructured Optical Fiber Breathing Sensors. 0349441 Mecham This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop and commercialize optical fiber sensors for the quantitative measurement of humidity and air flow for breathing diagnostics. Prior Phase I work has demonstrated that these physically small and mechanically robust sensors respond over a wide range of relative humidities with a response time of microseconds, and are orders of magnitude faster than commercially available devices. The Phase II project will develop sensor thin film chemistries with improved response time, design and fabricate an optical fiber sensor optoelectronic support instrumentation system, and beta-test the sensors and systems with clinicians and physicians. The primary commercial impact of this project will be on home health care and clinical research. Additional applications will be in the industrial gas flow, automotive and transportation areas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ruan, Hang Nanosonic Incorporated VA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1788 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349460 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Animated Real-Time Road Traffic Visualization for Broadcast and the Internet. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims at 2D/3D visualization of real-time traffic/traveler data (incidents, speed/density, public events) and computer traffic simulations. The rapid production of data-driven, information-rich animations has previously proved very difficult. With the notable exception of weather forecast animations, requiring highly expensive complex multi-computer systems, quality animations are routinely produced weeks ahead of time for television documentaries. Traffic/traveler data represents particular challenges such as the fact that data changes very frequently and becomes stale in minutes. Much of this data is in textual form, as reported on-scene by police or emergency crews. Reliability and utility to the traveler are concerns. Consequently, the four major weather broadcast companies have scarcely addressed the traffic market. This project will develop traveler data processing algorithms for predicting travel time, mining large databases of traffic information, and intelligent text- processing. It will also develop traffic micro-simulations, automating data-driven animation, and exploiting programmable graphics hardware for broadcast-quality real-time informative animations. The expected results of this project are: 1) algorithms providing useful information to travelers/commuters from raw real-time police reports and sensor data; and 2) a product animating real-time traffic/traveler information for TV broadcast and the Internet, exploiting gradual improvements of raw data, as departments of transportation equip highways with speed/density sensors, and enforcement agencies open their servers. The Federal Highway Administration reports that the cost of traffic congestion in 1999 came to $78 billion nationwide, including 4.5 billion hours of lost time and 6.8 billion gallons of fuel wasted. Most transportation experts estimate that the ability to quickly provide accurate traffic information as proposed in this project has many benefits: 1) for drivers to plan alternative routes, keep on their schedules, and to reduce stress, 2) for overall congestion and better road maintenance, 3) for safety and road-rage mitigation, and 4) for improved pollution control. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gueziec, Andre Triangle Software CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 914608 9131 5373 CVIS 9251 9231 9178 9102 7218 4096 1038 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349464 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Web-Based International Trade Knowledge Discovery System (TradingCube). This Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II project will focus on applied research for the development and implementation of a commercial Web-Based International Trade Knowledge Discovery System. It will address the significant need for organizations supporting international trade and for small and medium-sized business to have improved access to information and dynamic analyses of world markets in a single source. This product will provide subscribers with dynamic analyses of world markets for baskets of goods allowing them to extract actionable information to make strategic and tactical decisions while enabling the functionality of a novel combination of tools including knowledge discovery, data management technologies, web technologies, international trade economics and strategic analysis. This project will focus on: 1) Implementing a prototype based on the results of the Phase I feasibility study within a web portal framework, 2) Developing a library of international trade analyses, interactive maps and graphics, 3) Developing a meta-business directory and implement an international trade search engine, and 4) Developing personalization features and snapshot reports. The proposed product will contribute to applications of knowledge discovery in the international trade domain, data warehousing, information hierarchies, and clustering-indexing techniques to support analytical queries. In addition it advances research in the application of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). SVG is a language for describing two-dimensional dynamic and interactive graphics in XML. The product addresses one of the fundamental areas on which trade promotion can have a significant impact --access to actionable information that will help businesses maximize export potential. In the process it will contribute to economic growth, education and participation of small businesses and underrepresented groups in international trade. The development process and product will involve researchers and students from several disciplines. The potential market includes any commercial, private or public organization with the need to find and evaluate international trade opportunities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sanchez, Carlos TradingCube Inc. PA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499895 5373 HPCC 9215 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349497 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Relational Bayesian Modeling for Electronic Commerce. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will focus on scale-up and validation of the company's relational model discovery technology, with specific application focus on web-visitor behavior modeling. In Phase I research the company developed a modeling paradigm based a synthetic variable language for relational Bayesian modeling. Its synthetic variable language is the first comprehensive effort to develop a principled way to represent, discover, and perform probabilistic inference with mixed intra-table, cross-table, and multi-table relational features. This capability provides the basis for construction of comprehensive, integrated models of relational data. Models constructed capture the rich detail of web visitor behavior and can be used to make inferences about web visitor intent (e.g., whether or not a purchase in planned) in real- time. These results are not obtainable by any other modeling technology. The technical objectives for the Phase II project are to: (1) develop a complete language to establish solutions to outstanding issues in our synthetic variable capability, (2) engineer the infrastructure needed for commercial deployment, (3) construct deployable models of web visitor behavior to identify opportunities for intervention, and (4) conduct field-trials of model-based interventions to establish the business value of our approach. A paradox of modern society is that we possess so little knowledge relative to the amount of data we collect and store. E-commerce provides a paradigmatic example of this paradox. E-Commerce platforms collect unprecedented amounts of information about customer interactions, yet today's E-commerce applications do not provide the service expected by customers or the performance demanded by online retailers. Online retailers are demanding increasingly sophisticated marketing and merchandising technologies. The proposed product will empower online merchants and service providers by enabling efficient and integrated understanding of online consumer behavior. The proposed product will bring in a new class of customer centric (instead of page-centric) web-based interactions that will contribute to the evolution of the World Wide Web as a communication medium. The company's technology also applies to offline scientific analysis as a method for hypothesis generation in complex relational data as in the E-commerce domain. This technology enables scientists to make better use of the data at their disposal. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG D'Ambrosio, Bruce ESHOPPERTOOLS.COM INC OR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 949894 5373 HPCC 9216 0116000 Human Subjects 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0349517 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Multimodal High-Conductivity Filler for Epoxy Molding Compounds. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will focus on developing more efficient semiconductor packaging materials, which is one of the key challenges of the electronics industry where increasing power and reduced size of integrated circuits is creating heat dissipation challenges. Most epoxy molding compounds used to encapsulate semiconductors contain fused silica (55-70% by volume) to maintain a compatible thermal expansion coefficient and impart moisture resistance. However, the resulting thermal conductivities of the composite compounds are very low (<1 W/mK). The low thermal conductivity of the epoxy molding compound increases the operating temperatures, which in turn decreases the reliability and processing speed of microprocessors. As semiconductor clock speeds continue to increase and chip sizes decrease, the need for higher thermally conductive molding materials has become a stark necessity. In Phase I of this project multi-modal distributions of high-conductivity diamond powder where optimized to obtain high packing densities (over 72% by volume) in epoxy molding compounds. The resulting thermal conductivities of diamond/epoxy composites were almost 8 times higher than conventional silica-filled epoxies and almost 30 times higher than the epoxy matrix. The thermal expansions of silica and diamond filler are similarly low, thus allowing better matching to silicon. In this Phase II project significantly higher thermal conductivities are to be achieved by optimizing the epoxy/hardener system with the diamond filler to improve bonding and thereby improving the heat transfer mechanism. The diamond filler will be used as a direct substitute for commercially available silica filler, requiring little or no modification of existing equipment or processing. The diamond/epoxy molding compound will effectively act as a heat-spreader. The diamond filler will allow higher switching speeds, thinner oxide gates and increased reliability of electronics. The project team will work with an epoxy molding compound (EMC) manufacturer to introduce the diamond filler into the commercial market towards the end of Phase II. Commercial markets for this EMC technology include high-performance aerospace, automobile and microelectronic packaging applications, where heat dissipation from the packaging material outweighs the increased material cost. The increased thermal conductivity offered by the diamond filler will benefit the business and scientific community by increasing computing speed and hardware reliability. Studies indicate that heat dissipation and associated thermal problems are the most critical factors in determining the efficiency and reliability of electronic devices. In terms of scientific and educational value, EMC's incorporating the optimized diamond filler will exhibit the maximum thermal conductivity obtainable and serve as the upper-limit benchmark in thermal conductivity for the composite material. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sommer, Jared Sommer Materials Research, Inc. UT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 499422 5373 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0349519 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Commercialization of Perfluorocyclobutyl Polymers for Integrated Optics and Other High Performance Applications. This SBIR Phase II project proposes to pursue commercialization of perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) polymer products successfully developed during Phase I. High performance fluoropolymers, whose structure can be readily adjusted to achieve performance targets and which can be easily processed are in demand for next generation technologies including integrated optics, fuel cell membranes, gas separation membranes, and deep UV lithography. Tetramer's patented PFCB polymers exhibit superior processing and performance advantages including excellent molding and extrusion capability, unmatched thermal stability, zero by-products during polymerization and fabrication, and the ability to tune properties for these large market applications that promise significant growth from to their global economic attractiveness and strategic military importance to the United States. This distinctive activity will enhance scientific and technological knowledge in both academia and industry for such diverse technically driven fields as lower cost higher data rate integrated optics, fuel cell membranes, white light LEDs, and gas separation membranes and particularly the discipline of polymer chemistry due to its structural versatility. After protecting intellectual property, Tetramer plans to share the results through published papers, and university and industrial seminars. This project will also contribute to US global leadership in the above fields of strategic commercial and military interest. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 655980 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9150 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349577 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Engineering Broad-Spectrum Disease Resistance in Crop Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II project proposes to further optimize the techniques for engineering broad-spectrum disease resistance in crop plants. Protection of crops against pathogens is one of the most significant unmet needs in agriculture. Despite billions of dollars spent on fungicides and other crop protection chemicals, significant economic losses continue to occur every year. Prior Phase I work has established that overexpression of the transcription factor AtERF1 confers resistance against several fungal pathogens in Arabidopsis thaliana. The objectives of the Phase II project are to characterize AtERF1 crop homologs, to demonstrate AtERF1 function in the tomato crop, to optimize the technology by targeting expression to different tissues, to broaden the spectrum of resistance through combinatorial expression with other transcription factors, to optimize AtERF1 function by creating derivatives with enhanced activity, and to improve understanding of AtERF1 function by characterization of targets in Arabidopsis and tomato. The commercial impact of this project will be significant as there is clearly a market need for conferring broad spectrum disease resistance in economically important crop plants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Century, Karen Mendel Biotechnology Incorporated CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 997984 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349580 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Automatic Classification of Magnetocardiograms. 0349580 This SBIR Phase II research project will incorporate machine-learning techniques into agneto-cardiography (MCG) that measures minute magnetic fields emitted by the heart's electrophysiological activity, based on SQUID technology and operable in typical (magnetically unshielded) hospital rooms, for early non-invasive diagnosis of heart disease. The overall objective of this project is to identify and localize, using MCG, cardiac ischemia, the leading cause of death in the US. The focus will be on excellent predictability, ease of tuning, and user transparency of machine learning tools. Upon successful completion of this project MCG has the potential to become the new gold standard for the detection of cardiac ischemia in patients presenting with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome. Worldwide, the lack of inexpensive and non-invasive cardiac diagnostic techniques causes unnecessary delays in the recognition of acute coronary heart disease and its treatment. The feasibility of MCG to diagnose heart disease has been demonstrated. Machine learning tools provide quantitative methods for the automated diagnosis of heart disease. After successful completion of this project, physicians and nurses in leading U.S. hospitals can be trained in automated MCG diagnosis. It will also usher the use of machine learning tools for medical diagnosis in general. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ross, Alexander CARDIOMAG IMAGING INC NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 486749 5373 HPCC 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349581 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A Hydro Optical Analysis System (HOPAS) for Environmental Monitoring of Water Quality. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research proposes to complete the development of an environmental information system - the Hydro-Optical Analysis System (HOPAS). HOPAS combines an advanced radiative transfer model with a powerful nonlinear programming algorithm to enable transforms of optical water measurements into information on the composition and concentration of materials that effect water quality. For the first time, measurements of the light field from satellites, aircraft, moorings, and ships can be rapidly inverted to obtain accurate estimates of phytoplankton, suspended mineral particles, and dissolved materials. HOPAS will enable scientists, environmental engineers, and aquatic resource managers to use easily obtained in situ or remotely sensed optical data to understand and manage aquatic ecosystems. HOPAS will alleviate the need for expensive, labor-intensive laboratory analysis of water samples for use in addressing water quality issues, including microbial growth in drinking water supplies, surface pollutants from farms, industries, vessels, and domestic sources, algal blooms, fisheries and mariculture, and protection of coral reefs and sea grass beds. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG O'Brien, Francis SYSTEMS SCIENCE APPLICATION, INC. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 491760 5373 EGCH 9186 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349601 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A Simple and Practical Solid-State 157nm and 193nm Coherent Light Source for Applications in Lithography Development. This SBIR Phase II project will develop a new generation of fully-coherent, solid-state, vacuum-Ultraviolet (UV) light sources at 157nm and 193nm, to support the next generation of semiconductor fabrication and metrology, as well as for applications in basic research. Currently available UV excimer sources have limitations such as poor spatial coherence, making them unsuitable for metrology. Therefore, the most promising route to generate fully-spatially-coherent VUV sources is to up convert light from the visible-infrared region of the spectrum, where coherent laser sources already exist. However, a significant technical obstacle towards this goal is the lack of reliable solid-state nonlinear-optical crystals that work in the deep-UV. Unavoidable residual absorption at wavelengths <200nm can lead to long-term damage of nonlinear optical crystals, requiring constant replacement. Furthermore, for frequencies <193nm, no suitable nonlinear optical crystal currently exists. Therefore, gaseous nonlinear-optical media are an attractive alternative to crystals for generating light at wavelengths <200nm. This SBIR Phase II project will use four-wave mixing in gas filled hollow waveguides to develop a tabletop VUV laser capable of generating 10's of mW, and possibly 100's of mW of light at 157nm and at 193nm, in a fully coherent beam, at the very high (10kHz) repetition rates necessary for applications in metrology. This project has the potential to have a very broad impact on the semiconductor and electronics industries, as well as in basic science. Progress in both the complexity and the speed of microprocessors, DRAM memory, and other integrated electronics has been driven by the ability to make increasingly dense IC's, with ever-smaller feature sizes. This has been enabled by the development of higher-resolution lithographic "steppers" and the use of ever-shorter wavelengths of light for lithography. Because no bright, tabletop, sources currently exist, most short-wavelength materials, nano- and chemical science must take place at synchrotron sources, where access is limited and the sources are not optimized. Therefore, significant gains in productivity could occur with the availability of such a source. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Backus, Sterling KAPTEYN-MURNANE LABS INC CO William Haines Standard Grant 465249 5373 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0349602 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Authentication of Mobile Video Recordings (MVRs) Based on Real-Time Hybrid Digital Watermarking. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Program Phase II project is aimed at the refinement and commercialization of the authentication technology developed during Phase I that enables the deployment of digital Mobile Video Recordings (MVR) system. A very large fleet of patrol vehicles operated by the law enforcement community that record events involving contact with civilians collects MVR data daily. Due to staggering costs associated with operating current analog, non-indexing system, there is an overwhelming needs for a computerized digital MVR technology. However, its deployment is hindered by legal acceptance, because digital medium can be easily altered. Authentication plays a critical enabling role by providing an effective means to safeguard the integrity of MVR content. To capitalize upon this emerging trend of digital MVR, the company proposes as a commercialization strategy to market the innovative technology in a package in an authenticated acquisition system, consisting of a digital video camera and a software suite for on-the-fly video watermarking, off-line MPEG compression and watermark verification. This compact and low-cost acquisition system leverages on existing in-car laptop for processing and storage, and is specifically designed to meet stringent operational requirements set forth by next generation MVR system. It integrates seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure and computerized MVR management systems. MVR has provided an effective way of protecting law enforcement agencies, their officers and the public they serve. The MVR authentication provides an enabling technology for the acceptance and deployment of cost-saving computerized MVR technology for the law enforcement community nationwide. It allows for safe elimination of the labor-intensive process associated with safeguarding the integrity of MVR content, because watermarking is done on the fly and there is no time window at which MVR data are ever unprotected. With the deployment of digital MVR system equipped with watermark authentication technology, the costs associated with operating the system will be greatly reduced allowing for the savings to be redeployed to other law enforcement endeavors. Within the next three years a comprehensive national digital facial database will be created to support Homeland Security. As an integral component of the in-car laptop, this technology will serve as the front line in capturing the data for submission to the national database. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wu, Zhenyu MY EZ Communications LLC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 785000 9131 5373 HPCC 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0349604 February 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Evolving Object Neural Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will investigate the problem of generating evolutionary object neural networks for controlling characters in classes of entertainment software, with consideration given to genres of massively multiplayer online games. The objective of the research is to identify and develop general self-adaptive routines and software tools that can be incorporated in a software developer's kit (SDK) that is suitable for licensing to third-party developers. A series of experiments conducted within a statistical framework will identify first- and second-order effects of parameter choices for the evolutionary control of game characters, which will be incorporated into the SDK. R&D will be aimed at generating the most rapid evolutionary learning for game characters while having the smallest code "footprint." Additional research will facilitate automatic play testing and optimization of artificial intelligence in games. The scientific and technical understanding of hybridizing evolutionary computation and neural networks will be enhanced by the careful study of the nonlinear effects of parameter choices in the studied settings If successful this product will ease the transition of video games from development to products. The development of an SDK that will help reduce the time and cost of segments of video game production by 50-80%. The software developed may serve as educational classroom aids in university courses. Furthermore, the strong correlation between video games and military simulations suggests important contributions to dynamic planning in combat simulations, as well as extensions to optimizing courses of action in business operations, such as supply-chain management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fogel, David NATURAL SELECTION, INCORPORATED CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 499642 5373 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349609 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Nanoporous Silica Slurries for Enhanced Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) of Low k Dielectrics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to develop unique chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) slurries based on nanoporous silica particles that will meet or exceed CMP needs of low k dielectrics for the 80 nm and beyond semiconductor manufacturing nodes. The integration of low k dielectrics (dielectric constant 2.2 < k < 3.3) with copper metal lines is expected to considerably reduce RC (resistance x capacitance) delay for > 10 GHz CMOS expected devices in the next 3-5 years. One of the key issues plaguing the semiconductor industry is the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of copper/tantalum/low k dielectric materials. The low k dielectrics are fragile and are susceptible to both delamination and scratching (increased defectivity). Standard slurries employing hard abrasives may not meet the requirements for sub-80 nm CMOS devices which are expected to employ low k dielectric materials. The program proposes to develop & commercialize gentle CMP slurries based on nanoporous silica particles which exhibit reduced hardness and better stability. Combined with unique chemical formulations, these slurries are expected to achieve lower defectivity (surface scratching) and lower stress polishing than standard slurries. In this Phase II project extensive experiments will be conducted both in-house and with our partners (semiconductor chip manufacturers) to optimize performance and integration issues. Commercially this research activity has significant impact not only in the semiconductor manufacturing areas, but also in may other areas such as biotechnology and nanotechnology, which are the key areas identified by the government for the future viability of US business. First and foremost it will ensure US can maintain its lead in CMP, even though semiconductor manufacturing jobs have been migrating overseas. As CMP slurries is the largest value added application of the nanoparticle technology (> 50%) excellence in this area will provide employment to nanotechnology graduates in the near future and could be a direct application of the skills they have acquired. This research will lead to the creation of faster electronic devices, which will in turn benefit the society to become more economically productive. The development of nanoporous particle technology can have applications in several other areas including controlled drug delivery systems. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL William Haines Standard Grant 636889 9131 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9102 7218 1788 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349610 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Broadband Ferrite Circulators/Isolators. 0349610 This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project addresses the development of Innovative Ultra-Broadband Ferrite Circulators/Isolators. A conventional 3-port ferrite stripline junction circulator involves a low-Q ferrite stripline resonator so that at the circulation frequencies standing-wave resonant modes are excited dumping microwave energy from the input port to the output port but not the isolation port. Operation of a conventional ferrite circulator is nonreciprocal, and the transmission bandwidth is roughly proportional to the inverse of the Q-factor of the resonator, due to the standing-wave nature of the excited resonant modes. A new picture of ferrite-circulator operation utilizing traveling-wave coupling of microwave signals at the circulation frequencies haa been discovered. This is in contrast to the operation of the conventional circulators employing standing waves for coupling. As such, ultra-broadband operation of the circulators results, whose bandwidth has been measured in Phase I to cover from 1.6 to 16 GHz for a prototype device. It is not possible to acheive this bandwidth with a conventional circulator. This leads to a new generation of ferrite circulators or isolators. Using the LTCC technology facilitates mass production in large quantities. As such, generic microwave circulators and isolators can be fabricated at low costs suitable for universal applications covering across many frequency bands. Ferrite-circulator operation does not require a ferrite resonator anymore. This requirement has been constantly enforced by the operation of a conventional circulator for more than 50 years. There is always a tremendous need for circulators or isolators which are able to provide signal-path separation or protection over many frequency bands, as demanded by the measurement of a broadband signal and by a narrow electromagnetic pulse. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG How, Hoton HOTECH INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0349621 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Cost-Effective Manufacture of High-Power Li-Ion Batteries for NGV. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes a prototype Lithium-ion battery that has inherent cost advantages for a NGV FreedomCar and hybrid electric vehicle, HEV, requiring compact pulse-power. The unique rolled-ribbon cell can meet the cost requirements and deliver thousands of pulses and recharges. The battery design projects power at 2-4kW/kg and power density at 7.5kW/liter similar to an ultracapacitor, with 20 times greater specific energy at 100- 120Wh/kg . The rolled-ribbon design is a technology that enables US producers to compete by lowering the materials requirement, packaging and safeguard costs of a large high-power battery. It fulfills the need for high power at low cost. In addition, this disc-shaped design exhibits excellent passive thermal management with inherent safety. Gasoline savings will reduce air pollution and oil imports. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kaun, Thomas INVENTEK CORP IL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 1053892 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 7218 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349630 February 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Artificial Intelligence Software for Student Assessment in Chemistry Education. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project builds Phase I work on development of meaningful interactive tutoring and assessment capabilities for chemistry education software. Despite clearly articulated teacher and student demand for improvement, this area has been repeatedly identified as that where existing offerings are weakest. Quantum Simulations proposes a new and different approach, adapting and incorporating new concepts from artificial intelligence (AI). More than just assigning a grade, meaningful opportunities will be created for students to learn directly from the assessment itself. The proposed technology will benefit all students; however, it is specifically targeted to help those who have the greatest need--such as students of average or marginal performance and students from historically underserved groups-- by lowering barriers to accessing high-quality science instructional software. Quantum Simulations has partnered with members of the Department of Education's STAR Schools program to further these goals. Quantum Simulations' customers include textbook publishers, software providers, hardware vendors and distance learning companies. A prominent textbook publisher, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, has entered into a long-term contract and has partnered with Quantum Simulations to commercialize this Phase II technology, resulting in rapid dissemination to an established end user base. PROGRAM EVALUATION EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIV SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Johnson, Benny Quantum Simulations Incorporated PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 770000 7261 7180 5373 1666 SMET 9178 9177 7218 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0349659 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Lean Physics: Streamlining the Supply Chain Using Factory Physics. 0349659 This SBIR Phase II project involves the creation of an innovative Methodology and software Toolkit that can substantially improve the supply chain of virtually any manufacturing firm. The proposed Support Tools offers a comprehensive system that combines the best of the "software only" and the "best-practices" approaches with a framework to create a new paradigm for production system improvement. Algorithms based on this framework will provide important diagnostic and analysis tools that show how and where major improvements to the supply chain should be made. Execution algorithms that "bolt onto" existing supply chain management systems will provide the means to improve productivity, reduce inventory, and increase customer responsiveness without having to replace existing implementations. The toolkit can also be delivered over the Internet, providing a cost effective alternative to smaller companies. Commercial versions of this innovation could enable widespread adoption of a new and more effective paradigm of manufacturing logistics. With the loss of 2.3 million jobs in the last three years, the issue of manufacturing productivity is critical as is the need for supply chain tools which integrate production software systems with operational initiatives to improve productivity and cost competitiveness. Widespread adoption of this methodology and tools could have a profound influence on the competitiveness of U.S. industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spearman, Mark Factory Physics, Inc. TX Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1069000 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9148 9102 5761 5514 1465 1049 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349663 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Mobility Agents for Persons with Cognitive Disabilities. This Smal Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop Mobility Agents that help persons with cognitive disabilities use public transportation systems. The realization of an operational system that wirelessly connects users to real-time bus information through Mobility Agents depends on the fact that public transportation systems are increasingly equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) systems connected to control centers through dedicated wireless networks. Controllers use this infrastructure to schedule and optimize operations and avoid organizational problems such as bunching. Agentsheets proposes to use this existing infrastructure to compute highly personalized information and deliver it on PDAs or cell phones to persons with cognitive disabilities. Wireless devices with location aware Mobility Agent services that help travelers use public transportation systems, permit caregivers to customize these agents, and monitor the progress of travelers by means of utilizing The Pragmatic Web, a framework for highly customizable Web information; and Deductive Tracking, a combination of sensor fusion and minimalist common sense AI that creates more reliable tracking information. Agentsheets will explore design and implementation issues for agent-based real-time user interfaces on handheld devices; build the system, and test it in a real-world setting using the Boulder bus system as a public transportation test bed. The Mobility Agents technology turns general GPS-based information into personalized, practical information. Customization mechanisms range from simple preferences to rule definition, and are relevant to the fields of End-User Development/Programming, Visual Languages, and Human Computer Interaction. Deductive Tracking contributes to Sensor Fusion and Artificial Intelligence. Parts of a Phase I 3D engine, used in the real-time transportation visualization, have been made available to other research organizations and are already in use. This technology proffers assistance to persons with cognitive disabilities. The elderly and other groups will also benefit from the same technological developments. This technology creates new service organizations. It reduces the need for human escorts, increases the autonomy of persons with cognitive disabilities, and decreases the need for federal support. ... SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Repenning, Alexander AGENTSHEETS INC CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 512000 5373 OTHR HPCC 9251 9178 9139 1545 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116000 Human Subjects 0207000 Transportation 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0349669 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: HIVbase, Data Integration Software to Support the Study of Chronic Viruses. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will provide HIV researchers with progressive approaches to manage and analyze genetic data. There is a crisis developing in biology, in that completely unstructured information does not enhance understanding. Today's HIV investigators possess massive amounts of research information in user-hostile formats, error- filled spreadsheets, outdated databases, and directories containing thousands of individual files. These researchers need advanced protocols for extracting value from their disorganized information. Phase I feasibility study proved that the proposed solution provides a quality link between collection and the analysis of data that has never before been available to HIV researchers. This link helps HIV researchers do their job and ultimately promotes understanding for the most deadly and costly epidemic of our time. This project aims to solving researchers problems through the development of software that combines the power of unique data storage and integration with novel applications for data mining, analysis, and data retrieval. The goal is to provide researchers with a combination of modern querying, database, and analysis approaches. The initial target market for the proposed product is made of HIV researchers and their associated facilities. This market is large, growing in multiple directions, and in need of this product. HIV infects an estimated 40 million people and is being funded at record levels from both government and private organizations. The major significance of the proposed product is in its ability to assist accelerate the efforts of the many scientists, epidemiologists and pharmacologists to make important discoveries relating to this on-going and tragic epidemic CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lamers, Susanna Gene Johnson, Inc. FL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 679504 9131 5373 HPCC 9216 9215 9150 9102 0116000 Human Subjects 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0349683 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Development of an Electrically Regenerated Diesel Particulate Filter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop an effective diesel particulate filter (DPF) that can be reliably regenerated with integral electrical heating elements. A fabrication process will also be developed that ensures economical manufacturability of the filter in high volumes. The greatest challenge in the design of reliable particulate filter and trap systems has been achieving adequate regeneration, or the oxidation (burning) of particulates that accumulate in the filter substrate diesel engine operation. The objectives of Phase II will include designing an actively regenerating filter structure, optimization of EC material for use in the DPF substrate, development of manufacturing processes suitable for scale up to volume production, construction of prototype DPF substrates, testing, and ultimately integration of the EC-integrated DPF into a functioning DPF system ready for field testing. The anticipated result of the Phase II project is an actively regenerating EC-integrated DPF prototype substrate suitable for field testing in the US EPA.s Voluntary Retrofit Program. The EC-integrated DPF will fulfill new emissions controls scheduled to take effect in 2007. There is presently a compelling need for a compact, simple-to-maintain, durable, and effective diesel particulate filter for both new and existing diesel- powered vehicles. The EC-integrated DPF could potentially reduce diesel particulate emissions by 9.5 million tons annually, preventing thousands of premature deaths due to respiratory illnesses, cancer and heart disease. . SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ferguson, Luke Harmonics, Inc. WA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 499326 5373 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349687 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Anthrax Detector for Mail Sorting Systems. 0349687 Farquharson This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop two prototype anthrax detector systems designed to screen mail entering a postal facility and/or to identify and to stop distribution of anthrax containing mail as it passes through a sorter. These systems will be able to detect 2 micrograms of spores captured from a letter containing as little as 100 micrograms, as well as similar concentrations on contaminated surfaces. The Phase I project demonstrated feasibility by successfully developing a vacuum/filter collection system that captured Bacillus cereus spores from an envelope passing through a mail sorter, which were detected by Raman spectroscopy. Some 23 micrograms of B. cereus spores were measured in 9 seconds using 1064 nm excitation, with an estimated limit of detection of 10 micrograms or 1 million spores in 10 seconds. The Phase II project will complete the design of the anthrax detector system, with improved sensitivity nd selectivity. The broader impact of this project will be on the safety and security of mail handling and delivery across the United States. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Farquharson, Stuart REAL-TIME ANALYZERS, INCORPORATED CT F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 511985 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349689 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Mouthrinse Generator for Plaque and Halitosis Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II will develop and commercialize electrochemically operated devices that will revolutionize the oral hygiene industry by providing an on-demand generation of mouthwash in a portable device and in an irrigator. The mouthwash generated in these devices will be effective in controlling halitosis and dental plaque and will also provide tooth whitening. In the Phase I study, all of the proposed objectives and specified criteria of success were accomplished to amply establish the proof of concept and feasibility of the project. In Phase II, further optimization of the parameters will be followed by the design and fabrication of prototypes in conjunction with a prominent company dealing with turnkey manufacturing, and the testing of 100 portable units in a clinical setting. The commercial impact of this project will be in the area of oral hygiene products. It is broadly estimated that up to 85 million Americans have halitosis, and over 35 million suffer from periodontal disease. Thus, the cost effective devices to be developed in this project are expected to have a large market potential in the $ 4.7 billion oral care industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tennakoon, Charles Lynntech, Inc TX F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 492100 5373 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349691 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Purification of Metallic Nitride Nanomaterials by Chemical Separation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will involve production and purification of a powerful Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agent based on a newly discovered nanomaterial (Trimetasphere), consisting of a metallic nitride nanocluster inside a fullerene type cage. Trimetaspheres recently demonstrated a factor of 21 times improved relaxivity over currently used MRI contrast agents. The project will involve designing and building a powder-feed continuous reactor, including large rod capability, developing chemically-based separations techniques and optimizing heat treatment of the chemically separated Trimetaspherses mixtures. The nanoproduction and chemical-based separations techniques for these Trimetasphere nanomaterials will provide the basis for the large-scale production of the Trimetasphere based MRI contrast agents. Commercially, these Trimetaspheres have tremendous medical applications that will benefit US citizens with better medical care through improved diagnostics, new pharmaceuticals, and simultaneous diagnostic and treatment reagents, at a fraction of current cost. The development of more sensitive contrast agents, if translated into smaller, less expensive MRI instruments, will open entirely new markets for the equipment manufacturers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wilson, Stephen Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA William Haines Standard Grant 724884 5373 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349694 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Improved Magneto-Optical Imaging Films Employing Surface Plasmon Resonance. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II research project is to develop an improved magneto-optical (MO) visualizer based on a laser-scanning polarimeter and a MO imaging film (MOIF) utilizing surface plasmon resonance. In Phase I, the feasibility of substantial improvements in spatial and magnetic field resolutions and imaging bandwidth over existing methods were demonstrated. In Phase II, the MO material quality and sensor design will be further optimized. The visualizer will be adapted to maximize the many advantages offered by the improved MOIF material. Software will be developed to provide automatic system control and conversion of the acquired image into the quantitative spatial magnetic field distribution. The capabilities of the prototype systems and sensors will be evaluated in terms of magnetic field resolution, spatial resolution and speed through the imaging of electrical current patterns and data storage devices. Commercial market needs include sensors, instruments and systems for improved magnetic field imaging. Applications include magnetic character reading, magnetic code reading for security, superconductor research, spin valve and magnetic RAM research and manufacturing, integrated circuit electrical current imaging, structural composite stress imaging using magnetic and magnetostrictive materials, flaw detection in metals, biomedical tagging and identification of cancer and other cells, research and testing of MEMS actuators and devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lindemuth, Jeff Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 498774 5373 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0349704 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A Novel Resonant-Enhanced Crystallization (REC) Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a novel Resonant-Enhanced Crystallization (REC) process for pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry applications. REC technology is expected to be superior to the conventional crystallization process that incorporate impeller stirring for crystallization, due to its enhanced mass and heat transfer, lower shear (or reduced crystal breakage), and improved crystal size distribution. The commercial impact of the project would be on pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. REC technology will make the crystallization process more attractive to pharmaceutical separation and purification operations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Draper, Jeffrey RESODYN CORPORATION MT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 524000 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 9150 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0349712 February 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Innovative Protein Microarrays. 0349712 Drukier This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop a novel supersensitive multiphoton detection system for protein chips (P-chip/MPD) for applications in drug discovery and in early detection of prostate cancer and breast cancer. The commercial impact of the proposed work will be in the area of diagnostic proteomics. The diagnostics industry is large, currently estimated at around 10 billion dollars per year. The most profitable and dynamically growing fields are those that permit early detection of cancer and therapy monitoring, or provide toxicity assays for new drugs. It is expected that the P-Chips/MPD developed in this project will eventually capture a significant share of the diagnostic proteomics market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Drukier, Andrzej BioTraces Inc VA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 974421 5373 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349718 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: The Accessible Semantic Web. This Small Busees Innovation Research Phase II Project proposes to develop an Accessibility Markup Language (AML) that annotates digital representations of English text with linguistic information needed for proper translation into other modalities, as required by persons with physical or cognitive disabilities. As an exemplar of the technology, VCom3D will develop, demonstrate, and evaluate the application of AML to making Web content accessible in American Sign Language (ASL). This development will entail the implementation of an Encoder to create AML from English text, and a Decoder to generate grammatical ASL from AML. Multinational corporations and institutions have recognized the economic and social need to make information and instruction accessible to persons around the world for whom English is, at best, a second language. To address this issue, international organizations, including the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) are defining methodologies for using Controlled Languages, systems of annotation and, in the future, the Semantic Web to increase accessibility in other languages. These same emerging technologies and infrastructure can provide an unprecedented opportunity to make information available to underserved Americans with sensory, cognitive, and cultural differences. This project will demonstrate the application of emerging information technology to make information accessible to Deaf persons, and will provide resources for further research into ASL linguistics. The initial commercial product based on this technology will be a translation and authoring tool that substantially automates the creation of grammatical, animated ASL from English text. This product will be used to increase access by Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and adults to digital information and to promote inclusive education and employment in accordance with the New Freedom Initiative, recent amendments to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sims, Edward VCOM3D, INC. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 871133 5373 SMET 9261 9251 9231 9180 9178 9177 9102 7218 1545 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0522400 Information Systems 0349724 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Automatic Information Awareness. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to study and implement a large-scale information awareness system which will fuse, present and provide an alert as to the existence of newly available information from large bodies of documents based on each user's profile. The amount of information available electronically has been growing at such a rate that it is not only impossible for people to identify the nature of the information content as it is made available, but it is even more out of the question for people to absorb the actual information content. Thus, awareness of and synthesis of the content of information has now become the real challenge. This project will enable users to specify their interests and to detect new information trends matching each individual user's interests, based on the relevance and importance of newly available information. By extracting information from unstructured texts, categorizing it, and fusing it, each user will be presented with a unique view of the content. Teragram profiler technology allows users to specify information needs for the future. It will provide an alert mechanism based on user specified interests contained in user profiles, measurement and formulation of information speed, volume, decay; and fusion of information found in multiple documents. Such techniques will enable the next generations of information retrieval systems in which information will be tailored to the users' interests thus enabling easy access to relevant information found in large repositories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schabes, Yves Teragram Corporation MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 998080 5373 HPCC 9216 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349727 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Reactive Multilayer Joining of Metals and Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop technology for joining metallic and ceramic components; this is a reactive joining process that uses reactive multilayer foils as local heat sources for melting solders. These foils are a new class of nano-engineered materials, in which self-propagating exothermic reactions can be initiated at room temperature using a hot filament or laser. By inserting a multilayer foil between two solder layers and two components, heat generated by the reaction in the foil melts the solder and consequently bonds the components. This new method of soldering eliminates the need for a furnace or protective atmospheres and, with very localized heating, avoids thermal damage to the components. The reactive bonding process is far more rapid than most competing technologies, and results in strong and cost-effective joints. The last and potentially most important benefit is the fact that joining with multilayer foils enables the use of lead free solders and therefore offers tremendous environmental benefits. The broader impacts that could result from this project could be to microelectronic packaging facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Van Heerden, David REACTIVE NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 999254 5373 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349729 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Crystalline Ferroelectrics Combined with Transistor Technology. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project will focus on developing tunable microwave devices that utilize ferroelectric thin films for their electronic properties. Specifically, barium strontium titanate (BST) thin films are being used to develop new classes of tunable microwave devices, including phase shifters, delay lines and frequency-agile filters. Currently, these ferroelectric devices suffer from two drawbacks: easily formed planar devices demand very large tuning voltages on the order of 100 Volts , while easily tuned parallel plate devices require sophisticated processing techniques. These problems have inhibited the development of commercially viable components. The current project proposes combining silicon based circuitry with ferroelectric devices on the same substrate. For example, a silicon charge pump circuit can be integrated on-chip to provide high tuning voltages for a ferroelectric phase shifter. The voltage will be isolated to the chip and less than 3 Volts would be needed to externally drive the device. Combining silicon semiconductor technology with ferroelectrics will enable development of devices which take advantage of ferroelectric's dielectric properties and overcome the current roadblocks in the way of commercializing these devices. Commercially, a great deal of interest has emerged in the use of ferroelectric thin films in the wireless industry because of the material's ability to dramatically improve the functionality of existing devices. For example, a ferroelectric duplexer is possible which has one third the size of existing duplexers, while using 40% less power. Today's multiband handsets use up to four filters, so the potential for ferroelectrics is tremendous. A key wireless handset manufacturer identified at least six applications for tunable devices inside their telephones. Overall, the wireless telecommunications market has spawned the need for small, low power, high bandwidth microwave components. Over $50 billion of wireless handsets were sold in 2002, with $6 billion being spent on RF semiconductor components. With the trend towards highly functional wireless appliances like PDA's, the demand for wireless components will continue skyrocketing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhao, Zhiyong NGIMAT CO. GA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 512000 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349730 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Highly Efficient, Long Lifetime, and Inexpensive Nanocrystal Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the performance of light emitting diodes based on semiconductor nanocrystals (NanoLEDs) to the same level of that of organic/polymer light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The key parameters of NanoLEDs targeted for this Phase-II program are 2000 hours operation lifetime, above 200 Cd/m2 brightness, and 0.5-2% external quantum efficiency. The Phase-II program will improve the performance of the NanoLEDs through a unique design of the nanocrystal thin layer in the devices. This design enables the ligands of all nanocrystals to be inter- and intra-particle cross-linked, which results in the thermally stable nanocrystal thin films required for high performance devices. The three dimensionally cross-linked ligands are short and have quasi-conjugated electronic structures, instead of the traditional long aliphatic ligands. This choice aims to dramatically improve the charge injection and charge transport in the NanoLEDs. New types of nanocrystals to be used will diminish the re-absorption and energy transfer in the densely packed nanocrystal thin films identified in literature. With the committed support from a state agency and extensive collaboration with mainstream industry it is expected to commercialize this technology in the display and lighting industry within five years. The commercial potential of NanoLEDs is enormous. NanoLEDs possess nearly all of the advantages of OLEDs, but with readily tunable and narrow emission profiles. OLEDs are currently being used in active commercial development. The commercial goal in the Phase-II is to boost the performance of the NanoLEDs to at least the same level of that of the polymer LEDs, the low end of OLED devices. The first generation of NanoLEDs will be used in portable electronic devices. When the lifetime of NanoLEDs is extended over ten years, they will be used for other display technologies and in the lighting industry. NanoLEDs will one day change the way we see the world. Based on industry estimation, the near-term market for flexible LEDs, including NanoLEDs, will be $5 billion in 2005. After they are adapted to the mainstream of the flat panel graphics and lighting applications, the market size is going to be at least tens of billions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Li, Lin Song NANOMATERIALS AND NANOFABRICATION LABORATORIES AR T. James Rudd Standard Grant 468743 5373 MANU 9150 9146 5371 1505 0110000 Technology Transfer 0349736 February 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Discovery Analyst: A Data Mining System for Image Databases. This Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II project will develop a highly innovative data mining software tool that is capable of mining imagery and spatial information stored in a database management system (DBMS). Billions of dollars have been spent in converting the world's vast supply of paper maps into digital, geographically referenced, data for geographic information systems (GIS) applications because location matters in almost every instance of decision-making for both government agencies and private sector businesses. The proliferation of relational, spatial, and now visual data from high-resolution satellites, all stored in a common DBMS architecture, offers organizations the opportunity for knowledge discovery in databases; however, the technical challenges of maintaining, navigating, and mining these data are formidable. Current workflow approaches are disjointed and exclusive of image data. The product resulting from this project will allow all of the data to be queried and mined in a holistic workflow approach yielding potential useful discoveries through its primary innovations not presently available in data mining software; 1) Seamless integration of data mining and feature extraction workflows, 2) Mining content of high-resolution earth imagery stored in spatial databases, 3) Cleanup of GIS databases, and 4) Advanced query generation and data mining technology. Market research confirms that companies are investing in data mining software and high- resolution commercial satellite imagery. The proposed product will have commercial applications in both traditional GIS application areas (forestry, defense, civil government, agriculture) and emerging vertical markets for GIS applications (banking and financial, telecommunications, security, manufacturing, retail and healthcare. There is a powerful demand for the knowledge acquisition vital to all location-based government decision-making processes. This significantly impacts the quality of management in our national security, resource handling, and the quality of our environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Blundell, Stuart VISUAL LEARNING SYSTEMS INC MT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9216 9150 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349740 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Automated Personalized Rich Media Broadcast Generation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will create a prototype system that will cut through the overload of audio/video (rich media) content by generating personalized broadcasts from a library of rich media documents. Building upon existing expertise in dealing with rich media, the proposed research will apply and refine the techniques discovered in phase I to organize relevant material using both the context of the documents and the topics of the selected material. The prototype will also apply the phase I results to identify and fill in the critical gaps between segments of material extracted from the source documents with bridging text that will provide necessary context and structure, allowing the system to present the relevant material as a single coherent broadcast. This research will result in new techniques that allow separately obtained passages of audio/video (or even text) to be joined together coherently. It will also provide techniques for organizing information based on both contextual and topical cues. These techniques will be applicable in any context in which information in natural language form is being extracted from a source collection. Furthermore, the research results will provide cost efficiencies for a number of specific important vertical markets (e.g. finance, broadcast news monitoring, etc.). The resulting software products will dramatically reduce the costs of the currently manually intensive information extraction process employed by firms in these markets. More generally, the software products that are derived from the company's current technology platform will also increase individuals' ability to find and absorb relevant information from diverse information sources, many of which are entirely intractable today. This ability is important in a wide range of communities such as academic institutions, intelligence agencies, homeland security agencies, financial institutions, and news broadcasters. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rubinoff, Robert STREAMSAGE INC DC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 494723 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349752 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Neutralizing Utility Mercury Control Sorbents for Fly Ash Use in Concrete. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to optimize and commercially apply a newly discovered carbon material that simultaneously exhibits high gas-phase adsorption of mercury and low wet-concrete adsorption of organic surfactants. Such a material is necessary if coal-fired power plants are to inexpensively retrofit sorbent-injection technology to comply with new limits on mercury emissions while continuing to sell their fly ash wastes as substitutes for cement in concrete construction applications. The material will be tested at both the pilot and full scales, paving the way for product commercialization. The broader impact that could be achieved from this project will be a solution a serious pending economic and environment problem. The substitution of power-plant fly ash for manufactured Portland cement in construction applications is one of America's biggest recycling successes. Fly ash could lower the construction-industry concrete costs, increase the technical performance of the concretes, and preserve the environment by conserving energy and reducing both waste disposal and CO2 emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhou, Qunhui SORBENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 875000 5373 AMPP 9163 9102 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349756 February 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Nematode Intestinal Proteins as Anthelmintic Targets. 0349756 Hresko This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop transgenic roots that are resistant to nematode infection, through expression of small proteins, protein domains or peptides which when ingested by the nematode interfere with the function of essential proteins of the nematode intestine. The longer term goal of the project is to develop transgenic crops (soybeans, corn and cotton), that are resistant to parasitic nematodes. In Phase I research, essential proteins exposed in the nematode intestinal lumen were identified as outstanding targets for anti-nematode agents produced by plants. These proteins are accessible to the environment since the lumenal membrane of the intestine is the surface through which nutrients are absorbed by the nematode. This Phase II project is expected to show that transgenic expression of nematode intestine-toxic peptides at the site of infection would create inhospital host plants for plant parasitic nematodes and would result in resistant crops which do not require application of toxic chemicals for nematode control. The commercial impact of this project will be on nematode control in major crops. Plant parasitic nematodes are reported to cause $80 billion in crop yield damage annually. The current chemical solutions are limited, environmentally damaging, and toxic to the applicators. Transgenic resistance to nematodes will provide an economically competitive and environmentally safe alternative. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hresko, Michelle Divergence, Inc. MO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 961021 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0510102 Role-Terrestrial Ecosystem 0349758 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Low-Voltage Poling of Waveguides in Nonlinear Optical Materials. This SBIR Phase II project will develop the processing steps for the fabrication of highly quality periodically poled waveguides in potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP). Periodically poled waveguides enable highly efficient, quasi-phase matched (QPM), nonlinear optical wavelength conversion of continuous wave and high-peak power quasi- continuous lasers. The fabrication process, established during the Phase I effort, utilizes low-voltage pulses combined with a novel electrode configuration to periodically pole channel waveguides embedded in a KTP chip. The use of standard off-the-shelf KTP channel waveguides will significantly increase yields, allow greater design flexibility, and decrease manufacturing expenses while providing a large QPM conversion efficiency that will enable a range of commercially significant applications. Specific products include the frequency doubling of pulsed and continuous wave infrared diode lasers for use in bio- analytical instrumentation and fluorescent spectroscopy, waveguide-based difference frequency mixing modules for generating tunable, narrow band near-infrared sources for environmental monitoring, spectroscopy at hard-to-reach wavelengths, and all-optical switching in communication networks. This project should result in efficient frequency doubling of diode lasers, which will Have beneficial impacts in medical, environmental, and scientific applications. In the Medical field, the availability of small, low power consumption, cost-competitive visible Lasers will enable the creation of portable bio-analytical instrumentation (e.g. a bedside flow cytometry system). In the environmental field, small inexpensive spectroscopically useful infrared sources will enable new and improved remote sensing systems. Additionally, the KTP waveguide technology developed in this effort is expected to contribute to advanced research in a variety of fields including ultra short pulse wavelength conversion, development of waveguide optical parametric devices, and the efficient generation of correlated photon pairs for quantum optical studies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Battle, Philip ADVR, INC MT William Haines Standard Grant 771700 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9150 9146 7218 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349759 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Fire Modeling Software. 0349759 This Small Business Innovation Research project will develop an integrated fire modeling software package for use in building design and accident analysis. This will increase public safety by providing widespread access to state-of-the-art fire simulation. Modeling fires using a rigorous scientific approach makes it possible to predict the course of an evolving fire and its impact on the building occupants, contents, and structure. The software will help designers implement new fire safety codes and standards that allow the use of Performance-Based design as an alternative to Rule-Based design. Performance-based design and post-accident analysis offer the potential to reduce injury, loss of life, property damage, and the overall cost of constructing and maintaining buildings through advanced technology. This project will accelerate the introduction of new fire simulation technology into the fire safety industry. In the United States, the total cost of fires is over $100 billion annually, with a loss of more than 4,000 lives. Driven by the availability of the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) from NIST and new performance-based fire safety standards, the fire safety industry is responding to these costs by adopting greater use of fire simulation. As a result, there is an emerging market for fire simulation software that is powerful, yet easy to use. The potential market includes fire safety engineers (design), companies involved in accident review and litigation, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (regulation), and fire service personnel (suppression and investigation). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hardeman, Brian THUNDERHEAD ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC KS Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 504900 5373 CVIS 9251 9178 9150 1038 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0349769 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Nanocrystalline Diamond Coated Cutting Tools. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop nanocrystalline diamond coatings on tungsten-carbide cutting tools with technical attributes that surpass the current generation of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) diamond coatings as well as tools made from polycrystalline diamond (PCD) wafers. The problem with CVD diamond coatings for cutting tools is poor surface finish and weak adhesion. Nanocrystalline CVD diamond deposited using microwave plasma (MP) techniques overcomes these problems with a smooth finish that is well adhered. This makes the nanocrystalline diamond a potential competitor to PCD diamond by lowering the price and increasing productivity. The research proposed for Phase II will use a 30kW MP-CVD reactor to investigate the relationships between nanocrystalline structure and technical performance. The structure will be controlled by process variables. Technical performance will be measured by mechanical testing and field testing on the proposed target application of machining cast aluminum-silicon alloy. The anticipated technical result will be direct correlations between structure, properties and performance that can be used to optimize nanocrystalline diamond coatings for machining automotive drive-train components. Commercial applications of nanocrystalline diamond coatings are far reaching due to applications in the cutting tool industry that promote the use of hard-to-finish advanced materials; applications in pulp and paper for cutting and guides, applications in textiles for guides and applications in various bearing surface applications such as deep-well oil drill-head bearings. The National Institute of Health is also sponsoring research on nanocrystalline diamond applications in biomedical hardware surfaces subject to wear. Additionally, environmental impact of cutting fluid and related waste from machining processes are driving manufacturers to implement dry machining processes. MP-CVD nanocrystalline diamond tooling is the ideal tool for dry machining nonferrous materials. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Thompson, Raymond VISTA ENGINEERING INC AL William Haines Standard Grant 1195999 9131 5373 AMPP 9251 9232 9178 9163 9150 9102 7218 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349771 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Self-Imaging Transmitters for Remote Sensing. This SBIR Phase II project will develop and demonstrate self-imaging laser technologies for eyesafe remote sensing applications. Laser based remote sensing applications require a variety of output formats, including amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) continuous wave (CW) lasers; and pulsed lasers. There are currently no eye safe technologies available with the adaptive waveform capabilities to satisfy these requirements. At eye safe 1.5-micron wavelengths, bulk solid-state lasers are not capable of high average power operation; and conventional fiber laser systems are not capable of handling high peak powers due to optical damage and nonlinear effects. A patent-pending diffraction limited self-imaging waveguide laser technology has been developed that use an adaptive waveform that has the potential to satisfy the average and peak power requirements simultaneously. There are two objectives for the Phase II research- 1) to design a self-imaging laser system with adaptive waveform capability, and 2) to demonstrate an adaptive waveform 1.5-micron laser transmitter. It is anticipated that >20 W of diffraction limited, eye safe average laser power will be achieved with adaptive waveform capability demonstrated. This eye safe self-imaging waveguide laser module is targeted as an enabling technology with broad reaching impact. The specific markets include remote sensing markets of wind and aerosol detection and 3- D imaging. This technology should have a significant impact because current sensors are complex and costly. Other applications include hazard alerting for windshear, gust front, and turbulence detection; wake vortex detection, tracking, and measurement; and detection and tracking of hazardous bioaerosols. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bellanca, Mary Jo COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 458011 5373 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0349772 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Use of Inducible Antimicrobial Peptides for Rapid Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of Disease in Finfish Aquaculture. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II Project proposes to develop a new approach for controlling disease in the aquaculture industry. This approach is based on the use of a recently discovered natural antibiotic compound in hybrid striped bass (HSB) called bass-hepcidin. Hepcidin is an antimicrobial peptide (i.e. bactericidal molecules) that is part of the fish's innate immune system. Prior Phase I work has demonstrated that HSB (and probably many finfish) respond to disease challenges by increasing their hepcidin levels. This finding is useful because elevated hepcidin levels indicate that fish are being challenged by disease, and artificially increasing hepcidin levels (by feed additives or other means) may stimulate the fish's immune response to assist in combating disease. This Phase II project will develop an ELISA diagnostic test for hepcidin and conduct follow-on clinical studies with several important aquaculture species. If successful, this research may result in the development of two types of hepcidin-based products that will be of immense value to aquaculturists: 1) hepcidin test strips that provide an instant positive-negative indication of the presence of disease processes, analogous to pregnancy test kits, and 2) feed additives that stimulate the production of hepcidin in finfish, to be used to control disease outbreaks. The commercial impact of this project will be significant as there is clearly a market need for products to control infectious diseases in fish that cause tremendous economic loss, of the order of $ 3 billion, each year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Carlberg, James KENT SEATECH CORPORATION CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 499812 5373 BIOT 9181 0521700 Marine Resources 0349776 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Separation of Light Hydrocarbon Mixtures by Pervaporation. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the separation of light hydrocarbon mixtures-specifically, propylene/propane mixtures-by membrane pervaporation. A preliminary analysis indicated that the recovery of propylene from reactor purge gas streams using separation systems based on these materials is economically attractive. These purge streams are numerous-more than 400 streams of this type exist worldwide - but too small to be treated by distillation. Nonetheless, the amount of propylene involved is substantial. An estimated 685 million pounds of propylene are recoverable from reactor purge streams in the United States alone. In the Phase II project, the current best membrane will be optimized, scaled up and formed into bench-scale membrane modules. This project involves the separation of propylene/propane mixtures; application to the separation of many other mixtures is possible. The proposed membrane pervaporation process addresses a market need - the economical recovery of propylene, a valuable chemical feedstock, from propane-containing waste gas streams that cannot be satisfied by alternative technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pinnau, Ingo MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349777 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Overexpression of Membrane Proteins from Hyperthermophilic Bacteria - Refinement of a Novel Expression System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes to continue the development and refinement of a novel membrane protein expression system utilizing a unique group of bacteria capable of synthesizing a vast amount of membrane proteins and supporting extensive internal membrane structures. Membrane proteins are of significant medicinal importance. However, efforts to study membrane proteins are often hampered by their low level of biosynthesis. An efficient membrane protein overexpression system will facilitate their biochemical and biophysical characterization. This will allow for the economical mass production of membrane proteins essential for large-scale structural genomics effort as well as for industrial applications. The commercial impact of the project will be on drug discovery work by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Additional impact will be in areas of biology and physiology where processes are modulated by membrane proteins (for example, in agriculture). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nguyen, Hiep-Hoa TransMembrane Biosciences CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0349778 January 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Adaptive Personalization and Context Management for Location-Based Mobile Devices (AdaptTribe). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project develops personalized user-interfaces for location-based services. This adaptive proximity-based personalization algorithm recommends nearby venues based on predicted user interest and distance. It will further develop a highly distributed algorithm that allows handsets to perform part of the calculation, dramatically reducing computation costs that central servers would otherwise bear. This context-based user-interface allows users to chain operations, concentrating activities by proximity, and avoiding retyping. This project will expand the user- interface advancements to include personalizing categories, and a user-interface approach that mixes categories with individual venues. In addition it will explore algorithms that mix different types of venues on the same screen. Identity federation will help retailers and portals more readily deal with intermediary services. Self-service retail interfaces can allow traditional "brick-and-mortar" retailers to cost-effectively provide "click-and-mortar" services to consumers. A SOAP-based web-service will allow portals to filter data and configure look-and-feel more precisely. However, the proposed <object> tag mechanism will likely be good enough for most portals, as the output format can be configured easily through CSS, and filtering can be performed through the company's self-service portal interface The end result of this project is a product that can be incorporated in enterprise logistics applications that help field personnel find, reserve, use and store resources while being able to improve the speed that consumers navigate user-interfaces, even when location is irrelevant. The in-handset personalization may ensure better privacy and security, even in non-location based applications. The product will use proximity to maximize value: building business-consumer relationships, enhancing social harmony and strengthening communities, as a result. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Greening, Daniel BIGTRIBE CORPORATION CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1052001 9131 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 9178 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0349782 February 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Novel Breath Diagnostic Instrument for Detection of Disease. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a carbon isotope ratio analyzer based on Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy to measure the ratio of the isotopic abundances of 13C to 12C in exhaled breath. The compact analyzer will serve as a medical diagnostic instrument and will operate in a point-of-care setting. The instrument combines robust telecommunications-grade diode lasers with Off-Axis ICOS, an innovative technology that provides extremely long optical paths (several kilometers typical) for ultrahigh sensitivity. The instrument will be inexpensive, portable and easy to use and report measurements of 13CO2/12CO2 with sufficient sensitivity and precision to replace mass spectrometry in 13C-labeled breath tests for diagnosis of several diseases. Prior Phase I work has successfully demonstrated a laboratory instrument with a precision of 0.24 per mil (0.024%) in less than 6 minutes. In Phase II, a prototype instrument capable of autonomous operation, will be developed and tested in on-going clinical trials. The commercial impact of the project will be significant, as the proposed instrument will aid in quick diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases at the doctor's office, thereby enhancing rates of patients' compliance with treatment regimens. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Baer, Douglas LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 577779 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0349784 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Interactive Earth: Tools for Earth Systems Science. This SBIR Phase II project proposes to research and develop ways to increase accessibility and utilization of Earth systems science data and visualizations for secondary school teachers and students. The commercial product will consist of a DVDROM, curriculum, and web site. Building on WorldLink Media, Inc.'s previously published CD product, Interactive Earth, the firm will develop an integrated tool set for data display and image interpretation that will enable students to inquire, hypothesize, analyze, discover, and communicate with peers-replicating the work of real scientists. Much more than a static software program, the Interactive Earth DVD-ROM will be part of a "learning platform" that includes an in-depth curriculum package, access to a rich archive of global data via the web, and professional development opportunities. Partnerships with NASA's Earth Observatory web site and the World Resources Institute's EarthTrends project will enable classroom access to extensive global data sets and visualizations. TERC, a research and education organization, will develop a curriculum that aligns with the National Science Education Standards. This SBIR project recognizes the vital interplay between a curriculum developer (TERC), data providers (NASA and World Resources Institute), and a media designer and tool-builder (WorldLink) in creating exemplary learning materials. Earth science is of national strategic importance as a field of research and innovation. The potential contribution to our schools and students is not just in Earth systems science, but in the broader applicability of the skills developed by students to related domains of science, math, geography, and other fields. These thinking skills include inquiry, visual literacy, understanding systems and models, and the ability to apply knowledge and problem solving to a range of real-world issues. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bergstrom, Kirk WorldLink Media, Inc. CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 811998 9131 5373 SMET 9261 9251 9231 9178 9177 7256 7218 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0349787 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Spray Forming Titanium Alloys Using the Cold Spray Process. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a new, low-cost methods for direct fabrication of metal parts at near-net shapes (NNS). This technology is critical for many industries and in particular, for manufacturing parts of expensive metals and alloys such as titanium. Such technologies have an impact on many industries because of the potential to quickly manufacture complicated parts with minimal waste. Currently used methods typically involve melting and solidification, which can cause high residual stresses, undesirable phases, and other problems. To solve the problems described a new method for spray forming is being used. This method is based on using the cold spray process avoiding undesired material, chemistry, and phase properties associated with thermal spray-forming methods. Studies conducted during Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of the cold spray process for rapid prototyping and direct fabrication of spray form shapes of Titanium alloys. The anticipated result of this activity is to deliver a technology yielding superior material properties of sprayed material and reduce cost of manufacturing. The broader impacts of cold spraying near net-shapes technology could be very important technology for aerospace, including aircraft, military aircraft and spacecraft. This technology is promising for many other industries including automotive, medical, power, chemical, sport goods, and others. The proposed research activity will enhance scientific and technological understanding of the spray processes based on using high-speed particle flow. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Blose, Richard KTECH CORPORATION NM Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 464407 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0349884 February 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Scalable Synthesis and Processing of Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite. 0349884 Ahn This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II Project proposes to use a newly developed synthetic nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HAP) bone material to produce high-strength, resorbable synthetic bone implants for anterior cruciate ligament surgeries. This material solves the problem of current orthopedic implants (made of polymer and/or metal) which either permanently reside as foreign material in the body or quickly degrade into a formless mass of non-ossified, non-load bearing tissue. The objectives of the Phase II work are to concurrently scale up manufacturing processes for HAP to near-commercial levels while developing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prototype product for testing in vivo. The commercial impact of this project will be in the area of orthopedics. The proposed technology will help decrease the time of healing in surgeries requiring implants (fractiures, ACL) and will minimize the need for second surgeries to remove the screws and/or to correct for morbidities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Ahn, Edward Angstrom Medica, Incorporated MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 999998 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0350370 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Development of NZP-Based Advanced Thermal Barrier Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop and optimize the NZP (sodium zirconium phosphate type) ceramic-based thermal barrier coating (TBC) technology for use in advanced turbine and power generation systems. These advanced systems drive the need for higher operating temperatures to achieve better efficiencies without compromising durability. Such requirements heighten the threat of: (i) microstructural changes which reduce thermal barrier effectiveness; (ii) premature oxidative spalling; and (iii) susceptibility to mechanical stresses in conventional yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based TBCs. Some NZP ceramics have very low thermal and oxygen conductivity, excellent thermal cycling resistance and high temperature stability but also have low thermal expansion. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of thermal spraying simple and functionally graded (to minimize thermal expansion mismatches) TBCs of NZP with YSZ that are better thermal barriers and also have very good thermal cycling resistance to 1200 degrees C. The primary goal for Phase II is to complete the scientific and engineering development in order to commercialize the NZP-based TBC technology. A team of academic and industrial collaborators will work under the guidance of committed end-users to achieve this goal. Potential successful development of the NZP-based TBC concept will enable applications in high efficiency power generating systems and gas turbine engines; specifically, for turbine vanes and blades, and combustors and afterburners. Coatings based on NZP can also double up as environmental barrier coatings (EBCs), and find use in diesel engines and as abradable seals. The financial benefits of the NZP-based coatings could be over $100M arising from reduced component maintenance and fuel and operational costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nageswaran, Ramachandran SMAHT Ceramics, Inc. UT William Haines Standard Grant 173764 5373 AMPP 9165 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0353332 February 1, 2004 Planning Grant Proposal for Establishing Research Site for I/UCRC Connection One. A planning meeting will be held to study the feasibility of establishing a research site for the Industry /University Cooperative Research Center "Connection One", lead by Arizona State University at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The research focus of the proposed research site will be basic and applied interdisciplinary research in secure optical and electrical data transport, switching, and processing. This research will include materials, devices, systems, and information technology, requiring long-term commitment to achieve the orders of magnitude improvements needed in the speed, density, power, cost, and reliability of secure data transport and communications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Shur, Michael Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 16000 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 123E 0000 0355539 May 1, 2004 Center for Child Injury Prevention Science (C-ChIPS). A planning meeting will be held for the Center for Child Injury Prevention Science (C-ChIPS) to become an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. Its mission will be to ensure the safety of children by conducting scientific research on the prevalence and predictors of child injury, and evaluation, development, testing and dissemination of commercial technology and public education programs for prevention. Work will build on existing collaborations that leverage the capabilities, interests, and expertise of the Center faculty and its industrial partners. The Center's research projects will address three scientific themes: Safety Monitoring and Risk Assessment; Hazard Evaluation and Testing; and Prevention Technology Development. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Winston, Flaura The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 202246 5761 OTHR 129E 0000 0400575 February 15, 2004 University of Hawaii Partnership with the NSF I/U CRC for Telecommunications Systems. The University of Hawaii has established a partnership with the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Telecommunications Circuits and Systems at Arizona State University known as "Connection One". The Hawaii Center for Advanced Communications will provide the capabilities, expertise, and research facilities for doing the research. The vision for the next generation wireless communications technology calls for fully integrated, low cost, expanded broadband and high data rate applications/services, seamless hands-off between heterogeneous networks, full mobility with minimum latency. These constraints make it exceedingly difficult to design affordable wireless systems. Confronting these technology challenges will require breakthroughs and innovative multidisciplinary research contributions across the multi-layer wireless communication network system. COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SPECIAL PROJECTS - CISE ELECT, PHOTONICS, & DEVICE TEC HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Iskander, Magdy Wayne Shiroma Anders Host-Madsen Mehmet Demirkol University of Hawaii HI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 403768 7298 7218 5761 1714 1517 1360 SMET OTHR 9177 9150 7218 5976 5944 115E 1049 0000 0206000 Telecommunications 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0407458 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Optical Monitor for Hybrid Opto-Electronic Transmitter. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes a hybrid integrated circuit that consists of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) fabricated on a III-V semiconductor wafer that is flip-chip bonded to a Silicon chip that contains a CMOS circuit used for driving the VCSEL and a Silicon detector that is used for monitoring the output power of the laser. Semiconductor lasers are typically supplied with discrete, external detectors that are used for power monitoring. We propose an integrated detector structure that would provide a simpler, more efficient, and cheaper solution. In this proposal, monitor detectors are designed into the Silicon CMOS laser driver circuits and are flip-chip bonded to the VCSELs creating a compact, three-dimensional circuit structure. This technology provides an optoelectronic-VLSI integrated circuit solution that can be accomplished in large arrays to achieve low cost. The result is wafer-level integration, packaging, and testing of photonic-on-VLSI leading to tremendous manufacturing efficiencies for transceiver modules. The commercial benefit of the proposed work is very straightforward. Monitoring functionality is critical for telecommunications and storage-area-network applications, but is currently not available with arrayed VCSEL transceivers that were originally produced for intra-system links for data-com applications. There is a strong market-pull for incorporating this functionality into parallel optical links. The invention would also enable more quantitative research into VCSEL degradation and lifetime measurements because of built-in real-time monitors on every VCSEL. Thus far this type of studies have relied on intermittent measurements on small sample populations. The invention would allow, for the first time, continuous, real-time reliability data to be gathered on VCSELs from deployed systems in the field. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cunningham, John Sina Investments NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 33334 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 0407497 July 1, 2004 Solid State NMR Studies of Structurally Disordered Lithium Battery Cathodes - Collaborative Research with the Rutgers University I/UCRC Program. This collaborative effort is between Hunter College CUNY and Rutgers University under the auspices of the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers program at Rutgers. The research at Hunter College will provide NMR spectroscopic support to the materials research efforts at Rutgers, primarily those involving evaluation of new high capacity amorphous Li ion cathode materials. A comprehensive program of multinuclear solid state NMR will be conducted in collaboration with the Rutgers groups; materials synthesis and characterization performed at Rutgers, and NMR performed at Hunter. One CUNY doctoral student will be supported to work at both locations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Greenbaum, Steven CUNY Hunter College NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 56000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 1049 0000 0412083 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Powder Porcessing Routes for Making Submicron Hydrotalcite and Zirconia-Glass Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a feasibility study to produce two-submicron inorganic powders via solvent-free processing routes. One of the materials is the anionic clay known as hydrotalcite, which is used as an antacid and a PVC additive. The other material is a glass-zirconia composite, which is a promising candidate for making glass-ceramic dental materials. Structure-function relationships suggest that production of these two types of inorganic powders in particle sizes at or below one micron should translate into materials with improved performance over commercially available forms. For both target materials, the key advantages over current manufacturing methods are simplicity in terms of the processing steps; solvent-free manufacturing; and cost. Mechanochemical production of submicron powders should also compete favorably with more exotic syntheses leading to nanosized powders. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Larsen, Gustavo LNKChemsolutions NE Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0412294 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: New Encoding System for Detection of Pathogens. 0339561 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project entails development of a novel on-chip electronic encoding bead-array detection system for simultaneous multiplexed detection of pathogenic agents. This technology will offer a quick and highly sensitive identification method for pathogens or toxins. Most current systems for the fast detection of pathogens are based on fluorescent dye labeling and optical detection of the signal, which are prone to photobleaching and are likely to fall short when multiplex detection is required. This new electronic encoding and chip-based system is highly flexible and can be used for direct detection and identification of whole pathogens, toxins or DNA/RNA. The method will have a broad impact on a number of bioanalytical fields because it will be capable of rapid, highly sensitive and multiplexed identification of pathogens or their toxins. The proposed research will have broad impact and applications in molecular diagnostics, and detection of infectious disease and biological agents. The applications will range from the detection of pathogens and biological warfare agents in environmental, agricultural and medical samples to infectious disease in clinical, molecular diagnostic and forensic applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fu, Tsu-Ju Catenae, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 33334 5371 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0413357 April 1, 2004 Improved Reliability and Congestion Management with Closed-Loop Control Strategies for FACTS Devices. In collaboration with PSERC, the Power Systems Engineering Research Center, the Principal Investigator proposes to investigate the use of alternative control signals for FACTS devices, with the objective of improving the use of transmission facilities and optimizing the transfer capability of the high voltage grid. The project will focus on developing closed-loop dynamic system models for integrating FACTS devices into a control structure that will incorporate new control signals based on transmission congestion, transmission losses, and transmission and energy prices. This project will also create new opportunities for students to learn about one of the largest industries in the economy - an industry of significant national interest at the core of our infrastructure, which has been suffering from a steady decline in student interest and therefore course enrollment. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Cardell, Judith Smith College MA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0413399 August 1, 2004 OSU-Purdue Center for Tree Genetics. This action joins the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) with an existing National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC), the Tree Genetic Engineering Research Cooperative (TGERC) at Oregon State University. Both centers share the same goal: the study of technologies to genetically improve trees for use in intensively managed tree plantations. The objectives, structure, and policies of TGERC are well established, and similar to those of the HTIRC. With formation of the joint center joint annual meeting will convene at one site; a single Industrial Advisory Board will be convened to make business decisions; and members of both centers will be alerted prior to publication for exercise of their intellectual property options for research from the center. Research will continue to be conducted in a largely autonomous manner at each center, including the planning and execution of projects; reporting, including annual reports; implementation of LIFE forms and their discussion; proposals for other grant funding; and research fund management. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Strauss, Steven Amy Brunner Victor Busov Oregon State University OR Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 90000 5761 OTHR 0000 0413603 January 15, 2005 SGER: Exploration of Broader Academic Institution Participation in PFI. This is a SGER proposal to study how the Partnerships For Innovation Program can involve a broader range of academic institutions including smaller research universities and community colleges, particularly those located in rural areas, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities in catalyzing and enabling innovation through creating and disseminating new knowledge, enhancing a scientific and technological workforce and promoting an infrastructure that fosters innovation. There is a significant body of research that describes university-industry partnerships and the role of major research universities in innovation. There is a gap in this growing literature on university-industry partnerships and innovation that does not adequately cover these types of institutions. The goal of this award is to study the roles of these smaller academic institutions in the innovation enterprise. The effort explores policies, practices, programs and linkages that smaller academic institutions use to stimulate and enhance innovation. The research consists of on-site, in-depth case studies of at least 10 small universities and community colleges that are currently involved in innovation partnerships. The effort involves forming a national advisory committee of nationally prominent individuals in the field of innovation partnerships, identifying the domain of innovation partnerships, defining the types of institutions appropriate for the study, and developing the case studies. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Palmintera, Diane Innovation Associates VA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99672 1662 OTHR 9237 0000 0413910 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: All Natural Biobased High Performance Composites for Industrial Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop workable composites from plant based materials (such as rice hulls, bamboo and jute), using expoxidized soybean oil as a polyurethane bonding resin. The commercial application of this project will be in the manufacture of household and office furniture. The bio-based composites are expected to be mechanically strong, cost effective, lightweight and resistant to fire and water. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hecht, N ADVANCED CERAMICS RESEARCH, INC AZ Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99804 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0417963 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Trackless Welding of Large Steel Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of development of an affordable, flexible, and trackless apparatus and process for full penetration welding of large steel structures. The project will address two critical issues in arc welding; complete joint penetration and joint line tracking. The project will develop an automated welding system including a movable weld backing and trackless mechanism for welding large steel structures. A prototype machine will be designed and experimentally verified based on the requirements of arc welding production. The successful development of the technology will improve significantly automatic equipment for fabricating heavy weldments of large steel structures, productivity and weld quality, and reduce welding cost. The broader impacts (commercial applications) are expected in fabricating heavy weldments within the shipbuilding, high-pressure vessel, pipelines, heavy crane, power generation and aerospace. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Shaobin S&B Wise Weld Company KY Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 86222 5371 manu MANU 9150 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0418020 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Proteome Epitope Tags-Based Antibody Arrays for High-Throughput, Proteome-Wide Kinase Pathway Profiling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop antibody arrays for studying kinase proteins based on the Protein Epitope Tags (PETS) method. This method relies on a computational process to mine the human genomic sequence to find good tags using a nearest-neighbor approach to filter out similar tags. The commercial application of this project will be to make available effective antibody arrays as protein analysis tools for use in biomedical research and diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meng, Xun Epitome Biosystems, Inc. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0418244 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Environmental Neurotoxicity Using Zebrafish. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop and validate zebrafish assays for testing of industrial chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity with reduced cost and shorter turn around times compared with available methods. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of environmental toxicology. The impact of neurotoxins on the development of fetuses and children has been established for a few contaminants such as lead, but remains largely unexplored for most contaminants. Therefore, the development of a proven animal model will be both scientifically and commercially useful. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Willett, Catherine PHYLONIX PHARMACEUTICAL INC MA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0418277 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Dynamic Torsional Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (DTKAFO) for Lower Extremity Deformities. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a Dynamic Torsional Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (DTKAFO) for the treatment of Metatarsus Adductus/Varus (MTA), Internal Tibial Torsion (ITT) and Talipes Equinovarus (TEV). The DTKAFO offers an easy-to-use brace that combines the manipulation aspects of physical therapy, the positioning of serial casting and the compliance benefits of thermoplastic bracing. The design of the DTKAFO will be finalized via prototype development and with close input from orthopedic surgeons. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of orthopedics for treatment of congenital foot deformities in children. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Donovan, John-Paul AtlanticProCare ME Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 90688 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0418537 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Target-Based Rational Design of Novel Insect Control Products. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will manipulate insect behavior by interfering with the codling moth olfactory pathway. This will result in inhibition in mating of moths and laying of unfertilized eggs. The commercial application of project will be as an "anti-pheromone" product in the area of pest management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woods, Daniel Inscent, Inc CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99650 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0418748 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Multiplexable, Label-Free DNA Diagnostic Assay. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a multiplexable diagnostic assay for DNA detection. The approach uses NanoBarCode (NBC) technology to localize fluorescent DNA probes that are coupled to the NBC particles through thiol-linkages. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of DNA detection. The proposed DNA hybridization assay, if successfully developed, could be used to detect genetic disorders and biological warfare agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Penn, Sharron NANOPLEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99977 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0418989 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Enabling High Output Carotenogenesis in Plant Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the technical feasibility of enhancing isoprenoid biosynthesis by mevalonate pathway addition to plastids of a eukaryotic model. Isoprenoids, as carotenoids, serve as natural colorants in plant products and also have a market as human dietary supplement. Increasing the output of carotenoids in cultivated plants and microalgae is of considerable interest as a way to provide these isoprenoids as natural products from renewable sources rather than from chemical synthesis. The commercial application of this project will be on the aquaculture and the ornamental horticulture industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Champagne, Michele KUEHNLE AGRO SYSTEMS HI George B. Vermont Standard Grant 92850 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0419067 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Designer Cellulases for Biomass Conversion. 0419067 Coleman This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes the use of "directed evolution" to improve the properties of cellulose enzymes for use in the wood pulping process. The current process for converting wood chips and other biomass to paper fibers is a highly energy intensive thermal process. Cellulases can reduce the energy requirements, but are thermally unstable and have generally slow hydrolysis rates. Directed evolution, microbial mutation and rapid screening for improved enzymes, will be used to develop a microbial strain producing more thermally stable, faster acting enzymes. The commercial application of this project will be to improve the energy efficiency of the wood pulping process. Improved enzymes will be used to facilitate cellulose breakdown and reduce process energy requirements. It is estimated that a 10% reduction in energy input would save about $300 million worldwide annually. The information gained from this study could also be applied to other similar enzymatic processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Coleman, William KAIROS SCIENTIFIC INC. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0419082 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: In-Process Fiber Web Characterization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a model relating the light attenuation and scattering data to the basis weight as well as optical diagnostics for in-process measurement of web uniformity. Nonwoven polymer fiber webs are used as a primary component in a variety of products including, composite materials, medical textiles, civil engineering fabrics, filters, hygiene products, cosmetics accessories, etc. More than forty automotive parts employ fiber webs. The overall market of these products is estimated to be $100B. Maintaining the uniformity of webs is the quality issue of foremost importance in the manufacturing of nonwoven polymer fiber webs. Recent advancements in the understanding of ensemble scattering by fiber webs are enabling the development of optical diagnostics for the basis-weight uniformity measurements. The broader impact from this technology will be enhancing the efficiency and productivity of a significant manufacturing sector. From an academic point of view, this project will seek to identify the bulk parameters of a complex system using ensemble measurements and empirical modeling. Dissemination of the results of this work would provide scientists clues to handling the response of other similar complex systems, like multiphase suspensions and emulsions encountered in chemical processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Naqwi, Amir POWERSCOPE INCORPORATED MN Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99726 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419083 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Improved Processing of High-Flux, High-Temperature Hydrogen Separation Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop new processing approaches for fabrication of mixed proton-electron conducting membranes that will be used in the future for economical production of high-purity hydrogen derived from biomass and coal. The objective of this Phase I program will be to demonstrate the feasibility of novel processing methods to fabricate thin (< 15 micon thickness), supported mixed proton-electron-conducting membranes. The novel processing methods will be demonstrated via fabrication of supported membranes on small porous disk supports. The hydrogen separation properties of these membranes at elevated temperatures will be evaluated using a bench-scale test system. The impact of the proposed research would include facilitation of commercialization of hydrogen-powered vehicles and improvement of the economics and environmental impact of stationary power generation processes. Such development would also lessen the dependence of the Nation's economy on foreign oil imports. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Higgins, Richard CeraMem Corporation MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419100 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Commercial Combustion Synthesis of Homogeneous Lots of Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project intends to demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility of cost- and energy-efficient conversion of carbon-containing feedstocks to well- defined carbon nanotubes. The proposed work will include a) the proof of concept of high-yield synthesis of carbon nanotubes in premixed flames with catalyst precursors added to the initial feed gas and b) the establishment of correlations between yields and characteristics of carbon nanotubes and experimental. Results will provide qualitative insight in the formation mechanism(s) whereas kinetic modeling will assist in the identification of optimized operating conditions. The unique electrical, mechanical and chemical properties of carbon nanotubes allow for a large range of applications. Some of them, such as their use as field emitters in flat panel displays, are approaching market maturity while an inexpensive supply of well-defined carbon nanotubes is currently missing. Results of the proposed work are expected to have a significant impact on the achievement of the technological and commercial potential of carbon nanotubes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Richter, Henning NANO-C, INC MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99583 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419104 July 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: All-Optical Method to Detect and Diagnose Optical Faults in Advanced Optical Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a prototype optical network monitoring system based on the enabling technology demonstrated in Phase I. Optical networks must be continuously supervised to ensure high availability and reliability. Advanced networks will use optical routing for cost savings and provisioning flexibility. This trend obsoletes current optical signal quality monitoring techniques. The proposed system, designed specifically for these advanced networks, utilizes an all-optical, in-channel detection method. It not only monitors performance but also performs on-line diagnosis of optical faults. This system operates in a real network environment including the presence of polarization mode dispersion, a phenomena which has frustrated other monitoring approaches. This technology is targeted to develop advanced networks that cost 50% less to deploy and maintain than existing systems. This represents an enormous cost savings for telecommunications carriers and ultimately all data communications consumers. The demand for telecommunications bandwidth continues to grow rapidly. The market for optical networking equipment and strong growth is predicted. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Melman, Paul Newton Photonics, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499226 5373 HPCC 9139 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0419106 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Formulation of Environmentaly Friendly Lubricants Based on Polymeric Materials for Cold Forging Process. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is focused on environmentally friendly lubricants for cold forging processes based on polymeric formulation and the develop of methodology based on coupling tribochemistry with severity of deformation modes of specific forging processes. The new lubricant formulation concept is based on combination of internally stabilized emulsion polymers along with advances in adhesion chemistry and synthetic lubricants. This lubricant is aimed at replacing zinc phosphate coating. The effort will include development of a quick and robust online lubrication system for the newly formulated lubricants. In recent years the U.S. forging industry has undergone significant shrinkage due to intense global competition, technological changes, and environmental and economic factors. Serious environmental concerns may cause the phase out of the current lubrication system for cold forging based on zinc phosphate coatings. This project, in cooperation with NC State University, targets an environmentally friendly lubricant to assist the forging industry. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stark, David Sisu Chemical, LLC NC Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 98492 1505 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419114 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Sublancin 168 for Bacillus Spores Detection, Inactivation and Decontamination. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop methods to use Sublancin 168 for detection, inactivation and decontamination of Bacillus spores. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of detection and control of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ooi, Guck Sun BioMedical Technologies, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 97928 5371 BIOT 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0419154 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Fluidics Design for Development of a Massively Parallel Oligonucleotide Synthesizer (MPOS) for the Production of Genome Scale Reagent Sets in Pico-Molar Quantities. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a liquid handling and robotic system for the generation and dispensing of oligonucleotides . The commercial application of this project will be to provide cheap and efficient instrumentation for molecular biology research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kaysen, James GENETIC ASSEMBLIES INC WI George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0419155 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Mixed Ionic/Electronic Conducting Catalyst for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting nanostructured mixed ionic and electronic conductor (MIEC) ceramic anode material for direct electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrocarbon in solid oxide fuel cell applications. The proposed catalyst consists of an electrical conducting phase, Sr0.88Y0.08TiO3, coated with an oxidation catalyst, Ce0.80Y0.20O0.19. Both phases are known MIECs ideal for fuel electrode materials in view of electrode polarization. Commercial potential of the proposed technology includes solid oxide fuel cell applications, direct hydrogen generation for portable or stationary fuel cell systems for communication, computers, electric and hybrid vehicles, home utility suppliers, power source for appliances, military aircraft, electric wheelchairs, and medical power supply systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xiao, T. Danny US NANOCORP, INC. CT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419180 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Synthesis of Novel Compounds by Modified RNA. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel method, Evolutionary Chemistry, to simultaneously generate and select from a library of small molecules, using modified RNA both as a catalyst and as an amplifiable tag for detection of binding to a target. The commercial application of this project will be to streamline the process of discovery of new compounds for therapeutic and agricultural use. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elich, Tedd Cropsolution, Inc. NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99510 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419187 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High-Density Microcapillary Bioplate. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a new microcapillary bioplate platform for biochemical analysis using a new sealing fabrication technique. The advantages of this approach will be to add the following attributes to high density glass microcapillary bioplates: improved reliability and elimination of cross-contamination through disposability, complete flexibility in diameter and length of capillaries, use of 100,000 to 10 million capillaries per standard plate, improved capillary uniformity, dramatic reductions in cost and process times, and reduction of environmental contaminants. The commercial application of this project will be to provide the biotechnology research community with less expensive and potentially disposable microcapillary plates for combinatorial biochemical assays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Krans, Joseph Incom Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419193 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Environmentally Benign Antifouling Coatings From Dendritic Nanotechnology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop the technology for manufacturing nano-structured polymer coatings that will prevent aquatic biofouling of submerged man-made surfaces in an environmentally safe way. The unique cellular structure of the nano-domained coatings proposed will not only combine all the most desirable properties of the existing anti-biofouling coatings but will also provide for complete or at least significantly reduced pollution by effective binding (through a combination of strong chemical complexation forces and physical steric hindrance) of selected repellants for the fouling nuisance organisms. This program will focus on the coatings for ship/boat hulls used in both marine and fresh water environments. These unique nano-structured coatings are also expected to have a very broad impact and large commercial effects in a variety of other water-based industries, ranging from shipping, fishing, tourism and defense, to production of energy in hydroelectric plants, protection of shorelines, production of potable water by desalination of sea water or from biofoulant-infested fresh-water sources, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dvornic, Petar DENDRITECH, INC MI Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99211 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419198 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Twisted Polygonal Fiber Composite Technology for Creating Safer Low Cost High Ductile Concrete Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new concrete reinforcement technology. Helix fiber is designed to solve the fundamental problem with cement-based materials - their brittle nature. When concrete is overloaded it tends to fail suddenly, unlike materials such as steel that will bend and actually harden when overloaded. This shortcoming causes problems ranging from cracks in sidewalks to catastrophic failures of concrete structures. Helix is a toothpick-sized, coated metallic-wire which is shaped then twisted and is added at the concrete ready mix plant, Helix fibers are randomly dispersed and reinforcing concrete in all directions. Each individual fiber acts like a tiny screw locked into the concrete, Helix combines unprecedented performance with economy. The project will focus on developing the fiber design and proving its effectiveness. The project will ultimately focus on cost optimization and proving the technology's effectiveness for large-scale commercial construction applications. The technology will enable a new generation of concrete-based composites that behave more like steel, making them safer and longer lasting. The broader impacts from this project could be significant. Helix is a major advance in the development of high performance fiber reinforced cement composites which could offer a combination of high tensile strength, ductility, toughness and impact resistance. These composites are suitable in structural applications (i.e., blast-impact and seismic-resistant structures) and in stand-alone applications (thin sheet products for housing, buildings, bridge decks, etc.). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chandrangsu, Kulsiri POLYTORX LLC MI Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 98845 5371 ampp AMPP 9163 9102 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419205 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Semisynthetic Synthesis of Mutacin 1140. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop new preparative strategies for the peptide antibiotic Mutacin 1140 and related derivatives. Current fermentation and synthetic routes are impractical. In-vitro testing suggests that Mutacin and its derivatives may work on drug-resistant bacterial strains. The peptide backbone of the antibiotic will be produced by cloning and expressing a 22mer artificial gene. The structure will then be modified to a range of derivatives synthetically. The commercial application of the proposed project is in the area of antibiotics to combat human infectious diseases. Screening has indicated effectiveness against a wide range of gram positive and some gram-negative pathogens including multidrug resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hillman, Jeffrey Oragenics Corporation FL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419214 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Non-Destructive Hydrogen Embrittlement Detection for High Strength Steels Using Induced Positron Annihilation Technologies. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a field use, nondestructive measurement capability for hydrogen embrittlement (HE) damage in high-strength alloys based on induced positron annihilation. The primary objective of this project will be to demonstrate this innovative technology for the detection, quantification, depth profiling, and assessment of damage progression for hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength alloys associated with critical aerospace components. Numerous aerospace components (e.g., landing gear) have been shown to be subject to early HE failure long before the expected end of life thereby impacting flight safety. Consequently, a physically-based detection tool will be developed that can be used to detect and measure HE in high-strength alloys at any point in the damage progression suitable for manufacturing and field measurement applications in numerous industries. Development of this portable HE detection tool will significantly improve manufacturing process-control/quality control for critical manufacturing processes of concern, while improving safety and radically changing requirements for component maintenance, surveillance and replacement criteria. This revolutionary advancement in HE detection capability will provide a competitive advantage for the aerospace and other industries by providing a fundamentally new approach for the detection of HE. The broader impacts of this project will be continued work on Induced Positron Annihilation applications to hydrogen embrittlement damage. This work will provide information not only on current damage, but also on the remaining life of components. This technology will improve process control/quality control and safety, and will positively impact many aspects of the design, manufacturing, and use of components in numerous industries. This technology will result in safer and less expensive operations of potentially hydrogen embrittled machinery; providing long term benefits to manufacturers, maintainers, and operators of machinery subject to this type of damage. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Urban-Klaehn, Jagoda Positron Systems, Inc. ID Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 94330 9150 MANU 9150 9146 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419218 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Development of Fourth Generation High Temperature Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop and characterize the structure property- processing relationships for a novel class of phenylethynyl terminated thermosetting polyimide/inorganic hybrid resins. There exists a growing need for polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials capable of 371-454C (700-900F) extended service life durability that: (i) are compatible with existing fabrication procedures (autoclave, resin transfer molding, resin infusion, etc.), (ii) exhibit at least equivalent mechanical performance and chemical resistance to state of the art polyimides, and (iii) can withstand the aggressive service environments of defense aerospace, missile, and NASA and Air Force launch vehicle applications. Materials with these properties do not presently exist, but are enabling for these and many other future systems. Current state of the art PMCs are limited to, at best, 343C (650F) extended service temperatures for aggressive environments required in defense applications, deep sea drilling, commercial aircraft engines, and reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technology. Necessary balancing of processing and performance combined with fundamental limitations in organic chemistry yield this limit. This project's novel hybrid approach combines known structure-property-processing relationships of state of the art thermosetting polyimides developed at Air Force and NASA research laboratories with the current understanding of inorganic and organic/inorganic hybrid polymers provided by academia and industry. Building the proposed "Fourth Generation" materials from the molecular level represents a state of the art technology. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lincoln, Jason Performance Polymer Solutions Inc. OH Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99633 1505 AMPP 9163 1984 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419220 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High Strength Low Cost Ceramic Matrix Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop new high strength ceramic matrix composites using low cost processing techniques. Ceramic matrix composites represent an important class of materials for high performance applications including armor and structural materials. These composites are lightweight, temperature resistant, and corrosion resistant. Reinforcing whiskers, such as silicon carbide, have been used to increase the tensile strength and fracture toughness of ceramic composites. Properties such as tensile strength are directly related to the mechanical and chemical interactions between the reinforcing material and ceramic matrix. This project will focus on a simple low cost method of controlling the interfacial interactions between an alumina matrix and the silicon carbide whisker-reinforcing phase of a ceramic matrix composite. The successful demonstration of this innovation should lead to a better understanding of ceramic matrix composite as well as the development of a low cost method for production of ceramic matrix composites for application as high strength, lightweight materials for structural and protective armor applications. The market growth will be fueled by the development of low cost methods of improving composite properties SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Evenson, Carl Eltron Research, Inc. CO Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419233 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Label-Free Biochip for Rapid Detection of Botulinum Toxins. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a highly sensitive and selective label-free biochip assay for rapid detection of botulinum toxins. The proposed method uses surface-plasmon-resonance (SPR) technology incorporating peptide cleavage at the surface of the SPR waveguide. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of botulinum toxin detection in food, biological samples and the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shine, Nancy List Biological Laboratories, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99995 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419242 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Solid Acid Catalyst with Optimally Distributed Active Sites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a novel solid acid catalyst for paraffin alkylation in an effort to provide refiners with a cost-effective alternative for producing clean fuels without the need for corrosive liquid acids. A new family of multifunctional catalysts is being developed, that significantly reduce catalyst deactivation rates. This is achieved through optimal distribution of the active sites within the catalyst pellet. During Phase I, the new class of solid acid catalysts will be synthesized, characterized and tested for paraffin alkylation. Performance of this catalyst will be compared to the performance of conventional solid-acid catalysts. Emissions from cars are the single most important factor responsible for poor air quality in US. With its high octane number, low vapor pressure and absence of aromatic and olefinic compounds, alkylate is an ideal clean fuel component because it is low polluting and has low toxicity. The alkylation process using this new catalyst system will be fundamentally safer and cleaner, side-stepping the use and generation of toxic chemicals. The catalyst promises significantly improved yields and selectivities, Improved economic performance translates into enhanced utilization of feedstocks, reduced requirements for materials of construction, and sustainable energy savings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419257 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Highly Efficient Exhaust Cleanup Technology for Environmentally Benign Processing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel integrated reactive abatement module (IRAM) that effectively removes solidifying chemicals from the exhaust effluent of deposition and etch manufacturing processes. Growing safety concerns and escalating costs dedicated to environmental protection is one of the drivers to continuously migrate semiconductor manufacturing outside of the US. In this project, hazardous chemicals will be reactively converted into inert solid films over a removable high-area filtration element. An integrated high-speed downstream pressure control will actively suppress IRAM-induced pressure fluctuations that may affect the process. The reactive process will apply highly effective chemical reactions to convert the solidifying chemicals into stable inert films. Objectives include superior maintainability of low-pressure exhaust manifolds and pumps and substantially improved safety of device processing systems, hence promoting safe and environmentally benign semiconductor manufacturing at a competitive cost. Broader impact: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) are considered the cornerstones of semiconductor manufacturing technology. In the last decade these manufacturing-technologies have also migrated into the explosively growing area of nano-technology. These process techniques emit reactive, toxic and solidifying chemicals and produce a hazardous and destructive residue in low-pressure exhaust manifolds that clogs up the conduits and destroys the vacuum pumps. Slow and inefficient chemical reactions, driven by the typically low pressure and low temperature conditions in exhaust manifolds, convert the reactive exhaust mixture into hazardous residue instead of completely reacted inert films. Frequent maintenance requires ambient exposure of these hazardous-residue-containing exhaust manifolds with risks to the workers and the workplace. Growing safety concerns and escalating cost dedicated to environmental protection severely hampers the semiconductor industry and reduces its competitiveness in the US. Overcoming this deficiency, IRAM technology will apply environmentally benign chemistry with a localized production of short-lived highly reactive species capable to completely extracting the solidifying chemicals out of exhaust streams to produce inert solid films. This novel chemistry has a broad range of device processing applications and can positively impact manufacturing costs. Key Words: CVD, RIE, ALD, abatement, semiconductor manufacturing, LPCVD, foreline, EH&S, environmental health and safety. E.B.A 5/24/04 SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sneh, Ofer Sundew Technologies, LLC CO Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99630 5371 AMPP 9163 1440 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419282 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Novel Corrosion Inhibiting Inorganic Coatings for Magnesium Alloys. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is concerned with the development of a radically new class of molten-salt produced anodized coatings for the advanced corrosion protection of magnesium alloys. More specifically, this proposed work will develop the electrochemical basis and technical effectiveness of this new class of recently discovered inorganic coatings. These new coatings are producible via low temperature non-aqueous molten-salt electrolytes and will contribute toward increasing magnesium alloy usage as part of the national effort (United Sates Automotive Materials Partnership) to reduce vehicle weight and increase vehicle mileage. Corrosion of magnesium is an important problem in its industrial use especially in the transportation industry. The discovery of a new class of inorganic anti-corrosion coatings presents an opportunity for significant improvement in corrosion protection for magnesium. The potential applications of this research include coatings for aeronautical as well as vehicular magnesium engineering components and devices. Additionally the electrolytes used to prepare this new class of coatings are environmentally benign and do not have the waste disposal problems associated with currently used coatings. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Simmons, Walter Terrasimco Incorporated WV Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 95385 9150 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419287 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Development of Anticancer Drugs Using Novel Drug Delivery Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a novel delivery vehicle for anti-cancer drugs using guanidine-modified molecule-based systems. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of anti-cancer therapies. This drug delivery system may enable or improve the performance of known pharmaceuticals by modulating their administration regimen or intake routes. It may also help salvage many clinically proven therapeutics that were abandoned due to their low cellular uptakes and / or poor solubility and bioavailability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yu, C.J. GlyPort, Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0419311 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Compacting Fly Ash to Make Bricks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new method to make bricks using fly ash, which is a byproduct or waste material generated at coal-fired power plants. This new method for making bricks is simple and effective. It uses pressure instead of high temperature to make bricks, thereby reducing cost and conserving energy, at the same time recycling an otherwise wasted material. Preliminary research showed that strong bricks could be made this way, though the resistance of such bricks to freezing/thawing encountered in winter needs substantial improvement before such bricks can be used commercially. While current industry standards requires that bricks must pass at least 50 freezing/thawing cycles, the fly ash bricks produced at present can pass less than 10 cycles. This research explores several novel methods to improve the freezing/thawing property of such bricks, enabling them to meet standards and become commercially viable. The information generated will enhance current knowledge in the freezing/thawing effects on bricks, and in the understanding of crack formation during manufacturing of compacted products. The research enhances the state-of-the-art of a few technologies in making bricks. The broader impacts from this project could be significant. Much of the fly ash generated at coal-fired power plants is unused, ends up in landfills and slurry ponds. Using fly ash to make bricks not only produces a valuable commercial product but also reduces a major waste disposal problem for power plants. Furthermore, manufacturing ordinary clay bricks requires using high temperature (around 2,000 degrees F), which is energy-intensive and costly. In contrast, the fly ash bricks can be produced at room temperature, using only a fraction of the energy used in making clay bricks. The energy cost of making conventional clay bricks is very high, fly ash bricks are expected to cost much less than clay bricks to produce. As compared to conventional concrete bricks, which use cement, this new technology uses low-cost fly ash and hence costs less to produce. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Henry Freight Pipeline Company MO Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 97915 5371 ampp AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419313 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Catalytic Filter for Hydrogen Production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project explores the development of a catalytically active filtration device for the reduction of particulates and carbon monoxide in reformate or syngas. It is generally recognized that significant improvements in the performance of water gas shift catalysts would greatly reduce the cost of producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon feedstocks. A novel water gas shift catalytic system, with the additional capability to remove particulates that may be generated during reforming of solid and liquid fuels, will be synthesized, characterized and demonstrated. The proposed technology will be particularly well-suited to reducing the cost of hydrogen production via coal gasification, biomass gasification, diesel reforming and gasoline reforming, but can also be applied to natural gas steam reforming process improvements. Successful application of the proposed technology will lower the cost of producing hydrogen, thereby reducing fuel, fertilizer and refined metal costs. Simplified production of hydrogen will also facilitate the commercial use of fuel cells, which will reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fokema, Mark ASPEN PRODUCTS GROUP, INC MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99733 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419326 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Development of Manufacturing Processes for High Thermal Conductivity Carbon Skeletal Structures for Use in Metal and Metal Matrix Components. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will develop novel metal and metal matrix composite (MMC) materials that incorporate high thermal conductivity carbon (HTCC) inserts. There is a critical need for advanced materials with improved thermal properties capable of meeting the thermal management requirements of current and future high power electronic systems. The objective of this project is the development of the fundamental basis for the manufacturing processes and procedures required to produce cost-effective HTCC skeletal structure cores. This manufacturing technology would enable cost effective metal-HTCC and MMC-HTCC material systems with a thermal conductivity greater than that of copper and which have a coefficient of thermal expansion that can be adjusted between 6.0 and 10 ppm /degrees C to match that of an electronic package. The heat dissipation rate of electronic systems has increased dramatically as a result of ongoing advances in semiconductor materials, compression of circuit physical architecture, size reduction of packaging envelops and faster switching speed. High power electronics have reached heat flux levels of up to 500 W/cm2 and this level is projected to exceed 1,000 W/cm2 within several years. The results of this project couldl enable the manufacture of HTCC-based materials that achieve the target thermal properties critical to satisfying thermal management solutions for high power applications. The broader impacts that could derive from this project could be in advanced high power military and industrial systems (e.g., phased-array radar systems, high energy laser systems, power control, distribution and management systems), telecommunication base stations and finally high-end computers (e.g., servers, work stations, etc.). The commercial market for these HTCC-based materials will develop over a three to five year period, during which time HTCC-based materials will achieve widespread use in a broad spectrum of military, industrial, and commercial electronic applications driven by the need to reduce system packaging envelop coupled with the need to use more efficient, high temperature semiconductor materials that have higher heat fluxes and higher heat dissipation rates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Connell, James ADVANCED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES MA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99591 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419361 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Injection Molded Copper Composites for High K Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop copper-graphite and copper-SiC composites with 40-50V% reinforcement loading using a microencapsulated powder metallurgy process. These microencapsulated powders will be combined with injection molding for the low cost fabrication of highly complex parts such as a finner radiator. The project will demonstrate an economical solution to metal matrix composite microstructural control and reliability problems, and will develop a new, high performance class of materials able to be used with injection molding and rapid prototyping equipment. The broader impacts from this technology would be first demonstration of injection molded metal matrix composites, opening up and entirely new range of properties/cost for performance materials. The combination of high thermal performance and low cost solves a number of problems with waste heat management in automotive/transportation, space vehicle, heating and climate control, as well as electronics and power conditioning applications. Furthermore, the ability to injection mold highly loaded metal matrix composites will be immediately translatable into structural, optical, and wear/mechanical components. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sherman, Andrew POWDERMET INC OH Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99994 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419363 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Polycarbonate Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop high performance polycarbonate nanocomposites. Polycarbonate possess poor abrasion and chemical resistance and shows crazing and cracking upon stress. Incorporation of clay particles in a polymer matrix can overcome above-mentioned problems. However, the major obstacle to successful fabrication of polycarbonate-clay nanocomposites is related to the thermal stability of organoclay. Degradation of organoclay leads to decreased mechanical properties and lowered transparency accompanying with bad color. Nanoparticles are also good additives for improving mechanical properties and abrasion of polymers. The proposed polycarbonate nanocomposites will be used in a wide range of applications, such as automobiles, cell phone, computers and other business equipment, sporting goods, consumer electronics, household appliances, CDs, DVDs, food storage containers and bottles, which require polycarbonate to be hard, stiff, tough and color stable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhu, Jin NEI CORPORATION NJ Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99991 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419374 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Highly Active and Selective Hydroxylation Catalysts for Combinatorial Biocatalysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using "directed evolution" to create highly active, selective hydroxylation enzymes for use in combinatorial biocatalysis of potential drugs. Such protein catalysts will be capable of direct hydroxylation of non-activated carbon centers without oxidation of other sensitive functionality; a transformation that is virtually impossible using traditional chemistry. Using highly active bacterial enzymes as a starting point, random mutants will be generated and clones capable of targeted hydroxylations will be selected by using by using high-through-put screening methods. Existing bacterial P450 enzymes do not have the required selectivity. Mammalian P450 systems that work effectively in-vivo, are difficult to express and are slow in catalysis. The potential of this technology for combinatorial library creation will be demonstrated using drug scaffolds. The commercial application of the proposed technology will initially be to provide research oxidation catalysts for the development of new drug candidates. New classes of oxygenated candidates for testing will be prepared. Subsequently, the catalysts may be used in the actual synthesis of the new drugs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lalonde, James Altus Biologics Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 0 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419383 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Software for Micro RNA Detection and Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to refine a neural network method for the identification of functional RNA molecules, specifically with extension to eukaryotes. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of antisense RNA therapeutics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fogel, Gary NATURAL SELECTION, INCORPORATED CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98909 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419401 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Nanoparticle-Stabilized Vapor-Selective Membranes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project focuses on vapor-selective membranes that are stabilized through the addition of nanoscale fillers. Vapor-selective membranes, which preferentially permeate the larger molecules in a gas mixture, are used in industrial separation applications such as organic monomer recovery in polyolefin production and natural gas dew point adjustment. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a membrane material with modest selectivity, is typically used in separations of this type. Polymers with superior selectivity properties have been identified, but these materials suffer performance degradation over time due to physical aging. Recently, we have discovered that the addition of certain nanoscale fillers stabilizes these highly-selective polymers. In the proposed project, such fillers will be added to high-performance, vapor-selective polymers to yield novel, stable nanocomposite membranes. Successful development of the proposed membranes would allow the recovery of hydrogen from refinery streams that cannot be cost-effectively separated with conventional technologies, including currently available membranes. Flaring of these off-gas streams results in an estimated annual loss of $300 million to U.S. refineries. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Merkel, Tim MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419406 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Ultrananocrystalline Diamond as Wear Resistant and Protective Coating for Mechanical Shaft Seal Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop wear resistant and protective coatings for mechanical shaft seals based on a novel material called Ultrananocrystalline (tm) diamond. Diamond, because of its hardness, chemical inertness and low friction coefficient is an obvious candidate for coating mechanical shaft seals. Conventional CVD diamond technology (based on H2/CH4 gas chemistry), which produces microcrystalline (or nanocrystalline) diamond is not suitable because of large grain sizes and high internal stresses. The new process based on Ar/CH4 gas chemistry produces diamond with small grain sizes (2-5 nm) and a surface roughness of about 20-30 nm which is ideally suited for such applications. Mechanical shaft seals are used in almost every industry. The main functions of these seals are to ensure that the pumping fluid does not escape the system and to protect the fluids from contaminants. Presently, silicon carbide (SiC) is the material of choice for most of the seals used in these industries. However, several studies have shown that due to poor friction properties of this material, almost 20% of the energy is lost due to friction. By improving the efficiency of shaft seals in these devices by just factor of two, it is estimated that a worldwide energy savings of 6x109 Kw-hr/year could be achieved. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Netzel, James ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99824 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419421 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Enhancing the Efficacy of a Novel Cancer Drug through Combinatorial Chemistry. 0419421 Stevenson This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to enhance the efficacy of a new anti-cancer drug, based on a novel lead molecule, through combinatorial chemistry. Preliminary data have shown that this drug, in higher doses, has the ability to kill cancerous cells while leaving non-cancerous cells unaffected. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of anti-cancer therapeutics for treatment of breast cancer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Phillips, Paige Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99927 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419441 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Microchip Assay for Glycosylated Hemoglobin. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop an integrated microchip system for glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb). The approach adapts existing protocols for GHb detection using capillary gel electrophoresis and pulsed amperometric detection. The commercial application of this project will be to provide an economic glucose monitoring device for diabetics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Willard, Dale Advanced MicroLabs, LLC CO George B. Vermont Standard Grant 98520 5371 1505 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419445 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Ceramic Matrix Infiltration Process for Net-Shape Reinforcement YAG Preforms to Produce Cost-Effective High Temperature Ceramic Matrix Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a low cost high temperature oxide ceramic composite for turbine blade application, with 1700C service temperature capability, excellent strength retention, creep resistance, high fracture toughness and isotropy. Tailored porosity structures have been fabricated with interconnected passages suitable for infusion with an oxide matrix for high strength composites. Sapphire/alumina chemically modified ceramics (CMC) have been tested at high temperatures and have shown three orders of magnitude better creep resistance than polycrystalline alumina composites. The solutions provided by this new technology for ceramic composites will address the serious cost/performance problems associated with current fiber based oxide ceramic composites. By elimination of high cost fiber and preforming steps, these oxide composites will cost orders of magnitude less than current state of the art oxide composites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roy, Ronald Foster-Miller Inc MA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99950 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419453 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Wireless Combined Neural Recording and Stimulating Headstage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a miniature implantable, remotely powered, and wireless recording and stimulating device. The ability to electrically stimulate the nervous tissue using the same implant with the same electrode arrays would allow for experimental paradigms involving a real-time feedback loop, where the current state of the neural area-of-interest serves to modulate the manner in which it is stimulated. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of neuroprosthetics. The neuroprosthetic market is projected to be of the order of 1 billion dollar a year by 2005. There are over 220,000 paraplegics in the United States and 1 million worldwide who are paralyzed from spinal cord injury or from multiple sclerosis. Age related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa affect more than 10 million people around the world. When this implantable wireless recording and stimulation system becomes available, human clinical prosthetics designed to cure or alleviate these afflictions will come one step closer to reality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morizio, James Triangle Biosystems, Inc. NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99250 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419456 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: New Approaches for Including Renewable Resource Materials in Epoxy Resin Products to Reduce Styrene Emissions and Provide Recycling Capability. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project to develop a variety of thermoset plastics incorporating biodegradable polymer components as replacement for environmentally undesirable styrene reactants. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of renewable resource based biodegradable polymers for broad industrial use. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99996 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0419457 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A New Hydrogen Source From Toxic Hydrogen Sulfide. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will target the development of a process to produce valuable hydrogen and sulfur from toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Current commercial technology converts H2S into water and sulfur, thereby losing a valuable source of hydrogen. Sulfur polymerization mechanisms for the proposed process have determined using computational chemistry. As a result, new sulfur polymerization agents were identified and will be verified experimentally in this work. New catalyst supports have also been identified and will be evaluated. The amount of hydrogen consumption to remove sulfur represents from 25 to 40% of the total hydrogen requirement. Hence, putting the hydrogen in H2S on total recycle within a refinery could significantly reduce capital and operating costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Plummer, Mark MPr&d, LLC CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99134 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419460 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Multiwavelength Laser Spectroscopy System for Non-Invasive Bio-Assay. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of a light source for a portable and wearable near infrared, multi-wavelength spectroscopy unit. This will enable portable, non-invasive blood spectroscopy by the displacement of tungsten filament based light sources with compact, efficient light sources based on semiconductor lasers. A laser technology platform that is scalable in a cost effective manner to access the clinically relevant 1350nm to 2450nm wavelength range, which includes an optimal fingerprint range for the sensing of blood ethanol, urea or glucose, will be demonstrated. This will result in a robust and efficient light source / spectroscopy platform that will enable dramatic performance improvements and size reductions in systems for optically based non-invasive monitoring of human health. The commercial application of this project will in the management and treatment of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of Americans. It is well known that much of the chronic damage from this disease results from inadequate monitoring of blood sugar levels over time. A robust strategy for real time monitoring and intervention in glucose level variation will have a revolutionary impact on the quality of life for these millions, and millions more worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thornton, Robert r. l. thornton and associates CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99800 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419472 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Microelectrochemical Assays for Malaria Parasites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project is to develop an electrochemical detection method for analysis of liver stage plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites, with the intent of eliminating interferences, while achieving speed and sensitivity. The commercial application of this project will be that the proposed product could lead to an effective malaria vaccine, which could have significant impact on world health. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Aguilar, Zoraida VEGRANDIS, LLC AR Michael R. Ambrose Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419526 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High Rate Synthesis of Diamond and Other Superhard Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will further develop a prototype high pressure/high temperature apparatus, which will be capable of generating pressures of 10-30 GPa at 2000-5000C in mm3 volumes. Having realized this objective, samples of high quality single crystal and polycrystalline diamond by controlled crystallization from a high purity carbon melt will be prepared and evaluated. This will substantiate the unique capabilities of the apparatus. Concurrently functionally-graded nano-TiC/WC/Co and nano-diamond/WC/Co anvil materials will be prepared. This new class of superhard/tough materials as well as the process to fabricate them at high rates will have applications including punch and die sets, wire drawing dies, forging blanks, drill bits, machine tools for example. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Voronov, Oleg DIAMOND MATERIALS INC NJ Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419555 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Portable Water Ecosystem Oxygenator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIlR) Phase I project will develop a portable device for oxygenating streams and other surface water bodies using a combination of aeration and Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF), a process often used in settling tanks. The commercial application of this project will be to improve surface water quality in a variety of water bodies and to help restore habitats. The proposed product is expected to find a place in three specific market segments of the U.S. environmental industry, the ecosystem restoration market, the bioremediation market and the wastewater treatment market. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Thompson, Clay BLUEINGREEN AR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9150 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0419557 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Selective Laser Sintering Rapid Manufacturing Technique Using Nanotechnology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use a rapid manufacturing method to produce high performance structural components. This process will combine nanotechnology with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and a Rapid Prototyping (RP) additive layered build fabrication method. The use of SLS RP technique will facilitate true, flexible manufacturing of small batch of parts, while avoiding product-line tooling, under utilization of skilled labor and the need to maintain high overhead facilities costs. The SLS rapid manufacturing method will contribute to the concept of just in time manufacturing as well as lean manufacturing. Current thermoplastic polymer powders (Nylon 11 or Nylon 12) used in SLS are lacking in fire resistance and high strength/high heat resistance characteristics. It is anticipated that nanomodification of Nylon 11 will result in the expected polymer performance characteristics, i.e., fire resistance, high strength and high heat resistance for Nylon 11 and will expand the market opportunities for SLS users and Nylon 11 resin manufacturers. The broader impacts from this technology could be an unique, low specific gravity polymer powders (Nylon 11) that are fire-resistant, possess high strength and high heat resistance that ordinarily require large amounts of flame retardant additives as well as large amounts of reinforcing agents, and additives. The use of nanoparticles avoids the use of hazardous flame retardant additives such as halogenated or nitrogen/phosphorous materials, all of which contribute to smoke and toxicity when burning. Use of small amounts of nanoparticles (~7%) provides sufficient strength and heat resistance as compared to 20 to 30% conventional inorganic filler (glass fiber, mineral fiber, etc). The multifunctional characteristics of the nanoparticles could lead to low specific gravity polymer powders and substantial weight savings in finished part fabrication. This new rapid manufacturing method will be greatly embraced by SLS users who are qualified to provide parts to the U.S. Defense Industry. The ability to quickly and economically provide spare parts for aging legacy weapon systems through a seamless procurement mechanism of just in time could produce enormous cost savings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Koo, Joseph Koo & Associates Internatinal, Inc. TX Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99997 5371 MANU 9146 1467 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419578 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Local Vapor Fuel Cell. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I proposal will overcome the most critical problems associated with the construction of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC): complex, bulky and heavy cell structures, low fuel efficiency, and high cost. These issues have severely impeded the successful commercialization of DMFCs for powering portable electronic devices. A commercially viable local vapor fuel cell (LVFC) will be developed which features (1) an integrated system design (with a compact, light-weight, and simple cell structure), (2) a highly efficient fuel conversion (high electro-catalytic efficiency and low fuel crossover), and (3) low cost. The high fuel efficiency is achieved by making the anode catalyst operate on fuel vapors at a higher local temperature. PEM fuel cells generate electricity from oxygen and hydrogen, and emit only water and heat as by-products. Fuel cells offer a great combination of high power generating efficiencies with superior environmental performance (no noise and pollution). The fuel cell is commonly considered to be the engine that will drive the future hydrogen economy of the US and the world. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Huang, Wen Nanotek Instruments, Inc. OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 9150 1972 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419579 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Combining Molecular Design and Chemical Process Simulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of integrating molecular modeling with chemical process simulation in order to provide a mainstream tool for chemical process development and molecular design of custom compounds. Discontinuous molecular dynamics (DMD) simulation is combined with thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) to provide a basis for highly leveraged computational effort in all aspects of molecular modeling. Demonstrations would include applications for thiophenes, phosphates, and octanol/water partitioning. Extrapolations to polymers would involve characterizing PRISM parameters based on molecular simulations of oligomers. Molecular modeling represents the future of chemical product design, but its present isolation from process design creates substantial obstacles to its use as a mainstream tool for the majority of chemical engineers. The resulting product will be an option within a suite of Process Models. With this option, engineers will be able to draw the chemical structure of a newly conceived product, estimate its properties from DMD/TPT simulation, and economically evaluate the chemical process design within 24 hours. This capability will reduce dramatically the time from conception to production of new compounds and materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Massey, Nathan CHEMSTATIONS INC TX Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99173 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1938 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419585 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Microfluidic CD Biochips for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel microchip based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on compact disk (CD-ELISA) for rapid detection of biological molecules. The commercial application of this project will be for detection of food-borne pathogens and toxins. The proposed system is expected to have the advantages of low cost, simple operation, parallel detection, fast response, and ease of automation. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tang, I-Ching Bioprocessing Innovative Company, Inc. OH George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9107 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419602 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Metal Foams Produced by Novel Manufacturing Technique. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will develop a novel method to fabricate low-cost foamed aluminum materials that will exhibit high-energy absorption capability, high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. There has been a significant interest in porous metal foams for use in the automotive, marine, and aerospace industries. Most methods of producing the metal foams are quite expensive and cannot be easily scaled up to mass production. Commercially available foamed materials are sometimes difficult to machine or to join because of the presence of abrasive ceramic particles within the metal matrix required for the foaming process. This novel foaming process will be capable of producing closed-cell foamed aluminum panel or rod forms in various cell sizes and densities using a low-cost manufacturing approach. The foamed aluminum will be produced at lower cost in comparison to current state-of-the-art foaming methods. The foamed aluminum can be used in automotive and aerospace applications requiring high strength and stiffness to weight ratios. The broader impact from this technology would be an aluminum foaming technology that could be more versatile, economical, and tailorable than current foaming processes. Conventional machining and welding techniques can be used to shape and join the foamed aluminum. The foaming technology will also be applicable to other metal systems, such as copper and magnesium. The foaming process will open a wide range of technological applications within the aerospace, architectural, marine, and automotive industries, due to the material's high strength and stiffness to weight ratio. Lightweight foamed aluminum will enable high fuel efficiencies and improved crashworthiness through energy absorption in automobiles and aircraft. The foamed aluminum material should exhibit high sound-absorption capabilities and be more structurally isotropic than honeycomb aluminum panels. Lightweight foamed aluminum can be used in architectural applications for signs and panels- by itself or in sandwiched composite panels. The proposed fabrication approach should produce foamed aluminum at 20-40% less cost in comparison to conventional powder metallurgy techniques. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sommer, Jared Sommer Materials Research, Inc. UT Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99938 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419607 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Detection of Infectious Agents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a biosensor for the rapid detection of infectious agents such as pathogenic bacteria. The key technology in the proposed work is the use of magnetostrictive materials, which when exposed to a time varying magnetic field, can be made to resonant at a characteristic frequency. The resultant oscillation amplitudes can be monitored by a pick up coil. The commercial application of this project will be in a number of areas, including the detection of biological warfare agents, bacterial infections in hospitals, and contaminations in food and water supplies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wikle, Howard Weld Star Technology, Inc AL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419608 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Compact, Lightweight Flexible Fuel Reformer for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project evaluates the advantages of a Flexible Fuel Reformer (FFR) for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) that employs unique mechanical construction and operation to enable extended catalyst life in the presence of coke and sulfur. Phase I research activities will measure and model basic functional parameters such as pressure drop, flow distribution, heat transfer, temperature distribution, reaction kinetics, and catalyst deactivation and regeneration rates as they relate to hydrogen production. This simple reaction model will be extended to a transient behavior model that will predict the commercial feasibility of the reformer concept. The FFR will be able to operate with a variety of liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Because it will be made in modular form it will be easily sized to produce hydrogen for fuel cells which generate anywhere from 5kW-50kW of power. The FFR will be the first compact, lightweight, economical reformer able to provide a steady supply of hydrogen using distillate fuel. This capability will result in widespread commercial application. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Whittenberger, William CATACEL CORP OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 98000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 5371 1972 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419647 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: A New Hyperspectral Imaging Spectrometer. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will develop a hyperspectral imaging spectrometer for high-throughput, low-light biomedical imaging. This instrument will collect optical spectra for hundreds of picture elements (pixels) simultaneously from a small working distance, enable multiplexing with fluorescent dyes that have overlapping spectra, avoid light losses from bandpass filters, and allow accurate removal of fluorescent background. Although spectral imaging instruments are available for microscopic applications and for remote sensing from the air, instruments with sufficient spatial and spectral resolution for fluorescent gel scanning or multi-well plate reading of signals from cells is very limited. The proposed instrument will fill this gap with an innovative optical design that utilizes the asymmetry of "push broom" imaging spectrometers to efficiently gather light and greatly reduce optical aberrations. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of biomedical imaging. The proposed instrument will be valuable in biomedical research, disease diagnosis, and drug development. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Swanson, Rand RESONON INC. MT Michael R. Ambrose Standard Grant 99999 1505 BIOT 9181 9150 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0419651 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts for the Production of Ultra-Clean Transportation Fuels. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate new materials for use in industrial hydrodesulfurization (HDS) processing. This project will focus on transition metal phosphide catalysts, a novel class of compounds recently discovered to be highly active towards HDS, and the effect of the support material on their chemical and catalytic properties. The support materials that we will investigate for this project are mixed oxides consisting of silica, zirconia, or titania. The primary objectives of Phase I research are: o Determine the nature of the interaction between the active phase and the mixed oxide supports. o Determine how the support chemistry and microstructure affect the catalytic activity and stability of a transition metal phosphide catalyst. Commercial opportunities exist for new HDS catalysts capable of producing ultra-clean transportation fuels. The environmental regulations being implemented world-wide to reduce the impact of pollutants such as SO2, responsible for acid rain, from car exhaust, along with the declining quality of fossil fuel feedstocks, will provide substantial motivation for the refineries to seek alternative catalyst materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sawhill, Stephanie SIENNA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. WA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419659 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High-Efficiency PTFE Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will support the development of high efficiency expanded-PTFE (ePTFE) membranes. Inexpensive, asymmetric membranes will be developed, which offer high filtration efficiencies in the nanometer range and considerable energy savings over conventionally fabricated membranes. In this Phase I work, we will demonstrate our concept and produce membranes which are capable of achieving 99% filtration efficiency in the 20 nm size range, and which show >50% savings in energy requirements over the best performing competing products. These advanced ePTFE membranes have application in existing industries as diverse as air purification, microelectronics and pharmaceuticals manufacturing, viral filtration and for the protection of sensors. Our manufacturing process can be performed on a batch or a roll-to-roll basis and could ultimately be adapted to produce a family of ePTFE membranes with multifunctional separations capabilities which do not sacrifice cost for efficacy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pryce-Lewis, Hilton GVD CORPORATION MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99785 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419666 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Automated, High-Throughput Protein Line-Array Biochips. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop an automated method for fabricating and analyzing microarrays without the use of a robotic spotter. The method involves the use of a PDMS (poly- dimethylsiloxane) microfluidic tool for depositing and interrogating linear protein arrays with an interface to 96 well plates. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of protein microarrays for use in biological and pharmaceutical research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nelson, Bryce GenTel Incorporated WI George B. Vermont Standard Grant 98079 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419671 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Variable Diameter Fiber Reinforced Biopolymers for Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Implants. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new composite to be used in hip replacements. The composite includes variable diameter ceramic fibers in bone cement. The commercial application of this project will be in the field of orthopedics . The use of minimally invasive orthopedic implants, using injectable, polymer based biomaterials with high strength and stress resistance, will offer a new approach to treating orthopedic fractures and ailments. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mason, James Granger Engineering IN George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99988 1505 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0419682 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Carbon-Coated Nano-Structured Electrodes for Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Ultra-Capacitors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the key technical challenge for realizing the substantial improvements in high storage capacity, high charge-discharge rates promised by the next generation of nanomaterial-based lithium-ion electrodes in supercapacitor configurations. The innovative approach proposed uses mono-disperse nano-sized particles of lithium titanate spinel (anode), individually coated with a structured carbon overlayer, and compacted into appropriate structures for performance testing in a thin-film hybrid superconductor prototype. The proposed design should provide dramatically enhanced access to lithium ion and electrical connectivity involving the entire assembly of nanomaterials. Industry estimates the value of the primary battery markets over $13 billion, secondary battery markets for electronics applications , toys and games, and telephones around $2 billion; while NiMH cell sales are slowly falling ($1.5 billion), lithium-ion cells are holding steady at $2 billion. Success here will provide a breakthrough in performance for cost effective electrode materials that will stimulate significant growth in the commercial lithium-ion power device markets. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Spitler, Timothy ALTAIR NANOMATERIALS INC NV Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 9150 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419700 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: An Improved Multi-Sensor Manufacturing System for Scrap Metal Sorting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will combine two methods of optoelectronic sortation onto a single manufacturing platform for high speed sorting of scrap metal. The project is aimed at sorting scrap metals and alloys, both low Z and high Z, at previously unattainable accuracy and speed;however, it may be applicable to other material sorting and identification applications such as for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and ceramic materials. The technology platform of optoelectronic manufacturing technologies for analyzing copper-rich, aluminum-rich, zinc-rich, titaniumrich, cobalt- and nickel-rich alloys at previously unachievable accuracy and high speeds into known alloys to meet smelter alloy specifications. The technology platform is not only aimed at sorting alloys into base metal groups, but can also sort a wide range of alloys by each alloy grade or type. The system is fully automatic and does not require operator intervention. The broader impact from this project could be a new technology that potentially could revolutionize the way nonferrous metals from plants are handled. Instead of disposing of the metals in a landfill, or selling them as metal mixtures, where they will contribute to land and water pollution or be sold at low prices, they will instead be separated, refined, sorted and resold into commercial end uses as high-grade, recycled metal. This project is aimed at validating small scale, cost effective rapid sortation technology having the potential of replacing large smelting and refining operations with small scale sorting operations. The market niche opportunity represents about $2 billion of a total potential $50 billion worldwide aluminum smelting and casting market. Mixed nonferrous concentrates from these sources and mixed scrap metal from thousands of metals dealers and scrap yards will be upgraded, creating significant value. Moreover, The new technology will also reduce environmental pollution because it does not generate emissions such as those produced by refineries, metal smelters and heavy-media plants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spencer, David wTe Corporation MA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1464 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419707 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Production and Characterization of Recombinant Gelatin in Transgenic Rice Cell Cultures. This Small Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will evaluate a rice cell culture system for the production of recombinant gelatin (rGelatin) designed for improved capsule performance. The commercial application of this project will be on capsule manufacturers serving the pharmaceutical industry. Plant systems used to create rGelatin will offer a lower cost production system compared to other recombinant platforms. Such a recombinant product will be safer than animal-derived gelatin and more acceptable to many consumers. Further, the proposed technology will have the potential to produce customized rGelatin for specific applications. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Baez, Julio FibroGen, Inc. CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0419715 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High-Performance Hydrocarbon Reforming Catalysts for Fuel Cell Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the development of high-performance hydrocarbon reforming catalysts for fuel processors of fuel cell systems. The objective of this research project is to determine feasibility of novel composite materials approach for development of reforming catalysts with high activity for hydrocarbon reforming reactions, resistance to degradation via carbon deposition, and tolerance to sulfur impurities in the hydrocarbon fuels. The approach is based on the identification of formulations and use of synthesis methods to provide ultimate dispersion of catalytic metals within a stable support material that contributes to the reforming reactions. The Phase I research results will establish an approach for designing highly active and durable catalysts for use in fuel cell systems operating on existing fuels such as natural gas, propane, diesel, gasoline, and aviation fuels. New energy systems are required that can operate on fossil fuels and generate less greenhouse gases and polluting emissions. The proposed program supports the nation's goals of increasing energy efficiency, reducing polluting emissions, and reducing the use of imported energy resources to meet U.S. needs. The proposed catalyst technology is applicable to a number of power generation applications in residential, industrial, automotive, and military markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Swartz, Scott NEXTECH MATERIALS LTD OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419718 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Powder-Powder Mixing and Powder-Liquid Mixing by a Novel High-Intensity Vibrational Mixer. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of using high intensity resonant vibrational energy as the basis for developing an efficient, scalable mixer for solid-solid and liquid-solid powder processing applications. Conventional powder mixers are ineffective when mixing very small particles or when loading particles into viscous liquids. Currently available mixers cannot reach the level of homogeneity that industry demands. Vibratory mixers have the capacity to meet these mixing demands, but the existing technology is limited in intensity and has not been shown to be scalable. This project will extend this technology to particle mixing applications required for the powder processing industry. The broader impacts from this technology could enhance the scientific understanding of solid-solid and liquid-solid mixing in a high intensity resonant vibrational field. More generally, the results will have scientific merit that can be extended to other complex, nonlinear dynamic systems. The resulting technological benefits will allow on site mixing and color blending in addition to custom formulation of nanocomposite coatings. By enabling more powder processing applications, new high performance materials will be realized. Replacing conventional coating techniques with powder coating applications will reduce VOC emissions substantially. This technology could enhance the durability of maintenance type coatings, which in turn will gain in popularity due to improved quality and functionality. The initial commercial targets of this technology will be the polymer powder coating and particle-loaded polymer industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pierce, Joel RESODYN CORPORATION MT Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9150 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419728 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Identification of Nematicidal Peptides by Phage Display. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop transgenic plants that are resistant to plant-parasitic nematode infection and damage. The approach is to use phage display technology to identify small peptides that bind to and interfere with the function of important intestinal proteins. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of nematode control of plants. With the phasing out of methyl bromide, which has caused environmentally negative impacts, the agricultural community faces a major loss of a product that protected plants against soil-borne pathogens including nematodes. The development of transgenic plants that target plant-parasitic nematodes will alleviate one of the major problems of growing crops. Furthermore, the transgenic plants will reduce the amount of chemical nematicides that are being used for plant-parasitic nematode control. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hresko, Michelle Divergence, Inc. MO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0419730 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Support Material Characterization for Ultrasonic Rapid Prototyping. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will result in the characterization of the mechanical and physical properties requirements for a support material for an ultrasonic consolidation rapid prototyping process. Ultrasonic excitation is known to affect the deformation characteristics of metals, either through superposition effects as a high frequency cyclic load, or through excitation of the lattice structure, resulting in enhanced dislocation mobility. Experimental generation of a shear stress-strain curve for aluminum undergoing shear loading with superimposed ultrasonic excitation is required to determine what properties a support material must have in order to ensure that uniform contact stresses can be maintained in the interlaminar zone during material deposition in ultrasonic consolidation. Work in this area has been undertaken for tensile mean stresses only, with superimposed ultrasonic shear. This project will provide shear loading on the specimens, and ultrasonic shear, combined with extensive characterization of the resulting dislocation substructures in the bond zones. This will contribute to increased fundamental understanding of plastic deformation of metals in the presence of ultrasonic excitation. The broader impact from this technology could be the ability to expand processing capability in wire drawing, extrusion, tube drawing, and to ball milling to name a few. The data that is derived from this technology could be of great interest to scientists concerned with ultrasonic effects on deformation of metals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, Dawn Solidica, Inc. MI Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 98217 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1467 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419732 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Device for In-Ovo Imaging of the Early Chicken Embryo. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop methods to automatically image and detect the early embryo in the chicken egg while sustaining hatch. A freshly laid fertile egg contains quiescent cells known collectively as the blastoderm. The blastoderm is covered by a membrane, and its position is not fixed as it rotates freely near the yolk surface. Automation of either the injection or sampling process mandates a procedure that automates the imaging of the blastoderm. Research will focus on optimizing hardware and software to produce an imaging system that can be used to sense the blastoderm in two dimensions. The commercial application of this project will be on the poultry industry, for production of pharmaceuticals in eggs and / or for producing transgenic chickens with superior traits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rybarczyk, Phillip EMBREX, INC. NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99798 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419742 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Plant Bioreporters for Arsenic. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase I project is to develop genetically-modified tobacco and fern plants to sense bioavailable arsenic, a humam carcinogen, that is widely dispersed in the environment. The commercial application of this project will be to assist in detection and cleanup of environmental contaminants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elless, Mark EDENSPACE SYSTEMS CORP VA Michael R. Ambrose Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0419757 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Lithium Reservoir Nanocarbons for Lithium Ion Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will leverage recently-published research which indicates that new types of anode nanocarbons can produce high reversible lithium (Li) storage capacity and stable cycle capability. The work will use hollow carbon nanofibers to produce Li-ion electrode performance which is close to or surpasses theoretical values (i.e., the electrical performance of LiC6). The unique morphology of these fibers, i.e., a hollow core, stacked cup, structure and open, graphitic planes, is expected to facilitate reversible Li-ion intercalation. Over the past decade, lithium ion has developed into a mainstream battery technology with considerable commercial impact. Safe, rechargeable, inexpensive Li-ion batteries are enjoying a growing customer base in diverse markets - from consumer electronics to space vehicles. As mature as this industry is, there are still good prospects for achieving major performance improvements through the use of advanced materials. The unique morphology of the carbon nanofibers and the fact that these materials can readily be transitioned into an existing client base of Li-ion battery producers and users holds great promise for this cutting-edge research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jacobsen, Ronald APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99497 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419802 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: An Efficient, Linear, Free Radical Source for Compound Thin Film Deposition. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an efficient and flexible device to produce a neutral, linearly-extended, free radical flux for photovoltaic and semiconductor industry applications. This source can produce atomic chalcogen species (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) and other types of free radicals (such as atomic oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen or chlorine) for formation of various compound thin films by reactive methods. The project objectives are to increase the chalcogen utilization efficiency, to reduce equipment maintenance cost and to offer higher deposition rate and lower substrate temperature without film quality reduction. The source is flexible, can run over a great range of process parameters, and can be incorporated into many kinds processes such as metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), evaporation or sputtering for reactive thin film deposition. Most importantly, this source can increase the production efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) and CdTe thin films, which are the next generation of solar energy absorbers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guo, Sheyu Energy Photovoltaics, Inc. NJ Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99862 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419821 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Continuous Adsorption Technology for Oxygen Enrichment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a novel technology that exploits micro-scale enhanced heat and mass transport phenomena, and micro-fabrication mass production methods. The proposed device will have no moving parts, will operate at ambient pressure, and can be used as a micro-component or assembled into a larger architecture to perform separations at high production rates. Enriching the oxygen content of combustion air with a device as easy to use as an air filter would increase the efficiency of domestic furnaces and hot water heaters, would decrease fuel use and CO2 and NOx pollution in steel making and aluminum production, and could even enhance the performance of ultra-high altitude air-breathing engines. At the smaller scale, continuous adsorption provides the simple, reliable micro-architecture needed to purify fuel cell feed gases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Walker, David Separation design Group, LLC PA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99622 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419827 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Smart Disposable Plastic Lab-On-A-Chip for Point-Of-Care Monitoring of Cardiac Markers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a rapid and reliable point-of-care system for detection of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction biomarkers. The biochip proposed in this work could significantly reduce the detection time while simultaneously detecting multiple cardiac markers. The commercial application of this project will be in the healthcare equipment market aimed at emergency monitoring and care. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, Jae Siloam Biosciences LLC OH George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99450 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419835 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: System Engineering of a Ranque-Hilsch Thermocycler. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an improved thermocycler for high speed PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) using a systems engineering approach, thereby improving the throughput of PCR by two orders of magnitude. The commercial application of this project will be to improve the performance characteristics of a critical instrument in clinical and biological research. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Whitney, Scott Megabase Research Products NE Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99780 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419855 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Actively Seeded Microwave Processing of Multifunctional Silicon Carbide. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will have a novel approach for the rapid fabrication of low-cost and net-shape, silicon carbide components with specifically tailored multifunctional properties. These materials will be produced by microwave-induced pyrolysis of an actively seeded, high-purity preceramic polymer. The control of processing parameters will allow for direct control over material micro/nano-structure, mechanical, electrical and/or thermal characteristics, and physical properties including porosity and gas permeability. A variety of polymeric precursors to silicon carbide have been formulated that contain silicon and undergo a polymer-to-ceramic conversion when heated at temperatures above 800C, which allows the production of highly three-dimensionally covalent refractory components that are difficult to fabricate via the traditional powder processing. In order to reduce processing time and provide a larger throughput rate, nonconventional heating systems, such as microwave heating, are being investigated. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Manju AMSETA CORP NY Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99993 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419861 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Development of Smart Material Using Natural Fiber Reinforced Composite. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project targets the development of an innovative environmentally friendly active-passive natural fiber-reinforced composite (APNFC) material that can be used for control of noise and vibrations in a wide variety of noisy environments. The development of this innovative material concept is a result of integrating two emerging technologies, natural fiber-reinforced composites having excellent acoustical properties, and state-of-the-art active noise control technology. The unique design of the proposed composite material will reduce noise transmission over a broad band of frequencies through a combination of absorption and dissipation phenomena. The success of this research will revolutionize the design of practically all noise generating machines. This material can lead to manufacture of a wide variety of 'quiet' machinery and/or appliances; for example, quiet vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, washers/dryers, and aircraft cabins. Currently, no material is known to exist which has the capability to provide passive-plus-active control. Noise and vibration control pose a challenging problem in various engineering disciplines. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Whitmer, Christopher VIBROACOUSTICS SOLUTIONS INC IA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419871 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Microfluidic Injector for Small, High Efficiency Engines. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and demonstrate a MEMS-scale integrated microfluidic fuel injector for small internal combustion engines to improve their efficiency. This will allow the use of these engines in small autonomous aircraft for long endurance science missions. The development of a high efficiency engine with a microfluidic fuel injector will allow long range missions to be flown. The long range, long endurance capability of the unmanned air vehicles (UAV) hinges on the availability of a suitable high efficiency engine: the MEMS fuel injector enables complete burning of the micron-sized fuel droplets, thereby boosting fuel efficiency. The cleaner burning also results in reduced emissions. The same technology can be applied to larger engines as well for other applications. Work is ongoing with several university groups and federal agencies to develop UAVs for scientific and tactical missions. The microfluidic injector developed in this effort can also be modified and made available for other manufacturers' engines. It can be used to improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions on other small engines, such as those used in garden tools, and recreational/sport vehicles. The spin-off applications of the core microfluidic ejection technologies include: biomedical and chemical sampling and delivery, direct writing and packaging for electronics/optoelectronics manufacturing, solid freeform fabrication, optical device fabrication, advanced spraying techniques, electronic chip and board cooling, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sherwood, Tom KalScott Engineering Inc. KS Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419876 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: A Novel Electrospray Ionization Ion Mobility Spectrometer for Real-Time Detection of Biotoxins and Other Proteins. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will demonstrate an innovative application of ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS) and electrospray ionization (ESI) aimed at separation and detection of biologically active macromolecules in environmental and food product sample matrices. This innovative application of ESI-IMS will enable real time aqueous phase measurement of protein bio-toxins and other proteins of public health significance without the need for expensive diagnostic reagent additions or complex sample preparation procedures. The commercial application of this project will be in the areas of homeland security, environmental monitoring and food safety. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Coleman, Thomas dTEC Systems L.L.C. WA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419903 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Antibacterially-Active Nanoparticles. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project proposes to synthesize covalently-bonded drugs within 40 - 140 nm diameter, hydrophilic spheres made by the process of emulsion polymerization. These nanoparticles would be able to enter cells and release a high concentration of an antibiotic near the target site. The commercial application of this project will be for the treatment of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jang, Seyoung Nanopharma Technologies, Inc. FL George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0419915 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Non-Traditional Material Removal. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use abrasive jet technology for manufacturing/finishing of micro-optics. In contrast to well known abrasive jet finishing, where material removal relies on the kinetic energy of impinging particles, the approach in this project will be based on the material removal caused by the fluid shear flow, which occurs when an impinging jet spreads over the surface. This mode of material removal is very stable, improves surface integrity and provides very smooth surfaces at high removal rate. This project will use a new jet flow embodiment, which allows significant reduction in polishing tool size. The technology will allow for the creation of a precision manufacturing process for optics with diameters less than one to several millimeters for medical instrumentation, telecommunication industry, printers, cameras, DVD players, etc. The broader impacts of this technology, if successful, could be the creation of a precision manufacturing process for small and micro-optics. The optic mold industry would benefit by having a means to finish (and re-finish) aspheric molds leading to higher precision and more repeatable and reliable process. The ability to manufacture millimeter or smaller sized lenses would allow for the use of precision lenses for applications such as coupling devices used in the telecommunications industry, medical instrumentation, cameras, DVD players, printers, etc. Finally, all industries would benefit from the fact that the size of precision optics could be dramatically reduced, thereby shrinking the size and weight of optical systems. Additionally, technology could also be used as a high precision micro-machining tool in manufacturing of MEMS and other micro devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shorey, Aric QED Technologies, Inc. NY Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99440 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419921 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Real Time Ultrasonic Control of Bolt Tightening. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop real-time ultrasonic control of the tightening of bolted assemblies, using a varying, stress-dependent, wave speed algorithm. Existing technology uses ultrasonic measurement to verify the fastener tensile force by measuring its elongations after it has been tightened and disregards the wave varying speed, included in our control algorithm. The project will determine the sound wave speed and the stress level correlation in solids, developing an algorithm to vary the wave speed according to fastener elongation, integrating the ultrasonic device and the new algorithm into the assembly tool, and assessing the validity of the tabulated stress factor in ultrasonic measurements. The broader impacts resulting from this project will be improvement in the transportation safety of passenger cars and trucks, it is seen that his could help the U.S. economy and local economy by increasing productivity through reduced downtime and warranty costs associated with failed machines and products. Significant benefits to many industries, the aerospace, transportation systems, nuclear and fossil power generation plants as well as the automotive industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Abdalla, Hatem Sandalwood Enterprises Incorporated MI Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99558 5371 MANU 9146 5514 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419936 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: DiseaseBlockTM Plants with Immunity to Ralstonia, Xanthomonas and Xylella. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to optimize plant transgenic phage protein-based antibacterial technology. Specifically, this project will refine the methodologies needed to create transgenic tomatoes that express holins, lytic proteins produced by bacteriophages, in the amount needed to kill plant-pathogenic gram negative bacteria. The follow-on work will focus on controlling the most serious bacterial diseases of geranium, citrus, grape and rice. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of transgenic crops to control a number of very important plant diseases for which limited options currently exist. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ramadugu, Chandrika Integrated Plant Genetics, Inc. FL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 9102 0201000 Agriculture 0419980 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Prosthetic Hand. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a conceptual design for a context-based reflex-controlled prosthetic hand. This work would set the stage for full development of a dexterous prosthetic hand in which the reflexive hand motor control would be implemented locally on the prosthetic based on a suite of sensors, including pose, proximity, finger-torque, and myo-electric sensors. This would free the user to focus on higher-level functional control in a natural and intuitive way. The research objectives of this project are (1) to select optimal kinematics, trading off dexterity with cost, weight, and durability, (2) to develop the reflex control algorithm, and (3) to propose a complete conceptual design that can be further developed and tested in Phase II. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of prosthetics for use by people with upper limb amputation and congenital birth defects. Development of a prosthetic hand promises to improve the quality and normalcy of life for the roughly 10,000 patients of upper-limb amputation annually in the United States alone as well as the thousands more suffering from congenital birth defects that leave the person without a hand. The international community will likewise benefit as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Townsend, William Barrett Technology Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99843 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0419982 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Dynamic Signal Processing and Information Extraction for E-noses. 0419982 Neil Euliano Dynamic Signal Processing and Information Extraction for E-noses This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project focuses on the development and implementation of the next generation of e-nose signal processing and dynamic pattern recognition systems, specifically tuned to the properties of odors. We will also implement proof of concept experiments for creating an exhaled-breath propofol detector for non-invasive monitoring of anesthetic blood levels. The commercial application of this project will be to improve the current e-nose selectivity by at least an order of magnitude better, thus removing the last impediment to wide spread use of e-nose technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Euliano, Neil Convergent Engineering, Inc FL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0419995 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured MicroArray Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project proposes to develop a method of coating a substrate with a dense array of nanowires in order to control surface properties for use in microarrays. This surface treatment offers several interesting characteristics that could dramatically enhance the performance of microarrays for genomic and proteomic analysis. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of microarrays for use in biological and biochemical research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Daniels, Hugh NANOSYS INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99983 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0419999 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: MEMS Mirror Arrays for Bioimaging Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing large-throw, optically flat, high resolution and fast response-speed deformable mirrors (DM). The DM is a critical component in adaptive optics, which can be applied to improve medical imaging technology. The device consists of Segmented Membrane Arrays (SMA) and bottom electrodes with Backside Solder Bump (BSB) fabricated by micromachining technology. The design will use arrays of mirror pixels to eliminate the cross talk between adjacent elements. The mirror pixels will be made of stress-free single crystalline silicon (SCS) to ensure optically flat surfaces. The commercial application of this project will be in a number of areas, including bio imaging instruments, telescope systems, 3D data storage systems and free-space optical communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tsao, Tom Umachines, Inc. CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99986 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0420006 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Anatomically & Physically Realistic, Multi-Dimensional Simulation Software for Respiratory Drug Delivery. 0420006 Sundaram This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop anatomically and physically realistic simulation software for respiratory drug delivery by applying computational fluid dynamics methods from the aerospace industry. The commercial application of this project will be to enable drug companies to examine the effect of their specific drug on different individuals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sundaram, Shivshankar CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99897 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420022 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Device for the Activation of Nanoparticle-based Cancer Therapies. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a device for the in-vivo activation of nanoparticles for the minimally-invasive treatment of solid tumors and for the prophylactic treatment of potential routes of metastatic spread with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Nanoshells are a new class of nanoparticles that can be designed to absorb light in the near-infrared, wavelengths where tissue is minimally absorptive. Prior nanoshell research has demonstrated its promise for a significant new class of cancer therapies. However, the optical and thermal properties of this new class of materials, the interaction of these properties with the optical properties of human tissue, and, in particular, this interaction at near-infrared wavelengths, are not well understood. This Phase I research will first determine the properties of this new class of materials in vivo and then optimize laser power, laser pulse characteristics (repetition rate, duration and duty cycle), and fiber optic delivery modes. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of cancer therapy. The nanoshell-based therapy is expected to be useful for a broad range of cancer types, with significant advantages relative to other treatments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG O'Neal, Dennis NANOSPECTRA BIOSCIENCES, INC. TX George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0420028 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Efficient Production of Broad Spectrum, Salt Tolerant, Antimicrobial Peptides for Controlling Diseases in Finfish and Shrimp Culture. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a cost effective method for the synthesis and purification of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that can be used to combat bacterial and viral diseases in aquaculture systems. The commercial application of this project will be significant in the area of aquaculture in light of a lack of effective disease treatments that are currently available. The discovery that fish and invertebrates themselves produce potent, broad-spectrum, AMPs may allow safer alternatives to chemical antibiotics for controlling diseases. High efficiency, low-cost, production of AMPs, coupled with their unique mode of killing action, may also allow development and application of new classes of natural antibiotics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG VanOlst, Jon KENT SEATECH CORPORATION CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9117 0521700 Marine Resources 0420046 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Benign Thin Film Composite Particles for Protection from UVA/UVB - Rays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop composite TiO2/ZnO (Titania /Zinc Oxide) particles capped with an Al2O3 nanolayer for benign protection from UVA/UVB - rays. Titania (TiO2) provides excellent protection against UVB - rays. Zinc oxide (ZnO) protects against UVA-rays very efficiently. The manufacture of composite particles via novel Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) thin film technology allows for the synthesis of composite particles with dual effectiveness. In the first aspect of this work, ZnO will be deposited on nanosized TiO2 particles by ALD. In the second aspect of this work, nanolaminated films of TiO2 and ZnO will be prepared on the surface of submicron sized spherical silica (SiO2) particles. The large substrate SiO2 will provide a particle size for the "UVA/UVB sun blockers" that will be large enough to prevent pore blockage in human skin. In both instances, the composite particles will be capped with an alumina (Al2O3) nanolayer that will allow easy dispersion of these particles in non-aqueous formulations. The Al2O3 nanolayer will also prevent direct contact of the active TiO2/ZnO with the skin, thus protecting the skin from potential UV-hot activated reactions. The particles will be tested for UVA/UVB transmittance and Sun Protection Factors (SPF) will be calculated. The broader impacts of the technology could be the ability to produce ultrafine particles with designed electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, rheological properties, this technology could have significant commercial impact on microelectronics, defense, hard-metals, cosmetics, drug delivery, energetic materials, and polymer/ceramic nanocomposites. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Buechler, Karen ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420047 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: UV-Photocatalytic TiO2 Films on Nanosized Ferromagnetic Substrate Particles. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project provides for the commercialization of composite UV-photocatalytic TiO2 nanofilms deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) on nanosized ferromagnetic iron particles. The iron nanoparticles are formed in-situ prior to ALD processing where conformal, pinhole-free, chemically bonded films of TiO2 are deposited on the surface of each individual substrate nanoparticcle. The substrate iron particles maintain a high magnetic moment and are protected from oxidation by the TiO2 film. The novel catalyst particles can be used to passively decontaminate polluted streams and can then be removed magnetically from the decontaminated sites and regenerated for further use. The ALD nanocoating of individual ultrafine particles to control individual ultrafine particle surface chemistry is enabling technology that is unparalleled compared to more conventional CVD, PVD, PE-CVD, or wet chemistry solution processing. It is now possible to produce ultrafine particles with designed electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, rheological, or other properties. Markets for such functionalized ultra-fine powders include microelectronics, defense, hardmetals, cosmetics, drug delivery, catalytic materials, energetic materials, and polymer/ceramic nanocomposites, among others. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Buechler, Karen ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420048 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Engineering Geobacter for Enhanced Electricity Production. 0420048 Mahadevan This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project proposes to improve the bioelectrical energy generation capacity of the micro-organism Geobacter sulfurreducens through a novel metabolic engineering approach based on an integrated computational and experimental strategy. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of biomass processing, for conversion of waste biomass to value added products (i.e. electricity). STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mahadevan, Radhakrishnan GENOMATICA INC CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0420061 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I:High Pressure Disaggregation of IVIg Formulations For Increased Yield and Safety. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project proposes to use high pressures for disaggregation and proper refolding of aggregated proteins in commercial IVIg (immunoglobins for intravenous administration) formulations. The commercial application of this project will be in improved quality of therapeutic proteins for intravenous administration. Increased process yields will lower patient costs for IVIg therapies, and IVIg formulations with dramatically diminished aggregate content will lower side effects and reduce the risk of severe complications. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hesterberg, Lyndal BaroFold, Inc. CO George B. Vermont Standard Grant 98181 1505 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420083 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Forming of Cast Titanium Structures by Transformation Superplasticity. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project examines the feasibility of using a casting transformation superplastic forming (TSP) hybrid process to produce affordable, high quality titanium parts, primarily for the aerospace industry. The project is aimed at preserving the advantages and reducing the cost and processing time, by exploring the attributes of investment casting and TSP. TSP is slow relative to conventional SPF, but investment casting can provide near net shape, greatly reducing the time required for TSP to achieve a final desired shape. Conversely, cast titanium microstructures are only amenable to superplastic forming by TSP. In this project, blanks will be cast and undergo TSP to selected final forms. Specimens will be inspected/tested for dimensional control, pre- and post-TSP microstructural characterization, and mechanical properties. The ability to produce complex titanium components by this approach could offer a significant cost savings allowing for even more widespread use of titanium. The broader impacts from this technology would be a new casting process. If successful, this technology could be used immediately to replace more expensive SPF for forged/machined structures, as well as allowing for more sophisticated and complex shapes. There would be a pay-off through weight reduction (thinner walls) as well as a reduction in bulk and weight for related support structures, increasing the thrust-to-weight ratio and overall fuel efficiency of aerospace systems. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Edward David Dunand TiTech International, Inc. CA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 1505 manu MANU 9146 9102 1984 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420114 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Rapid and Automated Differential Gene Expression Profiling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a self-contained, automated microfluidic system for gene expression profiling. The proposed system is expected to significantly reduce the labor, equipment, and technical skills necessary to perform a DNA microarray experiment. The commercial application of this project will be to enable DNA microarray expression profiling for molecular characterization of diseases. Additional applications include comparative genomic hybridization, detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms and identification of thread agents like bacteria and viruses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tajbakhsh, Jian MAXWELL SENSORS INC. CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99892 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0420115 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Aerodynamic Drag Reduction with a Flexible Composite Surface De-Turbulator. A flexible composite surface de-turbulator (FCSD) tape has been developed which can be conveniently affixed to aerodynamic surfaces, such as aircraft wings, to reduce the combined skin-friction and form drag. This is due to the flow-FCSD interaction, which damps out most turbulent fluctuations through sub-micron amplitude flexural oscillations, thereby stabilizing a thin nearly stagnant sub-layer next to the aerodynamic surface in non-zero pressure gradient boundary layers. Preliminary flight evaluations on a Standard Cirrus sailplane have shown the externally un-powered Sinha-FCSD capable of reducing the local profile drag of a test section of the wing by 17- 27% over the entire operable airspeed range. The proposed SBIR Phase-I project is aimed at verifying, through flight and wind-tunnel tests if similar improvements can be obtained for the entire surface of the wing, so as to reduce the overall drag about 5-8%; a level currently not feasible through other simple externally un-powered modifications. The proposed work is primarily geared towards launching a U.S.-made glide-ratio enhancement device to the sailplane community worldwide with the next two years. Fuel savings resulting from drag reduction of commercial aircraft will not only help us better utilize fossil fuels for this purpose but also help reduce the injection of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Sinha, Sumon SINHATECH MS Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 9150 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420130 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Sensor for Real-Time pH Measurements in Gases. 0420130 Schreck This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a non-invasive pH sensor to determine the pH of exhaled breath vapor to help diagnose and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The commercial application of this project will be on the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases. Acid reflux has been associated with asthma and other inflammatory airway diseases. Current detection methods, such as catheters, are invasive and require hospital visits. A simple non-invasive detector would allow for broader screening and could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment modalities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schipper, Jeffery Sierra Medical Technology Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420147 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: High Flux Metal-Ceramic Hydrogen Separation Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project targets development of an innovative membrane for separation of hydrogen. The development of advanced hydrogen separation membranes based on an innovative nanostructured architecture and a unique fabrication process is proposed. The proposed approach will enable an ultra-thin Pd separation layer, which should support a 10X or greater increase in hydrogen flux over the state of the art, with no reduction in hydrogen selectivity. The membranes should also exhibit superior reliability and will be produced with low-cost, scalable processes. The expected result of the proposed work is a viable technology for the production of robust hydrogen separation membranes with advanced performance, superior reliability and lower cost. Such an enabling technology could facilitate a variety of current applications, such as hydrogen separation for fuel cells. With suitable developments for application to higher volumes, it could also serve hydrogen recovery from industrial waste streams and improve the efficiency of many energy-intensive petroleum refinement and petrochemical production processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Synkera Technologies Inc. CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420158 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Novel Sensor for Control of Cleaning Processes During the Fabrication of Microstructures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project provides a unique and robust in-situ sensor for detection and control of impurities in microstructures and porous layers associated with manufacturing of semiconductor, MEMS and emerging nano devices. Use of impedance as a measure of contamination in bulk fluids is well established. However, applying it in micro-scale features (potentially down to a few nanometers) is novel, provides high sensitivity, and has many promising applications. This project focuses on development of a unique, low cost, rapid response, integrated sensor that will detect the impurities inside microstructures directly. The project will develop this in two embodiments- integrated with a monitor wafers moving with the product, and as a stand-alone sensor integrated with the process tool. Direct monitoring of residual impurities inside or on the surface of the microstructures will allow more accurate and reliable process control. The technology will also have similar application in some new areas such as supercritical fluids processing where no in-situ sensors are currently available. Because of the exceptional sensitivity and flexible layout, this sensor will also further understanding of the mechanisms involved in chemical transport inside microstructures. The broader impact from this technology could be significant. The first application, amounting to annual commercial market revenue of $9M to $30M, will be application of the sensor to rinsing and drying of patterned wafers and porous films in IC manufacturing. Currently, these processes are often performed and controlled almost "blindly" based on past experience and post-process control. With shrinking process geometries, a major processing challenge is the presence of very small structures, often with large aspect ratios. Insufficient cleaning and drying have significant negative effects on manufacturing yields and device performance. On the other hand, excessive cleaning, rinsing, or drying results in damage to the microstructures as well as wasting of chemicals, water, energy and time - increasing processing cost. The application of the proposed technology to rinse is expected to reduce water usage by 40-60%. Together with the reduction in the chemical and energy, this could result in $3-5 million savings per year in an average fabrication plant. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vermeire, Bert Environmental Metrology Corporation AZ Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420192 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: New Electrogenerated Chemoluminescence (ECL) Approach for High-Sensitivity, Hand-Held DNA Assay System for Security and Healthcare Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project is to develop and integrate a novel electrogenerated chemoluminescence (ECL)-based detection method into a handheld microfluidic bioanalyzer targeted ultimately at point-of-care and point-of-need in-vitro diagnostics for health care and safety/security applications. The detection method, which converts molecular redox events into optical signals, has low power requirements and needs no ancillary components such as an excitation laser or a potentiostat. Relative to existing ECL assays, the key innovation in this project is that the analyte-specific label and signal-generating reporter are two separate molecules in different spatial locations. The signal is generated by electronically coupling these two molecules using microfluidic and electronic circuitry integrated within a consumable fluidic cartridge, which also accepts the sample and admixes the assay reagents. The commercial application of this project will be to make available a low-power, lightweight, high-sensitivity handheld bioanalyzer. This bioanalyzer will enable multiplexed nucleic acid assays, addressing needs of the healthcare industry, and defense and security agencies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tan, Ming Eclipse Sciences, Inc. CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99998 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420208 July 1, 2004 STTR Phase I: Commercial Cell-Free Technology for IGF-1 Production. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop a cell free protein synthesis procedure for the manufacture of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1). The commercial application of this project will be in the area of bio-pharmaceuticals. The proposed work is expected to result in reduced production costs and time for a number of protein drug candidates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Yin, Gang Fundamental Applied Biology, Inc. CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 96559 5373 1505 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420228 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Folding Power Wheelchair with Modular Battery System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop an innovative power wheelchair and scooter design concept that overcomes the primary shortcomings of current designs - excessive bulk and weight. Current designs suffer from structurally inefficient frame design, heavy drive-trains with excessive rolling resistance, and the bulk and weight of the lead-acid batteries. The commercial application of this project will be a successful introduction of a design approach resulting in a significantly more transportable design that will stimulate further technical innovation in an industry that serves a very important social service. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kylstra, Bart Daedalus CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99866 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0420246 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Light-Activated Sterilization of Medical Equipment and Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a point of use sterilization method for medical equipment and devices using light-activated generation of chlorine dioxide gas from a chemical coating enclosed in a plastic bag. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of healthcare. This photosterilization plastic bag product will provide a portable, low cost sterilization device to medical care providers in hospital and field settings, such as military and emergency response units. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Janaway, Gordon Arizona Microsystems AZ Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99189 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0420249 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Laser-Based Process for Commercially Viable Nanostructured Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop high-performance and commercially attractive solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) using a unique and cost-effective laser- based deposition technique based upon laser pyrolysis, Laser Reactive Deposition (LRD), and single stage sintering. The project addresses simultaneously the economic and performance barriers delaying SOFC commercialization and will focus on identifying the anode and thin-film electrolyte LRDTM processing conditions that yield optimal microstructures in both layers after sintering at temperatures suitable for single-stage sintering of complete anode/electrolyte/cathode cells. By overcoming the economical and technical barriers for SOFC mass commercialization, the project will enable adoption of fuel cells as environmentally benign alternatives to current fossil fuel based generation methods and will reduce the dependence on imported oil. In addition fuel cell enabled distributed generation greatly increases power supply security and reliability by eliminating central grid dependence. Additionally, LRD, laser-based nanomaterials synthesis and deposition technology, has many potential applications in electronic, optical, energy storage, and energy conversion applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Horne, Craig KAINOS ENERGY CORPORATION CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420252 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Casting Technology for High Temperature Titanium Alloy Lattice Block Structures. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will produce high temperature titanium alloy lattice block materials (LBM) via casting. Lattice block materials are innovative periodic cellular materials that derive their outstanding mechanical performance from a structure of highly ordered internal triangles, rather than the properties of the parent material. To date, these engineered materials have been successfully cast for a number of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. For titanium alloys, only limited work has been done, mainly on compositions that are used at moderate temperature ranges. As higher temperature titanium alloys such as beta titanium are increasingly becoming the materials of choice for high temperature airframe and aero engine applications. Beta titanium alloys are extremely difficult to cast into complex and thin-walled shapes due to factors, including a propensity for forming shrinkage at the centerline of sections. Thus, a unique casting technology is being developed to make it possible to produce high temperature titanium alloy LBM. Potential applications include aircraft and spacecraft structures, including thermal protection systems, as well as aircraft and automotive engine components. The broader impacts derived from this technology would be Ti-LBM opportunities for weight and cost reduction for use in in future aerospace and non-aerospace systems. Ti-LBM can be used to replace more expensive honeycomb and sandwich structures built up from thin sheets/foils via hot forming, diffusion bonding, and superplastic forming. LBM made from high temperature Ti alloys would be capable of replacing lower temperature Ni-based superalloys for significant weight savings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Edward TiTech International, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420279 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: POINT - Precision Optical Intra-Cellular Near-field Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel high-resolution instrument (Precision Optical Intra-cellular Near-field Technology, POINT) for analyzing molecular characteristics of intact cells is proposed. The technique is based on a nanoprobe that penetrates the cell membrane to image the inside of the cell without destroying it. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of medical diagnostics, for early detection of cancer. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG O'Connell, Daniel OCEANIT LABORATORIES INC HI George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99900 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0420331 July 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: The Interfractor - A New Optical Dispersive Component. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop a new type of optical dispersion element that combines a relief grating with appropriately optimized dielectric films to achieve both high dispersion and high efficiency into one diffraction order, independent of polarization. Grating efficiency is critical for wavelength management in modern fiber-optic telecommunication systems that employ dense wave-division-multiplexing (DWDM) transmission. Dynamic gain equalizers, reconfigurable channel blockers, programmable optical add-drop modules, and wavelength-selective switches all require spatial separation of the wavelengths from an input fiber, typically with a diffraction grating, which is also typically the largest source of insertion loss. Further, because the polarization of the optical signal of any particular wavelength within a fiber may change over time, the net power loss through the device must be independent of polarization. It is very difficult to achieve high grating efficiency in both polarizations. The proposed technology achieves this goal with a proprietary combination of diffractive and thin-film interference effects, and can be fabricated to be robust Over the wide temperature range required of DWDM components The proposed use of this optical dispersion element will be to improve the insertion loss in Free-space optical wavelength-management products, such as dynamic gain equalizers and Reconfigurable channel blockers, now being deployed in modern fiber-optic telecommunication Systems. This technology will implement in other products to change in its own wavelength-management products as soon as the product can be manufactured. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Smith, Malcolm Polychromix, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9163 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0420397 November 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: High Conductivity Photoprintable Conducting Polymers for Polymeric Electronics. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop organic dispersible and photoprintable conducting polymers based on polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT). PEDOT is the conducting polymer of choice for electronic displays and devices due to its high conductivity, stability and transparency as a thin film. However, it is only available as an aqueous dispersion, and no one else has been able to render PEDOT dispersible in organic solvents. It is important to make PEDOT dispersible in organics because water is incompatible with many semiconductor processing steps. This SBIR project will develop printable conducting polymers that are initially organic dispersible, can be cast a thin films, and conducting patterns can be made permanently fixed by selectively exposing the film to ultraviolet light. The material that is not exposed to the light can be easily removed. This project will develop printable PEDOT-based conducting polymers that contain no water, and that can be used in the production of electronics such as organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. This project hopes to increase knowledge of organic dispersible conducting polymers. Sample size quantities of organic dispersible conducting polymers developed in this project will be made available to researchers by sale through a major chemical distributor. This will promote a more rapid dissemination of the base technology and quicken the pace of additional discoveries and applications using our materials. The benefits of this research to society include a reduced environmental impact due to electronics manufacturing. The printing technology presented in this proposal results in fewer chemical waste streams than inorganic electronics production. Inorganic electronics fabrication facilities produce large amounts of toxic waste including arsenic and heavy metals. The lack of ground water pollution from toxins in the decomposition process is a plus for municipalities who struggle with this issue today. Furthermore, this printing technology will result in a reduction in the cost and a greater variety of electronic devices available to consumers. This technology should have a positive impact in areas where weight sensitivity represents a gating factor. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Elliott, Brian TDA Research, Inc CO William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1676 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0421638 November 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Non-Contact/Zero-Stress Surface Polishing Process for Copper/Low Dielectric Constant Semiconductors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the development of a non-contact electro-polish process, addressing the need for a non-contact/stress-free polishing method for planarization of Cu/low-k interconnects required for the fabrication of nanochip integrated circuits. This technology utilizes pulsed electrolysis and a moving electrolyte front to effect complete electrochemical removal of copper overplate from a semiconductor wafer. The Phase II objectives/research tasks include: 1) design and fabrication of a module for the non-contact electro-polish process, 2) demonstration and optimization of the process on full size wafers, 3) development of a theoretical model defining a process library for the non-contact electro-polish process, and 4) characterization of the polishing performance and relationship to the mechanical properties of the materials used. Commercially, the anticipated results of the program are a marketable manufacturing process/manufacturing tool in the form of an electrochemical module incorporating the non-contact electro-polish process. This product/process technology is enabling to other emerging industries such as MEMS and/or NEMS. In general, the project addresses the needs of the semiconductor industry, which is an important aspect of the US commercial economy and will play an increasing role in the US as well as world society. Furthermore, the process minimizes chemical waste and environmental impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG McCrabb, Heather FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH William Haines Standard Grant 595791 5373 1505 MANU 9251 9178 9147 7218 5373 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0421816 April 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Collaborative Product Definition Management. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will explore the possibilities for an affordable and fully accessible network that provides clear specification interpretation tools and the means to document key design characteristics. The effort has the potential to provide advancements that will completely transform century-old practices. This will, in turn, transform the Extended Enterprise-and specifically Production Systems-because the root of successful attainment of quality, product reliability and integrity, production planning, and scheduling is the assurance that all components fully meet the design intent. The ability to achieve such innovations as efficient flow lines, just-in-time inventory practices, and a fully integrated supply chain are dependent on material and components that are near-perfect from the beginning and remain that way over the life of the product. Achievement of the Collaborative Product Definition Management research vision will enable realization of these essential objectives. If successful this solution will reduce the time and effort to generate product specifications. By meeting design intent products will go to market after a shorter development time and at a lower cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morris, Robert RENAISSANCE SERVICES, INC. OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98896 5371 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0421839 August 1, 2004 I/UCRC for Water Quality. This award provides a continuation for the University of Arizona Industry/University Cooperative Research for Water Quality. The center investigates physical, chemical and microbial processes that affect the quality of surface and subsurface waters including potable supplies. Good quality drinking water is defined as "water with acceptable purity, taste, and odor characteristics, which is safe with respect to human health and welfare." The overall goals of the Center are: 1) to improve the flow of scientific knowledge that affects water quality, from the University of Arizona to industry, government agencies, and the general public; 2) to develop support for water quality research; 3) to provide graduate students with a broad industry perspective; 4) to inform and educate the public regarding water quality issues; and 5) to ultimately achieve self-sufficiency by bonding with long-term industry and government partners. The nature of the research has focused on the following six areas: Water Security; Fate and Remediation of Commercial Industrial Contamination; Agrochemical Products and Practices that Influence Water Quality; Municipal Waste Treatment and Reuse; Mining; and Potable Water Quality. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pepper, Ian University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 265000 5761 OTHR 0000 0421860 August 1, 2004 Biotechnological Exploitation of Halotolerant Enzymes. This project involves collaboration between two research groups at the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Water Quality at the University of Arizona and the Queen's University Environmental Science and Technology Research Center (QUESTOR) at the Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. The overall aim is to develop genetic technology for the exploitation, expression and characterization of two potentially useful enzymes (cytochrome P450 and amidase) from 'extremely halophilic archea' (hgaloarchaea). One specific aim will be to improve vectors for over-expression of proteins in haloarchaea. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rensing, Christopher Ian Pepper University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 150000 5761 OTHR 0000 0421946 August 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Hydrothermal Growth of Ultra-High Performance Nd:YVO4 Laser Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will focus on the development of a commercial process for the growth of Neodymium Yttrium Vanadate (Nd: YVO4) single crystals for use in solid-state lasers. This research will generate the commercially viable conditions for growth of large boules of single crystals suitable for use in diode pumped solid-state lasers. The hydrothermal method is a low temperature growth technique that leads to crystals containing less thermal strain, much fewer defects and greater homogeneity than conventional methods. These defects combine to cause considerable optical loss and concomitant reduction in performance. The hydrothermal technique has slower growth kinetics and requires chemical development for economically viable growth. In the Phase I project, preliminary growth conditions that lead to suitable single crystals were identified. These conditions include approximate thermal ranges, a variety of starting materials, seed crystals and mineralizer concentrations. In the Phase II project growth conditions will be systematically optimized to provide suitable transport rates and crystal quality. Once an acceptable growth is developed, the resulting boules will be evaluated for performance efficiency and loss. Commercially benefits will emerge as the company introduces new higher performance crystal materials to the market that cannot be grown by existing crystal growth methods. In addition, new laser materials will be donated to Clemson University for design of new laser devices and cavities supporting the University's participation in the emerging photonics Coalition of the Carolinas that includes Clemson, the OptoElectronics Center at UNC-Charlotte, COMSET at Clemson University, and the Carolina MicroOptics Consortium. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Giesber, Henry ADVANCED PHOTONIC CRYSTALS, LLC SC William Haines Standard Grant 409807 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 9150 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0421948 July 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Ge-Free Strained Silicon Via dTCE Bonding (Differential Thermal Coefficient of Expansion Bonding). This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project will develop a process that integrates wafer bonding technology with a novel straining process to create a new ultra fast silicon substrate: Strained-Silicon-On-Insulator (SSOI). This substrate can undergo normal IC fabrication and resulting circuits will be 30% faster at half the power required for comparative non-strained- SSOI architectures. The process is a direct approach and entirely surpasses the nearest competition as there is no germanium in any part of the processing. As a result the strained silicon is free from the high concentration of treading dislocations (>105 cm-2) always present when strained-silicon is grown on "strain-relaxed" silicon germanium virtual substrates. The silicon strained by the proposed method is maintained within its mechanically elastic region and thus is free from structural imperfections. The proposed method engages wafer bonding procedures already in place within the industry and modifies those processes to give a combined result of wafer bonding and SOI straining within a single step. The direct approach and single process makes the technique very inexpensive. The discipline evoked is fundamental surface science which involves investigation of both physical properties such as surface energies along with chemical aspects such as maintaining surface hydration and active surface species required for wafer bonding. Commercially, the substrates available via this effort will make possible ultra fast silicon electronics. The proposed process also allows for non-intrusive radiation-hardening, giving initial commercial outlet in the military sector. Further markets include mainstream silicon-based electronics; effectively new host materials with speeds more characteristic of materials such as gallium arsenide and most salient, very low power electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sood, Sumant BELFORD RESEARCH, INC SC William Haines Standard Grant 499997 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 9102 1467 1403 0106000 Materials Research 0421962 October 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Characterization of the Metabolic Competency of Centrifugal Bioreactors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop a pilot-scale Centrifugal Bioreactor (CBR) for the continuous cultivation of hybridoma cells. The commercial application of this project will be in the biopharmaceutical industry for cell culture production of therapeutic agents. It is expected that the technology will reduce the scale and capital costs of commercial animal cell culture equipment and improve the quality and consistency of the secreted protein product. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mistry, Firoz Kinetic Biosystems, Inc. NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0421965 August 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) Wavefront Correction Device for Ophthalmic Adaptive Optics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a MEMS wavefront correction device for ophthalmic adaptive optics. The use of adaptive optics in ophthalmics shows great promise, but the lack of suitable cost-effective solutions has hindered the advance of research and the development of associated commercial markets. The proposed work will leverage the most sophisticated surface micromachining technology available to design and deliver, for the first time, a MEMS wavefront correction chip that addresses all of the requirements specified by the vision science community. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of ophthalmology. Ophthalmic equipment suppliers need low cost wavefront correction devices for use in next generation phoropters and autorefractors, LASIK preview systems, and high resolution fundus imaging systems. The ophthalmic market for low cost wavefront correction devices, once such devices are available, is projected to be at least $20 million per year. Such devices may also have utility outside of ophthalmics. Optical coherence tomography, confocal microscopy, portable military imaging systems, free space optical communication systems, and semiconductor lithography are other potential application areas for wavefront correction devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rodgers, Steven MEMX, Inc. CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 123246 5373 BIOT 9181 9150 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0421966 August 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Nanoelectronic Capnography Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a carbon dioxide sensor, using polymer modified carbon nanotudes, for patients receiving anesthesia. The sensor technology relies on two important areas of expertise : the nanotube transducer platform and gas analyte recognition layers. The Phase II project objectives will include optimizing the platform and recognition chemistries that were developed in Phase I. Once a technically suitable recipe is known, sensor chips will be fabricated at the wafer level for large scale testing. The capnography sensors will be packaged and embedded in disposable adapters that fits directly into the patient airway. Hardware and software systems will be designed and integrated with the adapter to deliver sensor information to the end user. At the culmination of Phase II, the capnography sensor system will be validated in a clinical environment and positioned for FDA approval and subsequent market introduction. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of healthcare. The proposed sensor will have the attributes of low power, small size and low cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG chang, daniel Nanomix, Inc. CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 498969 5373 HPCC 9139 1179 0104000 Information Systems 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0421973 July 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Creating Accessible Science Museums for Blind and Visually Impaired Visitors with User-Activated Audio Beacons. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demonstrate the effectiveness of a new system for guiding visitors in science museums and other public spaces. Touch Graphics will design, implement, and evaluate an apparatus that will allow any museum visitor to dial in to, and then interact with, a computerized attendant, using the visitor's own cell phone or one lent to him/her. A special feature will allow blind and visually impaired users to navigate independently by following sounds from environmental audio beacons that they will control by pressing keys on their phones. Once a visitor arrives at the requested exhibit component, his or her phone will serve as an audio explainer and control interface. While the development of this concept has been motivated by the desire to accommodate the needs of visually impaired museum-goers; in Phase II, the small business will configure the system as a mainstream audio guide product that includes optional accessibility features. The small business will create an experimental installation of the envisioned system in a large science museum in New York City, where it will undergo two rounds of human subject testing. As part of this installation, an interactive touch model of rockets that are part of the museum's collection will be designed, fabricated and tested to study the effectiveness of users' cell phones as an accessible control interface for individual exhibit components. The project will also be complemented by a parallel study in which user-activated audio beacon technology is deployed in a different context; a phone-based navigation tool will be implemented and tested as a travel aid for blind and visually impaired bus riders in Austin, Texas who need to find public access information. This user-activitated audio-beacon technology has the potential to improve access to important public resources, particularly science museums for individuals who have been excluded due to disabilities. It seeks to provide opportunities for the blind and visually impaired to experience the enrichment and entertainment offered at hundreds of facilities around the country. These institutions offer opportunities for informal science education that can inspire people to pursue careers in science and technology, and the Nation as a whole stands to benefit when more qualified young people are encouraged to enter these crucial fields. Improved science literacy for all citizens, young or old, is an important goal that this project seeks to promote. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Landau, Steven Touch Graphics NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 521310 5373 1505 SMET 9251 9231 9180 9178 9102 7218 1545 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0421974 September 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Multipass Second Harmonic Generation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop low-cost, 20-50 mW blue and green lasers for bioinstrumentation applications. The Phase II program objectives are to : (i) design, assemble and test 20 mW 505 nm laser prototypes; (ii) to validate laser performance in a commercial bio-instrumentation application, and (iii) to assemble, test, and validate 50 mW blue-green laser prototypes using a higher efficiency second harmonic generation (SHG) architecture. The commercial application of this project will be the availability of inexpensive laser light sources for researchers in cellular biology and DNA sequencing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Richman, Bruce PICARRO INC CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 492690 5373 BIOT 9181 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0421976 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Multilayer Membrane-Based Permeation for Cost-Effective Olefin/Paraffin Separation. This SBIR Phase II project focuses on olefin/paraffin separation. Ethylene and propylene are produced in larger quantities than any other organic chemicals. A new membrane system is under development, which provides high olefin recovery, extremely high olefin fluxes, drastically improved olefin/paraffin selectivities over conventional facilitated transport membranes, and long-term operation stability. During Phase II, a laboratory prototype will be demonstrated. Integration of this membrane system into an olefin plant will drastically improve ethylene, propylene and butadiene in a more energy efficient and economical way. Polymer-grade olefins can be easily produced with this membrane process with minor post-treatments. Economic analysis showed that incorporation of the proposed membrane system into an ethylene plant can drastically reduce capital and operating costs of the entire plant. As a result of reduced power consumption, this membrane process will correspondingly reduce emission of greenhouse gas CO2. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Qin, Yingjie Chembrane Research and Engineering Inc NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0421991 July 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A New Biotherapeutic Approach to Combating Unwanted Bacteria. 0421991 Suzuki This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will develop a commercial biotherapeutic using a unique bacterial conjugation technology to deliver cytotoxic genes and their products to bacterial pathogens. The Phase I work successfully demonstrated proof of concept by effectively killing multi drug resistant bacteria in vitro. The Phase II project will optimize the technology further to create a treatment for nosocomial (hospital acquired) urinary tract infections. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of anti-infective therapy. The proposed work provides a unique therapeutic approach that can compliment standard antibiotic therapies as well as reduce the dire problem of the burgeoning development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the clinic. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Suzuki, Hideki CONJUGON WI F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 498903 5373 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0421993 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Next Generation Binary Decision Diagrams (BDD)-Based Logic Optimization System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project targets the synthesis of very large-scale integrated circuits (ICs) and systems on chip (SoC) in very short CPU time. The expected short CPU time comes from relying on binary decision diagram (BDDs) that replaced the traditional algebraic representations used pervasively in present-day tools. This Phase II SBIR project is devoted to developing further the capabilities of swift and integrating it with a number of commercial tools. The development plan includes new capabilities, such as improving area by adding new logic transformations and improving the speed of processing by implementing novel decomposition algorithms. This project will significantly advance the theory of modern logic optimization and promote its understanding in industry and academia. It would also promote the inclusion of faster logic synthesis tools in existing Electronic Design Automation (EDA) systems. It would benefit the national EDA industry, and help the US to maintain its competitive advantage against its foreign competitors in this strategically important market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ren, Qian LogicMill Technology MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 524000 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 9178 9102 0108000 Software Development 0422010 September 1, 2004 STTR Phase II: Novel Lipid Deposition for Biosensor Surfaces. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will use the LPG (Long Period Grating) technology to interrogate the interactions between drugs and G-Protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). To effectively study these interactions, one has to stabilize the GPCRs by immobilizing them to lipid layers. This Phase II project will focus on optimizing the lipid selection, composition, and attachment to the GPRCs and to the surface of the sensor. The development of stabilized lipid based GPCR coating for the LPG biosensor will provide a valuable tool in the area of drug discovery. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of new high throughput proteomics instrumentation to aid in the development of new therapeutic products. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pennington, Charles Irwin Chaiken Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 460789 1505 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422018 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Next Generation Nano-Probes for Ultra-High Resolution Near Field Microscopy, Nanolithography, and High-Density Data Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on the development, demonstration, and commercialization of ultra-high resolution nano-probes for applications in near field scanning optical microscopy/spectroscopy (SNOM), nano-lithography and high-density optical data storage based on photonic band gap technology. In this Phase II project the planar, photonic crystal-based nano-probes analyzed and fabricated in Phase I will be optimized. In addition, the process for realizing full three-dimensional photonic crystal nano-probes will be developed. Tune-ability will be incorporated in the nano-probes by either varying the physical dimensions of an embedded nanocavity, within our probe, or by applying an external electric, or magnetic, field to modify the optical properties of a nanocavity and hence modulate its resonant frequency, or line width. By tuning the operational wavelength of the nano-probes, they can be used to image rather complex spatial features at various spectral wavelengths. The nano-probe will be combined with an integrated spectrometer for spectral filtering of various detected wavelengths. Both the nano-probe and the spectrometer are photonic crystal based and hence can be integrated on a single device. Recently developed technology, which is referred to as combinational lithography, will be used to realize a three-dimensional nano-probe. The advantage here is that by having full lateral confinement one can realize a nano-probe that can be scanned over a photoresist coated sample and used to expose it. The advantage the technique has over conventional SNOM exposure is that by using a photonic crystal nano-probe the lateral fields are localized to a much smaller region, which results in a much higher resolution exposure. To this end, the combinational lithography process is a technique for the fabrication of defects, such as tapered waveguides and resonators, embedded in a three-dimensional photonic crystal. The method is efficient, flexible and very economical for fabricating large-scale photonic crystals. As such, it allows for the arbitrary placement of defects within a high quality photonic crystal lattice of arbitrary symmetry, and achieves this in a minimum number of process steps. Commercially the project will lead to multi-functional, high resolution photonic crystal based nanoprobes that will dramatically impact both the commercial and research fields of near-field optical microscopy, optical data storage, and nanolithography. The innovation has near term potential integration with current nano-photonic imaging and writing systems. In the future, these devices show potential for various systems requiring high resolution such as single molecule detection, which have generated significant interest in the physical and biological sciences and the study of small numbers of quantum dots, where probe requirements are far below that achievable by classical optics (~100nm) as is due in part to the high density of quantum dots which necessitate sub-micron optical resolution in order to isolate quantum dot structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sharkawy, Ahmed EM PHOTONICS INC DE William Haines Standard Grant 498094 5373 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0422028 July 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A Sensitive Integrated Multi-Speckle Laser Interferometer for Industrial Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project describes an innovative Approach for development of a high sensitivity laser ultrasonic receiver for Application in industrial environment. A high sensitivity classic reference beam interferometer with the ability to efficiently overcome the limitation caused by the speckle light generated from the reflection from rough surface will be developed. The interferometer should be well suited for demanding industrial applications where low cost, sensitive and rugged receiver is needed. Because the proposed interferometer takes advantage of the high integration level of current state-of-the-art in electronic packaging, the system can be made very compact and will be the key element of an ultrasonic system. The robustness, high sensitivity and lower cost of this ultrasonic receiver is hoped to enable laser based ultrasonic inspection to become a cost effective and reliable solution. The commercial market for this type of laser ultrasonic receiver is targeted at process control and in-service inspection applications where high reliability and low inspection cost is required. The steel industry has expressed strongly a desire to have a system dedicated to the in-process wall-thickness measurement of seamless tube SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pouet, Bruno BOSSA NOVA TECHNOLOGIES LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499934 5373 EGCH 9197 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0316000 Trace Contaminants 0422033 November 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A Novel Clamp-On Self-Powered Flowmeter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will produce a prototype low-rate fluid flow instrument for nuclear power plants that incorporates several novel features that permit its use as a clamp-on measurement device having minimal installation costs and complications. By utilizing waste heat on piping lines, and wireless data links, the flow sensor system avoids the requirement for an extended wiring system that interconnects and powers the instrumentation within the containment vessel. Accurate and reliable measurement of critical flow systems will ensure piping thermal stresses remain below design limits, for safe continued generation of electric power. The broader impact of the proposed flow sensor should significantly enhance nuclear power plant system safety by providing a robust, self-contained, zero-maintenance, zero-power instrument for monitoring in-plant piping systems. In addition, the platform for the flowmeter instrument may serve as a basis for a new family of monitoring systems for nuclear power plants and other environments where instrumentation wire runs are costly or prone to failure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sibilia, Marc Continuum Dynamics, Inc. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 496929 5373 EGCH 9197 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0422037 November 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Adaptive Phased Arrays for Broadband Wireless Access. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will culminate in the demonstration of the smallest, most economical phased array system yet developed for addressing the problem of how to traverse the "last mile" between a broadband network and the home. During the course of the project, the state of the art in phased array antenna technology will be advanced and networking algorithms will be developed to take advantage of this innovative technology. The broader impact of this research project is to fulfill the challenge to economically deliver wireless Internet access to rural communities. This steerable technology provides a greater than 50 percent increase in coverage and a cost savings of up to 55 percent. These cost and coverage improvements would help meet the needs and bring the benefits of broadband Internet into areas of the country that remain underserved. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Carey, Joseph FIDELITY COMTECH INC CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 496968 5373 1591 MANU 9148 5373 1596 1505 0206000 Telecommunications 0422050 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Feasibility of On-line Metalloid Recovery in Gasification Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demonstrate the ability to selectively condense and recover deposits rich in a valuable element from the gas-cooling regions of integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants. Deposits plugging gas-cooling heat exchangers in commercial coal IGCC systems are rich in a valuable element. The work will involve the design and construction of a pilot-scale on-line metalloid recovery (OMR) system that will be tested at bench scale on simulated synthesis gas, and on slipstreams from small-scale gasifiers. Phase II work will determine the effects of particulate matter and pressurized systems on the ability to concentrate and remove the valuable element from the gas stream. The on-line recovery of deposits rich in a valuable element will have two distinct commercial benefits. The first benefit is the cost savings associated with eliminating down time required for cleaning. By eliminating one cleaning outage, a gasification plant could save $4.9 million. The second benefit is the creation of an additional revenue stream from the recovery of these deposits, which can be sold to a recycler. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Laumb, Margaret Microbeam Technologies Incorporated ND Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 499650 5373 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 9102 5373 1505 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422057 September 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Compact, High-Power, Terahertz (THz) Radiation Source. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a tunable, compact, high-power Terahertz (THz) radiation source. The unique discriminator of the source is the projected power level, which is orders of magnitude greater than available semiconductor sources, should enable for the first time both wide field of view (FOV) imaging and high-throughput spectroscopic interrogation from a compact package. The Phase II program will complete the final design of the THz source developed in Phase I and described in the final technical report, fabricate a prototype device and demonstrate its performance at a THz research laboratory. The goal of the project is to demonstrate that the concept can deliver tens of watts of THz power from a device that is sufficiently robust and compact to be transportable and operate in the field. The THz spectral region combines many desirable features for spectroscopic and imaging applications. However, higher-powered, compact sources, such as that here, are needed to deliver practical throughput rates and the signal-to-noise ratio required for many commercial applications. The major medical imaging applications being developed are the detection of breast and basal cell carcinomas. Pharmaceutical industry applications include drug discovery and quality assurance, DNA analysis and proteomics. In the homeland security and defense arenas, the potential applications include standoff chemical and biological agent and explosive detection. THz systems are finding increasingly widespread use in scientific and University R&D environments for non-destructive evaluation and medical applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bluem, Hans ADVANCED ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 V903 5373 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0422059 September 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Microfluidic Device for Rapid Analysis, Sorting, and Collection of Biological Particles Using Photonic Forces. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) that uses optical forces to move cells and to sort cell sub-populations. The specific Phase II objectives are : (1) to build an integrated prototype cell sorter with flexibility to configure multiple lasers and detectors, (2) to develop a self contained microfluidic cartridge that can handle 1,000-100,000 cells/sample and sort with purities greater than 95% and total recovery rates greater than 80%, (3) to develop microfluidic flow assays, and (4) to validate that the mechanical and optical stresses do not adversely affect cells. The proposed work will result in a prototype cell sorter, self-contained microfluidic cartridges, and a panel of assays that demonstrate the broad utility of the instrument. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of cell-based assays for use in biological and biomedical research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Krummel, Kurt Celula, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 499940 5373 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422069 September 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Low-Cost Harsh Environment Vibration Sensor. 0422069 Jonathan Geisheimer Development of Low-Cost Harsh Environment Vibration Sensor This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop an inexpensive sensor for measuring mechanical vibration and displacement of rotating machines using 5.8 GHz communications components. Current sensing technologies cannot operate in the high temperature and dirty environments often found inside these machines. Major problems often first develop in these unmonitored areas. By providing a new source of information, failures and degradation can be detected earlier. The broader impacts of the proposed research result from the ability of engineers and scientists to more accurately characterize the internal workings of large rotating machinery (e.g. hydroelectric generator, power generation gas turbine, and DC motor) within the harshest environments. Designers and machine operators will have data in critical areas where failure modes most often occur, allowing for earlier warning of performance degradation and more accurate machine condition monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Geisheimer, Jonathan RADATEC INC GA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 475190 5373 AMPP 9163 9153 1463 0106000 Materials Research 0422071 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Computerized Tool for Baggage Screening. This Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II research project will develop a technology for improving security checkpoint effectiveness and increasing throughput while reducing labor costs for airports and other sensitive installations by integrating information technology systems incorporating new x-ray image inspection technology, new electronics communications technology, materials handling automation, and database-centric computerization. Current processing rates through a typical security checkpoint are relatively slow and laborious and costs are high. Today's checkpoints take little advantage of computerization thereby limiting their effectiveness. It is planned that the prototype system will be integrated into a TSA approved test site and tested and evaluated by an independent third party Modernization of checkpoint security will improve protection of many other segments of society. In today's world it is vital that our nation's citizenry, transportation systems, institutions, sensitive installations, and economy have the best protection possible. Security has become much more restrictive and time consuming. If successful this project will develop a product that will be able to increase the security at check bags handling facilities while reducing the time to conduct the checks. The streamlining and improving of security at federal buildings, government installations, maritime ports, shippers, mailrooms, and other sensitive locations can increase confidence in our day-to-day lives and help improve the nation's economic security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sommer, Edward NATIONAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 998882 V903 5373 HPCC 9139 0510604 Analytic Tools 0422076 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Low-Pressure Microplasma Gas Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop a miniaturized gas analyzer for use in industrial process control, fault detection and monitoring. The gas analyzer proposed here would be able to identify the chemical components of the gas and quantify their partial pressures down to part-per-million (ppm) levels. It will be sensitive to a range of gas species, and be small, have low power consumption and low cost. The broader impact of this research project will be to advance the nation's scientific and intellectual knowledge base by developing and demonstrating novel plasma emission sources and their applications. It will advance the nation's economic competitiveness by enhancing industrial productivity and the ability of the US semiconductor capital equipment industry to compete worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Doughty, Chris Verionix MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 721928 5373 1591 1505 CVIS 9251 9178 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0422080 September 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Temperature-Adaptive Nano-Crystalline Combinatorial Self-Lubricating Coating. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project develops a temperature-adaptive nanoparticles-based solid lubricant coating (ZnO and MoS2 and their metastable forms) on textured cBN/TiN for hard turning and dry machining applications. The uniquely coated tool inserts are able to constantly release the lubricants out of reservoirs on the textured cBN/TiN surface. Currently available solid lubricant coatings do not offer temperature-adaptive properties and are NOT suitable for hard turning applications. Hard turning can offer manufacturers large cost savings compared to grinding. However, the achievable surface finish is critical. The preliminary results indicate that the proposed solid lubricant coating will enhance hard turning surface finish and provide greater consistency. In addition, both environmental and competitive cost issues are causing manufacturers to migrate toward dry machining. Solid lubricant coatings can both improve surface finish and extend the tool life in dry machining applications by lowering the friction at the interface between the tool and the workpiece. Commercially available solid lubricants are primarily configured in layered structures. As wear progresses, the lubrication layer wears away and leaves the hard layer behind. Thus, the proposed novel configuration that provides temperature adaptability while also offering continuous long lasting lubrication has great potential. The proposed research is an excellent example of adding value to industrial products from the investment in nano science and engineering. The project will provide improved understanding of how the tribo-chemistry of nanoparticle coatings can offer temperature adaptive properties and affect machining performance. Also, it will provide insights regarding the micro tribology along the boundary of the particles and binder(s). The primary application of the coating will be for cutting tools in hard turning and dry machining. These are very important and growing commercial markets. Additional markets could be for rotating machinery, dies and molds, and other wear parts. The successful development of the proposed coating will help reduce environmental waste and contaminants from the usage of coolants. The disposal of both the used cutting fluid and the contaminated metal chips that were removed during the cutting process is becoming harder and more costly. The cost of the coolant has been widely estimated as contributing over 15% of a typical part.s machining costs. The project will help facilitate the adoption of high speed machining techniques, which is considered a key factor for the United States maintaining its manufacturing base in the face of strong competition from low labor rate countries. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jiang, Wenping NANOMECH, LLC AR Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 653490 9150 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9150 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422085 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Portable BioDetection Platform for Rapid Identification of Multiple Biological Agents. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a portable automated biosensor for detection of proteins, viruses and/or pathogens in liquid and air samples. This technology is based on the integration of highly-specific immunodiagnostics with ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensors in a multiplexed microfluidic format that allows the measurement of up to three proteins, two viruses and two bacteria simultaneously . The biosensor is expected to have low detection limits (that is, of less than 0.5 ng/ml for proteins, 1000 PFU/ml for viruses and 700 CFU/ml for bacteria), with an overall assay time of less than 30 minutes. This system will be tested for detection of potential biological threat agents such as Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (protein/toxin), Influenza (virus) and Bacillus anthracis (bacteria). The commercial application of this project will be in the areas of homeland security, clinical diagnostics, food quality control and general environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Abdel-Hamid, Ihab MESOSYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, INC. WA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 499911 5373 1505 BIOT 9150 9107 1596 1505 1178 0104000 Information Systems 0208000 Water Resources 0422088 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A Microfluidic-Based Biosensor for Food Pathogen Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a portable, rapid and specific capillary channel based immuno-sensing system for food pathogens. The tests will be able to detect concentrations of <10 cfu/ml of various microorganisms (Salmonella, Listeria, Escherichia Coli) in less than 1 hour in contrast to current methods that typically require 24 to 48 hours for preliminary data to become available and typically 3-7 days for definitive results. The capability of the proposed instrument to achieve this significant leap forward in performance was demonstrated by the Phase I results. The Phase II objective is to further refine the instrument with the high performance, ease of use, and low per sample cost needed by the food processing industry. The commercial application of this project will be in the areas of food safety and bio-defense. Microbial contamination of food products by pathogenic bacteria is a major concern of our society. Contaminated food is estimated to cause 76 million illnesses, 325,000 serious illnesses resulting in hospitalization, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. The economic impact of food-borne illnesses has been estimated as high as $10 billion annually. Recent events have also made it clear that the threat from pathogens intentionally introduced into the nation's food supply can be real, with significant economic implications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Su, Xiao-Li BIODETECTION INSTRUMENTS LLC AR F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 500054 5373 BIOT 9251 9178 9150 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422089 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Diode-Pumped, High-Power, Cr:LiSAF-Based Ultrafast Laser and THz Source. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II will develop the ultrafast laser system that could represent a significant advance in the technology of directly diode-pumped, solid state, ultrafast sources. In the initial Phase I effort, a record cw power level (> 2W) from diode-pumped Lasers were demonstrated through the use of an innovative, side-pumped design. In Phase II, this design will be further improved and utilized as the basis for a regenerative amplifier to generate high peak powers. The output of a passively mode-locked, diode-pumped laser should provide the seed pulses for the regenerative amplifier. The overall ultrafast source should be simpler, smaller and ultimately less expensive than present, power-equivalent, sapphire-based ultrafast laser systems. As a demonstration of the utility of the proposed technology, a time-domain terahertz (THz) spectrometer will be constructed, based on an optical-rectification THz source and an electro-optical detector, both driven by the laser system. The directly diode-pumped ultrafast laser represents an enabling technology, allowing ultrafast and THz systems to emerge from the laboratory and into the widespread scientific and industrial applications The proposed ultrafast laser and THz spectrometer both could have the potential for significant scientific and commercial impact. With the lower cost (on the order of 50%) made possible by the simplicity of design, a wider range of research groups in academia and industry will be able to obtain ultrafast sources and THz instrumentation. The lower cost, simplicity, higher reliability and smaller size of the systems will also greatly expand and accelerate the use of ultrafast lasers and THz radiation in biotechnology, medical imaging, precision micro-machining, industrial process control and security systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Slobodtchikov, Evgueni Q-PEAK, INC. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499954 V903 5373 HPCC 9139 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0422090 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Continuously Operating Sensor for Detection of Nerve Agent Contamination in Aqueous Solutions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a continuously operating water monitoring device for the detection of chemical warfare agents and hazardous chemicals. Prior Phase I work demonstrated the feasibility of this method and resulted in the construction of a bench-top model that could respond rapidly to contamination, that was resistant to environmental and chemical interference, and that could operate for extended periods of time without user intervention. In Phase II, this model will be modified into a small, self-contained, inexpensive prototype. Several optimized prototypes will be constructed for field trials under operational conditions. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of bioterrorism and homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Erbeldinger, Markus AGENTASE LLC PA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 753768 5373 BIOT 9251 9178 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422094 August 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-fast Broadband Imaging Spectroscopy for Geosciences Applications. This Small Business Research (SBIR) Phase II project is aimed to capitalize on our Phase I success of ultra-fast tunable optical filter technology for the applications of hyperspectral imaging, environmental monitoring and optical communication. During Phase I period, the feasibility of ultra-fast tunable filters based on electro-optical effect have been demonstrated through prototyping. State-of-the-art filter characteristics have been achieved, including ultra-fast response (< 500 ns), wide tuning range (> 80nm at 1550nm), narrow line width (< 0.1nm) and broad working spectral band (from visible to middle infrared continuously). Based on the successful Phase I execution, the major effort of Phase II will be developing an advanced tunable filter platform. At which several commercial products are expected to emerge. Such as ultra-fast hyperspectral imaging systems suitable for geosciences and medical diagnostics, high frequency wavelength modulators for high sensitivity spectroscopic detection of trace-gas and wide-range fast-tuning optical filters for spectroscopy and wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) optical communication Hyperspectral imagery has many existing and potential applications in agriculture, forestry, emergency response/disaster management, insurance, national security, oil and gas exploration, medical imaging, and military surveillance. The proposed components and system, featuring in lightweight, fast action, broad wavelength band, and low cost, is needed for airborne hyperspectral imagery. The tunable add/drop is promise to reduce network complexity and cost by eliminating expensive optical-electrical-optical conversion and reducing inventory of fixed-wavelength devices. A fast wavelength modulation, combined with synchronized detection, can form a very sensitive spectroscopic analytic instrument for trace-gas sensing. These gases usually have characteristic absorption lines in infrared (IR) band, where no other fast tunable filter existed. It has seen a growing demand from the largest application areas, such as chemicals, petrochemicals, power generation, national security and environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chen, Qiushui Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 525476 5373 HPCC 9216 1518 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0422099 October 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: MatchBox Display Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project, matchbox projection systems, addresses a major opportunity in the multi-billion dollar projection display market. . The main goal for the phase II project is to develop a Matchbox projector based on one liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panel using the field sequential color (FSC) method. The development includes the fabrication of full custom and mixed signal integrated circuit (IC), LCOS panel, optical light engine, and mechanical assembly. The silicon backplane will contain 1280 x 768 frame buffer pixels that remove charge sharing and charge inducement noise, increase charge storage memory time, enhance display brightness, and increase image contrast ratio. The data loading will use frame-at-a-time approach, allowing an image to be displayed at full contrast while the next image is buffered onto the backplane. LCOS panel assembly process will be developed for implementing panels with high thickness uniformity, high contrast ratio, fast switching, and high reliability. The optical engine design will focus on compact FSC system. The display market is multi-billion dollar market with a wide range of products. The commercial and military markets rely on highly specialized display products such as microscope and head mount displays. The LCOS system hopes to enable low power, high-resolution products in the market place. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mao, Chongchang Southeast TechInventures NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 649676 5373 HPCC 9216 9215 9102 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0422102 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Three-Dimensional (3D) Laparoscope. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a fully functional prototype 3-D laparoscope, which will be superior to the 2-D laparoscopes currently used in surgeries, based on laser illuminated miniaturized projector for computer generated light patterns and two cameras for acquisition of color and depth. The commercial application of this project will be in surgical operations. This device will have the capacity to provide depth and computer enhanced view of the surgical domain more akin to open surgery. This would allow for more precision in surgical procedures, thereby eliminating hand-eye coordination issues and reducing mistakes and accidents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Keller, Kurtis Inneroptic Technology Incorporated NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 553441 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0422104 December 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Novel Fluoropolymer Material. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a novel material to enable improved performance of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Availability of this material could result in the manufacture of pollution monitoring, industrial process monitoring, and defense-related products for the identification and quantification of analytes of importance to these markets. Currently available Raman spectroscopy systems provide detection of a broad range of analytes and have met with commercial success but are limited in sensitivity due to the inherent weakness of the Raman scattering phenomenon. They are also limited in their ability to differentiate analytes in complex matrices. SERS offers a means of overcoming these limitations but has been plagued by poor repeatability and limited availability of suitable substrates. Suspending noble metal particles in an inert matrix could allow their functionalization for analyte sensitivity. The use of free floating and matrix-bound noble metal particles as SERS substrates has been demonstrated by other researchers but has not yet provided the reliability that is required for industrial and military applications. SERS has remained an "almost-commercial" technology for a number of years. It is believed that this material is a platform technology for the widespread investigation and commercialization. These enhancements and the increased understanding and control of the SERS effect provide should result in dramatic improvements in the sensitivity, selectivity, and cost of monitoring and detection systems for many Raman-active analytes of military and industrial importance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Strecker, Brian NOMADICS, INC OK William Haines Standard Grant 499997 5373 MANU AMPP 9163 9150 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422110 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Geiger Mode Avalanche Photodiodes for Photon Counting from 0.9 Micrometers to 2.0 Micrometers. This SBIR Phase II project is to develop an InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes for use in Geiger mode photon counting with wavelength response extended from the conventional cutoff wavelength of 1.7 microns to 2.1 microns. Commercial InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes developed for linear operation in optical fiber communication systems have limited quantum detection efficiency and relatively high dark count rates when operated in Geiger mode, and are unable to detect radiation from important laser sources such as Tm/Ho near 2 microns. Using our experience as manufacturers of commercial linear-mode avalanche photodiodes and our epitaxial growth facility, we will design and fabricate avalanche photodiodes optimized specifically for Geiger-mode operation. The goal will be to obtain enhanced quantum detection efficiency, reduced dark count rate, and extended wavelength response to 2.1 microns. The two primary impacts of this work will be to enhance the understanding of the physics of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, and to provide the broader research community with improved detectors that will significantly enhance the usefulness of photon-counting techniques in the near-infrared spectral region. Although the basic theory of Geiger-mode operation of avalanche photodiodes is several decades old, there continues to be a significant quantitative discrepancy between the quantum detection efficiency predicted by the theory and the quantum detection efficiency observed experimentally. Part of this study will pursue this discrepancy, not only to design improved devices but also to better understand the fundamental performance limits. By developing improved near infrared photon-counting detectors this study will take a major toward making such detectors commercially available to the larger research community, which will enable photon-counting techniques to be more widely applied in the near-infrared spectral region. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dries, John Sensors Unlimited, Inc NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 355578 5373 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0422114 November 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Robotic Scrub Technician. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a robotic scrub technician that anticipates a surgeon's request for an instrument during surgery using robotics technology. Phase II research will build upon the success achieved in Phase I work , and will implement cognitive architecture over the current physical and sensory system of the robot. To validate the cognitive architecture, the robot will assist surgeons while performing operations on a physical simulator and in experimental animals. In this way, errors both robotic and human will come into play. The robot's actions will be judged using criteria for speed and clinical appropriateness, and the cognitive architecture will be modified to eliminate undesired behaviors. It is expected that the robot will perform in a clinically acceptable way. The commercial impact of this project will be in the area of healthcare. The proposed work addresses the issue of critical shortage of nurse technicians, and could reduce personnel costs in hospitals. Furthermore, the use of robots for this environment may free up human technicians to do more critical tasks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Treat, Michael ROBOTIC SURGICAL TECH, INC. NY F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 615525 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0422116 July 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Modular Online Simulations for Math and Science with Integrated Assessment of Complex, Standards-Aligned Learning Objectives. This SBIR Phase II project will produce a commercial version of PathfinderPlus, an online system that integrates assessment of complex, standards-based instructional objectives within interactive simulations and makes the resultant data available in a timely and efficient manner to students, teachers and administrators. In order to effectively implement curriculum standards-based educational reforms (e.g., as mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act), teachers need guidance in linking students' day-to-day learning to these standards and in adapting subsequent instruction based on students' progress against the standards. Existing educational technology products, however, are explicitly correlated only to the macro-level terminal objectives in each state's curriculum standards. As a result, these products do not provide diagnostic information regarding component knowledge and skills, and they thereby fail to support teachers in understanding more precisely where students are having difficulties within a given terminal objective. PathfinderPlus provides a comprehensive online library of highly interactive learning objects that track student' actions as they use them. The system analyzes the generated data to create assessment probes which yield results that are indexed against a hierarchy of component knowledge and skills related to each state's terminal objectives. This analysis provides students, teachers and other educational stakeholders with a roadmap to success in meeting their state's curriculum standards. In terms of broader impacts, the successful production of a fully functional, commercial PathfinderPlus product will break significant technical ground in the field of large online repositories of interactive learning objects. The deployment of ExploreLearning's XML specification HILO ML (Highly-Interactive Learning Object Markup Language) separates the pedagogical logic of a learning object's adaptive behavior from its technical instantiation. This separation enables the efficient development of the volume of scripts required by a system that covers entire courses (e.g., Algebra). The use of a four-tiered architecture to link fine-grained pedagogical events (i.e., pedagogically-meaningful interactions between students and the online simulations) to macro-level terminal objectives provides a flexible, modular foundation for the system. In terms of impacts on K-12 education, PathfinderPlus will foster alignment with standards-based curricula, support teachers in integrating technology effectively and efficiently into their classrooms, and provide a new approach for measuring the impact of educational technology on student learning. In addition, the system's use of interactive simulations as the medium for assessment enables a broader range of more complex, higher-order instructional objectives to be assessed (e.g., problem solving strategies and skills), as compared to traditional probes used in computer-based applications such as multiple-choice questions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cholmsky, Paul ExploreLearning TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 499246 5373 SMET 9177 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0522400 Information Systems 0422132 July 15, 2004 STTR Phase II: Integrated Software and Systems for Large-Scale Nonlinear Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II research project will address the design and creation of integrated nonlinear optimization software that combines complementary approaches to nonlinear optimization to achieve robust performance over a wide range of application requirements. The work will concentrate on the area of smooth nonlinearly constrained optimization, which arises directly in numerous applications and as a sub-problem in mixed-integer nonlinear programming and global optimization. The work will employ both mathematical convergence analyses and extensive testing on problems of practical interest. Results of the research will take nonlinear optimization software to a new level, based on an adaptive and versatile collection of algorithms in contrast to the single-algorithm approaches employed by current optimization packages. Nonlinear optimization models arise in diverse areas of science such as medical imaging, oceanography, crystallography, and climate modeling, and in almost all areas of engineering, chip feature placement for semiconductor manufacturers to energy management for electric and gas utilities. Nonlinear optimization is also rapidly becoming a key tool in decision analysis in such areas as finance and revenue management. By enabling optimization packages to be more fexible and more reliable, this research will lead to stronger support for current nonlinear optimization applications while making new, more ambitious applications possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Waltz, Richard Ziena Optimization Inc. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 624486 5373 1505 HPCC 9216 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0422146 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Composite Structural Damage Self-Sensing via Electrical Resistance Measurement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is aimed to capitalize on the Phase I success of an innovative self-sensing of composite structural damage utilizing the electrical conductivity of carbon (graphite) composite materials for structural health monitoring (SHM). The Phase II project is intended to provide a full-scale development (FSD) technology for composite a structural self-diagnostic (CSSD) system/technique. The necessary hardware/software and implementation procedures, such as microchip-based nodal electrical conductivity acquisition electronic circuitry, composite structural self-monitoring computer hardware and software will be incorporated in the CSSD device. The CSSD technology should prevent the catastrophic failures of aircraft and rotorcraft by predicting impending failures of flight-critical composite structural components. The system hardware/software will be demonstrated on new commercial passenger jet aircraft and military aircraft. The application of the CSSD technology should reduce the maintenance cost of the aircraft and rotorcraft due to automated structural health monitoring and diagnostic feature. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Chung, Jaycee GLOBAL CONTOUR LTD TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 1608008 9131 5373 1505 SMET CVIS 9179 9163 9102 1775 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422147 September 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Nanocomposite Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an innovative solar technology that combines nanotechnology with conducting polymer photovoltaics to achieve light weight, flexible solar cells that surpass current solar cell efficiencies, but can be manufactured at a fraction of the cost. Phase I, successfully demonstrated the feasibility of this innovative technology and identified key device design and material requirements to address underlying loss mechanisms limiting the nanocomposite photovoltaic performance. Specific developments included (1) controlled nanocrystal surface chemistry (2) novel nanocrystal synthesis (3) film morphology control and (4) reproducibility and control of the entire process from synthesis to device measurement. Phase II research will build on the knowledge gained in Phase I, and focus on the development of optimized optical and electronic materials and the development of an advanced stacked-intra-layer recombination device architecture. The output of Phase II will be a prototype of an optimized, light-weight, low-cost, flexible solar cell with efficiency greater than 10%; amenable to large-scale, low-temperature manufacturing by roll-to-roll. Commercially this technology has the potential to meet the market needs to enable solar energy to become an integral and critical power generation source world-wide, providing societal benefits in the areas ranging from environment to national and economic security. Commercial applications exist for high performance, low-cost solar cells that can provide an alternative power generation source. Specific examples of use include on-grid building integrated electricity generation systems; on-grid wholesale power generation; remote off-grid power generation; portable power generation; and power generation for long-term aerospace applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Parce, J. Wallace NANOSYS INC CA William Haines Standard Grant 499990 5373 AMPP 9163 1467 1463 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0422150 November 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Rapid Detection of Bacterial Contaminants Using Micro-Fluidic Biochips. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a microfluidic based system for the detection of viable pathogens using dielectric concentration of bacteria as an intermediate step. This system would use a first-stage concentrator, followed by dielectrophoretic concentration, and finally by culturing in media with integrated impedance measurements to detect culture growth. The commercial application of this project will be on the detection of waterborne microorganisms in biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations. The proposed method would electronically detect the viability of microorganisms in water samples in less than 3 hours, unlike the current technology that takes 2-7 days to yield results. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Razouk, Laila Biovitesse, Inc. CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 838551 5761 5373 BIOT 9261 9251 9178 9107 9102 5761 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422151 August 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Development of Porous Lubricated Nozzles for Suppression of Nozzle Wear in Abrasive Water Jet Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop technology for prevention of nozzle wear in abrasive water jets, which limits the lifetime and accuracy of jet cutting, and currently requires entrainment of abrasives downstream of the nozzle in a larger mixing tube. The method consists of a porous nozzle surrounded by a reservoir containing high viscosity lubricant pressurized by the same pump that drives the slurry in the nozzle. The lubricant is forced through the porous walls by the pressure difference generated due to the high-speed slurry flow, and creates a thin film, which protects the nozzles' interior walls. Pilot tests have successfully reduced the nozzle wear by more than an order of magnitude. Two systems are being developed: A Porous Lubricated Mixing Tube (PLMT) that can be retrofitted into existing commercial systems, and a Porous Lubricated Abrasive Suspension Jet (PLAS-Jet) with premixed particles prior to injection. The latter enables operation at lower pressures, and cutting of harder materials with smaller jets (micro-machining). Extensive cutting and nozzle wear tests during Phase II will optimize the nozzle material, geometry and manufacturing procedures, and will determine the lubricant properties and injection rate. Other components will also be improved including the particle and lubricant feed systems. The broader impact (commercial potential) of the proposed technology will be abrasive water jets that can be utilized for cutting and machining of sheet metal, ceramics and composites by diverse users, ranging from small machine shops to the automotive and aircraft industries. Wear of the mixing tube in present systems adversely affects all the applications of jet cutting by limiting the lifetime of the nozzle and accuracy of the cut, by causing machine-down time, and by preventing commercial applications of micro-jets. A PLMT retrofitted with minimal investment into the thousands of abrasive jet systems already in the market will greatly reduce these adverse effects. The PLAS-Jet with premixed particles has several additional advantages that reduce the cost and extend the applications of jet cutting technology. Cost reduction results from the lower pressure required for achieving the same cutting effect (e.g. 10000 vs. 50000 PSI), the more efficient use of the abrasives, and the less frequent replacement of nozzles. The lower pressures also simplify the development of compact portable systems for remote applications in hazardous environments, such as during decommissioning of nuclear plants, and for military applications, e.g. removal of mines and other obstacles. Furthermore, unlike mixing tubes, the PLAS-Jet diameter can be reduced to levels enabling expansion of jet cutting to precision micromachining. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Krymsky, Mark Lubrijet, Inc MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 485362 5373 1505 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422154 September 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Automated Monitoring and Alarming for Elder Care. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an automated monitoring system for residents living in elder care facilities. This system will enable the facility staff to quickly respond to any event or behavior requiring intervention, such as an accidental fall, using computer vision for tracking and behavior analysis. Prior Phase I research demonstrated the feasibility of this approach for fall detection and behavior analysis with the help of a laboratory prototype. This work also highlighted several challenges, such as dealing with changing lighting conditions and complex behaviors. Phase II research will focus on addressing these challenges and creating twelve beta sites in actual elder care facilities to further develop and test the algorithms. The commercial application of this project will be on institutions linked to the care of the elderly. With over 50% of the growing population of seniors staying in independent / assistive living facilities or nursing homes, injuries and deaths resulting from unattended falls represent a serious societal and economical problem. Over 1.8 million seniors fall each year, with each fall costing an average of $9,400 in hospitalization. The proposed work could lead to a solution that provides a way for quickly responding to falls, saving hospitalization costs up to 26% and more importantly, reducing the likelihood of death by as much as 82%. It would also help in generating a feeling of security for the elders and their care givers, without a substantial increase in healthcare costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sharma, Rajeev VideoMining Corporation PA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 481203 5373 BIOT 9181 5345 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0422155 September 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) 3D Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) Optical Switch for Dynamically Reconfigurable Network. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will integrate Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) with Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) optical switching to make the critical network element needed for reconfigurable, transparent, high capacity fiber optic networks. This technological advancement will facilitate the transition from today's point-to-point opaque networks with optical to electrical to optical (OEO) electrical switches to transparent, dynamic all optical networks. The design involves free space optical design, fiber optic design, MEMS design and optical coating design in order to make a wavelength switch which has low loss, low polarization independent loss, low temperature sensitivity, low vibration sensitivity, properly shaped pass bands (flattop with good adjacent channel rejection) and low crosstalk. The design will be developed, constructed and tested in Phase II, significantly advancing the field of optical switching from where it is today. This integrated wavelength switch should have numerous applications in commercial and government networks. The capacity is huge: 4 fibers with 40 wavelengths each carrying 40 Gbit/s of data results in 6 Terabit/s switching capacity. This allows continued growth in the Internet, and enables a much lower cost solution to higher capacity wavelength services. Continued expansion of access to information requires continued expansion of worldwide core optical networks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Helkey, Roger Calient Networks CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499925 5373 HPCC 9215 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0422158 August 1, 2004 STTR Phase II: Location-Based PDA Bird Field Guide. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop and test an electronic field guide for North America that will facilitate bird identification in the field combining images, audio, geographic information, and descriptive data. The system will include 1000 birds of North America, uniquely presented audio content, expanded GIS features, support for Windows CE devices, and the wireless transfer of data. The highlights of this software are the mobility offered by the PDA, database searches to aid species identification, access to multimedia and GIS data in the field. The proposed software will provide significant benefits to the education and research communities by allowing multiple PDA users to upload their observations to CLOs (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) eBird server (www.ebird.org) via desktop software or wireless Internet connection. The availability of PDA-based software for use by students will facilitate student learning and enable students to play a key role in data collection for national and international research projects. The availability of this software to birders and amateur naturalist will promote citizen participation in science and conservation. The data collection and GPS features of the system will help researchers to accurately record scientifically useful data. The portable data collection and data transfer features will facilitate the gathering of data and timely reporting of that data to researchers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Derby, Mary SOUTH DAKOTA HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES INNOVATIONS INC SD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1064427 5373 1591 1505 HPCC 9251 9218 9216 9178 9162 9150 9102 7218 0104000 Information Systems 0522400 Information Systems 0422159 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A Gene Targeting System for Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a non-transgenic approach for genetic improvement of crops by using a zinc-finger nuclease strategy for homologous recombination in plants and a strategy for selection of non-selectable phenotypes. The commercial application of this project will be to enable the production of new crop varieties, including those that better withstand pests, have enhanced food value, and produce compounds of industrial importance. The proposed approach is expected to produce genetically modified (GM) plants requiring less regulatory oversight than existing technologies for plant genetic engineering, facilitating faster and less expensive marketing of GM plants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wright, David Phytodyne, Inc. IA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 499999 5373 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0422171 September 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Pipeline Integrity in Natural Gas Distribution and Transmission Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will solve challenging problems in processing, tracking, and communicating vibration recordings from remote locations in pipelines to determine whether a pipeline has suffered an integrity breach. The solutions include design of new battery-powered, wireless-enabled, rugged field instruments for the harsh pipeline environment, and the development of advanced signal processing methods to characterize and interpret the complex acoustic energy in pipelines. The broader impact of this research project will be to provide the industry with state-of-the-art, cost-effective equipment that will allow owners and operators to protect their investment in pipeline infrastructure and to meet the mandated pipeline integrity management regulations safely, efficiently and effectively. The societal impact will be increased personal safety through faster and more accurate inspection methods and the preservation of continued affordable energy transportation into the future. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lander, Paul Flow Metrix, Incorporated MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499984 5373 EGCH 9197 9139 1179 0316000 Trace Contaminants 0522400 Information Systems 0422181 November 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Catheters with Anticoagulation and Fibrinolytic Properties. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop blood-compatible biomaterials for end-stage renal dialysis (ESRD) catheters through an integrated biological coating (IBC) that combines protein passivation, anticoagulation, and fibrinolytic mechanisms on the surface. Phase II work will build on the Phase I demonstration that internal and external surfaces of BaSO4-loaded polyurethane catheters were activated by an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) process that promoted uniform deposition of an IBC coating. In the Phase II project, the coating process will be optimized and deposition equipment will be upgraded to enhance reliability and repeatability. Finished catheters will be produced and evaluated for blood compatibility through in vitro human blood testing and ex vivo sheep shunt model experiments. Finished IBC catheters will also undergo rigorous mechanical, biocompatibility, and toxicity testing to show compliance with FDA standards. The principal commercial application of this project will be on the catheter industry. The proposed technology will also find applications in coatings for other blood-contacting devices such as grafts, polymeric stents , valves and by-pass systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sambito, Marisa Spire Corporation MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 510774 5373 BIOT 9231 9181 9178 9102 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0422186 July 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Novel Lightweight, Low Cost Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assemblies. This SBIR Phase II project concerns the development of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with improved power density (kW/L) and specific power (kW/kg), reduced cost, and simplified assembly. A new type of electrically conductive polymer sheet has been developed that can be used as both, gas diffusion layer and bipolar plate in PEM fuel cells. The material is light, inexpensive, highly conductive, chemically inert, easy to process, and corrosion resistant. The use of this conductive polymer in PEM fuel cells will reduce cell weight, volume, and cost, while simplifying cell assembly. During the Phase II project, the conductive polymer materials will be optimized as bipolar plates and gas diffusion layers, and they will be integrated into PEM fuel cell stacks. The new material has significant commercial potential because of its multifunctionality, lightweight, effectiveness, and low cost. The potential customers are developers currently working with PEM fuel cells operating on hydrogen, methanol, and reformed hydrocarbon fuels. This includes all of the automotive manufacturers and the manufacturers of stationary fuel cell power systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gonzalez-Martin, Anuncia Lynntech, Inc TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422191 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: ACIM deBonder: Thin Film Integrity Testing Using Controlled Microcavitation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new method of determining how strong a thin film anchors to a substrate. The ACIM deBonder(trade mark)uses controlled microcavitation to directly reveal a thin film's adhesion strength by subjecting it to controlled erosion. ACIM is a means of constructively controlling acoustic microcavitation. Substrates are not harmed. The ACIM deBonder(trade mark) will be applicable to any type of film or coating that can be eroded in a controlled manner by cavitation. It is essentially a nondestructive method that only uses small areas of films. No special sample preparation is needed and the method is capable of in situ inspection. The ACIM deBonder tool will be developed for use in microelectronic manufacture. Semiconductor chips rely on the various film layers of their constitution to bond reliably. Beyond semiconductors the deBonder could be useful in optical coatings, and all contexts involving surface modification involving films. The broaderimpacts of this project will be a new method of determining the adhesion strength of thin films; it is expected to advance the science of thin film engineering. The controlled erosion of ACIM can itself be used to create nascent surfaces in preparation for thin film deposition. Ultimately, the principle of ACIM deBonder (trade mark) relies controlled caviational erosion, in fact it relies on controlling the very fundamental process of phase change, the control of nucleation--the ability to convert a liquid into a gas in the vicinity of a solid phase. This should have much wider applications in a variety of chemical processing, e.g. in the control of the boiling processes in chemical and nuclear reactors. The study of this acoustically mediated nucleation control could form an active field/area of research and education. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Madanshetty, Sameer Uncopiers, Inc. KS Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 524000 5373 1505 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9150 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422194 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Tissue Engineered Cartilage for Drug Discovery. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop scale-up production technology to produce engineered cartilage for drug discovery using a proprietary Alginate Recovered Chondrocyte (ARC) method. This method stimulates adult human cartilage cells to form a cartilaginous tissue with proper compositional and functional properties. ARC cartilage tissue is expected to offer a cost-effective alternative to current culture systems and expensive animal studies while utilizing human tissue. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of drug discovery for cartilage-related problems such as rheumatoid arthritis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pfister, Brian Articular Engineering, LLC IL Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 498843 5373 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0422196 September 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A New Class of Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals for High Performance Optical Phase Modulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new class of ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) materials and novel operating mode to produce fast, analog, electro-optic phase modulation. This innovation exploits two recent developments in liquid crystal science: a new liquid crystal phase made from novel bent-core "banana" molecules, and electrostatically controlled analog modulation of high polarization FLCs. The new modulators will offer the fixed-optic-axis phase modulation capability of a nematic liquid crystal in combination with the much faster speed and lower drive voltage of a ferroelectric. Present day FLCs modulate light through electrically driven optic axis rotation. Phase modulation range is limited to less than 180 degrees unless complex multi-element device designs are used. What's so novel about the new FLC is that it modulates light through changes in its index of refraction; the direction of the optic axis remains fixed. Furthermore that modulation can be analog, unlike conventional FLCs, which are binary. This enables simpler device structures and phase ranges greater than 360 degrees. The new FLC should be compatible with liquid-crystal-on-silicon technology (LCOS), allowing the ability to construct inexpensive wavelength-tunable devices and wavefront modulators for diverse application including telecommunications, holographic and conventional optical data storage, and microdisplays. This production on an electro-optic technology could be useful in an existing market (microdisplays), and could enable large new markets in the near future (active optics, optical data storage, telecommunications). Advantages over alternative technologies due to the nature of a lower cost manufacturing processes, and the ability to easily implement complex functionality because of the integration of this electro-optic technology with standard CMOS VLSI technology. Society could benefit through job creation, enhanced telecommunications, and improved data storage technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Yongqiang Displaytech Incorporated CO William Haines Standard Grant 499994 5373 1505 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0422198 October 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Nanotube-Based Electronic Pressure Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II program focuses on developing carbon nanotube-based electromechanical pressure sensors. To translate the change in pressure into an electrical signal, current solutions (MEMS devices) use membranes with sensors made out of doped silicon. Silicon, however, is prone to effects of temperature changes and as a result, such devices require additional electronics for temperature compensation and more stringent packaging. They also have sensitivity limitations. The device in this work will use carbon nanotubes as strain gauges. Because nanotubes have higher sensitivity (higher gauge factor) and better temperature stability, this will result in development of devices that are easier to manufacture (fewer manufacturing steps), have superior precision, and require less stringent packaging, leading to less expensive end-product. This work will combine chemistry for synthesis of materials and microfabrication to explore important properties of a novel nano-material carbon nanotubes. Key technical innovations will include precise placement of nanotubes on thin membranes, novel approaches to avoiding membrane damage during nanotube integration, forming nanotube circuits on membranes for electromechanical pressure sensors and other integration issues. If successful, the project will lead to the first application of carbon nanotubes in high-end electronic devices, enabling the development of nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS), which convert mechanical effects into electrical signal. Such devices, which would include pressure sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes and acoustic sensors, could address the unmet needs in a wide range of applications, such as in automobiles, safety, medical, military and process control. Specifically, in the automobile market, a nanotube-based pressure sensor could serve as a tire pressure measuring device and could result in over $180million in annual savings for such end users as the automotive industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pan, Lawrence Molecular Nanosystems, Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 999179 5373 MANU 9146 9102 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422218 August 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Accessible Scalable Vector Graphic Authoring and Editing Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will support development and testing of Windows applications for creating and making available highly accessible SVG files. Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a graphics markup language supporting features critical to accessibility by individuals with print disabilities. One application permits authors easily to create and/or edit mainstream graphical information as SVG files fully usable by individuals with print disabilities. Full accessibility requires only that authors supply names of important graphics objects, a task easily done with the SVG Editor. Most individuals with print disabilities can comprehend graphical information better by moving the mouse over text or graphics objects displayed in the ViewPlus SVG Reader, whereupon they hear the text or names of graphics objects spoken aloud. Blind users and those unable to use a normal mouse can also comprehend such information by creating a tactile copy on a ViewPlus Tiger embosser which can then be read with their fingers after placing it on a ViewPlus Touchpad. Sighted users can obtain an embossed color image with the new Color Embosser. Availability of an appropriate embosser and Touchpad means that even individuals with severe print disabilities can access mainstream graphical information without assistance by another human being. Computer users with severe print disabilities currently have good access to words but very poor access to graphical information. Lack of good access to graphs, charts, and diagrams severely affects quality of life and educational and professional opportunities, particularly in the STEM fields, i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Graphical information today is "made accessible" largely by written or verbal description. There is currently no practical way to make most graphical information available in a form usable by individuals who are severely dyslexic or for blind people, who may or may not read Braille. These new SVG applications will provide a user-friendly technology that fills that need. Graphical information can simply be created and displayed on the web or in electronic documents as SVG files that are usable by everybody. The hardware technologies needed by blind or severely dyslexic people should cost no more than a present-day Braille embosser, so it should be affordable for libraries and institutions to provide this capability thus to serve these clientele. The largest user base for the SVG Reader will probably be individuals with less severe print disabilities who can improve their comprehension by supplementing visual with audio information. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gardner, John VIEW PLUS TECHNOLOGIES INC OR Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 993942 5373 SMET 9180 9178 9177 1545 0522400 Information Systems 0422219 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Direct Conversion of Heat to Electricity with Nanowire Antenna Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop enabling nanotechnology that collects and converts infrared radiation (IR) from heated sources into DC power using nanowire antenna arrays with monolithically integrated rectifying diodes (IR-AAID). The innovation uses scaleable (square meters), self-organizing, and inexpensive electrochemical processing with low cost materials to engineer antenna/diode systems to convert light from heat sources. IR-AAID can convert heat to electricity at over 40 percent efficiency and be adapted to different emitters simply by changing the antenna geometry. The best IR thermo-photovoltaic modules typically operate at less than 5 percent efficiency, cost more than $300 per Watt, require up to 2000 degree Kelvin emitter temperatures to match available bandgaps, and require expensive materials with chemically tailored compositions, that are temperature sensitive, to match specific energy applications. In Phase I, the team demonstrated the feasibility of forming nanometer scale IR collecting antenna/diode structures over large areas, developed unique measurements to independently evaluate antenna and diode performance, demonstrated materials and diode structures that will provide the required IRAAID performance, generated DC power from light with IR-AAID devices, and demonstrated 6 percent conversion efficiency with non-optimized diodes. For Phase II, the team will develop robust processing to form inexpensive (less than $2 per Watt), IR-AAID prototypes to efficiently convert light to DC power. Commercially, since IR-AAID does not require prohibitively expensive advanced lithography or direct serial nano-patterning, this effort will produce low-cost nanowire arrays with high density over relatively large areas, for heat collection. These applications will vary from portable power packs that use low temperature heat, to the generation of electricity from high temperature nuclear and conventional heat sources where noise or other environmental concerns are an issue. The enabling IR-AAID features are ideally suited for heat recovery applications, a $100B resource that is virtually untapped at present due to the limitations and costs of existing technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Berland, Brian ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 488855 5373 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422220 August 1, 2004 STTR Phase II: Novel Nanocoated Ferromagnetic Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II project will build on the great successes of the Phase I program by proving that the nanocoating of fine ferromagnetic particles is possible on the large scale and that such nanocomposite particles have commercial uses. The Phase I program proved that atomic layer deposition (ALD) of an alumina film can provide these properties.The objectives of the Phase II program are to prove the scalability of the process as well as to work with supporting companies to develop specific products for commercial markets. A pilot scale facility will be constructed to increase the scale of production to provide the kilogram quantities of material that most partners require for product development. This facility will be optimized to provide the best quality coatings at the lowest production cost. It is anticipated that at the close of the Phase II program, the company will have developed at least one market for full scale production with 2-4 markets still being developed. The ALD nanocoating of individual ultrafine particles to control individual ultrafine particle surface chemistry is enabling technology that is unparalleled compared to more conventional CVD, PVD, PE-CVD, or wet chemistry solution processing. The process allows for individual ultra-fine particles to be nanocoated, rather than coating aggregates of ultra-fine particles. It is independent of line of sight and provides for chemically bonded films to the substrate particle surface. It is easily scalable. It is a forgiving process where the nanocoating thickness is controlled by self-limiting surface reactions (not flux, temperature, or time of processing like CVD, etc.). Films are pin-hole free and conformal. Commercially, fine iron particles are used in a variety of applications such as metal injection molding, radar absorption, localized drug delivery carriers, electronic devices etc. Most of these applications would benefit from a smaller initial iron particle size and reduced oxidation sensitivity. Thus nanocoating of ultrafine particles provides many opportunities. It is now possible to produce ultrafine particles with designed electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, rheological, or other properties. Markets for such functionalized ultra-fine powders include microelectronics, defense, hardmetals, cosmetics, drug delivery, energetic materials, and polymer/ceramic nanocomposites, among others. . STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Buechler, Karen ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 469030 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422222 September 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: The Use of Halophytic Plants and Fish for the Bioremediation of Coal Bed Methane Discharge Waters. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a process that uses halophytic plants and aquaculture effluent to treat highly saline coal bed methane (CBM) discharge water. Vast volumes of water are a necessary though unwanted byproduct of the gas drilling process. The saline discharge is widely viewed as an environmental liability. Discharges into streams are essentially forbidden, while indiscriminant surface discharge causes soil salination. Prior Phase I work has shown that halophytic plants may be successful in sequestering significant amounts of sodium when irrigated with CBM discharge waters. This Phase II project will confirm Phase I greenhouse data with field trials of plants irrigated with CBM water and fish effluent when compared with controls under otherwise normal farming practices. Soil impacts and tilth will also be examined in great detail. The commercial application of this project will be to alleviate the negative impact of CBM discharges on the environment in Wyoming, and to open up huge areas of land for responsible CBM exploration and recovery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Woiwode, John AquaMatrix International, Inc. WY F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9150 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0422223 July 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Low-Cost Hydrogen for Next Generation Vehicles. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a low cost process for producing high-pressure hydrogen. This process uses a proven, regenerable, low cost CO2 sorbent to minimize capital costs and improve efficiency. The key to the process is a sorbent that shifts the equilibrium of the reforming and shift reactions that convert hydrocarbons to hydrogen. The sorbent will be produced using commercial production equipment and tested to determine its lifetime and performance. In the near term, an improved hydrogen production process would significantly reduce the cost of the hydrogen used in oil refineries to make reformulated (cleaner burning) gasoline, and bulk chemicals such as fertilizers and chemical intermediates. In the longer term, the new system can significantly reduce the cost of producing hydrogen to distribution centers that will be needed for hydrogen fueled vehicles and other fuel cell applications SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Elliott, Jeannine TDA Research, Inc CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 491721 5373 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422237 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Nanofluidic Reference Electrode with an Invariant Liquid Junction Potential. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II is for the development of nanofluidic-flowing liquid junction (NFLJ) reference electrodes using nanochannel glass arrays developed by the Naval Research Laboratory. While consuming electrolyte at less than 2 ml/yr, the NFLJ reference electrodes will allow a flow at velocities of over 0.1 cm/sec to impede back diffusion of sample solution into the electrode. A variety of challenging test sample solutions, potentiometric measurements made with NFLJ references varied < 0.5 mV with response times of less than 60 seconds while measurements made with conventional reference electrodes varied up to 20 mV with response times of over one hour have already been completed. The NFLJ reference electrode's exceedingly small electrolyte consumption makes possible handheld NFLJ pH sensors with significantly higher precision and longer operational life. The high impedance of NFLJ reference electrodes, when using modern commercial pH electrodes, has no measurable effect on the precision, response time, or span of the pH measurement. The nanochannel glass nanofluidic-flowing liquid junction (NFLJ) adds a new dimension to the design and construction of reference electrodes. The unique ability of the NFLJ design to separate flow volume and flow velocity will provide scientists with a tool for investigating reference electrode behavior as a function of flow, velocity, and resistance. It should help to develop a more fundamental understanding of mass transfer effect on liquid junction potentials. Initial results indicate that velocity is the critical parameter in stabilizing the potential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Broadley, Scott Broadley-James Corporation CA William Haines Standard Grant 506988 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422242 July 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Cubic Phase-Stabilized Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings Applied via a Novel Chemical Vapor Deposition Route. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will seek to develop a novel technique for applying thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) to turbine (jet) engine components. The use of low thermal conductivity TBCs has enabled higher temperatures and longer component life to be achieved, along with more efficient engine operation. Application of the state-of-the-art coating compositions via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has the potential for an order-of-magnitude reduction in processing cost over the conventional technique employed. In addition, CVD is a non-line-of-sight technique capable of coating components and/or regions of components not possible by any other means The next-generation TBC system to be developed in this project will provide superior reduction in actual part temperature and oxidation resistance compared with state-of-the-art coatings. In addition to the increased engine efficiency realized from the higher temperature operation these coatings will allow, this application method has the potential for an 80-90% reduction in cost. Improved TBCs will have wide application to commercial and military propulsion and power generation systems, including turbine and reciprocating engines. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Stewart, Timothy ULTRAMET, INC. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 427752 5373 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0422246 September 15, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A Biochip for DNA Detection. 0422246 Scaboo This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop an inexpensive, automated, highly sensitive biosensor chip that would detect small quantities of nucleic acids directly without the need for either a reporter molecule reaction or a PCR expansion reaction. It is expected that the proposed molecular detection platform will provide unparalleled specificity and sensitivity while decreasing sample preparation time by a factor of twenty five, capital costs by a factor of twenty, and the cost of disposables, including the chip, by a factor of five. The commercial application of this project will be in a number of markets, including biological and biomedical research, diagnostics and forensics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wang, Jiaxiong GENORX INC CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 499989 5373 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0423443 August 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Personal-Knowledge-Management eLearning System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project improves access to knowledge by auto-organizing unstructured data to respond to specific individuals, groups, and their activities. Taxonomize Resource Aid (TRA) uses syntactic, semiotic, semantic and statistical techniques to generate and update resource taxonomies, which are multi-level indices into the information corpus (documents, web sites, etc.) specific to users' activities. These active taxonomies are practice-relevant and personalized, and they provide applications of enhanced search, auto-produced portals, personalized content management, and knowledge discovery. For example, TRA's coordinated knowledge directories produce discovery of trends in time-based documents (such as discussion groups); extraction of information from unstructured data (such as distributed themes); and notifications from monitoring multiple information sources for patterns of confluences (e.g., news relevant to collaborating partners) or discrepancies (e.g., knowledge missing in one area that can be filled from another). Phase II development will take the successful prototype that was tested in educational settings, and create a commercial product (initially as a SOAP/WSDL web service) that will be licensed to firms selling software solutions in the areas of e-learning, search, and knowledge management. Taxonomize Resource Aid (TRA) will provide knowledge tailored for individuals, groups, and activities, and thus will provide people who have been limited by accessibility, resources, or background ready access to resources of knowledge, instruction, and collaboration. The TRA prototype has already been shown to provide significant benefits to some university students who were learning how to do primary research. Those who have difficulty with the culture, language, or technology gain the greatest benefits from TRA, because it gives them accelerated access to knowledge that is automatically selected for relevance to their activities, based on Taxonomize's powerful auto-categorization capabilities. TRA can help in any field where people need to organize, manage, access and use large amounts of information and resources. TRA can help improve education, healthcare, defense, and government organizations process information quickly, especially when dealing with immediate and critical situations. It can also help disadvantaged people find necessary resources, and keep updated with changes that would otherwise be infeasible to monitor. TRA improves knowledge accessibility, flexibility and adaptability and affordability of general learning capabilities, and so may benefit formal and informal learning in every area. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG London, Robert TAXONOMIZE CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 511956 5373 SMET 9180 9178 7218 0522400 Information Systems 0423907 September 1, 2005 NSF/CONACyT: Gripping and Assembly of Micro Devices. This NSF/CONACyT research project seeks to address issues in the area of micro assembly, which will benefit American manufacturing organizations in a variety of domains. Micro devices, which possess different materials, or complex geometries, cannot utilize the widely available monolithic MEMS fabrication techniques. In such situations, assembly of micro devices becomes inevitable. The overall objective of this research is to investigate the modeling of gripping forces for micro assembly applications. In addition, the role of interactive forces coming into play during nano manipulation will also be studied. Educational modules targeting under graduate and graduate engineering students will also be created as part of this project. Specifically, the objectives are to: (a) Develop a taxonomy for gripper system configuration and design (b) Investigate the modeling of gripping forces and their effects on the geometry of components (b) Support educational activities through development of educational modules (targeting engineering students) as well as facilitate outreach efforts to school students in New Mexico. The educational activities proposed will introduce the next generation of industrial and manufacturing engineering students to cutting edge concepts addressed in this project. Sandia National Laboratories will be the industrial collaborator in this project; they will provide real world case studies and necessary knowledge, as well as play a role in validating the project findings. A focus in this project is the education of minority students at New Mexico State University (NMSU). Outreach activities involving school students and teachers will be conducted as part of the Soaring Eagle initiative at NMSU. This project will enhance the existing infrastructure at NMSU as well as highlight the usefulness of Internet2 for learning activities. Dissemination activities will include publishing papers in leading journals, through a project web site, as well as through paper presentations at conferences such as the annual American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) conferences. INT'L RES & EDU IN ENGINEERING COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH OPERATIONS RESEARCH GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS SPECIAL STUDIES AND ANALYSES IIP ENG Cecil, J. New Mexico State University NM Donald Senich Standard Grant 137982 7641 7298 5514 1504 1385 MANU 9150 9147 9146 5977 5922 5921 5919 5514 1504 1385 0107000 Operations Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0423930 June 15, 2004 Reducing the Time to Product Stability through Global Testing. The goal of this research is to investigate a global testing infrastructure to identify critical factors that reduce the time to product stability while improving the competitive position of developing organizations. Teams of graduate computer science students in Ireland and the United States will conduct operational testing on an industrial software system following several scenarios. They will compare various approaches of processing trouble reports and software updates to determine their impact on defects uncovered, the severity levels and types of defects, and the complexity of the modules in which the defects occurred. The faculty and industry personnel are all participants in the Software Engineering Research Center, and NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CISE RESEARCH RESOURCES SOFTWARE ENGINEERING AND LANGU IIP ENG Zage, Wayne Dolores Zage Ball State University IN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 150000 7298 5761 2890 2880 OTHR 5980 5914 0000 0424922 January 27, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Novel Pathogen Detector for (Bio)aerosols. 0339751 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses an entirely new approach to identification of pathogens in bio-aerosols based on performing and controlling biochemical reactions and microbiological interactions directly in air. Current methods for testing infectiousness of air, e.g., contaminated by biological warfare agents or other pathogens do not provide direct detection of pathogens in air. Aerosol samples are usually converted into a liquid sample, e.g., using wet cyclones, where analysis based on PCR or immunoassays implies long analysis time. Phase I research will demonstrate feasibility of performing sample preparation and highly specific identification of pathogens directly in air without introducing the sample into liquid. The research will aid in developing diagnostic methods that are based on collecting and/or detecting pathogens in breath exhaled or cough, methods to rapidly determine infectiousness of air in an environment, e.g., contaminated by biological warfare agents and point-of-care diagnosticmethods.. The Phase II research will provide full development of a marketable prototype with a number of potential medical applications as well as applications ranging from forensic analysis and air-quality monitoring in farming and agriculture to detection of biological warfare agents in portable field devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zoval, Jim Chembionics, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 33334 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 1639 1517 0426355 July 1, 2004 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biological Surface Science. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biosurfaces is a National Science Foundation sponsored consortium that develops new ideas into new technologies, particularly in manufacturing strategies for biotechnology, using a demonstrated successful model of collaboration between universities and the private sector. The Center's research has its strategic focus in biotechnology, biomaterials, and bioengineering, with rigorous milestones and independent evaluation. The topical area - biosurfaces - makes connections between particular disciplines that historically have not been linked at universities, federal labs, or industrial research laboratories. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Baier, Robert SUNY at Buffalo NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 222000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 7218 0000 0429261 February 20, 2004 SBIR Phase I: A Variable Dynamic Range Detector System For Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Measurements. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) detector system, which will measure signals over seven orders of magnitude with a digitization resolution of better than 1 percent (from a single laser pulse). The detector system hopes to bridge the gap between analog to digital converters and photon counting systems. The intellectual merit of the system is in the way it combines state of the art logarithmic amplifiers, variable gain on the detectors and traditional photon counting (for very low signals). A microprocessor will be used to process the data and provide a high-speed Internet connection. The final detector system should be relatively inexpensive and will improve LIDAR scanning and miniaturization possibilities. The same design could also be applied to multi-channel detectors allowing scanning LIDAR remote sensing spectral studies (fluorescence, Raman, Differential absorption). EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Porter, John Hawaii Science and Engineering Inc. HI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 90334 9150 HPCC 9150 9139 1639 1517 0430145 September 15, 2004 Collaborative Research: Industry University Cooperative Research Center for Wireless Internet. This collaborative Industry/University Cooperative Research Center will perform research in three critical, overlapping areas. Cooperative Communications and Networking research will examine wireless networks build out of nodes that cooperate at the physical and network layers. Cooperative networks offer enhanced capacity, reliability and efficiency relative to infrastructure and ad hoc networks. The second area of research focuses on extending the battery life of portable terminals thereby removing a major enhancing the convenience and value of wireless terminals and sensors. The third research area is Wireless Applications and associated Information Delivery mechanisms. Wireless Applications under investigation include content distribution, applications that leverage the ubiquity of wireless infrastructure with location awareness, and applications that adapt to the capacity limitations of the wireless vis-a'-vis the wired network. Each project focuses on a specific mode of wireless connectivity of the Internet to portable mobile information devices. In addition to developing and evaluating protocols and applications, Information Delivery research addresses security and robustness. RES IN NETWORKING TECH & SYS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Panwar, Shivendra Phyllis Gail Frankl Binay Sugla Polytechnic University of New York NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 642605 H430 7363 5761 OTHR 132E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0430778 August 1, 2004 CENTER FOR TREE GENETICS: Formation of a Joint Center between Purdue University and Oregon State University. This action joins the Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) with an existing National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC), the Tree Genetic Engineering Research Cooperative (TGERC) at Oregon State University. Both centers share the same goal: the study of technologies to genetically improve trees for use in intensively managed tree plantations. The objectives, structure, and policies of TGERC are well established, and similar to those of the HTIRC. HTIRC is vertically integrated with molecular and classical geneticists, tree physiologists, silviculturalists, and nursery and regeneration specialists. The strength is the ability to perform basic, applies, and developmental research so the genetic knowledge that is created will be delivered to industrial and private landowners in value-added products rather than knowledge that benefits only the scientific community. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Michler, Charles Richard Meilan Purdue University IN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 270000 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 129e 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0432376 February 15, 2005 Collaborative Proposal: Operating Center Proposal for Continuing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center: I/UCRC for Measurement and Control Engineering. The Measurement and Control Engineering Center is an interdisciplinary research and educational Center directed toward the development of new sensors and control systems. These technologies are critical to the modernization and continued competitiveness of US manufacturing industries, including chemicals, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, inter alia. This action provides continued funding for a multi-site Center with the lead site at the University of Tennessee and an affiliate program in a critical needs industrial area (advanced control, including modeling and simulation) at the Oklahoma State University. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Tree, David Oklahoma State University OK Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 50000 5761 OTHR 9150 1049 0000 0432387 February 15, 2005 Collaborative Proposal: Operating Center Proposal for Continuing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center: I/UCRC for Measurement and Control Engineering. The Measurement and Control Engineering Center is an interdisciplinary research and educational Center directed toward the development of new sensors and control systems. These technologies are critical to the modernization and continued competitiveness of US manufacturing industries, including chemicals, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, inter alia. This action provides continued funding for a multi-site Center with the lead site at the University of Tennessee and an affiliate program in a critical needs industrial area (advanced control, including modeling and simulation) at the Oklahoma State University. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Jendrucko, Richard University of Tennessee Knoxville TN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 48000 5761 OTHR 9150 1049 0000 0432818 September 15, 2004 Planning Proposal for Establishing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Computational Materials Design (CCMD). The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Computational Materials Design jointly proposed by Penn State and Georgia Tech, aims to substantially impact progress towards systems-based materials design by promoting research programs of interest to both industry and universities, to enhance the infrastructure of computational materials research in the nation, to explore and extend the interface between engineering systems design, information technology and physics-based simulation of process-structure and structure-property relations of materials, to improve the intellectual capacity of the workforce through industrial participation and conduct of high quality research projects, and to develop curriculum in computational and systems design aspects of materials. This will be achieved by developing long-term partnerships among industry, university and other organizations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG McDowell, David Farrokh Mistree Hamid Garmestani Min Zhou GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0433033 September 15, 2004 Planning Proposal for Establishing an I/UCRC for Computational Materials Design (CCMD). The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Computational Materials Design jointly proposed by Penn State and Georgia Tech, aims to substantially impact progress towards systems-based materials design by promoting research programs of interest to both industry and universities, to enhance the infrastructure of computational materials research in the nation, to explore and extend the interface between engineering systems design, information technology and physics-based simulation of process-structure and structure-property relations of materials, to improve the intellectual capacity of the workforce through industrial participation and conduct of high quality research projects, and to develop curriculum in computational and systems design aspects of materials. This will be achieved by developing long-term partnerships among industry, university and other organizations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Liu, Zi-Kui Long-Qing Chen James Kubicki Evangelos Manias Jorge Sofo Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0433313 March 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Low-Temperature Route to Cu(In,Ga)Se2 for Flexible Photovoltaics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project provides a new approach to low-temperature processing of a compound semiconductor material, copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). CIGS is presently being used as the solar absorber layer in some thin film polycrystalline solar cells with world-record efficiencies of 19 percent. While there is a move in the display and photovoltaic (PV) communities towards continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing owing to cost benefits, roll-to-roll CIGS solar cell processes currently give 6 to 8 percent efficient modules. This is thought to be due to microstructural limitations in the CIGS absorber layer as a consequence of lower temperature sintering required when using a polyimide substrate. The research objective of this project is to demonstrate improved conversion efficiencies for CIGS solar cells using a low-temperature processing step. To do this, small grain CIGS films will be subjected to conditions that favor grain growth yielding a large-grained polycrystalline semiconductor. Temperature will be carefully controlled and optimized to determine if this process might enable economical substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate. If successful, the approach would be generally applicable to polycrystalline metal chalcogenide electronic materials where performance improvements might be anticipated with a reduction in the number of grain boundaries. The commercial application of this project is in the manufacture of high efficiency, flexible, solar cell semiconductor material. This project allows a feasibility demonstration for a semiconductor growth methodology using CIGS solar cells as the first example. Assuming the low-temperature treatment results in the formation of large-grained materials and gives increased solar conversion efficiencies, the process could be utilized as a plug-in at an existing roll-to-roll CIGS manufacturing facility. The development of 15 percent efficient CIGS solar cells on flexible and lightweight substrates would address the needs of higher-end solar cell products used in portable electronics such as cell phones and laptops where a 10-year market estimate of $5 billion is not unreasonable. While existing PV technologies may meet the cost target for portable PV (i.e. $10/W) these are not applicable given the low-specific power density and inflexibility of the modules thus providing a significant opportunity for an emerging solar cell technology. For this consumer application, the value added through the use of portable PV is the convenience of never "plugging in" to recharge a power system. In addition to CIGS solar cells, this low-temperature growth approach could impact the emerging fields of flexible electronics and electronic textiles through new routes to transistors and/or thermo-electrics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jensen, Garth ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0433461 August 15, 2004 University of Central Florida Research Site of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) in E-Design. This award joins the University of Central Florida as a full university research site, with the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for e-Design: IT Enabled Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The joint research efforts of faculty will form a coalition that seeks to realize the following objectives: 1) inclusion of a multidisciplinary viewpoint needed to ensure the development of a new paradigm of excellence in the design of engineered products and/or systems; 2) realization of conceptual modeling tools aimed at reducing design cycle time and ensuring maximum achievement of design goals for human use; 3) realization of an environment for economic and supply chain optimization design; and 4) establishment of a critical mass of expertise focused on the development of an e-design modeling and simulation software platform and virtual prototyping tools. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Geiger, Christopher University of Central Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 549010 V902 V894 V640 S112 H106 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9102 7609 7218 129E 122E 116E 114E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0433503 September 1, 2004 Collaborative Research: A Planning Proposal for Establishing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Precision Forming. The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan are joining to conduct feasibility and planning activities to establish an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Precision Forming. This vision for the Center is to achieve "Green, Clean and Lean" products and production. Its mission is to serve as a center of excellence for the creation and dissemination of a systematic body of knowledge in precision forming and fabrication of lightweight-high strength materials of interest in this century, and ultimately to impact the next generation products and production systems with precision (quality), responsiveness (rapid development) and near-zero waste. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Altan, Taylan Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0433516 September 1, 2004 Collaborative Research: A Planning Proposal for Establishing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Precision Forming. The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan are joining to conduct feasibility and planning activities to establish an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Precision Forming. This vision for the Center is to achieve "Green, Clean and Lean" products and production. Its mission is to serve as a center of excellence for the creation and dissemination of a systematic body of knowledge in precision forming and fabrication of lightweight-high strength materials of interest in this century, and ultimately to impact the next generation products and production systems with precision (quality), responsiveness (rapid development) and near-zero waste. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Koc, Muammer University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0433598 September 1, 2004 A Planning Grant Proposal to Join Connection One at Arizona State University - An NSF I/UCRC. The multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, Connection One, will be a joint effort between Arizona State University, the North Carolina A&T State University, and perhaps additional institutions in the future. The center will support a wide array of research activities related to circuits and system for telecommunications and information technology. The proposed center has a potential to have a significant impact on the broader telecommunications industry. This industry has become an essential element of national economy. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Dogan, Numan North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University NC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0433609 September 1, 2004 Natural-Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite I/UCRC. The Washington State University will hold a planning grant meeting to become a member of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Reinforcing Buildings and Bridges with Composites. The research team at Washington State University has considerable experience in managing large research teams. This will help to insure technical advances and industrial successes in the research program of this proposed center. The unique combination of materials development, codes and standards experience, and structural expertise will benefit the interdisciplinary needs of the industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Wolcott, Michael Washington State University WA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0433633 September 15, 2004 Collaborative Research: Industry Unversity Cooperative Research Center for Wireless Internet. This collaborative Industry/University Cooperative Research Center will perform research in three critical, overlapping areas. Cooperative Communications and Networking research will examine wireless networks build out of nodes that cooperate at the physical and network layers. Cooperative networks offer enhanced capacity, reliability and efficiency relative to infrastructure and ad hoc networks. The second area of research focuses on extending the battery life of portable terminals thereby removing a major enhancing the convenience and value of wireless terminals and sensors. The third research area is Wireless Applications and associated Information Delivery mechanisms. Wireless Applications under investigation include content distribution, applications that leverage the ubiquity of wireless infrastructure with location awareness, and applications that adapt to the capacity limitations of the wireless vis-a'-vis the wired network. Each project focuses on a specific mode of wireless connectivity of the Internet to portable mobile information devices. In addition to developing and evaluating protocols and applications, Information Delivery research addresses security and robustness. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Misra, Vishal Henning Schulzrinne Dan Rubenstein Nicholas Maxemchuk Columbia University NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 150000 5761 OTHR 0000 0434210 October 1, 2004 A Proposed Research Site for CELDi: A Multi-Campus I/UCRC. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) site at Lehigh University will be closely affiliated with a joint interdisciplinary center, the Center for Value Chain Research. The research site brings together faculty from Industrial and Systems Engineering and the College of Business and Economics with common interests in supply chain management, management information systems, operations research, optimization, game theory, computing, management, and marketing. A particular emphasis of the research site is Value Chain Planning and Development in high value manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. This new research site will adhere to the existing policies and procedures established by CELDi. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Zimmers, Emory Lehigh University PA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 250000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0434909 September 1, 2004 Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics - Five Year Renewal. This award provides continued support for the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics (CAVE) at Auburn University. The objective of the center is to perform research on new technologies for the packaging and manufacturing of harsh environment electronics, with special emphasis on the reliability and cost requirements of the vehicle industry. The research thrusts of the Center in the harsh environments area include robust packaging and interconnection technologies, modeling methodologies, damage mechanics, material behavior and failure mechanisms, design procedures, accelerated testing methodologies, field-life correlations, and manufacturing processes. The Center puts its research in the hands of practitioners through technology transfer mechanisms including software tools, and design guidelines. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT RES EXP FOR TEACHERS(RET)-SITE ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Lall, Pradeep George Flowers Jeffrey Suhling Michael Bozack John Evans Auburn University AL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 980019 V975 V904 T892 T685 T611 T388 T315 T154 I427 H274 7609 7218 5761 1360 1359 1340 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9150 9102 7218 5761 1591 130E 122E 116E 115E 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0435733 September 1, 2004 I/U CRC for Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites - RB2C: Continuing Grant. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites (RB2C) has operated for the last five years form its base at the University of Missouri-Rolla and has focused on addressing the needs of the construction industry in the areas of rehabilitation and strengthening of existing structures using novel materials and technologies. North Carolina State University has joined the University of Missouri-Rolla as the partner in the Center. Together, the Center maintained an ideal core as it includes manufacturers, distributors, applicators and users of composite products/technologies. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS STRUCTURAL MATERIALS AND MECH HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Nanni, Antonio Genda Chen John Myers Pedro Silva Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 197000 5761 1635 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 7218 0000 0436455 September 1, 2004 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC: Ceramic and Composite Materials Center. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Ceramic and Composite Materials has met the program criteria over their first five year period. The Center's research now spans synthesis processing, microstructural characterization and properties from nanometer through the micron scale. The Center has added three new thrust areas, 1) ceramic armor materials; 2) catalysis and; 3) electrochemical and energy related materials. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Atanassov, Plamen Abhaya Datye University of New Mexico NM Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 250000 5761 OTHR 9150 123E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0436504 September 1, 2004 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC: Ceramic and Composite Materials Center. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Ceramic and Composite Materials has met the program criteria over their first five year period. The Center's research now spans synthesis processing, microstructural characterization and properties from nanometer through the micron scale. The Center has added three new thrust areas, 1) ceramic armor materials; 2) catalysis and; 3) electrochemical and energy related materials. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Haber, Richard Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 398460 T034 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0436687 August 15, 2004 CELDi/AFRL: Logistics Readiness and Sustainment. This proposal has been formulated to provide the United States Air Force (USAF) and specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory with long term, basic research through the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution at the University of Arkansas. In order to provide the agile combat material support necessary to sustain our warfighters and weapons systems in a crisis, new technologies for logistics need to be developed. The USAF business model for acquisition and sustainment highlights the need to add additional processes that develop the logistics support for the incorporation of new and existing weapons systems to sustain and protect our personnel as they go into harm's way. The goal of this research is to develop quantitative and scientific methods that will assist researchers and military logisticians in the analysis of the effectiveness of logistics technology that incorporates both a human-centered and a system based perspective. IIP ENG Rossetti, Manuel Charles Cassady Edward Pohl Heather Nachtmann Justin Chimka University of Arkansas AR Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 777896 V597 OTHR 9150 0000 0437144 August 15, 2004 MAST Center Participation in EU Membrane Network. This international collaborative project provides support for US students and researchers and the European network will provide similar support for their students and researchers. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST) will provide any additional support needed by the students for their projects. The participation of the MAST Center will involve several components. 1) The MAST Center will perform two research projects that will be linked to the EU network 2) MAST Center students will perform some of their research at EU network facilities 3) The MAST Center will provide access to European researchers to use equipment and facilities 4) European PhD students can perform some of their research at MAST 5) US students and researchers can access the resources of the European network 6) MAST researchers will participate in the annual technical meetings for the network 7) MAST researchers can develop interactions that can lead to collaborative projects. COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Noble, Richard University of Colorado at Boulder CO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 400000 7298 5761 OTHR 5980 5914 0000 0437180 October 1, 2004 Evaluation of Phase Stability of Inorganic Materials in Ionic Liquids. This action provides funds for a feasibility project to the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Particulate Materials at the Pennsylvania State University. Researchers in the center will collaborate with researchers in the Queen's University , Belfast Northern Ireland to evaluate the phase development and colloidal and interfacial chemistry of inorganic particles in ionic liquids. It is expected that fundamentally new surface charge models will be required to understand the solid-solution interface in inorganic solid-ionic liquid systems. This will also underpin planned future research on the colloidal stability and processing of bulk materials from particles prepared in ionic liquids. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Adair, James Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0437214 September 1, 2004 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC: Ceramics and Composite Materials Center. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Ceramic and Composite Materials has met the program criteria over their first five year period. The Center's research now spans synthesis processing, microstructural characterization and properties from nanometer through the micron scale. The Center has added three new thrust areas, 1) ceramic armor materials; 2) catalysis and; 3) electrochemical and energy related materials. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Adair, James Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 150000 5761 OTHR 0000 0437262 August 15, 2004 Collaborative Proposal: CELDi/CHMR Tie Project: Strategic Inventory Alliances in the Health Care Value Chain. This project will provide research in the area of health care logistics modeling and analysis through a TIE project between two highly successful Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC). The Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution at the University of Arkansas is a multi-campus I/UCRC specializing in logistics research. The Center for Health Management Research is also a multi-campus I/UCRC with a lead institution at the University of Washington specializing in health care research. The research foci of these centers present a unique opportunity to examine issues related to the health care supply chain. The health care value chain consists of the producers of medical products such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the purchasers of these products such as wholesalers and group purchasing organizations, the providers including hospitals, physicians, and pharmacies, the fiscal intermediaries, and finally the payers. Each health care value chain may have a different structure, and therefore, different strategic management issues, costs and performance abilities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Schneller, Eugene Lawton Burns Arizona State University AZ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0437341 September 1, 2004 Collaborative Research Proposal for a Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC. This action establishes a new multi-institutional Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Friction Stir Processing. This Center will bring together the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Brigham Young University, the University of Missouri-Rolla, and the University of South Carolina. The Center will focus on addressing the needs of the aerospace, aeronautic, energy, military, and commercial industries in developing this emerging solid state metals joining and processing technology. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Reynolds, Anthony University South Carolina Research Foundation SC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 430100 V887 T229 S111 T665 9150 7609 5761 OTHR 9150 129e 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0437358 September 1, 2004 Friction Stir Processing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. This action establishes a new multi-institutional Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Friction Stir Processing. This Center will bring together the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Brigham Young University, the University of Missouri-Rolla, and the University of South Carolina. The Center will focus on addressing the needs of the aerospace, aeronautic, energy, military, and commercial industries in developing this emerging solid state metals joining and processing technology. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH MATERIALS PROCESSING AND MANFG IIP ENG Nelson, Tracy Carl Sorensen Brigham Young University UT Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 325000 7609 1467 OTHR 129e 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0437396 August 15, 2004 Friction Stir Processing Industry/ University Cooperative Research Center. This action establishes a new multi-institutional Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Friction Stir Processing. This Center will bring together the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Brigham Young University, the University of Missouri-Rolla, and the University of South Carolina. The Center will focus on addressing the needs of the aerospace, aeronautic, energy, military, and commercial industries in developing this emerging solid state metals joining and processing technology. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Arbegast, William Antonette Logar Michael West South Dakota School of Mines and Technology SD Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 813714 V991 V547 T133 I316 H427 9150 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9231 9178 9150 9102 5761 129E 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0437408 August 15, 2004 Collaborative Proposal: CELDi/CHMR TIE Project Strategic Inventory Alliances in the Health Care Value Chain. This project will provide research in the area of health care logistics modeling and analysis through a TIE project between two highly successful Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC). The Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution at the University of Arkansas is a multi-campus I/UCRC specializing in logistics research. The Center for Health Management Research is also a multi-campus I/UCRC with a lead institution at the University of Washington specializing in health care research. The research foci of these centers present a unique opportunity to examine issues related to the health care supply chain. The health care value chain consists of the producers of medical products such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the purchasers of these products such as wholesalers and group purchasing organizations, the providers including hospitals, physicians, and pharmacies, the fiscal intermediaries, and finally the payers. Each health care value chain may have a different structure, and therefore, different strategic management issues, costs and performance abilities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rossetti, Manuel University of Arkansas AR Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0437631 August 15, 2004 Impact of Leadership Relationships and University Context on the Performance of National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers. This study will advance current knowledge of the relationship between Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) directors and university administrators by investigating mutual leadership processes, a largely ignored area of inquiry in I/UCRC research. The research will also contribute to the research literature on leadership because of its focus on research center directors and university administrators, a subject population often neglected by leadership researchers. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Davis, Donald Old Dominion University Research Foundation VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 53449 5761 OTHR 0000 0437894 September 1, 2004 International Linkage Program for the Ultrasonic Modeling of Complex Materials. This project is for the development of a cooperative research and educational program involving the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Nondestructive Evaluation at Iowa State University and the SAFE Research Center at Sugkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea. Both Centers have on-going activities in the ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation of complex materials, such as composites, which are inherently difficult materials to inspect with ultrasound because of their complicated material behavior. It is planned to join these two research programs together in a cooperative, international effort to develop computer models of the ultrasonic inspection of complex materials. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Thompson, R. Bruce Lester Schmerr Iowa State University IA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 140000 5761 OTHR 0000 0438229 February 15, 2006 Florida Partnership for Industrial Biotechnology Career Development and Training. 0438229 Snyder This award is to the University of Florida to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include the University of Florida (Lead Institution), International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Marion County Public Schools, Santa Fe Community College, School Board of Alachua County, Enterprise Florida, Florida Department of Education, Central Florida Community College, Florida Research Consortium, School Board of Bradford County, Scripps Research Institute, and BioFlorida. The primary objective of the proposal follows. This proposal provides the opportunity to develop essential vocational/academic state-of-the-art workforce training for stimulating high-wage high-skill jobs in a clean industry. The goal is to create model curricula and pilot programs at both Community College and High School levels that will then be reproduced throughout the state and the nation. In addition, the effort will provide a unique capability for a realistic training environment and, ultimately, employment. Together, with the partners, Florida Partnership for Industrial Biology (FPIB) will: build infrastructure by equipping the Center of Excellence for Regenerative Health Biotechnology (CERHB) Education Center; develop curricula; train faculty; and deliver the curricula to attract and educate students for entry and mid-level careers in the biotechnology. Potential Economic Impact New statewide initiatives are being implemented to expand Floridas biotechnology industry. Along with this expansion there is a need to fill technical positions with trained and qualified workers. In addition, as biotechnology companies transition discoveries made in the research laboratory into products, their workforce skill requirements change. Currently, there is a shortage of trained personnel who are capable of manufacturing biological and medical products. The intellectual merit of the project follows. The proposal is designed to train faculty and deliver curricula to high school/college students and provide training for entry and mid level jobs in the biotechnology industry that will stimulate and capitalize innovation in the area of workforce development. In addition the project will build infrastructure through the creation of an education center. The creation and access to new knowledge for workforce development will offer High school tracks and certificates in a very comprehensive approach to workforce preparation. The proposal offers an integrated approach to workforce development beginning at the high school level. The broader impacts of the activity follow. The potential impact on the economic well being of the region is significant in view of the overall economic push for this industry segment. The project is also designed for national dissemination and replication. In addition, the program will serve as an "innovative, model" project for the nation's Biotechnical field. The activity integrates community colleges and local school systems in the education and training of the diverse workforce. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Snyder, Richard Winfred Phillips University of Florida FL Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599997 1662 OTHR 1662 117E 0000 0438338 October 15, 2004 Symposium for Engineering Entrepreneurship Educators. 0438338 Fetters This award is to Babson College to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Babson College (Lead Institution), Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, Sloan Consortium for Online learning, Roundtable on Entrepreneurship Education for Scientists and Engineers at Stanford University, Geo-Centers, Inc., Jackson State University, Hampton University, Salish Kootenai University. The primary objective is to educate engineering faculty about how to teach and apply entrepreneurship as a core feature of engineering education. The program will result in the production of engineering graduates who not only develop innovative ideas, but who will transform their innovations into the companies, products, systems and services that drive the national economy through the creation of wealth. The proposed program is patterned after the successful symposium for entrepreneurship educators, which has been in existence at Babson College for the past 20 years. Olin College of Engineering, the partner institution, was founded to provide a learner-centered engineering education. Entrepreneurial thinking is integrated throughout the curriculum, a unique feature in engineering education. The two institutions are therefore ideally suited to develop a program to teach engineering faculty how to teach and apply entrepreneurship as part of engineering education. The Sloan Foundation will provide a quality on-line education component and also disseminate information about the proposed program to the 680 institutions that are part of the Sloan Consortium. An important feature of the program is to enhance the participation of underrepresented groups in technology. Historically Black colleges and Tribal colleges will also be partners in this program. The faculty from these colleges will be the first invitees to the Symposium. People in SBIR-funded firms will team with engineering faculty in the Symposium in order to enhance the start-up and progress of new ventures. Potential Economic Impact Knowledge creation through innovation must be carried forward by the entrepreneurial process to secure a positive economic impact on our society. The program will result in the production of engineering graduates who not only develop innovative ideas, but who will transform their innovations into the companies, products, systems and services that drive the national economy through the creation of wealth. The intellectual merit of the project lies in the transformation of engineering education curricula to include the teaching of entrepreneurship and in the introduction of the teaching partner-pair concept into engineering education. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on education and training of current and future entrepreneurs. There is a strong emphasis on involvement of underrepresented groups. Two historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and one Native American university are partners. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Greene, Patricia Stephen Schiffman John Bourne Jeffry Timmons Heidi Neck Babson College MA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599128 1662 OTHR 0000 0438400 February 15, 2006 Gallium Nitride Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diodes. 0438400 Tsong This award is to Arizona State University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Arizona State University (Lead Institution), Sandia National Laboratories, and Nitronex Corporation (a small business). The primary objective of the proposal is research, technology transfer, and commercialization of light-emitting diodes based on group III nitride wide band-gap semiconductors based on quantum dots. Arizona State University will produce the zirconium-boron on silicon substrates, which are lattice-matched to the gallium nitride light-emitting diodes. The substrates are highly reflective in the ultraviolet spectrum, which overcomes the absorption and makes the laser efficient. Nitronex will grow the stress-relieving aluminum gallium nitride transition layers on the substrate to prevent thermal cracking in operation. Arizona State University will then grow the quantum dots of gallium arsenide, which are the optically active medium for the light-emitting diode. Sandia will grow the capping layer and the packaging elements. Sandia will also measure the efficiency of the light output of the devices. Nitronex will commercialize the products. Potential Economic Impact The proposed innovations will create highly energy-efficient, longer-lasting, and cost-effective lighting systems that will contribute significantly to the reduction of energy consumption. Further sustainable innovations include white light-emitting diodes through phosphor conversion, and laser systems for improved optical communications and data storage. This will open business opportunities in the multi-billion dollar range for the US lighting industry. The intellectual merit of the project is the growth and characterization of this new class of light-emitting diodes using the unique capabilities of each of the three partners. The new materials will have higher brightness and luminous efficiency than the conventional group III nitride wide band-gap light-emitting diodes, and the color specificity will be far superior because of the narrower emission line-width. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on expanding the techniques to develop a new generation of light-emitting diodes will fulfill the criteria of both low cost and high luminous efficiency for applications in general illumination, as well as improved optical and data storage. The students will also be exposed to course and practical experience in entrepreneurship, i.e., first-hand experience in transforming knowledge into products that create new wealth and enhance the quality of life by reducing energy consumption. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Tsong, Ignatius John Kouvetakis Paul Johnson Arizona State University AZ Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 1662 117E 0000 0438469 October 15, 2004 Alliance for Collaborative Research in Alternative Fuel Technology (ALL-CRAFT). ABSTRACT 0438469 Coleman. This award is to the University of Missouri-Columbia to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners: The partners include the University of Missouri-Columbia (Lead Institution), Clean Vehicle Education Foundation, DBHORNE LLC, Lincoln University, Midwest Research Institute, Missouri Biotechnology Association, and Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The primary objective is to develop safe, high-capacity storage technologies for natural gas. These technologies build on new adsorbent materials that radically reduce the pressure required for high-capacity gas storage for next-generation clean automobiles. The project involves production of nanoporous carbon and calixarene from domestic sources as adsorbents for methane; construction and testing of a prototype natural gas automobile fuel tank based on these materials; developing technologies to collect methane from landfills; establishing a training program in alternative energy technologies for undergraduates based on internships; and assessing and patenting the technologies. Potential Economic Impact: The activity will provide practical fuel tanks for clean and non-polluting automobiles and trucks, and for large-scale tanks for shipping gas fuels. This will sustain long-term innovation by demonstrating new clean energy and transportation technologies, and by training students to become future leaders in alternative energy technologies. The intellectual merit of the project lies in the development of natural gas fuel storage tanks that avoid the need for high-pressure containment based on new storage media. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on the clean fuel aspects for non-polluting automobiles for the future, to include potential hydrogen storage for fuel cells for automobiles, and education of a diverse workforce for the future. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Hall, Robert Jerry Atwood Peter Pfeifer Galen Suppes Francis Nixon University of Missouri-Columbia MO Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 591636 1662 OTHR 0000 0438472 January 1, 2005 Alliance For Innovative Nursing Education. This award is to Texas Tech University Health Science Center to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Texas Tech University HSC (Lead Institution), Austin Community College, City of Lubbock, Texas, University Medical Center County Hospital, WorkSource of the South Plains, WorkSource One-Stop Centers, Greater Austin@Work, Capital Area Workforce Development Board, Rural Capital Area Workforce Development Board, American State Bank, Covenant Health System, HealthStream, Lubbock Heart Hospital, Seton Healthcare Network, St. David's Healthcare Partnership, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock African American Chamber of Commerce, TTU College of Education Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Austin Community College are initiating an Alliance for Innovation in Nursing Education, a strategic partnership effort to improve the response to the national shortage of nurses. The Alliance is specifically designed to build collaborations among educational institutions, employers and the public workforce system, focusing on Central and West Texas. The purpose of the Alliance is to support models (prototypes) that operationally demonstrate how innovation in nursing education can more efficiently and effectively meet the needs of our health care system, while effectively assisting individuals to enter the nursing profession and migrate up a career ladder. Potential Economic Impact The proposed innovations will expand the local nursing workforce system's capacity to be market-driven, responsive to local economic needs, and a contributor to the health and economic well being of the West and Central Texas communities. The intellectual merit of the project follows. The proposed activity is very important and the methodology for enhancing numbers of nursing students using web-based, accelerated didactic tools. This proposal has two interdependent goals: increase the nursing workforce in rural Texas and, in so doing, increase minority participation and diversity to reflect shifts in population demographics. The proposed activity will enable individuals who already possess a B.S. degree (in any field and with a GPA > 3.0 with specific emphasis on science GPA > 3.0), who have completed a course in pathophysiology, and who are certified as a nursing assistant to participate in a web-based, accelerated (12-month) baccalaureate nursing program. This proposed project is grounded in good educational principles and offers a reasonable alternative for busy working adults in fields other than nursing. The broader impacts of the activity follow. The proposal comes at a time when there is a real shortage of nursing students and nursing educators. The Alliance partnership will expand the local nursing workforce system's capacity to be market-driven, responsive to local economic needs, and a contributor to the health and economic well being of the West and Central Texas communities. The proposed effort will increase minority participation and diversity to reflect shifts in population demographics in the region. The opportunities for dislocated workers and/or underrepresented groups, particularly Hispanics, will be enormous. If successful, this activity can be emulated in other sparsely populated regions of the country. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Green, Alexia Texas Tech University Health Science Center TX Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599952 1662 OTHR 1662 0000 0438480 October 15, 2004 Development and Implementation of Digital Specimen and Digital Tester Technique for Infrastructure Materials. 0438480 Tumay This award is to Louisiana State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Louisiana State University (Lead Institution), Southern University (historically black college and university-HBCU), Louisiana Transportation Research Center, National Center of Asphalt Technology, National Asphalt Pavement Association, Federal Highway Administration, Barriere Construction Company, and Fugro Geosciences. The primary objectives are to develop multiple functional digital specimen and digital test techniques, to implement these techniques at Federal Highway Administration Turner-Fairbank Research Center as wells as at the other partners facilities, to commercialize the newly-developed techniques, to develop a training course for undergraduate and graduate engineers, to conduct seminars for Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists to promote acquisition and utilization of the techniques to practicing engineers, and to seek use of the technology in other materials in the construction industry. Potential Economic Impact The proposed innovations will create a computer-based testing and evaluation system for design of construction materials with a longer durability in-service and a reduced life-cycle cost. Once the methodology has been fully developed, it can easily be modified for other materials technologies. The intellectual merit of the project includes enhancing current practice in mix design for asphalt materials be reducing the number of specimens to be tested, enhancing the mix design for asphalt materials to optimize the engineering properties of the material in use, reducing the probability of having faulty materials being used in the construction industry, and understanding the lifetime durability of construction materials. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on enhancing the design of construction materials at the least cost of testing and certification, education and training future construction engineers, increased involvement of underrepresented groups in research, education and professional engineering practice, the economic and societal impacts on the national infrastructure. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Wang, Linbing Louay Mohammad Louisiana State University & Agricultural and Mechanical College LA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 430835 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0438528 March 1, 2006 Creating an Entrepreneurial Culture in a Rural Setting. 0438528 Reed This award is to the Michigan Technological University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Michigan Technological University (Lead Institution), Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation; Knowledge Sharing Systems, Inc. the Cities of Houghton and Hancock, Michigan, Finlandia University, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The primary objective is to create a rural entrepreneurial culture that captures the economic and social benefits of innovation. A three-pronged initiative will build on the existing infrastructure and on current endeavors to foster economic development by state and local governments and by Michigan Technological University. First, this project will offer an education component that adapts Michigan Technological Universitys highly regarded engineering Enterprise program to a new entrepreneurial Enterprise. This program will involve science, engineering, and business undergraduate students working as teams with real-world entrepreneurs to conduct and integrate technology and market assessments with business plan development for proposed or emerging potentially high-growth entrepreneurial industries. Second, this project will strengthen the interconnectedness and support among the local entrepreneurial community through networking and mentorship programs that develop linkages with the MTU community of faculty, staff, and students. Third, this project will support technology commercialization activities by increasing and improving access to university expertise, facilities, and equipment. Potential Economic Impact The intellectual merit of the project will result from creation of a thriving and vibrant entrepreneurial culture that creates and increases new wealth within the local and regional economies of Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, in Houghton County, Michigan. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on providing the infrastructure for rural regions to participate in technology-based innovation, especially in regions that are underrepresented and underserved in the economy. This project will be replicable in similar rural settings across the United States. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Reed, David Paul Nelson Edward Lumsdaine Carlton Crothers Michigan Technological University MI Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599189 1662 OTHR 1662 117E 0000 0438561 October 15, 2004 An Educational Environment with Virtual Laboratories for Data Center Professionals. 0438561 Norton This award is to Marist College to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Marist College (Lead Institution), Monroe College, Distributed Systems Laboratory of Argonne National Laboratories, Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board, AFCOM, IBM Corporation, Open Source Development Labs, Fiserv, and Cisco Systems. The primary objectives are to - Promote Institute for Data Center Professionals (IDCP), its courses and programs, and its potential to create new and secure data center models by using the combined resources and ideas of IDCP and its partners - Create a permanent support, outreach, and networking infrastructure for the data center workforce - Build recognition for IDCP's vendor-neutral data center technology certifications - Diversify the data center workforce - Transfer the benefits of ingenuity and invention gained through open source systems and collaborative, on-demand, utility and autonomic computing to industry. Commercializing a test-bed for open source applications that is accessible to students in Marist's distinctive e-education environment will enable the achievement of the above goals and fuel data center innovation. Potential Economic Impact IDCP is the first and only institute of its kind. Its mission is to provide individuals and companies with vendor-neutral skills-based training and credentialing that will support and diversify the data center of the future and thereby strengthen the national economy and national security in the area of information technology. The intellectual merit of the project follows: 1) A network of Marist programs (Linux Research Lab, z/OS and Linux zSeries Lab and Learning Center, Center for Applied Technology, Center for e-Business, Marist Institute for Public Opinion); 2) IDCP technology partners (IBM, Cisco Systems, Distributed Systems Laboratory of the Argonne National Laboratories, Open Source Development Labs -- OSDL); 3) Marist's nationally-recognized virtual laboratory resources; 4) Research with on-demand virtual Linux servers to be used by IDCP students through Marist's end-to-end e-education environment and IDCP portal with Rich Media Distribution Utility; 5) The expertise of Marist College faculty in shaping the IDCP curriculum. The IDCP curriculum to be developed by Marist faculty will focus on Java, open source platforms and technologies, and large-scale enterprise and grid computing, areas where there is a shortage of expertise in the national workforce. The curriculum advances new knowledge within each of six IDCP data center fields and Associate certifications (systems and software, security, networking, facilities management, operations and process management, product development and financial planning). Organizational, leadership, and other soft skills are infused into IDCP certification requirements and courses. An industrial advisory board will be created to help Marist College gain recognition for IDCP certification. The broader impacts of the activity follow. The partnerships with Cisco, IBM and WIB are clearly designed to have a powerful impact on the regional workforce. The link to IBM's Project View program shows a strong commitment to the development of underrepresented minority students in this field. The choice of partnering with Monroe College will clearly help in this regard. The educational experiences seek to combine emerging technologies, access to current research initiatives, sound management principles and a framework that enables the professional to keep their knowledge and skills current once they complete the IDCP certification. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Norton, Roger Barbara McMullen Marist College NY Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 590913 1662 OTHR 0000 0438582 October 15, 2004 Florida's First Coast Manufacturing Innovation Partnership. 0438582 Cox This award is to the University of North Florida to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include University of North Florida (Lead Institution), Armor Holdings, Dura Automotive, Florida Machine Works, Predator Products, The Ronco Group, Lorenz Surgical, Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership, Fresh Ministries, and First Coast Manufacturers Association. The primary objectives are to establish a Manufacturing Innovation Partnership (MIP) Program with two primary goals: (1) to develop a shared design and manufacturing center providing resources for the local manufacturing and design companies to aid in the economic and technical development of the Northeast Florida Region, also referred to as Florida's First Coast, and (2) to improve the technical education and preparation of the future workforce in the region. The focus of the MIP Program with the shared design and manufacturing resource center is to create an environment that fosters innovations in current and new products, processes, and/or systems through project-centered manufacturing and design activities of mutual benefit to regional industry and academia. Potential Economic Impact The activity will create a more competitive, prosperous company in the region in a stronger position to create high-technology jobs. In turn, the experiences gained by the student participants in the MIP Program create another broader impact of a more scientifically and technologically literate workforce trained with relevance to industry. The intellectual merit of the project will result from creating an environment that fosters innovations in current and new products, processes, and/or systems through project-centered manufacturing and design activities of mutual benefit to regional industry and academia. The outcomes of the project-centered activities are in the areas of design and manufacturing that increase the competitiveness of the partner company through innovation. Of primary significance is that the majority of the company sites that participate in areas of common interest are likely to be small with less than 50 employees. Small companies often lack the staff and resources to develop advanced design and manufacturing solutions. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on catalyzing the growth and success of manufacturing companies in the region. Workforce development, including connections and mentorship programs at the high school level should help with workforce and diversity issues. The partnership seeks to attract and retain engineering students to serve the local economy, with particular focus on inner city high schools. The extensive assessment metrics are important and necessary for sustainability and for application of innovation transfer processes in other areas. INT'L RES & EDU IN ENGINEERING EAPSI PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Cox, Daniel Neal Coulter Alexandra Schonning University of North Florida FL Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 688001 7641 7316 1662 OTHR MANU 9146 5980 5936 1464 1340 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0438604 January 1, 2005 A New Paradigm for Entrepreneurial Discovery and Business Development. 0438604 Keyton This award is University of Louisville to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include University of Louisville (Lead Institution), the Jewish Hospital, Kentucky Office for the New Economy, and MetaCyte Business Lab. The primary objective is to establish a sustainable program for the discovery and commercialization of cardiovascular (CV) devices to help improve quality of life for patients and to stimulate regional economic development. The program will be developed with the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute (CII) in Louisville as a new paradigm for entrepreneurial discovery and development of emerging technologies at the University of Louisville and other Kentucky universities. In addition to the Innovation Training Program, CII researchers and PhD students will be eligible for Innovation Discovery Grants to develop proof of concept and prototypes for promising cardiovascular product ideas. These grants will be administered by an Innovation Advisory Board on scientific and entrepreneurial merit. To further commercialize good ideas, the Business Development Network, coordinated by MetaCyte Business Lab, LLC, will provide the infrastructure for market feasibility, business planning, capital formation, start-ups, and incubator services. The Innovation Discovery and Business Development will be funded with private funds. Potential Economic Impact The program will produce advances in health care, but they will also, through introducing science oriented professionals to entrepreneurial techniques, create jobs and wealth. The intellectual merit of the project is the development of a new paradigm for creating and establishing successful entrepreneurial ventures in emerging technologies. The intellectual basis for the proposed program is a model for entrepreneurial discovery and exploitation derived from a series of research projects at the U of L School of Business and Public Administration, including a study of repeat-entrepreneurs and a retrospective evaluation of business plans. The proposed program is an experiment to see if the search model can improve the odds of aspiring entrepreneurs to develop successful business ventures in the growing cardiovascular device industry. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on regional economic development, healthcare improvement, and entrepreneurial training targeted at the talent of the future: PhD students in biomedical science and engineering targeted specifically at cardiovascular devices. It will draw more students into science and engineering fields who may also have business interests, and in providing the tools to those who have enter the biotechnology field to fully exploit the value of their research. The target population of this proposal is the PhD candidates in biomedical engineering, of whom about half are women and minorities. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Keynton, Robert James Fiet Mickey Wilhelm Robert Dowling University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc KY Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0438607 March 15, 2006 Finger Lakes New Knowledge Fusion: Unique Collaboration for Economic Impact. 0438607 Seem This award is to Cornell University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Cornell University (Lead Institution); New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY; Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park Corporation, Geneva, NY; Infotonics Center for Technology, Canandaigua, NY; Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board, Geneva, NY; and Ontario County Office of Economic Development, Canandaigua, NY. In addition, the collaborating institutions include Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY; Metropolitan Development Agency of Central New York, Syracuse, NY; Finger Lakes Institute; Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY; Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY; The Trillium Group, LLC, Penfield, NY; High Tech Rochester, Rochester, NY; New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Albany, NY; NY Agri Development Corp., Syracuse, NY; Cornell Cooperative Extension, Canandaigua, NY; BirdsEye Foods; Constellation Wines US; CY Farms; Red Jacket Orchards;and Wegmans. The primary objective of the proposal follows. The Finger Lakes Region of New York State, bounded by Syracuse to the east, Rochester to the west, and Ithaca to the south, is ready to emerge from its lagging economic development by exploiting the intellectual power resident in its many institutions of higher education and the strong desire to keep innovations arising from these institutions within the region. This is technology-based economic development. This proposal addresses the need by making a unique blend of disparate technologies that rarely meet, but have great potential to generate innovation when they do. The first set of technologies are agriculture and food, and is embodied in the translational research carried out by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station which supports a wide range of research for the horticulture and food industries in New York State. The second technology set consists of photonics, microsystems and imaging, embodied by the industry-initiated Center of Infotonics Technology, a New York State Center for Excellence. Such a fusion will create innovation. Potential Economic Impact The proposed effort will create the support systems that insure this innovation will find a home within the region to anchor, be nurtured, and grow. This support consists of business and legal services for start-up businesses, capital funding sources for new ventures, commercialization support for new technologies, a well-prepared workforce to support the innovations, and a well-educated community that will welcome the businesses producing the innovations. Because there is region-wide excitement about technology-based economic development, with the creation of initial successes expected from this grant, the region will embrace sustained activity in technology fusion. The investigators will share our successful approach with other regions that want to replicate the success. The intellectual merit of the project follows. This is a novel proposal to address the need for cross-institutional, cross-disciplinary research, fusing disparate technology areas to create innovation. It is a very aggressive partnership that is unified by the overall goal of community education and economic diversification. The broader impacts of the activity follow. The impacts of this project are extensive -- covering rural populations, citizens (an oft neglected constituency!), high school teachers and administrators, community colleges, higher education, economic development organizations and all parts of the private sector. This proposal has the potential to affect a large physical area, large population and diverse population with an innovate approach to knowledge and technology fusion -- interdisciplinary work harnessed to create economic diversification opportunities. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Seem, Robert Duncan Moore Susan Henry Cornell University - State NY Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 1662 117E 0000 0438609 September 15, 2004 Partnership for Innovation in Biomaterials. This award is to Clemson University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Clemson University (Lead Institution), Medical University of South Carolina, Medical College of Georgia, Benedict College, Tri-County Technical College, Greenville Technical College, South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, Anderson School Diistrict, Department of Commerce, Food and Drug Administration, Cryovac/Sealed Air, Selee Corporation, Drake Dental Laboratory, Polymed, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina Science Coalition, South Carolina Dental Association, Upstate Alliance, and Carolina Crescent Coalition. The primary objective is to create, nurture, and sustain a biomaterials cluster in the state of South Carolina, anchored by Clemson University. The partnership will include: 1) education institutions (public schools, 2- year technical colleges, 4-year degree colleges, and doctoral-degree-granting institutions); 2) governmental agencies (both at the state and federal level); 3) large, medium, and small industries of the state and the region; and 4) non-profit organizations (including business-related coalitions and local chapters of national professional societies). The activities include: 1) catalyze innovation; 2) build human capital; 3) synergize innovation and capitalization of opportunities of intrinsic merit. At the core of this proposal are state-of-the-art scientific and technological innovations. To capitalize on these innovations, two pilot projects with high commercial value will be run in conjunction with industrial partners and a federal regulating agency. The idea is to leverage the strength of each constituent member and bring about intellectual and project development. One of the projects will be to utilize Surface Modificationla technology to coat artificial materials to make them bio-compatible. The second project will use microwaves processing of metals and ceramics for dental applications. This project will attempt to minimize the processing time for prosthodontic devices so that visits to dental offices are minimized. Potential Economic Impact The activity will catalyze entrepreneurial development, with local non-profit business coalitions. They will conduct workshop and networking events to foster the growth of small businesses, which are the fastest-growing segment of the economy and work with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and the State Department of Commerce to woo larger industries to South Carolina. According to the U.S. Census Bureau projections, the population of the 55- to 75-year-olds in this country is expected to grow by 75% to 74.6 million people within the next 20 years. This population will use some kind of implant in hips, knees, teeth, maxillofacial reconstruction, and other applications. These implants require substantial uses of biomaterials. Industries involving biomaterials and related devices are growing in the region and only continued innovation can sustain growth. The intellectual merit of the project lies in the development of a biotech economic cluster based on university research and partnerships with industry and government. The effort will include forming and fostering small businesses to commercialize the innovations, attracting large business to the region, and educating/training workers for the new biotech/biomedical companies. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate providing biomedical materials for the growing need for prosthetic implants for the aging population in the US. In addition a diverse workforce will be educated and trained for this growing industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG St. John, Caron Christian Przirembel Martine LaBerge Clemson University SC Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 5761 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0438617 October 15, 2004 ACTiVATE Program. 0438617 Behm This award is to the University of Maryland Baltimore County to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include University of Maryland Baltimore County (Lead Institution), Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Technology Commercialization Group, Office of Research and Development. University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Maryland, School of Law, American Express Tax & Business, Anthem Capital, BioPlan Associates, Constellation Energy Group, Darrah Tax Advisory Services, Eager Street Group, Grant Thornton, Legg Mason Wood Walker, MGH, New Markets Growth Fund, Venable, Baejter & Howard, and Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), The primary objectives are: to create a systematic model for increasing the commercialization of technology innovations from universities by training women entrepreneurs to create technology-based, start-up companies. To achieve this goal, the ACTiVATE Program will have the following specific objectives: 1. select 60 candidate technologies from Maryland's research universities and conduct an opportunity analysis on 45 of these candidates; 2. develop a customized training plan for women entrepreneurs that is transferable and adoptable to other under-represented groups; 3. validate the training program by introducing ninety mid-career women to the basics of entrepreneurship; 4. develop 15-24 business plans for candidate technology commercialization as part of the training program; 5. create 6 to 9 new women-run companies during the Program's first three years; 6. create sufficient wealth in the start-ups to sustain the program after the initial NSF-funded period. Potential Economic Impact The ACTiVATE Program will create wealth for entrepreneurs, universities, the inventors of technology, and ultimately the State of Maryland. Entrepreneurs have the potential to increase their net worth through an equity interest in a growing company. Universities will receive consideration for a license to their technologies. The consideration, which may be in the form of equity, fees, and royalties, will be shared with the technologies inventors through each universities royalty distribution policy. Finally, the State of Maryland will benefit from the creation of new companies in the state through new jobs that will be created and increases in corporate tax revenues. The intellectual merit of the project will result from the development of a technology commercialization model driven by an efficient entrepreneurial training program will be a customized experience for women, a traditionally under-represented group. The Program will extend to significant numbers of women an awareness of, and information about, entrepreneurship opportunities in technology fields. This unique and innovative program is grounded in both research and experience in technology entrepreneurship and the unique needs of women as entrepreneurs. The training will take a learn-by-doing approach that can be disseminated to, and replicated at, other institutions and for other under-represented groups. The ACTiVATE Program will be the only applied entrepreneurial training program in the region focused on meeting the special needs of women entrepreneurs. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on providing a model for commercializing innovations at universities and federal labs that can be used at other institutions across the country. The formation of new ventures will create wealth, build the regional economy, and provide new products that will improve the national well-being. At the same time, the Program will broaden the awareness and knowledge of women to encourage their development as entrepreneurs, and the number of women-run technology start-ups in Maryland will be significantly increased, thereby creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs that are not currently available. The experience gained by the entrepreneurial trainees will enable them to pursue other start-ups in the future, which will increase the Programs economic impact. The ACTiVATE Program will increase the number of university start-ups in Maryland by 30% annually and innovations from universities will be commercialized so the public can benefit from new products and services. The ACTiVATE Program is designed to capture a portion of the wealth generated by the start-up companies formed so that it can be sustained beyond the initial NSF funding period. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Simmons, Gregory Stephen Auvil Ellen Hemmerly Vivian Armor University of Maryland Baltimore County MD Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 712002 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0438641 August 15, 2005 Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Product Development and Commercialization. This award is to the University of Tennessee Knoxville to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include University of Tennessee Knoxville (Lead Institution), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, The State of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Center for Industrial Services, Analysis and Measurement Services Corporation, Atmospheric Glow Technologies, Clarity Resources, LLC, Control Technology, Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, Exide Technologies, IBM Global Services, Management Consultants, Robert Shaw Industrial Products, Rohm and Haas, Co., Spinlab Utility Instrumentation, Inc., and Technology 2020. The primary objectives are to produce individuals able to create tech-based businesses or to create new marketable products within existing companies. Recognizing the need to ease the barriers to recruitment yet maintain quality standards, the project creates a summer entrepreneurship program for undergraduates that includes part-time internships. The proposed activity creates multidisciplinary student teams in engineering fields to boost the ability to educate individuals with the ability to develop a product from "concept to market." This activity builds on a recently created dual degree program offered by the University of Tennessee. It expands its entrepreneurial focus, extends the degree through the entire College of Engineering, and establishes an "Idea Bank" of new product ideas drawing from university discoveries and the nearby Oak Ridge National Lab. It engages input and participation in multiple ways, and establishes an "Entrepreneurial Board" both to advise and direct the effort and to provide specific assistance ranging from lecturing, networks, evaluation of student plans, advocacy and internships. Potential Economic Impact The goal is to help create a tech-based entrepreneurial culture in East Tennessee by tapping into the region's base of technical knowledge and, thereby, diversifying the area's largely service-based economy. The effort includes targeted outreach to underrepresented students through the Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, an alliance of six universities, and it offers scholarships for its undergraduate summer program as well as graduate fellowships. The intellectual merit of the project will result from leveraging research being conducted at the Oak Ridge National Lab serving as a platform to convert the intellectual property into real products and attract leading technology corporations to the region. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on advancing efforts both by students and with companies, and it identifies sources from which to secure this support. The effort includes targeted outreach to underrepresented students through the Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, an alliance of six universities, and it offers scholarships for its undergraduate summer program as well as graduate fellowships. There is a stated intent to publish the results of this work to further promote dissemination and to make the educational modules developed available to any university. The components of this proposal are such that it can be easily replicated. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Sawhney, Rapinder Xueping Li Joseph Wilck University of Tennessee Knoxville TN Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0438670 October 15, 2004 The TechLink Partnership Network. 0438670 Glee This award is to the Florida A&M University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnership for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Florida A&M University (Lead Institution), Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University; Jackson State Universtiy; Morgan State University; Norfolk State University; North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; North Carolina Central University Southern University at Baton Rouge; Tennessee State University; United States Department of Commerce, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM); American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU); Greyhaed Associates; the Boeing Company; The primary objectives are to stimulate new innovation among under represented segments of our population. The proposal creates several regional clusters that should benefit each region and collectively a cross regional benefit as the PI gathers the clusters together. The effort will create the framework and the methodologies to enable Minority Support Institutions (MSI) to participate in the technology transfer arena. Innovation will be developed in three phases including; infrastructure development; education and training; and outreach. The development of an electronic or, virtual technology tansfer office will provide infrastructure support for acceleratin the adminstrative and management of all technology transfer functions. A series of courses, modules, workshops and seminars will be used to equip adminstrative staff at MSI's with basic, intermediate and advance knowledge of the profession. Non-MSI's with demonstrated experience in taking new developments to the market place will serve as mentors to MSI's. The partnership will also involve collaboration with law schools whereby law school students learn about the profession of Intellectual Property Law, gain experience assisting with the preliminary processes for patenting and copyrighting and become involved ininnovation and entrepreneurship activities. Potential Economic Impact Clearly, this proposal has the potential to markedly increase the paticipation of Minority Sercin Institution (MSI's) in the technology transfer and commercialization areas. A benchmarking study of non-MSI institutions doing $35-45 million in annual research would be very valuable in defining what those institutions are doing to successfully in technology transfer and how those practices might be adapted to benefit MSI's. The intellectual merit of the project will result from the goal of stimulating new innovation, among under represented segments of our population. The braoder impacts of the activity concentrate on bringing together a large number of diverse organizations that involve under represetned populations for the purpose of creating a self-sustaining innovation enterprise. This will result in graduates that have the ability to create small technology-based businesses or to create new products within existing companies. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Glee, Rose Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University FL Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599967 1662 OTHR 0000 0438679 October 15, 2004 Concrete Industry Management: Accelerated Program Expansion (APEX). 0438679 Cheatham This award is to Middle Tennessee State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Middle Tennessee State University (Lead Institution), Tennessee Department of Transportation, American Concrete Institute International, American Concrete Pavement Association, American Society of Concrete Contractors, Concrete Foundations Association, Hanley Wood, LLD, National Concrete Masonry Association, National Precast Concrete Association, National Readymix Association, Portland Cement Association, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Primedia, Inc., and Tilt-up Concrete Association. The primary objective is to train technical concrete professionals who understand both the chemistry of concrete mixtures and the concrete business. The proposed activities will address the technical workforce needs in the concrete industry. No other 4-year institution in the nation is addressing the workforce needs for technically trained professionals within the concrete industry. The goals include: (1) select two comprehensive universities with strong engineering technology programs and potential for strong industry partnerships; (2) create a Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program at each institution, train faculty, administrators, and concrete professionals, establish the CIM program complete with curriculum; and (3) assist the new programs in developing a student-recruitment program and building strong industry relationships. The four-year CIM curriculum will be based on science and mathematics, with a heavy dose of business courses. Potential Economic Impact The concrete industry is a multi-faceted 130 billion dollar industry that is the foundation of the 931 billion dollar construction industry. The concrete industry includes ready-mix, masonry, pre-stressed, pre-cast, contracting equipment manufacturing and materials suppliers to name a few. The concrete industry employs approximately 2 million workers, ranging from low-skilled laborers to PhD. Research scientists. The industry is making an effort to modernize with technology insertion. The industry estimates that there are 1000 openings for managers with an engineering degree in concrete technology and a knowledge of the business side of the industry. To date, approximately 50 graduates are produced per year from one institution. This effort will provide two additional degree-granting institutions to provide the manpower needed to support this industry and keep it competitive worldwide. The intellectual merit of the project lies in the continued development of a technical curriculum for the concrete industry with an appropriate mix of business management courses, the involvement of industry representatives in design of curriculum that continues to evolve with the increasingly technical evolution of the industry. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on the education infrastructure needed to sustain the concrete/construction industry, as well as providing a diverse workforce. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Cheatham, Thomas Walter Boles Heather Brown Middle Tennessee State University TN Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0438684 November 1, 2004 National Partnership for Managing Upstream Innovation: The Case of Nanoscience and Technology. 0438684 Bartley This award is to North Carolina State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include North Carolina State University (Lead Institution), Industrial Research Institute (North Carolina State University-based group of 210 companies that fund 75% of the industrial R&D performed in the US), and Center for Innovation and Management Studies (group of 60 researchers at North Carolina State University). The primary objectives are to develop a new conduit for flow of knowledge between national research enterprise and the industrial corporations, to develop new methods to manage innovation to aid the transition of the early stage science and technology into commercial value, to disseminate the results of the partnership's outcomes and methods to a broad range of user groups through regional education and outreach programs. Potential Economic Impact The proposed innovations include transfer of research and technology from the research enterprise in the nano-science and engineering area to companies that are capable of exploiting it to create products and businesses. The national expenditure in nano-related science and engineering is estimated in the billions of dollars, and the nation is not on track to meet expectations for trillions of dollars in products and services owing to the difficulty in assessing the new information and converting it into products. The proposed partnership will investigate new methodologies to foster this innovation. The intellectual merit of the project includes formation of partnerships among academe, government, and the private sector to foster high tech, research based innovation in the region. The partnership includes university faculty and students, state, regional and local government, and the business community (including venture fund companies). The workforce to empower the innovation will be trained and educated in academic and outreach programs. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on education and training of current and future entrepreneurs. There is a strong emphasis on involvement of underrepresented groups. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Weiss, Ira Alden Bean Angus Kingon Lynda Aiman-Smith paul Mugge North Carolina State University NC Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 719010 1662 OTHR 0000 0438691 October 15, 2004 Partnership to Accelerate Commercialization of Kansas Bioscience Products and Technologies. 0438691 Kramer This award is to Kansas State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Kansas State University (Lead Institution), Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AMI), Agricultural Innovation Center (AIC), Bioprocessing & Industrial Value-Added Program (BIVAP), Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC), Kansas Entrepreneurs & Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturers, Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC), Lawrence Regional Technology Center (LRTC), Mid-America Commercialization Corporation (MACC), and Value-Added Business Development Program (VABDP). The primary objectives are: 1) create a structured process to identify university intellectual property that is ripe for development; 2) create the infrastructure needed to transform knowledge, inventions, and discoveries in bioscience-related research and applications into viable products; 3) market this Early Stage Technology Development (ESTD) service throughout the university and state; and 4) prepare a future workforce to develop new bioscience products and technologies. Potential Economic Impact This activity will provide general economic well being in Kansas. It will increase the transfer of technologies to Kansas companies; stimulate the formation of and assist the development of technology-based businesses in Kansas; increase new products brought to market; and provide access to an engineering resource that significantly accelerates the development and hardening of new bioscience-based products, processes, and technologies in Kansas. The intellectual merit of the project is to simultaneously develop and formalize a process to accelerate the commercial development of bioscience products and technologies and provide meaningful ESTD experience to Kansas's future technology engineers and entrepreneurs. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on the creation of wealth and high- paying jobs for the citizens of Kansas. In addition, creating a model process that benefits both the technology creator/inventor and the recipient will stimulate transformation of intellectual property created in both company and university laboratories into commercial products. Both undergraduate and graduate students will be involved and educated about commercialization activities and thus, Kansas future technology entrepreneurs will learn to define and conduct successful bioscience ESTD projects. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS IIP ENG Kramer, Bradley Terry King Ronald Madl Jeffrey Tucker Vincent Amanor-Boadu Kansas State University KS Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 592039 9150 1662 1480 OTHR 9150 0000 0438693 February 1, 2005 Simulating the Visual Appearance and Physical Application of Automotive Surface Finishes. 0438693 Heckman This award is to Pine Technical College to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Pine Technical College (Lead Institution), University of Minnesota, and Dupont Performance Coatings. The primary objective is to produce effective new simulation-based training tools for the automotive collision repair industry. The proposed effort concentrates on adaptation and application of new computer graphics and simulation research in the improvement of existing virtual reality-based training tools, new research into the convergence of paint development technology and realistic computer rendering of colors, application of the new technology to real-world training tools, development of new curriculum materials to enhance the training benefits of new and existing simulation-based training tools, provision of research opportunities for undergraduate students. Potential Economic Impact The effort will produce economic benefits through new commercial products and intellectual property. The cost efficiency and environmental improvements of the automotive collision repair industry will significantly reduce collision insurance costs nationwide. The intellectual merit of the project lies in the adaptation and application of new computer graphics and simulation research in the improvement of existing virtual reality-based training tools. New research into the convergence of paint development technology and realistic computer rendering of the resulting colors and attributes, and its application to new real-world training tools to meet difficult training challenges are key features of this effort. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on integration of research, education, training, and innovation for a segment of the automotive industry that has lagged in technology insertion. The new uses for computer-based virtual reality for training can be adapted to a broad range of other subjects. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Heckman, John Gary Meyer Robert Musgrove Pine Technical College MN Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599999 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0438694 September 1, 2005 The University of New Orleans Center for Innovation for the Southeast Louisiana and Gulf South Region. This award is to the University of New Orleans to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include University of New Orleans (Lead Institution), Tulane University, Department of the Navy-SPAWAR, Department of the Navy-Stennis, NASA-Stennis, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, City of New Orleans, Jefferson Parrish, Jefferson Parrish Economic Development Commission, Louisiana Technology Council, MetroVision, Idea Village, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, NVE, Parallel Synthesis Technologies, g.c.r.&Associates, Resurgent Technologies, Science & Engineering Associates, Solutient, Xavier University, Louisiana State University, and Louisiana Tech. The primary objectives are: The University of New Orleans proposes the creation of a Center For Innovation (CFI) as an effective way to facilitate the transformation of research knowledge and ideas into innovations that create new business opportunities in Southern Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region. The CFI will bring together scientists with representatives of private businesses, government agencies, and financiers to explore and develop business opportunities. CFI will meet the goals of the Partnership for Innovation by facilitating the transformation of knowledge emerging from researchers into innovations that create new wealth, build strong local, regional and national economies and improve the national well being. The strength of this proposal rests primarily on the novel program. The center will proactively search out faculty with promising ideas for emerging technologies using a network of college representatives and the staff in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Faculty with emerging technology ideas that are judged to have a high potential for commercialization will be partnered with an Entrepreneurial advisor who will take an active role in educating the faculty member on the importance of protecting intellectual property and working with the faculty member on assessing the potential marketability of their product. Faculty will then be connected with the appropriate partners in the business community. Thus, the Center For Innovation will serve as the conduit for connecting the academic community with these public/private partners to help turn innovations into economically beneficial projects. Novel ideas in the proposal include combining reporting of IP disclosures across multiple universities, which will increase the likelihood of visibility of innovations. Potential Economic Impact Growing the businesses in the area through collaborative research will provide an economic benefit to the area. The intellectual merit of the project is the recognition of a need for wealth creation and economic development. This solution, creating a center, is a long-term far-reaching plan to answer the need for new and different jobs. University of New Orleans seeks to create an atmosphere of learning, collaboration, and commercialization. The plan has a variety of partners with similar goals. This proposal provides a vehicle for not only moving university innovations to the market but also partnering with businesses to link appropriate faculty research personnel to business interests. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on a Gulf Coast Region initiative. There is a concern for fellow institutions in the area facing similar problems. This is important because in the future when other institutions want to start similar centers there will be a helpful voice from a cooperative university. University of New Orleans does seek to create a template to help other universities create similar organizations for their regions. Also the program goes out of its way to address the inclusion of minority students in the project, which will be easy because of their location. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Walsh, Kenneth William Galle Kenneth Lacho Norma Grace University of New Orleans LA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 663070 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0438704 October 15, 2004 Building a Pathway Connecting Innovation to Commercialization. 0438704 Saxena This award is to the University of Arkansas to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include University of Arkansas (Lead Institution), Arkansas Science and Technology Center, Virtual Incubation Corporation, and Alpha Fund. The primary objectives are to integrate into the university educational system a complete pathway that creates knowledge, stimulates innovative ideas, and forges commercialization. With the infrastructure and culture to reach SBIR Phase I awards in place, this proposal sets it sights on building the very different businesses infrastructure and cultural change needed to reach commercialization. The activities include: creating a business infrastructure that facilitates the transition of SBIR Phase I winners to not only SBIR Phase II but also to Phase III and ultimately to commercialization, advertising the successes that will provide the examples that we have learned are needed to establish a campus a mindset that goes beyond SBIR awards by making clear what could sell, harnessing a cadre of untapped business professionals to provide mentoring to SBIR Phase I small businesses, conducting a formal evaluation of the impact of the overall program. Potential Economic Impact Arkansas has a long tradition of an economy based on agriculture. Despite the existence of a few very large businesses in the state, very few high tech companies exist. Arkansas would benefit economically from the fact that 66% of all new jobs are created by the 11% of new companies that are high tech. The vision is to create a thriving high-tech small business economy in Arkansas via a pathway for new ideas to grow in exciting interdisciplinary areas and for providing the resources needed to take successive steps leading from initial concept to actual in-hand marketable products. The intellectual merit of the project will result from integration of incubators, angel funding networks, and educational programs under what seems to be a well thought out management plan. The proposed project represents an important experiment in the creation of new high-tech commercial ventures in an economically underdeveloped state. The funding network is partially, although not fully, in place. A plan for assessment of outcomes of the project has been established in cooperation with assessment professionals from the university. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on advancing discovery and understanding while improving teaching, training and learning at University of Arkansas. Participation of underrepresented groups is one of the innovation outcomes and partially reflective of the education component of this proposal. This proposal will also enhance the infrastructure of research education Project activities proposed would advance discovery and understanding while improving teaching, training and learning. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Saxena, Ashok Gregory Salamo Carol Reeves University of Arkansas AR Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0438708 October 15, 2004 Life Sciences Workforce Development: Partnerships for Innovative Laboratory Training. 0438708 Smith This award is to University of Kansas to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include University of Kansas (Lead Institution), Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation, Kansas City Area Development Council, Quintiles, Inc., Bayer health Care, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Xeno Tech LLC, Penn Valley Community College, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, JRH Biosciences, Midwest Research Institute, The primary objective is to provide intensive hands-on bench science training to prepare support scientists to serve in biomedical research clusters with continuous improvement of skills. The plan calls for training two different groups: 1) those that are currently employed in the life sciences industry within the bi-state area centered around the greater Kansas City area; and 2) those from underrepresented groups interested in entry-level positions that will be served by the Penn Valley Community College. The first group will be served by the University of Kansas through their Continuing Education department, which that maintains five offices in four different cities and employs 120 people. This group will receive full-tuition stipends for immersion course work during the first year after which, industry will be tapped to provide tuition in years two and three and beyond to help sustain the program. The other higher education partners who will be responsible for course content and delivery include the Higuchi Biosciences Center, University of Kansas Medical Center Continuing Education, and the University of Kansas Division of Biological Sciences. The program provides interactive distance/asynchronous technologies prior to, during, and after training. Potential Economic Impact The activity will provide a technologically literate biomedical workforce needed to sustain the competitive edge in the biomedical industry in the Kansas-Missouri region. Presently, there is an immediate need for training at least 400 employees over a 36-month period. The intellectual merit of the project lies in the promotion of innovation in the bioscience industry by increasing the scientific and technical capabilities of the local workforce. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on the education infrastructure needed to sustain the biomedical industry, as well as providing an ethnically and socioeconomic diverse workforce. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Decedue, Charles Sandra Landuyt University of Kansas Center for Research Inc KS Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0438715 August 15, 2005 New Mexico-Chihuahua Partnership for Innovation. 0438715 Hills This award is New Mexico State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include New Mexico State University (Lead Institution), New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT), ,Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez (UACJ), Tecnologico de Monterrey-Chihuahua (ITESM), the Chihuahua Trade Office (CTO), the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD), Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories (LANL and SNL), the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA), the Centro de Investigacion en Materiales Avanzados (CIMAV), Centro de Investigacion en Alimentacion y Desarollo (CIAD), Asociacion de la Industria Maquiladora de Chihuahua (Maquiladora Industry Association of Chihuahua, Centro de Desarrollo de Proveedores, Chihuahua Trade Office, Colegio de Ingenieros Mecanicos y Electricistas de Chihuahua, High Tech Consortium, LaSys Inc., Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance, and Technology Ventures Corporation. The primary objective is to develop an interdisciplinary, multi-faceted approach to educating emerging scientists and technology managers in technology development, commercialization of research, and marketing. This proposed project is unique and original that it focuses on minority students, especially Hispanic, Latino and Native American, to become involved in creating technology that is beneficial to the New Mexico-Chihuahua border region, which has a very high poverty rate. These students will make up design teams that will complete the testing phase of technology development, using the laboratories and facilities of partner organizations as feasible and they will enter in regional competitions to expose their concepts to a broader audience. The students will also intern to gain firsthand knowledge of the problems their host organizations are attempting to solve, and will also serve as communication channels between the firms/organizations where they are offered internships and the university/laboratory partners. Potential Economic Impact The effort focuses on minority students, especially Hispanic, Latino and Native American, to become involved in creating technology that is beneficial to the New Mexico-Chihuahua border region, which has a very high poverty rate. The intellectual merit of the project is the advancement of scientific knowledge and collaboration in technology transfer in a region seeking greater economic development and struggling to mitigate the artificial barriers to coordination of efforts created by a bi-national border. The project will contribute to understanding of the special challenges to international collaboration and possible solutions/best practices. The project will also facilitate research on the technology commercialization process. More needs to be known about the effectiveness of market strategies, incentive structures, and strategic alliances that already exist. Such research will be carried out in collaboration with the small businesses and student/faculty teams that are partners in the proposed project. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on serving underrepresented groups and making a huge impact in New Mexico and Chihuahua if successful. This project has the potential for stimulating the depressed economies on both sides of the border. The proposal has high possibility for success for underrepresented groups and all institutions and organizations involved. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES EAPSI PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Egginton, Everett Rudi Schoenmackers Kevin Boberg Armando Martinez New Mexico State University NM Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 719274 9150 7316 1662 OTHR 9150 5977 5922 117E 0000 0438735 October 15, 2004 On-Ramp to Biotech. 0438735 McGuire This award is to City College of San Francisco to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include City College of San Francisco (Lead Institution), San Francisco Works, Bay Area Bioscience Center, Chiron Corporation, Grenentech Foundation for Biomedical Sciences, San Francisco First Source Hiring Administration, San Francisco Mayor's Office of Economic and Job Development, United States Department of Agriculture, University of California San Frisco, and Walter and Elise Haas Fund. The primary objective is to scale up a successful program that prepares low-income, underrepresented adults with sixth to ninth grade skill levels for successful employment and ongoing education within the burgeoning biotechnology industry. The participants gain skills in math and science through classroom education, hands-on internships at laboratories at the partners' facilities, coaching or mentorship by professionals in the field. Over the two-year period of the grant, the partners will expand to the City College of San Francisco Mission Campus located in a Latino community. Future expansion will include communities and campuses where the language is not primarily English. The program will be formalized and institutionalized. Potential Economic Impact The activity will provide a technologically literate bioscience workforce needed to sustain the competitive edge in the biotech industry in the San Francisco Bay area. The activity will bolster the pipeline of skilled bioscience workers and lead to sustainability that includes local public and corporate investment. The intellectual merit of the project lies in the promotion of innovation in the bioscience industry by increasing the scientific and technical capabilities of the local workforce. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on the education infrastructure needed to sustain the biotechnology industry, as well as providing a diverse workforce. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG McGuire, Phyllis Theresa Feeley City College of San Francisco CA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599996 1662 OTHR 0000 0438736 October 15, 2004 Oregon's Lab to Market Initiative. 0438736 Kaiser This award is to Potland Sate University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnership for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Portland State University (Lead Institution), Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Oregon Association of Minority Enterpreneurs, Oregon Enterpreneurs Forum. Oregon Bioscience Association, American Electronics Association, Intellectual Assests, Northwest Technology Ventures, OVP Ventures Partners, Davis Wright Tremaine, Stoel Rives, WellchAllyn, Community Development Department, Oregon Council for Knowledge and Economic Development, and Oregon Development Commission. The primary objectives are to form a public-private partnership to create market plans and strategies for licensing agreements and formation of new businesses, outreach to the public to recruit and train the next generation of entrepreneurs, capitalize of the excellent research leadership in the state, establishment of a multi-stage financing plan, creation of a science and engineering research network in the region. Potential Economic Impact The proposed innovations will create a goal of 12 new technologies by the end of the third year of the award. The unemployment rate in Oregon is among the highest in the nation. These new companies will provide new high tech employment opportunities in the region. Entrepreneurial education and training will be offered to existin and future students to ensure the workflow needed to sustain innovation in the region. The intellectual merit of the project includes formation of partnerships among academic, government, and the private sector to foster high tech, research based innovation in the region. The partnership includes university faculty and students, state, regional and local government, and the business community (including venture fund comapanies). The workforce to empower the innovation will be trained and educated in academic and outreach programs. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on education and training of current and future enterpreneurs. There is a strong emphasis on involvement of underrepresented groups. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Kaiser, Marvin Albert Benight Erik Bodegom Melissa Appleyard Portland State University OR Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599645 1662 OTHR 0000 0438917 October 1, 2004 Lasers and Plasma for Advanced Manufacrturing. This action joins the University of Michigan with the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers and Plasma in Advanced Manufacturing in collaboration with the Old Dominion University. The center will develop a fundamental understanding of laser aided intelligent manufacturing to reduce lead-time for "concept to product" for manufacturing for U.S. industries by establishing the science base for laser materials processing along with test bed for process development. A major outcome will be education of university students and industrial personnel in both the basic and cross-disciplinary science and latest technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS MANUFACTURING & CONST MACH EQP MATERIALS PROCESSING AND MANFG IIP ENG Mazumder, Jyotirmoy Arvind Atreya Steven Skerlos University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 430773 5761 1468 1467 SMET OTHR MANU 9251 9178 9146 9102 129E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0439175 August 1, 2004 Renewal of PSERC IUCRC Site at Iowa State University. This action renews activities at Iowa State University for the multi-university Power Systems Engineering Research Center (Pserc) headquartered at Cornell University for the two remaining years in the Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) Program. The Iowa State University has been an active participate in the PSerc I/UCRC and has participated in several activities including recruiting six new companies into the center. The investigators at Iowa State University have also been involved in several research projects that have been completed and several that are in progress. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG McCalley, James Iowa State University IA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 255634 V638 T846 H232 H108 5761 OTHR 127E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0439603 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Power System Restoration - The Graceful Degradation Phase. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates controlled islanding of power system during major disturbances. Most power system faults occur on high- and extra high-voltage transmission lines due to their vulnerability arising from their exposed lengths. The majority of these faults, such as those caused by lightning, are temporary and of short duration. These faults are rapidly cleared leaving the power system in an unfaulted condition. However, during the short fault duration, the electrical output of generators' decrease, while the mechanical input to the generators remain practically constant. The effect of the torque imbalance is for the groups of generators to accelerate at different rates and to "swing" with respect to one another. If not quickly corrected they may lose synchronism, forming imbalance load-generation islands, and consequently resulting in blackouts. The proposed online real-time methodology has the potential of avoiding the formation of imbalance load-generation islands thus reducing the possibility, extent and duration of blackouts. The impact of prolonged blackouts on the public, on the economy, and on the power system itself makes rapid effective controlled islanding very important. An effective system separation reduces the impact of an outage on customers and on the economy of affected area while reducing the possibility of damage to equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Adibi, Mahmood Industrial Research and Development Corporation MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 6850 1631 1087 0308000 Industrial Technology 0439831 October 1, 2004 Test and Evaluation of an Articulated Arm Coordinate Measring Machine (AACMM). This project is collaboration between North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and the Center for Precision Metrology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The project is divided into seven tasks that include testing an Articulated Arm Measuring Machine (AACMM) according to B89.4.22 Standards, development of machine models, development of rotary axis measurement techniques, measurement and correction of an AACMM, testing of the corrected AACMM according to B89.4.22 standards and the reporting of the results from this research project. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rowe, Sheila North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University NC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 30000 5761 OTHR 0000 0440710 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Modular Feedforward Adaptive Noise Control. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to demonstrate the concept of a multipurpose active noise control module with broad application to a variety of environments and markets requiring acoustic noise control. Digital Signal Processors (DSP) have matured to the point where active noise reduction (ANR) based on least mean square (LMS) filters is viable. However, traditional LMS filters do not respond effectively to non-stationary signals, thus outside of telephony, commercial DSP-based noise control products employing adaptive feedforward control are unavailable. This project seeks to develop an ANR module that implements an innovative adaptive filter based on a patented Lyapunov tuning method. This method improves low frequency noise reduction performance significantly over traditional feedforward LMS filters or feedback ANR, and it enhances the LMS filter.s ability to track and effectively cancel non-stationary noise. This Phase I STTR seeks to evaluate the concept of a general purpose DSP module for ANR using Lyapunov-tuned filters that can be applied to a variety of open space or source noise cancellation problems. Open space ANR provides noise attenuation within a specified volume, while source cancellation reduces source noise created by heavy or light machinery. Phase I tasks focus on evaluating the potential for a plug-and-play module that, due to innovative LMS filters, can accommodate a variety of noise source characteristics and a range of dynamics of the acoustic environment in which the module is used. The research and eventual product meets a significant societal need for noise abatement technology to protect against noise and vibration, reduce occupational hearing loss, and increase human effectiveness in noisy environments. The applications for this general-purpose ANR module range from providing a quiet zone in the space around a passenger's head in the cabin of an aircraft or construction vehicle to acoustic and vibration protection of sensitive instrumentation that is subject to noise and vibration. The module serves the noise control consulting industry by providing a means of rapid deployment of effective retrofit ANR solutions for reducing noise due to mechanical equipment and ducting, in high noise cabins (aircraft, vehicle, and construction equipment), and by creating quiet spaces in manufacturing/industrial settings, airports, and office buildings. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Collier, Robert SOUND INNOVATIONS INC. VT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99823 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441052 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Small Digital All Solid State Gamma and Neutron Radiac. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a small, low-cost, digital, all solid state detector system containing a solid-state gamma-ray detector, a solid-state neutron detector, and a low power Si CMOS signal conditioning chip. These detectors will be combined with existing electronics component technology to create small radiation monitoring systems with visual readout and presettable audio alarm levels suitable for discrete site installation in strategic locations or for personal wear. The commercial application of this project will be to detect clandestine nuclear weapons and radioactive "dirty bombs". There is a need for such systems for use at strategic sites and for use by individuals such as dock workers, postal employees, private package transport personnel, and airport workers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Walter, John IntraSpec Inc TN Michael R. Ambrose Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441068 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Proteomic-Based Detection Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop proteomic-based security technology that will incorporate affinity-based mass spectrometry assays and software for the detection of Biodefense Agents. Existing immunoassay methods for proteomic detection of specific microorganism pathogens are insensitive to structural deviations that might arise as a result of spontaneous or deliberate biotoxin modifications. These methods of detection can fail to detect genetically engineered biotoxins, and cannot delineate protein structural heterogeneities that can significantly affect protein functionality in vivo. This project aims to develop software and bioassays based on mass spectrometric methods of detection for assaying biological warfare agents that will address the shortcomings of the commercially available immunoassays. To facilitate detection and delineation of biotoxin isoforms, data evaluation software will be integrated into the MS-based assays designed for detection of specific biodefense agents. A library of specific biotoxin isoforms will be created and used in the generation of data for the software development and validation. Data evaluation software will be created that is capable of rapidly identifying biotoxin isoforms that register at different mass values from those predicted from the amino acid sequence. The technical feasibility of the project will be established by the successful demonstration of the data evaluation software in the detection and delineation of specific biotoxin isoforms structural changes. These assays and software will innovate the ways biological agents are detected, and provide structural information that no other commercially available assays can. The broader value of the project is realized by the ultimate creation of assays that encompass mass spectrometry and data evaluation software that can be employed to analyze biological pathogens classified as Biodefense Agents. The key technological enhancements are the rapid screening of protein biomarkers characteristic of these pathogens, from a variety of samples, and the detection of structurally modified pathogen toxins. The commercial impact from the propagation of the MSIA assays as direct reading instruments in screening for biological organisms can be significant. These assays and the accompanying platform can be used in a network of Laboratories (members of the CDC.s Laboratory Response Network) that are at the forefront of the biological and chemical terrorism defense. These MS-based immunoassays and software will complement the PCR-based methods of detections already in use in those Laboratories, and will improve (and further enable) the detection and characterization of the bio-threat agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nedelkov, Dobrin INTRINSIC BIOPROBES, INC. AZ Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 91562 5371 BIOT 9184 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441090 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Removal of Toxic Microcystins in Water Using Graphite Nanofibers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project deals with the use of graphite nanofibers (GNF) as novel adsorption media for the removal of bio-toxins from water. Specifically, the research will focus on the removal of microcystin-LR, a potential biological weapon that could be used by terrorists to attack human beings. Various methods have been proposed for the removal of microcystins from aqueous media, including adsorption by activated carbon, chlorination, ozonation, permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, photolysis, and semiconductor photo-catalysis. Of these approaches, the activated carbon treatment appears to be one of the most effective procedures. Various microcystins can be adsorbed on the porous surface of activated carbon and the efficiency of removal depends upon the pore size and surface functionality. It is claimed that the dominant factor in the adsorption process is the volume of mesopores (2-50 nm diameter) rather than the volume of micropores (diameter < 2 nm) or megapores (diameter > 50nm). In addition, the removal efficiency gradually decreases over a period of time due to the accumulation of a bio-film on the activated carbon surface. The regeneration of the spent activated carbon is not a simple task and as consequently the contaminated material is frequently discarded. Improper disposal procedures of used activated carbons could give rise to serious problems because microcystins are known to persist for many years when stored in dry conditions at room temperature and to withstand many hours of boiling in water. Since GNF contain an abundance of edge sites, the surface functionality can easily be transformed to give either hydrophobic to hydrophilic properties. In addition, it has recently been discovered that following suitable thermal treatments it is possible to generate GNF structures that possess a large fraction of mesopores having average dimensions of 12 nm. This unusual blend of properties makes GNF ideal candidates for the adsorption of microcystins from water. Furthermore, the high degree of crystalline perfection exhibited by GNF enables one to heat the materials in the presence of oxidizing gases to temperatures in excess of 500 C, thereby allowing for the removal of trapped microcystins and the regeneration of the adsorbate. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Xuejun CATALYTIC MATERIALS LLC MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99876 5371 EGCH 9186 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441112 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Single-Use, Widely Dispersible Wireless Sensor System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop and apply magnetoelastic sensors as a single-use, widely dispersible distributed wireless sensor system. The commercial application of this project will be in protection against bioterrorism. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ong, Keat KMG2 Sensors Corporation PA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 98953 5371 BIOT 9181 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441125 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Small Footprint Speech Synthesis. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project aims to develop and implement a new algorithm in the area of text-to-speech synthesis (TTS) that will lead to (i) dramatic decreases in disk and memory requirements at a given speech quality level and (ii) minimization of the amount of voice recordings needed to create a new synthetic voice. Most current TTS systems operate by concatenating segments of recorded speech ([acoustic] units). A challenge for TTS is coarticulation: The dependency of the acoustic manifestations of a phoneme on its neighbors. Current TTS systems use multi-phone acoustic units such as diphones, which preserve coarticulatory patterns naturally present in speech. However, this approach requires a large amount of recordings and generates systems with large footprints. Biospeech proposes a uniphone approach that addresses coarticulation processes with an explicit model. The method uses complex spectral vectors (basis vectors) representing brief segments of speech inside single phonemes, and decomposes these into two components: A formant vector and a spectral balance vector. To generate speech, the formant and spectral balance vectors derived from the basis vectors corresponding to successive phonemes are subjected to separate--and hence generally asynchronous--interpolation operations using time varying weights; the formant and spectral balance vector trajectories thus created are re-combined to create a trajectory in complex spectral space; finally, this trajectory is converted into output speech with the inverse Fourier transform. Asynchronicity is necessitated by the quasi-independence of articulators underlying different spectral features (e.g., frication, formant frequencies). The proposed work has implications for other speech technologies, including Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR). Current ASR technologies address coarticulation by using multi-phone units, typical triphones. The number of triphones in English is over 70,000, and thus requires a large amount of training recordings. The proposed model could dramatically impact on the amount of recordings required for system training. Second, TTS has generally recognized societal benefits for universal access, education, and information access by voice. For example, TTS-based augmentative devices are available for individuals who have lost their voice; and reading machines for the blind have been available for several decades. Third, the approach will make higher-quality TTS more available for smaller devices. For example, voice based caller ID on low-end mobile telephones is currently not possible due to memory limitations. Fourth, it enables voice adaptation with a minimum of recordings. This will enable building personalized TTS systems for individuals with speech disorders who can only intermittently produce normal speech sounds or for individuals who are about to undergo surgery that will irreversibly alter their speech. The method proffered by Biospeech only requires recordings of valid samples of each of (less than 50) phonemes instead of each of (2000 or more) diphones. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kain, Alexander Biospeech Incorporated OR Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99751 1505 HPCC 9216 0000912 Computer Science 0116000 Human Subjects 0441165 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: THz Imaging Focal Plane Array. INTELLECTUAL MERIT This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses development of a terahertz imaging focal plane array. The detectors are thin cantilevered strips whose physical properties change with temperature. The research objectives include modeling and design of the cantilevers, assessment of optical vs. electronic irradiance readout, means for maximizing irradiance absorption, and techniques for image array readout. These objectives will be pursued within the framework of Phase II production of functioning arrays. From earlier work in the thermal infrared, the detector array is projected to be very sensitive compared to existing bolometers, with a response time permitting high frame rates, high pixel count, and development of imaging arrays of high resolution (pixel count). BROADER IMPACT Terahertz radiation imaging offers many of the benefits of X-rays, without ionizing radiation. THz imaging spectroscopy offers a new and very powerful tool for selectively imaging and identifying complex chemical species. Availability of a producible and cost-effective THz-imaging focal plane array with high pixel count, high sensitivity and high frame rate will enable production of new classes of systems for security (imaging through clothing and packaging materials, metal detection), identification and recognition (using subcutaneous blood vessel patterns), taggants (with THz-based coding buried in plastic cards or chips), diagnostic medicine (non-invasive exploration of subcutaneous tissue, interior thermal mapping), and rapid identification and characterization of organic and pharmaceutical materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Edwards, Oliver ZYBERWEAR INC FL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 9102 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441169 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Investigating, Modeling, and Supporting the "Good Enough to Release" Decision for Computer-Based Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project is to investigate the "good enough to release" decision for computer-based systems, and develop a decision support tool prototype based on the results of the investigation. This release decision, hereinafter referred to as the GETR decision, is fraught with uncertainty, since it is not possible to have complete knowledge of a system's true state before release. There is, then, always an element of risk when making the decision. The research in this project is aimed at mitigating this risk through understanding and support. Research objectives include validating a proposed GETR decision model of qualitative and quantitative evidence shown to be effective indicators of system quality, validating an innovative method for populating the model using expert opinion, and developing and validating sensitivity and uncertainty analyses. One of the broader impacts of the research is that gaining a better understanding of GETR decision elements and dynamics benefits more in society than the target audience for the decision support tool. Incorporating the findings from this project into release decisions would result in more informed release decisions, which would benefit both system owners and end users. Another of the broader impacts of the research is the transferability of the knowledge gained to similar decisions. The research can stand as a model for similar explorations of assessments of characteristics of computer-based systems, supporting research into areas such as evaluation of system dependability characteristics such as reliability, safety, security, availability, maintainability, and integrity. The project also provides a means for enhancing research partnerships, affording chances for learning. Prior work on the research topic has led to the strengthening of current research partnerships and the development of additional partnerships among government research centers and universities. Also, research partnerships have developed through the process of eliciting expert opinion used as input for model population and processing. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Donohue, Susan TechWrite, Inc. VA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99899 1505 HPCC 9216 9139 9102 2880 0522400 Information Systems 0441179 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Knowledge Extraction from Support Vector Machines Models of Non-linear Drug Data Sets. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of knowledge extraction from Support Vector Machine (SVM) non-linear models and their results for drug data sets. SVMs are an accurate method of statistical machine learning for data mining. This project references research papers where SVMs have performed very well at predicting activity and properties for drug-like compounds. The lack of interpretability of non-linear models has prevented successful commercial adoption of SVMs by the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. This project describes experiments to test different methods of non-linear feature discovery using drug data sets in order to determine their potential for commercialization. The broader impacts of this activity for improving knowledge extraction of non-linear SVM models include a broad range of applications from improved oil exploration to credit fraud detection. The company's goal is to provide innovative drug discovery informatics software research tools to the pharmaceutical industry. It will present the innovative capabilities discovered from this grant to industry. The need for improved research tools for drug discovery is great. This is demonstrated by the fact that the top ten largest pharmaceutical companies spent over 33 billion dollars in 2002 on drug discovery research. Improvements to data mining methods will assist pharmaceutical companies in finding new cures to deadly diseases such as HIV. Predictive modeling can be employed to virtually screen, prioritize and then decide which of these compounds will be tested in the lab. This can reduce the number of compounds tested and increase their success rate. By providing innovative methods of knowledge discovery, deeper insight can be gained into why compounds exhibit activity and properties necessary to treat certain diseases, leading to improved derivatives. This insight will help scientists discover better drugs faster. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Axe, Frank Equbits LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99434 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0441240 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Adaptive/Cognitive Software Radio Architecture for Gbps+ Wireless Networking. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project approach to address the next challenge in wireless networking: to increase overall network throughput rates well in excess of a Gbps utilizing broadband links. This is an order of magnitude increase relative to today's systems. Achieving such high rates requires the nodes to incorporate learning and interference mitigation techniques, an optimum co-design of the MAC and PHY layers, and extensive experimentation. The key contribution of this work will be to identify a highly agile cognitive radio platform that can meet the demands of Gbps+ networking. Such a radio platform must (a) accurately sniff, identify, and characterize both friendly (inter network) or foreign (intra network) interference; (b) be quickly reconfigurable to morph itself into the optimal radio for a given set of environmental and user specified parameters; (c) learn interference conditions and leverage the knowledge towards improved network and MAC layer protocols. Development of such a platform requires a departure from traditional approaches and hinges on successful integration of state of the art signal processing and communication algorithms with the SDR framework. Additionally, comprehensive RF/Baseband co-design and optimization is needed, plus efficient learning and cataloguing techniques that are closely coupled to and under direct control of the network layer. Although home data networking has pretty much cut the umbilical cord that tethered all computers and peripherals, that umbilical cord has not been fully severed in the enterprise due to the higher demand on aggregate network throughput. Moreover, the desire to broadcast video inside the home is also being hampered by the capabilities and robustness of today's wireless LAN solutions. This work addresses these issues by leapfrogging next generation WLAN activities and aggressively pursuing a high throughput highly agile physical layer co-designed with an efficient MAC. The work will help demonstrate the limits of WLAN capabilities and will help drive current and future standards activities in this domain. Moreover, it will help demonstrate the tremendous throughput improvements that are achievable when each node actively senses, learns, and ultimately adapts to its channel and environmental conditions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rao, Raghu SILVUS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99933 5371 HPCC 9139 7362 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441249 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: I-MINDS: Intelligent Multiagent Infrastructure for Distributed Systems in Education. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes an innovative multiagent technology called the Intelligent Multiagent Infrastructure for Distributed Systems in Education (I-MINDS). In this system, the agents communicate and coordinate their actions to help support the students and instructors that they serve by adapting to changing classroom environments and student behaviors and by better analyzing the status of a classroom at different resolutions for the instructor. Thus, I-MINDS supports cooperative learning among students, assists instructors in managing real-time classroom activities, and facilitates experimentation leading to a better understanding of teaching and learning. The quality of interactions in Internet-based classrooms fostered by I-MINDS will approach that previously attained only in live, "synchronous" classrooms. I-MINDS will be used to improve distance learning and teaching in post-secondary education and corporate training through a system of intelligent software agents that communicate with each other to exchange experiences and to cooperatively support instructors and students. The proposed project will move I-MINDS from an encouraging proof-of-concept phase to a pathfinder and prototyping phase, paving the way for full development and commercialization. The project goal is to improve both learning and teaching in online post-secondary education and training--through the use of technology. The project objectives include (1) embedding structured cooperative learning into I-MINDS to further support the collaborative learning environment, and (2) providing the scalability and security necessary for the cognitive functions and scaled deployment of I-MINDS. The broader impact of this project is twofold. The first impact is expected to be graduates with diverse backgrounds and aspirations who are better prepared to enter their chosen careers and to make knowledgeable decisions about issues they will face as citizens of society. The second one is expected to be the enrichment of online educational tools and the improved quality of Internet based classrooms to better serve the fast growing market segment of online and distance education. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Jiang, Hong I-MINDS Inc. NE Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99611 9150 SMET 9178 9150 5371 1666 0104000 Information Systems 0441276 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Next Generation Intelligence-Based Extensible Markup Language (XML) Compression Technology. Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will research and develop a next-generation enabling technology for networks and collaboration by significantly enhancing the compression of Internet data sources and Web Services. Current compression technologies are rarely integrated into the technology stacks of collaborative technologies because their compression performance does not add significantly to the overall performance of the system, especially for relatively small and sparse data like HTML and XML. In this project the research team plans to enhance its current XML compression technology, which can result in greater than 500% better compression ratios than standard methods on small Web Services documents, to operate over the broader range of unstructured and semi-structured Internet and intranet data types, including HTML and email. The firm will also research exploiting longer-range redundancies inherent in these data types based on novel compression methods to improve on their technology's existing XML performance characteristics. Finally, they will assess the technological and economic impacts of pervasive compression on the Internet ecosystem. The broader impacts of this technology include basic scientific improvements on known methods for compressing text and data, and improving the understanding of intelligent compression technologies and how to apply them to common Internet and intranet technology stacks. The technological approach is uniquely capable of supporting routing, mining and filtering of Web data and email based on content while in compressed form. Significant adoption of high-performance compression technology has dramatic economic implications for modern business, academic and scientific organizations in terms of the size, cost and nature of their information technology infrastructure. The amount of semi-structured data is anticipated to continue to grow dramatically and the economic impact of improving resource utilization for transmission, routing and storage of that data will grow dramatically as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Mark UTOPIACOMPRESSION CORPORATION CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1704 1631 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0441297 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Decision Support System for the Train Schedule Design Problem. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project entails developing a decision support system for the train schedule design problem, one of freight railroad transportation's most significant optimization problems. Railroad transportation presents a rich collection of optimization problems; however, the mathematical complexity of these problems has precluded the development of optimization algorithms for solving them. As a result, the railroads have not benefited from the advances taking place in the field of optimization. They are still relying on manual decision-making processes for most of their planning and scheduling needs. This project is intended to automate an important railroad decision process. The first step in the railroad planning process is to determine a blocking plan. This plan consolidates rail cars originating at one location but heading for different destinations into a single block, so as to reduce the car handlings. Once a railroad has identified a blocking plan, it must design a train schedule so that trains can efficiently carry blocks from their origins to their destinations. The train schedule design problem determines the following: how many trains to run; the origin, destination, and route of each train; the train arrival and departure times for each station at which it stops; the weekly operating schedule for each train; and the assignment of blocks of cars to trains. All of this is accomplished while keeping the total cost of transportation at a minimum. This problem is a very large-scale integer programming problem containing trillions of decision variables. This research will develop customized algorithms using state-of-the-art network optimization and heuristic techniques so that this problem can be solved within two hours of computer time on a workstation. It requires significant advances in modeling, algorithmic, and implementation technologies, and it will provide much needed software to schedule freight trains worldwide. Two US railroads, BNSF and Norfolk Southern, have agreed to assist in this project by providing data and sharing their insights and experiences. They will also verify, validate, and implement the solutions obtained by the algorithms within their environment. It is anticipated that the use of this software will reduce operational costs from between $12-$20 million annually for each of the major US railroads. This research is motivated by the need to develop network flow based heuristic solution techniques for large-scale and complex optimization problems that arise in railroad scheduling. There is also a significant need to incorporate these techniques in software products that railroad management personnel can use in their daily decision-making practices. This research will therefore establish the efficacy of network optimization and heuristic methodology to solve railroad scheduling problems. The success of this project and the use of these software products in industry will lead to a greater acceptance of the optimization models and optimization-based software in the railroad industry. It will pave the way for new software products for several other equally important railroad scheduling problems. In the long run, this research will lead to more efficient US railroads with improved profitability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ahuja, Ravindra Innovative Scheduling Systems, Inc. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0207000 Transportation 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441315 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Towards Meshfree Computer Aided Engineering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine feasibility of developing a new general-purpose software technology and toolkit for computer-aided engineering (CAE). The unique feature of this technology is the ability to perform engineering analysis and simulation directly from the native geometric models created by scientists and engineers, while avoiding the usual difficulties associated with finite element meshing and other types of spatial discretizations. The patented technology was conceived as part of NSF-funded research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has already been tested on several applications. The key link between geometric and analysis information is a parameterization of engineering problems in terms of distance fields that can be constructed automatically from virtually all geometric models. The approach is theoretically sound and has been experimentally tested on a variety of problems. Intact Solutions seeks to determine the feasibility of constructing a general-purpose software toolkit that would be seamlessly integrated with a widely available commercial geometric toolkit. If successful, the project would result in next generation tools for analysis and simulation of scientific and engineering field problems with unprecedented levels of automation and flexibility. Intact Solutions addressed one of the most challenging aspects and fundamental limitations of computer-aided engineering. By all accounts, representation conversions, and meshing in particular, dominate most modeling activities and limit productivity, necessitating substantial human, computer, and real costs. The proffered technology has the potential of alleviating existing barriers in computer-aided engineering and of opening doors to new products and services. Prototype two-dimensional software for thermal modeling, plate vibrations, and experimental fully automated Internet analysis service are demonstrated at the home page of Intact Solutions at http://www.meshfree.com. A commercial strategy will incorporate and market the developed technology as part of the most popular and widely available commercial geometric toolkit, Parasolid. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Freytag, Michael INTACT SOLUTIONS WI Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9139 0108000 Software Development 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441316 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Knowledge Modeling for Data Driven Optimization Based Strategic Promotion Design. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a data-driven optimization-based approach to retail market modeling and strategic pricing. Retail companies are faced with the persistently renewed challenge and burden of designing sales promotions. The company's baseline technologies in retail market model building and strategic pricing have field-demonstrated the potential to turn large volumes of individual purchase history records into profitable decisions. The objective is to extend the reach of the baseline technologies to address a broader variety of promotion design problems. Specific technical objectives are: 1) Time-sensitive market models (Derive a market model of time sensitive behavior. Desirable elements include seasonality, timed follow-on and sequential purchase analysis.), 2) Multidimensional market models (Derive a market model of multidimensional associations in market behaviors, such as customer attributes, catalogue alignment, or store differentiation), and 3) Streamlined promotion optimization (Enable an "automation" of the promotion design process through the data driven extraction of market parameters, such as the expected response to joint product offers or multiple promotion offers, for mathematical promotion optimization). These advances to the baseline company's technology can form the foundation of a commercial product for strategic promotion design. This project will have a broader impact on education and career training. As part of its dissemination activities the company will offer a course on "Scientific Marketing" in the MIT Industrial Liaison Program. The added value specific to this project lies in its highly interdisciplinary nature, involving scientific marketing, large-scale optimization, pricing theory, and data analysis. Results from such activities inevitably allow cross-fertilization of concepts that catalyze new educational or research initiatives. Indeed it is in small companies where new economic theories emerging from academia have an opportunity to be evaluated in a true data driven environment. Regarding career training, Infolenz will continues its regular hiring of summer interns in a stock compensated arrangement to get first hand startup company experience. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sarma, Sridevi Infolenz Corporation MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 9102 6850 1631 1087 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441327 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Multilevel Method for Rapid Evaluation of Sound Fields. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to obtain rapid solutions to the acoustic wave equation for periodic built-up structures through development of advanced computational tools. The proposed novel modification exploits the structural symmetry to dramatically speedup the Fast Multilevel Multipole Algorithm (MLFMA). In addition several enhancements are proposed to improve the computational efficiency of MLFMA. Techniques such as FFT based interpolation and filtering, preconditioning, optimal selection of iterative solvers, and parallel implementation will result in efficiency improvements that benefit both periodic and non-periodic structures. Extension to higher order shape functions is essential to reduce the number of unknowns while maintaining solution accuracy. Half-space formulations allow modeling of real life situations in under- water acoustics. Incorporating the new MLFMA methodologies into a framework of direct and indirect formulations will finally remove the high frequency limit of acoustic boundary element programs and facilitate numerical simulation of extremely large sound structure interaction problems that are currently not possible. Finally, the proposed solution will use multipole methods as an underlying fundamental framework to unify many new theories in numerical acoustics such as Source Simulation Technique. MLFMA eliminates the high frequency restriction in boundary element acoustics and makes extremely large-scale simulations possible. Successful execution of this project will greatly impact a number of areas related to computational acoustics. For instance, it can be used in traffic noise and community noise simulations, in stealth and monitoring applications like sonar, for designing better concert halls, in the automotive industry for computing sound radiated from engines, tires, mufflers and to optimize audio equipment and musical instruments. Inverse problems (identification of noise source location and strength from near field measurements) could be solved in about the same time as direct problems using MLFMA, leading to quieter tire designs and car window seals. A computer program that contains easy model creation interfaces, an array of accurate formulations, and automatic selection of appropriate solution techniques based on problem size will be an invaluable asset to the acoustics community with applications in Automotive, Defense And Aerospace industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gunda, Rajendra ADVANCED NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS OH Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99291 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0441330 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: SimulNation - Creating and Testing a Multi-User Learning Simulation for the Web. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a web-based system to deliver middle and high school instruction using dynamic models of real and complex systems, linked to engaging, multimedia simulations that meld science and social issues. At the core, the approach is to use STELLA, the premier tool for creating system dynamic models, as the engine for a server and client-based models. Unlike previous applications of STELLA in K-12 education, the proposed models will provide data and outcomes to an interactive multimedia simulation. Students will experience the power of the STELLA model through this scenario-based simulation. Lexicon Systems will also leverage the connectivity of the web by allowing multiple students to interact, compete, and collaborate within the scenario. As students work through the scenario, they can keep files and report findings using their own online portfolio. Lexicon Systems will use this technical infrastructure to create an interdisciplinary series called SimulNation where students assume the roles of countries dealing with internal challenges of growth, sustainable development, and other scientific and social issues. These students will also compete and collaborate in a multinational body modeled after the United Nations. In this forum they must address such global issues as trade, climate change, and distribution of resources. The topic of the Phase I prototype will be each country's national and global level efforts to slow global warming. In addition to dealing with the sources and sinks for CO2 such as industrialization and forestation, users will have to manipulate and negotiate the social, political, and cultural factors within and outside their country. The proffered technology will enable learning of complex problem solving, which requires rich and interesting problems. The proffered product, SimulNation, represents the melding of two powerful components; the STELLA modeling system, interpreted through a scenario based simulation, and the peer-to-peer connectivity of the web. This product and approach has the capacity to involve students in rich and interesting learning environments that represent the collaborative nature of scientific investigation and social interaction. Combining flexible models, interesting simulations, and peer-to-peer collaboration and competition opens up the kinds of learning opportunities that the web has promised but, so far, has failed to deliver EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Hillinger, Michael LexIcon Systems VT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 98703 9150 SMET 9177 5371 1666 0104000 Information Systems 0441338 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Creating New Learning Opportunities: Platform-Independent, Wireless, Task-Oriented Communities. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design and develop a challenging and critically important layer of software to facilitate the development of educational applications for the diverse types of handheld computers that will soon be used in K-12 classrooms. The Elmer middleware layer, along with the Elmer Software Developer's Kit, will enable third-party developers to easily add communications capabilities to their educational applications, such that their applications are independent of the platform (e.g., PalmOS, PocketPC, Cell Phone) on which their applications are running. Thus, in a classroom, each student can be working in the same application, e.g., concept mapping, sharing information on their handheld and collaborating synchronously, all the while working on different handheld (or even desktop/laptop) computers. The intellectual merit of Elmer stems from its design framework. Elmer provides educational software developers concrete guidance in and support for designing the communications infrastructure of educational applications. While there is growing recognition that the benefits of computing on student achievement and attitude growth will come when each student has his or her own computer-1:1 computing-educators are reluctant to adopt the low-cost, available handheld computers in classrooms; since there is a dearth of curricular, communications-based applications for handheld computers that support state and national curricular standards. Since Elmer makes the production of such applications more cost effective, K-12 should see a significant rise in available applications. When that happens, K-12 can truly come to understand how best to utilize 1:1 computing in the classroom to improve teaching and learning in the U.S., e.g., by carrying out scientific studies of the impact of 1:1 handheld use, providing new opportunities to learn science, math, etc. GoKnow is a recognized leader in developing and marketing standards-based, curriculum-supported handheld-based applications for K-12. GoKnow is well positioned to design and develop Elmer, as well as to address the challenges that arise in marketing into K-12. There is also potential for broader impacts as a result of third party developers using Elmer. EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIV IIP ENG Curtis, Michael GOKNOW, INC MI Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99525 7180 SMET 9177 7180 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441358 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Photovoltaic Thread. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the construction of photovoltaic thread for supplying power to distributed sensor network devices. Semiconductor nanowire coated thread will enable high conversion efficiency photovoltaic thread to be built at low cost using high volume manufacturing techniques. High conversion efficiency devices will be achieved as a result of both the intrinsic high broadband absorption of the semiconductor nanowire array structure and the efficient collection of the generated electron-hole pairs in the narrow vertical junction structure of the device. This architecture will enable solar power systems to be built that can be used in distributed security sensor networks by providing unique collector architectures or be directly integrated into the security sensor packaging while providing in excess of 1000 Wh/kg. The photovoltaic thread technology enables a new paradigm in photovoltaic panel construction. Threads may be woven into fabrics that can readily be used as standalone solar panel sails or be integrated onto electronics packages as appliques. In larger power generating applications the omnidirectional collection capability of the thread geometry can enable the construction of solar panels that automatically track the sun, eliminating the need and high cost of a tracking system and enabling passive collection systems to harvest a greater portion of the energy incident upon them throughout the day. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Habib, Youssef ILLUMINEX CORP PA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441379 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Ad Hoc Networking to Empower First Responders. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will help develop the next generation of communication devices for firefighters. A report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) analyzing on-duty firefighter deaths from 1977 to 2000 concluded that the number of deaths has not significantly improved since the 1970s. One of the key elements in firefighter safety is reliable communication between individual firefighters and with incident command. This development would pursue the creation of a family of products based upon ad hoc communication technology. This technology has been developing in the military and is now becoming available to the civilian market. Ad hoc networks have the capability of relaying messages between individual transceivers, by finding the best path. While fighting a fire within a building a firefighter could lose communication because of the construction of the building. With an ad hoc network a device could be mounted in a window of a burning building and the individual firefighter could be certain that they would be able to communicate with incident command. This technology is also applicable to other law enforcement and public safety groups, such as EMS. According to the Building and Fire Research Laboratory 2003 Annual Report from NIST, it is estimated that the US annual losses attributable to fire include: 3600 lives, 22000 serious injuries, $10 billion in direct property loss, and $128 billion total cost. By providing a system that would ensure firefighters and other first responders have reliable communication it would be possible to significantly reduce the number of causalities (both firefighters and civilian). This development will further assist in the transition of this ad hoc communication technology from military to civilian use. After developing the fundamental features of this technology, Audiopack would look at advanced features such position location. As this is one of the first opportunities for such a system exist the management and staff of Audiopack believes that there is significant commercial potential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Birli, Joseph AUDIO PACK TECHNOLOGIES, INC. OH Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99859 5371 HPCC 9139 7362 4091 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441389 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: GFD-LAB: Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory for Earth Science Teaching. This Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of the design, manufacture, and marketing of an apparatus that will demonstrate the phenomena of rotating fluid systems that parallel those in weather and ocean systems. With such a device and supporting materials for educators and students, underlying physical principles can be taught that help to satisfy the NRC Standards and AAAS Benchmarks. When coupled with suitable simulation software, such information-based technology can be used to encourage interactive and inquiry-based activities. Such a system will help promote interdisciplinary studies, use the latest space-based imagery, and aid in teaching the content of the national standards, especially earth science at the middle and high school level. The project seeks to take the results of experimental techniques used to hone the physical intuitions of scientists and their university students and make them accessible to lower academic levels and to the general public. Without employing the sophisticated mathematical models needed to understand the physics of rotating fluids, novices will be able to comprehend the connection between global processes and the weather they observe daily. On a broader scale, the project will result in a deeper understanding among school children and the general public of the global nature of weather systems and the methods by which scientists come to understand their underlying driving forces. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sadler, Jane LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES, INC MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 SMET 9177 9102 7180 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441403 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: HEPbaseTM: Specialized Software for Storage, Retrieval and Linkage of Hepatitis Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will support the development of software which will modernize the way that researchers of the hepatitis epidemic manage and analyze their data. This project will provide a solution for the hepatitis C virologist initially, and will expand to accommodate data from other hepatitis virus strains during Phase II funding and beyond. Scientists need new tools to maximize the value of their collected information. The company will develop software that contains 1) unique applications for integrating multiple sources of disparate data into an automated high-dimensional warehouse, 2) applications that perform repetitious tasks common to HCV genetic research projects, 3) tools that provide novel data annotation capabilities and ultimately new querying methods 4) a specialized alignment tool for automatic alignment of HCV protein sequences and 5) the ability to link HCV protein sequences with host microarray expression data. The result will be software that greatly improves analysis capabilities and reduces data processing time The NSF recognizes that management and analysis of data are critical success factors. If successful the proposed solution will be marketable to hepatitis researchers worldwide in academics, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical marketplace. The initial focus, hepatitis C (HCV) infection is a serious concern because it is distributed globally, is a chronic manifestation, and is a common co- infection with HIV. HCV infection becomes acute within 20-years post-infection; as HIV infected individuals are living longer because of better medications, HCV co-infection of the HIV patient has become a serious problem. By the year 2005, an estimated 100,000 liver transplants will be needed in the US alone. The importance of tracking the epidemic, both genetically and experimentally, is becoming increasingly important and exceedingly difficult. Understanding the genetic variation in HCV is important because it is implicated in virus-host interactions, severity of infection, sensitivity to infection, and treatment. The proposed solution will dramatically increase the efficiency and productivity of HCV researchers by providing analytical and organizational power specifically designed to address their unique needs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Craig, Johanna GATACA, LLC VA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 9123 9102 2880 0522400 Information Systems 0441411 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Silicon-based Biosensor for Bioagent Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a prototype porous silicon biosensor that will be useful for rapidly distinguishing the molecular fingerprint of a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria. Remediation of biothreat agents is dependent on the use of versatile, low cost, widely dispersible biosensors that can assess or monitor threat levels in a given environment. The proposed device will address these needs because it will be manufactured from low cost materials (i.e. silicon wafers), with nano-structured pores that can be utilized as both the capture material and reporter moiety. The commercial application of this project will be in bio-defense and in clinical diagnostics for detection of pathogenic organisms. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sambito, Marisa Spire Corporation MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99977 5371 BIOT 9181 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441412 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Scale Computational Environment for Combinatorial Technologies: Bridging Disparate Length and Time Scales. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop software for emerging combinatorial technologies. The feasibility of the proposed approach will be investigated for plasma-assisted growth of carbon nanotubes. Combinatorial technologies have been developed to grow nanocrystal compounds whose properties are unmatched by other materials. These compounds are used for many applications in molecular-scale electronics and sensors, catalysis, and biomaterials. Progress in the virtual design of combinatorial methods lags behind experimental advances since existing atomistic models are too slow, while mesoscopic (continuum) codes are not capable of capturing nanoscale effects. This problem will be addressed by developing Multi-Scale Computational Environment (MSCE) that consists of a reactor-scale module for gas/plasma-phase and surface processes, a Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) module for the growth of molecular structures, a Molecular Dynamic (MD) module for the self-assembly of atoms into molecular structures, a "Gap-tooth" module for bridging reactor-scale and atomistic KMC simulations, and a "Coarse timestepper" module for coupling KMC and MD modeling. This tool will work on length and time scales that are a million times disparate. It is proposed to use continuum CFD-ACE and atomistic KMC-FILM tools both developed by CFDRC as well as publicly available MD-NAMD software. The focus of proposed work will be on the development of the Coarse timestepper and the Gap-tooth modules as well as integrating all modules into a single unit. The proposed work will create a virtual laboratory for combinatorial technologies such as advanced sputtering, thermal and plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition, and surface templating. This computational laboratory will be used for understanding and optimizing critical processes in carbon nanotube nucleation and growth, fabrication of nanophase biomaterials and semiconductor nanocrystals, nanoscale magnetism, and ultra-selective catalysis. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Vasenkov, Alexsey CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99973 9150 HPCC 9216 9139 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0441422 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Data Recovery from Low-Cost High-Capacity Backup/Archival Storage Systems for Small Enterprises. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a novel approach for recovering mission-critical hard disk data from disk-based archival/backup systems that are unreadable due to hardware failures of the drive systems (such as a head crash or physical impact). Under these circumstances, read channel techniques like Partial Response Maximum Likelihood (PRML) often cannot correctly detect the data because prior knowledge of the write channel may not be available at the time of recovery. As such, this SBIR research is a new approach of data recovery using a drive-independent read channel technique that is insensitive to the specifications of the write channel. This technique is based on the "response function" characterization of giant-magnetoresistive heads of hard drives. It has the promise of effectively removing intersymbol interference (ISI) that in turn (after the appropriate decoding) will lead to the recovery of the otherwise unreadable backup/archival data. The anticipated result of this research will be a new data recovery technique and related software that will remove ISI without prior knowledge of how the data were written. In addition, this research may also lead to new designs of hard disk read channels that will significantly increase the data storage density of future backup/archival systems. It fills an existing void of recovering hard disk data from disk-based backup/archival systems that are unreadable by current data retrieval techniques. The commercial benefits of this research are promising due to the growing need for computer data recovery. From backup/archival databases in small enterprises to large mission-critical servers in corporate enterprises and federal agencies, this recovery technique potentially could save America hundreds of millions of dollars per year in data-loss-related costs. This research also has a broader societal impact in the intelligence, security, and law enforcement communities where, in the field of computer forensics, for example, the retrieved data may serve as digital evidence for criminal and terrorist prosecution, thus promoting homeland security. Furthermore, the successful implementation of this ISI-removal technique may substantially increase the capacity and reliability of future backup/archival hard drives. In addition, this technique also consumes less power and assumes a lower cost of implementation, making it suitable for mobile applications and a viable contender for read channel products in the multi-billion dollar hard disk market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tse, Chun Data and Information Solutions Corporation MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99681 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441438 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Nonintrusive Electrical Monitor (NEMO). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop and qualify a Non-Intrusive Electrical Monitor product (NEMO) to provide inexpensive, accurate, in-depth monitoring of electrical usage, permit expanded energy savings and provide additional information, like potential equipment faults and failures. NEMO can greatly increase the amounts and kinds of diagnostic information that can be gleaned from a single set of electrical measurements, thus lowering the cost of monitoring building energy management systems. NEMO needs only voltage and current measurement at the point of electrical service entry to the building. By analyzing the transient signatures produced when different electrical equipment draws power, NEMO can identify which of multiple loads turn on and off and assess their condition. The objectives of the research are to determine: the reliability of NEMO algorithms in the presence of multiple loads, prioritize several possible diagnostic analyses for the commercial product, and maximize the automation of NEMO data analysis while minimizing the need for human scrutiny and intervention. The Phase I research plan calls for installation of qualified prototype hardware in commercial buildings and collection of energy use pattern data. Data analysis will reveal inefficiencies in building operation and effectiveness of the algorithms themselves. This project will develop a system for non-intrusive detection and identification of multiple electrical loads with major energy conservation and other benefits. Time of use data can be used to create new automated algorithms that minimize energy use and optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation without affecting occupant comfort, while electrical health diagnostics can signal when a motor is nearing failure or a valve has jammed. A reduction in the cost of in-depth monitoring allows more commercial facilities to reap energy and maintenance savings from these algorithms and the NEMO product that contains them. Actual measurement rather than estimation of initial and ongoing electrical power consumption of electrical equipment within a commercial building enables verification of upgrade performance. It also facilitates design and operation of intelligent, energy efficient buildings and assists in attaining Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEEDTM) certification. By promoting energy efficiency in buildings, NEMO will enable commercial and government building customers to reduce their energy costs and increase their profitability. The net result should also be a decrease in America's reliance on imported energy sources. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Rodriguez, John NEMOmetrics Co. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9139 9102 7362 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441444 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Multi-Media Data Structure for 3D Measurement of Human/Animal Motion. This Small-Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore the feasibility of developing a multi-media data structure to model and store geometric measurement and motion characteristics of a living, moving creature. The objective is to develop tools for storing and accessing data on moving animals from digital video streams in order to extract measurement data and allow the three-dimensional reconstruction of the subject as well as its position in time or as a function of action position (such as stride position), together with efficient algorithms to navigate the information tree within the stride space. Measurement by tape of any animal, including humans, is subject to sizable error. The proposed project seeks to examine the feasibility of a bold and ambitious undertaking which, if successful, would solve this and many kindred problems and open up an area of considerable research and development potential. Phase I research will focus on proving the feasibility of the idea of obtaining a set of measurement data from an animal (specifically, the horse) at a normal walking pace and adequate navigational tools to allow the user to sift through the 3D video streams to make the adjustments needed to obtain a fully tracked model. The current methods for the static study and measure of humans and animals is either the low-tech tape or the full-body laser or active-light scanner that requires a large booth. Even after obtaining the whole-body scan, as with the clothing industry, obtaining the desired measurements to use in applications is difficult because of a lack of convenient landmarks. Landmarks are made visible through motion. The goal is to make use of motion and its cyclical aspects to identify the landmarks and to recover, not just a single-position 'statue' of the subject, but its entire motion. In the U.S., there are around 10 million dairy cattle, of which about 34%, or 3.4, million are measured every year by tape or by little more than guessing. A capability to obtain measurements fast and accurately would have ready use in the dairy industry as well as in the thoroughbred industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Mostert, Paul Mostert Seales Research Company, LLC KY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9139 5371 0000912 Computer Science 0441458 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Development of ModelGlove - A Virtual Clay Modeling System Using Force/Position Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an interactive NURBS modeling system using a force/position sensitive glove that mimics in real time the process of modeling objects using a clay or similar materials. The system will allow designers to use their artistic talents for conceptualizing, modeling and modifying products, in a very natural and intuitive manner. The Phase I work will address four objectives: 1) it will develop a design framework for capturing force and motion applied by the human hand during sculpting tasks; 2) it will develop a methodology to transmit and/or synthetically simulate the patterns of force and motion on a virtual model; 3) an intuitive user interface and interaction system will be proposed to make the task of design both practical, easy and pleasurable; and 4) the system will interface with commercial CAD systems and Rapid Prototyping systems, through a neutral file exchange system, making this into a ubiquitous CAD peripheral system. The research effort will impact in the state of art in design, human factors and ergonomics, education opportunities for students learning CAD fundamentals and mechanical engineers designing and modeling products. Future leveraging of the software and hardware infrastructure developed through this Phase I research for a commercial system will revolutionize the process of product design and manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chugh, Kevin TACTUS TECHNOLOGIES NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99815 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 1704 1631 0522400 Information Systems 0441467 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Artificial Intelligence and Character Animation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to create a tool, a program that would allow a user to create interactive, animated character with movements and a personality. This is Artificial Intelligence for Character Animation. Until recently, artificial intelligence has resided only in laboratories, research institutions and professional game development studios. The main innovations will be in taking a system that has resided in academia, and putting that power of creating characters into the hands of every professional software developer and artist. To develop the proposed tool research must be undertaken in the following areas: Brain Architecture - networks and nodes that determine the character's brain, Brain Functionality - relationships among networks in the character's brain, and Real-Time Authoring - interactively specifying a character's personality. The tool envisions a graphical editing environment that reads in data, allows the user to modify it, and writes it out again. It reads in the ".ing" file together with industry-standard file formats for specifying 3D models, animations, textures, sounds, etc. It allows the user to compose characters and to author their behavioral specifications through a set of Graphical User Interface (GUI) Editors. The proposed tool will allow everyone from large companies to individual people to create an interactive AI-based communication means to sell products or services. The latest trend is to not sell a product, but to sell a brand, to make the consumer create an affinity with a brand and its brand icon: e.g., the Planters' Peanut, the M&Ms, the Michelin Man. Characters connect with consumers on a visceral, emotional level. This tool will allow a professional developer or artist to create a character that represents the artist and the company associated with the artist to put that character on the Internet. As Internet users clamor for increasingly compelling content, millions of jobs have been created. This innovation creates developer jobs and allows both large companies and individuals to offer their products and services in a mass communication forum. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hlavac, Michal Ingeeni Studios, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99750 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 9102 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0441484 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Stochastic-Deterministic Method for Modeling Molecular and Morphological Structures of Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will prototype a novel modeling technology--the Hybrid Stochastic-Deterministic Method--for use in precise modeling of molecular and morphological structures of advanced materials. Because the evolution of molecular and morphological structure is complex, mathematical modeling is an invaluable tool for product and process development and optimization. The current state of the art modeling technologies cannot predict the complete structural information required by the industry. This proposal presents a novel and unique method for integrating the state of the art techniques from deterministic and stochastic mathematical sciences in the modeling and simulation of materials. The result of the proposed work, commercial modeling software, has the potential for significant economic impact because it addresses an important need in large industries such as the polymer industry. The modeling technique is also relevant to other chemical industries and to the pharmaceutical industry.. The proposed work has the potential to spawn a new multidisciplinary research field and education curriculum, currently not covered by those using the deterministic or stochastic method alone; and to make a technological impact in solving other mathematically equivalent modeling problems such as nanoparticle synthesis and biological cellular systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ko, Glen RES Group, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0510604 Analytic Tools 0510701 Chemical Reaction Systems 0441487 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: SEAMLESS - Systematic Electronic Assessment Management Leading to Effective Significant Solutions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a tool to help engineering faculty design and administer assessments of engineering education. The tool will also assist in the management of assessment data to support instructional decisions for individual students, decisions on courses and programs, and accreditation decisions through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The assembled team for this project includes experts in assessment and software commercialization who will conduct the research necessary to determine the technical and commercial feasibility of the technology. The combination of expertise in making assessment-based decisions with experienced computer programming talent produces a team that has the experience and resources necessary to develop an expert system. The broader impacts of this project include the following: 1) by making assessment more manageable, better assessment efforts will be undertaken; 2) with better assessment of student learning, the quality of the learning experiences should improve; 3) as the quality of learning experiences improves in engineering education, so too should the abilities of engineering graduates; and 4) as other disciplines witness the successes associated with this innovative educational tool, it can serve as a model for similar efforts in other disciplines. This tool will facilitate better program planning by assisting with the management of critical data, making evident to programs the types of data that might be helpful and retrieving data for internal and external use. PROGRAM EVALUATION IIP ENG Veit, Kathryn Carolina Technical Solutions, Inc. NC Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 7261 SMET 9179 9178 7261 0108000 Software Development 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441489 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Improving Infection Control Through RFID-Based Patient Tracking. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test the feasibility of improving patient safety in hospitals by reducing medical errors and infection outbreaks through patient tracking using Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) technology. In light of recent media attention on patient safety and high commercial interest from hospitals in reducing the incidence of nosocomial infections, an RFID patient and infection tracking module integrated into a larger patient safety system has high potential for success. This project has three primary research objectives: 1) to design an RFID network appropriate for accurately tracking patients in a hospital setting; 2) to design a set of reports and visualizations to enable hospital staff to analyze location data produced by this network; and 3) to investigate algorithms for using patient location histories in conjunction with an infection control tool for identifying sources of nosocomial infection outbreaks. Determining the source of infections will allow hospital staff to intervene and prevent further incidents of infection. In Phase II, the results of this research can be integrated into a larger tracking and alert system for both infections and medical errors. The need for higher standards of patient safety and effective infection surveillance in health care facilities is well recognized. Every year billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives are lost to infections acquired in a health care facility (7, 8). The result of this project is software that will dramatically improve patient safety by integrating with improving its current package's ability to analyze the source of an outbreak. This will enable hospital staff to better address the outbreak and prevent future occurrences, saving lives and money. In addition, the core patient-tracking component can be integrated into other patient safety applications, such as rapid response to patient emergency and automatic patient identification, to reduce medications and procedural errors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kokotov, Daniel Vecna Technologies, Inc MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 88984 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 1704 1631 0522400 Information Systems 0441490 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Automatic Language Detection Using Fast Wordspotting. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will perform the research and development necessary to integrate extra information gathered from an existing phonetic word-spotting technology into a language and dialect identification system, thus enhancing the identification system. The research objective of this proposal is to use Nexidia's existing wordspotting technology to improve a state of the art language identification system. Wordspotting is the technique where a word (or phrase) is searched for in audio, with the return being a set of timestamps where the word or phrase might have occurred, along with a confidence score for each timestamp. Standard state-of-the-art language identification systems currently are based on Gaussian Mixture Models and phoneme statistics of each candidate language. They cannot use full speech recognition for computational reasons. However, wordspotting is lightweight, needing only a fraction of a CPU. If a list of several thousand common words and phrases is generated, it is very likely that in speech more than a few seconds long, an item from this list will be spoken. Thus for this project, it is proposed to begin with a state of the art language identification system, and augment it by such a search from each candidate language. The expected result is a language identification system capable of outperforming current state of the art systems The ability to automatically classify which language is being spoken in a segment of speech would be a highly desirable feature in many speech communications systems. The proposed method for language identification is an extension to state of the art systems. As such, a baseline for performance can be considered to be current state of the art, and it is probable that the proposed research will result in better classification accuracy than is currently reported in the literature. If better accuracy is achieved, the proposed structure could become a standard. Further, there is no commercial product available at this time to perform language classification, as existing systems are all in the research lab and not commercialized. Were the proposed research to be even moderately successful, a new class of commercial offering would emerge. Possible applications include routing, monitoring, and quality assurance in call centers, data mining and intelligence applications, and to enable the proper speech recognition system. Call centers could automatically route incoming calls to appropriate CSRs, and surveillance operations could add additional filtering criteria to their intercepted records. The integration of this feature along with the original functionality of fast phonetic keyword spotting would greatly enhance data-mining capability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Arrowood, Jon NEXIDIA INC. GA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 0 5371 HPCC 9216 0000912 Computer Science 0441492 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Tools for Information Retrieval and Document Classification Using Fast Phonetic Word-Spotting Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will perform the research and development necessary to greatly enhance the information retrieval capability of a fast phonetic word-spotter. The completed research will lead to new methods for spoken document retrieval and classification on low quality telephony audio or multimedia digital sources. Spoken document retrieval has been a well-researched problem in the domain of broadcast news. However, many applications exist where users must retrieve and classify documents with lower quality audio. The most commonly applied method involves converting an audio stream or file into a hypothesized sequence of words (Speech-to-Text or STT), and subsequently using text- based information retrieval. Although this has been shown to be effective for broadcast news document retrieval, this has drawbacks. For example, STT's explicit use of language models limits the hypothesized word sequences to those within its lexicon. On the other hand, phonetic matching is capable of identifying likely instances of keywords, such as names, which are not in a lexicon. One advantage of the STT approach is the applicability of text-based information retrieval methods, which work well on high quality audio where the error rates are fairly small. However, better solutions are necessary over a high volume telephony channel where the computational burden and low accuracy make STT impractical. The goal of the proposed project is to research and develop phonetic-based document retrieval and classification algorithms. The applicability of retrieval systems based on phonetic searches will be compared on large existing corpora. The key innovation of the proposed research is to adapt search techniques to function in environments where audio exists, but text does not. Scientifically, algorithms must be made to work in a probabilistic framework, since phonetic word spotting is always based on confidence measures. Commercially, existing multimedia or audio archives will be available for data mining. In addition, decisions of document type (e.g., was the phone call to the call center a complaint?) open commercial applications in market intelligence, security analysis, quality analysis, and any call segregation application. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morris, Robert NEXIDIA INC. GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 0 5371 HPCC 9139 1704 1631 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0441499 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Toxic Mold Sniffer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a MEMS sensor array for use in a small, battery operated system to detect chemicals commonly produced by toxic molds. Most mold related health problems result from exposure to Stachybotrys, a fungus, which causes the "sick building syndrome." The Stachybotrys mycotoxin is a trichothecene, a stable, multicyclic epoxide, which readily crosses cell membranes, attacking ribosomes and inhibiting protein synthesis. This sensor will utilize an array of surface micromachined capacitors, coated with chemoselective polymeric materials that will be optimized for tricothecenes and similar analogs containing epoxides and multicyclic organics. The commercial application of this project will be to detect toxic molds that cause the sick building syndrome. Toxic mold is a $1 billion problem in this country alone. Growing awareness and concern about the health impact from fungal toxins has made the detection and isolation of suspect molds a major environmental concern. When combined with inexpensive wireless communications technology, these sensors will be ideal for monitoring a variety of chemical and physical targets in a distributed system where a premium is placed on early detection. Minor modifications to the detector would allow for development of products for other applications, such as monitoring of air pollution around factories, and of oil degradation in power transformers and fuel cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mlsna, Debra SEACOAST SCIENCE, INC CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 99040 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441500 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Removal of Viruses from Drinking Water Using Granular and Nano-Scale Zero-Valent Iron. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the zero-valent iron technology for removing biological contaminants from water. Results of the Phase I study are expected to demonstrate the potential feasibility of this technology and will serve as a basis for conducting a Phase II study before commercialization. A recent study by the University of Delaware in 2003 (You, et al., 2004) demonstrated that zero-valent iron could potentially remove and inactivate viral and other microbial agents in water. This discovery suggests the possibility for the development of an innovative security technology. This process for virus removal from drinking water is straight forward, economic and can be readily retrofitted to the sand filter units of the existing drinking water treatment plants or adopted to meet mobile drinking water needs, thus reducing concerns of drinking water contaminated with viruses by terrorist activities. A recent report by the Department of Homeland Security suggests that the presence of chlorine tanks in drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities for disinfection use also may attract terrorist attacks thereby presenting a security risk. The use of zero-valent and nano-iron particles in drinking water treatment plants could reduce or possibly eliminate the current chlorine use for disinfection thereby mitigating this potential terrorist threat. This technology could also be used in developing mobile drinking water units for use by the US military or other field operations in remote regions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bhattacharyya, Aniruddha Corporate Environmental Solutions LLC PA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99988 5371 EGCH 9186 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441509 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Parallel Algorithms for Route Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will investigate the integration of parallel algorithms into commercial software applications. Specifically, the research will focus on the development of parallel algorithms for use in an automatic vehicle location (AVL) and route optimization (RO) application, with a long-term goal of expanding to other markets. The AVL/RO market has significant growth opportunities and can benefit greatly from the improved business practices the technology will enable. The intellectual merit of this research is in the development of new techniques for parallelizing neighborhood search and other so-called metaheuristics, and making this technology available to commercial users. The project will also investigate ways in which these methods can be integrated with exact optimization methods to form powerful hybrid algorithms that will allow potential commercial users of this technology to solve large, complex optimization problems more quickly than is possible today. Exact optimization methods can provide provably optimal solutions to modestly sized optimization problems, as well as providing information useful for post-facto solution analysis. However, this information comes at a high cost. Parallelization can improve the situation, but for attacking large, difficult problems with real-world constraints, metaheuristic methods are the prevailing methodology. These methods employ a solution space search procedure, like exact methods, but the search is performed in an ad-hoc manner that accommodates a much larger space. Parallelization of these methods has received little attention in the literature, but has the potential to dramatically extend their reach. In Phase I of this project, parallel implementations of neighborhood search and other metaheuristic algorithms through a generic C++ class library will be developed. The broader impact of this research is in making the power of parallel processing accessible and affordable to a wider range of commercial users of optimization applications. This will be done by lowering the financial and technical barriers to the use of this technology. The first test market will be the AVL/RO market, which is largely untapped and has an overall market penetration of only 10 percent. This market is set to expand at a rapid pace with the recent explosion in affordable wireless GPS tracking systems spurred by the federal mandate to equip all cellular phones with E911 receivers by the end of 2005. Applications capable of using the information provided by these devices to optimize fleet routing and scheduling will have a huge potential impact, if the technology is made affordable. This business model will be designed to provide the client with access to an on-demand remote server capable of analyzing large, complex models in parallel through a front end installed at the customer site and integrated with the customer's own databases. The product will have a low initial cost along with a monthly subscription fee covering the cost of server maintenance and upgrades. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Chase, Robert Scalable OR Solutions CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9139 1604 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441517 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Congruence-Based Encoding of Structured Information. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a congruence-based encoding scheme for structured information, such as XML documents. It employs a new labeling scheme that assigns numeric labels to information components like XML document elements. The labels fully encode the hierarchical structure of the information content. The labels alone can be used to determine if one component is an "ancestor" of another in the hierarchy, borrowing a term from genealogy. The encoding scheme is based on the concept of congruence in number theory. The research objectives include (1) the design of efficient algorithms that create optimized labels of small storage overhead and fast processing speed, (2) the characterization of the encoding scheme in relation to alternative methods, and (3) the exploration of its applications in electronic publishing and digital preservation. The research consists of a sequence of steps that include algorithm and software design, the analysis of storage overhead and processing speed, the encoding of different media types, and the design of an archival file format. It is expected that this congruence-based encoding scheme offers an efficient and elegant solution to many problems in information organization and management. This encoding scheme has many important applications and commercial potential. It can be used in backend services for XML documents, or as a substitute for XML text encoding in places where storage and processing efficiency is critical. It can be used for digital object packaging, such as packaging for electronic books, as well as in the construction of media-independent archival formats for digital preservation. In addition, the congruence-based encoding scheme contributes to the understanding of information organization and enables further discoveries in information-based technologies. For example, the encoding scheme can be used to assign class code to classification systems, such as the Library of Congress Classification System and the North American Industry Classification System. Furthermore, the congruence-based encoding scheme can be used to design identification numbers, such as credit card numbers and currency serial numbers, that contain structured features for identification and security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lin, Allen Rich E Books Company OR Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99649 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 7436 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441519 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Providing Tools for Richer eLearning Assessment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will study the feasibility of creating test construction tools that allow school educators to conveniently produce and deliver tests ranging from informal assessments of mastery that can be given and taken on the fly, to tests that benchmark progress of instruction against goals. The key innovations are (1) the capability to define answer analyses for stored question items so that the test constructor can know in advance what the test can report about what test-takers likely know and do not know, and (2) the capability to represent question items in a form in which actual experience can be used to improve the assessment corpus. The objective is to create tests that move beyond the current broadly-accepted applications that consist entirely of multiple-choice questions and that include varied and even game-like question types incorporating motivational and pedagogically effective feedback; that is, question types which teach while they assess. These are question types, such as drag-and-drop, matching, fill-in-the-blank sentence, and table builders that may have multiple correct answers, which do not have broadly agreed upon wrong answer distractors, and which typically require more experience to define what errors imply about the test-takers' knowledge and skills. The aim of the project is not to compete with high-stakes tests, but to move beyond current applications that consist entirely of multiple-choice questions. This project is a first step in determining whether the strategy of focusing on improving .low-stakes. assessments has merit commercially as well as intellectually. Multiple-choice and constructed answer exams have long proven highly efficient tools for state and national high-stakes exams. A problem with multiple-choice questions, however, is that many do not assess what students know but only what students demonstrate they know. Certain types of students typically perform better than others on multiple-choice tests. In a period of heightened accountability, the difficulty of designing fair test items that can withstand legal challenge has made multiple-choice, by consensus, the only efficient, reliable form of high-stakes assessment in states representing most of the school-age population. Because there are many students in environments in which their learning is measured almost solely by multiple-choice tests who are not served well, a significant contribution to exploratory learning can be made by increasing what learners can experience by making assessments more intrinsically interesting and also by improving the kinds of formative feedback available to students, teachers, and administrators. PROGRAM EVALUATION IIP ENG Chaput, Linda AGILE MIND INC TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 7261 SMET 9177 9102 7261 0116000 Human Subjects 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441550 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Understanding the Nature of Science. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will deliver simulations over the web for secondary and postsecondary science instruction. These simulations focus explicitly on students coming to understand the "nature of science." By the nature of science, Epistemological Engineering means both the underlying logic of scientific discovery and the way that science is organized around the acquisition and dissemination of data and ideas. The project emphasizes the big picture in science learning: the relationship between experiments and hypotheses, the idea that theories are models and not reality, that the test of a theory is its predictive power. Most students never see this big picture. This project offers a solution, addressing carefully chosen aspects of the nature of science deeply but efficiently. In computer-moderated, networked simulations, students will take on the roles of scientists, working in groups, advancing a (simulated) scientific discipline. These scientist roles will give students experiences to which they can refer, implicitly and explicitly, as they increase their understanding of the nature of science. The project centers on careful design and testing of both the simulations and the lessons in which they are embedded-to ensure that they are as effective as possible. Tomorrow's citizens need to know how science works. To the degree to which the project is successful, it will help erase dangerous misconceptions about the origins and extent of scientific knowledge, and it will give students tools to evaluate scientific (and quasi-scientific) claims more effectively. Epistemological Engineering conjectures that learning about this "big picture" will encourage some students to persist in science who otherwise might have given it up as sterile and isolating. These include members of traditionally-underrepresented groups. The firm has chosen diverse field-test classrooms with this in mind. The technology of the project also creates research opportunities for learning about students' understanding of the nature of science: In that interest, what students do rather than their opinions is what is recorded. This project also probes unusual models for both delivery of instruction and commercialization in the education world: The Internet is not used to deliver content but rather to mediate a simulation and promote intergroup communication, usually within a single classroom rather than more widely. The firm seeks to do so using subscriptions--a way that is relatively inexpensive to the teacher in the short term, but will provide the firm with ongoing revenue. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Erickson, Timothy BigTime Science CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99923 1666 SMET 9178 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0104000 Information Systems 0441552 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Cell Oriented Network Infrastructure for Grid Network Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is for a new network infrastructure technology suitable for Grid Network Systems. The technology takes a diametrically different approach to building and operating distributed, multi-site networks. It is based on a concept of cooperating nodes forming cells that manage the traffic as a collection of distinguishable network segments with predictable traffic characteristics. The resulting network offers significant improvements over traditional IP networks in the areas of predictability, scaling, simplicity of operations, and ease of reconfiguration. It is fully compatible with all Layer 3 devices, protocols, and applications. In particular, it can co-exist with existing networks allowing gradual migration. In Phase I the feasibility of fundamental concepts will be verified and analyzed for practicality of implementation through a set of computer simulation sessions. The technology is a different approach to building and operating networks. It will impact a wide range of applications in several markets and is certain to spawn new research in the areas of large-scale network architectures and distributed computing applications. The company intends to support these efforts through sharing concepts as well as through direct participation through partnerships and contracts in later stages. The first two targets for the technology are government data fusion and distribution systems for homeland security, and scientific research networks at universities and other research institutions. The former has a direct impact on the society by leading to improvements in national security. The latter directly enhances education and scientific research in many areas, most importantly those that utilize extensive computational resources such as molecular research, climate, astrophysics, particle physics, materials, and other. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Augustyn, Waldemar Astyn Systems, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99185 5371 HPCC 9139 7362 4097 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441558 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Fast Remote X-ray Screening. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes to develop a flexible networked high capacity security checkpoint system. The proposed system is designed to enable cost-effective high throughput x-ray screening of items carried by individuals into areas having high numbers of people passing through or congregating. It is widely felt that conventional security checkpoints, such as those in airports, are too bulky and slow for applications where there are large numbers of passengers such as railways. A primary need is to be able to screen persons and their carried items at significantly higher processing rates. Projected capacity of the proposed system is an order of magnitude greater than the capacity of current security checkpoints modeled on checkpoints in our nation's airports. Typical venues that could be served by the proposed system are mass transit systems, auditoriums, sports arenas, shopping malls, conference halls, and other venues having high concentrations of people vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The proposed technology would provide protection against terrorist attack to persons in such crowded areas by providing x-ray screening for weapons and explosives of briefcases, knapsacks, backpacks, packages, etc. carried into the area. Broader impacts of the proposed technology can be significant. Terrorist attacks on mass transit systems or other places having large crowds in the U.S. could have significant adverse effects upon our society and our economy. There are many venues in the U.S. where crowds gather. Many such as sports arenas, auditoriums, concert halls, and conference centers and are used intermittently. Others, such as mass transit, shopping malls, schools, universities, and office buildings have high traffic daily. For these venues the installation, maintenance, and manning of permanent fixed security checkpoints, such as those used at airports, is very expensive and in many cases not feasible. As protection of our national critical infrastructure becomes a higher priority in the face of increasing terrorist threats security for these high traffic areas must be effectively addressed. In these situations the ability to quickly set up and efficiently operate flexible, compact, and fast security checkpoints when needed can be a real benefit and make the difference for being able to provide an effective level of security. The proposed technology can be adapted to integrate with existing checkpoint screening systems and has a significant upgrade market for existing systems in addition to markets for new systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Sommer, Edward NATIONAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9216 9139 5371 1722 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441562 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Defenses Against Malicious Code. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a new approach to hardening programs against attack. The defense mechanism works by controlling how a process can interact with its environment, making it exceedingly difficult for an attacker to commandeer a system and manipulate it for malicious purposes. The most common propagation methods of worms and viruses will be thwarted. The approach is made possible by recent advances in static program analysis. The technology will enable users to harden programs, even when the source code for some or all of the program's components are unavailable, as is commonly the case with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components. Worms and viruses have plagued information systems for decades. If successful, the system herein will increase network security substantially. Today, it is relatively easy to launch a worm or virus. While no technology can prevent every type of attack, the system will significantly increase the difficulty of launching attacks and eliminate vulnerability to many of the attacks used today. The broad protection it offers will also prevent future types of attacks. Furthermore, the R&D required to develop this technology will result in static program analysis infrastructure that makes it easier to build tools that examine programs. Such tools would work on both source code and program binaries, and could support reverse engineering or audits of programs for vulnerabilities or insider attacks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Melski, David GRAMMATECH, INC. NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 hpcc HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441563 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Unsupervised Extraction of Relational Data from the Web. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will enable software systems to make use of data on the Web. The semantic web is intended to allow data to be shared and used by software applications. Unfortunately, in the present world, data on the Web is generally inaccessible to most applications because it is presented in a format intended to be usable by humans, as opposed to computers. The ultimate goal is to create a relational view of data on the web, so that applications can access Web data based on entities and their relations. This project proposes to achieve this with an unsupervised machine learning approach that extracts data from web sites and converts it into relational form. It will develop and implement an unsupervised algorithm that takes advantage of multiple heterogeneous types patterns found on web sites, including the link structure, formatting conventions, and content regularities. This project will result in a powerful new generation of Web harvesting technology that has clear commercial value. In addition moreover, it will enable the vision of the semantic web to become a reality. Web harvesting is an area of growing commercial interest for a variety of vertical markets, including Sales Intelligence, Market Intelligence, News Aggregation, and Background Search. However, web-harvesting technology is limited today, since the collection of rich, detailed data must be done on a site-by-site basis. The approach described here, if successful, will enable a new generation of intelligent Web harvesting technology that can scale to the entire Web. Ultimately, our approach will enable applications to query the entire Web as if it were a relational database. This has tremendous commercial value, and moreover, will enable many new types of web applications to be developed. In addition to the commercial value, the technical approach is novel and has significant merits on its own. If it is successful, the proposed method should generalize to other complex domains (such as scene understanding and natural language processing) where multiple heterogeneous types of structure must be analyzed to discover underlying meaning SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Minton, Steven FETCH TECHNOLOGIES CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0441564 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Visualization of Massive Multivariate Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the lack of visualization technology for hierarchical overlapping structured grids created through a process known as Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR). Although the AMR structure makes possible simulations that would have otherwise been too computationally and memory expensive using a uniform grid approach, it leaves the scientist with a lack of visualization tools to properly render the resulting volumetric data. Therefore, there is a need for visualization tools that are focused on volume rendering the large, multivariate, time-varying data produced by simulations using the AMR technique. In this project, a volume rendering approach is described that will enable scientists to effectively visualize the results of their simulations. A ray casting algorithm will be implement allowing for accurate visualization with the ability to trade quality for speed, flexible compositing of multivariate data, and adaptability across a variety of computational platforms from massively parallel to a desktop computer. A prototype visualization system will be created which will demonstrate interactivity through the use of level of detail techniques, advanced transfer function editing for multivariate data, and intermixing of the volume rendering solution with standard geometric techniques. Early in the development cycle, the core AMR visualization technology will be incorporated into the open source Visualization Toolkit in order to gain valuable feedback and to gain recognition in this field. This inclusion will provide researchers with early access to these visualization techniques, freeing up valuable time currently spent implementing custom solutions. The availability of these AMR visualization methods as source code will enable future research in the area of AMR visualization to be based upon the results obtained through this effort. The documentation (including a commercially available textbook and users' guide) and the training classes for the Visualization Toolkit will be updated to include AMR visualization, providing educational opportunities for new researchers in the area. In addition to the availability of this technology as part of an open-source toolkit, a commercial application will be developed to provide AMR visualization in a turn-key application. AMR visualization provided in an end-user application will eliminate the need for most researchers to develop their own visualization solutions, allowing more time to be focused on the core science. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Avila, Lisa KITWARE INC NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 5371 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441570 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Automated Image Annotation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project examines the feasibility of automatically assigning keywords to new images using instance-based learning methods, content analysis and pre-annotated images. This project will provide a new color quantization method that describes images using a common set of representative and discriminatory colors. This results in a reduction of the number of calculations required by the distance metrics employed by instance-based methods in determining which keywords to assign. This project will also investigate the utility of transforming the low-level color domain into a new feature domain, effectively removing the correlations between color features. This reduces the potential for annotation error when the instance-based methods employ distance metrics that does not account for correlations. Users implicitly refine these initial annotations when they perform searches using relevance feedback. By examining the user feedback, the relative importance of the keywords assigned to an image is modified. The more relevant keywords are assigned greater weights and the less relevant smaller weights. This permits erroneously assigned keywords to be effectively ignored. Hence, this system provides an efficient means for automatically assigning keywords to images and allows for automatic corrections by incorporating the results of user searches. This project will provide organizations that are involved in image generation and/or collection to easily and inexpensively annotate new images. Savings are achieved in both the monetary and efficiency arenas. By automating the annotation process, the need for a staff dedicated to examining and categorizing raw data is greatly reduced, resulting in reduction of costs. Furthermore, by automating the process, the speed at which annotations can be assigned is enhanced, allowing for greater throughput. In addition, by annotating the images, keyword-based search and retrieval systems can now be used on the organization's image collection, allowing for greater leverage of existing software products and permitting greater exposure and utilization of the collection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Benton, Ryan STAR SOFTWARE SYSTEMS CORP GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 1704 1631 0522400 Information Systems 0441581 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Advancing an Interactive Learning Platform by Integrating Multiplayer Game Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project advances Syandus's interactive learning platform by integrating multiplayer game technology. Syandus's current interactive delivery platform allows pharmaceutical firms and content experts to communicate complex concepts to physicians and patients through interactive presentations, discussion groups or self-directed learning. The addition of network-enabled collaboration afforded by this project creates the opportunity for interaction between users and content experts without the constraints of geography. The integration of multiplayer game technology into Syandus's platform requires the innovative application of this technology to serve a new purpose. This project will develop the functional requirements, assess technology options and deliver a detailed design plan and proof of concept prototypes as needed to demonstrate feasibility. Syandus is currently working with one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in world to develop and deliver innovative medical education to physicians. In the first business application derived from this concept, physicians will be able to remotely connect with nationwide content experts to interactively learn the latest best practices and medical science in a more compelling way than currently available. The pharmaceutical industry strives to communicate medical science innovation and new treatment methods through an information cascade from international and national level thought leaders, to regional physician thought leaders, to practicing physicians and their patients. The anticipated results from this concept will be a learning tool for pharmaceutical companies that allow tens or hundreds of physicians nationwide to have an interactive dialog about a disease state and appropriate treatment. Longer term, in the educational realm, Syandus's technology could be used to develop more sophisticated collaborative learning environments where each individual or group is responsible for one part of a large interactive system. Imagine a learning tool that allows science students from around the country to collaborate to optimize the function of a cell. Some students control protein synthesis, some RNA synthesis, others the flux of nutrients in and out of the plasma membrane. Process algorithms control the cellular outputs from each group based on students' inputs. Each optimizes their function for the overall performance of the cell. Transforming Syandus's existing platform with multi user capability adds rich human interaction into the remote learning process, brings scientific models to life, and allows greater dissemination of knowledge. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Seifert, Douglas Syandus, Inc. PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0000912 Computer Science 0441585 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Micro/Nanofluidic Protein Profiler for Pathogen Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a micro/nano fluidic proteomic platform for pathogen detection and identification. The system is based on the use of high-resolution, two-dimensional (2-D) protein separations in disposable microfluidic chips to generate protein expression maps which may be used to identify biomarker patterns unique to specific pathogens. Effective technologies for the early detection and identification of biological warfare agents are of critical and growing importance. The novel miniaturized detection platform will be capable of meeting key requirements for universal pathogen detection with the ability to identify bacterial, viral, and protein toxin agents in a single detection platform. The system will provide identification within a short 15 minute cycle time, significantly faster than comparable microarray technologies. Furthermore, it will not employ biologically active reagents for its operation and will not require a priori knowledge of which pathogens may be present in a sample. If successful, the proposed technology will provide a unique solution for rapidly identifying environmental pathogens, with benefits for a wide range of field-deployable applications. Further miniaturization employing nanoscale detection channels with confocal scanning microscopy will enable protein profiling at the single molecule level for ultra-sensitive early pathogen detection. In addition to the need for improved pathogen detection for antiterrorism applications, there are over two million emergency response personnel located at over 90,000 public health and safety facilities who are effectively on the front lines of homeland defense, and who will directly benefit from cost-effective technologies to quickly detect or dismiss potential biowarfare threats. It is particularly vital for these personnel to have access to detection tools capable of broad spectrum pathogen detection without the need for priori knowledge of which pathogens may be present. In addition, rapid, accurate bacterial identification is critically important in applications outside of biowarfare defense. Industries which will benefit from these developments include disease diagnosis, prediction of emerging health hazards, monitoring potential food contamination, and bioprocess regulation. Furthermore, the technology in this effort will offer benefits to the biopharmaceutical industry as a proteomics tool for biomarker identification and drug discovery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Yan CALIBRANT BIOSYSTEMS INC MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9184 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441586 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Lifelike Virtual Tutors to Support Authentic Learning. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop a proof-of-concept Web-delivered Virtual Reality (VR) simulation that incorporates lifelike virtual tutors capable of manipulating simulated objects and communicating in written or spoken English or sign language into TERC's Marble Roll--an online challenge for Grades 4-8. This research builds on Vcom3D's and TERC's use of avatars for communication of scientific concepts to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students. However, it extends the current capabilities from being communication aids to being mentors, participants, and/or interpreters who support all students in developing standards-based abilities of scientific inquiry and understanding of fundamental concepts related to forces and motion. The result will include (1) ?developing a proof-of -concept VR simulation that challenges students to solve a problem and integrates the publication, comparison and analysis of their data; (2) ?evaluating the simulation's effectiveness in supporting all students' understanding of standards-based science content and process and attitude toward it, including those with special needs; and (3) ?identifying requirements for an authoring tool to create a group of VR simulations. Successful proof-of-concept will lead to cost-effective, high quality, and more accessible authentic learning experiences for all students. This project provides an opportunity through the development and testing of new universal access and design features to broaden participation of underrepresented groups in authentic learning experiences. These features include the ability for students to select an avatar according to race, gender, or ethnicity; low bandwidth modem requirements for use in areas without a technology infrastructure; and sign language interpretation for deaf/hard-of-hearing students. A Virtual Tutor provides constant attention to students' actions and ideas, using verbal and visual modes of communication appropriate for that student--a benefit rarely realized in most classroom settings and one that advances discovery and scientific understanding and promotes learning that can continue over a lifetime. Additionally, learning with a VR simulation dramatically increases access to age-appropriate standards-based learning for students in classrooms without laboratories, in hospitals, and for those with mobility disorders or special learning needs including dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. By publishing the Virtual Marble Roll and commercializing an authoring tool for creation of new, universally designed VR simulations, and by licensing the virtual tutoring technology, the partners will promote widespread use of the proposed research and development that will support future enhancement and application. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Sims, Edward VCOM3D, INC. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99970 1666 SMET 9177 1666 1505 0104000 Information Systems 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441594 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Rapid Proteomic Biometric Instrument for Detecting Exposure to Biowarfare Agents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use a novel self-contained micro-electrochemical detection technology to measure the human protein response to specific biological agents. The end result will be an embedded computer controlled, automated, hand held device that can be used to measure protein levels down to 56 zeptomoles from a pinprick sample of whole blood in less than 30 minutes. Each detection site on the array will consist of interdigitized electrodes spaced within 100.s nm dimensions to optimize redox cycling and amplification of signal. Although this patents pending technology has been previously shown to detect a multitude of pathogens, anthrax was chosen for the Phase I work because of its suitability for use as a biological weapon. Anthrax is a naturally occurring organism with highly resistant spores that is relatively easy to grow in multitudes. Its effectiveness as a biological weapon was demonstrated when anthrax laced letters were distributed in October 2001 where 22 people were infected and 5 died before the organism could be detected. In addition to having biodefense applications, the proposed device could also be used to detect naturally occurring infectious agents or host produced proteins to such naturally occurring infectious agents. Individuals who manufacture or work with anthrax would likely be exposed to low levels of the pathogen over long periods of time and may not have antibody levels that are detectible by current methods. The results of Phase I of this study will allow non-skilled personnel to inexpensively and rapidly detect low levels of human exposure to anthrax. Suspected distributors of anthrax could be quickly screened for further questioning on background and intent. Phase II will focus on automated, simultaneous multiple pathogen detection and will have a variety of applications. The proposed device could be used in the early detection of exposure to pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium parvum, Clostridium botulinum, and the like. Travelers and immigrants could be potentially screened for known pathogens before being allowed entry into a country. Gravely ill patients with nondescript symptoms could be diagnosed quickly to maximize prophylaxis and recovery. We believe that this relatively inexpensive, user-friendly, hand held, low volume detection devices will find a multitude of uses in the security and medical fields. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Aguilar, Zoraida VEGRANDIS, LLC AR Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9184 9102 5371 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441607 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)-Based Nanoparticles as Covert Taggants for Anti-Counterfeiting Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and test a series of covert, nanoscale taggants based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for use in the authentication of printed documents and packages. SERS nanotags consist of a gold core, an organic label molecule and a glass coating. These 50 nm diameter particles generate unique fingerprint like spectral signatures, with a readout based on surface enhanced Raman scattering. The tasks carried out during this project will: (1) determine the feasibility of adding SERS nanotags to paper and inks, as covert tags, (2) define the instrument parameters needed for a commercially successful hand held detection system and (3) develop novel software algorithms to enable tag identification. The successful combination of nanotechnology, optical engineering, and software design proposed in this work present a new solution for product authentication in the commercial markets, and have the potential to act as a covert tag in matters of national security. Commercially SERS nanotags will have a broad impact across many commercial and government sectors, because counterfeiting affects such a wide variety of products. The protection of packaging on retail products can save corporations, and hence the economy, millions of dollars. In addition, counterfeiting threatens the security of our country as terrorist groups are increasingly turning to counterfeiting as a method to fund their activities. The protection of currency against counterfeiting can save governments millions (if not billions) of dollars (or Euros). The protection of pharmaceuticals against counterfeiting can save the legal pharmaceutical industry millions of dollars and protect consumers against the consumption of ineffective drugs. The protection of travel documents, including passports and visas, can safeguard national security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Freeman, Richard NANOPLEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99917 5371 MANU 9147 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441621 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Content Authoring, Presentation and Communication System for Informal Science Education Exhibits. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of using a content authoring, presentation and communication system in science centers for ongoing interactive learning experiences. Human factors research and development will result in a detailed specification and demonstration system that connects collaborative exhibits to personalized interactive web content. Science centers are struggling to find more effective, sustainable means of engaging the public in ongoing informal learning experiences. The proposing business has completed 2000+ hours of research and development on an integrated, onsite and online participatory interaction platform to address this need. Prototypes of components of the onsite structured learning system were user-tested and evaluated by an independent team from Lesley University resulting in a favorable report indicating that these components meet or exceed the learning and design objectives. The proposed research consists of designing, developing, and evaluating prototypes of the self-directed visitor experience. The objective is to understand how to engage visitors in a self-sustaining cycle of personalized, participatory science discovery. The desired outcome is to foster long-term, free-choice learning through ongoing visitor engagement with science centers. The goal is to design, document and demonstrate a commercially feasible content authoring, presentation and communication system supporting this outcome. This content authoring, presentation and communication system enables exhibit developers, researchers and educators to partner on active constructivist learning experiences incorporating technologies (HTML, digital imagery, video microscopes, etc.) with tactile objects. Multi-station exhibits allow exhibitors to construct a learning flow across related topics. The system leverages limited space and allows shared cost between several venues in the form of traveling exhibits. This cost-effective, flexible system enables exhibitors to easily incorporate cutting-edge research, collaborate on exhibits, and generate personalized visitor Web sites integrated with virtual exhibits. Reliable, robust technology reduces the burden on the venue's IT staff. The visitor's learning experience will transcend the museum walls, and museums can continue the thread of the exhibits. The system facilitates young people's social interactions through common technologies such as e-mail, instant messaging, cell phones, Web logs and networked multi-player gaming. Technology identifies individual visitors permitting creation, collaboration on and collection of personalized artifacts during the interaction. Networked digital imaging allows a visitors to incorporate herself into the content by attaching her own digital video, still imagery, and audio to personalize the experience. The visitor can access /her personalized web page to share with her peers, parents or teachers, and continue into deeper self-directed learning. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ney, Mabel Image Works ME Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 98591 9150 5371 SMET 9180 9177 9150 9102 1666 0104000 Information Systems 0116000 Human Subjects 0441632 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Design of a 10-Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Over Copper. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will address the tradeoffs involved in design and implementation of a 10-gigabit ethernet transceiver over unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper cables of category 6 or 7. The IEEE standards committee 802.3-an was created in Feb. 2004 to study and create a new standard for this purpose. Design and implementation of these tranceivers at 10 Gbps have never been demonstrated. The receiver design is challenging not only with respect to algorithm considerations for equalization and decoding and noise cancellations but also with respect to hardware implementations at 10 Gbps. The former requires extensive simulations of receiver algorithms and performance tradeoff analysis while the latter requires extensive architectural considerations with respect to feasibility of speed and power consumption. The cost and power are primary constraints. Current Gigabit transceivers consume about 1 Watt power. In order for the 10-Gigabit transceivers to be attractive, they will need to consume less than 8 Watts. This phase I study will expand and attempt to commercialize the current and prior efforts of the PI. It will address both transmitter-receiver design and architecture design for VLSI integrated chip implementation. The tradeoffs of various modulation schemes and coding schemes will be studied. The results of these studies will be presented to the standards committee and will be published at various conferences. The architecture design issues will address 10-gigabit implementation of complex blocks such as LDPC decoder, LDPC encoder, Tomlinson-Harashima Precoder (THP), and other echo and next cancellers. Parallel decision feedback equalizers and decoders operating at 10 Gbps will be studied. The demonstration of this system will allow companies such as Cisco, Force-10 and Avaya to include this as part of their 10-gigabit systems. The business opportunities for 10-gigabit ethernet transceivers are many! The chips will revolunize data transmission in data centers now and desktops in a few years. The technology generated through this study will be of interest to other ethernet systems such as 2.5 or 5 Gbps over low-grade low-cost existing copper cables of type category-5 and 5e. The broader impacts of this research can be felt by having data available at 10 Gbps at desktops everywhere in a few years. This is an order of magnitude higher speed than what is possible to achieve today. Other impacts include dramatic cost reduction by using copper instead of fiber, longer distance reach by using sophisticated signal processing algorithms and architectures in the transmitter and receiver. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gu, Yongru Leanics Corporation MN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7362 4091 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441635 January 1, 2005 STTR PHASE I: Nano-Porous Glass-Coated Amorphous Metal Wires for Integrated Solid-Phase Microextraction Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop glass-coated amorphous metal (GCAM) fibers in which the glass coating is porous on the nano-scale level. Thermal treatments would be used to produce phase separation in the coating. The soluble component of the glass would be leached, leaving behind a porous skeleton of the non-soluble phase. The porous GCAM fibers will be employed as solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) devices for the sampling of analytes such as pharmaceuticals and biomolecules from liquid matrices and volatile organic compounds from gaseous matrices. The GCAM fiber is unique in that the metal core can be heated via magnetic induction, allowing for rapid heating of the porous coating and rapid analyte desorption. The commercial application of this project will be in industrial and environmental monitoring, and in various security applications. The proposed technology will facilitate rapid, in-situ release of key samples for analysis from monitoring devices following field collection and transfer to laboratory based equipment such as gas chromatographs. In contrast, current SPME devices require external heating to desorb the analyte. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG LaCourse, William Matthew Hall Santanoni Glass and Ceramics, Inc NY F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 98029 1505 BIOT 9181 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441639 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase I:Development of an Artifical Star Stimulation and Modeling Tool for Astronomy with Science and Teaching Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project's objectives are to build and validate an artificial star simulation application for the study of astronomical objects, and to assess its commercial potential for the professional and serious amateur astronomer communities. The prevalence of modern light detectors has ushered in a golden age for astronomy due to their outstanding characteristics. However, their high-fidelity nature does not help in disentangling the images of objects blended together in crowded fields. While powerful techniques have been developed to solve this problem, they are cumbersome to use, requiring substantial human and computational effort. What is needed is an optimized automated software package that can be routinely used by the astronomical community. This proposal focuses on furthering the development of advanced artificial star tests, and making the resulting suite of tools available to the wider community. In addition to this modeling and simulation work the company will collect and analyze validation data and develop a graphical user interface to increase the usability of the software. The software developed during this project will be comprised of largely public domain and/or open source scientific routines with a proprietary graphical user interface. The company will assess the economic opportunities for producing training materials for the increasingly sophisticated amateur astronomical community. Placing powerful tools in the hands of near-professional amateur astronomers will further raise the value of their contributions to science. Additional related software products may also be developed to both educate and guide amateur astronomers who already use high quality digital CCD cameras in their home and club observatories. The company is also investigating opportunities for using these techniques in satellite imagery analysis for both commercial and military applications to terrestrial data. As commercial satellite imaging expands to a multibillion dollar per year industry, advanced analysis tools become increasingly valuable. Likewise, the military's increasing dependence upon optical and hyper-spectral imagery suggests that the ability to analyze images near their resolution limit will remain an essential strategic and tactical requirement. Portions of this work may be applicable to these Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Rubenstein, Eric Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99998 1505 HPCC 9216 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0441646 January 1, 2005 SBIR PHASE I: Individualized Guidance for the Blind (IGB). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I program will develop and qualify a new assistive technology to aid persons who are blind. The Improved Guidance for the Blind (IGB) system will provide easy-to-follow, personalized guidance and wayfinding information for people who are blind and others needing assistance. In a separate effort, a wayfinding system for the blind using GPS for outdoor location is now being designed and built. For indoor use, however, this system requires a complex inertial guidance system for location and guidance. In this project, Talking Lights will use and qualify powerful, inexpensive Talking Lights optical locators to improve indoor wayfinding and supply GPS-like location indoors. With minimal infrastructure modification, the system will identify the user's location and desired destination, determine the preferred travel path, and provide real time Braille or audio guidance, directions and corrections. This project will demonstrate the concept of using inexpensive illumination-based Talking Lights optical locators to make very precise GPS-like guidance possible indoors. It will enable a system to be created which provides location and guidance indoors and outdoors. Context awareness is an active area for research in mobile computing and the optical location technique demonstrated here promises to be a powerful technique for context awareness indoors. Modified IGB ballast transformers will be commercial products sold to replace current ballast transformers and allow fluorescent lights to perform dual use as locators. IGB receivers will process optical signals and provide location, context awareness for the BrailleNote/VoiceNote PDA . Software developed will allow Talking Lights locators to provide GPS-like locator information indoors and permit the input of location to the PDA, updating of location and elimination of errors. The software will be a commercial product. Application areas will include museums, malls, hospitals, schools, retail stores, trade shows, transportation facilities and other places where blind travel. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Livshin, Gary TALKING LIGHTS LLC MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 1545 HPCC 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0441650 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Novel Biomimetic Nanostructures for Air Monitoring in Smart Buildings. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project combines nanotechnology and biotechnology to develop a new type of biomimetic sensing structure for monitoring air quality in buildings as a part of a smart system to enhance security by preventing current and future vulnerabilities. The innovation in this work is the combination of new nanoscale fabrication technologies with a new theory on biological olfaction based on electron tunneling, which may make possible the development of a true electronic nose that has significant performance improvements as compared to existing technologies. The objective of this work is to determine the feasibility of using nano-fabrication techniques and structures to mimic biological olfaction so that toxic gases can be measured with significantly improved selectivity, stability, sensitivity, and response times. This research will enhance scientific and technological understanding, and if successful, will allow the development of an electronic nose with significantly improved capabilities over existing technology. This technology will provide significant benefit to society by improving homeland security and detection methods in other fields where odor analysis is important such as medical diagnosis, food and beverage characterization, and chemical and pharmaceutical industries. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mileham, Russell MIDWEST MICRO-TEK LLC SD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 1505 CVIS 9150 1059 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441652 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Video Mining for Customer Behavior in Retail Enterprises. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims at developing video mining techniques for automatically generating customer behavior statistics to help retail enterprises. These statistics can be very valuable for supporting critical decisions in merchandising, in-store marketing, and customer service. This video mining tool can be used for accurate assessment of the effectiveness of all consumer-facing elements in retail environments designed to promote or sell products. The key problems addressed will include view-independent person detection, multi-person tracking, a method for specifying behaviors, and robust behavior recognition. The approach will be to use a variety of computer vision and statistical learning techniques under the constraints of a typical retail environment. An experimental prototype will be implemented in Phase I and will use actual surveillance videos collected from retail enterprises to establish the feasibility of the approach. Tough economic times and hyper-competition in the retail sector demand a sense of fiscal discipline and resource optimization. One key element of improving the performance of the competing retailers and manufacturers is in developing a deeper understanding of in-store consumer behavior. Current methods (human observation and manual video indexing) for analyzing customer behavior are limited in the kind of customer knowledge generated besides being expensive and time-consuming. This SBIR Phase I effort has the potential to significantly impact the use of technology in retail business process optimization. The insights gained in customer behavior by the use of the video mining tool will enable more informed decision-making for in-store marketing; merchandise placement, and customer service. The project can impact the field of observational research in general, and the spillover benefits could go to other areas like video surveillance for loss prevention and homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mummareddy, Satish VideoMining Corporation PA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 6850 1631 1087 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441659 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Sports Performace Improvement Through Novel Methods of Computer Human Interaction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will research, prototype, and test a novel system for improving performance and reducing injuries due to improper body mechanics in sports such as baseball, football, and tennis. The innovation of the proposed system is twofold: First, it builds on the learning theory of real-time feedback combined with inexpensive data collection technologies, that is, ordinary video cameras, wireless accelerometers, personal computers, and computer generated sounds. This makes it an ideal learning tool for a wide audience and puts it within the financial and technical reach of organizations devoted to the development of student-age players. Second, Alberti's Window plans to research the effectiveness of real-time auditory feedback of motion variables (with and without visual feedback on a computer screen), an area that is highly under-explored, and, one that has large potential to leverage learning through human-computer interactions. The application area during Phase I will be youth baseball players. Recreational sports is an area that involves a large number of people; for example, there are nearly 3 million participants in Little League Baseball. Companies that sell to this market are typically billion dollar companies. While computers and modern technology have been used to advantage in professional sports, they are not extensively used in amateur or recreational contexts. Potential benefits of this technology include 1) reduction in injuries that are due to improper body mechanics, and consequently wider and more enjoyable participation , 2) better athletic performance , 3) increased scientific and technological literacy to the target population of young sports enthusiasts, and 4) increased understanding of the possibilities of using real-time multimodal sensory feedback in Human-Computer interactions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Antonucci, Paul Alberti's Window, LLC MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 94885 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 0104000 Information Systems 0441666 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Customized Ontology Information Retrieval. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop and demonstrate a prototype information retrieval application that creates a customized view of a domain ontology to assist users in retrieving relevant documents from a collection of information. The ontology will be employed to guide users to optimize their query formation; the system will capture and analyze the user's query development process and term preferences in order to identify term usage patterns. The system will also analyze the choices the user makes to view documents from the search results. The results of the user query analysis and document selection analysis will be used to create a user-specific unique view of the ontology for future searches. This capability will dramatically improve the accuracy, speed, and "intelligence" of context-aware information retrieval systems. It will also enable refinement of the ontology for greater semantic depth and utility. This development will have broad impacts for the information management community. By increasing the depth of semantic understanding through interaction with users, the system will "mine" the expertise of its users to enrich the source ontologies, increasing their usefulness for a broader base of users. The customizable ontology capability developed under this project will find uses in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, defense/counterterrorism, and manufacturing at a minimum - in every sector reliant on "deep knowledge." Customizable ontologies will reduce the volume and diversity of information presented to users, improving retrieval accuracy and speed by orders of magnitude and enabling future search engines to deliver - with a single "hit" - exactly the information sought. By enabling clearer articulation of user needs based on term usage and preferences, this project is expected to improve information retrieval system efficiency tenfold. The customizable ontology will provide a pathway to dynamic, real-time knowledge management. As just one example, ontology-based advisors offer tremendous opportunities for innovation in product and process development, by enabling designers to draw effectively on the captured knowledge of the enterprise. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Merrell, Mary INRAD, LLC TN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99970 9150 HPCC 9216 9139 9102 5371 0522400 Information Systems 0441673 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Parallel Lattice Kinetic Software for High Mach Number Fluid Dynamics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will produce an advanced parallel computational tool for unified prediction of continuum and rarefied flow over reusable launch vehicles of real world complexity. The technology will be an enhancement of the Digital Physics technology based on Lattice Boltzmann Methods (LBM). The project will start with development and implementation of a high Mach number model on the platform of commercial low Mach/Knudsen number flow/acoustics simulator PowerFLOW. In this way, the highest standards of numerical accuracy/efficiency, parallel scalability, and geometrical flexibility will be achieved. After optimizing and benchmarking this new numerical algorithm, the research team will simulate a full-scale problem including complex geometry of a space vehicle operating across a wide range of Knudsen and, especially, Mach numbers. The goal here will be to both demonstrate the parallel computational efficiency of this approach and to analyze the flow sensitivity to the flight regime and to design changes. If this proof-of-concept effort is successful, the goal of the next phase will be to further develop this parallel computational tool and test it on well-documented, full-scale vehicle studies emphasizing aerodynamic shape optimization for flight envelopes of interest to both Government and private industry. The unified rarefied/continuum flow prediction tool in this project has the potential to open major new commercial markets for the extended PowerFLOW product, especially at the engineering design level. First, this new technology shall enable high Mach number flow prediction within the aerospace industry. Secondly, this new tool's parallel efficiency, due to the strong locality of the underlying numerical schema, will enable the use of cost-effective, COTS-based, parallel computing clusters to solve these difficult flow problems. Thirdly, the ability of the LBM methods to address compressible flow problems should open important new markets for novel LBM-based technologies in a variety of industries. Finally, this new technology should open broad new markets for computer-aided engineering by enabling shape optimization of vehicles operating within nontrivial geometry and flow physics regimes, which are now designed/optimized using either experiment or semi-empirical rules. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Hudong Exa Corporation MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9216 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441676 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Micronized Fluorescent Quantum-Dot Microresonators for Advanced Spectrally Barcoded Taggants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop the next generation quantum dot-based security features that will have unique visible and infrared fluorescent characteristics. The project combines recent advances in semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots) and microresonant structures to produce truly novel and spectrally tunable barcoded taggants for advanced security applications that are nearly impossible to counterfeit, duplicate or reverse-engineer. The proposed taggant will be designed to be compatible with inks, UV curable epoxies, and polymers currently used on currencies and other documents and laminates. In the project, it is proposed to disperse fluorescent quantum dots within a resonant structure (thin film interference structure), micromize the resultant resonator, and disperse the micronized particles within the suitable ink and laminate matrices. Commercially, successful completion of this project would have great impact in the security market. Presently all conventional taggants have been compromised to one degree or other. This technology will provide an added shield against those who wish to do harm to this country and others through the counterfeiting of currencies, passports, and other secure documents and identifications. Knowledge gained on the fabrication of nanocrystal composite thin films with controlled thicknesses and in particular nanocrystals films in resonant cavities would have great impact on fields beyond security. In particular that technology would have potential applications in a number of photonic applications including lasers as well as optical switching and other nonlinear optical components. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG LoCascio, Michael EVIDENT TECHNOLOGIES INC NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99600 5371 MANU 9147 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441679 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Developing a Cost-Effective Method for Creating Cognitive Models for Cognitive Tutors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the difficulties of authoring intelligent tutoring systems. Intelligent Tutoring Systems have proven to be highly effective in delivering computer-based instruction, but have historically been expensive and difficult to build, requiring specialized skill in Artificial Intelligence and production systems programming. This proposal describes a Software Development Kit (SDK) composed of four components: Cognitive Model Authoring, Problem Authoring, Tool Authoring, and Curriculum Authoring. The proposed research activity centers on the first of these components: Cognitive Model Authoring. Cognitive Model Authoring is comprised of three separate steps: defining an object hierarchy, defining the goal structure of the problem task, and representing the behavior of the instructional system. The proposal is to define an object-oriented visualization of these steps, so that non-cognitive scientists can create cognitive tutors. This tool will decrease the amount of time it takes to author the cognitive model portion of a tutor for an experienced cognitive modeler, and it also will decrease the amount of time it takes for a new person with no cognitive modeling experience to come up to speed with creating cognitive models The Cognitive Tutor SDK will have two impacts: 1) easier production of new Cognitive Tutors, and hence the ability to bring them to market more quickly and 2) development of a Software Development Kit that could be independently marketed, enabling other companies to produce intelligent tutors in other domains, languages, countries and markets. There are four markets for the Cognitive Tutor SDK: internal developers, external users interested in adapting existing tutor materials for related markets (prisons, welfare-to-work programs), internal and external developers of tutors in related mathematical disciplines, and external developers of tutors in other domains. The emphasis on accountability in education provides a strong market need for effective instruction, which should help drive the desire for proven technology like Intelligent Tutoring Systems. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Gilbert, Stephen Clearsighted IA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99638 1666 SMET 9178 9177 1666 0104000 Information Systems 0116000 Human Subjects 0441692 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Haptic-Audio Touchpanels for Mobility. This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the value of multimodal haptic-audio displays for the mobile marketplace. As smartphones, PDA's and other mobile devices become both smaller and feature rich, visual feedback to the operator limits the bandwidth available for human computer interaction. It is well known that by enhancing visual cues with auditory and haptic feedback that operator performance on a variety of standard tasks is increased. The proposed innovation is a prototype system capable of producing tactile, audio and visual feedback. Immersion will explicitly study the value of different combinations of haptic and audio feedback using the prototype system. A virtual model, incorporating CAD geometry, physics models and user impedance will be implemented. The virtual model will then be validated both physically and perceptually using data obtained from the physical prototype. This validated theoretical model will in turn be used to understand how to overcome the required power, weight and volume constraints in the mobility marketplace. The proposed innovation will address the accessibility market by providing an important non-visual information channel between the user and the computer segment both for small format devices and more traditional displays. The international mobile marketplace, including cell phones, PDA's and handheld games, is well over 500 million units and continues to grow at a very high rate. Mobile wireless devices have become indispensable in 21st century business, with manufacturers such as Palm, Dell and HP frantically competing to provide the most features in the smaller and smaller form factors. In addition, the rise of the smartphone as a major portion of the PDA market dictates a much smaller form factor than traditional PDA devices, but with an awkward stylus interface. However the addition of multi-modal feedback has been demonstrated to improve performance and reduce pointing error in numerous studies, indicating that new, innovative technology capable of providing multi-modal feedback could become a necessary feature in this market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anastas, George IMMERSION CORPORATION CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99771 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 1596 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0441700 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: FileSafe: Policy-Driven Storage Virtualization for Online Data Backup and Recovery. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to provide a tapeless and low-overhead online data storage backup and recovery solution to small businesses by utilizing available disk capacities on their machines. Small or mid-sized businesses (SMBs) have unmet needs in the storage backup and virtualization area because they can not afford to dedicate IT staff, often do not have in-house IT expertise, and cannot afford to purchase expensive systems, such as storage area networks that are used by large enterprises. Collaboration with researchers at the University of Michigan from the Pastiche project, a peer-to-peer backup approach, and Ismene project, a policy management system, provides the company a unique opportunity to provide a powerful and inexpensive data backup solution to SMBs. Research challenges include: o Provide manageability: P2P backup architectures pose manageability challenges because of different types of machines in the organization in terms of connectivity, expected reliability, and available capacity. o Provide online availability: A tapeless solution should allow users to know if their data is backed up and have access to their backed up data without administrative support. o Allow security-availability tradeoffs, depending on sensitivity of content in files. o Backup virtualization as storage requirements change. Broader Impacts: Upon commercialization, the research will help provide a low-cost, richly featured, and easily manageable distributed backup system to small and medium businesses. The goal is to mitigate risks by providing more manageability for P2P technology in the context of distributed backups, providing more functionality by providing online access to backuped data, and to address a market segment (SMBs) that is not yet penetrated by large storage companies and typically does not have IT staff to do manual backups or complex system management. Keywords: Backups, peer-to-peer applications, network storage Keywords: Backups, peer-to-peer applications, network storage SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lim, Andrew SynerEdge, Inc. MI Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1604 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441702 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: An Electronic Textile System for Gait Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will enhance scientific and technological understanding through the development of novel architecture, protocols, and applications associated with electronic textile systems. These emerging electronic textile technologies have been demonstrated to have the potential to create a mobile, cost effective alternative that would enable widespread use of gait analysis. The primary Phase I research objective is to address the feasibility of measuring several fundamental gait metrics using an electronic textile. In partnering with Virginia Tech, the company plans to build upon this research to construct an electronic textile capable of measuring these gait metrics and reporting the metrics to either the user or a clinician. The intellectual merit of this research lies in the design of the textile for operation across a broad segment of the population, the design of the algorithms for computing gait metrics based on sensor data, and the design and implementation of the overall software system. The outcome of this Phase I research project will be a garment capable of accurately measuring and reporting several gait metrics. The broader impact of gait analysis lies in the potential to prevent life threatening falls in the elderly population and the identification of pathological conditions in the general population. Within the company mission to design and market electronic textiles for health applications, thos technology has significant potential for improving physical therapy and creating garments for everyday use in mitigating the effect of falls. The intellectual property developed by the company is expected to be applicable to non-health related applications, including uniforms for first responders, navigation aids for the disabled, and integrated human-computer interfaces. In addition, a market for e-textiles could potentially rejuvenate the textile industry of the Southside region of Virginia. Manufacturing woven textiles has become a high technology, high- investment industry and is no longer labor intensive, an ideal combination for a manufacturing process to remain in the US. The addition of e-textiles to the product line of a company could further enhance the competitiveness of US textile manufacturers, leading to the retention and addition of jobs in the economically depressed Southside region of Virginia. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lehn, David Virginia Electronic Textile Systems, LLC VA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99000 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 1596 0522400 Information Systems 0441705 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Knowledge Based Decision Support of Retail Merchandise Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will provide a new paradigm of decision support capability needed to empower non-scientifically oriented retail managers to scientifically determine optimal pricing and inventory levels given the uncertainty of consumer demand and qualitative optimization criteria. Retail managers need to construct models of demand, and use those models to determine inventory levels and pricing that will maximize profitability. Bayesian Networks provide a parsimonious and accessible method for codifying complex causal links between variables, and encoding the probabilistic relations amongst them. Exploiting this powerful knowledge representation capability for retail decision making presents a two-fold challenge: Creating a modeling framework which satisfies the need for intuitive knowledge engineering while providing robust reasoning capability for uncertain and qualitative elements of the optimization function; and secondly, enables retail managers to visualize the complex mechanics of the optimization function. The objective of this Phase I research is to demonstrate the feasibility of overcoming these challenges using a knowledge-based decision support tool for retail pricing and inventory optimization, which departs critically from previous constraint logic based, "black box" approaches to optimization that have failed to interact with users' intuition, subjective optimization criteria, and pervasive consumer demand uncertainties. The retail sector accounts for 9.2% of the national GDP, and generate over $3.2 trillion of sales yet it loses over $900 billion due to inventory surpluses and shortfalls. To determine optimal inventory (or pricing) levels, a regional supermarket retailer must perform 156 million decisions per year (30,000 products x 100 stores x 52 weeks). This number far exceeds the organization's decision-making capabilities, and the results are evident in the poor operating profit margins of the retail sector. Gross profit margins for retailers are typically 25%, but once inventory and marketing costs are deducted, the net profit margins are only 1-2% (Montgomery 1997). Retail managers are grossly failing to learn from the data available to them, and are subsequently failing to make optimal inventory and pricing decisions. The broader impact of this SBIR initiative will be to radically accelerate this learning process and reduce inefficiencies in the decision loop. The results of this research effort will not only improve the economic productivity of the retail sector, but also introduce new research streams on knowledge-based decision support to both academics and industry, and provide the intellectual foundations for much needed interchange between the two. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yunus, Shah Sentrana, Incorporated MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99996 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0441722 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Web-Based Manufacturing Performance Management with Multi-Objective, Multi-model Optimization using Meta-Modeling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will further develop a new Flow Path Management System (FPMS) representing an innovation in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) that is more effective than existing supply chain management (SCM) software at improving manufacturing performance, because it incorporates "lean manufacturing" principles into a set of innovative simulation-based optimization algorithms. The company will research an innovative application of simulation-based optimization known as meta modeling to the manufacturing performance problems common at its customers. The company will develop software that will deliver these algorithms via the Internet and integrate the software with common back-end legacy systems. If successful, the result of this research project will provide millions of dollars in inventory savings to manufacturing customers. Virtual enterprises and smaller manufacturing companies will benefit from the systems that can be delivered via the World Wide Web. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Knight, Thomas Invistics Corporation GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU HPCC 9148 9139 1704 1652 1631 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441729 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A System for Privacy-Preserving Data Mining from Multi-Party Distributed Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a collection of privacy sensitive distributed data mining algorithms for immediate applications in domains that deal with sensitive private data. Privacy is becoming a growing concern in many data monitoring and mining applications such as network intrusion detection, fraud detection, and counter-terrorism intelligence gathering among others. However, to date, there does not exist any commercial data mining system that is capable of analyzing potentially distributed multi-party data in a privacy-sensitive manner. This research will develop technology to meet this immediate need. It will develop data mining algorithms that can work without direct access to the original sensitive data. The research will particularly focus on privacy-preserving statistical computing and clustering techniques that are particularly suitable for security-related threat management applications. The algorithmic approach is based on a combination of random projection and secured multi-party computation-based techniques. Deliverables will include a collection of privacy-sensitive algorithms and a documentation of their performance along with a demonstration. A successful completion of this project will open up many new possibilities particularly in the domain of security and threat management for counter-terrorism which are not possible today because of due concerns about the privacy of the common citizens. Privacy-preserving data mining has numerous potential applications, with enormous potential benefit for security and economic efficiency. It also has the great virtue of offering transparency to providers of information, allowing them to understand and control the revelation of sensitive features. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sarkar, Kakali AGNIK, LLC MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 97404 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 9102 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0441737 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Cognitive Agility Assessment Tool. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project concerns the development of an assessment tool that will enable users to profile a decision-maker's cognitive agility and expertise in high-level business situations. It is appropriate for evaluating decision makers in organizations and for evaluating students. It is based on results from WTRI's recent basic research that has uncovered mechanisms that may be involved in the determination of business expertise. It uses knowledge elicitation technology that WTRI has developed over several years to support research on the identification of intuitive expertise (in the sense of Dreyfus, 1997). The project outlines a plan to develop an on-line internet based version that is self-scoring and has been tested among well-known experts. The product will also be field-tested for its ability to predict general vs. industry specific expertise. The expected outcome is an easy to administer technology that can used by professional evaluators, professors, students or individuals and will assist in staff development and education. The profiles of expertise generated by the product will identify hidden strengths, areas of weakness, and suggestions for further development. A long-term goal is to create versions that can be distributed by qualified resellers and universities. In the current climate of rapid workplace change, decision-makers need to continually evaluate their ability to adapt to changes and re-invent their organization's value and competitive future. Few assessment tools address the cognitive underpinnings involved in the skill set involved. Rather, they evaluate personal traits or sub-skills that have some correlation with leadership, broadly defined. Using an empirically verified model of expertise in business strategy development and performance prediction, WTRI has built an assessment tool that locates an individual against this model, much like chess players are evaluated against a notion of a Chess Grand Master. When applied to individual client situations, this tool has shown itself to have powerful predictive capability and has successfully informed staff development efforts. Its distinctive feature is assessment of the ability to analyze disparate sources of information in order to make strategy level decisions and supporting tactical plans. Making it more widely available and usable by non-scientists would greater contribute to efforts to increase the performance of both organizations and decision makers. Organizations, distributors and several institutions of higher learning have expressed interest in this project to address what they consider to be an unmet need area. PROGRAM EVALUATION IIP ENG DiBello, Lia Workplace Technologies Research Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 7261 SMET 9180 9102 7261 0510604 Analytic Tools 0441748 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Team Development Toolbox. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on filling a gap in distance/distributed learning courseware: facilitating collaborative learning. Web-based learning tools, in particular Learning Management Systems (LMS), have yet to effectively marshal the benefits of team collaboration, namely, deeper levels of knowledge creation. While this finding is continually reinforced in research, new tools to develop these relationships have not been forthcoming. A new type of tool is needed, and the Team Development Toolbox (TDT) will be this new type of resource. Team Craft, Inc. is collaborating with The University of Texas to develop the TDT as a commercially viable suite of web-based software tools that are integrated into a LMS to support team formation and relationship building among students participating in asynchronous distance learning in science and similar courses in higher education. The TDT will be accessible through a school's web-based learning platform using a standard web browser and Internet connection. Among the deliverables in Phase I, the project will produce detailed product specifications, a rapid application prototype and related software evaluation model, and a white paper describing key factors contributing to successful distance learning and how the Team Development Toolbox will aim to promote this success. Effective teamwork is one of the most valuable resources for developing successful learners. Teamwork is most effective when team members are aware of, have access to, and commit to using effective processes. These processes promote good decisions and timely action. Specifically, the Toolbox proffered will foster positive relationships to support effective team process. Toolbox will contain a combination of new tools and extant tools, some having existed previously as a paper resource, others as isolated software. These tools have not heretofore been integrated into one resource and promoted on major on-line learning platforms. The Team Development Toolbox will enable students, otherwise isolated by distance, to initiate collaboration with supportive processes that instruct and draw-out best practices. It will help thus make the advantages of team learning accessible to students who do not have an ability to meet in face-to face interactions, including students with disabilities. The facilitation of learning experience that are truly shared among a community of learners will mean that learning from a distance can take its place as comparable in a positive way to many traditional classroom formats. The development team will disseminate non-proprietary research resulting from this grant through the resources of the Learning Technology Center at the University of Texas at Austin. EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIV IIP ENG Weider, Rich Team Craft, Inc. TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 7180 SMET 9178 9177 7180 0108000 Software Development 0441765 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor Using Computationally Designed Fluorescent Proteins. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes development of a distributed optical fiber sensor using computationally designed fluorescent proteins. Surface plasmon coupled emission (SPCE) has been shown to be an excellent means to enhance fluorescence sensing technology. With our innovation, grating-assisted SPCE (GASPCE), the fluorescence emission can be coupled into optical fibers with great efficiency. The integration of the GASPCE and existing optical fiber networking technology, such as spectral/time domain multiplexing, provides a robust infrastructure to perform distributed real-time resource monitoring. The core sensing technology is based on computationally designed proteins (CDPs), proteins containing a ligand-specific engineered binding site and conjugated fluorophore. The proposed system will address urgent needs related to homeland security and national defense. Further, it will have numerous industrial and scientific applications. The proposed enhancements have applicability across a wide range of fluorescent detection methods. The low cost and adaptability of CDP approach promises the expansion of detection systems into areas that were previously impractical to address. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ja, Shiou-Jyh NOMADICS, INC OK Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 CVIS 9150 5371 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441774 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Fiber-Laser-Based THz Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the development of new terahertz source modules based on difference frequency generation through GaSe nonlinear opticalcrystals. This Phase I project will focus on using Q-switched fiber lasers to generate THz sources by virtue of their high power density. These unique fiber lasers could also be implemented to generate ultra narrow-linewidth THz sources. The overall Phase I objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of a high power terahertz source with diffraction-limited output beam and the possibility of being fully implemented in Phase II. For many applications based on detection of the absorption of THz waves, there is critical need for a THz source that is coherent, narrow-linewidth, and high-power and has low divergence angle. This will answer the market requirement for compact, portable, high-power, diffraction -limited beam, narrow-linewidth, and ultra-stable THz sources. Such THz sources can be used for security screening, non-destructive testing, remote sensing, molecular spectroscopy, bio-medical imaging, pollution monitoring, and eventually also for target acquisition as well as tracking and pointing. The fiber-laser-based design will also have potential to be low-cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spiegelberg, Christine NP PHOTONICS INC AZ Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99999 5371 CVIS 1038 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441796 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Nemeth Math to Latex Backtranslator System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will conduct research to develop a commercial quality PC-based system for automatically back-translating mathematics encoded in Nemeth Math Braille notation to LATEX. The system will greatly facilitate communication of visually impaired students, scientists, and engineers with their sighted instructors and colleagues. It will also greatly help in facilitating learning of mathematics by elementary, middle and high school students. Translation of Nemeth Math Braille to LATEX is known to be a hard problem. Using novel approaches of denotational semantics and logic programming in earlier research, Logical Software Solutions (LSS) developed a proof-of-concept system that can back-translate complete mathematical documents containing both Nemeth Math and literary Braille text to LATEX. The prototype system developed, however, is limited. It does not handle all the spatially laid out Mathematics (matrices and grade school arithmetic and algebraic addition/subtraction problems.). In this project, LSS will conduct research to extend the prototype system so that spatially laid out mathematics can be fully handled. The research should make good progress toward a complete software environment approach commercial quality. It should be noted that until recently the back translation problem was widely believed to be unsolvable due to the language-complexity of Nemeth Braille Math. The proffered back-translation system will be usable a stand-alone software system that can convert math documents coded in Nemeth code to LATEX. The system has the potential to have a significant impact in the classroom environment, as blind students of mathematics, science and engineering at universities and community colleges will be able to write answers to homework and exam questions in Nemeth Math notation and have them automatically converted to LATEX for grading by a sighted instructor. Blind students at middle schools and high schools will also be significantly affected. According to the National Federation of the Blind, there are 93,600 blind children attending school in the U.S. alone. Likewise, the 1,166 community colleges in the U.S. and 417 universities with enrollments of more than 10.000 students serve tens of thousands of visually impaired students. The firm's market survey indicates that these institutions of learning (school districts, community colleges and universities will be potential customers. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Gopal, Deepa Logical Software Solutions TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 94440 1545 HPCC 9139 9102 1547 0000912 Computer Science 0441803 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: T-Splines for Surface Intersection. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I research project will investigate the application of T-splines to the problem of computing a topologically consistent surface intersection for geometric modeling applications. In the CAD/CAM industry, most free-form geometric modeling is done using NURBS surfaces. The intersection between two NURBS surfaces is traditionally represented using trimmed-NURBS format, but trimmed-NURBS cannot express the intersection of two NURBS surfaces without error, and hence a gap occurs. T-splines are a dramatically new surface formulation that allows local refinement, which means that a single control point can be inserted into a T-spline control grid without changing the surface. The objective of the proposed research is to study algorithms for computing the intersection of two NURBS surfaces represented as T-splines. The anticipated result will be a robust algorithm for representing the intersection of two NURBS surfaces using a single gap-free T-spline model. The gaps that occur in NURBS intersection algorithms mean that the resulting models are not topologically consistent. This lack of topological consistency is regarded as the single most serious unsolved problem in CAD/CAM. This problem is estimated to cost the industry a billion dollars per year. A successful solution to this problem will greatly reduce the design/analysis cycle time. T-splines seem ideally suited to solve this problem. Furthermore, NURBS are a special case of T-splines, and any T-spline can be converted without error into a NURBS. This means that a T-spline-based solution to the surface intersection problem will be forward and backward compatible with existing CAD/CAM software. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cardon, David T-Spline Company UT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 94000 5371 HPCC 9216 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0441807 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Magnetic Nanobead-Based Biosenor for Canine Immunity Assessment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on the development of a protein-based biosensor for immunity assessments in companion animals. The objective is to develop a prototype of a disposable biochip/fluidics cartridge and associated reader for a panel of canine diseases. A sandwich immunoassay on a biochip will be developed to measure antibody titer levels associated with canine diseases. In contrast to existing biochips, the fluorescent labels typically used will be replaced by magnetic nanobeads. These nanonbeads can be detected individually using an array of magnetic field sensors embedded in the biochip. The anticipated result of this project will be a biosensor that is simpler, more sensitive and less expensive than existing fluorescent-based biosensors. Moreover, the commercial biosensor may be readily adapted to detect biowarfare agents. There is growing evidence that the standard protocol of routine revaccinations of canines is often unnecessary because the animal still has protective immunity levels. Not only do over-vaccination create additional costs for dog owners, health risks exist with every vaccine - ranging from life-threatening conditions to conditions that degrade quality of life. The ability to use a biosensor to perform low-cost, real-time immunity assessments address the current over-vaccination problem by allowing veterinarians to provide tailored disease protection protocols. Immunity assessments are currently not part of the standard vaccination protocol because current immunity assessments solutions are either: 1) too costly, 2) take too long, 3) do not test a full vaccine panel, or 4) provide results that are difficult to interpret. This solution combines all of the key features necessary to be part of a veterinarian's immunity assessment protocol. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bilby, Curt Seahawk Biosystems Corporation MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9184 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441815 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Universal Nanoparticle Taggants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a taggant and anticounterfeiting/object authentication system based on a totally new type of optically encoded nanoparticle which can uniquely label almost any physical object and distinguish it from millions of other similar objects. The system is based on exciting samples of rare earth-based upconverting phosphor (RUP) materials at a single invisible infrared wavelength which emit into many narrow, well resolved emission bands from 400-800 nm. The encoded information is contained within the relative ratios of the multiple emission bands which are proportional to the relative ratios of emitters present in the phosphor. Since it has been experimentally demonstrated that over 330 ratios can be resolved in a two color system, it is predicted that up to 30 million samples could be uniquely labeled in the proposed four color system. Proof of principle experiments are proposed in the areas of document and optical media authentication, object tracking applications and pharmaceutical tampering. Commercially substantial, direct and near term benefits can be derived from the application of this technology across many diverse areas such as document and other media authentication, personal health or safety (food supply and pharmaceutical tampering), product authentication and the labeling of large numbers of biological samples for high throughput screening. By virtue of the extremely large number of unique labels that can be generated and read, there could be unprecedented opportunities in the intelligence field to surreptitiously track and authenticate objects, individuals, documents, vehicles, money, explosives and weapons. The ease of applying the labels, the simplicity of hardware to read the labels, the high compatibility with existing techniques and the stable, nontoxic nature of the labels will facilitate rapid commercial acceptance SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99905 5371 MANU 9147 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441833 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Environment Probability Density Function (PDF) Method for Modeling Turbulent Combustion Using Detailed Chemistry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the applicability and merit of applying the multi-environment probability density function (MEPDF) method to model turbulent combustion problems with realistic chemical kinetics within comprehensive CFD simulations of practical combustion equipment. MEPDF retains many of the desirable properties of the transported probability density function (PDF) method but at a fraction of the computational cost, including the ability to treat the chemical source term exactly and address the nonlinear interaction between turbulence and finite rate chemical reactions with great accuracy. MEPDF originated from multi-environment micro-mixing models used in the chemical engineering community to simulate chemical processes with little heat release. Recently this method has been extended to model gas phase combustion problems, but for only very simple chemistry. This project aims to further advance this method by extending it to incorporate realistic chemical kinetics for modeling combustion problems where turbulent-finite rate reaction interaction is crucial for accurate prediction such as pollutant emission (e.g., NOx, soot). The work would eventually extend the MEPDF method to model heterogeneous combustion problems, such as coal combustion, and provide means to simulate low NOx firing systems that are widely used in the power generation industry. The activities of extending the MEPDF method to simulate practical combustion systems using complex chemical kinetics would lead to a solid foundation of the scientific and engineering knowledge and understanding base. The value of an improved modeling tool to provide more reliable predictions of complex combustion processes is clearly evidenced by commercial concerns from various industries. The development of advanced tools from this project provides means for companies in the power generation, chemical process, mineral process, and incineration industries to improve product designs and services that would ultimately benefit the environment, global competitiveness, and national/homeland security. An improved understanding of pollutant formation and destruction processes, currently limited by the ability to accurately model these complex processes, will result in reductions of pollutant emissions. Reducing pollutant emissions from power plants, process furnaces, and incinerators will continue to be both a necessary environmental objective and a challenging engineering problem requiring the best investigational tools possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tang, Qing REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL UT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0441869 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Materials for Portable Energy Harvesting Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will prototype and characterize piezoelectric (PZ) textiles and their application to energy scavenging systems. SmartWear has verified that fiber spinning represents an improvement over traditional methods for manufacture of PZ polymer materials. The fiber spinning process allows for enhanced technical performance through improved polymer recrystallization as compared to solution-cast thin films, which eliminates the need for additional processing ("poling") to solicit the PZ properties. With potentially lower cost and higher performance, SmartWear's PZ fiber technology may also have significant applications to other existing products where PZ thin films are currently used. Textile forms of piezoelectric materials will enable development of portable and/or wearable systems for energy scavenging and distributed passive sensing. For example, garments utilizing PZ materials could capture or regenerate electrical power from body movement, and would be beneficial to first responder, security and military personnel in the field. In addition, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's) could tow a PZ banner during flight and regenerate electrical power for onboard electronics, either reducing battery payload or extending battery lifetime or providing additional capability for the same battery weight. While UAV's are currently used primarily in military applications, their use in surveillance for border patrol and remote search-and-rescue is expected to increase as systems become more affordable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pottenger, Michael SmartWear, LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1775 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0441891 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Incorporation of Knowledge Base into Statistical Machine Translation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proffers an innovative approach to machine translation. The project model aims to overcome two important bottlenecks in the development of a high quality Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) system: (1) the inability to handle structural problems, and (2) dependence on huge amounts of parallel texts. The inability of statistics to sufficiently handle grammatical problems such as word order becomes more evident when the language pair is very different in structure and morphology, such as with English and Korean. This project is a method to learn linguistic knowledge crucial to handling word order and nonlocal dependencies automatically from text and incorporate it into SMT along with simple transformations, maximizing the strength of both knowledge-based approaches and statistical approaches, and minimizing the need for ever-increasing amounts of bilingual data. This approach aims to build a syntactic-phrase-based Statistical Machine Translation engine that is not only more accurate than the existing word-based ones but is also capable of decreasing the need for large data sources. The primary impact of the project is the potential for achieving automatic translation quality, which is as high as the quality of the best knowledge-based machine translation engines but which, at the same time, requires a minimum of handcrafting of knowledge and is therefore much lower cost in terms of development time and human resources. While the research is specifically concerned with MT between English and Korean, the resulting translation models would potentially be usable for translation between any pair of languages. In addition to benefiting machine translation research and applications directly, the research will provide significant progress towards building bilingual phrase lexicons from data, which in turn will aid in multi-lingual tasks such as cross-lingual information retrieval. Sehda's syntactic phrase based MT engine can produce unambiguous phrase translations, useful for indexing foreign documents and constructing keyword lists for document summary. Additionally, the project's method to learn features to augment traditional language modeling will have an impact in many different applications including speech recognition, search engines, genre and topic detection, and document search and query. Lastly, this research has beneficial impacts nationally and globally by helping to solve the "automatic translation" problem, an area of paramount importance to the economic welfare and security of the US, as well as to the rest of the world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Yookyung Fluential , Inc. CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 0000912 Computer Science 0441904 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Water Remediation Technology for Removal of Chemical and Biological Contaminants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop an inexpensive, passive water purification system that will remove chemical and biological contaminants from water for home and personal use. Worldwide there is grave concern with the potential for terrorist acts to pollute municipal water systems. The uncertain nature of terrorist action makes defensive measures equally uncertain. A low cost water purification system which is effective against most biological pathogens and organic contaminates provides an additional resource to our homeland defenses. The passive nature of the proposed treatment module makes it independent of other factors such as power requirements or water pressure. The initial product, in its smallest embodiment, is designed to be portable so that a person or family can take it wherever circumstances may dictate. The most promising single water purification technology, which meets all of the constraints, is one based on surface modified zeolite adsorption. A key issue is the scalability of any technology; with the completion of this development project, a demonstration not only of the initial product for homeland defense but a product path to a complete self-powered home water treatment system will be made. It is widely accepted that inevitably water is becoming the world's most precious commodity. Innumerable deaths and diseases are constantly linked to polluted water, not to mention the lack of water in certain locales. From the executive summary of the World Water Assessment Program sponsored by the United Nations under UNESCO: "In 2000, the estimated mortality rate due to water sanitation hygiene-associated diseases, was 2,213,000." That calculates to one person every 15 seconds. In China, over one billion people lack acceptable water resources. News reports chronicle the fact that thousands if not millions of people spend a significant portion of their day seeking potable water. Recent geopolitical events as well as local budgetary constraints are doing nothing to improve the situation. A low cost water purification system, which has broad applicability in third world regions, would be a major step in improving the health and well being of millions of people. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farmen, Lisa Crystal Clear Technologies OR Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99500 5371 EGCH 9186 9102 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0442259 November 1, 2004 Proposal for RPI Research Site of Industry/University Cooperative Research Center "Connection One". The technical focus of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute research site for the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Telecommunication Integrated Circuits and Systems "Connection One" is in broadband data transport including basic and applied interdisciplinary research in secure optical and electrical data transport, switching and processing. This research will include materials, devices, systems, and information technology, requiring long-term commitment to achieve the orders of magnitude improvements needed in the speed, density, power, cost and reliability of secure data transport and communications. The research site will address basic research issues that enable the massive scaling required by these systems in optical and electrical data transport, switching, and processing. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Shur, Michael Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 260000 5761 SMET OTHR 9177 7218 115E 1049 0000 0443924 August 15, 2004 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC: Safety Security Rescue Research Center (SSR-RC). This multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Safety, Security and Rescue Research located at the University of South Florida and the University of Minnesota will bring together industry, academe, and public sector users together to provide integrative robotics and artificial intelligence solutions in robotics for activities conducted by the police, FBI, FEMA, firefighting, transportation safety, and emergency response to mass casuality-related activities. The need for safety, security, and rescue technologies has accelerated in the aftermath of 9/11 and a new research community is forming, as witnessed by the first IEEE Workshop on Safety, Security and Rescue Robotics in February 2003. The Center will be built upon the knowledge and expertise of multi-disciplinary researchers in computer science, engineering, industrial organization, psychology, public health, and marine sciences at the University of South Florida (the lead institution) and the University of Minnesota. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CISE RESEARCH RESOURCES IIP ENG Valavanis, Kimon University of South Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 918326 V990 V886 V758 V718 T036 T672 T540 T539 5761 2890 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0443945 August 15, 2004 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC: Safety Security Rescue Research Center (SSR-RC). This multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Safety, Security and Rescue Research located at the University of South Florida and the University of Minnesota will bring together industry, academe, and public sector users together to provide integrative robotics and artificial intelligence solutions in robotics for activities conducted by the police, FBI, FEMA, firefighting, transportation safety, and emergency response to mass casuality-related activities. The need for safety, security, and rescue technologies has accelerated in the aftermath of 9/11 and a new research community is forming, as witnessed by the first IEEE Workshop on Safety, Security and Rescue Robotics in February 2003. The Center will be built upon the knowledge and expertise of multi-disciplinary researchers in computer science, engineering, industrial organization, psychology, public health, and marine sciences at the University of South Florida (the lead institution) and the University of Minnesota. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CISE RESEARCH RESOURCES IIP ENG Papanikolopoulos, Nikolaos Stergios Roumeliotis Tasoulla Hadjiyanni University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 524750 5761 2890 SMET OTHR 9177 7218 5761 122E 115E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0449453 February 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Microbial Enhancement of Soybeans for Salmonid Diets. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a process for enhancing the nutritional value of soybeans to replace fishmeal as the primary ingredient in farmed trout and salmon feed. Fishmeal creates environmental and economic constraints for the aquaculture industry. Plant-derived proteins are a good alternate feed source, but do not meet the nutritional requirements of many farmed fish species including trout and salmon. Prior Phase I work demonstrated that a combination of a selected fungal strain with innovations in solid substrate culture (SSC) would increase the protein content, eliminate the non-digestible carbohydrates and reduce anti-nutritional factors in soybeans. This Phase II project will test pilot-scale SSC technology to determine engineering design and economics for a commercial process to manufacture the bio-enhanced soy protein, and to demonstrate the feed value of this protein in trout feeding trials. The commercial application of this project will be in the aquaculture industry. The use of fishmeal creates economic, market and water pollution issues for fish farmers, and consumer concerns regarding environmental impacts (for example, there are reports of PCBs, dioxins, and other pesticides detected at higher levels in farmed salmon that have been fed fishmeal based diets). Replacing fishmeal with plant based proteins will promote health through increased fish consumption and will alleviate environmental and economic constraints facing the aquaculture industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bradley, Clifford Montana Microbial Products MT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 499400 5373 BIOT 9150 9117 0521700 Marine Resources 0449731 April 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Infrasonic Avalanche Identification. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project aims to produce a working prototype sensor array monitoring system that detects, identifies, and localizes the infrasound generated by snow avalanches. The goal of the project is to bring to commercial form automated monitoring systems that improve the safety and welfare of those impacted by avalanche activity. Avalanche-generated infrasound signals can propagate miles from their origin, and provide a basis for automated monitoring and warning systems. Previously developed single sensor infrasound monitoring systems can detect and identify avalanche-generated infrasound in an automated near real-time manner, but performance suffers when avalanche signal amplitudes are small and/or during high wind noise periods. By advancing and refining array-based signal processing algorithms, sensor array monitoring can provide spatial information that greatly improves avalanche signal identification in varying signal and noise conditions while also providing the geographic location of the avalanche signal origin. Identification of avalanche occurrences will improve safety in avalanche prone terrain and minimize direct and indirect costs associated with avalanche activity. Automated notification of unexpected avalanche activity will provide a prompt for early response activities. Knowledge garnered through this project will advance the field of applied infrasonic sensor array monitoring, an infant science. Innovative hardware and software components that are designed and proven will be available for other infrasound monitoring applications such as tornadoes, volcanoes, flash floods, ocean storms, calving glaciers, aura borealis, ridgeline winds, explosions, and aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Scott, Ernest INTER-MOUNTAIN LABORATORIES, INC WY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 608739 5373 CVIS 9150 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0449802 August 15, 2004 Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi): A Multi-Campus I/UCRC for Supply Chain Research. The addition of the University of Florida to the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution presents a plan to broaden the research and industry-member base of the Center. The Center currently contains four academic partners focusing their collective research efforts on value-adding, sustaining, and recovering processing in logistics and distribution management. The University of Florida's participation will be by researchers currently associated with the Supply Chain and Logistics Engineering Center, a multi-disciplinary research center that focuses on large-scale supply chain and logistics optimization problems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Welt, Bruce University of Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 677900 V775 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0450032 January 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Implementation of Sex Pheromone-Based Systems to Suppress Populations of Soybean Aphids. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop sex pheromone-based techniques for monitoring, mass trapping, and mating disruption of the soybean aphid. Since its first appearance in North America, infestations of the newly invasive soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, have continued to cause a significant soybean yield loss due to either direct feeding damage or the vectoring of plant viruses by the aphid. In 2003, the total acreage with soybean aphid infestation was estimated at over 8 million, with yield loss ranging from 32% - 45% in the three biggest soybean growing states in the U.S. (Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota). This project will investigate novel suppression strategies to reduce populations of this pest, thereby reducing the size of the subsequent populations feeding on soybeans. The commercial application of this project will be to manage aphids in the soybean crop. The research aims to increase knowledge of the chemical ecology of aphids, as well as provide a new understanding of how to use these novel aphid sex pheromone-based control strategies most effectively. This will help growers in the U.S., the world's largest soybean exporting country, to improve crop quality and yield at a minimal cost for soybean aphid management, thereby increasing their competitiveness in the world market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhu, Junwei MSTRS Technologies Inc. IA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 531223 5373 BIOT 9251 9178 9109 7218 0201000 Agriculture 0450072 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Athermal Multiplexers Based on Reflective Arrayed Waveguide Grating Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will optimize Performance and demonstrate reliability of temperature insensitive silica-based arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexers developed under SBIR Phase I award. In Phase I we have successfully demonstrated that the temperature sensitivity of silica-based AWGs can be eliminated by a combination of a reflective device with a unique external mirror that rotates with temperature at a constant rate. The rotation of the external mirror compensates for the temperature induced index change of silica waveguides and the resulting peak wavelength shift of individual channels, making the device athermal. This has been accomplished without penalties in the device performance. The goal of Phase II is to develop compact 40-channel, 100 GHz, totally passive athermal AWGs with Gaussian or flattop passband profiles that is manufacturable in large volume. Special attention will be given to the reliability certification of athermal AWGs as specified by Telcordia standards. During Phase II we will distribute reliable prototypes to our partners and potential customers for field tests. The research and development program carried out under this Phase II project will result in robust manufacturing process of reliable athermal AWGs ready for commercialization. This project is focused on producing a highly reliable, temperature insensitive, AWGs based on silica-on-silicon technology. AWGs are planar optical devices that are considered key components in dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) optical Networks. The novel approach to the manufacture of silica based AWGs, relying on high-technology silicon IC foundries, results in high quality devices that are produced at low cost, in high volume, and without a large front-end investment. The innovative design results in complete suppression of the temperature sensitivity of silica based AWGs. This approach eliminates the need for electric power and external temperature control of AWGs, resulting in a more robust, and considerably less expensive device package. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Grave de Peralta, Luis MULTIPASS CORPORATION TX Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0450162 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Developing Crop Plants with Wide-Spectrum Disease Resistance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on developing genetically engineered, broad -spectrum disease resistance in plants. An Aribdopsis transcription factor, TDR1, has been identified that causes resistance to three pathogens when overexpressed in transgenic plants. However, constitutive expression of TDR1 or any of three related genes causes growth retardation. Phase I research demonstrated that using tissue specific or inducible promoters to drive the TDR1 genes confers resistance with reduced side-effects. The research objectives of the Phase II project are to test the limits of TDR technology by assaying a broad range of pathogens, optimize the TDR phenotype by mutagenesis, demonstrate TDR function in a crop plant (tomato), and use microarray analysis to correlate gene expression patterns with specific pathogen resistance spectra in Arabidopsis. The results will establish the commercial utility of TDR technology. The commercial application of this research will be to engineer wide-spectrum disease resistance in crops such as soybean and maize. Chemically based disease management is expensive, harmful to people and the environment, and not always effective. Breeding has long been used for developing resistant cultivars, but the gene pool is limited by reproductive barriers, the technique is slow, and the resistance is generally narrow in scope and often not durable. There clearly is a market for genetically-engineered, durable disease resistance. The main societal benefit of this project is expected to be a decrease in the use of toxic fungicides, which will positively impact the environment and human health. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ade, Jules Mendel Biotechnology Incorporated CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 962138 5373 BIOT 9109 9102 0201000 Agriculture 0450164 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Multi-Coil Surface NMR Instrumentation and Software for 3-D Groundwater Imaging. This SBIR Phase II research proposal aims to develop a commercial multi-Coil Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS) system for 3-D groundwater imaging and characterization. The principal innovations are the use of multi-coil arrays and the development of coherent signal processing methods to reconstruct 3-D images. The feasibility of this system concept through computer simulation, analysis, and by acquiring experimental (very low SNR) multi-coil NMR data has been established. It is now proposed to design and assemble a field-scale multi-coil MRS prototype instrument with surface coil diameters on the order of 50-100 meters, and to field test this prototype extensively with the U.S. Geological Survey and a groundwater -consulting firm. This multi-coil MRS system enables a critical performance improvement in the area of spatial resolution (3-D vs. 1-D) and at least an order of magnitude improvement in sensitivity (effective SNR). Inadequate access to clean, safe, and reliable sources of drinking water is a primary cause of disease in the developing world. Inadequate access to groundwater resources, and inadequate understanding of the long-term effects of groundwater use, pose fundamental limitations on economic and agricultural development in much of the developed world, including the United States. As an inexpensive, low-energy, and non-invasive groundwater exploration method, the proposed technology could have significant positive impacts on world health, natural resource management, and economic development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Walsh, David VISTA CLARA INC WA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9216 1518 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0450165 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Power-Aware Statically Speculative Microprocessors. This SBIR Phase II research project will develop energy-aware compiler techniques to reduce power and energy consumption in microprocessors, without affecting performance. A key principle behind this approach is to use speculative information available at compile time to reduce power and energy consumption. The key qualifier is speculative: the information does not have to be provably correct. Speculative information that turns out to be correct will enhance energy reduction; if it is incorrect, the worst that will happen is that a penalty (in terms of energy) will have to be paid. The use of such speculative compile-time information opens up a largely unexplored dimension in compilers and computer architectures, to target energy efficiency. Over the past few years, energy consumption by computers has emerged as a major area of intellectual and commercial activity. These techniques if successful will permit substantial savings in energy consumption. The outcome of the proposed effort will not merely be a set of products, but also a vastly increased understanding of the means by which compile-time information can be exploited for energy savings. With the increasing prevalence of battery-powered computing devices such as PDAs, mobile telephones, and notebooks, power-aware computing is becoming increasingly important commercially. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chheda, Saurabh BlueRISC Labs MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 662000 9131 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9107 0106000 Materials Research 0522100 High Technology Materials 0450169 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Tactile Graphic Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will conduct research leading to the development of working prototypes of new low cost and compact Tactile Graphic Displays and Braille Displays. The dominant technology today, displays driven by piezo-electric actuators, has two major deficiencies. It is very expensive, about $12 to $16 per tactile dot, and the actuator shape, a 50 to 70 mm long reed, significantly increases the volume of feasible displays, essentially limiting their use to single line Braille displays for desktop or portable devices. During the Phase I of the project, C.A.Technology performed extensive research on the design of a new Shape Memory Alloy single dot actuator and has demonstrated the feasibility of tactile displays based on this technology. This actuator uses a short and very thin Titanium-Nickel alloy wire, which will bring the cost per dot down to about $3 to $4, and will considerably reduce the display volume, allowing its use in hand-held devices. The Phase II effort will include the following: 1) detailed design, construction and user testing of the new tactile arrays; 2) development of software to interface these displays with various portable and hand-held devices, such as C.A.Technology's own Portable Print Reading Device; and 3) preliminary design of manufacturing tools and facilities. In the mid-seventies, the appearance of the first electronic Braille displays changed the lives of blind individuals. Today, many have immediate and selective tactile access to textual information through refreshable electronic Braille displays. However, the high cost of these devices still severely limits their diffusion. By reducing their cost, their size and their weight, this new technology will increase the market penetration of Braille displays, making them accessible to many more blind and deaf-blind individuals and significantly improve their employment opportunities. Access to graphic symbols widely used for example in mathematics, chemistry and access to plain graphics is still only possible through slow, bulky and very costly graphic embossers. If a picture is "worth a thousand words", then a compact, low cost refreshable graphic tactile display proffers a significant new opportunity for the lives of blind students, blind engineers, blind physicists and blind people involved in almost any intellectual activity. In addition, it will also be important to those with low vision. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tretiakoff, Oleg C. A. Technology, Inc. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 SMET 9180 9179 9178 9177 1545 0104000 Information Systems 0108000 Software Development 0450171 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: New Algorithms for Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Camera Based Object Tracking. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a new class of moving object tracking algorithms and software prototype for Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras in video surveillance systems. In most of today's video surveillance systems, human operators using PTZ cameras perform real-time object tracking manually. This is often stressful and inefficient (an operator can only control one PTZ camera at a time) and causes inconsistent results. The proposed project will develop a new class of algorithms to direct PTZ cameras to track multiple moving objects of interest automatically. Using an optimal filter with new object state and observation models does this. The project outcome will be smart software modules that can be integrated into standard video surveillance systems to improve their capabilities. Video surveillance systems are important tools in the fight against crime and terrorism. Most of the systems on the market today are relatively standard DVR's (digital video recorders) with few smart features. The proposed innovation (automatic object tracking) is a smart feature that can significantly improve a standard system's capabilities by allowing it to get better and more useful images. Since this feature is demanded by many end-users, it is highly attractive to equipment vendors and integrators. Furthermore, by introducing new models for object tracking , the proposed innovation also advances the state-of-the-art in image processing and computer vision research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Drake, Laura JunTech, Inc. WI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1722 1704 0522400 Information Systems 0450179 January 1, 2005 STTR Phase II: Low-Cost Manufacturing of Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) with Highly Dispersed Catalyst. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will advance the development of the high frequency pulse/pulse reverse electrodeposition process for the catalyzation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The Phase II objectives/research tasks include: (1) fabrication and testing of a Betascale reel-to-reel manufacturing line which will be used to catalyze full-size gas diffusion electrodes; (2) optimization of the electrode structure and the deposition process on full size gas diffusion electrodes; and, (3) characterization of the MEA performance and relationship to the catalyst size and location and deposition process parameters. The anticipated results of the Phase II program are a marketable manufacturing process in the form of a Beta-scale reel-to-reel manufacturing line incorporating the pulse/pulse reverse catalyzation process. This STTR Phase II project addresses the needs of the emerging fuel cell industry, enabling the cost-effective manufacture of a critical component of PEM fuel cells. More specifically, this process enables production of MEAs with specific cost-performance targets for a range of applications. This product/process technology is enabling to PEM fuel cells for the automotive, portable and stationary power markets. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Inman, Maria FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 1020000 5761 5373 1591 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 5761 1401 122e 1049 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0308000 Industrial Technology 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0450230 February 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Creating Functionally Decomposed Surface Models from Measured Data. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project deals with the problems of reconstructing complex free-form shapes from measured data. Raindrop Magic's primary interest is to produce well-structured, high-quality CAD models. Several techniques exist to reach this goal; unfortunately, automatic surfacing systems provide only rough approximations and do not capture the original design intent, while manual segmentation methods are not very stable and require tedious work. Using functional decomposition, objects are built up as a collection of large, independent primary surfaces being connected by smaller, dependent feature surfaces, such as fillets or swept surfaces. In Phase I, semi-automatic methods were elaborated to create good segmenting curve nets. Exploiting the specific properties of different feature types, the research team proposed algorithms to compute optimal surface representations for each. In Phase II, the team envisions transforming and extending their theoretical results into robust and efficient computational algorithms. Five subsystems are proposed: Surface-Indicators, Constrained-Fitting, Curve-Tracing, Fairing, and Feature-Fitting. New core technologies are developed for creating different geometric entities, which are eventually integrated to obtain high-quality surface models. This technology should significantly shorten lead-time in related industrial design and manufacturing processes and produce aesthetic objects, having a positive impact on the whole society. The proffered technology has broader impacts in two key market sectors: reverse engineering and advanced surfacing. At the research front, the proposed project deepens the understanding of computer-aided geometric modeling working with scan data, a field that has not received much attention from the large CAD companies, but is an active area of research. It combines the knowledge of both discrete and continuous mathematics and takes advantage of the strength of both approaches. On the technology front, it introduces a new paradigm that will significantly improve the current commercial systems of reverse engineering with better engineering features and advanced surfacing through simpler operations. The main applications will be product design, including automotive, aerospace, consumer products, and medical devices. The improved product will help the US manufacturing industry to be more competitive in the world market, providing a way to introduce design on demand and engineering on demand services. The proposed project will help US companies to increase customer-focused production and reduce the time between product iterations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Varady, Tamas RAINDROP GEOMAGIC INC NC Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 489179 5373 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0450262 April 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Membrane Protein Microarrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a product platform based on polymer cushion coated glass slides with controlled surface charge density for membrane protein microarray fabrication. The key technical objectives for Phase II research are : (a) to complete quantitative studies on surface charge density in the formation of supported phospholipid bilayer (SPB) from charged lipids , (b) to develop the chemistry for the grafting / adsorption of polymer cushions, (c) to measure the activities of membrane proteins in SPBs, and (d) to fabricate membrane protein microarrays based on surface pre-patterning using soft lithography techniques. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of protein microarrays for use in disease diagnostics and for drug discovery research. The proposed technology will enable development of therapeutics aimed at membrane protein targets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Guo, Athena MICROSURFACES INC MN Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0450308 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Rapid Application Development Architecture for Product, Process, and Cost Configuration Across Manufacturing Verticals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop prototype architecture of an engineering advisory system and validate its application. Although the cost of product design could be only about 5% of the total product cost, decisions made during the design stage can contribute as much as 70-80% to the final product cost. Inappropriate design decisions made without sufficient manufacturing knowledge, or information, increases iterations in the product development lifecycle, causing significant costs to both the original equipment manufactures (OEMs) and the lower tier manufacturers. A survey by Purdue University indicated that 90% of the engineers/designers had very little process knowledge, thus indicating that there is a serious design-manufacturing knowledge gap. The aims and responsibilities of the Phase II project are to bridge the design-manufacturing knowledge gap through the development of an engineering advisory system to be used in early design. The system would be analogous to a spell-checking tool, advising engineers/designers on manufacturability and cost. The system will perform Dynamic Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis, evaluate part geometry in order to provide advice on the manufacturing aspects of the part, especially tooling and process related parameters in part design, help in estimating relative manufacturing costs for a part by mapping the geometric and non-geometric parameters of the part to a cost-based manufacturing process model, integrate 3D Shape Search Engine (licensed from Purdue University) with Part/Tooling/Cost Advisor & Knowledge Reuse Agent, seamlessly integrate with commercial Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) system using sophisticated geometric reasoning algorithms and a hybrid B-rep-voxel approach, and extract manufacturing feature-based geometric information. If successful this product will enable engineers/designers make informed decisions early in product design about processes and part/tooling for manufacturability while serving as an on-demand manufacturing "what-if" educational tool for engineers/designers. It will reduce non-value added design features so optimal and economical processes can be considered, thus lowering tooling costs while minimizing the risk in the quotation process for both OEMs and tooling firms. The outcome of this research also have an educational impact in engineering schools by introducing students to manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability concepts. The company will provide the engineering advisory system to universities to use in their engineering curriculum. The outcome of the proposed research can improve product design, lower cost and positively impact the local economy by linking local suppliers in early design directly through an engineering advisory system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rathod, Nainesh IMAGINESTICS LLC IN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 962153 5373 HPCC 9216 9139 1631 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0450314 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Microdisplays Based on III-Nitride Wide Band Gap Semiconductors. The goal of this SBIR Phase II project is to bring the demonstrated Gallium Nitride (GaN) microdisplay technology to industrial maturity and to final commercialization levels. The project's goal will be accomplished by further optimizing the microdisplay device structural design and fabrication process based on the demonstrative results obtained in Phase I. Based on high-efficiency semiconductor micro-light-emitting diode (microLED) array technology, the GaN microdisplay is the first of its kind based on semiconductor LEDs. Specifically, by the hybrid integration of GaN microLED arrays with Si CMOS driver circuits through flip-chip bonding, active matrix addressable GaN microdisplays will have a compact size and will be able to support more information content and movie display due to their high pixel filling factor, uniformity, luminance, and power efficiency. The unique intrinsic properties of GaN microLEDs - high brightness (> 10 microwatt optical output power for microLEDs of 18 micrometer in diameter), wide viewing angle (~ 160 degrees), fast response time (< 1 ns), and high thermal and vibrational resistance, make GaN microdisplays a perfect solution for environmentally demanding applications such as head-up displays (HUD) in modern vehicles and aircrafts, head-mounted displays (HMD) for firefighters and other rescue operatives, and hand-held mini-projectors for field applications. Microdisplays have a small size (typically less than 1 inch diagonal) with a resolution from low end to above XVGA format. They are magnified by optics to form enlarged virtual or projected images for viewing by a user. Microdisplays can be used in a variety of devices such as head-mounted displays, video headsets, camcorder viewfinders, projection TV, head-up displays, etc. and have many commercial applications. GaN microdisplay, with its superior performance over other microdisplay technologies, is especially suitable for environmentally demanding applications that require high brightness, high reliability, and wide operating temperature range. With a slight modification of the material composition, GaN microLED arrays developed here can vary the emitted wavelength from the green to the ultraviolet range, which is very suitable for fluorescence analysis used in new type chemical-biology agent detector array or DNA/protein microchips. The GaN microLED array also has the potential for applications such as optical links and parallel computing. Other applications also include spatially resolved optical studies of biological, medical, and health care systems. The research will also enrich the general knowledge of wide bandgap semiconductor micro- and nano-photonics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fan, Zhaoyang III-N TECHNOLOGY, INC TX William Haines Standard Grant 479672 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9150 9139 1631 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450338 February 1, 2005 SBIR/STTR Phase II: A Semiconductor Device for Direct and Efficient Conversion of Radioisotope Energy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will fabricate a prototype betavoltaic battery in a form factor the size of a quarter coin. The goal will be to generate approximately 100 microwatts of electrical power in a volume less than half a cubic centimeter from a tritiated energy source. Research conducted for the Phase I portion of this project established the feasibility of constructing a semiconductor device that directly and efficiently converts the energy released from radioactive decay directly into electric current. Three dimensional (3D) diodes were constructed in macroporous silicon by placing p-n junctions along the walls of all the pores. These junctions formed the betavoltaic conversion layer for beta particles (electrons) emitted by gaseous tritium (the radioisotope of hydrogen with a half life of 12.3 years) that was distributed throughout the pore space. Measurements of the current-voltage responses for this novel 3D geometry demonstrated an order of magnitude efficiency increase compared to conventional 2Dplanar diodes. In the 3D diode nearly every decay electron entered the p-n conversion layers. The focus of the Phase II research will be to enhance the performance of the 3D diodes to maximize conversion efficiency. Also, the source energy density will be increased markedly by developing a tritiated solid that can be easily and routinely dispersed in the pore space. This research will lead to the development of a practical nuclear battery. Commercially, betavoltaic batteries will be useful in a wide variety of sensors and devices used for remote and extended missions in many inaccessible locations. Successful commercialization of this nuclear battery with its order of magnitude increase in useful life is to increase significantly the utilization of self-powered devices and sensors. Stringent efforts will be made to ensure the radiological safety of these nuclear batteries at every step in the development, manufacturing and commercialization processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Gadeken, Larry BetaBatt, Inc. TX William Haines Standard Grant 616550 5373 1591 EGCH 9251 9231 9186 9178 9102 1505 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0522100 High Technology Materials 0450355 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Development of an Automated Ballast Water Exchange Monitoring System Using 'Through-the-Hull' Acoustic Modems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project is aimed at building the first prototype of an automated ballast water exchange (BWE) monitoring and reporting system. The system will use acoustic modems that use ultrasonic acoustic energy through metal structures as the means of communication. Wireless networking based on radio frequencies (RF) is not very effective within enclosed metal structures such as the hulls of ships. The acoustic modems can be used to overcome such limitations and can establish a local wireless network for data transfer among sensors located in various parts of the vessels. The through-the-hull communications technology is at a nascent but proven state. Existing modems transfer data at 20 bits per second. The Phase-I research showed that a data rate of 500 bits per second (or higher) would exceed the data throughput requirement for BWE monitoring. Ballast water management is a global issue. The foreign micro-organisms not only destroy the bio-diversity in the native coastal eco systems but create problems for regional economies as well. The impact from the introduction of Zebra mussels in great lakes is estimated at over four billion dollars. Therefore developing an effective and inexpensive technology for monitoring the ballast water has a broader impact on the society. It has the potential to save economies that depend on coastal resources and ensure the preservation of the local eco-systems for future generations without placing excessive restrictions on international maritime trade. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Talukdar, Kushal Harris Acoustic Products Corporation MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 497767 5373 HPCC 9139 1631 1518 0104000 Information Systems 0450380 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Enabling Pedagogical Choice and Cost-Efficiency in the Development of Web-based Curricula. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build a first-release Web-based system for content authoring and delivery that supports multiple approaches to pedagogical practice and provides efficient, easy to use methodologies with which course designers can employ system capabilities. Specifically, this project will continue the work started and demonstrated to be feasible in Phase I to create online authoring and complementary course management systems, which have features and benefits that are immediately available to innovative instructional designers. The goal is to enable the development of technology-mediated instruction through cost-effective means for producing new content and to do so with a focus on supporting instructional design innovation without compromising the capabilities of the technology. The goal is an innovation that will empower content providers to use principled learning theories and pedagogical practices for creating new online curricula that support technology-mediated instruction. The project will produce a new type of authoring and delivery system in which the functionality available to create course structure; manage multimedia content development; translate course specification into reliable production delivery; and access course-related activities for learners and their teachers or mentors, including dynamic learning interactions and real-time behavior tracking and reporting reflects the authors' preferred learning theories and pedagogies. This project seeks to provide a set of enabling tools that support the development of technology-mediated instruction through cost-effective means for producing content, focused on supporting instructional design innovation without compromising the capabilities of the technology. The commercial applications of the research result are sales and licenses of the created systems, both with and without content, to content developers, publishers, and also middle and high schools, districts, and other local entities for use by individuals and groups who desire to create and to publish content and assessments for communities of practice and who are impeded by cost and time constraints. The resulting systems will address a major problem in education: the consolidation of content development and dissemination in the hands of a small number of publishing conglomerates and the consequent lack of quality and diversity of choice that have been a result of that consolidation. With an extensible authoring system, the company would be positioned to tap into a large market with a business model that supports both new business development and the legacy assets of publishers and eLearning providers, and to create major new opportunities for many other types of content providers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chaput, Linda AGILE MIND INC TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 1020000 5373 SMET 9178 9177 9102 7256 0101000 Curriculum Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0450397 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Photonic Crystal Coherent Thermal Emission for Sensors. This SBIR Phase II project proposes to fabricate a photonic crystal, thermal mid-IR source with low divergence and low dispersion at about 0.1% the cost of competing technologies. Phase 1 research resolved fine structure of the emission spectrum from 2-D photonic crystals showing that the high intensity, large bandwidth peak had many submodes with strong polarization and angular dependence. In a series of designed experiments the intensity and central wavelength of these submodes were varied with geometrical alterations of the photonic crystal, and theoretically were correlated to surface plasmon resonances. A computer model was developed that matched experimental data. Results imply optimization of photonic crystal structure in Phase 2 could isolate a single sub-mode resulting in very low dispersion, very low divergence emission that could be coherent. The project will support high-end computational research at a university for complex electro-magnetic modeling of photon - surface plasmon interactions. Improved structures predicted by these calculations will be fabricated at an NSF supported nano-fabrication facility. We will examine effects of altered symmetry, periodic defects, and detailed shaping of electrostatic fields. All existing choices for coherent radiation in the mid-infrared spectral region are too expensive for widespread vapor detection. Examples are wavelength shifting of high power pulsed lasers using non-linear optical effects or quantum cascade lasers (now $5,000 each). The proposed source could sell for less than $10. Additionally, it could significantly reduce the cost of sensitive spectroscopic instrumentation allowing detection of vapors well below 1ppm concentration and application to widespread use as toxic vapor detectors for commercial, residential, and homeland defense applications. Compared to other technology, these detectors are temperature insensitive, rugged, and free of interference effects with zero maintenance and zero drift. This work will contribute towards understanding photon surface plasmon interactions within 2D photonic crystals. The field has huge implications for the microelectronics and optics industry as optical and electronic functions are combined onto single chips for applications to optical computing, communications, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Puscasu, Irina ION OPTICS INC MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 507949 5373 HPCC 9231 9178 9139 9102 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450405 April 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Automated Foam Index Test Instrumentation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a prototype Automated Foam Index Test (AFIT) instrument for measuring foam indices of mineral admixtures used in concrete; and, a prototype AFIT instrument for controlling dosage of air entraining agents into mineral admixtures and concrete. AFIT instruments take advantage of the physical behavior of foams to identify bubble stability and breakup activity. The Phase I project confirmed concepts behind AFIT to measure air entrapment. The Phase II project creates a commercial-ready instrument. The Phase II research objectives are to (1) construct, test and then refine the tabletop AFIT and the automated sampling, control AFIT prototype instruments; (2) confirm correlations between the foam index/air content values from AFIT prototypes and visual/ASTM measurements; (3) install an AFIT at a partner company and verify its efficacy within a industrial setting; and (4) commercialize these instruments for the concrete industry. Commercially widespread application of AFIT for the concrete industry would promote replacing cement with less expensive mineral admixtures up to specification limits of 30%. On a worldwide view, the potential cost reduction associated with this replacement is greater than $5 billion per year. Significant societal benefits also accrue. First, because cement production is approximately 10 times more energy intensive than the average of all other industrial activities, green house gas emissions worldwide are decreased significantly when cement is replaced by a less energy-intensive substitute. Second, because the primary mineral admixture used is coal combustion ash, and because it is now predominantly landfilled, environmental impacts and land usage issues are ameliorated. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Stencel, John Tribo Flow Separations, LLC KY William Haines Standard Grant 463748 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450408 April 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Lead-Free Solder Process. This Small Business Innovation Research Project (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the development of an electrochemical process, addressing the need for elimination of the use of lead-based finishes and solders in the printed circuit board, electronics packaging and semiconductor industries. This technology utilizes pulsed electrolysis to deposit a lead-free tin solder with the desired grain size, matte finish and control of internal stresses, to avoid whisker growth which can lead to component failure. The Phase II objectives/research tasks include: 1) pilot-scale facilities design and modification for electro-deposition of lead-free solder onto full size printed circuit boards and wafers, 2) demonstration and optimization of the process to deposit lead-free solder for chip and wafer scale packaging, 3) development of analysis methods to characterize deposit properties and evaluate the correlations between the process and deposit properties, 4) demonstration of qualification and reliability tests for tin whisker evaluation and characterization of corresponding acceleration factors, and 5) comparison of the data to that obtained by other alternatives lead-free materials, e.g. tin-silver. The anticipated results of the Phase II program are a marketable manufacturing process/manufacturing tool in the form of an electrochemical module incorporating the lead-free process. Commercially the project addresses the needs of the printed circuit board and semiconductor industry, to minimize chemical waste and environmental impact and at the same time increase cost-effectiveness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Garich, Holly FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH William Haines Standard Grant 501925 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9161 9102 7218 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450436 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Commoca Internet Protocol Phone - Making Communications Personal. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a suite of server based infrastructure software and applications to empower service providers with the ability to deploy, monitor, customize content, debug, and upgrade their VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) terminals remotely. The proposed Transactional Applications Delivery System (TADS) will allow service providers to define new revenue generating applications and corporate IT departments and third-party IT solution providers to develop vertically integrated, productivity enhancing data-voice applications. The proposed system will also provide a cost-effective means for service providers to move high-end VoIP terminals into the home consumer market, through, for example, multi-year service contracts in exchange for subsidized phones (the new revenue generating opportunities will allow service providers to do this). By addressing these needs, TADS will allow tighter integration between telephony features and IT based systems, taking better advantage of unified messaging (voice mail, e-mail, video mail, instant messaging, etc), collaboration, conferencing, presence, etc. It will also allow end-users access to ubiquitous features across different networks and different locations. This project will define, develop, and deploy a complex software platform that will significantly accelerate the time to market of revenue generating and productivity enhancing advanced VoIP applications and services. In addition, the development of the proposed TADS technology will lead to new knowledge in the areas of human computer interaction, data mining, IP information appliances, and networking. The results to be obtained from this project will have a significant impact on the structure of the VoIP consumer market and the way converged voice-data applications are developed and deployed in the enterprise market. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vale, Walter Commoca, Inc. PR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1160000 9131 5373 HPCC 9150 9139 9102 4091 1704 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0450441 May 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Development of High Performance, Environmentally Benign Lapping Fluids for Hard Disk Drive Manufacturing Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop novel, water soluble, environmentally benign, aspartate co-aspartamide copolymers for use as aluminum titanium carbide (AlTiC) Giant Magnetoresistive (GMR) Read Write Head lapping fluid additives. Efforts will be directed towards refining the composition of these copolymers such that they exhibit maximum adsorption & electrostatic charging effects upon AlTiC surfaces. This will enable rapid removal of AlTiC swarf formed during lapping producing GMR Heads of superior surface quality and uniformity compared to those manufactured currently. Furthermore, the adsorption properties of these copolymers upon AlTiC ceramic GMR Head surfaces as well as their metallic sensor layers will also be characterized in greater detail using Zeta Potential & Electrochemical Techniques. An optimized procedure for synthesizing these copolymers will be established enabling them to be economically produced in bulk quantities. Finally, the company will work closely with hard drive manufacturers and will integrate the aqueous lapping fluids formulated from these copolymers into its current GMR Head manufacturing operations. Commercially and from an industrial standpoint, lapping fluids formulated from these copolymers will enable the last vertically integrated domestic hard drive manufacturer to produce GMR Read Write Heads more economically & efficiently thereby enhancing the company's competitiveness within the marketplace. Future data storage technologies may also benefit from these fluids since they will in all likelihood still require high precision lapping or a related super finishing technique to polish their drive components. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lombardi, John VENTANA RESEARCH COMPANY AZ William Haines Standard Grant 562000 9131 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9146 9102 7218 1467 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450448 January 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Development and Manufacture of High-Density Plate Washer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a plate washer capable of washing very high-density plates, such as 1536 well plates, for ELISA and high-throughput screening assays. Currently, there are automated plate washers for 96 and 384 well plates, but there are none available for plates with ultra-high density. This is because currently available washer technology, employing a nozzle system, cannot be made reliable enough to allow dispense and aspirate nozzles to properly reach within each of the many, very small wells, and because the thin nozzles needed can get easily clogged using many standard buffers. In contrast, the proposed system uses a steady stream or sheet of solution, making the system less likely to clog. The commercial application of this project will be to allow use of high-throughput screening assays by industrial and academic researchers involved in genomics and drug discovery research. The proposed technology will enable additional use of fluorescent chemical compounds, that typically require a wash step to remove interfering substances, for screening. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kris, Richard NeoGen, LLC AZ F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 506000 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0450452 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: High Speed Optoelectronic Recognition of Al, Si, and Mg Alloys. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project will apply an optoelectronic detection system into an integrated high-speed manufacturing system aimed at commercial identification and sortation of aluminum scrap by alloy type - particularly aluminum alloys containing various alloying elements such as silicon and perhaps magnesium. The goal of the program is to commercially sort mixed aluminum alloys from an automobile shredder. Commercial technologies in existence today sort automobile shredder nonferrous metals based on density, but there are no technologies in commercial operation that sort the metals into 1) cast and wrought alloys, 2) various aluminum alloy series (100, 200, 3000, 7000 etc.), or 3) into individual alloy types. Sorting aluminum alloys based on chemical composition is the objective of this SBIR Phase II program. A very sophisticated, proprietary sensor and detection system has been developed and demonstrated in Phase I in order to demonstrate the capabilities of the technology. The broader impacts (commercial potential) of this proposed technology has the potential to transform the efficiency and utilization of scrap metal in the U.S. In 2001, the aluminum industry consumed nearly 800 trillion Btu, was responsible for 1.8% of the total manufacturing energy consumed, emitted 43.5 million tons of CO2, and consumed 1.6% of all U.S. electricity - mostly from primary production. Secondary production is much more efficient - economically and environmentally. Recovering aluminum from scrap consumes only about 6% of the energy required to produce primary aluminum and requires only 10% of the capital. In spite of efficiencies in making aluminum from scrap, exports in 2003 were 562,090 million tons because the industry could not utilize much of its low-grade scrap. This technology will allow utilization of this scrap in existing U.S. plants because the scrap will be converted from low-grade to high-grade scrap which is more consistent with U.S. consumption and needs. The result will be job preservation, reduced emissions, reduced energy needs, reduced raw material imports, and a better balance of payments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spencer, David wTe Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499998 5373 MANU 9146 1467 1464 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450457 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Cheminformatics Teaching Tools for the Cheminformatics Virtual Classroom. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the development of virtual classroom software tools for cheminformatics training in academia and industry. Mesa Analytics & Computing, LLC provides a commercial, integrated suite of the leading-edge cheminformatics software tools for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. However, these tools, incorporating the most recent research in cheminformatics by Mesa, and integrated with other leading cheminformatics vendors` software (OpenEye, eduSoft, ChemAxon, and AccuSoft), are for use in large-scale research and industrial applications, where the users already have experience in cheminformatics software, most often obtained through on-the-job training. The research goals of this project are to develop an easy to use, comprehensive, and competitively priced cheminformatics virtual classroom. This project will further the advanced research and development of software tools for interactive distance learning in cheminformatics topics, such as finding compound substructure commonalities, generation and use of structural and property compound descriptors, similarity searching, cluster analysis, compound library design, 3D drug design, compound databases, and Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR). The project will produce a beta version of the cheminformatics virtual classroom ready for testing and marketing to the academic and industry markets. There are a growing number of university departments worldwide offering courses and degrees in cheminformatics, across a range of life science disciplines. However, there is no comprehensive cheminformatics virtual classroom product. Software products used in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry are expensive, difficult to install, and of limited utility for introductory training. Converting Mesa`s tools and other vendors` software into a coherent set of Web-based training tools for concept learning, with the help of six diverse academic testing sites, will provide the necessary training tools for academia and industry. Web delivered training software is a cost effective means to provide distance learning for rural and urban academic institutions and industry sites here and abroad. The virtual classroom will help to lower the cost of on-the-job training for early phase drug discovery research efforts found in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The long term goal is to increase the quality and quantity of new researchers, with the potential benefit of increasing the number of drug leads, thereby improving the chances of finding more effective drugs for a wider range of serious diseases, and possibly lowering the cost to consumers. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG MacCuish, Norah Mesa Analytics & Computing, LLC NM Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 733583 9131 5373 SMET 9261 9179 9178 9150 9102 7218 1666 0108000 Software Development 0522400 Information Systems 0450461 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Unified Oceanographic Data Logger. This SBIR Phase II research project aims to complete the development of a fully-characterized, commercial prototype, Advanced Unified Oceanographic Data Logger (AUDL). This system aims to provide a new commercial standard for standalone data recording within existing and future oceanographic applications. The same technology will also provide best-in-class performance within the larger markets of terrestrial environmental monitoring. One key feature is that the AUDL will provide a nearly universal sensor interface. It will record data transparently from analog, serial-asynchronous, and digital sensors and instruments. This will enable GEOSense to target a wider range of applications and customers, with a single, low-cost system. GEOSense will provide a commercial solution that significantly lowers the cost of technical data acquisition within a number of research and engineering applications. By reducing the overall cost of data recording, it is expected that the technology will enhance both the scientific return, and the educational opportunities, from limited research funds. It is hoped that the widespread application of this technology will increase the scope of expertise in oceanographic instrumentation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG VanZandt, Thomas GEOSense, LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 495716 5373 EGCH 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450463 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Liquid-Crystal Waveguides for Optical Integrated Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will reduce mechanical external-cavity diode lasers to a centimeter-sized waveguide chip using a novel giant electro-optic effect. The device, a waveguide external-cavity semiconductor laser (WECSL), will be environmentally robust, compact, entirely electro-optic and capable of continuous, mode-hop-free tuning over 100 nm in fewer than 5 milliseconds. The laser will also exhibit a side-mode-suppression ratio of 40 dB and a (fast) linewidth of ~200 kHz. In Phase II we will demonstrate advanced prototype WECSLs, develop critical manufacturing processes, and perform basic environmental qualifications. We will also conduct research allowing the laser to sweep over a 50 nm band at a rate of 5 kHz. The low-cost technology platform of WECSLs, and their precision performance specifications could enable laser-based sensors to assume a prominent role in commercial applications. In biophotonics, tunable lasers can replace broadband light sources and enhance the performance of optical coherence tomography instruments that measure the tissue layers in the human retina and the vascular system. Distributed fiber sensing arrays greatly benefit from tunable lasers that probe Bragg sensors spaced along the fiber. Distributed fiber sensors needing low-cost tunable lasers are being developed for chemical and biological sensing, pressure sensing, and vibration, strain and temperature sensing for a wide variety of monitoring applications such as homeland security; civil structures such as buildings, bridges, and dams; oil wells and pipelines; electrical power lines; aircraft and spacecraft; and all-optical shipboard sensing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Anderson, Mike VESCENT PHOTONICS INCORPORATED CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 509245 5373 EGCH 9251 9231 9197 9178 9102 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450469 April 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Kits for the Detection of Bioterror Pathogens. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop field deployable kits for the detection of bio-terror pathogens. These kits would consist of fluorescent-labeled antibodies directed against protein toxins expressed by bio-terror pathogens, relying for detection on strong antibody-antigen interactions and fast chromatographic discrimination using simple chromatography strips supplied with inexpensive pre-measured reagents. In Phase I project, new water soluble blue-emitting reporter fluorophores were synthesized that were extremely photo-stable and could be easily visualized under any type of light conditions. These fluorophores were conjugated to an antibody against Bacillus anthracis as the initial proof-of-concept, and methodology was developed to attach these reporter fluorophores to monoclonal, polyclonal or recombinant antibodies. The objectives of Phase II project are to optimize reagents and chromatography, to synthesize new fluorophores for multiplexed pathogen detection, to design and assemble prototype kits, and to test and validate the kits. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of homeland security. The proposed kits are expected to be inexpensive, versatile, and easy to use by relatively untrained first responders (such as police, firefighters, paramedics, hazmat personnel, other emergency response teams). CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spangler, Brenda SENSOPATH TECHNOLOGIES, INC. MT F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 539257 9131 5373 BIOT 9150 9107 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450470 September 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Thick Film Planar Magnetooptic Garnet Faraday Rotators. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project addresses the device and market opportunity for thick magnetooptic garnet Faraday rotator films with planar anisotropy to be operated in the near infrared. Magnetic and electromagnetic field sensors could be developed at a variety of near-infrared wavelengths including the 800 nm, 1310 nm and 1550 nm bands. These sensors can be made much less expensively, in much smaller sizes and with much less weight than current technologies such as current transformers. They have a potential for immediate impact in reliability of electric power distribution through failure anticipation and prevention and conservation of electric power through monitoring and control. Planar materials have much higher switching speeds than conventional perpendicular Faraday rotators and as such would permit a magnetooptical approach to packet switching. Such films are an innovative solution to device problems that require high-speed, continuously-varying polarization rotation with applied field. The project will work on improving properties and performance of such thick planar films and incorporate them into devices. Specific materials tasks are directed to improving sensitivity, linearity and temperature range of operation. If successful these sensors will have applications such as wheel and turbine rotation, electric power distribution, monitoring, metering and control, and battlefield sensors. The electric power application in particular has potential to revolutionize catastrophic failure prevention in the power grid and reduce power costs at a variety of levels by enabling autonomous reconfiguration. The lack of electrical connectors in fiber optic sensors for explosive, flammable and high-voltage environments represent a significant improvement in safety. New photonic devices not currently realizable will be enabled for telecommunications and military applications such as variable optical attenuators, polarization controllers and increased speed magnetooptic switches. Photonic devices include polarization controllers, variable optical attenuators, switches and new innovative devices. Smart ships and buildings would find utility both for conservation and efficiency. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fratello, Vincent INTEGRATED PHOTONICS, INC. AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 449775 5373 MANU AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9146 7234 5373 1631 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450472 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Electronic DNA Biosensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a portable, rapid, fully - automated, non-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based, electronic DNA identification device for field use that is capable of accurately detecting low concentrations of biological agents in a broad range of samples. Prior Phase I work demonstrated the feasibility of using palladium-catalyzed nickel to form conductive DNA wires for use in constructing this device. The Phase II project will further advance the DNA detection technology by refining the metallization protocol and integrating the technology into an automated, easy to use format. The commercial application of this project will be for use by the military and / or for homeland security. The proposed biosensor system is expected to be readily incorporated into existing nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) detection and reporting systems, enhancing total force protection by enabling the rapid identification, containment and neutralization of biological agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Murante, Richard INTEGRATED NANO-TECHNOLOGIES LLC NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 749715 5373 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450478 January 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Efficient Multi-Spectral Holographic Filters. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will commercialize the holographic multi-spectral filter technology developed during the SBIR phase I project. The objective of this project will be the industrial fabrication of holographic multi-spectral filters by using the methods developed and demonstrated during the phase I SBIR research. There is a strong scientific and public push in astronomy to look deeper into the universe to discover and observe fascinating phenomena such as the birth of stars and exo-planets. In observations of celestial bodies from ground telescopes, the signal is faint and surrounded with unwanted optical noise from the atmosphere. The hydroxyl (OH) radicals present in the atmosphere emit light in hundreds of narrow lines that dominate the inter-line sky emission by many orders of magnitude. The multi-spectral rejection filter demonstrated in phase I discriminates the narrow spectral features of the OH emission lines from the atmosphere which increases the image sharpness by increasing the signal to noise ratio. The narrow band grating filter technology is a core platform that has a scientific and economic impact on ground-based astronomy as well as in laser diode systems. To date $3.8 Billion has been spent deploying and maintaining the Hubble Telescope. An estimated $2.2 Billion is required to see it to its final scheduled retiring date of 2010. It is believed that the introduction of the these multi-line filters combined in some cases with adaptive optics, can boost the performance of ground based telescopes so that they can approach the performance of space telescopes at a price more than 1000 times lower. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moser, Christophe ONDAX INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1509848 9131 5373 EGCH 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450482 June 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: An Integrated Software Tool for Modeling and Model-Based Control of Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a commercial prototype of a novel software tool for integrated model-based control design for Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) systems. Semiconductor process engineers and RTP equipment design engineers will use the tool. Currently, the design and development of advanced process controllers is a relatively slow and complicated process. There is no high-level tool that allows the process engineer to design, tune and deploy advanced controllers and develop low-order, fast physical models to be used for control. Based on customer feedback and its own experience the company has found a strong need for an integrated modeling and control tool that can be customized for a specific process. Phase I results proved the feasibility of such a tool by closed-loop simulations of a generic RTP chamber using a proof-of-concept version of the proposed tool. This Phase II will further develop and implement relevant model-order reduction algorithms, implement the algorithm for speeding up the Monte Carlo ray tracing calculations, develop the user interface, and integrate the tool components. The company will work closely with its industrial partner in testing the prototype tool in the design of next-generation RTP equipment. If successful the proposed software package will result in a tool that will substantially reduce the development time of RTP equipment and processes. The tool also provides components for development of advanced techniques in virtual sensing and fault detection. RTP is the company's initial focus, but will leverage the modular nature of the product to extend its capabilities to other semiconductor equipment (e.g., CMP, CVD, etch, etc.) and even equipment used in other industries. Moreover, devices for MEMS and new nanoscale electronics technologies (e.g. spintronic and molecular computing) are expected to be commercialized using CMOS-like manufacturing processes. Hence, by creating a new way of designing and developing equipment and processes efficiently, this tool will have an impact far beyond RTP. The software will serve as a teaching and training tool that can be used in universities and government laboratories of NIST, DoD, DoE, etc. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ebert, Jon SC SOLUTIONS INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 930000 9131 5373 HPCC 9261 9251 9231 9178 9139 9102 5514 1704 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522400 Information Systems 0450483 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Detectors for X-Ray Diagnosis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to produce a new, high-resolution x-ray detector for fluorescence measurements of lighter elements. For x-rays generally near 30 keV and below, there exist several tradeoffs between today's choices of lithium drifted silicon (Si/Li)) detectors and high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. Si/Li) detectors offer simple spectral decomposition but have limited active volumes. Conversely, HPGe detectors can offer larger sizes, but pulse height analysis is complicated by short x-ray penetration and overlapping escape peaks. The technical goal is to develop a detector from high purity silicon, with a contact structure that allows for increasing detection volumes without high capacitance -antithetical to high-count rates. The work will entail device design and computational modeling, developing new electrical contact fabrications on high purity silicon, manufacturing numerous test detectors and evaluation under various conditions, including temperature. The impact of this technology could be how the detectors will be utilized and the basic science learned through the fabrication process. These detectors are used in many applications for the identification of completely diverse samples. Just a few examples include materials science, surface science, environmental analysis, industrial process and quality control, forensic sciences and archaeology, and geological and extraterrestrial exploration. In virtually any of these applications, a new detector providing greater counting efficiency yields more productive and definitive results. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Squillante, Michael Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0512205 Xray & Electron Beam Lith 0450484 March 1, 2005 STTR Phase II: Nanoshell-Based Cancer Therapy. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project proposes to develop a new treatment for cancer based upon the thermal activation of gold-coated nanoparticles. This therapeutic technique involves (a) the manufacture of new class of bio-compatible nanoparticles, optically-tunable nanoshells, designed to absorb in near-infrared wavelengths ; (b) the intravenous administration of nanoshells, which accumulate in the tumor as a result of the leaky vasculature associated with tumors ; (c) exposure of the tumor and potential routes of metastatic spread to an external laser source at near-infrared wavelengths, which are minimally absorbed by human tissue but preferentially absorbed by nanoshells, resulting in the generation of localized areas of heat by the nanoshells sufficient to result in tumor regression. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of cancer therapy. There are approximately 216,000 diagnosed cases of breast cancer in the U.S. each year. Treatment for breast cancer generally involves surgical excision, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. The proposed treatment, offering a safer, minimally invasive and cheaper alternative, is expected to achieve a complete response in identified solid tumors, to treat otherwise inoperable tumors and to eliminate regional metastatic disease before it is clinically diagnosed. STTR PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schwartz, Jon Jennifer West NANOSPECTRA BIOSCIENCES, INC. TX F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 404156 1591 1505 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0110000 Technology Transfer 0203000 Health 0450486 May 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Field Demonstration of a Novel Biotechnology for In-Situ Bioremediation of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) in Groundwater. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a novel process for in-situ bioremediation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in groundwater. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers MTBE a potential human carcinogen. Currently, MTBE's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) in drinking water has been set for 18 parts per billion. It is estimated that the cost of cleaning up MTBE contamination nationwide is $29 billion and growing. Bioremediation holds a great promise for destruction of MTBE in groundwater. The key problems with currently used bioremediation methods for MTBE are (1) the inability to establish high densities of MTBE- degrading bacterial, (2) the inability to maintain contact between the degrading bacteria and MTBE, and (3) the upsets and losses of key bacteria. Prior Phase I work has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a new technical approach called Biological Permeable Barrier (BPB) that uses encapsulated MTBE-degrading bacteria for removal of MTBE in water. The primary objective for the Phase II project is to assess the long-term performance of a BPB field pilot unit to remove MTBE at Port Hueneme Navy site, and to assess the cost and performance of the BPB / MicroBeads system for longer periods of time under field conditions. The novelties of this technical approach are four folds : (1) the proposed system will deliver high cell density of MTBE-degrading bacteria right to the zone of contamination; (2) the proposed system will create the perfect environment for bacteria with a high degree of degradation and stability; (3) the proposed system will protect the bacteria against environmental stresses; and, (4) the proposed system will prevent wash out of key bacteria. It is anticipated that the proposed BPB pilot scale unit at Port Hueneme will effectively degrade MTBE and other contaminants in groundwater to non-detectable levels. The immediate commercial application of this project will be on the bioremediation of MTBE in groundwater. However, the proposed technology holds promise for effective, controlled and cost efficient cleanup of groundwater at sites contaminated with other toxic and polluting chemicals as well. Other potential applications include the treatment of industrial wastewater and drinking water. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Shirazi, Fatemeh Microvi Biotech LLC KS Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 225000 5373 BIOT 9150 9104 9102 0313040 Water Pollution 0450487 March 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: High Resolution Infrared Imager. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to leverage new materials technology to drive a revolution in infrared imaging. Silicon imagers are widely used, from supermarket scanners to the ultra-sensitive charge-coupled devices (CCDs) used in astronomy. Germanium is photo-sensitive over a wider spectrum, from visible to well into the infrared. Combining this new spectral capability with fine-line silicon manufacturing brings high resolution, high reliability and lower costs to infrared imaging, enabling new applications, especially in dentistry and medicine. Short-wave infrared (SWIR) imagers today using exotic materials have limited resolution and are too costly for widespread use. This SBIR Phase II project proposes to design a prototype silicon-imaging array for use with integrated germanium pixels. The proposed project has broad impact. The short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral range from 800 to 1600 nanometer (nm) holds considerable scientific and applied interest. The human eye does not focus wavelengths past 1.4 micron, so that infrared imaging using active illumination with bright flashes is possible without endangering safety. The most promising immediate application is dental imaging, where the transparency of tooth enamel at 1300 nm allows improved diagnostics through infrared imaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rafferty, Conor Noble Peak Vision Corp. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 983509 5373 AMPP 9163 7234 1631 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450493 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: 2D Transducer Array for 3D High-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based, fully populated two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonic transducer array for three dimensional (3D) imaging in real time. Current 2D ultrasound systems employ a linear array of transducers to accumulate images. A planar array is universally acknowledged as the ideal approach for 3D image acquisition; however, multiple challenges must be overcome to make this practical, including: limitations in existing piezoelectric transducer technology, connecting an array with many elements (e.g., > 16,000) to front-end electronics, and processing large amounts of image data in real-time. The highly collaborative Phase II effort will build upon design and simulation results from the The system architecture will provide substantial flexibility in applying digital processing techniques, including adaptive beamforming, synthetic apertures, and phase aberration correction. The developed technology could bring many new capabilities to medical imaging, including volumetric flow, and real-time 3D imaging for tumor evaluation, image-guided surgery, and fetal echocardiography. Some of these include a breakthrough planar array technology overcomes a key bottleneck in the state-of-the-art in ultrasound, with spillover contributions to non-ultrasound fields (e.g. other MEMS, sonar, other medical imaging, nondestructive testing). ADVANCED TECH EDUCATION PROG SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lemmerhirt, David SONETICS ULTRASOUND, INC MI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1028109 7412 5373 SMET HPCC 9178 9145 9139 1631 1517 1032 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450497 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: A Device for Measuring Electric Field Strength from Dropsondes and Radiosondes. This SBIR Phase II research project will provide research-aircraft and weather-balloon flight tests a new, novel device for measuring the electric field strength of thunderstorms and hurricanes. Electric field strength is a significant factor in the development of precipitation and lightning, and may even play a role in influencing the intensity of precipitation from thunderstorms. Research aircraft flights that typically measure electric field strength in thunderstorms and hurricanes are difficult and potentially dangerous because of the hazardous conditions, such as lightning, hail and turbulence. However, the new device, called an electric field module, can be contained in a device called a dropsonde and dropped through thunderstorms from aircraft flying above the storm, or attached to weather balloons called radiosondes that are released from the ground. Since over 7,000 dropsondes and 400,000 weather balloons are routinely deployed each year, adding electric field measures to these devices represents a substantial commercial market. Measurements using the new E-field modules deployed by the SPEC Learjet research aircraft will be unique and open a new realm for analyzing the structure of electric fields in storms. A more realizable goal is improved aviation safety, by virtue of a better understanding of lightning discharges from clouds associated with thunderstorms, particularly anvil clouds, where commercial aircraft are often struck by lightning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lawson, R. Paul SPEC, Inc. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499970 5373 HPCC 9216 1518 0206000 Telecommunications 0450504 December 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: A Decision Support System for the Railroad Blocking Problem. This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II project entails developing a decision support system for the railroad-blocking problem, one of freight railroad transportation's most significant optimization problems. The mathematical complexity of railroad transportation problems has precluded the development of optimization algorithms for solving them preventing railroads from benefiting from the advances taking place in the field of optimization; they still rely on manual decision-making processes for most of their planning and scheduling needs. During Phase I, the company developed prototype software for the railroad blocking problem and tested it on the data provided by three major US railroads: CSX Transportation, BNSF Railway, and Norfolk Southern Corporation. In this Phase II project the company will develop a prototype for a commercial decision support system for the railroad-blocking problem by combining state-of-the-art operations research techniques with latest information technology tools. This project will enhance core optimization engines and algorithms using cutting-edge ideas in network optimization, heuristic optimization, data structures, and software engineering. Database connectivity will also be provided. This Phase II project will extend algorithms for the railroad-blocking problem to similar problems arising in postal/package delivery service design and developing prototype software. Currently, railroads takes months of team effort to determine a blocking plan and undertake this exercise once in several years with intermittent periods of minor adjustments to account for seasonal variations in the traffic pattern. The proposed decision support system would allow a railroad to determine a blocking plan in a matter of a few hours and produce solutions far superior than those obtained manually. The proposed solution will enable a large freight railroad to optimize its blocking plans frequently and reduce cost by at least $10 million annually and hundreds of millions of dollars for railroads companies in the USA and Canada over a few years. The research will establish the efficacy of network optimization and heuristic methodology in solving railroad planning and scheduling problems. The success of this product will lead to a greater acceptance of optimization models and optimization-based software in the railroad industry. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ahuja, Ravindra Innovative Scheduling Systems, Inc. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1437000 9131 5761 5373 HPCC 9261 9251 9231 9178 9139 9102 7218 1704 1401 1049 0522400 Information Systems 0450507 April 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Iptymer Low-k Dielectric Materials. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and introduce new low-dielectric constant polymers as a new dielectric material for the fabrication of interconnect systems in integrated circuits. The continuing drive for denser integrated circuits and faster interconnects requires the development of new interlayer dielectric materials. The proposed materials rely on newly defined, so called Iptymer molecular design concepts, to create intrinsic free volume within the material. This approach is distinctly different than the current methods under investigation that introduce extrinsic pores into a material to lower its dielectric constant. The standout thermal stability, mechanical strength, and processability of Iptymer materials will enable facile integration into semiconductor fabrication processes. The research objectives of the Phase II program will introduce and supply Iptymer materials into semiconductor fabrication process development programs. This effort builds on Phase I results that demonstrated scaled synthesis of key Iptymer monomers and polymers and validated the dielectric performance, mechanical strength and processability of Iptymer polymers. The Phase II program will demonstrate pilot production of Iptymer materials that possess a dielectric constant less than 2.0 and have superior mechanical and thermal integrity. In addition integration of Iptymers in semiconductor fabrication processes will be demonstrated. Commercially, the impact of reliable low-k dielectric materials is considerable. Higher bandwidth processing and communication for the same cost will be possible with improved materials. Present day microprocessors have a range of clock speeds determined from post-fabrication testing. Superior low- dielectric materials will not only increase the ultimate clock speeds, but will also improve the yield of the highest speed devices. Every country, economic group, and industry will benefit from such advances. The societal benefits realized through the extension of electronic tools into areas where their use is now impractical or not affordable will be tremendous. Widespread availability of computers throughout primary and secondary education will reap tremendous gains in education. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hancock, Lawrence NOMADICS, INC OK William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9150 9139 1704 0522400 Information Systems 0450509 March 1, 2005 STTR Phase II: Low Voltage Ultrafast Traveling Wave Modulator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop compact, high-speed, low-voltage waveguide modulator devices, with capabilities well beyond those presently available. The enabling technology for these devices is a patented process for deposition and patterning of single-crystal lithium niobate (LiNbO3) thin films. This technology will be refined with particular emphasis on improving manufacturability and reducing production costs, by working closely with manufacturers of commercial telecommunications components. Fiber optic networks are being implemented in industry, defense and domestic and international telecommunications. Traveling wave modulators are a key component in these networks. This project will enable new products that will add increased speed, capacity and flexibility to growing optical communications networks. In the longer term, this technology could also be applied to a variety of other devices based on single crystal films of a non-linear electro-optical material such as LiNbO3. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Sbrockey, Nick STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 449382 1591 HPCC 9139 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0450512 February 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Miniature Mass Spectrometer for Liquids Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop novel instrumentation based on electrospray ionization (ESI) coupled with mass spectrometry for identifying and quantifying chemical species in liquid-phase samples in the field. The goal of this project is to employ an existing Minotaur miniature mass spectrometer (MS) to develop a portable, easy-to-operate detector that will provide real-time and highly sensitive detection of a broad range of chemical compounds in liquid samples in the field. The objectives of the research are to construct, integrate, and optimize an innovative miniature ESI source into the instrument to receive liquid samples and introduce the target analytes to the detector, while minimizing interference from background matrix constituents, and to fully develop and qualify the analytical characteristics and ease-of-use of the instrument during field operations. Commercially this development of the first field portable, miniaturized ESI-mass spectrometer will have commercial applications in several governmental and commercial sectors, and has the potential to impact society broadly by providing improved monitoring of water resources and protection of the public from chemical exposure resulting from hazardous material accidents or acts of terrorism. If successful, this research will lead directly to developments allowing for determination of compounds of biological origin, e.g. biomarkers, which will provide additional dimensions of information as to the content of analytical samples. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wells, James Griffin Analytical Technologies, Inc. IN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 458475 5373 EGCH 9197 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450513 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: The Visual Database: Portable, Extensive Markup Language (XML)-Based Middleware For Media Representation, Interaction and Exchange. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will create a portable representational and interaction metaphor for digital media embedded in a 3D context. Popular document technologies remain text oriented-that is, content is organized into pages and viewed in reading order. The company is creating a novel information exchange paradigm that is generally applicable to information that is best understood in an interactive 3D environment. Applications of this technology include embedded routes on maps, electronic medical records, biological atlases, digital tours of 3D environments such as buildings, and mechanical assembly/disassembly diagrams. Analogous to a PDF file, but designed for a 3D interaction environment, the proposed solution defines an open, portable schema that can be efficiently represented using the portable Extensible Markup Language XML. In Phase II the company will specialize the editor for geospatial application, atlas creation, and assembly planning; addressing such technical challenges as large data and user interaction. If successful the technology will enhance the ability of researchers, teachers, businesses, and consumers to record, describe and exchange complex 3D content. This innovation has the potential to improve the productivity of individuals and firms that create and communicate with such information; and to enhance the effectiveness of researchers and teachers to convey abstract concepts to others. This project defines a novel metaphor for working with information that goes beyond traditional organizational metaphors such as books and web pages. The proposed product supports complex 3D information; and takes advantage of recent developments in 3D graphics and visualization technology. The representational schema is simple enough to be supported by small portable devices such as PDA's, and sophisticated enough to support complex human/computer interaction in a 3D visualization environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schroeder, William KITWARE INC NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 470500 5373 HPCC 9216 9139 1631 0522400 Information Systems 0450514 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Algorithms and Hardware for Real-Time H.264 Encoder. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop novel algorithms and hardware accelerators, as well as a prototype, for a real-time, high-resolution, H.264-based network video appliance. H.264 is the latest video compression standard, jointly developed by the ITU-T and ISO/IEC (MPEG). It is also designed for transmission over packet-based networks and to achieve significantly superior compression efficiency compared to previous standards and proprietary solutions. This compression efficiency, however, is achieved at the cost of severely increasing the complexity of the encoder. Real-time, high-resolution H.264 encoders are not feasible with current personal computers or DSP-based approaches. The new algorithms and designs for hardware acceleration will be targeted at video compression techniques that were introduced by the H.264 standard for the first time. They are anticipated to improve encoder performance by at least one order of magnitude compared to current implementations If successful a real-time, network appliance with the compression efficiency of H.264 will have broad applications, particularly in the areas of distance learning, remote training, security and surveillance. The innovations resulting from this should enable implementers to significantly improve the real-time performance of H.264. Limited bandwidth and the resulting poor quality video have so far been an impediment to realizing the full benefits of digital video. A real-time, high-resolution network appliance with the compression efficiency of H.264 will bring digital video in the mainstream by delivering high quality video to the endpoints of the network. This will drive both business and consumer uses. It will provide the visual communication crucial to making distance learning and remote training a superior experience and compelling from an economic viewpoint - and therefore mitigate geography as a barrier to participation in scientific and engineering activities. Students can partake in classes offered at remote campuses while rural K-12 schools can partner with museums in major cities to provide their students with a richer education. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pejhan, Sassan VBRICK SYSTEMS, INC CT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1704 0522400 Information Systems 0450516 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Direct Measurement of Wafer Temperature in White/UV LED Manufacture. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop a highly accurate temperature measurement system that can be used in optimizing the growth of high brightness light emitting diodes for solid state lighting applications. This product does not currently exist due to technical difficulties in measuring the substrate or gallium nitride (GaN) epilayer in a region where they absorb energy. During Phase I of this program the company showed possible solutions to this problem that it can implement as the work progresses to Phase II. This SBIR Phase II program will address scientific and technical issues that has hindered the adoption of the Reflectivity Compensated Pyrometry (RCP) in the growth of GaN light emitting diodes (LEDs), the basis of solid state lighting sources. This program will result in a commercial instrument for directly measuring surface temperature during manufacture of visible and UV LEDs. Typical temperature variations during the growth of GaN-based LEDs results in a product which, even over a 2dimensional substrate, requires the LEDs to be separated into those with similar characteristics. Existing temperature measurements do not allow the accurate measurement of the substrate or the GaN epilayer because they are transparent at the measurement wavelength of ~1 micron. Commercially, this project will increase manufacturing productivity in wide-bandgap materials and LED manufacture by providing better process control data. The improved manufacturing yields of LED's enabled by this work will lead to more widespread adoption of LEDs for solid state lighting with the accompanying economic and environmental benefits. For example, the use of LEDs has already saved the US economy nearly 10 TWh per year (equivalent to one large power plant) of energy in the niche applications implemented so far. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Woods, Vincent Bellwether Instruments, LLC. SC William Haines Standard Grant 449635 5373 MANU 9150 9148 9146 0206000 Telecommunications 0450518 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: X-ray Microscope for In-Vivo Biological Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a sub-micron x-ray tomography scanner capable of providing in-vivo and high resolution images of specimens from mice to bacteria. In this era of molecular medicine, where disease and developmental disorders are being re-defined by their peculiar molecular, genetic or cellular profiles, there exists a significant disparity between the type of information gleaned from histological methods and that obtained from conventional non-invasive imaging modalities. With a resolution that is better than these imaging modalities and more than ten times higher than that of current x-ray imaging systems, the proposed device will generate images of development and disease not possible by current methods. The Phase II research will concentrate on the development of the x-ray optical system, including beam conditioning, tomographic imaging capability, and the imaging x-ray lens, and will result in a table-top commercial prototype computerized tomographic imager with 400 nm resolution. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of medical research. When compared to existing in-vivo imaging technologies, the higher resolution of the proposed x-ray imager will translate to improved sensitivity and specificity of morphologic changes associated with growth and disease. Researchers will be able to use this tool for investigations of a number of medical conditions, including tumor angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and arthritis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gary, Charles Adelphi Technology, Inc CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 494620 5373 BIOT 9181 9148 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0450524 March 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Multi-Frequency Low-Multipath Small Antennas for High Accuracy GPS. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will consist of the design, development, and manufacturing of a novel low-multipath GPS antenna for high accuracy applications. This antenna prototype utilizes two key technologies: (1) a new design of GPS antennas using high-technology materials and manufacturing methodologies, that enables low-multipath, gain control, multi-frequency, tunability, and size reduction; and ( 2) a novel geometry of the metal ground plane to further rejects multipath interference. At the end of Phase II the anticipated results include, multipath error mitigation uniformly at L-Band, gain improvement at low elevation angles up to 10 dB with respect to choke ring antennas, multi-frequency operation at GPS and GALILEO frequencies, and at least 33% smaller size than other commercial low multipath antennas. Because multipath interference reduction significantly improves GPS accuracy, the proposed multi-frequency GPS antenna will benefit the international scientific community that relies on high precision GPS for new advances in Earth and atmospheric sciences. In particular, the novel substrate antenna will allow accurate real-time GPS measurements, otherwise impossible, in support of the NSF funded EarthScope program, that is intended for the study of the structure and evolution of the North America continent using a network of GPS receivers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Scire-Scappuzzo, Francesca Physical Sciences Incorporated (PSI) MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 511250 5373 EGCH 9251 9231 9102 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450526 August 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Use of a Visual Programming Environment to Promote Bioinformatics Education. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to provide a tool to improve bioinformatics education. This tool, VIBE-Ed, is a software product designed to augment bioinformatics at the college and university level by creating an interactive, integrated, and comprehensive approach to bioinformatics education using visual programming. During the Phase I project, INCOGEN demonstrated that its existing research tool, VIBE, provides an excellent foundation for an educational tool given its inherent technological attributes. VIBE employs visual programming for bioinformatics, and in this respect, VIBE-Ed will provide a novel approach to bioinformatics classroom instruction. The Phase I work demonstrated the effectiveness of visual programming in the learning process. In addition to visual programming, the architecture of VIBE supports the inclusion of extensive information about the bioinformatics tools contained therein, making VIBE-Ed well suited to host the large and complex amount of resources and documentation required by an educational tool. Finally, VIBE was created to be extensible, allowing it to be naturally extended into VIBE-Ed. As the bioinformatics community discovers and validates new analysis tools, these can easily be incorporated into VIBE-Ed, along with the educational features to support them. Bioinformatics education is a growing field, driven by the great need for trained bioinformaticists in biological and biomedical research. Recent years have witnessed notable increases in the number of bioinformatics courses and degree programs at colleges and universities worldwide. Textbooks and lectures alone do not expose bioinformatics students to hands-on data analysis and, by themselves, they are insufficient for bioinformatics education. Despite the growing trend in bioinformatics education and the need for educationally focused tools, there is a significant lack of commercially available software tools specifically designed for bioinformatics education. Currently, bioinformatics instructors fill this gap by using either complicated and expensive research tools or collections of web-based tools. Bioinformatics research software is often cost prohibitive for an educational application, and the software itself is geared toward experts in the field rather than toward students. Web-based tools are often free of charge, but they are also frequently dispersed throughout the web, requiring excessive time and sometimes also requiring programming skill to combine the use of several tools. Many of the tools are not accompanied by instruction or related conceptual information, making them less suitable for education. VIBE-Ed successfully addresses these concerns and promises to have immediate impact on bioinformatics education and, ultimately, in knowledge discovery on life science research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Sasinowski, Maciek INCOGEN INC VA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 680100 5373 1591 SMET 9231 9179 9178 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0110000 Technology Transfer 0450527 November 1, 2005 STTR Phase II: Engineering of Non-leaching Antibacterial Non-woven Textiles. This Small Business Technology Transfer Innovation Research (STTR) Phase II project proposes the development of a unique family of biocidal polymers that have been shown to be non-leaching, and do not require regeneration or refreshment of activity. The Phase I study demonstrated the synthesis of these polymers containing potent broad-spectrum biocides. The polymers were spun into nanofiber webs using electrospinning techniques. The webs were challenged with bacteria and a 99% reduction in bacterial viability in one hour was demonstrated. The Phase II program will continue to explore the electrospinning processing of the polymers. The polymers will be optimized for activity against bacteria, viruses and molds. Microscopic and mechanical tests will be performed on materials to identify structure-property relationships. The commercial application of this technology will be in textile products where antimicrobial protection is critical, e.g., homeland security (biodefense) garments, first responders emergency clothing, hospital garments and supplies, etc. Current systems are water leachable and use can lead to reduced protection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Lamba, Nina CCL BIOMEDICAL, INC MD Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 510240 5373 1591 BIOT 9231 9181 9178 9102 7218 0110000 Technology Transfer 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0450528 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Scalable and Reliable Storage Infrastructure for Network Storage Environments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build a scalable and reliable storage system for network storage environments. This outcome of this project is a revolutionary system that employs a combination of unique ideas to address the main challenges encountered in today's demanding storage environments namely scalability, availability, performance, and manageability. The ideas of this proposed solution are applied as a disk-based solution for the time-consuming network backup/restore problem. With the rapid growth of data-driven network services, traditional storage solutions are not able to keep pace with the rapidly expanding storage requirements. Unlike traditional solutions the proposed solution employs a new architecture that allows for independent and practically unlimited scalability of capacity, file access performance, and namespace access performance. The proposed product utilizes a unique, very fast coding technique called PND to ensure fast, reliable, and highly available access to data. It offers the opportunity of applying a more effective block-level edge caching technique, which enhances the performance and achieves better utilization of the valuable cache memory. It takes advantage of Data Reliability, Inc.'s innovative RAISTM storage engine to cost-effectively aggregate distributed islands of independent storage resources into a single virtual shared pool of storage. Project Phase I has clearly demonstrated the above advantages. Many applications will exploit the competitive advantages of the proposed product including Web server farms; multimedia network services, content management, document storage and delivery, digital imaging, and file transfer services. In addition, the expected solution's ideas can be expanded to build general-purpose file servers that are not subject to performance bottlenecks and capacity limitations. Therefore, these ideas will have an important impact on building next generation NAS devices. The PND technique, pioneered by this project, provides a new class of codes that are expected to result in scientific advances in coding theory. In addition, the PND technique will contribute to enhanced performance and architectures of disk arrays. Applications of PND coding in areas other than data storage include mobile communications, reliable multicasting, audio/video streaming, and digital fountain systems. The company is partnering with Jackson State University (JSU) and will offer JSU students a tremendous educational experience. Since Jackson State University is an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in the underrepresented state of Mississippi, the project will foster continuous collaboration and will increase the participation of underrepresented and minority groups in science and technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Malouhi, M.Firas Data Reliability Inc. MS Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9150 9139 1631 0522400 Information Systems 0450531 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Novel Coded High Density Optical Disk Data Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project aims to develop a high-density optical disk storage prototype based on a new coding concept that will result in the prototype development of a compact packaged high-density optical disk storage system that is back compatible with current optical disk. Using such coding concept can significantly increase the disk data storage density and data access rate based on a modification of existing optical disk recording/readout hardware architecture. The new high density disk drive allows back compatibility with the current DVD disk and has advantage of easier market acceptance for product roll out than other developing storage technologies such as holographic and near field storages. The near term objective is to achieve 50 GB/disk capacity and more than 100 GB/disk is the next foreseeable product goal. If successful, the outcome of this project will enhance the availability of high-density low cost storage for many social applications, increasing US based data storage technologies, and increasing US jobs. It will have extensive commercial and military applications such as computer data storage, on-line storage, library archival applications, image storage, and processing for medical applications, and military target identification and fast access to large intelligent databases. Educational impacts include advancing library archive storage for educational uses and benefiting university research in astronomy, meteorology and others that require huge data storage. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Yang, Jianwen NEW SPAN OPTOTECHINOLOGY INC FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 641058 9131 5373 MANU HPCC 9231 9178 9146 9139 1631 0104000 Information Systems 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450532 February 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Dye Co-Sensitizer Combinations for Increasing the Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Titania Nanoparticles in Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research(SBIR) Phase II project aims to commercialize lightweight, flexible, affordable solar cells and modules that efficiently generate electricity from sunlight or indoor room light. These cells are based on dye-sensitized titania which is coated on a flexible substrate at high speed in a continuous coating, laminating process. The overall objective of Phase II is to raise the cell efficiency from its current 7% to 10% or higher, thereby raising the module efficiency from 5% to over 8%. To accomplish this, the ability of the sensitizing dyes to harvest a much larger number of available photons and convert them into electrons must be increased. In Phase I of this program, a new class of sensitizing dyes that cover a larger portion of the solar spectrum, have larger absorptivity than the currently used ruthenium-based dyes was discovered. In addition, materials that have similar molecular structures to those of the new sensitizing dyes, and act as co-sensitizers by boosting electron injection from the dye to the titania, are co-adsorbed with the dyes on the surface of the titania. It is anticipated that the combination of these materials will bring the cell and modules performance to the desired level. Commercially, the project will result in an inexpensive, efficient, flexible photovoltaic (PV) technology that can be integrated into consumer products. Therefore a renewable source of energy could be used to power products, minimizing the battery capacity and disposal requirements, and ultimately delivering power to building structures, avoiding emissions associated with fossil fuels. Security is a broad benefit on two levels. First, grid instability demonstrated by widespread blackouts in 2003 emphasizes the need for distributed power in our national grid. Secondly, growing homeland security concerns underscore the importance of wireless networks of sensors, cameras, and other monitoring systems for building and border security. Photovoltaics are uniquely suited to serve these distributed applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gaudiana, Russell KONARKA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. MA William Haines Standard Grant 1011917 5373 AMPP 9231 9178 9163 9102 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450539 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Detection and Identification Instrument for Single Molecule Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a novel, low cost laboratory instrument for genetic analysis and single molecule studies. The technology is suitable for the detection and identification of DNA and RNA through fluorescent hybridization probes without the need for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification, or for proteins and small molecules through fluorescence immunoassays. The general scheme is based on single molecule detection (SMD) and utilizes the two-color cross-correlation spectroscopy (TC-FCCS) technique with coincident detection analysis scheme to simultaneously probe ten focal regions of a microfluidic assay. High efficiency single photon detectivity Geiger mode microavalanche photodiode (uAPD) arrays will function as detection elements. The commercial application of this project will be on biological and medical research, and on the drug development process. Examples of potential applications range from the study of conformational dynamics and interactions of macromolecules to biochemical kinetics of single molecules. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gurjar, Rajan Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450540 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: A Bioinformatics System for GCxGC-MS (Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromography). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to use bioinformatics to transform complex data produced by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GCxGC-MS) to usable chemical information. GCxGC-MS is an emerging technology for chemical separations that provides an order-of-magnitude increase in separation capacity over traditional GC. Results from Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of using bioinformatics to automatically identify chemical components in complex matrices analyzed by GCxGC-MS. Phase II will carry out further theoretical and experimental research to develop solutions that will enable broader use of GCxGC-MS system. The key project objectives include (a) developing a hybrid method that combines three approaches for chemical identification from GCxGC-MS data, (b) establishing the mathematical foundation and practical algorithms for co-elution analysis in GCxGC-MS, and (3) developing new XML technologies for shared and distributed GCxGC-MS data, metadata, and information. The commercial impact of this project will be to develop information technologies for a new generation of analytical instruments. GCxGC-MS system is likely to capture a significant share of the existing gas chromatography market, currently in excess of $ 1 billion per year, and to open new markets in applications requiring superior separations. These applications with important societal benefits, would include environmental monitoring of air, water, and soil; development and processing of foods, flavors, fragrances, and essential oils; processing of petroleum and industrial chemicals; health-care assays of blood, urine, milk, and breath samples; and analysis and discovery of drugs and medicinal herbs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tao, Qingping GC Imaging NE F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 566329 5373 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450546 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Development of an Optical Sensor for Instantaneous Detection of Bioaerosols. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project addresses the development of a novel real-time bio-aerosol machine for detecting and identifying harmful bio-aerosols present in the environment. The system will use the time of flight method to determine the aerodynamic size, and the Multiphoton Laser Induced Fluorescence (MLIF) method for the identification of the fluorescence spectrums. The novelty of the detection machine lies in the use of in-line, non-invasive techniques to measure these two important parameters. The system will consist of a compact laser source, a laser diode, a spectrometer, fiber optics couplings, a series of lenses and filters, pumps, flowmeters and pressure transducers. The sensor will be driven by two printed circuit boards and by computer software both uniquely designed for the proposed detector. The need for the proposed instrument is of high priority in current times due to the extreme concerns about air quality issues and the high probability of terrorist attacks in large urban settings. The initial target markets for this product are "first emergency response" civilian agencies, medium to large size hospitals, and the armed forces. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Alva, Luis Caribbean Thermal Technologies PR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 644000 9131 5373 HPCC 9231 9197 9188 9178 9150 9139 9102 1596 0104000 Information Systems 0118000 Pollution Control 0313010 Air Pollution 0450547 March 1, 2005 STTR Phase II: Novel OptoCeramic Materials for High Efficiency Ceramic Lasers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to capitalize on the Phase I success of Novel OptoCeramic Materials for High Efficiency Ceramic Lasers. During Phase I period, tasks were investigated and critical issues related to the proposed approach were addressed. Extensive research has been conducted and a lot of results have been obtained which will be very valuable for a Phase II program. Erbium (Er3+), ytterbium, erbium-ytterbium (Er3+/Yb3+), and neodymium (Nd3+) doped, transparent ceramics were developed in this program, which will have a great impact to ceramic multi-function lasers and the electro-optic technologies. The results show a promising future for developing microchip and high power ceramic lasers using Er3+, Er3+/Yb3+, Nd3+, or other rare earth doped ceramics. These Electro-Optical (EO)-based, rare earth doped ceramics would have unique features in wavelength tunability and phase and mode self-modulation that will lead to revolutionary laser systems of higher efficiency, more compactness, and integrated multi-functions. After successfully executing the Phase I plan and achieving the Phase I objectives, this work is ready to be extended to bring a new generation multifunction laser host materials with state-of-the-art performance to the marketplace. The technology developed in this program could greatly benefit many technology sectors, including materials processing, laser and luminescent materials and applications. High efficiency laser materials developed from this project would be very valuable by enabling high power and low cost solid state laser systems which have tremendous strategic and commercial values for both military and civilian applications. These include remote-sensing applications, target recognition and detection, missile guidance illumination, measurements from airborne and space-borne platforms, multiple wavelengths next-generation measurement systems, and industrial laser machining. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Li, Kewen Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 571403 1591 MANU 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0110000 Technology Transfer 0450551 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Development of Chiral Fiber Polarizer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new class of in-fiber chiral polarizers based upon chiral fiber gratings. A double helix variation of the effective refractive index will be formed by twisting fibers with a noncircular core as they pass through a miniature oven. These chiral fiber polarizers will be created from specially prepared glass performs in a low-cost, versatile, continuous process, which will not require coherent irradiation of photosensitive glass commonly used to produce fiber Bragg gratings. Chiral polarizers are true fiber devices and do not require any substrates, bulk components, or rigid package. Their pitch profile will be engineered to minimize insertion loss for the passing polarization and maximize the extinction of the orthogonal polarization over a broad spectral range. The design will implement a multi-core optical fiber to match the low numerical aperture of standard fiber with the numerical aperture of the chiral polarizer at its input and output while maintaining a high numerical aperture in the polarizing zone. Chiral polarizers will have broad application in single polarization transmission, polarization mode dispersion compensation, and test and measurement instrumentation. Polarizers are also key elements in sensors relying on optical interference such as gyroscopes and current sensors. Polarization and frequency selective chiral fibers have applications ranging from telecommunications to sensing. The use of external modulators for high bandwidth fiber telecommunication requires that the incident wave be linearly polarized. This necessitates use of a polarizer since laser sources used in telecommunications generally have random polarization. Further, any use of polarization maintaining fiber requires that polarized light be launched into the fiber. Polarizers are also key components in polarization mode dispersion compensation systems. Since chiral polarizers may be fabricated from refractory or radiation resistive glasses and involve only mechanical deformation of glass they may function in harsh environments with high levels of radiation, high temperature, or corrosive chemicals. The fabrication techniques developed for chiral fiber polarizers will spur the development of other devices based on chiral fiber gratings. These devices, ranging from sensors and filters to in-fiber lasers will become building blocks for a new platform for passive and active in-fiber devices. The understanding of glass behavior under extreme shear stress will push the frontier of glass forming technology and stimulate new applications. Understanding polarization-selective light scattering within the nonresonant band will open the way for new devices based upon microstructured fibers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Neugroschl, Dan CHIRAL PHOTONICS, INC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 653997 5373 HPCC 9231 9178 9139 9102 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450552 April 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Planning and Scheduling Tools for Extended Enterprise Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build upon the successful development of the Phase I project that developed models and algorithms for planning and job scheduling systems. The software tool described in this proposal will allow organizations to schedule their operations in real-time to generate the optimal plan to maximizing their operational targets. During Phase I, the team created new planning and scheduling algorithms and successful empirical studies using recent innovative research in the areas of large-scale optimization and the newly developed methodology of Nested Partitions. In Phase II the team plan to further develop the concept to create successful implementations in several manufacturing firms. The technology to be developed in Phase II will greatly enhance the capability of the current planning and scheduling software tools. This innovation brings the state-of-the-art decision and optimization methodology to the Advanced Planning and Scheduling software market. In addition, planning systems developed with the proposed methodology will add new levels of flexibility for companies to more quickly adapt to changing material, operational, and market conditions. This SBIR project will make new planning and scheduling tools broadly accessible to virtually any manufacturing firm. The proposed scheduling and planning tools will enable them to communicate, collaborate, and integrate their planning and scheduling functionalities to obtain optimal results throughout their enterprise and their entire supply chain. It is expected that coordinated use of these tools will eventually create an integrated cyber-infrastructure for American manufacturing firms and create more efficient supply chains that will enable these firms to be more competitive in the global marketplace. Moreover, if successful, the development of this proposed tool will lead to fruitful attempts to develop and commercialize an advanced planning and scheduling software tools that can be used for many other sectors of the economy. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Li, Guining LS OPTIMAL, INC. WI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 644965 9131 5373 HPCC 9216 9139 1631 0522400 Information Systems 0450553 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Phased Array Ultrasound Instrument for Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE). This SBIR Phase II research project strives to develop an Advanced Ultrasonic Beamformer that is unparalleled in its scalability and signal processing features. The ultrasonic beamformer architecture will be unique in its breadth of features. The architecture was developed as the superset of features across several fields including medical imaging, medical therapy, bone density measurement, vascular imaging, and materials characterization. This approach provides each field with an instrument capable of operating outside the normal performance envelope, thereby presenting opportunities for the development of new uses of ultrasound. The benefits of this array include better frame rates, crisper images, and more accurate surgery. The higher frequencies used in materials characterization, when brought to medical imaging, will allow array transducer to be used where only conventional, single element probes could used in the past, for example in intra-cardiac imaging for surgical instruments, and also for tumor ablation. By design, the proposed architecture encompasses the abilities of many different fields. Each field then enjoys performance capabilities beyond what is normally available, providing a general-purpose tool for research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lupien, Vincent ACOUSTIC IDEAS, INC. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 481841 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450554 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Reflectance Sensitive Image Sensor for Illumination-Invariant Visual Perception. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project proposes to develop an adaptive CMOS image sensor that estimates and largely eliminates illumination variations in sensed optical images thus reporting electronic images that are indicative of the reflectance of the viewed scene. By eliminating illumination-induced variations from the raw optical images the proposed sensor will eradicate the vision system's vulnerability to illumination variations and signal loss due to high dynamic range. The core innovation is in a signal processing technique for estimating the illumination field from sensed images. The technique efficiently implements as a dense on-chip massively parallel analog processor distributed among the photo-detectors to produce a reflectance sensitive image sensor. By compensating for illumination, the proposed image sensor inherently addresses the wide dynamic range problem, that routinely causes conventional cameras to over or under expose producing inadequate images. Even when illumination conditions do not saturate an image sensor, the vision system has to account for object appearance variations caused by illumination. The proposed research has the potential to broadly impact computer vision performance and reliability. Most present and future vision applications including automotive, biometric, security, and mobile computing applications operate in unconstrained environments and have to cope with unknown and widely varying illumination conditions. Image sensors are rapidly finding their way into people's cars, cell-phones, personal digital assistants, medical and diagnostic equipment, automated drug discovery, cutting edge security, surveillance and biometric systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Brajovic, Vladimir Intrigue Technologies, Inc. PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 709907 5373 HPCC 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450559 February 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Low Cost, Needleless Drug Injection System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a cheap and novel needleless injector (NI) that uses a ceramic-based electrokinetic pumping mechanism together with suitable nozzle arrays. The Phase II effort will focus on building numerous prototype pump / nozzle systems and determining the ability to achieve performance adequate for subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. Models for predicting the temporal response of the pump / nozzle systems will also be refined and compared to experimental results. The commercial application of this project will be for delivering therapeutics such as vaccines and drugs for both human and veterinary markets. The ability to precisely control the injection temporal profile with the proposed device will enable injection site pain and trauma to be significantly reduced, thereby increasing effectiveness of NI drug delivery as well as reducing the probability of cross - contamination. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Scherer, James NOVAWAVE TECHNOLOGIES CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 120772 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0450560 February 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Wavelength-Division-Multiplexed Surface-Emitting Lasers with Two-Dimensional Photonic Lattice Outcouplers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II Project proposes to develop a commercially viable monolithic Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) two-wavelength Grating-Outcoupled Surface-Emitting semiconductor (GSE) laser emitting near 1310 nm. Phase I demonstrated the concept of WDM GSE lasers in a cross-grating configuration emitting two wavelengths separated by 9 nm from a common two-dimensional photonic lattice (2D-PL) aperture that can be efficiently coupled to multi- and single-mode fiber. A low-cost package that can couple 2, 4 and 8 independent wavelengths from one or more 2D-PL GSE lasers directly to a single fiber without multiplexers will also be developed on this program. The knowledge required to develop these lasers requires expertise in materials, optics, gratings, nanostructures, semiconductor processing, thermal transfer, high-speed electronics, packaging, systems and telecommunications. Combining the desirable traits of both edge emitting lasers (high power, reliable material, low voltage, use of proven) and vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (low cost, wafer level testing, simple packaging, high integration ability), the advanced research proposed is an innovative photonics technology that has broad applications in telecommunications, information processing, data communications, fiber to the business and home, scientific and medical instrumentation, and computations. A broader impact of this project is the realization of very high data rates at very low cost, and the elimination of barriers to deploying fiber to the desktop and to (or closer to) the home, enabling ultra high bandwidth connections for business, distance learning, entertainment, and computing. Each wavelength of the 2D-PL GSE laser can presently be modulated at 3.125 Gbps and has the potential for 10 Gbps, enabling data rates of 6.25 to 80 Gbps over a single fiber from a single transmitter package. This research effort will provide an enhanced educational experience for students working on this project. Students will gain an increased understanding of materials, optics, gratings, nanostructures, semiconductor processing, thermal transfer, packaging, electronics, and telecommunications through both experimental and theoretical work. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Amarasinghe, Nuditha PHOTODIGM, INC TX Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1030751 5373 HPCC 9231 9178 9145 9139 7218 1631 1517 0104000 Information Systems 0450567 March 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: A Model for Virtual Dialogues with Master Teachers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project describes software that combines speech recognition, digital video, and personal computer technologies to allow PC users to have "face-to-face" dialogues with video characters that are real people. This software, called Conversim (Registered Trademark), incorporates an independent speaker recognition engine so that any English-speaking user can spontaneously say the words and phrases known to the system and be understood. All Conversim (RT) programs include a non-directive, intelligent prompting algorithm. Each time the virtual character responds to the user, the system dynamically selects statements and questions that are specifically relevant to the character's last response and then displays three choices in a rhythmic scroll. Between questions, the character's active image remains on the monitor as if waiting for the next question. The Conversim (RT) dialogue model is unique since it enables the user to have a virtual conversation with a real person whose intellect, personality, and personae are intact and available. This very personal model opens the door to numerous innovative applications in education. Scientific research has shown that most users enjoy the virtual dialogue experience; many have significant, often accelerated, learning gains; and almost all feel as though they have met the person with whom they have been "talking." These findings strongly indicate the method merits further research in conventional educational settings. This model represents a new paradigm in education, one that allows the student to learn through a one-on-one interview of the master teacher. The paradigm involves non-directive, independent learning by conducting face-to-face dialogues with master teachers in cyberspace, who are always present, always available, and always willing to converse with people who wish to engage them. Multimedia presentations can be used in concert with the dialogue to clarify concepts and complex topics. Also, the power of the computer for tracking and innovative, dynamic evaluation strategies are inherent in this model. The broad objective is to make this model and this new paradigm available in all educational institutions that would benefit from its use. It has potential to provide a means for students everywhere to gain access to and learn by engaging in dialogue with some of the best minds in the country; to be used to educate a broad range of students, from high school to the post-graduate level; to help students whose education is restricted by geographic location or economics; to enhance learning for all students by making them active participants in the learning process; and to provide high-quality education while significantly reducing per student costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Harless, William INTERACTIVE DRAMA INC. MD Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 728680 5373 SMET 9178 9177 7180 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0450570 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Yb:KGW for High Power and Ultrafast Lasers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on developing methods to improve the power and performance of an exciting new diode-pumped solid-state laser crystal. Laser crystals are superior to any other candidate material in the emerging and rapidly developing field of ultrafast lasers by their ability to generate high power femtosecond pulses. The proposed program will involve crystal growth in order to select the material with optimum operating performance and power handling capabilities. Issues to be addressed include the optimum concentration in the crystals, the uniformity of dopant incorporation during crystal growth, the preferred orientation of the crystal for laser rod fabrication, and methods to improve the quality and reliability of these crystals. The first commercial ultrafast laser system based on this technology was recently introduced. In order to ensure the rapid development of this new technology and the myriad applications in material processing, medicine and basic science it will undoubtedly enable, considerable development effort is required. This research effort is directed toward bringing the material system on which the laser is based to a point of performance, reliability and producability necessary for the commercial success of this new device. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wechsler, Barry NOVA PHASE INC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499979 5373 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0450581 April 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Ion Exchange Material for the 227Ac/223Ra Generator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a generator to produce pure radium-223 for use in cancer therapy. The alpha-emitter Ra-223 has a longer half-life than the other alpha-emitting radioisotopes (213 Bi, 212Bi and 211At) that are currently being evaluated for use in radio-immunotherapy (RIT), and has been shown to have higher bone uptake than the commercially available beta-active bone seekers. This makes it very attractive for Ra-223 to be developed further for radiopharmaceutical applications and for use as a pain palliation agent. However, the research and clinical application of this isotope are hindered by the limited availability of pure Ra-223. A simple technique to produce the isotope is a generator where a suitable parent, in this case Ac-227, is immobilized on an ion exchanger column and Ra-223 is eluted when required. Current separation methods frequently use organic resins, which tend to degrade under ionizing radiation and thus the product may contain impurities. Prior Phase I work developed new hybrid inorganic/organic ion exchange materials with high affinity for actinium, but low affinity for radium and good resistance against radiation. The Phase II project will optimize the exchanger performance and fabricate a prototype of the Ra-223 generator. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of cancer therapy. It is expected that the easy - to - use generator, which poses a smaller radiation hazard to personnel, will be used at medical research centers, radio - pharmacies and hospitals to produce pure radium - 223 to treat patients with bone metastases and other small solid tumors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gali, Hariprasad Lynntech, Inc TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 452553 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0450583 June 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Sensor Technology Enabling Large Array Based Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project involves an innovative gas sensor (DiskFET) based on a commercially available hard drive mechanism, proprietary polymers for sensing, and a modified Field Effect Transistor (FET). The device as envisioned is small, handheld, lightweight, low power, and applicable to a diverse range of chemical sensing fields. The DiskFET operates by applying an electric field between a polymer coated rotating disk and stationary FET, which is "floating" a fixed distance above the disk surface, the field strength will be affected by the interactions of the analyte with the polymer coating on the disk. This change in field strength is measured by the FET. By combining the signal responses of all of these relatively non-specific sensors, a "fingerprint" for the analyte is constructed. Using Artificial Neural Network analysis, the concentration and identity of the analyte can be recognized based on a database of the sensor response characteristics. Personal safety and air quality monitoring is on the rise. More and more workers are becoming conscious of the dangers of their work environments and are demanding adequate monitoring technologies as evidenced by the long-term, steady increase in chemical detector sales. This device will be used for the detection of chemicals such as Ammonia and VOC's with detection limits below current OSHA accepted levels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ragucci, Tony Lynntech, Inc TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 480705 5373 CVIS 1059 0106000 Materials Research 0450585 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: High Performance Thin Film Transistors on Plastic Fabricated from Dense Thin-Films of Oriented Semiconductor Nanowires. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a revolutionary new high-performance thin-film-on-plastic technology that will provide single-crystal silicon, thin film transistor (TFT) performance. This technology is based on a novel thin-film semiconductor on plastic composed of a dense film of parallel nanowires with electronic properties comparable to single-crystal silicon that can be deposited at low temperatures. In Phase I, the feasibility of this innovative technology was successfully demonstrated and key device design and material processing parameters to address underlying device performance were identified. Specific developments included (1) nanomaterial deposition (2) contact technology (3) doping processes and (4) device architecture. Phase II research will build on the knowledge gained in Phase I, and focus on further optimization of device performance and the development of roll-to-roll manufacturing processes. The output of Phase II will be a prototype array of transistors on plastic. In addition, this fundamental concept can be applied to nanowire materials other than silicon, allowing the production of thin films of material that presently are impossible to produce over large areas on any substrate, including semiconductors relevant to communications (GaAs, InAs), optically active materials (GaN, InP), piezoelectric or ferroelectric materials (SrTiO3), or materials of mixed composition with newly engineered properties. Commercially, this research will impact greatly the development of high performance TFT devices on plastic for commercial, military, and homeland security markets. These high-performance, flexible semiconducting films have the potential to replace amorphous and polycrystalline silicon in important large-area electronics applications such as displays and also radio frequency identification tags (RFID'S). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Stumbo, David NANOSYS INC CA William Haines Standard Grant 999554 5373 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450588 March 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Variable Azimuth Wave-Equation Imaging (VAWEM). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will implement and demonstrate the feasibility of a new technology that enables enhance seismic resolution and imaging of deep water complex geologic structures by using variable azimuth wave-equation migration (VAWEM). VAWEM will provide much greater resolution and accuracy than what can be accomplished today for towed marine streamer data, and at significantly less computational cost. The software will be optimized for deployment on Linux clusters, and testing will be conducted to determine the optimal geophysical parameters for obtaining the best possible images. The project involves significant computer engineering to obtain the maximum efficiency required to image terabyte size data sets and significant geophysical work to demonstrate the validity of the approach. This advanced imaging methodology will improve success rate and cost effectiveness for new field discoveries and increase recovery efficiency for the development of existing fields. This technology is a fundamental revolutionary advance, and is a necessary building block in any seismic processing system that images 3-D prestack data using wave-equation methods for imaging deep water, under-salt complex geological structures which are the focus of modern oil and gas exploration. Societal and economic benefits from the proposed VAWEM technology will accrue directly to the nation by lowering energy costs and reducing dependence on foreign energy sources. Energy is at the core of the U.S. and world economies; therefore, the political, societal, and economic benefits of the proposed technology go well beyond the substantial direct economic benefit that this technology will bring to the proposing company and its customers. Commercial potential of the proposed technology is directly applicable to the fastest growing and strategically most important area of U.S. exploration, namely the deepwater subsalt oil and gas province of the Gulf of Mexico federal waters. It is estimated that most of the Gulf's untapped resources (45 Billion barrels of oil and 207 trillion cubic feet of natural gas) are trapped in deepwater subsalt reservoirs, and in ultra deep (over 15,000 ft) gas deposits. Since exploratory wells in these areas typically cost more than $30 million, tapping these reserves will require advanced imaging technology such as VAWEM to reduce risk and make exploration feasible. Reduction USA's dependence on Persian Gulf sources and the strategic benefits of maintaining strong U.S.A. leadership in oil technology transcend purely financial considerations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bevc, Dimitri 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1162000 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 1704 0522400 Information Systems 0450598 February 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: High Surface Area Tantalum Powder for Capacitor Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will scale-up a new technology for producing high-surface area tantalum powders for the electronic capacitor industry. The existing technology is over 30 years old and cannot keep pace with the needs of smaller electronics, which require tantalum particles in the nanometer size range. In addition, environmental factors are driving the industry away from the fluorinated precursors that are presently used to make tantalum. The proposed technology employs the Sodium Flame Encapsulation (SFE) technology to address this problem by producing nano-tantalum powders encapsulated in sodium chloride. In-situ encapsulation allows for control of morphology and prevents oxidation of the nano-tantalum by air or moisture. The technology has been shown to produce state-of-the-art capacitor materials with an environmentally-friendly process. Nonetheless, the present process is a two step process involving post-processing of the nanopowders into the agglomerated structure needed by capacitor manufacturers. This program will specifically develop the flame technology so that the post-processing step is unnecessary. In this way powders can be produced with the appropriate morphology such that they only need to be washed and re-encapsulated to be a drop in replacement for existing materials. The results will be a less expensive, higher efficiency, higher surface area material that is produced by a green technology. Commercially, this technology will enable smaller, more versatile electronics by ensuring that the tantalum capacitor industry can continue to reduce its package size in line with the rest of the industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gershenson, Harvey AP Materials, Inc. MO William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9147 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450599 September 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Customizable Question Answering System for Homeland Security and Commercial Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will result in a novel question-answering technology. The features of this technology are as follows: (1) Automatic filtering of questions. During Phase I, Language Computer Corporation (LCC) developed a system that decomposes high-level questions into low-level, fact-seeking questions. Some of these questions, however, turn out to be nonsensical. In Phase II, the firm proposes to submit all of the decomposed questions to a knowledge-based system, which will eliminate questions that are inconsistent with tacit knowledge. All of the questions that survive filtering will be passed back for processing by the question-answering system. (2) Aligning domain ontologies with a large reference ontology. During Phase I, LCC developed a tool that generates domain ontologies from raw text. During Phase II, the firm will extend this tool so that the domain ontologies are automatically aligned with an overarching domain-independent ontology. This alignment will permit deeper expansion of query concepts, because it will allow domain-independent concepts to be augmented with domain-dependent content. (3) Formal evaluation of semantic relations. The foundation of the question-answering system is semantic relations extracted from queries and documents. These relations will be evaluated to assess the relative contribution of each one to question answering. The result of this evaluation will establish which aspects of semantics are most useful to question- answering. This project will have a direct impact in the following areas: (1) The system can be deployed in commercial and government settings where the accuracy, coverage, reliability, and usability of the retrieved information are crucial. Ideal applications for the technology include homeland defense, CRM, education, medicine, and the law. (2) The system bridges the gap between domain-independent and domain-specific content. Domain ontologies are constructed automatically, and these ontologies are automatically aligned with a large reference ontology, so that queries can be simultaneously expanded into the terms appropriate to many different domains. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II SPECIAL PROJECTS - CCF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARC IIP ENG Srikanth, Munirathnam Lymba Corporation TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 924271 5373 2878 1640 SMET HPCC 9216 9178 1654 0522400 Information Systems 0450604 June 15, 2005 STTR Phase II: Rapid Nondestructive Residual Stress Characterization of Semiconductor Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project aims to introduce a series of instruments to the microelectronics industry that allow rapid, high resolution residual stress inspection, defect location and quantification. In silicon wafer manufacture, small cracks may appear at the beginning of the wafer process and must be located to avoid adding value to damaged wafers. In semiconductor wafer bonding, de-bond defects may result from trapped dust particles and gas bubbles resulting in reliability and performance degradation. The infrared grey-field polariscope was able to locate these defects and quantify the residual stress state using a laboratory-based system. Now, this technology will be interfaced with optimized detectors to improve defect resolution and introduced onto a microscope platform to improve inspection of smaller defects. Finally, these stress analysis tools will be integrated into an automated inspection system that will be applicable to on-line inspection of the above-mentioned defects. The profitability of many devices and processes can be significantly hindered by low process yields. Yields can be improved with process control tools that catch stress variations immediately, and customer satisfaction and device reliability improvements made by implementing affordable 100% inspection to eliminate all damaged devices. In addition to making our nation's microelectronics industry more competitive, this tool will advance the state of scientific knowledge by improving resolution limits and provide quantitative measurements for researchers who study semiconductor substrates, wafer bonding, MEMS and integrated circuits. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Lesniak, Jon Thomas Mackin Stress Photonics Inc WI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 494436 1591 AMPP 9163 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450605 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Ultimate Sensitivity Photodetector. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a solid state photodetector with ultimate sensitivity and wide dynamic range at room temperature, capable of efficiently seeing signals from a single photon to trillions per second, featuring high speed, zero dead-time, high reliability/reproducibility, solid state robustness/compactness, and a large photosensitive area. The Phase I project proved the practicality of compatibly combining these features, and demonstrated compound semiconductor materials 1000 times quieter electrically than silicon. The project plans to model, design, layout, fab, package, test, and analyze a series of prototypes, resulting in a complete photodetector prototype for detailed evaluation and customer review; and will engage students in for-profit industrial R&D. This project aims to revolutionize the $10 billion industrial sector for ultra-low-light analytical instruments by obsolescing bulky glass, high voltage, photomultiplier vacuum tubes ($500 million) and microchannel plates ($400 million); improving scientific instruments dependent on them; enabling altogether new instruments; and making new applications of the instruments affordable and accessible. This product has been sought as the holy grail of photodetection for fifty years. It could make detecting light with ultimate sensitivity so practical, affordable, and ubiquitous that important scientific research and industrial instruments needing to sense extremely low light levels could be microminiaturized to eliminate bulky, thousand volt, multi-thousand dollar, high-voltage vacuum tubes, written operating plans, and the expertise & proven track record of its managers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Harmon, Eric LIGHTSPIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0450612 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Novel Bioaerosol Concentrator/Sampler for Enhanced Biosensor Performance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a robust, generic, front-end, bio-sampler that when combined with either a wet or dry biological detector, will result in more accurate and rapid detection of hazardous airborne biological agents. While most current systems require samples to be delivered in a fluid for analysis, emerging dry detection technologies facilitate near-real time detection, reduce sampling errors and allow for unattended operation. The prototype bio-sampler developed in Phase I demonstrated very high efficiency in the dry collection mode. This Phase II project has the following objectives: (a) to optimize sampling performance for particles at the low end of the range (<2 micron), (b) to maintain high bio-viability of collected organisms, (c) to function efficiently in the wet or the dry mode, (d) to demonstrate self-cleaning / decontamination features, (e) to evaluate scalability to larger air volumes and, finally, (f) to demonstrate enhanced overall performance in an integrated biological detection system. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of homeland security and public safety. The proposed technology will enhance the performance of both the detection systems that are presently deployed and that of the advanced biological detectors that are currently under development. Additional applications will be in the monitoring of the environment and of industrial air quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wright, Steve INNOVATECH INC NC F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 469973 5373 BIOT 9104 0313040 Water Pollution 0450613 March 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: An Automated Water Pathogen Monitoring System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop an automated instrument for rapid and specific detection of waterborne pathogens in municipal water supplies using methods combining immunoassay with electrochemistry. Although the disposable cartridges for this instrument could be specified for nearly any pathogen of interest, this project will focus primarily on the detection of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. C. parvum is a threat to the nation's water supply, does not respond to common antibiotics and resists water purification treatments. The commercial application of this project will be on the monitoring of drinking water supplies for pathogens. This would include testing of water at the source, in distribution networks, and at bottling and packaging facilities. The proposed device would eventually be adapted for emergency field use, for home use by safety conscious consumers, and for medical, industrial, recreational and combat purposes. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Aguilar, Zoraida VEGRANDIS, LLC AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 802843 5761 5373 BIOT 9261 9251 9197 9178 9150 9117 9107 9104 9102 5761 0118000 Pollution Control 0313040 Water Pollution 0450618 October 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Development of Agents to Promote Cellular Ga-67 (Gallium-67) Uptake. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on the development of new pharmaceutical agents to selectively enhance tumor imaging using gallium 67. A photo-degradation product of nifedipine, nitrosipine, has been found to selectively enhance the uptake of Ga67 by tumor cells. A specific derivative of nitrosipine has an even better selective uptake of the radioactive imaging agent. This project will synthesize and test other nitrosipine derivatives and determine the efficacy of Ga67 uptake in animal models using these complexing agents. The commercial application of this technology is in the area of diagnostic imaging. The use of Ga67 in tumor imaging is currently very limited due to poor selectivity of the agent for tumor cells. Enhanced uptake in tumor cells relative to normal cells would expand the types of tumors that could be effectively imaged and possibly replace the more costly and complex PET scan imaging using radioactive fluorinated sugars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tsukamoto, Takuji Chemica Technologies Inc OR Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 1023891 5373 BIOT 9261 9231 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0450619 June 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Vertical Electroabsorptive Modulated Laser (EML) Source for High-Speed Interconnects. This SBIR Phase II project aims to fabricate and commercialize a Vertical Electro-absorptive Modulated Laser (V-EML) for high-speed (up to 40Gbps) optical interconnects for chip-to-chip, board-to-board, and intra-rack optical applications. Compared to current electrical data buses using copper interconnects or conventional fiber optic links, the V-EML will enable the fabrication of higher speed, lower cost, lower power consumption and smaller optical transmitters for multi-channel fiber optic data buses in computer and communication networks. This technology virtually removes the modulation speed limit of VCSEL optical transmitters. At the same time it maintains high channel density at low cost. The low power consumption of the V-EML (~20 mW) and its potential low cost in volume (~$1.0) will provide a solution to the interconnect speed and power barriers in multiprocessor computers and servers. An array spacing of 50 to 100 microns will be possible with V-EMLs. This means that an 8x8 array with 2.5 Tbps of capacity has less than 1.0 mm2 of footprint. This offers substantial space savings over the existing copper interconnect technology and creates another strong incentive for transition. This technology could provide societal benefits from the commercialization of this technology by enabling faster and more widespread deployment of broadband services. The potential for ultra-fast delivery of audiovisual information is enormous as the V-EML technology helps to remove data-com bottlenecks. Educational and scientific benefits of the V-EML development arise in the area of supercomputers with sufficient computing power for complex scientific simulations. Applications include climate modeling for better predictions, molecular level modeling such as protein folding in medicine, ecosystem modeling in agriculture, and large-scale analysis of business information and economic statistics. These computers could then operate much faster and much more efficiently when interconnect speed limits are increased. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Riaziat, Majid OEPIC SEMICONDUCTORS, INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 668440 5373 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0450620 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: High-resolution, high-precision 193-nm photomask phase metrology system. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to design and construct an ultra-high-resolution, high-precision phase-shift integrated measurement system suitable for metrology of advanced phase-shifting photomasks. A number of semiconductor manufacturers now expect to progress from the 90 nm through the 45 nm nodes using an exposure wavelength of 193 nm. Advanced photolithographic techniques are necessary to print these sub-wavelength features. Phase-shifting photomasks, i.e. those in which the optical thickness, as well as the opacity is controlled, are a key reticle enhancement technology. Fast and accurate metrology of critical-layer phase-shift masks is becoming necessary both for process control and repair validation, but the enabling tools do not yet exist. The goal of this Phase II program is to integrate the actinic high-repetition rate laser built in Phase I into an interferometric laser microscope involving the design, construction, and integration of a stable phase-shifting interferometer and laser microscope, and the incorporation and optimization of phase-shifting interferometry signal processing algorithms. The integrated optical system will enable phase metrology on advanced photomasks, with the measurement precision and spatial resolution required by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS), mask makers and mask users. Commercially, the primary beneficiary of the Phase II photomask phase metrology system is the semiconductor optical lithography industry. The ITRS 'roadmap' for the 90-nm node and beyond requires measurements of photomask optical path difference with sub-0.4 degree precision. This metrology must be performed at spatial resolution scales consistent with feature sizes of the respective technology nodes, and for both isolated and densely-packed structures. No commercial metrology tools yet exist which satisfy these demands. The Phase II high-precision metrology system will enable manufactures to characterize, predict, and control mask-loading effects and other repair and process control issues essential to the reliable fabrication of phaseshifting masks. It is also likely that the integrated phase metrology system will find utility in the area of nano-MEMS testing and other nano-scale interferometry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jacob, James ACTINIX CA William Haines Standard Grant 736342 5373 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450627 September 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Bioinformatic Data Mining for AIDS Resistance Genes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the use of novel evolution-based data mining software to discover targets for the development of human therapeutics for currently intractable diseases. Phase I demonstrated that the evolution-based data-mining software was useful for dramatically narrowing the search for proteins that make chimpanzees resistant to the progression of AIDS after infection by HIV-1. In Phase II, the impact on in-vitro HIV-1 infectivity of a human cell line transfected with the gene encoding one of the adapted chimpanzee proteins will be assessed. Screening of other chimpanzee homologs of genes differentially regulated in human cells upon HIV-1 infection will continue to ensure that all potential AIDS resistance proteins have been identified. The adapted chimpanzee genes/proteins will be compared to those from humans in which HIV-1 infection has not progressed to AIDS for at least 10 years to see if there are any commonalities. The commercial application of this technology is in the battle against AIDS disease. The identification of proteins that have undergone adaptive evolution should lead to drugs to mediate the progression of HIV-1 infection. This same approach may have broader impact against several other intractable diseases for which non-human primates are less susceptible than humans. This includes hepatitis-C, sepsis, type-1 diabetes, and certain cancers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Messier, Walter Evolutionary Genomics, LLC CO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 499961 5373 1591 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450632 January 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Controlled-Impedance Transfemoral Knee/Ankle Prosthesis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a transfemoral prosthesis which will allow wearers to walk and run more smoothly, with greater stability and less effort. Typically, transfemoral amputees have difficulty achieving a natural gait, thus causing discomfort and greater energy expenditure. It is expected that the development of this advanced prosthesis will greatly enhance the function and comfort of amputees and bring new technology to the prosthetic industry. In Phase I research, a unique engineering model of the knee and the ankle was developed, implementing the pneumatic compliance (spring) and electrically-controlled hydraulic damping. In Phase II, complete prototypes of the microprocessor-controlled knee/ankle prosthesis will be developed, with the following features: (a) compliant (elastic, rather than stiff) knee flexion during stance phase, which will return energy to the wearer and improve comfort, (b) co-ordination of knee and ankle impedance to match desired walking cadence, and minimal energy expenditure by tuning the spring rate to the natural frequency; and (c) myoelectric control of knee impedance. In addition, high-performance features will be integrated into the prosthetic device, including adaptive swing phase knee impedance, and automatic control of stance phase impedance. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of prosthetic devices for use by people with knee and foot (transfemoral) amputation. The proposed product will allow the amputees to wear their prosthesis for a longer time period, with less effort and more safety, and to walk on more rugged and uneven terrain. Estimates of revenues resulting from this project show gross sales starting at $750,000 per year, growing rapidly after 5 years to over $8,000,000. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Iversen, Edwin MOTION CONTROL, INC. UT F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 5345 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0450635 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: ELISA Biosensor for Rapid Bioterrorism Related Agent Diagnosis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a self-contained enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) biochip for rapid and confirmatory clinical diagnosis of multiple bio-threat pathogens such as antigens, antibodies, toxins, and viruses. The ELISA chip utilizes microfluidic technology to automate and simplify the assay process on a small chip platform. The plastic chip (reagent pre-loaded) will be affordable and ready for use, and will eliminate the need for a network of tubing connected to bulky external reservoirs and pump systems used in current large clinical laboratory systems. Prior Phase I work successfully developed the microfluidic chip platform and the reader system, and performed assays with anthrax toxin protective antigen (PA) and Francisella tularensis. The Phase II project will focus on system optimization, integration and panel tests, and will result in a prototype to be refined into a commercial product in Phase III. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of homeland security, for detecting biological warfare agents (BWA) and in managing BWA suspected patients. The ELISA based biochip has the potential to be used as a rapid testing standard to quickly yield preliminary data in advance of microbiology tests. The system, with its extreme sensitivity and specificity, also offers commercial opportunities in the field of clinical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ho, Winston MAXWELL SENSORS INC. CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 468453 5373 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450640 May 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: High Speed Sequencing and Structure Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop new methods for achieving high-speed sequencing and structure analysis of drug and biological molecules . The benefits of high-speed Molecular Sequencing (MSn) will be broadly applicable to end users through compatibility with ion trap MS instruments in general and specifically for the proposed QitTof MS (quadrupole ion - trap, time - of - flight mass spectrometry), which will provide the highest potential analysis speeds. The technical objectives for Phase II research are to (a) to develop high-speed MSn algorithms, (b) to optimize accurate mass neutral loss performance, (c) to develop CE / ESI (capillary electrophoresis / electrospray ionization) interface, and (d) to demonstrate CE / ESI / QitTof MS/MS for high-speed peptide sequencing. The final outcome of this Phase II work will be an instrument that will clearly achieve the highest speeds for peptide sequencing and overall protein identification. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of proteomics. The proteomics market is forecasted to grow from $ 0.7 billion to $ 5.8 billion over the next 5 years. There is a tremendous need to develop automated methods for the analysis of proteins and peptides linked to specific cells and tissues, in order to better understand global biological function for improved drug therapy and early detection of diseases such as cancer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Syage, Jack SYAGEN TECHNOLOGY INC CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 782395 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0450641 February 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Novel Nanosized Magnets for Highly Sensitive Multiplexing Bio-Molecular Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop and validate highly sensitive contrasting agents in-vivo, for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis, based on a series of novel nano-sized ferromagnets. Prior Phase I work used combinatorial chemistry to synthesize magnetic nanoparticles with significantly enhanced magnetic resonance signal and sensitivity than currently available paramagnetic contrasting agents. The specific objectives of Phase II research are to further optimize the nano-magnet cores with combinatorial chemistry , to functionalize their surfaces for in-vitro imaging of cells, to validate the newly developed contrasting agents in comparative animal MRI studies against products in use, and to evaluate their toxicity effects. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of whole-body imaging techniques. The proposed technology will enable superior medical images to be taken at significantly higher throughput and sensitivity, and at a lower cost. Further, it may allow for new medical diagnosis-imaging applications using magnetic resonance (for example, in the early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sun, Ted LS TECHNOLOGIES CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 497185 5373 BIOT 9107 0203000 Health 0450648 April 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Carbon Nanotubes Field Effect Transitors (FET) Platform for Electronic and Sensors Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to design and develop a molecular nano-sensor platform for researchers developing new chemical and bio-sensors. The principal component of these devices will be an array of single-wall carbon nanotube transducers on a silicon chip. The product itself will be a sensor development kit comprised of a set of sensor chips, an electronics module with a standard PC interface, adaptors for gas and liquid sensing, data reduction and analysis software, and directions for product use. General guidelines for the additional of specialized functionalization chemistry and biology to the sensor chip will be included. The project objectives include developing a set of 5-10 different chip architectures for gas, liquid and biosensing together with modules for sensing in both gases and liquids. The CMOS mask design will include as many as ten different architectures suitable for different types of experiments and functionalization layers. The sensor chips themselves will be manufactured on 4-inch silicon wafers and set into a standard CERDIP package that fits into the top of the electronics module. Signal processing electronics and software systems will be designed and integrated to deliver digital sensor output to LabView(TM) on a PC. The research involved in meeting these goals encompasses the design, prototyping and experimental testing of each component of the development platform. At the culmination of Phase II, the molecular nano-sensing platform will be validated by collaborative users in UCLA, UC Berkeley and UC Irvine, and positioned for market introduction. Commercially this novel nanosensing platform will enable research and product development in molecular level phenomena related to chemical reactions and catalysis, chemical and biological sensing, and photonics. The work described in this proposal will produce a valuable new nanoelectronics research tool that will ultimately result in new discoveries and products in sensing and diagnostics. Researchers seeking to develop new direct electronic detection sensing applications and conduct charge transfer experiments at the molecular level lack a robust, inexpensive experimental platform. In most cases researchers must develop their own experimental apparatus, interfaces and software. For those wishing to take advantage of the sensitivity and flexibility of nanoelectronic arrays, fabricating the devices is a formidable and cost prohibitive challenge. This project seeks to provide a state-of-the-art nanotechnology-based solution in an ultra sensitive and flexible detection platform. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chang, Ying-Lan Nanomix, Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 1075999 5373 AMPP 9261 9251 9178 9163 7218 1794 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0450649 May 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Quantitative Detection of Bacterial Pathogens in Seeds by Use of a Novel Enrichment Technique Coupled with Automated Real-Time PCR. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a highly sensitive PCR-based diagnostic kit for the detection of pathogens in crop seeds. Seed health testing is important in order to identify infected lots that should be excluded from seed sales. Because only a few seeds in a seed lot are usually infected, highly sensitive test methods are needed. The standard method consists of extracting the pathogen into a buffer followed by plating on selective media to isolate the pathogen or identification by PCR. A major limitation of this method is that only a small sample (0.1 ml) can be tested on an agar plate, which gives a maximum sensitivity of only 10 cells per ml. In this project, a novel device called Ampli-disk, has been developed, that allows testing of a 4 ml sample. Further, this Ampli-disk can be stored and used, as needed, unlike agar plates that require fresh preparation for each use. Prior Phase I research has shown that pathogens from seed extracts can be successfully detected and quantified by using Ampli-disk coupled with real-time PCR. In the Phase II project, the objective is to develop Ampli-disks and real-time PCR primers and probes into diagnostic kits for ten most important bacterial pathogens of vegetable crops. The commercial application of this project will be in agriculture. The proposed technology will be useful to the seed industry and in other bacterial disease diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Randhawa, Parm California Seed and Plant Lab., Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 999598 5373 BIOT 9109 5373 0201000 Agriculture 0450650 April 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Digital Microscopy with Collaborative Learning. This SBIR Phase II project seeks to provide a model for integrating digital microscopy and web-based on-line collaborative learning in order to improve science education. In Phase I, Digital Blue developed a collaborative worksite, www.planetmicro.com and enrolled +400 students. In Phase II Digital Blue proposes to further this inquiry by building, in conjunction with the Concord Consortium, a state-of-the-art website where students use common digital microscopes and engage in a true collaborative educational experience. Digital Blue will undertake this work by scaffolding the website to improve interaction between members; improving the work flow in which users "tag" their digital images thus optimizing search engine productivity; developing common curriculum modules; developing an online professional development utility to empower teachers to use this technology in their coursework; and adding thousands of members to foster an innovative and successful collaborative community. Digital Blue proffers an innovative product and service for the education market, namely Planetmicro.net, a collaborative workspace that is fully integrated with a proprietary digital microscope. The site would be the first collaborative workspace that interacts seamlessly with affordable digital laboratory equipment in each classroom. Other collaborative learning environments offer common methods and processes but fail to integrate uniform tools, creating a gap between the hands-on activity of the lab and the virtual activity. In contrast, Planetmicro.net would make it easy to integrate collaborative learning with traditional science pedagogy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hall, Timothy Digital Blue Incorporated GA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 SMET 9177 7256 7180 0101000 Curriculum Development 0522400 Information Systems 0450981 January 1, 2004 SBIR Phase II: Segmented Proton Exchange Membranes with Edge Seals for Compact Fuel Cell Electrode Structures. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project will demonstrate practical and cost-effective designs for a high energy density Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell. The approach taken will utilize the treatment of membranes with Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPN), as demonstrated in Phase I, to create regions with enhanced strength and the desired ionic, reactant and water transport properties for a viable Segmented Fuel capable of operating with ambient diffused oxygen for portable applications. A systematic modeling procedure will be developed to generate optimal, thermally and hydraulically stable segmented fuel cell designs, with specific electrode arrays, given voltage, and power requirements. Size/weight trade-offs will be considered. The work supports the effort to develop fuel cells for portable consumer and industrial power which is safe, durable and energy efficient. PEM based fuel cells are a mature technology which takes advantage of very simple chemistry and the introduction of the GES IPN-improved membranes will permit designers greater flexibility in producing fuel cells which meet the needs for portable computers, tools, communication, medical and industrial equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McDonald, Robert GINER, INC. MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 74989 5373 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0451512 August 1, 2005 Collaborative Research: Determinants of Kaizen Event Success and Sustainability. This research examines the success and sustainability of using "Kaizen events" as a mechanism to rapidly introduce change and to create a culture of continual improvementkai (or zen) in lean manufacturing. Objectives have been defined to investigate the determinants of initial and longitudinal outcomes, as well as to compare Kaizen events with a more traditional improvement mechanism (continuous process improvement teams).. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies (surveys, operational performance data, observations, document reviews, and interviews) will be used to collect data from eight manufacturers over a three-year period. We explicitly including both social and technical system outcomes and will empirically test claims that Kaizen event use will lead to the creation of a culture of continual improvement over time. Broader Impacts: Research results will be shared with the collaborating organizations and industrial consortiums will be used to disseminate the results to a broader industrial and research community. Members of these consortiums will be able to use the research findings to design better Kaizen events, with a higher probability of successfully sustaining outcomes. Also, the research will be integrated into engineering curricula of both undergraduate and graduate courses at Oregon State University and Virginia Tech. Both PI's are actively teaching engineering courses in which lean practices and change mechanisms are explicitly covered. INNOVATION & ORG SCIENCES(IOS) IIP ENG Doolen, Toni Oregon State University OR Donald Senich Standard Grant 188628 5376 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0451513 August 1, 2005 Collaborative Research: Determinants of Kaizen Event Success and Sustainability. This research examines the success and sustainability of using "Kaizen events" as a mechanism to rapidly introduce change and to create a culture of continual improvementkai (or zen) in lean manufacturing. Objectives have been defined to investigate the determinants of initial and longitudinal outcomes, as well as to compare Kaizen events with a more traditional improvement mechanism (continuous process improvement teams). Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies (surveys, operational performance data, observations, document reviews, and interviews) will be used to collect data from eight manufacturers over a three-year period. We explicitly including both social and technical system outcomes and will empirically test claims that Kaizen event use will lead to the creation of a culture of continual improvement over time. Broader Impacts: Research results will be shared with the collaborating organizations and industrial consortiums will be used to disseminate the results to a broader industrial and research community. Members of these consortiums will be able to use the research findings to design better Kaizen events, with a higher probability of successfully sustaining outcomes. Also, the research will be integrated into engineering curricula of both undergraduate and graduate courses at Oregon State University and Virginia Tech. Both PI's are actively teaching engineering courses in which lean practices and change mechanisms are explicitly covered. INNOVATION & ORG SCIENCES(IOS) GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS IIP ENG Van Aken, Eileen Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Donald Senich Standard Grant 221319 5376 1504 MANU 9146 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0453808 October 1, 2004 FRP Strengthening of Large-Size Concrete Columns. Column wrapping with carbon FRP (CFRP) was used to strengthen rectangular columns supporting the roof of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport's Terminal 2E after inadequate reinforcement against bursting forces was discovered during construction. The terminal collapse of this year and doubts about its causes have had international repercussions. This project, with significant financial and in-kind help from industry partners, aims at demonstrating that CFRP strengthening of prismatic members is attainable for the case of large cross-sectional areas. The outcomes of this work will have a broad impact as they will be used to validate prediction algorithms used by design guides; determine the efficiency of confinement as a function of the cross-section shape for large size columns; and provide answers for immediate field problems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nanni, Antonio Nestore Galati Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0456805 May 1, 2005 Collaborative Research: An I/UCRC Planning Grant to Create A Vision Enhancement Technology Center (VETC). An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of the University of West Virginia with the Georgia Institute of Technology of establishing a new I/UCRC for Vision Enhancement Technology. West Virginia University brings a core team of researchers in this field, a close working relationship with state agencies, a model virtual environments laboratory, and clinical research and outreach facilities. The Georgia Institute of Technology has engineering faculty with expertise in electrical engineering, rehabilitation engineering, industrial design, optics, computer science and other disciplines that will bring their resources together to focus on the needs of the low vision and blind populations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Jacko, Julie Jack Wood GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0456883 July 1, 2005 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC in Smart Vehicle Concepts (Planning Grant). An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of the Ohio State University with Virginia Polytechnic Institute of establishing a new I/UCRC for Smart Vehicle Concepts. The faculty members involved from the two universities have significant research programs in ground transportation and have been active in automotive systems and smart materials. The Center will focus on novel and emerging trends in vehicle design where smart structures, next-generation suspension or mounting devices, vastly improved actuators or valves, and intelligent sensors will be integrated to develop ground vehicles of the future. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mahajan, Roop Rakesh Kapania Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0456920 July 1, 2005 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC in Smart Vehicle Concepts (Planning Grant). An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of the Ohio State University with Virginia Polytechnic Institute of establishing a new I/UCRC for Smart Vehicle Concepts. The faculty members involved from the two universities have significant research programs in ground transportation and have been active in automotive systems and smart materials. The Center will focus on novel and emerging trends in vehicle design where smart structures, next-generation suspension or mounting devices, vastly improved actuators or valves, and intelligent sensors will be integrated to develop ground vehicles of the future. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Singh, Rajendra Gregory Washington Marcelo Dapino Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0456973 March 1, 2005 Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution: Human Interactions in Logistics Systems. An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of Texas Tech University joining the existing Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. The focus of the research site will focus on Industrial Engineering that will emphasize the human interaction aspects and impact on logistics in the work environment. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Collins, Terry Milton Smith Jeffrey Woldstad Mario Beruvides Edward McCombs Texas Tech University TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0457051 May 1, 2005 Collaborative Research: An I/UCRC Planning Grant to Create A Vision Enhancement Technology Center (VETC). An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of the University of West Virginia with the Georgia Institute of Technology of establishing a new I/UCRC for Vision Enhancement Technology. West Virginia University brings a core team of researchers in this field, a close working relationship with state agencies, a model virtual environments laboratory, and clinical research and outreach facilities. The Georgia Institute of Technology has engineering faculty with expertise in electrical engineering, rehabilitation engineering, industrial design, optics, computer science and other disciplines that will bring their resources together to focus on the needs of the low vision and blind populations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Odom, James James Smith Frances Van Scoy David Baker West Virginia University Research Corporation WV Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0457172 January 1, 2005 NSF I/UCRC Program - Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of the University of Houston joining the existing Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). The research proposed at the University of Houston site will expand the research base of CELDi by addressing the research areas of value-adding and recovery processing in logistics and distribution management. The research will focus on further technology development in areas related to Radio Frequency Identification, Lean Supply Chain Re-Engineering, and e-Business. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Parsaei, Hamid University of Houston TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0457354 February 1, 2005 Center for Information Protection (CIP) I/UCRC Planning. The New Jersey Institute of Technology proposes to join the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Protection of Information. The research focus of the proposed Center is information insurance with core activities in intrusion detection, attack tolerant network systems, and ad hoc network security. The New Jersey Institute of Technology has available a test bed facility for hardware/software products transfer to end-users. Specific simulation will be defined and guided by the industrial members and their needs. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Manikopoulos, Constantine New Jersey Institute of Technology NJ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0457510 December 15, 2004 Planning Grant - Center for e-Design: IT Enabled Design and Realization of Products and Systems. An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) to join the existing Center for e-Design. The research proposed at VPI will be to research and develop method tools that support the realization of a new design paradigm that can be used to develop new engineered products and systems. This new paradigm will allow design and product realization to be customer driven in a collaborative e-design environment and support transparent analysis, as well as virtual simulation and prototyping. The research that is proposed will also encompass considerations pertaining to the life cycle of the product or system under development. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Terpenny, Janis Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0457529 April 1, 2005 Establishing a Research Site of the Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) at Clemson University. An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of Clemson University joining the existing Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). The research site focus will be primarily on supply chain logistics and what it entails in the terms of scheduling, delivery, decision-making, and inventory. This will expand and enhance the ongoing research activities of the CELDi Center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ferrell, William Clemson University SC Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0457608 April 1, 2005 NSF-I/UCRC - Planning Grant Proposal for UCLA to join I/UCRC for Wireless Internet Center for Advanced Technology (WICAT). An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of the University of California-Los Angeles joining the existing Wireless Internet Center for Advanced Technology. The research activities of the proposed UCLA research site will utilize the resources of the existing "Wireless Internet for the Mobile Enterprise". The main focus of the research will be on wireless application technologies for enterprise-class needs. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gadh, Rajit University of California-Los Angeles CA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0457643 January 15, 2005 University of Nebraska RSCL Planning Grant for I/UCRC. An Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers planning meeting has been awarded to determine the feasibility of the University of Nebraska joining the existing Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. The focus of the research site will be in the area of Radio Frequency Identification. This expands the current research agenda of the center and addresses a current major new interest of a number of companies. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Jones, Erick University of Nebraska-Lincoln NE Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0503831 January 1, 2005 Porphyrin-Mediated Destruction of Nitro-Energetics. This project augments the research agenda of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. The research is to be performed for an Industry/Advisory Board member, the Defense Ammunition Center at the Oklahoma State University research site. Getting rid of outdated explosive material is not only hazardous and expensive but can represent a serious environmental problem. Using light to power prophin and/or phthaleyanine catalysts to destroy these outdated explosives offers an economic and environmental friendly solution. This research will study; 1. Identification of the degradation pathways, 2. Identificaiton of characteristics of different catalytic surfaces under various conditions 3. Determine the mechanism of energy and charge transfer from the photo-excited porphyrin catalyst to the acceptor molecule 4. Quantum mechanical computation of the structure and energy levels involved. 5. Design and fabrication of a small prototype solar reactor and later a pre-production unit, and 6. Design of sensors to monitor reactions. IIP ENG Harmon, H.James Oklahoma State University OK Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 2000653 V892 V889 T545 OTHR 9150 1049 0000 0507853 December 1, 2004 SBIR Phase I: Label-Free Biochip for Rapid Detection of Botulinum Toxins. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a highly sensitive and selective label-free biochip assay for rapid detection of botulinum toxins. The method uses surface-plasmon-resonance (SPR) technology incorporating peptide cleavage at the surface of the SPR waveguide. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of botulinum toxin detection in food, biological samples and the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Melman, Paul Newton Photonics, Inc. MA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 33332 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0509692 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Laser Spectrometer for Semiconductor Yield Improvement. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will determine the performance and operating specifications for a new laser spectrometer suitable for detection of trace moisture at semiconductor process tools. Trace moisture contamination has an adverse, costly, effect on semiconductor manufacturing yields. The sensor will be about the size of a can of soda and provide single digit parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity in a few seconds, 0.25 ppb in under a minute. The estimated price point with volume production will be a factor of four to five lower than present trace moisture sensors. The fully developed rugged prototypes will be suitable for detection of moisture in a variety of toxic, corrosive or inert process gases. The significantly improved price point will enable semiconductor manufacturers to deploy the sensors on each process tool throughout the manufacturing facility. If successful this project will reduce the cost of manufacturing microelectronic semiconductor chips. The basic technology shall extend to other trace gas detection applications including biomedical breath diagnosis. Additional applications abound in detection of trace environmental species important to health, occupational safety, and global warming. The performance and price point of the proposed sensor will enable widespread distribution to scientific researchers in various fields of discovery. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Pilgrim, Jeffrey VISTA PHOTONICS, INC NM Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510141 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Development of Tools to Determine the Effect of Powder Metallurgy (P/M) Manufacturing Parameters on Fatigue of Highly Loaded Gears. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will develop and validate a tool to support a manufacturing innovation specifically, the powder metallurgy process to produce highly loaded automotive transmission gears. Powder metallurgy (P/M) processes offer an excellent combination of shape forming capability and material utilization, making the technology ideal for manufacturing highly loaded automotive transmission gears. Powder forging and recently developed surface densification processes combines shaping capability and nearly pore-free materials in critical areas in order to overcome strength limitations of the P/M materials. However, P/M processes have a high degree of variability, which makes optimization of process parameters imperative. This project will perform model testing of materials under rolling contact fatigue, which is one of the failure criteria of gears. The broader impacts (commercial significance) from this project will be on material science and processing. This project will provide the capability to study crack initiation and propagation under rolling contact fatigue conditions. This will lead to a new and better understanding of crack formation mechanisms and crack growth under constant and variable compressive stresses. It allows combining material properties obtained by classical methods such as micro-hardness, fracture mechanics, and microstructure analyses with rolling contact fatigue strength. It leads to a better understanding of the effect of process variables, heat treatment parameters, and material behavior under real operational conditions. The focus of this project is on P/M processes. However, the results will change the way gears and bearings of pore-free materials are being designed and manufactured. Improved gears and bearings will increase the efficiency of transmissions, therefore indirectly reducing energy consumption. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hoffmann, Gottfried V-Tech International, Inc. WI Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 98397 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510256 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nanobiosensor for Cancer Marker Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a nanobiosensor for optically detecting, discriminating, and quantifying important bio-molecular species. This project focuses on detection of ovarian cancer markers. The sensor technology is based on manufacturing arrays of silver nanowires on optical substrates and then bio-chemically functionalizing the nanowires to bind specific biological analytes. The presence of the targeted analyte is determined using the ultra-sensitive optical-probing technique, Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). This project will seek to utilize novel manufacturing techniques to build a versatile bio-sensing platform that can be readily altered to sense a wide range of important biological species. The Phase I project will engineer the nanobiosensor to detect the presence of the cancer marker CA125. The detection and diagnosis of disease is one of the major potential applications of nanotechnology, which allows devices to be manufactured on the same size scale as the biological species and chemicals they seek to detect. Phase II work will expand the range of cancer marker detection and incorporate the sensing platform into a portable, easy to use medical diagnostic tool. This innovative technology will find applications in medical testing, environmental monitoring, and chemical and biological weapons detection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Habib, Youssef ILLUMINEX CORP PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 9102 5371 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0511637 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Long-Life Nozzles for Abrasive-Slurry-Jet Cutting. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will test the feasibility of practical nozzles for abrasive slurry jet (ASJ) cutting tools. ASJ has been shown by several researchers to cut malleable and brittle material up to 4-8 times faster, with the same cut quality, compared to conventional abrasive water jet (AWJ) tools. However, ASJ is not employed today (except at low water-jet velocities) because the life of the nozzle, through which the abrasive slurry accelerates, is very short and hence uneconomical, even with diamond nozzles. In order to realize the known benefits of ASJ cutting, new nozzle designs have been invented according to computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis, these new nozzle designs promise to yield economically attractive life. The project will refine the designs with CFD analysis and then test a scaled-up, airflow model with low jet velocity, which accurately simulates both the fluid's streamlines; the particle trajectories and particle impacts against the nozzle's internal surfaces. From this modeling data, erosion rates and nozzle life will be predicted. An analysis will be affected in order to demonstrate the economic feasibility of these innovative ASJ nozzles for cutting metal, ceramics, composites and glasses. The broader impacts from this project could be a large reduction in costs and could provide industry with a superior tool, which is able to cut any material without thermal damage. The AWJ world market today is about $300 millions/year. The U.S. market, alone, for metal cutting tools, is over $3.5 billion. ASJ cutting should grow rapidly to command as much as $400 million of the metal-cutting market and to dominate the cutting of brittle materials. Practical ASJ cutting will provide a new business opportunity, jobs and a unique export product. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Dean, Jr., Robert SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99999 9150 MANU 9150 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0511831 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Manufacturing Process for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) Components. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will utilize an innovative manufacturing process to fabricate components used in high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). This innovative manufacturing process is based on a patented extrusion freeform fabrication (EFF) technique that is used for the production of complex shaped and highly loaded ceramics, polymers, and metals. EFF can be tailored to the selected polymer rheology and processing properties. The broader (commercial) impacts from this manufacturing method is the ability to produce at low cost, complex shaped and customized components for PEMFC with improved properties and performance compared to the current conventional polymer processing techniques. The manufacturing process will contribute to making the country's manufacturing base more competitive through innovation and responsiveness to a future societal need for an alternative and environmentally friendly energy. It will also enable the fabrication of value-added polymers that could find applications in a broad range of engineering applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hecht, Nathalie ADVANCED CERAMICS RESEARCH, INC AZ Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99976 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0511887 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Alpha Sigma Pi - A Method for Confident, Robust, and Optimal Process Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a dynamic and quantitative decision support system to assist manufacturers in understanding and optimizing complex processes with multiple process settings and multiple quality requirements. The intellectual merit of the proposed research stems from the analytical solution of the feasibility with the Extensive Simplex Method. Using a constraint based approach, this representation provides the global feasibility and the local flexibility of the process given the behavioral linkages between the process settings and the quality requirements. Following these feasibility maps or "process windows", the process engineer can characterize and understand the behavior of manufacturing process, evaluate the feasibility of individual process conditions, and discover potential improvements in any and all of the quality requirements. The preliminary results indicate that the proposed interface is a powerful tool in optimizing process parameters and tightening performance specifications. Objectives that the proposed research will resolve include: (1) adaptive refinement of process behavior and feasibility; (2) dynamic tuning of process settings and quality requirements; and (3) development of an easy to use system with data handling and regression. The proposed research will have a broad impact on process and quality control by extending and rationalizing Six Sigma and other techniques currently utilized in manufacturing enterprises. With the developed tool, manufacturers can synthesize and archive process information, gain insight into their process' behavior, and rapidly converge to more optimal process configurations. Such an intuitive interface, considering the interaction of multiple process parameters and quality requirements as well as the effects of variation and uncertainty, is not available in any other decision making approach available today. Furthermore, the decision support systems derived from the proposed research can appeal to current users of spreadsheet models and other forms of simulation with applications in engineering design, manufacturing, finance, insurance, and military operations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhu, Liang Kazmer Research LLC MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 0 5371 MANU 9148 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0511971 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Antimicrobial Nanocoatings through Grafting of PECVD Films. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a novel manufacturing process for depositing silver ion-containing nano-scale coatings on metals or plastics for microbial resistance. The antimicrobial nanocoating (AMNC) is deposited from the vapor phase using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process onto a variety of surfaces. Effective integration of ionic silver into the coating remains a difficult engineering challenge due to low precursor volatility and ionic metal ligand instability. The proposed development of a commercially viable AMNC process will include: 1)Deposition of nanometer-scale films via PECVD that contain leachable silver ions, synthesized with at least two different matrix polymers (organic and inorganic) and a range of silver content. This will be accomplished via post-deposition grafting of silver containing organometallics onto PECVD plasma polymers. 2) Establishing antimicrobial effectiveness of these silver-containing PECVD films as a function of structure and composition. Film composition, thickness, and morphology are all controllable by suitable choice of reactant gases and deposition conditions. A successful Phase I project will result in the demonstration of a nanometer-scale antimicrobial coating that has been tested on a panel of approximately 20 of the top bacterial pathogens. Commercially AMNCs are not currently available on the market. Thinner than the razor edge of a scalpel and nearly invisible, AMNCs offer distinct advantages over available thick antimicrobial paints while addressing important problems such as nosocomial (hospital acquired) infections (NI). NIs represent one of the most severe problems facing the health care industry. The CDC estimates that NIs cause over 100,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone, with a concomitant increased health care cost of over 5 billion dollars per year. Contaminated hands are believed to be the single greatest cause of transmitting NIs. Applying AMNCs to hand contact surfaces (e.g. door knobs, bathroom fixtures) in facilities such as hospitals and public schools could be tremendously beneficial. Moreover, AMNCs can enhance healthcare by improving microbial and biofilm resistance of medical materials (e.g. indwelling catheters, central lines, prostheses, other invasive devices). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dillingham, Giles BRIGHTON TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99680 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512066 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Ultrahigh-Pressure Flash Abrasive-Waterjets for Presicion Machining. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) flash abrasive waterjets (FAWJs) to mitigate limitations of non-flashing AWJs on precision machining. AWJs, a cold process and largely material independent, are superior to other tools for drilling large-aspect-ratio small-diameter holes, precision machining, milling, and near-net shaping, particularly for composite, laminates, and alloys such as titanium and inconel. UHP technology has been recognized as one of the mainstream industrial machining tools. However, the nearly incompressibility of water in AWJs, induces anomalies such as microcracking of composites, delamination of laminates, and enlargement of entry-hole diameters. This project will develop FAWJs, through hardware and process development and integration, emulating the phase changing feature of ACJs for reducing material damage and enhancing process precision. The FAWJs would be up to 2 orders of magnitude more cost effective and portable, as well as safer to operate than ACJs. An FAWJ laboratory model will be designed, fabricated and tested to demonstrate the feasibility of performance improvement over AWJs for precision machining. The broader (commercial) impacts from this project will be a novel process to take advantage of the inherent superiority of AWJ machining over other manufacturing processes (e.g., environmentally friendly, ability to handle a wide range of materials, and no added heat in the cutting zone) while mitigating its limitations. The proposed FAWJ will be most suitable for machining complex geometry (e.g., long-aspect-ratio small-diameter and shaped holes) on composites, laminates, and other advanced materials. The FAWJ would meet the urgent demand for high quality and cost-effective machining processes for these materials whose usage has grown rapidly in the aerospace, electronics, and defense industries. Note that the FAWJ can be toggled back and forth to operate in both the flashing and non-flashing modes. Such versatility would further elevate UHP technology to yet another level for precision machining, broadening the basis for the U.S. employment capacity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Peter OMAX Corporation WA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99862 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512100 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Extrusion Manufacturing Process for Ultrahigh Bandwidth, Low Attenuation Graded-Index Polymer Optical Fibers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will address the feasibility of producing low attenuation, ultrahigh bandwidth perfluorinated polymer optical fibers (POF) by a low-cost continuous extrusion process. Currently, there is an unmet need for a very simple, easy to use optical medium for multi-Gb/s networks in applications such as hospital systems, educational institutions, defense and security systems and industrial controls. Polymer optical fibers greatly simplify connectorization and lower installation costs of fiber optic links, but their use has been limited by their low bandwidth and high attenuation. The company invented a unique multi-layer extrusion process for forming a plastic optical fiber with a graded-index core by controlling the diffusion of a refractive-index-raising dopant in the flowing perfluorinated polymer. The extruded POF has attenuation levels below 30 dB/km and supports high bandwidths (~300MHz-km) through reduced modal dispersion. The goal of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of using the extrusion process to manufacture POF with much higher bandwidth performance, comparable to that of the best silica multimode fiber (better than 2 GHz-km). The graded-index perfluorinated POF (GI-POF) extrusion technology developed by the company is the most competitive method for high volume manufacturing of new high performance GI-POF products. The successful commercialization of a GI-POF extrusion technology that enables ultra-high speed communications could establish the United States as a commercial and technological leader in polymer optical fiber. As high-speed communications move into many new applications, leadership in GI-POF manufacturing technology may be expected to be of increasing economic importance. In addition to providing a solution to the current unmet need for an easy-to-use high-speed optical medium, GI-POF is expected to have significant penetration in commercial markets for high-speed enterprise and home LAN. The availability of the high bandwidth GI-POF could hasten the penetration of ultra-high bandwidth services such as interactive video to homes and businesses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, Whitney Chromis Fiberoptics, LLC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99625 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512120 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Metal Aggregate Rapid Tooling Process for Casting Aluminum Alloys. This Small Business Innovation Phase I Research project aims to develop a novel rapid tooling material for inexpensive production of low volume and prototype castings. This rapid tooling material offers the ease of molding typical to sand molding yet is comparable in properties and performance to metallic permanent molds. The mold comprises a metallic aggregate with a silicate binder, thermally processed to achieve appropriate hardness and dimensional stability. The project will address the following: (1) manufacturing of a complex mold; (2) characterization of the mold material; (3) analysis of the dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of castings produced with this mold; (4) determination of the cooling rates during solidification of aluminum cast in the mold; (5) evaluation of the thermal fatigue resistance and durability of the mold; (6) determination of the lead time to fabricate rapid tooling by this method; Castings made in these molds are expected to cool faster resulting in higher ultimate strength, ductility and elongation. In addition, because of the finer dendrite arm spacing, a shorter homogenization time during heat-treating is anticipated. These attributes make this material attractive not only for rapid tooling but also for contoured chills in sand casting. These would be used to increase local extraction of heat from solidifying aluminum, thereby improving mechanical properties in critical sections of the casting. The broader (commercial) impact from this project would be a metallic aggregate mold technique that lends itself to rapid and inexpensive forming of molds for prototype development castings. The mold so produced has potential applications in metal mold casting processes such as gravity permanent mold, low pressure and die-casting and injection molded plastic parts. The most apparent commercial application for the metal aggregate is in molds for low volume, high strength aluminum castings. Used as a permanent mold the metal aggregate mold provides integral venting, eliminating the need for mechanically created vents thus saving time and cost. Another potential application of the metal aggregate material is in manufacturing of shaped chills for sand casting. As a moldable material the metal aggregate fits the pattern to form a thermally conductive mold otherwise not readily achievable. The company's principal product is aluminum impellers made by a process, which utilizes a combination of permanent and sand molds. Core gases trapped by the permanent mold during the casting process are a major cause of defects, resulting in scrap rates in excess of five percent. A durable, permeable tool could substantially reduce that tooling cost, leading to more rapid implementation of impeller innovations, hence more energy efficient refrigeration designs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nelson, Charles Morris Bean & Company OH Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512142 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Self-Assembled Bulk Thermoelectric Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a low-cost nano-composite self-assembled thermoelectric system via a commercially viable manufacturing process. Control of homogeneity at the molecular level dictates the ultimate performance of the thermoelectric material, which is quantified by the Figure of Merit, ZT. High values of the Figure of Merit (preferably 2 or greater) are only achievable by strict control of molecular deposition, which is attainable via self-assembly processing. Self-assembly represents a method for rapid, aqueous based, room temperature deposition of molecularly uniform material layers. This synergistic manufacturing approach combines properties obtained only via nano-structured materials for macro scale structural components. Potential applications of nano-structured, low-cost, self-assembled thermo-electrics include remote power generation, commercial refrigeration and air conditioning, and cooling for electronics and optics. Consumer and corporate products would benefit via replacement of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) based cooling units. Replacement with thermoelectric modules facilitates an environmentally friendly, precisely controlled thermal management solution for nearly any refrigeration or air conditioning application. Thermoelectric modules can also take advantage of waste heat generation from industrial and private operations to generate auxiliary power for such systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bortner, Dr. Michael Nanosonic Incorporated VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512163 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Forging of Fine Grained Semi-Solid Aluminum Billets Created "In-Situ" from Molten Metal. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a forging process that combines the latest technologies of ultrasonic processing of materials and rapid infrared heating (RIH) of forgings. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of an enabling technology for the semi-solid forging complex shaped components of high strength aluminum alloys that are difficult to cast. The project will make semi-solid forging stock with high solid fractions directly from molten alloy immediately in advance of the semi-solid blanks prior to a forging operation could result in a significant cost and energy savings. The use of high intensity ultrasonic vibration techniques will produce smaller grain sizes than can now be achieved with available semi-solid processes, a significant improvement compared with rheocasting/thixoforming. With high solid fractions, the forging stock will have a "mushy" texture, allowing more effective material handling than typical semi-solid blanks. The small grain size achieved will make metal alloys more resistant to hot tearing and other defect formation. The forging of a "mushy" feed stock will reduce porosity and allow high strength alloys prone to hot tearing to be processed. A new RIH technology will be used to preserve the small grain size obtained during semi-solid/forging processes. The broader impacts of this technology could lead to a breakthrough in SSM forging and could increase the competitiveness of the U.S. forging industry in the global market. The technology can be used to make high strength lightweight components to replace heavy components for automotive, aviation, and defense application, leading to significant energy savings and cost savings. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mayer, Howard QUEEN CITY FORGING CO OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99966 1505 MANU 9146 1984 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512183 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nested Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Combined Reader/Active Tags to Improve Supply Chain Management. The Small Business Innovation Research ( SBIR) Phase I project describes a reader and active tag (RAT) technology as a local interrogator of passive tags in a container. The RAT can retrieve inventory from passively tagged assets, store the inventory in memory for on-demand retrieval, or relay gathered inventory to a remote access interrogator. It can relay the information real time to a master interrogator (a fixed network access box, a palm or mobile handheld interrogator, a potable PC or a laptop). The broader impacts include reduced supply chain management costs. The RAT is designed to be tamper proof, environmentally resilient, and rechargeable. A minimum of 10X reduction in Cap-Ex and Op-Ex, and potential of at least 10X range extension have been demonstrated using the proposed RAT. RAT's implementation is an essential enabler for implementation of cost-effective manufacturing enterprise system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mohamadi, Fred TIALINX INC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99950 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512184 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Development of an In-Line Cylinder Bore Inspection System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is directed towards automating the inspection of cylinder bore surface finish in engine blocks. The technology has potential application in the manufacture of engines for automobiles, heavy trucks, tractors, military vehicles, generators and other equipment that employs piston engines. At the present time cylinder bores of engine blocks on a production line are inspected visually by humans. The inspection is subjective and can only identify cylinders that are clearly bad. The project will use scattered light to map the entire area of every cylinder of every engine block at the speed of a production line. The data would be processed to automatically identify and flag defective cylinders using objective criteria. It would be able to determine when the production process is drifting out of compliance to prevent production of defective parts. The project will include developing the cylinder bore probes, interpreting the signals from these probes, developing criteria for automated evaluation of the data, and developing optimal ways of displaying the data. The broader (commercial) impacts from this project will be better control of the cylinder bore production process, helping to prevent defective cylinders from being produced and assisting in root cause analysis when problems do arise. It will improve the quality and uniformity of engines containing the blocks and will improve productivity by eliminating tasks that are boring and repetitive, by reducing scrap and by reducing down time. Companies employing this inspection process would become more competitive. Automating this inspection process would enable automobile companies to contain costs and provide customers with consistently higher quality vehicles. Better control of the cylinder manufacturing process would present the opportunity for optimizing the manufacturing process to reduce emissions, reduce oil consumption, improve fuel efficiency and increase engine life. The technology may also be modified for other applications in which automated inspection of surface finish is desired. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pasqualin, Jordan Industrial Optical Measurement Systems MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99996 1505 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512191 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nanocomposite Carbon and Graphitic Foams Produced via a Catalytic Approach. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a rapid post-processing technique for carbon and graphitic nanocomposite foams via a catalytic approach. Our novel approach will greatly reduce the post-processing time. The mechanical properties of carbon and graphitic foams will be improved by the reinforcement of nanofibers. This Phase I project will research and demonstrate the proposed rapid post-processing and nanocomposite technique for microcellular carbon and graphitic foams with mesophase pitch as the starting material. Both the nanocomposite carbon and graphitic foams will be developed that possess insulating and conducting properties, respectively. Microcellular carbon and graphitic foams are expected to have many commercial applications including high temperature sandwich structures, energy absorbers, electrodes, purification and separation of gas and water, jet-engine rotors and stators, space structures, nozzle components in rocket engines, and hot structures. The proposed technique can also be used to manufacture other carbon-based materials like fibers, carbon/carbon composites, and hybrid composites, which have many structural applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tan, Seng WRIGHT MATERIALS RESEARCH CO. OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512199 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Thermal Chemical Reactor for the Manufacture of Complex Nanopowders. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the development of an Advanced Thermal Chemical Reactor (ATCR) for the Manufacture of Complex Nanopowders. The ATCR being developed represents a major departure and advancement in manufacturing technology for producing complex metal oxide nanopowders. The ATCR is unique in that it is a high temperature, convectively heated, turbulently mixed, gas/solid/liquid phase reactor that utilizes externally heated reactant gases for reaction with the precursor feedstock. This innovative reactor utilizes a well-stirred turbulent reaction zone driven by externally heated reaction gases. This innovative method of mixing and heating allows the precursors to rapidly react in a region of uniform temperature and stoichiometry, a capability currently not available with existing flame and plasma reactor systems. Gas, solid and liquid precursors can be utilized, thus providing tremendous flexibility with regard to the nature and variety of ceramic oxide products that can be produced. The primary objective of this Phase I project is to demonstrate the technical viability of the ATCR to produce nanosize zirconia/alumina powders suitable for processing into wire bonding capillaries and other specialty ceramic components. This viability is to be demonstrated via the evaluation of pressed and sintered test specimens. Commercially, these powders will enhance the performance of a wide range of specialty ceramic applications including: mechanical components (e.g. wire bonding capillaries, micro-surgical instruments, water-jet cutting tools, fiber optic connectors); electronic materials (e.g. solid electrolytic membranes, dielectrics, ferrites); specialty abrasives; and high performance catalysts. The enhancements in the micro-electronics industry can positively impact virtually every major industry in the United States from farming and medicine to mining, chemicals production, aerospace, metals production, transportation and information technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hnat, James ADVANCED FIBERS AND POWDERS, LLC PA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99989 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512240 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Anti-Microbial Vinyl Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop biocidal nanoparticle additives for thermoplastics, in particular, poly (vinyl chloride). Biocides can now be added as a component during the plastic manufacturing process to make it inherently resistant to microbial attack. PVC is a widely used plastic that requires antimicrobial protection. PVC is often used near water (swimming pool liners and shower curtains) or in areas where sterile or clean surfaces are critical (flooring for hospitals or kitchens and bathrooms). PVC is currently protected from microbial attack by arsenic compounds or organic biocides that slowly migrate out of the protected material. Arsenic-based biocides are being phased out, and the migratory loss of the biocide ultimately renders the PVC unprotected from microbial growth. The team will increase the permanence of biocides by adding biocide-functionalized nanoparticles to PVC. The nanoparticle-based biocides would not migrate out of the thermoplastics, thereby prolonging the lifetime of the PVC. We will start by examining several active organic biocides that have been approved and regulated as biocides for thermoplastics. Our plan is to develop non-arsenic, non-migratory biocides for PVC. Commercially PVC is the second largest volume polymer produced worldwide, and many of its applications require antimicrobial protection. Specifically, the antimicrobial additives in vinyl flooring improve sanitation in the room and prevent mold growth underneath the flooring that could sicken its occupants and result in debonding of the floor. Mold growth under vinyl floors is a problem because these areas are dark, have little or no water vapor circulation, and contain adhesives that are a food source for the mold. Biocides and vinyl flooring are both large markets, and replacements for currently used arsenic biocides that remained imbedded within a plastic (and therefore active for longer periods) would be welcomed by both consumers and manufacturers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Myers, Andrew TDA Research, Inc CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512241 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Versatile Maskless Patterning Technology For Cost-Effective Fabrication of Microelectronic Packaging Products. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) research project aims to develop a multi-resolution large-area maskless lithography system and process flow for fabricating electronic packages, such as integrated circuit packages, multi-chip modules, and printed circuit boards. This technology will feature an SLM as a programmable mask, and multiple projection lenses that perform imaging over a wide magnification range. The variable magnification enables the pixel size in the image plane to be set, depending upon the feature size - for example, coarse features (e.g. 200-um-wide input / output pads) can be imaged using a much larger pixel size than that used to image fine features (e.g. 20-um-wide interconnecting traces). By selecting the optimum pixel size for a given type of feature, the patterning rate of the system can be optimized to achieve the highest throughput. This offers a significant improvement above other maskless lithography techniques, which are limited to imaging over small areas, and which operate at only a single magnification, and are therefore also limited in either the resolution or the throughput of the system. If successful the proposed maskless lithography system will enable cost-effective manufacturing of a variety of advanced microelectronic packaging modules that are required in low to medium volumes. It will reduce development and production costs of electronic components for applications that require low to medium volumes of a large number of different types of very-high-performance electronic modules, such as portable electronics, sensors, and a variety of communication and control circuits. Additionally, the multi-resolution patterning capability would be attractive for fabricating other devices that have feature sizes ranging from microns up to hundreds-of-microns on the same substrate, for example, MEMS, MOEMS, optoelectronic circuits, and microfluidics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Klosner, Marc Anvik Corporation NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512257 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Functionally Graded and Nanostructured Thermal Protection Coatings. The research aims to tailor the electrostatic self-assembly technique towards buildup of hybrid, functionally graded ceramic nanocomposites with unique combinations of heat resistance, thermal insulation and oxygen barrier qualities, hot-corrosion and erosion resistance, fatigue life, resistance to adverse coating/substrate interaction, thermal expansion mismatch effects, adhesion capacity, and high-temperature mechanical performance. Electrostatic self-assembly offers powerful and practical means of processing diverse nanosize ceramic (and other) constituents (nanotubes, nanofibers, nanoplatelets and nanoparticles) into highly compact nanolayers which, upon sintering, yield dense nanolayered composites of near-perfect structure, that are functionally graded to meet the multi-faceted demands on various aspects of thermal barrier coating performance The self-assembled coatings with functionally graded nanostructures will be tested in order to validate the merits of electrostatic self-assembly as a practical approach for controlled and thorough integration of nanosize constituents into near-perfect, functionally graded nanocomposites. The experimental effort will also verify that self-assembled nanolayered composites complement the tremendous performance attributes associated with the near-perfect structure of nanosize constituents with the gains in thermomechanical and barrier qualities brought about by nano-spaced interfaces in nanolayered composites. Commercially, electrostatic self-assembly offers major economic, environmental and energy advantages over alternative coating techniques. The new class of nanostructured, functionally graded coatings can also be tailored to meet broader requirements in the fields of corrosion protection and wear resistance. Thermal barrier coatings with substantially enhanced performance attributes are critically needed to meet the increasingly stringent requirements in gas turbines, solid rocket nozzles, reentry vehicles, and many other applications. The emerging designs in these applications generally involve further temperature rise for enhanced performance and efficiency; breakthrough technological developments are needed to meet the demands on thermal protection systems in the increasingly severe service environments of future systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Balachandra, Anagi TECHNOVA CORPORATION MI T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512262 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nanomagnetic Paste for Miniaturized Ultrahigh Frequency DC-to-DC Converter. This SBIR Phase I research project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting a novel nanomagnetic paste for the next generation of ultrahigh DC-to-DC converters for miniaturized electronic applications. Current DC-to-DC converters are the major impediment for miniaturization of electronic components, due to conventional microsized magnetic materials can only be used effectively at low frequencies, while at high frequencies (>1 MHz) there is a significant core loss due to the intrinsic eddy current loss associated with conventional microsized magnetic materials. This work will promote the understanding of nanomagnetics and their applications as ultrahigh frequency embedded inductors in power electronics. Such embedded inductors are expected to possess high inductance, low core loss, and can be operated at ultrahigh frequencies. The broader impact of the proposed technology is the possibility of developing highly efficient, small size, ultralow loss inductive components for critically needed miniaturized electronics and the telecommunication industry. The anticipated benefits/ potential commercial applications of the proposed magnetic nanocomposite paste will meet this particular need by promoting inductor component working frequency to over 400 MHz or higher with very low losses, enabling device miniaturization as well as low temperature electronic fabrication processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xiao, T. Danny INFRAMAT CORP CT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512283 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Hydrogen Production via Ultra-Rich Superadiabatic Combustion of Hydrogen Sulfide in a Reverse Flow Reactor. This SBIR project aims to develop a new process employing the superadiabatic reverse flow reactor to reform hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen, with the simultaneous recovery of sulfur. Preliminary experiments indicate superadiabatic combustion is capable of producing both hydrogen and sulfur. The Phase I project will establish the design parameters for a low-cost and ultra-efficient reactor and ultimately, in the Phase II project, a complete process for the production of hydrogen and sulfur from hydrogen sulfide. Currently, the 6 million tons of hydrogen sulfide, produced each year as a byproduct of the reaction of sulfur compounds with hydrogen, is processed by a Claus reactor into sulfur with the loss of hydrogen through oxidation. The successful development of the proposed process would provide an economical means of dealing with hydrogen sulfide by retaining hydrogen, itself of significant value as it is used in the refinement process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bingue, Jacques Innovative Energy Solution IN Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512284 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Large-Scale Manufacturing Process for Uniform Semiconductor Nanowires. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop an innovative manufacturing technology for inorganic semiconductor nanowires for use in high-performance thin-film electronics products. The feasibility of the proposed manufacturing method to yield large volumes of high quality, uniform nanowire nanostructures of the quantity and quality required to enable the application of these materials in high performance thin-film electronics, will be determined. Specifically, the project will (1) develop a prototype nanowire manufacturing reactor with a capacity capable of producing almost five thousand times more material than a single batch in current lab-scale reactors; (2) develop critical process technologies in the reactor for manufacturing precise sized-controlled nanowires with prescribed physical and electrical characteristics and uniformity of both intra- and inter-batch manufacturing runs; and (3) develop methods for harvesting the nanowires from the growth substrate with high yield and in a manner that retains the physical and electrical characteristic uniformity from (1). Subsequently the system will be developed into a fully automated, manufacturing system capable of pilot-scale production of nanowires for commercialization in high performance electronic applications including displays, RFIDs, and phased array antennas. Commercially the work proposed here will allow the development of a new generation of electronics manufacturing for producing nanowires. Applications of these materials exist in novel electronic devices and systems including specific uses in displays, RFIDs, phased array antennas and sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lemmi, Francesco NANOSYS INC CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99604 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512290 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Reducing Lead Time and Inventory by Using Optimized Product Configurations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the impact of product variety on the customer order fulfillment process. It aims to help the manufacturers of highly configurable products with many possible "variants", or "configurations", or "build combinations", to maximize product availability and order fill rates. Some industries that qualify are automotive, heavy machinery, consumer durables, and electronics. Prior research by Emcien has created a methodology for representing product variants and computing an optimal set of product configurations to maximize margins. These configurations are optimal in the sense of satisfying the most demand while maximizing profitability. The proposed research will try to measure the impact of these optimal configurations on operational metrics - inventory levels and customer lead time, hence addressing the broader challenge of product availability at the variant level. This will involve imbedding the existing optimization results in a time-based simulation, to model impact of variants on the order fulfillment process. The intellectual innovation of this line of research is the systematic representation and treatment of product configurations. The result of the research will be experimental software that will serve as the basis for a commercial product. More manufacturers are moving in the direction of "mass customization", which means allowing each customer to choose the features and options. Mass production of a uniform product, or one with a small number of variants, is evolving into flexible production as more and more choices are offered to the customer. But customers not only want to customize their product, they also want to get it quickly. Pure build-to-order systems can result in unacceptably long customer lead times when demand has seasonal ups and downs. This forces manufacturers to build partially finished or fully finished units for inventory, in order to smooth production and reduce customer lead time. Unfortunately, this causes high inventory levels, and determining what variants to stock is a non-trivial problem. Commercial applications for Emcien's proposed research include discrete manufacturing - with a focus on automotive, heavy machinery, consumer durables and electronics. It will enable these manufacturing verticals to reduce product cost and be more competitive in the global market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Marsten, Roy Emcien, Inc. GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99833 5371 MANU 9148 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512302 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured WC/Co Coatings for Enhanced Wear Resistance Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of depositing nc-WC/Co coatings onto high-strength steels at low temperatures while retaining superior wear resistance properties. Nanocrystalline (nc) materials have enormous potential to provide structural materials with significant property improvements over conventional coarse-grained counterparts. Progress in spray forming nc-WC/Co has been very limited with numerous unsuccessful attempts to deposit these wear resistant coatings using thermal spray equipment. These high-temperature processes are not applicable for nc-WC/Co coatings because of severe decarburization during spray deposition, owing to the high surface-to-volume ratio of nano-WC grains. This technical deficiency will be overcome in this project by integrating two novel processes, one being a solid-state spray process called Kinetic Metallization (KM) and the other a nanocrystalline powder process known as Integrated Mechanical and Thermal Activation (IMTA). Nanocrystalline WC/Co powders produced by the IMTA process will be deposited onto high-strength steels using the low temperature KM process. It is anticipated that the technology, once developed, will provide metallic components and hard-face coatings with significant property improvements over today's conventional coarse-grained counterparts. The broader impact from this technology could be improved nanocrystalline coatings in aerospace and land-based gas turbine engines and aircraft actuator markets exceeds one billion dollars annually. All of the OEM and military repair depots for these markets are actively seeking alternative coatings to replace the environmentally hazardous processes associated with hard chrome coatings. In addition to the aerospace markets, nanocrystalline coatings will find many applications in the food processing, mining, machining, infrastructure, and transportation industries where hardface coatings with improved wear resistance will extend the life of tools and equipment while reducing chemical pollution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tapphorn, Ralph INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. CA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99982 5371 MANU 9163 9146 1468 1467 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512314 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Synthesis and Processing of High Performance Polymer Nanocomposite Foams. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a new manufacturing process for producing light weight, strong and fire-resistant polymeric foams by using innovative nanotechnology. The team will synthesize nanocomposites using polymers with a high CO2 affinity as matrices, an environmentally friendly process compared to current chlorofluorocarbon blowing agents. To improve fire-resistance, surfactant-free and water-expandable polymer/clay nanocomposites will also be prepared by suspension polymerization of inverse emulsion. The project will further expand the polymer nanocomposite family by exploring the utilization of different nanoparticles, such as carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Since surfactants are not needed, there is no fire hazard problem. These nanocomposites will be compounded into different polymer matrices and then foamed into high performance products through both batch and continuous extrusion foaming processes using environmentally benign CO2. The foamability and mechanical properties of these nanocomposites and their blends will be investigated. Commercially, nanocomposite foams are aimed at both structural and insulation Applications and have the potential in structural applications to replace solid polymers. The proposed manufacturing process may achieve better energy savings in automotive, aerospace, infrastructure and housing industries. The potential market for this technology is huge because polymer foams touch nearly every aspect of modern life. The U.S. market for polymer foams was more than 7.4 billion pounds in 2001. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG HSU, KUANG-HONG Nanomaterial Innovation Ltd. OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512315 July 1, 2005 SBIR PHASE I: Non-Gradient Transport Model for Variable Density Fluid Turbulence. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop more accurate turbulence transport models than are currently in common use in CFD simulations of variable-density fluid flows. The innovation of this Phase I project will be a new, partially validated model that will be an extension of the popular K/epsilon turbulence model and will explicitly incorporate non-gradient transport terms. Phase I research will include the development of a numerical methodology for efficient computer solution of the model equations, and will include validation through comparisons of numerical solutions with experiments in one-dimensional geometries. The innovation will bring a significant new capability to CFD software because it will improve the accuracy of calculations of variable density turbulent flows, resulting in more reliable results and better design guidance in engineering applications than with currently available CFD software. CFD is increasingly being used as an aid in designing IC engines, and the innovation will result in lower research and design costs and better designed IC engines because of the improved reliability of CFD predictions. Other applications of the innovation are to flows in gas turbine engines, industrial furnaces, electric-power generating systems, and high-speed propulsion devices EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG O'Rourke, Peter CFD d'OR Software and Consulting, LLC NM Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 9150 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512323 July 1, 2005 SBIR PHASE I: Manufacturing Workforce - Novice to Expert - Training Program. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is designed to produce a prototype manufacturing workforce training curriculum, enhanced software programs, and methodology that specifically address Composite Design and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), including more effective use of Catia V5 (an integrated suite of Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) applications for digital product definition and simulation), by increasing its visualization capabilities, in the assembly of the Boeing 7E7 production workforce. A knowledgeable and resourceful production workforce, not only in aerospace, but also in other manufacturing industries, is essential in order to meet the competitive requirements of a global market. There is a gap between the availability of sophisticated hardware, software, and manufacturing processes and the skills and competence of the workforce who must utilize them. This project, therefore, proposes to empirically demonstrate the value of "cognitive learning", using state-of-the-art 3d holographic technology as a knowledge transfer tool. The research design features two workforce-training cohorts based on a random assignment to control and experimental groups. The control group will receive traditional training and the experimental group will receive the technology-driven "cognitive learning" model curriculum. Competency-based assessments, in addition to trainee pre- and post-knowledge assessments, will demonstrate that the experimental group will progress from "novice" workers to "expert" workers in a dramatically shorter and more effective training process through the use of the "cognitive learning" model. Current and future engineers and technicians in aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, heavy equipment, biomedical devices and machine tools, will be required to have a level of understanding of a variety of materials and composites and new manufacturing processes. To be competitive, they must have access to a combination of advanced manufacturing and materials education and training to help produce highly-durable goods using less expensive processes while increasing efficiency. That is precisely what the scientifically-based, technology-driven Cognitive Learning" manufacturing workforce training model prototype, when field-tested and documented empirically, will do. Just demonstrating that the prototype works well, and then expanding into the next phase of the research and development to fully verify and expand the model, will open the door to tremendous commercialization opportunities. In summary, manufacturing workforce training will move from the traditional structure of education to a student-focused learning environment that provides for virtual teaming, three-dimensional visualization, critical thinking and real-life scenarios and problem solving for advanced manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wilson, Lester 3DH CORPORATION GA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9149 0522400 Information Systems 0512339 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: A Process to Develop Nano-Porous Surfaces for Enhancing Heat Transfer. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Project will result in the generation of a new nano-technology specifically tailored to increase the efficiency of the boiling processes used in heat exchangers and electronics cooling hardware. Unlike traditional flat surfaces and previously investigated microporous surface (MPS) coatings, homogeneous nanoporous surfaces (NPS) offer a simple-to-manufacture and low cost means of achieving higher performance and more energy efficient heat transfer. Success and implementation of this technology will result in millions of dollars saved annually for utility companies and other commercial industries, including electronics and aerospace manufacturing companies. NPS nanotechnology improves heat exchanger performance through its ability to generate smaller bubbles. Previously investigated MPS surface coatings do allow for the generation of somewhat smaller bubbles than traditional flat surfaces, but offer a limited life span. The proposed NPS nanotechnology, made of traditional boiling surface materials, precisely modulates the porosity and structure of surfaces, thus yielding smaller bubbles with higher bubble density in any given fluid volume. Manufacturing methods, fabrication of prototype NPS candidates, testing of surfaces, and reporting of results will be performed in this Phase 1 effort. Commercially, the result is a significant improvement in heat exchanger performance. The proposed work will, for first time, demonstrate a nanoporous heat exchanger enhancement. It will allow the development of a low-cost, highly effective heat exchanger. Given the increasing interest in nano-technology, the result of this project will have a significant impact on the nano-technology development. Being able to treat the heat exchanger surface would have significant impacts on science and engineering, from pool boiling to nuclear power plants, to high density thermal heat exchangers in microchips. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Liu, Yanming ADVANCED MATERIALS & DEVICES INC NV T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9150 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512346 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Continuous Spray-Capture Production System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop of a technology that allows the stabilization of live probiotic bacteria for incorporation into food systems outside the dairy case. A novel microencapsulation solution is proposed that involves pumping viscous liquids through a spray nozzle, followed by the capture of the resultant particles in a cross-linking fluid. Initial studies have indicated that particles of the correct size and consistency can be formed, and the viability of the on-board probiotic bacteria is acceptable. The manufacturing equipment, however, lacks a critical recycle component that will allow continuous operation rather than being limited to a batch process. The Phase I objective of this research is to establish the overall manufacturing process feasibility by closing this fluid recycle loop. Today, yogurt and other fermented milk products represent the only food source of probiotics. Stabilization of the probiotics and incorporation into nutritional bars, beverages, cereals, and other food products that do not require refrigeration will greatly expand the commercial potential, and choices for consumers who will benefit from these gut-friendly bacteria. The manufacturing technology proposed herein is an enabling technology that will open many new commercial opportunities for a number of industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Piechocki, John Advanced BioNutrition Corp. MD Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99523 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512373 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nano-Engineered, Surface Selective Membranes for the Production of Oxygen-Enriched Air. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will evaluate nano-engineered, surface selective membranes for the production of oxygen-enriched air with an oxygen content of 40-70. The technical approach that will be employed will be first to narrow the pores of a ceramic, mesoporous support from a diameter of 3-5 nm to 0.4-1.0 nm. A second surface modification will then be employed so as to obtain a surface which will selectively adsorb and transport oxygen over nitrogen. This combination of techniques will result in a membrane whose surfaces have been nano-engineered to be highly selective for oxygen adsorption and transport leading to an economical ceramic membrane for the production of oxygen-enriched air. The major impact from this Phase I research program will be its impact on society through the replacement of energy consuming separations with a more efficient membrane approach for the production of oxygen-enriched air. This technology will find use in small-volume applications such as fuels and chemicals processing and larger-scale manufacturing processes such as steel and glass making due to its low cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Berland, Brian ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99970 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512402 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Optical-Maskless-Lithography Equipment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project is a step towards building an optical-maskless-lithography technology that could revolutionize patterning for a large variety of applications such as MEMs, microfluidics, biochips, microelectronics, microphotonics, micromagnetics, and nanotechnology. Conventional lithography in the nanoscale has evolved into an extremely expensive, complex, and slow technology, especially for patterning non-manhattan geometries. The company's Zone-Plate-Array Lithography (ZPAL) gets rid of the expensive photomask, and uses a large number of focused-optical beams in order to achieve orders-of-magnitude improvement in writing speed. In this project the company addresses two main thrusts towards achieving a functional ZPAL system: (1) development of a robust technique for the manufacture (by replication or otherwise) of zone-plate arrays, each containing over 1000 zone plates; and, (2) development of an interferometric-spatial-phase-imaging (ISPI) technique for ZPAL that can achieve sub-5nm multi-level (overlay) alignment accuracy. If successful, this project will result in two significant advantages over existing systems. The first one is lower cost than projection systems and the second one is that it will provide large savings in time compared to scanning-electron-beam systems. Maskless optical lithography in the form of ZPAL holds the promise of meeting the resolution, throughput and other requirements of the semiconductor industry, as well as those of the other and emerging applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menon, Rajesh LUMARRAY LLC MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99924 5371 MANU 9147 9146 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512439 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Improved Systems for Producing Therapeutic Proteins in Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to examine the feasibility of producing therapeutic proteins in transgenic plants with a biological safety switch that controls the pharmacological activity of the proteins. With the embedded switch, the therapeutics will be inactive during plant growth but could be recovered from the plant and reactivated in high yield during the purification process. The research objectives of this Phase I project are (1) to create a library of human therapeutic proteins modified with the company's switch technology ; (2) to design constructs for the expression of the modified proteins in Escherichia coli , and (3) to screen and select for optimized constructs. The best candidates will be cloned into Nicotiana tabacum in the follow on Phase II project. The transformed plants will be screened for varieties that show low protein activity under natural growing conditions and high expression with efficient recovery after the switch is triggered during purification. The commercial application of this project will be in the production of protein based biopharmaceuticals. These biopharmaceuticals are currently produced from mammalian cell culture or bacterial fermentation processes, and are characterized by high complexity, low reaction rates, low yields, and thus high production costs. Production in transgenic plant systems will have the advantages of decreased costs, increased scalability, and increased safety from human pathogens. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Raab, Raymond Agrivida, Inc. MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 86000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512450 July 1, 2005 SBIR PHASE I: High Power Deep UV LED-Based Lamps. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project aims to develop high power UV LED based lamps for use in water/air/food sterilization/purification, bio-aerosol detection, and laboratory measurement systems. There are currently no portable, rugged, long-lifetime, non-toxic sources of ultraviolet radiation for integration into increasingly important UV water and air purification (particularly residential), bio-aerosol detection, and food sterilization systems. The predominant sources of UV radiation are low-pressure, medium-pressure and amalgam Hg based lamps. These high voltage lamps are large, non-directional, ozone-producing sources of radiation with radial emission from a tube source. This restricts the design flexibility of purification systems because of the geometrical constraints imposed by the lamp. More important than system design restrictions, however, is that these lamps produce dangerous ozone gas and each lamp contains approximately 60, 120 and 300 mg of Hg for low pressure, amalgam, and high pressure lamps, respectively. Deep UV LEDs with emission wavelengths below 365 nm require new UV compatible reflective coatings, UV resistant encapsulation with proper refractive index matching and new UV-transparent optics designs. The company proposes to develop manufacturing innovations in the packaging of high power UV LEDs to extend the range of applications for which UV LEDs are suitable. If successful this solution will service the following markets: i. Sterilization/Purification for Water, Air, and Food Preparation/Storage. ii. UV Spectroscopy and Lab Equipment Manufacturing for Biological, and Optical Research and Development. iii. Biological weapons detection using UV fluorescence. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Katona, Thomas Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. SC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99904 9150 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512461 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Commercial Scale Production of High Quality and Affordable Fe3O4 Nanocrystals for Nano-Biomedicine. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project intends to develop commercial scale production protocols for high quality, highly stable, biocompatible, bio-accessible, and yet affordable magnetic Fe3O4 nanocrystals. Current state-of-the-art methodology used to make Fe3O4 nanocrystals has many deficiencies including poor size control, broad size distribution of nanocrystals and difficult/ complicated surface modification. These challenging issues have substantially hindered the full exploitation of this class of very promising nanomaterials for biomedical applications, such as magnetic separation, cell and other types of biolabeling, drug delivery, curing medicine, magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) enhancing reagents, etc. Success of this research effort will greatly accelerate the commercialization efforts in the field by providing a reliable, high quality, bio-ready, and yet affordable materials base material. The biomedical applications related to magnetic nanocrystals encompasses many different aspects of the medical field, ranging from diagnostics, detection, therapy, separation, and pollution control. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Liu, Yongcheng NANOMATERIALS AND NANOFABRICATION LABORATORIES AR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99993 9150 MANU 9146 5371 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512465 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Supply Chain Optimization and Product Explorer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project explores the feasibility to develop a Supply Chain Optimization and Product Explorer (SCOPE) that includes a unique 3D Shape Search technology, and enables tighter integration across the extended enterprise and seamless flow of information up the supply chain to decision makers at the point when product parameters are being specified. The research and development objectives are to 1) Develop a 3D Shape Search Technology that will initially be geared towards search and retrieval of parts and products from a manufacturing supply chain. 2) Develop a SCOPE architecture to index 3D part and product information across a supply chain network. The architecture will be conceptualized and a representative model will be prototyped to show system as a whole, which would include the utilization of the 3D Shape search research and demonstration of search results. The 3D shape search algorithm will be developed by using the methodology of representing a 3D B-Rep part as a voxel model, which is an approximation of the 3D geometry by a set of cubic volume elements. The 3D shape search technology research will include the development of 1) Shape Representation using Landmark and Skeletal graphs. Skeletal graph representation method captures detailed level shape representation and hierarchical skeletal graph structure allows for local shape matching. 2) Shape comparison using low information loss, histogram representation of the graph to allow for quick and accurate graph comparison. 3) Intelligent Query Interface that will have a quick and novel way of representing the topology of the shape in the query, selection of feature of interest in the query part, and easily navigable cluster based search results interface. The proposed research, will allow application of the 3D shape search technology to bridge the gap realized by the industry, for a technology that will allow quick and accurate location of part and product data in real-time across the supply chain, thus enabling a cohesive extended enterprise and an optimized supply-chain. US manufacturers are currently faced with a critical gap in capability in current Supply Chain Management systems related to real-time search and retrieval of information from the supply chain at the point when product parameters are being specified leading to billions of dollars worth of obsolete parts inventory, locked up inventory on part information and wastage of valuable man-hours in non productive search and redesign work. SCOPE, along with its 3D search technology aims to address this technology gap, by enabling reliable and accurate access to part data stored in disparate formats across a supply chain, information that was hitherto inaccessible using traditional search technologies. Given a growing trend amongst companies in aerospace, manufacturing, medical equipments and other industries towards 3Ddata definition, the 3Dsearch technology provides a quantum leap in terms of accuracy, speed and relevance in the search and retrieval of information existing within the supply chain. Importantly the 3D shape search with its radical improvement in search and retrieval capabilities has the potential to create completely new markets and products, by becoming a foundation technology for advanced search systems having applications as diverse as identifying molecules for pharmaceutical or bio-technology research to face recognition for security agencies. SCOPE along with its unique 3D shape search technology will enable US companies in aerospace, manufacturing and medical equipments to save billions of dollars through better integration and optimization of their supply chain. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rathod, Nainesh IMAGINESTICS LLC IN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512486 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Robust and Cost-Effective Tool for Diagnosing Manufacturing Noise Problems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will examine the feasibility of commercialization of a new technology, known as the Helmholtz Equation Least Square (HELS) method based Nearfield Acoustical Holography (NAH), for visualizing acoustic radiation from a complex vibrating structure in a manufacturing environment. Noise is one of the growing environmental issues that face our society every day. According to National Institute of Health, over 10 million Americans suffer permanent noise-induced hearing loss. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health report that about 30 million Americans are exposed to daily noise levels that will eventually impair their hearing. The first step in tackling noise pollution is to obtain an accurate diagnostics. By visualizing sound, engineers can pinpoint source locations and reduce noise levels most cost effectively. The goal of this project is to provide engineers with a powerful tool to acquire an in-depth understanding of sound generation mechanisms that cannot be obtained by using conventional noise diagnostics. The insight and knowledge gained will enable an engineer to devise the most cost-effective way to both reduce noise pollution in a manufacturing process or environment and perform noise related quality control on products. Special attention will be given to development of an optimal regularization scheme to enhance the accuracy and efficiency in reconstructing an acoustic field in a realistic manufacturing situation. In particular, the effect of acoustic reflections from nearby surfaces, which have never been addressed in traditional NAH theory, will be considered. Moreover, methods for a rapid deployment of this technology to meet the engineering application requirements will be developed and tested. It is anticipated that this project will yield a robust tool to tackle noise issues in a general manufacturing setting in the most cost-effective manner. Successful completion of this project will have a significant impact on reducing noise pollution, improving workforce capabilities and competitiveness, and providing a practical tool for noise-related quality control. This technology will benefit companies that want to lower noise levels in product and manufacturing system or improve the manufacturing quality control process. Manufacturers will benefit from a quieter manufacturing environment, and end users will benefit from quieter products. Successful commercialization of this novel technology will have an impact on manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, appliances, and many others where noise is one of the major concerns. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moondra, Manmohan SenSound, LLC MI Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9153 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522400 Information Systems 0512496 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nanocomposite Coating on Coronary Stents. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project aims to design and develop a process for applying nanocomposite coatings of multiple components to the surfaces of small parts with intricate geometry using a novel electronanospray process. Electronanospray generates monodisperse streams of highly uniform nanoparticles. The primary objectives of this proposal are to define key process conditions that are needed to coat drug-eluting coronary artery stents. Specifically, it will determine the impact of particle size (nanoscale 20 to 500 nm range) and the composition and number of spray stream components (2 or more) on coating thickness and uniformity, and nanocomposite composition and surface qualities. The process can coat biodegradable polymers, drugs and biotherapeutics on surfaces with intricate geometry. Advantages of this coating technology include a high transfer efficiency uniformity, non-line-of-sight coating, and the ability to combine multiple active agents in a single coating operation. Commercially this technology has application not only for coating medical devices but also modifying the surface of other small intricate parts where the nanocomposite coating enables new functionality. The drug-eluting (coated) stent market is growing rapidly and is predicted to exceed $6 billion by 2008. A novel coating process would capture a significant revenue stream if it could provide higher yield, greater quality and thereby lower costs, while at the same time offering improved therapeutic potential and improved human health by eliminating the need for high risk surgery. For example, improved coatings could enable longer-term activity of the implants with one or more therapeutic agents or diminish late side effects, such as thrombosis or scarring, that are now beginning to appear with current generation implants. The commercial value extends beyond the medical device implant market (e.g. aerospace applications, sensing technologies) if it can be demonstrated that this coating process can be used for applying other nanocomposite, multi-functional coatings to very small surfaces. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hoerr, Robert Nanocopoeia Inc. MN T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99834 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512504 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Magnetic Current Waveform Capture for Integrated Circuit Diagnostics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and evaluate a new technique for semiconductor diagnostics: magnetic current waveform capture. It is critically important to designers of integrated circuits and printed circuit boards, and the engineers and technicians who diagnose failed parts, that they have the ability to monitor the electrical signals inside devices in real time. This project will address the feasibility of a new method for monitoring these signals at frequencies into the gigahertz. Magnetic current waveform capture uses the weak, spatially microscopic magnetic fields emitted by all electrical currents to non-invasively monitor the currents themselves. For this purpose, a highly sensitive, microscopic magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor will be used as the non-contact magnetic probe. These state-of-the-art spintronic sensors offer an unmatched combination of field sensitivity and spatial resolution critical to this application. This project will build a prototype system, including the critical front-end amplification circuitry and the required data processing and presentation software. The system will then be used to do measurements of current waveforms on a wide variety of real-world devices. This project will also explore the ultimate capabilities of the technique in terms of spatial and temporal resolution. The broader (commercial) impacts from this project will be a new diagnostic technique with the ability to provide an entirely new type of information to the semiconductor industry. This tool will not only lead to improved efficiency in critical sectors of the chipmaking world, its ability to provide information about current waveforms - a capability which does not exist at present time. This project will also create better understanding of these complicated devices. The coupling of high-speed electronics and cutting-edge magnetic sensor technology will also lay the groundwork for a powerful laboratory tool for basic research in the sciences and engineering. Such a tool could be used to study magnetization dynamics, electrical properties of materials, and a number of other issues. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schrag, Benaiah MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512512 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Continuous One-Step Manufacturing Technique for Structural Insulating Composite Cores. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop an innovative manufacturing process for the continuous manufacture of structural insulating composite cores. Current continuously manufactured cores are extruded foams with good insulating properties but generally low structural properties. To effectively manufacture a core with good combined structural and insulating properties necessitates multiple noncontinuous processing technologies. There exists a unique opportunity to develop a manufacturing process where structural insulating cores can be extruded in a one-step process. This project will use a manufacturing process that utilizes an extruder to produce a core with controlled varying densities throughout the thickness without the need for any secondary processing. The controlled density variations can range between highly foamed to solid non-foamed polymers. This combination of densities results in a core with excellent structural and insulating properties while remaining lightweight. It is anticipated that the innovativeness of the project could have significant cost benefits while exhibiting comparable structural and insulating properties to existing products. The broader impacts from this technology would be to the transportation and construction sectors. Current trends across the transportation and construction sectors create the demand for composite cores that offer both structural and insulating properties. The possibility of significantly reducing the manufacturing costs of these cores creates an opportunity to expand its use and applications. The expanded use of composite cores as a structural and insulating component in the transportation sector allows for weight reduction, which in turn greatly reduces fuel consumption and pollution. The impact of this manufacturing technique is not only limited to structural insulating cores. The successful completion of this project opens the doors to manufacturing integrated sandwich composites in one process, as well as the combination of cushioning, impact absorption, sound dampening, and barrier properties within core composites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rios, Antoine The Madison Group: Polymer Processing Research Corp. WI Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99950 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512525 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Particle Sorting via Aerodynamic Vectoring. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project presents a new, non-contact method for sorting particles by size. The primary objective of Phase I activities is to evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of a particle sorter based upon Aerodynamic Vectoring. This objective will be accomplished in an air jet facility through high-speed imaging and optical particle tracking, to determine the operational limits of such a device and achievable particle sorting accuracy. It is anticipated that an optimal arrangement of flow parameters can be determined so as to substantiate sorting accuracy across a wide range of particle sizes and flow rates, thus, validating feasibility of this device. A particle sorter based upon Aerodynamic Vectoring has the potential for considerable commercial value. Its range of applications, which include powder material processing, sample concentration, cell sorting, and air quality monitoring, is broad. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Minichiello, Angela CASTLEROCK ENGINEERING UT Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99980 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1443 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512533 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Manufacturing Hollow Transmission Shafts With Cross Wedge Rolling. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a process to manufacture hollow transmission shafts with cross wedge rolling (CWR). Current manufacturing processes for hollow transmission shafts involve multiple procedures and they are time-consuming and expensive. Manufacturing transmission shafts with cross wedge rolling is a great opportunity as well as an exciting challenge to stride toward high productivity, high cost-saving, high material utilization and high product quality. This process inherits all benefits of CWR and expands the range of CWR products beyond the traditional scope and this process offers substantial simplification of current hollow rotational part manufacturing process. It revolutionarily changes the manufacturing method from traditional multiple forging processes to a directly rolling process. It will drastically increase the productivity and material utilization, as well as significantly improve quality. The process can be applied on similar products without Difficulty. The commercial potential of successfully using the cross wedge rolling process to produce hollow shafts could be very large. Automotive transmission shafts are the largest potential product group followed by transmission shafts for heavy trucks, farm equipment and construction equipment. The cross wedge rolling process is substantially faster than competing processes of closed die forging, cold forging, hot upset forging, and machining from bar stock. By starting with hollow stock prior to cross wedge rolling the difficult task of drilling long holes through the center of the shafts is eliminated. The shafts can be successfully finished at the ideal temperature and normalizing can also be eliminated further reducing cost and energy. As a result, cost saving of 10-30% over the competing processes is the norm. Developing this technology is the first necessary step to unlock this saving. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wicklund, Michael Missouri Forge, Inc. MO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99870 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512536 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Novel Polycarbonate Synthesis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use metal catalyzed copolymerization with highly reactive epoxides to generate polycarbonates using carbon dioxide as a feedstock. The new, patent-pending catalyst system is extremely efficient, polymerizing epoxides and CO2 under mild reaction conditions without producing common by-products. Furthermore, the polymerization can be controlled such that polycarbonates with a variety of physical and mechanical properties are synthesized. The initial goals of this research proposal will be to determine the commercial viability of this system. The development of sustainable technologies will provide a platform from which U.S. manufacturers can be competitive globally. This technology platform will create value added products that command a premium price and carry an enhanced profit margin. The use of biorenewable resources, including waste products and CO2 as opposed to petroleum feedstocks, will diminish the negative impact of manufacturers on the environment and preserve resources for economically more meaningful applications. The resulting materials have potential utility in electronics assembly, food packaging, lost foam metal casting, ceramics, energy storage (rechargeable batteries and fuel cells), pyrotechnics and polyurethane foams. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Allen, Scott Novomer LLC NY Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99977 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512544 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Remote Positioning and Cutting Tool (RPACT-1). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop the next generation tool for enlarging sculpture in a studio setting. Traditionally artists are trained to enlarge by eye, to use 3D Cartesian grids, pointing machines, and 3D pantographs. These traditional tools are time consuming and cumbersome. Artists today do get involved with modern digital cutting technology, those processes are expensive, have lengthy turnaround offsite interaction with computer technicians and engineers, are needlessly accurate for typical art foundry applications, and are not user friendly. This project will develop a remote positioning and cutting tool, RPACT-1, which is sufficiently accurate, is in-house (studio), has immediate turnaround time, inexpensive to build and operate, delivers real time performance and is user friendly for any studio artist to use immediately with no specialized computer skills. The RPACT-1 is designed for use by studio trained artists for enlargements of the type used in a typical bronze art foundry. The broader (commercial) impact of this project will be a tool for enlarging sculpture to gain a commercial advantage as technology encroaches in art markets. Art enriches the fabric of society. This RPACT-1 project will create opportunities for art fabricators to produce architectural size sculpture customized to specific sites and smaller budgets. RPACT-1 represents a new cable-suspended passive robotic device designed for a human operator. RPACT-1 is a positive contribution to the low mass parallel manipulator technology. It implements a new active cable tensioning approach to ensure positive cable tension. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Siegel, Gary New Arts Bronze Studio Inc MD F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512552 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Improved Sensors for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will allow the company to determine the feasibility of using new sensors, Multivariate Optical Elements (MOE), to improve process control for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Process control is a cycle of measuring a variable of interest, identifying what the magnitude or change in that measurement means, determining the needed response to the measurement, implementing the response, and re-measuring the variable of interest. The sensors being developed respond to specifically identified spectral patterns (optical fingerprint) associated with a compound of interest. The sensors proposed will have applicability in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The MOE technology provides a system that can be used to simplify measurements that currently require multivariate analysis of the spectral signal. This capability will speed response time for process control systems and provide a less expensive sensor. By reducing the cost of individual sensors, additional detection points can be added to the process. These sensors will enable chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing to improve process control through identifying undesired chemical materials earlier in the process, better track the progress of chemical reactions, and generate QA data more rapidly. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Blackburn, John Ometric Corporation SC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99900 9150 MANU 9150 9147 1467 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512568 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Strategic Model for Manufacturing Organizations (DSMMO). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a dynamic modeling technology that helps manufacturers visualize the top and bottom line financial impact of changes made at the strategic, tactical and operational levels of a business. WTRI has a long history of research and applications that work with the way that people become intuitive experts, the ways that experts use technologies and the cognitive triggers underlying shifts in cognitive frameworks and capabilities. One of the intellectual merits of the proposed research is that it will further add to knowledge on how technologies extend complex cognitive capabilities in manufacturing settings. This tool promises to address two well-known problems limiting manufacturing competitiveness: decision making rigidity (e.g., recipe driven solutions) and the inability to think simultaneously on strategic and tactical levels. Currently, complex and difficult to use versions of these models exist and have proven successful when used by WTRI principals and maintained by the firm's technicians. The research will explore the core features of the technology that have made it successful. It will result in the development of cost effective versions that can be easily used by customers and which can be modified to their business issues without extensive re-programming. The broader impacts of the technology have already been indicated by increased use of these models in client engagements with measurable success. However, in their current form, the models are not easily used independently; that is, without the participation of WTRI, although demand for them is high. Historically, the difficulty of anticipating the links between changes in execution and a financial impact at the bottom or top line has accounted for many change initiative failures. These models enable manufacturers to examine hypotheses about the impact on strategic goals of changes in their organizations. University programs also see that the tool may have pedagogic value in showing professionals how to think through the multi-level issues in manufacturing companies. The models themselves may also add to our understanding of how the different levels and functions in an organization interact. Often, specific between-level or between-function impacts are known, but the model promises to bring all the interactions together into one dynamic whole, exposing both hidden negative ripple effects and growth opportunities that would not be discovered otherwise. Finally, this tool can be viewed as providing a way to make our value vdded resellers more effective with their clients and their businesses more successful. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DiBello, Lia Workplace Technologies Research Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9149 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522400 Information Systems 0512573 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nanowire Structures for Thermal Management. This Phase I SBIR project aims to develop manufacturing techniques for passive nanowire arrays to be used in electronics thermal management devices. The project team proposes to develop a heat pipe technology using passive nanowire array structures that are an integral component in the manufacture of low profile, high performance heat pipe/spreader devices. The use of passive nanowire arrays is the enabling innovation for the low profile heat pipe devices. The nanowire arrays allow the height of the heat pipe to be reduced to less than 1 mm (0.040") and to be used where conventional thermal management devices are inadequate. Developing the processes for creating large sheets of nanowire arrays will enable automated equipment to produce large numbers of these devices at low cost while meeting the performance needs of next generation circuits. A strategy will be defined to manufacture large area structures that can then be used in automated assembly equipment for high volume, low cost heat pipe manufacture. Commercially, the thermal management issue has become critical in electronics systems as circuits with 100 million transistors dissipating more than 100 W become commonplace. Development of the proposed technology will enable high power circuits and devices to be inserted into smaller system enclosures, allowing for the continued decreases in overall system size without sacrificing performance. The development of an automated assembly process for heat pipe devices will enable heat pipe cost to be reduced and enter the mainstream electronics market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rickard, Lyman ILLUMINEX CORP PA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512575 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Silicon Insert Molded Plastics: Mold & Process Development. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a process for injection molding polymer parts with tolerances, smoothness, and dimensions at a nanoscale level. This process, called Silicon Insert Molded Plastics (SIMP) (funded by a NSF grant), employs silicon inserts manufactured using microfabrication techniques as the feature generating surfaces of a mold tool. Current mold manufacturing techniques such as micro-EDM or polymer embossing are either unable to generate sub-micron features or are unable to do so at a reasonable cost. By using microfabricated silicon features like KOH etched, nanometer smooth planes, sub-micron mold tools can be created in large quantities and at a low cost. As a test bed for this process, a new fiber optic connector has been developed, including tolerance based modeling and generation of the silicon mold inserts. In this project, mold inserts will be created using current manufacturing technology and the SIMP process, as well as a mold base, capable of molding parts with either the metal or silicon inserts. The objective of this project is to compare the mold trials in terms of engineering results (e.g. precision, quality of molded parts), manufacturing techniques (e.g. integration of Si molds, processing variations, materials) and economics. Using this data, metrics will be developed for selecting and using SIMP as a manufacturing process. Furthermore, this information can be used to refine the connector model and to specify manufacturing parameters for a final part. The broader impacts of this technology would be a reduction in the cost of fiber optic communications and by introducing a new manufacturing technique that would allow for the creation of parts with sub-micron features at a currently unattainable low cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Quinn, Martin Custom Engineering Plastics CA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512581 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Single Step Chemical Mechanical Planarization of Copper/Ultra Low k Interconnects. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) research project aims to develop a single step chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process for fabrication of next generation of copper based interconnects that join millions of transistors on a chip. The current state of the art copper CMP process is complicated requiring multiple steps to meet the defect quality and planarity requirements. Furthermore, existing processes create high stresses during polishing, which may not be compatible with the fragile low dielectric constant materials now being introduced by the semiconductor industry. To address these challenges the company proposes to develop the "soft polishing layer" concept for gentle removal of copper that does not damage the fragile dielectric layer. The use compatible chemistries and nanoparticles in the slurry allows successful development of a flexible, defect-free, single step process to fabricate copper based interconnects that will result in substantial cost savings to the semiconductor chip manufacturers. With the impending introduction of new fragile ultra low k materials, CMP processes are expected to become more complicated and expensive, to achieve the necessary levels of performance. If successful the implementation of the single step CMP process is expected to meet or exceed the technical performance levels of the 45 nm manufacturing node while decreasing the CMP manufacturing costs by up to 80% which could translates in billions of dollars saved in the semiconductor industry. The reduction in costs is largely due to the simplification of the manufacturing process, higher throughput, increased yield, less use of capital equipment and manpower, and reduction in consumable costs. The successful completion of this project will help maintain and grow the country's leadership in nanotechnology, a key area for future health and vitality of the nation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512589 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nanoparticulate Based Coating Approach for Making Thin Film Batteries. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project focuses on development of a solid state lithium ion thin film battery made by using a lower cost, nanoparticulate based deposition approach. In Phase I, the feasibility of a nanoparticulate deposition approach will be demonstrated by developing a Lithium ion cell with LiCoO2 as cathode, lithium phosphorous oxynitride (LIPON) as the electrolyte and a nanocomposite of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and nanoscale tin particles (~10 nm) as the anode. The cathode and the anode will be developed using a nanoparticulate based coating technique. Deposition of such nanoparticulate coating relies on synthesis of colloids of unagglomerated nanoparticles that can then be deposited using simple liquid phase deposition techniques like spin coating or dip coating. Using a non-vacuum based process to deposit coatings for a Li ion-based battery as compared to physical vapor deposition processes will not only reduce the manufacturing cost but will contribute towards improving the performance of the battery. Successful completion of the proposed project will lead to significant improvement in the manufacturing of thin film lithium ion solid state batteries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sengupta, Suvankar METAMATERIA PARTNERS LLC OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9197 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512610 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Intelligent Instruction Systems using Augmented Reality. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project seeks to enhance the current state of-the-art in production line manufacturing training processes with an initial focus on the automotive industry. Human-directed training by other skilled employees and supervisors does not take advantage of recent technologies that can make training routines more autonomous, thereby mitigating the impact on the quality of training in periods where resources are constrained. Empirical training results (i.e., quantitative training feedback that is not currently available) can assist planners in optimizing manufacturing processes. The proposed innovation lies in the creation of intelligent instruction systems that exploit adaptive software mechanisms (i.e., intelligent software agents) and augmented reality (AR) techniques, thus enhancing training techniques while promoting continuous process standardization, assessment, optimization and resource management. Since it is common that production-line employees are required to wear goggles, intelligent agents could transfer their instruction via goggle-like wearable computers (i.e., AR) that overlay the actual visual field with text and computer graphics. A major aspect of this research is the architecture, framework, and feasibility analysis of the insertion of these technologies into real manufacturing environments. Initial analysis will be with two facilities, General Motors and BMW. The proposed techniques will enable real-time assessment of employees during training routines and enable the software agents to automatically and proactively reinforce weaker areas based on these assessments. An overall assessment model of all employees can characterize the entire workforce for a particular facility. This overall assessment can be used to enhance resource management required by the on-going problem of absenteeism. Probably the greatest innovation would be a framework to allow planners to exploit the assessments and optimize manufacturing processes by refactoring traditional, perhaps obsolete, production processes. If intelligent agents could manage and direct the cross training of employees in any industry, a major pay-off would be the efficient use of resources. In addition, the use of such agents would enhance the following as expressed by the common claim: "Standardization of processes results in the predictability of the final product". If all employees were trained to perform similar tasks consistently and intelligent agents and AR could enforce that standardization, quality would then also become predictable and measurable. Manufacturing environments beyond automotive will have the models, frameworks, tools, and techniques to standardize their processes. As a result, the quality of products delivered to external customers in any industry can be improved, while at the same time production costs can be reduced. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Doswell, Jayfus Juxtopia, LLC VA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99824 1505 MANU 9149 9102 0522400 Information Systems 0512629 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Supercritical Fluid Processing of Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a manufacturing process to achieve superior properties of nano-structured composite materials by uniformly dispersing the fillers in a host polymer matrix. A supercritical fluid processing (SCFP) will be used which is versatile, relatively simple, and environmentally friendly method for producing exfoliated and coated nanoparticles that can be dispersed in a polymer. The overall objective of the proposed Phase I project is to identify the optimum SCFP conditions and compare the SCFP technology with the current technologies for polymer/clay nanocomposites. The research team will conduct a parametric study of processing conditions for two representative clays. Sufficient quantities of exfoliated and coated clay will be prepared for compounding into commercially important polymer matrices. The mechanical, rheological, thermal and barrier properties of nanocomposites prepared by the conventional and the SCFP methods will be measured as a way of benchmarking the SCFP of nanocomposites. The expected outcome of the Phase I project is to prove that SCFP technology is scalable and represents a profitable opportunity for manufacturing well-dispersed polymer nanocomposites compared to conventional intercalated nanocomposites. The commercial potential for these nanocomposites is particularly high in the automotive and food packaging industries. It is estimated that the size of the polymer/clay nanocomposites market for the automotive and packaging industries will be over $250 million by 2007. The breakthrough technology being developed here will be a major factor in accelerating the growth of nanocomposites and other engineered nanomaterials. Experts agree that if the technical issues surrounding the production of nanocomposites can be overcome, nanocomposites will grow into a multibillion dollar industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gulari, Esin nanoScienceEngineering Corporation MI T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99992 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512635 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Tonnage Analysis System for Forging Processes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to apply advanced signal processing methodologies such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to forging processes. This project will address the need of the forging industry with PCA-based control charts for in-line applications. The goal is to demonstrate the ability to detect signatures of faults that are as weak as 1% of the total signal magnitude. The Phase I research will include the evaluation of available data analysis methodologies, such as the PCA. The selected methods will be tested with real forging press data for the fault of colder than-normal die temperature. If successful, the developed control charts will be implemented on a test site to verify the detection performance for 30 days. The need of advanced process monitoring is well documented by the industry. The Forging Industry Association identified forging process/equipment monitoring and control with advanced sensor systems as one of the 5 needed technical programs by the US forging industry. A success of this proposed project will have an immediate impact to the forging industry, particularly in the time the raw material is at a record high value and the demand for improved productivity is unprecedented. The ATA system, once commercialized, can help the target industry with better equipment efficiency and less scrap. The ATA system, if successfully developed, is expected to reduce the amount of scrap drastically and in turn, improve energy preservation and environmental protection. The potential commercial value associated with this technological development is high. The estimated market size is $15 million the US and $100 million globally. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chang, Tzyy-Shuh OG TECHNOLOGIES, INC MI Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512641 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Satellite Panels. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop a process to fabricate advanced satellite structures using the combination of ultrasonic consolidation and direct write deposition technologies. The project will help validate ultrasonic consolidation and direct write technologies for use in the space environment and demonstrate advanced embedded component designs within aluminum structures. The recent market introduction of two novel additive manufacturing technologies, ultrasonic consolidation (UC) and direct write (DW) deposition, makes possible the fabrication of advanced metal structures containing encapsulated electronics, wiring, heat pipes, fibers, sensors, antennas, and other satellite-related capabilities. Although these advanced capabilities have been demonstrated to varying degrees, these technologies have never been combined in a single manufacturing operation, nor have they been tested to determine the robustness of manufactured products in a launch or space environment. This project will determine the feasibility from a cost, time, process planning, and technology standpoint of integrating UC and DW in a single manufacturing process chain to fabricate advanced satellite structural panels with embedded functionality. The broader (commercial) impact of this technology will be the ability to build small satellites, as platforms for scientific investigation, communication, military operations, and humanitarian coordination. Commercial and governmental customers are pushing to reduce cost and time to manufacture satellites, while improving performance. This project will have a significant benefit on the cost, time to deliver, and capabilities of small satellites and will help make feasible opportunities that are now too expensive or not technologically feasible for small satellites to perform. These opportunities include clusters of satellites for scientific observation and measurement, rapid deployment of satellite assets for short-term military objectives and the use of highly capable small satellites to repair high value space. The product capability enhancements made possible by integrating UC/DW technologies will positively affect manufactured products that include structural, thermal and computational elements within a mass and/or volume restricted environment. These include, among many others, aircraft and missile avionics, mobile diagnostic equipment, and any portable electronic apparatus. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Summers, Jeff Microsat Systems, Inc.. CO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99931 1505 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512646 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Predictive Molding of Precision Glass Optics. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project aim to develop an economical method for production of aspheric glass optical elements. Production of aspheric glass optics by compression molding is currently not widely practiced. One of the primary reasons for this is that no method exists to determine the required mold geometry to produce a desired optic geometry. The only available method for producing molds is a time-consuming and expensive trial and error process whereby precision molds are fabricated, optics are molded and inspected, and errors in the resulting optic are used to create new molds with slightly different geometry. This process continues iteratively for many cycles until a satisfactory mold geometry is obtained; adding significantly to the cost of the process and necessitating long lead times. This project will develop physics based computational models of the glass molding process that accurately predict the shape of the optic from knowledge of the mold geometry, the material properties of the glass, and the molding parameters. The models will be developed through systematic characterization of the properties of glasses at high temperatures, incorporation of the the viscoelastic response of the glass with thermal expansions and elastic deflections of the mold and glass into computational models of the process. The broader (commercial) impacts from this project will be many consumer devices, such as DVD players, digital cameras, etc., incorporate aspherical optical elements produced by injection molding of optical polymers. This is currently the only technology capable of producing the required optics at acceptable cost. However, there is increasing pressure to move to glass optics due to their superior optical properties, which will result in superior device performance. While glass molding is widely practiced for production of containers and other low tolerance items, it is not currently widely used for the production of precision optics. The computational tools developed in this proposal will eliminate the current need for production of many expensive trial mold geometries before discovering the proper mold geometry and processing parameters required to produce in-tolerance optics. It will enable molds for glass optics to be produced in a deterministic manner and remove one of the largest technological barriers to adoption of this technology. This will enable opto-electronic products with superior capabilities compared to those available today. The methods developed here will have broader application to other precision molding and casting processes. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tohme, Yazid Moore Nanotechnology Systems, LLC NH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99574 9150 1505 MANU 9150 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512665 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Production and Separation of Galacto-Oligosaccharides from Lactose for Prebiotic Food Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel immobilized enzyme process to produce galactooligosaccharides (GOS) from whey lactose for probiotic food applications. The proposed GOS production process involves two immobilized enzyme reactors and product separation by nanofiltration and adsorption chromatography. Two different alpha-galactosidase enzymes with different GOS formation characteristics will be used to optimize GOS production and yield from lactose. The product stream from the second reactor will be sent to a nanofiltration (NF) separation unit, where GOS, lactose, galactose, and glucose could be separated to yield a product with a higher GOS composition. The process for adsorption with activated carbon and ion exchange liquid chromatography will be developed to further purify GOS. The commercial application of this project will be in the emerging probiotic and neutraceutical food market for use by both animals and humans. This market is estimated to be in excess of 2 billion dollars per year. The present use of GOS in foods is limited by the high production costs. These costs are attributed mainly to the high enzyme cost and low oligosaccharide yields (less than 30% w/w). The proposed technology is expected to reduce production costs by at least 50% due by improving reactor productivity and enzyme life. Further, the ability to use cheap whey precursor products (current price range : $ 0.12 - $ 0.40 per lb) to value added GOS product (curent price : $ 4 - $ 5 per lb) will be of great benefit to the diary industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tang, I-Ching Bioprocessing Innovative Company, Inc. OH F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512667 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Multimodal Acoustic Mixing of Carbon Nanotube Composites. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using multiple acoustic frequencies as a multimodal approach to mixing small diameter carbon nanotubes into a polymer matrix to create a high-performance nanocomposite material. Multiple acoustic frequencies are employed to effect distributive and dispersive mixing. Conventional, industrial polymer mixers, such as kneaders and twin screws, do not show sufficient nanotube dispersion to realize the full potential of the nanotube reinforcements. A unique Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) technology has been shown to be very effective for mixing high viscosity materials such as polymers. This research will utilize a multimodal acoustic RAM technology, for its distributive and dispersive mixing mechanisms, to produce nanocomposite polymers. The project will gather data on the interaction of acoustic energy with the heterogeneous medium comprised of carbon nanotubes and an epoxy polymer. The data will be used to design mixing vessels and guide experiments. The experiments will quantify the mixer performance for comparison against existing "silent" mixing methods by evaluating the mixedness of the nanocomposite and the mechanical properties of test specimens. The results of the Phase I will establish the proposed mixing approach as a viable mixing alternative for the polymer industry. Commercially, although laboratory researchers commonly disperse carbon nanotubes into solvents and polymers, only modest systematic work has been conducted to make the hardware more effective or efficient, and the transfer of these bench-scale practices to industrial processes for the manufacture of nanotube products has received even less attention. By working toward a scalable mixing process, the research, development and manufacture of high-performance nanocomposite materials can be advanced. Polymer material manufacturers in the U.S. benefit from the proposed technology in that higher performance products may be produced with limited capital by incorporating nanotube additives. Replacing conventional plastics with nanoreinforced plastics offers the potential to substantially reduce weight without sacrificing properties. A clear example would be improved fuel economy in cars and planes. The initial commercial targets of the nanocomposite mixer are manufacturing processes for highvalue, structural composites as can be found in sporting goods. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Pierce, Joel RESODYN CORPORATION MT William Haines Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9150 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512668 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: A Biodetector for Rapid On-Site Screening of Breeder Chickens with High Feed Efficiency. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project will develop an immunosensor for rapid, on-site identification of feed efficiency (FE) in breeder chickens. The proposing company's industrial partner has developed a pedigree line of breeder chickens whose progeny is one of the major lines of broilers used commercially in the U.S. Individual birds from the same male-line and fed the same diet exhibit approximately 20% difference in FE. Prior work has determined that at least 18 plasma proteins are differentially expressed in low and high FE birds. This Phase I project will focus on developing a low cost assay using a capillary column based bioseparator / bioreactor (for protein capture) and an optical detection cell (for protein detection) with the sensitivity necessary to rapidly differentiate protein expression levels in low and high FE broilers. The commercial application of this project will be on the poultry industry. Companies breeding elite lines of broilers will find substantial savings in feed and labor costs with the proposed device. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Su, Xiao-Li BIODETECTION INSTRUMENTS LLC AR F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9181 9150 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512682 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Novel Nanoparticle Composite Systems for Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP) Dental Ceramic Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a novel class of versatile, high-yield, nanoparticle ceramic systems for Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP) of biocompatible composite materials for dental restoration applications. The project will focus on the innovation of nanoparticle ceramic materials systems for 3DP, which offer flexible composition, tailorable precursor viscosity, and produce a ceramic yield in the range 50-70 wt. percentage. Further yield increase can be obtained by introducing nanosized particle fillers to the binder inks. A key component in this effort is investigation of the interactions between the nanopowder and the transportation liquid, and the influence of the composition of the entire system on the sintering and densification behavior of printed parts. These issues are of immense technical importance for robust and reliable processing of inkjet printed ceramic objects, specifically with ongoing focus on improving the print resolution. Understanding the complex interplay between composition processing, processing-conversion and conversion-microstructure will provide fundamental ceramic processing knowledge as well as establish technical and commercial feasibility for producing competitive, commercially viable dental materials by 3DP rapid manufacturing using the novel nanoparticle inks. The broader (commercial) impact will be In addition to the commercial benefit and high potential economic payoff expected from a successful effort, the proposed project would have significant impact on broader inkjet and 3D printing research, as well as on the academic and career preparation of students at all levels. The impact on multipurpose, commercially viable inkjet and 3D printing derives from the detailed and systematic investigation of specific ceramic inks for inkjet printing, including the study of solid-solid interactions, solid-liquid interactions, and electrostatic repulsion in solution. The principles learned about processing parameters, thermal conversion, and final properties of the simple printed units will be applied to geometrically intricate parts, thereby enabling further discoveries and follow-on research. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kuhn, Howard The Ex One Company PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99997 1505 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512685 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Improved Methods to Manufacture Brominated-Carbon Adsorbents for Power-Plant Mercury-Emission Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to rigorously analyze a newly manufactured material that has demonstrated remarkable mercury emission control performance at low costs in a number of recent full-scale power plant trials. This project subjects brominated carbons to a suite of state-of-the-art analytical techniques in a strategy organized to produce both a clearer understanding of carbon materials and optimum strategies for manufacturing the new materials. Mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants will soon be regulated for the first time. The injection of brominated carbon ahead of a plant's existing particulate control is a leading technology candidate for wide application. Tens or hundreds of thousands of tons of these materials could be consumed annually, yet little is known about the science or optimal manufacturing of these new materials. This project seeks to maximize the mercury adsorption performance of these materials, while minimizing their manufacturing costs. Knowledge generated by this project could conceivably save U.S. electricity ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Yinzhi SORBENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9197 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512690 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Titania-Loaded Silicone with High Refractive Index for Light-Emitting Diode Encapsulation. This Small Businesses Innovation Phase I research project concerns the development of a new class of polymer encapsulation materials with a very high refractive index (exceeding 2.0) and the use of the encapsulant material for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with high light-extraction efficiency. The proposed effort introduces a new class of nanomaterial-based polymer encapsulants with an unprecedented high refractive index (n > 2.0). Such materials would be extremely beneficial for light extraction in light-emitting diodes. Increases of 20 % - 45 % in light extraction efficiency are expected from the employment of the new encapsulant. The intellectual merit also lies in the fundamental assessment of the optical scattering properties of this nanocomposite. The availability of the new encapsulant would be very beneficial to all technical fields employing LEDs including signage, lighting, communications, imaging, biotechnology, and medicine. The development of a new high-index encapsulant would have a tremendous impact on LED technology because virtually all LEDs are packaged and encapsulated. A successful completion of the program could result in a worldwide paradigmatic shift in the packaging and encapsulation of optoelectronic devices. The broad deployment of efficient LED technology for general lighting applications would result in electrical energy savings in the TWh range per year in the United States. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Jong Kyu Troy Research Corporation NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512700 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Casting Process Capable of Casting Wrought Aluminum Based Alloys Using Controlled Diffusion Solidification. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a casting process to cast wrought Al-based alloys such as the 2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx alloys. These alloys are extensively used in the aerospace and automotive industries due to their high tensile strength, elevated temperature properties, and ductility, as compared to traditional Al-Si casting alloys. However, one of the biggest problems encountered during casting of these alloys is the formation of hot cracks or tears during solidification. Alloys with long solidification ranges, higher eutectic liquid contents, and larger as-cast dendritic grain size are more prone to hot tearing than others. This project will combine the use of Controlled Diffusion Solidification (CDS) with a vertically injected slow fill sand casting process. In the CDS process, solidification of the alloy takes place by mixing two different liquid alloys with controlled mass and heat flow in order to achieve a predetermined alloy chemistry that solidifies with a non-dendritic microstructure without hot tears. The mixing of the two alloys will take place in a vertical shot sleeve that is placed below a staged sand mold and the mixture is subsequently pushed into the mold by advancing a ram until the mold is full. The anticipated resultant would be a process capable of casting near net-shaped wrought Al-based castings, with superior physical and mechanical properties, that could be twice as strong as existing Al-Si casting alloys. The ability to cast wrought alloys using the CDS process will improve the final casting by minimizing the traditional casting defects such as interdendritic shrinkage and non-fills. It will also produce a higher quality casting with improved yields at a reduced cost with a faster cycle time, due to a faster solidification rate and less gating required to fill the mold. The ability to cast wrought Al-alloys opens up numerous opportunities for additional applications in the elevated temperature and structural parts areas that have never been approached before economically. The broader impacts from this technology could be significant commercial impact to both parts suppliers as well the end users of the castings. The primary users of premium aluminum castings are the automotive, military, and commercial aerospace industries. Motor vehicles and metallic component suppliers are the second largest revenue-producing industry in the world, surpassed only by petroleum and coal products. The car and light truck industries use 33% of all U.S. produced castings. Military and commercial aircraft use another 30%, with a significant portion of the remainder in weapons and spacecraft. This technological innovation will enhance the use of aluminum castings at the same time help reduce the component costs, by providing a near net shaped product with high mechanical properties. The CDS process has the potential of developing a whole new class of alloys with cellular and/or globular microstructures of primary alpha-Al phase and a well inter-connected inter dendritic liquid phase. These alloys could have fundamentally different mechanical and physical properties, which broadens the potential applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Buch, Robert Hitchcock Industries, Inc. MN Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 0 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512701 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Analytical Control for Micro-Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop Raman spectroscopy as a novel analytical tool to monitor and control chemistry in small-scale reactors (microliter to milliliter). Small scale reactors are being developed to: (1) create new chemical reaction processes; (2) increase yields of existing processes; and, (3) replace scaling-up by numbering-up production. Rapid optimization and successful process operation of these reactors requires analytical measurements to identify and quantify (+/-1%) all reactants and products in real-time (e.g. 1 min), preferably without requiring sample preparation. This Phase I project will demonstrate feasibility by measuring reactants and products during the esterification of benzoic acid. Protecting carboxylic acid groups by esterification is an often-used reaction during the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. Raman spectroscopy will be first used to monitor this reaction in a small-scale reactor under a variety of conditions and then use the real-time data to control yield If successful the development of the proposed analytical tool will aid the development and use of small-scale reactors. The proposed analytical tool will be marketed to the Chemical Manufacturing Industry, where it will aid the development of new drugs for clinical trials (pharmaceutical companies), the development of synthetics used in fuels and lubricants (petrochemical companies), and the development of stronger-lighter composites (chemical and manufacturing companies). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farquharson, Stuart REAL-TIME ANALYZERS, INCORPORATED CT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99973 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512718 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Development of Innovative Nanoimprint Machines Based on Electrostatic-Force Assisted NIL (EFAN). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will investigate the critical issues and feasibility of developing new Nano-Imprint Lithography (NIL) machines using an innovative approach in pressing a mold into the resist. The new approach, coined electrostatic force assisted NIL (EFAN) that uses an electrostatic force rather than mechanical forces or fluidic forces, can overcome many short-comings of the current pressing methods for NIL, offering a broad range of unique advantages, such as more precise alignment accuracy, better imprint uniformity, higher throughput, simpler machine design, and better machine reliability. The proposed research will significantly and broadly impact nano-manufacturing tools as well as nanotechnology product developments, and impact the next generation lithography tools for IC manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Wei Nanonex Corporation NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99982 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512723 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) Growth of GaAs Wafers for Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors with Reduced Burn-In. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project targets performance of GaAs-based heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT). The high power and high frequency characteristics of these HBTs have led to their use as the power amplifier for several wireless applications such as cellular phones and wireless local area networks. The gain of a fabricated HBT increases by as much as a factor of four during the first few minutes of device operation, known as burn-in. The gain then continues to drift, which can be either up or down, over the span of tens of hours of operation. The drift in gain requires significant cost and resources in power amplifier design and production. The amplifier circuitry must be able to accommodate these variations in transistor gain requiring a significant performance compromise resulting in additional cost for circuit development and time to market. Individual devices must otherwise go through extensive testing to achieve stable operation. While well known, the burn-in and drift phenomena are poorly understood. Improved film deposition methods are needed to minimize the burn-in and drift. Previous investigations have linked these instabilities to point defects in the base. With power amplifier production at hundreds of millions of units annually extended burn-in testing is expensive and necessary to avoid. If successful the development of low burn in heterojunction bipolar transistors for power amplifiers will be an important manufacturing development since it can ultimately lower the cost of the devices. Since these devices are used primarily in cell phones, for the transmitter, accomplishing a manufacturing methodology for low burn and drift devices would result in a lower cost to the consumer. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Rehder, Eric Kopin Corporation MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99997 1505 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512728 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Novel Fluorous Solvent Systems for Biphasic Catalysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project constitutes initial instigations into the use of alternative fluorous solvent systems for biphasic catalysis. Based on preliminary results which demonstrate the enormous impact that solvent tuning can have on fluorous separations, a research plan using alternative fluorous solvent systems in biphasic catalysis is proposed. The objectives of the Phase I research are: (1) To identify alternative fluorous/organic solvent systems suitable for liquidliquid extraction processes. (2) To identify solvent pairings in three reaction modes. (3) To study the features of the three prototype processes. The innovation meets pressing needs of pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers to produce important small organic molecules on large scale, cost effectively and in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. These alternative solvents are not only more effective, but also less expensive and greener. Fluorous techniques are already being used in a range of applications including drug discovery, small molecule library synthesis, peptide and oligo synthesis, and proteomics. The research proposed will lead to even wider acceptance and use in all areas where separations are problematic. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yu, Marvin Fluorous Technologies, Inc. PA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 92530 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512749 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: An Inference Engine for an Intelligent Imaging System for Detecting and Eliminating Hot Rolled Seams. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Project will develop an imaging system with intelligence so that it can be used as an intelligent advisor for process design and control. Integrating the inspection system with an inference engine provides the intelligence in the imaging system. This inference engine will be based on software for predicting the formation of seams in the multi-pass hot rolling process, a probabilistic approach for predicting defect frequency and a framework for design optimization and on-line process control. The project will develop the predictive finite element algorithm and to provide it the capability of handling material, process and design uncertainties. An innovative model based inspection and control system, could integrate inspection and measurement systems with an inference engine based on probability of on fault generation. This could provide a tool to determine the severity and frequency of defects and permit changes to be made to correct the process for defect elimination. This inference engine can also be used for off-line design of robust rolling schedules that are insensitive to uncontrolled noise factors. The broader (commercial) impacts of this technology will be the ability to identify control parameters to detect surface defects in seams. The ability to identify defects will provide the steel rolling industry to have the ability to increase productivity and have products with improved surface qualities. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Chang, Tzyy-Shuh OG TECHNOLOGIES, INC MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99999 1505 MANU 9163 9146 1984 1468 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512759 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Simulation Model for Two-Photon Absorption Fabricated Microstructures. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop a fabrication simulation tool for theoretical modeling of three-dimensional micro and nanostructures formed by Two-Photon Absorption (TPA) fabrication. This work will focus on development of a theoretical model for prediction of feature size using TPA quantifying exposure time and optical flux with optical beam writing speed and the validation of the model. Once structural geometry control has been validated this simulation tool will form the base of a device and fabrication modeling tool that can expedite optimization of designs using TPA. The tool will enable geometric structuring and ultimately serve as a validation tool for device performance by coupling additional elements appropriate to each application and translating the structural and materials properties into device characteristics (i.e. photonic device performance and mechanical engineering performance models). Integrated Circuit (IC) technology and silicon micromachining has benefited greatly from the incorporation of simulation and modeling tools into the design, development and evaluation of the components, devices, and systems. This has provided a rapid means to deterministically evaluate new wafer components and designs cost effectively, and avoid the expensive, empirical optimization through physical design iterations. TPA technology will allow for the world's first truly 3D maskless, fabrication platform for micro and sub - micron components devices and systems, and much like traditional IC fabrication requires modeling tools that can optimize fabrication performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, Ian Focal Point Microsystems GA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 97595 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512767 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Scanning Magnetic Microscope Using a Tapered Magnetoresistive Probe for Nanoscale Current Imaging of Integrated Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project is aimed at recasting magneto-resistive sensors in a high aspect ratio probe geometry to achieve nanoscale imaging of weak buried currents in a large range of packaged microelectronic devices. The manufacture of integrated circuits has become an increasingly complex nanoscale technology. With these dimensions, the propensity for the formation of shorts or high resistance defects (resistive opens) at the metal layers is increasing where "killer defects" may be non-visual and only be a few tens of nanometers in size. The goals are to achieve current images with a sensitivity of ~50 nA and a resolution ~100 nm in milled cavities. This will be achieved through developing an innovative probe design with a 50 micron tip that can be rapidly scanned in non-contact mode. The technology development that is proposed in this program is of critical interest to major semiconductor manufacturers, as well as all other semiconductor manufacturers working on advanced integrated circuits. The needed tools must have nanoscale resolution and a probe geometry capable of working in milled cavities due to the complex packaging schemes. For the nation, it means faster introduction of advanced electronics that will have a broad impact across all industries and ultimately improve quality of life and labor productivity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woods, Solomon NEOCERA INC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99680 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512786 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Gentle Atomic Level Chemical Mechanical Smoothening (CMS) of GaN and SiC Substrates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a novel gentle atomic scale surface polishing method for GaN and SiC based wide band-gap materials. This process is based on a chemical mechanical smoothening (CMS) technique, which is a unique subset of the novel chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process developed by Sinmat to polish hard nitride and carbide materials. In this process, the chemicals in the slurry react to form a thin passivating layer (typically soft oxide layer) that is easily removed by the nanosized particles. The quality of polish would be determined by materials characterization and film growth techniques. Typically, conventional mechanical or chemo-mechanical polishing employs large (> 100 nm) hard particles (such as alumina, silica, etc.) that lead to significant scratching of the substrate. The proposed polishing technology is expected to increase the yield of GaN and SiC device. Wide band-gap (WBG) semiconductors such as GaN (gallium nitride) and SiC (silicon carbide) have been rapidly commercialized for blue and ultraviolet-light emitting devices, and high power/high frequency devices. Also, strong commercial interest exists in the application of engineering materials such as GaN and SiC for several high power/high temperature solid state devices for applications in power electronics, control and distribution circuits, and hybrid drive-train automobiles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lahiri, Syamal SINMAT, INC. FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99997 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512797 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: An Engineered Diffusion Barrier for Preparation of Pd Membranes on Tubular Porous Stainless Steel Substrate. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of an innovative diffusion barrier for the preparation of Pd thin film on tubular porous stainless steel substrate. A thin Pd film supported on tubular porous SS substrate provides a commercially viable avenue for the use of palladium membranes for hydrogen production/recovery, particularly for large-scale applications. A micro-engineered diffusion barrier is proposed, which is able conceptually to accommodate the physical change of metal substrate surface, thermal mismatch, and other factors. More importantly this diffusion barrier offers flexibility in tailoring its pore size and surface topography to be optimal for the formation of an ultra-thin, defect free, and strongly adhered Pd film via electroless plating. The proposed diffusion barrier could offer a practically viable Pd-based hydrogen separation device, which can benefit fuel cell and industrial hydrogen applications, and greenhouse gas reduction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Paul Media and Process Technology Inc. PA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512803 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: A Quality Monitor for Enabling Water Recycling in Semiconductor Processing - The Particle Scout. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project concerns Ultrapure Water (UPW), the lifeblood of the semiconductor industry. The proposed instrument seeks to satisfy the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) requirements on two counts: 1. full flow inspections, 2. detection of sub-100nm liquid-borne particles. A typical semiconductor fab uses about 3 million gallons of UPW every day. To control operating costs and ensure sustainable growth, ITRS specifies that 70% of the UPW used in 2005 be recycled or reused (90% by 2010). As a UPW quality monitor fast enough to truly be an in-line, real-time particle detector of an entire DI water stream at the ultimate (50 nm and below) level of particulate purity, the Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcavitation (ACIM) Particle Scout will enable these ITRS objectives for recycling UPW. The proposed ACIM Particle Scout is designed to meet important financial (operating costs) and quality (sub-100nm precision) needs of the Semiconductor industry. Beyond the IC manufacturing industry the Particle Scout will find applications in all UPW-intensive enterprises: nuclear reactors and other power generators, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, space exploration, and processing of advanced high purity chemicals. This concept will enable and enhance environmental initiatives for the recycling of UPW. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Madanshetty, Sameer Uncopiers, Inc. KS Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512806 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Pressure Infiltration Casting Process to Support High Volume Manufacture of Graphite-Metal Thermal Management Components. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a manufacturing technology to support the pressure infiltration casting process to produce large billets of a graphite-metal material. The improved process will yield to substantial finished part cost saving. There is a critical need for advanced materials with improved thermal properties capable of meeting the thermal management requirements of current and future high power electronic systems. The project will focus on the development of the fundamental basis for the casting manufacturing process and procedures required to produce cost-effective graphite-metal materials. This manufacturing technology could enable cost effective graphite-metal material systems with a thermal conductivity greater than that of copper. The heat dissipation rate of electronic systems has increased dramatically as a result of ongoing advances in semiconductor materials, compression of circuit physical architecture, size reduction of packaging envelops and faster switching speed. The broader impacts from this manufacturing technology being developed could enable the cost effective manufacture of graphite-metal materials that achieve the target thermal properties critical to satisfying thermal management solutions for high power applications for which existing thermal management materials are inadequate. The market point of entry for product produced by the casting technology include: (1) advanced high power military and industrial systems (e.g., phased-array radar systems; high energy laser systems; power control, distribution and management systems); (2) telecommunication base stations and (3) high end computers (e.g., servers, work stations, etc.). The commercial market for these HTCC-based materials will develop over a three to five year period, during which time graphite-metal materials will achieve widespread use in a broad spectrum of military, industrial, and commercial high power electronic applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Connell, James ADVANCED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES MA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 79655 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512811 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Reduced-Friction Cutting Tools for Increased Productivity via Micro-Fluidic Lubrication (MFL). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the feasibility of cutting tools with micro-geometric features to provide lubrication where it will be most effective. The innovation includes the new micro-fluidic lubrication (MFL) features as well as a commercial production process for high-volume manufacture of cutting inserts exhibiting MFL features. Mechanical machining processes are used in the manufacture of many products. Modern cutting tool materials, including diamond and cubic-boron-nitride, are the hardest known and are becoming routinely used. However, they are very expensive compared to tungsten carbide, the performance of which can be enhanced with alloying and coatings to reduce its tendency to chemically dissolve into the chip and work piece at high temperatures. Unfortunately, all these substrate materials and modern coatings are already very advanced and will offer little more than incremental improvements in the near future. This project will addresses the productivity (cutting speed) limitation imposed by thermally induced wear, by reducing the heat source on the tool. It is anticipated that this new approach will allow a doubling of cutting speed for the same wear of the non-MFL case. The broader (commercial) impact of manufacturing MFL inserts would be large given the U.S. market for inserts being about $1.3B, including $900MM in carbide inserts only about $217MM are made in the U.S. (2002 data). "Difficult to machine" materials are seen most in automotive and tool/die manufacturing (hard steel) and aircraft manufacturing (titanium and nickel-based alloys). Cutting tool expenditures for these industries in 2004 were about $370MM and $55MM, respectively. Capturing only 10% of engine machining, and 40% of the others, revenues would be $95MM. This project could be useful in meso-scale machines. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Endres, William Endres Machining Innovations MI Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99795 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512813 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Micro-quantity Internal Cooling (MQuIC) of Cutting Tools for Increased Productivity via Micro-ducts. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop cutting tools with micro-geometric features to provide direct, localized and evenly distributed cooling of the tool-chip contact zone. This project includes new micro-quantity internal cooling (MQuIC) features as well as a commercial production process for high-volume manufacture of cutting inserts exhibiting MQuIC. Mechanical machining processes are used in the manufacture of many products. Modern cutting tool materials, including diamond and cubic-boron-nitride, are the hardest known and are becoming routinely used. However, they are very expensive compared to tungsten carbide, the performance of which can be enhanced with alloying and coatings to reduce its tendency to chemically dissolve into the chip and work piece at high temperatures. Unfortunately, all these substrate materials and modern coatings are already very advanced and will offer little more than incremental improvements in the near future. This project addresses the productivity (cutting speed) limitation imposed by thermally induced wear, by concentrating a cooling medium close to the process heat source. The broader (commercial) impact of manufacturing MQuIC inserts would be large given the U.S. market for inserts being about $1.3B, including $900MM in carbide inserts (only about $217MM are made in the U.S. (2002 data)). "Difficult to machine" materials are seen most in automotive and tool/die manufacturing (hard steel) and aircraft manufacturing (titanium and nickel-based alloys). Cutting tool expenditures for these industries in 2004 were about $370MM and $55MM, respectively. Capturing only 10% of engine machining, and 40% of the others, revenues would be $95MM. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Endres, William Endres Machining Innovations MI Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99875 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512829 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Development of a BioAcoustic Mixing Platform. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using ResonantAcoustics (low-frequency acoustic mixing) as the basis for developing a highly efficient BioAcoustic Mixing Platform (BMP). Conventional biological orbital shakers and cell culture flasks have substantial drawbacks that include low oxygen transfer capability and presence of detrimental oxygen and nutrient gradients. Culture containers placed on the BMP, in contrast, are expected to achieve superior mass transfer rates (that is, increased oxygen transfer and reduced mixing times). In this Phase I project, new types of disposable culture containers and closures will be designed in order to take full advantage of the enhanced acoustic mixing for both microbial and cell cultures. Performance of the BMP will be compared to conventional shakers and flasks for bacterial, fungal, and animal cell cultures. It is anticipated that the BMP will be able to support dramatically increased biomass levels and lead to the development of highly productive disposable bioreactor systems. The commercial application of this project will be in biotechnology based process development activities for the biological production of pharmaceuticals. Much of this work is currently performed using stirred-tank bioreactors due to the limitations of orbital shake-flasks and cell culture flasks. A mixing technology that integrates laboratory-scale and pilot-scale experiments would be highly valuable in speeding the pace of process development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McAdams, Todd RESODYN CORPORATION MT F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512837 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Large Scale Freeform Fabrication for the Construction Industry. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop technology using a Freeform Thick Layered Object Manufacturing process to produce large-scale objects/structures. Current Rapid Prototyping or Solid Freeform Fabrication processes are limited to producing small-scale components. Systems such as stereolithography, used deposition, laminated object manufacturing and selective laser sintering to produce cross sections with square edges resulting in finished objects which have a stepped effect on the surface. To reduce the stepped effect, layer thickness must be kept small. As a result, such systems have a build rate that is impractical for producing large-scale objects. The key innovation being developed is the fabrication and lamination of thick layers with sloped edges that closely match a surface contour thus reducing the build times for large-scale objects. One potential application is in the construction industry where automation innovations have traditionally not taken root. The technology could be used to produce large-scale building blocks fabricated in a factory and then shipped to a construction site for final assembly. The broader (commercial) impact from this project will be an economically way to produce complex parts. This effort will test the feasibility of using Freeform Thick Layered Object Manufacturing processes to produce large-scale structures for the $922 Billion dollar construction industry. There are several advantages to bringing such an innovation to the construction industry. First, since the industry is highly dependent on manual labor, there is potential for both cost savings and higher quality control. Producing large-scale building block units in a factory setting and then shipping them to a site for final assembly would reduce construction time and labor costs. This technology could offer architects the freedom to create unique structures. Architects will be free to design structures with curved walls or even compound curves. For example, custom curved staircase or curved wall assemblies. This could then be expanded to producing entire structures such as houses and potentially to revolutionize the home construction industry. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Eason, Charles OPTEMA Development Corporation CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512855 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Laser Patterning of Large Area Thin-Film Electrochromic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses laser ablation to precisely and selectively pattern multilayer thin-film electrochromic (EC) devices. Shadow masking (best method available today) is problematic for commercial manufacturing because it results in unacceptable edge definition of the coatings and is prohibitively expensive. The other patterning technique, photolithography, is also cost-intensive and can contaminate the films. The objective of this project is to determine if laser processing is capable of economically patterning a large area. The technical challenge is to determine the optimum pulse power density and number of pulses per ablation site to rapidly and cleanly remove only selected coatings without disturbing the electrical isolation of the separate films at patterned edges. This project will build prototypes, which will be used for durability testing. A laser process model to estimate trade-offs among process speed, laser costs, and fixed costs for a mix of window sizes will be constructed. The broader impacts (commercial significance) if successfully, would be a device and software that could significantly reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for mechanical masks. Software driven laser tooling would increase manufacturing throughput by enabling lightning fast changeovers. Moreover, laser ablation will enable EC windows to meet customer requirements-larger glass sizes and greater vision area of the glass-which are critical to a viable marketplace product. These cost savings and product improvements are essential to even begin to reach the $13.8 billion market predicted for EC windows worldwide. A successful project will accelerate broad market penetration and as a consequence enable significant energy savings and other societal benefits to be realized. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weir, Douglas SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS,INC. MN Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512856 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Application of Valid Cuts to Optimization of Process Industry Supply Chain Management. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will accomplish the preliminary analysis required to assess feasibility, define requirements, and determine additional research required in order to apply novel modeling techniques, previously demonstrated to deliver significant improvements in the performance of exact solvers for optimization problems, to applications in the process industries. Specifically, we propose to take methods previously developed at the University of Minnesota for using valid cuts based on echelon inventory constraints in production planning and scheduling models, and to extend those methods to make them applicable to real problems. The extensions to be addressed include expressive extensions (e.g., moving from discrete to continuous inventory constraints, moving to a continuous time model, adding buying and selling of intermediates as part of the solution), as well as solver extensions. The solver extensions are required, first, to scale these techniques up to realistic problem sizes (one of the hallmarks of the echelon constraint modeling approach is that it scales well), and second, to encompass the kinds of constraints required to address the model extensions above. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will have direct commercial impact, through improved economic performance in a multi-hundred-billion dollar sector of the U.S. economy. The results of this work may also be applied in a way that will have societal impact, through the use of improved optimization techniques to minimize the use of scarce resources, or the production of waste material. Scientific understanding will be advanced through the experience gained and lessons learned in applying theoretical constructs to real-world problems in a process that will both test the theory and elicit new theory based on observed phenomena. In addition, Adventium Enterprises, through its a_liate organization, Adventium Labs, has an established internship program, active participation in the University's Institute of Technology undergraduate mentoring program, and a record of collaboration with several academic institutions including joint proposals, presentation at academic colloquia, teaching courses, an exchange of informal presentations with faculty in several academic departments, and extensive participation in the research community, including presenting papers, organizing workshops, and serving on conference program committees. This project continues in the same vein, broadening the exposure of students to industry practices and concerns, and deepening the understanding and links between faculty and industry practitioners. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Boddy, Mark ADVENTIUM ENTERPRISES, LLC MN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99972 5371 MANU 9148 9147 5514 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512857 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Compression Bonded Hermetic Packaging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a compression bonding technology in two versions -- cold flow seals and cold welding -- for room-temperature, hermetic packaging of MEMS. This project addresses key needs in the MEMS industry, where the lack of versatile, low-cost hermetic packaging techniques is holding back the development of many new MEMS types. Room temperature packaging is vital to improving the production yields of many MEMS, especially optical MEMS (MEOMS). Project will test the low and medium yield strength materials combinations that could be used in the two approaches (mentioned above) and to demonstrate the concept in small packages. The broader impacts from this technology could result in a significant increase to the knowledge base of welding and joining processes, especially as they apply on the micro-scale. The U.S. currently leads in MEMS technology and this project could help maintain that lead. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Potter, Nate STELLAR MICRO DEVICES TX Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99850 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512869 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Assembly and Repair of Thermoplastic Reinforced Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new method of radiation welding of high performance thermoplastic reinforced composites without degrading the core fiber material. Conventional methods of thermal welding of this type of composite cause degradation of the composite core fiber and lose of strength at the welding seam. Two innovative technologies are integrated to accomplish this proposal. The first is the development of a multi-layer thermoplastic reinforced composite structure to insulate the core fiber from heat exposure during welding. The second technology is construction of a welding unit that projects selective near infrared radiation throughout the tertiary structure of the composite interface to weld the composites. The broader impacts of this technology could be the commercialization would be weldable composite technology and a welding that could significantly expand applications of thermoplastic reinforced composites (TRC) by providing a high speed assembly and joining process that can meet mass production requirements. TRC based parts that can reduce weight while maintaining strength, be more easily recycled and be assembled using high speed welding technology will create new product uses in military, commercial and industrial applications. New forms of thin sheet TRC are being integrated into the aerospace manufacturing, especially in construction of high altitude airships and balloons. Automobile manufacturers are seeking light-weight composites that are more easily recycled to reduce the weight requirements while maintaining strength in automobiles. Weldable TRC made with a thermoplastic core fiber can potentially meet these needs. Expanded use of TRC recycled parts will benefit the environment. Longer term, the welding process could provide a new competitive manufacturing technology that could drive job expansion and growth in the U.S. economy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Long, John Kubota Research Associates, Inc. DE Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 90879 5371 MANU 9150 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512878 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nano-Patterned, Phase Shift Insensitive, 2-Dimensional Photonic Lattice Outcoupler for Grating Surface Emitting Lasers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will create a manufacturing process for phase-shift insensitive, 2-dimensional (2-D) photonic lattice outcoupler for grating-outcoupled surface-emitting (GSE) lasers. Photonic lattice structures hold great promise for the realization of integrated photonic circuits. The photonic lattice laterally shifted nanopattern proposed here is an approach to make the coupler (power and field) invariant to the phase of the optical signal it must couple. However, for this potential to be fully realized, it is necessary to reduce the complexity of fabrication of making these structures, such that rapid and inexpensive manufacturing of GSE lasers can be achieved. Combining the desirable traits of both edge emitting lasers (high power, reliable material, low voltage, use of proven) and vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (low cost, wafer level testing, simple packaging, high integration ability), this work will have broad applications in telecommunications, information processing and data communications. A broader impact will be eventual realization of very high data rates (5 Gbps up to 160 Gbps) at very low cost, and the elimination of barriers to deploying fiber to the desktop and to the home, enabling ultra high BW connections for business and entertainment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Masood, Taha PHOTODIGM, INC TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99926 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512889 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: High Efficiency Synchronous Speed Neodymium Iron Boron Motor for Machine Drives. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a design to increase efficiency of capacitor-start fractional horsepower multi-pole AC motors by 33%. Results will drive significant advantages for manufacturers by retrofitting motors into current industrial machinery to dramatically reduce electricity consumption and operating costs. The motor will also provide competitive advantage to manufacturers of new industrial machinery by reducing operating cost and increasing productivity. The average efficiency of small AC motors is 60%. Eddy currents and I2R losses are the primary losses and are in the form of heat. This project will determine feasibility of a design that dramatically reduces these losses thereby increasing efficiency to 80%. The approach will consist of developing algorithms that define the motor, novel rotor construction, use of soft magnetic composites, optimizing characteristics that leave the coil partially energized, and research supported by advances in material science and modeling. To increase competitiveness of industrial machinery, the anticipated results of research include a working model that will meet the following performance metrics: efficiency at or above 80%; temperature rise of 20 degrees C; envelope size reduced 50%; and comparable cost to standard available products. The broader (commercial) impact from this project could be increased efficiency of small motors from 60% to 80% while reducing operating cost and materials, substituting recyclable materials, and maintaining current manufactured cost. Increasing efficiency to 80% will save American manufacturers $3-$7 billion net present value and reduce energy use by 5.2-8.6 quadrillion BTUs. It will also reduce electricity generation by 40-67 million megawatt-hours per year and eliminate the need for 9-15 fossil fuel electric utilities. Reductions in operating cost and increased productivity will significantly benefit manufacturing companies, employees, and communities. Competing technologies increase efficiency by a mere 3% and increase cost by at least 21%. Commercialization will increase manufacturing productivity by retrofitting and enabling new machine designs that leverage increased efficiency, higher reliability, lower waste heat, smaller space, and faster precision control. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bullock, Ronald Bison Gear and Engineering Corp. IL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512897 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Shaping and Slicing of Germanium Boules through Wire-Electron Discharge Machining (EDM) for Reduced Subsurface Damage and Increased Productivity. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will deliver an experimental setup capable of studying the machining of germanium boules with a wire-EDM process in great detail. The research collaboration with the University of Utah will allow the use of wire-EDM for machining of germanium to be explored at a very fundamental level. The outcome of this collaboration will be the identification of critical machining parameters such as voltage, current, pulse-on time, etc. on the quality of the machined surfaces as measured by flatness, depth of subsurface damage, etc. The proposed research activities will advance the knowledge of electro-discharge machining that will lead to even more enhanced manufacturing capabilities in the future. If successful the proposed research will contribute new knowledge and manufacturing capabilities for semiconductor materials. As a direct result a possible outcome of this project will the elimination of U.S. dependency on foreign suppliers for high precision germanium wafers which are used as substrates for GaAs multi-junction solar cells that power virtually all U.S. space-based defense, civil, and commercial satellites. The result of this project will enable the company to supply the American manufacturing industry with an alternative method to shape brittle semiconductor materials that will result in higher productivity, more reliable products, and a competitive advantage over its low-tech, low-wage competitors. If performed economically, this "green" process will reduce waste and further reduce manufacturing cost. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jorgensen, J. Optimation, Inc. - Burr-Free Microhole Div. UT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99999 1505 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512905 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Novel On-Chip Viscosity Sensor for True Viscosity Measurement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will demonstrate that innovative MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensor systems can be fabricated to enable on-chip parallel measurements of true viscosity values at various shear rates for liquids essential in food processing. Current instruments that measure the true viscosity are slow, expensive and are not portable. Hence for process control or quality control applications, portable sensors that are only capable of apparent viscosity measurements are often used. The proposed novel micro-scale sensor system will be portable and will enable simultaneous true viscosity value measurements at various shear rates, thereby increasing sensor response time and cost-effectiveness. This research will address key technical challenges in fabrication of the micron length scale sensor system. In Phase I, proof-of-concept of the innovative viscosity sensor will be demonstrated using standard viscoelastic liquids. If successful the proposed innovative viscosity sensor system will allow rapid measurements of true viscosity values enabling efficient and accurate process control. The viscosity sensor system will be a next generation instrument offering more features in a compact size. This research effort will also increase scientific understanding of viscoelastic flows in micron-size channels that may inspire additional efforts and interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baek, Seong-Gi RheoSense, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99535 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512906 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Production of Mini-Fullerenes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a new process to manufacture small fullerenes having a size less than conventional fullerenes. Prior research performed has lead to the successful development and commercialization of a combustion process for making fullerenes, and as a result, conventional fullerenes are now commercially available in ton quantities. These fullerenes are now finding uses in a variety of new products including polymers and advanced composite materials and are being actively investigated for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Fullerenes smaller than C60 are predicted to have unique structural and electronic properties that would make them commercially valuable for new types of advanced materials. However, no successful process has yet been developed to synthesize them. This Phase I project will investigate a new type of synthesis process based on the now commercially available larger fullerenes. This process is inherently scalable and would eventually allow the production of the mini-fullerenes at the ton level. Commercially it is estimated that small fullerenes will be commercially useful for forming hard and ultra hard materials and to form hard, all carbon protective coatings and films. They will also find use in polymers and as components for advanced composite materials. Because they will form three-dimensional networked, all carbon solids, some forms will be metallic and semi-conducting, and this will make them valuable as new electronic materials. An immediate research products market for mini-fullerenes will be available from scientists and corporations that want to investigate the properties of this new material. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Alford, John TDA Research, Inc CO William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512908 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Disposable pL Fluid Transfer/Microarray Printing Device. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to develop a disposable polymer based microarray printing device that will cost a small fraction of the current state of the art devices and at the same time offer significant improvements in reliability and performance. In spite of wide spread use for microcontact printing of DNA and protein microarrays, the manually manufactured, sharpened metal pins used for array fabrication remain very expensive both in terms of purchase cost and constant maintenance and cleaning. Polymer pins will be manufactured using a combination of silicon micromachining and electroforming to prepare a very high precision positive micromold, which will be needed to produce the fine features necessary to control fluid flow to the printing tip. The commercial application of the proposed plastic pins will be on a broad range of biological research activities that use printed microarrays. Some of the advantages of the product will include better wettability, parallel manufacturing, very precise dimensions, capability to form smaller and more uniform spots, disposable, and availability at less than 0.5% of the current cost of metal pins. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99838 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512910 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Development of an Imaging X-Ray Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project involves the development of a diagnostic and characterization tool with a spatial resolution at a nanometer scale that is critical to enable rapid commercialization of nanotechnology. The research involves developing an innovative x-ray imaging spectrometer that will provide powerful element specific imaging capability with the following important attributes: (1) high resolution: sub-50 nm resolution in the Phase I project and sub-25 nm in the Phase II project; (2) parallel (full field) imaging and thus high throughput: up to a million pixels can be imaged simultaneously; and (3) nondestructive: little or no sample preparation is required. The proposed instrument can be developed as a standalone system or as an attachment to a scanning electron microscope, which is widely deployed in R&D laboratories and manufacturing environment. In addition to nanotechnology, it is anticipated that the proposed instrument will find important applications in advanced semiconductor manufacturing where device feature size is already well below 100 nm scale, and biomedical applications where it will bridge the resolution gap between optical and electron microscopes. The proposed x-ray imaging spectrometer addresses an emerging need of the nanotechnology and semiconductor industries for non-destructive high resolution imaging analysis and characterization. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Feser, Michael Xradia CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99310 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512915 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Nanoporous Catalytic Mixed Oxide Membranes for Removal of Hazardous Air Pollutants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project seeks to develop a new type of nanoporous, highly catalytically active mixed-oxide ceramic membranes by sol-gel processing. The composite of the two components would significantly enhance the catalytic activity and thermal stability of the membrane structure. The versatility of sol-gel processing will facilitate the engineering of nanoporous membranes with extremely high surface area and desired microstructure that is tailored for different specific applications. These membranes can be used for removing both Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by catalytic oxidation and small particulate matter by physical capture and/or catalytic chemical reactions. Such membranes may be very suitable for being used as catalytic filters for removal of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). In addition, they may be used for oxidative coupling of methane, partial oxidation of methane to syngas, and decomposition of nitrogen oxides. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hu, Hongxing AMSEN TECHNOLOGIES LLC AZ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512916 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Micro-Coax Manufacturability Study. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I research project is aimed at advancing the capability to create high bandwidth interconnects for increasingly higher frequency digital and analog electronics systems. The technology is applicable to printed circuit board, as well as device-level interconnects. The proposed innovation applies conformal coating of polymeric and lithographically defined metallic layers onto conventional wire bonds to produce coaxial interconnect structures. As compared to conventional wire bonds, the resulting micro-coaxes have bandwidths improved by more than an order of magnitude, cross-talk nearly eliminated, impedance matched, and phase distortion significantly reduced. The objective of the current phase is to advance the micro-coax from the current laboratory prototype stage, toward volume manufacturability. To accomplish the objective, improved understanding of the dielectric coating processes, via generation, and lithography steps is needed. Further evaluation of the transition from board-level to device-level is needed. Geometry and materials limitations on performance must be better understood. The goal of the research is to establish certain desirable performance milestones for the technology. Such milestones include demonstration of parallel interconnects with 100+ GHz bandwidth, better than 0.5 dB/cm loss, 300 um center-to-center spacing, and >40 dB isolation. If successful the ability to create micro-coax capabilities n would lead to high bandwidth, high frequency interconnects for semiconductor industries as well as testing and assembly industries. Optical communications protocols, which pass data at 40Gbit/sec, requiring 20GHz fundamental frequencies, and even higher frequency overtones for accurate signal reproduction will need semiconductor products that support coaxial-like transmission rates. Today's ICs are becoming millimeter-wave devices and will stall without packaging and interconnect innovation. The proposed micro-coax offers bandwidth from DC to 100GHz and beyond with a very small form factor. Microcoaxes will also have significant impact on IC associated industries. IC probing, test, and assembly industries will be stimulated by infusion of new technological solutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cahill, Sean BRIDGEWAVE COMMUNICATIONS INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99354 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512917 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Supramolecular Proton Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cells. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project develop a new generation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. The proposed project will investigate processing techniques for synthesizing polyphosphazine membranes, which are hydrogen bonded to form supramolecules. Such supramolecular interactions can be fully miscible or self organized polymeric backbones to form two or more directional protonically conducting nanoscale channels. This will offer improved proton conductivity while being more economical to manufacture over existing PEM technologies. The "Roadmap to a Hydrogen Economy - 2030" predicts that fuel cells to emerge between 2010-2020. Technology breakthroughs in PEMs and MEAs and their manufacturability are needed in order to make this timeline a reality. This will require low cost, reliable systems based on new PEM technologies. The proposed project, if successful, can have a significant impact on the fuel cell technology. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Liu, Yanming ADVANCED MATERIALS & DEVICES INC NV Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 1417 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512932 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Improved Boron Nitride Materials for Enhanced Thermal Management. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project provides for the manufacture of improved boron nitride (BN) filler materials for electronic thermal management applications. Novel Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) nanocoating is used to selectively functionalize edges only or edges/basal planes to improve wetting of BN platelets with resin encapsulants. The improved wetting allows for significantly reduced viscosity (~ 5 times less) of BN/resin mixtures during processing and improved interfacial adhesion in the cured composite. These improvements are realized using an ultra-thin (nm thick), conformal, pin-hole free, chemically bonded alumina nanofilm on individual BN platelets that provides for an improvement in rheological properties without a significant reduction in thermal conductivity. Hence, higher BN loadings in filled composites will allow for significantly improved heat dissipation in electronic packaging materials, particularly in the case of glob top coatings and potting compounds. Individual fine sized BN platelet particles will be selectively nanocoated (edges only or edges/basal planes) with chemically bonded Al2O3 films of ~50, 25, 12.5, 6.3, 3.2, 1.6, and 0.8 nanometer thickness. The nanocoated BN will be blended at a 40 volume % loading in a liquid encapsulant mixture (will measure viscosity), cured, and tested for thermal conductivity and peel strength. Commercially this addresses one of the most pressing problems in the electronics industry, namely the heat dissipation required by the use of faster and more powerful chips. Since boron nitride has one of the best thermal conductivities as a filler, any improvement in its performance can positively address this problem. Furthermore the potential impact of successful large scale processing extends far beyond this proposed microelectronics packaging application. Nanoscience will only achieve true "disruptive" technology status if the individual surfaces of ultrafine particles can be functionalized. ALD nanocoating of ultrafine particles provides such an opportunity. It is now possible to produce ultrafine particles with designed electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, rheological, or other properties. Markets for such functionalized ultra-fine powders include microelectronics, defense, hard metals, cosmetics, drug delivery, energetic materials, and polymer/ceramic nanocomposites, among others. A better understanding of the nanocoating of ultra-fine particles and its cost/performance value will be developed. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ferguson, John ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512933 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: Novel Electrode Materials for Multi-Layer Capacitors. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop technology for the manufacture of low cost miniaturized multi-layer capacitors (MLCs). A titania (TiO2) thin film will be deposited on 60 to 150 nanometer nickel (Ni) particles to protect the ultrafine Ni particles from slow oxidation degradation while simultaneously providing a chemically compatible surface with the dielectric barium titanate (BaTiO3) layer during processing. The TiO2 film will allow the sintering temperature of the ultrafine Ni particles to be increased so the intercleaved Ni/BaTiO3 electrode/dielectric multilayers can be easily fabricated upon firing. The manufacture of composite TiO2/Ni particles via novel Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) thin film technology allows for the synthesis of composite ultrafine Ni substrate particles with dual effectiveness (resisting oxidation, increasing sintering temperature). In the first aspect of this work, TiO2 will be deposited on 60 to 150 nm Ni particles by ALD. In the second aspect of this work, the composite powders will be characterized for film quality, oxidation resistance, and thermal expansion upon heating (i.e. sinterability). In the third aspect of this work, a 1 kg sample of the composite powder will be synthesized and supplied to a partner/customer for feasibility evaluation. Commercially, the potential impact of successful large scale processing extends far beyond this proposed MLC application. Nanoscience will only achieve true "disruptive" technology status if the individual surfaces of ultrafine particles can be functionalized. ALD nanocoating of ultrafine particles provides such an opportunity. It is now possible to produce ultrafine particles with designed electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, rheological, or other properties. Markets for such functionalized ultra-fine powders include microelectronics, defense, hard metals, cosmetics, drug delivery, energetic materials, and polymer/ceramic nanocomposites, among others. A better understanding of the nanocoating of ultra-fine particles and its cost/performance value will be developed. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gump, Christopher ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO William Haines Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512935 July 1, 2005 STTR Phase I: E-Beam Automated Tape Placement Technology for High Temperature Composites. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project focuses on the development of high temperature resins and tapes and their use in automated tape placement (ATP) fabrication with in-situ electron beam cure. Thermoplastic polymer matrix ATP and layer-by-layer electron beam curing ATP (EB-ATP) have been identified as among the most promising techniques for achieving autoclave properties in ATP composites. The materials to be developed during the course of this program are fully imidized polyimide molding powders with low melt viscosity and cured properties suitable for high-temperature applications. In addition to the materials themselves, processes for fabricating high quality tapes and for manufacturing composite plates will be developed during the course of this program. Manufacturing affordability has presented a significant barrier to the commercial exploitation of the benefits of thermally stable polymers in advanced composite structural components. The proposed combination of high temperature, low melt viscosity polyimide with powder towpreg and tape developed during this Phase I program and its Phase II follow-on will be an enabling technology for extending the use of filament winding and ATP with electron beam cure for high-performance composites and will fill a much-needed niche in the advanced composites industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hoyt, Andrea Adherent Technologies, Inc. NM Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 100000 9150 1505 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512949 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Software Tools for Self-Diagnosable Intelligent Sensor Networks for Process Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will exploit advances in sensor technologies and recently approved IEEE 1451 family of standards to design and develop tools to create highly autonomous fault-tolerant distributed sensor networks with plug-and play capabilities. This multi-phase effort will enable diagnosis of faulty sensors and reconfiguration of the network in real time to ensure that the control of the manufacturing process can continue with accurate information in the presence of sensor faults. Currently sensor reliability issues are not considered when the systems are designed and developed although the reliability of the information collected and interpreted is highly dependent on the sensors used and sensor networks employed. Existence of appropriate technologies in the areas of sensors, computing, communication, and standards suggest that it is an opportune time to develop such networks. The innovative feature of the proposed effort will be the IEEE 1451-based architecture, algorithms for the distributed fault-tolerant sensor networks that will enable plug-and-play capability, and the development of a new member in the IEEE 1451 standards that will address reliability issues of the sensor networks The proposed effort on enabling software tools for highly reliable sensor networks to ensure that the manufacturing processes do not continue with incorrect process settings would enable U.S. to maintain its leadership in the manufacturing sector. The reliability of sensors is a critical issue in thin-film deposition systems where they are typically exposed to harsh chemical and thermal environments, but no substantial work has been done in the area of fault-tolerant sensor networks for these systems. Although no formal study has been conducted to quantify production losses in thin-film industry the number is expected to be in the high millions. The proposed IEEE 1451-based tools for fault-tolerant networks will be highly useful in a wide range of disciplines. However, the initial target market will be the barrier and TCO coatings, such as flexible displays, followed by thin-film in general and semiconductor industry. Successful demonstration on these systems will create opportunities in other markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gomez, Nick ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99672 5371 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512972 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: High-Speed, Low-Cost Maskless Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will investigate the feasibility of using a high-speed linear array of micro grating light modulators (GLM) for cost-effective maskless lithography. Current maskless lithography tools are low-throughput instruments designed for the highest resolution markets (50-200 nm). ALCES proposes a maskless, high-throughput, lithography tool for the 0.5 - 1 um resolution range. The proposed tool will use a 4096-pixel linear array of grating light modulators as a software-reconfigurable and reusable lithographic mask; this is the largest and fastest light modulator available. A linear array of light, modulated by the GLM, would be focused and reduced by optics to ~0.5um resolution and directed to the wafer. The expected throughput will be over 100 times faster than current maskless lithography tools and comparable to mask-based stepper aligners. If successful the proposed tool, with the appropriate light source and optics, has applications outside of the semiconductor industry, in areas such as cell isolation, DNA synthesis, rapid prototyping, and printed circuit board production. The proposed innovation would also have an impact in education and research in academic institutions and government facilities. Maskless lithography would be an affordable technique to quickly fabricate new devices and provide hands-on education in university labs. Ultimately, devices and techniques developed in the academic research community enhance and stimulate innovations in manufacturing. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Yeh, Richard ALCES TECHNOLOGY, INC. WY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99827 9150 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512996 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Direct Energy Conversion Technology to Convert Smelter Waste Heat to Electricity. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will direct thermal-energy-to-electrical-energy conversion technology (DTEC) to produce Thermal Diodes to capture waste heat from electrolytic smelters and to convert it into additional electricity for use by the smelter, thereby improving energy efficiency. The research objective is to develop the most fundamental elements of ENECO's Thermal Diode technology on PbTe compounds, to characterize their performance and to assess the possibility that PbTe Thermal Diodes can be produced with an absolute efficiency in excess of 20% at temperatures of 400-600oC as predicted from numerical modeling. The research requires building p*/n/p and n*/p/n structures by thin film deposition on ptype and n-type single crystal substrates, production and characterization of the precursor materials, characterizing the DTEC performance of the structures, and optimizing structures for maximum conversion efficiency. Commercial products derived from this technology are expected to be inexpensive to manufacture using common semiconductor fabrication techniques. This new technology could open extensive new market opportunities in the recovery of waste heat, efficient conversion of primary heat, and solid state cooling in sectors where it is at present uneconomical. From a societal perspective, widespread use of this new technology could help to reduce total environmental emissions and conserve energy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brown, Harold ENECO, INC. UT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 99827 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0512998 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase I: Chiral, Carbohydrate Polyethers for Robust, High Resolution, Pharmaceutical Separations. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new class of carbohydrate polyethers for chiral chromatography, by starting with levoglucogan produced from starch. In nine out of the top ten selling drugs, the active ingredient is chiral. The (2-3)-polyethers are unique because they have multiple contiguous chiral centers, which can be manipulated to form desired intermediates, with unparalleled optical integrity and the highest density of functional groups of all known molecules. Drug manufacturers seek new chiral stationary phases with high and extended chiral selectivity, high loading capacity, and ability to tolerate a wide range of mobile phases. To meet this need, epoxide monomers will be synthesized and polymerized into a 100% stereo specific chiral stationary phase for liquid chromatography of enantiomers. This polyether phase will be applied to silica supports and evaluated by leading chromatography equipment manufacturers. The commercial application of this project will primarily be in the manufacture of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals. Further impact of the proposed work will extend to drug purification, sugar separations, selective epoxidation, and controlled polymerization for a range of bio-refinery products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gorkovenko, Alexander Material Methods CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99958 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0514541 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Assessing Status and Trends of Threatened Species from Uncertain Monitoring Data: Methodology and Software. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop and implement as software methods for entering, processing, and analyzing species distribution monitoring data, which is one of the most basic forms of biological information that comes from surveys, censuses, and other routine assessments. These methods will use basic monitoring data to (1) assess the status and trends of the monitored species at the population-level, and (2) estimate the input parameters for the more advanced quantitative models, thereby increasing the use of these models, which include population viability analysis models, habitat models and other GIS-based methods, and quantitative risk criteria, such those used by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the NatureServe. One of the major innovations of the proposed software will be its treatment of uncertainty. Ecological data are often scarce and uncertain, including spatial and temporal variation, measurement and sampling errors, and demographic variance. The methods to be implemented in the proposed software will account for this uncertainty and incorporate it into the assessment of status and other outputs produced. Broader impacts of the project will include standardization of the monitoring process for a broad spectrum of species, significantly reducing the cost of processing and analyzing monitoring data and increasing the use of advanced quantitative models in relation to environmental issues. This will, in turn, increase the use of scientific information in environmental decision-making and policy formulation. The methods developed in this project will also allow incorporating data uncertainties in an objective, transparent, and credible way, thereby providing scientifically credible and sound summary of the status and trends of the species monitored. The proposed methods will be implemented as software. Expected commercial applications include software sales and contracts for specific applications of the software. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Akcakaya, H Applied Biomathematics Inc NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 499785 5373 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0518940 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: All Natural Biobased High Performance Composites for Industrial Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to optimize and commercialize the manufacturing of all natural biobased composites from renewable resources. Phase I research demonstrated the technical feasibility of fabricating soybean oil based composites using a selected fiber/resin polymer composite combination. The Phase II project will focus on optimization and scale-up of the fabrication approach and process to improve the performance of the biobased composites. Further, with the help of commercial partners, Phase II work will develop a number of full scale prototype products with the following features: (1) the products contain 80% or more natural fibers and resins; (2) the products rely on economical and environmentally friendly tooling and manufacturing processing; and (3) the products comply with performance, safety, durability, and cost requirements set by end-users. The commercial applications of this project will be in a number of areas, including low cost building materials for industrial and household furniture, packaging materials, piping for remote areas and aquaculture systems. The proposed biobased composites are expected to have higher value-in-use industrial applications than their petroleum counter-parts (that is, to be available at a lower cost while offering the same functionality). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vaidyanathan, Ranji ADVANCED CERAMICS RESEARCH, INC AZ F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 450117 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0521596 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Ultrananocrystalline Diamond as Wear Resistant and Protective Coating for Mechanical Shaft Seal Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new class of mechanical shaft seals based on the benefits of a novel material called Ultrananocrystalline (tm) diamond (UNCDtm) that will result in seals that last longer, save energy and reduce environmental emissions associated with industrial pumping and turbo-machinery applications. Mechanical shaft seals are used in almost every industry. The main functions of these seals are to ensure that the pumping fluid does not escape the system and to protect the fluids from contaminants. This program will build upon earlier results that showed that UNCD could reduce seal wear by orders of magnitude over SiC seals. The project will include customer trials, securing industry standard qualification and developing manufacturing capabilities. New UNCD seal products will be developed for chemical, refinery, pharmaceutical, mining, and other demanding industrial applications. Several features of UNCD, including its fine grain size, high quality surface and its ability to be processed at reasonable temperatures, make it an ideal material to be leveraged other friction and wear materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Netzel, James ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 1011426 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0521652 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Ultrasensitive, Real-Time Explosives Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project seeks to develop a new, ultrasensitive laser based explosives detection system (EDS). The system will be capable of rapidly detecting and discriminating among common explosives materials in a timescale commensurate with that of existing passenger screening systems that are presently used in airports. The proposed EDS technology is based on a combination of a new, rapidly and widely tunable laser system with a novel optical cavity enhanced absorption method. The research effort comprises constructing and testing a bench top version of the system that is suitably configured for use in the middle infrared, where explosives can be detected via their characteristic spectral signatures. If successful, the instrument will be capable of significantly exceeding the sensitivity level of existing commercial EDS sensors, as well as potentially providing an orthogonal sensor platform. The sensor will be suitable for passenger, baggage, and cargo screening applications, and will be engineered specifically for integration as a plug-in replacement or parallel technology to existing screening systems. In addition to advancing laser technology, the project has the potential to benefit society by assuring safer transportation to the general public. The ability to rapidly scan the middle infrared spectral region with high absorption sensitivity will enable the rapid detection of numerous trace chemical species including toxic industrial chemicals, chemical warfare agents, and industrial pollutants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Scherer, James NOVAWAVE TECHNOLOGIES CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 699100 5373 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510604 Analytic Tools 0511301 Trace Element Content 0521710 July 15, 2005 STTR Phase II: Advanced Virtual Manufacturing Lab for Research, Training, and Education. This Small Business Technology Transfer ( STTR) Phase II project proposes the creation of an Advanced Virtual Manufacturing Lab (AVML) for training and education on high-tech CNC machines. The key elements of the AVML are: (a) textured 3D photo-realistic virtual models of the machines and lab that include the machines' controls and moving parts; (b) semi-empirical model of the machining operation; (c) hierarchical knowledge-base for process training; (d) unstructured knowledge-base for lecture delivery; (e) natural-language human-like intelligent virtual tutors. In this phase of the research, the AVML will be completed by adding more capabilities, including 5-axis milling and collision detection between the tool and the machine, and enhancing the accuracy and completeness of the machining operation model. Furthermore, the AVML will be enhanced by incorporating Conversational Programming, different types of machine controllers, and two additional types of machines: CNC lathe and production-grade 5-axes milling machine. Pilot implementations will be conducted at a university and two community colleges. Applications of AVML include: training students to operate manufacturing machines in a safe environment, allowing students and researchers to view and interact with a near-physically accurate simulation of manufacturing machines, and optimization of the manufacturing process plan by testing various plans on the virtual machine before machining on the physical machine. Manufacturing drives innovation and is a powerful engine of economic growth. However, US manufacturers face a shortage of workers to run tomorrow's factories. The AVML will enhance the quality, accessibility, and productivity of manufacturing education and training and will advance scientific discovery and engineering analysis of manufacturing processes. Also, The AVML will enhance experimentation and learning, increase student creativity and problem-solving capability, enhance collaboration among students, teachers, and industry experts, and promote participation and equal access of underrepresented groups to manufacturing technology training. Most potential manufacturing workers do not have access to state-of-the-art manufacturing labs that can provide the required training. The AVML will enable such access. This success, in turn, will strengthen US manufacturers' competitiveness and further important US national interests. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Wasfy, Tamer ADVANCED SCIENCE AND AUTOMATION CORP IN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 499936 1591 MANU 9149 0108000 Software Development 0110000 Technology Transfer 0522400 Information Systems 0521760 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: A Reversible, Colorimetric Hydrogen Safety Sensor Using Tailored Xerogels. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will optimize performance of an optical safety sensor for integration with the hydrogen economy infrastructures. Feasibility of the sensing approach was demonstrated by developing a sol-gel-titania-based indicator formulation, which showed complete reversibility, and response and recovery time of less than a minute with 4% hydrogen. Safety remains a top priority since leakage of hydrogen in air during production, storage, transfer and distribution creates an explosive atmosphere for concentrations between 4% (v/v) - the lower explosive limit (LEL) and 74.5% (v/v) - the upper explosive limit (UEL) at room temperature and pressure. Being a very small molecule, hydrogen is prone to leakage through seals and micro-cracks. The sensor will be further improved with regard to its dynamic detection range, response and recovery times, sensitivity, accuracy, resolution and reduced interference from temperature fluctuations, and atmospheric gases including humidity. Hydrogen economy is new; public acceptance of hydrogen fuel would require the integration of a reliable safety sensor. Global energy consumption is projected to increase by 50% over the next 20 years. Failure to develop alternatives to oil would heighten growing reliance on oil imports, raising the risk of political and military conflict and economic disruption. The acceptance of hydrogen by the general public as an alternative fuel requires a safety sensor for mitigating the explosion risks due to hydrogen leakage at unacceptable levels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Goswami, Kisholoy InnoSense LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 511999 5373 AMPP 9261 9178 9163 9102 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0521830 January 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Digital Correlator Imaging Spectrometer For Submillimeter Astronomy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop technology to significantly improve digital-auto-correlator spectrometer bandwidths and clock rates. Astronomers are increasing their reliance on digital auto-correlators for receiving sub-millimeter-wavelength signals buried in noise. For larger red-shift sources, bandwidths of tens of GHz are required. Digital spectrometers are also required to manage communications spectrum for wideband wireless software-defined radio systems. These systems under development are based on a radically new wireless-communications paradigm: the analog wireless signal is converted directly to the digital domain at RF frequencies. Wideband superconducting digital-RF hardware will result in extremely robust systems, with revolutionary new opportunities for handling complex waveforms (e.g. the Wideband Networking Waveform). Astronomers need compact spectrometers to study sources such as planetary atmospheres, molecular clouds, and extragalactic objects. Distant sources have very small signals that are red-shifted by as much as tens of GHz. Therefore, spectrometer bandwidth and sensitivity must be better than present instruments offer. Applying these technology elements to communications enables software-defined all-digital radio systems. Improvements in wireless communications are helping the U.S. to become more productive and socially active. Power efficiency and sensitivity will be orders of magnitude greater than conventional systems, while enabling software functionality and upgrades, at a fraction of the cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kaplan, Steven HYPRES, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 934194 5373 EGCH 9139 1317 0206000 Telecommunications 0521838 July 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Applications of Morse Theory in Reverse Engineering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will investigate applications of Combinatorial Morse Theory in Reverse Engineering, a field that focuses on converting physical objects into a digital representation suitable for CAD, CAM, and CAE. The biggest challenge in this field is to automate the conversion process while producing a model that meets all the requirements of downstream applications. These requirements include both an accurate representation of features and a high degree of smoothness. Combinatorial Morse Theory relies on a single mathematical approach: the definition of a continuous function on a polygonal model and the decomposition of the surface based on the gradient flow of that function. One advantage of this over earlier approaches to the conversion problem is its flexibility obtained by adapting to and combining different analysis criteria. Morse theory is the key to computing patch layouts that naturally adapt to and follow the shape of the surface, a property that is difficult to achieve but necessary to automatically construct high-quality NURBS surfaces of scanned or triangulated CAD models. The proposed algorithms will allow users to easily create accurate representations of scanned physical parts, thereby providing an efficient closed-loop between physical and digital at any phase of a product life cycle. This project will make strong research contributions in computer science and mechanical engineering by dealing with the practical applications of Morse Theory, automatic feature detection and patch layout. It will also make strong advances in the amount of information that can be extracted from a polygonal model. Commercial applications include design and analysis of complex shapes such as turbine blades, transmission housings, and engine blocks, creating digital inventory of legacy parts, historical preservation, mass customization and biometric shape reconstruction. These applications will allow manufacturing companies to be more competitive globally because it enables product differentiations and existing processes to be carried out efficiently, cost-effectively, and automatically. The societal impact of this technology includes the improvement of work environments due to reduction of dust, noise, and work-related injuries associated with traditional processes, prevention of loss of lives and equipment by enabling sampling based inspections as well as improvement of the quality life through customized medical devices, and apparel that conform perfectly to the wearer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Facello, Michael RAINDROP GEOMAGIC INC NC Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 1025444 5373 HPCC 9216 2865 0000912 Computer Science 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0521897 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: A Foundation for Emergency Egress Simulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop new capability to model emergency egress from buildings. The primary focus of the research is evacuation due to fires, but the software will be designed such that exposure and response to biological and chemical agents can also be simulated. The project will couple egress analysis to time-varying fire conditions (e.g. smoke density, heat, and CO) calculated using a Computational Fluid Dynamics fire simulator. This will enable simulation of emergency situations in which, for example, some exit paths become blocked. In addition to incorporating current human response models, the software will allow researchers to specify more complex individual behavior based on the results of recent studies of observed human behavior during emergencies. Thus, the project will not only result in a commercial product of immediate use to the fire safety industry, but will also provide a framework in which to incorporate future knowledge into a problem of fundamental importance to an urban society. This research will lead to a product that will facilitate broad use of fire emergency egress analysis and will introduce a new technology (coupling egress analysis with CFD fire modeling) into the present fire safety design and regulation process. In 2003 fire claimed 3,925 American lives and caused direct losses of $12.3 billion, with a total economic cost of $165 billion. Any technology that reduces even a fraction of this cost will be significant. The integration of egress analysis with fire simulation provides new capability to more accurately simulate emergency building evacuation. The engineering time required for the analyses will be significantly reduced by a common user interface and geometry database that will enable the broader application of this technology throughout the fire safety industry. Societal impacts include increased public safety, advancement in fire research, and reduced building costs. Coupling egress analysis and fire simulation will lead to new discoveries and recommendations based on post accident analysis. The software will enable researchers to add their own models of human behavior to the analysis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hardeman, Brian THUNDERHEAD ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC KS Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 579307 5373 HPCC 9216 9215 9150 9139 0108000 Software Development 0522400 Information Systems 0521900 September 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Development of Anticancer Drugs Using Novel Drug Delivery Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the enhancement of water solubility and efficacy of sparingly soluble anticancer drugs. Many of the clinically accepted anticancer drugs have side effect problems because of the dosages that must be used to overcome low solubility and bioavailability properties. A new delivery vehicle has been developed, which, when attached to known chemotherapeutic agents , increases water solubility and improves the drugs anticancer activity in in-vitro tests. The Phase II goals are to evaluate further enhancement of solubility with modified delivery segments, do in-vivo evaluations in mice with human tumor xenografts, and to do pharmacokinetic studies of the drugs in the rat model. The commercial application of this technology is in cancer chemotherapy. Increased solubility and bioavailability should reduce the quantity and side effects of the expensive drugs that are currently used. Furthermore, certain drugs that could not be used previously because of poor cellular uptake, might now be made available using this mode of delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Yu, C.J. GlyPort, Inc. CA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0521901 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Assessment of Manufacturing and Fatigue Damage Effects in Titanium Alloys Using Induced Positron Annihilation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop a prototype Induced Positron Manufacturing Damage System (IPMDS) to be used to assess initial component quality, and manufacturing damage effects for Ti-6Al-4V and IN738 components. The IPMDS is based on the Induced Positron Annihilation technologies whose capabilities to assess alpha inclusion and fatigue damage effects have been previously demonstrated. The IPMDS is an innovative damage assessment tool that will be developed with support from Precision Cast Corporation (PCC) as a manufacturing quality control and damage assessment tool to be used to reduce costs in place of current destructive methods, which are expensive and do not provide adequate sensitivity to either manufacturing or operational damage effects. The IPMDS will contribute to extended use component designs, cost savings, and efficient operations for the titanium and nickel super-alloy industries. Commercial applications of IPMDS will be targeted at the structural and turbine engine industries, which extensively utilize expensive titanium and nickel super-alloy components. The IPMDS has a high potential for becoming a critical and necessary inspection tool in these industries due to its potential for minimizing manufacturing variability, assessing operational damage, optimizing maintenance requirements, reducing costs, and improving safety. The IPMDS capability is expected to extend inspection applications to a wide range of industries where improved knowledge of manufacturing variability, induced damage effects, minimization of inspection and replacement costs, and component life extension are important. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Yano, Steve Positron Systems, Inc. ID Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 558273 5373 HPCC 9231 9150 9146 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0521902 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Hardware Support for 10 Gbps Intrusion Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will dramatically advance performance breakthroughs achieved by utilizing a Multiple Instruction Single Data (MISD) processing model applied to high-speed Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS) hardware. A multiple-chip implementation of the MISD processing model will further demonstrate the scalability and cost-effectiveness of the technology by increasing IDPS processing capacity to levels while reducing costs for the existing system. Current line speed stateful computations are limited by the cost and scalability of currently available content addressable memories. Ideas derived from memory caching architectures will be adapted to build a novel memory subsystem specifically designed to cost-effectively support critical, stateful, 10 Gbps security applications such as TCP stream reassembly and protocol normalization. Finally, the development of open-source interfaces will extend the use of these innovations to a large community of users who will certainly contribute to the advancement of IDPS technology through inter-organizational collaborative efforts. Next-generation applications require high-speed network connectivity. For example, supercomputer clustering, medical image delivery, data storage networking, video conferencing, and tele-presence applications all need 10 Gigabit and higher speeds. Unfortunately, public and private communication infrastructures are today being destabilized by security compromises. Network viruses, worms and other attacks can propagate very quickly over the Internet and private networks, disabling commerce and resulting in significant productivity loss. The ability to detect and prevent these attacks from traveling through high speed links is a crucial requirement for fostering their adoption across organizational boundaries. Without proper intrusion detection and prevention, high speed links will introduce severe attacks in information systems and limit the commercial viability and far-reaching benefits of high bandwidth, next-generation applications. This Phase II project will dramatically improve the cost-effectiveness, openness and scalability of high-speed IDPS technology. This will facilitate a broader use of inter-organizational, high-speed connectivity and impact social, economic and educational progress. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ricciulli, Livio Metanetworks, inc, CA CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 124551 5373 HPCC 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0521905 August 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Development of Smart Material Using Natural Fiber Reinforced Composite. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a suitable prototype based on the Active-Passive Natural Fiber Composite (APNFC0), the technical feasibility of which was demonstrated in the Phase I program. This innovative composite material concept is bio-based and hence environmentally friendly. The APNFC has excellent vibration and noise mitigation properties and can be used to control acoustic noise and structural vibrations in a wide variety of noisy environments. The unique design of this composite material will reduce noise transmission over a broad band of frequencies through a combination of absorption and dissipation phenomena. The prototype to be built during Phase II will consist of a thermoformed sandwiched material configuration where a polymer-based piezoelectric layer (PVdF) is formed between two passive layers composed of variable density natural fiber composite (VDNFC). This material will have an embedded control system with amplifiers and power supplies. The commercial applications of the new technology include: home appliances, soundproof architectural doors, office furniture, operator cabins for agricultural and construction machinery, building materials, automobiles, and aircraft cabins. Collectively, these represent a multi-billion dollar market for parts and products to which the present core technology can be applied. The company has a focus commercialization plan with strategic partner support in the appliance application and the office and construction applications SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Whitmer, Christopher VIBROACOUSTICS SOLUTIONS INC IA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 604052 5373 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0521940 September 1, 2005 STTR Phase II: Development of Nanostructured Solder Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop nanostructured reinforcements to improve the thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) performance and service reliability of tin-based electronic solder alloys. Service reliability of solder joints will be studied under Phase II by simultaneously imposing external electrical, thermal and mechanical excursions under simulated realistic service conditions. Toward developing commercially viable products, Phase II will address scale-up issues in manufacturing different forms of nanostructured solder materials, as well as processing and disposal issues associated with the use of this product in fabrication of electronic components under different soldering methodologies, and in collaboration with solder suppliers and end users. A result of attempted adoption of lead-free solders has highlighted several adoption issues and concerns over service reliability of interconnects made with lead-free solder compositions. In Phase I, the general viability of incorporating surface active, and thermally stable nanostructured particulates as grain boundary reinforcements to significantly enhance mechanical and service performance and reliability of joints, was demonstrated. This fundamental discovery has significantly enhanced the understanding of the overall processes that affect the high temperature service performance and reliability of the solder joints. The proposed Phase II project will develop the knowledge base required for scale-up production of nanostructured solder materials and to obtain the technical data base necessary for implementation of the same in the manufacture of electronic components. The validation of nano-reinforcement of solders is expected to have significant commercial implications in a wide variety of structural materials. The proposed project represents an excellent step towards obtaining environmentally-benign solder materials with equivalent performance to traditional lead-tin, eutectic solders and which could lead to significant sales in the multi-billion dollar worldwide solder market. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Lichtenhan, Joseph Hybrid Plastics, Inc. MS William Haines Standard Grant 500000 1591 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0521948 September 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Quantum Confined Atom Based Nanophosphors for Future Efficient Lighting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will involve quantum confining a single atom in 2 to 5 nm size nanocrystal of ternary semiconductor, from which new and efficient nanophosphors will be developed. The band-gap engineering of nanophosphors allows improvement in the luminescence characteristics such as absorption and emission spectra, half-width, efficiency, life-time, etc. Indeed the role of conventional activators (rare-earths and transition metal impurities) in nanophosphors can be re-evaluated for different applications. Specifically, ternary wide band gap semiconductors such as ZnCdS with dopants like Ag, Cu, Mn offer very efficient broad-band visible spectra that is close to white light. The possibility of band-gap engineering in nanocrystals of ternary semiconductors, similar to that catapulted the optoelectronic devices from III-V semiconductors, opens the door to design of new nanophosphors that match well with the excitation spectra of LED's and compact fluorescent lamps. This development would lead to a new class of white light sources in this Phase II project. By developing different nanophosphors that can be excited by blue/UV LEDs, it successfully demonstrates that nanophosphors can significantly enhance the performance of not only white LEDs but also can improve the performance of compact fluorescent and arc lamps. Commercially this technological breakthrough of engineering of nanophosphors when used with current efficient lamps, is expected to enhance the efficiency of LED's by 40% and lamps by 15%, respectively. These improvements in overall power efficiency of these lamps, will significantly lower the cost of energy used and it is projected will help to save energy costs equivalent to $25 billion by 2025. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bhargava, Rameshwar NANOCRYSTALS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP NY William Haines Standard Grant 424693 5373 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0521973 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Development of High Performance Ultraviolet Single Photon Detectors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project aims to carry out the major R&D work to fully develop a 4H-SiC Single Photon Avalanche Detectors (SPADs) capable of ultra-sensitive and reliable room temperature single photon counting in the ultraviolet (UV) range with high efficiency for a wide range of applications. Existing commercial semiconductor UV avalanche photo detectors (APDs) suffer from high-dark count due to the fundamental material limitation. Unlike other wide band gap semiconductors, 4H-SiC has intrinsically more than an order of magnitude disparity in the electron and hole impact ionization coefficients, making it ideally suited for APDs and SPADs which require, as a key performance parameter, ultra low excess noise. The major research efforts will be focused on the novel design of the 4H-SiC SPADs and the development of the processing technology to manufacture the SPADs in both single element and in linear array forms. The goals are to achieve drastically improved dark count rate, quantum efficiency, and photon counting rate in comparison to the results achieved in Phase I. Success of the project will have significant impact to the scientific understanding of cryptography for secure UV free-space communication, of fundamental quantum mechanics of single photon-molecular interaction, and of astronomy and space exploration. The results of the project are expected to lead to commercial products including hand-held or field-portable compact UV analyzers with single-molecule unmatched sensitivity, UV spectroscopy and fluorescence systems for pharmaceutical /drug development, and biowarfare agent detection. Ultra-sensitive UV and Deep UV detectors will find immediate applications in both civilian and defense industries for radar and missile detection systems, for scientific and measurement instruments and OEM, for non-invasive underground oil and mine detection and profiling, for safety protection industry (food protection, utility and power system protection/electrical arc detection, engine and fire/flame sensing and control) and for UV imaging/UV camera as well as radiative and space applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Alexandrov, Petre United Silicon Carbide, Inc NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0521976 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: New Approaches to Using Renewable Biomass Derived Materials in Epoxy and Vinyl Ester Resin Products to Reduce Styrene and Other Petroleum Based Raw Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to reduce the levels of styrene in commercial vinyl ester-styrene resin formulations and other polymers by replacing all or a portion of the high VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) toxic monomer with a biomass-derived material. Prior results have shown that the styrene content can be reduced from 45% to 35% or lower without increase in cost or the loss of polymer physical properties. Phase II work will entail commercial development with three customers, scale-up process engineering to commercial levels and expansion of the technology into the broader thermoset market. The commercial application for this technology is in polymer and resin markets where styrene and other petroleum based, high VOC monomers are used. These are huge markets, and the products are used in hundreds of applications. Successful introduction of these replacements will reduce our dependence on imported oil, promote the use of domestic, crop-based resources, and reduce the use of high VOC pollutants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 1035993 5373 BIOT 9261 9251 9181 9150 9102 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0521981 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Sketchpad for Young Learners of Mathematics - Dynamic Visualization Software in Grades 3-8. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to overcome barriers to the effective use of The Geometer's Sketchpad software in elementary and middle school math classes, and to deliver on the software's potential for transforming education at these levels. This research-based educational technology tool and its "Dynamic Geometry" interaction paradigm are well known at the secondary and higher level for their ability to foster visualization and exploration in mathematics and to enhance student learning. This project responds to clear calls for the software's application and adaptation to younger grades coming from teachers, from curriculum development and research communities, and from standards bodies such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The proposed research, led by the team that created and maintains Sketchpad, first identifies and prototypes modifications to the software to add scope and age-relevant functionality and to remove barriers to access for young learners; and second pioneers new classroom activities-structures, materials, and vehicles-for supporting and extending standards-based curricula in grades 3-8 through the agency of Dynamic Geometry technology. The intellectual merit of the proposed activity reflects (a) the degree to which the activity responds to perceived pedagogic need (as cited, e. g., in the NCTM Principles and Standards 2000) for Dynamic Geometry technology at the elementary and middle school level; (b) the opportunity to extend the broad base and literature of research that exists on Dynamic Geometry at the secondary level to significantly earlier grade levels (particularly with respect to effective Dynamic Geometry activity design and Dynamic Geometry impact on student affect and cognition in the early grades); and (c) the resources this proposal brings to the question of how best to integrate effective, standards-based curriculum (in this case, the Connected Mathematics Project, Everyday Mathematics, and Math Workshop curricular programs) with effective, standards-based technology. The project brings together research experience in both curricular and software design; project staff includes Sketchpad's authors and project consultants include the author teams of each of the named curricula. The broader impact of this project reaching its objectives will be the creation and availability, in primary and middle grades, of age-appropriate Dynamic Geometry mathematics education technologies and supporting curriculum similar to those which define Sketchpad at the secondary level, where the software is considered the "most valuable software for students" (Becker, 1999) by mathematics teachers across the country; and of research-driven solutions to the challenge of supporting standards-based curricula effectively with educational technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jackiw, Nicholas KCP Technologies CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 709213 5373 SMET 9177 7218 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0522014 August 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-High Sensitivity Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Sensor for Real-Time Botulinum Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a prototype botulinum toxin detector based on a novel ultra-sensitive Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology. The botulinum toxin will be detected by means of the specific cleavage of a peptide substrate attached to the sensor surface. The system will provide results in a fraction of the time and at a much lower cost compared to currently available methods. The feasibility of this technology was successfully demonstrated in Phase I. The research in Phase II will include assay optimization for detection of botulinum types A and B, development of a toxin extraction protocol from complex solutions, and construction of an instrument for multiplexed detection of botulinum toxins. The developed instrument will have the capability for ultrasensitive detection of Botulinum A and B (comparable to the sensitivity of the mouse LD50 assay) on a single chip. The principal commercial application of this project will be in the detection of biothreat agents. The proposed work, though initially aimed at rapid detection of botulism in individuals and in foods, will be extendable to other biothreat agents such as anthrax and mycotoxins. Additional applications are expected in drug discovery and biomedical research, and for potency testing of botulinum products in medical and cosmetic applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Melman, Paul Newton Photonics, Inc. MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 499800 5373 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522021 November 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Gamma Ray Detector for Geophysical Exploration. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project aims to produce a radiation detector technology that will be able to provide a completely new level of performance for demanding industrial applications. Three different scintillator materials - LaBr3, LaCl3 and CeBr3 - have been shown in Phase I to provide outstanding results even when subjected to high temperatures. This trait makes these materials well suited for geologic well logging applications where radiation measurements must be in environments where temperatures exceed 175 C. The keys to furthering these materials are tailoring their chemical composition through dopants, producing ingots of larger sizes and packaging them to resist such environments. Producing more accurate well-logging tools should be a direct outcrop of this project. These tools should in turn enable the geology researcher to more efficiently conduct experiments, and to reduce some of the uncertainties in the otherwise highly speculative field of oil exploration. The broader impacts of this program will encompass both a better understanding of this family of scintillator materials and their use in other applications for which temperature performance is not a key issue. Applications include nuclear science to medical imaging to security and monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Entine, Gerald Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 479410 5373 EGCH 1636 1307 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522039 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Novel Wafer Fabrication Technology for Semiconductor Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is directed toward the development of cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) single crystal films by using an ion beam layer separation process from bulk single crystals. The separated layers will be transferred and bonded on to silicon (Si) wafers for applications as substrates for epitaxial growth of mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) films. HgCdTe films are of interest in infrared detectors. The ion beam layer separation process will allow the fabrication of a large number of films from a single bulk crystal, thus providing an economical wafer production technology for infrared detector materials. High-energy (MeV) light ions will be used to produce a buried damaged layer in the bulk crystal. Thermal annealing at elevated temperatures may generate lateral crack enabling the layer separation. Phase I has shown the feasibility of this approach. Phase II research objectives are to optimize the process parameters for wafer-scale separation without breaking and develop the process to transfer the separated films on to Si wafers. The wafers thus fabricated will be used for epitaxial growth of HgCdTe and fabrication of IR detectors. CdTe and (Cd,Zn)Te alloy crystals have been grown by various techniques including zone refining, vertical gradient freeze (VGF), liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) methods, horizontal and vertical Bridgman techniques. Due to variable yields, none of these methods have produced enough material with the quality needed for today's infrared (IR) detector applications. The proposed method has been developed to overcome these limitations. Commercially, the proposed technique has the advantage of producing many good quality substrates from a single bulk crystal by ion beam slicing, thus providing an economic way of producing reliable and reproducible quality material. Also, large area CdZnTe substrate for the growth of HgCdTe will be possible by stacking smaller slices in a floor tile pattern on cheaper Si substrates. Bonding with Si substrate will also allow the integration of IR detectors with electronics on a single chip. IR photodetectors and focal plane arrays are of interest in many industrial and scientific applications including environmental monitoring, chem-bio detection, medical and space sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bhattacharya, Rabi UES, Inc. OH William Haines Standard Grant 471833 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1794 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522040 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Device for In-ovo Targeting and Delivery to the Early Chicken Embryo. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project integrates the imaging system developed in Phase I with a smart-sensor injection system that can inject or sample from the cavity underlying the early chicken embryo with high levels of accuracy accompanied with improved hatch when compared to manual methods. The Phase I work showed that it was possible to image and detect the blastoderm in the presence of a biological membrane with high levels of accuracy (94%). The Phase II project will focus on the technology required to build an injection system using smart sensors that can detect and then move to the fluid cavity to inject (or to sample). The system will thus provide a totally automated solution to early embryo detection and manipulation, with movement in all three dimensions, while still sustaining hatchability of the developing chicken. This research would advance the state of the art for the production of chimeric chickens with superior traits or for producing transgenic chickens for the avian pharmaceutical industry. The commercial application of this technology is in two large, important industries. In the commercial poultry industry, chimeric chickens could be created in a high-throughput system that possess desired traits like disease resistance (for example, to diseases such as Marek's, Newcastle and Coccidiosis), increased tolerance to stress, and the ability to digest certain feed compounds such as phosphates. Secondly, in the avian pharmaceutical industry, therapeutic proteins used for manufacturing drugs could be created much more cheaply by using a transgenic chicken that can produce transgenic proteins in its eggs. Many therapeutics for diseases like cancer and leukemia are manufactured in mammalian or bacterial systems that face bottlenecks in supply and are extremely expensive to produce. The proposed device advances the state-of-the-art in early embryo injection beyond the limits of the manual method so as to allow a faster, more accurate way of producing transgenic chickens and proteins. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rybarczyk, Phillip EMBREX, INC. NC Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 494265 5373 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522067 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Efficient Light Out Coupling from AlGaN Light Emitting Diodes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop novel graded-index (GIN) structures for blue/UV light emitting diodes (LEDs). Solidstate LEDs (SSLs) are among the most efficient converters of electrical energy into light and additionally have the advantages of long lifetime, excellent reliability, low power consumption, light weight, small size and excellent resistance to mechanical shock and vibration. These significant benefits over conventional lighting explain why, according to a recent study, the average growth rate for the SSL market is expected to be around 200% per year for the next five years.Since LEDs are narrow-band emitters, they must be coupled to an efficient downconverting phosphor in order to achieve the broad emission necessary for the generation of white light. However, even for a perfect phosphor, high efficiency will not be achievable unless there is also efficient out-coupling of radiation from the LED into the phosphor and from the phosphor to air. The resulting losses associated with outcoupling are due to the difference in refractive indices (n) of adjacent material layers that cause Fresnel Reflections and total internal reflection (TIR). In Phase I the research team has developed unique material structures and electrophoretic (EP) deposition process that are expected to realize high out-coupling efficiencies from LEDs at low costs. During Phase I, the feasibility of the EP deposition process has been successfully demonstrated and the advantage of an index-matching structure has been shown to significantly (~50%) improve the light extraction efficiency in LEDs. This fact was demonstrated both experimentally and theoretically using ray tracing simulations. In Phase II the work will focus on refining these structures for blue/UV LED's to develop the efficient down- converting technology for enabling the new solid state lighting systems. Commercially if SSL technology can achieve this projected goal, the lighting industry would be revolutionized. Potentially an efficiency of 200lm/W is possible, more than 2X better than that of fluorescent lamps (80lm/W), and more than 10X better than that of incandescent lamps (15lm/W). If current lighting, with an aggregate efficiency of roughly 50lm/W (in between the efficiencies of fluorescent and incandescent lamps), were replaced by semiconductor lighting with an aggregate efficiency of 150lm/W (somewhat less than the target), then the electricity currently used for illumination would decrease by a factor of three, from 2,350TWh to 780TWh. This would represent a decrease in global electricity use of 13%, and a decrease in global energy use and associated carbon emissions of 2.3%. In the U.S., the potential reduction in electricity consumption due to lighting is expected to be as high as 50% by the year 2025. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Menkara, Hisham PhosphorTech Corporation GA William Haines Standard Grant 724960 5373 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522076 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: A Dynamic Tactile Display for Visually Impaired Computer Users. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will create a Dynamic Tactile Display (DTD) prototype with the look, feel, and functionality of the real-world product, and it will demonstrate that the DTD makes it easier to learn and use computers than existing screen reader technology. An in-home trial study will allow a group of users to have the DTD over an extended period of time in their homes, to establish whether or not they continue to like to use it over time. Technical development during Phase II will produce a powerful interface tool that translates computer display information into an intuitive, tactile format, and allows much greater accessibility of computer tools to the blind and visually impaired user. Modern computer software and web pages are highly visually oriented. However, there are millions of blind or severely visually impaired individuals whose visual disability prevents them from seeing the standard computer screen. User frustration with existing computer access solutions is high, and the number of visually disabled people currently using computers is very low--much lower than the rate in the general population. This low rate of computer use indicates a serious need for better computer access technology for this disabled population. The DTD is primarily being developed as a new, more effective interface for visually impaired users to use windows-based software and experience the Internet. Providing such a tool is increasingly important as computers become more pervasive in everyday professional, educational, and social life. The DTD will thus serve as a means to improve the inclusion of the blind and visually impaired in the mainstream of society by allow these users greater access to computers, access which is closer to that enjoyed by the sighted population. Providing a new human/computer interface modality, the DTD proffers an environment in which to understand more about the design and use of tactile interfaces. It may serve as a useful platform for optimization of the tactile display paradigm for human/machine or human/human interactions through touch. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schaefer, Philip Vortant Technologies NC Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 623719 5761 5373 SMET 9180 9179 9178 9177 1545 1401 1049 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0522093 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Commercial Combustion Synthesis of Homogeneous Lots of Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is designed to achieve a pilot-plant demonstration of the technical and commercial feasibility of cost- and energy-efficient large-scale conversion of natural gas to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The research will include: (1) exothermic and selective synthesis of SWCNT by premixed combustion of natural gas after introduction of catalyst precursors with the cold gas mixture; (2) continuous collection of material by means of a bag-house filter; and, (3) detailed understanding of the correlations between operating conditions (pressure, type of catalyst, fuel-oxygen ratio, dilution with inert gas, cold gas velocity) and characteristics of the carbon nanotubes (single-, double-, or multi-walled, diameter, length, conductivity). Results of this project are expected to have a significant impact on the development of the US nanotechnology sector and to strengthen its international competitiveness. Projected sales price of not more than $50/g will lead to a pronounced increase of the number of economically viable SWCNT applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Richter, Henning NANO-C, INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 1017441 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522126 August 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Miniature Cooling System for Laptop Computers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a compact, light-weight and noiseless cooling system for laptop computers. The product will be an air cooled, micro-channel heat sink with an electro-hydrodynamic (EHD) pump integrated within the channels. Research will focus on the development of a heat sink with a large parallel array of micro-channels to provide optimal thermal resistance. The second major area of development will be the EHD air flow device; a modification to the corona wind technique will be used to provide air flow through the heat sink. Other tasks include power supply development, system integration, manufacturing process development and reliability improvement. As the speed and performance of laptop computers increases, the power density in the microprocessors rises and they dissipate more heat. The proposed project addresses the fact that laptop computer cooling systems will be required to dissipate upwards of 40 Watts while maintaining the microprocessor below 85 degrees C. Commercially, the proposed cooling system is being developed for the growing laptop computing market. More than 235 million personal computers will be sold in 2007; roughly one-third of which or about 80 million will be laptop computers. The proposed product's small size and excellent heat dissipation capabilities will enable laptop computer manufacturers to incorporate faster processors while simultaneously reducing the overall size and weight of their products. Besides cooling applications, electro-hydrodynamic pumping technology can be used as a means of providing precise control of small amounts of liquid. This has application as an insulin delivery mechanism for diabetics and in the so-called laboratory-on-a-chip SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schlitz, Daniel Thorrn Micro Technologies, Inc. IL William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1519 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522144 September 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: IBARS - An Image Barcode Acquisition and Recognition System for Mobile Commerce. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project develops the concept of using hand-held, mobile devices to link the physical world to information networks using advanced pattern and symbol recognition technology that will be deployed on the mobile device. The proposed mobile symbol recognition technology will enable many opportunities for mobile e-commerce by recognizing bar codes, text on documents and user-customizable icons that are used to carry and convey information. To address these opportunities, technical challenges associated with limited processing power and memory resources, lower-quality optics in cameras, varying available network bandwidth, and the diversified development platforms they represent must be overcome. The advances proposed include the ability to unwarp images to account for distortions due to perspective imaging and lenses, removing imaging artifacts such as non-uniform lighting and highlights, deblurring images caused by fixed focus and motion, and improving the image contrast all within the resource constraints of the mobile devices. Recognition algorithms in the system must be able to automatically identify and decode various barcodes symbologies, handle multiple languages and fonts for Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and be trainable for user customizable icons. Special consideration must be given to cross platform development so algorithms can be efficiently and robustly embedded in different development platforms. The ability to perform image processing and pattern recognition algorithms on diversified handheld devices will provide advances in fields such as computer vision, mobile computing, and software engineering. This concept is powerful in that it requires no new infrastructure, since it uses popular mobile devices, and existing symbols such as barcode tags, text, and user-customizable icons. The downloadable symbol recognition component will enable many applications. Other than service providers and OEMs, merchants, advertisers, information providers and other service providers are likely partners and customers for our technology. Finally, the technology can be used to help disadvantaged groups (handicapped or visually impaired, for example) get access to product information (prescription drug instructions, for example) or transact commerce activity conveniently, using a device they may already have, or that is easily acquired. These include applications in medical care delivery, military applications, sign recognition for the visually challenged, and others. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Li, Huiping Applied Media Analysis, Inc. MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 499550 5373 HPCC 9216 9215 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0522160 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: High-Temperature Magnetic Rotary Encoder Based on a Spintronic Sensing Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will continue the development of an incremental magnetic rotary encoder based on magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor technology. This device uses sensitive MTJ devices to sense the magnetic field created by a patterned magnetized scale, and converts the resulting information into an accurate reading of angular position. The dual advantages of high-temperature operation (up to 200 degrees C) and contamination resistance will separate this device from the optical encoders that currently dominate the market for motor encoders. Current motor encoders are rarely capable of operation above 115 degrees C, a problem that requires motors in many market segments to operate in non-optimal configurations, costing end users in terms of time and efficiency. In addition, optical methods are sensitive to dust in the measurement path. This development effort will create a new measurement technology with greatly enhanced capabilities for use in many critical segments of America's manufacturing sector. The creation of cost-effective encoders capable of operation at high temperatures will increase efficiency and enable further progress in a number of areas where hot environments are unavoidable, such as in the turbines of power-generating windmills. This research will advance the state of understanding of the emerging spintronic technology of magnetic tunnel junctions, a class of devices which forms the central component of a number of important commercial products in the high-tech semiconductor and data storage industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Carter, Matthew MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 458090 5373 HPCC 9261 9251 9139 9102 7235 7234 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522170 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Novel Radial Magnetic Field Actuator for Fully Flexible Electromechanical Valve. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop a novel radial magnetic field actuator for fully flexible electromagnetic automotive engine valves. Electromagnetic valve actuators are rapidly emerging as the technical solution for improved emissions, fuel consumption and greater engine performance. Dramatic improvement in engine performance and reduction in environmental impact is possible with this technology. A fully electronically controlled inlet/exhaust valve actuating system eliminates camshafts and other mechanical components completely, thus (1) allowing optimization of the gas-exchange process across the whole engine speed and load range, and (2) eliminating the packaging restrictions placed upon an engine by conventional camshaft profiling. The primary application of the actuator is automotive internal combustion engine valves. The ability to alter the lift and timing (opening and closing) of automotive engine valves will create more powerful engines that require less fuel and create fewer emissions. In fuel savings alone, an estimated 15% savings can be achieved, which equates to saving approximately 475 million barrels of oil per year for US consumption worth approximately $21 billion per year. Improving fuel economy is a worthy national goal: it will reduce America's dependence on imported oil, cut the carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, and increase automotive competitiveness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cope, David ENGINEERING MATTERS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 486429 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 7234 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522177 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Electro-Optic Photonic Bandgap Materials and Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR ) Phase II project will develop electro-optic photonic bandgap (EO-PBG) Materials and Devices. During the Phase I project the feasibility of the proposed electro-optic PBG technology has been demonstrated. High quality EO film, La-modified PMN-PT (PLMNT), was successfully deposited using a unique metal-organic chemical liquid deposition (MOCLD) technique, a low cost and efficient manufacturing process. A large EO coefficient was achieved from PLMNT films. An innovative metallic/dielectric PBG structure was designed and studied for device applications. An electro-optic filter/modulator was developed. A two-dimensional PBG structure was demonstrated for efficient wavelength tuning through simulation. In Phase II based on this Phase I work, new generation tunable PBG material and devices, such as filters and modulators with state-of-the-art performance, will be brought to the marketplace. Commercially photonic bandgap materials promise to give similar control of the flow of photons as there is over electrons in a semiconductor material but with even greater flexibility because there is far more control over the properties of photonic bandgap materials than the electronic properties of semiconductors. Given the impact that semiconductor materials have had on every sectors of society, photonic bandgap materials could play an even greater role in the 21st century, particularly in the optical-communications industry. Not only can this material be made into common PBG passive components, such as cavities, waveguides, or couplers, but also the active and dynamic ones, such as high-speed modulator and tunable filters. These advanced devices will have great applications in industrial, space, and military sectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zou, Yingyin Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA William Haines Standard Grant 499821 5373 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522183 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Environmentally Benign Antifouling Coatings From Dendritic Nanotechnology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to further the development of the technology to manufacture the first environmentally safe polymer coating that can successfully prevent aquatic biofouling on submerged man-made surfaces. The Phase I study clearly showed that the unique honeycomb-like structure of these novel nano-structured dendritic polymer coatings not only delivers very efficient anti-fouling protection, but also prevents environmental pollution. The broader impact (commercial significance) of the program is the immediate application of this technology to coatings for ship/boat hulls used in marine and fresh water environments. These unique nano-structured antifouling coatings are also expected to have a very broad impact and large commercial effect in a variety of other water-based industries, ranging from shipping, fishing, tourism and defense, to production of energy in hydroelectric plants, protection of shorelines, production of potable water by desalination of sea water or from biofoulant-infested fresh-water sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dvornic, Petar DENDRITECH, INC MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 498473 5373 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522194 August 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Grid Computing for Energy Exploration and Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a grid-enabled environment where large multidimensional seismic data sets can be rapidly accessed, visualized, and interpreted by geographically dispersed users with heterogeneous local resources. The proposed work will transform the Phase I prototype into production-ready commercial quality software, and demonstrate it on 3-D seismic data. The key technical innovations of the Phase II project are (1) a multi-resolution data visualizer, (2) a data-staging tool, and (3) a multi-channel collaboration tool to support collaborative visualization and data analysis on the grid. The proposed technology will allow multiple users to share and interact with multidimensional grid-dispersed data sets, while viewing independent multiple renderings with resolutions and bandwidths commensurate to their local display and network capabilities. The proposed technology will be enabled by implementing several grid services, and a virtual file system, that make grid deployed data sets appear local to the user. This implementation comprises the bulk of the technical tasks, and leverages the middleware. The immediate outcome of the Phase II project will be a version of Internet Seismic Processing production software (INSP) with specialized features for remote visualization, data staging, and collaborative analysis of seismic images on the grid. The ultimate objective of the Phase II project is a commercial grid-enabled software product providing scientific data, services, computing power, and visualization on demand, not only to the oil and gas industry but to a much wider range of application areas, such as geographic information systems, education, medical imaging, and battlefield management. The product will push the limits of what can be done, and fully contribute to a new business paradigm, made possible by the advent of the grid, allowing businesses to concentrate on their core competencies and rely on other entities for grid-enabled context technologies, without deterring from their primary objectives. The outcome of Phase II will be a commercial implementation and utilization of the grid, and the toolkit, which up until now, has been used mostly in academic and research applications. This technology will first be commercialized in a strategically important economic sector; namely, for the exploration of new energy resources. Specific to U.S. energy needs, this unique application of high end information technology to an area of economic and national importance will ultimately open up new exploration venues in extremely complicated geological conditions, leading to new discoveries, and decreasing US dependence on imported oil. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bevc, Dimitri 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 1000000 5373 OTHR EGCH 9186 1580 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0510704 Geophysical Monitoring 0522198 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: High-Efficiency Poly(Tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the need for improved filtration in the semiconductor industry, where exceptional chemical stability, thermal stability, and purity make poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) the media of choice. GVD has successfully demonstrated unprecedented filtration efficiencies for the retention of 20 nm size particles using PTFE membranes. The asymmetric structure of the GVD membranes avoided > 90% of the increase in energy utilization traditionally associated with improved filtration efficiency. The asymmetry was created using GVD's unique initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) technology. In Phase II, GVD will demonstrate large area production at a competitive cost by designing, building, and operating an iCVD roll-to-roll coater, the first of its kind in the world. The improved economics of roll-to-roll manufacturing will permit entry of a new family of PTFE membranes into a variety of markets where improvements in product quality and efficacy can be enabled by advanced filtration. These membranes can also address the separations needs of emerging industries such as nanotechnology, where unit operations at the nanometer scale still remain a challenge. More broadly, iCVD technology can produce composite membranes which marry the beneficial surface properties of PTFE with the improved mechanical strength and performance of a less costly base membrane. This could result in a family of membranes with multifunctional separations capabilities that do not sacrifice cost for efficacy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pryce-Lewis, Hilton GVD CORPORATION MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 523994 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 5373 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522225 December 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Dynamic Signal Processing and Information Extraction for E-Noses. This Small Business Innovation Research SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development of electronic nose signal processing and dynamic pattern recognition systems specifically tuned to the properties of odors. This advanced e-nose signal processing toolbox should improve current selectivity by an order of magnitude. A prototype exhaled-breath propofol (anesthetic) monitor for use in measuring depth of anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery will be built and demonstrated. The initial commercial application of this project will be in the medical surgery area where the product should provide more accurate patient dosing during anesthesia. The technology, however, may be broadly applicable to such key areas as medical diagnostics, illicit drug detection, glucose monitoring, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Meka, Vikas Convergent Engineering, Inc FL Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 512000 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0522239 July 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Oxygen Sensor for Aircraft Fuel Tanks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will complete the development of an oxygen sensor that can be deployed inside aircraft fuel tanks. Such a sensor will be needed after the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) mandates the use of nitrogen-enriched air to prevent explosions like the one that destroyed TWA flight 800. Currently available oxygen sensors cannot withstand the harsh environment and meet the accuracy, longevity, and cost requirements. The technical objectives are to completely characterize and understand the permeation properties of the polymer matrix; examine alternative formulations of the polymer; completely understand the photochemical, leaching, and spectroscopic properties of the phosphorescent dye, examine other candidate dyes, and conduct long-term testing. A flight test of the oxygen sensor is planned. This research will ultimately benefit society by making air travel safer. It will also serve as a model for the interplay between fundamental science, applied science, and the engineering disciplines during product development. The work will open the door for development of other luminescent sensors that can be deployed in comparably harsh chemical environments, including the measurement of water in fuels and alcohols. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Martin, Travis DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 474135 5373 EGCH 9197 9150 0118000 Pollution Control 0522270 August 15, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Software for Micro RNA Detection and Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop machine learning tools for RNA gene detection. Prior Phase I research resulted in the successful development of artificial neural networks for the discrimination of functional RNA (fRNA) coding regions from non-coding regions in four model eukaryotes. The Phase II project will focus on (1) refinement of best evolved neural networks for 10 key eukaryotes capable of discriminating fRNA coding from non-coding sequence information, (2) experimental verification of predicted fRNA coding regions in human and mouse, (3) development of machine learning algorithms capable of discriminating between eukaryotic fRNA subtypes, (4) extension of the approach to include machine learning tools capable of discriminating between fRNA subtypes and to evaluate this potential for additional functionality, and (5) development of a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for the product. The commercial application of this project will be to identify a new class of targets for drug design and discovery for the pharmaceutical industry. The educational aspects of the proposed work will be to assist in dissemination of knowledge about the importance of fRNAs to the next generation of scientists. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fogel, Gary NATURAL SELECTION, INCORPORATED CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 506759 5373 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522271 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Building a Large-Scale, Effective, Self-Maintainable and Customizable News Metasearch System. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project develops a metasearch capability engineered for news searching. Searching is the second most popular activity on the Internet behind emailing and it already has a multibillion dollar advertising market. News searching accounts for a major percentage of all searches. News items are available from a large number of online sources but the current technologies for news search are not scalable to effectively cover all of these sources in a timely manner. This project is to develop a new technology to tackle this problem via constructing a large-scale, highly effective, self-maintainable and customizable news metasearch engine. High effectiveness is achieved by automatically selecting the most appropriate search engines to access for each user query and by effectively identifying the correct meanings of the terms in each query. By employing highly automated techniques to incorporate search engines, this system can automatically adapt to changes that are made to the connected search engines and users can customize by adding their favorite news search engines. Highly automated solutions employed herein reduce labor costs for development and maintenance, which translate to lower advertising costs and make online advertising more affordable for "small players", including small, local media Websites, individuals and small companies. This project advances large-scale information integration, large-scale distributed information retrieval, information extraction, automatic system self-maintenance, and customization on demand. The proposed technology empowers ordinary users in their search for more relevant and more up-to-date news items from a large number of news sources. It also empowers them to customize the search system to suit their information needs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, King-Lup WebScalers L.L.C. LA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 550000 5373 1591 HPCC 9216 9215 9150 9139 0522400 Information Systems 0522272 August 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Integration of Advanced Power Electronics through the Packaging of High Temperature Silicon-Carbide (SiC) Based Multichip Power Modules (MCPMs). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop highly miniaturized power converters by developing a functional, scaled-down hardware prototype of a high-temperature multichip power module (MCPM). To achieve this goal, the company has taken advantages of the key benefits of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors which include high-temperature operation, high switching frequencies, low switching losses, and high power densities. While Phase I of the project was focused upon successfully proving the feasibility of high-temperature MCPM's, Phase II will be focused on developing full prototype modules. The Phase II project will further develop high-temperature packaging techniques and investigate long term reliability issues associated with high-temperature operation. At the conclusion of Phase II, the company will deliver two high-temperature MCPM modules. The first prototype delivery will be a fully functional 4-hp 3-phase motor drive MCPM capable of 250 degrees C operation, and the second prototype will be a 30 kW 3-phase motor drive that demonstrates an order of magnitude miniaturization over modern state-of-the-art silicon based systems. Since current silicon electronics are typically limited to approximately 150 degrees C maximum temperature of operation, the high-temperature research proposed in this project has the potential to greatly enhance scientific understanding of high-temperature failure mechanisms, thermal induced electronic packaging stresses, and long-term interconnect reliability issues, in addition to technical advancement of state-of-the-art power electronics systems. The commercialization of SiC based MCPM's has the potential to find benefit in nearly every electric motor drive, power supply, or power converter conceivable. The application of such MCPM's could save electrical energy consumption worldwide, due to the improved electrical efficiency of SiC power switches alone. Furthermore, an immediate commercialization application is possible in the development of high-temperature geological petroleum exploration instrumentation and also in industrial motors. Other long term benefits would be found with application to complex weight critical power systems (such as in spacecraft), high-temperature systems (such as fuel cell electronics or electric vehicle motors), and other high efficiency power systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lostetter, Alexander Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc. AR William Haines Standard Grant 495918 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9150 9139 9102 7218 1519 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0522281 September 1, 2005 STTR Phase II: Surface Plasmon Enhanced High Efficiency Near-Field Probes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will further develop structures and manufacturing techniques for high efficiency near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) probes utilizing surface plasmon enhancement. Wavelength scale surface topography (gratings) in metal films allow coupling between surface plasmons at the metal interface and photons in free space, providing significant transmission enhancement through sub-wavelength apertures. Probes with 20 nanometers optical and topographic resolution combined with power throughput greater than 10 microwatts are projected. This represents a factor of 5-10 improvement in resolution and a thousand fold improvement in transmission over existing tapered fiber NSOM probes. The program will include closely linked fabrication, theoretical modeling, and characterization activities to ensure efficient optimization. The plasmon structures will be integrated with optical fibers to produce NSOM probes that can be directly interchanged with existing tapered fiber probes. In addition to the primary development of improved NSOM probes, advancements to the fundamental scientific understanding of plasmon-optical interactions will aid in the future development of other plasmonic devices. Commercially the proposed program will enhance the capabilities of NSOM metrology instruments, which have wide applicability in nanotechnology development. Based on Phase I results, significant increases in measurement speed and improved resolution can be expected from this effort. The proposed effort is a key step in commercialization of a large area, high speed NSOM instrument. While this project focuses specifically on NSOM tips, plasmon optics have potential applications to a broad range of areas where high efficiency and subwavelength sizes are required including the integration of optics with microelectronics, spatial and spectral optical multiplexing, and data storage applications.. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Hollingsworth, Russell Reuben Collins ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO William Haines Standard Grant 522449 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 1639 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522287 July 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Carbon-Coated Nano-Structured Electrodes for Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demonstrate superior power-delivery, rapid-charge, and long cycle-life performance of prototype carbon-coated, nanoparticle-based electrodes for use in inherently safe, moderate-to-large sized lithium ion batteries of various commercial designs. The primary innovation is the use of optimally sized, arranged and assembled carboncoated nanoparticles that preserve the intrinsic performance characteristics of the bare nanocrystalline materials when fabricated into thin-film electrode structures for use in advanced power sources. Phase I focused on improving performance of nanostructured aggregates of 20nm lithium titanate (n-LTO, used in anode service) via carbon coating for better electrical and ionic connectivity. Phase II will develop appropriate carbon-coated nanomaterials for cathode service designed to match the n-LTO anode performance; providing matched Li-ion host anode-cathode pairs for next-generation performance There are demonstrated market for fast-charge, long-life batteries in a broad range of consumer applications. Markets require that it be possible to reliably and economically recharge remote devices, including portable computers; hand tools, lawn mowers and medical devices; electric cars, motorcycles and mopeds in a matter of minutes rather than hours, and faster discharge rates translate immediately to higher power per unit weight. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spitler, Timothy ALTAIR NANOMATERIALS INC NV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 476850 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522303 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Proteome Epitope Tags-Based Antibody Arrays for High-Throughput, Proteome-Wide Kinase Pathway Profiling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel antibody microarray for high-throughput, multiplexed profiling of a large number of signaling proteins from multiple pathways by measuring protein phosphorylation. The antibody array will simultaneously measure kinase activities in Ras effector pathways including the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway, the P13K-Akt pathway, the p38 and JNK pathways. Current kinase profiling technologies such as Western blotting of flow cytometry are low throughput, not quantitative and difficult to multiplex and standardize. This novel technology (Proteome Epitope Tag or PET) creates antibodies with pre-defined specificity that can be multiplexed using standardized assays on antibody microarrays for measuring protein phosphorylation. The PET approach will be further developed to construct highly multiplexed antibody arrays for simultaneous measurement of a large number of kinase protein activities from multiple pathways. The ability to measure all signaling proteins from interconnected pathways will provide an unprecedented opportunity to decipher the complexity of cell signaling. The commercial applications of this technology will be in large scale protein analysis relevant to basic biological research, drug discovery, and clinical medicine. Protein biochips hold great promise for biomarker discovery which is important in all these areas. Large-scale protein biochips capable of standardized and high-throughput protein measurement on differentially perturbed biological systems do not exist today. This is due primarily to the lack of highly specific antibodies for all human proteins predicted by gene sequences. The PET technology addresses this urgent, unmet need by generating antibodies for highly specific peptide tags of defined sequences in a proteome, representing a universal method for producing antibodies and standardized chip-based assays for any protein of interest. PET chips for profiling kinase signaling networks will have enormous utility for drug discovery by better characterizing drug efficacy, side effects and potential toxicity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gordon, Neal Epitome Biosystems, Inc. MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 1000000 5373 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0522304 November 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Germanium Liquid Crystals for Perfect Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop germanium-containing ferroelectric liquid crystals (Ge-FLC's), a fundamentally new class of LC materials that enable migration of microdisplays into camera and automotive applications with billion-dollar available display markets. Ge-FLC mesogens synthesized during Phase I demonstrated breakthrough layer shrinkage properties that will solve the longstanding bistability problem in FLC's, thereby raising the achievable brightness of FLC-based projection displays to commercially viable levels. Phase II research tasks include: (1) the synthesis and characterization of a library of approximately 100 new Ge-FLC compounds, (2) the formulation from this library of FLC mixtures engineered for three specific approaches to bistable switching, and (3) development of alignment layers conforming to the device physics requirements of the three bistable approaches. These tasks support the overall project objective of demonstrating robust engineering-prototype bistable FLC devices with characteristics appropriate for commercial microdisplay products. Commercially, the project furthers the emerging technology of silicon-based microdisplays with very large potential commercial impact. The company's previous success commercializing SBIR-funded technology into a rapidly-growing $40-million business provides a foundation for growth into billion-dollar markets for camera and automotive microdisplays enabled by the Phase II innovation. Success in these markets will generate outstanding returns for the company's shareholders, and will provide higher-performing, lower-cost electronic cameras and safer and more convenient automobiles to U.S. consumers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Thurmes, William Displaytech Incorporated CO William Haines Standard Grant 400000 5373 AMPP 9163 1794 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522308 August 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Accessible Electronic Mathematical Content. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project makes mathematical expressions in common electronic formats seamlessly accessible to people with print disabilities. Print disabilities include blindness, low vision, dyslexia and other learning disabilities. While others have explored aspects of accessibility in stand-alone applications, none have integrated access to mathematical content for those with print disabilities into users' existing screen readers or other assistive technology. The advantage of this project's approach to math accessibility is that it allows documents containing math to be read with standard browsers and document viewers. The electronic formats supported by this project are web pages that encode math using MathML, Microsoft Word documents, and PDF. Accessibility is achieved by providing software add-ons to Internet Explorer, Word, and Adobe Reader, and modifications to the industry leading authoring and publishing workflow tools to embed MathML into these formats. The project brings together work on various aspects of making mathematical content accessible. It pushes forward the state-of-the-art in audio rendering of mathematical expressions, navigation of mathematical expressions with audio feedback, and audio rendering synchronized with highlighting of the sub expression being spoken. The project provides a platform that allows other NSF-funded research projects to convert MathML to Braille math codes and other formats. Accessibility of electronic content is a requirement of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, Section 508. Many states have adopted similar requirements for state-funded entities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates accessibility of school materials. Accessibility laws apply to all forms of content, not just textual content. Current solutions for math accessibility are so costly and time consuming that access to materials in a timely manner is not always provided to those that need the access despite legal mandates. The results of this project will present a fast and inexpensive route for publishers of textbooks with mathematical content to satisfy these laws. It will also provide a simple and painless way for people who author documents with math in them to make the document accessible to people with print disabilities. The availability of books and other material coupled with accessible authoring of mathematical content has the potential to dramatically enhance the way students with print disabilities are taught and learn mathematics, science, engineering and other technical fields. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Soiffer, Neil Design Science, Inc. CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 503334 5373 SMET 9261 9180 9179 9178 9177 1545 0116000 Human Subjects 0522400 Information Systems 0522310 October 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Designer Cellulases for Biomass Conversion. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop new technology to improve the high-temperature performance of endoglucanase, which can be used to manufacture pulp from wood chips and other biomass. Producing pulp for papermaking via thermomechanical pulping (TMP) of biomass is a highly energy intensive process that is performed at high temperatures. Research is proposed to demonstrate the feasibility of using a directed evolution strategy and high-throughput, solid-phase enzyme library screening to engineer a new endoglucanase variant with significantly improved thermoactivity, thermostability and resistance to inhibitors. This enhanced enzyme will be sold as an additive to manufacturers who produce pulp and paper via the TMP process. Major benefits include energy savings and improvement of paper quality. The commercial application of this project will be on the pulp and paper industry. New screening technology will be used to engineer an enhanced enzyme that will modify pulp fibers under high-temperature conditions. This enzyme additive will accelerate the pulp refining process and thereby lower production costs by reducing the amount of electricity needed to complete the conversion. Any significant reduction in the energy input will be very economically attractive to the pulp producers. If introducing an effective enzyme treatment could eliminate even a modest 10% of the current energy expenditure, the potential worldwide savings could total nearly US$500 million per year. The enhanced enzyme will be able to create a new market by offering these significant savings to the pulp producers. In addition, the information gained from this study could be applied to other similar enzymes to expand the market for thermostable biocatalysts and broaden the understanding of protein structure-function. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Coleman, William KAIROS SCIENTIFIC INC. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 225000 5373 BIOT 9104 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522319 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Portable Sequential Injection (SI)-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project is aimed at the development of a portable and fully automated chromatographic based analyzer. This analyzer will integrate several proven technologies to produce an automated instrument that is compact, robust and easily implemented for on-line, at-site, or field-ready use, especially where complex HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) analyses is needed. Based on both Sequential Injection (SI) protocol and HPLC instrumentation, this device will be fully automated and provide an integrated approach with respect to sample collection, pre-treatment, chemical modification, separation and detection of target analytes. This chemical analyzer will exploit several novel technologies including sequential injection, portable high-pressure syringe pumps and sol-gel HPLC columns in its development. The proposed SI-HPLC instrument will find applications in on-line process control, at-site environmental monitoring or as a multipurpose field-ready analyzer for medical, law-enforcement and military use. Sequential Injection technologies make this analyzer ideally suited for use by untrained personnel or for remote autonomous analysis since sample handling and preparation can be completely automated. Initial targeted use for the SI-HPLC will be for online bioprocess control (e.g. pharmaceuticals) to provide real-time feedback for Quality Control or optimal product yield. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Klein, Garth FIAsolutions WA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9197 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510701 Chemical Reaction Systems 0522320 October 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: The Delivery of Content-Rich Traffic Information to Improve Driver Decision Making. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop user interfaces, routing algorithms, and driver notification systems necessary to deliver content-rich traffic information to travelers en route. Large volumes of traffic data, of varying types over large areas, is being gathered by public and private agencies. To be useful to a driver while traveling, this data must be reduced to small amounts of information and delivered in a way that allows easy comprehension with minimal distraction. Key driver behaviors benefiting from traffic information are pre-trip departure time changes, pre-trip and en-route route changes, and en-route anxiety reduction through drivers knowing the estimated arrival time. These behaviors depend on collecting and analyzing the planned route under changing traffic conditions and comparing that route with possible better alternatives. This research will develop user interfaces to collect origin, destination, and route information from drivers, pre-trip via the web and en-route via cell phone. Algorithms to determine alternate routes will be developed through analysis of field collected route data. Notification methods that present the salient information with minimal distraction will be developed and tested. The research will result in the development of better traffic information services that truly support the decisions drivers make as they travel. The results of this research have potentially broad impacts on society. Traffic congestion is a growing problem in U.S. cities. In some areas, it has become a limiting factor on economic growth. Emphasis has shifted in recent years from providing additional capacity to better utilization of the existing infrastructure. Broad dissemination of traffic information in a form suitable for making optimal routing and trip decisions allows efficiency improvements based on the decentralized decisions of many drivers. Trip modifications based on traffic information can save drivers an estimated $3.9 billion in lost productivity, 225 million hours of travel time, and 340 million gallons of fuel, per year. It is believed that such savings could support a viable commercial marketplace for personalized traffic information. Similar savings are possible for commercial travel through improvements in delivery routing, on-time delivery, and more efficient dispatching. Congestion management by public agencies strives for efficient use of the public infrastructure by shifting motorists onto less congested roads and would benefit from better interfaces between the traffic data collected and the individual drivers on the roads. The examination of route choice will advance the scientific understanding of how drivers choose their routes and how they alter those routes under changing external conditions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cayford, Randall IntelliOne Technologies Corporation GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 1044797 5373 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0522321 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) Multimorph Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) Deformable Mirror. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project aims to deliver a dramatic advance in microelectromechanical system (MEMS) deformable mirror performance. Deformable mirrors are the key active component in adaptive optics (AO) systems that provide vastly improved resolution through turbulent air, water, and biological samples. The lack of low- cost, high-deflection (stroke), and low-voltage deformable mirrors has prevented the widespread deployment of AO in a range of fields including biotechnology, ophthalmology, and national security. Phase I successfully demonstrated a new actuation approach for shaping MEMS deformable mirrors. The new approach combines piezoelectric actuation with MEMS deformable mirror technology. The piezoelectric actuators are a true breakthrough as deformable mirror actuation voltage may be reduced from 100-200 volts down to 10-20 volts - a full order of magnitude reduction. The use of smaller, less expensive, safer, and more reliable low-voltage electronics opens the door for a host of applications. The goal of Phase II is to build on the Phase 1 actuator designs to manufacture complete deformable mirror arrays with groundbreaking high stroke, low voltage, low cost, high speed, coupled with superb optical quality. The high resolution and contrast enhancement enabled by adaptive optics (AO) using deformable mirrors is poised to dramatically advance astronomy, ophthalmology, biology, and national security. Yet for the full potential to be realized, miniature deformable mirrors with high stroke, low voltage, and low cost are critical. If successful the proposed mirror will address the key requirements vital for moving AO into mainstream scientific laboratories and commercial markets. This will have enormous social and commercial impact. Biological microscopes that have far higher resolution, ophthalmoscopes that can image single cells in a living retina, laser microsurgery with precise beam control, and telescopes that can image through atmospheric turbulence will push the boundaries of science. The health and well being of millions will be directly improved as commercialization moves early eye disease detection, customized vision correction, and new medical treatments into doctor offices across the nation. Free space optical communication, and long-range surveillance applications will also reap the benefits of this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Helmbrecht, Michael Iris AO, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499798 5373 HPCC 9139 1631 1517 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522325 August 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: Sensor for Real-Time pH Measurements in Gases. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop and market the trademarked Dx-1 pH Measurement System. This medical device integrates the breath pH sensor studied in the Phase I research with an ambulatory, telemetry based data recorder, and data analysis software to provide a non-invasive pH diagnostic tool required by physicians. This pH sensor actively condenses a moisture film on the sensor surface, creating a conduction path across its sensing electrodes. During Phase II, the company plans to complete all technical and regulatory activities in order to gain FDA clearance for product introduction. The commercial application of this project is in the area of medical devices. The proposed sensor technology will offer a new tool for clinicians to more effectively diagnose and treat respiratory diseases, particularly for children and infants who cannot readily undergo alternative diagnostic procedures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schipper, Jeffery Sierra Medical Technology Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 752350 5373 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522329 September 1, 2005 SBIR Phase II: An Ultra-High-Speed Cleaning Process for Electronic Device Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop process technology for removing photoresist from semiconductor wafers at high speed while not damaging underlying materials. This process technology can be readily integrated into existing single wafer wet processing tools. The development of higher performance semiconductor devices with smaller feature sizes has driven the adoption of copper and low-k dielectric materials that are susceptible to damage by traditional oxygen plasma based resist removal processes. While other low temperature plasma processes are being explored as low damage alternatives, appreciably lower resist removal rates (1,000 to 2,000 A /min) are a significant limitation. In response to this challenge the company successfully developed a new ozone-water based single wafer process chemistry which does not damage low k dielectric materials such as Black Diamond (TM), and does not corrode copper. In phase I this process achieved an etch rate greater than 8,000 A /min. The phase II research will concentrate on the early integration of the process hardware and process technology into a commercial single wafer spin processing system, the further development of process capabilities using 300 mm customer wafers, and the placement of three systems at customer sites for evaluation. Commercially, the successful completion of this research program will culminate in the development of a new single wafer process technology for use in the manufacture of the high-density semiconductor devices with feature sizes below 90 nm. Nearly all of the new manufacturing capacity is built for 300 mm wafer fabrication at the leading edge technology node. In addition to direct sales of $60 to $120 million per year of new wafer processing equipment incorporating this technology, this project will enable the productivity benefits and reduction in unit manufacturing costs provided by the early migration to the next technology node. In addition, the innovative copper compatible cleaning chemistry developed here holds promise for corrosion free cleaning and surface treatment of copper in other electronic device manufacturing applications. Finally, this process uses an environmentally benign "green" chemistry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Boyers, David Phifer Smith Corporation CA William Haines Standard Grant 499992 5373 AMPP 9163 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522337 September 1, 2005 STTR Phase II: Commercial Cell-Free Technology for Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) Production. This Small Technology Transfer Innovation Research (STTR) Phase II project proposes to develop a cell-free process to produce insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1). Prior Phase I work showed production of IGF-1 in very high yields (i.e. 800 ug/L) by a careful control of the environmental conditions and the catalysts that were used. These results show that not only the cell-free production of IGF-1 is technically feasible, but also that cell-free technology may be an important method for the production of any disulfide-containing protein that is difficult to produce in bacterial systems. The Phase II project will focus on quality control (that is, product characterization and optimization), reaction scale-up, and cost reduction. The cell-free process potentially offers high capital productivity along with unprecedented control over the conditions present during protein expression and folding. Both attributes are especially important for molecules such as IGF-1 that are intended for price-sensitive markets and that are both difficult to fold and are also subject to a variety of deleterious product modifications. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of biopharmaceuticals, for the cell-free production of an important protein drug, IGF-1, and potentially for the production of other important therapeutic proteins. The cell-free process is a low-cost, rapid, flexible protein-manufacturing platform that is capable of scaling up from development through to final manufacturing and would remove critical manufacturing and production bottlenecks in protein based drug development efforts. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Yin, Gang Fundamental Applied Biology, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 1000000 1591 BIOT 9181 9163 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0525746 October 22, 2004 Center for Innovative Biomaterial Education and Research. 0332554 Ragauskas This award is to the Institute of Paper Science and Technology to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (Lead Institution), Chalmers University of Technology, Dacula Middle School, Freeman's Mill Elementary School, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, North Carolina State University, University of British Columbia, University of Georgia, Royal Institute of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, VTT Biotechnology and Food Research, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service, Appletonideas, Georgia Pacific, Iogen Corporation, Kemira Chemicals Inc., Kimberly Clark Corporation, Novozyme Inc., and Shell Global Solutions International. The activity creates a Center for Innovation for Biomaterials Education and Research that will train students both in classroom settings and using electronic technology to develop scientific and technological advances in the conversion of biomass into novel materials. The Center will serve as a clearinghouse of information to the general public and will serve as a means to create a collaborative team of national and international scientists who are focusing on the same problems in wood technology. The proposal addresses a challenge that is important to the economy and the environment of the US and the rest of the world, i.e., how to shift to renewable, environmentally benign materials stemming from the agro/forestry sector. The move from hydrocarbon to carbohydrate technologies can have a wide variety of ancillary benefits, including enhancing rural employment and improving the environment. The proposed activity is critical to advancing our knowledge and understanding in the area of converting abundant biomass into biomaterials. Two deliverables are proposed: (2) development of new scientific and technological advances in conversion of biomass into novel materials, and (2) development of knowledge-rich workforce skilled in these technologies. The program will train students in innovative methods of converting biomass to novel biomaterials; develop a public outreach program describing the benefits of this technology; and discover new scientific processes for the efficient and practical conversion of renewable wood polymers into novel biomaterials including polyesters, nylon-4 polymers and polycarbonate nano-cellulose derivatives. Potential Economic Impact The activities will create job opportunities in rural areas of the US where, during the past decade, more than 50 pulp and paper manufacturing plants have been closed jobs are declining due changes in international markets. The partnership will enable the development of new innovative forest products technologies that will be developed with scientifically and technologically empowered workforce. These results will improve the economic, technical and environmental well-being of the nation. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in the creation of the science basis for conversion of the plastics industry from hydrocarbon-based technologies to carbohydrate-based technologies. This will dramatically improve rural employment opportunities, enhance national security by decreasing dependence on imported oil, and improve the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This proposal is excellent in terms of Broader Impacts. The project will educate professionals and the general public on the opportunities and science of converting biomass into innovative bio-materials, and develop new technologies that will provide valuable and practical materials for packaging, transportation, and health-care industries. INT'L RES & EDU IN ENGINEERING COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Ragauskas, Arthur Paul Houston GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 687611 7641 7298 1662 OTHR 5980 5937 0000 0531019 August 1, 2005 Friction Stir Processing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. The current Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Friction Stir Processing focuses on furthering developments in the following fields of study for FSP/FSJ of ferrous, non-ferrous, and metal matrix composite alloys: Friction Stir Joining; Friction Stir Post-Processing; Friction Stir Structural Designs and Applications; Friction Stir Intelligent Controllers and Efficient Tooling ; and Friction Stir Cost Benefits Analysis. The University of Missouri-Rolla site will focus on Friction Stir Microstructural Modification. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mishra, Rajiv Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 259000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0531124 August 15, 2005 I/UCRC: Collaborative Research: Center for Advanced Technologies for Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment. This action will provide funds for the University of Cincinnati and the University of Minnesota to hold planning meetings for a proposed Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Technologies for Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment. The center will focus on the next generation devices for minimally 9invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures, with research themes involving endovascular devices, endoscopes, and laparoscopic devices. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Erdman, Arthur Perry Li University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0531580 July 15, 2005 Planning Grant: Proposal for Intelligent Maintenance Systems Center Site. This action provides funding for a planning grant toward the establishment of a new site tat the University of Missouri-Rolla for the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Intelligent maintenance Center. The proposed site will focus on addressing the needs of aerospace, earthmoving, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and process industries in the areas of monitoring, diagnostics and prognostics. This collaboration will create a synergetic effect by creating new opportunities for the existing units and by providing a larger pool of resources for the proposed Center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sarangapani, Jagannathan Ming Leu Can Saygin Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0531859 August 1, 2005 Berea College: Undergraduate Institutional Participation in SSR-RC. Two related projects are designed to advance the robotic tools and techniques for effective subterranean rescue while providing a quality research experience for undergraduates at Berea College. The students will work in interdisciplinary cooperative learning groups with the research teams at the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Safety, Security and Rescue. The students will also develop, analyze and simulate algorithms for dispersing a collective team of Scout robots in an unknown environment using non-centrally controlled solutions. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pearce, Janice Berea College KY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 49511 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 1049 0000 0531861 July 15, 2005 Collaborative Research Proposal for Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. This action provides funds for Southern Methodist University to become a part of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. The mission of the center is to develop a science, engineering , and technology base for laser and plasma processing of materials, devices and systems. The focus of the proposed center in the area of lasers and plasma processing will include: bulk processing, surface processing, coatings, surface etching and patterning. The planning grant will be utilized to finalize the internal and externals linkages in the Center structure and to develop a unified research agenda among the participating universities, which furthers the understanding of the lasers and plasmas science and technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kovacevic, Radovan Southern Methodist University TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0531945 August 15, 2005 I/UCRC: Collaborative Research: Center for Advanced Technologies for Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment. This action will provide funds for the University of Cincinnati and the University of Minnesota to hold planning meetings for a proposed Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Technologies for Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment. The center will focus on the next generation devices for minimally 9invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures, with research themes involving endovascular devices, endoscopes, and laparoscopic devices. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Haridas, Balakrishna University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0531983 August 15, 2005 Planning Meeting Proposal: Formation of a New MAST Center Site at the University of Toledo. This action provides funds for the University of Toledo for a planning meeting to establish a third site of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST). The MAST Center brings together industrial and academic researchers to facilitate the rapid development and commercialization of new advances in membrane technology in the areas of greatest societal need. The addition of Toledo to the current MAST sites will bring new areas of expertise and complement others. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lipscomb, G. Glenn University of Toledo OH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 5400 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0531998 September 1, 2005 I/UCRC Planning Grant - UF/CU - Surfactants and Particulate Systems. This action provides funds for the University of Florida and Columbia University to hold a planning meeting to establish the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Surfactants and Particulate Systems. The focus of this center is to conduct advanced research in particulate systems and surfactants of significance to industry and in close collaboration with industry. The aim of the center is to develop a knowledge base on the interactions between particulate systems and their relationship with the structure of different surfactants for enhanced performance in the pharmaceutical, chemical, micro-electronic, and other nano-bio applications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Curtis, Jennifer Brij Moudgil University of Florida FL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0532014 September 1, 2005 Surfactants and Particulate Systems. This action provides funds for the University of Florida and Columbia University to hold a planning meeting to establish the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Surfactants and Particulate Systems. The focus of this center is to conduct advanced research in particulate systems and surfactants of significance to industry and in close collaboration with industry. The aim of the center is to develop a knowledge base on the interactions between particulate systems and their relationship with the structure of different surfactants for enhanced performance in the pharmaceutical, chemical, micro-electronic, and other nano-bio applications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Somasundaran, Ponisseril Columbia University NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0532030 September 1, 2005 A Plan for Developing a Multi-University Industry/University Collaborative Research Center on Cyber Security. Stony Brook University will hold a planning meeting to join a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Cyber Protection. The membership in this collaboration will significantly enhance its strength in a number of areas. The primary research areas of the site will be software security, database and information security, intrusion detection, vulnerability analysis, trust management, and intrusion recovery and response. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sekar, Ramasubramanian Tzi-Cker Chiueh Scott Stoller Erez Zadok Radu Sion SUNY at Stony Brook NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0532041 August 1, 2005 I/UCRC: Planning Proposal for Joining USF WAMI Group to Connection One Center. This action provides funding for a planning grant for the University of South Florida to become a research site to the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Wireless Communications Circuits and Systems. This research site will be part of the larger Center, which has been established and is currently supported by NSF. The site will complement the Center's research agenda with projects that address the development of new RF and analog circuits, data converters, power management IC's, low power transceiver architectures, communication protocols, algorithms, and embedded system issues for integration of hardware and software systems. The research developed in the site along with the Center will have a significant impact on several industries in telecommunications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Arslan, Huseyin Lawrence Dunleavy Thomas Weller University of South Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0532744 September 1, 2005 Designing an Asynchronous Data-Flow Processor for Data-Intensive Static-Trace Computing for Large-Scale Power System Simulations. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power Systems Engineering at Cornell University will study the architecture and design issues involved with implementing a multi-core data-flow processor using asynchronous VLSI and develop software compiling and mapping techniques. This will be accomplished using a case study of an electric power system security constrained optimal power flow simulation that includes transient and voltage security constraints. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Thomas, Robert Cornell University NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 140000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0533014 May 1, 2005 A Pilot Program In Commercialization Assistance for NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II Grantees. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG James, Larry Department of Energy Germantown DC Joseph E. Hennessey Contract Interagency Agreement 160000 5373 SMET 9179 0533038 August 1, 2005 Collaborative Research: High-Efficiency Wide-Bandwidth Dynamic Supply Modulators for Linear RF Power Amplifiers. This project funds two Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers to collaborate on the development of a high efficiency wideband dynamic power supply modulator for linear RF power amplifiers. The Centers involved are the Center for Telecommunication Circuits and Systems at Arizona State University and the Center for Wireless Internet at the Polytechnic University of New York. The goal of the project is enabling RF modulation bandwidths of 5MHz or greater by increasing the switching frequency of the switch-mode modulator to 100 MHz or more. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Czarkowski, Dariusz Polytechnic University of New York NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0533129 March 23, 2005 Innovations in Internationalization: Building Multi-Sector Partnerships for Research, Education and Economic Development. 0125122 Kalonji This award is to the University of Washington to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0179). Partners The partners for the award include the University of Washington (Lead Institution), Washington State Office of Economic Development, Washington State China Relations Council, Northwest Environmental Business Council, Earth Tech, Inc., and Hart Crowser, Inc. Proposed Activities The proposed effort has the following goals: (1) create new team-based approaches for faculty, students, government and industry partners to collaborate on international research and education, (2) translate the work of these teams into products, systems, and services, (3) produce a scientific and engineering workforce to work in an international marketplace. Teams of faculty and students from the University of Washington and Sichuan University in Chengdu, China will be working collaboratively on water resource management, waste water treatment, forest ecology, environmentally-friendly materials processing, biodiversity, and the impact of humans on the ecology. Proposed Innovation The focus of the project is on building sustainable relationships for research-education-economic development. Innovation outcomes include creation of a workforce to participate in the emerging Chinese market, creation of the opportunities for small businesses to participate in academic research and to gain access to new international business opportunities, increase trade with China for Washington, and "internationalization" of some of the faculty at the University of Washington. Potential Economic Impact The major economic impact will be the expanded opportunities for Washington State business with markets in China. Potential Societal Impact The Pacific Rim could be a very large market for the United States over the foreseeable future. Preparation of a workforce to participate in this market is vital to the citizens of the US in general and especially the West Coast. Asians have already trained a workforce, and the US is behind. This effort will provide the workforce to open trade for small business in China. EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC PROGRAM PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Kalonji, Gretchen University of California, Office of the President, Oakland CA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 404560 5978 1662 OTHR 9200 5251 0000 0533130 September 1, 2005 A Proposal to Cooperate with the Australian Centre for Energy and Environmental Markets (CEEM) to Develop and Test a New Voltage Value Approach to Controlling Voltage in an Electr. This award provides funds to facilitate a cooperative research program between the Centre for Energy and Environmental Markets at the University of New South Wales in Australia and the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power Systems Engineering at Cornell University. The two year research program will focus on a new market mechanism for ensuring voltage in an electric power network is provided at its true value. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ECONOMICS IIP ENG Thomas, Robert Cornell University NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 120000 5761 1320 OTHR 1049 0000 0533151 August 1, 2005 Collaborative Research: High Efficiency Wide Bandwidth Dynamic Supply Modulators for Linear RF Power Amplifiers. This project funds two Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers to collaborate on the development of a high efficiency wideband dynamic power supply modulator for linear RF power amplifiers. The Centers involved are the Center for Telecommunication Circuits and Systems at Arizona State University and the Center for Wireless Internet at the Polytechnic University of New York. The goal of the project is enabling RF modulation bandwidths of 5MHz or greater by increasing the switching frequency of the switch-mode modulator to 100 MHz or more. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bakkaloglu, Bertan Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0533241 October 1, 2005 Collaborative Research on a Unified Prognostics Approach for Vehicle Electronics Using Physics-of-Failure Driven Sensor Fusion. This collaborative research project will be performed between researchers at the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Advanced Vehicle Electronics at Auburn and the I/UCRC for Intelligent Maintenance Systems at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Michigan. The Centers focus will be on "Collaborative Research on a Unified Prognostics Approach for Vehicle Electronics using Physics-of-Failure driven Sensor Fusion". The research findings in this project will improve the capability and accuracy of the current degradation prediction tools. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Suhling, Jeffrey Pradeep Lall Auburn University AL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 100000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0533321 October 1, 2005 Collaborative Research on a Unified Prognostics Approach for Vehicle Electronics using Physics-of-Failure Driven Sensor Fusion. This collaborative research project will be performed between researchers at the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Advanced Vehicle Electronics at Auburn and the I/UCRC for Intelligent Maintenance Systems at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Michigan. The Centers focus will be on "Collaborative Research on a Unified Prognostics Approach for Vehicle Electronics using Physics-of-Failure driven Sensor Fusion". The research findings in this project will improve the capability and accuracy of the current degradation prediction tools. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lee, Jay Jun Ni Hai Qiu University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 100000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0535463 August 1, 2005 CChIPS - Center for Child Injury Prevention Studies. This award initiates the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Child Injury Prevention Studies at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The Center's research will study how children experience trauma in vehicles and what can be engineered to make them safe. The Center's research agenda will be initiated with projects in Effect of High Back Booster Seat Seating Angle and Seat Belt Positioning on Injury Metrics of a 6-Year-Old; Misuse Study of LATCH Attachments: A Series of Sled Tests; Lower Extremity Injuries in Children Seated in Forward Facing Child Restraint Systems; Identifying Motor Vehicle Crash Characteristics for Anatomic-specific Fatal Injuries in Child Occupants; Cervical Range of Motion in Young Children. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT RES EXP FOR TEACHERS(RET)-SITE IIP ENG Winston, Flaura The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 586076 7609 7218 5761 5345 1360 1359 SMET OTHR 9102 7218 5761 129E 122E 116E 115E 1049 0000 9251 9231 9178 9177 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0536254 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Manufacturing High-Density Defect-Free and Phase-Locked Fiber Laser Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed for manufacturing high-density phase-locked fiber laser arrays that can be made with extremely high precision and quality that will be free from mechanically induced defects. The company has developed a novel technique for coherent power-combining a specially structured group of phase-locked fiber lasers in a common cladding so that their phases are synchronized in favor of the fundamental in-phase mode through strong evanescent wave interaction. It has been shown that the output of phase locked fiber lasers and amplifiers can provide extremely high power (multi-kW) with a good beam quality (M2 < 1.5) in a compact package. Such a laser is very desirable for material processing and precision manufacturing and offers many attractive features, such as maintainability, transportability, and affordability. The Company has developed an efficient side-pumping technique by which a uniform gain can be established over a long fiber length far exceeding the absorption length. Combining a defect-free multi-core fiber with this side pumping technique, it will be possible to realistically scale the output power of a phase-locked fiber laser array up to multi-kW in a spot size of about 50 micron in diameter (equivalent to a laser intensity greater than 10 MW/cm2) without encountering catastrophic failure. Under Phase I, efforts will be focused on designing and experimenting with a defect-free phase-locked fiber array. In addition, experiments will be performed to verify the power-scaling law that is proportional to not only the fiber core area but also the length. Results will be used to formulate the prototype for the Phase II. Commercially, because fiber laser efficiency is at least 4 times higher than the solid-state laser and operates at a more desirable wavelength than the CO2 laser, it will have a much better chance to succeed in the market place to replace the existing solid-state and CO2 lasers, which have been used extensively as precision machine tools for present-day manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, ship-building, refractory metals, graphite, and composite materials industries. With these technological advancements, a multi-kW fiber laser with a highbrightness beam can be manufactured economically and reliably and can offer an order of magnitude increase in speed and high-resolution for precision manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cheo, Peter P C PHOTONICS CORPORATION CT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99570 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0536958 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Compact Power Source for Wireless Sensor Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes an energy harvesting technology for widely disbursed wireless sensor networks. These sensors need long-lived power supplies that can harvest energy from the environment to enable a truly autonomous operation. It is an objective of the proposed Phase I research effort to demonstrate the components of a very compact and low cost power generation technology. The technology will be based on the generation of fuel from biological substances for the operation of fuel cells. Nanotechnology and biotechnology components will be integrated into the new devices. The biotechnology, materials science, and electrochemistry experience of three organizations will be combined in a cross-disciplinary effort. Cost and performance of the generator will be estimated based on the experimental results. Energy harvesting devices can be used for applications that need a small quantity of power for a long times. These include wireless sensors. The proposed technology can help to enhance America's security by providing compact, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and long-lived power supplies for widely disbursed wireless sensor networks or other applications. It can be an alternative to established solar, thermal, or vibration harvesting approaches. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hecht, Mathias Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing AZ Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99978 5371 CVIS 1397 1037 0308000 Industrial Technology 0537883 May 1, 2005 Establish a NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers & Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing (LAM). The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) in the area of Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing will develop a science, engineering and technology base for laser and plasma processing of materials, devices and systems. Laser and Plasma processing of materials is used in various manufacturing sectors such as semiconductor/electronic manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, general manufacturing, life science products, medical device manufacturing. The focus of the center includes: bulk processing, surface processing, coatings, surface etching and patterning. The I/UCRC will also take full advantage of being cited next to Free Electron Laser Facility of Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The Facility is the world's most powerful, tunable laser, currently delivering kilowatt average power in the mid infrared. The strong interest in the center is evidenced from various letters of commitment received from industry and federal laboratories. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL PLAN & WORKSHOPS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ELECT, PHOTONICS, & DEVICE TEC IIP ENG Gupta, Mool University of Virginia Main Campus VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 373685 7609 7299 5761 1517 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 129e 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0538500 February 1, 2006 Predictive Tools for Sustainable Solid Waste Management Using Bioreactor Landfills. 0538500 Barlaz This award is to North Carolina State University at Raleigh to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-05566). Partners North Carolina State University at Raleigh (lead institution), University of Wisconsin, Waste Management, Inc., Allied Waste Industries, Inc., Republic Services Corporation, Onyx Waste Systems, Inc., Buncombe County, NC, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, Yolo County, CA, Camp Dresser & McKee, CH2Mhill, GeoSyntec Consultants, SCS Engineers, US Environmental Protection Agency, NY Department of Environmental Conservation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, National Solid Waste Management Association, Solid Waste Association of North Carolina, and Environmental Research and Education Foundation. The primary objective of the proposal follows. Its goal is to reduce the use of antibiotics in fuel ethanol production by developing new bacterial sensing technology. The project will conduct preliminary studies toward the development of a biosensor device to detect bacterial growth in dry-grind corn-to-ethanol fermentation processes. Specifically, reagents and methods will be developed and applied to detect bacterial growth using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology. The objectives are (1) to confirm the bacterial species published and identify additional species that commonly grow in yeast fermentations using standard microbiological methods; (2) to identify PCR primers that will uniquely identify each of the bacterial target species, using bioinformatics analysis supported by genomic DNA cloning and sequencing; (3) develop real-time PCR molecular beacon probes and methods to quantify the growth of the target bacteria using these PCR probes; (4) characterize the growth kinetics of target bacteria in laboratory scale fermentations of corn using the real-time PCR methods developed; and (5) perform studies to quantify antibiotic residues in distillers dried grains with solubles and to improve antibiotic treatment protocols in the dry-grind corn-to-ethanol manufacturing process, using laboratory scale fermentation model systems. Potential Economic Impact Over 482 million tons of solid waste are generated in the US annually from households, institutions, businesses, and industry, with approximately 65% being disposed of in landfills. This reliance on landfills is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Thus, the US benefits by improving the economics and environmental signature of landfills via technologies such as the bioreactor landfill. In addition, the solid waste industry is massive, consisting of large publicly traded and privately held corporations, as well as of public solid waste authorities. Industry-wide revenue is approximately $40 billon annually, and the annual contribution to the US economy is approximately $96 billon. More than 367,000 people are directly employed in the solid waste industry in the US, and ultimately the industry contributes nearly 1 million jobs to the economy due to multiplier effects. Thus, research that makes solid waste management more economical is good for the US economy. Conservative assumptions indicate that research on bioreactor landfills, such as that proposed in this study, could transfer more than $1 billion annually into other sectors of the US economy. The intellectual merit of the project follows. Three thrust areas have been identified where research can directly contribute to improvements in bioreactor technology by reducing cost and increasing predictability: (1) landfill hydrology, (2) solids decomposition, and (3) settlement prediction. In landfill hydrology, research will be conducted to understand flow patterns and residence times for leachate and other liquids injected into landfills. This research is needed to develop operational guidelines for leachate injection and to evaluate the behavior of liquid waste streams that may be added to bioreactor landfills. Work on solids decomposition will relate fundamental information on the biodegradation of individual waste components to settlement and airspace recovery, as well as improve the accuracy of national greenhouse gas inventories. Finally, a predictive model will be developed that relates moisture, solids decomposition, and waste settlement that will improve the predictability of airspace utilization, the industrys ultimate metric. In all areas, fundamental laboratory-scale studies are tightly coupled to models and field-scale work at bioreactor landfills operated by industrial partners. The broader impacts of the activity follow. The technology developed will contribute to both the economic and environmental wellbeing of the US. The partnership will provide a pipeline of highly skilled technical personnel to the solid waste industry. Diversity will be addressed by recruiting students from under-represented groups. Both NCSU and UW-Madison participate in NSFs Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program, which will be used as a source to recruit undergraduate students from under-represented groups. Students at K-12 schools will be informed of the project via presentations by faculty to inform young students about career opportunities and the importance of environmental engineering and solid waste management. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Barlaz, Morton Louis Martin-Vega Craig Benson North Carolina State University NC Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 612000 1662 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 117E 116E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0538617 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of Nanocrystal-Based Thin Film Optical Filter. This NSF SBIR Phase I project is to develop a series of optical edge and band-pass thin film filters using semiconductor nano-crystals and noble metal nano-rod as the absorption materials. The nanocrystal-based thin film filters would rely for their operation on the unique feature, size dependent absorption, of semiconductor and noble metal nanocrystals. Semiconductor nanocrystals are nanometer-sized fragments of the corresponding bulk materials; most of them can now be synthesized and processed using solution-based techniques. The size-dependent absorption and emission is the most attractive feature of semiconductor nanocrystals. Gold nanorod is another type absorption material that will be used in this project. It has been predicted that the longitudinal absorption of the gold nanorod could reach microwave or near infrared range. The thin film optical filters are of great commercial potential with a wide variety of applications in both military and civilian purposes. Thin film filters have been involved in almost all optical devices. Covering a very broad range of wavelength of light, the thin film filters resulting from this project will have great potential to be utilized in both military and civilian optical devices. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Yunjun Mesolight LLC AR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99925 9150 5371 HPCC 9215 9150 1647 1289 1216 1214 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538658 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Millimeter Wave Planar Structures and Antennas Fabricated from A Novel Polymer System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new family of MilliMeter Wave (MMW) boards and circuit structures for coplanar antennas applications. In particular, a high temperature, low dielectric constant, and lightweight polymer film as the substrate of the MMW board will be used. The millimeter wave bands are particularly of interest for wireless applications due to its wide frequency spectrum, high data transfer rate, compact size hardware, and without (or very little) interference system configurations. Because of these requirements, the commercial sector has an increasing interest in MMW structures and devices. However, since MMW frequency range is one to three orders of magnitude higher than the conventional microwave range, there are several subject areas that need technology improvements. Millimeter wave (MMW) devices operating in the range of 10-500 GHz has increasing applications in military and commercial communication, surveillance, and navigation technologies. Potential commercial applications of the proposed MMW structures and devices include mobile wide-band cellular systems, fixed wireless broadband access systems, wireless local area networks, wireless vehicle, coplanar and multilayer antennas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tan, Seng WRIGHT MATERIALS RESEARCH CO. OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538736 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Microfluidics Device for Real-time Process Control of Copper Plating Baths. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of a novel electrochemical sensor based on the principles of microfluidics and alternating current voltammetry as a powerful tool to monitor the constituents of semiconductor and printed wiring board plating baths. Currently, these industries rely on technologies such as cyclic voltammetry stripping and pulsed cyclic galvanostatic analysis to monitor these species, but both methods have associated drawbacks, such as large required footprint, high operation costs, poor system reliability, reduced system availability, and issues with daily tool-to-tool process stability. The proposed technology is anticipated to circumvent these limitations by utilizing mini sampling probes to collect and electrochemically measure the concentration of plating bath constituents, which results in a highly-selective, cost efficient sensor that is applicable for on-line, real-time monitoring of plating bath composition. In the semiconductor industry, it is critical to continually enhance technology in order to stay competitive. The proposed technology allows a high value enhancement to copper plating of semiconductors and printed wiring boards. The proposed technology will provide a highly-selective monitoring tool. This will allow semiconductor and printed wiring board manufacturers a higher level of bath control, which will result in a higher quality product and less waste associated with the actual semiconductors and PWBs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Garich, Holly FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538739 February 1, 2006 Studies to Develop a Biosensor for Controlled Antibiotic Use During Ethanol Production from Corn. 0538739 Worthington This award is to Southern Illinois at Edwardsville to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-05566). Partners Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NECRC), the USDA Fermentation Biochemistry Research Unit (Peoria, IL), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Emerson Process Management (a division of Emerson Electric Company). The primary objective of the proposal follows. Its goal is to reduce the use of antibiotics in fuel ethanol production by developing new bacterial sensing technology. The project will conduct preliminary studies toward the development of a biosensor device to detect bacterial growth in dry-grind corn-to-ethanol fermentation processes. Specifically, reagents and methods will be developed and applied to detect bacterial growth using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology. The objectives are (1) to confirm the bacterial species published and identify additional species that commonly grow in yeast fermentations using standard microbiological methods; (2) to identify PCR primers that will uniquely identify each of the bacterial target species, using bioinformatics analysis supported by genomic DNA cloning and sequencing; (3) develop real-time PCR molecular beacon probes and methods to quantify the growth of the target bacteria using these PCR probes; (4) characterize the growth kinetics of target bacteria in laboratory scale fermentations of corn using the real-time PCR methods developed; and (5) perform studies to quantify antibiotic residues in distillers dried grains with solubles and to improve antibiotic treatment protocols in the dry-grind corn-to-ethanol manufacturing process, using laboratory scale fermentation model systems. Potential Economic Impact This project will develop technology to reduce the use of antibiotics in a major manufacturing process, and should develop methods of microorganism detection that are applicable to a wide variety of commercial and environmental settings. The intellectual merit of the project follows. The proposed activity will develop and apply quantitative technology to the redesign of a manufacturing process with the explicit goal of reducing antibiotic use while maintaining or increasing the efficiency of fuel ethanol production. The project is organized sequentially to determine which organisms are significantly involved in reducing the efficiency of fuel ethanol production, followed by methods development to quantitatively detect the organisms, and then application of the results to scaled-down reactors generating fuel ethanol. The broader impacts of the activity follow. Success of this project has applicability to a variety of commercial and environmental settings. The development of a biosensor probe will have applications in technologies beyond ethanol production. The project also addresses the global concerns of the dangers of antibiotic residues becoming present in animal feedstocks. The development of such a probe technology will allow ethanol manufacturers to minimize antibiotics in fermentation. The project promises to have a positive impact on the rural economic development. Domestic fuel availability is key in our current and future economic position. The proposal has a strong educational component in that it connects training in the lab to real world commercial learning opportunities. There is a stated emphasis on increased chances for minority participation and success. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Worthington, Ronald Paul Ferguson Rodney Bothast Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville IL Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599999 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0538740 September 1, 2005 Developing Search/Rescue Robot Team Behaviors - Undergraduate Institutional Participation in SSR-RC. Research will be done at Augsburg College in coordination with the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Safety, Security and Rescue Research jointly established by the University of Minnesota and the University of South Florida. The center is focusing on leading-edge research in homeland security and emergency response. The project addresses a number of open issues pertaining to search and rescue robot teams working in "destroyed structures". Whether destruction is due to a natural phenomenon such as an earthquake or a terrorist attack, a similar environment results, with structural properties such as flat walls and floors positioned at skewed angles, obstacles where there are usually are none, and doorways taking on a new definition as anything large enough to squeeze through. The goal is to exploit robot communication in such a way that multiple behaviors augment rather than detract from each other. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sutherland, Karen Augsburg College MN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 49626 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0538751 February 1, 2006 Technology Assessment Program. 0538751 Roberson This award is to Howard Community College to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitations (NSF-05566). Partners Howard Community College (Lead Institution), The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics, Laboratory, Goddard Space Flight Center, Naval Research Lab, Howard County Economic Development Authority, Howard County Public School System, and the regions business community. The primary objective of the proposal follows. The Technology Assessment Program (TAP) is a comprehensive strategy to expand the innovation infrastructure of the Baltimore-Washington corridor and to speed technology transfer from the national research enterprise to the private sector. TAP will enhance entrepreneurial education through a continuum of coursework and teamwork; teach high school and college students the fundamentals of innovation and technology assessment; and facilitate access to technologies by entrepreneurs. The objectives are to (1) prepare students and prospective entrepreneurs to work in the innovation enterprise through a structured program of classroom presentations, mentoring, discussions with inventors, and practicums in completing product assessments; (2) offer USG-funded research labs access to additional resources for evaluating more technologies, assessing markets, and defining potential for licensing and/or new company development; (3) promote technology transfer in the region by offering entrepreneurs enhanced access to USG-funded innovations that have potential for licensing and/or business development; (4) enhance dissemination of entrepreneurial education, opportunities, and resources to non-traditional audiences through outreach activities, partnerships, technology showcases, and other activities; and (5) create a replicable model of workforce development that facilitates communication and partnerships among high school students, community college students, graduate students, federal labs, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Potential Economic Impact The state of Maryland ranks second nationally in federal obligations for R&D, yet thousands of inventions sit on the shelves of federally funded research labs for lack of resources to assess and market promising technologies. The intellectual merit of the project follows. It lies in the innovative partnering of promising high school and community college students with researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology transfer experts to produce market assessments of USG-funded inventions. It also offers nascent entrepreneurs access to the technology transfer process through an intensive hands-on experience. Research labs will have access to additional resources at minimal cost to assess and either develop or retire inventions that may otherwise remain on the shelves for lack of time, effort and money. The broader impacts of the activity follow. The community college and its partners will develop an experiential course on technology transfer as part of the Entrepreneur Studies degree program. Participating USG-funded labs will identify and summarize undeveloped technologies that warrant a market analysis. Under the guidance and instruction of inventors, entrepreneurs, and mentors, teams of high school and community college students will select a technology, perform market research, and analyze potential for commercialization. Students will present their findings and recommendations at a public event attended by business owners, entrepreneurs, researchers, technology transfer experts, and venture capitalists. Tech transfer staff will then work with entrepreneurs and business owners to pursue appropriate options and licensing agreements. Thus the Technology Assessment Program has the potential to serve as a model of entrepreneurial workforce development and technology assessment that may be replicable by other research facilities and education partners. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Roberson, Ronald H.Victor Hess Howard Community College MD Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 719491 1662 OTHR 1662 117E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0538759 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Broad Band Opticall Calibration Sources for Star Simulation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed towards the development, fabrication, and testing of miniature high-stability integrated super broadband optical emission sources for field and in-flight calibration of stellar photometers and spectrometers widely used in astronomy research. No calibration sources for field, in-flight or real time broadband star simulation are currently available. In this project the company will utilize their achievements in the area of Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Si-based avalanche Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) combined with the new developments in SiC and III nitride material growth, characterization, and processing. The high stability and reliability of the proposed devices will be provided by employment of the avalanche electroluminescence process based on intra-band hot electron transitions. High performance will result from implementation of improved materials quality and advanced processing methods. The proposed research will develop fundamental understanding of methods for fabrication of silicon carbide, and nitride-based structures for optoelectronic applications, which will result in technological advances in all electronic device areas. One of the most important astronomy goals is interpretation of photometric observations of stars, star clusters, and galaxies in terms of their fundamental stellar properties. This is necessary for any successful study of the formation and evolution of stellar systems, which needs to be based on photometric data. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Starikov, David Integrated Micro Sensors TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 1648 1289 1216 1214 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538764 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Development of a New High Intensity Pulsed Light Source System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to conduct research on the erosion properties of electrode materials under high-current pulsed operation. This research will allow extended lifetime for a new pulsed lamp, making it economically practical. The new lamp can become the industry standard for Ultra-Violet (UV) water treatment and enable a new photolytic paint stripping process. Materials used for pulsed power electrodes were formulated for continuous or alternating current at low peak current. Under pulsed high current, preliminary research shows that these materials degrade through grain growth, leading to void formation at the grain boundary. The research objective is to develop a better understanding of how material properties affect grain growth and erosion, and show the feasibility of enhancing and developing low erosion electrode materials. The proposed research will enhance scientific understanding of the degradation and erosion of electrode materials that undergo repeated high-current pulsed cycling. Also, new electrode materials will enable the expanded use of pulsed power and provide an alternative to thoriated tungsten, which is banned in Europe because of its radioactivity. The primary goal is to enable a new commercial pulsed lamp with many applications. The lamp is a potential replacement for mercury lamps, which would eliminate mercury use and exposure of the public. The lamp also will enable commercial photolytic paint removal, replacing chemical and abrasive techniques that are labor intensive, create dust and debris, and generate toxic byproducts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schaefer, Raymond PHOENIX SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 1592 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538786 February 1, 2006 Partnerships for Innovation in Laser-based Manufacturing. 0538786 Katehi This award is to Purdue University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-05566). Partners Purdue University, Ivy Tech Community College (Lafayette, IN), Purdue Center for Regional Development, Caterpillar (Columbus, IN), International Truck and Engine (Indianapolis), IN), Delphi (Kokomo, IN), GM Allison (Indianapolis, IN), Rolls Royce (Indianapolis, IN), Bon L Manufacturing (Kentland, IN), Cummins Engine (Columbus, IN), Aerofab (Indianapolis, IN), Honeywell (South Bend, IN), Stellite (Goshen, IN), Rofin Sinar (Plymouth, MI), LSPT (Columbus, OH), Nuvonyx (St. Louis, MO), State of Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund, Bethune Cookman College (Dayton Beach, FL), Florida International University (Miami, FL) The primary objective of the proposal is as follows: its goal is to advance manufacturing techniques by bringing innovations in laser-based manufacturing to bear on US manufacturing processes through partnerships among Purdue University, a local community college, local and state governments, and private industrial companies in Indiana and the US. The partnerships will facilitate technology innovations and implementation, and provide education and training of future necessary workforce, which will strengthen the regional and national economies. The participating industrial manufacturing companies will collaborate with the Center for Laser-based Manufacturing at Purdue University to pursue further development of the key technologies, innovations and commercialization. Together, they will jointly develop a new educational program to educate and train future shop floor workforce in laser-based manufacturing through the partnership with a local community college, Ivy Tech Community College (2 year associate degree program), which is located in Lafayette, Indiana. The partnership with the State of Indiana will provide a significant amount of matching fund to support the proposed PFI efforts. In addition, there will be collaboration with Purdue Center for Regional Development, which will be providing broader level analysis on the business and economic environment and trends facing businesses and will be creating and plugged into networks of businesses. The objectives are (1) discovery and knowledge enhancement of laser-based manufacturing, including laser assisted machining, laser-surface enhancement, laser cladding and laser microfabrication; (2) technology development and transfer to industry to facilitate the innovations and implementation of developed knowledge and processes to help them gain competitive advantages; (3) education and training of scientifically and technologically literate the diverse future workforce including engineering graduate students, undergraduates and technology students. Potential Economic Impact The proposed partnerships will to develop systematic and scientific models of laser-based manufacturing processes through combined analytical and experimental investigations so as to facilitate industrial innovations and commercialization. The intellection merit of the project follows. The research will provide a useful understanding of laser-plasma-material interaction, which is a common problem for other laser processes. Therefore, an improved understanding of laser processing of materials will contribute to the overall advancement of the laser-processing field. The broader impacts of the activity follow. One of the more rapidly emerging and innovative technological arenas in the global economy is that of laser-based manufacturing and materials processing. This partnership aims to help Indiana and the US maintain or regain competitive advantages in this arena via the development of advanced laser-based manufacturing techniques. The project will also provide education and training of diverse workforce, including graduate students, undergraduates and shop floor workers. The principles and results of laser-based manufacturing processes will be incorporated in the undergraduate manufacturing class, ME363, Principles and Practice of Manufacturing Processes as well as other graduate courses. Involvement of underrepresented students will be pursued through existing programs such as Women in Engineering Program (WIEP) and the Minority Engineering Program (MEP) and the exchange and recruitment programs with Bethune-Cookman College and Florida International University. The development of K-12 outreach materials will be embedded into the undergraduate curriculum through the highly acclaimed Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Program. Initial projects will include video and interactive animations on laser-based manufacturing. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Shin, Yung Leah Jamieson Purdue University IN Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599162 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0538790 March 15, 2006 Louisiana TIES: Louisiana Technology Incubator for Entrepreneurial Success. 0538790 Kolluru This award is to University of Louisiana Lafayette to support the activity described below in 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-05566). Partners The partners include University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Lead institution), Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Lafayette Consolidated Government, Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Board of Regents, Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Zydetech Technology Council, Silicon Graphics Inc, James River Technical, and Christie Digital Systems. Current and prospective clients and users include ADMIN.701, Global Data Systems, Merlin Oil & Gas, Fenstermaker & Associates, Bizzuka, Stone Energy, Landmark Graphics, Northrop Grumman, 3001, Inc., Idaho National Laboratory, Harris Corporation, NASA Stennis Space Center (Center for Higher Learning), C-K Associates, and Premiere Performance Systems. The primary objective of the proposal follows. In order to revitalize its stagnant economy, Louisiana has made over $60M investments into high performance computing, visualization, and bandwidth through the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise (LITE) and the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative (LONI). At this time, no incubator in the state is equipped to provide the requisite infrastructure, expertise, or support to leverage these investments and create new economic opportunities statewide. This presents both a need and an opportunity to incubate technology businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and to accelerate innovative technology enterprises to the frontiers of High Performance Computing (HPC) & High Performance Visualization (HPV). Louisiana Technology Incubator for Entrepreneurial Success (Louisiana TIES) will serve this need and realize this opportunity. The intellectual merit of the proposal lies in the creation and application of a state-of-the-art grid HPC & HPV infrastructure. Traditional constraints that govern the design of existing commercial software applications are challenged in the grid environment comprising tremendous processing power, storage, and bandwidth. In addition, opportunities for collaborative problem solving enabled by visualization on the grid truly engender new ways of thinking. This project will catalyze the creation of new innovations and the migration of exiting software not just to the next level, but also to the frontier of the HPC & HPV universe. The proposal leverages strengths of UL Lafayette to address data intensive domains such as oil and gas, geology, engineering, and health to allow Louisiana to leapfrog other regions into the knowledge economy. The broader societal impact of the proposed activity will exceed its economic impact and job creation potential. Louisiana TIES will cultivate an innovative entrepreneurial culture to reinvigorate Louisianas technologically underserved and economically disadvantaged population. Concerted efforts will be made to recruit, educate, and support both students and entrepreneurs from Louisianas female and minority populations. The projects goals are to serve as the social and economic development complement to Louisianas major infrastructure investment initiatives currently under way. More than just the fundamental expansion of knowledge, Louisiana TIES focuses on the application of knowledge for societal well being. Its goals are to firmly establish Louisiana as a source of innovative businesses, ideas, and workers. Its goals are to show the world and Louisianas own citizens that when it comes to technology innovations--discovered here, invented here, and invested here-- are possible in a new Louisiana. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Kolluru, Ramesh Mark Smith Sandra Duhe Robert Stewart Geoffrey Stewart University of Louisiana at Lafayette LA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 1662 117E 0000 0538828 February 1, 2006 Virginia Partnership for Nanotechnology Education and Workforce Development. 0538828 Griffiths This award is to George Mason University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitations (NSF-05566). Partners. George Mason University (lead institution), the College of William and Mary, Old Dominion University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, Infineon Technologies, Luna Innovations, Materials Modification, Micron Technology, NanoSonic, NanoTitan, Northrop Grumman, Newport News, and Philip-Morris. The primary objective of the proposal follows: The Virginia Partnership for Nanotechnology Education and Workforce Development will couple academic institutions and corporations in the Commonwealth of Virginia to maximize opportunities for knowledge transformation into engineered solutions that benefit society. To enhance academic discovery and labor force development, this partnership will create a tightly coupled program of 1) distance learning (DL) delivered, graduate engineering courses that can be used in a new nanotechnology certificate program or as a supplement to traditional graduate studies; 2) industry-centric short courses; and 3) annual technology transfer workshops. The program will strengthen the research and education infrastructures of core academic partners, enhance the competitive position of core corporate partners, prepare the region for other current and future corporate residents, and take critical steps towards development of a diverse workforce. Potential Economic Impact Nanotechnology, the focus of this partnership, promises to transform industry, having a particularly profound impact upon source materials in manufacturing, electronic instrumentation and sensors, health care, homeland security and national defense, energy, and environmental endeavors. With U.S. federal nanotechnology research funding exceeding $960 million in 2004 and continuing to increase, nanotechnology is poised to become the largest government science initiative since the space race, and global competition is increasing. The intellectual merit of the proposal follows. This partnership will strengthen academic research by enhancing faculty-faculty and faculty-industry dialogue and by dramatically increasing graduate student access to intellectual breadth and depth in nanotechnology. It will also enhance the intellectual preparation of working engineers, setting the stage for R&D innovations within their companies that spur economic development. The broader impacts of the activity follow. The core academic and corporate partners and the Commonwealth of Virginia will share in an annual level of financing that will sustain the activity and enable the involvement of as many as three HBCUs The HBCUs are to be financed by corporate contributions to those schools as an investment in future workforce diversity and U.S. competitiveness in nanotechnology. From the outset, the programs developed under this proposal will be available to underrepresented minorities (including women) resident in the graduate programs of the core academic partners. Despite the fact that the lead institution, George Mason University, is among those having the most diverse student populations in the nation, even this level of potential minority participation within the initial program is insufficient. Thus, to make a measurable diversity impact, the involvement of HBCUs is appropriate given the national crisis of limited underrepresented minority participation in graduate science and engineering. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Griffiths, Lloyd Dimitrios Ioannou James Groves George Mason University VA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599999 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0538866 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: True Analog Fractional Order Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will improve and simplify servomechanism control by using a patent-pending new circuit element - the Fractor. Human augmentation systems requiring human-like motion will be the first targets for this novel control approach based on fractional order control (FOC), including prosthetic joints and powered wheelchairs. The control technology also holds promise to solve stability problems in other servomechanisms, such as hard disc drives. State-of-the-art control systems for light and flexible systems require constant retuning or extremely complex control algorithms to "predict" and "adapt" to changing conditions but cannot respond to unconsidered circumstances. These limitations evaporate with the introduction of the full power of the fractional calculus. Fractional order calculus simply introduces the real number line to a theory that has been artificially constrained to the integer numbers. FOC is internationally recognized as the next route of improvement in robotics. This research to pioneer a new paradigm of control engineering is supported by both a prosthetic company and hard disc drive manufacturers. Neuro-motor dynamics in humans have been successfully modeled by fractional differential equations, with the same form as is exhibited by the Fractor. Also, the fractional order control matches diffusion-limited processes in fuel cells and thermally-limited systems, e.g. steam and nuclear power plants. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bohannan, Gary Wavelength Electronics, Inc. MT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99775 9150 5371 HPCC 9215 9150 6840 1203 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538901 April 15, 2006 Partnership to Maximize Port Industry Performance - Integration of Port Information Systems, Processing and Control Equipment, and Microsimulation Tools. This award is to Rutgers University at Camden to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitations (NSF-05566). Partners Rutgers University (lead institution), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, The New Jersey Department of Transportation, New York Shipping Association, Inc., Maher Terminals Logistic Systems, Inc., and Vista Transport Group (VTG), Inc. The primary objective of this proposal is as follows: to take advantage of existing relationships between Rutgers University, ContainerTerminals, State and Local Highway Agencies, freight, and technology companies and members of the Port of New York & New Jersey (PONYNJ) to create a forum for a dynamic and sustainable collaboration between the maritime industry and the wider research community. The specific objectives of this collaborative project are the improvement of freight movements, reduction of traffic congestion, an increase in the competitiveness of the Port and, thereby, improvement of the overall regional economy. These objectives will be achieved by: (1) cultivation of relationships and understanding of roles among stakeholders in the wider freight transport system; (2) development of analytical group decision-making tools that will enable the partnership to evaluate collective efforts and the impact of individual decisions on other parties within the system, and (3) Establishment of educational and training capabilities for practitioners, academics and students. Intellectual Merit: This partnership will develop advanced and unique meso-micro simulation tools for helping industry stakeholders jointly evaluate the impact of individual policies and decisions on the entire system. The distinguishing aspect of the meso-micro-simulation tools is in their ability to model large networks to a desired level of detail. Most current applications use either macro-simulation tools, which allow modeling of a larger network, but do not have the ability to capture congestion effects. In contrast, micro-simulation tools model congestion more realistically, but can only do so for a relatively small network; and, thus, in most cases, cannot to model the entire area of interest. These simulation tools, when integrated within an analytical group decision-making framework will provide an interactive and mathematically robust test bed to simulate and evaluate various scenarios at the strategic, tactical and operational levels. This partnership will provide a mechanism for establishing industry-wide standards for overall optimal port performance. Potential Economic Impact: Moving to a systemic approach to decision-making within the freight and maritime transport industry has the potential to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the entire system. The improved performance of the freight and maritime industry will have a significant economic impact, both locally in the New York and New Jersey areas and globally. The collaborative forum created under this project to understand interdependencies and industry-wide dynamics also has the potential to improve security within the system. Analytical tools developed as part of this project can be applied to improve interactive dynamics within other complex systems such as law enforcement. Accordingly, this project will yield applications far beyond the freight and maritime industry. In summary, this project will create significant direct economic and security benefits to the maritime industry specifically and more generally to the citizens at large. INT'L RES & EDU IN ENGINEERING PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Baveja, Alok Mohsen Jafari Maria Boile Larry Gaines Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 623186 7641 1662 SMET 9178 5980 5947 5936 117E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538924 March 1, 2006 Advancing Biotechnology and Climatology (ABC): Educating for Economic Growth in Oklahoma. 0538924 OHair This award is to University of Oklahoma to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-05566). Partners The partners include University of Oklahoma, K20 Center (lead institution) (which itself represents an innovative and collaborative statewide infrastructure and there are also explicit partnership relationships with Health Sciences Center, the Graduate College, the College of Geosciences, and the Department of Botany and Microbiology); Ardmore City Schools; Byng High School; Research Experience for Undergraduates at the Oklahoma Weather Center; George Mason University (Fairfax, VA); Presbyterian Health Foundation; Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; The Noble Foundation; Norman Economic Development Coalition; National Severe Storms Laboratory; Oklahoma Climatological Survey; First Lady Kim Henry, Governors Office, State of Oklahoma; Weather Decision Technologies; Inc.; Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education; Vieux and Associates; Weathernews Americas; Pure Protein, LLC; Bio-Cide International, Inc. The primary objective of the proposal follows. In responding to state and national needs to improve health, education, and the environment and to stimulate innovation and economic growth, the Advancing Biotechnology and Climatology (ABC) initiative has developed a two-pronged approach, seeking to develop 1) the new Institute for Biotechnology Partnerships (IBP) and 2) two model high schools that stimulate the transformation of knowledge created by the biotechnology and climatology industries to enhance K-12 education. The intellectual merit of the project follows. Operating from the premise that organizations are complex adaptive systems, this proposal seeks to embark on the learning/unlearning process inherent in the work of innovative change. The proposed team effort involves and positions a broad base of talented, qualified stakeholders in a process of action research and learning. By leveraging the often-isolated pockets of resources and infrastructures in the targeted science fields, the two-pronged approach provides a coherent focus to the process, aimed at establishing substantive, systemic groundwork to more efficiently ensure that the understandings of science will have an impact the quality of life for the broader community. Strategies will emerge and evolve from the exchange of ideas and creation of innovative approaches across a varied array of participants in education, research, government and industry and infra, thereby strengthening the impact of the proposals outcomes. The broader impact of the activity follows. ABC will have direct impact on low income, rural schools serving diverse populations and broad impact by creating a transferable model to increase the capacity of biotechnology and climatology. ABC seeks to (1) prepare and produce a science and technology literate workforce and citizenry, especially across rural regions; (2) facilitate the inclusion of underrepresented rural students and Native Americans in science and technology research; and, (3) educate students about science and innovations that impact public policy so that they are better informed for roles within our democracy. The dissemination plan of the model ensures national and international replication in similar rural contexts. Thus an infrastructure for networking to support regional economic growth will be created. This development of structures is designed to help biotechnology research and industry learn from the highly successful climatology industry and take advantage of a timely opportunity for growth and change in both sciences. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG O'Hair, Mary John Gordon Uno Kelvin Droegemeier T.H. Williams Jean Cate University of Oklahoma Norman Campus OK Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 598559 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 117E 0000 0538934 March 1, 2006 Building Communities and Sharing Knowledge in Engineering Education: A University/Industry Partnership. 0538934 Burris This award is to William Marsh Rice University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-05566). Partners William Marsh Rice University (lead institution) and National Instruments The primary objective of the proposal is as follows: to revolutionize the way science and engineering are taught by breaking away from traditional textbook and lecture-based education in order to build a new framework, where communities of educators, students, and field practitioners continually interact, collaborate, connect, and explore active content. The specific objectives of the project are to 1) build a world-wide community of educators, students, and practitioners in DSP led by Rice faculty and NI technology evangelists which will develop and refine a critical mass of free Connexions DSP course materials; 2) enrich these materials with interactive LabVIEW visualizations to make the concepts come alive and encourage experimentation, exploration, and design; 3) develop semantic mathematics representations for displaying and exploring science and engineering concepts based on MathML--in particular a suite of tools for authoring, sharing, and exploring mathematics on the web; 4) translate the materials into a number of languages, including Spanish, to reach both local and worldwide audiences; 5). Study the marketing and business issues associated with growing and sustaining the project into a win-win for both the university and industrial partners; and 6) assess the projects impact and widely disseminate the lessons learned. Potential Educational and Economic Impact There is a crisis in engineering education today, with decreasing enrollments, less engaged and less prepared students, and pressure to cover increasing amounts of material. Curricula are increasingly stove-piped and disconnected, in spite of research indicating that for women and underrepresented minority students, the study of science and engineering is made meaningful by connections to other fields. Moreover, a leading complaint from industry regarding engineering graduates is their lack of collaboration and team skills and lack of hands-on design experience. The intellectual merit of the project follows. A new approach has been identified for building and sustaining virtual educational communities around active content and applying the results to the spectrum of engineering education venues: university undergraduate and graduate courses, industrial training and continuing education, just-in-time learning on the job, and high-school laboratories. The research involves and balances education, community development, technology development, marketing and business planning, and impact assessment. The foundation for the project is provided by Rices Connexions Project (cnx.rice.edu) and by NIs LabVIEW (ni.com) DSP platform. Connexions is an open-access repository of free scholarly materials and an open-source software toolkit to help authors publish and collaborate, instructors rapidly build and share custom courses, and learners explore the links among concepts, courses, and disciplines. LabVIEW is a personal computer-based DSP system for interactively visualizing, processing, and interacting with multimedia such as audio, images, and video from a wide range of applications. The broader impacts of the activity follow. This research include the development of people-resources and technologies that will substantially increase the performance and capabilities of engineering educators and that will open up education into underdeveloped parts of the State of Texas, the Nation, and the world. In particular, education in DSP and related technologies is critical to sustain the high-tech complex in Dallas, Austin, and Houston, Texas. Additional educational impacts include the training of undergraduate and graduate students involved in this project and two workshops that will bring together DSP educators and practitioners to share their knowledge and build communities. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Burrus, C. Sidney Richard Tapia Sallie Keller-McNulty Richard Baraniuk Paul Dholakia William Marsh Rice University TX Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599999 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0538973 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Reduction Of The Critical Current In Spin Transfer Switching Through Anisotropy Engineering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses decreasing the Spin Transfer Switching (STS) critical current through the innovative application of magnetic materials. STS allows for the manipulation of the magnetic order parameter of nano-scale ferromagnets without the use of external magnetic fields and is recognized as a key component for scalability of magnetic random access memory (MRAM). One of the major technical barriers to realize practical spin dependent electronic devices based on STS is the large current needed for switching. One approach to reduce the STS critical current is to magnetically engineer ferromagnets to have precisely the characteristics needed to enable switching. This critical current has been reduced to 10^6 A/cm2, however, a further order of magnitude reduction is needed. Magnetically engineering the out-of-plane anisotropy of thin sub-micron ferromagnetic through further innovative materials research could lead to this reduction. Control of the magnetic anisotropy through innovative materials research has been studied but applying these to practical devices has not. Reduction of the STS critical current is vital to the enabling a spin-dependant electronic devices for storage, logic, and oscillator devices. These solid-state devices have the potential to drive improvements in electronics, and create an entire new sector of the semiconductor industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Panchula, Alex Grandis, Inc CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 94350 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538979 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Combinatorial Nano-Synthesis and Informatics for Rapid Discovery of Advanced Scintillators. The Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop and validate a set of novel combinatorial nano-synthesis and informatics tools, which can lead to the rapid search and discovery of efficient and fast scintillators for next generation detectors with increased energy and temporal resolutions, sensitivity, stopping power for various security inspection and commercial applications. Scintillators are the "eyes" of many modern security inspection systems that utilize high-energy photon or neutron. The recent demands for faster, more accurate and sensitive detectors are driving the need for scintillators that are heavy, fast, efficient, and high-energy resolution. Unfortunately, no single scintillator currently known has all these desirable properties. There are 2 major innovations in this project: 1. Rapid deposition and synthesis of a large collection of different nano-crystalline scintillators from multiple nanometer-layers thin film precursors; 2. Powerful and custom scintillator database which integrates data mining functions and informatics for the discovery of "scintillator leads" and for guiding the combinatorial scintillator process. The combinatorial process developed in the project will significantly accelerate the R&D rate for superior scintillators and benefit the development of security detectors. More sensitive scintillator will enable more accurate and faster detection of potential threats. In addition, there is huge commercial potential for advanced scintillators in modern medical diagnostics systems such as digital radiography, mammography; fluoroscopic imaging, angiography, SPECT, PET etc. Such medical systems, leveraged by advanced scintillators as sensors, have combined annual revenue of > $10 Billion of global market. Finally, the advanced scintillators discovered can proliferate into many other commercial products in manufacturing and in search for natural resources. For example, in X-ray inspection systems for industrial non-destructive evaluation (NDE), more sensitive scintillators will enable better and deeper detection of defects for quality control in manufacturing process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sun, Ted LS TECHNOLOGIES CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538983 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Species Atmospheric Field Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine the performance and operating specifications for a new laser spectrometer suitable for detection of multiple trace atmospheric species. The rugged, compact sensor head will be slightly larger than a can of soda and provide below parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity in a few seconds, for multiple species. Sensitivity for formaldehyde, CO and acetylene will be demonstrated in Phase I. The price point with volume production will be competitive with present trace gas sensors that only detect a single species. The fully developed rugged prototypes will be suitable for detection of trace species in both ground-based and airborne atmospheric measurement applications. The selectivity and multiple species sensitivity of the spectrometer at a competitive price point will enable climate researchers to deploy a single sensor in applications where multiple sensors would previously be required. This project will result in sensors that are smaller, less expensive, and more rugged than competing technologies. Toxic trace atmospheric species contaminate the environment and greenhouse gases affect global climate change. This project will have broader impacts on society by providing measurements that illuminate the trends in global climate change. Other impacts will be found in occupational safety and insuring regulatory compliance. The basic technology shall extend to other trace gas detection applications including biomedical breath diagnosis. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pilgrim, Jeffrey VISTA PHOTONICS, INC NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 HPCC 9215 9150 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538989 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Security and Protection. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project addresses the topic of RFID protection. While RFIDs are now being used on commercial items and personnel for the purpose of management and control, there are security issues which remain unresolved. The digital data stored in an RFID may be encrypted so as to defeat an unauthorized reader interface, but the current technology is not able to prevent the RFID from being physically maneuvered, thereby resulting in a faked device. The work proposed adds security to an RFID tag by protecting it against unlawful disturbances. The technology utilizes the remote sensing technique, wherein a local magnetic pattern is recognized and thus unlikely to be faked or counterfeited once installed. The technology is inexpensive, since the sensor can be integrated with the tag. Security status can be reported in real time for an active RFID tag, or passively reported whenever interrogated by a reader device. For example, RFID tags will soon be applied to passports, postal parcels and commercial packages. Shoplifting and employee theft are serious crimes that continue to negatively impact the bottom-line profits of many retailers. RFID tags are now installed with merchandise for the purpose of management and control, but they are ineffective in abating shoplifting and employee theft. To aid homeland security RFID tags are now routinely used to track the journey of a cargo container traveling from one seaport to another, but there exists no ability to determine if they are removed and transferred from one container to another. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG How, Hoton HOTECH INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99992 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0538994 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Growth of 3C-SiC Substrates using High-Temperature Chemical Vapor Deposition. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims at developing new material growth technology for manufacturing semiconductor substrates of cubic 3C-SiC polytype for high-power, high-frequency, high-temperature, and high-radiation hardness military, space, and commercial applications. The new process for SiC epitaxial growth utilizes novel mechanisms of gas phase and surface reactions. These mechanisms are provided by using halo-carbon growth chemistry replacing the traditional propane-based system. Applied to homoepitaxial growth of the 4H-SiC polytype, the new growth method resulted in defect-free epilayers at temperatures as low as 1350C, which is much lower than what was considered possible for high-quality growth. Simultaneously, a drastic increase of the growth rate in comparison to the propane-based growth was achieved at regular for 4HsiC growth temperatures. The halo-carbon growth promises to resolve critical problems impeding 3C-SiC commercialization such as morphology degradation by unfavorable homogeneous reactions, lattice mismatch-related defect generation, and growth rate reduction by silicon vapor condensation. Commercial supply of wafers of 3C-SiC polytype is not available today. Growing efforts to develop and commercialize 3?-SiC technology in Japan and Europe may put the wide band gap industry in the US significantly behind in cost-efficiency of SiC electronics. This novel fabrication method offers a possibility of a strong competitive advantage. The potential for process scaling makes it possible to achieve large-diameter 3C wafers in less than 3 years. Use of Si substrates for 3C seed growth will ensure an estimated order of magnitude advantage in cost-to-diameter ratio in comparison to 4H and 6H-SiC wafers. Overcoming the price and wafer size limitations of the existing SiC technologies will significantly speed up commercial acceptance of high-power and high frequency SiC devices. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Melnychuk, Galyna BarSiC Semiconductors, LLC MS William Haines Standard Grant 99956 9150 1505 MANU 9150 9147 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539013 September 1, 2005 Collaborative Proposal: I/UCRC: Center for Information Protection (CIP). Iowa State University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology have joined to develop the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Information Protection. The primary research focus of this project is Information Assurance, commonly defined by the four main goals of security, namely, "Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, and Policy". The goals of the Center are to assist industry in its internal research and development by partnering industrial and faculty researchers; improve the training and education of employees in Information Assurance; provide a common repository for all CIP members that contains information assurance research results, relevant literature, and other resources that can be shared within the membership; review, improve, and model specific protection architectures tailored to security problems present in critical infrastructure industries; and provide a well trained pool of students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Manikopoulos, Constantine New Jersey Institute of Technology NJ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 50000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0539032 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Amplified Electron Generation In Photovoltaic Cells By Means Of Quantum Dot/Dye Combinations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project has as its general objective the demonstration of a significant improvement in light to current conversion efficiency of solar cells. A successful demonstration of the approach that will be investigated in this project, namely, the combination of quantum dots and dyes, will provide new insights into energy capture and utilization. It seems a ceiling in module efficiency in the range of 5 -10% is being approached. Although this level of performance is quite beneficial and will find many useful applications for portable power and battery recharging, (even a module efficiency of 4-5% is commercially viable), widespread use of photovoltaics for power generation in homes and offices will not be realized until the efficiency reaches or exceeds 15-20% - the specific objective of this project. Using photon-to-electron conversion efficiency as one criterion upon which progress can be measured, it is clear that these technologies have made great strides in recent years. Low cost solar material with efficiencies in the 15-20% range has the potential to transform the solar industry. Flexible, lightweight material relative to conventional heavy glass panels allows for easy incorporation into a wide range of products without notably increasing the product weight, and also facilitates large surface installations. Roll-to-roll manufacturing processes are compact and replicable, allowing for manufacturing facilities to be established regionally and near high demand areas worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gaudiana, Russell KONARKA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. MA William Haines Standard Grant 99991 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539033 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Fabrication of Blue/UV Lasers and Laser Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project proposes to develop new methods for blue/UV laser fabrication. These new devices will have the competitive advantages of higher emission intensities, higher reliability, and ability to extend emission into the deep UV spectral range. Fabricated devices will consist of cleaved AlGaN epitaxial layer structures on the tips of copper bars. Such semiconductor material packaging will significantly improve heat dissipation from large band gap AlGaN semiconductor active region materials. Enhanced active region heat dissipation will allow operation with much higher injection currents and correspondingly higher light output. Research will focus on adapting a metallization, bonding, and cleaving technique originally developed at the University of Oklahoma for mid-IR laser fabrication using IVVI semiconductor epitaxial layer materials. The project will also focus on developing a low cost electronics system capable of measuring short fluorescence lifetimes. Work on the electronics portion of this project will be devoted to the design of a small circuit board populated with a low cost digital signal processor and related components. Firmware will also be written to perform a coherent under-sampling measurement algorithm that will enable accurate measurement of photodetector decay transients of 1 nanosecond or less. Advances in fabricating improved blue/UV light emitters and low cost electronics for fast photodetector signal measurements will enable development of improved chemical and biological (CB) sensors. An important outcome will be compact and low power consumption deep UV light sources; devices that will enhance the capabilities of CB sensors based on fluorescence and Raman scattering detection principles. A handheld CB sensor for distinguishing between a harmless inorganic material and a potentially harmful pathogenic biological material is just one example of a product that can be developed as a result of this project. In addition, improved blue and UV emitters can also be used for optical data storage and solid state lighting. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Roller, Chad EKIPS TECHNOLOGIES INC OK Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539056 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Proteomic-Based Biometric System for Near-Real Time Detection of Less-Than-Lethal Exposures to CBRN Materials. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project is to develop a proteomic-based biometric system for near-real time detection of sub-symptomatic exposures of CBRN materials. Protein expression and post-translational modification data such as protein arrays, LC/MS and gel electrophoresis (1-D or 2-D) data will be used to identify protein expression changes. The proteomics data will be integrated with gene expression data and metabolomics/metabonomics data to identify the molecular events up- and down-stream of these protein changes in the pathways involved in the cellular response to the external insults. Phase I effort will be focused on defining and developing the bioinformatics tool that will be used to identify or link to databases that identify altered protein expression, to aid in the analysis and interpretation of proteomics data. This software tool will be capable of quantifying and interpreting complex and time-dependent global changes in various biological pattern profiles. The developed biometric system will have both military and civilian applications. It can be used by biotech and pharmaceutical companies to identify new biomarkers, by environmental conscious organizations to assess and monitor effects of low-level intakes of toxic materials, by the health care industry to monitor and assess the effectiveness of diet and fitness activities. It can also be used by the military to detect and diagnose exposure of toxic materials and make deployment decisions, and by the homeland security to monitor and detect suspicious terrorist activity and implement emergency response plans. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, John Systems Analytics, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99987 5371 CVIS 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539067 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Distributed Micro-Optical Sensor Technology for Temperature, Pressure and Strain Measurements. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate a micro-optical distributed sensor technology for temperature, pressure and strain measurements. The measurement principle is based on the detection of optical mode shifts of dielectric micro-beads that serve as sensors. The sensors are weakly coupled to one or more optical fibers and are excited by a tunable laser light. The technology exploits the morphology dependent shifts in resonant frequencies that are commonly referred to as the whispering gallery modes (WGM). A change in a physical condition surrounding the micro-bead "sensor", such as temperature, pressure or force, will cause a change in the size, shape or the dielectric constant of the sensor thereby causing shifts in WGM. With typical quality factors of 106-108, these shifts can be detected with resolutions and dynamic ranges that are beyond those realized by the existing mechanical sensors. The project will advance understanding of fundamental processes associated with formation of optical modes in weakly coupled micro-resonators in various environments. The technology can have a significant impact on process control in manufacturing industries as well as the medical field. Further, the successful completion of this effort will lay the groundwork for the development of a much broader range of WGM-based distributed sensors that can include species concentration detection with potential applications in homeland security and other areas. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kozhevnikov, Michael Lenterra Inc NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539068 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Spatial Color-Interpolation for New Image Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at developing a new image sensor. Digital image sensor devices including cameras and camcorders play an ever increasing role in remote sensing applications. The present image sensors, both CCD and CMOS types, used in these devices suffer "aliasing" artifacts. A costly optical "antialiasing" filter can be used upon image sensor to reduce the artifacts but it will also blur the image at the same time. Pioneering works by Yellot and Mitchell indicated other possible solutions to this problem about 20 years ago. With the use of stochastic sampling of the image together with the "Blue Noise Criteria", a new photo-diode layout of image sensor is proposed in this SBIR research project. Due to the discrete nature of image sampling, color interpolation is required for all pixels on the chip when Bayer color filter array is employed. Two standard interpolation methods plus an innovative multi-dimension interpolation method (Dirac-Monte Carlo method) developed by the proposer will be used to perform 2-dimension scattered color data interpolation on the chip for the reconstruction of the image. Image sensors constitute a fundamental part in digital cameras and camcorders. It is expected that this work will lead to further scientific understanding of signal sampling and reconstruction. The new image sensor proposed can be employed in digital camera and camcorder with different level of sophistication and cost. In addition, different sizes of CMOS chips will cover products ranging from consumer electronics (web camera, cell-phone camera, digital camera and camcorder) to deep space detectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fang, Kaung FANG, INC. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539073 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Location Aware Computing Using Near Field Electromagnetic Ranging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to transform the real time location system (RTLS) industry by bringing to fruition a simple, inexpensive, yet highly accurate location awareness technology called Near Field Electromagnetic Ranging (NFER). The proposed research will assess a radically new tracking technology by focusing on the technology's two primary technical uncertainties. First, the research will determine limits to antenna miniaturization without compromising a reliable link (i.e., how small a tag is possible). Second, the research will determine limits to system capacity (i.e., how many items can be tracked at a particular update rate). Phase I will ascertain these uncertainties through a combination of theoretical analysis and real-world testing of prototype systems. Real time locating systems (RTLS) is an important and rapidly growing segment within the radio frequency identification (RFID) industry. In today's world of just-in-time commerce, supply chain management (SCM) requires inexpensive RTLS to improve efficiency and maintain competitiveness. Established technologies such as global positioning system (GPS), ultra-wideband (UWB), and traditional time-of-flight ranging are unable to perform satisfactorily within complicated real-world, indoor propagation environments. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schantz, Hans Q-Track Corporation AL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 97718 9150 5371 HPCC 9215 9150 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539074 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High Quality, Low Cost, Polycrystalline CdS/CdTe Photovoltaic Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 will develop new processes for producing lower cost and higher quality thin films from the compound semiconductors CdS and CdTe. These will be used to more inexpensively produce high performance photovoltaic modules that generate electricity from sunlight. Thin film CdTe-based photovoltaics currently require a post-deposition CdCl2 treatment and anneal to achieve reasonable performance. This anneal is known to increase the grain size in some films and increase the minority carrier lifetime in all CdTe films. The minority carrier lifetime is generally correlated with device efficiency in photovoltaic cells. However, the CdCl2 anneal cannot be optimized to maximize the minority carrier lifetime because attempts to do so have caused film delamination. Film delamination occurs due to strain induced during the anneal at the interface between the film and the glass substrate. This proposal seeks to develop a film deposition process that simultaneously avoids this problem and makes better quality films. This process will foster large grain growth, defect passivation, and grain boundary passivation while eliminating the need for a post-deposition CdCl2 treatment and anneal. This will result in higher efficiency solar cells and a streamlined production process. Commercially, solar photovoltaic modules are a silent, pollution free means to generate electricity from sunlight. Once the capital investment is made to install a photovoltaic electricity system, its operating cost is essentially zero because its "fuel", sunlight, is free. Photovoltaic electricity provides a means for homes to generate as much energy as they use over the course of a year. The production of photovoltaic modules has been increasing 20-30% annually for the past decade due to increases in efficiency and reductions in cost. However, for photovoltaics to achieve significant market penetration into mainstream electricity generation, this growth rate must be continued. This requires further increases in module efficiency and reductions in module cost. This research proposal addresses both of these issues. Successful development of this technology will ensure the marketplace success of CdTe photovoltaic modules, and pave the way for widespread stable-priced, sustainable, pollution-free electricity generation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Beach, Joseph PrimeStar Solar Inc. CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99960 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539079 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Low Cost Integrated IR Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Gas Sensor. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project proposes the joint development of a compact/portable laser spectroscopic trace gas sensor based on quartz-enhanced photo-acoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) recently demonstrated in the lab. QEPAS uses a low cost quartz tuning fork as the sensing element and provides immunity to environmental acoustic noise and enables the use of very small gas cells (< 1cm3), which facilitates the development of portable and sensitive trace gas point sensors. The objective of the Phase I project is to develop and test a prototype QEPAS sensor for sensitive measurement of atmospheric ammonia (NH3), a known precursor to the formation of particulate matter. The sensitivity enhanced QEPAS sensor will be tested in the lab and integrated into a compact optical system along with the electronics hardware that will undergo extensive characterization. The proposed project aims to address limitations to the commercialization of highly sensitive infrared trace gas sensors which are high costs, large sizes, and lack of portability. QEPAS is a modular technology and capable of measuring a number of important trace gas species, which enables marketing the instrument to a broader range of applications where no commercially available instrumentation exists. Potential markets to be considered include atmospheric and pollution monitoring, as well as medical diagnostic applications in breath analysis. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Roller, Chad EKIPS TECHNOLOGIES INC OK Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 9150 1505 HPCC 9215 9150 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539080 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Nanosecond-Pulse Neutron Generator. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine the feasibility of the Nanosecond-pulse Neutron Generator (NNG) concept for use in Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) instruments. The novel NNG, which will represent a breakthrough in compact neutron generator technology, will overcome major limitations in the use of neutron techniques for NDE by enabling three-dimensional imaging and greatly improved sensitivity. The goals of the phase I project are to design and construct a proof-of-principle experiment for the NNG concept, conduct experiments to determine the feasibility of the concept, and to develop designs and economic analyses for the NNG and for an NNG-based NDE system designed for luggage inspection (an example of an important NDE application). The device will have a wide range of applications including the detection of explosives and chemical agents for homeland security, the analysis of process streams in mining and manufacturing, and humanitarian de-mining efforts. As the basis for new types of analytical instruments with state of the art performance, the NNG will enable new discoveries in neutron science and it applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greaves, Rod First Point Scientific, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1191 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539092 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Swept-Laser Spectroscopic System for High Resolution and Sensitivity Imaging of Gold Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to generate a prototype high-resolution, high-speed spectroscopic system consisting of a 1060nm swept laser and a photoreceiver to characterize the scattering properties of gold nanoparticels. The research goals will be accomplished by pursuing four technical objectives: (1) Generate a wide range, narrow-band 1060nm swept-wavelength laser; (2) Develop a photoreceiver system optimized for speed and sensitivity; (3) Characterize the scattering properties of gold nanoparticles; (4) Verify theoretical model and identify key spectroscopic system performance parameters. The ability to perform high sensitivity imaging of diseases in molecular and cellular levels through contrast enhancing agents will greatly benefit the advancement of biotechnology and Nanotechnology. Various contrasting agents have been explored for imaging applications, including the traditional florescence and absorption dyes, to the latest semiconductor quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles. The recently engineered gold nanoparticles possess superior light scattering and absorbing characteristics as well as long-term stability, and when bound to antibodies, can enable high-contrast molecular and cellular imaging of various diseases. If successful the long-term objective of this SBIR Phase I project is to develop a novel biological imaging modality based on a high-speed swept laser spectroscopic system at 1060nm region to interrogate bio-sensors made of gold nanoparticles. The new system should enable noninvasive disease detection with deep tissue penetration . This potentially powerful biomedical sensing modality can be created from a convergence of unique technological advancement in Nanotechnology, swept-wavelength laser system, and high-sensitivity photoreceiver. Furthermore, the inherent fiber-optics platform and Nanotechnology should enable a compact swept laser spectrometer for robust commercial deployment. The outcome of this project will accomplish three critical objectives: (1) A field deployable bio-chemical and bio-medical diagnostic system for security and healthcare; (2) An spectroscopic instrument to enhance research of nanoparticle sensors and drug discovery; (3) A new capability to facilitate the identification of diseases and the understanding of cellular and molecular biology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hsu, Kevin MICRON OPTICS INC GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99966 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539098 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Efficient UV/X-Ray Bio-Decontamination Source. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will seek to develop a prototype combined UV/ x-ray biodecontamination source. The SARS outbreak and anthrax scare, and the ongoing bio-terror threat after 9/11, has created the need to safeguard the public against life-threatening microbes. Ultraviolet radiation is generally effective in water and air but cannot penetrate most materials. Standard gamma and x-ray radiation sources are bulky and inconvenient. The novel transmission target NanoRay x-ray generator, however, is compact and efficient, more so than today's conventional x-ray systems. Nanophosphors were developed which emit visible light under e-beam excitation, and recently shown by us to produce emissions using x-ray excitation. Collaborators at the University of Michigan will develop nanophosphors to maximize emissions in the critical UV-C range when incorporated into a modified, NanoRay x-ray tube design. The x-ray target will be selected to provide the most desirable energy spectrum to maximize UV nanophosphor emissions and x-ray flux. Cell culture experiments will test the effectiveness of this UV/x-ray source. It is expected that during Phase I, a prototype, readily deployable, combined UV/x-ray source will be produced and demonstrated to induce death to cell cultures. There currently are over 8000 commercial aircraft operated in the United States alone. Major railroad stations and commuter trains number in the tens of thousands and large retail, commercial, office and residential buildings number in the hundreds of thousands. These environments all provide the means for the accidental or intentional spread of airborne microbes to hundreds if not thousands of individuals in a single incident. With today's widespread use of air travel, society has become international, and unintentional spread of disease can be merely a plane ride away. The recent outbreak of SARS and intentional anthrax distribution through the mail are still fresh in our minds, and post 9/11 fears of bioterrorism continue. Thus, the development of a reliable, efficient and readily deployable system to prevent or counteract microbial contamination has become critical. With the large number of potential targets, and the expanding human population, the commercial potential of such a biodecontamination device, and the societal impact of the protection that it can offer are significant. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vullo, Thomas NanoDynamics-88, Inc. NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99971 5371 CVIS 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539139 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Innovative High Speed Electrical Chip-to-Chip Interconnects for Next Generation Systems. This SBIR Phase I project proposes chip-to-chip interconnects that can be applied in the mother boards/ backplanes of high performance networking systems and/or computing systems, where 10 Gb/s and beyond signal speed per channel (serial) is necessary. An innovative cost-effective high speed (> 20Gb/s per channel) electrical interconnect technology, which can increase the signal carrying capacity of the board-level interconnects more than 6 times than the conventional technology is proposed. This can help to route the signal longer distances (at given signal-speed) at lower cost by using standard dielectric material. The company will investigate the design, feasibility of the concept, process development, and data analysis approaches in order to create a high speed interconnect PCB board, and each can carry the signal as high as 20 Gb/s. The proposed high speed electrical chip-to-chip interconnects will have applications in high speed PCs, high-speed servers, networking systems, gaming machines, communications systems, imaging and video systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dutta, Achyut Banpil Photonics, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99990 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539151 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Integration of Biologically-Derived Nanowire/Nanotube Materials in Photovoltaic Design. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on integrating biologically-derived nanowire/nanotube materials in the design of solar cells. A photovoltaic that integrates the use of biologically-derived nanomaterials will be assembled in this project and the experience accumulated herein will be further applied in the future development of nanowire/nanotube PV cells. The existing commercial PV cells use inorganic materials, e.g., silicon, amorphous-silicon, or thin layers of gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP) and cadmium telluride (CdTe). These fabrication processes are complex and the cost of their manufacture facility is high. Recent developments in nanotechnology offer material design controlled at the nano/molecular scale that provide alternative choices for developing new commercial products. Contrasted to the traditional solid-state inorganic PV designs, dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cell (DSC) is a low cost photovoltaic with reasonable energy conversion efficiency, which takes advantage of the high surface area of mesoporous nanomaterials for harboring light sensitizers. Current progress in self-assembling biological systems may provide us other alternatives to replace TiO2 thin layer by utilizing protein- or DNA-based nano/micro structures Commercially, photovoltaic (PV) or solar cells present a renewable source of energy, which is becoming increasingly competitive to the conventional counterparts based on oil. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fu, Tsu-Ju Catenae, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539157 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Forward-Looking Turbulence Detection Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project includes the development of an innovative, remote sensor using a Rayleigh/Mie laser radar to sample the air well ahead of an aircraft to monitor wind speed and detect turbulence. This sensor can, in effect, sense the atmosphere in the region of an aircraft and provide sensor data to mitigate turbulent event effects on the aircraft. The primary research objective is to develop an incoherent laser radar capable of providing range-resolved wind profiles in a small highly efficient and rugged package. This entails a requirements analysis, a trade study of sensor designs, and a complete sensor design for Phase II including a laser radar signal and a noise model estimate. A laboratory proof-of-concept demonstration is also proposed. The anticipated results include a Phase II prototype sensor design and a validation of the concept in the laboratory. This incoherent laser radar sensor will provide an additional air sensing tool for the atmospheric research community and for the commercial aviation industry with three-dimensional wind profiles even in clear air conditions (without atmospheric aerosols).Atmospheric researchers can more precisely characterize the atmosphere and potentially increase the understanding of the earth's climate and weather patterns. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Caldwell, Loren Ophir Corporation CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99339 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539160 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Test System for Non-Contact Electrical Characterization and Yield Improvement of Microcircuits. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a theoretical and experimental proof-of-concept, along with instrumentation and technique, for non-contact, in-line resistance measurement of nanostructures (transistors, interconnects, contacts, via, etc.), required to improve the process yield of today's integrated circuit (IC) chips. Conventional methods for the electrical characterization of microcircuits focus on test structures that use dedicated test wafers. Measurements are performed post fabrication with predefined landing pads that consume valuable silicon real estate. The data obtained from the dedicated wafer are used for product wafer characterization and yield estimation; however, such data are not necessarily accurate for IC chip design on product wafers. This project involves developing a next generation electrical test (e-test) technique, for non-contact interconnects capacitance (C) measurement, without the need for probe pads, using MEMS-based piezoelectric nanoprobes that are self-activating and self-sensing. This test system for non-contact R and C measurement will revolutionize the microcircuit e-test characterization. The innovations proposed herein include the in-line non-contact e-test technique for R measurement, and (along with C measurement) on-the-fly determination of such interconnect process parameters as line width (top and bottom), wire thickness, and trapezoidal shape of the copper interconnect under test. These interconnect process parameters can be used for back end IC process characterization and monitoring to ensure the process is running within specs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pirogova, Rimma Siprosys Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539180 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Optical Fiber Sensor for Relative Humidity. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a discrete multi-point embeddable optical fiber sensor to monitor relative humidity inside concrete structures. Relative humidity is a major factor that affects a number of processes related to the deterioration of civil structures. Humidity alone does not degrade concrete, however it does promote the action of agents that are ultimately responsible for accelerated corrosion, e.g., carbon dioxide and chloride ions. The proposed sensor can be embedded inside a structure to provide real-time data and can be custom designed to achieve a spatial resolution of up to 3 mm over the entire fiber length. This device uses a fluorescent cladding fiber that has a spectroscopic response dependent on relative humidity and can be manufactured to sense multiple simultaneous parameters such as chloride ions and pH. Currently, humidity measurements are achieved today with single point sensors in a semi-destructive fashion. Unlike existing devices, the proposed sensor can provide data at several points along the fiber length in a non-destructive fashion. It has been estimated that the cost of repairing and replacing concrete bridges in the United States is more than $20 billion and increases at an annual rate of $500 million. Once demonstrated, it will have applications in atmospheric sciences and in the monitoring of soil humidity to optimize the irrigation of cultures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Egalon, Claudio Science and Sensors Technology CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539185 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Broad Spectrum Differential Mobility Aerosol Analyzer for Aerosol Size Distribution Measurements. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will support the development of a new Differential Mobility Analyzer aerosol sizing and counting system that is simple to use, inexpensive, can be easily deployed for remote, autonomous operation, and allows rapid observations of ambient particle number size distributions over the 0.005 to 0.35 micrometer diameter range. The new technology will largely eliminate the cost, size, weight, and operator-expertise limitations of currently available sizing technologies. A theoretical model of instrument response and mechanical designs of the various components will be completed during the project. A prototype of the sizing system will be fabricated and the instrument will be tested side-by-side against standard instruments in the laboratory. Applications of the new technology include aerosol health effects studies, routine monitoring of ambient aerosol size distributions, studies of rapid aerosol evolution in power-plant plumes, and radiative closure calculations that relate key aerosol properties to ambient light extinction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brechtel, Fredrick Brechtel Manufacturing Incorporated CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99988 5371 HPCC 9215 7398 7282 5413 1634 1580 1521 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539198 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Electronically Tunable RF Passives on Planar Multi-Layer Metamaterials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project investigates a new type of electronically tunable RF passives for reconfigurable multi-band and multi-function RF front end radio systems. The front-end passives including antennas, filters, baluns, and transmission line inductors and capacitors are printed on an engineered metalized material (meta-materials) made on common printed-circuit multiple metal-dielectric layer structures. By tuning the injected currents on meta-material, it could be possible to adjust material characteristics and as a result, the central frequency and operating band of a passive component. The design of such an electronically tunable system requires a rigorous electromagnetic analysis of passive components, meta-materials, and their interactions. The desired planar meta-materials are compact in size with the metal profile resonant frequencies close to the device frequencies. The entire tunable system design requires the modeling of electromagnetic coupling between components and meta-materials and involves a three-dimensional field analysis of the complete structure. Wireless communication technology and applications have seen tremendous growth in recent years. Present wireless technology is geared toward the consolidation of multiple networks into one communication system for global roaming. There is an ever increasing demand for broadband multimedia applications for personal communication systems (PCS) that are extremely compact in size with multiple functionalities. A compact and power efficient implementation of multi-standard and multi-functional system calls for a tunable or reconfigurable RF front-end that is completely integrated with the rest of the system on circuit boards. RF passives on the circuit board (outside the chips) remain the bottleneck for device miniaturization and reconfiguration. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Castaneda, Jesus Bridge Wave Electronics IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99939 1505 HPCC 9215 4080 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539211 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: R-CEL for DUV Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop reversible contrast enhancement layers (R-CELs) for 248 nm lithography and 257 nm mask writing. Optical lithography is a key process in semiconductor manufacturing and mask writing. The R-CEL will help to break the diffraction limit facing the optical lithography. The application of R-CELs will enable lithographers to obtain higher resolution from their lithography and mask writing tools, extending the lifetime of the current infrastructure. R-CELs can also reduce lithography operating costs by increasing the process window and reducing the need for resolution enhancement technologies. The R-CELs proposed here will increase the productivity of wafer writing at 248 nm and mask writing at 257 nm. For wafer manufacturing, the R-CEL will extend 248 nm lithography to the 45 nm node, to circumventing the more expensive 193 nm lithography for certain processes. Commercially, this could save hundreds of millions of dollars for the industry by increasing the lifespan of the existing infrastructure and reducing the cost of lithography operations. The other application of the R-CEL concept, in 257 nm mask writing, will improve the competitiveness of optical mask writing tools compared to the slow and unreliable e-beam mask writing tools, thus reducing the cost of mask sets, especially cutting-edge masks, which are the leading cost of small to mid volume ASIC production. It is predicted that the total available market for the R-CEL for 248 and 257 nm will reach $200M in 2007. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Zhiyun Pixelligent Technologies LLC MD T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539223 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Dual Sensor for Continuous Monitoring of Total Sulfur in Natural Gas. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the development of Sensors wherein the adsorption of trace sulfur contaminants in natural gas will be monitored at the surface of the sensor. The system will be optimized to measure total sulfur species such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in natural gas, to aide in the control of desulfurization systems used in high temperature fuel cells. While natural gas is a readily available fuel to generate electricity with fuel cells, the traces of sulfur compounds must be removed first to prevent electrode poisoning and fouling. The proposed mixed metal oxide sulfur sensor will improve the reliability and service life for high temperature solid oxide and molten carbonate fuel cells used for stationary power. The unique features for selectively adsorbing/desorbing interfering gases make this sensor applicable to a wide variety of other sensing needs. The metal oxide dual sensors may be suitable for operating environments where there are wide changes in humidity, temperature and mechanical stress. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McDonald, Robert GINER, INC. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99889 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539234 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Automated Structural Health Monitoring Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will support the development of an automated structural health monitoring sensor system with wireless data acquisition capability, capable of detecting crack, corrosion, and disbonding in metal structures and advanced materials. This novel sensor technology offers a number of advantages including compactness (0.5mm x 2mm x 5mm), lightweight (few grams), and low power consumption (battery powered). This is achieved by fabricating Bragg gratings on stress-wave-sensitive polymer planar waveguides, which is capable of detecting both surface and below surface cracks in advanced material structures. In Phase I, a Lamb wave method is used to demonstrate the polymer gratings' capability to measure stress waves indicating the presence and severity of damages caused by cracks, fiber delaminations, or corrosion in a fiber composite structure, when the structure is probed by an ultrasonic wave generation actuator device. This novel Lamb wave sensor system will offer significant cost saving for the civil and aerospace industries by providing a cost-effective solution for damage detection in large aerospace and civil structures. The new sensor technology will enhance public safety as a result of effective warning systems. Advances in the Lamb wave sensor technology will permit researchers to utilize this technology to better understand degradation mechanism leading to material failure in large and complex structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nguyen, An-Dien LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99984 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539240 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High-Power RF MEMS Switch. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims at demonstrating a novel radio frequency Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (RF MEMS) switch capable of handling high-power RF/microwave signals. Communication systems exploit switches in many ways, such as signal routing and system reconfigurability, thus, it is imperative that switches be noninvasive. This means that the only hint of their presence should be negligible insertion loss in the passing state, and negligible transmission in the blocking state, regardless of the signal power level being processed. While the performance of current RF MEMS switches is almost ideal, this has been mostly demonstrated at relatively low-power signal levels (e.g., sub-Watt), where undesirable effects that ruin their performance, such as self-actuation and heat-induced deformation, which are occasioned by high power signals, are absent. There is a need, therefore, for RF MEMS switches that can maintain the high levels of performance enabled by this technology even when handling high-power signals. The proposed research has three primary objectives: 1) to design a novel high-power RF MEMS switch; 2) to demonstrate its low-cost manufacturability; and 3) to demonstrate its high-power performance. The research will address key technical challenges related to switch architecture to maximize its switching life and power handling capability. The successful outcome of this research will enable new capabilities in high-end systems, such as aerospace and defense systems, wireless infrastructure, and instrumentation. The proposed research program and product development efforts will foster multi-physics computational modeling, materials characterization and investigation of thermal transport mechanisms in thin films. This will promote interdisciplinary research and education among students. Moreover, participation in a commercial product development process will add an additional dimension to their educational experience. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DeLosSantos, Hector NanoMEMS Research, LLC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539253 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of Conformal Antennas for Airborne SatCom Using Kinetic Metallization. This SBIR Phase I proposal will demonstrate a complete approach for net shape or in situ fabrication of multi-layer conformal antennas suitable for airborne satellite communications (SatCom). To satisfy future SatCom requirements for high performance aircraft, broadband apertures for C-band uplink/downlink must be integrated conformal to the aircraft body. Multi-layer micro-strip antenna arrays are a pathway to meeting this need if fabrication methods can be devised to produce robust, multi-layer conductor and dielectric structures in doubly-curved topologies. Traditional planar antenna structures and materials do not yield gracefully into complex shapes. A viable manufacturing approach must be devised to allow conformal antenna structures to be directly fabricated in the desired net shape. The company has developed and patented a room temperature and pressure, high velocity metal powder coating process known as Kinetic Metallization (KM) that can be employed to prepare ground planes, micro-strip antenna elements, and feed networks on a variety of moldable dielectric substrates in arbitrary 3D geometries. This will facilitate the design space necessary for devising a new class of broadband conformal airborne SatCom apertures. The broader success for this effort will be a low-cost approach to fabricating arbitrary micro-strip or array antenna configurations for a wide range of frequency bands (UHF through SHF), creating an affordable option for many military and commercial satellite link applications. The low-cost commercialization potential derives from the ability to perform direct pattern printing of low loss conductors on proven dielectric substrates at room temperature and pressure, in a mass assembly facility without the overhead of hazardous materials or processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tapphorn, Ralph INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99946 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539290 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) Full-Spectrum Clad-Pumped Chromium Doped Fiber Amplifier. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a cladpumped Chromium doped fiber amplifier (CDFA) module that will provide full-spectrum optical amplification ranging from 1270 nm to 1610 nm for coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) network systems. A single crystal with certain spectral gain that traditional glass fibers and semiconductor amplifiers cannot offer is transformed to be integrateable with single-mode fiber-optic components. This novel combination of conventional bulk crystal technology, contemporary fiber optics technology, and advanced fiber laser technology may be disruptive and may result in many discoveries and applications. If successful the outcome of this project would not only provide full-spectrum amplification for current CWDM systems, but also provide the path to ultra-high capacity wideband dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems. In addition, this platform technology has other applications such as tunable lasers for test and measurement, and CWDM transponders. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yeh, Ping-hui Optospace CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99970 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539295 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS)/Nanoparticle Masterbatch Blends for Electronic Packaging. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of producing nanotube and nanoparticle "masterbatches" in selected high-performance thermoplastics using specifically tailored POSS components as dispersing agents. Polymer modification with carbon nanotubes and other nanoparticles is the subject of extensive research and interest because of the potential to produce dramatically enhanced mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Current commercial use of carbon nanotubes in polymers, however, is limited to only a few specialized applications due chiefly to difficulties in obtaining adequate dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, which is critical to achieve the desired properties. Unlike many other nanoparticles, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles are easily dispersed in a wide range of polymer matrices. This is achieved by tailoring the chemical structure of the POSS molecule for compatibility with the specific polymer resin. Commercially, conductive, transparent engineering thermoplastic nanocomposites based on POSS/carbon nanotube dispersions could find immediate application in a wide range of high-tech products including antistatic and/or shielding plastics for displays, electronic packaging, computer and business equipment products, and aircraft canopies. The market for conductive plastics alone is estimated at $1 billion for 2005. In addition, a prominent plastics manufacturer has shown interest in commercialization of the POSS masterbatches at the completion of Phase I. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lichtenhan, Joseph Hybrid Plastics, Inc. MS William Haines Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539307 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Dielectric-Graphite-Metal Enabled Cold Plate for High Power Microelectronics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is focused on the development of a unique, high efficiency cold plate technology for application to Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT) modules. The cold plate is enabled by a dielectric-graphite-metal composite material which serves as the cold plate's lid and provides for electric isolation of the electronic components and circuitry, minimizes the thermal resistance between the electronics and the heat sink fluid and minimizes the thermal stresses. The research objective of this project is the development of the manufacturing process and procedures required to produce the cold plate components and assembly; and the characterization of the cold plate's thermal performance. This cold plate technology will enable the cost effective manufacture of dielectric-graphite-metal materials that achieve the target thermal properties critical to satisfying thermal management solutions for high power applications for which existing thermal management materials are inadequate. The heat dissipation rate of electronic systems has increased dramatically as a result of ongoing advances in semiconductor materials, compression of circuit physical architecture, size reduction of packaging envelops and faster switching speed. There is a critical need for advanced active cooling solutions with improved thermal properties capable of meeting the thermal management requirements of current and future high power electronic systems. Today's high power electronics have reached heat flux levels of up to 500 W/cm2 and this level is projected to exceed 1,000 W/cm2 within several years. The market application for cold plate technology arising from this effort include power conversion systems, phased-array radar systems, high energy laser systems, telecommunication base station power electronics and high end computers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Connell, James ADVANCED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES MA William Haines Standard Grant 99914 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539309 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Trapping Particle Detector for On-Line Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop improved particle detectors for monitoring of semiconductor manufacturing tools. This detection technology will increase count rates for greater than 0.2 micron diameter particles by 100 to 1000 times improving correlations between the particle detector and wafer by greater than 10 times. For smaller particles this detector will enable detection, ultimately to the nanoparticle regime (less than 25 nanometers). The intellectual merit of this proposal is that it will advance the state of knowledge in the field of engineering and physics of microplasmas. It will broaden knowledge of plasma scaling and of the behavior of particles in plasmas. This proposal will improve the performance of semiconductor process tool manufacturer's products by enabling cost-effective, real-time monitoring. Commercially, the broad economic benefit of this program will be to enhance the competitiveness of domestic semiconductor manufacturers. Particle issues account for approximately 11% of manufacturing tool downtime and are a major cause of scrap and yield losses. This technology will have spin-out benefits for the entire nanotechnology field. By enhancing the small particle performance limit of detection it will enable nanotech researchers and manufacturers to address safety issues related to nanoparticle production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doughty, Chris Verionix MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539310 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Nanostructure Deposition Methods For Thermoelectric Converters. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop nanoelectronic power generators for wireless sensors and active RFID tags. These devices need long lasting power supplies that can harvest energy from the environment to enable a truly autonomous operation. The objective of this research is to demonstrate a power harvesting technology that is significantly improved due to the introduction of nanostructured materials. The technology will be based on the innovative deposition of nanoelectronics that is applicable to practical devices. Selected structures will be tested at the small device level to obtain the most realistic performance estimates. The cost of the generators will also be estimated based on the experimental results. Energy harvesting devices can be used for applications that need small quantities of power for long times. These include wireless sensors and active RFID tags. The proposed technology will demonstrate a lower-cost and practical alternative to established methods for the deposition of nanostructured materials. It can help to provide compact, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and long lasting power supplies for wireless sensor networks or other applications. It can be an alternative to established solar, thermal, or vibration harvesting approaches. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hecht, Mathias Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing AZ William Haines Standard Grant 99918 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539315 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High Speed Scanning System for Imaging and Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will investigate a novel scanning mechanism suitable for non-invasive optical imaging and analysis systems similar to Optical Coherence Tomography. Conventional scanning systems typically physically translate a reference mirror through a distance comparable to the scanning range. This critically limits the speed performance and applicability of conventional non-invasive imaging and analysis systems. The proposed approach is to develop a high speed scanning solution, compatible with real-time video display, by generating multiple optical reference signals related to different depths within the target in a manner that enables simultaneously acquiring interferometric signals from multiple depths within the target. Furthermore, this will be done in a manner that allows the simultaneously acquired interferometric signals to be separated in the electronic domain. This novel scanning approach is expected to accomplish scanning ranges of the order of millimeters without the requirement of physically translating a reference mirror by a similar range. This will enable compact, rugged, low cost imaging and analysis systems. The innovation addresses a limiting scan speed aspect of conventional interferometric scanning systems that restricts the usefulness of technologies including Optical Coherence Tomography. If successful the novel scanning technology will be implemented at different wavelength ranges making it practical for a broad range of applications. A key aspect of this technology is that it can be implemented in a highly integrated manner to provide a compact, rugged and low cost commercially viable system. This can make non-invasive high-speed imaging and analysis ubiquitously availably thus enabling routine defect analysis for quality control or routine medical screening for tissue malignancies. Specific applications include: non-destructive material analysis for quality control or defect monitoring; monitoring for skin cancer; imaging burn damage; retinal imaging; dental imaging and fiber catheter based internal medical analysis. The ubiquitous availability of low cost high performance systems can have a significant positive societal impact on health and quality of life by early detection and treatment of malignant medical conditions, with extraordinary savings in health care costs and on manufacturing quality control leading to improved commercial productivity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hogan, Josh FP Technology CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 96586 5371 HPCC 9139 5225 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539316 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Selective Area Hydrogenation for High Performance Monolithic HgCdTe NIR Avalanche Photo Diode Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new passivation technique, derived from a recent discovery that semiconductors can be readily hydrogenated by simultaneous exposure to hydrogen gas and ultra-violet light. The technique has a number of advantages over conventional glow discharge hydrogenation, is immediately applicable to processes requiring selective area passivation, and does not require contact masks. The company has teamed with Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) to develop the technique for fabrication of high performance near-infrared (NIR)- HgCdTe avalanche-photodiode arrays (APD) on large area silicon wafers, heretofore not feasible due to the threading dislocations that arise from the large lattice mismatch between HgCdTe and Si. Such defects in HgCdTe can be passivated by hydrogenation but the process through which RVS grows the integrated diode structures necessitates that hydrogenation be performed on fully processed diode arrays, presenting an ideal application for both the development and demonstration of this technology. Phase I therefore, will provide a definitive demonstration of the technology, an immediate solution to the realization of low cost HgCdTe APD's on Si, and a clearly identified roll-out customer at the end of Phase II to license the technology. Commercially, the selective area defect passivation technology developed here has the potential to fundamentally change the way NIR APD arrays are produced (and used) and could enable RVS to realize monolithic HgCdTe APDs on Si. HgCdTe APDs and APD arrays offer unique advantages for high-performance eyesafe LADAR sensors. These include: operation at room temperature, low-excess noise, high gain, high-quantum efficiency at eyesafe wavelengths, GHz bandwidth, and high-packing density. The ability to grow on Si will significantly reduce the cost of these systems, and make them more generally available for civil transport, aviation, and robotic vision systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hellmer, Ronald Amethyst Research Incorporated OK T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99963 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539321 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Microwave Technique for Rapid Thermal Processing of Silicon Carbide Wide Bandgap Semiconductor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involving a novel microwave technique for rapid thermal processing of silicon carbide wide bandgap semiconductors will develop a unique solid state microwave technique that can lower the sheet resistance and surface roughness of SiC semiconductors to unprecedented levels. Taking full advantage of the current state of the art solid state microwave technologies, The company will develop a prototype microwave unit for rapid thermal processing (RTP) of SiC with several innovations: (1) ultra-high heating rate up to 200-900 deg C/sec, (2) ultra-high temperature up to 2000 deg C, (3) easy and reliable process control by electronics and computer, (4) multivariable control for temperature uniformity and reproducibility, and (5) small dimension and convenient to be integrated into production lines. During Phase I, the prototype unit will be modified to meet special requirements for RTP of SiC. Microwave annealing of SiC implanted with donor and acceptor species will be performed at temperatures of 1700-1950 deg C and annealing time from a minute to a few seconds. Afterward, measurements of electrical properties will be conducted to determine feasibility and applicability. In Phase II, this technique will be extended to large size of SiC wafers for commercial applications. Commercially, the proposed technology can be easily deployed in commercial products for rapid thermal processing of SiC, GaN and CMOS. With such unparalleled high heating rate and high heating temperature, the technology can be extended to many other applications such as wafer bonding in IC, MEMS and optoelectronic packaging, as well as rapid thermal fabrication of advanced materials such as nano-materials and function materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tian, Yonglai LT Technologies VA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539330 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Sensor/Controller for Submicron Fiberizing Processes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at developing an instrument for online real-time measurement of the sizes of submicron fibers down to 100 nm. Output of this device would be used to control industrial processes for making fine fibers. There is a growing trend of using finer fibers, both in glass and polymer fiber industries, in order to obtain extraordinary properties. Processes used for making fine fibers are operated under extreme conditions, so it is desirable to closely monitor and control them in order to ensure a reliable operation. Currently, there is no technique available to measure submicron fiber size online. The objective of the proposed research is to upgrade the electronics, optics and mechanics of the existing instrument, in order to enable measurement of fibers down to 100 nm. Besides providing the fiber industry with an advanced tool to optimize the manufacturing process, this project would have broader economic and environmental impacts by enhancing the efficiency and productivity of a significant manufacturing sector. The total market of products with fibers as the primary component (filters, fabrics, etc.) is worth several hundred billion dollars. Any improvement in the productivity of the pertinent fiberizing processes would result in higher energy efficiency as well as lower pollutant emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Naqwi, Amir POWERSCOPE INCORPORATED MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99587 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1195 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539333 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Atmospheric Pressure Molecular Layer CVD. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel approach to molecular-layer film deposition. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) for barrier layers and thin dielectrics provides unexcelled control of film thickness and conformality, but has been plagued by low deposition rates, film contamination, and high cost. Many of these deficiencies are due to the limited reactant concentrations used in low-pressure operation, combined with the complex pump / purge cycles conventionally employed. Atmospheric-pressure operation, combined with spatial reactant separation, can enable a continuous-processing architecture that promises much higher throughput and lower cost, and high reactant concentrations ensure saturatedmonolayer growth and low contaminant concentrations without unacceptably slow deposition cycles. In this work the company proposes to demonstrate deposition of uniform films of TiN to show the benefits of the atmospheric pressure approach, using a prototype reactor previously constructed. Successful demonstration of the benefits of AP-MLCVD will provide the company with sufficient information to construct a viable alpha-stage commercial tool, in which deposition testing on 200-mm or 300-mm wafers relevant to large-scale integrated circuit fabrication can be performed. Commercially, such full-scale demonstrations are indispensable for commercialization of new processes in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Atmospheric-pressure operation, combined with spatial-separation-based MLCVD process, makes it possible to construct a high-throughput deposition tool that is simultaneously low in cost, as no load locks or pump down operations are required, and simple circular wafer transport with a single load-unload station can be used. APMLCVD will enable a new generation of deposition processes for controllable fabrication of ultra-thin films of complex materials, such as high-k dielectrics and diffusion barrier layers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Selitser, Simon TimeDomain CVD Incorporated CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99918 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539336 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Nanocable Structures - Material Growth and Characterization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to assess the feasibility of a completely new semiconductor radial heterostructure (e.g. CdTe/Au) with modulated composition and fabrication method for very low cost, highly efficient nanostructured solar cells application. This technology would enable the integration of the metal /semiconductor junction into nanostructures that perform like singular solar cells. The advantage is that each nanostructure has its own collector. Assembling these nanostructures into a solar cell array will allow maximizing the surface for light adsorption. Additionally, this specific design accelerates the flow carrier by providing an ordered, nanoscale tailored, interface with direct channels to electrodes. Scattering at the internal interfaces of the proposed nanostructures will increase the optical path through the cell and thus enhance the optical absorbance, allowing for a further reduction of the absorber thickness. Besides, semiconductor structures at extreme nanoscale dimensions exhibit distinctly different physical properties than the bulk material, such as optical band offset and increase in band gap. This novel nanostructured solar cell will use a template synthesis that will be easy to incorporate into today's thin film technology. The proposed technology is versatile and the nanostructures can be made on virtually any substrate (conductive, nonconductive, rigid, flexible etc). Employing of CdTe/Au nanocables opens new avenue in fabrication of new nanocomposite materials exhibiting quite a number of unique physical properties. The proposed technology is applicable to fabrication of solar cells with improved efficiency. The simple and cost-effective process can be performed at room temperature. It does not require any expensive clean room facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vidu, Ruxandra All Best Materials LLC CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 98927 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539355 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Improvements in Reliability of Semiconductor Products Using Magnetic Current Imaging for Fault Isolation of Open Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will extend the capabilities of magnetic current imaging to detect open failures in semiconductor packages with an accuracy of 30 microns. The largest, most difficult problem encountered in packages is electrical opens due to increasing shrinking and complex technology in leading edge designs. The only available techniques are time domain reflectometry with practical resolution of 1-2 mm and time consuming layer-by-layer deprocessing. There is a critical need for a faster, non-destructive and more reliable technique capable of locating opens at a level commensurate with todays package level wiring, 30 micron pitch and able to extend to future wiring pitches approaching 10 micron. It is proposed to use magnetic current imaging with a SQUID sensor to solve this critical need. Two approaches will be attempted: one is to increase the frequency detection limit of the equipment to detect high frequency signals at the defect location. The second is to use the SQUID to detect radio frequency signal emitted by the defect at higher frequency signals. It is expected that one or both of these approaches to be able to detect opens with a resolution of about 30 micron. Commercially, the semiconductor industry has a critical need for localization of buried open defects in packages with resolution below 30 microns. The proposed technology is targeting a 30 micron resolution to fill a known gap in fault isolation technology for packaging. For the semiconductor companies it will enable the packaging manufacturing sites to isolate open defects and improve their manufacturing processes to minimize or eliminate these defects quickly so that they can get high quality reliable products to market faster. For the nation, it means faster introduction of advanced electronics that will have a broad impact across all industries and ultimately improve quality of life and labor productivity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Orozco, Antonio NEOCERA INC MD T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99067 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539358 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Imaging Device for Infrared and Terahertz Radiation Beams Utilizing Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an imaging detector based on thermochromic liquid crystals. The principle of operation is to use the heat deposited by electromagnetic radiation on a thin sheet of thermochromic liquid crystal material, which reacts to temperature by changing color. The profile of the incident radiation is translated to a color distribution on the liquid crystal sheet. The sheet is imaged with a video camera and the image is processed to provide information about the radiation. The objectives of the project will be to choose the proper system components (crystal, thermal regulator, optics and video, controls and data acquisition) and assemble and test a proof-of-principle prototype. If successful the out come of this project will be an inexpensive, broadband imaging detector with particular application in the far infrared to terahertz range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The far infrared and terahertz range of the electromagnetic spectrum is finding increasing application in science (astronomy, materials research, accelerator physics) and homeland security (detection of chemical and biological agents, explosives, and concealed weapons). While there is currently great interest in the field of terahertz radiation production and detection, the basic terahertz laboratory test equipment is not easily accessible due to high costs and involved operating techniques. While the detector would find immediate use in laboratories, applications to the industrial and security systems are envisioned. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Murokh, Alex RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539365 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Atmospheric Pressure Microplasma Emission Spectrometer. This SBIR Phase I proposal will develop a miniature atmospheric pressure plasma spectrometer using a source which generates a highly confined, high-density discharge (kW/cm3). The source would be based on a high frequency ring resonator structure and would utilize low cost widely available IC power amplifiers and drivers, would have extremely low cost in moderate volume production (<$50), and would consume <2 W rf power, allowing for portable operation. The compact size of this discharge should allow straightforward coupling to fiber optic spectrometers, and intense optical emission. This innovative source will integrated to form new generation of highly portable and low cost plasma emission spectrometers, similar in operational principle to $100,000, 3-5kW power consumption benchtop units at orders of magnitude lower cost, size and portability. This program will add substantially to the scientific knowledge base and lead to fundamental understanding of the physics and engineering of these high-power-density, small and highly non-equilibrium plasmas. The source technology to be developed here will enable the miniaturization of a variety of chemical and gas analysis technology. This technology, by dramatically lowering the cost (10-100x), form factor (100x), and portability of the analytical equipment will provide economic benefits to customers in industrial settings, enhance worker and workplace safety, and allow for wider environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doughty, Chris Verionix MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539367 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor Design for InP-Based Integrated Circuits. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will address the need for reliable, low cost wireless components and ultra high speed InP integrated circuits. Under this program a novel hetero-junction bipolar transistor will be designed and fabricated that will enable high-yield, low cost InP integrated circuit production for wireless communications. Cost will be reduced by developing new processing techniques for InP-based hetero-junction bipolar transistors that utilize conventional lithographic technology while producing submicron device dimensions. Smaller device dimensions will also produce more efficient circuits, allowing for longer battery life in mobile electronics applications. These techniques will improve device yield and reliability and increase manufacturing throughput. Higher yields, larger scale of integration, improved reliability and lower cost are needed in InP integrated circuit production to allow it to compete effectively with SiGe. Production of complex (> 50,000 transistors) integrated circuits utilizing InP hetero-junction bipolar transistors will become a practical reality. By using previous generation lithographic techniques for processing of heterojunction bipolar transistors integrated circuits, development time and costs will be reduced, allowing products to reach the market faster. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Crain, Nathaniel VEGA WAVE SYSTEMS, INC. IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539374 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Soil Carbon Monitor. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project concerns the development of field-based analytical instrumentation for the determination of carbon content in soil. The instrumentation will employ laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy utilizing detection of atomic carbon ultraviolet emission. The work plan will focus on a proof-of-principle demonstration using standard soil samples as reference materials. Samples of unknown composition will then be analyzed using the proposed technology. Estimates of precision and accuracy will be determined and compared with values obtained using conventional combustion-based analytical techniques. An economical field-ready instrument will also be designed. Significant amounts of carbon are deposited in the soil by biological activity and, as such, might offer a means of mitigating the effects of anthropomorphically produced carbon dioxide. The resulting need to acquire more accurate terrestrial carbon inventories and measure fluxes will require orders of magnitude more measurements than can be delivered economically using current technology. This project will attempt to develop an economical means of providing such measurements. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wormhoudt, Joda Aerodyne Research Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC EGCH 9215 7398 7282 5413 1634 1580 1521 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539375 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Wavelength-Selective Lasers for Photonic Integrated Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address the commercial need for novel wavelength-selective laser diodes for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications. Current state-of-the-art devices are fabricated using an expensive, low-yield, epitaxial regrowth process. The drawbacks of this method are the high costs of both the required capital equipment and the operation. In addition, the lower yields encountered with the multiple regrowths required to fabricate complex photonic circuits make cost-effective integrated photonic components difficult to achieve. The company has developed a novel high-yield manufacturing method and laser diode design that will enable the fabrication of low-cost wavelength-selective and tunable laser diodes in InP for optical communications. If successful the results of this project will enable the practical manufacture of integrated photonic devices using practical semiconductor manufacturing techniques, reducing costs for high-bandwidth Internet services. Photonic components with increased levels of optical integration are needed for fiber optic communications. Currently, devices are produced using etch and/or epitaxial regrowth technologies that are difficult to manufacture or increase the surface area of devices near p-n junctions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sugg, Alan VEGA WAVE SYSTEMS, INC. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539385 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Continuous Production of Quantum Dots from Aerosol. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on the development of new and inexpensive techniques for continuous production of high quality nanoparticles (quantum dots). Preliminary results indicate that aerosol-flow methods can be used for the continuous production of high quality, inexpensive CdS, CdSe, CdTe and ZnO nanoparticles. The objective of this project is to create a new manufacturing process for the synthesis of quantum dots. A chemical aerosol flow synthesis for the continuous production of nanoparticles is proposed where reaction of nanoparticles synthesis proceeds inside droplets of high boiling point solvents. Thus the mechanism of chemical reactions is similar to a batch method. The method however is much simpler in procedure and experimental setup, is inexpensive, scalable, and allows for the synthesis of high quality nanoparticles in a continuous flow regimen. Primary focus of proposed research is to find optimal technical and physico-chemical conditions for the production of high quality nanoparticles. Commercially, the technology will be attractive to a wide range of markets. The technology allows for continuous production of semiconductor quantum dots, nanooxides, and nanometals and will play significant role in the market of nanomaterials.It is expected that the outcome of this proposal will have great impact on future nanotechnology if successful. The reason is that semiconductor, metal, and oxide nanoparticles are among the most desired materials for future technology and research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Didenko, Yuri UT Dots, Inc. IL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 97725 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539386 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Avalanche Photodiodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will describe the design, fabrication and delivery of a novel, high-yield, low-cost planar InAlAs avalanche photodiode that is suitable for communications applications. The team will design, fabricate and test a 50-um-diameter avalanche photodetector. Avalanche photodiodes for communications applications are much higher cost components than conventional p-i-n photodiodes. The fabrication process used in this program will enable low-cost, high yield manufacturing of avalanche photodiodes with excellent device uniformity. The unique features of the component design of this program will enable planar, reliable devices with low excess-noise factor and high gain-bandwidth products and high quantum efficiency. The results of the devices developed under this program will enhance the state-of the- art in reliable low-cost avalanche photodiodes for fiber optic communications. The market size for optical and electronic transmission components was over $1 billion in 2003 and is projected to exceed $1.6 billion by 2008. The optical component market segment will grow from $368.7 million in 2003 to $530 million in 2008. Avalanche photodiodes account for approximately half of the revenue for detector components for communications and account for only a fraction of the total detector unit volume. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sugg, Alan VEGA WAVE SYSTEMS, INC. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539391 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Compact Wavelength Sensor for Digital Control and Stabilization of Tunable Lasers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a compact, robust wavelength sensor for digital control of tunable lasers. During this project the company will design and build a wavelength sensor that can provide an error signal for feedback to a pulsed or cw tunable laser to lock its wavelength. The sensor is based on a novel waveguide circuit, and incorporates no moving parts or bulk optics. After fabrication of the sensor hardware and development of the necessary software algorithms that analyze the sensor data to determine the laser wavelength, the sensor will be tested to determine its measurement stability and resolution. Based on theoretical analysis and previous research, the company expects to demonstrate resolution and accuracy of 1ppm or better. If successful the results will lead to the commercial introduction of wavelength-stabilized, digitally tunable diode lasers. The company believes that these products will have significant market potential in a number of areas, including industrial metrology and atmospheric sensing of trace gases. For example, light from a high-powered, wavelength-stabilized laser diode, coupled to multiple single-mode optical fibers, could be distributed throughout a manufacturing plant to every axis of every machine tool and coordinate measuring machine. The availability of wavelength-stabilized laser diodes will provide the manufacturing industry with an extremely attractive alternative to the commonly used HeNe laser, which is bulky, not very robust, and, because of its low optical power, generally requires a separate laser for each measured axis of every machine tool or CMM. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Snyder, James Fizeau Electro-Optic Systems LLC NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99111 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539401 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A New Production Method for Ta Fibers for Use in Electrolytic Capacitors with Improved Performance and Packaging Options. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is intended to demonstrate a new process for manufacturing valve metal fibers for use in producing capacitors. The technology is applicable to all valve metals used for making solid electrolytic capacitors. If successful, this technology could lead to capacitor products having higher performance and greater volumetric efficiency than are currently available. The use of fibers in place of the standard powder compacts allows the production of thin anode bodies leading to improved packaging options and component performance. The innovation underlying the technology is bundle drawing of valve metal filaments contained in copper matrix. A composite consisting of valve metal filaments in a copper matrix is drawn in series of reduction steps until the filaments are less than 10 microns. The drawn wire is rolled to produce submicron thick ribbon type filaments. The copper composite matrix is chemically dissolved to produce metallic thin fibers. The fibers are formed into thin mats, which are sintered to produce porous metal strips from which high surface area capacitor anodes can be made. A significant aspect of this approach is that fiber morphology can be varied within a wide range of thickness and widths unlike powders. This allows the morphology of the fibers to be optimized in order to maximize the properties of the capacitor. Commercially, nearly all medical, automotive and consumer electronic devices all utilize solid electrolytic capacitors due to their performance, volumetric efficiency, and high reliability. Several million pounds per year of powder are consumed in the manufacture of capacitors for these applications. The trend towards higher power components, and miniaturization, combined with the need to lower materials and manufacturing costs have created an opportunity for new methods of producing solid electrolytic capacitors. Fiber metal technology has the potential to both lower manufacturing costs, improve capacitor performance, and improve packaging options which could lead to new products that are either very difficult or very expensive to make using current methods. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nachtrab, William Supercon Inc MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539409 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Thick Film Garnet Materials for In-Plane Propagation Magnetooptic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the device and market opportunity for in-plane propagation of light in planar anisotropy magnetic garnet films for high sensitivity, high-speed magneto-optic sensors and modulators. Traditional propagation devices require perpendicular magnetic fields and magnetization processes. These are limited in speed and sensitivity by the current materials and the energy required to magnetize the garnet in the perpendicular direction. In the plane of the film, there is almost no energetic barrier to domain rotation. In this project, the company proposes to reduce that barrier to near zero to make devices of unprecedented sensitivity and speed. The goal is to attain pico-Tesla field sensitivities in sensors and gigahertz device frequencies. The latter will enable small, low-power magneto-optic light modulators that are truly a disruptive technology by comparison to current large dimension electro-optic technologies. In-plane propagation in planar thick film Faraday rotators would enable unique new devices. High speed magneto-optic modulators open the door to system integration architecture for wideband communications and software defined radios. In-plane propagation can be optimized to give either unprecedented high sensitivity or ranges much greater than can be attained with conventional perpendicular propagation. These sensors would have applications such as wheel and turbine rotation, electric power distribution, monitoring, metering and control and battlefield sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fratello, Vincent INTEGRATED PHOTONICS, INC. AL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539413 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Wafer-Scale, Hermetic Packaging of Intelligent MEMS-Based Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses development of a novel packaging method for wafer-scale hermetic packaging of intelligent MEMS. Packaging of MEMS along with the requisite electronics is one of the main technical barriers to commercialization of these devices. Packaging methods are often expensive, have long development cycles, and may adversely affect the device performance and reliability. In cases where direct media access is required and the MEMS needs to operate in harsh environments, protecting the electronics from the media provides a huge challenge. The proposed packaging approach consists of extending the MEMS device and etching a deep cavity into the substrate to house the ASIC. A wafer-level hermetic bonding method will then be developed to cap the ASIC while allowing electrical connection between the ASIC and the device. This project will focus on the development of attachment methods for securing the ASIC inside the substrate cavity, hermetic bonding of a cap wafer and inclusion of NanoGettersTM inside the packaged subassembly. At the end of Phase I, the attachment method, hermetic cap bonding and NanoGetterTM integration will be qualified. A pressure sensor / ASIC testbed will be fabricated to verify overall system integration. If successful, this will have an impact in the sensor/ASIC packaged subassemblies market. As a result of a positive outcome of this project the company could offer foundry services for custom development of packaging and integration of ASIC into a variety of MEMS devices. The main industrial markets will be ultra-high vacuum pressure sensors for semiconductor equipment and the main medical markets that are targeted are pressure sensing pacing leads, pressure sensing catheters, and pressure sensing guidewires. The proposed packaging method provides a manufacturable solution for one of the most difficult aspects of development and commercialization of MEMS devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Massoud-Ansari, Sonbol (Sarah) Integrated Sensing Systems Incorporated MI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539430 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: RFID tags for cardiopulmonary monitoring in clinical setting. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a customized radio frequency (RF) integrated circuit (IC) using radio frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This RF IC will be used in cardiopulmonary monitoring system. The system uses a disposable MEMS sensor in the form of adhesive tags that receive power remotely through a remote radio frequency source. In this proposed system, heart and lung sounds are obtained through wireless communication with a personal computer (PC) node. With the PC, heart and lung sounds are presented graphically, recorded or analyzed for further use. The PC node will be part of a patient monitoring (PM) system. The system operates in the new medical frequency band wireless medical telemetry system (WMTS) with a minimum interference from external interference system. The RF IC will consist of a microcontroller, nonvolatile memory, instruction sequencer, detection circuit, and basic modulation circuitry. Micro-power designs are used throughout the planned IC. At present a wireless, battery-less system that can be used for short term and long term monitoring is not available on the market. The proposed system, using Stethographics applications software, will replace analog electronic stethoscopes for clinic patient monitoring and remote patient monitoring applications with a fully digitized, wireless and battery-less tag-based system. If successful this product bring reduction in cost, simplicity of the system, higher reliability, wireless/ battery-less features, greater robustness and comfort. It will meet an important clinical need while providing an almost revolutionary opportunity for widespread societal lung and heart monitoring reaching millions of people including in particular those with limited budgets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Salesky, Ronald NEW JERSEY MICROSYSTEMS INC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 5225 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539438 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Structurally Integrated Organic Light Emitting Device-Based Sensors for Dissolved Oxygen in Water. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a next-generation microsensor for dissolved oxygen (DO) in water. DO sensors are a primary tool for gauging the quality of both fresh water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and the oceans; for monitoring the various processes in waste water treatment plants; and, for monitoring fermentation processes in the food and beverage industries. Unfortunately, electrochemical sensors are slow (response time >1 min), short-lived (a few days), and expensive (~$500). The proposed DO sensor is based on a new platform of structurally integrated photoluminescence (PL)-based chemical and biological sensors. In this platform, the pulsed light source that excites the PL is an array of individually addressable ~100 um2 to ~1 cm2 organic light-emitting device (OLED) pixels. The small pixels will eventually enable development of microsensor arrays. The ~0.5 um-thick pixel array and ~1 um-thick sensor film will be fabricated on opposite sides of a glass or plastic substrate, or on two substrates attached back-to-back. The Si photodiode will be "behind" the OLED array, monitoring the PL passing between the OLED pixels. This uniquely simple structurally integrated platform should ultimately yield multianalyte chemical and biological microsensor arrays for a wide variety of agents. If successful the proposed device will be uniquely simple, initially palm-size and eventually microsize, autonomous, fast (~1 sec response), miserly on power consumption, and inexpensive (ultimately with an essentially disposable OLED/sensor film module). It will operate in the PL-lifetime mode, eliminating the need for frequent calibration. It will consequently replace the short-lived electrochemical sensors and the expensive PL-based DO sensors that currently serve the diverse markets listed above. The proposed development of the DO microsensor will demonstrate the viability of the new OLED-based sensor platform, leading the way towards the development of multianalyte chemical and biological microsensor arrays for gas and liquid phases. This development will enhance scientific and technological needs in the field of sensor technology by addressing current issues of sensor size, cost, analyte sampling, and field deployability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shinar, Ruth Integrated Sensor Technologies, Inc. IA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99970 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539440 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Molecular Transfer Lithography with Real-Time Alignment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a comprehensive nanolithography and alignment system for integrated electronics manufacturing. The product driver for this application is the Molecular Transfer Lithography (MxL) template. It is a consumable, one-time-per-use item that forms patterns by bonding patterned resist layers onto a substrate surface, with subsequent dissolution of the template. MxL is a non-imprint, non-photolithography process that solves the defect propagation problem of contact printing, and is applied for large area, conformal printing at low costs and high throughput. The proposal seeks optimal replication of the MxL templates, and coordination with an advanced adaptive alignment system, to achieve unprecedented overlay and high resolution patterning for high-throughput next generation lithography of integrated circuits. MxL is a patent protected unique process using a dissolvable sacrificial polymer mask and offers a comprehensive high resolution printing solution that can be utilized scaled into very high volume electronics production. The proposed solution is technologically superior to alternative approaches by combining low-cost processing with defect free conformal printing over large areas at high throughput rates. The proposed process and technological solution will significantly advance the capability to manufacture nanotechnological devices for wide range of applications including integrated circuits, CMOS sensors, displays, data storage, MEMS, as well as emerging areas in photonics, high brightness LED's, optoelectronics, life sciences, and nanotechnology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schaper, Charles Transfer Devices, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539456 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Encapsulation Process for Organic Light Emitting Diodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a novel method to encapsulate organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Compared with the inorganic counterparts, OLEDs have the advantages of low-cost, large-area, small footprint, flexible usage, and low-temperature processing. However, currently, OLEDs suffers long-term stability problem due to attacks of environmental oxygen and moisture. The objective of this proposal is to utilize an advanced thin film deposition process to encapsulate OLED. This process will allow for low temperature deposition of highly transparent, conformal and pinhole-free amorphous oxide barrier films to significantly reduce oxygen and moisture permeation rate and prolong the lifetime of the OLED. This work will lead to an advanced and optimized OLED encapsulation process and tools for a production-scale OLED deposition module. Rapid progress on the development of OLED makes it possible to envision large-scale commercial applications in the near future ranging from large-size flat-screen display, flexible display, and even solid-state lighting. Currently, the interest in organic electronics has been fueled by the need for low cost, high volume alternatives to inorganic devices. Besides OLED, thanks to their low cost and advantageous mechanical properties, organic electronics will find wide applications as flexible, lightweight and distributed electronic and optoelectronic devices for low-end data storage electronic tags and labels (e.g., barcodes), smart cards, flexible battery, photovoltaics, imaging, general purpose lighting, and telecommunication components. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dong, Jianwei SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN William Haines Standard Grant 99912 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539462 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Asymmetrical Tetrapyrroles for Two-Photon Volumetric Optical Memory. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I proposal defines a new paradigm for 3D optical storage which relies on two-photon write and read mechanisms based on rapid, reversible proton photo-isomerization in asymmetric phthalocyanine molecules specifically designed to operate via a proton switching mechanism that eschews molecular motion and depends only on electron reorganization. This work will clearly delineate a new figure-of-merit that identifies molecular structures capable of enhanced optical memory characteristics. It is anticipated that such structure-property relationships will result in new ultra-fast terabit storage capabilities at least one order of magnitude better than the best contemporary materials. The operational temperature limit for these new materials is predicted to be in the range of electronic (Peltier) cooling to, at best, room temperature operation. This model will result in a radically new paradigm for an ultra-fast organic memory material, and a new benchmark for optical computing. Modern optical information storage (OIS) technology is shifting rapidly towards ultra-fast, multilayer, three-dimensional (3D) carriers of information. This technology could empower the average citizen with the capability of manipulating vast amounts of stored data, whether in text or visual format. Current technology cannot possibly meet this demand due to the inherent limitations on memory based on nuclear motion. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spangler, Charles MPA Technologies, Inc MT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99912 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539464 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Braille Display Module (BDM). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project investigates the development of a type of flat panel display for communication with the blind. The main component of this technology is a magnetic Braille Dot Module (BDM) composed of a proprietary blend of polymers and magnetic materials, 30 by 60 dots, for multi-line Refreshable Braille Displays (RBDs). Current RBDs, based on piezoelectric technology and separate Braille cells, have many inherent problems: numerous parts to maintain, high power consumption, heat build up, constraints that preclude graphics, difficult assembly process, expensive, and costly repair. They are also heavy, bulky, and quite fragile. These factors severely limit the display area that can be manufactured. Development of a magnetic BDM, with large-scale integration (LSI) of braille cells with sweep bar activation, will eliminate the majority of these problems and reduce costs dramatically. Magnetic BDM technology will revolutionize the Braille display industry. BDMs with multi-line and multi-column display areas offer the industry a much needed solution to the many technical difficulties found in RBDs composed of separate Braille cells. This innovation will provide components to enhance current product lines with dramatic cost reductions. It will also offer the potential for entirely new applications such as Braille text messages on cell phones. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Duran, Peter Tactile Dynamics, Inc. CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 98104 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 1203 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539470 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Hermetic Micropackaging Applying Wafer-Level and Chip-Scale Integration. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses packaging techniques for MEMS/NEMS components and systems. Applying wafer-level and chip-scale approaches new designs will allow for hermetic encapsulation of sensitive structures, as well as simple, multi-functional electrical, microfluidic, optical and thermal interconnection of system components. This project will demonstrate feasibility of a method to package electronic components in such a way that a) high frequency performance is optimized; b) cost is minimized; c) the integrity of the components are protected both during packaging and over life; d) application flexibility is maintained. The basic process steps will be demonstrated and prototypes developed for wafer-level chip-scale packaging for optical components using proprietary techniques for temporary wafer bonding of pre-thinned wafers; formation of through-substrate vias, along with insulation and metallization of the vias; and joining by solder or other methods. The proposed packaging techniques allow for a variety of devices to be placed in a miniature sealed cavity, having provision for maintenance of vacuum over life. Also in conjunction with inkjet printing methods, a single via design may be adapted to fluidics, optics or thermal dissipation. Wafer-level and chip-scale-packaging offers critical advantages of miniaturization, cost reduction, and performance and reliability enhancements. These are, in fact, the historical and future drivers for most of the semiconductor industry. In addition to mainstream semiconductor applications, the approach offers unique solutions for devices such as inertial grade navigation instruments, where performance and reliability enhancements may be of utmost importance. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Maner, Kaoru Omnipak, LLC AR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539474 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: MEMS Ion Thruster for Microsat and Nanosat Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) ion thrusters for microsat and nanosat applications based on a new and innovative ion production technology. Small satellites offer exciting possibilities for future communication and surveillance missions. Unfortunately, the thrusters needed for these spacecraft to maintain precise attitude control and orbital position over extended missions do not yet exist. Classic electric propulsion (EP) thrusters such as Xenon ion thrusters do not scale well to the small sizes needed for microsats. Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) and Colloidal thrusters have better scaling properties, but also have problems with high operating voltages and heavy power supplies. This project presents a new approach to the ion thruster that promises to be significantly simpler to implement and miniaturize, creating heavy ions in a manner that is inherently charge balancing and eliminating the need for separate electron beam neutralization. Technologies that promise to reduce the cost of access to space as well as make space-based activities more productive could transform the market for space services. Many space experiments and applications are currently never attempted due to the high costs associated with current launch vehicles and very long lead times associated with government projects. Revolutionary improvements in launch vehicle costs and availability, currently being pursued by private companies could stimulate high demand for small satellites and other payloads. These microsats would benefit greatly from the development of new high performance, lightweight, inexpensive and reliable electric thrusters. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hitch, Bradley Reaction Systems, LLC CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539490 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Thermoelectric Cooling Technology Utilizing Silicon Nanowires. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) project targets the design and development of a novel thermoelectric device based on a process that forms a densely packed, three-dimensional array of horizontally aligned silicon nanowires. In order to reduce their manufacturing cost, a key objective of this program is to develop processes, which are compatible with current silicon integrated circuit manufacturing. The Company has already designed and is currently prototyping high performance, bulk silicon based thermoelectric devices using standard planar silicon or MEMS processing steps. Through simulations, the company has shown that it is possible to significantly enhance the device performance utilizing the unique properties of silicon nanowires. Upon successful demonstration of the proposed fabrication process during Phase I research, the prototype devices with silicon nanowires will be built during Phase II of the program. Commercially, due to the high performance and ease of manufacture, this new class of thermoelectric device is set to revolutionize a broad range of applications in systems requiring heating, cooling or power generation from waste heat. Some examples include notebook computers, servers, medical devices, automotive equipment, home and commercial appliances, clothing and hybrid cars. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Onvural, Raif OroBridge, Inc NC William Haines Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539504 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Ultrafast Response Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project supports the development of ultra-fast (< 1 ns) response Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) devices to protect the power infrastructure. Fine nickel particle (~ 50-150 micrometer) samples will be nano-coated by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) with alumina (Al2O3) (10, 7.5, 5, 2.5, and 1.5 nm thick Al2O3 coating), providing novel Metal Insulating Varistor (MIV) particles having metallic surfaces separated by insulative gaps on the order of atomic dimensions. These novel MIV particles will be embedded in coaxial prototype devices and pulse tested with thrust regime voltages up to of 20 kV. The Particle-ALDTM nano-coating process will be scaled-up and 1 kg of powder will be produced to provide samples for partner's devices. The losses in the US to high voltage surges exceed $26 billion annually. High voltage surges result from electrostatic discharges, high power microwaves, power line switching transients, lightning strikes, and potentially EMP. One possible method for handling the electrical overstresses is through the development of quantum tunneling MIVs as proposed here. Other device markets that could benefit from such functionalized fine powders include microelectronics, defense, medical, consumer products, and composite materials, among others. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Groner, Markus ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99927 1505 HPCC 9215 4080 1592 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539513 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Growth of Bulk AlGaN Substrates Using a Modified Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE) Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop bulk AlGaN substrates for advanced III-Nitride based semiconductor devices. The substrates will be grown by a modified hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) technique to produce thick, low dislocation density, lattice matched substrates for next generation electronic andoptoelectronic devices. Low dislocation density bulk III-Nitride substrates represent an enabling technology for a variety of devices, currently limited by heteroepitaxial growth on sapphire and SiC. Sensor Electronic Technology will use a novel HVPE growth technique coupled with substrate strain engineering to produce free standing AlGaN boules that will be used as seeds for continued bulk AlGaN development. Phase I will focus on optimizing AlGaN growth processes for a range of aluminum compositions, while establishing the feasibility of commercializing bulk substrates using this approach. Commercially, III-Nitride device development and commercialization has expanded rapidly over the last decade with blue/green/white LEDs found in most cellular phones, traffic signals, and large screen displays; standards for the next generation high density DVD format being established based on blue laser diode technology; and AlGaN/GaN HFETs being targeted to replace power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers in military radar and wireless communication applications. III-Nitrides are arguably the fastest growing area of compound semiconductors at this time with new applications for these materials continually developing. Estimated revenue for III-Nitride devices exceeds $10 billion by 2007, presenting a tremendous opportunity for bulk substrate commercialization EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Katona, Thomas Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. SC T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99962 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539519 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Development of Resonant Waveguide-Grating Elements for High Throughput Screening of Proteins. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will develop a highly sensitive optical sensor system for use in high-throughput screening applications. The heart of the proposed sensor system is a periodic dielectric waveguide in which resonant leaky modes are excited by an incident optical wave. Attachment of biomolecular layers on the sensor surface yields spectral shifts that are measured to identify the binding event with high sensitivity and specificity without fluorescent tags. Both major polarization states have independent resonant peaks to accurately sense a biomaterial binding event. This feature enables the capability to distinguish between average thickness changes and average density changes occurring at the sensor surface. High resolution (from narrow, well defined resonance peaks) and high sensitivities permit a high probability of accurately detecting an event. The new class of bio- and chemical sensors proposed will provide benefits to society due to their utility in drug development, genomics, environmental monitoring, and homeland security. The fact that they operate without chemical tags permits observation and study of unperturbed biochemical processes in real-time, and no foreign substance are introduced. This will result in a deeper understanding of chemical and bio-chemical molecular processes and may lead to significant advances in drug and chemical development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wawro, Debra Resonant Sensors Incorporated TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 7331 5225 1962 1197 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539520 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Third Generations Flywheels for Electricity Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will design and test the motor/generator subsystem for a magnetically levitated electricity storage flywheel, scalable to megawatt-hours per unit, with the potential to greatly reduce US economic losses due to electric power fluctuations and blackouts. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, these losses exceed $100 billion/year. The company's research objective is to develop low cost third generation flywheels - "Power Rings" - with enormous power and capacity in a compact size. Multi-megawatt-hour units appear feasible. Anticipated results of this Phase I project are the design of a high power density motor/generator integrated into the Power Ring design, a dynamic analysis of its effects on ring stability, and a working small-scale version of the motor/generator. Opposition to new transmission lines and power plants, environmental restrictions, and exorbitant costs have slowed system improvements. Electricity storage flywheels could provide a clean, economical alternative and slash economic losses if they had much higher power and capacity than the present limit of a few hundred kW and a few kWh. But high capacity first generation (steel) flywheels are too massive to be cost effective and second generation (composite) flywheels cannot be scaled up. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ricci, Michael LaunchPoint Technologies, LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99926 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 1592 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539530 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Low Power Microcontroller Design. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate novel integrated circuit design technologies for the realization of ultra-low-power microcontrollers. The project will focus on the exploration of charge recovery circuit design technologies for the substantial reduction of power dissipation in digital electronic chips. In conventional circuit design, capacitors are switched abruptly between supply and ground, dissipating all their stored energy as heat across resistive devices. In charge recovery design, on the other hand, capacitors are switched gradually, returning any energy that remains un-dissipated back to the power supply. The significant potential of charge recovery to reduce power consumption has so far remained untapped in the commercial world, primarily due to the lack of support for such a new design style that deviates from established design practices. The results of the proposed research are commercially applicable to the realization of a broad class of computer systems and consumer electronic devices that are subject to power efficiency requirements. Microcontrollers are essential elements of every System-on-Chip (SOC) and typically account for a substantial fraction of overall chip power, since they remain on most of the time. Embedded microcontrollers are key components of semiconductor chips for mobile devices such as cell phones and personal digital assistants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ishii, Alexander Cyclos Semiconductor CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99700 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539532 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) Phase Shifter for 2-D Electronically Scanned Antenna. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Highly Efficient Low Cost electronically steered phased array antenna. Sought for many years has been a phased array antenna capable of electronic scanning in two planes so that communication and radar antennas could be very agile and low cost. The key barrier to such an antenna is the large, costly and power-hungry phase shifter typically used to perform beam steering. This proposal describes the use of microelectromechanical (MEMS) based analog passive phase shifters implemented in a completely novel fashion such that electronic beam steering in two planes can be independently accomplished. The MEMS movable membrane device is used as a distributed variable analog type phase shifter located on the antenna feed line. This is in contrast to the classical method to use a semiconductor or MEMS switch to select among several transmission lines of different length to change the phase length (in digital increments). If successful the benefits of this method include higher resolution in phase shift and beam scanning, smaller size and lower insertion loss. Successful outcome of this project will allow rapid improvements in the efficiency of antenna in RF frequencies, especially Millimeter wave frequencies. This will allow a broad array of DOD and commercial markets (automotive safety) to improve existing products in both terms of performance, cost, and size, and allowing for advanced products that currently are not available. The scientific and technology advancements of the MEMS phase shifter will enhance the knowledge of antenna and antenna systems communities. Existing devices for secure satellite communications, missile defenses, unmanned vehicles, hidden weapons detection intrusion detection, will all benefit from a technology that is low cost, and improves antenna performance, while also reducing size and cost. The proposed technology will also open pathways for the development of new, advanced technologies - including true collision warning for automobiles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Knox, Robert Epsilon Lambda Electronics Corporation IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98928 5371 HPCC 9139 5225 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539536 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Fabrication of Coaxial Nanowires/Nanocables Using Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project provides for the commercialization of composite alumina/tungsten/alumina (Al2O3/W/Al2O3) trilayers deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to form coaxial nanowires/nanocables for nanoelectronic applications. Such coaxial nanostructures can be fabricated by first coating CNTs with a conformal and pinhole-free insulating nanolayer of an alumina (Al2O3) sheath to isolate and insulate the nanotubes from their surroundings. Second, a conductive W ALD film will be deposited on the insulating Al2O3 film, providing the second conducting layer. Third, a second insulating Al2O3 sheath is placed over the W layer providing for the completed coaxial nanocable. The thickness of each of the layers in the Al2O3/W/Al2O3 trilayer can be controlled to within approximately 0.1 nanometers by self-limiting ALD surface chemistry processing. This fabrication of a coaxial nanocable has already been demonstrated by the proposing research team at the microgram scale and will be scaled-up to ~ 10 grams using a scalable vibro/stirred fluidized bed reactor process. The novel CNT ALD nanowires or nanocables can be used as building blocks for future nanoscale devices, prototype power cables or "quantum wires". The potential impact extends far beyond this proposed nanocable/nanowire application. Nanoscience will only achieve true "disruptive" technology status if the individual surfaces of nanoparticles and nanotubes can be functionalized. ALD nanocoating of nanoparticles and nanotubes provides such an opportunity. It is now possible to produce nanoparticles and nanotubes with designed electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, rheological, or other properties. Markets for such functionalized nanoparticles and nanotubes include microelectronics, defense, hard metals, cosmetics, drug delivery, energetic materials, and polymer/ceramic nanocomposites, among others. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gump, Christopher ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO William Haines Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539538 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Fully Embedded Optical Interconnect Layers Based on Molded Polymer Lightwave Components for Large Field Size Printed Circuit Boards. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims at developing a commercially viable optical interconnect technology. Conventional optical interconnect technologies suffer from planar optical waveguides with small dimensions in the vertical direction, which leads to alignment difficulties, laser coupling efficiency reduction, and deteriorated packaging reliability. These optical interconnect technologies also fail to provide transmission over a large field size, and the insertion of optical interconnects is incompatible with electronic device packaging. In this program, it is proposed to develop a fully embedded optical interconnection layer within the three dimensional (3D) electrical interconnect layers using molded optical waveguides in conjunction with thin film lasers and thin film photodetectors (both ~ 10 micron in thickness). The selection of polymer based molded waveguides solves two pending problems, the small field size of the interconnects and the shallow depth of the waveguides. The proposers intend to demonstrate up to 24"x36" molded waveguide films having waveguide dimensions of 50 microns by 50 microns, which make the alignment, and therefore packaging, of laser diodes and photodetectors highly reliable. Such a waveguide depth is not economically feasible using any other waveguide technologies. Commercially, using current communication devices, future data transmission demands at the printed circuit board and system level will be difficult to achieve with current copper interconnect technology due to issues regarding signal attenuation, electromagnetic interference, and parasitic noise. The state of the art electrical interconnect technology is anticipated to hit a deadlock between 2008 and 2012 at speeds above 10Gb/s. The proposed research provides a unique solution that reliably incorporates the optical interconnects into printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication and integration. The result of this research program will lay a solid foundation for a future PCB industry, which is critical for the United States to lead the market for the years to come. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Wei Omega Optics, Inc. TX William Haines Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539541 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Silicon-based Photodetectors Using Light Localization and Channeling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will study the feasibility and analysis of the scientific and technical merit of using combinations of optical modes and surface plasmons (denoted collectively as electromagnetic resonance modes (ER)) to dramatically enhance the performance of photodetectors fabricated on silicon and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates for a variety of applications. Silicon is a very desirable material to fabricate photodetectors on because it is inexpensive and because any readout integrated circuitry can be fabricated alongside the photodetector. Past efforts to develop high bandwidth/high responsivity Si-based photodetectors have been limited by the low light absorption constant of Si. This has led to detectors that have a gain-bandwidth product that is small compared with photodetectors fabricated using direct bandgap materials. Recent theoretical work on combinations of optical modes and surface plasmon modes (i.e., hybrid modes) has clearly demonstrated that combinations of these modes show great promise in enhancing device performance and functionality. The objective of the proposed project is the development of three types of hybrid mode-enhanced Si-based photodetectors for a variety of applications in mature and emerging areas of technology. These devices include hybrid mode enhanced bulk Si metal-semiconductor metal photodetector (MSM-PD), SOI MSM-PD and a Si APD. Successful development of silicon and silicon-on-insulator photodetectors will allow for far greater optoelectronic integration than what is possible now, allowing for the development of practical hybrid systems that integrate photonic and electronic components and in turn reduce costs, increase reliability, reduce size and weight and increase functionality. Applications will be developed including: ER-enhanced hybrid Si and SOI based photodetectors for 850nm wireless communication systems and very short range (VSR) fiber-based communication systems, and ER-enhanced APD detectors with less timing jitter, increased sensitivity and lower bias voltages for single photon detectors and LADAR applications. Besides the impressive market potential of the proposed devices they will also bring about new research areas into controlling light within devices. The techniques of light channeling and localization employed in this project will have far reaching effects on other areas of research and technology besides the applications stated above, such as biological and chemical sensors and devices for medical applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Keshavareddy, Pavan Phoebus Optoelectronics LLC NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99750 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539552 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: High Light Efficiency Liquid Crystal Microdisplay Systems. This Small Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I research project will develop a novel liquid crystal polarization grating (LCPG) technology that operates on unpolarized light with strong potential to attain an unprecedented > 90% light diffraction efficiency. This will be the core technology for us to develop next generation liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) microdisplay systems. If successful, the technology will enable compact, highly portable, low-power projection displays at low-cost. While conventional liquid crystal based microdisplays have very low light efficiency, displays based on the digital-light-processor (DLP) technology have higher light efficiency but are substantially more costly. This proposal seeks the best of both (high light efficiency and low cost) by using a switchable LCPG technology integrated into an otherwise conventional LCoS fabrication process. It will develop a proof of principle prototype pixilated LCPG device, electro-optically characterize single and multipixel devices, identify key LC parameters using static and dynamic elastic continuum theory and optical numerical simulation, and optimize the fabrication process. Critical technology challenges will be identified and approaches to overcome them will be explored. The microdisplay market is enormous with a wide range of products ranging from consumer and business products such as front projectors, rear projection televisions, portable projectors, digital cameras, head mount displays, and near the eye displays. The microdisplay market, LCOS display in particular, is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years and has a great variety of applications. The portable projector market is an emerging market with the potential to grow even faster than others, because portable projectors have wide application, such as displays for DVD viewing, personal computers, TV streaming, and gaming. One of the biggest challenges for the portable projector is how to increase the light efficiency so that low-power consumption is achieved, that is always a key concern. LCPG technology will facilitate portable projectors which offer doubled light efficiency at low cost. Besides the commercial benefits, this research project will also benefit education and technology development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kekas, Jason Southeast TechInventures NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 111985 5371 1505 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 1775 1769 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539567 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Authentication Using Covert Identification Signatures On Plastic ID Cards. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is intended to develop a covert system of a customized pattern of the starting image that is invisible to the eye and a detection instrument that will display the image upon appropriate interrogation for authentication. Decryption will require the simultaneous viewing of two templates. The covert images for the templates will be created from Computer Generated Holograms (CGHs) that use inverse functions like Fourier transformations and thereby code the original image. The information of each of the complementary files will be embedded as transparent nanostructures by either using nano- or femto- second laser ablation technology or maskless photolithography with a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) modified to act as a Spatial Light Modulator. The original image will be revealed upon appropriate juxtaposition of both complementary pieces simultaneously with projected light from an appropriate decoding instrument. The unauthorized copying and theft through the counterfeit manufacture of copyrighted materials, brand name, trademarked property, credit cards and even individual identities is one of the greatest concerns of both businesses and individuals today. Today 95 percent of the ID industry (military, commercial, industrial, private and government offices) relies on portrait ID cards as their primary means of access control. The proposed ID authentication system aims to supplement the security aspects of such ID cards by embedding covert signatures, representing biometric and/or other identification features, onto current plastic ID cards. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thor, Gautam Coded Imagery, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539593 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High Efficiency, Wide-Bandgap Photocathodes for Solar-Blind UV Photon Counting and Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is directed toward the development of innovative high-efficiency UV photocathodes based on the wide bandgap III-nitride semiconductors. Photocathodes based on AlxGa1-xN alloy with a bandgap of 3.4 to 6.2 eV (for Al composition x from 0 to 1) can fill the gap in the 150-400 nm range between alkali halide photocathodes (lambda < 200nm) and various optical photocathodes including multialkali and GaAs (lambda > 400nm). In addition to high-performance UV image sensors, these structures are considered for high-brightness electron emitters in maskless electron lithography and solid-sate lighting. This project will integrate these high-efficiency UV photodetectors with intensifiers to fabricate high resolution and high sensitivity solar-blind UV sensors for photon-counting and imaging applications. Note that the chemical and thermal stability and radiation hardness of III-nitride materials make these detectors suitable for applications in harsh environments. The requirements of future instruments pose new challenges for cathode development, particularly in the production of highly efficient and stable photocathodes. The key improvements include higher detection efficiency, better stability under radiation and surface exposure, and stronger out-of-bandpass light rejection. Detection of light in the ultraviolet (UV) range (lambda < 400 nm) has a wide range of applications, both commercial and military, particularly in those areas where the UV component of light needs to be analyzed in the presence of large visible and/or infrared (IR) backgrounds. High-quality photocathodes were grown by MBE technique, which means that they can be developed on large diameter substrates with uniform performance. Large-format UV image sensors are in great demand for space science and military application. The development of high-efficiency 'cesium-free" photocathodes in this program will result in versatile, more reliable and lower cost UV sensors for the applications mentioned above. Finally, the technology to be developed in this program can results in high-brightness electron emitters for applications in metrology and maskless electron lithography. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dabiran, Amir SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99997 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539595 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Compressing and Measuring Ultrashort Laser Pulses in Imaging and Spectroscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop four novel ultrashort-laser-pulse devices. Each will solve an important problem for the rapidly growing communities of researchers and technologists who use exciting new ultrashort-laser-pulse techniques for imaging, micro-machining, telecommunications, and chemical reaction control, among other applications. Most such applications work best with the shortest pulse, but currently operate with much longer ones. While pulse compressors, which solve this problem, have been available in research labs, their complexity has prevented their commercialization. Consequently, this project presents an elegant, easy-to-use single-prism compressor, which will significantly improve image sensitivity and resolution in multi-photon microscopy, for example. Another problem is the need to measure the pulses, which is difficult because they are the shortest events ever created. Thus, another proposed device would measure ultrashort laser pulses over a wide range of wavelengths (from the mid-UV to the mid-IR). Another will, for the first time, conveniently yield a complete measurement of an ultrashort laser pulse at the focus of a microscope, where its measurement is most needed- another currently unsolved problem. The fourth device will measure shaped pulses- pulses deliberately shaped into complex waveforms. This is important because companies are now selling pulse shapers for many applications, but currently no device exists to confirm the resulting pulse shape. Ultrashort laser pulses are used in many fields for many applications, but they are difficult to create, work with, and maintain at the desired ultrashort pulse lengths. Passing through even small amounts of glass (such as lenses and windows) and material (even air!) lengthens and distorts them. Thus, the proposed devices will impact a wide range of fields. The pulse compressor will greatly benefit multi-photon microscopy-in use in over 1000 biological labs worldwide. Micro-machining efforts and new ophthalmological surgical techniques that now use ultrashort pulses also require the shortest possible pulses. The ability to measure ultrashort pulses completely and conveniently will benefit the many communities that use them, from the ophthalmological and micro-machining communities, which must confirm the use of the shortest pulses at tight foci, to the telecommunications and chemistry communities, which shape their pulses into potentially extremely complex waveforms and currently cannot measure them. The commercial value of these devices is roughly several million dollars annually. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Akturk, Selcuk Swamp Optics, LLC GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539598 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Lateral Field Excited Immunosensor for Pathogenic Bacteria in Drinking Water. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a lateral field excited (LFE) acoustic wave immunosensor for the detection of the pathogenic bacteria, E. coli, in drinking water. Current methods of testing drinking water for E. coli have several major drawbacks, which include time- and labor-intensive sample collection and lengthy laboratory analyses that can take at least 24 hours. The research objectives will be to optimize the LFE electrode geometry resulting in a maximum sensing area and efficient excitation of the thickness shear mode in AT-cut quartz and to determine the LFE immunosensor sensitivity, selectivity, response time, and reproducibility for the detection of non-enteropathogenic E. coli and compare them to similar results obtained using the standard quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The Phase I work will result in an immunosensor that is not only directly applicable for the in situ determination of drinking water quality but may also be applicable for a wide range of applications in areas such as environmental safety, homeland security, agriculture, and medicine. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG French, Lester Mainely Sensors, LLC ME Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 9150 5371 HPCC 9215 9150 7331 5225 1962 1189 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539606 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Materials and Process for Improved Electrochromic Device Performance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses a novel processing technique for depositing binary nanocomposite metal oxide thin films to yield electrochromic (EC) devices with superior performance and reliability. EC technology is used to fabricate smart windows that can be electronically tinted to control solar light and heat. Materials with designed composition and nanostructure will enable maximum fracture toughness and minimal biaxial stress of key layers in EC devices. The more robust films are expected to boost the reliability of smart window products which are exposed to a wide range of environmental and solar conditions while being switched tens of thousands of times over their expected lifetime. The nanotechnology innovation will also result in faster switching of large (>1.5m) EC windows and enable higher light transmission in the clear state with better color neutrality in the tinted state. The technical objective is to explore sputter deposition and thermal annealing to yield stable nanocomposites in EC thin films. Designed experiments will explore resulting beneficial mechanical and optical film properties. Finally, the EC performance of lab scale devices incorporating nanostructured films will be evaluated. The global market for energy saving EC architectural windows is predicted to be $13.8 billion in annual sales at maturity. The performance and reliability improvements achievable as a result of this project are essential for widespread market acceptance. OEM window companies, architects, and building occupants require the larger windows and improved transmission properties obtainable with nanostructured materials. In addition, the increased film toughness will lead to higher yields during manufacturing with concomitant lower costs. In addition to architectural windows, deposition technologies for nanostructured films can improve the performance of flat panel displays and alternative gate oxides for advanced CMOS technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weir, Douglas SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS,INC. MN William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539607 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Hybrid Rapid Thermal Processing (HRTP) Systems for Annealing of Advanced Silicon on Insulator (SOI) Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project focuses on development of novel high-temperature annealing system for processing for advanced silicon on insulator (SOI) devices. The present rapid thermal annealing (RTA) systems, lead to substantial profile broadening because of their large time constants. The company proposes the development of a novel Hybrid Rapid Thermal Process (HRTP) system which combines all the advantages of RTA and laser annealing while at the same time eliminating its disadvantages. The use of SOI wafers can further extend annealing times by significantly reducing heat flow to the substrates. In the Phase I we plan to conduct simulation and preliminary experimental studies to establish the viability of this concept and obtain the necessary design parameters to construct a prototype system during Phase II of this project. Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) systems are a critical part of semiconductor manufacturing operations and are used to form gate oxides, silicides and annealed ionimplanted dopants for formation of ultra-shallow junctions. Commercially, the market-size for these applications exceeds $500 M/year. With the rapid miniaturization of the devices, there is a strong need to develop higher ramp rate and higher temperature annealing systems to achieve the formation of ultra-shallow junctions. The proposed HRTP system is expected to fill this niche The HRTP system can also be used in thermal annealing of wide band gap semiconductors such as GaN and SiC as they require extremely high temperature, which cannot be achieved by traditional systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lahiri, Syamal SINMAT, INC. FL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539618 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I:Three-Dimensional Microscopy of Surfaces by Grazing Incidence Diffraction. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate and report upon a new holographic method for three-dimensional (3D) metrology whereby micron scale surface profiles are taken over wide lateral dimensions with significant non-contact stand-offs. The method uses a prefabricated surface relief holographic grating as its first element, the "primary objective," and a sheet of laser light for illumination. The images formed in the secondary are 3D profiles. The microscope exhibits anamorphic magnification in the depth dimension permitting a wide field-of-view in the lateral dimension. It also enjoys a significant stand-off to target, which is particularly useful in non-contact instruments. In addition, this diffraction microscope maintains focus over its entire working depth. There is steady demand for improvements in advanced 3D microscopy to enable new applications. The relevant markets are characterized by effective competition, within the limits set by patent protection. Sales of microscopes in year 2000 were reported as $800 million in a marketplace that is dominated by visible light types at $520 million. A 3D microscope is the confocal type which was reported to have a 6% share of the market in 2000. By 2001 its market share was reported to be 7.5%. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ditto, Thomas DeWitt Brothers Tool Company, Inc. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 97372 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539622 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Novel Deposition Rate Sensors for Real-Time Thickness Control of Plasma Spray. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop prototypes of two novel, fast deposition rate sensors that will enable implementation of real-time deposition rate control for plasma spray. Plasma spray is currently run open loop with respect to the actual particle states and is characterized by large variations which affect yield and quality. Preliminary research reveals that currently available sensors, which measure average particle temperature and velocity, are not well correlated to deposition rate. The new sensor concepts measure particle flux using a high speed CCD array and molten flux using spectral deconvolution, both of which have been shown to correlate well to deposition rate. These new high speed sensors will provide the basis for implementing real time control that can significantly reduce coating thickness variation, a primary plasma spray performance metric. Plasma spray is a high-throughput, economical, low environmental impact process that can be used to custom engineer coating microstructure to meet specific performance requirements. It is used extensively to coat turbine components with thermal barrier coatings (world wide market of $2.5 B where US has a 35% market share) as well as emerging applications such as the electrolyte coating for fuel cells. The sensor technology proposed in this project, enabling real-time control, will enhance the process capability of plasma spray to achieve greater than 2 sigma capability, enhancing coating quality, reliability and relieving some of the cost pressures faced by domestic manufacturers. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Reimann, Gregory Cyber Materials Solutions MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99994 1505 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539624 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Colloidal Quantum Dot Emitters for Deep Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project seeks to develop a novel method of fabricating deep UV LEDs which will allow for wider wavelength ranges as well as provide higher efficiencies than current UV LED technologies. State of the art UV LEDs have wavelength ranges from 255nm to 365nm and are achieved through complex and expensive epitaxial growth of AlInGaN materials. External quantum efficiencies are low for these devices due to poor crystal quality, resulting in lower reliability and shorter lifetimes than visible LEDs. The objective of this project is to prove the feasibility of fabricating UV LEDs with a technique that includes the use of colloidal quantum dots and bypasses the need for complicated multiple quantum well epitaxial active layers. This method would reduce the effect the crystal quality has on external quantum efficiency. The ability to fabricate higher efficiency deep UV LEDs opens up a wide array of UV LEDs can be used for disinfection applications, such as air, water, and surfaces. These applications are currently being accomplished with expensive, short lifetime UV lamps or with environmentally harmful chemicals. LEDs provide a mechanism for disinfection that does not impact the environment, as well as offering longer lifetimes, and cost advantages. Security applications are also producing a growing market for UV LEDs. Emission in the deep UV range enables the development of non-line of sight communication devices as well as biological agent detection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pagan, Jennifer Dot Metrics Technologies, Inc. NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99996 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539625 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: New N-Type Polymers for Organic Photovoltaics and other Electronic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new class of n-type semi-conducting polymers for thin film organic solar cells. High efficiency photovoltaics (PVs) based on inorganic semiconductors have good efficiencies (up to 30%) but are extremely expensive to manufacture. Organic PV technology has the potential to overcome this problem through the use of high-throughput production methods like reel-to-reel printing on flexible substrates. Unfortunately, today's best organic PVs have only a few percent efficiency, a number that is insufficient for virtually all commercial applications. The limited choice of stable n-type (acceptor) organic semiconductor materials is one of the key factors that prevent the further improvement of organic PVs. The company has developed a new class of electron-deficient (n-type) conjugated polymers for use in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). This work will optimize the synthesis of their electron-deficient polymers and investigate their performance in organic PVs. New n-type semi-conducting polymers with good electron transport properties are needed for the fabrication of highly efficient organic solar cells. Because organic polymers can be processed using simple, solvent-based coating techniques, they are the key to producing a new generation of lightweight, flexible, and durable solar cells on a large scale, which could vastly expand current PV applications and markets. Potential immediate applications of organic PV devices include disposable flexible power sources, charging systems for smart magnetic cards and for smart packaging materials, photovoltaics on fabrics and textiles and military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Luebben, Silvia TDA Research, Inc CO William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539627 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High Performance UVB-UVC Optical Filters (230-320 nm). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes the manufacture of high performance Ion Beam Sputtered, hard-coated thin-film interference filters on fused silica substrates in the ultraviolet UVB & UVC wavelength ranges between 230-320 nm. These high performance filters will enable and/or greatly increase the sensitivity and specificity of numerous critical scientific and engineering applications at UVB-UVC wavelengths. These applications include: direct quantitation of nucleic acids via absorbance (obviating the necessity of using intercalating fluorescent compounds), direct detection of fluorescent amino acids (phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine) in biochemical assays without the use of secondary conjugated fluorophores, utilizing large UV Raman cross sections as compared to those at visible and infra-red wavelengths for spectroscopic detection of molecular species, environmental and industrial monitoring of organic and aromatic residues, and solar UVB radiometry and ozone column concentration. High performance UVB-UVC filters do not currently exist. These filters will exhibit the highest possible pass band transmission, steep edge slopes, deep and extended out of band blocking, spectral stability under intense deep UV illumination, and physical durability. The proposed filters to be manufactured can be miniaturized. These attributes are necessary for the development of advanced, novel, and cost-effective analytical instrumentation featuring high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability. These filters will be available to researchers, scientists, engineers, and organizations in the Life science, biochemical and bio-threat detection, industrial and environmental process monitoring, and UV Raman spectroscopy fields. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pradhan, Atul Semrock NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 97529 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539630 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost RFID Dioxin Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new material that can selectively detect dioxins and to incorporate this sensor material into a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag to produce low-cost dioxin sensors that can be used to monitor the food supply for unusually high levels of dioxin contamination. The same equipment used for RFID-based inventory control can then interrogate these RFID sensors. Dioxins are extremely toxic and persistent chemicals that originate from combustion processes and accumulate in the food chain. Increased levels of dioxins in the body are known to cause cancer and other diseases. Despite the significant risk posed by accidental and intentional contamination of food products (especially meat and dairy products) there are no low-cost methods for detecting dioxins. Current testing costs $600 to $800 per sample. This project will seek to develop very low-cost sensors that can be incorporated into the packaging for food products. These sensors could also be used to help track the quality of animal feed and prevent dioxin contamination of livestock. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elliott, Brian TDA Research, Inc CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539636 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Embedded Structural Health Sensors Using Solid State Ultrasonic Nanoscale Dissimilar Materials Joining. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will examine the use of a novel, ultrasonic materials consolidation technology as a means to embed Bragg intracore grating, fiber optic strain sensors as part of a real-time asset monitoring information system. The embedding process for strain sensors using ultrasonic consolidation will be the focus of an extensive analysis of the nanoscale materials processing, structure and properties relationship. For example, the bonding of the ductile, metallic embedding environment with the ceramic devices and the bonding of the devices with a bridge, building, or dam will likely require the development of nanoscale engineering of the metal/ceramic or metal/metal interfaces. The ultimate focus will be on combining the information technology of optical fiber structural analysis with the nanoscale engineering of ultra-sonic consolidation to produce rugged, embedded, real time measurement of strain. The convergence of these technologies could produce unparalleled capability for retrofitting structures to allow visibility into continuity, integrity, stability and damage assessment using real time transmission of information. Structural health monitoring is a critical need not only to utilize prognostic analysis on a rapidly or gradually failing structure, but to provide tactical situation analysis from a site that may have experienced a significant trauma event. For example, structural asset visibility would allow large complexes, such as a dam, to anticipate future failure events as trend-based strain data would highlight potential system irregularities. In addition to this, the proposed solution would also provide first responders with that same real-time structure health data had there been some form of singular attack or natural disaster. In both cases the embedded sensor technology would be providing value to the site on both an economic and security basis. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Johnson, Kenneth Solidica, Inc. MI Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99701 1505 CVIS 1397 1059 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539650 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Process Control for Robotic Surface Finishing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project explores the innovation of a robot that, like biological creatures, operates by applying and sensing contact forces. Today's position-controlled robots have limited applicability to many manufacturing tasks, especially those related to material removal and surface finishing. Emulating a human's free-hand motion capability greatly advances robot capability. Such a robot could trace part contours to smooth and polish. It could "feel" for part edges to discover a part's location, and compare measured geometry to a modeled ideal to detect finishing requirements. The robot could follow finishing strategies, acquiring needed information by touch as it worked. These capabilities will be applied to turbine blade finishing. Applications for force capable robots are ubiquitous across industry. Virtually all parts made from casting, forging, machining, or molding require some degree of surface finishing to arrive at a final desired shape and smoothness. Other prospective applications include: mechanical assembly, sorting and packaging irregular objects, and dual-arm manipulation of heavy and bulky items. The hazards to people filling these roles and performing repetitive motions are well known, with musculo-skeletal injuries costing the U.S. an estimated $15 Billion/yr. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Somes, Steven Western Robotics Co OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539657 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: A Novel Tunable Dye Laser for Optical Sensing. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project proposes a tunable dye laser for optical sensing based on the innovative dye-doped Holographic Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (HPDLC) technology. The demonstration of the tunable lasing of dye-doped HPDLC is the main focus during the Phase I research. By carefully choosing the materials including liquid crystal, polymerizable monomer, emitter dye and optimizing the holographic-writing process, dye-doped HPDLC is formed as an one-dimensional photonic bandgap material, mirrorless lasing in the dye-doped HPDLC occurs at the reflection band edges. Applied voltage tunes the reflection peak of the HPDLC as well as the center wavelength of emitting laser. The whole laser device is solid state and highly resistant to shock and vibration as it has no moving parts. Since the innovative laser device is based on the thin film technology, there is no bulky laser cavity. The manufacturing unit cost of the HPDLC thin film can low due to easy-to-achieve large scale manufacturing that it is economical to throw away and replace a HPDLC thin film device once the dye reaches the end of its life. This innovative tunable laser will have applications in optical sensing in areas such as hyper-spectral medical imaging and bio-imaging where different color signals the biochemical makeup of different regions of tissue, nuclei, cytoplasm, etc. Additionally this laser can be used to create inexpensive and perhaps disposable Raman sensors and imagers for use in the biological, medical and chemical sensing markets. The proposed tunable laser is especially useful in LIDAR, atmospheric sensing and planetary exploration when wavelength agility is required. One specific application is for on-orbit LIDAR systems, for example mapping planetary surfaces because of its great advantage of small size, low weight and shock/vibration resistance. Such a small laser could be used on surface rovers enabling surface Raman spectroscopy and LADAR mapping. In addition, this innovative tunable laser will bring a great improvement in high quality laser display with merits of high color purity and high light intensity. Its role as a tunable signal source in optical communication such as Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is another commercial application. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Hailiang Scientific Solutions Incorporated MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98997 1505 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539666 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Secure Biometric Personal Authentication System. This SBIR Phase I project will bring together research in biometrics and information systems by developing new techniques that learn and then continuously monitor a user's biometric features locally, freeing the information system from the task of managing identities or participating in the biometric authentication process. Combined with inexpensive methods for monitoring proximity and with strong encryption technology, the complete approach will enable more accurate and secure identification of when access should be enabled or disabled. The proposed research has the potential to substantially change computer access and authorization procedures across a wide range of application areas including healthcare, banking, law enforcement, government services, etc. If applied to network services, the proposed technology can have a significant impact on the growing problem of identity theft, making it easier for companies to protect against unauthorized access to their services and information. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Martin, Charles Lumenware LLC KY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 CVIS 9150 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539674 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Optical Biogas Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project introduces a new infrared sensor technology for the detection and measurement of methane (CH4) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to measure the performance and control the operation of anaerobic digesters and - low to zero-emissions - power generators (e.g. microturbines and fuel cells). The proprietary technology will maximize the recovery of biogas, monitor the correlation between biogas quality (methane content) and power output, in real-time, and optimize the biogas conversion efficiency. The implementation of this innovative technology in farms (biogas from livestock manure), waste water treatment plants (WWTPs), landfills and food manufacturing and processing plants will improve the value, cost competitiveness and reliability of biogas-to-electricity systems, and reduce the emissions of methane (CH4), a major contributor to Global Climate Change. The technology will provide end users (e.g. farmers and operators of WWTP and landfills), the scientific community and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) a technology that delivers the relevant and adjustable parameters affecting the output of biogas-to-electricity systems. The collection of biogas for green power generation will decrease the risk of gas migration and explosions, and reduce the costs associated with environmental control and compliance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baraket, Mourad Carthago International Solutions, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99245 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 1592 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539675 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Zero-Remanence Tamper-Responsive Cryptokey Memory. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop an innovative non-volatile spintronic cryptographic key memory that can self-erase without data remanence in the event of tampering and without applied power. Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM) is the only technology with potential for this capability. Anti-tamper MRAM could be a major paradigm shift - memories used in ICs presently must be erased by overwriting or disconnection of a power source when tampering is detected. Research objectives include a micromagnetic study of MRAM bit shapes to eliminate data remanence after DC field erasure, finite elements simulation of the integrated system to determine optimal magnet/shield/die configurations, fabrication of spintronic anti-tamper memory cells, and red team analysis of the integrated device. This work will be accomplished through use of spin-dependent tunneling fabrication and simulation resources. The anticipated result is a 1 kbit anti-tamper embedded MRAM design and feasibility analysis. Commercially, this provides an extra layer of protection on IC-based assemblies such as smart cards, cash machines etc. In addition, the proposed program will render a system inoperable in the event of physical tamper. This will be a very useful tool in stemming the tide of fraudulent usage or compromises of IC-based instruments as well as certain types of identify theft. Certain groups have targeted various research organizations and attempted to otherwise compromise their research through attacks on their computer systems. This would provide additional protection to the data. Identity theft has become a very large issue for society in general and particularly in the more computerized societies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Deak, James NVE CORPORATION MN T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99735 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539678 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Improving Performance of Wireless Communication Systems through Simulcasting. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop simulcasting techniques and algorithms that can be used to increase the throughput of the forward links (downlinks) of wireless cellular networks and local/metropolitan area networks. Simulcasting refers to the ability to simultaneously convey different messages to a selected group of receivers. Information-theoretic investigation on simulcasting is currently an active research area. Practical implementation of simulcasting in current and future generation wireless networks is in still its infancy. The goal of this project is to develop practical physical-layer signaling techniques and higher-layer protocols that support simulcasting. In Phase I, computer simulations will be used to investigate the performance of these algorithms and protocols under common channel models. In Phase II, the algorithms and protocols developed in Phase I will be prototyped on a software-defined radio (SDR) platform. Channel spectrum is a precious commodity. The recent advances in cellular and wireless local area network (WLAN) technology make this especially true in the cellular and ISM bands. So techniques to use channel spectrum more efficiently are rapidly adopted once they have been proven. Simulcasting is one such technology that is currently mostly investigated from an information-theoretic standpoint. It is proposed to develop practical simulcasting techniques for cellular, WLAN, and wireless municipal area networks (WMANs). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Xin Extemporal Wireless, Inc. FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99735 5371 HPCC 9215 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539679 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Efficient, High-Resolution Fast-Neutron Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a fast-neutron detector capable of higher resolution and efficiency than previous detectors. Because fast neutrons are highly penetrating, they have the possibility of imaging and interrogating large, high-density objects. Unfortunately, this ability also requires a thick highly-efficient scintillator material resulting in low resolution detection. The proposed research will address this problem by using light-channeling micro-capillaries with liquid scintillants that are loaded with neutron-stopping atoms. In addition, a state of the art image-intensified CCD camera capable of creating short time-interval images will be used, in which noise can be identified and filtered out. The efficiency and resolution of the detector system will be analyzed by an advanced radiographic model of imaging which treats the detector components using a systems theory approach. The use of fast neutrons for radiography and non-destructive evaluation opens a whole new range of material combinations and thicknesses that can be imaged. This proposal aims to greatly improve nondestructive evaluation of thick, high-density objects by developing a fast neutron detector capable of high resolution imaging without sacrificing detector efficiency. The detector will be used with a portable high-brightness fast neutron source being developed under another program to form a fast-neutron radiographic system. The proposed system of detector and source will serve the nondestructive testing interests of commercial and military aircraft, public utilities and petrochemical organizations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cremer, Jay Adelphi Technology, Inc CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539682 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Methodology for Applying Haptic Robotics to Agile Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will introduce a novel and general methodology for applying highly backdrivable robots and haptics in agile, small-production-run manufacturing. Application to spray painting will help to demonstrate, develop, and evaluate this methodology. The proposed methodology has two steps: (1) identifying best candidate tasks and (2) guiding the application of haptics and backdrivability in those specific tasks. There are four research objectives for Phase I. First, the paint-spraying example is fleshed out in detail. Consider the wide variations in part-surface geometries and other production and safety issues. Second, haptic paint-spraying is implemented for at least two different types of part geometry with Barrett's new haptic WAM arm. Third, apply the paint-spraying lessons learned to strengthen the general methodology. Fourth, reassess the feasibility and generality of the methodology by applying it to three additional manufacturing examples. The technologically revolutionary haptics field has not yet revolutionized manufacturing. Many areas today lack solutions, especially for short-run production, that would require intimate and simultaneous robotic and human interaction to be accomplished competitively, safely, and with high quality. Extending haptics to include backdrivable robotics and developing the appropriate methodology can address short-run production directly. Other manufacturing areas likely to benefit include short-run production operations in the following areas: mill and lathe tending with in-line metrology, composite layups, castings, seam welding, and sealant dispensing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Townsend, William Barrett Technology Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539683 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Quantum Dot / Fluoropolymer Composites: A New Approach for Enhancing Performance in Light Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project introduces a new technical approach to utilizing company's optical polymer technology as a new commercial matrix platform for maximizing the performance capability of quantum dot (QD) devices in amplifiers, waveguides, and optical switches. This project will further investigate the technical feasibility of combining quantum dots with the company's optical polymer to make near infrared optical gain and amplifier devices. These results will have much greater commercialization potential if the concentration of quantum dots incorporated into the polymer matrix is doubled with more uniformly dispersion. The proposed new approach will focus on synthesis of unique fluorinated polymerizable ligands as the quantum dot encapsulants, which will be structurally designed to provide the highest quantum dot surface affinity to enable the maximum quantum dot concentration in the final device with better dispersion. These new composites can then be processed by typical solution, melt, or lithographic techniques to produce the commercial optical devices desired. If successful this new research will enhance scientific and technical knowledge in both academia and industry in technical fields such as quantum dot technology, surface affinity, lower cost higher data rate integrated optic devices, and the discipline of polymer chemistry due to its structural versatility. Quantum dot technology is a very exciting new area of global research to emerge over the past 10 years. However, the use of QD technology in applications other than biological sensing, such as commercial light emitting devices is still in very early stage development. The global commercialization of the superior capabilities of quantum dots in the optical device area has been limited by matrix selection, processing concerns, concentration, and dispersion of the dots. This project addresses these technical and commercialization concerns to allow the superior bandwidth potential of this technology to be more broadly applied into this $2.3 billion dollar global market. In South Carolina, successful commercialization will help create 10 -12 jobs to help replace those lost in the textile industry. These jobs include the PhD level, benefiting local universities, and high paying technician positions for graduates from local technical institutes. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99696 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539684 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Emergency Beacons for the Distress Alerting Satellite System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the critical problems of detecting, locating, and rescuing individuals, vessels, and aircraft that are lost or in distress. For 25 years the COSPAS-SARSAT system has located and rescued over 17,000 individuals using satellite aided location of distress beacons. Existing beacons transmit signals on 121.5, 243, and 406MHz. The first 2 types transmit a tone signal and are located by tracking ground stations (with an "accuracy" of 5 to 20 km) using Doppler processing of the signals relayed ("Bent-pipe") by Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites. 406MHz beacons transmit signals at 5 watts that include encoded digital information such as the beacon ID, country code, etc. These beacons can be detected by LEO, GEO, and MEO (GPS) satellites. The company is building a new ground station for reception of 406MHz beacon signals relayed by GPS satellites. The new ground station will have a location accuracy of 1 km. This proposal outlines new beacon designs (signal structures) and processing algorithms that will reduce the location error to 10 meters. The impact on life saving will be tremendous, removing the "search" from search and rescue. The new beacons will be inexpensive, creating a large volume market. The focus for the initial market is to promote the new beacons via TSi's current ground station customers (10 countries, 5 more pending). As 121MHz beacons are phased out (in 2007), the world's fishing fleets, which have sought the least expensive beacon to meet regulatory requirements, will turn to the new beacon which will be much less expensive (by 50% or more) than existing 406MHz beacons. This purely economic motive will put superior technology in the hands of fishermen and commercial craft (e.g., passenger ferries), saving not only money but many, many lives. The new beacons will provide instantaneous, precise location and positive identification of the individual or vessel in distress. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG grantclass, grantclass Techno-Sciences, Inc. MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539688 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced P-Type Doping of ZnO by Band Gap Engineering. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the development of solid state ultraviolet/blue light emitting diode (LED) using novel approaches for ptype doping of ZnO. The proposed concepts offer a solution to current p-type doping problem, which is the main obstacle in the development of all ZnO LED. ZnO has the distinct advantage of having three times the exciton binding energy than that of GaN, leading to potentially much more efficient light emitters. By alloying with other elements, ZnO-based LED can emit light from ultraviolet to the visible. The proposed project will focus on p-type doping and epitaxy growth optimization leading to the realization of all ZnO LED. Understanding gained from the proposed work will benefit and spur the development of other UV devices such as laser diodes, modulators and detectors. If successful the outcome of this project will find widespread applications in civilian and military markets. The applications include general room lighting, traffic lights, outdoor displays, automotive application, and ultrahigh density optical storage systems. The proposed devices will enable unique high power and high temperature operation. This development would provide enabling technology for achieving light emitters based on p-n junctions. Novel emitters with improved performance will expand SVTA's optical product portfolio. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Osinsky, Andrei SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99966 1505 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539691 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High Thermal Conductivity Carbon Composite for Electronics Cooling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the ability to produce an innovative thermal management solution for electronics components and electronics packaging. The dual trends of electronics miniaturization and increased power consumption have caused many electronics components to hit a "thermal wall." Improved thermal management materials are needed that provide high thermal conductivities, low coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), low density and low cost. This approach combines an ultrahigh thermal conductivity carbon fiber combined with a unique matrix that produces a composite with conductivity in excess of 1000 W/m-K. This is achieved with a production time on the order of days rather than months. The end result will be an innovative, commercially-viable method for producing a thermal management material that outperforms existing materials. This innovative approach for carbon-carbon composite fabrication will test the feasibility of producing dramatically improved, thermally- and mechanically-robust carbon-carbon composites for thermal management materials. Improved thermal management materials will find use in electronic devices with increasing power output levels required for future advanced systems such as aircraft, spacecraft, and supercomputers. Industries that would benefit from these innovations include consumer electronics, communications systems, high precision manufacturing, satellites and other aerospace applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Burton, David APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99870 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539698 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Voltage Tunable Micro-Ring Resonators: Low-Cost, Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drops. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project entails the construction of voltage tunable micro-ring, optical waveguide resonators. The devices will exploit novel waveguide electro-optic technology capable of a large index modulation (currently ?n >.02 with the potential for ?n >.05). This large index modulation enables micro-ring structure with widely tunable resonances (>10 nm, and potentially up to 100 nm), fast tuning times (< 1 millisecond), low optical losses, and extremely low power consumption (< 0.05 milliwatts per ring). Furthermore, innovative electrode geometry provides polarization independent operation. These voltage tuned micro-rings will replace thermo-optically tuned ring resonators, which have provided only limited tunability ( dn/dt ~~ 1.5~~10-5/oC), have high polarization dependency, and have historically been prohibitively power consumptive ( ~~ 0.5 Watts per ring). Finally, the voltage tuned micro-ring resonators will enable a low cost, ultra-compact reconfigurable optical add/drop, which is the critical component in a wide array of high-bandwidth electro-optical communications systems. As computing power and bandwidth continue to grow (e.g., streaming media), low-cost electro optical filtering and switching systems will be required to satisfy pending fiber-to-the-home and "last mile" deployment needs. Since 2002, United States and European deployment of long-haul dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems have been almost entirely constructed from reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADM). A typical deployed system works by reading incoming optical signals and converting them to electrical signals that can then be routed. Conversion back to optical is performed by an array of tunable lasers. This brute force method, while providing useful performance, is cost prohibitive for small network deployment. The current total addressable world market for ROADMs technology is around $3.46 billion with double digit growth expected through 2010. Over all growth will be determined by affordability and reliability of ROADMs technology. The technology outlined in this proposal will contribute a new and inherently agile all optical solution by reducing cost while maintaining performance and reliability. In addition to ROADMs, the voltage tunable micro-rings will enable a wide array of useful devices, ranging from spectral filters, to optical cross-connects, to routers, to name only a few. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Scott VESCENT PHOTONICS INCORPORATED CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539712 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Tunable Filter for Mini Hyperspectral Imager. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes to design and build a miniature, 1 cm3, hyperspectral, imaging module that is so small and light weight that it is easily incorporated into a hand held image capture device with display, head mounted display, or even eyewear. It would be capable of operation over the visible spectrum, into the NIR, possibly in the UV, with 10nm resolution while capturing images at speeds suitable for real-time visualizing of images. The first part of the effort will be to develop a tunable filter module that is suitable for integration into a miniature hyperspectral imaging module. Following demonstration of a satisfactory tunable filter module, it would then be integrated with the image capture optics, sensor, and support electronics into the mini-hyperspectral imaging module which would be capable of capturing images and storing them in memory of a standard PC platform. If successful the outcome of this project will provide a much needed visualization and analytical tool by a diverse array of markets. The proposed miniature, low-cost hyperspectral imaging module would enable an enhanced real-time visualization and analytical tool that delivers improved situational information for informed decision-making in areas such as defense and medicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zander, Dennis SpectralSight Inc. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99973 5371 HPCC 9139 9137 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539713 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Three-Phase Nanocomposites for Embedded Capacitors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate three-phase nanocomposite films for embedded capacitor applications. There is demand for an embedded capacitor technology that addresses the need for miniaturization and increased functionality of electronic systems. The proposed three phase nanocomposite artificial dielectrics have the potential to have high dielectric constant (>300), low leakage current, and high breakdown voltage while maintaining the adhesion, processability, and flexibility of polymers. The shape, size and orientation of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix will be controlled in order to tune the particles' behavior as dielectric enhancers in the insulating matrix. Nanoparticles having spherical, cubic, and wire geometries and dimensions in the range of 5 - 100 nm will be dispersed into polymer resin and formed into thin film capacitors for testing. Polymer matrix nanocomposites have potential as dielectrics for the next generation of capacitors. Embedded capacitors are needed in order to meet the projected trends in electronic device miniaturization. Currently, the majority of the board surface is occupied by passive components (70%), with most of these being capacitors (60%). If the capacitors can be embedded in the board itself, the size of the device can be reduced significantly with additional benefits in performance, functionality, and cost. Such practical, high-capacitance materials (>20 nF/cm2) will enable embedded capacitors for printed circuit board applications. In addition, high energy density capacitors (>1 J/cc) are needed for temporary backup power and pulsed-power in electronics and hybrid vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Yongdong NGIMAT CO. GA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539716 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Non-Contact Mini-Micrometer for Use in Difficult-to-Access Areas. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes the development of a Non-Contact Stereo Mini-Micrometer (SMM) for remote visual inspection (RVI) applications. The proposed device will be used as a complementary tool that can be delivered through the instrument channel of conventional endoscopes to provide quantitative 3D evaluations of difficult-to-access internal cavities. The SMM will utilize a traditional triangulation stereo-measurement technique, but unlike the well-known method that produces stereo-images with two identical optical systems, the stereo-pair in SMM will be introduced via a single objective lens and a tilting, optically transparent plate in a MEMS configuration. The proposed approach will allow the outside diameter of the device to be downsized, will simplify the measurement algorithm, and will dramatically reduce the cost. The major applications of the SMM will be in the remote visual quantitative evaluation of difficult-to-access cavities in a variety of industrial systems. The primary uses will be in the non-destructive evaluation of aircraft, spacecraft, transportation, electrical power production, and heavy machinery, and in all areas where endoscopic RVI quality assurance and/or scheduled maintenance is required. The second broad area of application is in manufacturing, where intermediate and end product quantitative on-line evaluations are required, but the areas to be inspected are not accessible with traditional optical micrometers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rubtsov, Vladimir INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99993 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539718 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: New Flexible-Tip AFM Mode for High Aspect-Ratio Feature Metrology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will demonstrate the feasibility of a new AFM imaging mode that exploits lateral bending and lateral oscillation of flexible tips, including carbon nanotube tips, as an advantage rather than trying to deal with lateral tip flexure as a disadvantage. The flexible tip AFM mode will enable the semiconductor industry community to access and image both sidewalls and depths of high aspect features. Tips designed to implement the new imaging mode will enable customers to use carbon nanotubes to image high aspect ratio trenches, contact holes and vias without the sidewall sticking problem that occurs when carbon nanotube tips are used with existing AFMs. Both non contact and contact mode operation will be investigated as well as tip characterization, needed for metrology applications and vertical operation, needed to measure and image feature bottoms, tops and corners. The new AFM imaging mode leverages existing, patented carbon nanotube growth process which are now being used to fabricate carbon nanotubes directly on the apexes of AFM tips for use by semiconductor industry manufacturers. Commercially, introduction of a flexible tip scanning mode innovation has the potential to expand the usefulness of carbon nanotubes as AFM tips beyond the semiconductor industry. AFM users in biology, medicine, materials science, forensics and other fields have increasing needs to image three dimensional structures. The same flexible tip technology used to image challenging semiconductor features at the nm scale can also be used to image features of interest to this broader community of AFM users. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McClure, Paul XIDEX CORPORATION TX William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539720 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Sustained Pulmonary Release of Nanoencapuslated Proteins for Counter Bioterrorism Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project focuses of novel method for sustained pulmonary release of protein based antitoxins for counter bioterrorism applications. There is a significant need of therapeutic treatments against bioterrorism agents such as anthrax, cholera, tetanus, diphtheria, ricin, etc. These biotoxin agents are lethal in very small amount ranging from 0.001 microg / kg to 0.1 microg / kg. Typically antibiotics are only effective in neutralizing the bioterrorism agent (e.g. bacterium) and not the released protein toxin. Significant challenges currently exist in the development of therapeutic methods that can neutralize the protein biotoxin during and after it has been released in the human environment . The overall goal of this exploratory project is to develop and demonstrate the effectiveness of completely nano-encapsulated hydrophilic proteins (such as antibodies, enzymes or protein based cell receptor) that can be delivered via the pulmonary route. Such particles will be synthesized using a novel semiconductor film deposition technique, which has until recently not been explored for pharmaceutical applications. Sustained Pulmonary release of proteins can not only neutralize biotoxin agents but also deliver other drugs. The development of solvent-free drug encapsulation systems has the potential to be used not only in pulmonary-based applications but also in injectable and oral delivery of peptide, traditional non-peptide and gene-therapy based drugs. Efficient delivery of proteins and peptides is required for a number of diseases such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and genetic protein deficiency disorders. Thus this project could lead to development of a platform technology for delivery of macromolecules for several diseases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 9102 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539727 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Antenna Based Infrared Imagers. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will develop uncooled antenna coupled microbolometer infrared sensors with improved performance. Antenna coupling provides great flexibility in designing the wavelength, band width, and polarization response through simple changes in antenna geometry. Prior designs for antenna coupled bolometers forced tradeoffs between the antenna feed point impedance and the bolometer material responsivity, resulting in sub optimal performance. This project will demonstrate a novel design that allows independent optimization of the antenna impedance and bolometer responsivity. Single antenna coupled microbolometer pixels with improved performance will be fabricated for quantitative measurement of the noise and detectivity. Reduced pixel mass with antenna designs will give faster operating speeds and better sensitivity. If successful, the proposed effort to make improved antenna based infrared sensors will provide a significant advancement in the state of the art in terms of sensitivity and response time. This would have a tremendous impact on existing applications in uncooled infrared imaging, but more importantly, it would enable new functionalities and applications that are not presently possible in fields from medicine and domestic security to scientific measurements. Success with this project will attract tremendous interest across a broad range of high tech industries. The company's collaboration with the University of Central Florida will ensure the involvement of undergraduate and graduate students in the development and the publication of significant results. Close collaboration between the industrial and university partners will provide the students with valuable insight into the requirements of industrial research and development. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hollingsworth, Russell ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99883 1505 HPCC 9139 5225 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539731 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Hybrid Integrated Optoelectronic Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will combine advanced two-chemistry photopolymer science and 3D maskless lithography to demonstrate a solution to an ubiquitous barrier to the broader impacts of optoelectronic and MEMs technologies. The objective of this research is a universal integration platform capable of seamlessly hybridizing electronic, micro-mechanical, opto-electronic and optic devices on a single chip to implement complex 3D systems in an environmentally robust package. The need for such a platform is enormous: over 90% of the development cost of optoelectronic components for telecom is estimated to be packaging and the limited market penetration of MEMs products is universally blamed on packaging difficulties. In this program, we will optimize the photo polymerizable monomer system and adapt a multi-beam direct-write lithography platform in order to demonstrate and optimize a new class of 3D routed waveguides. The anticipated results are a new class of polymer material and an associated maskless lithography technique to support research, education and commercial production of a wide range of miniature mobile devices that are currently confined to laboratory benches. If successful the proposed multi-disciplinary materials and lithography research program has the potential to revolutionize public access to complex microdevices that are currently restricted to laboratories or expensive military systems. By providing a platform for inexpensive, robust miniaturization of systems that seamlessly incorporate optics, MEMs and electronics, a wide range of communication, medical and sensing systems become technically and economically feasible. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Dhar, Lisa InPhase Technologies CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149998 1505 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539735 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High Sensitivity Directional Hand-Held Portable Microelectronic Alpha Detector. This Phase I SBIR Research Proposal addresses development of a handheld alpha detector. A broad range of nuclear threats and technologies are needed to prevent or mitigate nuclear incidents. Further, nuclear industries and research facilities benefit from improved detector capabilities. This project proposes research on a near 100 volume percent efficient, realtime, microelectronic self calibrating and directional alpha particle detector. The technical impact of the detector concept reaches into many application areas and will stimulate many additional technical innovations. Further, improved accuracy in measurements will improve system(s) performance and theoretical models. Potential commercial applications exist in research and standards programs, defense threat reduction services, the nuclear industry, the food industry, personal dosimetry, and the medical industry, among others. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shen, Ding Senops Corporation NJ Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539736 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Low-cost Super Efficient Smart Antenna for V-band Wireless Communications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will create new enabling technologies that will help advance the state-of-the-art in V-band wireless communications. They will enable the realization of cost-effective high performance Vband wireless hardware based on single radio chip solutions incorporating silicon substrates. Through the leveraging of recent advances in cost-effective CMOS processes, novel techniques will be investigated for the creation of a low cost smart antenna platform compliant with CMOS technology that can also counter the high propagation losses at V-band. Multiple Si-based printed quasi Yagi antennas will be used to feed a lens based silicon antenna to create a novel super efficient, high gain multi-beam V-band radiator. New RF interconnect technology that will allow for the efficient integration of silicon-based components with the radiating interface will also be created. The interconnect technology will be based on a new form of artificial magnetic conductor that should yield a small, low cost, highly efficient solution and ensure maximum transfer of RF power. This will advance the state-of-the-art in millimeter-wave antenna and RF interconnect technologies for next generation very high data-rate wireless communication systems. These new concepts will help accelerate the exploitation of the recently allocated 57 - 64 GHz frequency band for the deployment of new wireless communication systems that will provide a host of very high data rate services. Consumers will directly benefit through the provision of new communication services, as well as the increased affordability in acquiring un-tethered connectivity to future high capacity communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Waterhouse, Rod Pharad LLC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539738 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Chemical Vapor Deposition Tool for Device Grade SiC Epilayers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result in a high throughput, large area, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) tool for the production of device grade SiC epitaxial films and substrates. This proposal will develop, test and implement the technology. Silicon carbide (SiC) is a wide band gap material that is the proven key enabler of the next-generation high power, high-frequency and radiation hard device applications succeeding silicon and gallium arsenide. Due to its unique materials and electronic properties, SiC devices can function under higher power ratings as well as higher frequency and temperatures compared to Si and GaAs products. For that reason, these high performance devices are intensely sought after for both commercial and military device applications. To date, however, its commercial potential has been limited by a lack of production capacity for large area, device grade epitaxial films and substrates. The proposed work will address the current materials limitations of SiC epitaxial process technology through enhanced processing capabilities. The unique materials properties of Silicon Carbide allow the material to be used in high performance devices for applications that require high power, high frequency or high temperature. Such devices are under development for lighting, consumer electronics, industrial electronics and the automotive industry for example. SiC devices will also find use in industrial motors and power supplies requiring high voltage. In addition to performance benefits, SiC offers significant cost saving opportunities by eliminating expensive cooling systems needed in a range of industrial equipment common to factories worldwide. However, development has been hampered by a lack of inexpensive, high quality SiC substrate material. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dons, Edwin STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539750 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Germyl Silanes - Enabling Precursors for Chemical Vapor Deposition of Advanced CMOS Substrates, CMOS-Integrated MEMS, and Nano-Scale Quantum-Dot Silicon Photonics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project constitutes the first step in the commercialization of an innovation in the manufacture of advanced complementary metal oxide (CMOS) semiconductor substrates, CMOS-integrated micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), thin film amorphous solar cells, and nano-scale quantum-dot silicon photonics. The project will demonstrate industrially scaleable syntheses of germyl silane precursors and their use to create smooth, homogeneous, fully relaxed, high-Ge content silicon germanium films through low-temperature, high-growth rate chemical vapor deposition processes. Further, through partnerships with tool makers, the project will demonstrate the use of such films to create a virtual substrate for strained silicon layers, a solar cell, and a MEMS device. The project addresses a critical need for precursors and processes that deposit such films under low temperature conditions with throughput rates that are significantly higher than those offered by existing processes. Further, the project enables the manufacture of nearly monodispsperse, chemically homogenous quantum dot arrays that can serve as silicon-based lasers and detectors. Commercially, the potential market for devices made with these technologies is predicted to exceed several billion dollars per year and exhibit double-digit growth rates over the next five years. Ge-rich SiGe films will enable higher clock speeds in microprocessors, lower power consumption in cell phones, silicon-based photonics, and more efficient solar cells. As such, the innovation will reduce energy consumption and advance the technological stature of the U.S. semiconductor, solar, MEMS, and photonics industries. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stephens, Matthew Voltaix, Inc NJ William Haines Standard Grant 98596 1505 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539751 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Electronic Pills for Medication Compliance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will evaluate the use of electronic pills for medication compliance monitoring. Medication compliance monitoring is critical in (among other areas) pharmaceutical clinical trials, geriatrics, and mental health/addiction medicine. This Phase I project will study the application of in vivo monitoring electronics to medication compliance. Three types of technologies will be studied, prototyped, and evaluated for medication compliance monitoring. In addition, the team will rigorously study the communication channel (the human torso) for this and many future potential monitoring techniques. The goal of the project is to design and prototype electronic pill technology either into a medication capsule or as a coating on an existing capsule or pill. A handheld RF communication device will sense the presence of the pill in the GI tract and positively confirm that the medication regimen was followed appropriately. This electronic pill technology and R&D will help expand the rapidly growing field of in vivo telemetry. The study of the transmission characteristics and minimal requirements for sensing through the human torso is an important step to designing and building wireless, low power, in vivo devices for biotelemetry. Additionally, the field of medication compliance is tremendously important in many areas of medicine. In particular, better compliance monitoring can greatly reduce the costs associated with FDA approval of pharmaceuticals as well as provide dramatically improved data for accurate determination of low probability side effects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Euliano, Neil Convergent Engineering, Inc FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539763 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Solid State MicroBatteries Based on Embedded Nanostructured Cathodes of Defective Lithium Manganospinels. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of integrated, high performance thin film batteries for portable devices and stand-alone sensors. The rapid development of high performance Li-Mn-O integrated micro-batteries for sensors/communication devices/electronics devices will require significant advancements in charge/discharge rate capability, increased cycle life and low temperature integration capability. To address these issues, the fabrication of novel solid state micro-batteries based on embedded nanostructured cathodes of defective lithium manganospinels using non-equilibrium techniques is proposed. Low temperature fabrication of high performance Li-Mn-O embedded cathodes will be demonstrated while the final goal is an integrated battery based on such electrodes. . Companies are closely working with academic and industry leaders to develop powerful RFID solutions and sensor networks. This research will help demonstrate the potential for this new technology to enhance public safety, reduce the cost of doing business, and bring a host of other benefits to business and society. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539772 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Evaluation of New, Ultra-Sensitive Electric Field Measurement Technology for the Detection of Earthquake Precursors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop an electric field (E) based measurement system to acquire electromagnetic signals that may be earthquake precursors. Each year earthquakes cause considerable damage to property and enormous numbers of casualties. However, no one has yet been able to demonstrate a reliable method of earthquake prediction that has practically useful, repeatable results. The company plans to work with earthquake researchers and another firm that investigates these possible earthquake precursor signals, to test QFS's state-of-the-art E sensing technology's ability to refine these types of measurements. There are many theoretical arguments that the Earth produces electromagnetic (EM) signals that are earthquake precursors. Several groups are investigating this possibility working primarily with magnetic field (B) sensors. However, the B sensors have limitations that mean E sensors may actually be better suited to this work. Available E-sensing technology is not sensitive enough, and does not have adequate robustness to environmental factors. Statistics show that in the decade of 1991-2000, earthquakes caused US $270 billion of damage. In the 20th century, a million people died in earthquakes. Even a few minutes' warning would allow potential victims to take effective measures to prevent injury and death, and allow the shutdown of valuable systems that could be damaged by an earthquake. The global nature of earthquakes leaves no corner of the Earth untouched and the potential market for an effective system would be significant. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nielsen, Thomas QUASAR Federal Systems, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99983 5371 HPCC 9215 7398 7282 5413 1634 1580 1521 0304010 Earthquake 0539775 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Production of Silicon Nanoparticles by Electrochemical Etching of Silicon Wafers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the development of new and inexpensive techniques for production of highly fluorescent semiconductor silicon nanoparticles (quantum dots). Preliminary results indicate that lateral etching of silicon wafers can be used for the continuous production of high quality, inexpensive silicon nanoparticles. This Phase 1 program is intended to demonstrate that through optimization of the manufacturing process, a greater yield of particles will meet the larger quantities required by prospective customers. Several industrial companies have expressed an interest in the particles, but require much larger quantities than can be produced in the existing system. By optimizing the technical and chemical aspects of the existing particle system, the project will increase the yield to meet customer demand, and also evaluate the system's reproducibility and scalability. Commercially, this project will provide a basis for scaling up of luminescent silicon quantum dots production. It will allow for production of fluorescent silicon quantum dots and will play significant role in the market of nanomaterials, particularly for photonics devices. It is expected that, in general, the outcome of this proposal will have great impact on future nanotechnology. The reason is that silicon nanoparticles are among the most desired materials for future nanotechnology and research. It will not only have great impact on technology since it will provide a great amount of material for new tools; devices etc. but it also will have great effect on our understanding of silicon properties at small dimensions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Didenko, Yuri NanoSi Technologies Inc. IL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99992 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539798 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Biological Warfare Agent Detection Utilizing Magnetic Nanoparticles for Agent Delivery and an Adaptive Holographic Interferometric System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will establish the feasibility of detecting biological warfare agents (BWAs) using a holographic interferometer. Bio- and Nanotechnologies are enabling this innovation through the preparation of both affinity-based nanoparticles and biosensor unit of the detector system. Affinity-based superparamagnetic nanoparticles will be utilized as carriers to capture and deliver BWAs in a magnetic field gradient onto a chemically-matched biosensor element. The compact, sensitive and selective detector system will be modified to enable application of a switchable magnetic field gradient that will attract and repel biosample-loaded superparamagnetic particles from the analyte delivery stream onto and away from the detector's biosensor surface. Sequential interferometric measurements will be made and quantifiable signal will be processed from this data. The technology has already been demonstrated as effective in characterizing vapor phase chemicals. Application of the adaptive holographic interferometry technology for detection of biomolecules and particles represents an extraordinary opportunity, both in terms of scientific advancement and market potential. Such a device applied to medical diagnostics could revolutionize and economically simplify diagnosis of pandemic infections such as HIV in remote locations as well as point of care in physician's offices. It could help drug development companies to lower costs, which would slow the pace of ever-increasing healthcare expenses. Social uncertainty regarding the terrorist threat could be limited, based on ubiquitous deployment of a highly sensitive and selective yet economical biological and chemical warfare agent detection device. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hacioglu, Bilge AlphaSniffer LLC CO Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 95356 5371 CVIS 9102 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539799 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Nanoparticle Gaskets for Room Temperature MEMS Packaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a "nanogasket" technology using loose and compacted metallic nanoparticles for a cold weld MEMS packaging system called compression bonded hermetic packaging (CBHP). CBHP will enable low-cost, room temperature, hermetic packaging of MEMS. Room temperature packaging is vital to improving the production yields of many MEMS, especially optical MEMS (MEOMS). Remarkable melting point depression and grain boundary sliding phenomena observed in nanoparticle structures suggest that the use of nanogaskets in the CBHP system could enable the use of cold weld gasket materials with far higher yields strengths than would otherwise be possible on silicon wafers and other MEMS substrates, for packaging at the wafer scale. Phase I research objectives are to demonstrate this effect with sourced bulk and in situ produced nanoparticles. Phase II will result in the construction of a nanogasket version of manual vacuum sealing machine that can package small runs in a foundry operation at SMD (Stellar Micro Devices). Commercially, complex MEMS are the first commercial target for this technology in a $7 billion MEMS market. As tools and package supplies become more widely available, the technology will be applied to mass market MEMS through a larger foundry and franchising of the manufacturing process to volume producers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Miner, Andrew STELLAR MICRO DEVICES TX T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99618 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539802 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Robust Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED) Displays using Self-Assembled MonoLayers. The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using self-assembled mono-layers to dramatically improve the cost performance of OLED displays. The OLED industry is interested in p-i-n structured OLEDs because they can be fully printed in open-air conditions on flexible barrier substrates through the use of air-stable printable electrodes; however, these displays suffer from slow switching speeds and shortened lifetimes. The intellectual merit of this proposal is focused on stabilizing the p-i-n junction architecture for OLED devices using self-assembled mono-layers (SAM). This effort will focus on developing the materials and processes for depositing the SAM layer that specifically overcomes the weaknesses of current p-i-n displays caused by the mobility of the dopants responsible for the p and n-type doping, and to dramatically improve the efficiency, lifetime, switching speed, and printability of LEP devices onto flexible substrates. The broader impact of this proposal will be the creation of a significant technology and print-based manufacturing platform that will accelerate the use of OLED displays and photovoltaics in the low cost, large-area optoelectronic markets. Such technology is expected to provide low cost, flexible displays and could have a direct impact on other printable electronics, such as organic transistors and memory, where low cost manufacturing of high efficiency devices are paramount for commercial success. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Jian Ping Add-vision, Incorporated CA William Haines Standard Grant 97620 1505 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539805 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Ultra Low Cost, p-i-n OLED Lamps for Specialty Lighting. The Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using white light-emitting polymers in a fully printable manufacturing process to dramatically improve the cost and efficiency performance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) flat lamps. Both the OLED display and Lighting industries are interested in p-i-n structured OLEDs because they can be fully printed in open air conditions on flexible barrier substrates through the use of air-stable printable electrodes; however, these displays suffer from higher operating voltages and shortened lifetimes. The project will develop high-efficiency, high-brightness, white light-emitting OLED devices using a p-i-n device architecture that is air stable and fully printable at low cost. It will focus on developing the materials and processes for depositing both the light-emitting and cathode layers that specifically overcome the weakness of traditional Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) OLED devices which inhibit the printing of OLED lamps onto flexible substrates at ultra low cost. Current know how in fully-printable OLED displays will be combined with advanced white light emitting materials and dopants to dramatically improve efficiency, lifetime, and printability of LEP devices onto flexible substrates. If success the outcome of this project will be a significant technology and print-based manufacturing platform for white light-emitting polymers that will accelerate the use of OLED technology in the high-efficiency, high-lifetime, lighting industry. Such technology is expected to provide low cost OLED lamps to society as a whole, as well as offer numerous benefits, including improved safety, better lighting quality, and lower dependence on fossil fuels. Aside from the obvious advantage of lowering energy consumption, OLED lamps are expected to offer a fuller spectrum-of-color for an improved lighting experience that lowers workplace fatigue, eye damage from glare, and negative affects on human health. Printable OLED lamps would be expected to find strong adoption by schools, offices, and those in industrial and residential environments. It is not inconceivable that the low cost printing of doped white-light emitting polymers could be disruptive enough to foster a revolution in ultra-low cost lighting solutions that can be used by developing nations to leap frog in development. Outside of the organic display industry, this research would enhance the scientific understanding for other printable electronics, including organic photovoltaics, transistors and memory, where low cost manufacturing of high-efficiency devices are paramount for commercial success. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kreger, Melissa Add-vision, Incorporated CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98597 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539810 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Networkable and Portable Remote Sensing Strips for Weigh-in-Motion Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a thin, highly accurate, reliable, cost-effective, portable, durable and survivable pressurized sensing strip (or mat) for remotely sensing the weights of moving objects in harsh environments. Applications are numerous, ranging from measuring the weight of moving aircraft to measuring the weight of heavy containers arriving in ports. The system will be based on innovations in fiber optics technology. For an initial and innovative commercial application, the company has chosen weigh-in motion (WIM) for road vehicle safety, particularly because of its relationships with key customers, together with the great need to reduce vehicle accidents. This research would enable new and innovative sensor design, sensor networking systems in a distributed environment, the integration of sensors into engineered systems and the interpretation and use of sensor data in decision-making processes. Vehicular accidents are endemic on the nation's highway system and throughout the world. While the technology to be developed has applications in many areas, the specific commercialization plan within this proposal (WIM) will have broad, sweeping impacts on making the nation's highways safer for driving. Existing WIM systems for roads are expensive to install and maintain and are inaccurate. Despite these facts, WIM systems dramatically improve road safety where used. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moslehi, Behzad INTELLIGENT FIBER OPTICS SYSTEMS CORP. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539820 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Nanoparticles Based Embedded Passive Capacitors (nCAPTM) for Enabling Advance Microelectronics Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will explore feasibility and demonstrate advantages of the application of novel BaTiO3 nanoparticles based embedded decoupling capacitors (nCAP) fabricated using electrostatic directed assembly of the nanoparticles. The state-of-the-art embedded capacitors are mostly microcomposites involving high dielectric materials such as BaTiO3 as filler dispersant in the epoxy polymer matrix. The dispersant particle size ranges from few-to-tens of microns, which limits the thickness of the embedded capacitor films. Moreover, due to the random arrangement of ferroelectric BaTiO3 particles, the overall dielectric constant is much closer to the very low value of the polymer (around 4) than the high-k filler (thousands). The electric field between the capacitor plates sees the dielectric as high and low phases in series, and capacitors in series have a lower overall value than either single capacitor. We propose to explore a unique electrostatic spray coating (ESC) method for the deposition of nanosized BaTiO3 particles dispersed in an epoxy polymer for oriented (layered) assembly of ferroelectric particles. In ESC process, nanoparticles are charged before deposition to activate directed self assembly of nanoparticles on metal ground plane of capacitor substrate. In this layered assembly, the electric field would see this arrangement as a high-k and a low-k phase in parallel, resulting in their values being added and allowing higher overall dielectric value. As an example, if the polymer phase were k = 4.6 (common FR4) and the ferroelectric powder phase k = 10,000, the overall dielectric constant of the design would be 5,000-7,000. Also, the use of nanosized dispersant ceramic will assist in processing these composites in thinner films. The nCAPTM will be deposited on metal-coated epoxy polymer substrates, which are of key interest to our manufacturing partner DuPont Corporation, a leading US manufacturer of microelectronics packaging materials. Commercially, if successful, this nCAP innovation will aid manufactures of electronics packages materials in overcoming limitations currently offered due to low dielectric properties. The proposed project will advance the state-of-the-art for the fabrication of passive devices. A successful outcome will further the trend to smaller, more powerful electronic devices. The societal impact includes possible benefits such as improved communication systems, portable medical devices and many other consumer and strategic applications such as biomedical, portable data assistants and laptops, wireless communication, energy storage, etc. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Wenping NANOMECH, LLC AR William Haines Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539823 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Monolithically Integrated Wavelength-Range-Selectable and Widely-Wavelength-Tunable Semiconductor Lasers with High Functionalities. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on the technology development of a novel tunable laser and a novel wavelength selectable laser. Such lasers are central to next-generation optical networks and photonic technologies, including DWDM networks, all optical dynamic routing and packet switching networks, Optical CDMA networks, and analog photonics. Recently the company has developed a powerful integrated curved diffraction grating on InP chip with the highest spectral resolution and the smallest size, referred to as SCG. Applying to lasers, SCG allows the combination of the high performance of "external grating laser" with the advantages of integration. The project will focus on demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed SCG based lasers and developing a wavelength-range selectable narrowly-tunable SCG laser (WSNT-SCGL). These wavelength-selectable or tunable lasers will result in extended tunable laser capabilities not achievable currently such as wider tunability (e.g. >100nm), higher spectral purity (e.g. 50-60dB SMSR), narrower linewidth (e.g. <1MHz), smaller channel spacing (e.g. <50GHz), lower power consumption, higher output (e.g. >50mW), simpler control electronics, enhanced functionalities, and lower costs via monolithic integration. The proposed wavelength-selectable or widely-tunable SCG lasers involve a number of new technological approaches such as the high-resolution Integrated Curved Diffraction Grating, Cavity- Grating Frequency Offset detector, Matrix-Addressable Wavelength Tuner, and other integrated functionalities (e.g. widened gain section, integrated shutter/amplifier, integrated modulator etc). These are combined capabilities that can only be realized with chip-scale monolithic integrations, and are not available currently. For optical networks, currently one has to use 40x fixed wavelength DFB lasers or 10x narrowly-tunable DFB lasers to cover the 40 DWDM ITU Channels. These lasers can be replaced by a single WSNT-SGC laser. Thus, the WSNT-SCG laser will reduce the DWDM laser inventory by 10- 40x. The company's widely tunable lasers WT-SCG, on the other hand, will bring substantially lower power consumption and simpler control electronics than current tunable lasers, and could be engineered to give higher output and higher spectral purity. The potentially new capabilities of SCG lasers will open up many application areas including: (1) DWDM/CWDM/OCDMA Networks; (2) WDM On Chips; (3) Instrumentations, and (4) Analog/RF Photonics. Applications to these areas require lambda-selectable or tunable lasers with higher output, higher SMSR, wider lambda-tunability, narrower linewidth, and lower cost than currently available. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ma, Jing OptoNet Inc. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539824 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: New Ceramic Sub-Microchannel Plates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of advanced high-resolution ceramic micro-channel plates (MCPs). MCPs are used in many types of astrophysics photon detectors, as well as in scientific instrumentation, medical imaging and in low- and night vision devices. Requirements of many current and future astronomical spectroscopy and imaging instruments cannot be supported by conventional glass-fiber MCP technology that has reached its fundamental limits in spatial and temporal resolution, fixed pattern noise, high count rate capabilities, thermal performance, yield and reproducibility, stability and lifetime. Alternative technologies are needed to overcome these limitations. The company proposes an innovative approach to fabricate sub-microchannel plates (s-MCPs) from nanostructured ceramic with previously unachievable morphology, enabling channel diameter below 1 micrometer and open area ratio approaching 90%. The expected result of the proposed work is a manufacturing technology for production of commercially viable sub-micro-channel plate intensifiers with better performance, longer lifetime and lower cost. This could open up new opportunities for a quantum leap in the development of the next generation particle and photon detection systems for the infrared, UV, x-ray and gamma ray astrophysics applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Synkera Technologies Inc. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 1657 1289 1216 1214 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539827 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Pass Impedance Optimized Photoacoustic Sensor for Moisture Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will yield highly sensitive photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) systems to serve as monitors for the semiconductor industry. Moisture in semiconductor process gases can distort manufacturing processes and thereby compromise device performance. No candidate technologies for moisture monitors have all the necessary characteristics: sensitivity, speed, compactness, quickness to dry, and low cost. This project will enable PAS systems to satisfy all those characteristics by increasing their sensitivity and diminishing their size. The conventional design strategy has been to place the microphone in the center of the acoustic cavity; a technique which we have found to be sub-optimal. The company is working on fundamental methods which optimize sensitivity in small photoacoustic cells using insight developed from electrical/acoustical analogs. During this Phase I SBIR project, the company will design, build, and test a PAS system in accordance with our innovative design. The goal of Phase I is to demonstrate a small PAS system with moisture sensitivity of 10-20 ppb and low manufacturing costs. Commercially, small, inexpensive, highly sensitive moisture monitors based on PAS will help wafer fabs to increase yields, reduce down time, accelerate time to market, decrease time for root cause analysis, optimize maintenance schedules, and optimize the duration of purges of process tools. The company has determined that the market for moisture monitors in wafer fabs is a commercially interesting niche. This market will become increasingly attractive as critical feature sizes continue to shrink, moisture requirements become more demanding, and PAS systems show that they can meet all the market requirements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Selker, Mark Finesse Instruments CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99853 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539834 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Biomolecule Immobilization Chemistry for Nanomagnetic/Spintronic Biosensor Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to adapt a Giant MagnetoResistive (GMR) sensor device into a "spintronic" multianalyte biosensor. The potential value of biosensor technology is being recognized for a wide range of applications, from medical diagnostics to countering bio-terrorism. Magnetic nano/microparticles present advantages as labels for biomolecule binding, including stability and low background signal. This project will provide improved biomolecule coupling technology for biosensor applications of certain GMR microelectrode array and the paramagnetic microbeads under development. The Phase I effort will include the synthesis and use testing of photochemical and electrochemical polymer derivatives for binding oligonucleotides to the silicon nitride surface of GMR electrodes and to uncoated NiFe microparticles. Biomolecule binding activity, stability, and signal/noise properties will be measured by fluorescent and magnetic assay methods and shown to be equal or superior to those of currently used assays. These Phase I results are expected to provide a solid technical background for optimizing the biomolecule immobilization chemistry in Phase II, as well as new but related latent-reactive polymers for enhanced microfluidic channel coating and lid adhesion for the GMR biosensor flow cell. Commercially coating reagents and procedures for specific biomolecule binding on microelectrode arrays and on paramagnetic metal nano/microparticles are expected to command a significant fraction of the greater than $5 billion genomic and proteomic assay disposables market expected by 2010. They have the capacity to give greatly lowered cost and enhanced ease of use for consumers in the military, personal care, and security fields. The coatings will help enable a lab-on-a-chip sensor that can be used in the field to give accurate and timely readouts on biohazards, potentially saving people's lives. Additionally, the development of a new general coating technology for magnetic materials will have impacts beyond biosensors, including ferrofluids, magnetic memory devices, and many others. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guire, Patrick Innovative Surface Technologies, Inc. MN T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99644 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539835 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A New Class of Complex Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Mesogens for Advanced Electro-Optic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to test the feasibility of developing families of complex liquid crystal molecules that offer previously unobtainable material properties; advanced electro-optic capabilities in particular. For decades, predominant liquid crystal molecules have been variants on simple rod shapes. Radically new liquid crystal molecules (mesogens) have begun to appear in recent years, such as bent-core "banana" molecules and dimers, which exhibit novel and potentially valuable properties. This work will focus on fundamental questions of how dimers can be designed to possess the required liquid crystal phase sequences and what the general structure-function rules for these new molecules are. The objectives are to synthesize a series of readily accessible dimers, control their mesogenicity by the modification of tails and cores, construct "structure-property" relationships in this new type of mesogens, and find suitable alignment techniques. The ultimate anticipated benefits include the development of a new type of electro-optic (EO) materials that will surpass current organic competitors in EO strength and lifetime, and will surpass current commercial EO materials in EO performance, integrability, and low cost. Potential commercial applications include telecommunications (high-speed EO modulation (e.g. > 100GHz), M by N switches, free space communications beam steering, amplification), detection (LADAR beam steering, optical sensors), and optical information processing (spatial light modulators, holography, optical computing and storage). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Yongqiang Displaytech Incorporated CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99981 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539841 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Low-Cost Portable Telerehabilitation System for Intelligent Stretching and Remote Assessment of Hypertonic Elbow Joint. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a low-cost and portable tele-rehabilitation system with innovative intelligent control to provide potentially more effective therapy to patients with neurological disorders, including stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and children with cerebral palsy. The system developed will provide (1) treatment of elbow with spasticity and contracture and (2) tele-assessment of the elbow spasticity/contracture and improvement from the treatment. For the treatment function, a portable robotic device will be developed to stretch the impaired elbow joint to its extreme positions with innovative intelligent control of the resistance torque and stretching velocity. The limb-stretching device will be designed with low-cost and portability to make the intelligent stretching therapy with user-friendly interface easily available to the patients. For the remote assessment function, a haptic device through which the clinicians can remotely interact with the patients will be developed. The low cost and portability of the proposed device will make the developed system suitable for patient home and local clinic use, reaching a potentially large market. They will also allow more patients to get therapy easily which can directly benefit patients with neurological disorder such as stroke which has about 750,000 occurrences per year in the US with relevant medical expenses in the billions of dollars. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Park, Hyung Rehabtek LLC IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99938 1505 HPCC 9215 6840 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539850 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost High Brightness Photonic Crystal Lasers with Integrated Non-Linear Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project goal is to develop a highly coherent surface-emitting photonic crystal (SEPC) semiconductor laser operating in the 900 to 1070 nm wavelength range. High brightness lasers are required to efficiently pump non-linear crystals to obtain frequency doubled green (~532 nm) and blue (~470 nm) light. Initial prototypes will operate around wavelength of 976 nm to produce frequency doubled output at 488 nm as replacement for argon-ion lasers. To achieve high brightness the SEPC laser concept includes within the epitaxial structure a reflecting stack to minimize loss of light towards the epitaxial (p-side) metal contact caused by the bi-directional outcoupling of the SE photonic crystal. A broad set of applications for the frequency-doubled SEPC lasers include projection display, bioinstrumentation, semiconductor wafer inspection and chemical sensing. In addition, SEPC diode lasers will find application as direct replacement for fiber lasers. Furthermore, arrays of SEPC lasers will be used as high power laser sources with high beam quality in markets that include machining, material processing, and medical applications. Surface-emission makes possible complete wafer processing and testing, advantages that permitted improved reliability and significant reductions in cost due to the economy of scale for the silicon IC industry. Surface emission also eliminates the need for facet coating and prevents catastrophic optical damage (COD) as well as facet degradation. As a result, this SEPC device has potential for extremely low cost and electrical to optical efficiencies approaching 50%. The single frequency operation with a highly coherent, high brightness, single-lobe far-field provides an additional effective efficiency compared to conventional broad area diode lasers for pump applications. In addition, the output aperture size of the SEPC laser can be engineered to produce circular output beam without external optics further reducing the cost of the laser package. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Masood, Taha PHOTODIGM, INC TX Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99931 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539852 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: An Actuated Skin for Robotic Facial Expressions. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research program proposes a novel concept for actuating artificial human-like skin. The application of the artificial skin in numerous applications such as robotic faces, prosthetics and medical simulation devices, animatronics, and high-end toys has been limited because of the lack of adequate muscle-like technologies. A solution to this problem is a novel composite actuator, a hybrid of micro piezoelectric actuators and a porous elastomer which will exhibit several characteristics of natural muscle tissues. The key to these advances is a new technique called structured porosity elastomer manufacturing (SPEM). The objectives are to determine the effect of pore geometry on the material properties in porous elastomers, use this understanding for optimization of the porous network, to fabricate the optimized pore-structure in elastomers by developing a hybrid of rapid-prototyping and injection molding processes, to identify the synthesis issues required for embedding of the piezoelectric actuators in the porous elastomer, and to fabricate the robotic face integrated with novel motion control electronics for driving micro piezoelectric actuators and ultrasonic motors. This research will lead to the fundamental understanding of piezo-actuated structured porous elastomer composite actuators as artificial muscles, their manufacturing technologies, and supporting technologies including drivers, wiring and anchoring. This understanding will be helpful in producing a wide array of bio-inspired mechanical devices that are actuated in the manner of muscles. The development of hybrid of rapid-prototyping of 3D sacrificial material and micro-arrays of piezoactuators, by means of micro-robotic gripper arrayswill provide a practical solution for mass production of active, synthetic soft tissues. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hanson, David Hanson Robotics, Inc. TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9215 6840 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539866 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Personal Safety Monitor - Low Cost Carbon Monoxide Detection with Nanotube Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems Device. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will expand the field of carbon nanotube transistors applicability and provide a much needed safety improvement tool. The proposed work will address the feasibility issues associated with the detection of carbon monoxide. Innovative research is required (1) in the development of recognition layers required to make a specific sensor; and (2) in the integration of carbon nanotube based platform onto a MEMS. For this first point, several different specific recognition layers for CO will be deposited on the nanotube device. These will be tested for their specific response to CO in varying temperature and humidity conditions as well as against cross reactants. Following device characterization and determination of the optimal working temperature, the end product of Phase I will be twofold, with (1) a working lab prototype for CO detection; and, (2) a 100mm wafer of functional MEMS. There is an identified need to monitor firefighters' exposure to CO, as they regularly encounter the poison when in the field, a situation that can significantly impaired their capacities, both physical and intellectual, therefore putting their life at risk. The proposed low cost device could easily integrate and calculate the built up of carbon monoxide in the blood, triggering an alarm when maximum permissible exposure is reached. In addition, the device would store this information into an integrated memory to build a profile for each individual firefighter. Other population have been identified that could significantly benefit from personal carbon monoxide monitoring. The total unmet need here is therefore in the order of 1.4 million people. Unfortunately, the price sensitivity of the personal safety and first response market has thus far prevented the application of widespread individual monitoring of carbon monoxide in the field, forcing people to take significant risks to achieve their duty. The proposed device will provide a solution that offers the technical aptitude of expensive technologies while retaining the ease of use and price consideration of most crude, colorimetric options. The low price target of the product is very attractive to the budgets of municipalities and fire departments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gabriel, Jean-Christophe Nanomix, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 0 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539883 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Balloon-Based Instrument for Measurements of Atmospheric Water Vapor and Methane. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will examine the feasibility of developing a balloon-based instrument that can measure water vapor and methane at high precision and accuracy. Water vapor and methane play critical roles in the chemistry, dynamics, and radiative budget of the atmosphere, but their concentrations are quite poorly characterized near the tropopause and in the stratosphere. Commercial hygrometers are unreliable in these regions, and no existing instrumentation can measure methane onboard standard weather balloons. Key innovations for this project are a low power vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) to measure methane, newly developed compact optical cells to minimize space and weight requirements, singular valued decomposition algorithms to increase long-term precision, and the addition of another VCSEL at 1854 nm to probe water vapor. Development of a combined water vapor and methane instrument for standard weather balloons will significantly advance the understanding of global climate change by providing researchers with valuable measurements that cannot be accomplished currently. More accurate measurements of these gases in the upper troposphere and stratosphere will enable scientists to more accurately predict changes to the ozone layer and climate change. More accurate levels of water vapor in the upper troposphere will yield more accurate forecasts. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY IIP ENG Zondlo, Mark Southwest Sciences Inc NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 108264 9150 5371 1524 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9150 7398 7282 5413 1634 1586 1521 0202000 Atmospheric Science-ICAS 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539885 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Bistable FLCs using Siloxanes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop commercially practical bistable FLC displays. Ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) attractively combine a high speed electro-optic effect with very low-power drive, but, absent bistability, suffer restrictions on operational duty cycle that limit achievable display brightness. Exciting results obtained recently with an organosiloxane FLC compound suggest that it overcomes smectic layer shrinkage and surface interaction problems that have until now foiled FLC bistability. The work proposed here seeks to show that this singular result can be extended to other related compounds, setting the stage for Phase II development of bistable FLC mixtures engineered to have fast switching with suitable switching angles over the broad temperature ranges needed for practical applications. Further, it seeks to show that deficiencies in aligning compounds of this type can be overcome to give improved contrast ratio. The Phase I effort includes synthesis and evaluation of new siloxane mesogen compounds; formulation of mixtures from new and existing compounds, and evaluation of conventional as well as novel alignment treatments. Fundamental scientific questions about liquid crystal phase behavior and surface interactions lie at the heart of the remarkable recent results which the proposed work will begin to answer. Commercially, bistable FLC devices will enable micro-projection displays utilizing new high-brightness LED and laser light sources. Micro-projectors deliver flat panel display functionality with higher performance and lower cost than conventional approaches such as AMLCDs. Initial applications include sunlight readable, reconfigurable automotive dashboard, entertainment, and navigation displays, a 15-million-unit, $100MM market. Ultimate success would include penetration of the multi-billion-dollar laptop computer, monitor, and television display markets. FLC bistability further enables high-performance write heads for emerging holographic data storage markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thurmes, William Displaytech Incorporated CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 99971 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539890 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Atomic Layer Deposition-Enabled Polymer Packaging for Integrating MEMS and Electronics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate a new nano-scale, conformal, atomic layer deposition (ALD)-enabled hermetic capping. Such an innovative capping technology will transform MEMS and electronics integration from dual-in-line packages (DIP) into chip-scale packages (CSP), wafer level packages (WLP) and three-dimensional (3-D) packages, which are required for low-cost and super-compact systems. MEMS devices are mechanically protected by polymer layers with cavities. Polymer processing is fully compatible with existing WLP manufacturing for microelectronic components. To meet hermetic and/or vacuum requirements, a nano-scale (25 to 60 nm) ALD-alumina layer with a hydrophobic surface monolayer will be coated to provide comprehensive, conformal, pinhole-free protective coverage. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of this innovative concept by using a MEMS package sealed by a polymer structure coated with ALD-alumina and hydrophobic monolayer. The project will also demonstrate a product insertion process by transforming microelectronic non-hermetic CSPs into hermetic ones. The project will be applied to various CSPs produced by different manufactures. Commercially, packaging is recognized as one of the major barriers to the large scale commercialization of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Wafer-level hermetic capping has enabled the integration of MEMS and electronics in dual-in-line (DIP) packages. This project creates a new paradigm to apply ALD for packaging of MEMS, microelectronic, optoelectronic and radio frequency (RF) components and systems. The potential impact of successful ALD applications to packaging extends far beyond the proposed hermetic sealing. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Groner, Markus ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO William Haines Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539891 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Process Control Trace Oxygen Sensor using Nanomaterials. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will to develop a process-control oxygen sensor suitable for harsh conditions present in petrochemical production, oil and gas refining, and boiler systems for power generation. The proposed nanomaterial-based sensor stimulates and then monitors the infrared emission of singlet molecular oxygen to measure oxygen concentration to ppb levels in the presence of strong solvents, corrosive acids and flammable mixtures at elevated temperatures. This is a novel application of a long known phenomena that heretofore has been almost exclusively used in biomedical applications. Unlike other optical oxygen sensors, the proposed method is suited to trace analysis since the measured signal is directly proportional to oxygen concentration. Trace measurements can be accurately made against a "zero background." Measurement and control of oxygen is crucial for efficient operation of industrial processes including: production of petrochemicals, petroleum refining, plastic and polymer materials manufacture, semiconductors processing, ceramics, gas separation. The competitiveness of the these multi-billion dollar industries in the US relies on continued process improvements of production efficiency, cost savings, product yield and quality. Innovations and improvements in commercially available process oxygen sensors have lagged the potential applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baron, Alan TauTheta Instruments LLC CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539893 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Advanced Fuel Cell Energy-Management Electronics and Control for Microgrid. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) PhaseI project will design, fabricate, and validate a novel low cost (under $40/kW), robust and high-power-density 3 kW fuel cell (FC) power-conditioning system (PCS) suitable for lower voltage FC stacks, comprising a high-frequency inverter (HFI) followed by a forced cyclo-converter, which yields the following features: (1) 300 kHz switching frequency and direct power conversion (eliminating intermediate bulk capacitors) leading to 5X (> 15 W/in3) increase in power density as compared to state-of-the-art power technology; (2) line-frequency (60 Hz) switching of the cyclo-converter, thereby practically eliminating switching losses and leading to higher reliability of PCS and efficiency; (3) at least 90% energy efficiency at full load and a high efficiency across the load spectrum; (4) galvanic isolation is achieved between the FC and the load using only a small HF transformer; (5) a novel battery power-management control system, which ensures (6) that under transient load conditions the FC is protected by fast energy buffering; and, (7) eliminates 120 Hz inverter current ripple under steady-state condition without bulky filter, thereby significantly enhancing the life and efficiency of the FC. Two key application areas of FC energy systems are in residential and commercial power systems, where the projected worldwide market is $50 billion by 2015. The application is targeted at this large stationary power system market segments comprising residential and commercial applications. As such, the proposed PES is of prime interest to number of companies. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hartvigsen, Joseph CERAMATEC, INC. UT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9215 4080 0110000 Technology Transfer 0539896 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Nano-Structured Surfaces for Advanced Liquid Crystal Displays and Electro-Optic Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase (STTR) I research project aims to test the feasibility of combining recent advances in the science and technology of ferroelectric liquid crystals with advances in nanoscale feature engineering (sputter rippling) to produce a new generation of displays and advanced electro-optic devices. Not only do the new liquid crystals offer novel, high performance displays, they would also enable heretofore impractical advances in optical data storage, optical beam steering, adaptive optics, and telecommunications. However, present day liquid crystal cell technology does not provide the conditions needed for proper operation of the new liquid crystals. Inorganic conducing surfaces formed through nanoscale engineering offer a solution to this problem. They also have the potential to displace decades-old cell technologies used in conventional liquid crystal products due to their greater uniformity and their compatibility with advanced manufacturing processes. The project will produce a variety of nanoscale surface topographies on inorganic conductive surfaces that are suitable for liquid crystals cells, and to test their ability to align liquid crystals. Cells made from the experimental surfaces will be tested to determine whether or not they produce the expected performance benefits. If successful, the proposed technology will enable high brightness microprojectors with performance superior to flat panel displays while being similar in form. It is expected the advantages to be especially compelling for automotive navigation and entertainment displays. These technical advances will also enable spatial light modulators for beam steering and adaptive optics, and holographic data storage (HDS) write heads capable of higher data rates and capable of correcting for HDS optical non-uniformities. The project will be exploring new territory in using sputter rippling to form anisotropic nanostructures on inorganic conducting surfaces such as indium-tin-oxide on glass, and aluminum on silicon (materials used in FLC microdisplays). This work will also advance knowledge of important liquid crystal-surface interaction forces, key to developing advanced electro-optic devices. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG O'Callaghan, Michael Displaytech Incorporated CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99808 1505 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539901 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Sensory System for Autonomous Area-Wide Disease and Agriterror Detection and Reporting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technique of electrochemical polymerization of biomolecule-friendly conducting polymers to build functional bioreceptors. This research will address key technical challenges in the fabrication of antibody-functionalized conducting nanowires that are individually addressable and scalable to high-density biosensor arrays. The proof-of-concept will be on the demonstration and characterization of the nanowire application for label-free, real-time, rapid, sensitive and cost-effective detection of multiple pathogens in water based solutions (e.g. insect hemolymph and washes). The resultant nano-sensory-arrays will form the base for the development of small, effective, inexpensive, autonomous and automated pathogen detection devices that are field worthy. These units will permit the unattended processing of large number of field samples, thus increasing the capacity of pathogen and agriterror detection, even in isolated rural areas. This may be a disruptive concept and technology because the majority of instruments currently used to detect and diagnose pathogens are slow, expensive, bulky, require human interference, and are not amenable to unattended autonomous operation, thus only a very small portion of introduced pathogens is actually detected before they cause widespread disease or epidemics. IF successful one impact of the outcome of this project could be the increased efficiency in detection of plant pathogens and agents of disease, allowing for preventative rather than crisis or remedial control actions. Early detection is the only form to overt epidemics, and this system will provide such capability. To date, agricultural pest management techniques lack the data collection technologies needed to improve crop yields. Farmers currently rely on time-consuming, manual pest management methods that often come too late to prevent pest infestations. Present methods entail costly blanket spraying of insecticides on entire farms, which is inefficient, ecologically harmful and conducive to the development of pesticide resistance. In the case of diseases, delays in detection can force entire fields and orchards to be plowed and the farm or the region put under quarantine. The development of this automated system will have repercussions in areas beyond agriculture, such as in early detection and alarm of presence of bio-terrorism agents and monitoring and control of vectors of disease. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mafra-Neto, Agenor ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539911 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Semiconductor: Micro Solid Immersion Lens for Small Mobile Optical Disc Drive. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project will develop a novel removable ultra high capacity micro optical storage device. The technology is based on a small form factor optical storage (SFFO) achieving 0.5 GB/disc using 32mm molded disc technology leveraged from DVD infrastructure. We propose a 11 to 22 times increase using Near Field Recording (NFR) employing a high index micro Solid Immersion Lens (microSIL). Information storage density is critically dependant on the smallest mark that can be reliably read with a focused spot (size~?/n?sin?) where n is the index of refraction, ? is the wavelength and ? describes the cone angle of the focused beam. A microSIL of GaP with n=3.3 at ?=650 nm shrinks the linear spot size by 3.3X yielding an areal density increase of 3.32 or ~11X. Increasing sin? from 0.60 to 0.85 gives another factor of two for 22X overall or 11GB/disc. Electron beam media mastering, MEMS semiconductor grayscale microSIL etching processes plus this novel front surface micro optical system technologies makes this system conceivable. We propose to integrate a GaP microSIL into our dynamic spin stand tester incorporating all the necessary read and write optics and electronics to develop sufficient understanding to make concrete commercialization plans. The commercial applications for a 10+ GB capacity low cost removable optical cartridge in the portable electronic device market are growing at an unprecedented pace as applications once reserved for desktops and workstations find their way onto portable platforms. This digital convergence is driving the mobile market arena. It provides major new opportunities for storage and delivery of entertainment, educational content, movies, music, still photography and individual medical records. Today content is provided almost exclusively on large-format optical discs (CD/DVD), a new small form factor optical standard is positioned to capitalize on the existing infrastructure and existing consumer habits. Still photo and video mobile phone cameras alone are estimated at 300 million units in 2006. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davies, David DPHI, Inc. dba DataPlay CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539928 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Diffractive Electrode Structure for on Chip Embedded Passive Components.. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an optically diffractive electrical electrode structure. This structure will permit the penetration of deep ultraviolet radiation into an underlying dielectric in a capacitance device. The radiation will permit a photochemical reaction to take place altering the dielectric constant of the material under the electrode. This will allow an optical process, the deep UV exposure, to alter the electrical value of the capacitor while the circuit is under test. Compact, precision capacitors can be embedded on chip in place of external discrete capacitors for use in producing completed electrical circuits. The higher precision and on chip embedding of these passive components will reduce the size of the electrical system, providing increased performance through precise value tolerance, and reduce cost by performing the integration of passive capacitors during integrated circuit fabrication. Commercially, the demand for embedded passive components is well established. Recent market reports published in February 2005 show a global passive market increasing 8.6% in 2004 to $12.4 Billion. In 2002 Nokia reported passives are 80% percent of the part count in a cell phone, utilizing 60%of the area and represent 20% of the material cost. Solid-State Technology reported that passive components can account for 70% of the product assembly costs. The ability to embed precision passive components, particularly capacitors, has large economic potential for fabricators of ultra portable electronics, such as cell phones, by dramatically reducing manufacture costs and increasing performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kubacki, Ronald IONIC SYSTEMS INC CA William Haines Standard Grant 99087 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539935 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Nonpolar GaN-Based Light Emitting Diodes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop nonpolar gallium nitride (GaN)-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) with high energy efficiency and output power. Nonpolar GaN-based LEDs will find immediate application in demanding next-generation solid-state lighting applications. Recently there has been significant improvement in the performance of light emitting diodes (LEDs) utilizing gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors. However, key limitations in the growth and fabrication of these conventional LEDs will ultimately prevent their adoption for the most demanding lighting applications. Commercial GaN-based LEDs are fabricated on ill-matched substrates including sapphire and silicon carbide. The resulting GaN device films contain high dislocation densities (> 109 /cm2) and/or crack densities, often requiring complicated device processing. Additionally, nearly all GaN-based LEDs have been fabricated from polar c-plane GaN thin films. Such devices suffer from built-in polarization fields that reduce carrier recombination efficiency and thus limit light output. Research groups have fabricated nonpolar GaN-based LEDs, which have no built-in polarization fields. They have inherently higher internal quantum efficiency and thus higher output power than conventional c-plane LEDs. The company proposes a research effort to grow and fabricate high-brightness nonpolar (m-plane and a-plane) blue and green GaN-based LEDs on nonpolar GaN films with uniformly low extended defect density. The company team will grow high-quality nonpolar GaN 'template' layers, while the research team will perform LED growth, fabrication, and testing. Commercially, the largest future application for nonpolar GaN-based LEDs is replacement of conventional white light sources such as fluorescent bulbs. Solid-state white lighting may be achieved via combinations of discrete red, green, and blue LEDs; alternately, short-wavelength (e.g. blue, ultraviolet) nitride LEDs can excite phosphor mixtures. In either case, the LEDs must have sufficiently low cost and high output power to justify replacement of conventional lamps. Nonpolar GaN-based LEDs will meet the most demanding lighting requirements, whereas conventional polar GaN-based LEDs cannot. Additionally, since nonpolar GaN-based LEDs emit polarized light, applications such as liquid crystal display backlighting will greatly benefit from their adoption. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Fini, Paul Inlustra Technologies LLC CA William Haines Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539943 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Radiometer Radiosonde. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will provide low-cost atmospheric temperature measurements from the surface to the lower stratosphere with sufficient accuracy for climatological science. Feasibility will be determined by two factors: the magnitude of the potential accuracy improvements of the proposed innovation compared to existing operational radiosonde technologies and the expected cost of the proposed innovation relative to the cost entry point for potential markets. Existing meteorological radiosonde systems provide insufficient atmospheric temperature measurement accuracy for climatological studies. The proposed research will yield a detailed mechanical and electrical design of the proposed innovation. The accuracy of the design for atmospheric temperature measurements will be evaluated. The expected outcome of the proposed research is a new low-cost radiosonde design that will provide atmospheric temperature measurements of sufficient accuracy for climatology studies. The proposed innovation is significant because its low-cost design enables upper-air temperature measurements with sufficient accuracy for climatological science objectives at costs suitable for in-situ observing system budgets. Measurements made by suspending the proposed radiosonde systems beneath meteorological weather balloons for twice-daily flights will, over time, build a climate record whose raw data will enable scientists to answer significant questions regarding global warming: in particular, why does the surface and lower atmosphere appear to be warming at a faster rate than the upper atmosphere; and why are there discrepancies between satellite and in-situ upper-atmospheric temperature measurements? SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pankine, Alexey Global Aerospace Corporation CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99932 5371 HPCC 9215 7398 7282 5413 1634 1580 1521 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539946 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: MEMS Spatial Light Modulators for Large Telescopes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a large-stroke spatial light modulator (SLM) for astronomical instrumentation. Key challenges to current astronomical instrument technology are the requirements for large piston stroke and for increased number of actuators. The proposed Phase I project will develop a piston SLM capable of achieving 10 micron stroke as the earliest path to the successful demonstration of a useable device for the astronomical community. There is substantial demand for improved SLMs for large telescope programs and retrofits for existing telescopes. While mirror specifications vary among the various commercial and military applications, the astronomical community will benefit from cost savings realized from volume manufacturing. Beyond telescopes, commercial applications including free space optical communication for last mile links, ophthalmic imaging, and laser surgical instruments. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Chao, Shui-Lin Resonant Microsystems, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149999 1505 HPCC 9215 1658 1289 1216 1214 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539947 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Advanced MicroDisplay Engine for Full Windshield Transparent Display. This Small Business Research Program (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an ultra-fast, compact (2 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm) and random-addressable laser scanner for automotive windshield display system. The company has recently built, for the first time, a prototype of automobile full-windshield display system. The system is capable to display critical information, from input of GPS navigation system, night-vision camera and other automobile sensors, anywhere on the entire windshield. To push the technology to be implemented in automobiles, however, the performance, size, reliability and cost of the display engine have to be substantially enhanced. Based on parallel scanning of multiple laser beams, the innovative scanner architecture uses two MEMS micro-mirror array: one is a 2-axis micro-mirror array chip; another is a deformable micro-mirror array chip. The total bandwidth of the scanner module is scaleable with the total number of micro-mirrors in the array. Furthermore, each of micro-mirror can be independently scanned. The divergence angle of the each laser beam can also be independently varied. By integration with a laser diode array and micro-lens array, the package becomes a miniature laser display engine - a critical component for our advanced full-windshield information display system. If successful the display-on-glass technology, enabled by the proposed MEMS laser scanner, will revolutionize the automobile display industry and fundamentally change the future looks and function of the automobile windshields. Given the ~20 Million of automobiles sold in US annually and ~120 Million world wide, the technology has the potential of reaching a mega Billion dollar market in the future. In addition, the same technological platform can be retrofitted to the aviation in industry for windshield displays. The miniature display engine can be used for cockpit display and LIDAR system. Many of these systems use currently bulky galvanometer scanner. The new multi-beam scanner can potentially replace those galvanometers due to its superior performance, compact size and robust operation in harsh environment. The transparent display enabled by the miniature display engine may even penetrate retail and consumer market place to turn the glass window of choice to an interactive and dynamic message portal, without blocking the view through the glass. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Jian-Qiang LS TECHNOLOGIES CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 5225 0308000 Industrial Technology 0539952 January 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Coherent THz Sources Using Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I reseacrch project will ascertain the technical feasibility of fabricating practical traveling-wave tube (TWT) amplifiers and oscillators at THz frequencies. Preliminary research in this area suggests that by combining recent advances in carbon nanotube technology with those in the field of micromachining, practical THz TWT devices can be realized. Such devices will spur the development of a new family of THz components. The proposed technical approach builds on principles proven at other wavelengths and leverages from the experience and equipment available through collaborations between the proposing company, industry leaders and the University of Arizona. If successful the results from the proposed research will lead to THz components and devices that can be used in applications ranging from communications and remote sensing to medical imaging. The proposed work will serve as the research focus for 1 graduate and 1 undergraduate student at the University of Arizona. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Drouet d'Aubigny, Christian TeraVision Inc. AZ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98336 1505 HPCC 9139 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0540211 August 15, 2005 NSF I/URC CELDi at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This action adds the University of Nebraska - Lincoln as a research site to the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. This research site will broaden the research scope by considering research problems and issues affected by Radio Frequency Identification technologies, specialized facility location strategies, and logistics networks of non-traditional distribution operations. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT RES EXP FOR TEACHERS(RET)-SITE IIP ENG Jones, Erick University of Nebraska-Lincoln NE Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 141000 9150 7298 5761 1360 1359 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9150 9102 7218 5977 5913 116E 115E 1049 0000 0540362 September 1, 2005 Collaborative Proposal: I/UCRC: Center for Information Protection (CIP). Iowa State University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology have joined to develop the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Information Protection. The primary research focus of this project is Information Assurance, commonly defined by the four main goals of security, namely, "Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, and Policy". The goals of the Center are to assist industry in its internal research and development by partnering industrial and faculty researchers; improve the training and education of employees in Information Assurance; provide a common repository for all CIP members that contains information assurance research results, relevant literature, and other resources that can be shared within the membership; review, improve, and model specific protection architectures tailored to security problems present in critical infrastructure industries; and provide a well trained pool of students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Jacobson, Douglas Iowa State University IA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 300000 5761 1662 OTHR 1049 0000 0540582 June 1, 2005 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS). The objectives of this multi-campus research Center are 1) to explore, conduct research and to bring about innovation and practical solutions by focusing on the industrially relevant research needs; 2) to foster collaborative research projects between industrial and academic engineers and scientists; and 3) to promote interdisciplinary and intra-university research activities and to nurture students through testbed and collaborative projects. The Center proposed four key program areas, namely 1) production equipment e-monitoring and e-maintenance systems; 2) web-enabled industrial systems management and optimization program; 3) smart business to devices technologies program; and 4) web-enabled development tools for e-maintenance application systems INTERNATIONAL PLAN & WORKSHOPS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS MECHANICS OF MATERIALS RES EXP FOR TEACHERS(RET)-SITE IIP ENG Lee, Jay University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 133734 7299 5761 1630 1359 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9102 7218 5977 5913 116E 115E 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0540713 September 1, 2005 NSF I/UCRC for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules. This action continues the life cycle of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules. The Center remains committed to fostering a research and technology base that is focused on creating synergy between academic and industrial interests so that fundamental insights can be translated to commercial successes. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gross, Richard Polytechnic University of New York NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 365000 7609 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0541600 June 1, 2005 Collaborative Research - Predictive Infotronics Agent for Integrated Product Life Cycle Support. This collaborative project brings together the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS) involving the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Michigan with the Technical University Berlin to study "Predictive Infotronics Agent for Integrated Product Life Cycle Support". The I/UCRC is developing condition-based maintenance, which senses and assesses the current state of the equipment in order to predict performance and avoid possible downtime. The Technical University Berlin is developing a life cycle unit, which used life cycle data to design a life cycle board, which integrates sensors and data processing to actuate remedial actions to prevent failure. The condition based maintenance approach requires both power and significant computing capability. The life cycle unit approach is more equipment specific and the computing is encapsulated along with the sensor generally requiring only low power. The project goal is for the universities to work together to merge the beneficial aspects of both approaches into a single more versatile system. WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lee, Jay University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 64570 5980 5761 OTHR 5936 0000 0541601 June 1, 2005 International Collaborative Project on Informatics Platform for Prognostics and Maintenance Optimization. The NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS) has developed a joint collaborative project with the Condition Based maintenance Labs of University of Toronto in Canada to advance the prognostics tools to augment the research capabilities at the Intelligent Maintenance Systems Center. This international project will develop a Collaborative Informatics Platform for Prognostics and maintenance Optimization by integrating smart prognostics agent and hybrid Proportional Hazard Model and Time Depended Markov Chain to enhance the effectiveness of the predictive maintenance system. This integration will further enhance the prognostics capabilities to achieve the vision of near-zero-downtime performance of the IMS Center. The results of this joint project will be shared among the company members of both the Center on Intelligent Maintenance Systems and the Condition Based Maintenance Labs of the University of Toronto. AMERICAS PROGRAM IIP ENG Lee, Jay University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 8916 5977 OTHR 0000 0541674 September 1, 2005 Center for Computational Materials Design (CCMD). The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Computational Materials Design joins Penn State and Georgia Tech to substantially impact progress towards systems-based materials design by promoting research programs of interest to both industry and universities, to enhance the infrastructure of computational materials research in the nation, to explore and extend the interface between engineering systems design, information technology and physics-based simulation of process-structure and structure-property relations of materials, to improve the intellectual capacity of the workforce through industrial participation and conduct of high quality research projects, and to develop curriculum in computational and systems design aspects of materials. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INFO INTEGRATION & INFORMATICS COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS RES EXP FOR TEACHERS(RET)-SITE IIP ENG Liu, Zi-Kui Long-Qing Chen Padma Raghavan James Kubicki Jorge Sofo Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 701601 T758 T161 T152 S113 H380 7609 7364 7298 5761 1359 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9102 7218 5978 5927 123E 122E 116e 115E 1049 0000 0106000 Materials Research 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0541678 September 1, 2005 I/UCRC: Center for Computational Materials Design (CCMD). The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Computational Materials Design joins Penn State and Georgia Tech to substantially impact progress towards systems-based materials design by promoting research programs of interest to both industry and universities, to enhance the infrastructure of computational materials research in the nation, to explore and extend the interface between engineering systems design, information technology and physics-based simulation of process-structure and structure-property relations of materials, to improve the intellectual capacity of the workforce through industrial participation and conduct of high quality research projects, and to develop curriculum in computational and systems design aspects of materials. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG McDowell, David Farrokh Mistree Hamid Garmestani Min Zhou GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 325000 7609 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0541952 September 1, 2005 Collaborative Research Proposal for Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. This action funds Southern Methodist University to become a research site of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. The research agenda of this site will broaden the research agenda by studies in Laser Micro-machining, Laser Welding, Laser Surface Modification, Laser Crystallization of Silicon on Glass, Plasma Surface Modification and Nanostructures and Laser Applications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Kovacevic, Radovan Southern Methodist University TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 379037 V992 T795 I180 H270 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 5761 129E 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0542068 July 1, 2005 North Louisiana Partnership for Innovation: Creating Infrastructure for Technology Growth. 0332614 Scheffler This award is to Northwestern State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-03521). Partners The partners include Northwestern State University (Lead Institution), Consortium for Education, Research, and Technology of North Louisiana (Bossier Parish Community College, Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana, Centenary College of Louisiana, Grambling State University, Louisiana Delta Community College, Louisiana State University Health Sciences in Shreveport, Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, Louisiana Technical College, Northwest State University, Southern University in Shreveport, University of Louisiana at Monroe), Louisiana Board of Regents, Louisiana Department of Economic Development, Enterprise Computing Systems, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, InterTech Science Park, Natchitoches Economic Development Commission, Praeses Corporation, Softdisc, SeriFx The primary objective of this partnership is to facilitate the transformation of knowledge into innovations that will create new wealth and strengthen the regional economy in the area. University partners provide the research and development and the technologically literate workforce, and the company partners provide the manufacturing and commercialization. The academic partners actively identify needs of the industrial partners in both technology and workforce and match research and educational programs at the eleven academic institutions in a coordinated manner to these needs. Potential Economic Impact Louisiana ranks very low nationally in technology-based innovation. The state has recognized this and is mounting a concerted effort to change this as stated in the Louisiana Vision 2020. The university consortium is poised to provide knowledge through the combined research of its members to the regional private sector to promote technology-based innovation. In addition the academic consortium covers the entire spectrum of education and training for a technologically literate workforce. The proposed effort of knowledge transfer, workforce education and training, and establishment of a strong enabling infrastructure for sustainable innovation will provide jobs and a workforce to perform those jobs will result in economic and societal well being in the state. The partners have committed a very large sum to this effort. The management plan is sufficient to give the infrastructure a very high probability of being sustained after the award has terminated. The intellectual merit of the activity lies in creating the web-based informational infrastructure and organizational skills to coordinate the needs of the industry in the region with the research and education of the combined academic institutions in the consortium. The resources of the state government and the regional Chambers of Commerce are all pledged to promote the activities with funds and agency skills and labor. The broader impacts of the activity include educational diversity, educational outreach to industry, and regional economic development to ensure long-term sustainability of economic and societal well being. Underrepresented groups will participate in the activities of the award. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Sisson, Paul Louisiana State University Shreveport LA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 308410 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0542084 September 15, 2005 Center for e-Design: IT Enabled Design and Realization of Products and Systems. This action adds Virginia Polytechnic Institute to the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for e-Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems as a research site. The University will develop a set of coordinated tools and practices that support conceptual design and system/product requirements specification, as well as the development of a conceptual model that can be used to support iterative conceptual design. COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Terpenny, Janis Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 508000 7298 7218 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9102 7218 5978 5942 129E 122E 116E 115E 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0545505 October 1, 2005 Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi): An NSF I/UCRC at Texas Tech University. This action funds Texas Tech University to join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. The addition of Texas Tech as a member will complement the existing core competencies of the current members and contribute to the overall center mission and strategy. The primary objective of this site will be to provide meaningful and useful research to industry partners that can be integrated into existing logistics and distribution networks with the highest net gain in logistics systems performance. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Matis, Timothy James Burns Jeffrey Woldstad James Simonton Texas Tech University TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 212000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 116E 1049 0000 0548332 March 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: High-Density Microcapillary Bioplate. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will aid in the development of high-density glass microcapillary bioplates that will offer complete flexibility in the choice of diameter and thickness of the capillaries. These features are not currently available in an exiting product. Through an innovative low-cost fabrication approach, the disposable bioplate will allow for massive parallel experimentation that is crucial for large-scale high-integrity measurements. The proposed research will provide for a dramatic and cost effective increase in high-throughput screening programs in all phases of drug discovery and target validation. The ability to accelerate the analysis of targets in a cost effective manner will provide for more effective screening programs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Minot, Michael Incom Inc MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 506000 5373 BIOT 9251 9178 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548440 January 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Highly Efficient Exhaust Cleanup Technology for Environmentally Benign Processing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel, integrated reactive abatement model (IRAM) that effectively removes solidifying chemicals from the exhaust effluent of atomic layer deposition (ALD) manufacturing processes. ALD and related manufacturing technologies are widely used in the electronics industry and will be critical for emerging nanotechnology applications. However, a key issue is the emission of reactive, toxic and solidfying chemicals that clog and destroy equipment, requiring frequent cleanup and replacement, and create worker safety and environmental concerns. Objectives of this project include developing suitable abatement chemistries and systems for several important generic ALD processes and deriving generalized IRAM methodology that can be used to produce a module that can be integrated into ALD equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Sneh, Ofer Sundew Technologies, LLC CO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 615554 5373 1591 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1440 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548508 February 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) Mirror Arrays for Bioimaging Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will advance the state of the art in MEMS deformable mirror arrays. The research will address the key technology bottlenecks in the production of affordable, high performance adaptive optics systems. The objective is to further expand the proof of concept and to successfully fabricate and package the MEMS arrays. The mirror arrays will play a key part in the understanding, diagnoses, and treatment of the leading causes of progressive vision deterioration and blindness in humans. Having improved retinal resolution will allow physicians to detect diseases and prescribe treatment earlier than current technologies allow. This will allow for increased preservation of eyesight and increase in lifestyle. Further, improved resolution will allow for increased research into various pathologies for additional scientific and medical advancement in a more efficacious time frame. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tsao, Tom Umachines, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 511290 5373 BIOT 9231 9181 9178 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0548629 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: A Multilevel Method for Rapid Evaluation of Sound Fields. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to extend the current high frequency limit of acoustic analysis by two orders of magnitude and facilitate numerical simulation of extremely large sound structure interaction problems. The proposed method will advance the state of the art in numerical acoustics by integrating the Fast Multipole Method (FMM) with the direct and indirect formulations of the Boundary Element Method (BEM). The FMM-BEM technology reduces analysis time in computational acoustics by two orders of magnitude. Accurate acoustic analysis of automotive and aircraft interiors in the entire audible frequency range will become practical for the first time. The technology will also allow detailed computation of the acoustic characteristic of submarine hulls, and quantitative assessment of the occupational safety concerns of workers subjected to jet engine noise at airport ramps. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gunda, Rajendra ADVANCED NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 534706 5761 5373 HPCC 9216 9139 9136 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0548631 April 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Cognitive Agility Assessment Tool. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development of an assessment tool that will enable users to profile a decision-maker's cognitive agility and expertise in high-level business situations. It is appropriate for evaluating decision makers in organizations and students who aspire to leadership roles. This version of the product can also be self-administered. It is based on results from recent basic research conducted by Workplace Technologies Research Inc. (WTRI) that revealed the cognitive mechanisms involved in the thinking of highly accomplished experts in business. It uses knowledge elicitation technology that WTRI has developed over several years to support research on the identification of intuitive expertise (in the sense of Dreyfus 1997). The proposal outlines a plan to develop an on-line Internet based version that is self-scoring and tested among well-known experts. The product will be field-tested for its ability to predict general vs. industry specific expertise. The expected outcome is an easy to use tool for professional evaluators, professors, students or individuals, which will assist in staff development and education. The profiles generated by the product will identify hidden strengths, areas of weakness, and suggestions for further development. The long-term goal is distribution by recruiters, coaches, universities and consultancies. In the current climate of rapid workplace change, decision-makers need to continually evaluate their ability to adapt to changes and re-invent their organization's value and competitive future. Few assessment tools address the cognitive underpinnings of the skill set involved. Rather, they evaluate personal traits or sub-skills that have some correlation with leadership, broadly defined. Using an empirically verified model of expertise in business strategy development and performance prediction, the research team at WTRI has built an assessment tool that locates an individual with regard to this model; much like chess players are evaluated against a notion of a Chess Grand Master. When applied to individual client situations, this tool has been shown to have powerful predictive capability and thus has successfully informed staff development efforts. Its distinctive feature is assessment of the ability to analyze disparate sources information in order to make strategy level decisions and supporting tactical plans. Making the tool more widely available and usable by non-scientists could importantly contribute to efforts to increase the performance of both organizations and decision makers. Organizations, distributors and several institutions of higher learning have expressed interest in this technology, which they consider to be addressing an area of unmet need. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG DiBello, Lia Workplace Technologies Research Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 1022388 5373 SMET 9251 9180 9178 9102 7261 7218 0510604 Analytic Tools 0548633 October 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: Engineering Geobacter for Enhanced Electricity Production. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project aims to develop commercially viable bacterial strains (Geobacter sulfurreducens) for use as biocatalysts in microbial fuel cells. The research genetically manipulates these bacteria to enable the utilization of alternative substrates and increase current generation through the expression of an energy consuming futile cycle. The rates will be increased and alternative cheaper substrates utilized during this project. The broader impact of this research will result in development of novel microbial fuel cells that can convert renewable resources such as biomass and agricultural wastes to electrical energy in an efficient fashion with varied commercial applications. Additionally, innovative the metabolic engineering strategy that is developed could be applied to other industrially relevant microorganisms. In addition, there are significant societal and educational components of this program. One example would be a microbial fuel cell that harnesses electricity from organic waste can be valuable in electrifying remote rural communities in developing countries by decentralizing power generation while protecting the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sun, Jun GENOMATICA INC CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 499665 5373 BIOT 9181 0110000 Technology Transfer 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0548636 January 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Solid Acid Catalyst with Optimally Distributed Active Sites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a practical, cost-effective solid-acid catalyst alkylation technology, which will be an economically viable replacement for current alkylation processes, which use toxic liquid acids such as HF and H2SO4. The new technology will significantly reduce capital cost and operating expenses by using a novel multifunctional solid-acid catalyst that produces high-octane ultra-clean gasoline in a simple fixed-bed reactor. The multifunctional solid-acid catalyst significantly outperforms conventional solid-acid catalyst both in terms of catalyst activity and long-term stability. The octane number of the alkylate product obtained using this new catalyst is substantially higher than that obtained using a conventional solid-acid catalyst. Fifty refineries in the US use hydrofluoric acid (HF) in their alkylation units. The new "green" iso-paraffin alkylation technology is an economically viable alternative to HF catalyzed processes, which would eliminate such risks posed by toxic liquid acids. The multifunctional catalyst promises significantly improves yields and selectivities, minimizing waste by-products and disposal problems associated with liquid acids, and reduces CO2 emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 868100 5373 AMPP 9261 9251 9223 9178 9163 1401 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548638 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Biosensor for Rapid Whole Blood Assays using Magnetic Labels and Giant Magnetoresistive Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project advances the general state of diagnostics research in the veterinary and security/defense markets using whole-blood assays. This Phase II project will develop (1) an automated Open Assay Development Platform for rapid assay prototyping; (2) whole blood assays for canine immunity assessment and canine thyroid test (T4); and, (3) multiplexed, canine whole blood assays. The approach uses magnetic beads to label biomolecules captured onto a receptor-patterned microchip that contains an embedded array of magnetic microsensors. The magnetic microsensors are wire-like structures that display giant magnetoresistance (GMR). When coupled with controlled fluidic force discrimination - an innovation that greatly reduces unwanted background signal - rapid identification of biomolecules with high sensitivity and specificity is achieved. A prototype system has been developed for both immunoassays and nucleic acid assays, with immunoassays (1 ng/mL) saturating in less than 10 minutes and unmodified DNA detected at 10fm in less than 20 minutes. Seahawk is responding to the clinical and financial challenges veterinarians face by developing a multi-use, multiplexed instrument and associated disposable cartridges. This technology platform offers veterinarians superior performance (faster, more accurate, easier to use) and greater profitability than existing products. Initially, the platform will include cartridges for two applications: (1) individualized immunity assessment and (2) disease diagnostics, both specifically for dogs and cats. The system provides an in-clinic, quick turnaround, cost-effective and accurate test of an animal's immune system to determine what, if any, vaccine boosters need to be administered at that time. This provides the veterinarians with three key benefits: (1) improving the quality of care - providing revaccinations only when needed and tailored to each animal; (2) generating additional or replacement revenue due to changes in revaccination protocols; and, (3) replacing annual revaccinations as the impetus for customer compliance with scheduling office visits for physical exams. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mangold, Beverly Seahawk Biosystems Corporation MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 466710 5373 BIOT 9184 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548639 April 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: Development of Fourth Generation High Temperature Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop and characterize the structure-property-processing relationships for a novel class of thermosetting organic/inorganic hybrid polyimide resins. The resins will be used to fabricate structural composites; expected properties of the composites are higher extended use temperatures, compatibility with existing fabrication procedures, and mechanical and environmental stability properties as good as currently used materials. The project will provide a scientific basis for a new class of thhermosetting resing with broad value in defense, aerospace and deep sea drilling applications. Project activities will include an experimental design to identify top performing structures, scale up and statistical analysis of batch to batch variations, preparation and testing of flat panels and targeted structures, and user testing of the structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Lincoln, Jason Performance Polymer Solutions Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 930586 5373 1591 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 7218 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548640 March 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Enabling High Output Metabolism in Plant Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop and validate a novel chloroplast transformation vector for protein expression in chloroplasts. The research project will broaden scientific understanding of the parameters of chloroplast transformation by addressing stoichiometric expression of multiple transgenes for effective engineering of pathways such as carotenogenesis, feedback regulation and expression of multimeric proteins. The commercial impact of this technology will provide an enabling strategy for expression of genes of interest in chloroplasts to potentially increase the production of high value nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compounds. Application of this technology for stable, high output metabolism with regulatory compliance will reduce production cost and increase the reliability for downstream processing and eventual commercialization. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Champagne, Michele KUEHNLE AGRO SYSTEMS HI Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 704937 9150 5373 CVIS BIOT 9251 9231 9178 9150 9146 9109 1468 1467 1397 1059 0201000 Agriculture 0548657 February 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Environmental Neurotoxicity Using Zebrafish. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims at developing a large-scale quantitative assay procedure for the evaluation and detection of potential developmental neurotoxic environmental pollutants. The assay will use zebrafish as the model to investigate the presence of these potential pollutants and as such, will be a relatively simple, fast and cost effective method to evaluate and prioritize potential chemicals for subsequent testing. The ability to detect, evaluate and determine levels of potential developmental neurotoxic compounds in ground water and other industrial sites will provide for a more comprehensive understanding of potential hazards that industrial runoff may have. To date, very few chemicals that are being tested have been assayed for their potential neurotoxic effects. This assay will provide such a method for testing and will have an impact on environmental pollution and public health. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Li, Chunqi PHYLONIX PHARMACEUTICAL INC MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 679140 5373 BIOT 9251 9231 9197 9178 9107 9104 9102 0313040 Water Pollution 0548663 October 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: Variable Diameter Fiber Reinforced Biopolymers for Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Implants. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Proposal Abstract Proposal: 0548663 PI Name: Mason, James J Proposal Title: STTR Phase II: Variable Diameter Fiber Reinforced Biopolymers for Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Implants Institution: Granger Engineering Abstract Date: 07/21/2006 The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop a new ceramic fiber technology for reinforcing injectable bioplastics used in orthopaedic applications. The main goal of this research project is to achieve a significant increase in strength and stability of the proposed product over current injectable polymer based biomaterials through a combination of variable diameter fibers and new cements. The proposed product would result in the enablement of new surgical techniques. In addition, the research might be applicable to injection molding of mass produced plastics which could significantly strengthen many products. RDG; 7/24/06 SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Yue, Weimin Granger Engineering IN Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 674840 5373 1591 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0548666 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: A Decision Support System for the Train Schedule Design Problem. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project entails developing a decision support system for the train schedule design problem, one of the freight railroad transportation's most significant optimization problems. Train scheduling is an important part of a railroad's operating plan that enables efficient movement of railcars. Designing such an operating plan is a very large-scale and very complex multi-objective optimization problem that, to date, has defied solution. Consequently, operating plan development at railroads is a lengthy, manual, and cumbersome process that may involve five to ten persons for a period of three to six months. Using cutting-edge operations research techniques, Innovative Scheduling, is developing a software product that can obtain a new operating plan within two weeks using two-three employees and can save a typical Class I US railroad over $50M annually. The train schedule design problem determines: how many trains to run; the origin, destination, and route of each train; the train arrival and departure times for each station at which it stops; the weekly operating schedule for each train; and the assignment of blocks of cars to trains. The train schedule must satisfy numerous practical constraints and business rules and achieve the minimum cost of transportation. This problem is a very large-scale multi-objective integer-programming problem containing trillions of decision variables. The proposed research will develop decomposition-based customized algorithms using state-of-the-art network optimization and heuristic techniques so that this problem can be solved within two hours of computer time on a workstation. These algorithms will be packaged into a web-based decision support system with attractive and friendly graphical and geographical interfaces, which will allow sufficient user control. The proposed research and development requires significant advances in modeling, algorithmic, and implementation technologies and will provide much needed software to schedule freight trains worldwide. This research will further be extended to develop a decision support system for passenger train scheduling. BNSF Railway, a Class I US Railroad, which is a Development Partner in this project and is providing supplementary funds, data and manpower. The train scheduling decision support system is likely to be used by all freight railroads in their operating plan development process. A computerized method for train scheduling will make a railroad more responsive to traffic changes and enable it to change its schedule frequently. Optimal and timely train schedule will introduce greater efficiency in the system and significantly lower costs. Further, optimal train schedules require significantly less train miles, crew hours, locomotive hours, and railcar hours to transport the same set of shipments, thereby increasing our nation's energy efficiency and reducing pollution. The success of this product will lead to a greater acceptance of models and operations research techniques in railroad planning and scheduling. Railroads are then anticipated to embrace operations research models and introduce decision support systems in a variety of business processes including tactical operations and commercial strategy. The railroad industry will then be in a position to achieve a new level of productivity, resulting in lower freight charges for end users, and making America's products more competitive on the world market. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ahuja, Ravindra Innovative Scheduling Systems, Inc. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 948000 9131 5373 HPCC 9261 9251 9216 9178 9139 9102 0207000 Transportation 0510604 Analytic Tools 0548677 March 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Compact, Lightweight Flexible Fuel Reformer for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project demonstrates a flexible fuel reformer (FFR) that employs unique mechanical construction and operation to enable extended catalyst life in the presence of sulfur-containing heavy fuels. The FFR utilizes a low-cost heat exchanger that is constructed from metal foil and coated with a dual-function sulfur-tolerant catalyst. Combustion and steam reforming reactions occur simultaneously on opposite sides of the foil, allowing excellent heat transfer. Cycling the combustion and reforming reactions regenerates the catalyst by burning off carbon and sulfur deposits, resulting in continuous hydrogen production with low steam consumption. Selected catalyst formulations will be evaluated in the laboratory to understand their performance at conditions expected during both reforming and combustion. A 100 hour demonstration of a 1kw FFR that continuously produces hydrogen of a uniform composition from diesel fuel will complete the project. The innovation demonstrates a new method of steam reforming, which shows high potential to yield a viable scheme for producing hydrogen from commercially available fuels. The FFR can operate with a variety of liquid fuels, including gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel. Near-term SOFC commercial opportunities include fuel cell powered auxiliary power units for commercial trucks, aircraft, and military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Brunson, Gordon CATACEL CORP OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 473502 5373 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548687 February 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)-Based Nanoparticles as Covert Taggants for Anti-Counterfeiting Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will continue the development of an anti-counterfeiting solution for the brand security market, built around a series of covert, nanoscale taggants, called SERS nanotags. Three technical hurdles remain for the innovative tags to be accepted by customers: (1) ability for to develop cost-effective, commercial scale manufacture; (2) the demonstration of a handheld reader; and, (3) seamless integration into printed products. Because of its mushrooming growth and profound economic impact, the FBI has called counterfeiting "the crime of the 21st century". Part of the problem is that current anticounterfeiting technologies offer extremely limited performance and are themselves easy to counterfeit. SERS nanotags embody all of the features of the, much needed, next generation of anti-counterfeiting technologies. Therefore, if successful, this technology will have an impact across many commercial and government sectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Penn, Sharron NANOPLEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 499624 5373 MANU 9147 9102 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548698 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: An Improved Multi-Sensor Manufacturing System for Scrap Metal Sorting. This Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase II project combines two technologies (XRF and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) into a single processing system for high speed sorting of scrap metal. The proposed new technology has the potential to revolutionize the way nonferrous metals from recycling facilities are handled. Instead of disposing of the metals in a landfill or selling them as low priced metal mixtures, they can be used directly in commercial applications. This project is aimed at validating small scale results on titanium and aluminum alloys from Phase I, and designing and constructing a prototype unit to demonstrate commercial feasibility. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spencer, David wTe Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 999988 5373 MANU 9146 1464 069E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548699 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Unsupervised Extraction of Relational Data from the Web. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enable software systems to make use of data on the Web that is embedded in HTML pages. The semantic web is intended to allow data to be shared and used by software applications. Unfortunately, in the present world, data on the Web is generally inaccessible to most applications because it is presented in a format intended to be usable by humans, as opposed to computers. The goal of this project is to create a relational view of data on the Web, so that applications can access Web data based on entities and their relations. The approach uses unsupervised machine learning to extract data from web sites for conversion into relational form. This project will result in a new generation of Web harvesting technology that has clear commercial value. Web harvesting is an area of growing commercial interest for a variety of vertical markets, including Sales Intelligence, Market Intelligence, News Aggregation, and Background Search. However, web harvesting technology is limited today, since the collection of rich, detailed data must be done on a site-by-site basis. The approach described here, if successful, will enable a new generation of intelligent web harvesting technology that can scale to the entire Web. Ultimately, our approach will enable applications to query the entire Web as if it were a relational database. This has tremendous commercial value, and will enable many new types of web applications to be developed. In addition to the commercial value, the technical approach is novel and has significant merits on its own. If it is successful, the proposed method should generalize to other complex domains (such as scene understanding and natural language processing) where multiple heterogeneous types of structure must be analyzed to discover underlying meaning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Minton, Steven FETCH TECHNOLOGIES CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 999936 5373 HPCC 9216 9139 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0548708 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Lithium Reservoir Nanocarbons for Lithium Ion Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop Li-ion battery anodes that exploit the unique morphology of low cost carbon nanofibers (CNF). Primary efforts will focus on reduction of irreversible capacity, through a variety of nanofiber surface modification techniques, characterization of the upper limits of anode discharge rate, and development of a new type of compound anode material that combines CNF with elements that form high energy alloys of lithium. The latter effort has the potential to combine the high rate capability of CNF with the higher operation voltage of alloys in a manner that synergistically increases the reversible capacity of both components of the compound anode. Safe, rechargeable, inexpensive Li-ion batteries are enjoying a growing customer base in diverse markets from consumer electronics to space vehicles. The unique morphology of carbon nanofibers and the fact that these materials can readily be transitioned into an existing client base of Li-ion battery producers and users, holds great promise for this cutting-edge research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Burton, David APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 724955 5373 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548714 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Modular Oxygen Enrichment Device to Improve Combustion Efficiency. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an innovative modular oxygen enrichment system. It is accepted that the reduction of cycle time can lead to a concurrent decrease in the mass of a sorptive separation system. However, ultra-rapid-cycle systems invariably create mechanical and physical challenges. Specifically, limiting factors are the operational lifetime of the mechanical components, and the micro diffusion rate of the adsorbent system. This project will remove these limitations by replacing mechanical valves with electro-kinetic pumps, and by utilizing microscale adsorbent structures that radically improve diffusion rates. Conventional air separation units exhibit a poor mass/output ratio, which contributes to high cost. Oxy-air combustion offers the possibility of significant fuel savings and other environmental benefits. The broad impact of this research is not only fuel savings attainable from improved combustion efficiency, but also application to other processes where oxygen is the rate limiting factor. Fuel cells, aquaculture, biomass conversion, and water treatment will also profit from this exportable technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Walker, David Separation design Group, LLC PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 512000 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 9102 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548716 December 15, 2006 STTR Phase II: Microfluidic CD Biochips for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays. The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop a low-cost and mass-producible lab-on-a-chip platform for molecular and biological analyses. The platform is a microfluidic CD for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) that reduces cost, accelerates results, and improves reliability of analyses for food borne contaminants, cancer diagnoses and environmental contamination. The CD-ELISA technology platform merges two scientific areas - polymer microfabrication and biotechnology - and can substantially reduce manufacturing costs, improve device performance, and enable the production of low-cost and high-efficiency devices. Moreover, as such a device would be more affordable it will enable point-of-use results for a broader spectrum of molecular and biological testing. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS STTR PHASE II IIP ENG He, Hongyan BioLOC LLC OH Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 530305 5761 1591 BIOT 9107 9102 5761 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548719 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Compacting Fly Ash to Make Bricks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project has the objective of conducting R&D needed for commercialization of new technology to make bricks using fly ash, which is a byproduct or waste material generated at coal-fired power plants. Research conducted under Phase I demonstrated that the known freeze/thaw problem of fly ash bricks can be solved using air entrainment. This process converts a high volume waste material into a useful product using a room temperature process, with cost, air pollution nd energy savings, compared to traditional processes. The Phase II work will test key fly ash brick properties not tested in Phase I, investigate ways to vary the brick's color and shape, and study key steps in scaling up the process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Henry Freight Pipeline Company MO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 519506 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548721 January 15, 2006 STTR Phase II: Support Material Characterization for Ultrasonic Rapid Prototyping. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will complete the development of a support material for Ultrasonic Consolidation (UC) direct metal rapid prototyping and demonstrate the ability to build structures with high aspect ratios or overhanging features. This ability to apply UC to more complex shapes will enable engineers to design important parts more rapidly and less expensively. Basic iinformation developed on the mechanical properties of metals experiencing ultrasonic excitation will also be useful in other industrial processes, such as extrusion and ball milling. The project will use the results from Phase I to identify a user friendly, cost effective, environmentally benign and easily removed support material, and demonstrate that its application can be integrated with the commercial UC platform. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Johnson, Kenneth Solidica, Inc. MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 716504 5761 1591 MANU 9146 9102 1467 1401 1052 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548723 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Artificial Intelligence and Character Animation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to build and launch simple and intuitive software tools that allow for the creation of interactive 3D graphics within Macromedia Flash (a 2D vector graphics package). Combined with the existing technology, this collection of technologies will provide the first version of the revolutionary Artificial Intelligence Platform for the creation and delivering of interactive animated characters with emotional intelligence. The systems provide the characters with autonomous behavior selection (what should I do?), emotion (how do I feel?) and learning (have I seen this before?). Such a unique blend of technologies opens opportunities for the study of the theories of the human mind and creates an entirely new class of interactive media. The broader impacts of this work are scientific, educational, and economic. The technologies advance discovery and understanding of the workings of the human mind by giving a rapid prototyping environment for computational theories of the mind. Scientists and non-scientists alike can create AI networks and see the resulting characters "twitch" on screen in real time. This work promotes teaching, training and learning as Ingeeni will work with UC Irvine and MIT Media Lab to develop curriculums for Synthetic Characters classes that use the platform. Massive adoption of Ingeeni's technologies is the company's main goal, and it is developing libraries of detailed step-by-step tutorials freely available online. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hlavac, Michal Ingeeni Studios, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 499996 5373 HPCC 9216 9139 1087 0522400 Information Systems 0548726 April 15, 2006 STTR Phase II: Advanced Control of Electron-Beam Deposition for High Precision Optical Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project leverages the substantial improvements in e-beam process control capability developed in Phase I into an integrated control system that can significantly increase yield and throughput for the $1.8 billion precision optical coating industry. Manufacturing partners indicate that the target performance levels would cut manufacturing costs by 35% and enable manufacturers to routinely achieve greater tolerances for advanced designs. This research is driven by a first-principles systems based approach that has created new intellectual property for monitoring, control, and process design. Commercially, precision optical coatings are critical components for all optical instruments including microscopes, telescopes, vision and imaging systems, projection systems, and laser systems. Coatings have served these industries for years, but in a world where application requirements and scientific inquiry are constantly advancing, precision coatings are demanded that comply with even tighter tolerances. In particular, high energy laser science such as the NIF facility at Livermore require very precise and reliable coatings. This STTR research will be key to further improving manufacturing capabilities for a variety of important applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Reimann, Gregory Cyber Materials Solutions MA William Haines Standard Grant 597717 5373 1591 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1794 1517 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548727 October 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Toxic Mold Sniffer. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a small, battery-powered sensor for the detection of toxic chemicals produced by molds responsible for "sick building syndrome," and for the detection of such toxic molds in infested buildings. The company's MEMS chemicapacitor technology utilizes an array of surface-micromachined capacitors coated with chemo-selective materials. The proposed device will detect toxic compounds produced by indoor molds, as well as associated volatile organic compounds. The detection and isolation of suspect molds is a major indoor environmental concern. The sensor technology proposed for use in the company's sensor system can be packaged for single-use home detection kits, or can be incorporated into reusable detection units for surveillance by commercial interests. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mlsna, Debra SEACOAST SCIENCE, INC CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 471421 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 1397 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548729 March 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Visualization of Massive Multivariate Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the lack of visualization technology for hierarchical structured grids created through an advanced simulation process known as Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR). Although the AMR structure makes possible simulations that are too computationally expensive using a uniform grid approach, it leaves the scientist with a lack of visualization tools to properly render the resulting volumetric data. With the successful completion of this Phase II effort, Kitware will meet this need by developing visualization tools that are focused on efficiently and effectively rendering the large, multivariate, time-varying data produced using the AMR technique. The primary technical accomplishment of the Phase II effort will be the development of a high performance volume rendering strategy for AMR data that runs across a variety of platforms from a standard desktop system to a large cluster of high-end workstations. Advanced transfer function techniques will aid scientific discovery by allowing scientists to visualize relationships in their data. Packaging these visualization tools into a user-friendly application will make this complex technology accessible to researchers. In addition, Kitware will adapt this technology to the clinical medical visualization market, where large, multivariate, hierarchical data will become commonplace in the near future. The state-of-the-art AMR visualization technology developed during this Phase II project will be donated to the scientific community as part of two open-source packages. This technology will be available to software developers through the Visualization Toolkit (VTK), a C++ class library of visualization, graphics, and image processing algorithms. This technology will also be incorporated into the end-user scientific visualization application ParaView, which can run on a desktop computer or across a high performance cluster. Through the use of extreme programming principles, these open source packages are developed, tested, and released daily, allowing Kitware to deliver the latest technology for immediate use by the scientific community. In return, this provides Kitware with continual feedback from users and developers that will help the firm to improve not only the open source software, also the firm's commercial products that are built on top of this code base. Kitware intends to leverage the Research Opportunities for Undergraduates (REU) and Research Opportunities for Teachers (RET) programs to build a team of students and teachers who will generate educational material from the software including lesson plans, presentation materials, animations, and suggested projects. This material will be distributed to educators at the high school and undergraduate levels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Avila, Lisa KITWARE INC NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 442385 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9102 0510604 Analytic Tools 0548731 January 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Web-Based Manufacturing Performance Management with Multi-Objective, Multi-model Optimization using Meta-Modeling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop a new Flow Path Management System (FPMS) representing an innovation in manufacturing software that: (1) Extends existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) software by incorporating 'Lean Manufacturing' principles into a set of innovative simulation-based optimization algorithms; (2) Provides millions of dollars in inventory savings to existing and targeted manufacturing customers; and, (3) Is more available to virtual enterprises and smaller manufacturing companies than existing systems in that it can be delivered via the World Wide Web. The focus of this research project is the development of a meta-model-based simulation software for the analysis, prediction and optimization of manufacturing and supply chain processes. This software applies Kriging spatial optimization models - a proven interpolation-based response technique employed successfully in geo-statistics to solve complex and computationally intense manufacturing and supply chain problems. The technology will be commercialized as a new module within the company's existing software suite, called the Flow Path Management System, and sold through three distribution channels: (1) on-site intranet installations at large companies; (2) delivery as a web service via the Internet to smaller companies; and, (3) licensing the algorithms to larger ERP/SCM/MES customers for incorporation in their software suites. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Knight, Thomas Invistics Corporation GA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 1102000 5761 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9178 9148 9139 1704 1652 1631 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0548732 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Advancing an Interactive Learning Platform by Integrating Multiplayer Game Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II project advances Syandus's interactive learning platform by integrating multiplayer game technology. Syandus's current interactive delivery platform allows pharmaceutical firms and content experts to communicate complex concepts to physicians and patients through interactive presentations, discussion groups or self-directed learning. The addition of network-enabled collaboration afforded by this proposed project creates the opportunity for interaction between users and content experts without the constraints of geography. The integration of multiplayer game technology into Syandus's platform requires the innovative application of this technology to serve a new purpose. This proposal will support modification of the existing platform to function in a collaborative setting, building a collaborative engine to synchronize application data between users, integration of a third party multiplayer networking solution and development of a prototype application to test collaborative functionality. Syandus has completed projects with several of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies for the delivery of innovative medical education products based on the existing platform. In the first business application derived from this proposed concept, physicians will be able to remotely connect with nationwide content experts to interactively learn the latest best practices and medical science in a more compelling way than currently available. The pharmaceutical industry strives to communicate medical science innovation and new treatment methods through an information cascade from international and national level thought leaders, to regional physician thought leaders, to practicing physicians and their patients. The anticipated results from the proposed concept will be a learning tool for pharmaceutical companies that allow groups of physicians nationwide to have an interactive dialog about a disease state and appropriate treatment. Longer term, in the educational realm, Syandus's technology could be used to develop more sophisticated collaborative learning environments that allow students, regardless of geographical location, to assemble in a virtual biological world or system (such as a cell or organ) and work together as individuals or in groups to solve problems and optimize processes. A highly rewarding learning experience can be created through the free exchange of information and ideas enabled by a collaborative network coupled with compelling visuals, rich interactivity and the underlying intelligence of mathematical models. Transforming Syandus's existing platform with multi user capability adds rich human interaction into the remote learning process, brings scientific models to life, and allows greater dissemination of knowledge. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Seifert, Douglas Syandus, Inc. PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 0000912 Computer Science 0548734 June 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Video Mining for Customer Behavior in Retail Enterprises. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims at developing video mining techniques for automatically generating statistics about in-store shopping behavior to help retail enterprises. These statistics can provide valuable insights for supporting critical decisions in store layout design, merchandising, marketing, and customer service. Further, since it is automated, video mining can become a tool for monitoring the impact of all customer-facing elements in a store. The Phase II research will continue in cooperation with the proposing company's partners and customers, while addressing the remaining challenges for video mining. The proposed tasks include robust person detection, tracking people across multiple cameras, modeling and recognizing complex shopping behavior involving shopping groups and sales associates. The approach will be to use a variety of computer vision and statistical learning techniques under the constraints of a typical retail environment. Retail enterprises today operate in a hyper-competitive environment characterized by blurring categories, eroding market shares and fickle, but more demanding customers. These challenges have prompted retailers to adopt customer-centered strategies focused on uncovering and matching the needs of customers to gain (retain) market share. These strategies rely heavily on obtaining deeper insights into shopper behavior. Current methods (human observation and manual video indexing) for analyzing shopper behavior are limited in their scope while being expensive and time-consuming. On the contrary, the shopper insights gained from the proposed video mining platform will enable more informed decision-making leading to improvements in retail productivity and business process optimization. The proposing company has plans to immediately incorporate the outcome of the SBIR research into its retail product line. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mummareddy, Satish VideoMining Corporation PA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9216 9131 6850 1631 1087 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548735 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Non-Traditional Material Removal. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop abrasive jet technology for manufacturing/finishng microoptics. Abrasion is accomplished by shear flow at the surface of the substrate submerged in an abrasive suspension and impinged upon by a bubble jet. This technology will allow the precision finishing of surfaces with an aperture size as small as 1 millimeter, and provide a scientific basis for, and demonstrate the feasibility of, new technology for optics fabrication. Enabling the finishing of small, high precision molds and lenses will allow manufacture of higher resolution cameras for camera phones and other consumer products, and for medical and surveillance devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Shorey, Aric QED Technologies, Inc. NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 337214 5373 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548737 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Improving Infection Control Through Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID)-Based Patient Tracking. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project will provide hospitals with a way to analyze and prevent hospital-associated infection outbreaks based on integrating a location tracking system with live hospital microbiology data, building on research done in Phase I. The goal is the design, implementation, deployment and clinical validation of two tools: (1) a visualization and analysis tool for investigating propagation dynamics of past and current infection outbreaks; and, (2) a simulation tool for evaluating response measures to potential outbreaks. The research will center on clinical acceptance and usability. The involvement of medical and infection control experts will ensure that the models of infection spread are accurate, the visualization and analysis tools are intuitive, and the simulation tools cover the important infections and scenarios. Every year tens of thousands of lives, and billions of dollars, are lost to infections acquired in health care facilities. The envisioned product will give hospitals powerful tools for reducing these numbers, allowing them to better understand why infections happen and what counter-measures are effective. Hospital-associated infections' impact goes beyond the immediate sickness they cause, forcing treatment of the infection in addition to the underlying illness, and dissuading many from seeking necessary care because of the fear of acquiring infections. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ramsey, Alvin Vecna Technologies, Inc MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 495856 5373 HPCC 9216 9139 1704 1631 0203000 Health 0522400 Information Systems 0548739 January 15, 2006 STTR Phase II: Benign Thin Film Composite Particles for Protection from UVA/UVB - Rays. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project provides for the commercialization of surface-passivated composite titania/zinc oxide particles for benign protection from UVA and UVB radiation. The composite particles are manufactured via novel atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology. These materials are targeted at use in sunblock skin care formulations; the inert coating will allow easy dispersion of the particles in a variety of formulations, and will prevent direct contact between active titania or zinc oxide and the skin. The major health problem of sun-induced skin cancer could be helped with the introduction of new, more effective UVA/UVB protection in a wider variety of skin care products. This Phase II project will focus on refining the material design, production at larger scale, and proving the effectiveness of these composites in formulations for UVA/UVB transmittance and sun protection factors. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Buechler, Karen ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 448225 1591 AMPP 9163 9102 1984 0110000 Technology Transfer 0548741 February 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Device for the Activation of Nanoparticle-Based Cancer Therapies. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims at developing a minimally invasive, image-guided cancer therapy for the optimum activation of nanoparticle based, photo-thermal cancer therapies. This will allow for the treatment of deep-seated tumor, irregular shaped tumors as well as regional metastatic spread and tumors situated near or within sensitive tissues. This technology will impact the current therapies for cancers, especially those of the brain and other sensitive areas. The technology will provide a minimally invasive therapy with a high safety profile that allows treatment of poorly defined tumors margins without damage to surrounding, often sensitive tissues. This would make the treatment not only more effective but will also limit damage to healthy tissue and as such, limit side effects and other organ dysfunction. Additionally, this therapy is compatible with and potentially synergist with existing treatment modalities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schwartz, Jon NANOSPECTRA BIOSCIENCES, INC. TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0548742 March 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Microelectrochemical Assays for Malaria Parasites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development of an automated, high-throughput, sensitive and specific assay for the micorelectrochemical detection of malaria parasites. The use of microelectrochemical assay will allow for the detection of malarial parasites with a combination of attributes, such as all four species to the level of one parasite per microliter of blood without sample preparation. This technology will impact the current blood donor screening guidelines that call for the deferral of potential donors for one year following travel to malaria endemic regions. Not only do cases of fatal transfusion-transmitted malaria occasionally occur, but also the availability of the blood supply is reduced. This technology will aid the blood banking industry by providing an inexpensive, high-throughput, low detection limit malaria test as blood donor screening tool. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wansapura, Chamika VEGRANDIS, LLC AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 675353 9150 5761 5373 CVIS BIOT 9261 9251 9181 9178 9150 9146 9104 9102 1468 1467 1401 1397 1059 1049 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548743 February 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Novel Sensor for Control of Cleaning Processes During the Fabrication of Microstructures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project provides a unique and robust in-situ sensor for detection and control of impurities in microstructures and porous layers associated with manufacturing of semiconductor, MEMS, and emerging nanodevices. Use of impedance as a measure of contamination in bulk fluids is well established. However, applying it in micro-scale features is novel and has many promising applications. The proposed Electro-Chemical Residue Sensor (ECSR) technology is not aimed at developing yet another sensor to measure contaminants in fluids. It is rather aimed at the in-situ, real-time, and low-cost measurement of residual contamination inside and on the sidewalls of micro- and nano- features (the bottlenecks of cleaning, rinsing, and drying). The Phase II proposed plan is to design, fabricate, and test a prototype sensor assembly and develop its interface with process tools for cleaning, rinsing, and drying of micro-features. The first planned application, amounting to annual commercial market revenue of $9M to $30M, will be in rinsing and drying of patterned wafers and porous films in micro-electronics manufacturing. Currently, these operations are often run with no adequate real-time control. Insufficient cleaning and drying have significant negative impact on manufacturing yields and device performance. On the other hand, excessive cleaning and drying results in damage to the micro-structures, increase in cost, and wasting of chemicals, water, and energy. The application of the ECRS technology to wafer rinsing alone is expected to reduce water usage by 40-60%. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vermeire, Bert Environmental Metrology Corporation AZ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 615050 5373 MANU 9146 5761 1984 1401 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548744 March 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Microchip Assay for Glycosylated Hemoglobin. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims at developing the next generation of diabetic monitoring devices that will allow the measurement of multiple markers of disease regulation and progression using an innovative lab-on-a-chip technology. The project will develop the first integrated microchip CE device for measurement of an important maker of diabetes. This technology will impact patient monitoring for disease progression and therapeutic efficacy by following biomarker more efficiently as well as being used at the point of care. This eliminates the time and cost currently required to perform follow up laboratory tests. The technology approaches the chemistry of biomarkers from a non-traditional sensor mechanism and shows great promise for the detection and use of biomarkers for specific diseases. INT'L RES & EDU IN ENGINEERING SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Willard, Dale Advanced MicroLabs, LLC CO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 511374 7641 5373 BIOT 9107 0203000 Health 0548750 October 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Rapid and Automated Differential Gene Expression Profiling. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a rapid and automated microarray expression profiling chip and system for gene expression profiling. As part of this project a miniaturized automated system will be developed to integrate key steps in target synthesis, labeling and hybridization. The use of the integrated system will enhance the reproducibility and cost of running microarray experiments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chen, Gao MAXWELL SENSORS INC. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 499995 5373 BIOT 9181 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0548751 October 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: Plant Bioreporters for Arsenic. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop plant bioreporters for arsenic which is widely dispersed in the environment. Detecting and monitoring arsenic in soil and water, particularly in large or remote areas, is often cost-prohibitive due to the expense of sample collection and analysis. This research will lead to an innovative, cost-effective, real-time system to monitor water and soil quality offering high spatial resolution, stand-off reporting, ready scaling to large treatment areas, and continuous in place reporting of bioavailable arsenic. Applications for this technology include detection and investigation of arsenic contamination and risk assessment during remedial activities at contaminated sites. The broader impact of this technology will be to enable more extensive use of in place environmental cleanup methods such as phytoremediation, assist efforts to monitor and clean the environment, and reduce environmental health hazards posed by arsenic. Improving the ability to accurately assess arsenic contamination will improve awareness of contaminated areas and make affordable arsenic monitoring by homeowners, farmers, and industry. Of particular usefulness would be the ability of farmers and gardeners to detect the potential bioavailability of arsenic to food crops as a result of arsenic in biosolids and pesticides. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Elless, Mark EDENSPACE SYSTEMS CORP VA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9104 0110000 Technology Transfer 0313040 Water Pollution 0548752 February 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Multi-Environment Probability Density Function (PDF) Method for Modeling Turbulent Combustion Using Detailed Chemistry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will extend the applicability of the multi-environment probability density function (MEPDF) method to model turbulent combustion problems with realistic chemical kinetics within comprehensive Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations of practical combustion equipment. The project aims to further advance the MEPDF method by extending it to simulate industrially relevant single-phase and two-phase combustion systems, such as chemical process furnaces fired with lean pre-mixed gas burners; oil fired utility boilers and industrial furnaces; and coal gasification equipment. The proposed activities for extending the MEPDF method to simulate practical combustion systems using complex chemical kinetics would result in a tool that will enhance the scientific and engineering knowledge base for these processes. The advanced simulation tools produced from this project would provide a means for companies in the power generation, chemical process, mineral process, and incineration industries to improve product designs and services, which in-turn would benefit the environment, global competitiveness and national/homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Denison, Martin REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL UT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 559750 5373 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0548753 February 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Powder-Powder Mixing and Powder-Liquid Mixing by a Novel High-Intensity Vibrational Mixer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enable the development of a high intensity, low frequency resonant-acoustic mixer for industrial uses, focusing on the incorporation of solid powders into liquids. Since there are no mixing blades or moving parts, issues of clean up and cross-contamination are minimized. The work will expand the scientific understanding of powder-liquid mixing in a high intensity resonant acoustic field, and provide an alternative mixing approach for emerging nano-sized materials. Outcomes of the work will be a deeper understanding of the powder mixing phenomenon and a knowledge base for the design and optimization of complete industrial mixing systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lucon, Peter RESODYN CORPORATION MT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 502987 9150 5373 MANU CVIS 9261 9251 9178 9150 9146 5761 1468 1467 1397 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548754 January 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Developing a Cost-Effective Method for Creating Cognitive Models for Cognitive Tutors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will make the creation of effective intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) easier, and it will enable the dissemination of that technology to a broader audience than currently realized. ITSs have proven to be highly effective in delivering computer-based instruction, but they have historically been expensive and difficult to build, requiring specialized skill in artificial intelligence and production systems programming. Building upon Clearsighted's Phase I accomplishments, the firm will: (1) finish a fully-functional software development kit (SDK) that will allow non-cognitive scientists to create the cognitive model that powers an ITS; (2) develop technology that will enable an ITS to communicate to the vast majority of third-party software; (3) develop techniques that will allow an ITS to work with an institution's existing on-line learning system; and (4) evaluate the research team's work with respect to both time-savings in building ITSs and customers' return on investment. Two main results are anticipated: (1) a two- to three-fold decrease in the amount of time it takes to author an ITS; and (2) an estimated savings to customers of 30% per hour of the cost of traditional training time. The success of ITSs is well documented (e.g., Koedinger, Anderson, Hadley, & Mark, 1997; Corbett, 2001; Morgan & Ritter, 2002). However, ITSs have not been broadly deployed, due to the high level of expertise needed and the cost to create. Furthermore, lack of viable options to interface the cognitive model of an ITS with already existing software impairs wider dissemination of that technology. By increasing technological understanding of how to reduce the amount of the expertise needed to create an ITS and how to accomplish interfacing ITSs with existing software, the result of this supported work will be a wider distribution of ITSs. Clearsighted is well poised to become a market leader in on-line technical training by leveraging this technology. Clearsighted has partnered with Carnegie Learning, the ITS leader in K-12 education to assist in these goals, and it has the additional expertise needed to perform the required work. By transitioning ITS technology from its currently very small market to a wider audience that includes not only education, but also corporate and industrial applications, the costs to the many companies and institutions that do on-line training will greatly decrease, and the productivity of their workers will increase. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gilbert, Stephen Clearsighted IA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 531999 5373 SMET 9251 9178 9177 7218 1666 0104000 Information Systems 0116000 Human Subjects 0548756 March 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Universal Nanoparticle Taggants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will provide a system that is capable of easily labeling documents, with millions of unique optical signatures that provide a means of distinguishing these documents from other similar objects. Since there are no suitable commercial alternatives, both a scanning spectrometer and hyperspectral imaging system will be constructed and evaluated. The compatibility of developed materials with current screening technology, and the large number of distinct resolvable optical codes available, provides a level of authentication that will be difficult to replicate or decrypt. Since there is a strong and continuing need to authenticate and verify documents, objects or people, the benefits of this technology will be broad-based and will influence authentication, sorting and identification of many items such as documents, pharmaceuticals or biological samples. The commercially available multiplexing level (number of distinguishable optical signatures) for optical encoding technology is currently limited to 100, so there is immediate need for a technology to provide a means of optically distinguishing very large numbers of similar objects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 523495 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9147 099E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548757 March 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: High Flux Metal-Ceramic Hydrogen Separation Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project targets development of an innovative membrane for separation of hydrogen. These membranes are based on an innovative nanostructured architecture and a unique fabrication process. The proposed approach enable an ultra-thin Pd separation layer, which can support a 10X or greater increase in hydrogen flux over the state of the art, with no reduction in hydrogen selectivity and superior reliability. The performance of the prototypes will be thoroughly validated in actual operating environments. The expected result of the proposed work is a viable technology for the production of robust hydrogen separation membranes with advanced performance, superior reliability and lower cost. Such an enabling technology could facilitate a variety of current applications, such as hydrogen separation for fuel cells and point-of-use hydrogen purification. With further research and development, hydrogen could also serve as an alternative source of energy for heating and lighting homes, generating electricity, and transportation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Synkera Technologies Inc. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 922292 5373 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0548759 March 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Folding Power Wheelchair with Modular Battery System. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a lightweight modular wheelchair that can be easily lifted and handled by either the user or a companion. This wheelchair can be loaded into any vehicle, thus dramatically improving the mobility of the user. The research project focuses on designing the frame, drivetrain, motor and battery system to allow more of synergistic effect and lightweight to aid the user in his/her mobility. The commercial and societal benefits from this project will result in not only greater mobility but also drastic increase in the quality of life for the user, improved family mobility. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kylstra, Bart Daedalus CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 488309 5373 BIOT 9181 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0548763 January 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Incorporation of Knowledge Base into Statistical Machine Translation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project embodies an innovative approach to machine translation. The proposed model aims to overcome two important bottlenecks in the development of a high quality statistical machine translation (SMT) system: (1) inability to handle structural problems and (2) dependence on huge amounts of parallel texts. The inability of statistics to sufficiently handle grammatical problems such as word order becomes more evident when the language pair is very different in structure and morphology, such as with English and Korean. The dependence on a huge amount of parallel texts is a great challenge especially to speech translation. Based on successful tests in the Phase I project, this project proposes a method to learn linguistic knowledge crucial to handling word order and non-local dependencies automatically from input and incorporate it into SMT along with simple transformations, maximizing the strength of both knowledge-based approaches and statistical approaches, and minimizing the need for ever-increasing amounts of bilingual data. The proposed approach aims to build a syntactic-phrase-based statistical machine translation engine that not only is more accurate than the existing word-based ones, but also can decrease the need for large data sources. The primary impact of the proposed project is the potential for achieving automatic translation quality as high as the quality of the best knowledge-based machine translation engines; but with a minimum of handcrafting of knowledge and therefore at a much lower cost in terms of development time and human resources. While the research is specifically concerned with MT between English and Korean, the resulting translation models would potentially be usable for translation between any pair of languages. The result of the research will be used to develop a speech translation device, in particular to overcome language barriers in communication with patients in hospitals. It will provide a key technology that will accelerate development of speech translation applications in order to reduce costs of healthcare providers and to enhance the quality of healthcare. Additionally, the proposed method of learning linguistic features will have an impact on many different applications including speech recognition, search engines, genre and topic detection, and document search and query. Finally, the proposed research will have beneficial impacts nationally and globally by helping to solve the 'automatic translation' problem, an area of paramount importance to the economic welfare and security of the United States and the rest of the world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ehsani, Farzad Fluential , Inc. CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 754998 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 9178 9102 0000912 Computer Science 0548768 October 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: POINT - Precision Optical Intra-Cellular Near-field Technology. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel high-resolution instrument capable of penetrating and imaging live cells down to the 50 nm resolution level. This can provide further insights into the molecular makeup of cells and may open new avenues toward the understanding of cellular processes and their modification at a physically visible level as a result of pathologies. Moreover, the technology may allow visualization of cellular substructures and their dynamic relationships within living cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ebesu, Joanne OCEANIT LABORATORIES INC HI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 338122 5373 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 0203000 Health 0548853 March 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: THz Imaging Focal Plane Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a high-resolution focal plane array for terahertz imagery. THz radiation is a largely unexplored region of the spectrum, but holds great promise for its ability to pass through clothing, packaging and baggage walls (security applications) and for its ability to excite resonant molecular motions according to the composition and conformation of complex molecules such as explosives, illegal drugs and pharmaceuticals (imaging spectroscopy). Present uncooled detector technology is marginal in its ability to sense THz radiation and in video frame rate. The anticipated results of this work are to demonstrate: (1) a 20 to 40 times improvement in noise-limited radiation detection at operation up to 250 Hz frame rate; (2) a new technique for very low cost manufacture of all-wavelength focal plane arrays; and (3) a high-performance THz focal plane array. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Edwards, Oliver ZYBERWEAR INC FL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 659344 9131 5373 CVIS 9102 1397 1059 1039 0308000 Industrial Technology 0549205 September 1, 2005 IUCRC Site at UCF in Multiphase Transport Phenomena. Center research will focus on the further development, evaluation, and deployment of next generation multiphase models for turbulent and non-turbulent flows as well as computational methods for rapid design and analysis of process and equipment for a wide range of applications encountered in, but not limited to, the automotive, chemical, and petrochemical industries. Funds will be used to promote long-term synergistic partnerships among industrial members and academic research groups at the two universities. Specific problem-oriented research projects will be identified in collaboration with industrial members of the Center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kumar, Ranganathan William Jepson University of Central Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 100000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0552210 April 15, 2006 National Center for e-Design: Annexation of Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) plans to join the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research center for e-Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems as a full university research site. The emphasis of Carnegie Mellons participation will be directed at technologies involved in the design of medical devices. The research program will capitalize upon the technologies of the e-Design center while building linkages between the University of Pittsburghs medical research expertise and CMUs excellence in engineering, design, robotics, and computer science. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Antaki, James Carnegie-Mellon University PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 112e 1049 0000 0555456 February 15, 2006 Support for Planning Multiuniversity BITC Centers. The University of Louisville plans to join the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biomolecular Interaction Technology. The addition of the University of Louisville will form a multi-university center with the University of New Hampshire. The University of Louisville brings expertise in thermodynamics, microcalorimetry, and the development of novel high-throughput instruments to the consortium. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Chaires, Jonathan University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc KY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0555740 March 1, 2006 Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. The University of Maryland will hold a planning grant meeting to establish a research site that will be part of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). The proposed research site will complement the current activities that CELDi is performing and will focus on developing real-time supply chain systems that use smaller yet more powerful sensors and location determination technology that can communicate critical information directly to decision makers. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Herrmann, Jeffrey University of Maryland College Park MD Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 125e 1049 0000 0555794 March 1, 2006 Collaborative Research (I/UCRC): CHREC -- the Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. The George Washington University and the University of Florida are proposing to become a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. High-Performance computing has come to the forefront as a dominant field of technology for the advancement of science and commerce. A variety of industries as well as national labs and government agencies are focusing increasingly toward High-performance computing in addressing key challenges, be it in the lab for simulation and analysis of complex structures and process or mission-deployed as high performance embedded computing. The theme of this proposed center is the relatively new area of hardware-reconfigurable, high-performance computing. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG El-Ghazawi, Tarek George Washington University DC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 81550 T484 5761 OTHR 122E 111e 111E 1049 0000 0555872 June 1, 2006 Safety, Security, and Rescue Research Center. Carnegie Mellon University seeks to join the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Safety, Security, and Rescue Research that has been established by the University of South Florida and the University of Minnesota. The goal of the center is to facilitate technology transfer by focusing on medium-term research and development that leverages pre-existing long-term research results, holds the commercial interest of the corporate members of the Center, and meets the needs of public secor responders. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Choset, Howard Carnegie-Mellon University PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0555887 March 15, 2006 Collaborative Research: Center for Advanced Forestry Systems Planning Grant. North Carolina State University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute plan to join the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Tree Genetics to broaden the research agenda and to create an Advanced Forestry Research I/UCRC with leadership shifting from Purdue University to North Carolina State University. The center will build on traditional strengths by conducting research on; managing nutrient availability in intensively managed plantations, modeling stand growth and development, reforestation using superior genotypes, genetics and tree breeding to improve the quality of plantations, and genetic engineering as a tool for promoting forest productivity and ecological safety. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fox, Thomas Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0556057 March 1, 2006 Collaborative Research (I/UCRC): CHREC -- the Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. The George Washington University and the University of Florida are proposing to become a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. High-Performance computing has come to the forefront as a dominant field of technology for the advancement of science and commerce. A variety of industries as well as national labs and government agencies are focusing increasingly toward High-performance computing in addressing key challenges, be it in the lab for simulation and analysis of complex structures and process or mission-deployed as high performance embedded computing. The theme of this proposed center is the relatively new area of hardware-reconfigurable, high-performance computing. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG George, Alan University of Florida FL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 111E 1049 0000 0556092 February 15, 2006 Planning Grant Proposal: Virginia Tech Affiliation with the Center for Engineering Logistics & Distribution (CELDi). Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) seeks to join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. VPI will increase the research capabilities and activities of the center by focusing on design, modeling, and analysis of large-scale logistics systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Taylor, Gaylon Don Robert Taylor Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 125E 1049 0000 0556110 March 15, 2006 Ohio State Univ Center for Radio Frequency Systems. The Ohio State University is proposing to join the Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Hawaii existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Communications Circuits and Systems Center (Connection One). This research site would increase the research capabilities and activities of the Center by focusing on measurements and system design activities, passive and active component integration for multifunctional all-in-one devices and high data rate activities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Volakis, John Robert Lee Roberto Rojas Ronald Reano Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 132E 1049 0000 0556131 March 15, 2006 Collaborative Research: Center for Advanced Forestry Systems Planning Grant. North Carolina State University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute plan to join the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Tree Genetics to broaden the research agenda and to create an Advanced Forestry Research I/UCRC with leadership shifting from Purdue University to North Carolina State University. The center will build on traditional strengths by conducting research on; managing nutrient availability in intensively managed plantations, modeling stand growth and development, reforestation using superior genotypes, genetics and tree breeding to improve the quality of plantations, and genetic engineering as a tool for promoting forest productivity and ecological safety. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Goldfarb, Barry Howard Allen North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0556154 March 1, 2006 Collaborative Friction Stir Processing. Wichita State University is planning to become a research site of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Friction Stir Processing with the South Dakota School of Mines, Brigham Young University, University of Missouri-Rolla and the University of South Carolina. Wichita State University will develop a full partnership with nationally recognized leaders in the research and development of this novel metals joining and processing technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Burford, Dwight Wichita State University KS Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0556303 February 15, 2006 Collaborative Research: Barrier Packaging Materials and Coatings. A planning meeting will be held at Michigan State University for the proposed Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Barrier Packaging Materials and Coatings. The Center will be a joint effort with Western Michigan University. Barrier coated packaging is an extremely large and important area of interest to industry, government, and the consumer. It is expected to grow rapidly as industry expands its market offering of ethic and specialty foods, nutraceuticals and functional foods, extended shelf life products, and convenience foods and products. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Harte, Bruce Susan Selke Amar Mohanty Laura Bix Robert Clarke Michigan State University MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0556312 February 15, 2006 Collaborative Research: Barrier Packaging Materials and Coatings. A planning meeting will be held at Western Michigan University for the proposed Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Barrier Packaging Materials and Coatings. The Center will be a joint effort with Michigan State University. Barrier coated packaging is an extremely large and important area of interest to industry, government, and the consumer. It is expected to grow rapidly as industry expands its market offering of ethic and specialty foods, nutraceuticals and functional foods, extended shelf life products, and convenience foods and products. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Joyce, Thomas Margaret Joyce Paul Fleming Alexandra Pekarovicova Jan Pekarovic Western Michigan University MI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0600855 September 1, 2006 Development of Simulation Models and Biosensors to Detect Biological Agents in Water Distribution Systems. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Water Quality at the University of Arizona will collaborate with the QUESTOR Centre of Queens University of Belfast and the National Centre for Sensor Research of Dublin City University, Ireland. These centers will perform research to develop and evaluate sensors and simulation models for monitoring the safety of drinking water. The project will develop and evaluate a new lab-on-a-chip technology using high throughput rates for monitoring water quality parameters in real time. These chips will be developed at the University of Arizona. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Choi, Christopher Jeong-Yeol Yoon University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 115060 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9177 9102 128E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0608726 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I:Multi-Stage Collector (MSC) Technology Development for Multi-Pollutant Ccontrol. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project involves the development of the Multi-Stage Collector (MSC) for multi-pollutant control. The MSC device is a hybrid electrostatic precipitator (ESP) - barrier filter (BF) device. The Phase I research will incorporate a non-thermal plasma (NTP) generator system in the MSC. The MSC-NTP concept overcomes shortcomings of the known multi-pollutant control concepts currently under development by incorporating all required systems within a common housing for an efficient control of both particulate and gaseous effluents. Successful development of the MSC for multi-pollutant control will provide industry with a compact multi-pollutant collection device that is smaller, more energy efficient, more universally applicable; as well as offering superior collection efficiency, particularly for fine particles in conjunction with NOx, SOx and Hg, than devices currently utilized in industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Krigmont, Henry Allied Environmental Technologies, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99995 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0609666 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Automated Design Environment for Embedded Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops an automated compiler to translate software binary and assembly code of a general-purpose DSP processor into Register Transfer Level VHDL and Verilog code for subsequent mapping onto FPGA hardware. Recent advances in embedded communications and control systems for personal and vehicular environments are driving efficient hardware and software implementations of complete systems-on-chip (SOC). As part of this study, novel algorithms will be developed for alias analysis, data flow analysis, automatic identification of loops and other control constructs, and procedure call recovery. Furthermore, techniques for performing hardware/software co-design will be investigated on integrated Systems-on-a-Chip (SOC) platforms consisting of embedded processors, memories, and FPGAs. The concepts developed as part of this research will be demonstrated using a prototype compiler that will translate binary code of off-the-shelf processors into a hardware/software implementation on standard FPGAs. The development of a system level tool for designing DSP will reduce design times from months to days. Such a compiler will allow software developers to reuse millions of lines of software developed in the past for general-purpose DSP processors, and migrate them painlessly to newer SOC platforms. There is a large established code base of DSP algorithms that are optimized for DSP processors. The compiler will take these DSP implementations in assembly and generate implementations in hardware in the form of FPGAs and SOCs automatically. Furthermore, if DSP engineers wish to have an automated path from higher-level languages such as C, C++, and MATLAB to hardware, they can use currently available tools to compile these languages to the assembly level of a general-purpose processor, and then use the proposed compiler to map these assembly codes onto FPGAs and SOCs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zaretsky, David BINACHIP IL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0609685 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Development of New Photochemically Activated Binder Used in the Production of Novel Capacitors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will provide the platform to evaluate a novel application of radiation to affect an instantaneous chemical reaction in the bulk production of inorganic micro-components. The focus of this effort will be on eliminating agglomeration and other process malfunctions inherent in the water based coating process currently in use. The proposed work will develop a specific and commercially motivated interest in material for use in the efficient production of Plasma-spheresTM. Plasmaspheres are hollow gas filled dielectric spheres that act as capacitors. Plasmasphere arrays will be developed as a low-cost large-area flat panel display technology. Other novel applications of Plasmasphere arrays under investigation include phase array antennas and radiation detection. All three markets are emerging high-growth markets. The entire Plasma-sphere array production process is environmentally benign. It uses a minimum of materials, and eliminates harmful materials including lead, which is commonly used in the manufacture of electronics. Other advantages include longer life, smaller form factor, and a greater percentage of biodegradable materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wedding, Carol IMAGING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610167 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Effective Revamping of Idle MTBE Units. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a new process to revamp idled catalytic distillation-based MTBE plants to make alkylate (a clean, high-octane gasoline additive) from field butanes. Phase I of this SBIR project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the new process chemistry in terms of the achievable reaction rates and catalyst stability in bench-scale reactors. The reduction in energy consumption will also be determined. Finally, a preliminary economic evaluation will be performed to determine if the proposed process can be implemented in a cost-effective way. Converting idled CD-MTBE plants to produce alkylate increases US domestic refining capacity at a minimal cost. The alkylate produced is clean and non-toxic, without the water contamination concerns of MTBE or other oxygenates. Alkylate can also help replace the octane lost by the removal of MTBE from the gasoline pool. The process should also yield significant energy savings compared to MTBE production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610241 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Non-Conventional Processing of Highly Active Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will investigate a new synthesis method to produce highly active transition metal phosphide hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts to reduce sulfur content in transportation fuels to the levels set by environmental legislation. Transition metal phosphides were recently discovered to be highly active towards HDS. However, difficulties involved with the synthesis of transition metal phosphides on oxide supports has prevented them from achieving their full potentials. The long heating times and high temperatures employed for conventional synthesis methods causes phosphorus-support interactions and phosphorus volatilization, which lowers the activity of the catalysts. Phase I research will address the synthesis of oxide supported transition metal phopshide catalysts using a nonconventional method. The proposed technique utilizes a selective and fast heating method that avoids the problems of conventional thermal heating. The catalysts will be characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emissions spectroscopy (ICP-AES), oxygen (O2) chemisorption, and BET surface area analysis. The HDS activities, stabilities, and selectivities of the new oxide supported transition metal phosphide catalysts will be evaluated using DBT and 4,6-DMDBT HDS. The results will be compared to catalysts prepared using conventional synthesis methods. Commercial opportunities exist for new HDS catalysts capable of producing ultra-clean transportation fuels. Environmental regulations being implemented world-wide to reduce the sulfur (S) content in transportation fuels, along with the declining quality of fossil fuel feedstocks, will provide substantial motivation for the refineries to seek alternative catalyst materials. The anticipated result for this project, following Phases I, II, and III, is the commercial availability of a highly active hydrodesulfurization catalyst that can produce ultra-low level sulfur fuels, with less than 10 ppm S, that meet current and future emission requirements for transportation fuels. The ultra-low S hydrocarbon fuels, produced using the new HDS catalyst, could also be used in fuel processors to produce hydrogen fuel for PEM fuel cell applications. This research would lead to the development of a new catalyst for HDS, to reduce the impact of pollution generated from transportation fuels. It will make an important contribution to advancements in efficient, clean-burning energy sources for transportation and fuel cell applications. The results of this research will also provide significant benefits to the scientific community, especially those in the area of heterogeneous catalysis, as it will lead to a betterunderstanding of the effects of catalyst preparation methods on their chemical and catalytic properties. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sawhill, Stephanie SIENNA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. WA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610252 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Stabilization of a Protein Toxin - An Essential Step in the Commercialization of an Innovative Method for Controlling Zebra Mussels. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I research project will develop a method for long-term stabilization of this highly specific biopesticide for control of zebra mussels. This project represents an industry/research institute collaboration to commercialize a novel microbial agent, pseudomonas fluorescens strain CL0145A (Pf-CL0145A). Pf-CL0145A cells do not kill zebra mussels by infection, but rather by intoxication, and to minimize environmental concerns, a dead-cell formulation of Pf-CL0145A is the targeted commercial product. Evidence indicates that a protein in the cell wall is lethal to zebra mussels. Cells, however, lose their toxicity within days at room temperature, suggesting that this proteinaceous biotoxin quickly degrades. This project will develop methods to achieve long-term stabilization of this biotoxin. Commercially, the application is in the commercialization of this innovative biopesticide for the control of zebra mussels. With zebra mussels having a billon dollar annual impact in North America, the potential benefit of this technology to industry would be considerable, allowing the control of zebra mussel infestations in raw water intakes without the detrimental environmental impacts of currently used biocides. The project will advance knowledge of downstream processing of microbes containing a thermally-sensitive compound. This stabilization research could thus well serve as a model for subsequent projects seeking to stabilize bacterial proteins. A contribution to scientific training and knowledge will be fostered by involving graduate and undergraduate students in the project. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sparks, Robert Particle and Coating Technologies, Inc. MO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99710 1505 BIOT 9181 9117 0110000 Technology Transfer 0521700 Marine Resources 0610271 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Fluidized Bed Direct Carbon Fuel Cell. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to demonstrate the proof-of- concept and feasibility of direct carbon conversion into electricity in a fluidized bed high temperature electrochemical generator. If successful, the proposed work will serve as a prelude to direct electrochemical conversion of coal to electricity. The proposed fluidized bed direct carbon fuel cell (FB-DCFC) concept for generation of electricity is based on electrochemical oxidation of carbon at 700-900oC, as opposed to combustion in air at 1200-1400oC as is the case in conventional coal-burning processes. The FB-DCFC employs a solid oxide electrolyte cell inside a bed of fluidized carbon. The challenge of how to use coal in an efficient way to generate electricity without damaging the environment is significant. FG-DCFC offers a compelling opportunity and promises a significantly more efficient, cost effective, and responsible way to use coal with minimal impact to the environment. If successful, this technology promises to serve both the energy security and the energy needs of this country, and enjoy a huge market opportunity that could be in the billions of dollars worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Siwen Direct Carbon Technologies, LLC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149500 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610322 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Catalytic Traps for Capture of Gas-Phase Toxic Linear Molecules. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore the use of a material comprising a fibrous substrate and an inorganic adsorbent/catalytic coating for removal of toxic small linear molecules from smoke. Phase I research will focus on identification of an efficient adsorbent/catalyst coating. The proposed strategy is to make one or more target volatile toxic species react inside the narrow pores of the active phase, to form larger molecular weight species that are unable to leave the internal pore structure of the active component. The toxic, small-molecule targets are known carcinogenic agents. A large sector of the population in general is expected to benefit from deployment of the proposed technology. There is also the possibility of adapting the proposed technology to the design of catalytic filtration media for capture of certain highly toxic volatiles in a number of industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Velarde Ortiz, Raffet LNKChemsolutions NE Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610506 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Arsenic and Selenium Remediation and Recovery with Immobilized Metal Polyamine Composites. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will advance the ability to remove arsenate, arsenite, selenate and selenite from surface waters and waste streams using Immobilized Metal Polyamine Composites (IMPACs). Preliminary studies using tetravalent zirconium on a silica polyamine composite showed good selectivity and led to an efficient process for stripping the arsenate, selenate or selenite without leaching the zirconium from the composite. The contamination of surface waters and aquifers with arsenic and selenium is a ubiquitous problem owing to the presence of these anions in mining and industrial waste streams and as a result of geothermal mobilization of arsenic. Tremendous effort has gone into developing remediation technologies and although many hold promise for site specific applications they suffer from several key disadvantages including high operating cost, low selectivity and generation of huge amounts of sludge as a byproduct. Development of an adaptable series of durable anion exchange materials would have a broad impact on the mining, metal processing and remediation industries. Development of the proposed IMPAC products will have a large impact in the Northwestern U. S. where there are hundreds of abandoned and operating mine sites with arsenic and selenium containing waste streams in holding tanks or surface waters. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hart, Carolyn Purity Systems, Inc. MT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 1505 MANU 9150 9147 9102 1984 1948 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610512 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Atlantic Cod Nodavirus Vaccine. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel recombinant vaccine for the control of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) of cultured Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in New England and Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic cod nodavirus causes VNN which is characterized by the appearance of lesions in the brain and retina, abnormal swimming behavior, and dark coloring. The acute form of the disease occurs during the larval and juvenile stages of cod development and 90% or greater of the infected fish may die. The project addresses vaccine preparation, formulation, potency, safety and efficacy. The approach incorporates knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of the virion and sequence-based domain organization of the virus shell as it relates to host-specificity, pathogenicity, and immunogenicity to optimize the vaccine. The research plan is designed to meet end-user preferences that include efficacy for both broodstock and juvenile animals that does not compromise fish growth, results in a long-lasting protective immunity and provides 80% or greater relative percent survival. Commercially, the application of a viral nervous necrosis (VNN) vaccine will help address infectious disease, which is a major constraint to future growth and sustainability of the aquaculture industry. World fish consumption is expected to rise 35% over current levels by the year 2015 yet an estimated 76% of the oceans wild fish stocks are fully-exploited, overexploited or depleted. The increase in seafood demand will be met largely through growth of global aquaculture production. The emerging Atlantic cod industry in North America is seriously threatened by VNN caused by a piscine nodavirus. The nodavirus vaccine developed will ensure fish health while reducing the potential for virus bioamplification and transmission between farmed cod and wild fish. The nodavirus vaccine will provide a tool that consumers, scientists, farmers and environmental groups can use to work together toward achieving a common goal of ocean stewardship while meeting market demand for a high-quality, healthy source of seafood. The project will (1) enable the long-term development of a statewide R&D and product deployment infrastructure, (2) enhance the competitive position of Maines technology intensive industries and (3) support the clusters of industrial activity and the creation of job for the people of Maine. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, Eric Maine BioTek, Inc. ME F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99929 9150 5371 BIOT 9150 9117 0201000 Agriculture 0610518 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I:Acoustically Enhanced Droplet Heat Exchangers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop acoustically enhanced droplet heat exchangers. Droplet Heat Exchangers (DHXs) have high contact area, no interface losses, low pressure drop, and superior heat transfer characteristics. By adding high intensity sound to the DHX design, the local gas motion generated by the sound both greatly enhances the droplet heat transfer and agglomerates small droplets. It is proposed to develop the fundamental and phenomenological modeling to support the design and operation of an acoustically enhanced DHX. An acoustically enhanced DHX will be designed, fabricated, and tested. Feasibility experiments will be performed that demonstrate the superior heat exchange characteristics of an acoustically enhanced DHX. This program will be instrumental in developing the science and technology of a novel and more efficient heat exchanger device. Many other applications of this technology are also possible, including droplet/particle reactors, humidifiers, and gas scrubbers. The commercial potential of these heat exchangers is great, as is their potential in other applications. Society will benefit from the improvements of heat exchanger technology and improved process energy efficiency. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bates, Stephen THOUGHTVENTIONS UNLIMITED LLC CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610520 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Microfluidic Environment Control for Hepatocyte Bioreactor Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the application of a novel microfluidic system for tissue culture control and optimization. Primary cells (those derived from living organisms) represent an exciting opportunity to replicate physiologic behaviors in vitro. However, due to the stringent microenvironment demands for maintaining these cells in bioreactors, there is no suitable method to reliably and systematically culture primary cells. The objective of this research is to determine if the advantages of the microfluidic culture platform (increased cell density, continuous nutrient flow, more physiologic mass transport, reduced cell/reagent consumption, higher throughput capability) will result in a superior platform for primary cell culture experimentation. In this research, isolated hepatocytes will be used as the primary cell source. Known biochemical activities (e.g. glucose consumption and albumin synthesis) will be measured in the microfluidic format and compared to traditional plastic dish culture. It is expected that the improved culture conditions in the microfluidic format will lead to higher cell viability, longer culture times, and improved liver-specific functions. Furthermore, due to the low cost and multiplexed nature of the platform, the response of cultured cells to various mass transport and soluble factor conditions can be readily optimized. The broader impacts of this research can be broken down into four categories: basic scientific understanding, industrial drug screening, tissue engineering, and personalized clinical usage. From an academic standpoint, the proposed primary cell culture platform may offer a unique method to study cell biology. It is becoming more and more evident that cell behavior is not determined solely by genetic factors, and that the culture environment is a dominating source of cell signaling. A low cost, high throughput experimental platform will allow researchers to systematically investigate extracellular signaling events on primary cell behavior. From an industry standpoint, current drug development is limited by the ability to rapidly and accurately predict clinical behaviors of drugs. A screening platform that provides a more physiologically relevant cell culture model will improve the effectiveness of selecting lead compounds. As tissue engineering continues to advance, it will become necessary to have a tissue bioreactor that can adequately promote desired functionalities. The initial work presented here will further the understanding of how microfluidic technology can be applied to this field. Finally, a future version of the proposed technology can be used for clinical applications that require the culture of a patient's tissue for diagnostic purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, Philip CellASIC Corporation CA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 146000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610553 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Parts Forecasting for Configurable Products. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the impact of product variety on parts inventories. The goal is to help the manufacturers of configurable products; these are products that have many different configurations, or variants, or build combinations. These variants arise because the product has a large number of features/options or the customer is given choices over options. The manufacturers of such products have a difficult time forecasting the requirements for the parts they will need to build the end items that they deliver to their customers. This effort is designed to show that current methods and first order take rates are inadequate for parts planning, and to show that much better parts forecasts can be based upon configuration-level demand forecasts. Manufacturing in the United States is shifting from mass production toward mass customization. Mass production of identical objects can be done more cheaply overseas. But higher value manufacturing that produces customized products can be kept in the United States. One of the major problems associated with high variety manufacturing is parts planning. Poor parts forecasting leads to large inventories of unneeded parts, production-interrupting shortages of needed parts, and hence higher product cost. Better parts forecasting tools could improve the profitability of American manufacturers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Marsten, Roy Emcien, Inc. GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149955 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610556 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Intravascular Drug Delivery Using Microneedle Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will determine the feasibility of using microneedles for localized drug delivery to treat various diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has become established as a viable approach for coronary revascularization in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Restenosis occurs when the treated vessel becomes blocked again due to the vessels self-healing reaction to damage caused by the PTCA procedure. Recent animal studies have shown that local delivery of therapy into the coronary arterial wall significantly reduces restenosis following stent injury. This projects solution for restenosis prevention is to use silicon microneedle arrays mounted onto special balloon catheters for delivery of drug directly into the vessel wall. The proposed microneedles are fabricated using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology and arrayed in a unique pattern for intracoronary usage. Commercially, the application is to use novel microneedles and balloon catheter system as a method for prevention of restenosis. The balloon angioplasty procedure is used to treat blocked arteries in over 600,000 patients annually in the United States and restenosis usually occurs within 6 months after the initial procedure. Since MEMS microneedles are batch fabricated, low manufacturing costs are realized. Thus, use of microneedles could displace expensive drug-eluting stents, the current gold standard for restenosis prevention, resulting in an order of magnitude reduction in health care costs. Furthermore, microneedles could be used to treat vulnerable plaques, which are the leading cause of heart attacks. Estimates place the vulnerable plaque market in the $10B range. Other applications for the microneedle platform technology include treatment of diabetes and cancerous tumors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Goldman, Kenneth H-Cubed, Inc. OH Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 99965 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610561 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Wireless Sensor for Instantaneous Food Quality Evaluation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the development of a wireless, disposable sensor that can instantaneously evaluate the quality of packaged food such as milk, meat, etc. The sensor, consisting of a planar inductor-capacitor resonance circuit printed on a thin flexible substrate such as plastic or paper, will be attached to the food package with the capacitor facing the food medium. Food degradation results in a change of the dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of the medium. The sensor will quantify the food quality by measuring the dielectric constant and conductivity changes, which result in a corresponding change in the sensors resonance frequency and quality. The resonance frequency and quality of the sensor will be remotely measured by a reader installed in places like checkout counters in grocery stores so the freshness of food can be measured before a sale/purchase is made. Potential commercial applications of the proposed sensor technology include monitoring food quality in wholesale and retail food stores, which will protect consumers from purchasing spoiled food. When mass-manufactured, each sensor will cost less than one cent, hence it can be applied to different types of food without significantly increasing the price. Implementation of this sensing technology will also have a significant economic impact on food suppliers and food stores, as it will allow them to selectively dispose spoiled food, as opposed to blindly destroying food based upon expiration dates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Paulose, Maggie KMG2 Sensors Corporation PA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 98542 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0610572 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Membrane for Hydrogen Separation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop, demonstrate a novel, robust, low cost, high H2 flux, dense composite hydrogen separation membrane technology, which can be used to separate hydrogen gas at high temperature from the gas mixture generated 1) by coal gasification; 2) by hydrocarbon reformers in hydrogen fuel cell systems; 3) other industrial processes, such as water-gas-shift reaction. This hydrogen separation membrane is made of inorganic composite materials, and can be fabricated by a simple process. In Phase I, such membrane will be fabricated and evaluated in the simulated hydrogen gas mixture, and in the syngas at 375C at different pressures. The optimum membrane formulation and fabrication process will be identified. Successful completion of the current program will make significant contribution toward future power generation and hydrogen production technology, providing tremendous economical, environmental benefits for the general public. Success of the proposed work will not only provide substantially reduced carbon dioxide emissions while regaining our nation's energy independence by making use of low cost, abundant coal, but also support the President's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative to create hydrogen economy for transportation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Lin-Feng Enogetek, Inc. NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99923 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610573 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Labeling Method for Multicolor Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) Probes. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a novel labeling method for multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes that will shorten hybridization time and increase assay sensitivity. The high degree of specificity and accuracy, and the ability to generate rapid results have made FISH the method of choice for identifying chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disease and certain cancers. The proposed labeling method will shorted the hybridization time making FISH analysis more rapid and cost effective without losing the sensitivity required for accurate chromosomal determination. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Aurich-Costa, Joan ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610578 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Specimen Suitability for Tuberculosis Testing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is for the development of a novel approach to standardize the diagnostic quality of clinical tuberculosis specimens and establish a clinical standard, a currently unmet clinical need. Accurate diagnosis of the disease cannot be obtained from poor quality samples irrespective of the method used. Clinical measurements have shown that as many as one out of four TB specimens collected have limited diagnostic value. Currently, there is no mechanism in place to identify these samples and consequently, they are a source for false-negative results. A novel technical approach is proposed to monitor the specimen quality of clinical samples directly and non-invasively at the point of collection and in real-time with a simple and easy-to-use device that is cost effective for widespread use. The availability of such a device would significantly impact the World Health Organization global strategy for the treatment and control of TB, both clinically and economically, by reducing the number of false negative results and affecting large savings from the efficient diagnostic testing and lessened spreading of the disease. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG George, Irene MTB Diagnostics, Inc. MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 5346 1491 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610600 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Spectrally Agile, Photonic Crystal Fiber-Based Optical Coherence Tomography. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate an optical coherence tomography (OCT) instrument useful for a wide range of research and development needs in material science, biology, medicine and other fields. Users will be able to optimize the imaging parameters for their specific applications by selecting the center wavelength and resolution with simple changes in optics. The result is an instrument that can be easily used by researchers with little optics expertise. The key innovation allowing such a design is the stale, spectrally smooth, ultra-broadband light source that will be developed in Phase I. Successful completion of this project will result in a commercial, versatile, easily used FD-OCT instrument. The intended market is research laboratories in academia, industry and government. The envisioned instrument will be an enabling technology for researchers in a variety of fields, allowing them to obtain high quality OCT images with tunable spectral and resolution parameters matched to their research needs. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Peterson, Kristen Southwest Sciences Inc NM F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 9150 1505 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 1648 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610608 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High Temperature NOx Abatement Catalyst for Natural Gas Fired Power Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves developing a novel high temperature NOx abatement catalyst and catalytic process for the control of NOx, NH3, CO and non-methane-hydrocarbon emissions from natural gas fired power plants. The catalyst is designed to be operated up-stream of the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), thereby operating at temperatures between 550 C and 620 C. The catalytic process described herein involves tailoring a zeolite-based catalyst to operate within the specified temperature regime, and employing the catalyst in a layered bed configuration. The layered bed configuration is designed to operate with excess NH3, thereby increasing NOx abatement efficiency. The catalyst designed for the inlet region of the bed is responsible for achieving NOx reduction with minimal NH3 decomposition. The catalyst located in the outlet region of the bed is designed to reduce the remaining NOx, decompose the excess NH3, and oxidize CO and non-methane hydrocarbons. Development of said catalyst will provide the power generation industry with a simple, low cost means of meeting increasingly stringent emissions requirements. A catalyst capable of exceeding emissions requirements while operating outside the HRSG is expected to rapidly gain market acceptance due to lower capital costs associated with retrofit and new installation, increased operating efficiency, and reduced disposal burdens associated with the spent catalyst. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rossin, Joseph GUILD ASSOCIATES INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99830 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610613 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Condensing Ejector for Second-Step Compression in Reversed Rankine Cycle. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is the research and analysis of critical two-phase flow in condensing ejectors.. This proposal takes a novel and broad-based approach to analyzing the two-phase flow processes and brings about the possibility of substantial improvement in design methodology for various components of energy systems. In particular, the application of critical two-phase flow devices will lead to development of more efficient thermodynamic cycles for refrigeration and A/C and in the future possibly also for propulsion and energy production. Use of a condensing ejector as a second step compression in a reverse-Rankine thermodynamic model has demonstrated that by using, the efficiency of vapor compression refrigeration cycle can be improved by as much as 40%. Considering $40 Bln per year spent for refrigeration and A/C in US, this can translate into an annual savings of $8 Bln even if only half of this efficiency improvement is realized in practice. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Bergander, Mark Magnetic Development, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149992 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610619 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Lightweight Oxygen Generator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a lightweight, quiet oxygen generator for use by patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The oxygen generator, based on the use of electrochemical concentrator, would replace cylinders, liquid oxygen or pressure-swing adsorption units currently used for in-house therapy. This project addresses a large market opportunity that is partially subsidized by Medicare as well as providing an in crease in the quality of life for its users. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kosek, John GINER, INC. MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99994 5371 BIOT 9123 1203 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610626 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Cloning of the Diterpene Cyclase Involved in Pseudopterosin/Seco-Pseudopterosin Biosynthesis. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project describes the development of a commercially relevant sustainable production method of a family of anti-inflammatory agents, the pseudopterosins. These compounds and the related seco-pseudopterosins are isolated from the gorgonian coral, Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae, and shown to have promising activity in various in vitro and in vivo models. Methopterosin, the methyl ether of pseudopterosin A, has progressed through Phase I and II clinical trials as a topical antiinflammatory agent. Currently, the only source of these compounds is from extractions of biomass collected from reefs. The aim of the work described is to purify and sequence the native terpene synthase involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds and clone the corresponding gene. This would represent the first cloning of a terpene synthase from any marine organism. Marine natural products such as the pseudopterosins and seco-pseudopterosins represent an exciting new source of therapeutic agents. The mechanism of action of the pseudopterosins appears to be novel suggesting that these marine natural products represent a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs with a commercial market as a cosmetic additive and a future clinical market. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Santiago-Vazquez, Lory Nautilus Biosciences FL F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9117 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0610627 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Biosynthesis and Pharmacology of the Fuscosides: Potent Marine-Derived Anti-Inflammatory Agents. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a sustainable production method of fuscol and fuscosides, a family of potent anti-inflammatory terpenes of marine origin. In general, the issue being addressed in the proposal is the lack of a commercially relevant production method of marine-derived terpenes. The approach to be pursued in this project is to clone either the complete biosynthetic gene cluster, or key biosynthetic genes, into a fermentable bacterium for the efficient production of this family of marine natural products. This phase I proposal is comprised of two separate but related goals: (1) completion of biosynthetic pathway elucidation studies to identify the biosynthetic transformations involved in fuscol/fuscoside biosynthesis, and (2) evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of new fuscosides and related metabolites to identify the most bioactive compound(s) within this family. The marine environment has proven to be an extremely rich source of novel natural products with activities in a variety of biological assays. The oceans cover over 70% of the Earths surface, and it is clear that chemists and pharmacologists are only beginning to scratch the surface of the biomedical potential of marine organisms. However, the question of supply of these agents presents a significant hurdle in the transformation of the marine natural product into a commercial entity. Fuscol and fuscosides, isolated from the soft coral, Eunicea fusca, represent one example of a class of marine natural products whose development has been hampered by the lack of an available supply. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kohl, Amber Nautilus Biosciences FL Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9117 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0610632 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Development of Efficient Short-Wavelength Radiation Sources For Next-Generation Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will pursue the development of novel plasma technologies for creating highly efficient, short-wavelength radiation sources for use in next generation semiconductor chip manufacturing. The development of plasma radiation sources that efficiently emit light at wavelengths near 13.5 nm is crucial to the expected emergence of EUV lithography as the primary technique used in manufacturing integrated circuits and DRAM near the end of this decade. Well-tested state-of-the-art plasma simulation tools and atomic physics databases will be applied to guide the development of highly efficient laser-produced plasma (LPP) radiation sources. Simulations will be used to identify promising laser beam parameters and target compositions that very efficiently emit light at 13.5 nm. In concert with this, experiments will be conducted to diagnose the characteristics of potential high conversion efficiency plasma sources, and to develop techniques for utilizing these sources in EUV lithography systems. Commercially, this project will lead to lower cost, more efficient, and more robust EUV lithography light sources for use in the manufacturing of next-generation semiconductor chips. Additionally, this project will lead to the development of techniques applicable to the production of short-wavelength radiation sources for use in the fields of medical and defense technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG MacFarlane, Joseph Hyperion Scientific, Inc. WI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610636 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Non-Contact Optical Stethoscope for Neonatal Patients. Premature babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) require monitoring for signs of lung congestion and heart murmurs. Currently NICU medical personnel use acoustic stethoscopes. The use of acoustic stethoscope has a number of highly undesirable side effects including withdrawal response, flinching, apnea, hypoxemia, change in sleep state, and possibility of contamination. The ability to share auscultatory findings among medical personnel is also a problem because of observer variability. In addition, auscultation is not done simultaneously and findings may change over short time intervals. As an acoustic stethoscope is not ideal in the NICU settings for the reasons mentioned above, the development of a non-contact optical stethoscope is proposed. The non-contact stethoscope could greatly improve the quality of care for neonates. The optical stethoscope will be also available for general auscultation of heart and lung sounds in children and adults, where it could make a difference by eliminating the rubbing artifacts, finger noise and cross-contamination problems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vyshedskiy, Andrey Stethographics, Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 7236 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610669 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase 1: Lantibiotic Synthesis Using Differentially Protected Orthogonal Lanthionines. In this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project a unique approach is used to produce analogs of antibiotics belonging to the family of antibiotics called lantibiotics using a technology referred to as Differentially Protected Orthogonal Lanthionine Technology (DPOLT). Attempts to study lantibiotics for their potential usefulness in therapeutic applications have been hindered by the difficulty of obtaining them in sufficient amounts or with sufficient purity to enable the required testing. In this proposal lantibiotic nisin is synthesized as an initial proof of principal for DPOLT. Many strains of medically important bacteria have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics used in the treatment of clinical infections. Thus, there is a pressing need for the development of new antibiotics. There is a class of small, peptide antibiotics called lantibiotics that are defined by the presence of unusual amino acids, notably lanthionine (Lan) and methyllanthionine (MeLan). Lantibiotics that have been studied indicate that they typically are potent antibacterials and have a broad spectrum of activity, notably against gram positive species. The technology depends on the bulk manufacture of two separate lanthionine moieties whose active carboxyl and amino groups are protected with groups that can be differentially removed. The differentially protected lanthionines can also be used in solid state synthesis with minimal changes in the routine methods employed for the cost effective manufacture of a number of commercially available bioactive peptides. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hillman, Jeffrey Oragenics Corporation FL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99264 5371 MANU 9147 1984 1948 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610674 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Optical Biosensor for Rapid Clinical Diagnostics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of direct detection and quantification of p53 antibodies as a model for other macromolecules in biological fluids without using any reporter molecules through the use of bio-sensing elements in a unique, patented holographic interferometer. The present innovation seeks to extend detection capabilities of the currently validated gas phase detection system to biological molecules in liquid media. Application in liquid systems is the next logical step based on the instruments demonstrated sensitivity and speed in detection of airborne chemicals at sub ppm levels. Realization of the proposed innovation will provide the benefits of low cost, fast, point of care detection and quantification of biomarkers in sera and other biological fluids which otherwise require expensive, labor-intensive, multiple step detection techniques. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hacioglu, Bilge AlphaSniffer LLC CO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99838 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 7236 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610688 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Machine Learning Software for Viral Sequence Analysis and Diagnostics. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on developing computational intelligence tools for viral sequence analysis. In contrast to current modeling approaches, the proposed software tool will result in an easily interpreted best model that can be used to better understand the relationship between sequence variations and phenotypic behavior and or response. The research will result in a user friendly software tool that will allow for better predictability of the effect of viral mutations on infectivity, efficacy of the virus as well as aid in the development of antivirals and effect of treatments. This has broad application in viral research and pharmaceutical design. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fogel, Gary NATURAL SELECTION, INCORPORATED CA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 1718 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610692 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Titanium Tantalum Materials for Improved Biomedical Implants and Medical Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will address the difficulty in producing Titanium alloys containing highly refractory elements (e.g. tantalum) which is a major barrier to the development of new biomedical titanium alloys. The production of these alloys by melt processes requires melting up to 10 times to produce homogenous ingots. This project develops advanced powder metallurgical processes to facilitate the production of titanium alloys containing these elements. This program focus on the highly biocompatible titanium-tantalum alloys of interest for orthopedic implants, nickel-free shape memory, and super elastic alloys. A titanium alloy with 30 % tantalum holds particular promise for implants and will be evaluated for shape memory behavior as well as other titanium-tantalum alloys in the range of 20 to 60 % tantalum. Advanced powder metallurgical processes will accelerate the development of titanium alloys for biomedical applications. Commercially, the advanced powder metallurgical processes developed offer material scientists and engineers an economical way to develop and adopt titanium alloys specifically designed for their application. Currently, the industry typically settles for alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V that are readily available but are not optimized for a specific application. The technological hurdles have been the high cost of production of small quantities of a titanium alloy for development and the difficulty of production of potentially interesting titanium alloys by conventional methods. The technology will facilitate the manufacture of titanium alloyed with highly refractory metals such as tantalum, iridium and platinum that are extremely difficult to prepare by melt or conventional manufacturing processes. In addition the technology can be used to produce components with gradient composition. For example, surfaces with a different composition then the bulk material can be produced providing surfaces that are more bioactive or amenable to biomimetic coatings without sacrificing bulk metal properties. The unique experimental methods developed facilitate the search for alloys that meet specific criteria. The impact will be increased availability of advanced Ti-based alloys for a wide variety of biomedical, aerospace, industrial and consumer products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fisher, Harvey DYNAMET TECHNOLOGY INC MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0610697 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Miniature Scanning Electron Microscope for Biotechnology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a portable, low cost, high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) for imaging biological and environmental samples. The SEM is the predominant tool in the scientific and engineering fields for imaging sub-micron structures and materials. Currently, these tools are not portable and are expensive to maintain making it difficult for small facilities and startups to acquire and impossible for in-field imaging and analysis. The company has significantly departed from the conventional design and fabrication methods of electron beam columns to build an affordable, scalable, high-resolution miniature SEM. The critical technology uses common semiconductor fabrication processes to make batch fabricated lens components in silicon substrates. This enables building a high-resolution electron beam column in a compact footprint that can be adapted for a variety of electron beam applications including imaging, writing and analysis. For researchers, developers and manufacturers who need to view and measure objects on a nanometer scale, this instrument will place nano-scale imaging capabilities on their desktops in a portable system that is convenient to use at an affordable price. Unlike conventional scanning electron microscopes that cost up to $1M and are the size of a refrigerator, this instrument will deliver images with nano-scale resolution at an order of magnitude lower cost and orders of magnitude smaller in size. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spallas, James Novelx Inc CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99946 5371 BIOT 9107 7236 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610698 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Speech Synthesis System Based on Articulation Modeling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project explores the technical merits of developing a speech synthesis system based on modeling the human articulation mechanism. Existing automatic speech generation technology, largely based on piecing together components of pre-recorded voice, is optimized for efficiency instead of sound quality. Even the best synthetic voices, though intelligible, sound artificial and jarring. Quality issues, combined with a lack of variety and prosody control, have prevented the wider deployment of synthetic speech in computers, telephony interfaces and assistive devices, and expansion into new markets, such as video games and computer animation. This project seeks to transform two vital aspects of speech synthesis: phoneme-to-audio conversion and voice customization. Phoneme-to-audio conversion is improved by emulating the human sound production mechanism through simulation of the human vocal tract. A basic model using MRI images is constructed and adjusted for each sound using 3D animation techniques. Airflow within the vocal tract is computed using a fluid dynamics tool. This airflow pattern, coupled with specialized signal processing, is converted into a sound waveform. Speech synthesized in this manner is expected to sound more natural. This approach also allows parametric voice customization. By adjusting the physical model of the simulated vocal tract, the voice can be made flat or sonorous, shrill or deep, and hoarse or mellifluous. This feature provides a variety of voices. The proposed technology has a broad set of commercial applications categorized as follows: (1) Human-computer interaction is the chief market for speech synthesis products. The largest application in this category is automated telephony services. Other applications include spoken interfaces for personal computers, digital assistants, and automotive navigation. All these applications require natural sounding voices to improve the customer experience. (2) Speech synthesis is used as an adaptive technology for the speech, hearing, and visually impaired. Both voice quality and customization are key to broadening the range and usefulness of assistive products. (3) Content creation is a newly addressable market with high quality speech synthesis. Video games and computer animations typically need a large variety of voices. Hiring voice talent is prohibitively expensive for smaller companies and artists. The proposed technology provides a convenient tool to incorporate natural sounding voices into games, animations, and education material at a reasonable cost. Beyond commercial applications, this technology is a valuable tool for several current research areas including speech disorders, linguistics, and speech physiology. Finally, this is a small piece required for the creation of a total simulation of the human body, a goal rigorously pursued in both academia and public health institutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pillai, Usha Red Weather Technologies NC Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 97000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610704 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: PLASMA ASSISTED REFORMATION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE TO HYDROGEN AND SULFUR. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a hybrid plasma/superadiabatic inert porous media reactor to reform hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen, with the simultaneous recovery of sulfur. To no avail, researchers around the world have been trying for the past one hundred years to economically extract hydrogen from hydrogen sulfide. Six million tons of hydrogen sulfide produced each year is processed by the Claus process into sulfur with the loss of the much more valuable hydrogen. Preliminary experiments in filtration combustion of hydrogen sulfide show that superadiabatic partial oxidation is capable of producing both hydrogen and sulfur. In a reverse flow reactor, the direction of oxidizer/fuel mixture to be combusted is periodically cycled to create a long high temperature isothermal zone providing the necessary residence time and temperature needed to overcome the thermodynamic and kinetic limitations of hydrogen sulfide dissociation with. The gliding arc discharge, with equilibrium/non-equilibrium properties, will serve as a power source and a catalyzer for generating very reactive ions and radicals. Combining the intrinsic energy recuperation mechanism of the porous media reverse flow reactor and the thermal/non-thermal properties of the gliding arc discharge plasma can provide the means for efficient reformation of hydrogen sulfide. Commercially, the annual cost of hydrogen for removal of sulfurous compounds, via formation of hydrogen sulfide, by the petroleum and natural gas industry is estimated at $1.50 billion. This cost is expected to rise as the price of natural gas, the main source of hydrogen, increases. This factor is partly responsible for the high price of natural gas since these merchant plants compete with residential customers. A process that can produce hydrogen as well as sulfur from hydrogen sulfide will not only save the energy industry hundreds of millions dollars per year, but benefit American drivers and residential consumers of natural gas. If only 50% of hydrogen sulfide is recycled back to hydrogen, consumers could save at least 2.5 cents per gallon of gasoline. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Bingue, Jacques Innovative Energy Solution IN Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610712 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced Plasma deposition Process for MgO-Based Magnetic Tunnel Junctions with 500% Magnetoresistance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating high quality MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices with magnetoresistance (MR) values of over 500%, via an innovative process which utilizes optimized plasma-based magnetron sputtering and RF plasma oxidation. We will use a number of novel methods to fabricate highly symmetrical, near epitaxial MgO barriers with (001)-orientation using plasma sputtering and oxidation methods. Using these methods, we will be able to realize a smoother barrier and the resulting process will be suitable for adaptation to large-scale production with high yield and uniformity. Our method combines three innovations. First, we will design a new deposition procedure to make symmetrical interfaces on both sides of the MgO barrier to enhance the coherent tunneling effect required for high MR. Secondly, we will improve the (001) texture of the MgO barrier by choosing ferromagnetic layers with a composition tuned for both high spin polarization and small lattice mismatch. Finally, we will implement a new plasma oxidation method to minimize both plasma damage to the barrier and MTJ interface roughness. If successful, the resulting MgO-based MTJ devices will surpass the performance of all other existing magnetoresistive devices. Commercially, this technology will have a huge commercial impact on the non-volatile memory specifically, for MRAM (magnetic random access memory) and disk drive for tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) read/write heads industries. The success of the project will not only bolster the market position of MRAM and MTJ read heads, but will also enable innovative new products in other market segments, such as semiconductor failure analysis and a wide range of emerging bio-magnetic applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Xiaoyong MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610713 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Enabling Technology for Item Level RFID Tagging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project aims at developing a new class of Media Access Controller (MAC) algorithms to be particularly used with ultrawide band communication systems. The new algorithm is motivated by application of ultrawide band to the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) market. Passive RFID tags are powered by the incident RF signals emitted by a reader. Tags accumulate the electrical energy and respond back with their IDs, usually 64 to 128 bits long. Passive tags are required to behave robustly while constrained by very stringent power budgets. The MAC layer algorithm proposed here satisfies both requirements. The low power requirement is achieved by changing the data format from a number representation in a burst to a temporalrepresentation by infrequent individual impulses. Robustness is achieved in part by enabling a stand-alone transmitter at extremely low power, in part by guaranteeing high probability of convergence and collision avoidance, and in part by repetition of the sequence with different codes in consecutive inventory rounds. The impulses from each tag are sufficiently sparse to allow low power operation of the tag. Upon completion of each inventory round, the scrambling/coding of the ID is changed to achieve, better spreading, lower probability of ambiguity and achieving superb security. RFID is an exponentially growing market. However, the technology that supports its expansion is not able to provide robust communication and signaling between a tag and a reader. Furthermore, today's technology only supports a low tag density (10s of tags/sec/m2), while the applications that will fuel the exponential expansion of the RFID market, like point-of-sale, inventory management, shelf management, etc., requires 100s and 1000s of tags/sec/m2. The proposed MAC layer algorithms together with TagArray's (patent pending) Asymmetric Dual Mode Communication system (a combination of ultrawide band and narrowband RF technologies) provide unmatched robustness at high density. TagArray will work to make its technology the defacto standard for the 3rd generation of RFID technology. TagArray's technology and products (passive tags and readers) are applicable to existing applications such as pallet-level tagging for supply chain as well as future applications such as point of sale, security and access, and inventory management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eskafi, Farokh TagArray Incorporated CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99600 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610716 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A New Vaccine Development Method. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a novel method for the production of whole cell vaccines using the supercritical CO2 technology. The majority of current whole cell vaccine preparations are made using formalin inactivation which has numerous drawbacks including residual formaldehyde, denaturation of key antigens, and lack of sterility requiring preservatives. Supercritical CO2 inactivation of leaves no toxic residuals, does not denature proteins, and is inherently sterile. Commercially, the application is a production process for a higher quality vaccine which may require fewer doses as well as open the door to the quick and inexpensive manufacture of vaccines to emerging diseases for which current methodologies do not create useful vaccines, or where these methods are not cost-effective given a small financial return. In addition to the production of new vaccines the sterilization of existing subunit vaccines using this technology will reduce the need for preservatives and increase the safety of vaccine preparations. Both companies and the public health will benefit from safer, higher quality, and less expensive vaccine preparations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Christopher, Renee NovaSterilis Inc NY Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 99937 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610721 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Physiologic High Throughput Screening of Bioengineered Tissues. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative high-throughput/ high content drug screening platform utilizing three-dimensional human skeletal muscle tissue constructs which mimic in vivo skeletal muscle to quantify muscle force generation. The proposed drug testing platform will contribute to significant reductions in time and costs associated with bringing new drugs to market by discovering drug candidates and eliminating ineffective compounds earlier than currently possible. Converging biological systems (in vitro human muscle analogs) with optomechanics (sensors capable of monitoring muscle contractility) enables a novel and powerful drug testing platform. Unlike existing systems, this research incorporates biomechanics into drug discovery by using mechanical sensors to detect contraction of multiple identical tissue samples over extended time periods. This interdisciplinary approach employs mechanical/electrical engineering and biological aspects, providing an early means of separating prospective muscle drug candidates from those likely to fail in humans. This research will impact muscle contractility disorder/disease research, the pharmaceutical industry, and the biotechnology industry. Significant demands exist for new drugs treating contractility disorders involving skeletal muscle. Significant socioeconomic and quality-of-life impacts will result for patients with contractility disorders, i.e., sarcopenia, atrophy or Duchennes muscular dystrophy. Upon successful development, the sensing mechanism will potentially be used to test several contractile tissues relevant to a range of important human contractile disorders and diseases. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vandenburgh, Herman Myomics, Inc. RI F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 149980 9150 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 5371 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0610729 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Low Thermal Resistance Graphite-Organic Matrix Thermal Interface Material for Use in High Power Electronics Packaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on the development of unique, graphite-organic matrix materials for application as a thermal interface material (TIM) for use in high power electronics packaging. The research objective of this project is the development of an understanding of the relationship between the physical design of the proposed graphite-organic TIM and its resultant mechanical properties and thermal performance. The proposed graphite-organic TIM technology is expected to have a thermal resistance that is up to 10X lower than current TIMs. This SBIR Phase I project will develop the fundamental understanding of the basic design know-how as well as the thermal and mechanical characteristics for the proposed graphite-organic TIM technology for use in high temperature, high power electronics packaging. The properties of graphite-organic matrix TIM materials are not well understood. This research will establish the fundamental relationship between the graphite-organic TIM design and its performance. The research will produce the key design and performance knowledge required to enable a graphite-organic TIM that meets the high thermal performance, low-cost requirements of a variety of commercial electronic packages. The resulting graphite-organic TIM technology will have superior thermal performance compared to currently used TIMs. Commercially, the proposed technology will be key in accelerating the adoption and commercialization of high temperature, high power electronic packages based on next generation wide band gap semiconductor technology. The adoption and wide-spread use of the higher performance graphite-organic TIMs for use with the high temperature, high power semiconductor materials will support the development of commercial products that are more efficient and will provide benefits to society in the form of reduced energy consumption and improved environmental quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Connell, James ADVANCED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99640 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610734 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Hydrogen and Carbon Black Co-Production. This SBIR Phase I research project is to demonstrate the feasibility of one-step co-production of carbon black and hydrogen (H2) at low cost. The process converts natural gas into carbon black and H2 in a high surface area, high heat transfer reactor and should have high yield and conversion compared with the conventional thermal processes. The process employs high thermal conducting (HTC) filled spouted bed to co-produce carbon black and H2 for industrial applications. Besides the low cost carbon black production, this technology will eliminate the complexity of many process used in conventional hydrogen production, such as steam reforming and gas shift reaction, as well as pressure swing adsorption. The proposed work will increase the hydrogen quality and reduce production cost. It can also be used for many other industrial applications where high purity hydrogen is required, such as fertilizer production, fine chemical syntheses and rocket fuels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chu, Steven Sunnyside Technologies MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610737 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Red Lambda Neuro-Pattern Classification System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates large-scale classification problems in enterprise network security. If successful, the project will forward a technology that can detect new protocols and applications in the wild without human intervention. The objectives of the Phase 1 research are: (1) To distill and quantify event classification investigations; (2) To parallelize the findings across an existing proprietary platform; and (3) To test, measure, and compare the results of the integration. The innovation is relevant to the enterprise network security market because security events are characterized by a proliferation of data that is ever-changing. It is difficult for IT professionals and their existing tools to keep pace with the iterations of new security risks. Current solutions tend to over-report or under-report security events leading to inefficiencies in labor allocation in IT departments. The proposed innovation will lead to a network security platform that will draw deeper and richer correlations than is currently available, leading to savings in personnel and a sharper focus on legitimate security events. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Marchwinski, Gregory Red Lambda, Inc. FL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99986 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610739 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Wavelet-based Data Exploration for Auditing, Decision Support, and Corporate Performance Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will provide a visualization and analysis capability to auditing software that will enable non-scientifically oriented users to identify and monitor patterns, trends, and exceptions faster and with greater accuracy. Existing auditing tools require auditors to randomly sample data or use unfamiliar complex statistical methods to examine data. This problem is complicated by volume of data collected by enterprise systems and regulatory complexity such as the FAR and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Wavelets provide a method for exploring greater volumes of data at multiple levels of resolution while highlighting exceptions, trends, and variances. Applying wavelet methods to budgetary and financial control environments, presents two significant challenges: creating a methodology that is inherently scalable and timely; and secondly, enabling auditors, decision-makers, and support systems to visualize and act on the knowledge derived from the raw data. The objective of this Phase 1 research is to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing wavelets as the basis for an enhanced auditing and financial control methodology. The broader impact of this SBIR initiative will be to improve the decision quality and timeliness of not only financial auditing and management decision-makers, but also of the systems that implement and monitor business processes. The result of this research effort will improve the economic productivity of several sectors and introduce new research opportunities in decision support and data engineering to both academia and industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Russell, Stephen Agility Data Research MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99906 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610741 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Integration of Aligned Carbon Nanofiber Electrodes with Organosilicon Electrolytes for High Energy-Density Supercapacitors. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will combine the use of vertically aligned carbon nanofiber electrodes with organosilicon electrolytes to produce new supercapacitors exhibiting high voltage stability, high charge and discharge rate (i.e., good high-frequency response), and high energy storage density, using a safe, non-flammable electrolyte. Primary technical objectives of Phase 1 are to evaluate which organolsilcon polymers provide the best electrical properties, to grow well-defined nanofiber arrays with controlled spacing, and to characterize the longer-term stability of these novel supercapacitors. This combination of properties is particularly useful for use in hybrid automotive vehicles, where fast discharge rate is needed to sustain good vehicular acceleration, and the need for very large amounts of energy storage makes the intrinsic low flammability of organosilicon electrolytes highly desireable. The non-flammable nature of organosilicon polymers also simplifies cell construction, eliminating the need for flame-proof hermetic seals and therefore reducing the weight of the capacitors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dementiev, Viacheslav Polyron Materials Inc. WI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99990 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610743 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Disciple Technologies for Development, Utilization, and Maintenance of Regulatory Knowledge Bases. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase I project will perform feasibility studies of using apprenticeship learning and interactive reasoning methods, and the Disciple Technologies developed by the George Mason University Learning Agents Center, to build, utilize, and maintain regulatory knowledge bases for dynamic financial services organizations. The Disciple learning software agent can be taught directly by an expert to become a knowledgebased assistant. The expert interacts directly with a Disciple agent to teach it to solve problems in a way that is similar to how the expert would teach a human apprentice, by giving the agent examples and explanations, as well as by supervising and correcting its behavior. The agent learns from the expert by generalizing the examples and the explanations to build its knowledge base. Disciple has been applied to military challenge problems and to the intelligence analysis. The objective of this STTR Phase I effort is to use the Disciple technologies to build a prototype regulatory knowledge base for a financial services firm. The prototype will help to conduct a feasibility analysis of the Disciple technologies for these type of application domains. Every modern enterprise must deal not only with local and global competitors, but also with local and global regulations. These regulations put tremendous burden on business operations causing workers and information systems to comply with many policies stored in a large number of ever changing documents. The current knowledge management technologies and software tools allow efficient organization and retrieval of documents, but they cannot offer efficient customized procedures to deal with specific business cases. Therefore, there is a need for flexible knowledge-based systems, like Disciple, that will offer help in solving specific cases while complying with all the rules and regulations. These systems should also be capable of acquiring reasoning skills of their users to adapt their capabilities to deal with new cases. Based on the prototype built during Phase I, Disciple abilities to support development, utilization, and maintenance of regulatory knowledge bases will be evaluated. The prototype will also help to identify research and development goals for Phase II in the following areas: quantitative reasoning and learning capabilities, knowledge base versioning, sharing, and auditing functions, and interfacing with database engines. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Dybala, Tomasz Exprentis, Inc. VA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99998 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610751 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Nanoengineered Encapsulation of Therapeutics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is a feasibility study for the design of true core-shell type nonocapsules for drug delivery. The research will focus on strategies aimed at controlling the nanostructure and chemistry of the capsules, and also on ways to design encapsulated therapeutics capable of being transported to specific parts of the body for targeted drug delivery. The capsule design strategy is rather general and the technology is expected to be portable to other therapeutic systems that may benefit from a similar delivery strategy. The research team expects to develop a commercial product line in the medium- and long-term, rather than a single encapsulated therapeutic. Market size is inferred from the number of patients per year the target encapsulated therapeutic is intended for. For the specific medical application, an upper limit of about l.5m patients per year in the US alone may benefit from new and improved drug delivery strategies. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Velarde Ortiz, Raffet LNKChemsolutions NE Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9150 9107 1769 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610753 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Design and Synthesis of Novel n-Type Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Dendrimers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aimes to demonstrate the feasibility of synthesizing novel hybrid dendrimers utilizing a convergent synthetic approach. These dendrimers will exhibit enhanced solar light harvesting, light emitting, electron transporting, photonic, and other electronic and optoelectronic properties because of synergy in the optical and electronic properties of the nanocrystal core and peripheral group of the hybrid architecture. In addition, these dendrimers will be thermally stable > 300 C and soluble in common organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, dichloromethane, toluene, chlorobenzene and cyclohexane. Hybrid electronic materials will have major economic and environmental impact through realizing photovoltaic cells, organic light emitting-diodes, lasers, switches, memory devices, and sensors. Novel hybrid dendrimers can lead to energy efficient devices. It has been estimated that by 2025, Solid State Lighting could reduce the global usage of electricity for lighting by 50%. The cumulative impact in the U.S. alone would be: (a) saving 16.6 Quads (760 GW/Quad) of electrical energy, (b) eliminating 258 million metric tons of carbon emission, (c) removing the need for building 133 power stations (1000 MW each), and (d) cumulative financial savings of $115 Billion (1998 dollars). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Alam, Maksudul InnoSense LLC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610756 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Visualization Toolkit for 3D Photography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a comprehensive visualization toolkit for massive 3D photography datasets. The objective is to create software that will become the standard of 3D photography for photorealistic modeling and visualization of large-scale scenes. Though the benefits of computer modeling are well-known, the bottleneck in this process has always been the difficulty in achieving rapid, seamless, data gathering and fusion to the model. Recent developments in range sensing have made possible the acquisition of accurate 3D scans of large scenes. The complexity of the acquired data sets, the large volumes of data collected, and the integration of 3D range data with conventional 2D color images is what drives this proposal. The goal is to minimize the effort of building models of high geometric and photometric accuracy that are suitable for efficient rendering, manipulation, and analysis. The core novelty to our research is the automated 3D-to-3D range-to-range registration, 2D-to-3D image-to-range registration, and integration of multi-view geometry to automated 3D registration for texture mapping unconstrained 2D images onto 3D range data. The system is to segment the range and color images, extract their features, establish topological relationships between features, and derive global topological relationships between features in the final 3D geometric model. The output will be a complete photorealistic model of the scene. The development of a complete visualization toolkit based on the available registration and texture mapping modules and the newly proposed multi-view geometry module is the final product. Its chief advantage over existing approaches is that it merges the benefits of multi-view geometry with automated registration of 3D range scans to produce photorealistic models with minimal human interaction. This visualization work has obvious applications in any area where voluminous range scans and photographs must be acquired to produce complex 3D models. Increased use of 3D photography will have spillover benefits, including growing use of highly detailed 3D models in many other industries such as real estate, virtual tourism, and computer games. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zokai, Siavash Brainstorm Technology LLC NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610759 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Engine Combustion Simulator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will prototype a novel software tool called the Engine Combustion Simulator for use by automotive engineers to more quickly and cost-effectively develop new engines. The use of combustion kinetic modeling by automotive engine researchers has been limited due to a lack of combustion kinetic mechanisms representing real fuels like diesel and gasoline, and efficient computational technologies to solve these large complex mechanisms within a practical time simulation time. This project will address these limitations by utilizing recent advances in software and database architecture for building complex mechanisms, and in numerical and symbolic methodologies that have shown excellent potential to speed up computation. The commercial value of this Simulator is high as there are currently over 5,000 automotive engineers paying over $30,000 per user in an annual license fee for commercially available engine modeling software. This Simulator brings an important capability that is currently not available in these commercial packages. New engine technologies under development such as the HCCI (homogeneous charged compression ignition) engine, hold a great promise in higher fuel efficiency and lowering emissions. If successful, this project can significantly speed up the commercialization of the HCCI engine and hence make an important societal impact in lowering the energy usage and emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ko, Glen RES Group, Inc. MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610762 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: New Synthetic Approaches to Higher Performance, Lower Cost CO2/CH4 Gas Separation Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes innovative synthetic approaches utilizing perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) polymer platform technology to create commercially attractive membrane materials for removal of CO2 from natural gas. These new to the gas membrane art polymer structures will be differentiated from current commercial products through excellent CO2/methane separation performance combined with the ability to resist the plasticization and/or intersegmental packing by hydrocarbons during operation. Our proprietary research objectives involve synthesizing new PFCB structures having unique rigid backbones, new functionalities, application of crosslinking, nanocomposites, and increasing fluorine content. Strong societal and commercial impact comes from the fact that natural gas currently provides more than one-fifth of all primary energy used in the United States and 17% of all domestic raw natural gas must be treated to remove carbon dioxide before transportation. The membrane market itself is now over $200 million, and since competing processes largely involve expensive energy intensive phase changes and membranes do not, this market is expected to grow in the coming years. Successful results will be readily transferable to other high value hydrocarbon separations, such as propane/propylene SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99996 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610770 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Large-Scale Production of Stearidonic Acid from Microalgae for Human Health. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project demonstrates the feasibility of producing stearidonic acid from microalgae for human consumption to combat cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The cardiovascular benefits of fish oil enriched in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are well-documented. Despite overwhelming evidence and strong recommendations supporting the health benefits of n-3 PUFAs, the consumption of n-3 PUFAs remains low in the American population, due mainly to unpleasant odor and taste of fish oil and persistent questions about environmental contaminations. A natural alternative to fish oil that could supplement the intake of n-3 PUFA would be predicted to reduce the overall incidence in CVD. Stearidonic acid (SDA) has been identified recently as the most promising alternative to fish oil for preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, the natural source of SDA is limited only in a few plants. The feasibility of growing mass quantities of these plants is questionable and the toxicology profile of these plants remains to be a concern. This research solves this problem by exploiting SDA-rich microalgae as an alternative source of natural SDA for human consumption. This research will be able to produce SDA-rich microalgae as nutraceutical products for Americans to improve health. Commercially, this project aims at production of dietary stearidonic acid from microalgae. This project will establish a commercially viable microalgal biotechnology for production of SDA, targeted at competition with the multi-billion dollar fish oil market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lu, Fan Algaen Corporation NC F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99888 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610773 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: New Sensors for Biological Instrumentation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will undertake a study of new materials that will find application as scintillation detectors in nuclear medicine instrumentation (PET and SPECT imaging). Work will progress by starting with rare earth halide compositions that are known to be good scintillators and consider related compositions that can possibly optimize their performance. By combining the two materials with similar physical properties (such as crystal structure, density and lattice parameters) it is possible to create compositions that have an engineered bandgap. Work of this type is commonly seen with semiconductors but rarely utilized for an application such as this. Bandgap is a critical scintillator property because of how it directly affects light output. This project will examine how known scintillators can be modified, through bandgap engineering, such that more desirable properties can be obtained. Rapid, successive measurements are planned. Aiding in the effort will be a team from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab with extensive experience in this promising field. An underlying aspect of this work in detector technology is that because it is developing tools, the work will ultimately be applied to many fields. Scintillators developed for medicine can readily benefit scientific research; can increase industrial productivity via product evaluation Technologies; and serve the Nation's growing security needs. By creating better tools for medicine, the Nation benefits from more accurate medical images, leading to earlier diagnosis and better tracking of treatments. Similarly applied to other fields, improving the quality of radiation detectors leads to faster measurements through greater accuracy, larger coverage areas that allow for new imaging applications, and increased penetration into new markets by making the detectors more versatile. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shah, Kanai Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610784 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Identifying Toxicity Pathways. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a technology to improve the understanding of how drugs alter cellular processes. With advance in HTP technology, profiles of gene expressions, proteins and metabolites can be acquired to help elucidate the network of pathways involved in producing a specific phenotype. The project will develop a methodology that reveals the pathways that are altered and will facilitated the selection of drug candidates with the highest efficacy and minimal toxicity. Developing new drugs has become increasingly expensive, challenging and costly, not only in term of financial resources but also in toxicity. By identifying early in the drug discovery process, candidate compound with the highest probabilities of becoming successful therapies will reduce the cost of development; with the concomitant reductions in public health care costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Zheng MetagenX MI Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 1718 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610786 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Thermal Initiated Hydrolysis of Chemical Hydrides for Small Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will demonstrate the operational feasibility of a new solid-state hydrogen storage material, which will meet safety standards for general commercial uses while providing high energy density. Hydrogen generation will be triggered by a temperature-gated reaction resulting in the identification of solid mixtures with hydrogen storage capabilities ranging from 2000 to 3250 Wh/kg and from 2000 to 2850 Wh/L on a materials only basis. The proposed research includes identification of preferred energy dense mixtures, development of knowledge of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and overall energy balances, and measurement of the mixtures' stability and tolerance to environmental conditions to gauge safety. Coupled with a hydrogen fuel cell, this new hydrogen source is sufficient to provide 2 to 3 times the runtime offered by state-of-the-art Lithium-ion batteries of the same weight and volume. The proposed concept will meet the critical performance and safety measures required for market adoption of fuel cell technology. The results will significantly advance the state of hydrogen storage technology, and may be extended to larger scale hydrogen storage applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kelly, Michael Millennium Cell Inc. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99980 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1972 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610788 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Nano-Structured Resin Additives for Improved Composite Implants. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for affordable, durable thermoplastic composites for implantable prosthetics. Thermoplastic matrix composites such as carbon fiber-polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK) have many desirable qualities for use in orthopedic composites including biocompatibility, high strength-top-with-ration and toughness. Composites with lower density are demanded for replacing metallic orthopedic prostheses. Societal benefits from replacing metals with lightweight and more physiologically compatible composites are enormous. The benefits to morphology-controlled CF-PEEK composites fabricated by simpler manufacturing methods include: higher transverse strength, higher damage tolerance, excellent physiological durability, and lower manufacturing costs. The broader impacts of this technology are cost reduction CF-PEEK composite manufacturing, which would allow a wider application of the composites in medical rehabilitative systems, the control and enhancement of composite mechanical properties, which may open up additional biomedical application, and the potential expansion of the technological process innovation to the aerospace industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Keohan, Francis Cape Cod Research, Inc. MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99855 5371 BIOT 9123 1203 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610793 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Low-Cost, Versatile Hemostasis Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the development of a low cost, versatile diagnostic system capable of simultaneously performing a thromboelastograph (TEG) analysis and measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for the detection of hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, polymyalgia rheumatica, temporal arteritis, various types of cancer, and anemia. The proposed diagnostic system is based on a low-cost, disposable magnetoelastic sensor that, when excited by a magnetic field, resonates and generates a secondary magnetic flux detectable by a remotely located magnetic coil. The sensor can quantify changes in physical properties (viscosity, particle settling) of blood by measuring the changes in resonance frequency and amplitude. This allows the determination of TEG and ESR by indirectly measuring the real-time variations in blood viscosity and particle settling. The primary commercial application of the proposed sensor technology is for medical diagnosis. The low-cost nature and its simple operating procedure allow the system to be used in almost any type of medical facilities from large hospitals to small clinics. The use of such a versatile diagnostic system is crucial to detect many diseases without forcing the patients to go through different tests and the consequent medical bills. While medical diagnostic systems have greatly improved in the last few decades with better prognostic values and accuracy, the cost and complexity of the systems have not changed, hence preventing many at-risk patients from receiving adequate medical evaluation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zeng, Kefeng KMG2 Sensors Corporation PA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 0 5371 BIOT 9107 5345 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610806 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Early Growth Metabolic Responses of Mycobacteria. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes a method for the drug susceptibility testing of mycobacteria having speed and simplicity. The technical approach is based on a novel implementation of impedance sensing to monitor cellular growth with exceptional sensitivity and stability. Impedance sensing of microbiological growth has not received the attention of optical methods and is ripe for significant technical advances. The responses corresponding to the effects from different antimicrobial compounds are recorded and used to determine the drug susceptibility of viable slow-growing organisms as well as identify multi-drug resistant mycobacteria. The high sensitivity of the approach enables diagnostic results to be obtained without the need for grown cultures reducing the time from sample collection to complete diagnosis by many weeks compared to currently used methods. The organism M. tuberculosis is responsible for 9 million people becoming ill and 2 million people dying each year worldwide, making it one of the world's leading infectious causes of death. Furthermore, the onset of multi-drug resistant strains of M. tb leaves the United States and all other countries unprepared to mount an adequate defense in the event of an epidemic or intentional widespread exposure. The availability of a practical and affordable method of rapidly determining the drug susceptibility of TB infected specimens would have tremendous impact globally on controlling the spread of tuberculosis and the management of effective policies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rieder, Ronald BioSense Technologies Inc. MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 5345 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610808 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Room Temperature Medical Waste Treatment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to research and develop a novel, reliable, affordable, technology for effective decontamination/ sterilization of medical waste. The technology is based on an air/gas sterilant produced in a non-thermal plasma source powered by a standard microwave oven magnetron. During preliminary tests, an air stream containing free radicals produced in the plasma effluent effectively inactivated 100% of highly concentrated microorganisms (107/ml) deposited on a Petri dish and killed 106 spores imbedded in a small paper disk with the temperature of the sterilization process maintained at ~30oC. During Phase I of the program tests of sterilizing efficacy of wide range medical waste will be validated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency hospitals and clinics in the United States generate up to one million ton of medical waste, and as much as 15% of it poses a potential infection hazard. New emerging decontamination technologies are on demand, especially those, which do not produce harmful byproducts. Our technology is environmentally friendly and should be relatively easy to market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Golkowski, Czeslaw SUPER PULSE NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610809 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Photochemically Switched Chiral Materials for Chiral Nematic Displays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to synthesize and characterize new optically addressed molecular switches and incorporate them into an innovative reflective display films. These materials will then be studied for optical addressing and erasing of high-resolution images under various molecular alignments achievable in an electro-optic driven bi-stable display cell. Prototype display films coated on thin flexible plastic substrates well be fabricated and evaluated for control of image lifetime in ambient light and for use as a low-cost (pennies) display for tagging and related applications. Photochemical chiral materials will be utilized to create a photographic film in which an image can be erased and a new image optically addressed repeatedly on the same film. As a paper replacement, these displays are developed for such applications as point of purchase, identification, and production line tags as well as updatable displays on credit and debit cards. If successful, this will create a new market that electronically addressed displays have not been able to penetrate because of their high cost due to attached drive and control electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Doane, J. William KENT DISPLAYS INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1972 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610814 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phae I: High Resolution Spintronic Sensors for Bioassay Analyzers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the need for low-cost, portable, and fast analysis biosensors for the detection of biological and chemical pathogens in consumer and point-of-care diagnostic test kits. Magnetic biosensors fuse spintronics and biosensing technologies to improve bioassay analysis over current fluorescent and chemical-luminescent systems. This program incorporates a high-density form of magnetoresistive random access memory, called VMRAM, with current magnetic biosensing approaches in order to maximize sensor density and resolution by facilitating single-tag detection. Performance goals for the program are sensitivity to 1-10 magnetic tags and a signal level of 100uV per tag. The technology proposed addresses the need for hand-held bioassay detectors that can be sold cheaper and provide fast analysis in response to the need to prevent the dissemination of biological and chemical pathogens worldwide. Aside from the first responder community, commercial markets for advanced integrated magnetic bioassay sensors include single-test, disposable consumer test kit and point-of-care multi-pathogen test platforms. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eames, Peter NVE CORPORATION MN F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99946 5371 BIOT 9107 5345 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610820 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Quantitative Self-Reporting Arrays for Micro RNA (miRNA) Profiling. This Small Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a microarray platform for micro-RNA profiling. The project will address the parameters that are required for optimal probe design and hybridization. Further, the project will design and test a microarray to profile miRNA and to selectively discriminate between such miRNAs in a quantitative manner. The ability to rapidly monitor micro RNA expression profiles will provide a tool for diagnosis of cancer, disease and other cellular biological activities for therapeutic drug discovery and diagnostics. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Braunlin, William Rational Affinity Devices, LLC NJ Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 0 1505 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610821 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Secure Software Rental and Subscription System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project advances the state of software licensing and distribution through the development of a secure software rental/subscription system. The proposed technology builds upon existing Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Electronic License Management (ELM) principles, as well as Arxan's state-of-the-art anti-tamper technology, to provide robust security for software download services that may be purchased or subscribed to in a variety of ways. The results of this project will bring about advances in DRM technology and will make important steps in the evolution of software development practices and content distribution that will benefit both software vendors and consumers alike. The primary research objectives of this project are to design the security and policy enforcement mechanisms, software individualization, and distribution technologies to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology. The detailed design specification for the proposed architecture will set the stage for Phase II development efforts and provide an opportunity to gain valuable feedback and support from otential stakeholders. This project will largely impact the way software usage and ownership is viewed by changing the landscape of software licensing to shift away from shrink-wrapped products. This new paradigm of software creates not only new usage models but also new payment models. Customers, instead of "owning" software, will now rent software on a per-need basis. Correspondingly, cost/pricing will shift from current all-or-nothing payment schemes to more flexible ways to pay for the utilization of software. This makes software more affordable to the consumer, enables software providers to target a broader market, and helps curb piracy through strong anti-tamper technology and frequent updates. The results of this project will also enhance the scientific community's understanding of software security technologies through the creation of innovative protection techniques and security policies that support true fair-use. This has become a major issue as the DRM field continues to advance, and it is important that emerging technologies take into careful consideration the rights of consumers to ensure unreasonable constraints are not imposed on their electronic purchases. The results of this project will set the stage for future developments in this area and establish a positive standard for fair-use in online software distribution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bryant, Eric Arxan Research, Inc IN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 98417 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610828 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: UV LED Based Water/Wastewater Point-of-Use Purification System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) based point-of-use water and wastewater sterilization reactors. UV radiation has been shown to be one of the most effective methods for purification/sterilization of microbiological organisms in drinking water and wastewater. A significant part of a water treatment system is a microbiological disinfection unit for removal of bacteria, viral and protozoan cyst. The traditional approach to the problem is use of chemicals, such as chlorine and iodine. Nevertheless, there are unavoidable drawbacks of chemical processes: presence of disinfection by-products (DBP), need of pH control for effective disinfection and lack of disinfection for specific microorganisms such as Entaemoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. Current UV-based purification/sterilization systems rely on low and medium pressure mercury (Hg) containing lamps that emit either monochromatic 254 nm radiation or broad spectrum radiation ranging from 220 nm to 370 nm, respectively. It is proposed to develop small, inexpensive, portable, point-of-use UV light emitting diode (LED) based purification/sterilization systems. The primary market segment addressed through the work that will be performed under this Phase I effort is the germicidal sterilization and purification of water/wastewater for point-of-use applications. Ultraviolet purification technology can be an effective means to fight ALL microorganisms in water/wastewater treatment systems. Deep UV LEDs represent a new light source with input power requirements and volume production costs much lower than any current UV radiation source. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shatalov, Max Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. SC F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99976 9150 5371 BIOT 9150 9104 0118000 Pollution Control 0610830 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Manufacturing Technologies Enabling CD-based Alternatives to Microarrays. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will evaluate the feasibility of CD (compact disc) detection of surface-based multiplex biological assays as a viable commercial alternative to fluorescent detection. The feasibility study will include two components: 1) the biochemical functionalization of the surface of the polycarbonate material that CDs are composed of, using a novel, plasma-based process, and 2) the development of requisite software programming steps to allow a CD-ROM drive to read a CD-based multiplex assay. Multiplex assays based on surface-based microarrays of biological molecules have become an important tool in biological research. The potential of microarrays is limited by reliance on fluorescence as a method of detection, because fluorescent labeling of most biomolecules is difficult or not possible. A potential alternative is the label-free quantitative detection of molecular interactions on the surface of a CD, inserted into the CD-ROM drive for readout. Label-free multiplex bioassays using the surface of a CD have significant commercial potential and will also enable scientific advances. Off-the-shelf CD-ROM drives, costing as little as 50 cents and available in all modern personal computers, can be converted into scanners using appropriate software. A laptop computer with a built-in CD-ROM drive is highly portable and can act as a workstation for field biological measurements. High-throughput screening for drug development will yield more reliable results without fluorescent tagging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Larson, Bradley SonoPlot LLC WI Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 94007 5371 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610842 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing of Sexually Transmitted Infections. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of a new test to diagnose pathogenic microorganisms causing sexually transmitted infections at the point-of-care in near-real time. The technical approach is based on a novel implementation of impedance sensing to monitor bacterial growth with exceptional sensitivity and stability combined with a well-established immuno-capture technique. The method avoids the need for grown cultures and enables both identification and antibiotic susceptibility to be obtained directly from clinical samples within a few hours with a simple and easy-to-use low cost device ideally suited for mass production. Implementation of the proposed technology will reduce the time from sample collection to complete diagnosis of infectious agent by days compared to currently used methods and enable the prescription of targeted antibiotic therapies. Feasibility of the proposed diagnostic tool will be demonstrated initially with the organism Neisseria gonorrhoeae within a 6-month Phase I effort and is readily applicable to other sexually transmitted infections (STI) organisms. If successful this project will make a practical and affordable method for rapidly determining the antibiotic susceptibility of pathogens associated with STI more available therefore having significant impact on public health allowing better management of effective policies. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of STI is not routinely performed, in part, because of the time consuming nature of testing for antibiotic resistance. The availability of a rapid and affordable diagnostic test that could be performed at the point-of-care would improve patient outcomes enabling the prescription of targeted antibiotic therapies and reducing the spread of antibiotic resistance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rieder, Ronald BioSense Technologies Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610845 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I:Augmenting the Lifetime of Batteries for Implantable Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses the feasibility of harnessing the internal biomechanical forces using piezoelectric transducer technology to power implanted devices such as cardiac pacemakers. The project will advance the develop of in vivo energy harvesting devices as power sources in general, for medical appliances in human and veterinary health sciences. The research seeks to increase the longevity of implanted devices that require battery power for function. The project will alleviate the need for repeated surgeries for battery replacement, increase the functionality of the implant by providing more diagnostic output and burst mode power and to increase the overall reliability of the implant due to the back up system in place. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Radziemski, Leon piezo Energy Technologies LLC AZ F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 124339 5371 1505 BIOT 9107 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610866 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Improved Substrates for Single Molecule Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop substrates for enhancing the fluorescence signal from nearby analytes. This will be achieved by utilizing two-dimensional arrays of regularly spaced metallic nanoparticles thereby generating propagating modes of surface plasmons. These surface plasmon resonances will be tuned by varying the size, composition, and spacing of the nanoparticle array to match the fluorescence emission of the fluorophore. Alternatively, arrays of high dielectric nanomaterials will be used to generate photonic crystals serving to focus and enhance the allowed frequencies with defects serving as sites for the local trapping of light. These nanoparticle arrays will be assembled using two-dimensional protein crystals as templates as previously reported. Localization of the fluorophore to the surface of the arrays will be beneficial for single molecule detection. This will have broad application in many types of fluorescence-based biosensors where, for example, nucleic acid or antibody probes are attached to a surface. Attaching these probes to a fluorescence-enhancing substrate will improve the sensitivity of these assays. Furthermore, these substrates will allow more robust single molecule detection applications by reducing problems associated with fluorophore bleaching and by concentrating the probe region to smaller volumes. This will benefit basic research in areas such as protein folding, enzyme kinetics, and reaction mechanisms as well as promote the development of biosensors to detect low levels of virus or trace amounts of biological warfare agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gurjar, Rajan Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99990 5371 BIOT 9107 7236 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610868 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Dynamic Locomotive Assignment: Algorithms for Real Time Decision Support. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project entails the development of new algorithms for assigning locomotives to trains in a real-time environment. Locomotive assignment consists of optimally assigning a set of locomotives to trains satisfying a variety of business constraints and minimizing the total cost of assignment. Everyday, railroad managers must assign thousands of locomotives to thousands of different trains. The data and information the managers must consider are quite voluminous. As operations unfold across a 30,000 plus mile rail network, the managers must assess each piece of new data and determine how the current locomotive plan should be adjusted to ensure efficient use of resources while maximizing on-time operations of trains and protecting the fluidity of the network. A typical railroad company has several billions of dollars of investment in locomotives and using this resource effectively is of critical importance. The locomotive assignment problems are notoriously difficult discrete optimization problems that have not yet been solved satisfactorily. This proposal is to develop a new set of dynamic data driven algorithms for real-time locomotive assignment problems. The research focuses on algorithm development, analysis, and testing and includes: (i) developing approaches for generating detailed routing plans for each individual locomotive; (ii) developing optimization algorithms with the objective of recovering a prescribed locomotive cycling plan; (iii) improving our understanding of real time data sources, systems architecture, and user requirements; (iv) developing assignment algorithms that take network-wide view to balance and correct the flow of locomotives into each terminal and also take advantage of dynamic data updates to keep the plan current; and (v) designing a comprehensive simulation tool to test the efficacy of our series of algorithms. The proposed research will use the latest advances in network flows, heuristic optimization, algorithm design and implementation, and simulation to solve these mathematically challenging problems. The proposed research is motivated by the need to develop effective and practical solution techniques for large-scale and complex optimization problems arising in real time management of railroad networks and to incorporate these solutions in software products that railroad management personnel can use in their daily decision-making processes. The proposed research will also establish the value of using dynamic data driven decision support network methodologies to solve tactical transportation management problems. The success of this project and the use of these software products in industry will lead to a greater acceptance of optimization models and optimization-based software in the railroad industry. It will additionally pave the way for new software products for several other equally important railroad scheduling problems in crew management, terminal management, and dynamic trip planning. In the long run, this will lead to improved capacity utilization, increased productivity, and superior reliability of America's railroad infrastructure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ahuja, Ravindra Innovative Scheduling Systems, Inc. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC BIOT 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610871 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Temperature-independent SPR Biosensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a temperature-independent surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for sensitive detection of biological molecules. SPR bio-detection has been used for many years in biomedical research and drug development laboratories. Recent improvement in sensitivity and potentially lower cost enable the use of SPR-based biosensor in diagnostic application, including testing of pathogens, biomarkers, toxins and contaminants. However, current SPR instruments are susceptible to temperature-induced measurement errors that limit their use in the field. The thermal drift in SPR sensors is caused by the dependence of the refractive index of the sensor's optical medium and the sample material on ambient temperature. Currently, this thermal drift is mitigated in laboratory instruments by stabilizing the temperature in the instrument's test chamber and by incorporating temperature compensation channels into the sensor design. However, these active measures increase the instrument's complexity, cost, size and power consumption. The proposed temperature-independent SPR design addresses this fundamental deficiency and reduces by a factor of 100~1000 the thermal sensitivity of a waveguide-based SPR chip by matching the thermo-optic coefficients of the chip's optical substrate and the sample under test. If successful the proposed project will lead to expansion of the application range and market penetration of SPR biodetection technology. Based on the high-sensitivity and low cost of the proposed SPR sensor, a handheld instrument will be developed to support multiple field and point-of-care diagnostic applications in the areas of emergency medicine, veterinary medicine, food safety, aquaculture and biodefense. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Melman, Paul Newton Photonics, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99953 5371 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610886 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Low-Cost Magnetic Nanoparticles for Two-Phase Microfluidics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a two-phase controllable flow in microchannels. The fluid consists of a carrier fluid, nano-magnetic particles, and additives. The proposed work will also produce low-cost, nano-magnetic particles using a novel scaled-up synthesis process. The objectives of the proposed research are to design a large-scale, affordable, magnetic nanocrystalline powder synthesis system; and, to study the flow of fluids consisting of these powders in microchannels. The nano-powders will be characterized for their morphology and magnetic properties. Theoretical and experimental studies will be performed to understand the flow of the magnetic fluid in microchannels under magnetic fields. Effects of channel dimension, fluid viscosity and density; and particle size and magnetic properties, will be examined. The controllability characteristic of the proposed microfluidics technology may have a significant impact on certain applications, such as, controllable actuators and sensors. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Yanming ADVANCED MATERIALS & DEVICES INC NV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610893 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Lattice Boltzmann Method for Multiphase Reacting Flows with Chemical Industry Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is for development of lattice Boltzmann methods (LBM) for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of multiphase and reaction. The proposed work will develop LBM for interface capturing based on phase-field models - an area at the cutting edge of current research. The LBM codes will be developed and validated with phasefield approaches for phase change, with a wide range of phase density contrasts, and mass transfer, with and without reactions. The proposed developments, if successful, will bring within industry's reach high-fidelity simulations of a variety of multiphase reactors and separations equipment saving considerable time and money for design and scale up. The proposed developments would have impact far beyond the chemical sector, e.g. with wide applications to power systems and environmental simulations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Premnath, Kannan MetaHeuristics LLC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99452 5371 AMPP 9163 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610894 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A New Optical Detector for Dipicolinic Acid Based on the Quantum Confined Stark Effect. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a new optical sensor for dipicolinic acid (DPA) based on the quantum confined Stark effect. Dipicolinic acid is an important chemical signature for bacterial endospores such as anthrax. However, the fluorescence emission spectrum for DPA is broad, making it difficult to identify in the presence of other naturally occurring fluorophores. It has recently been shown that the quantum confined Stark effect, when applied to organic, fluorescent molecules in a nanowire configuration, induces a molecule-specific shift in the peak wavelength of the emission spectrum. In addition, for some molecules, a molecular prism effect has been induced, whereby the normally featureless emission spectrum of a fluorescent molecule is split into distinct, equally spaced energy lines. In addition to the application in biosensing, the proposed research project will have broad impact in various other technological areas. For example, the ability to selectively tune the peak emission wavelength in organic fluorophores may be used to develop new optical displays with adjustable emission properties or new tunable optical filters for wavelength selection. In addition, a general understanding of the quantum confined Stark effect applied to organic fluorescent molecules could lead to a wide variety of new discoveries in areas ranging from energy harvesting to DNA labeling. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kessick, Royal Sentor Technologies Inc. VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 94111 5371 BIOT 9107 7236 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610904 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Fast Software Image Reconstruction for Micro-CT. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a fundamentally new, algorithmically accelerated, software based image reconstructor for x-ray micro-CT imaging. This will reduce the time to reconstruct high-resolution 3D micro-CT images without increasing the cost of the hardware. The project will provide a powerful tool for the imaging of animals in drug discovery and for the study of disease process and genetics The proposed innovation will lead to the development of improved therapies and help improve health care overall. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brokish, Jeffrey InstaRecon, Inc. IL Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 1648 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610909 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: 3-Component Molecular Tagging Velocimetry for Highly Transient Oxygenated Gaseous Flows. This Small Business Innovation Research project is concerned with the development of molecular tagging velocimetry (MTV) and its application to in-cylinder engine flows. The proposed research is partly concerned with expanding an existing MTV system to enable measurements of three velocity components (instead of two components) in a planar region within a cylinder. Further, extension of MTV from nitrogen flows to airflows is proposed. Presence of oxygen in air reduces the fluorescent lifetime and poses challenges for MTV measurements. Novel solutions to this problem are proposed. If successful, the proposed technology would enable more efficient and environmentally friendly IC engines and other combustion devices. This would help save fossil fuel energy and minimize air-borne pollutants. Additionally, research applications of the proposed MTV system would help improve modeling of engine flows and transport phenomena. The new computational tools would have wide applications in simulation of reacting flows throughout the process industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schock, Harold Mid Michigan Research, LLC MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99838 5371 AMPP 9163 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610914 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Plasma Enhanched Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition of Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Thin Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility and suitability of using a plasma enhanced hot filament chemical vapor deposition (PEHFCVD) technology as a manufacturing platform for the large scale deposition of ultra nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) thin films. UNCD is synthesized today using a unique argon-rich plasma chemistry via microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD). As of today, MPCVD is the only known way to deposit UNCD, since C2 and C2H radicals are produced via Penning ionization collisions between Ar+ and C2H2. HFCVD is an attractive candidate to create a more scalable and economical manufacturing platform because recent advances have made it suitable for the large area uniform deposition of microcrystalline and nanocrystalline diamond thin films, but normally only produces radicals via thermal decomposition. The focus of the proposed work is to investigate the transferability of the unique (and patented) UNCD growth process to the HFCVD platform by utilizing a DC plasma discharge to generate C2 via nonequilibrium processes in addition to thermal decomposition, and to assay the films grown in this way using a variety of material characterization techniques to ensure that the films possess the desired materials properties inherent to UNCD thin films. The commercial value of this endeavor is to increase manufacturing throughput and lower costs through the development of a more robust large-area platform for UNCD deposition as compared to MPCVD. A large area, economical platform for manufacturing UNCD would make diamond a compelling material that would become affordable for applications ranging from tribological coatings (saving energy by lowering friction); electronics (extraordinary thermal management); and biomedical devices (implantable devices such as retinal prostheses). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carlisle, John ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99671 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610915 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: An Advanced Elutriation System for Cell Processing and Culture. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a revolutionary elutriation chamber with the unique ability to select specific cell ranges and then hold these cell in a dispersed, free floating fashion. The selected cells can thus be sorted and decontaminated in a single step. The overall aims are to substitute the current trial and effort approach to cell decontamination with a detailed experiment one with a commercial outcome. The project aims at developing the technology for licensure to blood banks, hospital and others that are in need of cell decontamination assays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Purdum, Howard CryoFacets, Inc. NC Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99980 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610916 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Fluorescent Endoscopic Imaging of Ovarian Tumor Tissue. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I develops methods that utilize an in vivo optical imaging system for tumor detection and localization during laparoscopic surgery of ovarian cancer patients to visualize tumors smaller than 1mm. The broader impact of this application will be to provide a powerful and effective tool for monitoring patients with small volume ovarian cancer after they have completed their primary surgery and chemotherapy to quickly identify returning disease thereby improving survival rates by timely treatment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jallad, Karim Optical Therapeutic Technologies, Inc. IN Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 88703 5371 BIOT 9181 1648 0203000 Health 0610919 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I:Developing Advanced Ultracapacitors Using Carbon Nanomaterials & Environmentally Friendly Electrolytes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aimes to develop advanced ultracapacitors for hybrid electrical vehicles (HEVs). The proposed research will demonstrate the feasibility of achieving high capacitance for aligned CNTs in ionic liquids and using optimized CNTs and ionic liquid to develop ultracapacitors possessing superior performance and cycle-life exceeding those of currently available ultracapacitors. The world ultracapacitor market is expected to reach $181.3 million by 2009. Advanced vehicular ultracapacitors are extremely useful in achieving better fuel economy, decreasing harmful emissions, and reducing our nation's reliance on foreign sources of petroleum. In addition to ultracapacitors, research in the proposed project will also have a broad impact on the applications of carbon nanomaterials to other electronic and electrochemical devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lu, Wen ADA Technologies, Inc. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610923 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Surface Light Scattering Spectroscopy for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) Drug Screening. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop the non-invasive technique of Surface Light Scattering Spectroscopy (SLSS) to characterize biomembranes and enhance the understanding of fluid interfaces. SLSS promises a distinct advantage over current methods for pharmacokinetics screening of drug candidates: the ability to quickly and accurately measure key biophysical characteristics and behavior of complex interfaces without physical disturbance. Successful development of this approach will contribute to reducing the high cost of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) drug screening. An interdisciplinary team has been formed to assess the feasibility of employing SLSS for lipid characterization and to examine technical issues and refinements needed for robust and accurate determination of biomembrane properties. Phase I uses a laboratory instrument to obtain measurements that can be verified against published literature, including compounds that are of interest to blood-brain barrier studies. Phase II includes refinement of an advanced instrument design and fabrication and testing of a commercial prototype. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Saltiel, Craig Scattering Solutions CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610926 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: An Innovative Photobioreactor for Commercial Production of Astaxanthin from Genetically Improved Haematococcus Pluvialis Strains. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop an innovative large-scale photobioreactor for production of natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus strains. The phase I research plan is to construct and evaluate an innovative modular flat-plate photobioreactor for mass culture of the organism. The improved production system, along with a genetically improved Haematococcus strains will increase the productivity of astaxanthin by an estimated 50%. The development of this photobioreactor is the only means by which the commercial potential of the genetically improved Haematococcus strains can be commercially realized. The success of the project will lead to further development of pilot-scale plants as well as additional uses for the a reactor. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lu, Fan Algaen Corporation NC F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 148701 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610928 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Hydrogen Production from Wind Power and Coal-Bed Methane (CBM) Water. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore the feasibility of production of high-quality hydrogen in remote, outdoor locations using locally generated wind power and excess water from coal-bed methane (CBM) wells. After adapting wind survey data from several sources to a specific site in northeast Wyoming, the study will create a multivariate mathematical model to determine optimal ratios and types of equipment, including number and size of wind turbines, hydrogen generators, and water filtration systems. The core technologies to be used in this process are well established but have never been combined into a single, stand-alone process. Successful commercialization will benefit the national and local because it does not interact with the electric grid or with electricity customers. It also profitably eliminates excess water from coal-bed methane wells, thus allowing CBM operators to comply with environmental regulations. By relying on wind power and electrolysis, this process dramatically improves the efficiency and environmental impact of hydrogen production as compared to traditional reformation of hydrogen from methane. It will create high-quality hydrogen with much less expense than current methods. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ladd, Edward Dixon Ladd LLC WY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610929 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Fourier-domain Low Coherence Interferometry (fLCI) Optical Biopsy. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new instrument for the detection of early stage concern in human epithelial tissue based on a novel optical spectroscopic technique, Fourier-domain Low Coherence Interferometry (fLCl). Preliminary experiments with in vitro samples have shown that fLCl can probe nuclear morphology, a common pathological biomarker in assessing tissue health. The proposed fLCl instrument will serve as a guide to biopsy for clinicians, enabling evaluation of tissue health in situ, prior to tissue removal. Early cancer diagnosis is an enormous and steady growing market and extremely important for human health care. Traditional evaluation of potential cancer cells requires systematic tissue removal with subsequent examination by a pathologist. This has lead to many false negatives as well as false positives. The fLCl method described herein will provide a high resolution and accurate iv vivo measurement of nuclear morphology, the biomarker used for the diagnosis of pre-cancerous and cancerous tissues. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mao, Chongchang Southeast TechInventures NC F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 98344 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610933 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Detection of Whole Pathogens with Microchannel Resonators. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project will test the feasibility of a new detector of whole pathogenic organisms that is sensitive enough to detect a single anthrax spore, more rapid than polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and as specific as established assays based on biomolecular affinity. The detector is the suspended microchannel resonator (SMR), a recently developed MEMs-based sensor that measures mass in fluid with unprecedented precision. This project will fabricate SMR sensors that have been modified to accept whole pathogens up to micron-sized spores, and functionalize them using antibody and peptide receptors. The detectors sensitivity, specificity, and throughput will be tested on anthrax and M13 bacteriophages. The results will help determine whether the SMR performance may ultimately surpass the current state of the art for detection of biowarfare agents or infectious disease. Such a product may help satisfy the great need for rapid detection of bioterrorism agents and accelerated diagnosis in clinical settings. For the case of weaponized anthrax, it may be possible to identify specific spores in minutes, from eluted nasal swabs and other sources with low spore count. By providing actionable information in minutes or hours, the SMR would help fill the current gap between local screening of anthrax exposure, and confirmatory testing which currently takes days. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Babcock, Ken Innovative Micro Technology CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99959 5371 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610960 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Approach to Developing Fungus Resistant Soybeans. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will use a new proprietary technology, host-mediated silencing (inhibition) of pathogen genes (HMSPG), to develop soybeans that resistant to single and multiple fungal diseases. The primary objective is to develop plants resistant to soybean rust, the most serious disease of soybeans in the world. Soybean rust now poses a major threat to domestic soybean production. HMSPG exploits the plants RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism to inhibit expression of essential pathogen genes creating a disease resistant plant. Soybeans resistant to soybean rust will enable production security for soybean growers and food security for domestic and international consumers of U.S. soybean products, as well as reduce the application of millions of tons of fungicides annually. A unique capability of HMSPG is to stack fungal resistance genes to simultaneously develop plants resistant to more than one disease. The second research objective is to develop plants resistant to both soybean rust and to soybean stem and root rot. Soybeans resistant to both diseases will further reduce fungicide applications, reduce development of pathogen resistance to the fungicides and reduce development of new races of these pathogens. Commercially, the application is develop soybean plants resistant to soybean rust that would decrease agricultural losses due to that disease. Resistance to multiple pathogens would prevent even greater crop losses, increasing the market value of these resistant soybean seeds. The U.S. is the worlds largest producer and exporter of soybeans, a major world food crop. In 2004 the value of the U.S. soybean crop was $17.7 billion. The U.S. accounted for 40% of the worlds soybean production, and for 48 percent of the world's soybean trade, valued at $8 billion. A significant decrease in soybean production would adversely impact both exports and U.S. livestock production, which uses soybean extensively for feed. Fungal diseases such as soybean rust and soybean stem and root rot cause major losses in soybean production; up to 90% for SR and 11% for SSRR. Both diseases are major pathogens in the United States. Loss of 10% of the U.S. soybean crop would cost $1.7 billion, and spraying one-half of the U.S. acreage once with fungicide would cost $1 billion; a total annual cost of $2.7 billion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Niblett, Charles Venganza, Incorporated MO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99998 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0610964 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Instruments for Dynamic Characterization of Ultra-Rapid Cycle Adsorbents. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project investigates the feasibility of modifying three laboratory instruments for the dynamic analysis of ultra-rapid cycle (URC) sorptive processes. Current approaches have functional and/or software characteristics that limit their performance in dynamic examinations of supra-millisecond duration URC periods. This project will address these limitations through software modifications, transducer and data acquisition upgrades, and by the adoption of frequency modulated laser spectroscopy (FMS) technology. Analytic instruments are available that can characterize adsorbents by surface area and pore size distribution. The improvements to sorptive separations systems, in both size and efficiency, have their foundations in improved laboratory analysis techniques. The separations/purifications industry is finding increasing commercial and aerospace applications. These include transportation fuel cells, medical oxygen concentrators, fuel tank inerting. Laboratories throughout the world are striving to understand and develop URC processes that will enable these and other new applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG LaCount, Robert Separation design Group, LLC PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1984 1948 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610969 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Development of Novel, Inducible Processing Traits in Corn for Ethanol Production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will produce corn with processing traits optimized for ethanol production. The corn will be modified by embedding inactive amylase enzymes into the crop that can be activated during processing steps. The polysaccharide degrading activity of the enzymes can be switched on after harvest, resulting in controllable, accelerated liquefaction and saccharification of corn to fermentable sugars without additional enzymes, thereby lowering the cost of ethanol production. Producers currently buy enzymes for ethanol conversion, and reducing this cost in a commodity market would have a significant impact. Additionally, this will demonstrate the feasibility of embedding lignocellulosic degrading enzymes into biomass, a step to further the development of a cellulosic ethanol industry. Commerically, the technology will lead to the production of varieties of corn which contain modified amylase and glucoamylase enzymes to streamline the liquefaction and saccharification steps required for ethanol production. These new corn varieties would create over $350MM /yr in value for ethanol producers through increased yields of fermentable sugars from corn grain and decreased operating costs. More importantly, long term views for the ethanol industry predict a shift to using lignocellulosic biomass as a feedstock. By embedding enzymes into the lignocellulosic material itself, the cost of degrading the biomass for ethanol conversion could be greatly reduced, enabling the use of an inexpensive and abundant source for ethanol production. This would have the social and environmental benefits of increased rural development, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced reliance on foreign oil imports. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG De La Vega, Humberto Agrivida, Inc. MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 94552 5371 BIOT 9186 9109 9102 0201000 Agriculture 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610972 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Scaffold Technology for Effector Molecules (STEM): A Transgenic Platform for Agriculture. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a novel enabling technology for transgenic solutions to agricultural problems. Scaffold Technology for Effector Molecules (STEM) will allow the generation of high-affinity bioactive proteins capable of selectively altering plant and plant pathogen gene product function. This project will generate and validate a STEM plant universal molecular recognition library in a plant protein scaffold. Parental scaffold expression in plant leaves and roots is a requirement for library utility and will be assessed. A library consisting of approximately 108 members will be created. The library will be displayed on the surface of bacteriophage (bacterial viruses) and be composed of molecules with high affinity binding to a plant viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The library will demonstrate the usefulness of the STEM platform. Screening against subsequent targets will provide validation of the anticipated universal nature of the library and the enabling technology. Constructs selected during Phase I will be rapidly moved into transgenic plant expression systems and plant viral challenge tests during future research. Commercially, the application the STEM platform offers a new approach to solve agricultural problems and, in principle, any macromolecule can be targeted. We have tailored our scaffolds to be non-allergenic and non-toxic plant proteins such that they may readily gain acceptance in the plant transgenic market. However, this approach has broad potential utility in transgenic plants. Applications for the STEM technology for plant input trait development include such characteristics as disease resistance and drought tolerance. Increases in crop productivity are crucial to meeting the needs of an increasing human population in an environmentally stable manner. STEM may be applied to output traits such as improved plant nutrient composition, and to markets paralleling those for non-therapeutic antibodies, such as research, diagnostics and chromatography. Commercialization is planned by establishing projects with corporate partners, licensing relationships, and in some cases, developing in-house products for specific applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jones, Jennifer Divergence, Inc. MO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 9102 0201000 Agriculture 0610979 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Immunological Tools for Trimetasphere Fullerenes. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address the production, characterization and application of antibodies to carbonaceous nanomaterials. Specifically, these are the trimetallic endohedral fullerene, Trimetaspheres (TMS). The project will develop the novel nanomaterials and produce immunoprobes and affinity matrices based on monoclonal and polyclonal anti-TMS antibodies. These will be used to evaluate the effects of the TMS as contrasting and therapeutic agents. The immunological tools developed will play an important role in the development and use of the TMS as contrasting and therapeutic agents. The use of these tools will expand the scientific and technological understanding of the chemistry, cell-mediated responses and the pharmacokinetics of these innovative TMS reagents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG VanTassell, Roger Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99964 5371 BIOT 9107 1769 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610980 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Wireless Sensor for In Vivo Pressure Measurement. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to determine the feasibility of a new wireless, battery-less pressure sensor for use in the treatment of hydrocephalic patients. Hydrocephalus, if not treated can result in permanent brain damage and even death. Current treatment consists of using surgically implanted mechanical shunts to relieve the pressure. The proposal will address the monitoring of the intra-cranial pressure to detect shunt failures using a wire-less, battery-less, implantable MEMS microsensors. This will aid in the management of the patient and alleviate the need for expensive MRI and CT scans for shunt evaluation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Goldman, Kenneth H-Cubed, Inc. OH Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 99852 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0610991 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Two-Phase High-Heat-Flox Heat Exchanger. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project amis to experimentally validate the theory that similar heat exchangers can produce saturated two-phase flows with superior heat transfer. Initial experiments confirm that metastable two-phase fluids can produce heat transfer coefficients 40-70% greater than single-phase fluids at the same flow rate and have the potential to dissipate heat flux values in excess of 1000 W/cm2. Empirical correlations will be developed so that optimized heat exchangers capable of dissipating high heat flux values can be designed and commercially produced. The proposed technology, if successful, will find commercial applications in the power electronics, lasers, power generation, fuel cell, and automotive industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cole, Gregory Mainstream Engineering Corporation FL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99917 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611004 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Self-Limited Method to Improve the Gas Selectivity of Zeolite Microporous Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a self-limited method to repair defects in c-oriented zeolite molecular sieve membranes. In this project, we will use a self-limited catalyzed low temperature method to grow silicate coatings inside the defective membrane regions. The use of catalysts will enable the deposition to proceed at temperatures ~ 60C and only occur in pores with a diameter of > 7 angstroms. After the deposition, the membrane will be heated up to ~400C to densify the silicate deposit by promoting cross-linking, which further reduces the pore size in the defective grain boundary regions. This process will plug the defective grain boundaries in a self-limited manner down to a pore size of ~ 5-6 angstroms, without affecting the main membrane matrix and greatly improve the gas selectivity of the molecular sieve membranes. If successful, the direct benefit from this research is much enhanced gas selectivity for separating p-xylene from o-xylene isomers. Xylene is one of the top 30 chemicals produced in the United States in terms of volume. Currently, it has a yearly production volume of 22 Million metric tons. Xylene separation with MFI membranes offers an economic and continuous alternative for p-xylene production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Yiqiao SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99757 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611005 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Attenu, a novel platform technology for developing attractants and repellents for the domestic honeybee, Apis mellifera. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a novel platform technology to facilitate the discovery of products to alter insect behavior. These novel insect control products manipulate insect behavior by interfering with the insects chemosensory pathway. This proposal uses the honeybee, an economically significant insect with established genetics and biology, as a model system. The project will establish a novel high throughput assay system for identifying molecules that interact with insect chemosensory proteins and use this system to screen a combinatorial chemical library for small molecules that bind to honeybee proteins. Commercially, the application addresses a critical need for environmentally friendly insect control products that use rational design to manipulate insect behavior via efficient products that interact with the chemosensory system. Broad-spectrum insecticides are widely used, but many damage the environment and threaten human health. The project will develop novel, high-throughput methods to isolate small molecules that act on compounds that would interact with insect chemosensory proteins and alter the way in which insects perceive and react to environmental stimuli. Although this proposal is specifically targeted to the honeybee, this research will ultimately make chemosensory-based control of other insect species technologically feasible. The eventual goal is to develop a broad range of products that will be cost competitive with insecticides, repellents, and attractants but maintain all of the environmental and safety benefits associated with the use of pheromones. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woods, Daniel Inscent, Inc CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 148000 5371 BIOT 9109 0201000 Agriculture 0611007 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Energy Efficient Gas Fired Infrared Emitter Comprising SiC-Mo(Si0.8,Al0.2)2. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a technology that will be a dramatic improvement in the paper and textile industries. Emitters are used extensively in the paper, textile and other larger volume production industries to rapidly dry the fast moving paper and fabric lines. Nearly all of the US paper lines are drier limited. Emitters are electro-active surfaces on which a flame impinges and infrared (IR) radiation is emitted from the heated surface. A combination of a new plasma beam process and a new intermetallic composite material SiC-Mo(Si0.8,Al0.2)2 is proposed for the synthesis of the novel emitter material in various configurations. The main research objectives are: (i) to synthesize a new SiC-Mo(Si0.8,Al0.2)2 composite material by a plasma beam process (ii) to deposit this new material as an adherent coating on Fe-Al-Cr alloy emitter substrate (iii) to develop high energy efficient complex shape IR emitters made of the SiC-Mo(Si0.8,Al0.2)2 material, and (iv) to aim for a greater than 30% emissivity increase, 15% energy efficiency increase and a 400oC operational temperature increase. The research program will not only be directed at the new material but will also lead to a better thermal model. Commercially, the anticipated benefits are extremely large as they impact almost 70% of the paper industry and other industries where rapid heating is required. This group of industries use approximately 2432 Trillion BTUs of energy annually. The potential energy savings from this project in various applications is expected to be extremely significant, on account of the improved emissivity and temperature capability of the new emitter. It is also well known that higher operating temperatures leads to enhanced productivity (i.e. higher production rate). Thus, based on published calculations, paper mills are expected to improve line efficiency by about 15%, which is a very significant improvement in productivity. The total market for emitter based heating devices is valued conservatively at $900 Million for the drying operations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reddy, G MICROPYRETICS HEATERS INTL INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611011 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: An Innovative Internet Distributed Denial of Service Immunity System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that pose a serious threat to the Internet and to online businesses by blocking legitimate transactions and preventing normal network operations. Currently there are few efficient network level DDOS solutions available on the market. The proposed flow based perturbation technology addresses the DDoS problem from using perspective. To date, the effort has successfully demonstrated some aspects of the technology and its high capacity in detecting and filtering DDOS traffic in a live 22,000 node network. The SBIR sponsored research will further improve the CAP algorithm on several aspects such as optimal test hierarchy and handling non-TCP traffic. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Kwok NetImmune Inc MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149764 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611012 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Adaptive Real-Time Learning for Mathematical Expression Recognition in Mathematical Sketching. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will explore the feasibility of developing a mathematical expression recognition engine that will adapt to the way a particular user writes mathematical symbols and expressions in real-time. A database of handwritten symbols and mathematical expressions will be created that will be used to prime an initial, writer-independent mathematical expression recognizer. This initial recognizer will use a single mathematical expression from a particular user to find a subset of the database which most closely matches that user's handwriting in an effort to tune the recognizer before real-time adaptation occurs. In this Phase I work, this idea of adaptive real-time learning for mathematical expression recognition will be brought from the concept to the prototyping stage. The proposed recognition system will be incorporated into a pen-based software application for creating mathematical sketches which gives users the ability to make dynamic illustrations for visualizing mathematics and physics concepts by combining handwritten mathematical expressions with free-form drawings. The potential impact of this work will be the realization of a software tool that both teachers and students can use to augment learning in mathematics and the physical sciences. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Carney, Donald Fluidity Software MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 132000 5371 1505 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 7218 6850 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611015 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Vertical Perfusion System for Cell Culture and Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will attempt to show feasibility of a Vertical Perfusion Cartridge system to improve in vitro studies of diverse cell types, including insulin-producing Islets of Langerhans. Basic and applied cell physiology research could be advanced with the development of the proposed perfusion system. The aim is to develop a convenient, mass produced and easily used perfusion column cartridge that contains four to sixteen chambers. Modular construction of the assembly facilitates loading of the islets, controlling and maintain perfusion and performing real-time measurement of oxygen consumption rate (OCR), cytochrome-c oxidative state, NADH and other molecules via absorption/fluorescence spectroscopy in response to physiological perturbations. The proposed design will allow convenient sterilization, optionally reusable or disposable components, built-in oxygen sensors and associated instrumentation for real-time monitoring and recording of data. During Phase I, the plan is to design, build and evaluate one or more cartridge systems, using non-living cell-replicates and using live islets. Three significant commercial markets for the proposed technology are related to islet transplantation, basic islet research, and drug discovery, multi-billion dollar industries that pay a premium for methods capable of reducing development and operational risks. Two recent publications estimated the total real cost of islet transplantation procedures at $100,000 to $150,000 per patient, though the cost will fall over time as the procedures are refined. Nonetheless devices that either identify viable islets or assist in the development of such methods, or that speed research into alternative transplant methods, such as encapsulation, would quickly pay for themselves in cost savings. Applications related to islets include basic research into physiology and function, development and validation of drugs targeting islets, and assessment of islet viability prior to transplantation. Researchers who work on basic function and biology of islets will find this system useful because it enables the examination of multiple sets of islets simultaneously, thus improving statistical significance of their findings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baron, Alan TauTheta Instruments LLC CO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611017 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Feasibility of Mobile Peer-to-Peer Search on Hand-held Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will design MOBI-DIK, a system for local search in mobile peer-to-peer networks. A mobile peer-to-peer network is a set of portable devices such as laptops, PDA's and cellular phones, that communicate via short-range, unregulated wireless technologies, e.g., IEEE 802.11 (namely, Wi-fi) or Bluetooth. With such communication mechanisms, a mobile device carried by a pedestrian or mounted in a vehicle receives information from its neighbors, or from remote mobile devices by multi-hop transmission relayed by intermediate portable devices and stationary hotspots. MOBI-DIK is a set of software services, application program and user interfaces (i.e. a software platform)that facilitates the development of matchmaking and resource-discovery applications in mobile peer-to-peer networks. The set of services includes a data model to describe resources and requests, power, bandwidth, and memory management parameters, and a distributed algorithm for information discovery in mobile peer-to-peer environments. MOBI-DIK is based on the ideas of opportunistic resource dissemination (a mobile device propagates the resource-information to encountered devices, and obtains new information in exchange), application development utilizing Database Management System technology, information prioritization and filtering, and publish/subscribe technology. This project will evaluate the feasibility of MOBI-DIK in Bluetooth networks. In order to optimize the throughput it will evaluate the use of machine learning techniques for prioritizing information. The project will build a simulation test-bed for studying the system under various memory/bandwidth/power allocations, mobility and environmental parameters. MOBI-DIK will enable quick building of matchmaking or resource discovery services in many application domains, including social networks, transportation, mobile electronic commerce, emergency response, asset tracking and management, and mobile collaborative work. For example, in a large professional, political, or social gathering, the technology is useful to automatically facilitate face-to-face meetings based on matching profiles; or for sending free SMS messages. In transportation, the MOBI-DIK incorporated in navigational devices can be used to disseminate to other similarly equipped vehicles information about relevant resources such as free parking slots, traffic jams and slowdowns, available taxicabs, and ride sharing opportunities. In mobile electronic commerce, MOBI-DIK is useful to match buyers and sellers in a mall, or to trade data (e.g. music files) and knowledge. In emergency response, MOBI-DIK is useful for first responders to support rescue efforts even when the fixed infrastructure is inoperative; it will match specific needs with expertise, and help locate victims. In asset management, sensors mounted on neighboring smart artifacts (e.g. containers) can communicate and transitively relay alerts to remote check-points. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Naiman, Channah Pirouette Software Consulting IL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99982 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611020 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Cement Additive from an Agricultural Byproduct. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project addresses the manufacturing and testing of an agricultural byproduct (biomass) as a high performance cement (HPC) for highway applications. There are several benefits of using this processed byproduct, such as significantly increasing the compressive strength, reducing heat of hydration to prevent concrete cracking, and enhancing resistance to chemical weathering due to harsh environmental conditions. The United States generates 7.1 million tons of this biomass and the environmental pollution associated with heap burning results in a significant annual cost to the farmers for its disposal. Therefore, there is an urgent need to make value-added products utilizing this biomass. Furthermore, several state governments including federal agencies, e.g., U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration have mandated the use of HPC for structure durability and longevity. The proposal objective is to process this byproduct for HPC. Commercially, this application addresses drawbacks of current competing products such as the difficulty in handling fine dust particles, dark coloration, product availability, performance and cost; hence, the proposed byproduct will compete very well in the marketplace. This project could lead to enhanced revenues to the farmers, and create rural jobs without displacing workers from other industries. Additionally, the technology can be licensed to other countries producing this agricultural byproduct. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vempati, Rajan ChK Group, Inc. TX F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9186 9109 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611027 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: System for Optimizing Sweeps in Banks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a software product that will optimize sweep regimens in retail banks. The purpose is to demonstrate feasibility of a decision-support system that uses past customer behavior, qualitative input from managers and stochastic optimization to improve bank sweeps. Sweep programs were initiated in 1994. The current cumulative revenue from sweeps have reached approximately $700B. Still, sweep technology has been out of reach for small to medium size banks due to complexity of the heuristic models. The goal of this project is to bring a product to market which will allow small to medium size banks to engage in regular sweep transactions thus enabling more efficient use of resources and higher yields for the bank's customers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dean, Jennifer ProVenditor Consulting CT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99805 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611028 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Microelectrochemical Detection for Multiple Allergens. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a self-contained microelectrochemical assay array for simultaneous and quantitative detection of allergens in dust such as dust mites, cat dander, and cockroach allergens. Allergies cause illness and disabilities that affect over 50 million Americans. Avoidance or reduction of environmental exposure to allergens is the first step in treatment. The future goal will be to produce an automated, sensitive, bench top, low-cost instrument, run by unskilled personnel, aimed at the physicians office. The product will fill a need between non-quantitative test strips and laboratory-based enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISAs). Self-contained, microelectrochemical detection allows analysis in ultra-small volumes with enhanced response times and sensitivity compared to ELISA. Multiple allergens in a vacuumed dust sample(s) from home or work provided by the patient would be quantified at the physicians office to assist in designing treatments and in making living environment modifications to manage allergy disease. Commercially, the technologys future market potential could be quite large, based on the number of homes that have occupants that suffer from asthma or allergies. A 5% change from severe to moderate asthma would save the U.S. about $1.4 billion a year in total costs. Productivity would also be regained at school and work where asthma contributes to more than 14 million missed school and work days annually. The ability to monitor indoor allergens in dust in a regular fashion would also lead to better understanding of clinically significant amounts and extent of exposure to them. Other applications of the technology include analysis of air samples that have low levels of allergens that cannot be detected by existing methods. This includes allergens from dust mites and cockroaches from air sampling in undisturbed rooms. The low detection limit of the technology may prove highly useful in analyzing these types of samples. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Aguilar, Zoraida VEGRANDIS, LLC AR F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 9150 1505 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611032 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: WebFusion - Autonomous Data Integration Tools for Biotechnology. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a general purpose graphical front-end database interface that will allow biologist to manage their data on a local computer as well as connect and manipulate online heterogeneous data and applications elsewhere. The proposed product, WebFusion, will provide the researcher with the computer software tools needed for the manipulation and analysis of large data sets from various sources and applications through a single interface. The proposed WebFusion software will allow the user with faster and more accurate data management tools to fully exploit the large commercial and public databases available on line and through other sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jababo, Khaled Oishii Technologies MI Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 99992 5371 BIOT 9107 1718 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611039 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Calcium Phosphate Injectable Cements for Treatment of Osteoporosis. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop an injectable orthopedic cement made from oligomers containing cross-linkable functional groups and a reinforcing phase of calcium phosphate nanocrystals that can be injected into low strength bone to provide mechanical strength and bioactivity. This system will have excellent handling properties, remain localized at the injection site, and rapidly harden at body temperature without chemical initiators and with a minimal heat generation, unlike current bone cements. The research will investigate the chemistry of these novel oligomer systems and the effect of calcium phosphate nanocrystal morphology, surface chemistry, and loading by examining properties such as cure time, cure temperature, heat of reaction, rheological behavior, chemical structure, strength and in vitro bioactivity. Commercially, the application provides an alternative surgical cement to what is in current use (in situ polymerization of methylmethacrylate) for total joint replacement. While current methods have been used safely, as the need for a surgical has spread to more sensitive tissues, such as the spine, and new procedures are developed, numerous safety and efficacy issues need to be addressed. About 700,000 vertebral fractures occur annually; patients not responsive to conservative treatment are potential candidates for minimally invasive procedures that use current bone cements off-label to treat vertebral compression fractures. However, leakage of liquid from low viscosity bone cements can result in soft tissue damage as well as nerve root pain and compression. Other reported complications, generally associated with the use of bone cements in the spine, include pulmonary embolism, respiratory and cardiac failure, abdominal intrusions/ileus, and death. The proposed project will alleviate many of these issues and open new methods and mechanisms for the treatment of osteoporosis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lin, Juchui Angstrom Medica, Incorporated MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9189 9181 0203000 Health 0611053 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: BrainStorm - Collaborative Customer Requirements Elicitation for Distributed Software Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate methods for improving the process of requirements elicitation for geographically distributed software development teams. Most projects fail because requirements are not clearly articulated and captured. This project seeks to identify the methods that facilitate the elicitation of well-defined requirements, reduce complexity in the requirements process and evaluate the technical feasibility of developing a solution to address the problem. The approach is to (1) study the methods involved in requirements elicitation and their applicability to a distributed environment, (2) develop an algorithm to monitor and reduce process complexity and (3) investigate the technical feasibility of a collaborative platform with role-based access control. The anticipated outcomes from the project include the development of role-based templates that guide business stakeholders to articulate requirements through an algorithmically driven requirements elicitation process and a prototype for a Web-based collaboration platform with integrated role-based access control that enables this process. The proposed activity addresses a broad need in software engineering as well as in general product development. While several requirements management tools exist, eliciting unambiguous requirements from the business stakeholders is a process that is neither well-defined nor served by existing tools. As such, the value of such a solution to an enterprise includes ensuring higher probability of project success and a reduced time-to-market. In both the government and corporate sectors, this will result in optimized project expenditure and a product that meets the needs of the end user. The project also enhances the scientific understanding related to complexities in distributed software development and extends the current technological advances related to collaboration and security into an underserved domain of software engineering, namely, requirements elicitation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Polineni, Venkata Serebrum Corporation NJ Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611054 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Immunoassay Bio-chip Based on a Magnetic Tunnel Junction Sensor Array. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a spintronic immunoassay technique based on an array of microscopic magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensing elements. This spintronic immunoassay will use patterned arrays of magnetic sensors to detect tiny magnetized particles, which have been functionalized to bond to specific biomolecules. This technology is the beginning of the emerging magnetic immunoassay technologies. The creation of new immunoassaying techniques will have a far-reaching societal and economic impact. The detection and identification of different biological entities and an increased number of detection and measurement techniques will lead to improved capabilities and greater economic and medical value. This technology will have an immediate impact in the health care as well as in homeland security arenas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hoftun, Jan MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 99648 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611062 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Three-Dimensional Simulation of Polymer Coextrusion using a Fixed Finite Element Mesh. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project involves development of asoftware for an accurate simulation of polymer co-extrusion. The new co-extrusion software will use a unique proprietary constitutive theory, which can accurately capture the complex rheological behavior of polymers. The three-dimensional mesh of tetrahedral finite elements in the co-extrusion system will remain unaltered during the co-extrusion simulation. Instead of requiring the interface between different polymers to match with finite element boundaries, the interface will be allowed to cut through the finite elements. The new software will provide design engineers as well as engineering students a useful tool to perform numerical experiments for optimization of co-extrusion systems. Many different types of companies, including plastic material suppliers, plastic part manufacturers and extrusion equipment manufacturers, will be able to cut cost and increase revenues using this software. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gupta, Mahesh Plastic Flow, LLC MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611067 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Portable Dissolved Oxygen Delivery System for Rapid Treatment of Organic Spills. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will engineer a fully automated, trailer-mounted Supersaturated Dissolved Oxygen Injector (SDOX) and determine the effects of addition of dissolved oxygen (DO) to impaired waterways. Waterways with low dissolved oxygen cannot support fish and other aquatic life and are dominated by anaerobic microbial digestive processes. If the amount of organic nutrients in a waterway is such that resulting bacterial populations consume oxygen at a rate higher than can be replenished to the system through natural aeration, then DO concentration is reduced until anaerobic conditions prevail. The potential utility of the SDOX unit ranges from remediation of waterways that have been impaired by long term exposure to organics (due to excessive or improper fertilization practices or other anthropogenic impacts) to emergency response for treatment of organic spills (from wastewater treatment facilities, animal waste lagoons, petroleum spills and the like). Currently, there are no practical methods to rapidly response to a spill of organics into a body of water. One of the most common organic spills is the accidental release of untreated grey water from a municipal wastewater treatment facility. As a result of the Clean Water Act, each state has mandated water quality parameters for the release of pollutants from any point source (such as wastewater treatment facilities). The development of the technology described in this proposal will provide a practical method to remediate spills that may be significantly less expensive than state imposed fines. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Clay BLUEINGREEN AR F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 BIOT 9150 9104 0118000 Pollution Control 0611070 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Toxic Alcohols Detection Using On-Chip Biosensor Array for Emergency Care. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project is targeted towards the development of a biosensor array for point-of-care (POCT) detection of toxic alcohols. The sensor arrays would eventually be a part of a fully-disposable, plastic biochip which would be the first ever POCT system for diagnostics of toxic alcohol ingestion. This work will demonstrate the detection of methanol and Ethylene Glycol in the presence of Ethanol. Enzyme biosensors are used because of their specificity to a target - however, enzymes that catalyze alcohols show cross-reactivity to a range of alcohols which has precluded their use to-date. This research proposes a paradigm shift for enzymatic biosensors and to exploit this non-specific response and obtain clinically relevant information by using an array of microfabricated sensors and linear computations to calculate concentrations of toxic alcohols even in the presence of interferants. Toxic alcohol exposure deaths currently account for the 6th most fatal toxin group. There are also ~70,000 non-fatal toxic alcohol cases annually in the US. Current detection technology is limited to Gas Chromatography, which while very accurate is not easily available and results cannot be generated in a clinically relevant time-frame. There is no POCT system for detection of toxic alcohols and emergency physicians are forced to rely on non-specific physical symptoms for diagnosis. To err on the side of caution, potentially harmful (ethanol therapy) or expensive (Fomipezole) treatments are ordered leading to increased healthcare costs. A reliable and accurate POCT diagnostics of toxic alcohol would significantly improve the quality of care and minimize unnecessary treatments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, Jae Siloam Biosciences LLC OH F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 97196 5371 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611073 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: STR Analysis Using End-Labeled Free-Solution Electrophoresis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a novel DNA-conjugated marker (drag-label) in genetic fragment size analysis using free solution electrophoresis. This method uses no sieving matrix, so the separation occurs in a fundamentally different manner than using an entangled polymer solution as a sieving matrix and offers the advantage of faster separation with shorter separation distances required. The improved drag-labels must be readily conjugated to DNA fragments and have sufficiently low size variance to allow separation of the DNA sequencing fragments by charge rather than size. The research project will test a drag-label after it is conjugated to PCR primer for short tandem repeat (STR) fragment size analysis and dye-labeled for fluorescence detection. The utility of this method using the proposed drag-label will be investigated and electrophoresis separation performance evaluated to determine the parameters limiting separation efficiency. In addition, the ability to discriminate based on relative intensities after varying the number of dye molecules on the drag-labels of different sized fragments will be evaluated. Commercially, the application is improved fragment size analysis using free-solution electrophoresis. This approach offers significant improvement in separation speed and efficiency (cost reduction), with increased sensitivity using multiple dye-conjugates on each drag-label. DNA sequencing using capillary electrophoresis with an entangled polymer solution as the sieving matrix has experienced tremendous advances in the last decade. New technologies for sequencing are now promising even greater sequencing capabilities. However, these new sequencing technologies are not useful for genetic fragment size analysis methods, such as forensics human identity using STR analysis and other applications using RFLP analysis. Improved technologies are needed for these applications. This method for free-solution electrophoresis for forensics applications can be incorporated into existing capillary electrophoresis instrumentation, allowing rapid and low cost implementation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Loge, Gary LCM Technologies, Inc. PA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 5345 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611074 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Automated Analysis of Body Fluid Chemistry Using MHD-Based Microfluidics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project proposes to develop a portable, sealed, self-contained laboratory-on-a-chip using magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) based microfluidic technology to perform chemical analyses of body fluids. These labs-on-a-chip are small, lightweight, consume minimal reagents and power and can be preprogrammed to automate most of the functions of the device such as pumping, mixing, separation and detection. This innovative MHD pumping technology will be integrated with a self-contained microelectrochemical immunoassay detection method for the development of a sealed, fully automated and adaptable lab analysis system for standalone and point-of-care detection applications. The rapid, simultaneous assessment of proteins, lipids, hormones, carbohydrates, vitamins and clinical drugs in blood (or other body fluids) is feasible. The broader impact of this rapid, automated detection device for quantitation of blood chemistry components would allow the health status of a patient to be determined within a single trip to the doctors office or hospital. Any necessary therapeutic measures could begin immediately. Specific examples include the frequent monitoring of hormone levels for diagnosis and control of premenopausal or menopausal symptoms, monitoring of the health of a pregnancy, diagnosis and control of thyroid and pituitary disorders or other hormone regulation systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Evans, Christine SFC FLUIDICS, LLC AR F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 BIOT 9150 9107 9102 5346 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611075 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: A Gas-Solid Spouted Bed Bioreactor for Solid State Fermentation to Produce Enzymes and Biochemicals from Plant Biomass. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will develop a gas-solid spouted bed bioreactor (SBB) for solid state fermentations (SSF) to produce hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., amylases, phytase, chitinase) and biochemicals (e.g., lactic acid) from solid starch materials. SSF offers higher production rates and easier product recovery compared to submerged fermentation (SmF), along with the ability to use many agricultural commodities and byproducts, such as rice, corn and wheat bran, as substrates. By virtue of its use of plant biomass as a substrate, SSF can become a sustainable system of chemical production from natural resources, thereby providing economic benefit to US agriculture and increasing national competitiveness. The proposed gas-solid spouted bed bioreactor can overcome problems suffered by conventional SSF systems. Using SBB for enzyme production potentially can reduce enzyme costs by more than 75% and thus increase their applications. Commercially, this new solid state fermentation (SFF) process can be used for economical production of industrially important enzymes from solid plant biomass. Hydrolyases such as amylases, cellulases, phytase, and chitinase have wide applications in industry. These enzymes can be more economically produced from plant biomss in SSF using the spouted bed bioreactor. Amylases and many other hydrolase enzymes are used in bioprocessing, including corn wet-milling, which currently generates more than $24.4 billion market value. Reducing the costs of these hydrolyase enzymes is critical to the emerging biorefinery and bio-based industrial products. The gas-solid spouted bed bioreactor (SBB) also can be used in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation processes for biochemicals production from plant biomass containing starch or cellulose. Successfully developing the proposed SBB and SSF technologies will provide sustainable chemical production, protect natural resources and the environment, and enhance economic opportunity and quality of life. The project also will train high quality personnel in the much needed bioprocessing technology areas, and provide an infrastructure for timely commercialization of university research results. There will be job creation throughout the commercial development and manufacturing phases. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Liping Bioprocessing Innovative Company, Inc. OH F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9186 9109 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611088 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Robust Speech-to-Text Messaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project addresses the fundamental problem of inputting text, using speech, into embedded devices like cellular phones. This technology has immediate applications for Text Messaging (short messaging service or SMS). Existing interfaces for Text-Messaging input broadly include the 9-digit keypad and the miniature keyboards. It is widely acknowledged that these interfaces are clumsy and lack the speed and user friendliness of a full-size keyboard. This project's objective is to develop a highly robust, complementary speech-to-text messaging interface, with a goal of near 100% task-completion accuracy (TCA) in real-world noisy environments. Using this, a mobile user will be able to speak messages into a device and have that device type the same. Currently, TravellingWave (TW) has developed (based on the company's patent-pending predictive speech-to-text technologies) speech-to-text messaging software; in clean environments, this product yields the desired 100% TCA. The proposed research involves developing novel front-end signal-processing algorithms (based on adaptive filter banks), optimized to TW's predictive speech-to-text technologies. Specifically, a bank of simple adaptive filters will be developed, each of which estimates and tracks the frequency location of a dominant spectral peak and its amplitude, while discriminating against background noise and interference. It is anticipated that the algorithms resulting from Phase I research will enable its current technology to work under real-world noisy environments and reduce the processing power requirements of the company's overall software application; increasing its overall adoption. The technology is relevant to speech-to-text messaging applications for mobile devices. However, more broadly, the underlying technology may be viewed as an enhanced multi-modal user-interface for the ever-shrinking mobile device: users can now input text using their own voice. The socioeconomic impact of such a rich user-interface technology may be envisioned using the following examples: (a) a user driving an automobile can dictate an email to a mobile device which then sends it across a wireless network, (b) an enterprise executive can access the wealth of information (while on the go) residing on the Internet using a mobile device, (c) a disabled person may communicate in a hands-free-eyes-free mode using text messaging, (c) a warehouse industry worker may input text into a remote database while working in a hands-busy-eyes-busy environment. When adopted in the consumer market this technology will increase the understanding of the language semantics people use, the expectations, the overall use of this new mode of interface, and hence will broaden the overall understanding of several concepts underlying human-machine interface technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rao, Ashwin TravellingWave WA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611090 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: User Oriented Character Animation Framework for Producing Believable Motions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes a new approach to the problem of creating and editing premium quality computer-generated character animation that will dramatically reduce the labor penalty associated with animation techniques and software tools currently available. The specific technical innovation consists of a generic animation framework that produces high-quality motion through a reduced set of input parameters (compared to keyframe techniques) while providing a high degree of "directability" for the user. Additionally the proposed innovation affords the ability to generate, capture and reproduce stylistic motions with a high level of fidelity and repeatability. Style is encoded in both physically- and behaviorally-based time-variable parameters supporting smooth transitions between styles. Successful completion of this project will lead to a product that increases the productivity of experienced animators by simplifying the CG animation process, and enables novice or non-animators to quickly and easily create animated content. The solution will allow animation to be used for applications where it was not previously feasible due to budgetary constraints opening up new commercial opportunities. Furthermore the successful development of this innovation will expose a much broader consumer market to the art of computer animation, allowing educators to develop more creative and visually effective course materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Divelbiss, Adam Creative Logic Entertainment NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 98536 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611093 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Miniature Biosensor Utilizing Nanomaterial Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program proposes combining photonic sensing, nanotechnology and biotechnology to demonstrate a new type of biosensor for laboratory use and rapid response to biological threats. The proposed device will be constructed from a new type of chemical-biological sensor which uses fiber optic grating sensor technology enhanced with unique new nanomaterial coatings. The combination of the new sensing method with the nanomaterial properties will result in a low-cost, rapid, highly sensitive and miniature device capable of battery operation and integration into a deployable unit. Detection has been demonstrated both for fluid-borne and air-borne targets, and the technique will detect bacteria, nerve agents, proteins and explosives. Expected detection limits for the final device range from 100 to 1000 times better than is currently possible using existing laboratory systems. Development of such a biosensor will require a concerted multidisciplinary effort in optical physics, biochemistry, and polymer and interfacial chemistry. If successful the proposed project will advance scientific knowledge in the following areas: (1) Advance the understanding of photonic sensing through the study of electromagnetic/optical field interactions in the photonic waveguide structures and in the overlying nanomaterial films, (2) Advance the development of nanomaterial applications through study of the covalent binding mechanisms between the affinity ligands and the ionic self-assembled multilayers (ISAM) film polymers, resulting in a general procedure for incorporating multiple classes of targets, (3) Advance the development of combinatorial evaluation techniques utilizing automated reasoners to reduce the requirement for high specificity sensing vectors, ultimately leading to intelligent sensing and reduced false alarm indications, and (4) Provide advanced educational opportunities through support of graduate and undergraduate students at Virginia Tech, specifically in the condensed matter and biotechnology areas. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Michael PRIME RESEARCH LC VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99760 1505 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611095 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Desulfurization Adsorbents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design and develop novel metalorganic framework (MOF) adsorbents that selectively remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from hydrogen reformate gas. It addresses the critical need for an effective sulfur removal approach for a fuel processing system using JP8 and diesel logistical fuels. The goal is to reduce sulfur content to <0.1 ppmw in reformate and provide pure hydrogen for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The MOF adsorbents will offer attractive advantages of selectivity, capacity, and regenerability for sulfur removal compared to existing technologies. Improved desulfurization for compact fuel processors will facilitate the production of portable power sources (10 - 1000 W) and auxiliary power units (50 - 200 kW) for ground vehicles, tractor-trailers, boats, RV's, etc. It is likely that the technology will also be scalable down to smaller 1 - 10 W power units that have immense market potential for portable electronic devices using liquid fuels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Pu T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149999 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611099 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Enabling Low-Temperature Synthesis of Vertically Aligned Carbon-Nanotubes by Selective Heating of Catalyst. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new process of low-temperature synthesis of aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanofibers (CNFs). CNTs/CNFs are widely studied for manufacturing of novel nanomaterials and nanodevices. The prospects of this manufacturing are currently limited by the high (above 500 deg C) surface temperature during CNT/CNF synthesis, which often results in nanomaterial or device damage. We propose to develop a novel processing system where CNTs/CNFs will be grown at low temperature due to (i) delivering a supply of hydrocarbons on the surfaces of nanoparticles at low temperature using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, and (ii) selective heating of catalytic nanoparticles using catalytic exothermic reactions and radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields generated by an RF source additional to that used to sustain discharge in PECVD reactor. This goal will be achieved by a combination of theoretical efforts at CFDRC and experimental research at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK). Theoretical efforts will be devoted to the analysis and multi-scale computational design of CNT/CNF synthesis using a reactor-scale simulation of gas/plasma-phase processes, a Kinetic Monte Carlo analysis of the growth of CNTs, and a Molecular Dynamic modeling of self-assembly of atoms into CNTs. Phase I will show the feasibility of the proposed concepts using existing PECVD reactors for CNT/CNF growth at UTK. Phase II will be devoted to building a prototype of manufacturing reactor for the developed processes. Currently, CNTs are produced in very small quantities and cost more per gram than gold. The combined Phase I and Phase II efforts will result in a novel processing system for a direct synthesis of vertically aligned CNT structures at selective locations on the surfaces of temperature-sensitive materials. Immediate applications include manufacturing of CNT-based field emitters displays, pharmaceutical micro-reactors, bio and chemical sensors, probe tips for atomic force microscopes, and cold cathodes in X-ray devices. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vasenkov, Alexsey CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99532 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611106 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Magnetohydrodynamic-based Circular Liquid Chromatography. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a magnetohydrodynamically (MHD) based, closed-loop liquid chromatographic (LC) technology. The work will improve on exiting technologies to allow more specific purification of desired materials. Existing LCs consist of a fixed length column that cannot adjust according to the separation task in mind. Using a column bent into a closed loop that has virtual infinite length and should allow one to achieve very precise separations and purification of compounds will alleviate the MHD system. Liquid chromatography is a mature technology that is often used in chemical, biological, and medical laboratories for separation and purification of macromolecules. The shortcomings of fixed length columns have long been recognized. This novel MHD approach will allow for increased separation and thus better purification of such macromolecules for use as research reagents as well as in the drug development market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Evans, Christine SFC FLUIDICS, LLC AR F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0611112 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: High-Throughput In-Situ Crystallography Screening System. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims at developing a compact high-throughput in-situ crystallography screening system that rapidly measures x-ray diffraction properties of crystals while inside the growth dish to monitor and optimize the growth condition. This project seems to automate this step with a novel system using a combination of micro-focus x-ray sources and a zone plate lens to directly measure the crystal's x-ray diffraction property. The project will fulfill the crucial in-situ structure screening step for fully automating the crystallography process by allowing growth conditions to be optimized without the need of operator attention and ensuring that only high-quality crystals are further selected for the time-consuming diffraction data acquisition step. The project will have considerable impact in both commercial/drug discovery markets as we as in basic research for further elucidation of protein biology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Steve Xradia CA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 97125 5371 BIOT 9183 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611116 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Geographic Information Retrieval for Arabic. This SBIR Phase I research project by MetaCarta proposes to introduce a novel annotation technique, parallel bootstrapping, to take advantage of the existing data sets in creating high quality training material for toponym extraction and resolution. Information Retrieval (IR) systems that can deal with Arabic already exist, but perform no Geographic Information Retrieval (GIR). As the experience of MetaCarta's users shows, it is practically impossible to retrofit standard keyword-based IR systems to perform GIR at a high level, so the only way to achieve Arabic GIR capability is to start with a GIR system. The availability of a high quality English GIR system makes it possible to address the greatest bottleneck of machine learning projects, the lack of manually truthed training data, by an innovative parallel bootstrap technique. Much of disambiguation, and in general, the extraction of semantic content from text, is still performed by rule-based systems that summarize expert knowledge of a domain. In contrast, MetaCarta employs machine-learning techniques that combine Hidden Markov and Maximum Entropy methods. For Arabic, we propose to restrict the rule-based component to morphological analysis, with later stages, in particular the extraction and disambiguation of toponyms to be performed by systems trained on truthed Arabic text. While plain (untruthed) Arabic text is now available in large quantities, see in particular the Arabic Gigaword corpus produced by the Linguistic Data Consortium (LDC), the amount of tagged material is considerably less, and the detail truth values required for toponym extraction and disambiguation are extremely labor-intensive to create by manual annotation. MetaCarta will use as input the LDC 2004T17 and T18 parallel corpora, running the English side through the existing MetaCarta system to produce the in-depth toponym annotation, and projecting back this annotation on the Arabic side. This technology has broad appeal to customers that have an interest in extending GIR to Arabic documents. Representative customers are highly interested in activities restricted to narrow geographic confines, and many of the documents providing information about Middle Eastern areas of key strategic importance are available only in Arabic. Deploying Arabic GIR would also enable the analysts to more rapidly focus on the relevant documents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kornai, Andras MetaCarta Inc MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99900 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611123 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Durable Functional Coloring of Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Structural Composites for High Strength Material Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will enable development and understanding of the flow and interaction of inorganic pigments with glass fibers in a polymer melt flow molding process in order to produce colored structural composite materials. The proposed effort will lead to the development of thermoplastic composite structural materials with enhanced thermal efficiency, attractive coloring and that are processable using low-cost flow molding technologies - entirely integrated in a single-step process. Efforts that address process-performance-microstructure relationships will lead to the development of engineered thermoplastic resins and composites that that can be colored with durable pigments. This innovation has the potential to significantly impact a number of end use applications in transportation, construction, recreation and leisure, and industrial markets. Examples of applications include body panels, underbody floors, roof substructure, front and rear end modules, building interiors etc. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Brannon, Kathryn The Shepherd Color Company OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1443 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611126 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Methanation of Diesel Fuels. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop and demonstrate proof-of-concept of a Microlith-based catalytic reactor for reforming Tier II Diesel fuel such that it contains > or =10% CH4 in addition to CO and H2 without allowing coke formation. The proposed reactor will displace the current need for secondary methanation and associated support components, cost and efficiency loss. Key technical challenges to be examined in the project include identifying appropriate methanation-favored conditions for distillate fuels as well as the kinetics of catalyst performance that favor direct methanation pathways. Achieving sufficiently robust, efficient and low cost reforming of liquid fuels suitable for SOFC/MCFCs would help enable the ready use of these fuel cell technologies for transportation applications. Cost barriers remain key barriers to use of fuel cells, and this proposed advance offers to substantially simplify the reforming value train. Key initial applications would be for commercial truck APUs and military ships. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roychoudhury, Subir Precision Combustion, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611127 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Control Paradigm for Upper Extremity Prosthetics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of a novel class of prosthetic devices and the means to control them to provide more human-like capabilities then currently available. The device will provide up to eight channels of control as compared to the limited two channels currently on the market. This will provide a new standard paradigm in the control of such devices and allow an easier, user-friendly approach to the prosthetic hand market. The goal of this research is to bring to market the first true advance in upper-limb prosthetics to come about in the last fifty years. It responds to the fundamental desire of its target market by providing greater functionality than any other hand prosthesis available. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roston, Gerald Elkins Innovations, Inc. MI F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 149953 5371 BIOT 9123 1203 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611130 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Active Learning System for Audit Selection. This research project aimes to develop, validate and bring to market an innovation that has the potential to dramatically enhance the return on investment from audit of fraud or non-compliance cases. In most audit detection domains, resource intensive evaluation of cases, such as costly audits, is the principal means of monitoring (and thus enhancing) compliance. To optimize the management of audit-related resources, statistical predictive models are often developed to detect cases of non-compliance. However, there exists a fundamental flaw in the existing paradigm of detection-model development, which significantly undermines the efficacy of non-compliance detection. The historical data used to induce the scoring models is heavily biased - it is drawn from "regions"in the search space that are already known to have relatively higher likelihood of incompliance. As a result, detection models fail to produce adequate predictions when applied to detect non-compliance in new regions of the domains. This flaw results in two important consequences: (1) detection models evolve slowly, if at all, to changes in non-compliance behavior and do not effectively detect new or existing unknown "pockets" of incompliance; and (2) information from new audit merely reinforce existing perceptions rather than enhance current knowledge. It is imperative to acquire information from unknown regions to produce better detection models. The goal of this project is to leverage intelligent sampling techniques from machine learning to help identify particularly informative audits that will substantially improve future audit detection and revenue recovery for a given cost. The proposed technology draws from recent advances in active learning research, which has demonstrated to produce substantially superior models for a given (audit) acquisition cost as compared to the existing sample-acquisition paradigm. Empirical results have shown impressive improvements in a variety of industry domains. Given that audit selection has important unique properties, this project would field validate the efficacy of active learning polices for the audit-detection domain, and perhaps develop customized new policies that better utilize the properties and objectives of the audit selection domain. We conjecture that these potentially risky hurdles have impeded the present deployment of ideas from active learning research to promote audit selection practices. From a product standpoint, the approach is to encapsulate the active learning technology (to be validated in Phase I) as a software system that integrates with current operational systems and business processes. The relevant industry domains to which this technology can be applied are broad and include tax auditing, insurance claims auditing, warranty fraud, benefits abuse, and e-commerce fraud. The economic impact of non-compliance is tremendous - it was estimated that the amount of uncollected IRS taxes in1992 was 127 billion dollars, and that Medicare lost $11.9 billion to fraud and mistakes in 2000 alone. Hence cost-effective detection of noncompliance can substantially benefit the US economy. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Micci-Barreca, Daniele Elite Analytics LLC TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99396 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611135 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Low-Cost Monolithic Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Design. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a planar monolithic solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system fabricated by spray pyrolysis and sintering techniques. In our monolithic SOFC design, the selected cathode, electrolyte, and anode materials are chemically and mechanically compatible, with no concerns over undesired chemical interactions at the elevated operation temperatures, and almost no thermal expansion mismatch between the electrolyte and electrodes. This planar monolithic SOFC design also enables us to make the electrolyte layer in a thin film form, which will result in lower operating temperatures and a compact structure for portable SOFCs. Furthermore, the monolithic structure assures a low-cost manufacturing process. The proposed technology will have a great impact on the energy generation applications with practical SOFCs, which will be low-cost, reliable, and portable. The global market is expected to reach $335 millions by 2008, with an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 22.2% through the forecast period from 2003. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guo, Xianzhong Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99900 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611138 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Next Generation Digital Data Recovery System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project aimes to research next generation digital data recovery techniques. The problem of restoring lost data from a damaged digital device arises routinely in digital forensics and data recovery. In many advanced cases of digital storage failure currently available file recovery techniques based on disk storage information fail. The objective of the Phase I project is to further research and refine reassembly techniques, already developed in Polytechnic, that do not rely on disk information, but are based on the statistical properties of file contents themselves. In order to build a commercially viable tool, research is required for discovering domain specific techniques to identify the type of fragments and additional research needs to be conducted on developing efficient/scalable algorithms to recover a myriad of file types. This research will require introducing techniques from expert systems, data modelling, and combinatorial optimizations. Funding will also be used to test the viability of the research by implementing the research in a developed Data Recovery tool. At the end of Phase I it is anticipated to have researched enough domain specific recovery techniques to market the data recovery tool to existing digital forensic vendors. The problem of recovery of information from bits and pieces of digital data, in the absence of storage meta-information to tie the pieces together, is equivalent to the problem of having hundreds/thousands of jigsaw puzzles mixed into together. The challenge of identifying if a piece of data belongs to a specific file or file type is daunting. In addition, one must identify not only which pieces belong to which file but the correct order of placement of the data to reconstruct a file. There has been no serious work undertaken to tackle the problem of recovery of fragmented digital data. The preliminary research conducted at Polytechnic University has not only been groundbreaking, but also has demonstrated the viability of developing domain specific techniques to identify the type of data fragments and the use of file type specific algorithms to econstruct files. The funding from Phase I would be used to further data fragment classification techniques as well as file type specific techniques for enhanced recovery. The funding will also be used to develop file type specific recovery algorithms for email, word processing, database and multimedia files. With the surge in usage and capacities of digital storage devices, the need for more efficient and better techniques for data recovery are becoming more apparent. It is anticipated that funding obtained from this proposal can result in the development and dissemination of an expert system that can be licensed as libraries to the vendors of disk analysis tools in the Digital Forensic market. Utilizing these libraries, existing tools can be enhanced to handle the recovery of digital data. The digital forensic market will greatly benefit from the additional recovery of information as it can be crucial to the needs of the intelligence, law enforcement and security sectors. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a stand-alone next generation recovery tool that utilizes the very latest recovery techniques researched in Phase I and beyond. Such a tool, would cater to the needs of the digital forensic and the broader data recovery market. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Memon, Nasir Digital Assembly LLC NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99994 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611150 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Platform For Tightly Integrated Reconfigurable Computing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the technical and commercial feasibility of a general-purpose platform for reconfigurable computing. The intellectual merit of the effort is justified by the creation of essential elements for a computing environment needed to sustain a mainstream reconfigurable platform. These elements include the development of a reference design and requisite software for a tightly integrated platform. Reconfigurable computing through Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) provides faster, smaller and lower power IT solutions. Trends and scaling laws project continuing advances in this technology that outpace the traditional microprocessor. Adoption has been limited mainly due to the complexity of the programming environment and the limitations of a loosely coupled co-processor implementation. The research objectives of the Phase I effort are to create and adapt software products that target a proxy hardware development board hosting a reconfigurable chip with a tightly coupled embedded processor. The anticipated results are an assessment of technical and performance issues of the integrated system. The broader impacts of the proposed activity include the potential commercial value and the enhancement of IT infrastructure for research and development. The technical and business risk associated with the overall vision of this effort brings with it the possibility of significant commercial impact. The innovation is enabled by recent advances in the capacity and functionality of reconfigurable chips which can be used to address near-term business opportunities. It enhances the IT infrastructure by upgrading the existing computing environment with a new type of platform that provides vastly improved performance with lower overall power and space requirements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Richie, David Stone Ridge Technology MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149735 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611153 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Low-cost Ceramic Membranes for Drinking Water Treatment. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibilty of a novel approach to the fabrication of ceramic membranes that could result in an 80% reduction in membrane fabrication costs. Membrane filtration is becoming an important aspect in the removal of particulates and contaminates from drinking water. Recent developments in ceramic membrane modules that offset the high manufacturing costs have allowed ceramics to be competitive with polymerics in some markets. By developing the novel fabrication technique, the cost of ceramic membranes modules will be significantly reduced, giving ceramics an advantage over the currently employed polymeric membranes. Increased membrane usage in water treatment will lead to safer drinking water for the 90% of Americans that receive their water from community water systems. For the water systems that employ ceramic membranes, there will be less cost, less maintenance and fewer concerns of system integrity failures. In addition, the technology developed in this program would be applicable to potentially all ceramic microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes for all food, beverage, chemicals, pharmaceutical, energy, wastewater, and water applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hoffman, Christopher CeraMem Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611160 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Commercialization of Next Generation SOFC's. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to demonstrate the enhanced electrochemical performance and oxidation-reduction stability of a novel planar solid oxide fuel cell component. This research program will optimize the cell architecture, composition and geometry to assure cell stability during both thermal and oxidation-reduction cycling. Furthermore, the impact of thermal gradients on cell integrity and performance will be will be evaluated as a means of identifying and improving cell characteristics. Successful completion of this project will accelerate commercialization of SOFC systems for many applications. Benefit to the U.S. will be devices with improved energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas and pollution emissions, as well as the potential for many high technology manufacturing jobs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Seabaugh, Matthew NEXTECH MATERIALS LTD OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611162 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Catalytic Filter for Diesel Exhaust Purification. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project explores the development of a catalytically active filtration device for the continuous removal of particulate matter from diesel engine exhaust. A novel particulate filtration system that continuously oxidizes particulate matter and does not require regeneration will be prepared, characterized and demonstrated. Particulate emissions from diesel engines are viewed as a significant health hazard. New diesel fuel and exhaust emission regulations to be phased in through 2010 require that diesel engine exhaust be extensively cleaned. Successful application of the proposed technology will lower the cost of purifying diesel engine exhaust, enabling wider application of highly fuel-efficient diesel engines, which will in turn reduce overall fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fokema, Mark ASPEN PRODUCTS GROUP, INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611164 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Precision Multi-Site Cellular Dosing using a Membrane-Based Laminar-Flow Device. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will create an instrument for chemically interfacing with cells in culture at numerous sites simultaneously and with arbitrary, real-time control over the interaction coordinates. The broader impact of this instrument will be to provide a new tool for greatly improving the scientific understanding of cellular responses in the study of neuronal differentiation, growth, activity, and death. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Guzun, Dorel Minotaur Technologies, LLC AR Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9150 9107 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611170 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: An Innovative Method for Removing Resist from Wafers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project seeks to develop an innovative method for removing resist from semiconductor wafers. The Microcavitation Resist Remover will help enable the low-k integration critical to the next generation of faster chips. Microcavitation will be a mechanical removal process influenced by the mechanical properties of fracture rather than the chemical constitution of the resist. Resist stripping is a growing $3.7B market. The proposed Microcavitation Resist Remover and wafer cleaner succesfully overcomes a critical technological barrier facing the IC manufacturing industry today. Beyond the IC manufacturing industy, the Microcavitation Resist Remover will be critical in all areas where thin film removal is critical e.g., MEMS, PCB, optics, automotive (paint removal), and aerospace. More broadly, it will be an enabling technology for use in thin film processing. Microcavitation is a chemical free, environmentally friendly technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ji, Hang Uncopiers, Inc. KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611172 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Novel Membrane for Lactate Esterification. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at developing a novel pervaporation membrane for the separation of water during esterification reaction to improve yields of lactate esters. Ethyl lactate is used in large volume and is produced from fermentation of renewable carbohydrate sources such as corn. The higher cost of manufacture of lactate esters is due to the low yield of the esterification process. The cost of the manufacture can be lowered by increasing the efficiency of the esterification process. To improve the efficiency of the process, a novel membrane is proposed to achieve high separation and yield. The use of an efficient membrane for separation in lactate ester production holds several benefits from the industrial, commercial and environmental standpoint. Lactate esters such as ethyl lactate are safe alternatives to conventional organic industrial solvents that are known to damage the ozone layer and pollute groundwater. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Radhakrishnan, R Materials Modification Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611174 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Ultraviolet Activated Chelation (UVAC) for the Recovery of Hg from Industrial Wastewater. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project focuses on developing an advanced oxidation technology to meet current and pending regulations for concentrations of mercury that can be emitted in industrial wastewaters. In the current project, a proprietary photocatalyst will be used to investigate the ability to oxidize and remove the Hg. The research objectives of this project will be to better understand the removal process, to optimize the removal of mercury using this approach, and to define the parameters necessary for future development. Mercury concentrations below 100 ppt are anticipated via the proposed approach. The approach has the robustness to remove Hg from a variety of different waste streams and requires less O&M costs than traditional water treatment technologies. Mercury emissions, whether originating from air emissions or industrial effluents severely threaten the ecosystem and the fishing industry. Typically, environmental technologies are viewed as necessities for environmental compliance, and not as positively impacting their profit statements. The proposed approach can potentially alter this view; this process could possibly remove Hg from caustic, a commodity product for the industry. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Casasus, Anna Sol-Gel Solutions, LLC FL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99701 1505 MANU 9147 9102 1984 1948 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611177 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Microfluidic Controlled Microarrays for Infectious Disease Diagnostic Applications. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to integrate microfluidc sample preparation and a gel-drop microarray detection technology clinical diagnostic use. The end user will be able to perform testing for the presence of infectious disease and results within 30 minutes. Each drop behaves as a self-contained micro-test tube and each microarray will have several hundred gel-drops. The technology represents a potentially enormous business opportunity for clinical medicine, biodefense, veterinary medicine as well food and beverage pathogen identification and environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Daitch, Charles Akonni Biosystems Inc. MD Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 149696 5371 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611179 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: A Perchlorate Bioassay. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a sensitive and cost effective colorimetric bioassay for perchlorate determination in environmental samples. Perchlorate is known to affect thyroid hormone production potentially leading to neuropsychological development deficiencies. The technique proposed will take advantage of the reported ability of the nitrate reductase enzyme to reduce perchlorate to chlorite and a highly sensitive colorimetric assay for the quantitative measurement of low-level chlorite concentrations. The chlorite assay is based upon the enzymatic reaction between chlorite and horseradish peroxidase resulting in the quantitative production of chlorine dioxide which further chemically reacts with o-dianisidine to yield a yellow color. Once a nitrate reductase has been optimized for perchlorate reduction, feasibility of the technique will be dependent on the sensitivity and accuracy of the bioassay when applied to environmental samples. This proposed bioassay will create a simpler, more efficient, and cost effective method to detect low levels of perchlorate in environmental samples. Adaptation to a dipstick type test will also aid in field site analysis and provide a commercial diagnostic kit. With over 90 known perchlorate releases throughout 35 US states, this technology will benefit businesses, environmental service firms, site owners, and federal, state, and local government entities in their efforts to protect and remediate water supplies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG O'Connor, Susan BioInsite, LLC IL F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 5346 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611186 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Control and Optimization of Combustion Based on Multispectral Emission Tomography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates a novel approach for directly measuring critical combustion flow-field information required for active control to increase combustion efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. The critical innovation in this proposal is the experimental determination of this functional relationship using spectral sensor technology and tomographic reconstruction techniques. Flow field characterization is achieved using a large number of measurements over multiple lines of sight through the flow. Once the sensor-to-flow functional relationship is determined, the process engineer can implement an active control system using a small number of strategically-placed sensors. The proposed Phase I research lays the scientific ground work for active control systems for a range of multi-burner combustors, including turbine engines, boilers, and process burners. These applications represent more than 50% of the global fossil energy usage; thus improvements in efficiency can have a major economic and societal impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jin, Xuemin Spectral Sciences Inc MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99987 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611193 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Laser Textured Orthopedic Implants. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel method of preparing surfaces for medical applications that retain lubricant; the main applications are orthopedic in nature. This research uses lubricant retention features of engineered laser-textured surfaces to increase the film thickness in orthopedic implants. Previous researchers have shown the benefits of textured surfaces on friction and wear, but this usually consists of longitudinally ground surfaces. These do provide some tribological benefit compared to amorphous surfaces, but even more advantages can be gained by using ovoid bowls and specially optimized surface patterns. The proposed design uses Nd:YAG laser pulses to obtain lubricant reservoirs, increasing the load supported by synovial fluid and thereby decreasing wear. The pattern profile and packing will be optimized for biomechanical loadings encountered in walking, a new and valuable concept to produce the optimum surface for orthopedic implants. Commercially, this application is focued on commercial applications associated with orthopedics, but a number of additional applications exist for this technology. In the medical field, textured surfaces could be used to help deploy implants such as stents or catheters, since adhesion is known to play a significant role in these applications. The approach of placing a texture through Nd:YAG lasers with optimum shape can be used to improve performance and extend the life of any dynamically loaded reciprocating tribological contact with an unsteady load. Examples of such applications include piston rings, piston main bearings, cams, and ratchets, especially for high performance applications where the cost of laser texturing can be justified. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stalcup, Greg SITES, LLC IN F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9189 9181 0203000 Health 0611195 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Multiscale Code for Two-Phase and Cavitating Flows for Engineering Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of advanced software for the description of complex multiscale bubbly flows such as those encountered in a variety of chemical and mechanical engineering processes. The strength of this proposed hybrid model is that it will address cases where bubbles are present on a wide range of scales. A major component of the proposed work is a continuum-based model, which will be extended using matched asymptotic expansions. This will allow for representation of bubble-bubble interactions, non-spherical bubble dynamics, and bubble-flow interactions. The resulting successfully developed code will greatly benefit the fundamental multiphase flow research community and be strongly attractive to a broad range of industrial applications which require accurate and efficient software for predicting and analyzing multiphase flow problems. The developed software can be used directly in optimization and design of industrial devices such as pumps, propellers, foils, valves, cavitating jets, piping and nuclear and chemical reactors etc. where the technical applications involve a dispersed bubble flows in a continuous liquid SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tanguay, Michel Dynaflow Inc MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611204 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Vapor Generator for the Calibration of Explosive Trace Detectors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aimes to design and build a digitally-controlled vapor generator that will enable field calibration of vapor trace detectors for explosives. The technology risk-elements concern precisely delivering, under digital control, a dilute explosive mixture to a heated surface, converting it to a vapor and then delivering the vapor plume to a trace explosive detector to be tested or calibrated. Other technology issues relate to vapor generator precision, repeatability, and instrument reliability. Engineering issues concern the design and fabrication of a handheld prototype based upon a disposable cartridge approach. The handheld vaporjet calibration instrument will include standard test protocols with a user-friendly computer interface. It is anticipated that, during Phase I, the handheld unit will be tested and characterized with existing trace detector systems. There are tens of thousands of vapor trace detector systems deployed in the field today. They are operated by military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere; they are operated by government agents in airports, sub-way system, ports, embassies, consulates and public facilities across the globe; they are operated by private industry to protect their customers, employees and facilities. All these systems must be calibrated and verified on a regular basis. This need requires standard testing protocols for trace and stand-off detection methods and vapor sampling calibration methods. Sales will come from the calibration of detectors in the field, on manufacturing lines, and sales to R&D institutions for sensor development. Ultimately, real-time vaporjet calibration units could be designed into next generation sensor systems to insure consistent accuracy. Societal benefits include improved trace detection of explosives and other chemical threats. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hayes, Donald MicroFab Technologies Inc TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1984 1948 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611205 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Compact and Portable Chlor-Alkali Generator for Emergency Response. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project aims to develop and demonstrate a compact and portable chlor alkali generator for emergency response operations. A portable system that uses an electrochemical reactor to generate chlorine and caustic soda efficiently in a compact manner will be developed. These products may be combined to produce hypochlorite giving the emergency responder a range of chemical reactants produced on-site that can be used for disinfecting water or decontaminating surfaces. During the Phase I program, we will develop and demonstrate the compact reactor culminating in a prototype design that will be developed in a Phase II follow-on effort. Emergency response personnel need improved methods to disinfect or decontaminate such exposed areas quickly. Of particular importance is providing improved water quality for consumption in disaster areas along with quicker decontamination of buildings, personnel, and equipment. Extensions of our compact electrochemical reactor technology may also be applied toward smaller units for disinfecting water for recreational and military soldiers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kimble, Michael MicroCell Technologies MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99952 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611206 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Intracellular delivery of nematicidal proteins. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a method to use cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to carry bioactive proteins across cell membranes in plant parasitic nematodes. Multiple CPPs will be developed which cross nematode cell membranes when attached to a 15 kDa protein scaffold. This scaffold is the starting structure for future novel libraries (called STEM), which will involve the selection of proteins that inhibit essential intracellular targets in the nematode. CPP-STEM fusion proteins will be generated in bacteria and purified. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and root knot nematode (RKN) J2 larvae will be soaked in these proteins under conditions that facilitate molecular uptake into the parasite intestine. To confirm that the CPP-STEM scaffolds can be expressed in plants in a form that is accessible to the nematode, transgenic expression of the fusion proteins within hairy roots as well as uptake by SCN and RKN will be used as the bioassay. The CPP-STEM proteins will also be localized in the nematode, which will provide information on what tissues and cellular compartments can be targeted by this approach. Commercially, the application is a transgenic solution for the control of parasitic nematode infections. Parasitic nematodes cost the agricultural industries in excess of $8 billion annually in the United States and $78 billion annually worldwide. The use of nematicides is tightly restricted. They are also cumbersome to apply in a safe manner and are expensive to use. Many chemicals, such as methyl bromide, are hazardous to the environment and are slated for deregistration. The broader impact of this project centers on the potential for novel means of nematode control to lessen the need for the application of toxic and environmentally unfriendly chemicals on major crops. This approach is target based, expressing nematicidal proteins that cross the nematode cell membrane in transgenic plants. This strategy can be used to develop control of a broad array of parasitic nematodes from cyst nematodes on soybean, root knot on vegetables, fruits and cotton, to lesion nematode on corn. Further application to insects and fungal pathogens of plants could broaden the impact of this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hresko, Michelle Divergence, Inc. MO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 9102 0201000 Agriculture 0611210 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Development of an Actively-Controlled Prosthetic Foot. This Small Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop an actively controlled prosthetic foot that makes walking easier and more comfortable for the lower limb amputees. Commercial prostheses use passive mechanisms to provide articulation, cushioning against heel impact, and elastic energy return; yet the energetic cost of amputee walking is high. Currently the most sophisticated prostheses are intelligent knees, which improve gait by actively controlling braking of the knee. Based on recent laboratory result and an earlier prototype device, the proposed project will used controlled energy storage and release, thus significantly improve the efficiency of a prosthetic foot. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Collins, Steven Arthur Kuo Intelligent Prosthetic Systems MI F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9123 1203 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611219 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Electrode Material Development for SuperCapacitor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project intends to develop low cost activated carbon nanofiber based ultracapacitor electrode material with ability to store large energy and power density. Polymer precursor nanofibers from polyacrylonitrile, pitch, phenolic, and lignin will be produced using an electrospinning process. These nanofibers will be converted to activated carbon nanofiber with surface area in excess of 3 to 5 times more than the conventional electrode material used in supercapacitors. The nanofiber architecture will be tailored to achieve the desired power and energy performance by varying pore structure, electrode thickness, surface area, and other product properties. Supercapcitors are candidates for many applications including electric vehicles, consumer and industrial electronics and power tools, power management, etc. Successful development of low cost carbon electrode material will allow supercapacitor material manufacturer to produce these devices at relatively low cost and will have broad effect on overall market in terms of cost and economics. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doshi, Jayesh ESPIN TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149999 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0611233 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Technology Assessment and Readiness Analysis System. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Technology Assessment and Readiness Analysis System (TARAS), an intelligent inference toolset that utilizes novel semantic-based information technologies to link information from disparate sources. The information will be analyzed to identify expertise and core competencies of individuals and manufacturing enterprises in order to provide technology planners and researchers a full visibility of potential resources and expertise. Technology managers and others in the research and development community will benefit from this decision making support system through greater visibility of potential solutions and the identification of optimum strategies to meet their organization's technology requirements. This project will develop a prototype decision making toolset to create a more complete view of potential solutions, collaborative opportunities, and expertise than is currently provided by available information resources. Current information resources typically focus on general directory and product-centered information. However, linking personnel, facility, product, and capability data in order to create a composite profile that can be used to locate expertise would provide an important view. This project will also pilot the automated assignment of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to provide additional information as to the maturity level of technology solutions. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Merrell, Mary INRAD, LLC TN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99904 9150 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611239 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Materials with Improved Thermoelectric Properties. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop high thermoelectric figure-of-merit (ZT) nanocrystal quantum dot (NQD) thermoelectric (TE) materials that have thermal efficiency properties far better than traditional bulk thermoelectric materials. In the proposed work, TE devices will be fabricated from solidified quantum dot films that are formed from colloidally synthesized NQDs using thermal consolidation. The capability for designing and constructing materials and structures with dimensions on the nanometer scale produces quantum confinement effects that permit optical and electronic properties to be tunable based on the size, shape, and composition of the nanostructures. These effects represent additional degrees of freedom in the development of thermoelectric materials, and therefore permit significant advances in both fundamental understanding, and device performance. Consequently, the potential for bypassing the upper limit of bulk material ZT has been recognized, there has been a surge of interest and research in the application of nanotechnology for TE development. To realize the opportunity presented by nanotechnology, delicate compromises must be achieved to obtain the high values of ZT found in some materials. Thus, careful optimization is needed to obtain good materials for application in TE devices. ZT is related to electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity by the Seebeck coefficient. The essential idea is to find materials in which the heat-carrying phonons are strongly scattered (glass-like, low conductivity), while the charge carriers are not (crystal-like, high conductivity). Commercially, the overall goal of the program is to develop an advanced thermoelectric nanostructured material that will offer significant cost, flexibility, and performance benefits for advanced technology applications particularly in the microelectronics industry. The proposed TE materials improve performance by increasing electrical conductivity while reducing thermal conductivity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stonas, Andreas Voxtel Inc. OR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99997 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611243 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Optical Parametric Amplification of Backscatter Signal LIDAR for Enhanced Detection Sensitivity. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)Phase I research project objectives include the development of the Optical Parametric Amplification of Cross Correlation of Frequency- Resolved Optical Gating (OPA XFROG) for LIDAR detection that entails the assessment of the minimum measurable signal and the application to known incoherent signals. The technique has shown compelling results, however the parameters of amplification, such as pump pulse energy and crystal thickness, need to be optimized before this optical technique can be integrated into commercial instrumentation. A second objective is the design of the LIDAR instrument equipped with the optical amplification apparatus (transmitter, receiver, and optimization of the backscattered light collection). The ability to detect weak fluorescence and Raman signals using a LIDAR system has considerable impact on future remote sensing applications. Not only will remote sensing distances be significantly extended (a minimum gain of two orders of magnitude is expected) but species with spectral signatures that are too weak to be recognized against the background noise will be within the signal-to-noise ratio required for positive identification. Remote sensing of chemical and biological materials can substantially reduce the threat level to military personnel and civilians. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Fourguette, Dominique Michigan Aerospace Corporation MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 98184 1505 BIOT 9107 9102 7236 1491 0110000 Technology Transfer 0611253 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Automated Reusability Analysis of Digital Learning Resources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I research project will investigate technology innovations needed to support the automated analysis and improvement of the reusability characteristics of digital learning resources. Reusability of digital learning resources is crucial to increasing access and lowering the cost of online training and education. Recent advances in the theory of reusability, metadata management and natural language processing make it plausible to develop software that analyzes and improves reusability. The ability of such software to address deeper reusability issues depends on the satisfactory resolution of two key research questions: (1) How well can emerging automated metadata generation (AMG) techniques (including latent semantic analysis (LSA) and repository harvesting techniques) be used to generate accurate contextual metadata for learning content, including classifications using taxonomies of learning objectives? (2) Is it possible to automatically recognize semantic and structural design characteristics of learning resource that are germane to reuse? These include the ability to break a resource into self-contained learning objects with single learning objectives. Phase I will test and provide proofs of concept of these techniques and will identify how to effectively integrate automated reusability analysis into learning content development workflows and learning content management technologies. The resulting techniques will significantly advance the state of automated digital resource analysis, metadata generation and rights management and will apply to all types of Web-deliverable content, not just learning resources. Industry, government and educational organizations are investing heavily in digital learning resources and in Web sites, repositories and portals for managing and disseminating these resources. They wish to improve training and educational effectiveness by providing easy access to high quality personalized learning and at the same time to lower the cost of acquiring, producing and maintaining learning materials. Achieving these goals requires resources with good reusability characteristics, i.e., resources that content developers, learners and instructors can easily find and reuse in response to specific learning or instructional needs. If Phase I is successful, then automated reusability analysis software will be developed in Phase 2. This software will produce structured reusability report cards, make recommendations for reusability improvement, and take corrective actions when configured to do so. It will be developed and designed for integration into content development, acquisition, syndication and deployment workflows and will remove some of the chief barriers to the scalable and practical development of reusable learning resources. The need for automated reusability analysis is immediate and represents a significant commercial opportunity. Feedback from corporate training departments and educational digital libraries indicates that they would use the technology if it were available today. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Robson, Robert Eduworks Corporation OR Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 245055 T869 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611264 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Integrated CMOS Microarray Disposable for Handheld Oligonulceotide Diagnostics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research will lead to a novel disposable microarray device that combines solid-surface oligonucleotide synthesis with a CMOS imaging sensor. Since this technique involves direct coupling between fluorophore/emitter and the detector instead of an imaging optical system, the method provides a means for a small-footprint instrument with higher sensitivity and lower cost than present microarray instrumentation. The method will replace large benchtop detection instrumentation that are a real size and cost barrier for academic and smaller non-laboratory institutions that need to perform routine or fielded microarray diagnostics for the emerging field of genetic diagnostics. The proposed geometry will also include the integration of nanophase material that will enable high background rejection on the silicon CMOS sensor. With successful implementation of the compact reader instrumentation and novel signal transduction method, a new approach for microarray detection and analysis will be developed for applications such as disease profiling at the point-of-care and biothreat detection at the point-of-incident. The product of this research effort will lead to the development of microarray disposables, and associated reader instrumentation, that are less expensive and much smaller in size than present instrumentation and do not sacrifice sensitivity or throughput. Development of this type of microarray technology as a general purpose platform for the evolving field of genetic diagnostics will provide enhanced capabilities in areas such as gene expression profiling, pharmacogenomics and drug discovery, genetic sequencing, disease state profiling and other genetic diagnostics (e.g. parasites, pathogens). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Savoy, Steve Nanohmics, Inc TX Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 99996 5371 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611265 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase l: Micro-Robotic Wetware Development (MicRobowet) For Micro-Organisms Detection and Manipulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I effort proposes to develop a micro-robotic wetware system (MicRobowet) in the form of an integrated microgripper/sensor array for active biological detection and robotic manipulation of micro-organisms such as bacteria, pathogens, metabolites, viruses, fungi, protozoa, lichens, slime molds, etc. in a wet water environment. In the Phase I effort, only small samples of swollen polyacrylamide hydrogel will be used for the simulation of soft micro-organisms. The micro-robotic wetware system is enabled by an array of soft micro grippers made with ionic polymeric artificial muscles.The proposed system is intended for the detection and discrimination of micro-organisms in fluidic media using the grasping and sensing properties of ionic polymeric metal composite (IPMC) microgrippers which work well in biological fluidic media. The broader impacts resulting from the proposed activity is that if successful it will impact industries such as food, pharmaceutical, health, environmental remediation, agriculture, microbiologic, beverage brewing, ocean and marine, security, genetic engineering and genome, animal, water purification, shipping, all biotechnology companies, biotechnology programs and researchers and science teachers involved with detection and manipulation of micro-organisms. The proposed development further positively impacts rapid detection and classification of pathogenic micro-organisms for safety and homeland security considerations. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shahinpoor, Mohsen Environmental Robots Incorporated NM Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99585 9150 5371 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611274 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: DNA Assembly for Directed Expression of Industrial Enzymes Using a Novel Hyperthermophilic Genome. This Small Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project aims to exploit a newly sequenced genome of a hyperthermophilic microorganism for the production of thermal stable enzymes that are useful for molecular engineering and industrial application. The targeted DNA coding regions can be prepared for recombinant protein expression without extended manipulations in restriction digest and ligation reactions. Small-scale production of targeted gene products can be quickly evaluated for solubility and stability to determine potential scale-up production. The procedure is most attractive for future studies to implement point mutations, create chimeric enzymes and perform domain shuffling for optimizing enzyme functionality. The impact of the proposal is of significant commercial value as well as having social impact in production new biocatalytic protein that may be more robust and thermal stable for industrial processes, including detergents, textile, food processing, medical applications and energy. Moreover, novel enzymes that are more active and effective for drug intermediates would be immensely useful for biotransformation in the pharmaceutical industry and consequently affect world health in general. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Marsic, Damien Extremozyme Inc. AL F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 9150 1505 BIOT 9183 9150 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611278 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: CLEAR-View - A Cost Effective Thermal Imaging Sensor. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to design, test and implement a novel scene-based nonuniformity correction (SBNUC) algorithm for use in microbolometer-based uncooled thermal imagers. The approach relies on exploiting telescopic motion in the scene, in a video sequence, inherent in imagery acquired by a camera that is mounted in the front of an operating vehicle, to algebraically extract the nonuniformity-noise parameters in a dynamic fashion, without the need for the usual shutter-based calibration. The technology offers a real-time solution to nonuniformity correction for thermal imagers in automobiles while the camera is still imaging the scene, without any disruption of its operation. If successful, this approach would enable an alternate method to process changes and to reduce the cost of thermal and other imager technologies. The diversification of both amorphous-Si based and vanadium oxide (VOx) based microbolometer-detector technologies is currently limited by cost, FPN performance, and mechanical reliability (e.g. shutter). The proposed approach will provide the ability to apply the uncooled cost-effective microbolometer detector to markets where there is a need for a low-cost, shutter-free thermal imagers. The auto industry has already started employing microbolometer-based night-vision systems to improve safety during night driving. This project will also have a direct impact on a broad spectrum of sensing applications including lightweight vehicle or handheld night-vision systems, thermal imaging cameras used in forest-fire detection, and law-enforcement applications. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Agi, Kamil K&A Wireless, LLC NM Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149900 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611282 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Develop a Diagnostic Test for Direct Detection of Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a novel diagnostic test to detect Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP is the causative agent of Johnes disease in cattle and, possibly, of human Crohns disease. A novel approach of early and direct MAP detection is proposed, targeting primarily thevsample matrix blood employing a novel detection system using the near-infrared spectrum to achieve superior sensitivity of testing. This would facilitate testing of cattle and also milk intended for human consumption, the potential transmission vehicle in Crohns disease. The hypothesis is that during the early pathogenesis of Johnes disease of cattle, there is a bacteremia that will allow detection of the causative agent in the blood. If proven true, it is expected that this approach will lead to a new test that may be used widely in the context of state or national animal health or human food safety programs. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hinkley, Susanne GeneSeek, Inc. NE Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 128723 9150 5371 BIOT 9150 9107 9102 7236 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611283 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Improving Privacy and Security in Biometrics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project investigates novel technological approaches with strong theoretical backing, which improve privacy and security in biometrics. This proposal develops secure robust revocable biometric transforms, applicable across a range of biometrics to produce tokens that can be used for identify/verification/identification, but which protect user privacy. In particular, they support pseudo-nimiety, they cannot be matched across different applications/databases, and they can be revoked if they are compromised. The most private form of the transform allows a biometric-based verification, without the ability to do recognition or search, addressing another major privacy issue. The approach transforms the original signature into a revocable form that protects privacy while it supports a robust distance metric supporting the approximate matching required for effective biometrics. The robust distance metric, computed on the encoded form, has been proven to not decrease accuracy, but to potentially increase accuracy. Previous work on privacy and biometric has traded accuracy for privacy; preliminary testing on the proposed approach improved performance. The broader impact of this proposal is on society in terms of privacy. This proposal represents an emerging opportunity in the unique space of privacy-oriented research applied to the rapidly growing space of biometrics. It addresses the most privacy invasive identification technologies including fingerprints and DNA. While applications to DNA are important from a long-term privacy view, fingerprints are more important for near-term commercial and social impact because of expected growth from programs such as e-passports/visas, HSPD-12 and the de-facto national ID cards required by the Real-ID act as well as commercial applications such as Pay-By-Touch and BioPay. The proposal addresses critical questions regarding privacy and security for identity verification. The proposed technique provides public-key cryptographic security of the identity; supports matching encoded from, cannot be linked across different databases and is revocable. Our identity solution, technologically, stops most of the potential forms of abuse that raises privacy concerns, while providing a significant value to financial solutions and the potential for improved security to the nation. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wittenburg, James Securics Incorporated CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611291 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Catalytic Nanochannel Reactor Arrays for Fuel Reforming. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project proposes the development of advanced nanochannel array reactors for energy-efficient and cost-effective distributed hydrogen generation. Although catalytic reforming addresses this need, the performance and manufacturability of existing reformers are far from optimal. Significant performance gains could be realized by achieving an order of magnitude better control of spatial catalyst distribution to increase the probability of interaction of reagent molecules with the catalyst surface and by eliminating opportunities for unreacted molecules to pass through the reformer. Synkera targets this opportunity by proposing a novel catalytic platform with a unique architecture, where reactants are channeled through the dense array of cylindrical nanoreactors conformally coated with high surface area catalyst. Such an architecture removes diffusion limitations and greatly facilitates reagent/catalyst interaction, significantly increasing conversion efficiency and reducing reaction time, while maintaining high flow rates. In addition, catalyst confinement inside the nanochannels provides an opportunity for additional performance improvements via engineering of the catalyst structure at the nanoscale. The goal of the Phase I work is to demonstrate that the proposed reactors can enable compact integrated reformers with better performance in comparison with conventional catalytic bed reactors. The expected result of the proposed work is a manufacturing technology for commercially viable advanced performance reformers for reliable and low cost hydrogen generation. The vision of building an energy infrastructure that uses hydrogen as the energy carrier is considered the most likely path toward a full commercial application of hydrogen energy technologies. The primary focus of this project is on distributed, point-of-use hydrogen generation. Though initial work is targeted on low-volume production (such as in portable fuel cells), the technology is also scalable to larger power generators, such as automotive fuel cells, backup power generators, hydrogen refueling stations and others, and makes a significant contribution towards the implementation of a "hydrogen economy" concept. In addition, well-defined and uniform nanochannel arrays can also serve as a model platform for the studies of the kinetics of catalytic reactions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Synkera Technologies Inc. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611296 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Fire-Retardant Phase Change Materials from Fats and Oils. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will use fats and oils to make phase-change materials (PCM) with fire-retardant properties, so they can be used in clothing and around hot objects. Phase change materials are a class of materials that use phase changes (e.g., melting) to absorb or release relatively large amounts of latent heat at relatively constant temperature. This project will advance the state of understanding of both phosphate chemistries and fat/oil chemistries. The proposal is on identifying the lowest cost production routes to these chemicals that meet performance goals. It will also advance the understanding of non-ideal mixture behavior. When possible, patent protection will be pursued. In addition, results will be published in peer-refereed journals and presented at national meetings. Commercially, the application is to produce novel phase change materials with fire retardant properties. Clothing that incorporates phase change materials are being used today in Afghanistan and Iraq. Phase change materials find a range of applications, including clothing, construction materials, and food containers. The introduction of lower-cost fire-retardant phase change materials will have broader impact through improved utilization in consumer products. Applications not previously pursued will be open to use of these materials because of reduced risk of fire. When used in buildings, the phase change materials can reduce energy costs year-round. An improved understanding of the associated fat and oil chemistry will likely find other applications in the fat and oil industries. Graduate students will be employed during this project, including minority participation, to enhance scientific training and development. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sutterlin, William Renewable Alternatives, LLC AL F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 1505 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611297 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Marker Prognostic Test for Breast Cancer Outcome. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will develop a multiple biomarker test to predict adjuvant treatment outcomes in patients with operable breast cancer. The broader impact of this test will be improved clinical detection while helping to reveal previously hidden significance of individual biomarkers and biological pathways for future drug discovery activities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Linke, Steven PREDICTION SCIENCES, LLC CA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 99894 5371 BIOT 9107 1718 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611306 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Inorganic Microspheres. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to investigate synthetic approaches to develop specialty glass microspheres based on aluminum phosphate compositions. The proposed approach is targeted toward synthesis of high emissivity hollow microspheres that are stable to elevated temperatures, which offer opportunities for their use in thermal protection/insulation systems. This is primarily enabled by nanoscale design to yield nanostructured composite walls of these microspheres. The objectives of the proposed work are targeted toward enhancing the durability of emissivity properties at elevated temperatures via manipulation of the glass structure. Advancing the knowledge of high temperature behavior of such systems will provide key benefits for implementation in a broad range of applications in energy, defense, and aerospace industries which are critically needed for national security and energy conservation in the future. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chapman, Francis APPLIED THIN FILMS INC IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611332 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Functionalized Polysiloxanes for Improved Low Temperature Performance of Supercapacitors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a functionalized polysiloxane based electrolyte system for electrochemical capacitors, or supercapacitors, that has high conductivity at low temperatures and provides high power density over the entire temperature range (-55 to 95oC) while maintaining a low cost. This functionalized polysiloxane will be synthesized by condensation polymerization of a mono-functional siloxane with a terminal cyano-group. The flexible siloxane polymer backbone along with the functional groups will enable high ionic conductivity at low temperature with reduced volatility. The electrolyte will be evaluated with respect to ionic conductivity from -55 to 95oC. Supercapacitors are an ideal solution for automotive applications, where they can absorb energy from braking and release it for acceleration, thus reducing fuel consumption and environmental pollution while increasing efficiency. The endless cycles of acceleration followed by braking make supercapacitors ideal for mass transit train, subway, and metro systems. In industrial electronics supercapacitors are being used in un-interruptible power supplies, elevators, and pallet trucks. Emerging microsystem technologies in space, medical, industrial control, and defense applications need integrated power in a small volume. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Tuqiang TPL, Inc. NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99981 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 9102 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611334 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Fire Information from REmote-sensing and Weather-models Integrated and Supplied to End-users (FIREWISE). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will demonstrate feasibility for an innovative, interactive software product that will improve the Nation's fire fighting, prevention, and restoration capabilities. The product uniquely combines remotely sensed NASA data with a leading-edge weather model, delivers the resulting data to decision makers visually via the Internet, and creates previously unavailable data sets for use by existing fire simulation software. The FIREWISE project will develop a system that combines two components critically needed by the public and private fire fighting sector: (1) NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) active fire data products, and (2) Mesoscale Model 5 (MM5) weather predictions. Additionally the model which will include digital elevation models (DEMs), and near-realtime satellite imagery, will accommodate additional inputs such as vegetation and fuel type maps, existing geographic information system (GIS) data layers (e.g., roads, waterways, ownership. FIREWISE, marketed as a subscription web service, will allow users to select spatially and temporally appropriate data from archival and/or daily-refreshed data sources and visualize them graphically in 3-D with animation capability, allowing end-users to follow dynamic factors such as weather and fire spread through time. Additionally, FIREWISE will output data for ready ingest into existing predictive fire models such as FARSITE, a fire behavior and growth simulator mandated for use across the US Forest Service and US Department of Interior agencies. Three factors have combined to make fire risk a national priority: (1) global warming; (2) past management of fires; and (3) increasing development of the urban/wildland interface. Improved predictions of wildfire behavior have concomitantly become increasingly important to protect life and property. This proposed project will combine MODIS and MM5 data, and demonstrate feasibility for both visualizing and manipulating those data via the Internet and serving them to existing fire models and other end-users. The innovations include: (1) Visualization - by draping geospatial and weather data over DEMs, FIREWISE will provide 3-D visualization of fire hazards or in-progress fires, far superior to single layer, static GIS representations. (2) Data integration - FIREWISE will uniquely combine MODIS remotely sensed optical data with MM5 atmospheric model output to create new data products to predict fire hazards. (3) Data access and delivery - FIREWISE will provide fire decision makers unprecedented Internet-based access to the critical dynamic fire information. FIREWISE will improve the Nation's fire fighting abilities by enabling the rapid, data-driven decision making necessary to saving lives, property, and natural resources. FIREWISE will also enable educational and distance learning programs by making visualizations available on-line. Additionally, Native American student interns will be included in the FIREWISE development team. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Crabtree, Robert HyPerspectives, Inc. MT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 96272 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611351 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Target Costing for the Virtual Manufacturing Enterprise. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project advances knowledge and understanding by developing a novel target costing system for small companies to collaborate in commercial virtual manufacturing enterprises. Partners in this project include two leading virtual manufacturing enterprises. The original concepts introduced include the cost data and model sharing with controls over access and use to protect proprietary information and competitive advantage. The project will develop an open source desktop and server clients so that companies can easily integrate with their internal financial and other software systems. The project also extensively uses recent advances in open source software infrastructure and components to reduce time to market, costs, adoption risk, and technical obsolescence. The anticipated results of the program will be costing software that will enable virtual manufacturing enterprises so that small companies can partner to provide integrated manufacturing services. The project has commercial value as evidenced by the letters of support from two leading virtual manufacturing enterprises. These enterprises are partners, investors, and customers for this effort. Through the partners the results will be widely disseminated because the open source client, data formats and web service descriptions that will be published for others to build on. Enabling virtual manufacturing enterprises with cost estimating and management software infrastructure will allow small companies to collaborate and combine their capabilities to realize products with lower cost and higher value. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stirk, Charles CostVision Inc. CO Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149383 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611357 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: One-Step Environmentally-Friendly Synthesis of Novel Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Pigments. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project could result in a new one-step, environmentally friendly solid-state synthesis of novel hybrid pigments for a wide variety of applications such as the coloring of plastics, paints and coatings, and cement. The properties of the proposed pigments result from a chemical bond between organic dyes and an inorganic clay, imparting advantageous chemical functionality from both constituents. The purpose of this research is to develop a method for synthesizing these pigments. The proposed pigments are a series of environmentally friendly, non heavy-metal containing organic/inorganic hybrid pigments. The advantages of the pigments include chemical resistance, light and heat stability and greater cost competitiveness. Meeting the objectives described in this project would result in a solvent-free innovation in manufacturing that replaces hazardous waste-generating commercial pigment manufacturing with an environmentally friendly, "green" production process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Polette-Niewold, Lori Mayan Pigments, Inc. TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1984 1948 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611360 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Synthesis of New Ionomer Resins Based on Polycyclopentadiene Monomers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the synthesis of a novel set of proprietary ionomeric polymeric materials. Through the use of established techniques (Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization), a series of copolymers that contain a physical and a chemical crosslink will be developed lending a unique level of toughness and impact resistance to the final material. This technology will expand into the areas of ballistic and blast mitigation materials, safer sporting equipment, seals used in defense and chemical processing applications, and self-healing coatings. The potential for these materials to supplant existing commercially available materials will increase with the incorporation of more and greater varieties of functionality in addition to the current technological innovation. By adding a variety of functionalities that compliment the backbone polymer, a versatile and wide-ranging material will result in a significant number of industrial applications. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Biermann, Manfred RESODYN CORPORATION MT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1984 1948 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611362 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Multi-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Stability Analysis Tool for Solid Rocket Motors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to determine the feasibility of developing a hydrodynamic combustion stability analysis design tool for rockets, gas turbines, and large engines. As combustors are run at leaner mixture ratios to avoid NOx pollutant issues, vortex liquid rocket engines are designed with swirling flows to cool engines, and solid rocket motors are built with longer L/D ratios, combustion stability issues associated with rotating flows become significant concerns. In this work analytic models applied to simple geometries will be transferred into a general 3D capable stability tool. For this initial endeavor, the focus is on developing a hydrodynamic stability tool for the solid rocket motor industry. Currently, many large solid rocket motors exhibit hydrodynamic stability problems, including the Shuttle RSRM, Titan, and the Ariane V. By avoiding stability issues in the design process, this tool has the potential to not only save on revenue and loss in momentum, but also prevent developmental programs from being cancelled due to design problems late in the process. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG French, Jonathan Software and Engineering Associates, Inc. NV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99973 9150 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1407 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611363 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Inclusion for Thermal Conductivity Enhancement of Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)Phase I project investigates the commercial and technical feasibility of a new microencapsulation process capable of incorporating multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into microcapsules containing a phase change material (PCM). The main objective is to take advantage of MWCNT exceptional thermal properties to enhance the thermal performance microencapsulated phase change material slurry. The proposed microencapsulation process will produce microcapsule made of epoxy, a suitable paraffin and MWCNTs. The MPCM thermal conductivity will be increased by incorporating MWCNTs which have shown to increase the thermal conductivity of water and other liquids by as much as 38% at very small concentration. The proposed microencapsulation method will have a lasting impact on the entire heat transfer industry. Successful commercialization of the proposed concept will find applications in biomedical, aerospace, homeland security, and energy generation. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Thies, Curt Thies Technology NV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99943 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1406 0110000 Technology Transfer 0522100 High Technology Materials 0611374 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: PAT Software Platform for Process Analytical Technology Implementation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project aims to establish "proof-of-concept" of a novel Software Platform directed at needs of FDA's Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) initiative, a framework for innovative pharmaceutical development, manufacturing and quality assurance. PAT is implemented at three levels: Process Understanding; Quality by Design; and Monitor, Predict and Control. PAT implementation is hampered by the lack of a reusable and extensible PAT Software Platform, which can be used to construct PAT analysis tools that integrate and interoperate with an increasing number of commercial analyzers. The Phase I program is directed at "proof-of-concept" for the PAT Software Platform through application to PAT Level 1 workflow directed at developing process understanding. The project will use a prototype PAT Software Development Kit (PSDK) to assemble an application for automated execution of PAT Level 1 workflow. Feasibility will be established by demonstrating the accuracy, identification, prediction, performance, and capability of the platform. Phase II will extend the research to address requirements for PAT Levels 2 and 3. The ultimate aim is to provide a commercial PAT Software Development Kit that allows customers to assemble their own PAT applications for use by research, development and plant workers to improve manufacturing quality. The proposed PAT Software Platform directly supports FDA's Process Analytical Technology (PAT) initiative, part of the Agency's 21st Century cGMPs, directed at helping the global pharmaceutical community reach the "desired state" consisting of the following: (1) product quality and performance are achieved and assured by design of effective and efficient manufacturing processes; (2) product specifications are based on mechanistic understanding of how formulation and process factors impact product performance; and (3) manufacturers are able to effect continuous improvement and continuous "real-time" assurance of quality. The PAT Software Platform allows assembly of integrated and interoperable PAT software applications that (a) provide a common environment for analysis, monitoring, control and prediction (modeling), (b) facilitate the interchange of PAT data among software, analyzers and storage systems, and (c) provide a single environment in which to mine and analyze the data to extract process knowledge. The PAT Software Platform will help pharmaceutical companies reduce validation and training costs, minimize deployment time and improve the reliability of PAT systems. A common PAT Software Platform would also help accelerate PAT's acceptance by the pharmaceutical industry by reducing the need for custom interface code, which is costly and time consuming to produce and maintain. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG vanEikeren, Paul Blue Reference OR Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99631 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611376 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Drug Eluting Stents to Treat Obstructed Tracheo-Bronchial Lumen Due to Lung Cancer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a tracheobronchial drug eluting stent (DES) by coating a biodegradable polymeric formulation of Paclitaxel (PTX) on a stent. The stent will provide immediate palliative therapy and will also serve as a loco-regional delivery system for the polymeric PTX formulation. The proposed DES product is a multi-modal therapy to treat airway obstruction due to endobronchial, extrinsic and mixed tracheobronchial tumors. This is the first time report of a tracheo-bronchial drug eluting stent. Lung cancer is one of the major diseases causing airway obstruction and the single largest cause of cancer deaths in the United States (173,000 new cases diagnosed in 2004) with more than 160,000 people to of the disease each year. In spite of the monumental efforts in developing chemo and radiation therapies, little progress has been made towards curing lung cancer. Local tumor control with endobronchial intervention is an important adjunct to the multimodality management of advanced lung cancer. Commercially, the application is use as an adjunct treatment for cancer and, by virtue of targeting multiple processes (physical and biological/molecular); the Paclitaxel drug eluting stent (DES) has the potential of being superior to any single endobronchial intervention without the limitations of an uncoated stent. This DES product will provide rapid relief of symptoms, improved quality of life, and prolonged survival to many lung cancer patients. Even though prognosis for lung cancer patients is poor, the direct medical cost of lung cancer in the United States is over $5 billion per year. Furthermore, the United States spends more than $1 billion per year for the most common drug treatment for lung cancer that is minimally more effective than previous treatments that are 20% less costly. These market numbers show that insurance companies, Medicare, and society in general are willing to spend money to treat and manage lung cancer even if the chances of survival are low. The ability to give a person a few more months of living or a better quality of life for their last few months is priceless. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shenoy, Narmada Aravasc Inc CA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0611381 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Development of High Power Density Protonic Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. .This Small Business Innovation Research aims to describes an innovative approach to develop a high-power-density, thin-film based anode-supported protonic. The target performance is, at a minimum, 0.5 W/cm2 at a temperature as low as 650C. This represents a fourfold increase over existing reported data, and the temperature is several hundred degrees lower. The work will consist of the preparation of the proper anode support, deposition of the thin films using proprietary coating technique, and testing the electrochemical performance and stability of the cells. The technology described in this proposal will advance P-SOFCs from a laboratory curiosity to a serious commercial contender for clean and efficient power generation. The high power density and the reduced temperature operation of the proposed P-SOFC cells will not only make the device more suitable for real-world applications but will also result in significantly lower capital cost. If deployed in large markets, such as residential, remote and distributed power generations, high efficiency PSOFCs will enable significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to curve down the global warming trend. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pham, Quoc Evogy, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611382 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Techniques for Analysis of Counterexamples from Formal Verification of High-Level Microprocessor Designs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research proposes to study the feasibility of automatic methods for analysis of counterexamples from formal verification of pipelined and superscalar microprocessors modeled at a high level of abstraction. Aries Design Automation has developed an automatic tool flow for formal verification of such designs that scales for very complex and elaborate models. The formal verification is done by efficient translation of a correctness condition to a Boolean formula that can be evaluated with any Boolean Satisfiability (SAT) procedure, such that a satisfying assignment for that formula is a counterexample, i.e., indicates a bug. The research is to investigate methods to automatically analyze counterexamples due to single or multiple design errors - detected when proving safety of pipelined and superscalar microprocessors - in order to localize possible bug sites. Also, a visualization engine will be developed to efficiently display related information in order to help the microprocessor designers to quickly fix the bugs. It is expeced that the resulting methods and tools will significantly increase the designer efficiency and reduce the time for debugging of complex microprocessors by orders of magnitude. Billions of microprocessors are manufactured each year. Most of them function autonomously in safety-critical applications, e.g., controlling complex machines, monitoring the health of patients, and used in military systems. Thus, it is a matter of public safety and national security that microprocessors are designed without errors. However, verification has become the bottleneck in the design of new chips. We have developed formal verification technology that can be used automatically and scales for complex microprocessors. However, the lack of algorithms for automatic analysis of counterexamples prevents our technology from being used in industry. The potential commercial value is up to hundreds of millions of dollars, while companies that use this technology could make billions of dollars from increased designer productivity, reduced time to market for new chips that will be guaranteed to be correct, increased competitive advantage, high profits from early delivery of new designs to the market, and avoided expensive recalls and potentially catastrophic effects from buggy designs. This research will enhance the scientific understanding of how to automatically analyze counterexamples from formal verification of high-level models of computer systems - a novel research area. The technology will also be applicable to automatic formal verification of software. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Velev, Miroslav Aries Design Automation IL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611399 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Control System Development for Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Segmented Deformable Mirrors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop control techniques for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based segmented deformable mirrors (DMs) used in adaptive optical (AO) systems. These AO systems correct for optical aberrations, which limit the performance of virtually all conventional optical instruments. MEMS DMs are physically small, have high stoke and fidelity, and promise low cost, thus making them highly attractive in biological imaging. Control of these mirrors presents a new set of challenges, which have not yet been addressed. AO systems have been shown to yield dramatic improvement in the performance of imaging systems and have demonstrated cellular level imaging in vivo. The enhancements in image contrast and effective resolution by using AO can be very high and thus are pivotal enabling cellular imaging leading to potentially earlier disease detection, more effective pharmacological studies, and advances in basic biology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kempf, Carl Iris AO, Inc. CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99825 5371 BIOT 9181 1648 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611402 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Handcycle Attachment for Manual Wheelchairs. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a hand cycle attachment for push-rim wheelchairs. The design will allow wheel chair user to remain active by preventing repetitive stress injuries (RSI). Preliminary analysis and test results have consistently shown that hand crank propulsion is a more biomechanically efficient propulsion motion, reducing or eliminating RSI. The proposed design will allow users to benefit from the efficiency and biomechanics of hand crank propulsion in everyday situations. The reduction or elimination of RSI in conjunction with greater mechanical and biomechanical efficiency will ultimately extend user's range and encourage physical fitness and participation in society. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kylstra, Bart Daedalus CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 98229 5371 BIOT 9123 1203 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611403 July 1, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Lactate-Oxygen Biosensors for Surgical Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a small, unobtrusive system for monitoring tissue blood lactate and oxygen during surgery. Blood lactate concentration is a highly sensitive measure of tissue oxygen deprivation. It is a reliable indicator of aerobic and anaerobic physical capability, monitoring the effect of surgery on different segments of the human body. The key novel component is a silicon microprobe, comparable in cross-section to a human hair, capable of being implanted into tissue during a surgical procedure. An electrochemical lactate biosensor and oxygen sensor integrated with the microprobe continuously measures lactate concentration and oxygen partial pressure so that the data could be transmitted via a battery power telemetry chip to a remote receiver. Integrating miniaturized biosensors into these unique silicon microprobes will permit continuous monitoring of lactate and oxygen using disposable low-cost patches which are painless and easy to use. Small, rugged biosensors that can be implanted into various types of tissue will have use not only in in vivo monitoring of tissue blood lactate, but also in blood gases, electrolytes, and other analytes of interest. Transmitting this data to medical personnel wirelessly would also provide a significant advance in the state of health care. Lactate-oxygen biosensors can also be widely used in military battlefield casualty care, civilian emergency response care, and athletes practice/peoples exercise monitoring. Similar biosensors for other analytes will be applicable to precise control of diabetes, control of blood levels of therapeutic drugs, and continuous physiological monitoring for point-of-care, clinical, and research purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mo, Jianwei KUMETRIX, INC CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 98533 5371 BIOT 9107 5346 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0611407 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase I: Selection of Unnatural Cyclic Peptide Libraries by Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) Display. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will explore the feasibility of using mRNA display to isolate non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)-like peptides that interact with the anti-cancer target, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These peptides are important pharmaceutical therapeutics that exhibit antibiotic and immunosuppressive activities. This STTR research will develop methods for peptide identification that are selectable in vitro using genetic techniques. These peptides exhibit very high affinities, show high specificities of binding, but have drug-like properties such as protease resistance and long serum half-lives. This project will validate and optimize the technology to create NRPS-like peptides and will result in a lead compound for VEGF inhibition. Commercially, this project will result in NRPS-like peptides that inhibit VEGF. These methods will provide potential lead compounds more cheaply and easily than current anti-VEGF therapeutics. Additionally, the STTR research validates new technology to synthesize cyclic, unnatural peptide libraries that resemble NRPS-like peptides. This technology will serve as a drug discover platform for the isolation of other therapeutics. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Takahashi, Terry Encodix CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 0 1505 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0611862 October 1, 2006 Integrating Redox-Wired Nanoparticles into Nanoporous Anodic Alumina. With the support of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Ceramic and Composite Materials at the University of New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico University will perform a research project focusing on the possibility of integrating metal particles via redox molecular linkers. The goal is to create templates for the creation of novel switchable nano-devices. This research is complementary to the ongoing research programs at the Center and has potential to lead to new developments in molecular electronic and photonic devices which are of interest to industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Yan, Juchao Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus NM Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 9150 123E 1049 0000 0612942 April 15, 2006 Collaborative Research: NSF-I/UCRC on Precision Forming (CPF). The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan have established a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Precision Forming. The mission of the I/UCRC is to serve as a center of excellence for the creation and dissemination of a systematic body of knowledge in precision forming and fabrication of lightweight-high strength materials of interest in this century, and ultimately to impact the next-generation products and production systems with precision, responsiveness and near-zero waste. The objectives of this I/UCRC are to explore, conduct research and to bring about innovation and practical solutions by focusing on industrially relevant research needs; foster collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects between industrial and academic engineers and scientists; and promote intra-university research activities and prepare the next generation of engineering graduates for the metal forming industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Koc, Muammer University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 70000 5761 OTHR 129e 1049 0000 0613007 April 15, 2006 Collaborative Research: Proposal for Establishing an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Precision Forming. The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan have established a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Precision Forming. The mission of the I/UCRC is to serve as a center of excellence for the creation and dissemination of a systematic body of knowledge in precision forming and fabrication of lightweight-high strength materials of interest in this century, and ultimately to impact the next-generation products and production systems with precision, responsiveness and near-zero waste. The objectives of this I/UCRC are to explore, conduct research and to bring about innovation and practical solutions by focusing on industrially relevant research needs; foster collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects between industrial and academic engineers and scientists; and promote intra-university research activities and prepare the next generation of engineering graduates for the metal forming industry. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Altan, Taylan Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 499832 7609 5761 OTHR 5761 129E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0617006 January 12, 2006 SBIR Phase I: Production of Silicon Nanoparticles by Electrochemical Etching of Silicon Wafers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the development of new and inexpensive techniques for production of highly fluorescent semiconductor silicon nanoparticles (quantum dots). Preliminary results indicate that lateral etching of silicon wafers can be used for the continuous production of high quality, inexpensive silicon nanoparticles. This Phase 1 program is intended to demonstrate that through optimization of the manufacturing process, a greater yield of particles will meet the larger quantities required by prospective customers. Several industrial companies have expressed an interest in the particles, but require much larger quantities than can be produced in the existing system. By optimizing the technical and chemical aspects of the existing particle system, the project will increase the yield to meet customer demand, and also evaluate the system's reproducibility and scalability. Commercially, this project will provide a basis for scaling up of luminescent silicon quantum dots production. It will allow for production of fluorescent silicon quantum dots and will play significant role in the market of nanomaterials, particularly for photonics devices. It is expected that, in general, the outcome of this proposal will have great impact on future nanotechnology. The reason is that silicon nanoparticles are among the most desired materials for future nanotechnology and research. It will not only have great impact on technology since it will provide a great amount of material for new tools; devices etc. but it also will have great effect on our understanding of silicon properties at small dimensions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Didenko, Yuri UT Dots, Inc. IL T. James Rudd Standard Grant 33331 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0618631 July 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Laser Patterning of Large Area Thin-Film Electrochromic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project has the objective of developing and transfering to the production line laser ablation technology for the manufacture of large area thin-film electrochromic (EC) windows. Shadow masking is commonly used to pattern the electrochromic coatings on glass, but it results in unacceptable edge definition and is expensive. Laser ablation can replace masking to allow precise definition of window areas, regardless of size and shape, and has the potential to significantly reduce manufacturing costs. Broader acceptance of electrochromic windows for commercial and residential buildings will enable significant energy savings, and the laser ablation technology is applicable to non-flat shapes, which could extend use of EC windows to other applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kalweit, Harvey SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS,INC. MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 497013 5373 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0619969 February 1, 2006 Development and Implementation of Digital Specimen and Digital Tester Technique for Infrastructure Materials. 0438480 Tumay This award is to Louisiana State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include Louisiana State University (Lead Institution), Southern University (historically black college and university-HBCU), Louisiana Transportation Research Center, National Center of Asphalt Technology, National Asphalt Pavement Association, Federal Highway Administration, Barriere Construction Company, and Fugro Geosciences. The primary objectives are to develop multiple functional digital specimen and digital test techniques, to implement these techniques at Federal Highway Administration Turner-Fairbank Research Center as wells as at the other partners facilities, to commercialize the newly-developed techniques, to develop a training course for undergraduate and graduate engineers, to conduct seminars for Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists to promote acquisition and utilization of the techniques to practicing engineers, and to seek use of the technology in other materials in the construction industry. Potential Economic Impact The proposed innovations will create a computer-based testing and evaluation system for design of construction materials with a longer durability in-service and a reduced life-cycle cost. Once the methodology has been fully developed, it can easily be modified for other materials technologies. The intellectual merit of the project includes enhancing current practice in mix design for asphalt materials be reducing the number of specimens to be tested, enhancing the mix design for asphalt materials to optimize the engineering properties of the material in use, reducing the probability of having faulty materials being used in the construction industry, and understanding the lifetime durability of construction materials. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on enhancing the design of construction materials at the least cost of testing and certification, education and training future construction engineers, increased involvement of underrepresented groups in research, education and professional engineering practice, the economic and societal impacts on the national infrastructure. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INT'L RES & EDU IN ENGINEERING PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Wang, Linbing Richard Benson Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 584692 9150 7641 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0620136 August 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Micro-Coax Manufacturability Study. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project deals with the ever-increasing burden placed on the microelectronics industry as computational speeds increase. While the number-density-speed of transistors doubles every 18-24 months (a phenomenon known as Moore's Law), the ability to retrieve and store data from external sources is not increasing nearly as quickly. The performance improvement rate of key computing tasks such as simulation, signal processing and database searches is becoming limited by off-chip bandwidth. Approaches such as "flip-chip bumping" are not a panacea, because despite their small size, these structures leak signals to one another; a significant performance detriment. The company has developed a novel MicroCoax interconnect technology to address these problems, utilizing existing semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure. The research objectives are to gain insights into MicroCoax fundamentals and understand application specific issues within market segments that are most impacted by current technological limitations. Research will focus on continuing exploration of MicroCoax material set, process flow, integration, and reliability, along with specific application to three distinct market spaces namely, MMICs, High-speed Digital/Optoelectronics, and high-frequency test. Electronics technology impacts nearly every person on earth in some way. Even folks living in remote places are subject to natural disasters, which may be predicted by atmospheric and geological simulation and warning systems, allowing timely evacuation. Goods distribution and logistics are increasingly dependent on computationally intensive database search and tracking. Medical diagnosis and treatment rely increasingly on signal processing for imaging and therapeutics. High-bandwidth wireless systems allow for recovery of communication infrastructure following floods and hurricanes. All of the aforementioned technologies have high-speed electronic systems at their core, and MicroCoax can affect them all. High-bandwidth systems are quite expensive today, in large part because of interconnects based on machined waveguides and significant labor content associated with such approaches. If successful the proposed technology, MicroCoax, can eliminate much of the cost, making such systems more commercially viable and ubiquitous. While a disruptive technology such as MicroCoax will be invisible to the average user, electronics designers and will be able to expand their application horizons due to elimination of prohibitive cost constraints. Electronics, semiconductor, communications and related industries will stall without continued innovation in packaging and interconnect strategies. The economic implications are significant, as worldwide electronics sales number somewhere around US$1.3 trillion at this time. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cahill, Sean BRIDGEWAVE COMMUNICATIONS INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1106000 5373 MANU 9251 9147 5761 1775 1517 1401 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620233 August 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Supply Chain Optimization and Product Explorer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will achieve higher retrieval accuracy for shape-based search for both the web and the enterprise. The proposed work in Phase II is to achieve higher retrieval accuracy supported by three key components: 1) pose determination for 3D models: bridging the space gap between 2D and 3D shapes by finding three intuitive and robust orthogonal orientations for 3D models; 2) 2D orthogonal view generation: representing a three orthogonal views along the pose orientations; 3) similarity measurement between 2D shapes: finding 2D and 3D shapes based on the user's query. A framework will be developed by focusing on three important modules: 1) 2D constraint detection and use of implied constraints with initial application in 2D and 3D views; (2) Enhanced multiple level-of-details in 3D representations, and (3) Human assisted system classification of large datasets. Traditional options of finding part suppliers using catalogs, trade shows and prior business relationship limit the choice of suppliers. Current text-based search to find suppliers face challenges, such as context and language sensitivity, and is inadequate in overcoming the technological challenges posed by variations in how product or part information is specified across a global supply chain. The current effort proposes to use shape, which is the lowest common denominator, to link the OEMs and suppliers. This technology can also aid the current trend among companies in aerospace, automotive, medical equipments and other industries towards 3Ddata standards for fast retrieval, as it can provide a significant leap in terms of accuracy, speed and relevance in the search and retrieval of information. If successful, this technology can contribute significantly to research in areas where shape is important, such as bio-technology and pharmaceutical sectors, where rapid identification of molecules and their docking features help reduce time and cost involved in drug development. For the medical industry due to increased usage of CT scans and 3D imaging technologies, 3D shape search can be used for local feature identification in colonoscopy or other exploratory procedures, brain angiography, reconstruction, projection of malformation or location of polyps and ensure better and rapid diagnosis of disease. Development of methods for automatically parsing human sketches and determining constraints will enable many other research activities and broadly help in a more natural human machine interaction. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Rathod, Nainesh IMAGINESTICS LLC IN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 1093987 5761 5373 1591 MANU 9231 9148 9147 7744 7218 5761 116E 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620269 August 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Reducing Lead Time and Inventory by Using Optimized Product Configurations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the impact of product variety on the customer order fulfillment process. It aims to help the manufacturers of highly configurable products with many possible "variants" or "configurations" to maximize product availability and order fill rates. Prior research by Emcien has created a methodology for representing product variants, modeling customer demand, and computing an optimal set of product configurations to maximize margins. These stockers are optimal in the sense of satisfying the most demand while maximizing profitability, but they assume unlimited product inventory. In previous research, Emcien built a prototype simulation model to determine how well these optimal stockers would perform in practice. The prototype simulation model was used successfully by two of Emcien's clients. The Phase II project will turn this prototype into production quality software that will become a part of Emcien's suite of products that address product variety. More manufacturers are moving in the direction of "mass customization", which means allowing each customer to choose the features and options they want. Mass production of a uniform product, or one with a small number of variants, is evolving into flexible production as more and more choices are offered to the customer. But customers not only want to customize their product, they also want to get it quickly. Pure build-to-order systems can result in unacceptably long customer lead times, especially when demand has seasonal ups and downs. This forces manufacturers to build partially finished or fully finished units for inventory, in order to smooth production and reduce customer lead time. This requires a delicate balance between the extra revenue and the extra costs of offering more variety. Emcien's mission is to help manufacturers profit from product variety as a competitive advantage, rather than being overwhelmed by the extra costs of supporting too much variety. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Marsten, Roy Emcien, Inc. GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 1044665 5373 MANU 9148 9147 5761 5514 1401 0107000 Operations Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620277 August 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Ultrahigh-Pressure Flash Abrasive-Waterjets for Precision Machining. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and optimize a flash abrasive-waterjet for precision machining of delicate materials. The use of water in a phase change mode will offer advantages over abrasive waterjets, that can damage delicate materials, and liquid nitrogen abrasive cryogenic jets, that require expensive equipment. The technology will be most useful for manufacturing parts with complex geometries from composites, glasses, laminates and other advanced materials, for use in the aerospace, electronics and defense industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Peter OMAX Corporation WA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 369708 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620287 August 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: A Robust and Cost-Effective Tool for Diagnosing Manufacturing Noise Problems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and commercialize a next generation quality control tool to assess the quality of any sound-generating product on a production line. The most significant scientific merit of this new technology is its capability to suppress the interference of background noise and extract the real acoustic characteristics of any target source in a noisy environment. Current measurement devices measure the overall signal, which includes the signal of a target source and background noise. This research is expected to have broad impact on reducing noise pollution and improving workforce capabilities in a manufacturing environment. This technology will help the U.S. manufacturers to compete globally by reducing noise emissions, lowering warranty costs associated with noise related issues, and helping ensure compliance with a growing number of local and federal government regulations and laws on noise pollution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moondra, Manmohan SenSound, LLC MI Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9153 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522400 Information Systems 0620290 July 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: Formulation of Environmentaly Friendly Lubricants Based on Polymeric Materials for Cold Forging Process. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project proposes to develop a polymeric lubricant that is environmentally friendly for cold forging of metals, by using proprietary emulsion polymerication technology to synthesize polymers containing both polar functional groups that adhere to the metal surface, and hydrophobic groups to provide lubricity, and by replacing zinc phosphate typically used as a corrosion inhibitor, with a more benign material. This technology could lead to new lubricants for metal forging processes that are more environmentally benign, thereby reducing a potential health and environmental threat, and enhancing the competitive manufacturing position of the US. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Stark, David Sisu Chemical, LLC NC Ben Schrag Standard Grant 686761 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 1984 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620323 August 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Commercial Scale Production of High Quality and Affordable Fe3O4 Nanocrystals for Nano-Biomedicine. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project intends to finalize commercial production protocols for high quality, highly stable, bio-compatible, bio-accessible, and yet affordable Fe3O4 nanocrystals and related magnetic beads. Current state-of-the-art methodology for making Fe3O4 nanocrystals for biomedical applications has many critical deficiencies including poor ability to control size, broad size distribution, difficult/complicated surface chemistry, high cost and low solubility in solutions. This technology will produce high quality of Fe3O4 nanocrystals. The company's products have excellent control of size and size distribution and offer super stability and friendly surface chemistry so that they are completely dispersible in solutions due to their simple processing and manufacturing technique. Their terminal groups are ready to conjugate various bio-molecules so that they can be used in various biomedical applications. The primary application for this technology will concentrate on the life science research. Specific applications include (1) Magnetic bio-separation, (2) Magnetic resonance imaging (3) Drug delivery, and (4) Biomedical treatment. The biomedical applications related to the Fe3O4 magnetic nanocrystals cover many aspects of biomedical fields, ranging from diagnostics, detection, therapy, separation, and pollution control. The environmentally benign nature of this technology helps to achieve a sustainable environmentally-aware business paradigm. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Yongcheng NANOMATERIALS AND NANOFABRICATION LABORATORIES AR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 498067 5373 MANU 9150 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620327 August 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Creating New Learning Opportunities: Platform-Independent, Wireless, Task-Oriented Communities. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aimes to design and develop a challenging and critically important layer of communications' software that enables K-12 educational software developers to incorporate explicit support for collaborative learning activities into their existing applications quickly and at low-cost. The Elmer Software Development Kit (SDK) will enable students to collaborate using a broad range of handheld (or even desktop/laptop) computer platforms (Windows CE & XP, Linux, Mac OS X) since classrooms, as they are already beginning to experience, will be using non-homogenous computers side-by-side. The Intellectual Merit of this proposed effort stems from the need to construct new algorithms to automatically detect other devices, to reformat communications' messages to enable cross-platform (and cross-operating system) communication on a range of platforms. The outcome of this effort should be a software development kit that engenders the incorporation of collaborative learning strategies. K-12 education is the cornerstone of America's democracy. As No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act acknowledges, America has some serious work to do in reinventing how we educate our children in order for America to continue to provide its people with the standard of living that is the American Promise. Technology is today's generation's tool of choice outside of school; we need to make technology an integral tool inside of school, too. Advocating for technology is the easy part - making the technology accessible, useful, and enjoyable remains the challenge. Our SBIR project goes directly to the core of helping K-12 realize the vision of technology positively impacting teaching and learning. In particular, the proposed research will enable educational software developers to create, quickly and at low cost, collaboration-enabled applications that teachers demand and that students find enjoyable and productive. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Levy, Kate GOKNOW, INC MI Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 499958 5373 SMET 9177 7180 0510604 Analytic Tools 0620353 September 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Nanocomposite Carbon and Graphitic Foams Produced via a Catalytic Approach. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will optimize and scale up the processing of the proposed rapid post-processing and nanocomposite technique for microcellular carbon and graphitic foams to possess superior insulating and conducting properties, respectively. Thermal conductivity and insulation properties may be tailored to either very high or very low. Thermal-mechanical properties of the nanocomposite carbon and nanocomposite graphitic foams after the optimization and scale up research will be characterized. The results of this work will demonstrate that the oxidation stabilization time may be reduced by an order of magnitude, meanwhile enhancing the mechanical properties, as compared to the conventional technique. Lower processing cost and superior thermal-mechanical properties may result in widespread uses of microcellular nanocomposite carbon and graphitic foams for various applications including high-temperature insulation, space structures, and thermal management applications like heat exchangers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tan, Seng WRIGHT MATERIALS RESEARCH CO. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 632663 5373 AMPP 9261 9251 9231 9178 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0620369 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Fast Remote X-ray Screening. This SBIR Phase II project will provide development of a new homeland security technology for improving security for crowded venues by integrating a new networked security screening technology and new electronics communications with materials handling automation and computerized process control. New approaches and technologies are needed to provide effective security screening for places having high passenger and high pedestrian traffic. A primary need is to be able to screen persons and their carried items at significantly higher processing rates from those achieved using conventional security checkpoints while maintaining a smooth flow of people through the system. The Phase I project demonstrated technical feasibility. Phase II will complete development of the new high flow security screening system and design, construct, and test a near commercial scale prototype system. It is planned that the prototype system will be tested and evaluated by a TSA-approved, independent third party. Upon successful testing the system will be ready for deployment. The U.S. transportation industry needs fast effective improvements in its security systems. Improved security technologies for use in transit systems can be applied to many other segments of society as well. In today's world it is vital that our nation's citizenry, transportation systems, institutions, and economy have the best protection possible from those who seek to weaken and destroy our society. The proposed technology will provide smooth flow of people and items through a fast and effective security inspection station with greater than an order of magnitude increase in processing rates compared to current technologies. The new technology will provide a significantly higher level of protection to persons in busy and crowded areas against attacks by terrorists using weapons or explosives than is currently available. Similarly, security at federal buildings, government installations, maritime ports, shippers, mailrooms, and other sensitive locations can be improved by the proposed technology that will allow for a faster and less impeded flow of persons and packages through the security inspection process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sommer, Edward NATIONAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 506000 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 9178 9139 1722 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620380 August 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Providing Tools for Richer eLearning Assessment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will study effective models for carrying out assessments employing challenging puzzle-like questions that incorporate distractor analyses in which meaning is assigned to complex responses. Such distractor analyses apply where there is the possibility that the test taker can give alternative correct, partially correct, and incorrect answers. Metadata and distractor analyses will be combined to provide in-depth reports on student test performance. This new rule-based solution to distractor analysis meets a significant challenge in being able to include engaging problems in assessments of student progress in quantitative courses, such as Algebra and Geometry. The research will further develop question authoring and test construction tools. As a consequence of this work, educators using these new technologies will be able to move beyond online testing based solely on multiple-choice, single-answer questions that are known to be unmotivating for many students. The goals are twofold: to provide varied, interesting, and even gamelike learning interactions that incorporate motivational and pedagogically valuable feedback; and to do so in a form in which empirical evidence can be used to improve the assessment corpus - both the metadata and the rules used for defining distractor analysis, especially where the items are novel question types. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chaput, Linda AGILE MIND INC TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 1020000 5373 SMET 9177 9102 7261 7218 0116000 Human Subjects 0510604 Analytic Tools 0620389 October 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Continuous Spray-Capture Production System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a technology that allows the stabilization of live probiotic bacteria for incorporation into food products outside the dairy case. ABN proposes a novel microencapsulation solution that involves pumping viscous liquids through a spray nozzle, followed by the capture of the resultant particles in a cross-linking fluid. The Phase II objectives are to complete the commercial acceptability of this novel process by modifying the system to make all processes steps compliant with current Good Manufacturing Processes and by designing and fabricating the final critical drying step for the microencapsulated probiotics. This final step will provide a product that is stable enough to be used by the food and feed industries to allow the use of probiotics in products that do not need to be refrigerated. The manufacturing technology proposed herein is an enabling technology that will open many new commercial opportunities for a number of industries. Stabilization of the probiotics and incorporation into nutritional bars, beverages, cereals, and other food products that do not require refrigeration will greatly expand the commercial potential, and choices for consumers who will benefit from these gut-friendly bacteria. The same technology could also be used for the stabilization and delivery of enzymes, vaccines, and other small molecules whose oral delivery is limited by gastric digestion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Harel, Moti Advanced BioNutrition Corp. MD Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 467005 5373 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620428 August 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Single Step Chemical Mechanical Planarization of Copper/Ultra Low k Interconnects. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop and commercialize a single step chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process for fabrication of next generation of copper based interconnects that join millions of transistors on a chip. The current state of the art copper CMP process is complicated and requires multiple steps to meet the defect quality and planarity requirements. Furthermore, existing processes create high stresses during polishing, which may not be compatible with the fragile low dielectric constant materials are now being introduced by the semiconductor industry. To address these challenges the research team proposes to develop the "soft polishing layer" concept for gentle removal of copper that does not damage the fragile dielectric layer. The use compatible chemistries and nanoparticles in the slurry allows successful development of a flexible, defect-free, single step process to fabricate copper based interconnects that will result in substantial cost savings to the semiconductor chip manufacturers. During Phase II, the company will partner with the leading edge CMP companies and chip manufacturers to address industrial scale integration issues related to development and commercialization of the single step slurry. With the impending introduction of new fragile ultra low k materials, CMP processes are expected to become more complicated and expensive, to achieve the necessary levels of performance. The successful implementation of the single step CMP process is expected to meet or exceed the technical performance levels of the 45 nm manufacturing node while decreasing the CMP manufacturing costs by up to 80% which translates to over $ 4 billion savings for the chip industry (10 X savings for the chip industry for every "X" dollar of slurry revenue). The reduction in costs is largely due to the simplification of the manufacturing process, higher throughput, increased yield, less use of capital equipment and manpower, and reduction in consumable costs. The successful completion of this project will help maintain and grow the country's leadership in nanotechnology, a key area for future health and vitality of the nation. This project will help increase the number and quality of manufacturing jobs in the country. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 761173 5373 MANU 9147 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620436 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Tonnage Analysis System for Forging Processes. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Proposal Abstract Proposal: 0620436 PI Name: Chang, Tzyy-Shuh Proposal Title: SBIR Phase II: Advanced Tonnage Analysis System for Forging Processes Institution: OG Technologies, Inc Abstract Date: 06/28/2006 The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an advanced tonnage signal processing system for the forging industry. This system will utilize advanced signal processing methods and statistical control techniques to distinguish between normal (in-control) and abnormal (out-of-control) tonnage signals, detect faulty process conditions (cold die, die wear, mismatch, improper lubrication, etc), and to conduct real-time process monitoring in the forging process. The use of the advanced tonnage signal analysis system will contribute to reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions, and improved tool (die) life in the forging process. This system also has the potential to be used in other deformation processes including rolling, stamping, extrusion, and drawing. RDG; 6/28/2006 SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chang, Tzyy-Shuh OG TECHNOLOGIES, INC MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 512000 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9148 9147 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620438 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Novel Polycarbonate Synthesis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to commercialize a new class of biodegradable plastics from carbon dioxide and epoxides. The technology is based on an innovative catalyst system that significantly increases process efficiency and reduces cost. A novel approach for catalytic polymerization will be developed by directly incorporating carbon dioxide into the polymer, which will transform this greenhouse gas into a synthetic building block of a polycarbonate plastic material, with widespread industrial applications. The project will demonstrate an alternative use of a significant greenhouse gas as an alternative feedstock for the plastic industry, which has the potential for greatly reducing the Nation's dependence on petroleum-based raw materials. In addition, the polycarbonate materials synthesized using the novel process will beneficially impact a number of industries, such as specialty adhesives, investment casting, ceramic binders and biomedical applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Allen, Scott Novomer LLC NY Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 1000000 5373 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620456 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Optical-Maskless-Lithography Equipment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is a major step in the development of an optical-maskless lithography technology that is capable of high resolution, high throughput, flexibility, low cost, and extendibility. Current lithography technologies suffer from the problems of high tool costs, high mask costs, and inflexibility in the case of optical-projection lithography, and high tool costs, very low throughputs, and high complexity in the case of scanning electron- beam lithography. The company's Zone-Plate-Array-Lithography (ZPAL) technology will mitigate these issues, while providing unprecedented flexibility in nanopatterning. This project covers two major thrusts: one the manufacture of zone-plate arrays containing over 1000 zone plates, each with a numerical-aperture (NA) greater than 0.85, second the development of a high-accuracy alignment sub-system that can achieve overlay accuracy of 20nm with potential extendibility below 5nm. A successful completion of the first thrust of this project will result in large arrays of high-NA zone plates installed in the prototype lithography system, enabling high resolution and high throughput. A successful implementation of the alignment sub-system in the prototype tool will meet specifications of accuracy unmatched by alternate technologies. It is widely recognized that nanostructures of complex geometries are indispensable to create functionality and enable a nanotechnology revolution. At present, the tools that are available for the creation of such nanostructures are highly limited in flexibility, resolution, cost and throughput. The tools based on ZPAL have the potential to create a new paradigm in the development and manufacture of nanostructures by sharply reducing the development-cycle time and manufacturing costs. Being maskless, this technology provides flexibility by enabling the designers of nanostructures to quickly realize their designs in hardware for prototyping and even low-volume manufacturing. The company's tools have the potential to enable industries in a wide spectrum of industries such as micro-electro-mechanical devices (MEMs), nano-electro-mechanical devices (NEMs), nano-electronics, nano-magnetics, integrated optics, photonics, biochips, microfluidics, to name a few. Initial target customers are manufacturers of application-specific-integrated circuits (ASICs), compound semiconductors and photomasks. In the ASIC industry alone, the tools have the potential to enable savings of over $3B per year. Furthermore, this technology can provide the cost-effective, flexible solution required to revive and grow this important segment of the semiconductor industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Menon, Rajesh LUMARRAY LLC MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 523943 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9147 9146 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620461 August 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: T-Splines for Surface Intersection. This SBIR Phase II project addresses what is considered to be a significant unsolved problem in the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) industry; the fact that many CAD models contain numerous small, unwanted holes or gaps. These gaps occur most often along the seams where two surfaces in a CAD model meet, such as where a wing meets the fuselage of an airplane, and result from fundamental mathematical limitations. Software for analyzing a CAD model for physical properties such as aerodynamics, deflection, or stress cannot work unless those holes are repaired; a time consuming process that causes a significant bottleneck in the CAD workflow. Under Phase I funding, a solution to this gap problem was devised that uses a new surface formulation called T-Splines. Tasks to be performed in Phase II include extending the algorithms to work in arbitrary cases, designing and implementing algorithms for converting trimmed-NURBS models into gap-free T-Splines, adding fillets to the surface intersection, and incorporating the core software into two existing CAD packages using the idea of a "plugin." The gap problem has vexed the CAD industry for over 25 years. The solution to the gap problem conceived in previous efforts involves a new technology called T-Splines, which some researchers in the CAD community believe represents a significant advance in the field of surface modeling theory. This project will help the T-Splines technology to mature and will hasten its adoption into the CAD industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sederberg, Matthew T-Spline Company UT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 682745 5373 HPCC 9216 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0620486 September 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: Lifelike Virtual Tutors to Support Authentic Learning. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop proof-of-concept, Web- or CD-delivered Virtual Reality (VR) simulations that incorporate lifelike virtual tutors, capable of demonstrating and performing science experiments and communicating in written or spoken English or sign language, for Grades 5-8 curricula. This project provides an opportunity to broaden participation of under-represented groups in authentic learning experiences, through the use of lifelike virtual tutor avatars. Originally conceived as a means to explain concepts visually and with sign language to deaf students with low English skills, these virtual tutors will benefit a broader range of learners who are otherwise isolated by language or reading barriers, or by lack of access to laboratory equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Sims, Edward VCOM3D, INC. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 1012075 5373 5371 1591 SMET 9261 9251 9231 9178 9177 9102 7218 1666 0104000 Information Systems 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510604 Analytic Tools 0620490 September 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: Parallel Lattice Kinetic Software for High Mach Number Fluid Dynamics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will produce a novel parallel dynamic rule-based software tool for simulating high Mach number flows of interest for the ground transportation, aerospace and power generation markets. This work couples a multi-disciplinary interplay between algorithm design, modern cluster/grid computer architecture, parallel processing, and software engineering, and employs Lattice-Boltzmann Methods (LBM) with automatically generated grids with up to 100 million computational cells. This new technology will enable virtual design within the ground transportation industry. Secondly, the ability of the parallel lattice kinetic software to address high Mach/Knudsen number problems should open important markets in aerospace, power generation, automotive, and other industries. Additionally, this new technology should establish markets for computer aided engineering (CAE), by numerical simulation of vehicles and powertrain components whose complexity have forced design/optimization using either physical experimentation or semi-empirical rules. The research will help to demonstrate the linkage between fundamental research and industrial applications, and emphasize the importance of non-equilibrium statistical physics methods as a core component in the commercial simulators. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Chen, Hudong Exa Corporation MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 1591 HPCC 9216 0510604 Analytic Tools 0620496 September 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: Modular Feedforward Adaptive Noise Control. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project seeks to develop an inexpensive, multi-purpose active noise reduction (ANR) module and associated software evaluation tools with broad commercial application to many occupational environments. This project will develop signal processing algorithms that improve the computational efficiency for ANR. The current Phase II objectives include: (1) developing a multi-purpose ANR module and associated ANR software modules capable of single- and multi-channel ANR for two markets: "quiet zone" ANR in commercial vehicle cabins and active noise abatement products for the noise consulting industry; (2) developing a corresponding suite of software tools to be used by noise consultants for turnkey retrofits of noisy environments with active noise abatement products, and (3) conducting full-scale in-situ evaluation of the ANR module, software, and tool suite in demonstration projects with the support of commercialization partners. The expected technical outcomes of Phase II include: (1) a manufacture-ready ANR hardware module with associated modular ANR software, (2) a suite of ANR evaluation tools for the noise consulting industry, validated through in-situ testing and (3) experimental results of the modular ANR concept from several full-scale demonstration projects. The strong pull for new noise control technologies is the result of increasingly strict government and community regulations, industry standards, the growing body of scientific evidence of on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and the multimillion dollar cost of occupational hearing disability compensation. The current business model is based on partnerships in which the proprietary 'Plug-and-Play' ANR module represents a branded embedded component for products manufactured and marketed by other industrial organizations and for installations by acoustical consultants. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Collier, Robert SOUND INNOVATIONS INC. VT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 499827 9150 1591 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 1591 0110000 Technology Transfer 0620502 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Synthesis and Processing of High Performance Polymer Nanocomposite Foams. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and scale-up a new group of light-weight, high-strength and fire-resistant polymeric foams by using innovative nanotechnology. The project explores the synthesis of nanocomposites using both plate-like and fiber-like nanoparticles with high carbon dioxide (CO2) affinity. Polymer blends including a minor phase with high CO2 solubility are used as the matrix material. To improve fire-resistance, surfactant-free and water-expandable polymer/clay nanocomposites are also prepared by suspension polymerization of inverse emulsion. Since low molecular weight surfactants are not needed, there is no fire hazard problem. These polymer blend nanocomposites are then used to produce high performance foam products aimed at both insulation and structural applications. The presence of nanoparticles in polymer blends allows better control of cell morphology and foam density in the manufacturing processes. Ultra-low-density foams with thermal insulation properties better than the existing insulation materials and high-density microcellular foams with mechanical properties close to those of solid polymers are achieved. The materials and processing conditions will be optimized to obtain better foamability and mechanical properties of these novel nanocomposites foams. Commercially, nanocomposite reinforced foams have the potential in structural applications to replace solid polymers. The U.S. market for polymer foams was more than 7.4 billion pounds in 2001. Currently, their applications are limited by poor mechanical strength, surface quality, thermal stability and fire retardance. Furthermore, traditional chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) blowing agents cause ozone depletion and will be banned by 2010. As environmentally benign blowing agent CO2 is used to replace CFCs, the success of this project will be extremely valuable for environmental protection. A successful implementation of this novel technology can lead to significant impact on energy saving, material saving, and environmental protection that are critical to our nation's economy and societal health. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chiou, Nan-Rong Nanomaterial Innovation Ltd. OH Ben Schrag Standard Grant 680000 5761 5373 MANU 9146 5761 1984 1788 1401 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620509 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Development of ModelGlove - A Virtual Clay Modeling System Using Force/Position Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a Virtual Clay system comprised of a patent-pending sensor-enabled glove (called the ModelGlove), and a physics-based simulation engine which presents the user with a virtual 3D representation of modeling clay. The glove enables a designer to mold and shape the virtual clay with his or her fingers and hand, just as he or she would with physical clay. Clay modeling was pioneered by General Motors in 1914, and remains a popular technique. Since the early 80's, the computer aided design (CAD) market has grown dramatically, and 3D CAD has become the most technically-advanced tool for designing complex shapes. However, very little work has been done to merge the physical clay and CAD environments. Virtual Clay aims to fuse these environments, blurring the line between art and engineering and giving designers a unified modeling tool at all stages of development. By advancing the state of the art in design and opening new worlds of design to mechanical engineers designing and modeling products, broad impacts are anticipated. The Virtual Clay system represents a significant advancement in wearable computing, where the user directly manipulates a virtual object with his or her hand. Further, a physics-based simulation of clay in a design environment promises to open new areas of exploration in the CAD world. By giving control to the user of not only the design, but the simulation environment itself (the user can control how soft or hard the clay is, for example), a whole new way of thinking about how simulation and CAD can evolve. Further, artists and engineers will benefit from being able to watch and decipher every manipulation that an expert modeler has completed on the virtual clay. Bringing a physical medium to a digital environment will thus open up numerous possibilities in design, assessment and analysis, testing, and collaboration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chugh, Kevin TACTUS TECHNOLOGIES NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9216 9139 1704 1631 0522400 Information Systems 0620511 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Individualized Guidance for the Blind (IGB). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an Individualized Guidance for the Blind system which is an accurate, affordable, easy-to-use indoor/outdoor assistive navigation system to aid people who are blind in wayfinding and traveling. In a separate effort, a wayfinding system for the blind using GPS for outdoor location is now being designed and built. For indoor use, however, this system requires a complex inertial guidance system for location and guidance. In this project, inexpensive optical locators will be used to improve indoor wayfinding and supply GPS-like location indoors. Software developed will allow Individualized Guidance for the Blind locators to provide GPS-like locator information indoors and permit the input of location to the personal data assistants (PDA), updating of location and elimination of errors. As a commerical product, application areas will include hospitals, care facilities, museums, malls, schools, retail stores, trade shows, transportation facilities and otherplaces where blind and people with limited vision require navigation assistance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moore, Robert TALKING LIGHTS LLC MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 467488 5373 HPCC 9139 0116000 Human Subjects 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0620518 August 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Improved Methods to Manufacture Brominated-Carbon Adsorbents for Power-Plant Mercury-Emission Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to further develop an advanced manufacturing method to both lower the cost and increase the performance of brominated carbon sorbents for power plant mercury emission control. Fine brominated carbon, a newly-commercial material, has been demonstrating a superior affinity in full-scale sorbent-injection trials for scavenging toxic mercury from power plant flue gases. In the Phase I project various production parameters were experimentally examined and the feasibility of an improved manufacturing process was preliminarily established. The Phase II project will concentrate on further developing and testing the innovative manufacturing technique. Coal-fired power-plant mercury emissions are increasingly recognized as injurious to the environment and, ultimately, to human health. A leading retrofit technology for this application is the injection of a new material, brominated carbon, ahead of existing plant particulate controls. Consequently, successful efforts to lower the production cost and to increase the performance of these new materials will have high economic returns, potentially saving the nation tens or hundreds of millions of dollars each year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhang, Yinzhi SORBENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499714 5373 AMPP 9197 9163 9102 1417 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620525 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: High Power Deep UV LED-Based Lamps. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will result in solid-state high power UV LED based lamps for use in water/air/food sterilization/purification, bio-aerosol detection, bio-medical instrumentation, and laboratory measurement systems. Currently there are no portable, rugged, long-lifetime, non-toxic sources of ultraviolet radiation for integration into increasingly important UV water and air purification (particularly residential), bio-aerosol detection, and food sterilization systems. The predominant sources of UV radiation are low-pressure, medium-pressure and amalgam Hg based lamps. These high voltage lamps are large, non-directional, ozone-producing sources of radiation with radial emission from a tube source. This restricts the design flexibility of purification systems because of the geometrical constraints imposed by the lamp. High power deep UV LEDs require packaging designed to dissipate several watts of power, be stable under UV illumination, reflect UV light, and enhance UV extraction. The team proposes to develop manufacturing innovations in the packaging of high power UV LEDs to extend the range of applications that UV LEDs are suitable for including high power package/LED design, and the manufacturing processes required to fabricate these packages. Deep UV LED based lamps with output powers ranging from 50-100 mW are expected from this developmental effort. If successful these Deep UV LED-based lamps will penetrate existing markets using UV radiation sources as the efficiency of the devices increases, as well as creating new markets previously unattainable due to the inherent limitations of current UV sources. The merits of UV radiation for sterilization/purification applications are beginning to be widely publicized. Several of the primary markets are: 1) Sterilization/Purification for Water, Air, and Food Preparation/Storage, 2) UV Spectroscopic Laboratory Analysis Equipment, 3) Bio-medical instrumentation, and 4) Biological weapons detection using UV fluorescence. This expertise will expand the technology base of the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing sector. In addition, low power point-of-use purification systems enabled by this technology will meet a crucial humanitarian need. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bilenko, Yuriy Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. SC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 1129028 5761 5373 SMET MANU 9178 9150 9147 5761 1775 1517 1049 1038 1032 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620528 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: An Engineered Diffusion Barrier for Preparation of Pd Membranes on Tubular Porous Stainless Steel Substrate. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on the development of an innovative diffusion barrier for the preparation of Pd thin film on tubular porous stainless steel substrate. A thin Pd film supported on tubular porous SS substrate provides a commercially viable avenue for the use of palladium membranes for hydrogen production/recovery, particularly for large-scale applications. During Phase II the diffusion barrier will be developed to a commercial scale membrane unit for performing field tests. Pd membranes due to their excellent hydrogen permeability and selectivity can streamline existing hydrogen separation and purification processes dramatically for fuel cell and hydrogen separation applications. The projected worldwide market size when fully matured is in the range of $1 billion/yr. Refineries' demand for hydrogen is expected to post annual growth in excess of 10% as refiners use more hydrogen to meet clean fuel regulations. A Pd-base hydrogen selective membrane suitable for large scale operations will play a major role in meeting this demand, particularly for the retrofit market, such as hydrogen recovery from waste refinery streams, as an add-on stage for existing steam reformer for incremental capacity, etc. In summary the proposed diffusion barrier could offer a practically viable Pd-based hydrogen separation device, which can benefit fuel cell and industrial hydrogen applications, and greenhouse gas reduction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Paul Media and Process Technology Inc. PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 683368 5373 AMPP 9163 1417 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620563 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Nanocomposite Coating on Coronary Stents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is focused on designing, prototyping, and fully qualifying a proprietary manufacturing apparatus capable of applying a range of next-generation coronary stent coatings. First generation drug-eluting coronary stents have significantly improved clinical outcomes for heart patients, while concurrently highlighting the potential for substantial improvements. Next-generation methods are needed for improving the way drugs and other biologics are applied to the stent, as well as for active-agent release from the stent. The company successfully demonstrated in Phase I that its proprietary ElectroNanospray process could reproducibly apply nanocomposite drug/polymer coatings onto the intricate architecture of a coronary stent and could consistently meet preliminary specifications provided by a potential commercial partner. This Phase II project will extend that R&D by producing a manufacturing Apparatus designed to significantly improve process control features and throughput. Rigorous step-wise hardware-qualification experiments will generate test lots of coated stents for further characterization and validation by the same partner. Feedback will guide design iterations needed to optimize this unique manufacturing capability, with the goal of producing an apparatus that coats stents with a broad range of novel nanocomposite coatings and drug-release properties for preclinical testing and meets the stringent performance requirements for commercial manufacturing in a regulated environment. Commercially, sales of drug-eluting coronary stents will exceed $6 billion in 2006. With the first products entering the market in 2003, this represents the fastest market introduction in medical device history. The drug-eluting stent showed that the body's inflammatory and scarring response to the implanted bare metal stent, which resulted in re-blockage of the artery, could be overcome by applying thin layers of drug-releasing polymers to the stent surface. The broader implications are that coatings that enable site-specific delivery of biologically active compounds could improve the clinical performance of a wide variety of medical device implants, not only for cardiovascular indications, but also for use in orthopedic, neurology and tissue engineering applications. In addition, using the drug-eluting stent as an example, they offer the possibility of bringing about the same or improved clinical outcomes as existing therapies, while reducing cost, hospital length of stay, and loss of productivity by the patient. The novel manufacturing apparatus proposed in this research will have the ability to create and apply engineered nanocomposite coatings to device implants that incorporate novel active agents and controlled-release properties not possible with today's conventional coating processes, thereby offering the possibility of improved clinical outcomes for a wide variety of diseases. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hoerr, Robert Nanocopoeia Inc. MN William Haines Standard Grant 1174484 5761 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9146 5761 1984 1788 1401 116E 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620566 September 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: High-Speed, Low-Cost Maskless Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will research and develop a maskless lithography tool based on the results of the feasibility study. The company has a unique and proprietary approach to achieve higher throughput and lower cost than currently available maskless lithography tools. The approach will employ Line Light Modulator (LLM) to pattern wafers with a linear array of 2048 beams. The patent-pending LLM is a novel and efficient light engine that converts a single light source into a large linear array of beamlets. Using a large array of beamlets increases the power handling capability of the system which increases the exposure throughput. The result is a one to two order of magnitude improvement in throughput compared to existing maskless lithography tools. Our tool also takes advantage of the new 405nm diode laser. The 405nm diode laser offers a combination of power, cost, and speed not available in other UV laser sources. In the feasibility study, we have demonstrated the ability to pattern photoresist with <1um resolution using the LLM. In Phase II, we will develop and fully characterize a prototype tool that will achieve a 1um resolution, 50nm position accuracy, and a throughput of 65mm2/sec (two minutes per 4" wafer). As high volume semiconductor production has mostly moved overseas, the US semiconductor industry relies more on prototyping and initial manufacturing of innovative, cutting-edge technology. Lowering the cost to pattern wafers at these volumes helps keep US companies competitive by enabling rapid and cost-effective innovations. Cost is especially important for the small- to medium-sized companies that neither have the capital for high cost mask sets, nor require the most advanced resolutions of modern conventional lithography tools. The proposed tool addresses this need for fast and cost-effective semiconductor lithography with good throughput, resolution, and seamless integration with current lithography processes. The proposed project will provide researchers with an affordable tool to quickly fabricate new and existing designs. These low cost lithography tools will also be useful in fabrication and MEMS laboratory courses. A maskless lithography tool will make it practical for students to design and fabricate devices instead of simply using masks made for the course. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Yeh, Richard ALCES TECHNOLOGY, INC. WY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 929204 5373 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620568 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Water Purification Technology for Removal of Chemical and Biological Contaminants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project develops a low-cost, water purification technology for removal of biological and chemical contaminants. In combination with research at the University of Oregon and technology licensed from the University of Texas, a proprietary surface-modified mineral adsorbents will sequester high concentrations of chemical contaminants, such as arsenic, lead, mercury, PCE, TCE and MTBE. The current effort will: a) optimize specific bifunctional ligands and mineral substrates capable of removing heavy metals to meet the EPA drinking water standards; b) demonstrate alternative ligand/substrate combinations capable of selective removal of contaminates from a water stream; c) demonstrate qualification to EPA and California drinking water requirements of a CCT water filter and ultra-violet lamp combination; d) field test the solution in an underdeveloped location. Currently two-thirds of the world's population does not have access to clean water and one-third lack access to a reliable source of water. In certain parts of the world, mostly the underdeveloped world, water is already the most precious necessity. From the executive summary of the World Water Assessment Program sponsored by the United Nations under UNESCO: "In 2000, the estimated mortality rate due to water sanitation hygiene-associated ... diseases.. was 2,213,000." That equates to one person every 15 seconds. In the U.S., an 2001 EPA report estimates that over two million Americans get sick from contaminated water each year. In China, over one billion people lack acceptable water resources. At the completion of the Phase II effort, CCT will have a complete solution, using both passive and active technologies, for a low cost, sustainable water purification module. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Farmen, Lisa Crystal Clear Technologies OR Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 524997 5373 EGCH 9186 9102 5761 1397 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0313040 Water Pollution 0620572 August 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: Antibacterially-Active Nanoparticles. This Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research project develops a novel nanoparticle delivery system for treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. This extends previous findings using antibacterially active polyacrylate nanoparticles to animal infection models. Penicillin containing nanoparticles are the intial focus due to the clinical importance of penicillin in treating bacterial infections and the extreme sensitivity penicillin has to degradation by proteins produced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The research will determine the stabilities of penicillin nanoparticles under various chemical and biological conditions, evaluate potential in vitro and in vivo toxicity of the nanoparticles, examine the biodistribution of the two most active nanoparticles in healthy mice, and assess the effectiveness in treating early stage (skin) and advanced (systemic) MRSA infections in mice. The results from this project will provide both fundamental data to the scientific community on these polyacrylate nanoparticles as a drug delivery platform, as well as animal testing data needed to advance this nanoparticle technology towards IND and FDA approval. The broader impact of this research will be to demonstrate that nanoparticle technology can be applied to treatment of MRSA infections and provide essential data on the use of polyacrylate nanoparticles as a drug delivery platform. Use of nanoparticles in anti-infectives is essentially unexplored. These novel nanoparticles will enable characterization of the properties for creating FDA guidelines on the use of nanoparticles in medicine. In addition, the training of students at the graduate and undergraduate level in bio-nanotechnology is a central element of this joint project between industry and academia. The precipitous loss in the ability of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections is already having enormous societal implications. The number of deaths and serious illnesses due to clinical complications from drug-resistant infections is staggering. This research will establish a new treatment protocol for these types of infections through use of cutting-edge nanotechnology, both as a drug-delivery platform and as an effective way to recover the therapeutic effectiveness of antibiotics like penicillin. There are currently no existing technologies like this in the anti-infectives area, indication of an unmet health need and a large commercial market. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Jang, Seyoung Nanopharma Technologies, Inc. FL Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 632951 1591 BIOT 9231 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0620578 July 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Development of an Imaging X-Ray Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop an innovative x-ray fluorescence (XFi) imaging spectrometer with the following important attributes: (1) element specific imaging for nearly all elements in the periodic table, (2) high resolution: 30nm resolution after successful completion of the phase II project, (3) parallel (full field) imaging and thus high throughput: up to a million pixels imaged simultaneously, (4) non-destructive: little or no sample preparation is required. The proposed spectrometer can be used to substantially enhance the performance of electron microscopes, which are widely deployed in the R&D and manufacturing environment, and to enable monitoring, diagnosis, and characterization of manufacturing processes in advanced semiconductor production lines. The proposed XFi spectrometer addresses current and emerging needs for nondestructive, high-resolution, elemental analysis, imaging, and characterization in a broad range of applications, especially for the nanotechnology and semiconductor industries. Development of advanced diagnostic and characterization tools with nanometer scale resolution is critical to enable rapid development and commercialization of nanotechnology. The combination of nanotechnology based products with the products from the semiconductor industry constitutes a significant part of the national economy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Feser, Michael Xradia CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 999233 5373 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620581 November 1, 2006 STTR Phase II: A New Hyperspectral Imaging Spectrometer. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project develops a macroscopic fluorescent scanner that utilizes hyperspectral imaging with enhanced capability for reading microarrays, multiwell plates, and two dimensional (2D) gels. The system utilizes novel optical design to provide more efficient light gathering and less aberration for better imaging versus conventional hyperspectral optical designs. The anticipated technical benefits include improved signal-to-noise (greater sensitivity) and the better dye multiplexing (enabling the use of multiple dyes to detect of multiple analytes simultaneously). The broader impact of this research will be to enable more rapid advancement of scientific discovery by providing enhanced tools for study of the complexity of biological signaling, metabolic and response networks using non-radioactive optical detection methods to improve safety and reduce waste problems with optical detection. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Swanson, Rand RESONON INC. MT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 479219 9150 1591 BIOT 9181 9150 0110000 Technology Transfer 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0620587 August 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Chiral Polymers for Pharmaceutical Purification. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project develops new chiral stationary phases for pharmaceutical purification. Drug manufacturers seek new chiral stationary phases with high throughput, extended chiral selectivity, high loading capacity, with the ability to tolerate a wide range of mobile phases. To meet this need, artificial saccharides will be synthesized and polymerized into a 100% stereo specific chiral stationary phase for liquid chromatography of enantiomers. These polymers have remarkable propertie such as stereo specificity, five asymmetric centers, functionality for tailoring phase/ligand recognition, extensive crosslinking capability, and ether bonding. This chemistry was demonstrated in Phase I and in Phase II will lead to a new family of chiral polymers to speed drug discovery and reduce the cost of drug manufacture. The broader impact of this research will be to provide artificial polysaccharides to provide novel activities versus the natural products currently sold. Polysaccharides have multiple, chiral centers, unparalleled optical integrity; and the highest density of functional groups of all known molecules. Artificial polysaccharides are most readily functionalized and tailored to form desired chiral selectors. This project will molecularly design chiral selectors. The impact of this research extends beyond drug purification to sugar separations, high performance fibers, tissue scaffolds, and nano machinery. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jaffe, Stephen Material Methods CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 968938 9131 5761 5373 HPCC BIOT 9261 9251 9231 9181 9178 9139 5761 1704 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620588 August 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Adaptive/Cognitive Software Radio Architecture for Gbps+ Wireless Networking. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop interference-mitigating technology for wireless networks. The traditional 802.11 WLAN systems that have been used for data communications are becoming ubiquitous. The next generation of these systems will be relied upon for video distribution, metropolitan networking, as well as a host of other applications that are as yet undefined. They must achieve aggregate network throughput rates in excess of one Gbps while operating in the unlicensed ISM bands. This, however, must be done in the face of ever increasing interference in the bands that in turn pose a serious threat to continued market growth. The current effort will address the interference problem by successfully combining novel spectrum sensing and cognitive approaches (observe, learn, react) with a host of powerful PHY, MAC, and combined PHY-MAC protocols. This effort will look to heavily leverage a new tool in the arsenal, namely that of multiple antennae enabled nodes that are included in the major Wi-Fi and WiMax standards. The FCC revolutionized the wireless industry by opening up the unlicensed ISM bands. These bands reduce the barrier to entry for companies to introduce wireless services to niche markets without the expense and delays associated with obtaining a proprietary licensed band. The price paid for utilization of the ISM bands is interference. Traditionally these bands have been sparsely occupied, however, with ever increasing adoption of WLANs, and the emergence of WiMax and metropolitan networking in this band, interference is going to increase in significance. If successful, the current effort will allow high utilization of the ISM bands for high throughput high fidelity applications, and will help ensure low price wireless access to the society at large. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fogelsong, David SILVUS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 7362 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620589 September 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Large-Scale Manufacturing Process for Uniform Semiconductor Nanowires. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an innovative manufacturing technology for inorganic semiconductor nanowires for use in high-performance thin-film electronics products. In Phase I, the company successfully demonstrated the feasibility of this innovative manufacturing method to yield large volumes of high quality, uniform nanowire nanostructures of the quality and quality required to enable the application of these materials in high performance thin-film electronics. Specifically, the company: (1) setup a prototype nanowire manufacturing reactor capable of large-volume production; (2) identified critical process parameters affecting materials quality and methods to optimize them; and (3) established control over the process parameters enabling the precise fabrication of nanowires. Phase II research will build on the knowledge gained in Phase I, and focus on further development and optimization of this system into a fully automated, manufacturing system capable of pilot scale production of nanowires for commercialization in high performance electronics applications including displays and phased array antennas. Commercially, the project represents an innovative approach to a manufacturing process technology for large-scale production of high quality inorganic semiconductor nanowires, and will enable wide-spread production of low-cost high-performance electronics fabricated by roll-to-roll manufacturing. Applications of these materials exist in novel electronic devices and systems including specific uses in displays, RFIDs, phased array antennas and sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fischer-Colbrie, Alice NANOSYS INC CA William Haines Standard Grant 796813 5373 MANU 9146 1984 1788 1768 0308000 Industrial Technology 0620590 September 15, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Understanding the Nature of Science. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will deliver simulations over the web for secondary and post-secondary science instruction which focus explicitly on students coming to understand the "nature of science." The nature of science implies that both the underlying logic of scientific discovery and the way that science is organized around the acquisition and dissemination of data and ideas. This is the big picture in science learning -- establishing the relationship between experiments and hypotheses; the idea that theories are models and not reality, and that the test of a theory is its predictive power. The research focuses on the careful design and testing of both the simulations and the lessons in which they are embedded, to ensure that they are as effective as possible. Tomorrow's citizens need to know how science works. This project will help erase dangerous misconceptions about the origins and extent of scientific knowledge, and give students tools to evaluate scientific (and quasi-scientific) claims more effectively. This project also probes unusual models for both delivery of instruction and commercialization in the education world: it will use the Internet not to deliver content but to mediate a simulation and promote inter-group communication, usually within a single classroom rather than more widely; and will do so using subscriptions - a way that is cost-effective to the teacher in the short term. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Erickson, Timothy BigTime Science CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 504930 5373 SMET 9231 9178 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0104000 Information Systems 0620596 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Nanoparticulate Based Coating Approach for Making Thin Film Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will further develop unique materials demonstrated with potential to provide higher performance nanostructured cathodes for a solid state lithium ion thin film battery using a lower cost, nanoparticulate based deposition approach. A unique nanocomposite anode consisting Sn nanoparticles deposited onto CNT has been developed, with capacities higher than typically found in conventional Li ion batteries The cathode work will be directed toward development of improved cathode coatings. The potential to cost-effectively eliminate the primary limitation to portable electronic advances will have a significant impact on industry and society. Lighter weight, more powerful and permanently rechargeable solid state devices that enable a new portable power "platform" will be an outcome of this endeavor. In addition, the nature of the solid-state design and materials is inherently disposable and environmentally friendly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sengupta, Suvankar METAMATERIA PARTNERS LLC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0622266 September 1, 2006 SBIR Phase II: Long-Life Nozzles for Abrasive-Slurry-Jet Cutting. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a high-pressure abrasive slurry jet cutting tool for almost all materials. The key aspect of this innovation is the elimination of nozzle grit erosion by fluid dynamic means. Past attempts to use abrasive slurry cutting tools have been troubled by unacceptable wear of the nozzles by the abrasive, and the associated loss of the abrasive. The successful development of this technology will lead to a new generation of cutting equipment with reduced operating times and costs. This project will also provide internship opportunities for college undergraduates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dean, Jr., Robert SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 495827 5373 MANU 9231 9178 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0622691 November 1, 2006 Workshop: Bringing Innovation to Market; Oct. 26-27, 2006 in Omaha, NE and Nov. 16-17, 2006 in Manhattan, NY. This MIT Enterprise Forum (MIT EF) workshop series "Bringing Innovation to Market" will focus on bringing NSF Small Business Innovation Research/ Small Technology Transfer Research (SBIR/STTR), Phase I and Phase II grantees together with local enterprise resources in several locations throughout the country. One objective is to provide commercialization assistance to grantees of the NSF's SBIR/STTR programs and seed local systems with connections to NSF for broader participation. Another objective of the workshops is to provide insight into how the NSF and MIT EF might partner to support the commercialization efforts of NSF grantees beyond the initial workshop series. Current Phase I and Phase II grantees will participate and speakers from the venture industry as well as technology officers from potential strategic partners will convey "lessons learned" and best practices to increase commercialization success. After the workshop is complete, leaders from the community will be more experienced with the NSF SBIR/STTR program and companies will walk away with rich contacts with future business development potential. The NSF's SBIR program makes approximately $100mm in SBIR grants on an annual basis and maintaining and improving commercialization of these efforts is considered a strategic thrust for the effort moving forward. By extending entrepreneurial ecosystems, MIT EF wishes to support and maximize the commercialization prospects of NSF's SBIR grantees. Situating NSF SBIR grantees within the MIT EF's entrepreneurial ecosystem would serve both organizations' objectives. It would enhance MIT EF's objective of extending MIT's entrepreneurial ecosystem beyond the MIT community, by incorporating into the ecosystem companies with innovative technologies that are not necessarily MIT companies. And it would serve the NSF's objective of improving the commercialization prospects of its SBIR grantees, by situating the grantees in an existing and world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem that can provide the grantees with considerable resources that are crucial to enhance their commercialization success (access to entrepreneurs, clients, angels, and venture capitalists, and strategic partners for example). SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROG IIP ENG Pyrovolakis, John The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Enterprise Forum MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 52425 5370 OTHR 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0624148 August 1, 2006 CU-UC Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST) Center: A Multi-University I/U CRC Five-Year Renewal. The multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Membrane Applied Science and Technology at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Cincinnati addresses research in membrane technologies in meeting the separation needs of a broad range of critical industries including chemical, petrochemical, energy, pharmaceutical and water. The Center will continue to focus on research of membranes, micro-porous thin films, and thin film barrier layers. This I/UCRC will continue to significantly enhance the research database available for the disciplines involved with membrane technologies. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Clarson, Stephen University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 110000 5761 SMET OTHR 9177 7218 129E 115E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0624157 August 1, 2006 CU-UC Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST) Center: A Multi-University I/U CRC Five-Year Renewal. The multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Membrane Applied Science and Technology at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Cincinnati addresses research in membrane technologies in meeting the separation needs of a broad range of critical industries including chemical, petrochemical, energy, pharmaceutical and water. The Center will continue to focus on research of membranes, micro-porous thin films, and thin film barrier layers. This I/UCRC will continue to significantly enhance the research database available for the disciplines involved with membrane technologies. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Noble, Richard Alan Greenberg University of Colorado at Boulder CO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 642915 T817 I247 H240 5761 OTHR 5761 1591 129E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0628817 August 15, 2006 Expansion and Maintenance of a Newly Formed I/UCRC Multi-University Center for Dielectric Studies. The multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Dielectric Studies at Pennsylvania State University and the University of Missouri aims to broaden the scope of the Center to complementary technological areas, which will drive the center towards long-term sufficiency. The Centers mission is to play a leadership role in the development of next-generation electronic components through the creation of new materials, new processing methods, high frequency device modeling, measurements, interfacial characterization, and prototyping highly integrated devices. New research thrust areas in microwave metamaterials and electrolytic capacitors will be developed. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL PLAN & WORKSHOPS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Randall, Clive Michael Lanagan Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 478546 7609 7299 5761 OTHR 5978 5921 5761 123E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0629301 July 15, 2006 University of Virginia Center on Rapidly Reconfigurable Mission Critical Wireless Sytems. An Industry/University Cooperative Research Center Planning meeting will be conducted to determine the organization and viability of forming a research site of the existing I/UCRC for Wireless Internet Technology at the University of Virginia. The University of Virginia will focus on research in the area of rapidly reconfigurable mission critical wireless systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Horowitz, Barry University of Virginia Main Campus VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0629912 September 15, 2006 A Research Site for NSF I/UCRC for Fuel Cells at USC. A planning meeting has been awarded to the Georgia Institute of Technology to determine the feasibility and viability of forming an additional research site to the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Fuel Cells. The addition of the research site would strengthen the intellectual base of Center by developing new materials and structures for solid oxide fuel cells and membrane reactors fro hydrogen production, purification and separation. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Liu, Meilin GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 128E 127E 1049 0000 0630076 September 1, 2006 Collaborative: Planning Proposal for I/UCRC Center for Health Information and Decision System (CHIDS). An Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) Planning meeting will be conducted to determine the organization and viability of forming a new multi-university I/UCRC for Health Information and Decision Systems with the University of Maryland as the lead, and the Massachusetts General Hospital as a research site. This new Center aims to advance the science of information technology implementation and decision analysis in the health care sector and to better understand its impacts at all levels, including organizational, provider, and individual outcomes. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Weissman, Joel Timothy Ferris Massachusetts General Hospital MA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0630188 August 1, 2006 Collaborative for Enterprise Transformation and Innovation. The Ohio State University (OSU) has been awarded a planning grant to explore if OSU is able to become a research site partner for the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Experimental Research and Computer Science. Ohio State University would augment the research agenda in Adaptive Complex Enterprise architectures. This is a new paradigm that creates an information technology infrastructure that tracks processes and modifies itself to meet unexpected needs to facilitate business process. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ramanathan, Jayashree Rajiv Ramnath Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 132E 1049 0000 0630256 September 1, 2006 UW Planning Grant Proposal to join CELDi. An Industry/University Cooperative Research Center Planning meeting will be conducted to determine the organization and viability of forming a research site of the existing I/UCRC for Engineering, Logistics and Distribution at the University of Washington. The University of Washington will focus on optimization with uncertainty and supply chain modeling including performance analysis, which will integrate well with the existing site's research areas. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Zabinsky, Zelda University of Washington WA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 125E 1049 0000 0630281 September 1, 2006 Center for Robotic First Response. The University of Pennsylvania plans to become the fourth research site of the existing Industry / University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Safety, Security, and Rescue Research Center (SSR-RC), composed of the University of South Florida as the lead university with the University of Minnesota as a partner. The University of Pennsylvania will follow the same policies as the existing center. The main goal of the center and the research site is to create the infrastructure to facilitate engaging academic and industrial expertise for the direct and immediate benefit of our society at times and in situations during which it is most vulnerable. A planning meeting has been scheduled to determine the organization and viability of forming a research site for the existing I/UCRC. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kumar, R. Vijay George Pappas Mark Yim University of Pennsylvania PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0630297 August 1, 2006 Planning Grant Proposal: I/UCRC in Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. Columbia University is planning to become the fourth research site of the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Lasers and Plasma for Advanced Manufacturing. A planning meeting will be held to determine the organization and viability of forming a research site for the I/UCRC. The addition of Columbia University would strengthen the intellectual base of the multi-university LAM center. Columbia University researchers would contribute to the I/UCRC by developing laser induced thermal/mechanical processes; laser peen forming; laser ablative processes; laser applications in shape memory alloys; crystallization and deposition processes and sensors and sensor technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Yao, Y. Lawrence Columbia University NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 38545 S104 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0630304 September 1, 2006 COLLABORATIVE: Planning Proposal for I/UCRC Center for Health Information and Decision Systems (CHIDS). An Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) Planning meeting will be conducted to determine the organization and viability of forming a new multi-university I/UCRC for Health Information and Decision Systems with the University of Maryland as the lead, and the Massachusetts General Hospital as a research site. This new Center aims to advance the science of information technology implementation and decision analysis in the health care sector and to better understand its impacts at all levels, including organizational, provider, and individual outcomes. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Agarwal, Ritu Louiqa Raschid Samer Faraj Galit Shmueli University of Maryland College Park MD Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0630322 August 15, 2006 Collaborative Research: Science of Search: Data Search, Analytics, and Architectures Center (DSAAC). A planning meeting will be held to determine the organization and viability of forming a new multi-university Industry / University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Data Search, Analytics, and Architectures, with Indiana University as the lead research site and the Florida International University as a research site. The Center will focus on an area of technical and economic importance. It will study the representation, management, storage and analyses of large multi-modal data. Managing large complex data sets and analyzing them is problem common to many industries. The proposed center should benefit significantly from the resources available at the two institutions including unique and extensive facilities funded by NSF on Emerging Techniques for Advanced Information Processing at Florida International University. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Plale, Beth Dennis Gannon Indiana University IN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0630326 August 15, 2006 Collaborative Research: Science of Search: Data Search, Analytics, and Architectures Center (DSAAC). A planning meeting will be held to determine the organization and viability of forming a new multi-university Industry / University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Data Search, Analytics, and Architectures, with Indiana University as the lead research site and the Florida International University as a research site. The Center will focus on an area of technical and economic importance. It will study the representation, management, storage and analyses of large multi-modal data. Managing large complex data sets and analyzing them is problem common to many industries. The proposed center should benefit significantly from the resources available at the two institutions including unique and extensive facilities funded by NSF on Emerging Techniques for Advanced Information Processing at Florida International University. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rishe, Naphtali Shu-Ching Chen Tao Li Evangelos Christidis Florida International University FL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 20000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0631286 August 1, 2006 The Ohio State University ConnectionOne Center for Radio Frequency Systems. The Ohio State University will become a research site partner in the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Telecommunications, Integrated Circuits and Systems. The research site will provide the capabilities, expertise, and research facilities for conducting collaborative research in the multi-university research program. The collaborative research will enhance the research/education activities within the group and advance the state-of-the-art of the wireless communications technology, and establish stronger ties with industry. INTEGRATIVE, HYBRD & COMPLX SY INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Volakis, John Robert Lee Roberto Rojas Ronald Reano Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 775794 S071 S050 T720 T542 7564 5761 OTHR HPCC 9139 7609 132E 130E 122E 1049 0000 0206000 Telecommunications 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0631409 August 15, 2006 TIE Project POLY and UC: Biocatalytic Surfaces for Silicone Biosynthesis. This TIE project will study enzyme immobilization on surfaces of macroporous membranes which is crucial to understand the protein-surface interactions in terms of the structures, orientation, activity and stability of the siloxane forming enzymes as well as the surface characteristics. This is important in order to improve the efficiency of the enzyme catalyzed reactions that could result in new materials for fabrication of devices ranging from medical implants to water purification systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gross, Richard Polytechnic University of New York NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0631412 August 15, 2006 Collaborative Research-PU-UC Biocatalytic Surfaces for Silicone Biocatalytic. This TIE project will study enzyme immobilization on surfaces of macroporous membranes which is crucial to understand the protein-surface interactions in terms of the structures, orientation, activity and stability of the siloxane forming enzymes as well as the surface characteristics. This is important in order to improve the efficiency of the enzyme catalyzed reactions that could result in new materials for fabrication of devices ranging from medical implants to water purification systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Clarson, Stephen University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0631414 July 15, 2006 NSF IUCRC Evaluation Project. As the Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program has evolved over the years, the evaluation effort relies heavily on standardized collection of data by independent on-site evaluators at every I/UCRC Center. An evaluation system built upon a national network of local evaluators requires a considerable amount of support and coordination. Although the support and coordination provided by NSF staff and the evaluators coordinating committee are essential to the programs success, these mechanisms are not adequate to meet the needs of an evaluation project that has grown to be national in scope. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Gray, Denis North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 724541 5761 1662 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0632758 September 1, 2006 Collaborative Research: A TIE Research Program on E-Design for Friction Stir Welding and Processing. The existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Friction Stir Processing at the University of Missouri-Rolla, and the I/UCRC for E-Design at Virginia Polytechnic Institute have joined to do a collaborative research project designed to bring Friction Stir Process (FSP) to the design community. The project will provide a unifying tool to the product designer to synthesize solutions by bringing in discrete and distributed pieces of knowledge about function, form, shape, size, materials, manufacturing processes, tooling, life cycle cost, testing, and quality. The creation of the FSP case repository will be the first of its kind and it is anticipated to be very helpful for researchers and practitioners in the field that are considering using FSP. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Terpenny, Janis Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0632803 September 1, 2006 Collaborative Research: A TIE Research Program on E-Design for Friction Stir Welding and Processing. The existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Friction Stir Processing at the University of Missouri-Rolla, and the I/UCRC for E-Design at Virginia Polytechnic Institute have joined to do a collaborative research project designed to bring Friction Stir Process (FSP) to the design community. The project will provide a unifying tool to the product designer to synthesize solutions by bringing in discrete and distributed pieces of knowledge about function, form, shape, size, materials, manufacturing processes, tooling, life cycle cost, testing, and quality. The creation of the FSP case repository will be the first of its kind and it is anticipated to be very helpful for researchers and practitioners in the field that are considering using FSP. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mishra, Rajiv Venkat Allada Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0635425 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Force Sensitive Finger Sensor for Computer Interface. This SBIR Phase I research project develops a new method of human computer input -- a sensor-based finger-glove, which will detect magnitude and direction of an applied force as applied by the finger. This ability to detect direction of applied force represents a significant advancement over existing hand-computer interface systems. This research project will integrate an advanced sensor into a small pad sensor which is attached to the glove and which will allow the operator to exert lateral and normal forces by pressing the finger against any surface. This will allow one hand mimicking of a mouse, compared to touch sensitive pads (e.g. the touch pad on a typical laptop) which monitors position and pressure. The Phase I research will use magnetic-based wire sensors which are suitable for embedding in a polymer and this polymer will be designed to produce the desired internal strain on the wire. The outcome of the Phase I project will demonstrate a working system, using hard wiring to the computer. The Phase I will be followed in the Phase II by a full system which will include monitoring finger and hand positions for additional input capability and wireless connection to the computer. The device has a number of applications such as: 1) computer input- as a wearable touch-sensitive finger pad that replaces a mouse in computer input in industrial or military applications; 2) as an electronic glove/hand motion, the device incorporates a large number of sensors which detects motions that are more complex. Applications are similar to the finger pad but include virtual reality simulation along with gaming; and 3) in the robotics application, the sensor would measures forces on the finger, and thus can be used to operate as a tactile sensor for a robotic hand, and 4) the device could also be a prosthetic device, which is similar to robotic inputs, but with more stringent requirements because modes and probability of failure must be considered. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Biter, William Nimbus Technologies PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0635526 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Intelligent Word Completion. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project investigates a novel concept and method to introduce intelligent word completion software based on ideas from the field of natural language processing and test its feasibility over multiple languages. This outcome of this research should enable the software to more accurately predict the intent of the user. Data entry, broadly interpreted, is a ubiquitous task for all persons using electronic devices such as computers, handheld devices such as cell phones and personal digital assistants, and special devices for the physically handicapped. The software developed under this research project will add much value to ordinary users by increasing their productivity since the entry of data of all kinds, broadly construed, is very widespread. This software can also potentially benefit disabled persons whose need for such software is even greater than that of ordinary persons, as their disability makes data entry, a requirement for everyone in modern society, doubly difficult. It can also help other disadvantaged groups who may not be fully literate and may not be able to spell many words correctly and may yet have a need to create documents of various kinds. Beyond this, its use will add to our scientific understanding of the role of statistical intelligence in various natural language processing tasks and how it may be used to enhance performance of natural language software. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Parikh, Prashant Noema, Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0635620 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Shape Memory Polymer Based Orthopedic Fixation Devices. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the application of shape memory polymers to the development of orthopaedic fixation devices, primarily for ACL reconstruction. Shape memory polymers are capable of storing a temporary deformed shape for an extended period of time, and then recovering their original permanent shape upon exposure to external stimuli, such as temperature or magnetic field. In this project, the team will attempt to design and manufacture several key prototype shape memory polymer orthopoedic devices that will be tested using rigorous in vitro testing methods. The proposed shape memory polymer approach provides a vehicle for for more reliable, minimally invasive fixation. In addition to orthopedic fixation devices, this new class of shape memory polymers may also have significant potential in cardiovascular stents and smart sutures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Griffis, Jack MedShape Solutions, Inc. GA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149902 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0636227 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Flexible and High Performance Biometric Tools for Small-to-Medium Scale Identification Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes a library of low-cost, flexible, and high performance biometric tools that target the small- and medium-sized business market. These tools, comprising both hardware -- low-cost fingerprint device and microphone, and associated software, can work individually or in a combined manner via multi-modal fusion. For low cost fingerprint devices, these novel image processing tools can robustly and reliably capture fingerprints for recognition. In particular, for the low cost sweep sensor, algorithms are proposed to splice fingerprints obtained from multiple sweeps into a high quality fingerprint. Additionally, the project will develop low-cost touch sensor, with novel algorithms to mosaic multiple fingerprints from a single user to form a single complete and high quality fingerprint. For voice print recognition, the research will enhance the recognition performance by combining an ordinary microphone with a glottal motion sensor that can help the speaker verification process in two ways. The combined market for fingerprint and voice will be 2.7 billion dollars by 2008. There are many potential users of these flexible and low-cost biometric tools. For applications involving computer network security, the use of fingerprint and voice prints, these biometric tools will enhance existing password techniques. Other potential applications include community and building entrance checkpoints. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kwan, Chiman Signal Processing, Inc. MD Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0636546 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of stress-free ta-C for MEMS. This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of a new process to deposit stress-free ta-C films to be used in microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems devices. Ta-C (tetragonal amorphous carbon) is of class of amorphous carbon materials consisting a network of carbon atoms connected primarily with sp3 bonds (sp3 content can be as high as 85%). Mechanical and tribological properties of Ta-C are greatly superior to those of silicon and silicon carbide. Ta-C can only be produced by processes involving energetic deposition, i.e. processes in which the precursors are C ions or species with hyper-thermal energies. The level of stresses in ta-C films resulting from growth make this materials unsuitable for use in MEMS devices, particularly when free standing membranes are needed. The process to be developed under this SBIR Project will produce large area stress-free ta-C films. The process developed here is fully compatible with other unit processes used in MEMS processing. If successful the outcome of this project will have a significant impact on MEMS technology for harsh environment as well as numerous other applications. The success of this project will enable follow-on enabling technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Monteiro, Othon International Technology Exchange, Inc. AZ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637100 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Nano-scale Siloxane Hyperbranched Polymer Particles for Improved Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop toughened epoxy resin and hardener systems for fiber reinforced composites that are well suited for resin infusion processes such as Vacuum Assist Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM). The common use of carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile rubbers to toughen epoxies results in relatively large elastomeric particles filtering out of the matrix during infusion and, thus, adversely affects rheology. In this project, nano scale particles based upon hyper-branched poly(siloxanes) for toughening epoxies will be developed. Through the use of these nano scale particles, resin fusion will be easily accomplished and the filtering out of the elastomeric particles will be avoided. The siloxane based nano particles are also expected to have improved thermal stability during curing. Fiber reinforced composites are used in a wide range of high performance engineering applications requiring low weight and high strength. The composite industry is moving toward the VARTM process. These nano scale based epoxy resins will be low cost with improved mechanical and rheological properties compared to current resins. The use of high value epoxy resins in composites is projected to be 53,000 tons by 2012, and about 4 times this figure worldwide. The potential market for the resin alone will be approximately $200,000,000. The resin suppliers taking advantage of the VARTM process with nano particle toughened resins will have a competitive advantage in the supply of new resins suited for the manufacture of epoxy resins. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bruza, Ken Oxazogen, Inc. MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99916 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637178 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Developing a Mixed Reality Rehabilitation System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project investigates the feasibility of creating a mixed reality (MR) haptics-based virtual reality system that will aid the physical rehabilitation of individuals with upper extremity disabilities. This MR rehabilitation system will include both hardware and software designed to induce neuroplastic cortical changes, increase mobility, and raise upper extremity related activities of daily living in disabled patients. The goal of this project is to address the technical issues of creating such a system, evaluating it with a human factors analysis, and developing a commercial prototype. Additionally, this project will increase the understanding of state-of-the-art alternatives and/or adjuncts to traditional rehabilitation therapy for disabled patients. This project will lead to the development of new software and hardware that can be used for further discoveries and technological developments in virtual/augmented/mixed reality systems. Of the over twelve million families in the U.S. alone that have members with a physical disability, this project will pave the way for the development of future rehabilitation systems to help this broad and underserved population, add to the public health knowledge base that could help other physically disabled people in the future, and provide the commercial rehabilitation market a new tool for upper extremity physical rehabilitation that is both enjoyable and more effective than current physical rehabilitation methods. By increasing disabled patients' upper extremity mobility, this MR system will also increase their activities of daily living and their ability to use the internet to participate in online communities. ENG DIVERSITY ACTIVITIES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wiederhold, Mark The Virtual Reality Medical Center CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 168819 7680 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637203 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: New Process for High Strength/Weight Net-Shape Auto and Aero components from Mg Sheet. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project is aimed at developing a new low-cost process to manufacture nanostructured net-shape Mg parts. These lightweight and high strength parts are expected to be cost-effective applications of nanotechnology in automotive, aerospace and many other industries. The process (herein termed TS) combines injection molding (Thixomolding) and Sinewave deformation. The resulting material is readily formed into complex shapes by warm drawing, or superplastic forming (SPF). TS generates novel microstructures and micromechanisms to be explored by our University partner. The process introduces two synergistic mechanisms for strengthening, generated in-situ in bulk parts - grain size refinement and intermetallic particle refinement. The nano-sized dispersoids that fortify the nano-sized grains provide opportunity for learning new science. The ability to eliminate mechanisms that hinder the ductility and formability of current commercial Mg sheet constitutes a novel contribution to processing science. The TS process opens the way to minimize energy/fuel consumption in autos and aerospace vehicles; to lessen the burden of military personnel. This process will be designed around an automated manufacturing cell that will feature agility for same day delivery of custom selected alloy and part geometry. The TS process is environmentally friendly, free of slag, dross, global warming gases and fire and safety hazards. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Decker, Raymond Thixomat,Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149987 1505 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637205 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Materials - Nanolaminate Permanent Magnets through Excimer Laser Surface Modification. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop nanolaminate Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets that will increase their operating temperatures, potentially expanding their applications in automobiles and others. An advanced yet affordable excimer laser surface modification method involving deposition and annealing will be employed to achieve the nanoscale layers of higher coercivity materials. The advanced material innovation is that the energy of domain wall in the nanoscale surface layers will be so high that the loss in energy product of Nd-Fe-B at high-temperatures will be compensated for by the increased coercivity of nanolayers, resulting in the desired high-temperature magnetic performance. The product of Phase I research would be a prototype Nd-Fe-B permanent magnet with a compositionally-different nanolayered surface that in turn provides improved high-temperature performance and lower cost (about 30% less) than the competitive, expensive SmCo5. The annual market size for Nd-Fe-B magnets is about $2 billion and the proposed product, if successful, has potential to capture a sizable portion of this market. The nanolaminate magnet can revolutionize the design of permanent magnets by increasing the temperature range, reducing the size and weight and increasing energy efficiency of motors, generators, actuators, alternators, and alike. The societal benefits include energy savings, economics and environment. The educational benefit will be providing research experiences for undergraduate engineering students from Iowa State University. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nair, Rajeev Photon Energy Technology IA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637256 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: An Agent-Based Geosimulation Toolkit for Social Sciences Education. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project merges two powerful computer technologies: geographic information systems (GIS) and agent-based models (ABMs) to provide an agent-based geo-simulation toolkit that will help learners understand the complex causes of today's social issues. GIS has long been used in geography curricula to teach about current geographic technology. ABMs model the complex social dynamics that emerge from the interactions of autonomous, yet interdependent individual actors, or 'agents'. The resulting synergy of these technologies will enable students to explore hypotheses about how spatial systems operate and to understand real world social issues. The research project will build upon an existing ABM of residential dynamics in U.S. cities to create an agent-based geo-simulation toolkit for classroom and computer laboratory use. The results of this research will be an agent-based geo-simulation toolkit that will help students explore and understand critical social issues in U.S. cities. Using an emphasis on experimentation, the geo-simulation toolkit will help students in the social sciences and geography gain an intuitive grasp of the scientific method as they work with the model. One of the most important aspects of the proposed work is that simulation modeling will help students clarify concepts and hypothesized processes in social systems. The new technology will represent a step forward in the use of geo-simulation in teaching environments and will have a large impact in the classroom. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Senft, Richard Amber Waves Software PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 92624 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637259 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Resonance Ultrasonic Vibrations for Defect Characterization in Solar Silicon Wafers. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I research project addresses fundamentals of the innovative experimental methodology for quick and accurate assessment of mechanical defects in solar-grade full-size (up to 210 mm) silicon (Si) wafers. The objective is to justify a commercial prototype of the Resonance Ultrasonic Vibrations (RUV) system which ultimately will be used as a real-time in-line process control tool for identification and rejection from a solar cell production line of mechanically unstable, i.e. fragile wafers due to periphery cracks and high level of residual stress. The broader impact of the program will be in the commercialization of the RUV system to address critical needs of the photovoltaic (PV) industry. The world-wide PV market exhibits a steady yearly up to 40% growth rate in recent years. There is potential for applying this approach to other technologies, such as stress monitoring in Silicon-on isolator wafers and SiGe epitaxial layers in high-speed electronics and adhesion quality assessment in thin polycrystalline Si films on glass for flat panel displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ostapenko, Sergei Ultrasonic Technologies, Inc. FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99400 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637261 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Novel Slurry for Direct Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) Planarization Process for Sub-50 nm Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project proposes to develop a novel single step shallow trench isolation (STI) planarization. An ideal STI Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) process is expected to be a single step process, which directly and rapidly removes the overburden dielectric layer with minimum topography formation or defect generation. However, the present state of the art processes are plagued with several challenges including (a) poor planarization, (b) small processing window, and (c) high defectivity. We propose to develop a novel high planarity and high selectivity (HP-HS) direct STI CMP process based on combination of coated silica particles and chemical additives. The unique feature of this process is the use of surfactant additives in combination with coated particles to obtain non-linear pressure dependent polishing characteristics, which results in high planarity polishing of the silica surface. The successful implementation of the single step STI CMP process is expected to meet or exceed the technical performance levels of the 45 nm manufacturing node while decreasing chip manufacturing costs by up to $800 million. The reduction in costs is largely due to the simplification of the manufacturing process, higher throughput and increased yield. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637262 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Embedded Electron Charge for Macro Scale Devices. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will expand the applicability of embedded electron charge technology by developing new techniques to store a large amount of electron charge at the interface of dissimilar insulators. Since electron injection using high electric fields will not work for thin films deposited on thick insulating substrates, alternative means must be developed for charge injection. Charge injection samples for this project will be fabricated by depositing alternating thin film layers of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride on thick fused silica substrates. The silicon nitride will be deposited using Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) process, while the silicon dioxide will be deposited using several methods. The proposed technology will allow a much broader product scope with mid-to-macro size applications, far beyond the present limitations of embedded charge micro devices. Applications include energy harvesting for personal power from heel strike from walking, modules for providing power for sensors throughout a vehicular system, and eventually exoskeleton energy harvesters for converting body motion to usable electrical power, greatly benefiting both military and civilian users. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Potter, Michael Elecsci Corporation NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99913 5371 AMPP 9163 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637277 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High Speed Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC). The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will investigate an innovative high-speed Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) utilizing conventional material (like Polyimide) and standard manufacturing process. With the continued growth in integration density of CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) technology and clock frequency of chips, the aggregate bandwidth required between future-generation chip and chipsets will increase sharply. Driving serial or parallel data at high speed over conventional flexible board (i.e. flexible) is becoming a severe design constraint in many applications. Today, divding high speed signal into several low speed signals and driving those signals in parallel are common. Utilizing this technique will not fully utilize the chip speed and thereby overall system performance will not be improved siginificantly. The proposed technology will produce the high speed FPC which will have high signal carrying capacity. Utilizing such FPC will help to increase the system performance significantly. The objectives of the project are to identify the best structural configuration and its optimization, to design the polymer-based FPC, and to establish the feasibility of high speed FPC board. In this project, prototypes will be made and evaluated, measurements of relevant characteristics will be conducted, and a development path for the next phase of the project will be identified. The project has the potential to produce the high speed interfaces suitable for next generation digital and RF system applications. The direct commercial potential of the project lies in interface products, manufactured using this technology for HDTV, flat-panel display, networking equipments, imaging and video systems, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dutta, Achyut Banpil Photonics, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637280 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Splintered Topologically Close-Packed (TCP) Offload Engine for Grid Computing and Bandwith-Delay Product (BWDP). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project addresses the challenges of networks with extreme bandwidth delay products such as a 40Gbps network link between a US research facility and a similar research facility in Switzerland. Bulk data transfers in the networks need to be provided the endpoint resources required to ensure high performance in a cost effective manner. This research project accommodates such high performance networks, as data rates scale from 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps, and also provide compatibility with present and future versions of GridFTP. Additionally, the research addresses the challenges through the use of a novel offload engine with a splintered implementation of TCP based on the latest publications. In contrast to full offload approaches, splintered TCP uses partial offload and true zero-copy transfers to control the resources needed on the NPU. During this project, the offload engine architecture will be investigated using low-cost, high-performance FPGA subsystems that will be derived and simulated. Using an NPU development kit, the splinter performance will be tested to determine which offloads are optimal. Successful results from this research project will significantly advance the state of the art for offload engines used in grid computing. Immediate applications include accommodating the e-science community's need for scalable offload engines for grid computing, that is required to accommodate systems with multiple channel 10 Gbps links through 40 Gbps, while supporting present and future versions of GridFTP. Other applications include the use of our ultra high-speed Splintered TCP offload engines for Grid and cluster computing, utilizing our open source firmware. Additional product applications include the TeraGrid, Grid Cluster WANs, and blade servers. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Awrach, James SeaFire Micros, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 1505 HPCC 9215 1659 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637287 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Novel Deposition of Silicon Carbide Boules. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses a novel processing technique to deposit silicon carbide (SiC) boules for wafer production. Currently SiC boules are produced using sublimation techniques from solid SiC source materials. Sublimation boule growth requires high temperatures (> 2000 C) and is plagued by high defect and contamination levels. The proposed deposition technique will use high-purity gas precursors and has the potential to produce large diameter SiC boules with low contamination levels and reduced defect levels at a reduced cost. The gas-phase temperature and substrate temperature are decoupled, allowing for the growth of single crystal SiC with reduced stress. Additionally the deposition system is scalable with the capability of producing large-diameter wafers. This project will explore the feasibility of single crystal SiC boule growth using SiH4 and C2H6 precursors. In this work the optimal process window for high-rate single crystal SiC deposition will be identified, and the chamber design will be optimized for extended run-times required for boule production. SiC is a wide band gap compound semiconductor with high thermal conductivity, high breakdown electric field strength, thermal stability and chemical inertness. SiC-based electronics are of great interest because they can significantly outperform conventional semiconductors under high-temperature, high-power, high-radiation, and corrosive conditions. Potential products based on SiC include engine control electronics, turbine engine sensors, power switching devices, microwave electronics, and many others. Several companies are currently producing SiC wafers, but prices remain extraordinarily high. This technique could produce a strong competitive advantage over current sublimation techniques. By overcoming the existing defect, wafer diameter, and price limitations, this novel process of SiC growth could significantly increase research and commercial production of SiC based devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Robbins, Joshua CMD Research, LLC CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637288 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: eLearning --- Training and Enabling the Manufacturing Workforce: Computer Aided Decision Tools for Training and Assessment Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project sets out to improve the skills and knowledge of the manufacturing workforce and to maximize resources for retraining and reemploying the manufacturing workforce by means of the development of instructional and educational systems and assessment technology. Specifically, it sets out to solve a computational problem in raking, a methodology that (1) has a demonstrated potential to empower eLearning for the manufacturing industry, (2) can enable timely optimization of manufacturing training resources, (3) match skill sets of employees in shrinking industries to those in growing industries for purposes of unemployment reduction or prevention, (4) identify successful career paths, and (5) accurately assess complex science and engineering skills.. The proposed raking methodology aims to substantially reduce time and resources needed for analyzing empirical data collected in the manufacturing workforce. When integrating the methodology with learning systems, manufacturers will be able to target workforce development efforts at the K-16 level. The proposed methodology aims to solve large-scale raking problems and can be applied in multiple disciplines which use raking to solve problems needing computational intensive methodology (e.g., optimize training resources for sales representatives in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry; empower collaborative learning and instruction of science related subjects via the Internet). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chiu, Chris ACCU MEASUREMENT AND TESTING, INC. PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0108000 Software Development 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637297 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Demonstration of Enhanced Corrosion Resistance using a Nano-composite Thermal Barrier Coating. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will experimentally validate the theory that inclusion of nanostructures within the Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC) will enhance the resistance to hot corrosion by increasing the fracture strength of the ceramic thereby inhibiting grain growth similar to reinforcing concrete with rebar. The grain growth leads to the formation and growth of interconnected cracks needed for wicking of molten salts that result in spallation. The novel nanocomposite coating would find application within fossil energy power generation devices (dirty fuel) and aircraft engines (marine environments). Current technology turbine blades are comprised of single crystal nickel superalloys. Historically, protective TBC have allowed for operation of the turbine while subjected to hot gases exiting the combustor at temperatures exceeding the superalloy melting point. The increase in turbine inlet temperature has yielded improvements in efficiency, power density, and emission quality. However, these protective barriers are susceptible to hot corrosion, an electrochemical reaction between the superalloy and molten salts resulting in spallation or fragmentation of the thermal barrier coating. The reduction of premature spalling will allow for the simultaneous increase of the turbine inlet temperature and the reduction of the turbine coolant air. This combination has the potential to increase efficiency, reduce toxic emissions, and save capital costs. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Cutbirth, Michael Mainstream Engineering Corporation FL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149977 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637307 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Real Time Process Analysis with Micro High Performance Liquid Chromatography. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal focuses on the development of a complete lab-on-chip analysis system based on open channel capillary chromatography, to provide rapid, real-time identification and quantitation of production process components, using an alternative to solvent gradient elution. The proposed system will be based on modular microfluidic technology that will allow samples to be extracted from process scale streams for analysis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chrisman, Ray Atodyne Technologies, L.L.C. MI Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 98981 5371 MANU 9147 1158 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637323 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Novel Micro-Arc Oxidation Method for Applying Wear-Resistant Ceramic Coatings on Lightweight Metals. This Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) Phase I project offers a novel approach for producing a hard, uniform coating on the surface of lightweight aluminum. The technique uses a modified "micro-arc" approach for applying protective ceramic coatings that are much more uniform, denser and harder than conventional micro-arc approaches. This will increase the mechanical reliability, dimensional predictability, and wear-resistance of aluminum. The surface-treated aluminum can be used as a replacement for heavier steel in various applications. In a broader scope, novel methods are needed to produce adherent, wear-resistant oxide coatings on the surface of the aluminum alloys and other types of metals. The coating will find use in a wide variety of commercial applications involving the aerospace, defense, automotive, marine, medical, electronic, chemical, hydraulic/pneumatic, and textile industries. This novel surface modification approach will create a durable uniform coating that will exhibit high hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and electrical resistance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sommer, Jared Sommer Materials Research, Inc. UT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99945 5371 AMPP 9166 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637327 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Value-based Approach for Quantifying Problem Solving Strategies. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase 1 research project will develop and implement an on-line performance-based assessment system for quantifying scientific problem solving effectiveness where quantitative measures can be normalized across problem solving tasks allowing longitudinal comparisons to be made across individuals, classes, schools and science domains. The research project will derive a metric that combine estimates of the quality of a strategy that are derived from artificial neural network analysis with the strategic outcomes on problem solving tasks to develop a value-based metric of the problem solving process. This metric will also provide a strong measure of the value of the strategy employed to document the validity, utility, and generality of this assessment measure using an existing dataset of over 200,000 problem solving performances that span grade levels from middle school through the university. Such an extensible formative, summative and programmatic assessment system of learning will have broad relevance for helping teachers to teach, students to learn, and administrators to make informed data-driven decisions through the continual, and real-time formative evaluation of students' problem solving progress, a dimension not frequently or rigorously assessed in today's classrooms, yet a critical component of 21st century skills. This system will impact all levels of science education and would allow cumulative comparisons of problem solving across science domains, classrooms, teachers and school systems thus helping to re-think the ways scientific problem solving is systemically assessed and how the impact of teaching these skills becomes quantified. The development of a commercialization pathway for this assessment tool will be facilitated by the involvement of the American Chemical Society Examinations Institute, the Higher Education Press in Beijing, and the Alternative Education Program of a local school district. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stevens, Ronald The Learning Chameleon, Inc. CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 149392 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522400 Information Systems 0637331 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: EO: Security Microchip for Mobile Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project has as its objective the development and demonstration of a hardware-based security platform for the protection of applications and confidential data in mobile phones. The end-product components consist of (i) an ultra-low-power security chip protected against attacks, by means of a unique compilation-driven instruction set obfuscation technology, built-in cryptographic acceleration support, and secure storage; (ii) mobile security firmware supporting the Mobile Trusted Platform Module (TPM) specification of the Trusted Computing Group industry consortium and a unique mobile application protection technology with secure software plug-ins, and (iii) associated development tools to facilitate the use of our technology, including a security-focused compiler. Innovations in these areas, when taken together, will permit the securing of applications and data on mobile phones. If successful this project will address key technical obstacles that are at present standing in the way of expanding the use of mobile phones in financial transactions and enterprise applications. Currently, mobile phones simply do not have the amount of built-in security that would lead to the widespread use on them of electronic wallets, for example, or to allowing users to securely execute mobile enterprise applications. By focusing on ultra-low-power approaches, the proposed solutions can be used by battery-powered applications and will not greatly reduce the time between recharges. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carver, Kristopher BlueRISC Labs MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637333 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Improving the Efficiency and the Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Manufacturing - using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), Ambiently-powered Sensors, and Model-base. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), mesh networking, appropriate sensors, and model-based control software to improve both the efficiency and the environmental impacts of aluminum smelting. The project includes 1) Evaluation of the robustness, latency, & desirable power management issues when WSNs are employed in "hostile" heavy industries; 2) "Micro-energy audits" to measure typical heat fluxes and vibrations in order to provide design rules for other researchers who desire to run WSN nodes without replaceable batteries; 3) Determining the energy efficiency and pollution control; and 4) Large current measurements with precision in hostile environments. It is estimated that the value of energy saving resulting from full deployment of the wireless technology throughout the US aluminum industry would be approximately $130 million/year with comparable savings possible in Canada, the EU and other nations. Such energy savings would likely be accompanied by savings of maintenance cost and the benefits of diminished fluoride emissions. The proposed technolgy can contribute to the advancement of wireless technology in many fields. Examples include the copper industry or chlor-alkali industry, the tanks, distillation columns and other equipment of an oil refinery and the looms of the weaving industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Steingart, Daniel Wireless Industrial Technologies CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637344 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Amorphous High-Temperature Hydrogen Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the use of amorphous alloys as hydrogen permeable membranes. There has been enormous interest in hydrogen separation from reformed hydrocarbon fuels. While hydrogen selective membranes have been used in these areas, their use has generally been limited because of cost constraints and membrane susceptibility to cracking and poisoning. Amorphous alloys have vastly improved mechanical properties and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. If amorphous alloys can be engineered for hydrogen permeability, membrane reactors with longer life cycles would be feasible. This proposal will investigate promising amorphous alloy compositions through atomistic modeling, molecular dynamic simulation and catalytic property modification (by near-surface alloying), to yield superior hydrogen-related behavior. The proposed project will engineer and fabricate amorphous hydrogen permeable membranes with resistance to sulfur and other poisoning mechanisms. Promising amorphous alloys will be fabricated as thin-film membranes and tested for hydrogen permeability. Once hydrogen-permeable alloy compositions have been identified, these selected compositions will be further tested for hydrogen separation and purification from synthetic hydrocarbon reformate. Membrane engineering and characterization will be completed in Phase I, and the selected membrane system will be integrated into a compact mini-channel fuel reformer in Phase II of this project. The final product of Phase I and II will be a membrane reformer, capable of reforming commercially available, liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon fuels to high-purity hydrogen, for use in fuel cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Harris, Sterling Eneregtics Incorporated CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99421 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637355 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: 3D Lithography of Thick Photopolymers for Imaging and Photonic Crystal Waveguides. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will result in the demonstration of an innovative new form of 3D lithography to be used for fabricating imaging arrays and photonic-crystal waveguides in thick photopolymers that are cheaper, higher performance, lighter, more flexible and have capabilities that are not currently possible with current "stack and draw" manufacturing. Thick photopolymers respond to 3D optical exposure with a self-developing index structure, typically proportional to absorbed energy. Traditional mask-projection lithography cannot address these thick volumes. In this project, the image of the mask is projected perpendicular to the surface of the polymer and translated through an arbitrarily long polymer sample. An unchanging mask will write translational-invariant waveguide arrays or photonic crystal fibers. These photonic crystal fibers do not require large index contrast, matching the properties of photopolymers. Dynamic masks including spatial light modulators or mask rotations extend the capability to complex waveguides with adiabatic variations along their length. The proposed project will evaluate the potential properties of the guided-wave structures, their capabilities for lightweight heads-up displays, and will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed lithography method. The imaging arrays have significant commercial potential as replacements for current endoscopes, fiber faceplates and image converters. The proposed technology is also enabling for new market applications including inexpensive eye monitoring for public safety applications, wearable gaze tracking for human-computer interface for cursor control, market studies, and control of wheel chairs for the handicapped. The technology also has application for military applications for the fabrication of non-intrusive, eyeglass frame embedded heads-up displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kuykendall, Jacob Zenwa Inc MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 199992 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1773 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637356 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Matching Filter Solution for High Accuracy Signature Dynamics Verification. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project develops an advanced, high-accuracy signature verification system based on a novel handwriting dynamics signal processing of two-dimensional waveform - the x- and y-coordinates of the pen's acceleration. The key innovation of the research is the development of special signal processing techniques that convert the non-stationary, dynamic handwriting dynamic signal to a stationary one. This facilitates a matched-filter solution, and subsequently overcomes the long-standing bottleneck of insufficient accuracy of signature verification techniques, which has forestalled its application to broader markets. The proposed approach makes possible the implementation of a matched- filter for signature verification, which is the theoretically optimal method for the evaluation of statistical similarity of a signal pair. The core problem with existing techniques lies in their reliance on the mean characteristics of an individual's signatures as a template for identification. However, these mean characteristics have significant dispersion that degrades the accuracy of the systems. The application of matched filtering concept to signature verification has been impeded for long time due to the handwriting dynamic signal's non-stationarity, resulting from random milliseconds-long time delays during the handwriting process. The main purpose of the proposed project is to create a convenient reliable biometric identifier for security and privacy protection. The proposed device has a great potential commercial value. The broad customer categories include: Federal Bureau Investigations, Central Intelligence Agency, other law enforcement agencies for cyber security, as well as for security of physical access to sensitive and restricted areas, such as nuclear and chemical plants; passport control; medical providers and insurance companies for protection of medical records. The commercial sector applications include security of financial transactions, e.g. electronic fund transfers, on-line banking and other financial transactions, and card access to automated teller machines. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Landau, Alexander VeriFax Corporation CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637360 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Evolving Tinnitus Masks. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I research project addresses the problem of tinnitus that afflicts millions of Americans, and millions more internationally. Tinnitus, or "ringing in the ears," is a common and often debilitating ailment with no current cure. A common device used to ameliorate tinnitus is a "tinnitus mask," which provides external audible stimulation to the brain. The brain focuses on this external noise instead of the artificial "ringing" that it is generating. Each person's response is different because tinnitus varies by individual. This project addresses the needs of individual tinnitus sufferers by applying interactive evolutionary computation to discover tinnitus masks that are optimal for the individual, and can adapt to the individual over time. The research objectives include having tinnitus sufferers test prototype software to determine the ease and effectiveness of the program, and to optimize the evolutionary computing that facilitates it. The research will use statistical measures for assessment and will follow accepted protocols for human subjects. The anticipated result is a new technology that can greatly benefit millions of Americans, and millions more internationally, at low cost, with simple distribution using the Internet. It also offers the possibility to advance discovery in addressing tinnitus. This research project has far reaching implications. As many as 13 million Americans suffer significantly from tinnitus, and 50 million Americans are afflicted. There is no current cure for tinnitus, and few options are available, leading to significant market pull. Tinnitus masks can be effective, but effectiveness is limited because each individual case is different. Tinnitus sufferers are often desperate for help, and will spend hours searching the Internet for information. The price of common tinnitus masks ranges from $50 to $250. The commercial value of penetrating the American market at 2 percent of significant sufferers, even when priced at the low end of competitive products, is in excess of $4 million. The software will be delivered easily over the Internet, making distribution costs minimal, and expanding marketing internationally. The potential societal impact is important, both in terms of potential reduced afflictions but also the possibility for reduced medical treatment with less need for calming drugs. By examining commonalities of tinnitus masks evolved for different people, it may be possible to learn more about the properties of effective tinnitus masks, and also more about tinnitus itself. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fogel, David NATURAL SELECTION, INCORPORATED CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 119861 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637406 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: High Rate Atomic Layer Deposition. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will develop and commercialize a new paradigm for the atomic layer deposition (ALD) manufacturing process. ALD provides unparalleled quality and thickness control, however its low deposition rates (~1 nm/min) preclude ALD from competing with conventional thermal and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD/PECVD) techniques in a number of markets. Based on fundamental reactor engineering principles the standard PECVD process has been engineered to provide ALD control through pulsed power modulation. This approach dramatically simplifies ALD processing by eliminating both purge steps and the need for mechanical flow rate actuation. Since purging comprises 50-90% of a typical ALD cycle, deposition rate enhancements of up to an order of magnitude may be achieved. ALD is a rapidly expanding business fueled by its importance in the manufacture of vital electronic components such as organic light emitting diodes and thin film transistors. In addition, the use of ALD in integrated circuit manufacturing will undoubtedly expand as the industry strives to keep up with Moore's Law. The process simplifications and rate enhancements provided by the proposed approach will strengthen these areas and open new markets such as barrier coating in applications ranging from food packaging to medical instrumentation. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Robbins, Joshua CMD Research, LLC CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149934 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637422 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Self Sensing Tweezers for Microassembly and Manipulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses novel, self-sensing tweezers for micro-assembly and manipulation. In general, the push toward miniaturization is demanding the production and assembly of a wide variety of micro-scale components. One of the key challenges is the assembly of these components into micro-systems. The new methodology, which generates standing waves in high aspect ratio microscale fibers, will overcome problems associated with attraction forces, provide self sensing detection for force feedback of specimens and is inherently capable of dimensional measurements. Using this method as high aspect ratio tweezers will: enable higher yields in assembly of micro-devices with precise placement, ability to assemble and maneuver samples in challenging features such as cavities and holes, and enable in-situ process easurements throughout the assembly process. The broader impact of this research in standing wave manipulators is to enable new micro-assembly processes and provide insight into new designs and discoveries for micro and nano-scale science. The medical field includes areas such as microsurgery, microbiology, and medical implants. Broader applications also include integrated circuit assembly, microfluidic devices for protein and DNA identification, and MEMS devices for actuation and sensing. The methodology is inherently scaleable to microscale and further to nanoscale applications. In the case of microscale processes, the manipulator tool could result in lower production costs, higher repeatability, and higher dimensional accuracy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woody, Shane INSITUTEC, INC. NC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637424 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Cavitation Peening to Create Deep Residual Stresses for High Strength Components. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an improved cavitation peening process using high-pressure water jets to introduce deep compressive residual stresses in materials to improve high-cycle fatigue (HCF) resistance. It has been shown that the introduction of deep compressive stresses can provide significant HCF performance improvements. The company has successfully demonstrated the ability to generate deep compressive stresses without causing damage using cavitaion peening. The broader impact of the technology will be to replace the more expensive laser shock peening (LSP) process, and will require inexpensive tooling (lower capital costs), absence of surface damage, improved flexibility and ability to access restricted areas such as inside bores of tubes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Alberts, Daniel Ormond, LLC WA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 141625 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637438 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Fluorocarbon Production with Germanium tetrafluoride. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project shall investigate the use of germanium tetrafluoride (GeF4), and antimony Sb(V) as a catalyst for GeF4 fluorination to develop a new and more efficient process for the production of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. There have been unsuccessful attempts to use GeF4 for fluorination of chlorocarbons. However, it is believed that those experiments failed because they used uncatalyzed GeF4. Several manufactures have already begun investing in new HFC manufacturing capability. Use of Chlorofluorocarobons (CFC's) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC's) as refrigerants is a $28 billion dollar industry. Environmental concerns with HCFC and CFC has led to requirements that those ozone depleting products be completely eliminated by 2030 and HFC's gradually phased in to replace them. The results obtained from this project will help to identify the most promising commercial opportunities to exploit from this innovation and determine how useful the process would be for application in high volume production. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Omotowa, Bamidele International Isotopes Inc. ID Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99287 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637440 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: High Resolution Spectrometer-on-a-Chip Based on Nano-Optic Plasmonic Device. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of developing an ultra-compact, high-resolution and low-cost spectrometer-on- a-chip, based on plasmonic nanowire arrays. In response to the growing demands for non-invasive point-of-care diagnostics, there have been many efforts to miniaturize optical spectrometers using various conventional technologies. However they are not yet conducive to both dramatic miniaturization and also high spectral performance at low production cost. Unlike the bulky and expensive conventional diffractive optical devices, the proposed nano-optic device utilizes the wavelength-dependent plasmonic phenomena occurring on metal nanowire surfaces and the gaps between the metal nanowires. This nano-optic filter array is expected to enable a high resolution spectrometer on a chip, overcoming the limits of diffractive optics. If successful the proposed ultra-compact high-resolution low-cost spectrometer-on-a-chip can be used in various applications such as mobile/wearable health monitoring, multiple gas detection, and high-resolution color sensing. Consumer electronics manufacturers, portable medical device vendors, and wireless sensor node suppliers can be all potential customers. As a key component to these markets, it is anticipated that the total addressable market for the proposed spectrometer-on-a-chip will be over $1 billion in 2012. The proposed activities will contribute to advancing personalized point-of-care, environmental monitoring, and homeland security by enabling non-invasive, reliable, high-throughput, low-cost sensing, detection and diagnostics. Overall it will result in health care cost reduction, and enhancement of the quality of life. They will also provide solid understanding of the phenomena occurring when a light interacts with nanostructured metal. Successful completion of this project will also open up new application opportunities in the convergence areas of information, bio and nanotechnologies. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, Byounghee NanoLambda, Inc. PA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 1505 HPCC 9139 7362 7257 1586 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637442 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Web Based Asset Tracking System (WeBATS) for Hospitals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to provide relief to growing healthcare costs by using IT to reduce the cost of inventory management. Initially, high value medical equipment would be tracked. The IT market to track people and supplies in hospitals is predicted to be a $8.8 billion market by 2010. A segment of this market is real time location systems (RTLS). RTLS tracking is accomplished using closed systems that are inherently difficult to distribute information broadly. This project would develop a web-based asset tracking system to replace the existing crude external accesses. In 2003 around $1.1 trillion worth of inventory supported $3.2 trillion annual retail sales in the US. By allowing inventory information to be accessed using devices such as PCs, PDAs, and cell phones, the project will make the supply chain more efficient. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Langford, David Q-Track Corporation AL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99980 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637443 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I:Wireless technology to treat autism spectrum disorders. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project focuses on the feasibility testing of an innovative use of wireless mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology for automating many of the most burdensome aspects of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Discount usability engineering will be brought to bear on improving the implementation of ABA programs in the classroom and home setting. The technology also enables a remotely-located behavior analyst to monitor individual data and modify the treatment plan on-line, providing further labor savings and better tracking of treatment effectiveness. This research program will improve the usability of the technology through a series of iterative laboratory-based experiments. The resulting technology will then be compared to traditional methods of implementing intensive ABA in special education classrooms. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a collection of development disorders that limit the affected child's future ability to live independently, is a common and impairing developmental disorder. Outcomes for individuals with ASD can be greatly improved with intensive behavior therapies that are, unfortunately, difficult to implement in real-world settings. The proposed research is for the testing of an innovative use of wireless technology for improving implementation of intensive behavioral therapies for children with ASD. Completion of this research will increase educational opportunities for children with ASD, reduce labor costs associated with intensive behavioral therapies, translate wireless networking technologies to special education, and bring usability engineering to bear on the implementation of behavioral therapies in applied settings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Terrazas, Alejandro MediaBalance, Inc. MI Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637444 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Production of Oxygen by Push/Pull Adsorption. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is based on a novel separation concept: push/pull adsorption. The presently available technologies for producing oxygen are cryogenic distillation and pressure swing adsorption, both of which use pressure-volume work. With either of these technologies oxygen typically costs $40/ton for industrial scale production with most of this cost going for electrical energy. Because push/pull adsorption replaces electrical energy with steam, it has much lower energy and dollar costs. Push/pull adsorption has the further advantage of being suitable for small-scale oxygen production. A major reduction in the cost of oxygen will be of immediate benefit to steel making, glass manufacturing, and all the other industries in which oxygen is used. Cheaper oxygen would also make it practical to produce gasoline and other fuels from coal via the Fischer-Tropsch process, ending America's dependence on foreign oil. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lyon, Richard EERGC Corporation CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 145283 1505 AMPP 9163 1417 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637447 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: OptDiverse: Innovative Technology to Enhance Workforce Diversity, Capabilities, and Performance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to design an algorithmic approach and develop pilot software to support workforce diversity planning and management. The technology will examine the cause and effect relationships between diversity policies and programs and individual employees, allowing for accurate prediction of company diversity metrics in future years. The system will also allow human resource professionals to select the optimal set of policies and programs required to meet their diversity objectives while minimizing total program costs. Many organizations are seeking ways to increase workforce diversity. Additionally, these same organizations are keenly interested in predicting the diversity of their future workforce. OptTek's proposed system will address both of these critical needs. In a market where organizations invest billions of dollars to create and maintain diverse workforces, the technology is expected to support more effective and efficient decisions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Glover, Fred OptTek Systems, Inc. CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99985 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637448 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: HYPP - A Low Cost, Reliable Hybrid Peer-to-Peer Platform for Multimedia Streaming. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the technical and commercial feasibility of an innovative multimedia streaming P2P platform called HYPP. HYPP is Hybrid P2P platform designed to support real time, high quality videos and audios delivery for "one-to-many" and "many-to-many" applications over the Internet. By integrating advanced techniques in network coding, source coding, and channel coding, HYPP will be able to deliver data on time and reliably and cost-effectively for Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) customers. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of media streaming applications over the Internet. Video conferencing, video broadcasting, remote presentations, distance learning, and video on demand are the prime examples of such applications. Among many technological challenges, the enabling technology for a large scale proliferation of these applications is the ability to deliver data efficiently from one source to many destinations on the Internet. Current architectures to support one-to-many applications are constrained by the transmission bandwidth of a single source, and thus these approaches are not scalable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Martin, Jeff Universal Telecom, Inc. OR Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637451 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Optimization of Screw Geometry and Processing Conditions using Three-Dimensional Simulation of Melting and Melt Flow in Twin-Screw Extruders. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop software for three-dimensional simulation of the two-phase flow in a twin-screw extruder. Currently available analytical tools for design of twin-screw extruders are based upon simplified one-dimensional or two-dimensional analysis. However, the two-phase flow in twin-screw extruders is complex; and predictions from these simplified analyses cannot reliably predict the velocity, pressure and temperature distribution. The proposed software for three-dimensional simulation of the two-phase flow will incorporate a proprietary constitute theory that takes into account both the shear viscosity and the elongational viscosity of the polymer. Since the flow in intermeshing region of a twin-screw extruder is highly elongation dominated, the predictions from the proposed software will be more accurate than those from currently available tools that ignore the effect of elongational viscosity. The proposed technology will enhance the understanding of polymer flow in twin-screw extruders and will lead to developing innovative screw profiles. The use of this software will also enable various companies including plastic material suppliers, twin-screw extruder manufacturers and plastic compounders to cut costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gupta, Mahesh Plastic Flow, LLC MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637453 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High Efficiency Low Cost Laser Anneal for Manufacture of CdTe Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project proposes to enhance the manufacturing process for solar cells that are made from the compound semiconductor materials CdS and CdTe. This would result in increased manufacturing flexibility, lower production costs, and photovoltaic modules with higher sunlight to electrical energy conversion efficiencies. Current thin film CdTe based photovoltaic manufacturing requires two post-deposition heat treatments to achieve high energy conversion efficiencies. These anneals are currently done by heating the entire cell and this can cause undesirable side effects. The heat accelerates diffusion especially along grain boundaries and can create unintentional micro non-uniformities that lead to performance degradation. This proposal seeks to develop a laser based anneal manufacturing process that selectively heats only the intended thin film layers and produces higher efficiency lower cost CdTe solar cells. Photovoltaic modules directly convert sunlight into electricity silently without generating any pollution or greenhouse gases. Once the capital investment is made to install a photovoltaic system, the cost of generating the electricity is essentially zero because its fuel", the sunlight, is free. A house roof partially covered with photovoltaic modules can usually generate enough electricity on average to provide for all of the household electrical needs. This distributed household energy independence has intrinsic appeal for many consumers and with net metering it insulates them from fluctuating retail electricity prices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Seymour, Fred PrimeStar Solar Inc. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99873 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637454 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Multipurpose and Multispectral Sensor for Geo-science and Astronomical Instruments. This SBIR Phase I research project will develop monolithic multicolor sensor array with high quantum efficiency, high speed for numerous system applications. Today's sensor arrays are designed to work either in visible or in near infrared region. None of these can provide broad spectral response (300 nm to 2500 nm). The goal is to identify suitable sensor array structures for broad range detection, with combined high quantum efficiency, and high speed. A second goal is to identify a photodiode or sensor array structure where each pixel can be addressed independently. The design, performance simulation, and also physical parameters optimization will also be carried out as a part of this research activity. The broader impact of this research is that broad spectral image sensors are required for various ground-based, air-borne, space-borne geo-science instruments for the atmospheric properties measurement, surface topography, range detection, remote sensing, and real-time monitoring of biological systems. To date, several sensors covering different spectral ranges are used for this purpose. Next generation geo-science and astronomical instrumentation require single sensor that can detect multiple spectral bands (300 to 2500 nm of wavelengths) and could be used for multiple earth-science measurements. Use of single sensor having multifunctional capability can make the instrument unusually small, light and low-power requirement. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dutta, Achyut Banpil Photonics, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637456 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Safe Secure C/C++. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will design and implement a method of detecting and preventing buffer overflows in a C/C++ code, while maintaining execution efficiency. When a C/C++ program is compiled with the proposed approach, all buffer overflows are guaranteed to be intercepted. The main intellectual merit is not detecting all buffer overflows, but doing so in a way that does not destroy the efficiency of the program. The approach uses compilation techniques pioneered for speeding up code for high-performance computers to eliminate or minimize buffer overflow checks. The approach will use whole program information as available, and a link-time phase for final optimizations and verifications. If successful, the end result will be a safe and secure program with minimal performance degradation compared to its unsafe insecure counterpart. The broader impact of this proposed project could be significant. Buffer overflows in C and C++ programs are a major problem in two main cases: hackers deliberately attempting to disable or take control of a system, and programs running on critical embedded systems (such as those in sophisticated military equipment) that receive unexpected sensor input. Serious damage can be caused in either case. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brode, Brian Crescent Bay Software Corporation CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99822 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637463 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Dry Nano Adhesive Based on Carbon Nanotubes. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop a flexible, reusable, two-sided, dry, thermally and electrically conductive adhesive film consisting of a dense vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) embedded in a flexible polymer matrix. The polymer chosen as the matrix is Parylene. The CNTs protrude from the polymer matrix to form an active adhesive interface. When the film is attached to a target surface, significant van der Waals (vdW) attraction occurs between the CNTs and the target surface. The vdW adhesion is unaffected by vacuum or moisture, does not require applied pressure and, therefore, can provide a universally effective adhesion mechanism. Consequently, the proposed product can be used as a replacement for many other and less convenient kinds of fasteners and fixtures, saving time and money due to its ease of use and more optimal design.. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhao, Yang Atlas Nanotechnologies, LLC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99991 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637466 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Hot Press Die Casting of Graphite-Metal Materials. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a hot press die casting technology to be used in the production of graphite-metal materials. In the proposed work, graphite preform and metal will be placed in a multi-chamber graphite die set and loaded into a hot press. Following evacuation of the die set and heating to the desired melt temperature, the die set mold with graphite preform and molten metal will be held under presuure and temperature for a specified period of time till complete graphite surface carbide reaction and densification of the part occur. The as-cast microstructure and thermal properties of the graphite-metal part will be subsequently evaluated as a function of various process variables including time, temperature and pressure. The proposed casting technology will allow the manufacture of cost-effective graphite-metal materials that offer improved thermal properties crititcal to enabling thermal management solutions for high power electronics packaging applications. In addition, this casting technology will result in a cost reduction for cast graphite-metal materials of up to 40%. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Connell, James ADVANCED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99994 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637474 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Dual Substrate Cantilevered MEMS switch. This Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I (SBIR) project will test and confirm a novel approach to the manufacture of small cantilevered MEMS electrical switches. The approach obviates or ameliorates a multitude of problems which exist using the present surface machining approach to the fabrication of these switches. The approach divides the switch components between two substrates, with the moving cantilevered portion on an upper substrate, and the stationary contacts on the lower substrate. The moving portion may be formed from a stress-free layer of single crystal silicon, and therefore has no tendency to warp or distort. Using two substrates allows the contacts to be fully exposed throughout processing, until the substrates are bonded together to form the switch. Because the contacts are exposed, they can be effectively cleaned just prior to sealing in the hermetic seal between the two wafers, thereby reducing the contact resistance of the junctions. In addition, the dual substrate approach affords a number of design options not available using the surface machining approach. If successful, the approach described here will be used to produce MEMS cantilevered switches for a broad range of applications, from DC power handling applications to RF and radar applications. Because of their high current-carrying, high frequency characteristics with small size and low cost, the MEMS switches may serve as viable replacements for FET switches or micro relays in a wide range of devices. The approach may also be applicable to other sorts of MEMS devices, such as sensors and actuators, which may have a movable component suspended over a substrate which interacts with a fixed component on the substrate. This approach may therefore fundamentally alter how these devices are manufactured, and open up a wide range of applications not presently served by MEMS devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spong, Jaquelin Innovative Micro Technology CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99750 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1775 1517 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637488 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: SimBIT - Simulation Based Intelligent Tools: Developing Hands-on Professional Skills Online Using Virtual Experimentation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project focuses on the research, development and testing of a new type of smart instructional tool. This tool addresses the needs of today's online technical training and academic distance-learning engineering and technology programs as a substitute for conventional workplace related hands-on practice and engineering laboratory exercises. The research project develops a methodology and tools for creating highly interactive simulation-based virtual activities that will enable learners to perform genuine workplace tasks and lab assignments online. The program precisely imitates the actual process of completing a task including the use of instruments, devices, specific methods/techniques, and directs and controls learner's actions and provides appropriate remediation tips and feedback. The programs runs in demo, practice and assessment modes - in the assessment mode, the program will be used for skill and knowledge evaluation and performance prediction. The project addresses the diverse virtual practice needs of corporate and military training, as well as academic engineering and technical education. The primary target audience is corporate, military and medical technical personnel, as well as students enrolled in technical, engineering and healthcare programs in colleges and technical/vocational schools. Manufacturers and retailers of hardware and high-tech consumer goods will be able to use the project products for consumer education. The performance-based assessment tool provides a reliable way for the evaluation of personnel preparedness and performance prediction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cherner, Yakov ATEL, LLC MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99990 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637502 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Zirconia Syntactic Foam for Abradable Seal Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) applications. This Small Busines Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I program will investigate a state-of-the-art abradable seal concept for use in high temperature turbine applications. The proposed concept is a thin dual layer zirconia-based syntactic foam that acts both as an abradable seal for better tolerance in the turbine between the blades and the wall, and as a thermal barrier coating (TBC) to limit temperature exposure to the wall substrate preventing melting and/or failure. A yitria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrix will permit the use of this concept in the higher operating temperatures of the turbine engine (1200 C capable), compared to the currently used alloys and thermal spray coatings that are limited to use below 1200oC. The syntactic foam offers engineered structure, allowing extremely ordered and uniform porosity though each layer and the ability to control porosity, abradability, and thermal conductivity in each layer independently. These advantages over other materials will allow the syntactic foam to be accurately designed for specific applications, and will improve engine performance, efficiency, and longevity. These advances will directly benefit industries such as power generation, aerospace, and others that employ abradable seal turbine technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doud, Brian POWDERMET INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 96639 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637508 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Low-Cost Processing of Nanoporous, Super-Hydrophilic, Multifunctional Coatings for Glass and Plastic Surfaces. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will develop permanent, self-cleaning, anti-fog coatings for plastic and glass surfaces. Fogging on bathroom mirrors is a common phenomenon. Fogging on a moving automotive windshield, however, represents hazardous situation. Fogging often occurs when a cold surface suddenly contacts warm, moist air. Thousands of tiny water droplets condense on the surface. These droplets scatter light in random patterns, causing the surfaces to become translucent or foggy. The proposed research expects to demonstrate the feasibility of a cost-effective, manufacturing technology for durable, nanoporous, super-hydrophilic coatings as a permanent solution to the fogging problem. Complete resistance to fogging is critical in viewing windows, mirrors and windshields of aircraft, military vehicles and automotives and related personal protective gear for the safe operation of these equipments. Potential applications include automotive, aviation, sporting equipment, domestic, military and healthcare sectors. These coatings can be used as abrasion resistant, anti-fog and anti-reflection coatings on both glass and plastic surfaces. Preventing fogging of personal equipment like spectacles, skiing and swimming goggles, and scuba diving gear are other advantages. The proposed research will also offer a good opportunity for the education of postdocs, undergraduate and graduate students. They will be exposed to applied research and trained in chemistry, materials science, and engineering. In addition, they will gain knowledge and experience in developing a commercial product to meet societal and market needs. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sampathkumaran, Uma InnoSense LLC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1773 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637512 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High-Speed Atomic Layer Disposition System for Compound Semiconductor Thin Films. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a high-speed and flexible prototype Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) system suitable for its adaptation to an in-situ precursor generation and a plasma source to develop novel Gallium Nitride (GaN) thin film processes for fabrication of high efficiency and High-Brightness Light Emitting Diodes (HBELDs). Recent performance of HBLEDs shows tremendous promise to replace the incandescent light bulb and thereby reduce the electricity consumption by 50%. To realize this dream, however, HBLED production equipment and process chemistry must be suitably advanced for large scale production. In the proposed phase I effort, Atomic Precision will develop a novel prototype thin film processing system capable of developing a low temperature, high deposition rate and low-cost thin film deposition process, with monolayer precision and low defects. When successfully implemented, this novel deposition system and process technology will have broader applications ion other areas, such as low-cost solar cells, industrial hard coatings, metallization and conformal coatings on intricate components. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gadgil, Prasad Atomic Precision Systems Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637514 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) corner cube retroreflectors. This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a novel MEMS corner cube retroreflector (CCR), for optical communications. The innovation lies in the convergence of a MEMS modulating technology with the concept of corner cube retroreflector creating a new type of optical devices for passive data links and object identifications. A system level CCR integration, in combination with proof-of-concept laboratory verification methods, will be adopted to identify the most promising design of the proposed MEMS modulating retroreflector. The innovation enables an optical ID tag that can be triggered for passive and remote optical data transfer. If successful the outcome of this proposed activity will generate low cost, low power, integrated and compact CCR devices, ultimately leading to portable deployment of the CCR devices with satisfactory reliability, durability, along with sufficient ruggedness and endurance. Its applications include but not limited to: data nodes for distributed sensor networks, optical ID and data links for optical communication networks, vehicle monitoring at toll booth and inventory management, aiding surveillance and rescue operations in remote areas (e.g. at sea), environmental monitoring at remote areas or at high altitudes (e.g. gas line monitoring, structural health monitoring, etc.). Besides the commercial applications, MEMS modulating CCR technologies will potentially find important entries into military fields, with applications including identify-friend-or-foe interrogation, sniper identification and location, ad-hoc mesh networks, air-to-ground links, and unmanned autonomous vehicle monitoring, to name a few. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, Xingtao Microscale, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99828 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637517 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Domain and Network Aware High Definition (HD) Videoconferencing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I proposal aims to create a low bandwidth streaming algorithm for high definition (HD) videoconferencing. The ultimate goal is a software system that achieves less than 150 msec one-way end-to-end delay (the typical delays of telephone) for 1280x720 @ 30 fps video at 512 Kbps (the typical upload speeds of high-end consumer broadband). Most videoconferencing systems today stream video at 1/10 of HD resolution. At such resolution, it is often difficult to see facial expressions. Commercial HD products are currently only available in hardware. These systems all require network speeds beyond the limits of broadband. This research aims to develop videoconferencing software for broadband. Faces and whiteboards are the two most common elements of interest in a videoconference. This research will combine real-time network sensing and the domain knowledge of how people perceive facial expressions, whiteboards, and nondescript background to create a unique compression/streaming algorithm. The input video is segmented into different regions. The whiteboard and background will be enhanced for sharpness using novel super resolution techniques. Two core technologies will be developed: 1) perceptual resolution enhancement of whiteboard and background, and 2) network adaptive HD streaming. Although the concepts just described have been explored in principle by thousands of researches over the last few decades, previous efforts did not result in any HD products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Milton VSee Lab CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637532 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Reinforcement of Lightweight Material Castings with Dissimilar Metals. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will utlize ultrasonic vibrations during pouring of molten metal around a reinforcement insert placed in a mold and during solidification of the composite casting. The proposed processing route will help develop a defect-free metallurgical bond between two dissimilar metals. The proposed technology can be applied to reinforcing lightweight castings including aluminum and magnesium; thereby replacing iron and steel components for automotive, aviation, and defense applications. The use of this technology, therefore, has the potential to contribute to significant energy savings, cost savings, and emission control. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Clause Hans Tech IN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149996 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637539 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Metal Oxide Nanofibers for Filter and Catalyst Support Structures. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will intersperse ceramic nanofibers made from a three-step electrospinning/coating/decomposing process into an array of ceramic microfibers for filtering hot gases up to 1800C , while retaining structural integrity. The ceramic nanofibers offer significant improvements in particulate capture efficiency with moderate increases in pressure drop for gas filtration compared to typical monolithic or granular structures. In addition, the high surface area of the nanofibers provides a basis for improved catalyst support structures. In this work, the microfiber-nanofiber media will be constructed, and Pd catalyst material added to the nanofibers. Catalyst performance will then be measured and compared with the perormance of current motor vehicle honeycomb catalyst. Results from this work can be subsequently used to optimize the filter design. The proposed technology will provide a relatively inexpensive method for capturing soot particles and catalyzing harmful emissions such as NOx and CO. These filters may also be combined with the catalytic converters as a single multifunctional unit to save space and weight on the automobile. Other potential applications of ceramic nanofibers with catalysts include hydrogen storage tanks and fuel cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Carlson, Gary MemPro Ceramics Corporation CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1788 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637544 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Automotive Nanocomposites. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a low permeability composite material by applying a clay barrier film (CBF) nanotechnology to thermoplastic polymer systems (HDPE) for automotive applications, particularly for the manufacturing of fuel tanks. Preliminary work to date has shown that CBF nanocomposites are more than 400 times lower in permeability toward representative fuel components (such as ethanol, isoctane, and toluene) in comparison to the pure polymer. An additional goal of this proposed work is to improve the adhesion at the interface of the inorganic CBF and organic HDPE phases, thereby eliminating the formation of "blisters " (filled with liquid fuel) that compromise the structural integrity and strength of the composite. Successful completion of the proposed research project will lead to thermoplastic polymer-based materials capable of meeting the fuel emission standards for both conventional and for flex fuel vehicles. Other potential applications of the proposed technology include high barrier interior paneling, food and drug packaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dulebohn, Joel Claytec Inc. MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637556 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Rapid Freeze Prototyping of Investment Cast Thin Wall Metal Matrix Composites. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of thin-wall pattern production by rapid freeze prototyping (RFP) and the feasibility of investment casting with thin-wall ice patterns. The overall goal of the project then is to use RFP in conjunction with investment casting to produce thin-wall metal matrix composites. RFP is a novel solid freeform fabrication process that builds a three dimensional ice part according to a CAD model by depositing and rapidly freezing water in a layer-by-layer manner. Advantages of the RFP, when compared to existing commercial solid freeform fabrication processes include: fine surface finish, good dimensional accuracy, low energy consumption, and ease of pattern removal in casting and molding applications. The proposed research will extend composite casting technology from the currently available wall thickness of 0.4-0.6mm down to less than 0.3mm. Rapid freeze prototyping in conjunction with investment casting to produce thin-wall metal matrix composites (MMC) would be a competitive niche technology compared to alternatives for production of high stiffness, lightweight, and thin-walled or intricately shaped components in low volume for both military and commercial applications. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hill, Tim O'Fallon Casting MO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149990 1505 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637557 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Automated Assessment of Educational Activities in a Physics Simulation Environment. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project investigates constructivist learning principles that can be applied to increase problem solving ability and conceptual understanding, improve student attitudes, and decrease failure rates. These methods have been applied and validated, with particular benefit shown to women and minority students, by rigorous research in college level physics courses through the NSF-supported SCALE-UP project. Comprehensive assessment strategies based on detailed models of science instruction should be integrated into software architecture at a core level and leveraged throughout the software to give accurate and valuable feedback to teachers and students. This research project investigates the application of these principles toward secondary school physics instruction through the use of an innovative physics simulation problem solving software tool. Employing extensive experience in educational simulation software research, instructional design and physics teaching, this project will build a simple research instrument to enable subject matter experts to assess the feasibility of this concept. The innovations will have significant impacts on our society through improved scientific literacy of our students, advanced knowledge of teaching and learning, and valuable new products. This will lead to an increased number of students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in scientific fields, and will result in greater quantity and quality of scientific advances coming from our universities and corporations where these graduates will be employed, with direct improvements to our national economy and security. New knowledge of teaching and learning emanating from this project will be applicable to other areas of science and learning. Over time, new approaches derived from this knowledge will yield significant improvements in our educational system with far-ranging positive effects. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Brinton, Matthew Mosaic ATM, Inc. VA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 1505 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637559 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Standards-based High School Symbolic Geometry System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will investigate the feasibility of developing an interactive symbolic geometry system that integrates algebra and geometry and focuses on high school mathematics. A general mathematical equation involving several variables is interpreted as expressing a relationship among the variables. Which variables are considered as independent and which are dependent is not always clear and, even with a given geometry, there may be several possibilities. To develop a software system that adequately handles such sophistication is a non-trivial challenge. The project addresses the extension of real variable algebra to real-valued functions of real variables where those functions are arbitrary, not an instance of such a function. This goal poses an almost self-contradictory, challenge. Since the system will be visual, such functions will be displayed and hence some specific function must exist. However, to the user, they must seem arbitrary. The goal is the visual integration of algebra and geometry. The National Council of Teachers in Mathematics (NCTM) Standards include the visualization of three-dimensional figures and the mapping between certain three-dimensional surfaces and their two-dimensional unfolding on the plane. The project addresses user interface and algorithms for 3D symbolic geometry. The American Institutes for Research have recently re-examined data from major studies (TIMSS and PISA) and determined that the performance of US students, relative to their International peers, is worse than had previously been thought. In particular, US student performed poorly in geometry. The National Mathematics Advisory Panel stresses the need for 'solid math skills' not just for those students that are college bound but also for those going directly into the workforce. Additionally, this panel has also placed a special focus on the learning of algebra. This research project addresses these societal issues, by focusing on algebra and geometry, and linkages between the two, which a central theme of the NCTM standards. The integration of technology itself within the learning of mathematics is one of the six key principles of school mathematics. The research project will incorporate geometrical constraints in addition to geometrical constructions and hence, unlike any other current educational system, directly address the workforce/professional requirements of a geometry system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Todd, Philip Saltire Software Inc OR Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637563 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: A real-time Collaborative Click Fraud Detection and Prevention System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will provide a commercial solution to click fraud identification and prevention. The current existing solutions can not detect the so-called software click. This STTR project proposes a real time collaborative click fraud detection and prevention system to detect these software clicks. The approach draws on data mining techniques for fraud identification using detailed user activities. An accurate and efficient classification method based on association rule mining and data stream mining will be formulated to identify the click frauds. The system will protect Pay-Per-Click advertisers from click fraud and improve their return on investment. The new data mining techniques discovered during the course of this research will be applied in multiple fields related to online business marketing, user analysis and other fraud identification processes. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Higgins, Sean Hosting.com KY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 199923 9150 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637573 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Ultra-High-Speed Micro-Milling Machine. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is directed towards the design, development, and evaluation of a unique ultra-high-speed precision micro-milling machine with a micro-spindle/motor assembly along with in situ metrology sensors. The proposed micro-milling machine is an integral part of an overall micro-manufacturing system. Micro-manufacturing refers to the creation of high-precision three-dimensional (3D) products using a variety of materials and possessing features with sizes ranging from tens of micrometers to a few millimeters. While micro-scale technologies are well established in the semiconductor and microelectronics fields, the same cannot be said for manufacturing products involving complex 3D geometry and high accuracies in non-silicon materials. At the same time, the trends in industrial and military products that demand miniaturization, design flexibility, reduced energy consumption, and high accuracy continue to accelerate -- especially in the medical, biotechnology, telecommunications, and energy fields. Mohawk Innovative Technologies, in partnership with the Georgia Institute of Technology, will develop a unique ultra-high-speed precision micro-milling machine, which will have the capability of being used both in milling (for machining softer metals) and in grinding (for harder metals and ceramics). The principal advantage of the proposed micro-milling machine, besides the state-of-the-art in situ metrology, is the higher precision obtained through the implementation of the ultra-high-speed spindle that will decrease the cutting forces and thus tool vibrations. In Phase II, the proposed ultra-high-speed precision micro-milling machine will be further evaluated and modified to demonstrate the fabrication of complex parts for a variety of industries including defense, aerospace, healthcare and energy. The proposed desktop system will be designed with considerations of affordability, portability and versatility to assist in the development of new businesses and industries, and high value jobs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jahanmir, Said MOHAWK INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149992 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637577 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Process to Produce Powder Metal Fluorides. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a novel chemistry to prepare metal fluorides by the direct reaction of metals with fluorocarbons. The new process is highly suited to the manufacture of: (1) wires for optical communications; (2) high-surface-area metal fluoride catalysts used in the generation of fluoropolymers; and, (3) optical thin films such as anti-reflective coatings. The final example represents an $8 billion market at this time. As compared with the deposition methods presently employed by industry, the chemistry proposed is inherently cheaper and faster; in addition it does not use the extremely hazardous reagents that are now required. The project aims to involve under-represented students as interns, and to support the retention of these and other graduates in Iowa by helping to build a high tech research base in the state. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tipton, Andrew Nano-Electrochem, Inc. IA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149993 1505 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637586 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Electromagnetic Flowmeter with Built-in Electrical Impedance Tomography for Multiphase Flow. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will evaluate the feasibility of developing an electromagnetic flowmeter with electrical impedance tomography (EMFEIT), which will meet the need for multiphase flow measurements. Three major tasks are planned to demonstrate the feasibility of this development: (1) design a preliminary assembly of an electromagnetic flowmeter with an electrical impedance tomography based on theoretical analysis, (2) build the flowmeter hardware and develop its data acquisition and processing algorithm in a PC environment, (3) validate the performance of the novel flowmeter in a two-phase flow loop. The success of the proposed study will provide a useful tool for multiphase flow research and a reliable instrument for industrial process monitoring. If successful, the proposed flowmeter will be utilized in the petroleum, nuclear, wastewater treatment, chemical, food, and biochemical process industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mi, Ye EN'URGA INC IN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637587 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Online Chapter Marketplace for Biology Learning Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project implements a replacement for the reading materials currently used by most undergraduate students in biology. The replacement will combine smaller reading sections with more active learning components such as simulated experiments. The system will be open to contributions from a wide variety of authors and professionals. Textbooks are currently used in most college biology classes to present material to students, but the learning through textbooks occurs primarily through memorization. This research project will explore new ways of making the take-home assignments of biology students more active, without losing the content needed for understanding biological systems. This research project has the potential to transform one of the pillars of science education, the textbook, from a passive reading instrument to an active learning tool. This could improve learning for the at least one million students per year that take college level biology classes each year in the U.S., and eventually could help improve learning across the sciences. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meir, Eli SimBiotic Software NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99850 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637589 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Algorithms and Visualization Techniques for the Detection of Geographic Aberrations in Crime (GIS). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project tests the feasibility of software tools that leverage spatial statistics to enable police personnel to test their theories of criminality against data collected in the day-today activities of policing. Specifically, the research will validate the feasibility of innovative software tools that scour the historic data of a police department, search for geographic aberrations expected by the theories or 'hunches' put forth by crime analysts, and apply spatial statistics to confirm or deny the supposition. Preventing crime is a more sophisticated task than simply mapping incidents or arrests and deploying resources accordingly. The ability to analyze crime spikes, or unusual aberrations that occur in concentrated geographic areas, is an innovation in policing which holds the potential to enhance the organizational capacity of police departments across the country. The project will also study the development of a software interface that enables everyday crime analysts, police officers, and police captains to perform spatial analysis of crime by applying spatial statistics to test 'hunches'. In addition to this product's obvious market, i.e. law enforcement, there are applications in all levels of government. In addition, there is a market in 'special' law enforcement agencies such as The Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard or Military Police. Of the roughly 250 municipalities with populations of over 100,000 people, each has police departments that would find this system of use. The tools will assist police personnel to do a better job, and the efficiency gains will result in better policing and other societal benefits. Because 'Hunches' are not limited to policing, the algorithms and technologies developed in this research project will be applicable to other datasets that have the same sort of informational pattern - points of time occurring in space and time, such as consumer buying patterns or epidemiology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Buchanan, M. Cecelia Avencia Incorporated PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1654 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637591 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I:A Low Cost Scalable Approach to Improved Electro-optic Materials Performance using a New Functionalized Polymer Host with a Wide Range of Commercially Available Chromo. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes a new approach to solving the problem of creating higher performing Electro-Optic (EO) polymer materials which have significantly lower cost than the current very expensive multi-step synthesis. The proposed technology also offers the ability to obtain much higher optimal loading, which will improve performance. The greater chromophore effectiveness and higher loading levels potentially eliminate the need for expensive high performance chromophores and for the first time can allow the use of simple chromophores to obtain high EO coefficients. The specific technical objectives in the proposed work include: (1) down-select 10 most promising chromophores best suited to the new functionalized polymer technology (2) measure and optimize the red shift of the bandgap of these chromophore/polymer composites; and (3) pole and characterize the optimized EO materials using the r33 value obtained, switching speed, insertion loss, thermal stability, and relaxation rate of the chromophores to improve the commercial application value. Significant societal and commercial impact will emerge from improved electro-optic devices having greatly expanded bandwidth for telecommunications. For example, higher data transfer will benefit applications such as telemedicine, virtual classrooms, higher-level security systems, and real time personal and commercial data access. The proposed activities will enhance global scientific knowledge in electro-optic polymers through investigation of the unprecedented red shift. Further investigation of this unusual effect should lead to new device inventions. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99936 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637596 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Novel Membrane Modules for Degassing Oils. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will introduce a simple online system to continuously remove dissolved water and oxygen from transformer oil. The insulating materials used in large transformers consist of paper and dielectric oils, which provide a means of cooling. Over time, the insulating materials degrade as a result of chemical attack associated with the paper and small reactive molecules within the transformer oil. This technology addresses intermediate size markets (eg. transformer oil) and many very large markets of national interest. This product will first and foremost be an excellent tool for extending the useful life of transformers. There are many other potential applications, such as: removal of dissolved water from hydraulic fluids biodegradable hydraulic fluids; removal of water at low concentrations from products such as fuel grade ethanol; regeneration of solvents due to the stability and high permeability of the membrane at low water activity; and enhancement of chemical reactions by water removal which can drive equilibrium reactions. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Majumdar, Sudipto COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 200000 9150 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1417 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637597 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Kinetic Metallization of Chromium-Carbide Cermet Coatings with Superior Wear Resistance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative method of applying chromium-carbide cermet coatings without degradation in coating quality frequently induced by high-temperature thermal spray processes. Chromium-carbide cermet coatings are usually applied with high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) or high velocity air-fuel (HVAF) methods. Recent work has demonstrated that dissolution of the carbide phase into the matrix degrades the hardness and corrosion resistance of these coatings. The objective of the research is to investigate the feasibility of using the low temperature Kinetic Metallization (KM) process for applying chromium-carbide cermet coatings to overcome these limitations. Successful implementation of the KM deposition process is expected to require suitable feedstock powders; hence the project will initially investigate proprietary methods for fabricating chromium-carbide cermet powders with various matrix materials to produce ultra-fine powders. These ultra-fine chromium-carbide cermet powders will be deposited on various substrates including steel, titanium, and alumina using the KM process. Mechanical and metallurgical properties including wear resistance of the coatings will be examined and compared to thermal sprayed coatings to access the improved performance. It is anticipated the technology will enable superior wear and erosion resistant coatings for the high temperature applications in the power generation industry and improved biocompatible coatings for the medical industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tapphorn, Ralph INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99709 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637600 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Optimization of Cathode Sources for High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project is focused on developing technologies to enable High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HIPIMS) to become cost competitive. This research will develop new sputtering cathodes and other rate enhancements for use with high powered, short duration HIPIMS power supplies. These HIPIMS supplies generate highly ionized deposition fluxes (up to 95%) that are essential to controllably fill vias, ion bombard growing films and manipulate thin film properties to improve wear, corrosion, optical and other properties, but to date their use has been precluded commercially by low deposition rates. The investigators will use a combination of modeling and proprietary technical innovation in magnetron cathode design and power supply modification to address this critical rate issue. The broader impact of this project will be that rate enhanced sputtering tools will permit commercialization of recent HIPIMS developments. HIPIMS power supplies are currently manufactured in Sweden, the U.K., and Poland and HIPIMS specific cathodes are not available. The impact of this technology is estimated to be more significant than multi-cathode unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The demand for sputtered films continues to increase, with the market for sputtering target materials alone expected to exceed $1.8 billion in 2006. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rohde, Suzanne Ionized Magnetron Flux, LLC CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99893 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 9102 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637603 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Materials for Hybrid Electrochemical Capacitors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves the development of a nanostructured electrode material for high energy and power density hybrid electrochemical capacitors. The proposed work involves an innovative, low-cost manufacturing process to result in a nanostructured metal oxide electrode for high energy and power density hybrid electrochemical capacitors that function in aqueous electrolytes. The objectives of the Phase I research are to develop an optimal, low cost, synthetic route to produce the nanostructured material, optimize the material's electrochemical performance in aqueous electrolytes within half-cell configurations, test the material's performance in hybrid asymmetric configurations, and develop a low cost, scalable manufacturing process to produce the material. Hybrid electrochemical capacitors that have high energy densities, as well as power densities, result in improved performance, low cost power systems for medium and high power applications. The proposed technology will enable the manufacture of next generation electrochemical capacitors that operate in aqueous electrolytes rather than flammable non-aqueous electrolytes. The use of benign aqueous electrolytes reduces the cost of the device and has significant safety and environmental impacts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rhodes, Christopher Lynntech, Inc TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637604 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Isotropic Ultra-High Thermal Conductivity Diamond Composite Materials. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop ultra-high thermal conductivity materials with tailorable electrical behavior via chemical vapor infiltration of polycrystalline diamond onto two different substrates: graphitic foam and carbon nanofiber infused preforms. The thermal conductivity will be primarily controlled by the polycrystalline diamond phase, while the electrical properties will be determined by the graphitic structure. An additional objective of this research project is to determine the structure-property-processing relationships for this new class of composites. The proposed technology will benefit the consumer, industrial and military electronics that rely on heat conduction to maintain temperatures at acceptable levels for reliability and long life. In addition, the potential for near-net shape manufacturing reduces waste and increases the thermal efficiency that drives the optimization of heat transfer applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Curliss, David Performance Polymer Solutions Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99460 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637605 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: A Roll-Call System for Asset Tracking. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to improve inventory control. With a new Roll-Call(TM) system, items will announce themselves every few seconds to a network of readers. The goal is to know where all items are at all times. Among other things, a side effect is the determination that an item is missing when it stops announcing itself; absolute proof against loss by shielding or destroying a tag. Challenges include reliably "hearing" individual items among thousands announcing themselves simultaneously and interfering with one another, detecting fraudulent announcements, and tracking item movement within a geographic area. This project will address these challenges and demonstrate the feasibility a Roll-Call system that can be engineered to meet market-driven functionality and cost constraints. The RFID standards being promoted by WalMart and DOD are not compatible with important needs that can and should be addressed using radio technology. Specifically, 900 MHz, writeable, memory-laden tags specified by emerging standards will not fit on any of the growing class of small, valuable items in the economy and provide adequate radio range for continuous inventory. Market sectors that will immediately benefit from first-generation technology include hand-held electronics, the jewelry industry, shipping services, the pharmaceutical industry, art and antiques, and book stores and libraries. Specifically, any situation in which high-value objects need to be located and tracked often will benefit. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Howard, Richard PnP Networks, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149144 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637609 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Sensor for Volatile Organic Compound Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel micro-fabricated gas sensor for detection of airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at concentrations below 1 part-per-million. The key enabling innovation is the combination of field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) with corona discharge ionization (CDI), with both functions integrated on to a single sensor chip. This integration and the use of batch micro-fabrication techniques will deliver the high sensitivity and selectivity of ion mobility chemical detection in a small, low-cost sensor suitable for air quality monitoring and early warning fire detection. The broader impact of this will be to pave the way for prototyping and testing of a highly sensitive and selective CDI-FAIMS sensor suitable for VOC monitoring in a range of consumer and industrial applications. The adverse health effects of a range of VOCs are well-known, but effective mass-market technologies for monitoring them in domestic and work environments do not yet exist. Commercialization of a small, sensitive, low cost VOC sensor could therefore have an enormous positive impact on human health and safety. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Koehl, Andrew Owlstone Nanotech, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99038 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637612 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Development of Novel Structural Systems from Recycled Aluminum Cans. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) project will develop environmentally friendly composite panels from recycled aluminum cans for beams, frame, roof sections, and floor sections in low cost construction industries. The specific objectives include: specific construction techniques for combining can end sections with various materials including (like wood and plastic) to make sandwich panels; experimental testing of the manufactured specimens for mechanical performance and failure properties; and, numerical analysis for the accurate and efficient failure analysis of the advanced structural composite panels. The benefits of the proposed activity include potential cost savings, structural durability, affordability and positive environmental impact due to the use of recycled beverage cans. Since housing frames, walls, and roofing members are predominantly subjected to bending and compressive loads, advanced composite panels reinforced with can end sections may serve as a new durable composite system, and may have benefits over conventional wood, and reinforced wood composites. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Castle, Steven Enhanced Oncology Systems Inc VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 1505 MANU 9197 9153 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637617 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Micro-Fabricated, Multi-Species, Highly Selevtive Integrated Gas Sensors Based on Absorption and Adsorption. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase-I project involves the design and fabrication of highly selective, fast response, miniaturized gas sensors using micro-fabrication techniques wherein the sensing response is related to lattice absorption as well as surface adsorption of a given species in conducting perovskite oxides. For gases such as H2O, O2, CO2, H2S, NOx, and SOX which are supplied or produced in power plants, selectivity of gas sensors is required. The currently used adsorption based gas sensors suffer from significant interference effects from co-existing species thereby reducing their selectivity for a given species of interest. This concept of a new sensor design will be investigated for many other industrially and environmentally important gaseous species by pairing them with proper sensing materials based on perovskite oxides. The broader impact of the work is to bring highly selective micro-sensors into application for accurate monitoring on gases used or produced in power plants or other industrial plants so that the online control of those gas species can be more effective and the overall process efficiency can be dramatically increased. Environmentally, air pollutants can be detected more accurately by highly selective gas sensors, and this will have an ever-increasing impact in the coming years on establishing a global climate control strategy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Koh, Joon-Ho MATERIALS & SYSTEMS RESEARCH INC UT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99996 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637621 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: A New Process for Boride Coatings for Manufacturing Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is directed toward development and commercialization of a new low temperature metal-organic chemical vapor deposition technology for boride coatings. Diborides of transition metals are very attractive for their high hardness and good chemical stability, and have potentials for many applications in the manufacturing sector in United States as wear and corrosion resistant coatings. Current technologies of physical and chemical vapor deposition do not provide a viable method of good adherent boride coating at low substrate temperature. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and UES, Inc. will work together to develop single-source precursors for transition metal boride coatings for deposition at low substrate temperatures. The proposed method is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, thus enabling applications in many different industries that include cutting tools, die casting dies and inserts, transfer rolls for flat glass, component for chemical processes, armament industries such as gun tubes, automotive and aerospace. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Bhattacharya, Rabi UES, Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149940 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637624 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Streametics Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Brand Protection Solution. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project assesses the feasibility of applying innovative data processing techniques to address the problem of detecting counterfeit and diverted products using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) labels. Phase I will focus on building a prototype that will benchmark the feasibility of applying techniques such as data stream processing, staged event driven architecture, business policy provisioning, and RFID cryptography. The proposed architecture will have the ability to continuously analyze streams of RFID data generated by billions of product items in multi-tiered, global supply chains. The technology has immediate commercial potential in preventing illicit trade in the pharmaceutical, apparel and footwear, and automotive industries. Future potential exists in other industries like electronic parts, art, collectibles, and entertainment. Broad social impacts of this technology include protecting safety of consumers, increasing tax revenue for governments, and enhancing national security by preventing criminal and terrorist organizations from engaging in illicit trade. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dalal, Sanjay Streametics CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637644 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Modulation-Assisted Deep Hole Drilling of Micro/Meso-Scale Biomedical Components. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop an innovative application for modulation-assisted machining (MAM) technique to increase the productivity of deep-hole drilling of micro/meso-scale features in the production of high-performance biomedical components. A prototype process will be demonstrated thayt can be easily achieved on aexisting computer-controll;ed machines. In this process, a controlled, low-frequencty vibration (modulation) is superimposed onto the machining process, creating a series of discrete cutting events that are controlled with remarkable effectiveness by the modulation parameters, leading to easy chip removal. The process will also enhance the effectiveness of lubrication, enabling the machining to be performed with minimal use of cutting fluids. When implemented in the appropriate framework, the proposed technology will result in a class of highly efficient, clean machining processes that will impact applications above and beyond the biomedical component manufacturing, to aerospace and automotive sectors. The anticipated reduction in the use of cutting fluids will make the process environmentally friendly. The partnership with the University will provide students excellent opportunity for education and training. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mann, James M4 Sciences, LLC IN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 196021 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637647 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Novel Membrane Reactors for Biosynthesis. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to develop a reactor for the processing of vegetable oils or their resulting fatty acids to sugar esters. The membrane reactor system is envisioned to be permeable to small molecules, hydrogen and water. The esterification of fatty acids and sugars will occur in a non-aqueous environment and the water level in the reactor will be controlled by membrane properties and transmembrane pressure. It is expected that high conversion to sugar esters can be obtained at low enzyme concentrations. Moreover, continuous operation of the reactor can result in high productivity. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Nemser, Stuart COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 1505 MANU 9150 9148 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637652 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Commercial Scale Production of a New Generation of Nanocrystal Emitters---Doped Quantum Dots. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will establish automated commercial-scale production schemes for a new generation of quantum dot emitters, doped quantum dots (d-dots) emitters. Different from the current workhouse for intrinsic quantum dots, CdSe based nanocrystals, this new generation of nanocrystal emitters is based on zinc chalcogenide nanocrystals doped with transition metal ions, and thus no heavy metal ions will be involved. High quality d-dots with bright, tunable, and pure dopant emission have recently been invented by this SBIR team, which is substantially better than any d-dots reported in literature. Despite their low intrinsic toxicity, the performance of these newly invented d-dots exceeds that of q-dots in several important aspects, such as zero self-quenching, high thermal stability, high durability, and high suitability for a variety of surface treatments. These high performance d-dot emitters nicely comply with stringent environmental policies. For instance, in 2006 summer, European Union starts banning any products containing any amount of internationally added heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). It is expected that these high performance and low intrinsical toxicity d-dots will provide a much needed platform for several important industrial sectors, i.e., solid state lighting, bio-medical diagnostics, drug development, LEDs, lasers, and sensors. Commercially, as a platform technology, successful production of high quality d-dots will offer grand opportunities for many applications in optoelectronic, medical, and sensing fields. For instance, d-dots are ideal emitters for solid state lighting, which yields energy-saving and safe lighting devices. High quality d-dots will also make LED based display technology more feasible. In addition to their outstanding performance, d-dots don't contain any infamous heavy metal ions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Battaglia, David NANOMATERIALS AND NANOFABRICATION LABORATORIES AR William Haines Standard Grant 99993 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637661 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Fundamentally New X-ray Driven Manufacturing System for Recycling Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research develops a method of unambiguously sorting small chips of superalloys at high speeds. Spectramet Technology is a platform optoelectronic manufacturing technology for analyzing copper-rich, aluminum-rich, zinc-rich, cobalt and nickel-rich alloys at previously unachievable accuracy and high speeds into known alloys to meet smelter specifications. The technology platform is not only aimed at sorting alloys into base metal groups, but can also sort the alloys by alloy type. One part of the Spectramet Technology focuses on sorting valuable superalloys such as nickel-, cobalt-, and titanium based metals. This proposal is aimed at extending the existing technology with an entirely new innovative sensor approach to process particles one-thousandth the size of prior applications and to identifying and sorting those particles at speeds thousands of times faster than has ever been done before. The project will focus on sorting clean machine chips from superalloy scrap with 100% inspection, identification and sorting on a particle-by-particle basis. Contaminants that would make the chips unusable for recycling into the original alloy will be removed prior to reuse. The broader impact of this research will be to reduce the amount of strategic superalloy metal that is downgraded to inferior product uses and applications in the U.S. so that this very valuable scrap metal can be recycled into its highest value application, namely so it can be used again as superalloy feedstock for making new superalloy parts. The result of recycling this material rather than downgrading it to lower value applications will be reduced U.S. dependence on supplies of strategic virgin metals recovered at primary refineries from ore (most of which are purchased abroad), substantial energy savings from use of scrap rather than ore and virgin materials, and greatly reduced emissions because secondary smelting consumes much less energy than primary production followed by remelting. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spencer, David wTe Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149947 5371 MANU 9197 9153 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637664 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Active Fouling Resistant Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membranes. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will develop active, fouling resistant nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Commercially available NF and RO membranes for desalination of brackish water will be surface modified by graft polymerization of nanolayers. Thus, the modified membranes will possess excellent antifouling properties, and will be easily cleanable, without the use of harsh chemicals. The modification of membranes will have minimal impacts on permeate flux and salt rejection. Thus, the proposed technology presents a new way to overcome membrane fouling, one of the biggest problems in many water treatment processes. The proposed innovation is a membrane improvement based upon commercially available products. The membrane modification will not add significantly to the membrane processing cost or to the final product cost. Meanwhile, membrane manufacturers can use their current membrane casting equipment with little, if any, modification. As water shortages grow worse in the Western US and worldwide, and wastewater treatment requirements increasing, the proposed surface-modified, fouling-resistant membranes will have broad economic and social impacts. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Qin, Yingjie Ranil Wickramasinghe Chembrane Research and Engineering Inc NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149985 1505 AMPP 9163 1773 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637667 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Video Streaming in a Robot MANET - Optimizing Throughput and Power Consumption via Adaptive Robot Re-positioning and Bandwidth Allocation. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project investigates the streaming of video through a cluster of mobile ad hoc network (MANET) autonomous robots operating in a challenging multi-path propagation environment. This project will quantify the gains in video throughput and power consumption achievable by automatic robot re-positioning with respect to these initial positions. This research is motivated by the fact that, in multi-path and fading environments, small changes in a robot's location can lead to significant gains in the received signal strength. Automatic iterative optimization of the robot positions could therefore lead to robot constellations that achieve significantly higher throughput or require significantly less power. Classical approaches for addressing multi-path degradations include robust modulation techniques, such as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), and spatial diversity. This project will determine if an OFDM-based 802.11g system, can achieve significant performance improvements when combined with an automatic robot re-positioning algorithm. Teams of robots are ideally suited for investigating environments intrinsically hostile to humans. Such environments arise in a variety of situations, including, in mines after an accident, in urban areas after a natural catastrophe, in buildings after a hazardous materials release, and in military operations. Additionally, in various video surveillance and security applications it will ultimately be cheaper to employ networks of mobile robots than to hire teams of security guards. Because humans rely disproportionately on vision for sensing their environment, the ability to stream video through MANET robot is essential. From a technology perspective, automatic cooperative re-positioning of the clusters nodes is a new dimension to explore with respect to optimizing a network's performance. The results of this project will assist in determining whether re-positioning algorithms should be incorporated in the design of future robot clusters, and if so, how such algorithms should operate, and how dynamic bandwidth allocation schemes can exploit the gains they enable. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Perkins, Mike Cardinal Peak, LLC CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 149999 1505 HPCC 9139 1655 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637689 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: CompatibilityTek: A Tool for Reduction of Health Care Costs in Manufacturing Firms. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses the rising health care costs (HCC) among manufacturing firms. The technical objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a smart product capable of generating an integrated/customized/smart algorithm-identified improvement actions designed to decrease HCC, and, translating improvement actions into interventions with the consent of worker/management teams. Improvement action is a suggested change in the characteristics of work environment (e.g.: time pressure) without specifying how changes are made. Intervention is a workplace solution which specifies how changes are being implemented. The product will provide guidelines for detailed substantial and incremental workplace solutions for safety/health protection and promotion, workforce education and training that are unique to each manufacturing firm and integrated as part of daily business activities. The success of the product will be tested in a multi-method design in four small manufacturers. The success of this project represents a low-cost innovative product for reducing HCC and improving work productivity/quality. It will also help to change the current view of manufacturing performance- safety/health paradox by increasing work productivity/quality while reducing HCC. The proposed technology embedded in a six-sigma methodology has the potential to be a standalone business strategy capable of improving organizational performance (e.g., quality, productivity, and safety). Although the proposed technology targets the manufacturing sector, this project may be applicable to other sectors such as transportation, construction, and health care. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Genaidy, Ashraf WorldTek Inc. OH Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 146714 1505 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637697 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Laser Ablation - Diamond Turning Hybrid Process for Brittle Material Machining. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project, a collaboration between Mound Laser and Photonics Center and the Manufacturing Research Center at Western Michigan University, will develop a novel, synergistic method for precision machining of brittle materials and semiconductors by combining laser processing diamond turning. The method has the potential to greatly reduce wear of diamond machine tools, improve the surface quality of finished ceramics, and reduce overall process costs for machining and smoothing these notoriously difficult to process yet critically needed materials. Developing a successful technology will immediately impact the areas of silicon carbide mirrors for aerospace applications, and single crystal silicon carbide wafers for high temperature electronics. Other potential uses include fabrication of structural aerospace components, sensors, and ceramic bearings and seals. Exploitation of high performance ceramics in all of these areas is currently limited by the state of the art in cost effective, damage-free fabrication of engineered ceramics. The project will provide a valuable opportunity for students to participate in the advanced, state-of-the-art materials processing technology development. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jacobsen, Ronald Mound Laser & Photonics Center, Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149547 1505 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637704 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ionic Liquid Thermofluids from Natural Sources. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop environmentally friendly (green engineered) single phase heat transfer fluids based on ionic liquids that are synthesized from naturally derived sources. Ionic liquids are mixtures of anions and cations with a melting point below 100C (i.e. liquid salts). High temperature single phase thermofluids are needed commercially for both open (to atmosphere) and closed systems. Open high temperature systems are commonly found in the plastic processing industry, open baths, pilot plants, solar heating, and optical coatings equipment. Closed systems are found in the chemical (paint resin, polymers, and adhesives) and pharmaceutical industries. Currently available single phase heat transfer fluids that will survive harsh environments (such as high temperatures and oxidative environments) are too costly, potentially toxic, and mainly derived from petroleum based starting materials. Petroleum based ionic liquids are normally considered to be green material due to their zero vapor pressure and non-flammability. However, for applications that may have leakage or generate large volumes for disposal, they do not fit the definition of a green material. The proposed single phase heat transfer fluids based on ionic liquids will overcome these shortcomings by being: derived from natural sources (such as common sugars), non-toxic, biodegradable, non-flammable, and low cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Czerw, Richard NanoTechLabs Inc. NC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 130829 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637708 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Utilization of Recycled Carbon Fibers. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use recycled carbon fibers to fabricate composite materials suitable for use in the transportation sector. As recycled carbon fibers have properties that differ from those of virgin carbon fibers, conventional composite processing techniques cannot be used for fabricating composites from these recycled fibers. Thus, the overall goal of this Phase I effort is to prove the technical feasibility of using one or more composite processing techniques for fabricating new composites using recycled carbon fibers. Use of the proposed composite materials would help in reducing the weight of vehicles, thereby increasing fuel economy; and would divert carbon fiber composite wastes from landfills toward new automotive applications. The development of new recycled carbon fiber parts fabrication and and processing technologies will enable the resuse of the carbon fibers in areas where the use of this high performance raw material has been limited in the past by high production and raw material costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Segal, Charles Firebird Advanced Materials, Inc. NC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 137500 5371 MANU 9197 9153 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637711 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: 3D Human Functional Anatomy for Middle and High School Education. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I research project combines 3-D computer graphics and gaming technology to provide a non-linear, immersive learning environment for science education in the human anatomy and physiology domain. Modern computer-simulations present a unique ability to present scientific information in an easy to understand manner. Technology advances in computer graphics present opportunities to present higher quality visual models in an interactive fashion that can convey the scientific process in a way which makes learning science fun and interesting for the students while capturing their enthusiasm for science. The proposed toolkit will consist of 3-D visualizations for teaching human anatomy and physiology and interactive simulation environments for exploring the human body from a first person point of view. Simulation will be used in conjunction with traditional lecture while the interactive environments will provide immersive reinforcement learning. This research project will play a role in increasing achievement and interest in science. In order for the nation to remain competitive in the life science industries, the nation must produce an adequate number of students who pursue degrees in life sciences. Recent years have seen a disturbing drop in United States' student interest in pursuing science education and careers. At the same time, demand for science-based degrees is rapidly increasing in the labor market. The proposed research is targeted at improving students' interest and achievement in science. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Levine, Robert ArchieMD, Inc FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637713 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Academic Assessment within a Community of Evolving Learners. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project involves experiments in conducting learning and assessment processes in parallel, by using agent-based and machine learning techniques to achieve the following objectives: (1) to evolve curricular paths through a knowledge domain automatically, (2) to match human peer-learners for collaborative learning experiences, (3) to embody non-human (agent) peers for tutoring interactions, (4) to predict possible learning outcomes resulting from a range of interventions, and (5) to provide animated visualizations of learners as a means of data reporting. The resulting prototype system will demonstrate state-of-the-art in assessment technology and has the potential to change the face of assessment in schools across the country. As schools nationwide are confronted with increased testing due to 'No Child Left Behind' policies, the prototype developed by the proposed work could become an indispensable tool for use in any elementary school. If the research demonstrates, as predicted, that a parallel approach to learning and assessment can be effective, then state standardized tests could adapt this methodology. Students will not sacrifice regular in-class learning time for test-taking. In addition, the multi-user, distributed nature of the particular application described within the proposal has far-reaching implications, as students can interact with each other across the country, expanding their circle of learning peers not only beyond the walls of their own classrooms and schools, but beyond the borders of their own states. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Camacho, Christopher Children's Progress, Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 199680 5371 1505 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637714 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Artificial Intelligence Tutoring and Assessment for Teacher Development. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project focuses on bringing the power and benefits of cutting-edge artificial intelligence tutoring technology to the arena of teacher professional development. The need for effective, high-quality professional development in science is particularly serious for teachers who are new and/or teaching outside their field of expertise. Conventional models of professional development (e.g. attending workshops and seminars) have little impact for a truly struggling teacher. Web-based materials, though available on demand, currently lack the depth and sophistication needed to effectively meet the needs of the new teacher for pedagogy and content in complex scientific subjects. The proposed innovation is the creation of professional development resources that use advanced AI technology to model and teach proven effective content and pedagogical strategies of an outstanding teacher, and provide the teacher with a sophisticated means of self-monitoring and assessment. This will have an especially meaningful impact for new teachers and teachers struggling out-of-field. The results of this research will be an artificial intelligence-based professional development system delivered in a just-in-time fashion over the Internet. The ability to leverage proven effective artificial intelligence educational technology for professional development represents a new design paradigm, which will have broad implications for developing new models of sophisticated, AI-based professional development in many subjects beyond chemistry. Though the impact will be most immediate for new teachers and teachers struggling out of field, the technology and approach hold potential to benefit teachers at all levels of experience. The prospective applications of the approach will address the goals of the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) and Highly Qualified Teachers in No Child Left Behind. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Johnson, Benny Quantum Simulations Incorporated PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0101000 Curriculum Development 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637721 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Chemical Aerosol-flow Synthesis of Nanometals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the development of a new approach for the continuous production of high quality metal nanoparticles. Currently, nanometals are produced in small quantities by the reduction of metal salts in water or organic solutions. Obtained particles have decent size distribution, but the size is typically large (>20 nm) and not well controlled. Some nanometals are produced on a larger, industrial scale in the gas phase by vacuum evaporation techniques, and then stabilized in solution using standard surfactants. In this case, particles tend to agglomerate and the shapes and the sizes of nanoparticles are not well controlled. The aim of this project is to evaluate the feasibility of the chemical aerosol-flow method as a large scale process for the synthesis of high-quality, surface stabilized nanometals with well-controlled shape and size distribution. The primary focus of the proposed research is to find the optimal technical and physico-chemical conditions for the production of high-quality nanometals. If successful, this method will provide large quantities of nanometals for research and technology, provide a deeper understanding of the properties of materials in the small size regimen, and, consequently, accelerate the development of nanometals applications. Commercially, the outcome of this proposal will have a great impact on future nanotechnology, if successful. Semiconductor, metal, and oxide nanoparticles are among the most desired materials for future technology and research. The research will not only have a great impact on technology, since it will provide a great amount of material for use in new tools, devices, etc., but it will also have a great impact on our understanding of materials' properties at small dimensions. The technology will be attractive to a wide range of markets. In particularly, the antimicrobial coatings market is one application for silver nanoparticles, which accounts for a large share of the market. Other metal nanocolloids will play a significant role in the nanomaterials market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Didenko, Yuri UT Dots, Inc. IL William Haines Standard Grant 99997 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637734 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Cooling Devices through Wafer Scale Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a new manufacturing methodology to create thermoelectric coolers able to deliver levels of performance that cannot be achieved with traditional manufacturing techniques. This work will provide the proof of concept studies establishing the composition and methodology of forming these materials by a technique that allows high volume manufacturablility Thermoelectric materials with appropriate thermophysical properties and of an appropriate scale will be created and tested. Additionally, for commercial viability enabled by volume manufacturing, delivery methods will be modeled and evaluated. The thermoelectric architecture proposed in this work is key to realizing the often touted but yet unrealized societal benefits of thermoelectric cooling and power generation. These include: (a) reduction in ozone depleting chemicals by the transition from vapor compression cooling to thermoelectric solid state cooling; (b) reduction in energy consumption and more efficient use of available energy by widespread use of high performance thermoelectric power generation from waste heat; and (c) broad improvements in general quality of life by high performance compact coolers that allow continued advancement of products in the biomedical, microelectronics, and optoelectronics industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Miner, Andrew Romny Scientific, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99510 5371 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637744 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Protection of Rebar in Construction Materials using Tobacco Extract Corrosion Inhibitors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop tobacco as an additive to concrete and other construction materials to reduce corrosion of rebar. Degradation of bridge decks and other reinforced concrete structures is predominately caused by the corrosion of the rebar, which expands and leads to cracking or spalling of the concrete surface. The corrosion of rebar is most often associated with road salt or marine environments that provide a source of chloride ions that promote corrosion. Previous studies have shown that extracts of tobacco are an extremely effective, environmentally benign corrosion inhibitor for many metals, including steel and aluminum, under a variety of conditions (chloride solutions, acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments). Inhibitrol proposes to add tobacco dust or other tobacco material to concrete and other building/patching materials. As salty water penetrates the concrete, it will leach corrosion inhibitors from the tobacco and protect the steel rebar. The current corrosion inhibitor additives used to protect the steel rebar are expensive and may cause environmental concerns. Tobacco is a renewable, potentially inexpensive bioproduct that is expected to provide excellent corrosion protection with few or no environmental concerns. A recent report on the costs of corrosion estimates that the annual cost of corrosion of infrastructure is $22.6 billion with $8.3 billion being attributed to bridges. Indirect costs of bridge corrosion (traffic delays and lost productivity) are estimated to be ten times the direct costs. Tobacco-based corrosion inhibitors for concrete would have several benefits: a reduction in required maintenance and improvement in capacity and safety of bridges and other structures, substitution of a renewable bioproduct for petrochemical-based chemicals, and reduced environmental impact. The Inhibitrol team will work closely with professors and students at the Small Farm Institute of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), a Historically Black (HBCU) Land Grant Institution, to identify the best tobacco strain and farming practice for this application. In addition to the potential benefits associated with protection of infrastructure, this application may open new markets for tobacco farmers and find uses for their waste products. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG vonFraunhofer, Joseph Inhibitrol Inc MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637747 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Erbium Doped III-Nitride Materials and Photonic Structures for Optical Communications. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will develop metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth technology for the in-situ Er incorporation into III-nitride epilayers and device structures grown on Si substrates. Through optical characterization of Er3+ emissions, optimal growth conditions for obtaining device structures with enhanced emission at the desired optical communications wavelength (1.55 microns) will be identified. If successful, these materials may lead to novel electrically pumped waveguide optical amplifiers that possess advantages of both semiconductor optical amplifier (small size, electrical pumping, ability for photonic integration, etc) and Er-doped fiber amplifier (minimal crosstalk between different wavelength channels in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks). The realization of optical amplifiers based on Er-doped semiconductors would allow the monolithic integration of functional optical devices (light sources, wavelength routers, optical switches, detectors, etc) on single chips to form photonic integrated circuits with unique features. This prospect becomes especially attractive if Er-doped III-nitride materials could be grown on large area silicon substrates because such nitride-on-Si material photonic materials system would be entirely compatible with the standard processes for making silicon computer chips and could open up unprecedented applications including those envisioned for Si photonics. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Jing III-N TECHNOLOGY, INC TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637748 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: A Novel Thermal Spray System for Nanoparticle Embedded Functionally Gradient Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a novel thermal spray coating process called "Hybrid Spray," for producing nano sized particulate dispersed metallic coatings. The introduction of nanoparticulates into the metal matrix is desired to improve creep strength as well as high temperature wear and oxidation resistance. This work will target the development of coatings for power generation industry where the ability to operate at higher temperatures will enable greater efficiencies and the longevity of coatings will reduce the operating costs. Midwest Thermal Spray (MTS) will develop the `Hybrid Spray' technology conceptualized at the University of Michigan. The process offers the benefits of low cost wire stock and high productivity combined with noticeably improved coating density. Current techniques for fabricating nano particle embedded engineered materials involve multiple processing steps leading to high manufacturing cost. As a result, the widespread application of nano particulate dispersed coatings in commercial applications is severely limited. The "Hybrid" spray system to be developed can be a generic system for creating and introducing nanoparticles into variety of matrix materials for different applications. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Roche, Allen Midwest Thermal Spray MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149969 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637751 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Polymer Alloy Seal. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a polymer alloy material and sealing process using high-speed near-infrared radiation welding, to form a waterproof bond in the assembly of proton exchange membrane and direct methanol fuel cells. A key objective of the proposed work is to screen candidate polymers to formulate alloy seals with maximum sealing bonding strength and optimum resistance to chemical and mechanical degradation. . The proposed sealing material and welding process will provide a path for new high efficiency fuel cell manufacturing technology. The proposed technology will provide the flexibility to weld alloy seals at needed locations to produce a unitized fuel cell structure; thereby, reducing the number of individual components and assembly steps, increasing quality and reducing costs. Additionally, the infrared welding process will lend itself to high speed automated manufacturing. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Long, John Kubota Research Associates, Inc. DE Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 92950 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637752 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A New Method for Deposition of Powder Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project focuses on the development of a cost effective and scaleable approach to powder metal deposition. The uniqueness of the approach stems from a precisely tailored surface preparation coordinated with a thermal spray process with a goal of achieving a fully fused, metallurgical bond between the coated material and the substrate. Improved bonding as compared with conventional approaches would benefit coating applications ranging from thermal protection for high temperature applications, corrosion resistance for harsh environments and enhancement of surface mechanical properties such as toughness and hardness. The research effort is aimed at proving the feasibility of the concept in a prototype environment, which will be accomplished with both experimental and computational efforts. In addition to proving the concept, an important aspect of the Phase I research will be to gain a stronger understanding of the influential processing variables, as well as concept capabilities and limitations, in order to design a scaled up device for a Phase II initiative. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gauthier, Ben Enigmatics, Inc. MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99315 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637753 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Chemical Management System using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will explore the feasibility of applying Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies for the inventory management of time and temperature sensitive materials, which are PreMixed and Frozen (PMF) sealants that are extensively used today in the aerospace industry. This project fundamentally aims to develop and implement distributed power control schemes for RFID antennas/readers in order to overcome the read rate problem, which is a major obstacle in front of RFID implementation in industry today. This research project provides a solution to a major aerospace industry problem; the loss of millions of dollars annually due to expired PMF sealants. Utilizing RFID technologies in tandem with current practices will provide near real-time PMF sealant inventory and expiration date data and thus lead to effective and efficient management of PMF sealants. In turn this will result in a dramatic decrease in customer cost and unwanted waste while increasing the service level for production. Current prime aerospace company customers have shown great interest in this proposed research and it is estimated that these customers as well as other prime aerospace companies and suppliers would invest $25-30 million to acquire, implement, and utilize this technology. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kut, Jerry Avchem, Inc. MO Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637754 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Technique for Low Cost Fabrication of Amorphous Magnetic Material for Electric Power Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project is aimed at investigating a new method for fabrication of bulk amorphous magnetic material. This method is based on a novel thermal spray approach for net or near-net shaping that has demonstrated the capability to achieve the high thermal quench rates that are necessary for retention of the amorphous state. Amorphous magnetic material is desirable for low-loss power electronic applications such as the core of electrical transformers. Unfortunately, manufacturing costs of amorphous core transformers presently exceeds the costs of the competing technology of grain oriented silicon steel. It is the intent of this research to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept as an alternative and cost-saving fabrication method and to prepare for a Phase II project to further develop the technology and gain a more complete understanding of the advantages and limitations of the approach. The commercial potential of the project is significant in that transformer core losses alone account for annual losses in the range of billions of dollars, and amorphous core transformers already realize substantial loss reduction. Any cost reduction in the manufacturing process would promote further market penetration and a more efficient power distribution network. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gauthier, Ben Enigmatics, Inc. MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99344 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637764 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: The Media Fusion Project: A Distributed Architecture for Mega-Pixel Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an architecture to support the management and display of media on a new class of emerging displays. The proposed architecture is a new approach to supporting displays with the ability to 1) reconfigure themselves as different display components (projectors) are repositioned and 2) scale to potentially hundreds of millions of pixels. This will be accomplished using a unique distributed framebuffer abstraction that allows pixels to be managed over large clusters of machines and a subscription model that supports reconfiguration. The proposed Media Fusion Architecture has the potential to significantly impact the way in which the world interacts with media. The proposed approach will also have impact on several scientific communities including distributed rendering, media distribution, and memory management. The techniques that will be introduced are complementary of approaches by those communities but are unique in that they address the challenges of a cluster of display devices. Beyond the tremendous potential for economic and scientific impact, the Media Fusion Architecture will introduce advanced display technologies to users who have never had access to them before. Examples include, display walls in the classroom, conference rooms, teleconferencing, and even the home. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jaynes, Christopher Mersive Technologies, LLC KY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 147750 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637768 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Photochemical Treatment of Dioxin-Furans Compounds from Industrial Air Emissions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of a photochemical technique for destroying a highly toxic group of organic compounds known as dioxin-furans and consisting specifically of tetra- through octa-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. The photochemical technique is designed to destroy dioxin-furan compounds prior to their release to the environment from industrial facilities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) believes that dioxin-furans are a serious threat to public health and has established stringent limitations applicable to dioxin-furan emissions from many types of industrial furnaces and kilns. Air Control Techniques, P.C. has developed a photochemical technique for the destruction of dioxin-furans; however, more work is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this control approach. During this SBIR Phase I research, Air Control Techniques, P.C. will perform computer kinetic modeling and pilot plant testing at two industrial facilities. The results of this research work will allow Air Control Techniques, P.C. to determine the energy requirements, operating costs, and dioxin-furan destruction efficiency of the photochemical technique. The broader impact of this research will be to prevent exposure of the public to toxic dioxin-furans and provide an economical means for industrial facilities to achieve stringent dioxin-furan emission limitations. Air Control Techniques, P.C believes that photochemical treatment for dioxin-furans will simultaneously reduce emissions of other contaminants such as formaldehyde and ammonia also present in the effluent gas streams of industrial furnaces and kilns. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Richards, John Air Control Techniques, P.C. NC F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 133630 5371 MANU 9197 9187 9153 0308000 Industrial Technology 0313010 Air Pollution 0637769 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Software Tools for Handling Discrete Elements in Large-Scale Nonlinear Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the challenges of large-scale nonlinear optimization in the presence of discrete elements. Building on previous success with an integrated approach to classical, smooth nonlinear optimization, the goal of this research will be to derive and implement large-scale general-purpose methods for nonlinear optimization over (i ) integer-valued decision variables via a branch-and-bound approach, and (ii ) complementarity constraints using a direct penalty approach. Anticipated applications will encompass engineering problems such as process synthesis, network planning, optimal power flow, and integrated circuit design, as well as decision problems in such areas as power capacity planning and strategic bidding. The commercial potential of the research will be demonstrated by tests on real applications contributed by users of the proposing company's current nonlinear optimization software. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Waltz, Richard Ziena Optimization Inc. IL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99972 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637774 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: TRX Sentinal First Responder Tracking System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project addresses the critical problems of tracking and monitoring firefighters or other first responders inside structures. Whereas many key components of first responder systems such as GPS fail indoors or require an overwhelming number of access points to obtain accurate information, this system requires only a base station that can be quickly set up outside of a building. The system initiates a mesh network to communicate data amongst responders, as well as between the responders and the command post outside the structure, which extends the range of the base station by allowing data to be relayed through another team member if a responder goes out of range. The research project will focus on improving tracking algorithms such that complex motions can be recognized and accurately tracked. In addition to improvements will be made to the command center and first responder interface, and tests will be carried out within the user community. This research has a broad impact on the safety of first responders. As an example, firefighting is one of the most dangerous jobs with a loss rate of over 95 firefighters annually over the last decade. Some of these deaths could have been prevented if only the firefighter's distressed condition and exact position were known. This technology will have a broad impact on pin pointing firefighters and other first responders that serve society during crises and natural hazards. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Teolis, Carole TRX SYSTEMS INC MD Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1655 0104000 Information Systems 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637775 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Chemical Vapor Deposition Tool for Chalcogenide Random Access Memory (C-RAM).. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will result in a high throughput, large area, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) tool for the production of device grade chalcogenide films for chalcogenide random access memory (C-RAM) non-volatile memory. Current non-volatile memory technology (flash memory) is rapidly approaching its density limit, and C-RAM is one of the top contenders as the next generation non-volatile memory technology, due to its small cell size, fast write/erase speed, low write/erase voltage, high endurance and radiation hardness. However, current state-of-the-art C-RAM technology relies on sputtering to deposit the active chalcogenide layer. This sputtering process limits further device improvement because of difficulties in meeting requirements for device conformality, film adherence and compositional control and wafer yield. CVD is the industry standard deposition technology for volume production of high quality thin films, but currently no tools for chalcogenide deposition are available. C-RAM memory promises to be the next generation technology for non-volatile memory in commercial and military computing applications, and should capture a substantial portion of the $34B (2007) non-volatile memory market. The availability of this new high density, long-lived memory technology will enable smaller, faster, more reliable computing for a host of commercial and military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tompa, Gary STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637778 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I:Fabrication of Luminescent Phosphor Plasma-sphere Arrays for Display Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will investigate feasibility of producing hermetic hollow gas encapsulating spheres (Plasma-spheres) with shells fabricated from phosphor compositions processed with modified processing methods. One application of Plasma-spheres is pixel elements used in displays. Plasma-spheres are placed on flexible electrically addressable arrays. When a voltage is applied across the Plasma-sphere the encapsulated gas ionizes and glows. UV radiation produced by the glowing gas will excite the phosphor shell form the inside. The phosphor shell will convert UV to visible light. The successful completion of this SBIR will result in advancing the company's current monochrome display technology to full color. The current Plasmasphere shell is dielectric and an encapsulant. The proposed Plasma-sphere shell will be a dielectric, an encapsulant and a lumiphor. Plasma-sphere arrays are produced with a unique low cost process. This process will eventually allow carpet size displays to be produced at a fraction of the cost of rigid glass displays. The roll-to-roll production method allows flexible manufacturing and responsiveness to changing consumer demands. A single wide-web can be cut to a variety of sizes and aspect ratios. The entire Plasma-sphere array production process is environmentally benign. It uses a minimum of materials, and eliminates harmful materials including lead, which is commonly used in the manufacture of electronics. Other advantages include longer life, smaller form factor, and a greater percentage of biodegradable materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wedding, Carol IMAGING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INC OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 138761 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637779 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Optical Motherboards with Nano-Second Memory Bus Latency enabled by CMOS-Compatible Inter-Chip Optical Communications Platform. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result in a computer bus system with nanosecond latency time in addition to enhanced bus bandwidth. The rapid growth in computer speed is fueled by the increasing device density and computing speeds. However, a major roadblock to fully realizing the increasing computer power has been the inability to increase inter-chip communication speeds, the inter-chip latency time has remained constant at about 30ns for the past decade. The dominant performance limiting factor in modern computing has become the long latency time associated with the mother board data bus connecting the fast CPU and memory chips. As a result, with the increasing gap between the ever-increasing fast CPU and memory chip speeds and the slow mother board data bus speeds, data transfer has become the dominant performance limiting factor. Many important high-end applications today are extremely sensitive to memory access performance. As a way to alleviate the slow bus problem, computer architecture designers today are forced to develop more and more complex memory subsystems, such as adding hierarchical cache levels and designing complicated pre-fetching mechanisms, sacrificing chip size, performance and cost. Relying on the speed of light, which is not encumbered (slowed down) by electrical capacitances and resistances, this inter-chip optical bus platform will significantly reduce present memory bus latency (communication speed) from around 30 nano-seconds by at least a factor of 30 to 1nano-second, thus removing the memory access bottleneck. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Willner, Bruce STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637783 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Fabrication of Macro Electroluminescent Display from Nanoparticles. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will involve development of a new fabrication method of fully inorganic thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) displays with a light emitting nanoparticles (NP) layer. The device emits light in the color range from blue to infrared. TFEL displays are thin, bright, flexible and flat. Devices would have 179 degree viewing angle and because they do not contain filaments or mechanical parts, they are not susceptible to shock and vibration. These devices are powered by a DC battery or an AC unit. The TFEL displays could be easily mounted on conformal surfaces. The combination of direct write and layer by layer technologies provides an elegant alternative to traditional fabrication methods of semiconductor electronics such as photolithography, vacuum deposition techniques, masking, high processing temperatures, etc. The TFEL display structures with NPs will be very simple, extremely lightweight, compact, flexible, versatile, and relatively inexpensive to produce in large quantities. This project will develop an efficient, cheap, reliable method of manufacturing these novel electroluminescent displays capable of stable, extended service, low power consumption under a wide range of environmental conditions. Commercially, TFEL displays with NPs are flexible, bright, large, easy and inexpensive to fabricate, provide wide view angle, and can be mounted on conformal surfaces. Devices will be pure inorganic and demonstrate very desirable characteristics such as a long lifetime, high brightness, efficiency, spectral purity, and the ability to emit in a wide spectral range from blue to infrared. They can be used for any structure where space is at a premium such as aircraft, ships, and storm shelters. The devices can be used in advertising displays in shopping malls and convenience stores or on smaller venues such as cereal boxes or other mass market goods. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Church, Kenneth nScrypt, Inc. FL William Haines Standard Grant 150000 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637784 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Precision Polymer Microprofile Extrusion with a Conformal Fluidic Control Environment. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will control the shape of microextruded polymers (microprofiles) using a sheath fluid at the exit of the extruder. Microprofiles are defined as continuous filaments having a non-circular cross-section with precision microfeatures and a mean diameter of 100 microns or less. In the standard polymer extrusion process, the boundary condition at the free surface of the extrudate is not controlled after the polymer exits the die. Consequently, the free deformation of the extrudate subjected to the combined effects of die swell and surface tension contributes to significant shape distortion of the extruded profile. In the proposed technology, the use of a low-viscosity fluid with closely matched surface tension as that of the polymer extrudate, will help suppress the shape change of the cross-section caused by different mechanisms. The proposed technology will provide an efficient method to produce precision polymeric micro-size profiles for various applications including the medical field. For example, these microprofiles can be used as functional filaments in artificial kidneys and artificial capillary vein networks. Filaments with highly non-circular cross-sections are also needed in the polymer composites industry to improve the integrity of the composite via mechanical interlocking with the polymer matrix. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tsai, F. Daniel Novana, Inc. GA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 1505 AMPP 9163 1773 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637786 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Carbon Nanopipettes Fabrication and Commercial Applications  for Electrochemical Detection. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to develop a novel and commercially scalable method for fabricating integrated carbon nanopipes (nanopipettes). The carbon nanopipettes (CNP) have a wide variety of potential applications both for liquid delivery and as nanoelectrodes for electrochemical detection. The patent pending method renders carbon nanopipettes without the need for ex situ assembly and facilitates parallel production of multiple devices. Unlike all the other carbon nanostructures, the carbon nanopipettes are individually addressable as standalone pipettes for the delivery of nanoliter volumes of solutions. They are flexible, can bend significantly without breakage, and recover their initial shape once external forces have been removed. Each carbon nanopipette can function as a single nanosized electrode and can be used for both liquid delivery and as an electrode at the same time. Therefore, they are exceptionally well suited for micro-electrochemical detection applications. Electrochemical devices have demonstrated outstanding performance and different applications are presently being commercialized by Vegrandis. The proposed new probe format with its built-in nanofluidic delivery capability opens up a broad range of promising new applications. Commercially, the promising applications of carbon nanopipes as nanoelectrodes and nanopipettes require improvements over existing methods of fabrication. The nanoscale carbon pipette electrodes proposed here use a fabrication process that eliminates the need for cumbersome nano-assembly. The proposed devices have a broad range of potential applications including cell-based assays, high throughput screening, and life science research applications such as delivery of biomolecules to internal locations within cells with minimal intrusion. Electrochemistry measurements can be made within the cells with the nanopipettes. In addition to micro-titer assay applications to be developed by Vegrandis, the individual devices are expected to find immediate market acceptance due to the relatively low anticipated production costs and the extremely high anticipated performance. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wansapura, Chamika VEGRANDIS, LLC AR William Haines Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637787 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Continuous Monitoring Of Volatile Organic Compounds During Kiln Drying With The MEMS Chemical Sensors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project focuses on the development of a monitor for volatile organic compounds released during wood processing. A MEMS detector system that can continuously monitor pollutants during wood processing will be developed. The program proposed here will provide a real time continuous monitor with an overall significant cost reduction when compared to traditional monitoring methods. Plywood and composite wood products release major sources of hazardous air pollutants during processing, including, acetaldehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde, methanol, phenol, propionaldehyde and others. These pollutants are associated with a variety of adverse health effects including damage to nasal membranes, gastrointestinal irritation, irritation of eyes, throat, and mucous membranes, dizziness, headache, and nausea. The chemicapacitive sensor technology being developed has a broad relevance in the wood processing as well as a number of commercial applications. These sensors are ideal for monitoring a variety of chemical and physical targets in a distributed system where a premium is placed on early detection of problems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mlsna, Todd SEACOAST SCIENCE, INC CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9218 1652 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637796 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: A Multi-Axis Planning System (MAPS) for Direct Fabrication Processes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will research and develop an innovative Multi- Axis Planning System, or MAPS, for layered manufacturing processes. The objectives of this Phase I research project is to explore the feasibility of developing an efficient MAPS algorithm to drive the manufacturing system and to actually test the algorithm in a production machine with the participating industrial partners. This proposed research will demonstrate the feasibility to develop an efficient and robust planning and control system for a multi-axis machine to build general 3-D mechanical parts. If successful, the proposed project will bring fully automated multi-axis control capability into layered manufacturing industry to produce functional metal parts with complicated shapes. Such a capability will lead to dramatic reductions in lead time and manufacturing costs for high-value, low-volume components, such as gas turbine engine cases, complex unitized airframes, and other products built from expensive raw materials or requiring high-cost finishing operations. This innovative manufacturing technology will also enable establishment of forward-deployed component repair and system sustainability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ruan, Jianzhong Product Innovation and Engineering, L.L.C. MO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 182000 5371 1505 HPCC 9218 1652 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637800 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: High Resolution, High Brightness Display for Virtual Reality. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project focuses on the development of a new type of head set display technology for advanced applications in immersive virtual reality and 3-D imaging. The technology combines efficient up-conversion materials with densely-integrated semiconductor devices. The dense integration of high-speed semiconductors combined with efficient up-converters solves one of the important problems in implementing virtual reality hardware and 3-D imaging to provide very small, high resolution, high brightness micro-display chips that can be incorporated into new head set display designs. The small, high resolution, high brightness chips are a critical step in developing new types of compact, high performance virtual reality headsets, including eyeglass displays. The outcomes of this research project can be applied to head-mounted displays enabling users to experience high definition, high brightness, and rich color, 3-D stereo images. This could be a disruptive technology that impacts education, science, medicine, training, and entertainment world-wide. The use of virtual reality with 3-D imaging would facilitate new learning experiences for K-12 students, new employee and military training, and information gathering in new or unfamiliar environments. For medical applications, high resolution headset displays will enable graphic and realistic experiences based on virtual reality for doctors, nurses, and emergency medical providers. A high performance, low cost 3-D imaging headset display would likely dominate the world's entertainment industry with the ability to bring a real life visual experience to the wearer. The U.S. is the major consumer of displays, and with no manufacturing capabilities in current display technologies, this research could facilitate the recapturing of the high-performance display manufacturing industry, thus enabling new products for the education, medicine, government, and entertainment industries. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Bass, Michael bdDisplays, LLC FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 149968 1505 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637808 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Monitoring of Consistency and Uniformity of Packaged Food Products. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project focuses on proving the feasibility of monitoring the aging of packaged foods. The approach uses non-destructive sensing for the evaluation of changes in physical properties of food products. Such properties include moisture content, density, spatial distribution of fillers, and structural integrity. The technology used will allow detection through non-conducting materials and thus will not require destruction of the packages. As such the proposed technology may be able to address one of the bottlenecks of food research. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Coleman, Thomas dTEC Systems L.L.C. WA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 150000 1505 MANU 9147 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637819 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Picotesla Magnetic Sensor using MgO-Based Magnetic Tunnel Junction Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will explore the feasibility of developing an ultra-low noise magnetic field sensing technique with picotesla resolution using arrays of MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). These sensor arrays will be patterned into a fully-active Wheatstone bridge configuration to detect ultra-small magnetic fields. The superior sensitivity of MgO-based MTJ sensors exceeds the performance of existing thin film magnetic sensor technologies by an order of magnitude, allowing the promised performance. If successful, this research will deliver an ultra-sensitive, portable magnetic sensor at a low cost. The creation of mass-produced picotesla-sensitivity magnetic sensors using MgO-based MTJs will have a commercial impact both for existing markets requiring improved performance, such as the automotive and industrial sectors, and for emerging markets, such as those focused on magnetoencephalography (MEG), magneto-cardiography (MCG), and bio-magnetic detection of viruses and bacteria. The increased sensitivity and decreased cost of magnetic sensing components will push the capabilities of these applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Xiaoyong MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637820 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: System to Enhance Identification of Breakthrough Improvements In Call Center Service Process Using Stochastic Techniques. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a prototype capability aimed at improving U.S. competitiveness on a global basis as it relates to the call center industry. Large scale migration of back office jobs in call centers as well as large scale software development activities continue to migrate to locales such as India and the Philippines at alarming rates. Like the manufacturing industry, the initial reasons forcing this migration of work is labor arbitrage. The goal of the study is to determine if the "tribal knowledge" gained from the experiences of various projects can be codified into a system that can deliver 65-75% of the benefits of a consulting engagement. If successful, this research will help preserve jobs in the U.S. in the near term while also making US companies more competitive on a global basis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Patel, Sanjay Kaizen Consulting Inc. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99981 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637849 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Implementation, Testing and Refinement of a Hybrid Distributed / Traditional System for Broadcasting Live and Pre-Recorded Content to Large Online Audiences. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the implementation, testing, and refinement of a hybrid distributed / traditional system for broadcasting live and pre-recorded content to large online audiences at low cost. Traditional approaches to streaming media online are not well suited for delivering television-style "linear" feeds to large audiences. The primary constraint is that the bandwidth costs shouldered by the broadcaster increase in lock step with increasing audience size -- the more people who watch; the more it costs the broadcaster. Peer-to-peer systems can shift content distribution costs from publishers to end-consumers interested in obtaining a copy of that content. This proposal directly addresses the issue of guaranteeing a specific quality of service (a particular streaming bit rate) to end-users, regardless of their ability to repeat the broadcast. By segmenting the broadcast stream into components and augmenting the broadcast system with a traditional online broadcast solution, the bandwidth bottleneck can be removed, providing consumers with a high quality viewing experience, while continuing to significantly reduce broadcaster bandwidth costs. The commercial potential of this project is significant. By implementing a unique "augmentation server" architecture to deliver those portions of a broadcast signal that can not be effectively transmitted in a distributed manner, the resulting hybrid distributed / traditional online broadcast solution will combine lower cost with increased quality. Once proven, this combination of features is likely to prove attractive to broadcasters who are searching for ways to effectively utilize the Internet to reach larger audiences. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG O'Neal, Mike Network Foundation Technologies LA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637850 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: A Lithographic Gelcasting Process using Nanoparticulates: An Enabling Technology for Mass Production of Microdevices with Nanoscale Features. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop the technology for the manufacture of complex 3-D micro-devices from an array of metal and ceramic nanometer-scale particulates. In a novel lithographic gelcasting (LGC) process, multilayer molds will be made using standard photolithography techniques used in the semiconductor industry, and each mold layer cast with nanometer-scale particulate materials. The resulting multilayer parts will then be sintered to fuse the particles into a dense solid. The innovation will expand the suite of available micro-manufacturing processes, allowing more complex parts to be made from a much wider variety of materials. The broad impact of this research will be the manufacture of micro-surgical instruments to enable the next generation of minimally invasive surgical procedures. The technology developed under the NSF STTR funding will be transferred to industry via commercialization. The technology could also have profound implications in a wide range of industries where ceramic and metal microscale devices are needed. For example, all the micro-mechanical systems being proposed such as micro air and land vehicles, micro robots, and micro surveillance system must be assembled from robust micro-components that can withstand the environments, stresses, and fatigue lives of their macroscopic counterparts. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Shrock, Jesse Advanced Powder Products, Inc. PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 1505 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637863 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Mobile Path Anchoring for Multimedia Travel Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will examine non-networked means of delivering location-based services for mobile narrative content. Mobile content is rapidly expanding within the booming global tourism market. Untravel has entered this market with locally-produced, high-end multimedia walking tours, Mobile Media Documentaries (MMDs), for a variety of handsets. The Company is proposing background research, software prototyping to determine the effectiveness and market potential of a set of location-based services. These services can potentially be delivered with more granularity and timeliness than other location-based services (GPS, cell phone tower triangulation, or wi-fi location) because users are walking along a known tour path. Specifically, the research will develop software for delivering path geosptatial coordinates to mobile devices at point of purchase. The effort will prototype a photo geotagging function and a push advertising system based on these known path coordinates. Finally, the research will develop a user profile system that allows adjustment of tour length and path. This research has broader commercial potential in developing general locative systems within the travel industry. Outside of the travel industry, the results of the study could be applied to many types of known path activities such as planned shopping trip, one's daily commute to work, and the paths between friends' houses. The enhancement to Untravel's MMD production outlined in this proposal could significantly increase user control of tour content and ability to share highlights of trips taken. The research also holds the potential for rapid expansion of location-based services to a wide variety of mobile devices. In general, the research promotes a role for serious narrative and documentary storytelling within the rapidly expanding mobile technology sector. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hochman, Ira Untravel Media, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 146250 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637867 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Staged Pyrolysis and Combustion Process for Solid Waste Recycling in Fast Food Restaurants. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will employ a staged pyrolysis and combustion process as a method to "recycle" mixed solid waste materials (paper and plastic packaging, and food scrap) from restaurants. The hydrogen-rich fuel gases generated from these solid waste streams can then be burned to produce heat and power. The proposed technology can be used for most solid and liquid biomass waste oroducts and can be more easily adapted to changes in feedstock composition than alternative approaches. An environmental benefit of the proposed work includes the substitution of waste materials for fossil fuels as a means for producing electricity. Since a large portion of the waste material is paper and food scraps that are considered renewable sources, there will be no net contribution to carbon doioxide emissions except for any fossil fuel used in the manufacturing process. The proposed technology would also help reduce large quantities of solid waste. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Serio, Michael Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99933 5371 MANU 9197 9153 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637868 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: A Carbon Nanotube Metrology System for Industry and Research Environments. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop the world's first quantitative, low cost, reproducible, and rapid means to characterize single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) for the parameters critical to the nanotechnology community. Only a few metrology techniques on the market today offer the ability to measure the main carbon nanotube properties i.e., species, impurities, and structural properties for process improvement in production and routine quality validation in research. However, no instrument presently on the market offers the desirable metrology characteristics of low cost, low complexity, and reproducibility. ADA Technologies, Inc. proposes to develop this metrology tool through a novel optical spectroscopy technique coupled with Raman spectroscopy. Major technical objectives will be to design, fabricate, and test a prototype system in this Phase I project. Independent validation of results will be made with conventional metrology techniques. ADA will collaborate with leaders in SWNT metrology, Raman spectroscopy, and SWNT production. A cost/benefit analysis will be done to ensure the new metrology tool offers commercial advantages over existing tools. The proposed work will offer the nanotechnology community a significant advantage compared to existing systems and thus a new tool to help accelerate commercialization of SWNTs. Commercially, there are 50 plus commercial producers of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) worldwide and some 700 institutions engaged in CNT research. Total current production levels for CNTs are several tons per year for a market of ~$170M. Forecasts place the future market at around $3.6B by 2010, representing a compound annual growth rate of >60%. Despite this rapid growth, a key enabling technology still needed in CNT technology today is better metrology. Although instruments based on fluorescence spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy can measure the critical parameters of species, impurities, and structural characteristics, application of them is hindered by their complexity, high cost and poor reproducibility. The proposed integrated system will offer the first quantitative, low cost, reproducible, and rapid means to characterize SWNTs for the parameters critical to the CNT industry. This new capability will facilitate enhanced scientific and technological understanding of CNTs, resulting in improved process control in industry and enhanced quality validation in research. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Campbell, Thomas ADA Technologies, Inc. CO William Haines Standard Grant 149986 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637869 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Representation and Visualization of Plant Genotypic, Phenotypic,and Environmental Relationships. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I proposal addresses the visualization and study of the architectural properties of plant roots which, by their nature, are difficult to view and study in vivo. The research objective of this proposal is to develop a method for the analysis and visual display of the architectural properties of root systems based on radiographic images of root systems. Topology based analysis technology will be transferred from Duke University and combined with an existing correlation based method to process raw images and abstract from those images relevant architectural parameters. An existing network visualization package will be adapted for use with plant root metrics. A plant growth demonstration will be conducted, root architectures characterized, and displayed using network methods. It is anticipated that by displaying plant root architectural metrics in an interactive visual user interface using network methods, will allow the plant researcher to observe relationships among genotypic, phenotypic, and environmental plant data. The understanding of the genetic basis of root architecture is important in that roots play a critical role in plant growth; however, the methods currently used for plant root research are relatively primitive, as compared to above surface methods. The economic significance of this innovation is that it proposes an enabling technology near the beginning of a long value chain structure that begins with basic plant improvement research and ends in a projected $500 billion bio-product market. Even small improvements made in plant yield will have large impacts by the multiplier effect of this market size. The societal impact of improved plant species using gene transforming methods and conventional breeding methods will be greater productivity of food, fibers, bioenergy crops, and other biomass products. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Michaels, Ronald Phenotype Screening Corporation TN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 200000 9150 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637871 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Dimensionally Stable Membrane for Chlor-Alkali Production. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel, Dimensionally Stable Ionomer Membrane (DSMTM) that offers high ionic conductivity, good ion exclusion capability, and excellent mechanical properties. The most advanced chlor-alkali electrolyzers utilize an ion-exchange membrane to separate the electrolysis solutions, but that membrane introduces inefficiencies due to the thickness required to survive and function within the electrolyzer. This research project deals with a new type of membrane utilizing a thin, laser-perforated support and incorporating carboxylic and sulfonic acid ionomers to simultaneously reduce the thickness of the membrane (and therefore the electrolyzer operating voltage) while maintaining functionality and improving durability. Just a few years ago, chlor-alkali electrolysis consumed 1.4% of all electricity generated in the United States; thus any improvement to electrolysis efficiency would result in significant power savings. The proposed research is expected to result in an electrolyzer voltage reduction of at least 125mV of the ~3.0V currently consumed, an energy consumption reduction of 4.2%. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Han GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99989 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637877 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: New Concepts in Multicomponent Batch Distillation for Higher Productivity, Waste and Energy Reduction. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project provides dual-column batch distillation configurations and their novel operating modes for the separation of mixtures containing three or more components. These new batch distillation concepts pose additional computational and modeling challenges that must be overcome. Due to the dynamic linking between the two distillation columns, several startup strategies, as well as subsequent operating modes, need conceptualization and elucidation. Mathematical models adequately describing these highly interactive and time varying modes must be developed. Finally, the complex model equations must be solved and an operating algorithm must be identified to achieve maximum benefits. The proposed research will provide substantial competitive cost advantages to the US fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and agro chemicals manufacturers. Moreover, the research will have societal benefits in terms of reduced energy consumption and waste generation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Joglekar, Girish Batch Process Technologies Inc IN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637888 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Active Titanium Dioxide Nanoprobes as Biosensors for Detection and Diagnostics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a biosensor to detect proteins or biomacromolecules (viruses, spores, etc.) in real time with increased specificity and decreased background compared with the current state-of-the-art. Currently, biosensors rely on solid-state, colorimetric or fluorescence assays that require expensive equipment for result evaluation. In this proposal, the technology is based on a biologically-active, photoexcitable nanoprobe that will trigger the activation of a reporter enzyme upon binding to the target of interest. In this Phase I project, two biosensors -- a surface sensor and a solution sensor -- will be developed based on the same bioconjugated nanoprobe (BNP) platform. These BNP sensor systems improve on the design of the sandwich immunoassay by utilizing multi-layered detection specificity towards the target of interest. The reporter signal is released only when multiple binding molecules are engaged concurrently, but is prevented from release if only one or none of the binding molecules are engaged. This design allows for differentiation between different isoforms or species of the target molecule as well as decreases background noise in the sensor. A sensor with these attributes would re-define the state-of-the-art for sensor and detection technology. In this Phase I project active bioconjugated nanoprobes will be developed into both surface and solution sensors. The surface sensor could be used as a local or remote detection device, with numeric results appearing on an LCD screen or sent back to a monitoring site, respectively. The solution sensor could be used instead of an ELISA assay thereby alleviating the need for a platereader, as the results could be interrogated with a spectrophotometer or simply as a "yes" or "no" visual result. Commercially, these biosensors would represent significant advances in detection of chemical and biological warfare and improvised explosive device agents, as their design increases the level of stringency, allows detection in real time as binding occurs, reports results without specialized detection equipment, and allows remote interrogation. The sensor design would differentiate between type of agents and decipher a mixture of agents reliably, eventually using a subdivided platform on a chip to achieve detection and differentiation of multiple targets simultaneously. The biosensor platform presented in this proposal represents a major advance in detection technology. This research should result in desirable commercial products in areas as diverse as the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and academia. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tomczak, Melanie UES, Inc. OH William Haines Standard Grant 99966 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637896 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Advanced Fabrication and Development of Exchanged Coupled Magnets. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I Project will use an already established filtered cathodic arc deposition (FCAD) process for building precise nano-scaled structures necessary to produce high-performance exchange coupled magnets (ECM). Theoretical calculations show that that the performance for ECM magnets can be two or three times that of single phase magnets. The FCAD process proposed in this work lends itself to depositing nano-dimension multilayers with dense morphology, thereby eliminating the need for heat treatment that is often required to help densify the multilayers and to increase magnetic interaction. Furthermore, the FCAD process is capable of extremely high production rates when compared to those achieved with sputtering, e-beam evaporation or molecular beam epitaxy. The development and use of ECM will allow the performance of electric motors and actuators to be increased for a given size magnet or alternatively will allow smaller, higher performing motors and systems to be constructed. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG McFarland, Michael Acree Technologies Incorporated CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149994 1505 AMPP 9163 1788 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637900 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Production Halide-CVD System for Bulk SiC Crystal Growth. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will result in a low cost-of-ownership production system for commercial grade bulk SiC substrates up to 6" in diameter. It proposes to develop, test and implement a production system for high purity, bulk SiC crystal growth based on high temperature Halide Chemical Vapor Deposition (HCVD). The advantages of this approach over current manufacturing technology are multifold: HCVD crystal growth processes yield substrates of higher purity, it offers better control over the material stoichiometry and it offers the advantage of highly accurate impurity control for conductive and semi-insulating substrates. Silicon carbide (SiC) is a wide bandgap material that is the proven key enabler of the next-generation high power, high-frequency and radiation hard device applications succeeding silicon and gallium arsenide. Due to its unique materials and electronic properties, SiC devices can function under higher power ratings as well as higher frequency and temperatures compared to Si and GaAs products. For that reason, these high-performance devices are intensely sought after for both commercial and military device applications. To date, however, its commercial potential has been limited by a lack of production capacity for high purity epitaxial films and substrates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tompa, Gary STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637902 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Process for Hermetically Sealing Electronic and Optical Packages. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop a new manufacturing process for hermetically sealing sensitive electronic and optical packages. The new process utilizes composite reactive preform-based sealing to produce true metallic hermetic seals without significant thermal exposure of the components. Reactive composite preforms are composed of reactive wire-based materials embedded in a solder matrix. The wires consist of an intimate distribution of two materials with high heats of mixing which, upon initiation with a small energy pulse, undergo a self propagating exothermic reaction. By inserting the composite preform between two components and initiating the reaction the heat generated melts the solder and bonds the components. The localized heating associated with the bonding technique avoids thermal damage to the components. The hermetic sealing of electronic and optical packages can constitute up to 70% of the total manufacturing cost of the device. Devising a low-cost method of sealing would therefore represent a major advance in the commercial potential of this field. The composite reactive preform-based sealing process proposed here will produce metallic hermetic seals at a cost three to four times lower than laser welding, the major competing technology. In addition, as opposed to laser welding, the new process will require minimal capital outlay by the manufacturer and will lend itself to high volume in-house sealing by device manufacturers. Finally the composite preform sealing process lends itself to sealing existing package designs, avoiding the expense associated with changing package designs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Van Heerden, David REACTIVE NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99949 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637903 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Nano-Coating of Surfaces and Application to Anti-Icing of Aircraft. This SBIR Phase I project will focus on studying the chemistry and properties of a novel polymeric nano-layer coating, which is very rich in hydroxyl groups and made out of interwoven mono-dimensional strands which are chemically bound to the surface and occasionally to each other. The properties of this layer can be modified by modifying the properties of certain sub-units of the monomer. Correlations will be developed between the chemical structure of the layer, the strength of its adhesion to the surface and its ability to retard the freezing of small droplets of water on the coated surface. In Phase II the performance of the nano layer as a retardant for ice formation will be studied in dynamic situation in an ice tunnel. When successfully developed, this technology will be useful for reducing or retarding the formation of ice on aircraft. Ice formation on aircraft has been the cause of multiple fatal accidents and loss of property and life. Additionally, the economic cost of icing of aircraft includes increased fuel consumption, pilot time, airports closures and delays and thus increased burden on the ailing air transportation and commerce industries. It is expected that successful application of this technology will retard ice formation and thus improve aviation safety and reduce the costs associated with icing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Attar, Amir Appealing Products Inc. NC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149997 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637918 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: The Echo Nest Music Personalization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims at solving the computational problem of personalizing music search and recommendation. The recent explosion of digital music has created an urgent need for powerful knowledge management techniques and tools. Because of the highly subjective nature of musical content and perception, the best possible search strategy would rank media in a personalized fashion, based on each individual's tastes and preferences, from combined cultural and acoustic descriptions. The Echo Nest's predictive personalization technology computes and collects, collaboratively and automatically, cultural opinions online and acoustic content using unsupervised data mining and machine listening techniques. Combining cultural and acoustic notions of music together with the analysis of an individual's listening patterns, ratings and feedback, leads to a vertical search/recommendation engine that knows about content, communities' reaction, and users' preferences. Intelligent music personalization goes beyond search and recommendation. Because the approach is fully autonomous and scalable it can efficiently address the long tail of independent music as well as the Billboard 100; discover artists and niches or predict trends and hits; market indies directly to individuals and optimize aggregators, distributors, and record labels' selection. The Echo Nest engine is the perceptual-media complement to purely text-based search engines and has a significant market potential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jehan, Tristan The Echo Nest Corporation MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637920 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: SmartBoard: A Teatherless Electronic Letter Board for People with Severe Communication/Motor Disabilities. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project develops a prototype of a novel Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device for people with severe communication disabilities. Existing electronic letter boards require the user to point in an unnatural and cumbersome way, significantly reducing their effective communication abilities. The project utilizes special tactile sensor mats that output images of the hand pressure distribution on the surface. Users will be able to point at individual letters without having to press buttons, thereby both enabling users unable to produce sufficient force for existing devices and reducing fatigue of all users. The solution will increase ease-of-use and greatly enhance the communication rate through easier target selection. This proposed research targets primarily the more the 2.5 million Americans who are unable to rely on speech or handwriting for their communication needs and require AAC devices for their communication. Current AAC devices are expensive, and many people require more than one device for different situations. This innovation will allow people who already use electronic communication devices to increase their communication rate while simultaneously reducing fatigue and the risk for Repetitive Stress Injuries. For others who are currently unable to use electronic devices due to the extent of their motor disability, this research it will open new possibilities by offering all benefits of electronic AAC devices without the burden of strenuous or awkward interaction. End users of this technology will benefit from an improved quality of life by way of greater independence arising from better access to communication and improved opportunities for education, employment, and social living. Additionally, the research will broadly advance the state-of-the-art in object recognition and tracking from tactile pressure images through a knowledge transfer from the computer vision domain to the domain of tactile imagery interpretation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rauschert, Ingmar VideoMining Corporation PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637924 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Alternative Products from Nanomanufacturing Wastes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop innovative new uses and recycling strategies for waste products generated during nanomanufacturing. Preliminary chemical analysis suggest that on a mass basis, waste products can comprise greater than 99% of some nanomaterials production outputs. Further studies have shown that these materials are composed primarily of mixtures of amorphous carbon, nanomaterial aggregates, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and residual metals such as copper or nickel, which are problematic in the environment. Despite being potentially harmful to humans and the environment, the chemical make-up of nanomanufacturing waste streams might actually impart useful material properties that make it more practical and lucrative to recover and re-use them than to dispose of them. Thus, in Phase I, Luna will determine whether waste by products from a commercial-scale process for manufacturing carbonaceous nanomaterials such as fullerenes and nanotubes have potentially useful material properties such as high conductivity, improved dispersibility, or thermal stability. This information then will be used to experimentally evaluate promising methods for recovering these materials either for re-use during the nanomanufacturing process or for application in useful products such as composites, coatings, and sealants. While information on the environmental impacts of engineered nanomaterials is limited, the composition and toxicological effects of material intermediates and waste byproducts generated during some nanomanufacturing processes is altogether unknown. Initial studies, however, suggest that some potentially toxic constituents of nanomanufacturing wastes necessitate management strategies that prevent their release into the environment, either through recycling or alternative re-use. This unexplored area of nanotechnology health and safety poses significant challenges for public health officials, waste management authorities, and especially commercial manufacturers of nanomaterials. The knowledge gained and strategies devised under the proposed Phase I program will provide the nanomanufacturing industry with new approaches to managing nanomanufacturing wastes. Moreover, innovative new products may emerge to serve a variety of consumer markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hull, Matthew Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA William Haines Standard Grant 99990 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637942 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Flexible Hybrid Aerogels as High Performance Insulation Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop nanostructured, flexible, inorganic-organic hybrid aerogel composite insulation materials. The proposed material will combine the typical advantages of organic polymers with the advantages of inorganic aerogels, exhibiting excellent flexibility, toughness, durability, and hardness, coupled with the low density and superior thermal insulation properties associated with nanoporous aerogels. The proposed flexible hybrid aerogel composites will provide superior lightweight, thermal insulation suitable for many commercial, aerospace, and military markets with specific applications in outdoor sports apparel, spacesuits, military uniforms, and firefighter suits working in harsh environmental conditions. The proposed hybrid aerogel composites will reduce the weight of conventional insulation materials, reducing fatigue of the wearer without sacrificing insulation performance. Furthermore, increasing the insulation factor of the garment will allow longer durations in harsh environments, offering longer and greater protection from the elements. Additionally, the proposed aerogel composites can be recycled for use as impact modifiers and/or fillers for conventional plastics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, JeKyun ASPEN AEROGELS INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99916 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637951 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Micromachined High-Temperature Piezoelectrics for On-Line Damage Assessment in Turbine Engines. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop high temperature piezoelectric sensors for on-line damage assessment in gas turbines. In addition to developing several promising high-temperature piezoelectric materials, the proposed work involves measurement of characteristics (dielectric constants and piezoelectric coefficients) of the promising piezoelectric materials and testing the piezelectric materials to serve as high temperature transducers. The development of high temperature piezoelectric materials and related sensors will provide a more efficient and economic diagnosis of the actual damage of turbine engine components than the past practices of relying on fixed cycles or time-intervals. The proposed technology will, therefore, significantly impact the aerospace industry where periodic inspections of turbine engine hardware are necessary to qualify engines for flight worthiness. This technology can also be used for quality control in manufacturing of high technology materials (ex: lamination in composite structures). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wiener-Avnear, Eli Leeoat Company CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637956 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Compressible Magnetorheological Fluids. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a compressible magnetorheological (CMR) fluid. Magnetorheological fluids consist of magnetizable particles suspended in a carrier fluid. The compression of a fluid is the measured change of volume from an applied external force. The CMR fluid, when used in a damper (or a shock absorber) for the suspension system of land vehicles, will be able to simultaneously provide controllable damping and spring effects. The controllable damping comes from the viscosity change (under a magnetic field) of the fluids. Therefore, a damper that contains CMR fluid can replace both the regular passive damper and the spring in the suspension of vehicles. This will result in reduction of weight, increased mobility and controllability of the vehicle's motion; and will prevent roll over, particularly in rough terrains. In the proposed work, the CMR fluids developed will also be characterized in terms of rheological behavior and compressibility. In addition to suspension systems of automobiles, the CMR fluid may be used in off-road vehicles, motorcycles, military high-payload ground vehicles, high speed trains, and recoil systems. The proposed project will also provide graduate students training in multi-disciplinary subjects including chemistry, materials and thermodynamics. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Yanming ADVANCED MATERIALS & DEVICES INC NV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 145806 9150 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1443 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637963 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Delivery of Hyper-Concentrated Dissolved Ozone for More Effective Treatment of Drinking Water. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to test the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of a pilot-scale Hyper-concentrated Dissolved Ozone (HYDOZTM) Injector system for use within municipal drinking water treatment plants for prevention and removal of disinfection byproducts (DBP), removal of off-flavors from algae (MIB and geosmin), and disinfection of bacteria.. This patent-pending technology is a novel method for more efficient, controllable and safe transfer of ozone from gas phase to liquid solution at high concentrations. HYDOZ treatment will be compared to chlorination and will occur at two locations within the pilot-plant: at the flow inlet structure of the pilot plant and at the flow outlet prior to post-treatment chlorination. HYDOZ technology will provide drinking water treatment facilities with an economic alternative to reduce the concentration of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) as mandated by the Stage II DBP rules that were enacted in January 2006 while simultaneously realizing benefits of improved treatment of pathogens and reduction of off-flavors in drinking water. The expanded use of ozone in drinking water treatment facilities will improve the safety and quality of drinking water in the U.S. and abroad. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Clay BLUEINGREEN AR F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 125000 9150 5371 HPCC 9218 9215 9150 1652 0208000 Water Resources 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637976 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Lift-off Technology for Low cost III-V Solar Cell Manufacturing. This SBIR Phase I research project will develop a lower cost high quality compound semiconductor thin film for advanced renewable energy technology. This program will investigate Multiple-layer Epitaxial Lift Off (MELO) technique as it applies to a group of Photovoltaic (PV) epitaxial structures grown on GaAs. Current state of the art PV devices are fabricated on expensive GaAs substrates, which are then incorporated into the final product at high costs. MELO will significantly reduce the cost down to the epitaxial material costs alone by spreading the total manufacturing cycle over many structures on one wafer. The company will have established a 100mm diameter Epitaxial Lift Off technology that has been extended to the maximum number of epitaxial structures that can be grown on one wafer. The broader impact of this proposed activity includes the possibility to produce any structure compatible with MELO technology. This may include lower cost Hetero-Bipolar Transistor (HBT) devices that directly benefit from the transfer to more suitable thermally dissipative and electrically isolated substrates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pan, Noren MICROLINK DEVICES INC IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637977 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Novel Manufacturing Approach for Adaptive Transmissive Tunable Optical Band-Pass Filter with Controllable Bandwidth. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project proposes a novel liquid crystal manufacture approach for an Adaptive Transmissive Tunable Optical Band-Pass Filter with Controllable Bandwidth. It dynamically passes a variable narrow band spectral component from the visible to the infrared (IR). The filter's performance characteristics, particularly the variable bandwidth, are not attainable with current commercial products and state-of-the-art technologies. This filter is a vital enabling component for many photonics instruments such as multi- and hyper-spectral imaging system, mine detector, and optical beam steering for tracking, ranging and measuring for free-space optical communication. The success of the program will lead to novel manufacture approach(s) for tunable band-pass filters. It will provide revolutionary liquid crystal filter manufacturing approaches to fabricating tunable band-pass filters with variable bandwidth with high figure-of-merit liquid crystals with high efficiency, low loss, fast tuning speed, and low tuning voltage. The tunable filter itself will lead to powerful new instruments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Le Kent Optronics, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 199947 5371 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637978 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Flexible Flip Chip Connection (F2C2) Technology. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will advance a modified electronic packaging technique by attaching a silicon chip to a chip carrier using an area array of flexible wires, named Flexible Flip Chip Connection (F2C2) technology. F2C2 uses flexible copper wires as a medium to connect the die to the chip carrier in lieu of solder balls used in current flip chip packaging . This research effort will focus on optimum design and development of F2C2 structure, materials, and process considering reilability, yield.cost and environment. The proposed technology will help eliminate the dependency on lead-based solders; and will solve the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch problem in electronic packages, thereby improving the reliability of electronic components. This technology will also be potentially applicable to MEMS packaging and other small-scale packages. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Andros, Frank Binghamton Semiconductor Packaging, LLC NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 82846 1505 MANU AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637989 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Novel Consolidation Method for Nanostructured Metals. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of producing nanostructured metals in a form that can be ultrasonically welded together. Sample coupons will be manufactured and the weld zone structure analyzed to determine the effects of ultrasonic metal welding on the grain structure.Traditional powder metallurgy consolidation techniques that result in a dense product tend to promote grain growth. While usually this is not a concern, nanostructured powders will then tend to loose their intrinsic enhanced properties. For example, decreasing the crystalline grain size of metals makes them harder and stronger, and nanosized grains is the next goal for bulk materials. Furthermore, less energetic consolidation techniques that maintain the nanostructured phase leave detrimental porosity. Either way, the purported benefits of the nanostructuring is not fully realized in bulk forms. Nanodynamics has technology, high velocity deformation, to produce nanostructured metals in larger than powder forms. It is based upon conventional machining processes such as milling and lathing, and is inherently low cost. Teaming as a research partner, the Edison Welding Institute is a leader in ultrasonic metal welding, which is a low temperature process. As it is low temperature process, it does not promote grain growth in materials used to date. Commercially, one of the most important goals in manufacturing is to develop the next generation of enhanced materials for component and product improvement. Nanotechnology is widely seen as one of the methods whereby enhanced materials can be developed. Specific to the proposed research, nanostructured metals hold promise to provide enhanced properties such as strength and hardness. Incorporating these materials into existing assemblies can extend the useful operational envelope of the finished products, or permit weigh reductions as less material is required to fulfill the same function. For example, the transportation industries, especially automotive and aerospace, are always desirous of such materials. Weight reductions garner greater fuel efficiencies and cost savings. Increased strength provides greater functional utility and safety. It will also be interesting to investigate if there may be as yet unforeseen other benefits, such as increased corrosion resistance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG DuFaux, Douglas NanoDynamics, Inc (NDI) NY William Haines Standard Grant 199958 5371 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637993 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Life-like, Expressive Avatars for the Instruction of Young Learners who are Deaf. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project develops a system for creating animated stories and related instructional material in American Sign Language (ASL), with the goal of significantly improving Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HH) K-12 student's opportunities to learn from reading - not only in the classroom, but anytime and anywhere they have access to digital communication. The project will include the development and testing of exemplary reading instruction for Deaf students reading at grade level 2-3. This project researches signing styles and pedagogical methods currently used by skilled teachers of young deaf learners to document how facial expressions, variations of signing style, "body language", and other methods are used to engage the students and promote understanding of reading materials. The translation of English text into American Sign Language (ASL) will be extended to support the signing styles and pedagogical methods that are found to be effective. This research and development will not only provide new tools for assisting Deaf students to develop literacy skills, but also provide new insight into how these skills are acquired. The research will result in improved, computer-based reading instruction for the more than 50,000 K-12 Deaf/HH in the U.S. whose first language is ASL. Currently, Deaf children are delayed in developing language skills, to the extent that the average reading level of a Deaf high school graduate is no greater than 4th grade. Since Deaf children have difficulty developing phonemic awareness, and are often isolated from contextual information available to hearing students, teaching reading to Deaf children requires the application of several unique methods that go far beyond simply translating English text. This project will make possible the creation of instruction that is available "anytime, anywhere" for assisting Deaf children to develop literacy skills. The outcomes of this research will be commercialized through educational software technology licensing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hurdich, Jason VCOM3D, INC. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 135000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522300 Man-Machine Communication 0522400 Information Systems 0637995 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High Performance, Environmentally Benign, Surface Cleaning and Copper Passivation Processes for Cu-Interconnect Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop a new process technology for cleaning and passivating copper for semiconductor device Cu-interconnect manufacturing. The development of higher performance semiconductor devices with smaller feature sizes has driven the adoption of copper and SiCOH low-k dielectric materials. Corrosion is a leading source of yield loss and device failure. Whereas aluminum readily forms a protective passivating oxide, copper does not. Preliminary data suggests that it is possible to both clean and passivate copper with a single chemistry where corrosion protection is achieved through the selective formation of a thin inorganic passive layer on exposed copper surfaces. The successful completion of this research program will culminate in the development of a critical resource for use in the manufacture of the coming generations of high-density semiconductor devices. This new approach to copper cleaning and passivation has the potential to increase manufacturing productivity and manufacturing yield. This copper passivation process not only can be used in back-end-of-line (interconnect formation steps) in semiconductor device manufacturing, but also may find use in back-end packaging applications, and applications outside of semiconductor device manufacturing. The chemistry used for this cleaning and passivation process offers the additional benefit of being low cost and environmentally benign. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Boyers, David Phifer Smith Corporation CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99993 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0637996 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A High-Throughput Scanning Probe Microscope Using Micromachined Ultracompliant Probe Arrays with Embedded Sensors for Simultaneous Topography and Thermal Imaging. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a high throughput scanning probe microscopy system for measuring topography and thermal parameters in nanotechnology, bio and semiconductor applications. The need for higher throughput in scanning probe microscopy will be addressed using ultracompliant probe arrays in which multiple tips scan in parallel; thus, making it possible for many of these arrays to operate simultaneoulsy on a sample with minimal contact force and without mechanical feedback. The proposed technology will fill a critical need in markets that rely on sub-micron microscopy. The proposed system will provide faster measurements, thereby contributing to higher productivity and cost reduction. In addition, it will benefit R&D, failure analysis and off-line engineering. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gaitas, Angelo PICOCAL, Inc. MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637998 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Magnetoresistive Device for THz-uW Computing (EOHW7). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on further development of magneticmetal transistor that will lead to THz-uW processors and nonvolatile universal memories within 12 month. This transistor, called MDEV (Magnetoresistive Device), was invented at the company working on this award. The transistor employs magnetic spin to determine transistor characteristics. Because atoms and power density do not scale, CMOS scaling is leading to unsustainable thermal levels, performance limits, and escalating cost. Materials innovation such as strained Si, high-K, double gate, FinFET, CNT (Carbon Nano-Tube), and spin-electronics are either still confined to laboratories or too expensive to be widely available. Because MDEV can be built using only standard CMOS metallization equipment on blank silicon wafers, it can be commercialized quickly and cheaply. The first MDEV-based product is a universal memory named M3 (Metal Magnetic Memory). M3 is expected to be Nonvolatile, faster than SRAM, and comes in high density. Because it has unlimited write endurance, M3 is suitable for code and data applications. The research objective of this project is to: i) Optimize and characterize MDEV structures. ii) Create MDEV based memory (M3) prototypes. iii) Evaluate these chips in memory performance (e.g. write/read time, write/read power), environmental endurance (e.g. elevated temperature operations) and process yields. The current wave of semiconductor growth is driven by mass-market electronics in consumer and wireless applications. If successful MDEV based memories and processors will allow designers to improve performance (THz) and reduce power consumption (uW) without cost increases. MDEV memory (M3) is expected to be price competitive with SRAM, NOR and EEPROM today, and is targeted initially as direct replacement for SRAM, EEPROM and NOR Flash, a combined market size of $12B. The long term goal of this effort is to enable designers to simplify their designs in reducing multiple memory technologies (e.g. SRAM and NOR Flash for data and code applications respectively) to one universal memory (M3). MDEV will also be used to build very high performance adaptive processors that combine FGPA's flexibility and low NRE with ASIC's high performance, low power and low unit cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lai, James Northern Lights Semiconductor Corporation MN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99711 5371 HPCC 9139 7362 7257 1586 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0637999 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Towards Command Improvisation Support Systems for Disaster Managers. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will study disaster management from the perspective of agents that are capable of (1) assisting the incident commander in dynamically negotiating between adherence to pre-existing disaster plans and improvisation in the face of unplanned-for situations; and (2) assisting the commander in reconfiguring the command and communication flow to reflect improvisational situations of high complexity. Management of disaster response, in general, closely adheres to prior emergency operations planning, and is executed within the context of a centralized Incident Command System (ICS). Recent research suggests that, in some cases, improvisation - deviation from prior plans or protocols -- may be necessary to achieve optimal performance. However, too much deviation from standard procedure can degrade group situational awareness and overall response effectiveness. An optimal balance between adherence to standard procedure and improvisation exists, and must be negotiated dynamically as the disaster unfolds. Under the pressure of a complex and uncertain disaster situation, it is difficult for a commander to maintain a timely awareness of the situational factors that suggest when a switch away from standard procedure is called for. Hence, agents as described here, are of great value for improving disaster management. The anticipated results of this effort will make a crucial contribution to the training models for disaster response professionals, by providing a framework for the explicit reinforcement of the ability to recognize and act upon situational cues that may call for improvisation. It is envisioned that these training models will ultimately be implemented in an Advanced Distance Learning based simulation that can be easily used for cross-organizational training scenarios. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Zumel, Nina Quimba Software CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 146689 1505 HPCC 9139 9102 1655 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638001 January 1, 2007 SBIR: Improved High-Performance Ultracapacitor Electrodes for Hybrid Vehicles and Other Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the development of improved high-performance, low-cost carbon electrodes for ultracapacitors. The proposed innovation is the use of proprietary carbon-preparation techniques to produce high-performance, low-cost carbon electrodes. The first Phase I objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing carbon electrodes in a system comprising several proprietary manufacturing improvements described in the proposal. A number of carbon materials will be synthesized and tested to prove and illustrate the concept. The second Phase I objective is to demonstrate high performance of the manufactured carbon for ultracapacitor applications. The primary applications of the developed high-performance carbon ultracapacitors would be in power systems for hybrid and electric cars, next-generation vehicles (NGVs), cellular telephones and other portable devices, with additional applications including high rate, short pulse delivery of large charges (such as pulsed lasers), power-supply low-frequency smoothing, and a variety of military, medical (defibrillators), telecommunications, and computer systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wojtowicz, Marek Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99997 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638005 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Exploiting Nervous-System Rhythmicity for Spoken-Word Recognition. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project develops a model for recognizing spoken words based upon principles of neural computation. By exploiting the presumed role of nervous-system rhythms in neural computation, a model of time-frequency integration of signals that are a few hundreds of milliseconds long (e.g. whole words) will be developed. The project targets the evaluation of a model for recognizing diphones -- speech segments of duration of few tens of milliseconds. This model utilizes a template matching circuit (TMC) inspired by presumed principles of cortical neural processing, with a sub-threshold gamma oscillatory input with a frequency of about 30 Hz at its core. One property of the TMC is insensitivity to time-scale variations of the input stimuli. Such a property is needed to recognize speech tokens that inherently exhibit phonemic variability. The specific aims of Phase I are: (1) to quantify the TMC performance as a function of interacting rhythm frequencies and neuronal parameters such as time constants or threshold of firing, and (2) to compare the TMC performance to that of other methods of template matching, such as dynamic time warping (DTW) and static neural networks. Speech recognition systems have evolved to reach reasonably performance in recent years, however the implementation techniques are clearly very far removed from the approach taken by the human brain. There are multiple benefits in attempting do develop biologically inspired models, for example to produce potentially more accurate and robust word recognition. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ghitza, Oded Sensimetrics Corporation MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 149512 1505 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638006 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Improved Technology for Recycling Tires. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop technology for a commercially feasible process for processing scrap tires into high quality crumb rubber. Current technology requires a high capital investment, high energy costs, high maintenance costs, high transportation cost, and a processing plant that, to be economically feasible, must have a high throughput. The research objective and anticipated outcome is the development of a technology that economically recycles tires in smaller, more energy efficient, facilities that can be located closer to the tire source and produce a high grade of crumb rubber. The research objective will be achieved by developing innovative methods to treat the tires and to separate the steel belts from the rubber prior to grinding. The broader impact of this research will be to provide a method to economically recycle tires at a throughput of approximately two hundred thousand tires per year. Society will benefit from the proposed tire recycling facility that would encourage the recycling of tires in less populated areas, reducing the cost of transportation, and reducing the energy required to process scrap tires. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zitzow, Uwe Rubber Recovery Solutions, LLC TN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99785 9150 5371 MANU 9197 9153 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638011 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Scanning Magnetic Microscope using a Ferromagnetic Flux-Guide Coupled to a SQUID for Nanoscale Current Imaging of Integrated Circuits. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a hybrid scanning-SQUID microscope coupled to a magnetic flux-guide to achieve nanoscale imaging of weak buried currents in a large range of packaged microelectronic devices. The manufacture of integrated circuits has become an increasingly complex nanoscale technology. With these dimensions, the propensity for the formation of shorts or high resistance defects (resistive opens) at the metal layers is increasing where "killer defects" may be non-visual and only be a few tens of nanometers in size. This is leading the industry toward a gap between the fault isolation tools of today (many of which are optical and wavelength-limited to 500 nm resolution) and the atomic scale defect imaging tools like AFMs and STMs. The needed tools must have nanoscale resolution and a probe geometry capable of working in milled cavities due to the complex packaging schemes. The goals of this Phase I project are to achieve current images with a sensitivity of ~50 nA and a resolution ~100 nm in milled cavities. This will be achieved through innovative probe design optimized for sensitivity with a submicron tip that can be rapidly scanned in a non-contact mode. Commercially, the technology development that is proposed in this program is of critical interest to major semiconductor manufacturers, as well as all other semiconductor manufacturers working on advanced integrated circuits. For semiconductor companies it will enable the design centers to speed design, Fab labs to accelerate manufacturing process development for new products, and to accelerate time-to-yield. Overall, it means faster time-to-market. For the nation, it means faster introduction of advanced electronics that will have a broad impact across all industries and ultimately improve quality of life and labor productivity. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Orozco, Antonio NEOCERA INC MD William Haines Standard Grant 149583 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638012 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Modification of Ionomer Membranes to Improve Conductivity. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a method for improving the transmembrane conductivity of Nafion. This project proposes to develop a method for modifying the orientation of the conductive channels though which ions traverse in ionomer membranes. Shear forces that occur during membrane manufacture tend to cause orientation of the channels in a direction parallel to the membrane surface. The proposed modification to the membrane manufacturing process would orient these channels in a direction perpendicular to the membrane, and that preferred orientation would result in higher transmembrane transport. The proposed research will have a direct impact on variety of applications in which directional transport is essential. Specifically, this modification method would allow the manufacture of ionomer membranes with improved ionic conductivity in the direction that is most beneficial to reduction of power consumption in electrolyzers (utilized in the manufacture of chlorine and caustic and in the production of hydrogen) and increase in the power output of PEM fuel cells. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Thomas ZDD, Inc SC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 9150 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1417 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638023 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Non-Destructive Inspection Techniques to Significantly Improve the Manufacturability of KTP Waveguides. This Small Business Innovative Research project explores the feasibility of developing a manufacturing process that will both increase the rate of production and improve the yield of high quality waveguides in potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP). Waveguides in KTP are ideally suited for use in a wide variety of commercially significant laser-based applications, however, their widespread use has been limited due to cost and time associated with the current manufacturing methodology. The key innovation in this effort is to combine recent advances in non-destructive incoming wafer inspection with existing wafer level lithographic processing to increase the area for uniform waveguide fabrication (increased production). KTP waveguide technology has contributed to cutting edge research in a variety of fields including short pulse generation, wavelength stabilization and conversion, and photonics based quantum information science. Immediate commercial applications include pulsed and cw laser diode conversion to produce visible wavelengths for biomedical instrumentation. Low cost waveguides will also help enable new and emerging opportunities associated with quantum information science and secure communications, analog photonic circuits, and rapidly tunable Bragg stabilized diodes. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kaleva, Christopher ADVR, INC MT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149911 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638026 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Developing, Piloting, and Validating a Flexible Test Delivery System for State Assessment Programs. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project aims to develop, pilot, and validate a Flexible Test Delivery System that provides multiple test accommodations in a flexible, cost-effective, and standardized manner. The accommodations include: a) read aloud of text; b) magnification of text and images; c) read back of open-ended responses; d) item masking; and e) test materials management. Usability and preliminary validity studies will be conducted at the high school level, using released mathematics tests. The proposed research responds directly to a need that has arisen as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. These acts require that students with disabilities participate in state administered educational tests and that schools provide appropriate accommodations for students during testing. Although all fifty states have implemented annual testing programs for students in grades 3-8 and in high school, many schools across struggle to provide students with appropriate accommodations during testing. As a result, the achievement of many students with disabilities is underestimated and decisions made based on test performance may result in decreased educational opportunities for many of these students. Currently, state testing programs modify test materials or test administration procedures to provide students with appropriate accommodations. These modifications are expensive and include printing different versions of test materials, producing specialized electronic versions, administering tests individually with a proctor, and requiring proctors to transcribe responses from a booklet or typed essay to an answer booklet. Although it is difficult to estimate the time and costs associated with these modifications, they have become too large for many schools to bear. Based on ten years of research, it is evident that computers can be used to effectively and efficiently provide test accommodations. This research project will have the opportunity to broadly testing across all states. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hoffmann, Thomas nimble Assessment Systems, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99995 5371 HPCC 9218 9102 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638030 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Diamond Nanoprobes for Atomic Force Microscopy - Imaging, Metrology, Material Property Measurement, Process Control, and Manipulation with Ultrahigh Performance. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop commercially viable atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilevers with ultra-sharp, ultra-robust tips fabricated from ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD). AFM is becoming indispensable in several industries for imaging, metrology, material property measurement, process control, and manipulation. These applications are reaching limits, and new applications are being prevented, due to the lack of reliability and versatility of the AFM tip. The intellectual merit of this work will be to address this by demonstrating the feasibility of a new generation of AFM probes that are highly versatile, nearly indestructible, chemically and electronically tunable, biologically functionalizable, and exquisitely stable. This will be accomplished by creating probes based on diamond, the hardest, stiffest material known. These probes will be molded and microfabricated from UNCD, a nanocrystalline thin film (<5 nm pure diamond grains) with mechanical properties nearly equivalent to single crystal diamond. Advanced Diamond Technologies, the exclusive commercialization venue for UNCD products, will partner with the Carpick group (UW-Madison), who are world leaders in AFM. The volume of world sales of conventional AFM probes is approximately $60,000,000 with a growth rate of 10 to15%. Accessing and increasing this market by enabling new scientific and industrial applications are anticipated outcomes. Commercially, the results of this work will be: (a) to enable new industrial applications for AFM, including high-throughput imaging, metrology, and characterization of large quantities of materials including massive sets of combinatorially synthesized materials, local electrical characterization for process control in micro/nanoelectronics, nanomechanical characterization of MEMS/NEMS devices, ultraprecise hard mask correction for the micro/nanolithography industry, AFM-based direct-write nanolithography, and massively-parallel AFM-based arrays for nanomechanical data storage at ultrahigh density; (b) to enable new scientific applications, including magnetic resonance force microscopy, harsh environment and high temperature scanning probe microscopy, and advanced nanotribology experiments and nanomechanics experiments and ; (c) to open up a broad array of new applications that take advantage of the advancement of molded diamond structures, including field emitter tip arrays, photonic crystals, and NEMS. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Carlisle, John ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL William Haines Standard Grant 150000 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638034 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Commercial Grade Automatic and Manual Parallelization and Performance Tools. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to create a software development toolkit for semi-automatic parallelization of software written in high-level languages for serial architectures. The goal is to not only ensure high performance on parallel applications, but to do so while minimizing development time. Using a series of programs previously developed as a test-bed, the intent is to identify high payoff opportunities for semi-automatic parallelization. Then prototype a series of semi-automatic parallelization techniques and use them on the Northeastern application test-bed to show proof of concept. The chosen transformations will require the solution of complicated inferencing problems in dynamic computer languages. Novel parallelization tools such as a calculus of distributions and the lazy determination of parallel variables are among the techniques proposed. Techniques will range from vectorization to full blown mathematical operations on the data. Additional proposed innovations include novel expression templates that can grow with the software library. A rigorous statistical methodology for evaluating user performance gains will define success. These methods will be tested on the Star-P parallel computing platform thereby providing the first rigorous testing of such approaches in a mature parallel high-level language that is commonly available on the desktop. This research project addresses the needs of the millions of scientists and engineers who wish to access the speed and memory capabilities of high performance computers, but do not possess a computer science background. High performance computing is increasingly used in a diverse group of life science, engineering, physical science, and mathematical domains. The proposed toolkit allows applications developed in high-level languages for serial architectures to be easily transitioned to parallel high performance computing architectures. Given the growing importance of high performance computing, this research should have broad and deep impact in many scientific disciplines. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Reinhardt, Steve Interactive Supercomputing, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 200000 1505 HPCC 9215 1659 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522400 Information Systems 0638035 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ultra High Thermal Conductivity Aluminum/Graphite Composites from Recovered Scrap Graphite and Low Cost Natural Graphite. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use recycled or natural graphite to develop low cost graphite/aluminum composites with high thermal conductivity for electronic thermal management applications. Highly conductive graphite flakes randomly dispersed at ~75 volume percent (v/o) into Al matrix with zero interface resistance is calculated at a conductivity of 800 W/mK, (2x copper). Zero interface impedance is due to the formation of a SiC reaction layer at the interface during infiltration of high v/o graphite preforms. Achieving the highest possible thermal conductivity using flake graphite will involve developing near isotropic graphite flake preform architecture and a material with controllable thermal expansion. The primary challenge in the proposed work will be to achieve random distribution of flakes having access to molten Al-Si during infiltration to enable the desirable SiC interface reaction. Today's products, for cellular phones to sophisticated imaging satellites require high performance materials that keep pace with emerging market demands. Consumer electronics and microelectronics packaging systems are smaller, hotter and must provide increasing functionality in less space. Thermal management is critical technology for future electronics systems. A major goal of this research then is to replace copper and other legacy materials with lightweight, low-cost, highly conductive Al/graphite flake composites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cornie, James Metal Matrix Cast Composites, LLC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0638042 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: OpenBio Workbench for Sharing of Mathematical Models in Drug Discovery. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test the feasibility of a software platform called OpenBio Workbench that will enable researchers in drug discovery to easily access and share mathematical models and model results. Modeling is becoming increasingly important, motivated by the FDA's drive to modernize the drug discovery process and the advent of emerging fields such as Systems Biology. A broad adoption of modeling has been limited, however, because the current practice requires programming and computational skills not typically possessed by researchers in biological sciences. As a result these researchers, who hold the vast biological information needed to make models and would immensely benefit from the insight gained from modeling studies, rarely participate in modeling studies. This project will address this limitation by developing a novel code-generation technology that will transform models from diverse heterogeneous sources into a Web-enabled GUI-driven form that can be readily used without the required modeling skills. The commercial value of this workbench is significant as the pharmaceutical industry is investing in mathematical modeling and Systems Biology aiming to overcome both the sky-rocketing costs of drug development and the stagnation in the discovery of new drugs since the 1990's. The market for Systems Biology products and services is expected to grow at an annual compound rate of 66% exceeding $1 billion by 2009. Further, aging populations in developed countries are going to cause sharp increases in health care costs, while at the same time there are serious budgetary pressures (both from government and private insurers) to keep health care costs under control. Thus, methods that speed up the research cycle and reduce development costs for new drugs and treatments are going to become increasingly important. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Park, Taeshin RES Group, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638046 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Spray Deposited Transparent Conducting Zinc Oxide Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop cost-effective, non-vacuum technology to deposit wide-gap, p-type transparent conducting oxide windows for thin-film photovoltaic and other devices. Phase I will develop and test an inexpensive spray pyrolysis system. It will be customized to deposit a p-zinc oxide window for photovoltaic cell based on n-copper indium selenide. The zinc oxide films will be structurally and electro-optically characterized to determine optimum processing conditions to produce compatible, p-conducting window for the n-type absorber. This approach will be teamed with electrodeposition for the absorber and buffer layers to provide scalability, lower costs and high throughput needed for the next generation solar cells. Project success will lead to efficient and reliable solar cells and many new opto-electronic devices. Low cost spray pyrolysis technology can be used for other wide-gap window materials for solar cells and other devices. The p-type zinc oxide can be used for short-wavelength light emitting devices, energy-efficient windows, flat panel displays, gas sensors and other optoelectronic applications. The proposed work may extend photovoltaic technology to n-type absorbers and multi-junction flexible solar cells, with higher efficiency and reliability. Technology commercialization will provide energy security, avert future power crises and reduce global warming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638051 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Extension of Multiphoton Polymerization fabrication technology to the fabrication of Retinal Image Management (RIM) elements. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Multiphoton Polymerization (MPP) fabrication technology to fabricate structures 100 times thicker than previously demonstrated for the technology to produce such structures. The research will focus on demonstrating that an MPP system with a 1-2 cm working distance of the fabrication optics in the depth direction can produce holes of 1 cm in length, with precisely controlled 8-10 micron diameter. Phase I will also determine whether the process can be scaled up sufficiently to fabricate the size of devices necessary - on the order of 1-10 cm per side section - requiring a multiplicity (>10,000) of holes. Present configurations of MPP cannot provide the necessary working distance, nor is it apparent that there are any other technologies in existence that will work. Using "positive resist" Photo-Acid Generator (PAG) materials to form these structures, effectively "drilling" the holes, offers three potentially enabling technological advantages; lowering the optical dosage for polymerization, minimizing the material volume processed, and providing highly uniform hole dimensions that are controlled solely by adjusting the exposure and the power level of the laser. The potential benefits of the enhanced imaging enabled by this Retinal Image Management (RIM) technology will be in the fields of national defense/security for the USA, and vision health related applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, Ian Focal Point Microsystems GA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 98770 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638055 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Spatially selective metallization of microfabricated 3D structures and lines using Multiphoton Polymerization (MPP) for optical, photonic and electrical micro-systems. This Phase I SBIR research project is directed to extending the unique 3D micro-fabrication capability of Multiphoton Induced Polymerization (MPP) technology to incorporate highly spatially selective metallization, in a three-dimensional micro-fabricated device or subsystem using a single-step fabrication process, fabricating the structure and defining the metallization sections simultaneously. Metallization and electrical conductivity are critical capabilities for any micro-fabrication technology in which the fabricated components are active elements. This creation of specific electrical paths throughout a microstructure is an intrinsic need for the extension of micro-fabrication to a truly monolithic scale of integrated components and systems by providing power delivery to components and control circuitry. The ability to do this in 3D structures enables a broad base of applications for micro-fabrication that are inaccessible with existing technologies. This proposal is directed towards extending the fabrication capabilities of MPP to include the ability to selectively position metallic paths and surfaces within such structures simultaneously with the structure formation itself. MPP's material base of organic polymers can be used in electronic, semiconductor and photonic devices. This enhanced MPP has the potential to fabricate extremely high quality optically flat surfaces without the need for polishing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, Ian Focal Point Microsystems GA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 96518 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638060 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Application of Advanced Environment Analysis for Secure, Scalable Software Development. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project supports the research and engineering required to adapt a software verification framework to the C programming language that enables the removal of all potential security flaws from software-based applications before product release. Several research and engineering challenges have prevented industry adoption so far, including: Time Often, verification of a complex system takes days, weeks or months; False Positives Frequently, current techniques report 'flaws' which are, in fact, perfectly valid code; User Interaction Existing verifiers, such as ACL2, require highly advanced expert knowledge not suitable for mainstream programmers. The integration of many techniques have been developed for specific problems, but these techniques are often fixed to a specific programming paradigm or feature set; integrating these techniques into a single verifier remains a challenge. Several large research groups have been chasing the elusive goal of scalable, precise software verification for nearly a decade. Software verification is has been called the "Holy Grail," because it promises an end to bugs, to security flaws and to patching. However, despite tens of millions spent in the quest, precise, scalable software verification has not been achieved. Current software verification tools are cumbersome and prohibitively slow on standard hardware and too inaccurate to be considered a viable option for commercial use. Inaccuracy, in the context of verification, means that the tool flags too many perfectly legitimate lines of code as potentially flawed: frustrating programmers and wasting productivity. This research will make automatic, secure software verification possible for real, commercial code bases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Might, Matthew Diagis Systems, Inc. GA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99969 5371 HPCC 9215 1652 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638074 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: From Annotations to Adaptations. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project is focused on inventing new tools and standards for exposing and enhancing the structure of media to make its full learning and creative potential accessible to all. The rapid growth in creation and availability of digital video presents both an unprecedented opportunity and challenge. Without parallel growth in structural information about the richest formats in which ideas are expressed and communicated, we are headed for a crisis in accessibility at two levels: 1) knowledge is shared in formats that are increasingly inaccessible to the disabled; 2) much of the knowledge in visual forms is not easily indexable and therefore difficult to access and manipulate, even by those unencumbered by disabilities. If this trend continues, and evidence points in this direction, most of the web will be as accessible as a microfiche archive: a wealth of data with only high level descriptions. The objectives of this research project is to integrate the prototypes into a video type of 'wiki', i.e. a suite of web applications for collaborative markup - with descriptive metadata, including real-time data-streams, and remixing -- by manipulating metadata, of video content with great educational potential. The ability to only view excellent videos of lectures, documentaries, interviews, etc. presents an impoverished notion of access to the wealth of information in these videos. Several organizations have solved the ground level access problem by making their content available online. The value of their offerings cannot be underestimated, but it is critical to move beyond mere time- and place-shifted access to address the deeper accessibility divide: a lack of access to tools for viewing, understanding, and manipulating the structure of media. Exposed structures make possible new ways of 'viewing' (as closed-captioning has demonstrated) and also enable new ways to re-cut the media fabric (with the tools developed) into new meaningful representations. Specifically, demonstrations of the commercial viability of services for adding value to corpuses of video are presented in two ways: by providing tools and services for ensuring universal accessibility and by developing educational material for advanced placement (AP) math, science, and engineering courses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Blankinship, Erik Media Modifications LTD MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638075 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Virtual Prototyping Tool for Polymer Flow Process. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will develop an engineering design level simulation tool for non-Newtonian flow systems, such as polymers and suspensions used in advanced materials engineering and process design. Recently developed innovative modeling of rheological properties at a mesoscopic level, using a rate-of-strain dependent relaxation time in the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), will be used. Validation studies will include quantitative analysis of "spurt" in pressure-driven flow and persistent oscillations in piston-driven flow followed by a qualitative pilot study of polymeric flow in a complex geometrical industrial prototype device. This project will produce design tools that are urgently needed to overcome physical and/or engineering limits in various manufacturing and processing industries, Potential applications include coating and fiber spinning, design and production of new processes and materials for filled and unfilled silicones, diesel powerplant and emissions, injection molding, environmentally benign processes, drag reduction in naval engineering, and ant-icing aircraft sprays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Staroselsky, Ilya Exa Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638076 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Virtual Technology Transfer Office. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project tests the feasibility of creating a web-based system to provide intellectual property and technology transfer services to Limited Resource Institutions (LRIs) that are actively engaged in quality research. In 1980, Congress passed the Bayh-Doyle Act as an incentive for universities to engage in research that would produce innovative products, new drugs and medical devices, etc. for the advancement and benefit of society. Over the last twenty-six years, Bayh-Dole has worked well for America's large research institutions, but it has done the same for small to medium sized research institutions. These institutions lack sufficient funding to establish technology transfer offices to assist with the protection and commercialization of their developments. As a consequence, researchers at these institutions lack the infrastructure necessary to effectuate the development of new products and methods. The grant will be used to test the feasibility of creating a system that automates, streamlines and standardizes the technology transfer process at LRIs. The Virtual Technology Transfer Office (VTTO) will be an innovative web-based system that should significantly increase the number of invention disclosures processed, patents filed, licenses negotiated and spin-off businesses established as a result of technology developed by LRIs. The VTTO will be instrumental in advancing science and technology by bringing together university researchers, small businesses and technology transfer experts. The VTTO will be a tool designed to educate principal investigators about technology transfer as well as provide expert services to support university researchers. Limited Resource Institutions are universities receiving less that $80 million in external research funding. Underrepresented minority groups such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) will be specifically targeted as they are among the LRIs without sufficient on-campus technology transfer support services. The VTTO will provide infrastructure support both to the research administration and the principal investigators. The benefits of the VTTO will positively impact society as innovative products and services are placed on the market. Participation from the greatest number of American universities increases the likelihood that the investment in American schools will result in advances to science and technology. As such, the VTTO will be uniquely designed to manage the technology transfer activities for several institutions simultaneously without commingling the technologies or adversely effecting the confidential nature of the technologies processed by the system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Boozer, Tanaga Intellectual Property Solutions, Inc. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9218 9102 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638082 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Spiral Countercurrent Chromatography for Biotechnology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on a new design of a spiral flow-through separation coil for planetary centrifuge chromatographs that are already commercialized for natural products and synthetic small molecule purification. This scientific and engineering project will extend the advantageous high resolution, solid support-free, highly scaleable process to the biotechnology field. Success in purification of high molecular weight compounds by countercurrent chromatography will lower the manufacturing costs of biotechnology products, including therapeutics. Improvement in the separation process for the purification of more complex therapeutic products is needed in the industry. An all-liquid process that can purify in high yield, compounds in any solvent system designed for their solubility is extended to the larger MW compounds, including biological molecules. The proposed design retains the more viscous and heavy two-phase solvent systems that are suitable for proteins, peptides and particles, and prevent denaturation - thereby enabling the recovery of high activity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Knight, Martha CC Biotech LLC MD Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1467 1158 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638083 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Advanced Materials for Blast and Ballistic Protection. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a new class of lightweight, multi-functional structural panels with improved performance (strength, stiffness, high impact energy dissipation, thermal management) at minimum weight. The proposed work considers a novel approach to the design and manufacture of truss core sandwich structures, involving discrete-pin placement allowing for a unique topological arrangement of truss core elements for enhanced combination of mechanical and physical properties. The program will: (1) demonstrate the fabrication approach, (2) compare mechanical performance with existing sandwich panel concepts, and (3) develop performance maps and computational protocols for application-specific panel design. Specific comparisons will be made between solid-truss and hollow-truss sandwich panel designs. This research partnership effort between Cellular Materials International and the University of California, Irvine will expand understanding of optimal panel design, promote expanded applications, and eliminate existing topological constraints on multi-functional structural materials usage. The freedom to tailor variable core thickness, core density, materials makeup, and thermo-mechanical response while allowing for complex curvature will highly enhance/broaden the use of sandwich panels in applications involving high energy impact, ballistic/blast mitigation, thermal exchange, and damping of sound and vibrational energy. Typical commercial applications may include lightweight aerospace structures, thermally efficient heat exchangers, lightweight vehicle armor, space vehicle skin structures, energy-dissipating automobile bumpers/frames, and earthquake- or blast-resistant structural walls for high profile buildings. Additional broader impacts include recruiting and training the workforce needed to enhance U.S. leadership in advanced materials and structures, and increasing participation of underrepresented K-12 and undergraduate students in engineering. This program also will enable the infrastructure for advanced materials characterization, synthesis and integration for critical commercial, civil and military systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Murty, Yellapu Cellular Materials International Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 198989 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638086 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Characterization of a novel macro-composite material with application to impact-recovery structures. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of establishing reliable values for the elastic properties and strength of a novel macro-composite material construction, as well as investigate the application of this material to impact-recovery structures. The proposed research program will have three major components: mechanical properties, design equations, and manufacturing technology. Both classical micromechanics and a finite element analysis-based method will be employed to obtain the elastic moduli, which will be compared with experimentally-measured coupon values. Strength and failure modes will also be obtained from coupon tests, and the applicability of the strain invariant failure theory to the macro-composite will be evaluated. A mechanics-based procedure will then be established for the design of cylindrical tubes constructed from the macro-composite. These tubes must ovalize and gradually collapse when subjected to bending moments, yet return undamaged to the original configuration upon removal of loads. Several low-cost manufacturing processes for the tubes will be evaluated, including pultrusion and extrusion. The application of the macro-composite material construction to tubular structures has been demonstrated to result in a significant structural-impact recovery capability. A major commercial application for this material and structural technology has been identified. By using the macro-composite material to reduce the large amounts of damage to roadside structures caused by both vehicle impacts and environmental degradation, annual maintenance dollars will be freed up for more urgent public infrastructure repair and rehabilitation needs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Brian KAZAK COMPOSITES INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638093 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Visualization Tool for Time-Varying and High Dimensional Datasets. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop visualization tools to assist non-statistically oriented decision makers in Risk Management identify and predict risky consumer behavior in the consumer financial services industry. The objective of the research project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using modern human-computer interaction and computer graphics technology to represent a consumer as a special object that can be manipulated in an intuitive manner by non-statistically oriented decision makers in Risk Management to manage consumer risk. The resulting system, if successful, will increase productivity and create growth opportunities for companies in the financial services sector. In addition, the proposed project expands the realm of geometric algorithms to include novel new techniques for processing and interpreting complex financial data. The project will also produce new ways of interacting with consumer data that both leverage research in medical imaging and potentially feedback into the field to provide insights into new directions for research in both areas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG NABE, OUMAR REVEAL ANALYTICS LLC NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99992 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638098 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Visual Language for Mathematical Model-Making. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I research project aims to develop a visual interface that allows students to construct and investigate mathematical models. This research is undertaken with the goal of creating a general-purpose environment in which students, teachers, and materials developers may benefit from being able to create such models for classroom use. The innovation responds to a national need for improved algebra education, and for increased emphasis on, and demand for, environments that provide visual, dynamic access to mathematical ideas and thinking processes. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hancock, Christopher Tertl Studos LLC VT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 HPCC 9218 9150 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638101 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Solar Driven Electrochemical Manufacture of Hydrogen Peroxide using Microreactor Technology. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a microchannel reactor system for the field production of hydrogen peroxide based the electrolysis of water. The proposed approach is based on the electrolysis of water, and environmentally benign approach which is suitable for field production. The use of microchannel technology enables the miniaturization of the system and efficient operation at small scales, key for field operation and other distributed production needs. This program will demonstrate the feasibility of such approach. In addition, the program will demonstrate solar operation of the microreactor system, further enhancing system portability and reducing operational costs. Hydrogen peroxide is an extremely versatile chemical with a wide range of commercial applications. However, storage and transport of concentrated hydrogen peroxide is costly, and the methods currently utilized for synthesis rely on the use of organic solvents and alkylated anthraquinones. On-site hydrogen peroxide production will eliminate the requirement to transport and store large volumes of hydrogen peroxide solution in remote locations. Microreactors offer a novel production platform that can be readily integrated with sensors, control systems and other unit operations to provide high throughput production of hydrogen peroxide suitable for bio-decontamination and wastewater treatment operations. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Carranza, Susana Makel Engineering, Inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149651 1505 AMPP 9163 1401 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638102 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Development of Sugar Beet Pulp Enzymatic Pretreatment System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project develops a pretreatment process for biomass that will be used as feedstock for making biofuels, thereby solving a significant problem in this process. Before plant and tree material (biomass) can be used to produce biofuels, or biochemical building blocks for plastics, it must be pretreated to release the targeted components. This pretreatment step is a significant barrier to the development of cost-effective "biorefineries" that would convert biomass, including agricultural residues not currently being utilized, into biofuels and value-added biochemicals. Instead of the conventional approach, where complex biomass is broken down into small components for later processing into alcohol or reassembly into complex chemicals, this new approach directly converts the various components of the biomass into biofuels and biochemcials. This results in a much less costly process. The first step is to remove components from the "backbone" of the biomass and process them into biofuels and biochemicals with enzymes specifically developed to perform these tasks. This step not only produces products, but also makes it easier for another set of enzymes to extract larger components of the biomass "backbone" for processing into biochemicals. This process continues until the backbone is completely disassembled and all the available components were processed. At the end, the remaining sugars are fermented to ethanol. The broader impact of this project is to significantly enable the US to meet the goal of reducing petroleum imports by 60 percent before 2025 by developing technology that makes the agricultural biorefinery economically sustainable. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kozak, Robert Atlantic Biomass Conversions, Inc. MD F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 148440 1505 MANU 9147 5345 1491 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638104 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Radial Nanojunction Array Photovoltaic Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project involves the development of a new method for fabrication of nanostructured photovoltaics with ultra-high efficiency. Solar energy conversion using photovoltaics (PVs) is an important energy technology. However, to fully realize solar energy's promise, a significant advance in the current state-of-the-art must still be obtained, such as increasing efficiency and lowering cost per kWh. Synkera will address this need by proposing a new class of fully inorganic photovoltaics. These materials feature innovative 3-D architecture, which combine high surface area arrays of nanojunctions with continuous grading of the band gap to match the solar spectrum. Based on lightweight and low-cost substrates and using scalable processes, this architecture has the potential to achieve conversion efficiencies up to 60%, provide high power density, and enable long-term radiation and temperature stability. The proposed approach will be implemented by combining core expertise and capabilities of Synkera Technologies and the University of Colorado at Boulder. The goal of the Phase I work is to demonstrate that the proposed architecture can enable better performance in comparison with conventional photovoltaic materials. Commercially, the expected result of the proposed work is a manufacturing technology for commercially viable production of low-cost photovoltaics with advanced performance, including ultra-high efficiency and high energy density. Inorganic photovoltaic materials encapsulated in a robust ceramic host will assure greater radiation stability, as well as superb thermal and mechanical reliability. Enabling these benefits will provide significant advantages in the marketplace and an opportunity to serve terrestrial solar energy markets in commercial, governmental and military markets, with the residential energy generation dominating the market share. Furthermore, robustness of proposed materials makes them also attractive for use in growing satellite market. This new manufacturing technology will contribute to strengthening the US economy by helping to create a robust and globally competitive domestic solar cell industry. It will also contribute to the Nation's security by reducing our dependence on non-renewable energy supplies. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wind, Rikard Synkera Technologies Inc. CO William Haines Standard Grant 150000 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638113 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Anodized Coating for Magnesium Automotive Components. This SBIR Phase I project will develop a low cost, high volume anodization process for magnesium alloys used in the automotive industry. The project aims to reduce the time and cost to anodize magnesium using a unique electro-cleaning method that reduces the number of pretreatment steps prior to application of the coating, and using "green chemistry" to reduce environmental impact of the process. Magnesium alloys are used extensively in automotive applications because they are one-third lighter than aluminum alloys, but magnesium suffers from a high rate of corrosion when exposed to an aggressive environment and when coupled with dissimilar metals. Anodization offers the best protection; however, due to cost considerations the auto industry currently depends on chemical conversion coatings to protect magnesium which are not as environmentally friendly, and not robust enough to protect magnesium in future automotive applications. It is estimated that the use of the technology developed in this program will lead to a 10 % reduction in a vehicle weight, and 7% reduction in fuel use. In addition, this technology could accelerate the utilization of magnesium in areas such as consumer electronics, power tools and medical devices. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gorman, William Technology Applications Group, Inc. ND Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99508 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638117 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Oxide dispersion strengthened titanium aluminide. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop a low-cost manufacturing process for nanoengineered, oxide-dispersion strengthened titanium aluminide powders with superior isotropic high temperature properties, to replace cost-intensive mechanical alloying process. The program will also develop a manufacturing route for readily available thermal spray powders for titanium aluminide coating. Successful completion of this phase I program will result in the availability of high temperture resistant oxide dispersion-strengthened gamma titanium aluminide for applications in aerospace, automotive, nuclear, fusion and other power generation system construction applications. Additional applications include turbine engines, industrial heat treating furnace structures, and glass making equipment. The new fabrication route should enable more precise control over material properties and improved performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vatamanu, Lucian POWDERMET INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638125 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High Speed Machining of Titanium using Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Coated Carbide Cutting Tools. This SBIR Phase I project is aimed at developing smooth diamond-coated cutting tools, using a novel deposition technology that provides an ultra-nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) coating on various substrates. Advanced Diamond Technologies, Inc. (ADT) has developed a new diamond coating technology that, unlike other diamond technologies, is extremely smooth and exhibits much lower friction as deposited, in addition to the hardness, wear resistance, and high thermal conductivity that makes diamond cutting tools superior to others. This project will focus on the application of this coating for the machining of titanium alloys. The outstanding strength-to-weight ratio of titanium and its alloys makes them ideal materials for many aerospace applications. However, titanium alloys are notoriously hard to machine, and aerospace companies are desperate for more reliable, longer lasting cutting tools. Diamond in principle is the ultimate material for this application, but current technologies produce tools that are too rough and lead to high cutting temperatures that are prohibitive for machining titanium which is very reactive with carbon. The result will be cutting tools that are less expensive yet will enable the UNCD cutting tools will also address a world-wide unsatisfied need for more robust yet affordable cutting tools to machine a variety of other advanced materials, including aluminum-silicon alloys, superalloys, and carbon composites. UNCD coated tools will yield much longer tool life, higher cutting speeds, lower cutting temperatures, higher precision, and will greatly accelerate the adoption of the world's hardest material to the toughest machining applications and result in improved products while saving money. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carlisle, John ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99371 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638126 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Accelerator for Offloading Services of Next Generation Data-Centers. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project investigates the design of a data-center functionality off-load engine (DCFOE) based on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based accelerator to off load common data center services. This DCFOE engine is intended to interact with both the host system running existing data-center applications, as well as existing network interconnects such as InfiniBand, 10-Gigabit Ethernet, to not only utilize their capabilities, but also to supplement them with more advanced communication as well as application relevant features that are not available currently. During this research project, feasibility studies of this unique design are planned by emulating the behavior of the DCFOE using software approaches; using a dedicated core of multi-core systems; as well as software-hardware hybrid approaches. The proposed technology transfer and product will lead to significant performance enhancements for next generation data centers. Scientists, engineers and researchers from many different fields such as science, engineering, medicine, banking, rely on data centers and novel services to store, access and manipulate terabytes of data. This STTR research project will lead to a unique product in the market which can be used by the next-generation data centers to provide scalability and high performance. Such a product will be very useful for large-scale data centers being deployed at research laboratories. The general public, the federal government, industry, and universities would benefit from the outcomes of this research project. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sabin, Gerald RNET Technologies, Inc. OH Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 148037 1505 HPCC 9215 1659 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638146 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Superhydrophobic Corrosion Resistant Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate improved corrosion resistance of iron and aluminum alloys by coating the alloys with a durable superhydrophobic coating. The corrosion of metal has a major effect on the economy of industrial nations. The costs associated with corrosion are in the billions of dollars annually. The superhydrophobic coating is a highly water repellent coating that is composed of hydrophobic chemicals and nano-sized particles. The coating is applied onto the metal surface to create a hydrophobic surface that is nanotextured. The presence of water plays an integral role in most metal corrosion processes and the nanotextured hydrophobic thin film prevents liquid water from wetting/adhering to the metal surface. In addition to the use of the superhydrophobic coating for metal corrosion protection, the use of a primer layer that is applied underneath the superhydrophobic coating is examined. The primer layers to be investigated are known to have metal adhesion and anti-corrosion properties. The anti-corrosion properties of the superhydrophobic coatings will be evaluated using electrochemical techniques. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lawin, Laurie Innovative Surface Technologies, Inc. MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149033 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638153 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Autonomous Sensor Network to Manage West Nile Virus Epidemics. This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) project will combine automated data gathering and processing of blood-fed-female mosquitoes in the field, at the traps level, using nanoscale sensors to detect and quantify West-Nile-Virus (WNV), identify the mosquito species and the host source(s) of their blood meal(s). This Phase I project will demonstrate feasibility of fabrication of WNV-antibody-functionalized-conducting-nanosensors for use in two lines of products. Product-line-one will consist of very-inexpensive-and-robust hand-held WNV-detection-tool for real-time diagnosis of relevant biological samples (blood, saliva, swabs, and mosquitoes). Product-line-two will consist of self contained, autonomous/automated field worthy pathogen detection units to be incorporated into mosquito sampling devices which will provide autonomous manipulation, preparation, and testing of mosquito samples at trap level. These automated units permit the unattended processing of large number of field samples, thus increasing the capacity of pathogen, vector and epidemics detection independent of area accessibility. Data are transferred to Monitor Internet Data Management System, autonomously aggregated, analyzed, reports generated and distributed to interested clients. Multiplexing the nanosensory-array will allow for single pass collection of a host of important epidemiological information, such as presence of disease-agents, ID of the host from which the mosquitoes took their blood (mammals, birds, more specifically cattle, dogs, humans, chickens, corvide, etc...). Early detection is the only form to prevent epidemics. This project proposes a disruptive concept to fill an enormous gap in vector-management, which now lacks technologies for speedy and effective data collection. WNV-detection-instruments are slow, expensive, bulky, require human interference and laboratory conditions with plenty of consumables and energy, and not amenable to unattended autonomous operation, resulting in only a very small portion of introduced pathogens actually being detected before disease or epidemics become widespread. Vector-control personnel and epidemiologists rely on time-consuming, manual mosquito vector management methods that often come too-late-to-prevent epidemics and require expensive remedial actions, such as blanket spraying of insecticides on entire regions, which is inefficient, ecologically harmful and conducive to pesticide resistance. Ultimately the team will integrate the resulting nanoelectronic-sensors into autonomous-smart-robotic-devices capable of continuously monitor for the presence of vectors and contaminants in-field and wirelessly transfer data to a centralized hub, providing decision-makers with real-time intelligence of field conditions. If successful this will allow preventative rather than crisis or remedial control actions. This will be useful not only for vector and disease management but also for bio-detection in the homeland security, health care, agro-environmental field and food safety markets, all markets conservatively evaluated at $2Bi/yr. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mafra-Neto, Agenor ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0302000 Biological Pest Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638157 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Flexible Surface Deturbulator for Enhancing Automobile Fuel Efficiency. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Flexible Composite Surface Deturbulator (FCSD) tape and methods for affixing it to road vehicles to reduce air resistance. The FCSD is a thin, non-powered device consisting of a flexible membrane stretched across an array of strips on a substrate. The back of the substrate can then be bonded to the surfaces of a road vehicle. In the presence of a large turbulent wake (as evidenced by a large plume of spray when driving on wet highways), behind a road vehicle, the Deturbulator reduces drag by making the air stagnant in this virtual boat-tail. Even though about 80% drag reduction has been observed in wind tunnel tests, a detailed analysis of the flow-deturbulator interaction will be performed in order to optimize the Deturbulator for long distance trucks. The drag reduction achieved with a Deturbulator Tape will attract potential users in the U.S. and abroad to immediately retrofit and counteract increasing fuel prices. It will also help reduce emissions of toxic pollutants and greenhouse gases (CO2) from trucks and automobiles. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sinha, Sumon SINHATECH MS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638160 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Stereo Eyeglasses-type Display Device for Augmented Reality. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project focuses on one of the fundamental problems in augmented reality (AR): how to combine virtual and real images and display the integrated three-dimensional (3D) images to users. Traditionally, there have been two ways to combine real and virtual images - using video and optical technologies. While each has particular advantages and disadvantages, AR systems' designers have to make a choice between these two. This project provides the advantages of both optical and video technologies in a single system, and can be seamlessly transited. Additionally, most AR applications require outdoors usability, where the level of illumination conditions can vary from complete darkness to bright sunlight. Sunlight readability is a major challenge for all displays in general. This research project will provide a real see-through/look-at screen which has the capability of automatically adapting to environmental brightness. The display will have the same form factor and weigh the same as a pair of regular eye glasses, and its binocular screen structure will enable full 3D stereo capabilities, making it ideal for virtual reality (VR) applications. The outcomes of this research project can be applied to broad commercial markets outside of the AR and VR areas. For example, a personal appliance capable of playing television, and VCD/DVD video can be the most direct, obvious and may be the largest market for this technology. With this device, people can watch TV just as they listen to radio today, while conducting other activities. Endoscopy devices for medical microsurgery and engineering inspection are other application markets. This eye glasses-type, see-through, full-function display technology will facilitate remote Internet access, hands-free mobile video conferencing system, mobile video telephony, and entertainment systems, anywhere, anytime, and under any ambient light conditions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhu, Xiqun XIMAX Technologies CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 149998 5371 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638168 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: ElectroNanospray Process for Nanoformulating Drugs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop a manufacturing process using electrospray for reliably producing nano-suspensions as well as a novel solid oral dosage form for poorly water soluble drugs. Poor water solubility is especially limiting for oral dosage forms, which must be in solution at the site of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. There is a significant unmet need for new formulation methods for delivering poorly soluble drugs. The electrospray process not only reduces particle size to the nanoscale, but offers some unique manufacturing benefits that include: particle uniformity at the nanoscale; process flexibility with a broad range of chemical and biological agents and solvents and excipients ; single-step engineering of nanocomposite drug/excipient particles or core-shell coated drug particles; particle delivery into liquids or onto solid surfaces. The primary objectives of this proposal are (1) to define key process conditions and electrospray device configurations for generating stable nanoparticle formulations of hard-to-dissolve model drug agents and (2) to develop a novel oral solid dosage form consisting of a rapidly dissolving polymer sheet coated with stablized nanoparticles. Commercially, the knowledge generated by the proposed research will add significantly to our understanding of how this enabling electronanospray manufacturing technology may be used to nanoformulate drugs and how combinations of materials affect nanoparticle stability and ability to be transformed into standard oral dosage forms. Although new high throughput drug screening methods have greatly accelerated the identification of potentially useful drug candidates, compounds identified tend to have a higher molecular weight and chemical features that lead to poorer solubility than traditional drug discovery methods. Therefore, the manufacturing innovation to be developed in this proposal has broad applicability for improving the return on the costly investments required for drug discovery, both because of the simplicity of its use as a potential tool for rapidly determining if solubility improvement could improve performance of insoluble new drug "hits," but also as a means of formulating high value but problematic individual drugs candidates for continued clinical development. In addition, improved solubility leads to improved bioavailability and predicted clinical response; thus, the technical innovation from this project has the potential to fulfill unmet clinical needs for improved drug treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hoerr, Robert Nanocopoeia Inc. MN William Haines Standard Grant 99942 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638169 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Development of Cadmium-Free, Water-Soluble and Multicolor Quantum Dots by Chemical Doping. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will synthesize cadmium-free, water-soluble, and multicolor quantum dots (QDs) by chemical doping, which can be used as fluorophores in the fields of biology and biomedicine. As the popularity of QD labeling soars, concerns are raised on the inherent toxicity of current widely used cadmium-based QDs. The easiness in tuning different emission colors has been a big advantage of cadmium-based QDs. However, for biomedical applications, the different particle sizes of QDs could influence their mobility in cells and tissues, and thus may reduce the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity in multianalyte studies. This NSF SBIR Phase I program will synthesize cadmium free, water-soluble, and multicolor quantum dots (QDs) by chemical doping. The doped core/shell QDs will be synthesized first and then converted to water-soluble and biocompatible through proprietary methods for biomedical applications. In Phase I, this project will develop the techniques for the synthesis of proposed QDs and Phase II will scale up the synthesis for massive production. Commercially, QDs are considered as a new class of fluorescent probes with a broad range of applications including single molecule biophysics, biomolecular profiling, optical barcoding, and in vivo imaging. In comparison with organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, QDs have unique optical and electronic properties including size-tunable light emission, improved signal brightness, resistance against photobleaching, and simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. Despite the fast growing need for biocompatible nanocrystals by biotech as well as academia, to date, only two other companies have launched commercial products in the markets. However, all their products are cadmium based and extremely expensive. Successful development of proposed techniques will result in a new generation of biolabels and make significant advances in the biomedical applications of QDs. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Lin Song Ocean NanoTech, LLC AR William Haines Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638170 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: SpiderWeb - Self-Healing Networks for Spyware Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to design and develop a novel solution that addresses the spyware problem; one of the fastest growing security threats today. To address the growing spyware epidemic, this effort proposes a solution that can: (1) detect previously unseen spyware, and (2) automatically generate signatures for a newly detected spyware so that all other computers within a same network (e.g., a corporate network) can automatically gain protection from the new spyware. Two key challenges that must be addressed include: how to efficiently detect spyware behavior, and how to automatically generate succinct spyware signatures and propagate the information to other computers. Recent studies have suggested that the anti-spyware market is expected to expand from $12 million in 2003 to more than $300 million in 2008 with significant growth potential in the future. As part of the commercialization strategy, this effort plans to leverage the capability of the proposed system with two existing open-source based products: ClamAV and Snort. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Hao NOVASHIELD, Inc. WI Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149994 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638180 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Spoken Dialog Question Answering. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project focuses on building current and next generation dialog systems by integrating automatic speech recognition (ASR) and state-of-the-art question answering (QA) technologies. Because of the very high cost, time required, and the complex design requirements and attendant technical expertise required to develop these systems, spoken dialog systems have had limited deployment. The technical objectives of this project are: automatic generation of context free grammars (CFGs) or statistical language models (SLMs) with minimum manual intervention; automatic tuning of CFGs or SLMs for improved ASR transcription accuracy; higher levels of transcription accuracy due to QA system-based filtering and feedback, and higher level phonetic and linguistic information sources; high levels of query response speed; natural speech input; precise and focused responses to user inputs. This project anticipates a significant reduction in the cost of developing applications due to the reduction of manual labor requirements, and improved accuracy due to the presence of higher level knowledge sources in required for the recognition and understanding of utterances. The research project will result in a significant increase in deployment of spoken dialog applications due to reduced development costs and increased system accuracy. An increase in user satisfaction should follow from the reduction in user input constraints while maintaining high goal completion rates. Additionally, there should be an increased ease in modeling complicated tasks into spoken dialog systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Balakrishna, Mithun Language Computer Corporation TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99690 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638182 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Submicron Thick Nanostructured Diamond Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to investigate the feasibility of using hard ultra-smooth nanostructured diamond (NSD) for application in submicron thick X-ray windows. In terms of sorting metal scrap at high speed with a micron-thick film intermittently in contact with scrap, the film must be strong, hard, adherent, crack resistant, transparent to X-rays and structured on a submicron scale. Furthermore, applications in lithography-pattern stamps require similar rigorous abrasive wear on submicron sized features. The objective of this SBIR is to investigate NSD nucleation, strength, and X-ray properties in a thin, free-standing film. The research to be conducted is: the design of support grids for the growth of free-standing submicron NSD film, methodology of optimizing adherence on selected support grids, design of prototype X-ray window based on NSD film, and testing of NSD X-ray windows. The anticipated results of this SBIR research include the first NSD data on X-ray transparency, adherence, and the abrasive-wear properties of submicron film. The commercial value of hard, ultra-smooth, adherent NSD films in the submicron and nano- ranges is just now being explored. The need for micron and submicron films that have extreme properties can be immediately found in radiation windows and lithography-like tools subjected to abrasion and wear. Evidence of the commercial value is found in the wTe company support of this research for immediate application in X-ray windows. The application of these coatings and films find commercial value in that they extend life of products, reduce pollution, reduce energy use and facilitate efficient recycling. Each of these outcomes has specific, quantifiable positive effects for society. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Raymond VISTA ENGINEERING INC AL William Haines Standard Grant 99999 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638187 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High-Temperature Silicon-Carbide (SiC) Radio Frequency Wireless Transmitters. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and commercialize silicon carbide (SiC) based radio frequency (RF) transmitters for high-temperature environments. The team will prove the feasibility of the concept and design through the successful demonstration of a SiC RF transmitter operating in excess of 450 degrees C. The electrical design for the RF transmitter will be developed, functionality of the design will be proven through low temperature silicon equivalent hardware and testing, critical high-temperature packaging issues will be investigated, and finally the SiC RF transmitter hardware will be fabricated and tested at 450 degrees C. If successful high-temperature transmitters will be key player in the power generation market as well as in the aerospace communities for use in jet turbines and rocket engines. This technology will also be a significant player in the automotive industry. The costs savings through improved performance and fuel savings could realistically exceed beyond hundreds of millions, or even billions of dollars. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schupbach, Roberto Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc. AR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149976 9150 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638195 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Development of High Moment Corrosion Resistant Materials for Data Storage and Biomedical Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will address the critical need for novel high-moment magnetic materials with improved corrosion resistance at the nanoscale for information storage and biosensor array applications. The innovative core of this Phase I work is the optimization of CoFeX alloys, where X is a noble metal, to achieve high corrosion resistance without compromising the magnetic moment or magnetically soft properties of the material and the production of electrodeposited sub-100nm CoFeX magnetic structures with verifiable mean magnetic moments above 2.4 Tesla and high corrosion resistance. Successful completion of this project will result in a stable fabrication process that will enable technology transfer to the manufacturing environment. The immediate impact of this research is to provide materials necessary to produce magnetic biosensors and transferable to the magnetic data storage industry. The broader impact of this work is to enrich the materials science and engineering of noble metal additives in magnetic alloy systems. Moreover, this research is expected to shed light on the corrosion of magnetic alloys and the transferability of the properties of electrochemically synthesized magnetic alloys to the nanoscale. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Rantschler, James Sentorix Inc. TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149896 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638197 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Development of an Auditory Browser for Understanding of Mathematical Expressions by Visually Impaired. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project develops an auditory browser for visually impaired individuals to help them understand and internalize mathematical expressions. Understanding and internalizing complex mathematical expressions is a difficult task for visually impaired students. The software system allows blind individuals to interactively browse complex mathematical expressions via audio. The architecture of the auditory browser is influenced by experiments performed earlier to study the perceptual and cognitive processes involved in reading mathematical expressions. The auditory browser is interactive and will facilitate aural navigation of mathematical expressions, and allow blind individuals (e.g., students) to move around within complex mathematical expressions at will to repeat certain sub-expressions and hear the skeleton of the expressions. The ability of a blind student to pursue careers in mathematics, engineering, science or technology is severely limited by the student's inability to manipulate and understand complex mathematical expressions. While there are exceptions to the rule, it has been difficult or impossible for blind members of our society to enter careers that involve mathematics, science or engineering. A major component of the problem lies with the difficulty in studying mathematics. This difficulty arises due to the inability of blind students to easily 'visualize' complex mathematical expressions. A tool that enables visually impaired students to internalize and 'visualize' mathematical expression will help them significantly in learning mathematics which is essential for pursuing STEM subjects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gopal, Deepa Logical Software Solutions TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638203 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: BioPortal - An Informatics Infrastructure for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity Information Sharing, Analysis, and Visualization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I proposal aims to create an information management system to monitor infectious disease outbreaks. The goal of this SBIR project is to build upon the ongoing BioPortal effort to develop an integrated infrastructure for infectious disease information collection, sharing, analysis, and visualization and to demonstrate its feasibility in real-world public health management settings. Deliverables include a scalable and flexible messaging module to facilitate real-world public health data collection and reporting, novel spatio-temporal data analysis techniques with visualization, an integrated, Web-based, one-stop information sharing and analysis environment, and a user study to assess commercial feasibility and technology adoption. The proposed work is expected to deliver a viable system architecture design and advanced data analysis functions to be part of the next-generation public health information infrastructure. The proposed informatics infrastructure will have a wide range of potential users including state and county epidemiologists, general public health workers, researchers and policy makers, physicians, triage nurses, livestock veterinaries, domestic animal veterinaries, plant disease researchers and practitioners, and law enforcement agencies monitoring and responding to biosecurity events, among others. We also plan to expand into other market segments including the private sector. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zeng, Daniel International BioComputing Corporation AZ Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99989 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638206 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Artificial Hand with Internal Visual Feedback. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes the development of a mini-manipulator -- "Artificial Hand with Internal Visual Feedback" -- for a wide range of robotic manipulations on the miniscale. Evolving from initial studies at UCLA, this device will be comprised of a four-finger pneumatically controlled manipulator that will be coupled with an imaging system. The use of silicon micromachining to fabricate multiple phalanges per finger, a fiber optic imaging and illuminating bundle, and micro optics will allow the entire device to fit into a two-millimeter diameter tube. This device, which will enable the precise handling of very small samples and provide immediate visual feedback to a human operator, will be an alternative to the robotic hands that provide only tactile feedback. There will be numerous opportunities to integrate the proposed mini-manipulator technology into industrial, and particularly medical, applications. A millimeter-sized, highly flexible, water/blood compatible, manipulation instrument with built-in visualization capabilities would be extremely valuable in microsurgical procedures. Such an instrument would find immediate use in gastric, ear-nose-throat, and particularly intravascular environments. The repair and inspection of small-scale mechanical and electrical assemblies, and the retrieval of fine parts, would also benefit from the "eye-in-the hand" capabilities of the proposed device. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rubtsov, Vladimir INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99993 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638209 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Affordable Multicolor Nanocrystal Emitters at Electronic Grade. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project is to develop affordable multicolor nanocrystals emitters for optoelectronic application. Semiconductor nanocrystals have been considered with potential applications in many fields. However, they have faced some challenges regarding their applications in optoelectronic devices such as the quantum dots based organic light-emitting diode (QDLED) due to the low brightness and low efficiency of the devices fabricated. This NSF SBIR team intends to produce electronic grade blue and green emitting nanocrystals and scale up the synthesis of electronic grade red emitting nanocrystals for optoelectronic applications. Upon the successful development of Phase I, Phase II will scale up the synthesis of developed emitting nanocrystals for massive production and make commercially available at an affordable price. Commercially, with its overwhelming advantages, QD-LED has received more and more attention from both industrial and academic areas. However the unavailability of high quality nanocrystals has prevented the researchers and scholars from making breakthrough. Providing the red, green and blue emitters at electronic grade, the proposed innovation will make revolutionary advances in the display industry and is attractive to a wide range of commercial applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Yongqiang Ocean NanoTech, LLC AR William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9150 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638221 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Erosion Resistant Nano-composite Physical Vapor Deposition Coatings for High Temperature Polymer Matrix Composites Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I effort will develop an innovative single and multilayer nano-composite coating system for High Temperature Polymer Matrix Composites (HTPMC) using vacuum based thin film Cathodic Arc Physical Vapor Deposition (CAPVD) and Plasma Enhanced Magnetron Sputtering (PEMS) processes. The expected benefits of economical, high-performance civilian aircraft designs under development for the future will be realized only through the development of light-weight, high-temperature composite materials for engine applications to reduce weight, fuel consumption, and operating costs. It is believed that every pound of weight reduction in the engine can effectively save more than a million dollars over the life of the aircraft. However, these high temperature composites need better erosion protection, especially when they are subjected to severe environments such as desert sand. The proposed innovation will address these issues and also aim for extending the overall life of the engine components. Successful implementation of this project will lead to enabling technology for other applications such as automotives, wind turbine blades, construction industry and other defense applications, thereby opening up new opportunities for the future. The proposed partnership with a leading research institution and a major aerospace industry in this program will enable the training of knowledgeable work force and provide strong competitive advantage to U.S. manufacturing industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dixit, Satish PLASMA TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99868 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638225 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: New Catalyst Discovery by Novel Method. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the high cost of fuel cell catalysts by developing a novel method for the discovery of high activity catalyst and using the method to explore catalytic systems for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction that have not already been extensively studied. The method allows for massive compositional arrays to be evaluated in-situ and will greatly accelerate the discovery and optimization of new catalysts. The catalysts discovered under this Phase I project could be an enabling technology that allows the introduction of high capacity, instantly rechargeable fuel cells into the consumer market, potentially displacing Li-ion cells that currently dominate the rechargeable battery market for portable electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kepler, Keith Farasis Energy, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638227 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Ultra-high Performance InAsN Transistor for RF Power Amplifiers. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop ultra-high-performance heterojunction bipolar transistors. An exciting new material, the InAsN semiconductor alloy system, is the key element in the concept for a low-voltage, high-speed GaAs transistor platform that is suitable for high-volume manufacturing. The energy band gap of GaAs based materials drops substantially when small amounts of nitrogen are incorporated into the material. Since nitrogen pushes the lattice constant in the opposite direction from the inclusion of indium in GaAs, InAsN alloys can be grown lattice-matched to GaAs thereby eliminating any problems associated with strain, with very low band gap energies. The project's goal is to demonstrate next generation heterojunction bipolar transistors with performance benchmarks exceeding those of present-day technologies. This program will lead to the commercialization of solid-state power amplifiers combining the advantages and the maturity of GaAs technology with the lower turn-on voltages that can be achieved in InP- and SiGe-based devices. If successful, the proposed InAsN HBT leapfrogs beyond current technologies by being much more power efficient without sacrificing high-speed performance or increasing component cost. GaAs wafers dominate the market for solid state power amplifiers for wireless communication products. In 2003 cellular phone production alone reached 500 million handsets. It is predicted by Strategy Analytics that this output will double to 1 billion handsets in 2008. This enormous market growth will cause severe pressure on power amplifier component revenue. Moreover, with cellular phone handsets becoming ever more functional, strategies are required to significantly lower the device turn-on voltage so as to minimize power consumption and sustain operation over longer periods of time. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Matt QuantTera AZ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 1505 MANU 9147 1775 1517 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638229 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Manufacturing of Hybrid Wafers and Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses an approach to incorporate the advantages of SiC devices with the incumbent advantages of Si processing and circuit technology to form hybrid circuits which will enable advanced power conversion systems. The multi-kilowatt power loads handled by the processors leads to the generation of high thermal loads which must be be transported away from the active area of the devices. The hybrid circuits will be made by attaching SiC power devices to a revolutionary, highly-thermally-conductive hybrid substrate, and driving the power devices with Si circuits on the same chip so that the heat generated in the SiC devices can be efficiently carried away from the active area. This unique substrate is a Si-on-SiC hybrid wafer comprised of a very thin Si membrane (~1 micron) that has been sliced from a Si wafer and attached to a SiC wafer. The general hybrid circuit technology being developed could be applied to both lower power systems (1-30kW) and higher power systems (30kW to MW systems), as well as RF systems from the kHz to GHz. The proposed planar hybrid circuits can lead to improved power conversion and inverter systems, as well as circuitry that could lead to improved computer processors. The hybrid wafers and devices will lead to decreased power consumption and waste heat in power systems critical to United States electricity grid and infrastructure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Treece, Randolph ASTRALUX, INC. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638242 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Stealth Search Tools for Unstructured Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop search tools for unstructured, streaming data which preserve privacy in a distributed environment. The basic function that such a tool would provide is the ability to search through large amounts of unstructured information (e.g., email messages, internet message boards, chat rooms, and other sources of internet traffic, lists of credit card transactions, lists of names, et cetera) looking for certain key phrases or words without revealing any information about the search criteria. A privacy-preserving search program, as described above, could be used to perform a massive, distributed search for the criminal's alias, without revealing what name is being searched. Hence, the program can be widely distributed (to credit card companies, banks, vendors, other local authorities, etc.) and no matter how well-connected the criminal is; no one will be able to alert the criminal to the fact that someone is tracking him. If successful, the proposed technology will allow wide deployment and provide a new capability for both government and private entities. The development of such technology may also have a large societal impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Skeith, William Stealth Software Technologies, LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638246 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Hybrid Carbon Reinforced Ceramic Nanocomposites. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate coating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using ALD NanoSolutions' patented atomic layer deposition on particles (Particle ALD) for use as improved filler materials for ceramic composites. The CNTs will be dispersed into a powdered ceramic, and the mixture will be coated with a nano-thick alumina film using ALD in a fluidized bed. The coating will ensure compatibility between the surfaces of the ceramic and the CNTs, allowing for even distribution of the CNTs throughout the matrix with less agglomeration and aggregation. The sintered composite will therefore be able to take better advantage of the high strength and stiffness of the CNTs, resulting in improved physical properties. Processing variables will be investigated on the small scale, and the most promising batch will be scaled up to ~1 kg of composite powder. Sintering of this material will be studied, and the physical properties of the resulting composite billets will be measured. The Phase II objectives will include more in-depth studies of the effect of the coated CNTs and their weight loading on the strength, adhesion, friction and wear properties of the composites. Successful completion of this Phase I will allow the strategies learned to be applied to other CNT applications that face similar material handling problems. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gump, Christopher ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149919 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638251 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Molecular Design of Advanced Monolayers For Improved Surface Amination. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to fill a need in the arena of advanced monomolecular layers for specific surface functionalities. The project addresses a key limiting factor which prevents many novel biosensors, labchips and BioMEMS from reaching the market, i.e. the chemistry used for coupling biomolecules to interfaces. Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) is the most commonly used linking chemistry today, and it is being used in a wide variety of applications from stationary phases in chromatographic columns, to DNA labchips, to chemical sensors. The control and manipulation of this molecule (and molecular layer(s) it forms), however, remains insufficient and limited. The current proposal aims to arrive at new synthetic routes for amine-terminated molecular layers derived from novel precursors. This could, in turn, lead to the development of next-generation advanced sensors, bioassay devices, DNA chips and other medical diagnostic/therapeutic technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chinn, Jeffrey Applied MicroStructures, Inc. CA Ali Andalibi Standard Grant 99968 5371 MANU 9147 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638253 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Advanced Si-Ge-Sn-based Photonic Materials and Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to demonstrate prototype infrared light detectors and photovoltaic (solar cell) devices based on technology developed at Arizona State University. The new technology to be explored consists in growing optical-quality alloys of tin and germanium (Ge1-ySny) directly on silicon wafers. These alloys act as infrared materials, and they can also be used as templates for the subsequent growth of other semiconductors on silicon. Of particular interest for this project is the ternary alloy Ge1-x-ySixSny, grown for the first time at Arizona State University. Using this technology, it should be possible to build infrared detectors covering a spectral range previously inaccessible to silicon-based detectors, and to build multijunction photovoltaic devices for a more efficient capture of solar photons. The fabrication of semiconductor devices on cheap silicon wafers is of great significance because of the potentially enormous cost reductions and the possibility of integrating optoelectronic and microelectronic functions, which further reduces costs and contributes to system miniaturization. The infrared detectors proposed here cover the so-called telecom C-,L-, and U-bands within the wavelength window around 1500 nm, a region of great interest to the telecommunications industry. In the photovoltaics arena, the proposed devices have the potential to offer increased efficiencies to make crystalline silicon-based devices competitive with amorphous silicon solutions. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tolle, John Silicon Photonics Group AZ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149984 1505 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638257 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Adaptive Authoring for Compound XML Documents: Collaboration Tools and eLearning Content Creation for STEM. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) research project seeks to establish the feasibility of creating intuitive user interfaces that enable direct authoring of compound XML documents, and especially to documents that include mathematical and scientific notation. The project will produce a preliminary framework for customizable XML editing interfaces, as well as prototypes for an instant messaging client and a web-based discussion board that support MathML markup. The key innovation in this work is the development of a configurable authoring framework that implements the different editing modes needed to create content using diverse XML vocabularies, and that negotiates the transitions and relationships among these vocabularies as they come together to produce documents that are rich in information and potentially interactive. This framework will extend to multiple XML vocabularies a similar framework that Integre has previously developed for the single vocabulary of MathML. Collaboration tools like instant messaging and web discussion boards are now used pervasively in both educational and social contexts, but are underutilized by mathematics and scientific communities because these tools lack sufficient support for mathematical notation. This project will result in first-generation applications that let math and science students engage more fully in web-based collaborative learning, that let students and their instructors communicate concepts more clearly using current technologies, and that foster the development of online research communities. Subsequent research will provide a means of creating more informative and responsive content for web-based instruction. The proposed authoring framework directly addresses an issue that is critical to the further development and impact of XML as a standard and that has been pursued in various forms within the standards community, namely the ability to integrate multiple XML vocabularies on an as-needed basis to capture as much information as possible within a document. This research will inform the discussion of such compound documents, and potentially contribute to the ongoing advancement of XML technologies. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dooley, Samuel Integre Technical Publishing Company, Inc. NM Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 HPCC 9218 9150 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638265 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Hollow Carbon Nanospheres as a Novel Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate an improved anode material for lithium-ion batteries using novel hollow carbon nanospheres. Li-ion batteries are currently the preferred form of rechargeable energy storage for many portable devices such as laptop computers and cell phones because of their high energy density, low weight, and high current discharge capabilities. This project seeks to develop new materials for these batteries that will improve the energy storage and lifetime while reducing the production cost. The proposed material is hollow carbon nanospheres which are highly structured graphitic spheres with approximately 40 nm diameters. The production process used to produce the nanospheres is unique from other nanomaterials in that the feedstocks are renewable or recyclable, reducing costs and mitigating the environmental impact caused by waste products. This project will demonstrate that improving the material structure of the anode on the nanoscale will improve the overall performance of the Li-ion battery. This is a demonstration of the promise of nanotechnology to improve products through the rational manipulation of material properties at the microscopic level. This Phase I SBIR project will involve collaboration between industry and academia, providing educational experiences in cutting edge science and engineering for both graduate researchers and undergraduate interns. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gneshin, Keith Fullerene Sciences Inc. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638271 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Processing of Low-Permeability Polymer Insulating Foam for Use in Extreme Temperature Applications. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a welding technology for joining low permeability polymer insulation (LPPI) foams prior to applying a composite overwrap. The syntactic foam is flexible over a wide range of operating temperatures, and provides a useful combination of thermal protection, low hydrogen permeability, and compressive strength. The major steps for the proposed in-situ welding process consist of (i) using pre-formed strips of uncured LPPI as feedstock, (ii) developing the means for preheating the tapered joint between the pre-molded LPPI sheets, (iii) developing the means and method for preheating the LPPI feedstock, and (iv) developing the means and method for melting and curing the LPPI weld. The proposed technology will enable the fabrication of large-scale cryogenic tanks for hydrogen storage and aerospace applications. In addition, the technology has the potential to reduce microcracks in the composite due to thermal cycling from cryogenic to elevated temperatures. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Coguill, Scott RESODYN CORPORATION MT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638272 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Mathematical Algorithms to Improve Execution-Quality of Block Trades. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for improved block trading capabilities in the financial markets. Block trading, or sell-side trading, involves transacting large blocks of stock (for example, 450,000 shares of IBM), while trying to minimize market impact and receive the best price for the stock. Block-trading technology is necessary for institutions holding large positions in equities. Much of the current block-trading technology is inefficient and expensive, often being done by hand or by very simple software systems. The research proposed here will leverage Benchmark's expertise in diffusive systems and high-frequency trading technology. Benchmark's proposed block-trading system will reduce market impact, lower transaction costs, and improve returns for institutions making large block trades. The potential commercial value of an advanced block-trading system is substantial and global. Also, fundamental advances in spacetime finite element inversion associated with this research may have broader application to numerical simulation in other fields. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dye, Lester Benchmark Simulation, LLC MT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149750 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638274 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Enhancing CMOS with RF Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will utilize RF Nano's extremely low defect long carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to both develop an analog nanotube amplifier with gain at 1 GHz and plan for the manufacturing of CMOS compatible high performance RF nanotube devices. The project innovation involves electrically combining many individual nanotube transistors in a way that minimizes capacitance and thus maximizes roll-off frequency. With THz cut-offs; power density 100 times GaAs and 4 times GaN; extreme robustness for temperature, voltage, and likely radiation; predicted quantum-limited noise; and inexpensive growth on silicon, CNTs show excellent promise for RF electronics and are compatible with CMOS. For analog performance, the digital requirements of nanometer location control and on/off ratios of a million which have stymied nanotube based bets against digital CMOS are substantially relaxed. Based on predicted results from the proposed innovation, current CNT manufacturing technology is sufficient for many if not most analog and RF applications. Manufacturing parameters such as nanotube density, alignment, and purity are still important and their impact on analog performance will be determined. The broader impact of the activity will be to leverage millions of dollars of federal R&D into a manufacturable, broad, realistic application for nanotube technology: analog and mixed signal electronics. The 2006 revenue forecast for this market is currently $60B with 13% growth through at 2011. Nanotubes grown on silicon show strong potential for high performance applications such as wireless communications and optical networking making low-cost applications such as single chip cell phones possible. In the future, by combining low cost nanotube technology for RF signal processing with the computational power and economy of silicon, entire communications systems may be integrated onto a single chip. With the expected results of this phase I project, follow on activities and investment to scale up the technology to manufacturing quantities will be justified. This could lead to revolutionary advances in combined and distributed computing and communications systems at very low cost, benefiting all economic strata in both advanced economies and developing nations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McKernan, Steffen RF Nano Corporation CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638279 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Digital Barcode Etched Assayable Micro (BEAM) Bead for Rare Biomolecules Separation and Purification. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on developing a process to detect mutations that combines the technologies of bar-coded beads, microfluidic, and nucleic acid hybridization for the separation and purification of multiple biomarkers in bodily fluids. The presence of biomarkers or mutant circulating DNA in blood can be a diagnostic and prognostic indicator, making body fluids potentially useful for diagnostics and patient monitoring. The proposed technology allows for the selective enrichment of ultra rare mutant alleles from a multiplexed amplification assay. As it has been shown that there are biomarkers, or tumor DNA circulating in a very small quantity in the blood of cancer patients, this technology may allow the development of automated blood tests for early detection of minimal residual diseases in high-risk patients. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tajbakhsh, Jian MAXWELL SENSORS INC. CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1158 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638291 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Microwave Processing of Carbon-Carbon Composites. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use microwave processing to produce higher performance carbon/carbon (C/C) composites. High performance C/C composites are typically very expensive as chemical vapor infiltration techniques are used that require extensive processing times. In this project, microwave processing will be used to produce temperature gradients where the core will be preferentially heated to promote densification from the interior to the surface. Microwave processing will also enable the growth of carbon nanotubes without introducing components that lead to strength degradation; and the in-situ growth of carbon nanotubes within the C/C composites will be investigated to produce more uniform, higher strength C/C composites. The development of lower cost carbon/carbon composites would be enabling to a multitude of industries requiring high performance friction components. As the cost of carbon fibers is escalating, lower cost processing techniques are required to make materials more cost effective. Society will benefit as energy consumption is reduced using microwaves since most of the input energy is coupled directly into the sample. The scientific value will arise from an understanding of the interaction and applicability of microwaves with different materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bracamonte, Lori MATERIALS FOCUS INC AZ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 120000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0638310 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication Technology of Sub-Micron Liquid Metal Droplet Switch. This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) project describes a fabrication technology to produce sub-micron liquid metal droplet switches for analog and RF device applications. Using this technology, MEMS switches can be integrated and placed on top of conventional CMOS circuitry isolated by dielectric film. In this technology the size of the switch is restricted by lithography limit, not by metal droplet deposition process which is the case with conventional method. And hence, dense switch matrices can be made and applications of non-silicon based MEMS switches extend to, not only discrete switches, but also to programmable circuits and systems including FPGAs. If successful the miniaturized metal droplet switches will significantly lower operating voltage, possibly reducing it from tens of volts to few volts with faster switching times. Also, environmentally hazardous mercury droplet is replaced by non-toxic gallium alloy. Since gallium alloy is easy to oxidized, use of separation of oxide liquid/gas such as ammonia is proposed. The proposed technology bridges silicon based CMOS VLSI and MEMS technology. By accomplishing the objectives of this proposal the CMOS VLSI technology horizon could be extended beyond "Moore's Law". SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, Dongyun Nano Liquid Devices, Inc CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 83220 5371 MANU 9147 1775 1517 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638312 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Glitta Research: Accelerating Online Research for Scientific Knowledge Workers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will study and prototype novel approaches to knowledge management, knowledge dissemination and visualization for science and technology professionals. Working scientists and technologists today have improved search and research capabilities at their disposal, but the ability to record, organize and communicate the results of those capabilities remains ad hoc and difficult. Moreover, discovering new research resources is largely trial-and-error. The project will develop prototype capabilities to accelerate online research and enhance the memory of researchers by capturing online activities, extracting critical linkages, creating visualizations to assist in discovering new research directions, and suggesting novel external resources. In addition, we plan to enhance on-line presentation capabilities to create assistive and findable presentations of research results. The end result will be a comprehensive information dashboard for research professionals which will accelerate research activities and help researchers to more efficiently perform their duties. The research has profound implications for scientific research practice by reducing time-to-market for pharmaceutical and technology companies, accelerating basic research, and enhancing the educational process for working science and technology professionals. Aspects of the proposed research have assistive technology implications and will improve the understanding and use of research results by worldwide audiences. The commercial opportunity for the technology extends to 10.5 million scientists and technologists in the United States. Open application programming interfaces (APIs) will foster community support of the technology by providing a platform for domain-specific enhancements to the core capabilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Mark Kitenga Co CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99067 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638319 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Courseware Self-Assembly: Auto-Constructed Nanotechnology Education Content. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project develops an online educational resource system that provides automatically constructed courseware. The auto-assembled courseware will focus on education in nanotechnology, with the ability to extend into all subject areas. The key objectives of the 'Courseware Self-Assembly' (CSA) system are: (1) an analytical resource-mapping software product that will mine diverse repositories of learning content and auto-categorize them to produce (2) a Web-based, graphical interface for effective instructional use of a multi-dimensional set of learning content resources. A formative evaluation of the CSA system will be implemented to determine key factors the system needs to master in order to automatically generate high-quality, pedagogically-appropriate courseware. The CSA focuses on meeting the pragmatic needs of instructors, especially in content areas with complex subject matter and new, distributed learning materials. CSA will enable the creation of online educational courseware with the same user approach and effort as doing a traditional Internet search. CSA will automate the job of compiling, organizing, structuring, and sequencing available learning resources, simplifying the task of creating basic courseware for courses or for instructional units to selection of topics and adapting the auto-produced results for instructors' preferences. Because CSA system will enable the creation of online educational courseware as users are accustomed to doing with a traditional Internet search tools, teaching and learning resources can be far more widely distributed, started up, and revised, than is currently possible. With this capability, schools, organizations, and individuals can get high quality, well organized and sequenced instruction in subject areas as quickly and as easily as searching the Web. This will enable teaching and learning to expand and increase in speed, as full-text search has done for the Web. This research will have the largest impact on disadvantaged people and for those who have difficulty with the culture, language, or technology, because it will give them simpler, quicker, and more adaptable access to broad choices of quality education. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG London, Robert TAXONOMIZE CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 149980 1505 HPCC 9218 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638321 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Infrared Confocal Measurement System. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel infrared measurement technique for determining the thickness of ultra-thin (0 to 200 microns) and patterned silicon wafers, and the depth of etched features (maximum trench depth of 150 microns) in micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The proposed instrument is a chromatic confocal sensor (spreads a focused spot along the axial direction according to color, or wavelength, of the light) operating in the near infrared spectrum, where silicon is transparent. With the advent of ultra-thin wafers, the present technology of capacitance testing to gage the wafers is no longer adequate. The proposed instrument, therefore, will improve the accuracy of measurements needed in the silicon microelectronics and MEMS industries. This measurement technique also has the potential to reduce the cost of silicon based microelectronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Marx, David Tamar Technology CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99431 5371 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638322 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Recycling Advanced Batteries. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will involve development of the technology to "recycle" batteries (making new batteries from exhausted batteries) and the potential for identifying the causes for premature battery failure. In the proposed research, battery grade electrode materials including the expensive new nanomaterials will be recovered from retired lithium-ion batteries through the use of low energy, green chemical methods prefrred to smelting. The "recovered" materials will be subsequently used in making new lithium-ion batteries. The proposed technology will help the environment by reducing battery waste, and will impact electronics recycling worldwide. If successful, the proposed research will swing battery manufacturers to using recycled materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sloop, Steven OnTo Technologies OR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9197 9153 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638323 January 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Integrating Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) and Ontologies to Discover Inconsistencies in Expectations for Supply and Demand. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to produce a software application that enables business people to dramatically improve their ability to forecast supply and demand. In collaboration with the Knowledge Modeling Group at Stanford Medical Informatics, Clados proposes a joint effort to produce relevant aggregation to investigate supply and demand. The effort will proceed in three stages: (1) Capture interactions in OWL from a "training" set of investment research reports; (2) Produce meaningful Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) aggregations on all interactions using the OWL representation directly; and, (3) Evaluate the results by capturing and aggregating interactions from a "control" set of reports. Business people focus heavily on composing narratives to gauge potential supply and demand to guide their investment decisions. In recent years, society has benefited from dramatic increases in volume and availability of information that business people find useful in composing these narratives. However, most people compose those narratives using only the most general tools, predominantly prose documents and spreadsheet tables, and these are insufficient to structure such volume. As a result, society has an opportunity to further improve resource allocation. OLAP technologies may dramatically improve the process of composing narratives to gauge potential supply and demand. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Moore, Peter Clados Management LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 199296 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638331 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: MapTribe: Collaborative Geocoding. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to create a collaborative geocoder allowing end-users to find a geographic location using a street address, add and correct road data to increase coverage and decrease errors, and share those improvements with others. The project includes development of a data-source reputation-system that manages multiple road segment data contributors. It will gather road data from consumers and others in the location-based services value-chain, augment an existing public road database, and provide road data back to the stakeholders in a more complete, more accurate and less expensive form. If successful, this project will reduce the cost of geocoding and improve accuracy and coverage. Geocoding is a pervasive activity, contributing to emergency response effectiveness, epidemiological studies and transportation planning, as well as consumer activities and travel planning. Impacts to these sectors will depend on the accuracy and coverage achieved and market penetration. Consumer travel could be rendered more efficient, emergency responsiveness more effective, epidemiological studies more accurate. Overall, reduced costs should improve productivity in these sectors as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greening, Daniel BIGTRIBE CORPORATION CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638333 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Multivariate Analysis of Heterologous Protein Expression. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I reserach will establish a reapid method for identification of a suitable production system for a heterologous protein. This is often a time-consuming trial-and-error process and can significantly hinder commercialization of a protein. Commercial production of a protein generally requires the use of an organism other than the natural source, a so-called heterologous host. When a production system is found, it is often far from optimized due to prohibitive time and cost and our limited current understanding of the critical parameters. We propose to use a machine learning approach to identify the critical variables and their correlations for optimal protein expression. Test gene sets systematically varied in a number of relevant parameters will be synthesized and used for protein production in a bacterial system. Protein production will then be surveyed to generate a multidimensional sequence-expression landscape, which will be modeled. The resulting model will then be incorporated into synthetic gene design software. The broader impact of this research is to enable simple means for cost-effective production of valuable therapeutic proteins in easily cultured and manipulated organisms. Recent technologies, including gene synthesis, have greatly improved our ability to recognize, isolate, study, and engineer proteins of value, expanding the field of candidate proteins for commercialization. To capture the potential of this immense and expanding market, we must have reliable means to produce proteins in heterologous systems. Gene synthesis allows us to systematically approach this problem. We expect the tools and correlations we gain from this project to drastically improve the speed, reduce the cost and remove the uncertainties of modern protein manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gustafsson, Claes DNA Twopointo Inc CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 5345 1994 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638334 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Collaborative Patent Drafting Software. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a patent-drafting software tool based on a broadband-enabled Rich Internet Application. The software will include a set of components - a drawing annotator, a claims outliner, and a discussion module - that will enhance collaborative efforts among patent attorneys and the researchers who developed the invention. The project will entail prototyping a set of collaborative knowledge representation methodologies. The prototype will be evaluated through a patent drafting cycle by several patent attorneys drafting applications for their clients. Of successful, this tool has would have the potential shift the way in which intellectual property is developed; moving it towards a balanced collaboration between attorneys and researchers. The U.S. economy relies heavily and increasingly upon intellectual property, and patents are the currency of this economy. In 2005, 400,000 patent applications were filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), a quantity that has been growing annually at nearly 10% for a decade. A U.S. patent application typically costs $10,000 (resulting in a U.S. market for patent prosecution legal services of $4 billion per year) and requires either specialized knowledge or the time to learn how to navigate the process. The proposed patent-drafting software tool should increase the productivity of researchers working with patent attorneys and produce more valuable, defensible patents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kahn, Rocky Team Patent LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0638338 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Sub-100nm Infrared Spectroscopy based on Atomic Force Microscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new nanoscale characterization system which will be capable of identifying molecular species on the surfaces of materials or living structures, through their vibrational Infrared (IR) spectral signatures, with sub-100nm spatial resolution and thus break the 5 micron resolution barrier that has limited IR spectroscopy and imaging. This 50 times improvement in spatial resolution of IR imaging and spectroscopy is enabled by our innovative multi-disciplinary approach which couples recent breakthroughs in tunable mid-IR lasers and near field thermal probes together with novel thermal detection techniques. The product will be based on an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) platform thus enabling this workhorse of nanotechnology research to have chemical analysis functionality, the lack of which is a crucial bottleneck for AFM users. As a detection mechanism, it will use photothermal effects created by laser irradiation, which will be monitored by a sensitive nanoprobe. In contrast to the research area of scanning near-field optical microscopy, the technique is expected to have much better signal-to-noise ratio (since we will no longer be limited by the difficulties associated with detection of small photon fluxes) thus enabling a real path to a commercially viable product. Commercially, ever since it led to the discovery of synthetic rubber during WWII, IR spectroscopy has remained a critical and ubiquitous analytical technique which itself comprises a $1Bill/yr industry and is crucial for the research and manufacturing in several multi-billion dollar industries such as materials and pharmaceuticals. However, the lack of nanoscale Infrared imaging and spectroscopy is leading to bottlenecks in the discovery of new materials given the large investment made by the Materials Industry in nanotechnology based research and manufacturing. Also, the impact to nano-biotechnology is pointed out by a letter of support which highlights applications in cancer screening and tissue remodeling. Another evidence for this broader impact is seen in the $200 Mill/yr Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) industry. The AFM is a workhorse instrument of nanotechnology research and the information it provides drives a large part of the $1.2 Bill National Nanotechnology Initiative funded research. However, the most serious bottleneck identified by all leading AFM users and manufacturers is the lack of chemical analysis functionality provided by the AFM. (Ranked as a Grand Challenge subject in the 2004 NIST conference on National Priorities for Nanometrology) SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kjoller, Kevin Anasys Instruments Corp. CA William Haines Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0638467 September 1, 2006 Biomolecular Interaction Technologies Center. This action funds the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biomolecular Interaction Technologies at the University of New Hampshire for the final phase. The Center fosters the development of innovative laboratory instruments and methods for use in pharmaceutical research. The continued growth of the pharmaceutical and biotech areas can be helped by developing more efficient instrumentation that characterizes biomolecules for the synthesis and extraction of new compounds. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Laue, Thomas University of New Hampshire NH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 172000 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0638588 June 16, 2006 Collaborative Research: NSF-I/UCRC on Precision Forming (CPF). The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan have established a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Precision Forming. The mission of the I/UCRC is to serve as a center of excellence for the creation and dissemination of a systematic body of knowledge in precision forming and fabrication of lightweight-high strength materials of interest in this century, and ultimately to impact the next-generation products and production systems with precision, responsiveness and near-zero waste. The objectives of this I/UCRC are to explore, conduct research and to bring about innovation and practical solutions by focusing on industrially relevant research needs; foster collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects between industrial and academic engineers and scientists; and promote intra-university research activities and prepare the next generation of engineering graduates for the metal forming industry. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Koc, Muammer Virginia Commonwealth University VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 545719 7609 7218 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9102 5761 129E 123e 116E 115E 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0639182 September 15, 2006 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS): FIVE-Year Renewal Proposal. This action continues the life cycle of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Intelligent Maintenance at the University of Cincinnati, the University of Michigan and the University of Missouri-Rolla. This I/UCRC is in the forefront of research on predictive monitoring and prognostic and decision support tools. The I/UCRC aims to maintain its commitment to intellectual and technical excellence by horizontally fostering stronger international partnerships and vertically deepening its impacts to the current members, as well as to the advancement of scientific knowledge and tools for next-generation autonomous maintenance systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sarangapani, Jagannathan Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 299999 5761 OTHR 7609 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0639468 September 15, 2006 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS): FIVE-Year Renewal Proposal. This action continues the life cycle of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Intelligent Maintenance at the University of Cincinnati, the University of Michigan and the University of Missouri-Rolla. This I/UCRC is in the forefront of research on predictive monitoring and prognostic and decision support tools. The I/UCRC aims to maintain its commitment to intellectual and technical excellence by horizontally fostering stronger international partnerships and vertically deepening its impacts to the current members, as well as to the advancement of scientific knowledge and tools for next-generation autonomous maintenance systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ni, Jun Dragan Djurdjanovic University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 220000 5761 OTHR 7609 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0639469 September 15, 2006 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS): FIVE-Year Renewal Proposal. This action continues the life cycle of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Intelligent Maintenance at the University of Cincinnati, the University of Michigan and the University of Missouri-Rolla. This I/UCRC is in the forefront of research on predictive monitoring and prognostic and decision support tools. The I/UCRC aims to maintain its commitment to intellectual and technical excellence by horizontally fostering stronger international partnerships and vertically deepening its impacts to the current members, as well as to the advancement of scientific knowledge and tools for next-generation autonomous maintenance systems. OTHER GLOBAL LEARNING & TRNING RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lee, Jay University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 547951 I150 7731 7218 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9102 7609 7218 5978 5921 5761 122E 116E 115E 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0641331 December 1, 2006 Operating Center Renewal Proposal for the Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR): An I/UCRC in Biometrics. The existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Identification Technology Research at West Virginia University will continue to focus on research in identification that includes iris, fingerprint and face recognition and will significantly enhance the research database available for the disciplines involved with security biometrics technologies. Research is needed in large scale fully automated distributed systems in several applications ranging from drivers license, passports and visas for example. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hornak, Lawrence Bojan Cukic West Virginia University Research Corporation WV Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 1621313 T798 T789 T759 S073 S026 I448 I441 I405 I338 I230 I149 I143 H473 H451 H295 H280 H231 H230 H140 5761 SMET OTHR HPCC 9251 9218 9178 5761 124E 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0641414 September 1, 2006 Establishing Clemson University as a Research Site for CELDi. This action establishes Clemson University as a Research Site of the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). Management of logistics has become the key to success of many companies. Research in logistics is necessary to help companies gain a competitive advantage. The Clemson University research site will augment the existing research agenda with; a study comparing a logistic business model with a Maintenance Program Management plan, a study of the optimization of electric generating unit scheduling options and will study how to improve the forecasting and inventory management process in a publication company. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ferrell, William Clemson University SC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 264130 7609 7218 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 7218 5761 122E 116E 115E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0641454 August 15, 2006 University Industry Demonstration Partnership. The University-Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP) is being conducted under the auspices of the Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable (GUIRR), which is part of the National Academy. The objective of the UIDP is to nourish, expand, and facilitate collaborative partnerships between universities and US industry by bringing together a coalition of willing partners who will engage in collaborative experiments on new approaches to sponsored research, licensing arrangements, and the broader strategic elements of a healthy, long-term university-industry relationship. If successful, the UIDP will conceive, design, pilot, and disseminate new mechanisms for university-industry collaboration. SPECIAL STUDIES AND ANALYSES IIP ENG Sloan, Susan National Academy of Sciences DC Joseph E. Hennessey Continuing grant 100000 1385 MANU 9149 0308000 Industrial Technology 0642422 January 1, 2007 NSF Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing (CHREC) at Florida. High-performance computing (HPC) has come to the forefront as a dominant field of technology for the advancement of science and commerce. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for High Performance Reconfigurable Computing at the University of Florida will investigate, develop, and evaluate new concepts, methods, infrastructure, and tools in reconfigurable HPC, from building-block devices to infrastructure to applications, and advance these technologies through research and education for the benefit of Center members, students, and the discipline at large. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG George, Alan University of Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 1498882 T848 T843 T797 T785 T753 T696 T484 I404 I394 I181 I142 I140 H460 H269 H153 H141 H137 H136 5761 SMET OTHR HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9139 9102 5761 122E 116E 112E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0645824 March 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Development of a New High Intensity Pulsed Light Source System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to conduct further research on the erosion properties of electrode materials under high-current pulsed operation, and demonstrate extended lifetime for a new pulsed lamp, making it economically practical. With increased lifetime, the new lamp can become the industry standard for UV water treatment and enable a new photolytic paint stripping process. Materials used for pulsed power electrodes were originally formulated for continuous or alternating current at low peak current. In Phase I a tungsten composite fabricated with a specific process eroded at one-sixteenth of the erosion of the standard electrode material. Phase II continues the research on this tungsten composite and its fabrication processes to demonstrate low erosion, with the objective of demonstrating increased lamp life that meets requirements for commercialization. If successful the proposed research will enhance scientific understanding of the erosion of electrode materials under repeated high-current pulsed cycling. New electrode materials will expand the use of pulsed power and provide better alternatives to thoriated tungsten, which is banned in Europe because of its radioactivity. The primary goal is to enable a new commercial pulsed lamp. The lamp will replace mercury lamps, reducing mercury use and exposure of the public. The lamp also will enable commercial photolytic paint removal, replacing chemical and abrasive techniques that are labor intensive, create dust and debris, and generate toxic byproducts. The photolytic process will provide a lower cost and cleaner method of removing lead paint. This will allow abatement to replace "interim measures" currently in vogue, and support national goals to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. The commercial market for the new lamp encompasses all of UV water treatment and a wide range of paint removal applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schaefer, Raymond PHOENIX SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 641517 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9139 4080 1592 0308000 Industrial Technology 0645908 June 1, 2007 Continuation of An Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (I-UCRC) Site at ASU. The multi-university I/UCRC for Water Quality joins the University of Arizona and Arizona State University to develop a partnership that will lead to scientific breakthroughs in water quality research. It provides a platform to address issues as diverse as water quality by capitalizing on the strengths of partner organizations. Future research will include; early warning system/water security; detection and elimination of contaminants; fate and remediation of organic and inorganic contaminants; endocrine disrupting chemicals; methods development for viability and infectivity of pathogens; water reuse; and potable water quality. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Abbaszadegan, Morteza Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 80000 5761 OTHR 128E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0646008 September 1, 2006 University of Virginia Center on Rapidly Reconfigurable Mission Critical Wireless Systems. This action adds the University of Virginia as a research site to the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Wireless Internet Advanced Technology. The research site will augment the Center's research agenda with resource management tradeoffs in wireless sensor networks, resource management for reconfigurable wireless sensor networks, infrastructure for persistent surveillance of a metropolitan region and vehicle infrastructure integration. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS IIP ENG Horowitz, Barry Stephen Patek University of Virginia Main Campus VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 633000 5761 1504 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9102 7218 132E 122E 116E 115E 1049 0000 0104000 Information Systems 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0646182 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Broad Spectrum Differential Mobility Aerosol Analyzer for Aerosol Size Distribution Measurements. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will support the continued development of a new Synchronous Differential Mobility Analyzer (SDMA) aerosol sizing and counting system that is simple to use, inexpensive, and allows rapid observations of ambient particle number size distributions over the 0.005 to 0.4 micron diameter range. The new technology will largely eliminate the cost, size, weight, and operator-expertise limitations of currently available sizing technologies. Prototypes of the particle sizing, growth and optical detection systems will be fabricated and the instrument will be tested side-by-side against standard instruments in the laboratory. Broader impacts of the proposed research include satisfying the need for increased spatial and temporal coverage of ambient aerosol data while creating a measurement technique accessible to a more general group of users through reduced cost and ease of use. The broader application of the new technology will serve as an educational tool for students and investigators leading to more widespread understanding of how particle concentration varies with size in ambient, laboratory and industrial settings. Increased understanding of the variability of the ambient aerosol number size distribution will serve as important information for investigators in the areas of aerosol global climate and particulate pollution health impacts. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Brechtel, Fredrick Brechtel Manufacturing Incorporated CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 602000 5761 5373 HPCC 9215 7398 7282 5413 1634 1580 1521 1401 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646183 February 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Molecular Transfer Lithography with Real-Time Alignment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a comprehensive automated nanolithography and alignment system for integrated electronics and photonics manufacturing. Transfer Devices, Inc. is the pioneer, and has significant intellectual property, in transfer lithography. The product driver for this application is the MxL (molecular transfer lithography) template. It is a consumable, one-time-per-use item that forms patterns by bonding patterned resist layers onto a substrate surface, with subsequent water dissolution of the template. MxL is a non-imprint, non-photolithography process that solves the defect propagation problem of contract printing, and is applied for large area, conformal printing at low costs and high throughput. The proposal seeks to optimize the replication of MxL templates, and coordination with an advanced adaptive alignment system, to achieve unprecedented overlay and high resolution patterning for high throughput next generation lithography of integrated circuits and photonic devices. The reason for the success of the proposed solution is a technologically superior solution of that of alternative approaches by combining low-cost, environmentally friendly processing with defect free conformal printing over large areas at high throughput rates. MxL (molecular transfer lithography) is a patent protected unique process using a water dissolvable sacrificial polymer template. This advanced process is coordinated with an adaptive alignment scheme to produce state-of-the-art registration with sub-50 nm features at sub-20 nm placement capability. Commercially, the proposed process and technological solution will significantly advanced the capability to manufacture nano-technological devices for a wide range of applications including integrated circuits, solar wafers, displays, data storage, MEMS, as well as emerging areas in photonics, high brightness LED's, optoelectronics, life sciences, and nanotechnology. The project will be implemented commercially into the lithography marketplace, which by 2009 has a total market size of roughly $20B including equipment technology, masks, and consumables. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schaper, Charles Transfer Devices, Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 650000 9131 5373 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646184 March 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: A Novel Microwave Technique for Rapid Thermal Processing of Silicon Carbide Wide Bandgap Semiconductor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a unique solid-state microwave technique capable of reaching ultra-high temperature (up to 2150 deg C) and ultra-fast thermal processing of large wide band gap semiconductor wafers. It is widely recognized that the existing post-implant anneal process is a bottleneck limiting the performance and reliability of wide band gap semiconductor devices. This technique lowers the sheet resistance and surface roughness of the implanted semiconductor, enabling the fabrication of higher performance, more power efficient devices at lower cost. As part of the Phase I research, the microwave annealed samples showed a record low sheet resistance and surface roughness in both p-type and n-type implanted SiC. The Phase II research is to extend microwave-based rapid thermal processing (RTP) to other wide band gap materials such as GaN and to allow for RTP of larger sized wafers. The prototype system will be upgraded from a single-heating-head system to a system with an array of multiple heads and multiple sensors. Computer-based automated control will be developed to regulate wafer temperatures uniformity and stability. The research is anticipated to show feasibility of microwave-based RTP in commercial use for large SiC wafers. The technology improves post-implant anneal process to minimize sheet resistance and surface roughness of SiC and GaN, which consequently reduces the device power consumption and lowers the thermal budget. Lower surface roughness improves SiC sub-micron device reliability, consequently improving yield and reducing manufacturing cost. Commercially, this is an enabler technology that will make better and lower-cost compound semiconductor devices in areas such as power devices, light emitting diodes (LEDs), high temperature and high frequency electronics. The societal and commercial impact of the technology can be enormous. LED technology, for example, can potentially reduce the percentage of energy required for lighting in the U.S. from 22% to 7%, saving $17 billion per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 155 million tons. Manufacturers of LED devices are looking for enabler technologies such as RTP to reach this goal. Recognizing the technological and the commercial significance of the research, Cree, GE Research and ARL are supporting the research effort by providing the technological expertise, test wafers, access to equipment, and other in-kind services. Furthermore, the technology can be extended to other applications such as RTP of ultra-shallow junction for nano-scale CMOS devices, wafer bonding, MEMS as well as processing of SiC nano-materials. INT'L RES & EDU IN ENGINEERING SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tian, Yonglai LT Technologies VA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 681645 7641 5373 MANU 9251 9147 1775 1517 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646263 February 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Low Cost Pressure Infiltration Casting Process to Support High Volume Manufacture of Graphite-Metal Thermal Management Components. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop the use of a gas pressure infiltration casting process to manufacture graphite-metal billet materials that would be used to produce components for high power electronic device packaging. The heat dissipation rate of electronic devices has increased dramatically as a result of advances in semiconductor materials, faster switching speeds, compression of circuit physical architecture, and miniaturization of device envelops. These market trends are expected to continue and there is a critical need for advanced materials with improved thermal conductivity capable of meeting the package heat dissipation requirements of current and future high power electronic systems. In addition the materials will need to have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that minimizes the CTE mismatch that occurs at the interface between packaging components of different materials. The objective of the Phase II effort is the development and demonstration of cost-effective package assemblies that incorporate graphite-metal components with a thermal conductivity of from 500 to 600 W/m-oK and a coefficient of thermal expansion that can be adjusted between 5.0 and 10 ppm/oC. The markets for packaging products based upon the graphite-metal material technology include: (1) RF power amplifiers for communications systems; (2) switching devices for power conversion systems; and (3) light emitting diode devices for solid state lighting. The research will produce the key knowledge required to enable the production of low-cost, high-volume graphite-metal components to satisfy the packaging requirements for the above applications. The packaging products supported by this manufacturing technology will benefit a broad spectrum of commercial, industrial, and military high power electronics end users. The adoption and wide-spread use of the graphite-metal packaging products for electronic systems will enable commercial electronic devices based upon more efficient higher power semiconductor materials that will provide benefit to society in the form of reduced energy consumption and improved environmental quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Connell, James ADVANCED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 542683 5373 MANU 9146 5761 1468 1467 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646272 April 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Thick Film Garnet Materials for In-Plane Propagation Magnetooptic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the device and market opportunity for in-plane propagation of light in-planar anisotropy magnetic garnet films for high sensitivity, high speed magneto-optic sensors, switches and modulators. Traditional perpendicular propagation devices require perpendicular magnetic fields and magnetization processes. These are limited in speed and sensitivity by the current materials and the energy required to magnetize the garnet in the perpendicular direction. In the plane of the film, there is almost no energetic barrier to domain rotation. In this project, Integrated Photonics, Inc. (IPI) proposes to reduce that barrier to near zero to make devices of unprecedented sensitivity and speed. The goal is to attain pico-tesla field sensitivities in sensors and gigahertz device frequencies. The latter will enable small, low-power magneto-optic light modulators that are truly a disruptive technology by comparison to current large dimension electro-optic technologies. In Phase I, a materials growth and characterization capability was established and limitations on speed and sensitivity were removed by optimizing material parameters. In Phase II the process will be optimized to achieve the highest optical quality for commercial devices and sensor, switch and modulator devices will be realized in collaboration with customer-partners. Commercially, in-plane propagation in planar thick film Faraday rotators would enable unique new devices. High speed magneto-optic modulators open the door to system integration architecture for wideband communications and software defined radios. In-plane propagation materials have much higher switching speeds than conventional perpendicular Faraday rotators and as such would permit a magneto-optical approach to packet switching. Reduced costs would permit wide deployment in FTTP. High speed, low field magneto-optic switches are attractive for military applications. In-plane propagation magnetic field sensors can be optimized to give unprecedented high sensitivity speeds much higher than can be attained with conventional perpendicular propagation. These sensors would have applications such as wheel and turbine rotation, electric power distribution, monitoring, metering and control and battlefield sensors. The electric power application in particular has potential to revolutionize catastrophic failure prevention in the power grid and reduce power costs at a variety of levels by enabling autonomous reconfiguration. The lack of electrical connectors in fiber optic sensors for explosive, flammable and high voltage environments represents a significant improvement in safety. Smart ships and buildings would find utility both for conservation and efficiency. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fratello, Vincent INTEGRATED PHOTONICS, INC. AL William Haines Standard Grant 518000 5373 MANU 9231 9150 9147 7744 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646275 February 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Strategic Model for Manufacturing Organizations (DSMMO). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project proposes a dynamic modeling technology that helps decision makers visualize and calculate the top and bottom line financial impact of changes made at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels of a business. The proposed research will make intellectual contributions regarding how technologies extend complex cognitive capabilities in high-performance business settings. The resulting tool promises to address two well-known problems faced by business executives: decision-making rigidity and the inability to think simultaneously on strategic and tactical levels. The broader impacts of the proposed technology have already been indicated by the increased use and measurable success of these models in client engagements. However, the models in their current form, are not widely or easily accessed although demand for them is high. This tool will have important pedagogic value to university programs because it will enable students to think through the multi-level issues in organizations. The models themselves may also add to the understanding of how the different levels and functions in an organization interact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG DiBello, Lia Workplace Technologies Research Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 782000 5373 MANU 9231 9149 9102 7218 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522400 Information Systems 0646322 March 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Quantum Dot / Fluoropolymer Composites: A New Approach for Enhancing Performance in Light Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project describes an innovative approach to encapsulating nanocrystals (quantum dots and rare earth doped inorganics) using functionalized perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) polymers. This project will expand the range of ligands synthesized in Phase I specifically designed to enhance the encapsulation of nanocrystals currently being developed for commercialization in the rapidly growing light emitting diodes, displays, planar infrared amplifiers and photovoltaic markets. In Phase I, the company developed a significant competitive advantage by increasing nanocrystal loading to unprecedented levels with uniform distribution and little or no loss of performance. Further competitive advantages over current encapsulating polymers such as silicones, epoxies, and polycarbonates are Tg's above 250 0C, optical clarity at 800, 1330 and 1550 nm, and no free radicals or by-products during polymerization. This encapsulating performance creates an excellent competitive advantage since it meets a critical enabling need in the field of nanophotonics. The technical objectives for this project are 1) Synthesize 7 new functionalized polymers 2) Work with nanocrystal and device manufacturers to commercialize new nanocrystal composites for the markets shown above 3) Down select and scale up the best materials for commercialization. The Tetramer team has over 50 years of successful specialty polymer commercialization. If successful the results of this project will enhance scientific and technical knowledge in the very active field of quantum dot and rare earth doped inorganic nanocrystals. In particular, the interaction between the unique functionalized PFCB polymers and the nanocrystal surface will provide new fundamental technical insights for the origins of performance of these materials in LED's, displays, infrared amplifiers, and photovoltaic devices. Improvement of devices in these markets has the potential for strong societal and commercial impact. For example, light emitting diodes replacing incandescent lighting alone could decrease national energy consumption by 29%, while more efficient, lower cost solar cells would reduce the US dependence on foreign oil. Use of these new encapsulating materials will enable new device designs for these high priority markets. This in turn will lead to improved cost performance therefore accelerating commercialization and the subsequent societal benefits of reduced energy usage and improved communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG DiMaio, Jeffrey TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 516412 5373 HPCC 9261 9251 9231 9150 9139 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646327 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Reduction Of The Critical Current In Spin Transfer Switching Through Anisotropy Engineering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will address the critical steps needed to manufacture a fast, non-volatile, magnetic random access memory (MRAM) based on spin transfer torque (STT-RAM). STT-RAM which uses spin polarized current to switch individual bits is predicted to have better scaling properties than conventional MRAM which uses magnetic fields. This Phase II project will focus on sub-100nm device manufacturability, device performance testing, and circuit design to develop a set of results which will enable the creation of a 1 Mb demonstration chip. The STT-RAM test chip is needed to prove the technology for customers. The results obtained from this project will include the development of arrays of sub-100nm bits, with the appropriate thermal stability, read/write characteristics and distributions. Also addressed will be the reliability of reading and writing such small devices. The project will develop processes for manufacturing sub-100nm structures. Finally, a simulation of read and write circuitry based on STT-RAM will be produced allowing for tape-out of a 1 Mb test chip. Commercially, as microelectronics scales to smaller sizes and higher speeds, more features are added to typical consumer electronic devices and the demands on memory continues to grow. These demands and the inherent limitations of existing technologies create opportunities for new memory technologies to fill. As a leading candidate for a future universal memory that incorporates all the desired characteristics; non-volatility, high speed, low power, unlimited rewriting capability, extendibility to future semiconductor nodes; STT-RAM is in a strong position to take advantage of these opportunities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Diao, Zhitao Grandis, Inc CA William Haines Standard Grant 994500 5373 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646339 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Location Aware Computing Using Near Field Electromagnetic Ranging. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II research project seeks to transform the Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) industry by bringing to fruition a simple, inexpensive, yet highly accurate approach to location awareness: Near-Field Electromagnetic Ranging (NFER) technology. RTLS is an important and rapidly growing segment within the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) industry. In today's world of just-in-time commerce, Supply Chain Management (SCM) requires inexpensive real-time location data to improve efficiency and maintain competitiveness. Established technologies like the Global Positioning System (GPS), UltraWideBand (UWB), and traditional time-of-flight ranging have proven unable to perform satisfactorily within complicated, real-world, indoor propagation environments. The anticipated result of this research effort will be a pilot installation of a NFER tracking system in a warehouse. It is predicted that: "RTLS and wireless LAN technologies, combined with innovative applications, will fundamentally change the way businesses manage and track high-value assets." Accelerated development of a technology that can meet this market need will bolster the American economy and increase American competitiveness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schantz, Hans Q-Track Corporation AL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 509952 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9150 7218 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646357 April 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Voltage Tunable Micro-Ring Resonators: Low-Cost, Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drops. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project entails the design and building of polarization independent, fiberdized, wavelength selective switches using patent pending EO-waveguide micro-ring technology developed and demonstrated as a result of work carried out under Phase I. The approach is electro-optic, rather than thermo-optic, and operates with negligible power consumption (< 30 microwatts per ring demonstrated in phase I), fast switching (< 100 microseconds demonstrated), larger index modulation (dn > 0.01 demonstrated, more possible) and importantly, will enable active polarization dependent loss (PDL) compensation. This will replace thermo-optically tuned ring resonators, which have provided only limited tunability (dn/dt =~ 1.5 x 10-5/oC), slower tuning times (> 3 milliseconds typical), high polarization dependency (no active PDL compensation possible), and are prohibitively power consumptive ( ~~ 0.5 Watts per ring). In the last century the low power transistor replaced the power hungry vacuum tube, thereby ushering in the age of integrated electronics. In a similar fashion, low-power LC-waveguides have the potential to replace high-power thermo-optics (providing a power savings of >10,000), thereby opening up applications and markets for integrated optics. In phase II we will transition our phase I feasibility demonstration into a fully functioning and packaged prototype. As computing power and bandwidth continue to grow (e.g., streaming media), low-cost electro-optical filtering and switching systems will be required to satisfy pending fiber-to-the-home and "last mile" deployment needs. Since 2002, United States and European deployment of long-haul dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems have been almost entirely constructed from reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADM). A typical deployed system works by reading incoming optical signals and converting them to electrical signals, which can then be routed. Conversion back to optical is performed by an array of tunable lasers. This brute force method, while providing useful performance, is cost prohibitive for small network deployment. According to Infonetics, a leading market research firm, the ROADM-enabled equipment market size nearly reached $600 million in 2005, tripling earlier forecasts. Over all growth will be determined by affordability and reliability of ROADMs technology, especially within the metro and access space. The technology outlined in this proposal if successful will contribute a new and inherently agile all optical solution by reducing cost while maintaining performance and reliability. In addition to ROADMs, the voltage tunable micro-rings will enable a wide array of useful devices, ranging from spectral filters, to optical cross-connects, to routers, to name only a few. CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Davis, Scott VESCENT PHOTONICS INCORPORATED CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 578052 9131 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 1775 1769 1704 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646365 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Micro-quantity Internal Cooling (MQuIC) of Cutting Tools for Increased Productivity via Micro-ducts. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research aims to develop and commercialize cutting tools with internal micro-geometric features to provide relatively direct and localized cooling of the tool-chip contact zone. The proposed innovation is (i) incorporation of micro-scale internal features and (ii) a production process that can provide high-volume manufacturing of these modified cutting tool inserts. Conventional approaches of using coatings for effective cooling during machining have limited effectiveness, but the proposed approach is claimed to provide a novel method of providing internal cooling mechanism to machine difficult-to-machine (DTM) materials. If successful, this technology will enable better tool-life during the machining of hard-to-machine materials at finish feeds, which can have tremendous impact for machining of DTM alloys. By requiring minimal coolant use due to effective heat transfer from machining operation, the research will lead to new manufacturing methods with a positive impact on environmental pollution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Endres, William Endres Machining Innovations MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 511951 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9176 9146 5373 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646388 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Trapping Particle Detector for On-Line Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop improved particle detectors for monitoring of semiconductor manufacturing tools. This detection technology will increase count rates for greater than 0.2 micron diameter particles by 100 to 1000 times improving correlations between the particle detector and wafer by greater than 10 times. For smaller particles this detector will enable detection, ultimately to the nanoparticle regime (less than 25 nanometers). The intellectual merit of this proposal is that it will advance the state of knowledge in the field of engineering and physics of microplasmas. It will broaden knowledge of plasma scaling and of the behavior of particles in plasmas. The project will involve the following tasks: Optical detector hardware development ; Trap development for capturing particles; Data analysis, Control system and Software interface development and ; Field testing of prototypes. This project will provide currently unavailable detection technology for monitoring particles. Commercially, this project will improve the performance of semiconductor process tool manufacturer's products by enabling cost-effective, real-time monitoring. The broad economic benefit of this program will be to enhance the competitiveness of domestic semiconductor manufacturers where particle issues account for approximately 11% of manufacturing tool down time and are a major cause of scrap and yield losses. For the future nanotechnology industry as a whole this detector will enhance workplace and public safety by enabling monitoring of nanoparticle levels and production processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Doughty, Chris Verionix MA William Haines Standard Grant 524000 5373 1591 MANU 9251 9178 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646397 February 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Extrusion Manufacturing Process for Ultrahigh Bandwidth, Low Attenuation Graded-Index Polymer Optical Fibers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the technology for reliably manufacturing low attenuation, ultrahigh bandwidth, graded-index, perfluorinated polymer optical fibers (GI-POF) by a low cost continuous extrusion process. Currently there is an unmet need for an easy-to-use, rugged medium that allows the migration of data communications to speeds of 10 Gigabits per second, and beyond, in rapidly growing applications such as data centers, supercomputing and consumer electronics. This project will result in a production quality process for manufacturing plastic fibers having bandwidth equal to the best multimode glass fibers, but with a simple "plug-and-clamp" installation process, and tolerance of bend radii fivefold tighter than that allowed by glass fibers. The project will address three areas to develop the technology into commercially viable products: 1) Advanced extrusion process development to greatly improve fiber bandwidth distribution and attenuation, while doubling production speed; 2) Investigation to prove-in new polymers that can increase the fiber operating temperature up to 85 deg C; 3) Investigation and development of a unique, readily manufactured multi-core fiber design that can offer customers almost unlimited bandwidth, as well as greatly improved attenuation in tight bends. If successful the production technologies developed in this project will result in the possible recapturing of American leadership in POF manufacturing while stimulating American-based production of the manufacturing capital equipment used in this industry. Similarly, American companies using POF to develop next-generation short-distance communication systems will also benefit, as they will enjoy better access to information and custom products based on GI-POF. The results of this project will help improve the "ecosystem" for many areas of datacom manufacturing in the US. Also, by enabling a product that makes installation of high-bandwidth cabling much simpler and less expensive, the Phase II project will be of considerable benefit to schools, hospitals, and other institutions which have many needs for high-bandwidth communication, but often do not have large budgets to support such systems. The scientific benefits of the Phase II project are likely to be the simplified and lower-cost construction of massively parallel computing facilities, and increased commercial interest in chemical synthesis techniques for amorphous fluoropolymers and their precursor chemicals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG White, Whitney Chromis Fiberoptics, LLC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU HPCC 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646415 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Atmospheric Pressure Microplasma Emission Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop a miniature atmospheric pressure plasma spectrometer using a source which generates a highly confined, high-density discharge (kW/cm3). The source would be based on a high frequency ring resonator structure and would utilize low cost widely available IC power amplifiers and drivers, would have extremely low cost in moderate volume production, and would consume <2 W rf power, allowing for portable operation. The compact size of this discharge should allow straightforward coupling to fiber optic spectrometers, and intense optical emission. This research will substantially add to the scientific knowledge base and lead to fundamental understanding of the physics and engineering of these high-power-density, small and highly non-equilibrium plasmas. The source technology to be developed here will enable the miniaturization of a variety of chemical and gas analysis technology. This technology, by dramatically lowering the cost (10-100x), form factor (100x), and portability of the analytical equipment will provide economic benefits to customers in industrial settings, enhance worker and workplace safety, and allow for wider environmental monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Doughty, Chris Verionix MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 790000 5373 1591 HPCC 9261 9251 9231 9216 9215 9178 7331 5225 1962 1185 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0646417 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: A New Production Method for Ta Fibers for Use in Electrolytic Capacitors with Improved Performance and Packaging Options. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project is intended to develop a new process for manufacturing tantalum (Ta) metal fibers for use in producing tantalum capacitors, and advance this process to the stage of commercialization. This technology, which has been demonstrated in Phase I, could lead to capacitor products having higher performance and greater volumetric efficiency than any currently available. The use of fibers in place of metal powder allows the production of thin anode bodies leading to improved packing options and component performance. The innovation underlying the technology is bundle drawing of Ta filaments in a copper matrix. A composite consisting of Ta filaments in a copper matrix is drawn is a series of reduction steps until the filaments are less than about 10 microns in diameter. The drawn wire is rolled to produce ribbon-type filaments that are 1 micron or less in thickness. The copper composite matrix is chemically dissolved without attacking the Ta to produce metallic Ta high surface area, ribbon-fibers. The fibers are formed into thin mats, which are sintered to produce porous metal strips from which high surface area capacitor anodes are made. A significant aspect of this approach is that fiber morphology can be varied over a wide of fiber thicknesses unlike powder. This allows the morphology of the fibers to be optimized for the particular voltage rating and use requirements in order to maximize the performance of the capacitor. Commercially, nearly all medical, automotive, military and many consumer electronic devices utilize Ta electrolytic capacitors due to their outstanding performance, reliability and volumetric efficiency. Solid electrolytic capacitors are currently made from Ta metal powder. Several million pounds per year of Ta powder are consumed in manufacturing Ta capacitors for these applications. The trend in electronics is toward high powder components and increased miniaturization. Combined with the need to lower materials and manufacturing costs, these considerations have created an opportunity for new method of producing solid electrolytic capacitors. Fiber metal technology has the potential to both lower manufacturing costs, improve capacitor performance, and improve packaging options, which could enable the development of new product that are either currently very difficult or very expensive to make using current technology base on metal powder. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nachtrab, William Supercon Inc MA William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646419 February 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Hydrogen Production via Ultra-Rich Superadiabatic Combustion of Hydrogen Sulfide in a Reverse Flow Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a new process employing the superadiabatic reverse flow reactor to reform hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen with the simultaneous recovery of sulfur. Currently, the seven million tons of hydrogen sulfide produced each year as a byproduct of the reaction of sulfurous compounds with hydrogen are processed by Claus reactors into sulfur while wasting the much more valuable hydrogen content through oxidation. The successful development of the process would provide an economical means of dealing with hydrogen sulfide by retaining hydrogen. The Phase I project obtained the highest hydrogen yield ever achieved by a hydrogen sulfide process without the aid of external energy. Furthermore, the project attested that the reactor operates in regimes that eliminate sulfur dioxide. Building on the positive Phase I results; during this Phase II, a small pilot plant will be built and tested forming the basis for designing the commercial reactor with minimal modification. The high price of gasoline and natural gas is partly due to the high cost of extracting sulfurous compounds in the crude oil refining process. This desulphurization process uses hydrogen, obtained mostly from natural gas, to react with the organosulphur species to form hydrogen sulfide. A process that can produce hydrogen as well as sulfur from hydrogen sulfide would save the energy industry hundreds of millions dollars per year in addition to decreasing the cost of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas for consumers. In addition, the process will also eliminate millions of tons of acid-rain-causing sulfur dioxide produced during disposal of hydrogen sulfide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bingue, Jacques Innovative Energy Solution IN Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 511999 5373 5371 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9102 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646422 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: RFID Tags for Cardiopulmonary Monitoring in Clinical Setting. This Small Business Innovation Reseach (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop an RFID system with sensor tags. This work focuses on design and implementation of a custom CMOS integrated circuit which contains hybrid analog-digital circuits on a micro-power tag. The biomedical application is vital signs monitoring including heart and lung sounds. The sensor tag operates within an RFID environment. Micro-electromechanical systems technology is used to fabricate an optimized sensor together with CMOS circuitry on the RFID-compatible tag. Heart sounds are presented as time-varying waveforms and processed algorithmically for feature extraction. Micro-power designs are used throughout the planned system. The commercialized product with disposable tag sensors can replace the jungle of wiring currently used with direct-wired sensors or, for wireless pods, the need to replace batteries frequently. The system provides a patient monitoring capability that is very convenient, highly-cost effective, capable of chronic use, and does not interfere with nearby heart pacers. The ease of application makes this system ideal as a teaching tool for medical students and specialists with both visual waveforms and sound presented to the operator simultaneously. The system will be used in hospitals, clinics, medical offices, and for outpatients in the home. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Salesky, Ronald NEW JERSEY MICROSYSTEMS INC NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 771998 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 7218 5225 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646438 February 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Robotic Material Removal System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project explores the innovation of a robot that, like biological creatures, operates by applying and sensing contact forces. Today's position-controlled robots have limited applicability to many manufacturing tasks, especially those related to material removal and surface finishing. Emulating a human's free-hand motion capability greatly advances robot capability. Such a robot could trace part contours to smooth and polish. It could feelfor part edges to discover a part's location, and compare measured geometry to a modeled ideal to detect finishing requirements. The robot could follow finishing strategies, acquiring needed information by touch as it worked. Applications for force capable robots are ubiquitous across industry. Virtually all parts made from casting, forging, machining, or molding require some degree of surface finishing to arrive at a final desired shape and smoothness. Other prospective applications include: mechanical assembly, sorting and packaging irregular objects, and dual-arm manipulation of heavy and bulky items. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Somes, Steven Western Robotics Co OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 675000 5761 5373 HPCC 9215 6840 5761 1401 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646439 February 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Titania-Loaded Silicone with High Refractive Index for Light-Emitting Diode Encapsulation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the development of a new class of materials, namely polymeric nanomaterials with a very high refractive index, which will closely match the refractive index of inorganic semiconductors. The encapsulant materials consist of titania-nanoparticle-loaded silicone and epoxy. Titania (TiO2) has a refractive index of 2.68 and the admixture of TiO2 with a polymer would result in an increase of the refractive index. The well-known problem of excessive optical scattering will be overcome by proper use of surfactants and an encapsulation structure that employs thin films, with a thickness that is less than the average distance between scattering events. If successful the development of a new high-index encapsulant will have a tremendous impact on SSL technology because virtually all SSL devices made of inorganic semiconductors are packaged and encapsulated. A successful completion of the program will result in a worldwide paradigmatic shift in the packaging and encapsulation of optoelectronic devices. The broad deployment of efficient LED technology for general lighting applications would also result in electrical energy savings in the TWh range per year within the United States alone. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kim, Jong Kyu Troy Research Corporation NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 524000 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9146 9102 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646447 January 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Supercritical Fluid Processing of Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites. This Small Businesss Innovation Reseach (SBIR) project will address a major technological barrier to producing superior nanocomposites by overcoming the difficulty of dispersing nano-fillers uniformly in a host matrix to derive the maximum surface area advantage. When effective filler dispersion is coupled with improved polymer-clay interactions, a significant technological gap in the field of polymer nanocomposites can be addressed. The company, nanoSEC has licensed, developed, and 'validated' (lab scale) a supercritical fluid-based dispersion (SCFP) technology, that produces significant clay dispersion using a simple, versatile, environmentally friendly process that utilizes the unusual properties of supercritical CO2. During Phase I, the clay dispersion conditions were optimized and showed significant property improvements in the resultant nanocomposites that were appreciably better than those in literature. During Phase II, these technical accomplishments will be translated towards commercial success by: (1) producing and benchmarking pilot-scale polystyrene/clay, polyethylene/clay, polypropylene/clay nanocomposites for mechanical and barrier property improvements, with applications in automotive and food packaging industries; (2) scaling up the pilot production process to produce 200 lbs/week of dispersed clay in Year 1, and to produce 1 million lbs/year of polymer-clay nanocomposites (at 10% clay loading) by Year 3; (3) developing specific joint development agreements with business customers for faster adaptation of nanoSEC's technology in actual products. Commercially, nanoSEC's technology addresses a key need in nanocomposites, which could single-handedly revive the packaging technology applications of nanocomposites. Several companies have expressed strong interest in joint development agreements. Working closely with Wayne State, and end users like Ford, Daimler Chrysler, and GE Plastics will enable nanoSEC to advance both on research and commercial sides to produce a revenue of close to $ 8 million by the end of 2008. The Phase II project will enable pilot-commercial scale validation for rapid development and nanoSEC's location in the state-of-the- art NextEnergy building in Detroit, and the familiarity of the participants with the automotive and food packaging industry will enable unique applications to be achieved in a timely manner. The 'top down' strategy to partner with end users will enable fast implementation upon validation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nawani, Pranav nanoScienceEngineering Corporation MI William Haines Standard Grant 697586 5373 MANU 9146 1984 1788 1480 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646448 April 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Methodology for Applying Haptic Robotics to Agile Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase-II research project addresses safety, user -interface, and performance challenges uncovered in Phase I while adapting a haptic robot to the manufacturing environment for medium-production-run paint spraying. Haptics is an exciting field, but industry adoption has been slow. Yet without haptics in applications like medium-run paint spraying, the two alternatives (fully automated or fully manual) are unappealing. Robots are prohibitively expensive to program for short runs, and fully manual operations endanger worker health. The technologically revolutionary haptics field has not yet revolutionized manufacturing. Some manufacturing tasks lack good alternatives, especially in medium run production, where one must choose between high-cost, time-consuming robot programming versus poor worker health. Physical robot-craftsperson interaction will benefit these middle applications, if safe and intuitive. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Townsend, William Barrett Technology Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 1225361 5373 HPCC 9261 9251 9215 7744 6840 5373 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646460 June 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: A New Class of Complex Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Mesogens for Advanced Electro-Optic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to exploit novel dimer ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) to develop a new class of materials for electro-optics (EO) and non-linear optics (NLO) that offer previously unobtainable properties. This will enable advanced optoelectronic products across multiple markets, from lasers for projection television to 100GHz integrated electro-optic modulators and switches for optical interconnects and telecommunications. For over 100 years, predominant liquid crystal molecules have been variants on simple rod shapes. This innovation exploits new dimers - a side-by-side pair of conventional rod-shaped FLC molecules connected by a pi-conjugated bridge engineered to be part of a strong NLO chromophore. It is difficult and expensive to build integrated optoelectronic devices using lithium niobate, today's dominant NLO material. Organic poled-polymer NLO materials offer significant advantages for integration, but suffer performance and stability limitations due to being thermodynamically unstable and non-centrosymmetric (required to be NLO active). FLCs are intrinsically non-centrosymmetric and thermodynamically stable, offering an ideal scaffolding for creating high densities of strong, oriented, NLO chromophores. Our Phase II objectives are to develop and demonstrate prototype materials for projection television laser light sources and electro-optic modulation, and to design a product that will be used in projection television lasers. Commercially, this SBIR Phase II project will advance the scientific and technological understanding of a new class of dimer ferroelectric liquid crystals, and will produce the first commercially significant liquid crystals not based on simple rod-shaped molecules. Consumer products will include higher image quality, lower cost, rear projection televisions and practical, bright, micro-projectors for portable electronics. Integrated electro-optic devices enabled by the NLO materials will help to expand the bandwidth of computer and telecommunication networks, and of interconnects within coming generations of faster computers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhang, Yongqiang Displaytech Incorporated CO William Haines Standard Grant 499999 5373 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646478 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Novel Monolithically Integrated Wavelength-Range-Selectable and Widely-Wavelength-Tunable Semiconductor Lasers with High Functionalities. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is focused on the use of new technology for the development of a novel wavelength selectable or wavelength tunable laser. Such lasers are central to next-generation photonic technologies and optical networks, and have a wide range of applications including instrumentations, optical sensing, medical, military, imaging, and high bandwidth DWDM optical networks. The company has recently developed a powerful integrated super-high-resolution compact curved diffraction grating (SCG) on InP chip with the highest spectral resolution and the smallest size. Applying to lasers, SCG allows combining the simple-control and high-performance advantage of "external cavity laser" with the high ruggedness and low-cost advantage of monolithic integration. The Proposed wavelength-selectable or tunable lasers will result in extended tunable laser capabilities, not achievable currently, such as simpler control electronics, direct modulation capability up to 2.5Gb/s, 10Gb.s modulation with integrated modulator, ultra-compact laser module size, lower power consumption, and lower costs via monolithic integration. The proposed wavelength-selectable or wavelength-tunable SCG lasers will involve a number of new technological approaches such as the high-resolution Integrated Curved Diffraction Grating, Cavity-Grating Frequency Offset detector, and other integrated functionalities (e.g. integrated shutter/amplifier, integrated modulator etc). These are combined capabilities that can only be realized with chip-scale monolithic integrations, and are not available currently. IF successful the proposed solution, a single wavelength selectable SCG laser, will replace the use 40x fixed wavelength DFB lasers to cover the 40 DWDM ITU Wavelength Channels. Thus the proposed solution, WS-SCG laser, will reduce the DWDM laser inventory by 10-40x while having substantially simpler control electronics, more compact module size, lower power consumption, and higher functionalities than those of current tunable lasers, and could be engineered to give higher output and higher spectral purity. The potentially new capabilities of SCG lasers will open up many application areas including: (1)DWDM/CWDM/OCDMA Networks; (2) WDM On Chips; (3) Instrumentations; and (4) Optical sensing and medical equipments. Applications to these areas require wavelength selectable or tunable lasers with higher output, higher spectral purity, wider wavelength tunability, and lower cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ma, Jing OptoNet Inc. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646479 February 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Balloon-Based Instrument for Measurements of Atmospheric Water Vapor and Methane. ThisSmall Business Innovation Research ( SBIR) Phase II research project will develop, test fly, and inter-compare a balloon-based sensor for measuring atmospheric water vapor and methane. The chemical sonde is based upon low power vertical cavity lasers, compact optical cells, and noise-lowering data analysis algorithms. Water vapor is the most important radiative gas in the atmosphere, but accurate measurements of it in the upper troposphere and lower stratsophere are limited to custom, one-of-a-kind instruments. Methane is the second most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas, photochemically breaks down into water vapor in the stratosphere, and is a useful tracer for troposphere-stratosphere exchange. In combination, the water vapor and methane balloon based sensor offers more accurate insight into atmospheric chemistry (e.g. recovery of the ozone layer), atmospheric dynamics, and the Earth's radiative budget. Improved data on water vapor and methane in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere will help to better understand and predict how climate will change in the future. The costs of action and inaction on climate change are expected to be large, and it is imperative that society implement policies that maximize environmental protection while minimizing economic costs. More accurate assessments of climate change will indirectly benefit the economy by giving society time to prepare and adapt to potential changes in future climate. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II LOWER ATMOSPHER OBSER FACILITI IIP ENG Paige, Mark Southwest Sciences Inc NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 675760 5373 1529 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9150 7398 7282 5413 1634 1586 1521 0202000 Atmospheric Science-ICAS 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646481 April 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Anti-Microbial Vinyl Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR ) Phase II project will develop biocidal nanocomposites to protect plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Biocides can now be added as a component during the plastic manufacturing process to make it inherently resistant to microbial attack. PVC is a widely used plastic that requires antimicrobial protection in many applications, as it is often used near water (swimming pool liners and shower curtains) or in areas where sterile or clean surfaces are critical (flooring for hospitals or kitchens and bathrooms). PVC is currently protected from microbial attack by arsenic compounds or organic biocides that migrate slowly out of the protected material. Arsenic-based biocides are under increasing regulatory pressure, and an alternative would be welcomed by the industry. Unfortunately, current non-arsenic (organic) biocides leach out of PVC, contaminating the environment and allowing fungi to attack the PVC. TDA Research, (TDA) proposes to increase the permanence of biocides designed to disperse in PVC. Nanoparticle-based biocides would not migrate out of the thermoplastics, prolonging product lifetimes. The project will start by examining several active organic biocides that have been approved and regulated as biocides for thermoplastics. Following this will be tasks related to nanoparticle synthesis; formulation and testing of the nanocomposite; nanoparticle manufacturing scale-up; and performance and economic evaluation. The plan is to develop nonarsenic, non-migratory biocides for PVC. Commercially, the proposed project will improve help eliminate the use of arsenic containing biocides; biocides which are particularly harmful because they persist in the environment. Despite their known dangers and the desire of manufacturers to discontinue their use, arsenic containing formulations continue to be used in several applications where the alternative organic biocides do not provide the needed long term protection. Further, the use of our technology will decrease the release of the organic biocides into the environment as well, keeping them in the polymer where they are needed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Myers, Andrew TDA Research, Inc CO William Haines Standard Grant 497589 5373 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646485 April 1, 2007 SBIR PHASE II: Nanostructured WC/Co Coatings for Enhanced Wear Resistance Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project continued development of nano-crystalline tungsten carbide-cobalt coatings by integrating two novel processes: i) a low temperature spray deposition process (kinetic metallization), and ii) a nano-crystalline powder deposition process. The results of Phase I research demonstrated that the two proposed methods can be synergistically combined to synthesize unique new compositions of powders for thermal spray coating process. The Phase II work is focused on the scaling and optimization of the powder manufacture and deposition techniques. If successful, the process and material system can provide an environmentally acceptable replacement for chromium-based coatings. A nc-WC-Co coating system with good fatigue properties will certainly provide an alternative to hard Chrome coatings, if it can be fabricated cost effectively. The environmental benefit resulting from this will be significant. The proposed technique is also claimed to result in a deposition equipment at a lower cost of ownership as compared to curently available equipment. The technique has significant broad applications in a number of key industries, including aerospace, power generation, oil and gas drilling, defense and medical industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tapphorn, Ralph INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 456055 5373 MANU 9163 9146 1468 1467 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646491 February 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Electronic Pills for Medication Compliance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project shall evaluate the use of electronic pills for medication compliance monitoring. Medication compliance monitoring is critical in pharmaceutical clinical trials, geriatrics, and mental health /addiction medicine. The only proven method for accurately determining medication compliance is directly observed therapy where personnel are present during ingestion by the patient. This technique is labor intensive, but effective. In vivo biotelemetry and monitoring is a rapidly growing field that may provide the next critical breakthrough in medical monitoring. This research will focus on the development of these two solutions, namely a UHF resorbable antenna printed on the outside of an existing capsule or pill with or without a chip designed to improve signal to noise ratio and provide ID capability. The antennas will be printed with standard ink-jet technology. A handheld RF communication device will sense the presence of the pill in the GI tract and positively confirm that the medication regimen was followed appropriately. Electronic pill technology and R&D will help expand the rapidly growing field of in vivo telemetry. The development of biodegradable low power miniature circuits will be an important step to future bio-implantable chips and sensors. Additionally, the field of medication compliance is tremendously important in many areas of medicine. In particular, better compliance monitoring can greatly reduce the costs associated with FDA approval of pharmaceuticals as well as provide dramatically improved data for accurate determination of low probability side effects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Euliano, Neil Convergent Engineering, Inc FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 524000 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9215 9178 7331 5225 1962 0203000 Health 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646502 February 15, 2007 STTR Phase II: An Inference Engine for an Intelligent Imaging System for Detecting and Eliminating Hot Rolled Surface Defects. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop an inference engine for an intelligent imaging system that can detect and eliminate surface defects in hot rolling operations. These defects account for roughly 50% of steel rejects. The proposed product is an automatic system that generates appropriate corrective actions for defect elimination. It is proposed to further develop the inference engine and validate it on selected industrial cases. The potential value of the research is to reduce material waste by over 200,000 tons of steel, or $120 million in productivity, per year for the US steel industry. It is also expected to deliver benefits in North America with energy savings of 1.14 Tetra W-hr and reduced carbon-equivalent emission of 94,000 tons per year. Other benefits include reduced water usage and more efficient downstream processes. The project carries strong educational implication, with the company working closely with academia and facilitating student interns. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Chang, Tzyy-Shuh OG TECHNOLOGIES, INC MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 524000 5373 1591 MANU 9251 9178 9163 9146 1984 1468 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646503 March 15, 2007 STTR Phase II: Predictive Molding of Precision Glass Optics. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop physics based computational models of the glass molding process that accurately predict the shape of the optic from knowledge of the mold geometry, the material properties of the glass, and the molding parameters. The computational models will be developed through systematic characterization of the properties of glasses at high temperatures, and incorporation of the viscoelastic response of the glass with thermal expansions and elastic deflections of the mold and glass. This project will also develop user interface software capable of building the finite element (FE) model directly from user input of coefficients of the industry-standard Asphere Equation and translating results of the FE analysis into Asphere coefficients. The computational tools developed in the proposed research will eliminate the current need for production of more expensive trial mold geometries before discovering the proper mold geometry and processing parameters required to produce in-tolerance optics. The proposed research will allow manufacture of opto-electronic products with superior capabilities compared to those available today. In addition, the project will contribute to the development of science and engineering workforce through training of graduate students at the University of Florida and Clemson University. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Tohme, Yazid Moore Nanotechnology Systems, LLC NH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 549757 5761 5373 1591 MANU 9150 9146 1468 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0646556 March 15, 2007 STTR Phase II: Improved Boron Nitride Materials for Enhanced Thermal Management. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project builds upon the successful Phase I results to develop surface modified boron nitride (BN) filler materials for electronic thermal management applications. Novel Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) nanocoating is used to selectively functionalize edges only or edges/basal planes to improve wetting of BN platelets with resin encapsulants. The improved wetting allows for reduced viscosity of BN/resin mixtures during processing so that increased BN filler particle loadings can be achieved, resulting in higher thermal conductivity electronic packages. These improvements are best realized using an ultra-thin (nm thick), conformal, pin-hole free, chemically bonded silica nanofilm selectively placed on the edges of primary BN platelets. Coating the edges of platelets only provides for a low cost impact since edges being nanocoated represent less than 10% of the available platelet surface area. Higher BN loadings in filled composites allow for improved heat dissipation in electronic packaging materials, particularly in the case of glob top coatings and potting compounds. Proposed Phase II R&D is focused on working with potential customers to develop applications of particle ALD surface modified BN fillers for their specific moulding compound systems. Film chemistry and thickness will be developed for their specific applications. Commercially, the ALD nanocoating of individual ultrafine particles to control their surface chemistry is enabling technology that is unparalleled compared to more conventional CVD, PVD, PE-CVD, or wet chemistry solution processing. The process allows for individual ultra-fine particles to be nanocoated, rather than coating aggregates of ultra-fine particles. It is independent of line of sight and provides for chemically bonded films to the substrate particle surface. It is easily scalable. It is a forgiving process where the nanocoating thickness is controlled by self-limiting surface reactions (not flux, temperature, or time of processing like CVD, etc.). ALD films are pin-hole free and conformal. The potential impact of successful large scale processing extends far beyond this proposed microelectronics packaging application. It is now possible to produce ultrafine particles with designed electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, rheological, or other properties. Markets for such functionalized ultra-fine powders include microelectronics, defense, hardmetals, cosmetics, drug delivery, energetic materials, and polymer/ceramic nanocomposites, among others. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Ferguson, John ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO William Haines Standard Grant 456292 5373 1591 MANU 9146 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646557 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: A Quality Monitor for Enabling Water Recycling in Semiconductor Processing - The Particle Scout. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project concerns Ultrapure Water (UPW), the life blood of the semiconductor industry. The proposed instrument seeks to satisfy the ITRS requirements on two counts: 1. full flow inspection, and 2. detection of sub-100nm liquid-borne particles. 1. A typical semiconductor fab uses about 3 million gallons of UPW every day, and the ITRS, in its attempt to conserve the precious resource, water, mandates that 90% of UPW be recycled/reused by 2010. The recycled UPW loop will need full flow monitoring, which the proposed Particle Scout will do. 2. The purity of UPW directly affects the chip yield, because the final operation on wafers is UPW rinse and any contaminants present in the UPW contaminate the wafers it rinses. As the industry moves to sub-100 nm nodes the ITRS particle detection requirements fall to sub-50 nm. "Particle Scout" for monitoring in real-time the particulate purity of recycled UPW for use in Semiconductor processing successfully overcomes a critical technological barrier facing the IC manufacturing industry today. Beyond IC manufacturing industry it will find applications in all enterprises where UPW is used: Power generation, Nuclear Reactors, Pharmaceutical industry, Biotechnology, Space exploration, and processing of Advanced high purity chemicals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG He, Bingrong Uncopiers, Inc. KS Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 1012000 5373 1591 MANU 9251 9178 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646562 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Development of a BioAcoustic Mixing Platform. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project develops a mixer based on sound waves applicable for use in bioreactors for cell culturing and fermentors. Cell culturing and fermentation are large markets where significant growth is forecast over the next several years. This research will establish the optimal design and operating conditions for this non-invasive and non-destructive mixing technology. It is anticipated that performance for many applications can be enhanced by 50% or greater over state-of-the-art technology using this novel agitation technology. The broader impact will be to reduce the costs of pharmaceutical production, when such production is based on biological feedstocks. Media and process development for biological production of pharmaceuticals is costly and time-intensive and performed using stirred-tank bioreactors due to the limitations of orbital shake-flask and cell culture flasks. A mixing technology that could unify laboratory-scale and pilot-scale experiments would be highly valuable in speeding the pace of process development. Low-frequency acoustic energy will dramatically enhance gas-liquid mass transport without increasing hydrodynamic shear stress. The research project will enhance the scientific understanding of low frequency acoustic mixing processes by quantifying the impact of acoustic frequency on oxygen transfer rates and cellular growth. The significance to society that the successful development is a dramatic increase in the pace of biotechnological process development. This will lead to more rapid commercialization of and lower prices for pharmaceutical products that enhance overall quality of life. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McAdams, Todd RESODYN CORPORATION MT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 481755 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646569 March 15, 2007 STTR Phase II: Large Scale Freeform Fabrication for the Construction Industry. This Small Business Technology Transfer ( STTR) Phase II project will develop and commercialize a novel way to construct large, modular objects, such as concrete walls and components used in building a home, using a solid freeform fabrication process. The novelty of the proposed process is that is is capable of producing structures with wall thicknesses which are thickner than other similar methods. The structures can have contoured faces and alignment guides to permit quick assembly of layerwise construction. The proposed research will focus on aerated concrete as the structural materiaol, having proven the basic concept on structural foam in the Phase I research. The method is expected to result in rapid construction of homes with minimal labor and onsight assembly of pre-fabricated components. The broader impacts of this project, if successful, would represent a radical departure in a notoriously conservative industry, leading to the construction of inexpensive, pre-fabricated homes. The technology will address a significant market in the U.S. and developing countries to provide affordable homes to a very large population of low-income consumers. Other applications where this technique could be employed include construction of large objects such as boat hulls (pleasurecraft). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Cary, David OPTEMA Development Corporation CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 534801 5373 1591 MANU 9146 1468 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646585 April 1, 2007 STTR Phase II: Nonintrusive Electrical Monitor (NEMO). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop and qualify a Non-Intrusive Electrical Monitor product (NEMO) to provide inexpensive, accurate, in depth monitoring of electrical usage, permit expanded energy savings and provide additional information, like potential equipment faults and failures. NEMO increases the amounts and kinds of diagnostic information that can be gleaned from a single set of electrical measurements, thus lowering the cost of monitoring building energy management systems. By analyzing the transient signatures produced when different electrical equipment draws power, NEMO can identify which of multiple loads turn on and off and assess their condition. The objectives of the research are to determine: the reliability of NEMO algorithms in the presence of multiple loads, prioritize several possible diagnostic analyses for the commercial product, and maximize the automation of NEMO data analysis while minimizing the need for human scrutiny and intervention. Phase I demonstrated the value of NEMO systems in monitoring and diagnostics with air conditioning units. The Phase II research plan calls for continuing the development work and installation of a qualified prototype in commercial buildings. Data analysis will reveal inefficiencies in building operation and effectiveness of the algorithms themselves. This project will develop a system for non-intrusive detection and identification of multiple electrical loads with major energy conservation and other benefits. Time of use data can be used to create new automated algorithms that minimize energy use and optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation without affecting occupant comfort, while electrical health diagnostics can signal when a motor is nearing failure or a valve has jammed. A reduction in the cost of in-depth monitoring allows more commercial facilities to reap energy and maintenance savings from these algorithms and the NEMO product that contains them. Actual measurement rather than estimation of initial and ongoing electrical power consumption of electrical equipment within a commercial building enables verification of upgrade performance. It also facilitates design and operation of intelligent, energy efficient buildings and assists in attaining Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEEDTM) certification. By promoting energy efficiency in buildings, NEMO will enable customers to reduce their energy costs, reduce or eliminated unscheduled maintenance and increase profitability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Rodriguez, John NEMOmetrics Co. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 9102 7362 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646586 February 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Gentle Atomic Level Chemical Mechanical Smoothening (CMS) of Gallium Nitride Substrates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and scale-up an industrially robust and low cost chemical mechanical smoothening (CMS) process to produce atomically polished gallium nitride (GaN) on silicon substrates for high power and high frequency applications. As GaN is mechanically hard and chemically inert, traditional surface polishing processes have resulted in significant surface damage which negatively affects the electrical performance. In contrast, the CMS process forms a soft layer on GaN surface which can be removed by nanoparticles. In the Phase II of this project, the company plans to further optimize and scale-up the CMS process. In conjunction with the compound semiconductor chip manufacturers and academic partners, the company's plan is to further validate the polishing technology by fabricating and testing the performance of high electron mobility transistors. The research team members are internationally recognized experts and are in an excellent position to execute the research plan and attain the project goals. The commercialization of the proposed polishing technology is expected to significantly impact GaN based semiconductor technology used for high frequency, high power microwave devices in wireless mobile communication and radar defense systems. This process will accelerate commercialization of GaN on silicon technology by increasing yield and reducing manufacturing costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Arjunan, Arul SINMAT, INC. FL William Haines Standard Grant 1261900 5373 MANU 9231 9178 9146 7218 5761 1984 1788 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646587 March 15, 2007 STTR Phase II: Intelligent Instruction Systems using Augmented Reality. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project investigates the creation of intelligent instruction systems that exploit adaptive software mechanisms (i.e. intelligent software agents) and augmented virtual reality (AVR) techniques. Since it is common that production-line employees are required to wear goggles, intelligent agents could transfer their instructions via goggle-like wearable computers (i.e. AVR) that overlay the actual visual field with text and computer graphics. The proposed techniques will facilitate the real-time assessment of employees undergoing training and will allow the software agents to automatically and proactively reinforce weaker areas based on these assessments. An overall assessment model of all employees can characterize the entire workforce for a particular facility. For example, this overall assessment can be used to enhance resource management triggered by absenteeism or other factors, allowing planners to use such assessments for optimizing manufacturing processes by refactoring traditional, perhaps obsolete, production processes. The broader impacts of the technology result from the use of intelligent agents to manage and direct the cross-training of employees in typical work environments where absenteeism and workforce turnover are important issues. Additionally, this technology, through workforce training broadly impacts the workforce to become more adaptive and agile with the resulting positive impact on overall product quality and productivity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Doswell, Jayfus Juxtopia, LLC VA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 659056 5373 1591 MANU 9149 9146 9102 7218 0522400 Information Systems 0646638 March 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Disposable pL Fluid Transfer/Microarray Printing Device. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project provides an inexpensive disposable polymer tool that will perform extremely accurate fluid transfer in the picoliter to nanoliter range. Research efforts have already demonstrated that the costs associated with fabricating molds employing a combination of silicon micromachining and electroforming will allow these tools to be disposable. Fabrication processes will be transitioned to injection molding by adapting the micromachined/electroformed molds to the injection process. The research will design the final generations of the printing and fluid transfer pin designs, use silicon micromachining and electroforming to prepare the injection molds for the 96 and 384 pin printheads, design new collimator / printheads for both microarray printing and fluid transfer applications and redesign and scale up the chemical surface treatment process to treat thousands of pins simultaneously. Because the polymer pins can be manufactured so inexpensively compared to current technology, the number of laboratories around the world that can utilize this nanoscale fluid handling will dramatically increase. The broader impacts of this project will be to provide disposible plastic parts at less than ten percent of the least expensive current technology thereby enabling reductions in costs for high throughput technologies important to drug discovery and diagnostics. This could improve the delivery of healthcare to the nation and reduce its overall cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 666393 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0308000 Industrial Technology 0646818 February 15, 2007 I/UCRC: Minimally Invasive Medical Technology Center (MIMTeC). Advances in minimally invasive devices/procedures for diagnosis and treatment represent one of the most significant developments in the health care industry. The University of Minnesota and the University of Cincinnati have joined to create an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Minimally Invasive Medical Technology. This center will focus on scientific research and technologies to accelerate the development of next generation devices for minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures, with research themes involving endovascular devices, endoscopes, laparoscopic devices, and noninvasive devices. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Erdman, Arthur Perry Li University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 399006 7609 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 124E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0646935 April 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Microfluidics Device for Real-time Process Control of Copper Plating Baths. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research program will advance the monitoring of copper plating baths, responding to the stated need to design, develop and prototype innovative sensors and systems for testing and characterization in both industrial and laboratory settings, for specific use as a process control device. This technology couples the theories of microfluidics and alternating current voltammetry for a powerful monitoring tool. The anticipated result of this research project is a marketable, commercially viable sensor with the capability to accurately and precisely measure concentrations of all components of the copper plating bath. In addition, application of the proposed method is anticipated to significantly reduce the waste generated by semiconductor and printed circuit board industries. This work addresses the needs of the printed circuit board and semiconductor industries, which are important aspects of the US commercial economy and will play an increasing role in the US as well as world society. In addition to providing tight process control and therefore a better quality product, the proposed sensor is anticipated to be more environmentally friendly than current technologies due to the decrease in sample size and analysis time requirements, resulting in lower chemical and power consumption, an objective of the 2005 International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Garich, Holly FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 503294 5373 HPCC 9231 9215 9102 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0647649 September 1, 2006 Supplement to Connection One: IUCRC Program Technological Breakthroughs. This award funds an evaluator for the Industry / University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Communication, Circuits and Systems to study the engineering and scientific breakthroughs and innovations occurring in all currently awarded Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kiaei, Sayfe Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 46515 5761 OTHR 129E 0000 0649702 June 1, 2007 NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Compact, High-Performance Cooling Technologies Research. This action provides continued funding for the second five year term of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Compact High Performance Cooling Technologies. This I/UCRC addresses research and development needs of industries in the area of high-performance heat removal from compact spaces. All product sectors in the electronics industry (High-Performance, Cost/Performance, Telecommunications, Hand-held, Automotive, and Military/Avionics) face critical electronics cooling challenges, and the Center brings together faculty from the Schools of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University, and contribute complimentary competencies in heart transfer, microfluidics, microfabrication, refrigeration, computational techniques, mechatronics, controls, acoustics, sensing and actuation and diagnostics and measurements. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Garimella, Suresh Purdue University IN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 409719 I228 7609 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 7609 129E 116E 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0649713 March 1, 2007 PFI: The Bay Area Houston Partnership for Innovation in Biotechnology and Life Sciences. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project, The Bay Area Houston Partnership for Innovation in Biotechnology and Life Sciences (PIBLS), has been formed to strengthen bioscience innovation. The goal of the project is to build a replicable, transferable process model for web-based and enhanced education; develop online science classes; virtual labs; and simulations. Using up-to-date information, creative methods, and cutting-edge technologies, the project will contribute to the development of undergraduate STEM education, provide research opportunities to professors, students, and industry partners, enable faculty to effect change in their students' academic and career choices, and extend the biopipeline. Expected outcomes are defined, measurable, and part of a fully developed evaluation plan. Hispanics have not historically been drawn to the sciences or to the job opportunities which the sciences offer upon graduation. PIBLS will play a key role in helping to alter this trend. Students moving into the workplace will ensure a sustainable pipeline of workers to further grow and develop the biotechnology and life sciences industries, leading to enhanced economic development of the region and U.S. economy. Partners: The partners include San Jacinto College (lead institution); Aerospace & Biotechnology Academy; University of Houston-Clear Lake; Texas Southern University; University of Texas Medical Branch; Texas Workforce Commission; Independent School Districts (7): Clear Creek, Deer Park, Friendswood, Galena Park, La Porte, Pasadena, and Sheldon; Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; Houston Galveston-Area Council; Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership; Bay Area Houston Technology and Education Center; Biotech/life sciences employers, and NASA-Johnson Space Center. Five additional pilot schools will be identified by East Texas Area Health Education Center (AHEC), University of Texas Medical Branch, for participation. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Janes, Sarah Alison Hennessey San Jacinto College District TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 581576 1662 SMET 9179 9178 9177 9152 1491 117E 0101000 Curriculum Development 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650115 March 1, 2007 PFI: Development, Technology Transfer, and Commercialization of the Automated Transport and Retrieval System (ATRS). This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project, Development, Technology Transfer and Commercialization of the Automated Transport and Retrieval System (ATRS), proposes to provide significantly increased mobility independence for wheelchair users. Six million people in the United States with disabilities have difficulties in obtaining the transportation they need. This is a major contributor to the unemployment rate of the disabled population nationally, estimated at over 65% by the U.S. Census Bureau. Currently, a van conversion represents the sole personal transportation choice for wheelchair users. Unfortunately, van conversions have significant shortcomings in terms of both user safety and cost. To address these limitations, the project proposes the development, technology transfer, and commercialization of a new paradigm for personal independent mobility: the Automated Transport and Retrieval System (ATRS). ATRS seamlessly integrates robotics and automation technologies with existing mobility products into structurally unmodified automobiles. By eliminating the drastic modifications to the base vehicle, ATRS will provide a safer alternative to van conversions with more flexibility at a significantly reduced cost. ATRS will put into practice reliable autonomous systems that will enable robust sensing and the automatic determination of single-point sensor failures. It will also employ state-of-the-art algorithms for pose estimation and control of the wheelchair actuators. The system will be engineered to be low cost since most of the sensors will be solid state, and they can therefore be produced at very lowcost. Access to transportation is critical for Americans with disabilities and the elderly to participate fully in employment, education, worship, job training, commerce, recreation, and other activities of community life. By facilitating personal transportation, ATRS will improve personal independence and the quality of life for the physically challenged across the country and will help remove one of the greatest hurdles preventing wheelchair users from finding employment. The commercialization of ATRS will have local and national economic impact. The success of ATRS will aid the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) in the revitalization of the retired Philadelphia Naval Shipyard into a thriving physical engineering sciences campus, creating new companies and jobs in Philadelphia. Finally, the cost advantages of ATRS will also lessen the burden on third party payers and ultimately decrease the required tax dollars for such efforts. Partners: The partners include: Lehigh University (Lead Institution); industry partners: Freedom Sciences, LLC; Cook Technologies, Inc.; and Sensible Machines, Inc., and public sector partners: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. . PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Spletzer, John S. David Wu Thomas Panzarella Sanjiv Singh Lehigh University PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 737933 1662 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 1464 117E 116E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650161 March 1, 2007 PFI: Center for Innovative Brain Machine Interfaces. This Partnerhships for Innovation (PFI) project seeks to create entrepreneurial activities around a well established research program in Brain Machine Interfaces at the University of Florida. Neural interfaces have the potential to revolutionize the present interface with computers and man-made appliances, as well as play a crucial role in rehabilitation medicine. Due to the novelty of this field, it is timely to invest now in entrepreneurial and innovative activities, because they provide the opportunity to leverage the innovations and intellectual property, mobilize investors, and develop lines of products that will guarantee self-sufficiency for the Center of Innovative Brain Machine Interfaces. Project collaborators within the university are the College of Engineering, McKnight Brain Institute (UFMBI), and Shands and VA Medical Centers. The College of Engineering has extensive experience in entrepreneurial and technology transfer programs and has created a successful undergraduate student training program designed around the concept of "virtual start-up" companies. Capitalizing on these two experiences, the Partnerships project proposes to restructure the ongoing research in Brain Machine Interfaces around technology test beds. The goal of this restructuring is translation of the research mission into core technologies and competencies with a wrapper of immersive, experimental entrepreneurship education for the graduate students that are engaged in the research. Specifically, six high-technology test beds (multi electrode arrays, ultra low power bio amplifiers, wireless delivery of data/power, portable DSP systems and algorithms, brain computer interfaces) will be created. Technology advances in neural interfaces will be accelerated. The broader impact will be felt at several levels: 1) this is a new educational experience since graduate students will be engaged in entrepreneurial activities while at the university; 2) a more transparent way of implementing technology transfer between universities and industry that can be widely applied is being prototyped; 3) the creation of a high tech industry in the state of Florida is being seeded; and 4) an underrepresented institution and minority students are being involved in hands-on courses that teach the technology components of an emerging industry. A plan has been outlined to make the center financially self-sufficient after the end of NSF support. Partners: Partners include University of Florida (Lead Institution); Florida International University in Miami, FL, a designated minority institution, where one of the test beds will reside; four Companies, which have joined the Industrial Board (Advanced Neuromodulation Systems (ANS), Convergent Engineering, Tucker-Davis Technologies, and Motorola Labs); Sid Martin Development Incubator; City of Gainesville Department of Economic Development; Gainesville Chamber of Commerce; Technology Enterprise Center of Gainesville, Alachua County; Inflexion Partners(Venture Capitalists); and Saliwanchik, Lloyd & Saliwanchik (law firm). PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Khargonekar, Pramod Jose Principe Erik Sander University of Florida FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599971 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650186 March 1, 2007 PFI: Polymer Nanocomposites Manufacturing Partnership. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will establish the Polymer Nanocomposites Manufacturing Partnership (PNMP), a joint effort of the University of South Carolina (USC), the State of South Carolina, and polymer manufacturing companies located in South Carolina. The PNMP has a single vision: transformation of new polymer nanocomposites knowledge into polymer manufacturing processes and value-added plastic products that will fuel economic development in South Carolina. Students at all levels participating in research, development, technology transfer, and manufacturing will be the agents of this transformation and tomorrow's innovators in polymer nanocomposite manufacturing in South Carolina. Administered by the USC NanoCenter, the Partnership will foster innovation in polymer manufacturing through basic research in synthesis and characterization of layered (nano) materials, routes to their incorporation in polymer nanocomposites, and accelerated methods for evaluating nanocomposite performance; joint University/industry development of polymer nanocomposite technology for near-term commercialization; and workforce development through involvement in research, cross-disciplinary education, and industrial internships. Within the University, the PNMP will involve faculty and students from Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Biochemistry, and the Moore School of Business, as well as staff from the USC NanoCenter and USC businessLINK (a fusion of five USC support units involved in economic development, technology transfer, and intellectual property). Polymer manufacturing is crucial to South Carolina's economy and standard of living, but the state faces real economic threats from commoditization of PET (i.e., polyethylene terephthalate resin, which is commonly the packaging of choice for bottled water, for example) and nylon as well as globalization of their manufacture and marketing. Sustained innovation in polymer nanocomposites manufacturing will benefit South Carolina's polymer manufacturers, the State's economy, and ultimately, the standard of living and well being of its citizens. The Partnerships project will support many kinds of education and professional development activities with broad impacts. The Partnership programs will have synergy with existing programs at USC: four REU programs, a Sloan Foundation fellowship program, and NSF Alliances for Graduate Education in the Professoriate (AGEP) program. Because the PFI Partnerships project is well connected with existing USC programs for recruiting, retaining, and mentoring minority students, the broader impact of the PNMP will be to connect minority students with research, internship, and co-op experiences involving their industrial partners. Partners: Partners include University of South Carolina (Lead Institution); State of South Carolina; and three confirmed industrial partners: Eastman Chemical Company, Michelin Americas, PBI Performance Products and MeadWestvaco. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Ploehn, Harry Hans-Conrad zur Loye David Pond William Sandberg Harris Pastides University South Carolina Research Foundation SC Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 9150 1662 MANU 9150 9146 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650199 March 1, 2007 PFI: Creating Value from Agricultural Materials for the Biomedical Market. The Partnerships for Innovation project, Creating Value from Agricultural Materials for the Biomedical Market , proposes a two-year multiphase program to develop and evaluate a new class of degradable biomaterials derived from the abundant plant polysaccharide starch. The partners, the New Jersey Center for Biomaterials (NJCBM),a formal academic consortium working with industry, will create hybrid block copolymers using a convergent assembly synthesis technique where pre-functionalized biopolymer and synthetic polymer building blocks are combined in the appropriate ratios to give the target diblock or triblock copolymers. The biopolymer building blocks will be created from native starch by first utilizing biochemical modifications to alter the molecular weight and polymer architecture of the polysaccharide and then chemically functionalizing the reducing end of the biopolymer to introduce reactive terminal functionality. The synthetic polymer building blocks will be created either by direct polymerization of suitable monomer with functional initiators or chemical modification of the terminals of pre-formed polyesters. The research program will create a new degradable biomaterials platform, and develop scientific understanding of how these materials function at surfaces and biological interfaces, and self-assemble into nanostructures. Because the new materials are based on starch biopolymer and polyester, they will be degradable, have good functional characteristics, exhibit a broad custom design scope and provide improved cost-effectiveness compared to existing block polymer technology. A strategic patent portfolio will be created that includes the new compositions of matter and the use of these materials in biomedical, food packaging, and personal care areas. This intellectual property will provide the basis for future licensing and technology transfer activities well beyond the proposed two-year project. The science and technology (materials and use) developed through the partnership will bring inexpensive and renewable plant polysaccharides into high value biomedical, food packaging, and personal care end use areas. These plant polysaccharides will have clear economic benefits for U.S. agriculture. The research is expected to provide fundamental knowledge relating to the interaction of biomaterials based on plant polysaccharide with human tissue. Life sciences and bioengineering research will benefit by having a new class of materials available for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. Partners: Partners include Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick (Lead Institution); Rutgers Cook College (Center for Advanced Food Technology (CAFT); U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS); and Salvona LLC. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Kohn, Joachim Michael Pazzani Mikhail Chikindas Carmine Iovine Kit Yam Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 BIOT 9181 9109 1491 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0201000 Agriculture 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0650236 March 1, 2007 PFI: Eco-enterprise Partnerships for Innovation in Puerto Rico. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project, Eco-enterprise Partnerships for Innovation in Puerto Rico, will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to create a replicable model for the transfer of knowledge on environmental sciences, industry innovation, scientifically literate and competitive workforce development, and mentoring partnerships. Its primary focus is on the northern technological corridor of the island known as the Iniciativa Tecnologica del Norte, (INTENOR, for its initials in Spanish), but project activities will be carried out throughout the island. This project will address industry-related environmental issues; the need for innovation; and industry concerns regarding energy, alternative fuel vehicles, and solid waste disposal. A major component of this three-year project will be the establishment of an eco-enterprise incubator that serves the entire cycle of waste management: from industrial by-products -- to waste-to-energy -- to marketable recycled products. The project will have seven (7) major components: (1) an initial island-wide conference, (2) an island-wide general scholarship competition, (3) knowledge transfer, through a three-year eco-enterprise training initiative led by UMET's School of Environmental Affairs in partnership with UMET's Entrepreneurship Area, in close collaboration with the government agency Puerto Rico Trade (PRT), (4) an island-wide eco-enterprise competition, open to all citizens who have completed the PRT sponsored "La Llave para tu Negocio", (5) establishment of a specialized eco-enterprise incubator, (6) collaborative mentoring and technical assistance, and (7) EcoLink, a website for industries, academia, and the ecobusiness community to present current environmental concerns, stimulate innovative solutions from the wider public, and establish new partnerships. The project will provide eco-enterprise innovation training and cutting-edge knowledge transfer throughout Puerto Rico. Partners: The core partners include Universidad Metropolitana (Lead Institution) (Hispanic Serving Institution); Puerto Rico Trade (PRT) (government agency); INTENOR: a coalition of thirteen (13) contiguous municipal governments and the pharmaceutical/biotech industries located in the northern technology corridor of Puerto Rico, including Merck Sharpe & Dohne, Pfizer, DuPont, Abbott, and San Juan Cement; and 13 municipalities: Arecibo, Barceloneta, Ciales, Dorado, Florida, Hatillo, Manati, Morovis, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Utuado, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja. Collaborating Partners include Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration (government agency); Puerto Rico Solid Waste Authority (government agency); Bank of Santander; Banco Popular of Puerto Rico; Solena Group (company); EcoElectrica (cogeneration company); Mision Industrial (NGO); Conectarse (NGO); Estudios Technicos, Inc (ETI)(economic and planning consulting firm); and Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Padin, Carlos Nicolas Rosario Universidad Metropolitana PR Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599988 9150 1662 EGCH 9198 9197 9187 9186 9169 9159 9150 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650249 March 1, 2007 PFI: Integrated Technology Innovation and Commercialization from Universities: A Sustainable University Approach. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project proposes to develop an Integrated Technology Innovation and Commercialization (InTICo) program. The proposed work involves two basic areas of concentration. The Idea to Product (I2P) pilot program introduced entrepreneurial ideas into the technological curriculum; and the Technology Innovation Mapping (TIM) tool will explore potential markets and commercialization opportunities through reverse function mapping of new technologies and intellectual properties to find these potential markets. Function maps have been used with product design methodologies to create solutions for known problems. The TIM tool, which will be further developed and refined, inverts this process to explore functional capabilities and potential applications for technologies. The program features collaboration among faculty and students within the University of Texas at Austin in the College of Natural Science, College of Engineering, McCombs School of Business, UT Center for Nano & Molecular Science & Technology, and Department of Computer Sciences. University Commercialization Program Partners include the UT Austin Office of Technology Commercialization, Austin Technology Incubator, IC2 Institute, and MootCorp Competition. The proposed program should be readily transferable to other universities. The creation of the InTICo program will leverage the I2P program and the TIM tool and will integrate several academic programs. Moreover, the proposed work also supports global outreach and the participation of underrepresented groups. The University of Texas (UT) awards the largest number of Ph.D. degrees to Hispanic students in the United States and the University of Texas is sixteenth in the number of Ph.D. degrees awarded to African-American students. The university has been pro-active in the past in recruiting underrepresented groups and women. PARTNERS: The partners include the University of Texas (lead institution) and the following corporate partners: Fish & Richardson, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary, Austin Ventures, and Sematech. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Nichols, Steven Mary Ann Rankin Ben Streetman Neil Iscoe University of Texas at Austin TX Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599781 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650253 March 15, 2007 PFI: Creating a Sustainable Network for Bioengineering Innovation and Translational Research. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project, Creating a Sustainable Network for Bioengineering Innovation and Translational Research, will enhance innovation in bioengineering by creating a sustainable global network of university and corporate partners for the experiential education of new talent for the bioengineering workforce and improved translation of new bioengineering knowledge to products and services. The two major themes are "upstream innovation" and "globally distributed design." Upstream innovation is the concept that parallel, early interaction between business, scientific, engineering, legal, and marketing components can positively impact the level of innovation. Upstream innovation would be implemented by the creation of integrated Capstone Design teams, student internships at companies of varying size and maturity; and experienced corporate R&D people and entrepreneurs in residence. Globally distributed design involves student bioengineering teams represented globally through corporate internships in large corporations with international divisions and in distributed team design experiences with bioengineering programs at eleven international universities. Globally distributed design, therefore, simulates the real-world allocation of the components of project design to the units best suited to particular tasks as it occurs in many industrial R&D processes. Given that bioengineering is one of the most rapidly growing employment fields in science, it is important to provide the capability to prepare new talent for the bioengineering workforce. The essence of the broader impact of the project derives from new linkages that cross cultural divides, geographical separation of universities, and corporate goals in bioengineering. This project will facilitate the creation of a sustainable global network of people, recognizing that the permanence will reside in the person-to-person ties that are forged, affecting generations of students from 12 countries. The flow of human capital to the U.S. and new routes for U.S. companies for effective globally distributed design will be improved. The international program hubs that are part of the partnership will realize enhanced preparation of their workforce and their nation's bioengineering economies. Business case studies on the effectiveness and value of upstream innovation and distributed design will be created and disseminated to students at other U.S. and international educational institutions. All of the 96 students involved will be engaged in a true intellectual collaboration with a foreign partner. In addition, underrepresented bioengineering students will participate in all aspects of the program. Partners. Partners include corporations: IBM, Genzyme, Siemens, Gore, Philips, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Vital Images, Cierra , Tall Oaks Capital, Luna Innovations, Microsystems, PocketSonics, and Targeson; and universities on five continents: National University of Singapore, Imperial College (London), Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (Switzerland), Polytechnic University (Milan, Italy), Technical University of Eindhoven (The Netherlands), Fraunhofer Institut of Biomedical Technology (Germany), Linkoping University (Sweden), University of Cape Town (South Africa), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (Argentina); IIT Kanpur (India); University of Ghana (Legon), Howard University (HBCU)(Washington, DC), Hampton University (HBCU)(Hampton, VA), and Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA). PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Skalak, Thomas James Aylor William Walker Arthur Garson University of Virginia Main Campus VA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599982 1662 BIOT 9125 9123 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0650277 June 1, 2007 PFI: Partnerships for Water Purification. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will establish the Partnership for Water Purification (PWP), an alliance between university and industrial researchers, a key national laboratory with groundwater purification facilities, a state water agency, and international collaborators. The PWP will use asymmetric and composite thin-film membrane materials to open a new platform for advancement in the field of water purification. The PWP is working to achieve water purification with new chlorine-resistant and fouling-resistant reverse osmosis and nano-filtration membranes. The goal is to provide a more stable, low-cost supply of purified water by developing and commercializing improved polymeric membrane materials for water purification and desalination. The proposed partnership creates a pathway for the new polymeric membrane materials to progress from the university research environment out into the world of commercial water purification. With the active participation of the international partners, there is a good chance that the impact of this project will extend well beyond the U.S. The project has a structure that will allow students and investigators to gain industrial experience from the commercial partners. In addition, opportunities will be created for traditionally underrepresented student populations to participate in the project. If the PWP provides the scientific and technological foundation for chlorine-resistant and fouling-resistant reverse osmosis and nano-filtration membranes, use of those membranes will enable improvements in water purification in the U.S. and worldwide. The knowledge gained can then be transferred through broad-based national and international workshops and collaborations. Partners: Partners include Virginia Polytechnic University; the University of Texas; Dow Filmtec; Hydrosize Technologies; Polymer Solutions; Sandia National Labs; the Virginia Center for Innovative Technologies; the Texas Water Development Board; and international partners from Universiteit Stellenbosch in South Africa; the Woongjin Conway industrial firm in Korea; Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia; and Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. POLYMERS PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG McGrath, James Mark McNamee Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1773 1662 EGCH 9189 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0208000 Water Resources 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650282 December 15, 2007 PFI: Creating Academic Community Partnerships: Fostering Innovation and Entretreneurship in a Liberal Arts Institution. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will support a partnership between academia, government, and an entrepreneurial network to develop a model program for encouraging innovation in liberal arts institutions using creative local partnerships and new methodologies. The collaboration within the partnership will take advantage of the unique expertise and capabilities of the partners to create an infrastructure that will stimulate innovative learning and knowledge flow. Included in the model program will be a full spectrum of coursework, activities, and academic programs designed to teach and reinforce the concepts of innovation and entrepreneurship. This model program has the potential to show that investment in liberal arts disciplines might provide economic benefits not previously realized because the goals of a liberal arts education encourage students in the very behaviors required to be successful in the entrepreneurial process; namely, to think analytical and creatively and to solve complex problems. The technologies that are the building blocks for ventures are often the products of liberal arts departments. The program is interdisciplinary and will address both the philosophy of liberal arts education and the nature of entrepreneurship, thereby benefiting the full diversity of the student body including underrepresented groups. If successful, the program could provide a model for fostering entrepreneurship at liberal arts colleges and universities across the country. Partners include Wake Forest University (lead institution); Calloway School of Business and Accountancy (Wake Forest University; Angell Center for Entrepreneurship in the Babcock Graduate School of Management (Wake Forest University); University of North Carolina- Greensboro; Winston-Salem State University; Center for Design Innovation, an inter-institutional research center; Greater Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce; Idealliance, a non-profit community of education promoting academic, industry, and government collaboration in emerging businesses; Inception Micro Angel Fund; North Carolina Biotechnology Center; North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center; Piedmont Angel Network; and Piedmont Triad Entrepreneurial Network. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Gatewood, Elizabeth Jacquelyn Fetrow Wake Forest University NC Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 596679 1662 SMET 9180 117E 0101000 Curriculum Development 0110000 Technology Transfer 0650285 March 1, 2007 PFI: Universidad del Turabo Partnership for Innovations Program - Hispanic Entrepreneurial Program for Innovation (PIP/HEPI). This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project, Universidad Del Turabo Partnership for Innovations Program: Hispanic Entrepreneurial Program for Innovation (PIP/HEPI), proposes to transform the existing programs in the Schools of Engineering and Science and Technology through the efforts of a strong university/industry/government innovation partnership. The main goal of this partnership is to revise the engineering and sciences curriculum to incorporate active learning and integration of the engineering and sciences educational experience while addressing industry's need for engineers and other STEM field professionals with strong technical, communication, interpersonal, and business skills directed toward innovation. The project focuses on the introduction, modeling and sustainability of the Michigan Technological University (MTU) Enterprise Program model within a Hispanic serving institution and a Hispanic cultural setting at Universidad del Turabo (UT). The MTU Model provides knowledge generation through a non-traditional curriculum, which integrates student empowerment, hands-on practice of manufacturability, ethics, economic, financial, intellectual property, commercialization, alternative and environmentally friendly design and manufacturing considerations to real-world engineering/science problems in a corporate setting. Introducing the Hispanic Enterprise Program for Innovation, provides UT engineering and science underrepresented students a choice between a traditional and a non-traditional learning environment. The best practices will be disseminated to Hispanic-serving institutions and faculty of the US and Latin America/Caribbean through Latin-American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions (LACCEI). The project will directly benefit the Puerto Rico Eastern Central Region Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative or WIRED Virtual Region, as designated by the US Department of Labor in 2006. The proposed PIP/HEPI will allow addressing both NSF PFI and USDOL goals for economic and workforce development spearheaded through innovation in STEM fields. Partners: Partners include Universidad del Turabo (Lead Institution); Michigan Technological University (MTU); three industries: Lehigh Press, PRAQCO Industrial Supply, Inc., and New ValTech, Inc.; Technological Initiative for the Central Oriental Region of Puerto Rico (INTECO), whose Board of Directors consists of the Mayors of the Municipalities of Caguas, Gurabo, Juncos, Cayey, San Lorenzo, Las Piedras, Humacao, Naguabo (not-for-profit, multi-sectorial); representatives of five regional universities and seven industries); and Latin-American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions (LACCEI), consisting of 42 international institutions and 9 US institutions ( http://www.laccei.org ) (international dissemination partner). EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Loran, Roberto Robert Warrington Pierre Schmidt Mattheus Goosen Marcelino Rivera Universidad Del Turabo PR Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 595284 9150 1662 SMET 9179 9178 9150 117E 0101000 Curriculum Development 0650294 December 15, 2007 PFI: Innovation Acceleration Partnerships. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will support the Innovation Acceleration Partnership (IAP), which will build a replicable model of innovation and education with the researcher as collaborator rather than turning researcher into entrepreneur. IAP eliminates four roadblocks--lack of time, education and learning, social networks, and publication delays--that are major barriers to translational research, patenting, entrepreneurial team recruiting, new company formation, and funding. IAP uses a team of scientific post doctoral fellows with exposure to technology transfer and commercialization in the regions from which they are recruited to support researchers during the critical period of idea evolution. The Fellows' job will be to complete activities that the researchers may not have the time, inclination, or expertise to do. In the process, they will educate these researchers and increase their understanding of future invention disclosure and translational research. IAP engages the region's most experienced and proven leaders who know how to create a dynamic innovation environment with broad support. This leadership team has recruited seven universities, developed a plan to connect 10 pieces of established infrastructure, created the potential for collaboration with 16 industry partners, and gained support from 12 public and government members. The leadership team and the fellows will be supported by an advisory board comprised of entrepreneurs, members of industry, service providers, and investors. Six new tools have been developed to support this effort and simplify replication. Formal classroom training, peer teaching, social networks, mentoring, and free market feedback will be used. NSF-PFI resource adequacy and value will be validated by contributions from industry, ensuring the sustainability and expansion of IAP. Only 30% of IAP's total five year cost will come from NSF. IAP will create a sustainable innovative commercialization structure in the St. Louis region. Teaching, training and learning occur in four ways with IAP: 1) Fellows complete rigorous curricular training; 2) the six tools support peer teaching and IAP replication; 3) frequent mentoring sessions, advisory board sessions, and industry meetings create social interactions and knowledge sharing; and 4) IAP will intersect students, underrepresented groups, industry, and university co-curricular programs so learning is shared. The very nature of the program breaks down the barriers to entry based on gender, ethnicity, and geography. It will provide experiences and role models for underrepresented populations not currently involved in science and innovation. IAP results and methods will be disseminated broadly. IAP will be offered to other regions in the country, particularly those less entrepreneurially mature. The success of the program will come from the basic premise that including everyone only serves to guarantee greater outcomes for all. Partners include Washington University (lead institution), University of Missouri-Rolla, University of Illinois Edwardsville, St. Louis Arch Angels, Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise, Prolog Ventures, Lopata Flegel & Company, Pfizer, Missouri Venture Forum, Rivervest, Biogenerator, Kauffman Foundation, St. Louis County Economic Council, and St. Louis RGCA. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Harrington, Kenneth Marcia Mellitz Michael Nichols William Peck Samuel Wickline Washington University MO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 MANU 9146 117E 0101000 Curriculum Development 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650323 March 1, 2007 PFI: Collaborative Intelligent Health Information Systems Initiative. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project proposes to extend the efforts of the Knowledge-Based Nursing Initiative (KBNI) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee by building a knowledge retrieval and storage system that provides clinical evidence in a format usable by nurses through linking the language of research to the language of nursing practice. In addition, exploring semantic relationships in the evidence will generate new nursing knowledge that will have a positive impact on the safety of patients and the quality of health care delivery. Learning opportunities will be provided for a diverse pool of students from several disciplines and at all levels in order to inculcate the next generation of scientists and practitioners with the vision and skills to implement and maintain interdisciplinary and multi-sector translational research. Finally, by creating a collaborative interdisciplinary environment within academia and across the healthcare delivery, HIT (Health Information Technology) corporate and academic sectors; the rapid translation of health discoveries into the practice environment to improve quality and safety of patient care will be facilitated. This project uses a technology solution to address a heretofore largely unsolved problem, viz., expedient and efficient translation of relevant research to nursing practice. The translation problem for nursing will be accomplished through the efforts of a strong inter-disciplinary team of nursing, computer science, informatics, and management researchers and with multisector partners. The methods developed in this project may further be tested and applied to other areas of health care practice, particularly where there is a need for application of evidence from multiple domains, such as the practice of public health related to diseases of animals that can be transmitted to humans. There has been increasing regulatory and scientific attention to patient safety and quality in health care. There is the expectation that computer-aided clinical decision support will contribute to quality improvement and the reduction of medical errors. Underrepresented groups will benefit from changes to health practice engendered by this project, as the Knowledge Repository includes information about the gender and ethnicity of those who participated in the studies included. This will allow searches of the repository to identify the most relevant evidence for best-practices (or the lack of such evidence) for select under-represented groups. Partners: Partners include University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Lead Institution), Aurora Health Care, and Cerner Corporation. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Lundeen, Sally Norma Lang University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 598549 1662 HPCC 9139 117E 0102000 Data Banks 0104000 Information Systems 0110000 Technology Transfer 0203000 Health 0650352 August 1, 2007 PFI: Oregon Technology Entrepreneurship Consortium. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project, Oregon Technology Entrepreneurship Consortium (O-TEC), consolidates a diverse collection of complementary parties seeking to stimulate new economic development by synergistically integrating the capabilities of Oregon's research universities, multi-disciplinary graduate education programs, technology transfer and commercialization efforts; the technology-oriented business community; the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI); and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Its overarching objective is to create an infrastructure of multilateral relationships capable of building a professional workforce that accelerates technology commercialization to create successful companies that serve as the engines for economic development throughout the state. The driving force and catalyst for O-TEC is the Technology Entrepreneurship Program (TEP), a five-year-old collaboration between the University of Oregon (including the Lundquist College of Business, School of Law, College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Technology Transfer) and PNNL. This program provides graduate students in business, science, and law with access to UO and PNNL technologies and to paid summer fellowships to pursue technology evaluations, market assessments, financing strategies, and plans for the launch of technology-oriented businesses. OTEC moves beyond TEP's traditional technology-push paradigm to develop market-pull strategies through: (1) early engagement of academic scientists with Oregon technology corporations via O-TEC's SpinOut/SpinIn component; (2) Proof-of-Concept Grants to promising early-stage university generated technologies requiring funding to demonstrate viability; and (3) Seed-Stage Venture Investment Grants to launch spinout companies derived from O-TEC projects found to have exceptional commercial potential. A crucial element of O-TEC is a partnership with ONAMI, which combines Oregon State University's microtechnology expertise, University of Oregon's strengths in nanoscience, Portland State University's expertise in nanostructure metrology, and PNNL's world-class research facilities and scientists. O-TEC will leverage these attributes to accelerate progress toward the state's objective of establishing a self-sustaining technology venturing system. The benefits of the proposed Partnership include the pooling of intellectual capital residing throughout the state of Oregon with the potential to catalyze new technology-oriented businesses; positioning of the state to become a leader in collaborative economic development strategies; demonstration of an economically viable path from lab to market; capitalizing on new state tax credit legislation (SB-853) to endow O-TEC and assure its long-term viability; and building a regional and national model for collaboration between universities, industry, state government, and national research laboratories. In summary, O-TEC will attract the support necessary to institutionalize these successes and to offer an exemplary national model for collaborative economic development efforts. Partners: Partners include the University of Oregon-Eugene (lead institution), Oregon State University (OSU), and Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI); National Laboratory: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)(a DOE research laboratory); Private Sector: Austin Capital Management, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Tektronix, Electrical Geodesics, Inc.(EGI), Olympic Venture Partners, and Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS IIP ENG Linton, Richard Ronald Adams Alan Meyer Dennis Howard University of Oregon Eugene OR Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 434765 1662 1504 OTHR 117E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0652208 February 15, 2007 Minimally Invasive Medical Technology Center (MIMTeC). Advances in minimally invasive devices/procedures for diagnosis and treatment represent one of the most significant developments in the health care industry. The University of Minnesota and the University of Cincinnati have joined to create an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Minimally Invasive Medical Technology. This center will focus on scientific research and technologies to accelerate the development of next generation devices for minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures, with research themes involving endovascular devices, endoscopes, laparoscopic devices, and noninvasive devices. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Montemagno, Carlo Charles Doarn University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 254904 7609 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0652910 March 1, 2007 Planning Grant: University of Missouri Affiliation with the Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). This planning grant serves to establish the basis for the University of Missouri Columbia to join the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. The Center presently includes ten university research sites. Researchers at the University of Missouri will support and add additional perspectives and capabilities to the following research thrust areas; Logistics System Analysis and Design; Supply Chain Modeling; Material Flow Design and Improvement; and Intelligent Systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Noble, James Wooseung Jang University of Missouri-Columbia MO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0654213 February 15, 2007 Brigham Young University To Join the I/UCRC CHREC Center. This planning grant serves to establish the basis for Brigham Young University to join the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. The Center currently includes the University of Florida as the lead university and George Washington University as a research site. Brigham Young University is well positioned to complement the existing member institutions with it historical focus and expertise in High-Performance Embedded Computing application of Reconfigurable Computing and the development of design and debug tools for reconfigurable computing. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nelson, Brent Michael Wirthlin Brigham Young University UT Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0654284 April 15, 2007 Planning Grant: Industry/University Collaborative Research Center for Advanced Cutting Tool Technology (ACT2). The proposed multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Cutting Tool Technology intends to develop the fundamental science and technology necessary for the development of advanced cutting tools. The proposed center will consist of Michigan State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, and industrial partners ranging from cutting tool manufacturers and manufacturing industries. The proposed center will serve as a consortium of cutting tool manufacturers and manufacturing industries, where unsettled and new challenges are posed, discussed and resolved to improve their competitiveness. The main object of the planning meeting is to hold a workshop to bring potential industrial partners together in order to identify urgent challenges associated with cutting tools. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Liang, Steven GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 123E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0654316 April 15, 2007 Industry/University Collaborative Research Center for Advanced Cutting Tool Technology (ACT2). The proposed multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Cutting Tool Technology intends to develop the fundamental science and technology necessary for the development of advanced cutting tools. The proposed center will consist of Michigan State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, and industrial partners ranging from cutting tool manufacturers and manufacturing industries. The proposed center will serve as a consortium of cutting tool manufacturers and manufacturing industries, where unsettled and new challenges are posed, discussed and resolved to improve their competitiveness. The main object of the planning meeting is to hold a workshop to bring potential industrial partners together in order to identify urgent challenges associated with cutting tools. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kwon, Patrick Brian Feeny Hyungson Ki Michigan State University MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 123E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0654337 May 1, 2007 Wichita State University (WSU) Industry University Cooperative Research Center for the Reduction of Waste in Aerospace Logistic Systems. Wichita State University is planning to join the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. The existing multi-university center's vision is to provide integrated solutions to logistics problems through modeling, analysis, and intelligent systems technologies. Wichita State University is actively pursuing basic and applied research in these areas specifically towards the aerospace industry and potentially the Kansas ethanol industry. The objectives of this center are (1) to conduct research and to bring about practical solutions by focusing on industrially relevant research needs; (2) to foster industry/university collaboration to reduce waste; and (3) to promote interdisciplinary research activities and to nurture students through real-world industry projects. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Twomey, Janet Lawrence Whitman Mehmet Yildirim Haitao Liao Wichita State University KS Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0654380 January 15, 2007 Planning Grant for Joining the NSF Center for Information Protection I/UCRC. This planning grant serves to establish the basis for the University of California, Davis to join the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Information Protection. The Center currently consists of Iowa State University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The University of California, Davis will bring industries and other organizations together to define a research agenda that will meet the objectives of all parties. This agenda will advance the capabilities of the non-academic participants by providing them with research results to enhance their products and activities, as well as an opportunity to interact with faculty and students at UC Davis. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bishop, Matt University of California-Davis CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR HPCC 9139 122E 1049 0000 0520500 Computer Security & Privacy 0700329 May 1, 2007 Collaborative Proposal: Center for Software-Intensive Ultra-Large-Scale Systems. This planning grant serves to establish the basis for a new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Software-Intensive Ultra-Large-Scale Systems. This proposed center will initially comprise of five research sites, at the University of Virginia, Michigan State University, the University of California San Diego, Vanderbilt University and the University of Washington. The research focus of this proposed center is on software for complex systems. The Center will conduct basic and applied research in traditional and emerging areas of software theory and practice, including research at the intersection of computer science and other disciplines, to include economics, cognition and anthropology. The research will address important problems and opportunities in six key areas: software language, software analysis and synthesis, software design, trustworthy software, software infrastructure and sentient software. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Cheng, Betty Laura Dillon Philip McKinley Charles Ofria Subir Biswas Michigan State University MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0700423 May 1, 2007 Collaborative Proposal: Center for Software-Intensive Ultra-Large-Scale Systems. This planning grant serves to establish the basis for a new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Software-Intensive Ultra-Large-Scale Systems. This proposed center will initially comprise of five research sites, at the University of Virginia, Michigan State University, the University of California San Diego, Vanderbilt University and the University of Washington. The research focus of this proposed center is on software for complex systems. The Center will conduct basic and applied research in traditional and emerging areas of software theory and practice, including research at the intersection of computer science and other disciplines, to include economics, cognition and anthropology. The research will address important problems and opportunities in six key areas: software language, software analysis and synthesis, software design, trustworthy software, software infrastructure and sentient software. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Schmidt, Douglas Janos Sztipanovits Gabor Karsai Aniruddha Gokhale Yuan Xue Vanderbilt University TN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0700488 March 15, 2007 Collaborative Research: Consortium for Embedded Systems. This planning grant serves to establish the basis for a new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center Embedded Systems with Arizona State University serving as the lead institution and the University of California Irvine and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale as research sites. The proposed Center will focus on Robust, Energy Efficient and Networked Embedded Systems. Within the overarching theme, the research will be organized into six main thrust areas: Software design for embedded systems; Power, energy and thermal management; Embedded processor architecture and CAD; Networked embedded systems; Testing, fault tolerance and dependability; and Robust embedded IC design. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Dutt, Nikil University of California-Irvine CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 112E 1049 0000 0700600 May 1, 2007 Collaborative Proposal: Center for Software-Intensive Ultra-Large-Scale Systems. This planning grant serves to establish the basis for a new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Software-Intensive Ultra-Large-Scale Systems. This proposed center will initially comprise of four research sites, at the University of Virginia, Michigan State University, the University of California San Diego, and Vanderbilt University. The research focus of this proposed center is on software for complex systems. The Center will conduct basic and applied research in traditional and emerging areas of software theory and practice, including research at the intersection of computer science and other disciplines, to include economics, cognition and anthropology. The research will address important problems and opportunities in six key areas: software language, software analysis and synthesis, software design, trustworthy software, software infrastructure and sentient software. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sullivan, Kevin John Stankovic Jack Davidson David Lorenz David Evans University of Virginia Main Campus VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0700712 May 1, 2007 Collaborative Proposal: Center for Software-Intensive Ultra-Large-Scale Systems. This planning grant serves to establish the basis for a new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Software-Intensive Ultra-Large-Scale Systems. This proposed center will initially comprise of five research sites, at the University of Virginia, Michigan State University, the University of California San Diego, Vanderbilt University and the University of Washington. The research focus of this proposed center is on software for complex systems. The Center will conduct basic and applied research in traditional and emerging areas of software theory and practice, including research at the intersection of computer science and other disciplines, to include economics, cognition and anthropology. The research will address important problems and opportunities in six key areas: software language, software analysis and synthesis, software design, trustworthy software, software infrastructure and sentient software. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Griswold, William Edwin Hutchins James Hollan Ingolf Krueger Harold Sorenson University of California-San Diego CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0700757 March 15, 2007 Collaborative Research: Consortium for Embedded Systems. This planning grant serves to establish the basis for a new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center Embedded Systems with Arizona State University serving as the lead institution and the University of California Irvine and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale as research sites. The proposed Center will focus on Robust, Energy Efficient and Networked Embedded Systems. Within the overarching theme, the research will be organized into six main thrust areas: Software design for embedded systems; Power, energy and thermal management; Embedded processor architecture and CAD; Networked embedded systems; Testing, fault tolerance and dependability; and Robust embedded IC design. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Tragoudas, Spyros Southern Illinois University at Carbondale IL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 112E 1049 0000 0700910 March 15, 2007 Collaborative Research: Consortium for Embedded Systems. This planning grant serves to establish the basis for a new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center Embedded Systems with Arizona State University serving as the lead institution and the University of California Irvine and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale as research sites. The proposed Center will focus on Robust, Energy Efficient and Networked Embedded Systems. Within the overarching theme, the research will be organized into six main thrust areas: Software design for embedded systems; Power, energy and thermal management; Embedded processor architecture and CAD; Networked embedded systems; Testing, fault tolerance and dependability; and Robust embedded IC design. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Vrudhula, Sarma Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 112E 1049 0000 0701519 April 1, 2007 Formation of CITeR-UA to Add Deception and Credibility Assessment to the Center for Identification Technology Research. The University of Arizona (UA) is partnering with the Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR) at West Virginia University (WVU) to create a second research site that focuses on deception and credibility assessment. This will strengthen CITeR by complementing the center's research on identification and authentication by bringing together faculty, industry, and government agencies with interests in detecting deception, identifying individuals who pose security threats, and developing tools for assessing individual credibility. The urgent need to better understand deception and its detection was unassailable long before 9/11 brought into high relief national security threats posed by terrorist plots and deceptions. The daily reporting of fraudulent business practices, political chicanery, telemarketing scams, internet predation, and identity theft has only served to reinforce the need for concerted attention to this critical and multifaceted topic. Yet at present there is little coordination of effort among government agencies or in the academic community to address issues related to identification of deception. Moreover, the topic begs for a multidisciplinary approach, so that technical expertise can be integrated with rigorous social science research to derive solutions and detection tools. CITeR-UA addresses these needs by assembling a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional collaboration among researchers and graduate students whose skills and interests intersect with those at CITeR-WVU. UA is uniquely equipped to lead the deception and credibility aspect of this effort with its state-of-the-art DOD-funded Deception Detection Laboratory for conducting experiments and its Integrated Multimedia System with terabyte server for capturing, editing, storing, and analyzing multimedia data. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Burgoon, Judee Jay Nunamaker University of Arizona AZ Glenn H. Larsen Continuing grant 1224985 T978 T974 S118 S117 I448 I339 H459 H440 5761 OTHR 5761 122E 1049 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0706352 December 1, 2006 CHREC -- The NSF Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. High-performance computing (HPC) has come to the forefront as a dominant field of technology for the advancement of science and commerce. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for High Performance Reconfigurable Computing at George Washington University will investigate, develop, and evaluate new concepts, methods, infrastructure, and tools in reconfigurable HPC, from building-block devices to infrastructure to applications, and advance these technologies through research and education for the benefit of Center members, students, and the discipline at large. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG El-Ghazawi, Tarek George Washington University DC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 430084 I142 H149 H141 5761 SMET OTHR HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9102 5761 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0707211 April 15, 2007 Research Related to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Membership in WICAT: First Year Plan and Possible Follow-on Activities. Funds provided by the Department of Air Force will be used to fund a project at the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Wireless Internet at the University of Virginia. The major objectives of the project are to improve wireless network performance capabilities and security for mobile users. The I/UCRC has been carrying out a variety of research efforts focused on serving mobile users operating in a large enterprise. This project will complement the existing effort at the University of Virginia that is exploring image processing techniques that separate foreground and background information for images so as to reduce bandwidth and processing requirements for mobile users. The research will be conducted under the standard I/UCRC terms as all of the other research efforts carried our under the Center memberships. IIP ENG Horowitz, Barry University of Virginia Main Campus VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 285450 T767 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0710646 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Micromachined Four Point Probes for Electrical Characterization at the Nano-Scale. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of a state-of-the-art enabling system for measuring sheet resistance in thin films and nanostructures for microelectronics applications at the nanoscale. The proposed micromachined four-point probe (FPP) overcomes the resolution limitations of other techniques. The team's goal is to develop a FPP with electrode widths <1 micron, electrode spacing <1 micron, ultra-low spring constant for non-destructive measurements, and the ability to scale up to multiprobes for higher throughput. The company leverages experience in AFM probe microfabrication and strong industry contacts. In this proposal key engineering and application challenges will be addressed. A 6-mask microfabrication process will be used to batch manufacture probes with predictable and repeatable performance. Nanotechnology is a very promising emerging field and the US Government is actively investing in it. Measurements in nanometer scale devices and structures are of both scientific and industrial importance. The proposed tool will facilitate basic research by enabling the observation of electrical phenomena that are not well understood at the nanometer scale by providing an inexpensive and simple to operate tool for electrical characterization. The short length scales give rise to unique electrical properties, which cannot be observed using existing methods. The proposed system offers much in terms of educational and scientific benefit by advancing the study of nanotechnology and by helping in better understanding electrical phenomena at the nanoscale. The FPP fills a critical need in integrated circuits and nanotechnology that rely on sub-micron microscopy, as it provides the user with a superior measurement system to aid researchers in studying new properties. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gaitas, Angelo PICOCAL, Inc. MI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99844 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0710718 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Microfluidic Gas/Liquid Two-Phase Sensing and Compensation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project addresses research and development into two-phase microfluidic behavior in resonating microtubes. Gas phase, or air bubble detection in intravenous drug lines is critical to preventing air embolisms and even death. Two-phase detection and damping problems have been reported in macroscopic Coriolis mass flow meters and in MEMS-based resonant tubes. There are experimental indications that microbubbles may be nucleating ultrasonically and then growing while attached to the interior of microfluidic resonant tubes. It is proposed to utilize resonant microtube technology to investigate the impact of gas phase formation and the gas liquid interaction and compensation for the associated damping as it applies to Coriolis mass flow and density measurement. This innovative research will improve bubble detection in liquid medication delivery systems and overcome problems experienced with two-phase damping in resonant sensing systems. The initial test bed will be for a MEMS-based, microfluidic drug delivery system. A new method of performing cell lysis and DNA analysis on small samples may be realized if cavitation can be controlled in the microtubes. The final goal is to successfully enable the commercialization of microfluidic Coriolis mass flow sensors and chemical concentration meters for industrial and medical applications. For this to happen the problems associated with gas phase detection and the two-phase damping must be overcome. This research has the potential of introducing a new means of detecting and measuring a second, gas phase in a liquid stream. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sparks, Douglas Integrated Sensing Systems Incorporated MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0710763 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Neo360 Scope - A Novel Endoscope with High Resolution Optically Unwarpped 360-Degree Imaging Capability. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop an endoscope with a 360 degree field of view that is based on the 360 degree optical unwrapping technique recently developed by the company. The proposed technology obviates the need for turning the endoscope to get a good view of the GI tract. In addition to its medical application, the proposed device would also be useful in many other areas where getting a full field of view is of importance SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Geng, Jason Xigen LLC md F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 98029 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0710798 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Sensitive Botulinum Toxin Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a sensitive detection system for botulinum toxin (BTX) detection in food and water. The assay will be based based on molecular wire fluorescent polymer signal amplification. Fast, sensitive and reliable detection of life threatening toxins such as BTX is of great interest to public health officials and the technology developed in this project may simplify the detection of BTX in food and water. If successful, the technique may be modified to detect other toxins as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Komarova, Elena Smart Polymers Research Corporation FL F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9183 9102 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0710817 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Thermal Imaging Aid to the Blind. This Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer research develops a device to allow a blind person or individual with significant vision impairment to sense the location and movements of people in the immediate area. The device will utilize a new low cost and miniature thermal imaging sensor technology to detect the relative warmth of people and present the information to the user via a haptic, touch-sensitive interface. The ability of a person to interact socially is an important factor for integration and independence in educational settings, the workplace, and recreational activities. A blind person or an individual with significant vision impairment typically must rely solely on verbal or other audio cues to identify the locations of people and group activities. Groups of several people in a classroom or meeting setting are difficult to track dynamically. At social events such as parties, spectator sports, and stage presentations the ability to sense individual activities is important to full participation. The simple task of finding a seat in a crowded school cafeteria or auditorium can be difficult for a blind person to do independently. The broader impact of this project will be to provide a device using thermal imaging information to drive a haptic display enabling better lives for visually disabled persons. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Seifert, Greg Advanced Medical Electronics Corp. mn Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 141784 5371 1505 BIOT 9123 1203 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0710823 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Inexpensive High-Performance Carbon Dioxide Environmental Monitor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will determine the performance and operating specifications for an inexpensive laser spectrometer suitable for high-precision detection of carbon dioxide in the environment. Carbon dioxide is the major contributor to greenhouse gas build-up in the atmosphere and is effecting global climate change. It is important to measure small changes on the large atmospheric background concentration. The new sensor will be about the size of a can of soda and provide parts-per-billion (ppb) CO2 sensitivity in a few seconds. The fully developed rugged prototypes will be suitable for long-term detection of carbon dioxide in environmental field applications. The significantly improved price point will enable widespread distribution of these sensors for atmospheric measurement applications without sacrificing performance for price. This will enable more widely distributed measurements of anthropogenic greenhouse gases that are leading to global climate change. The basic technology shall extend to other trace gas detection applications including biomedical breath diagnosis. Additional applications abound in detection of other environmental species important to health, occupational safety, and global warming. This research project will result in sensors that are smaller, less expensive, and more rugged than competing technologies. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pilgrim, Jeffrey VISTA PHOTONICS, INC NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0710914 July 1, 2007 Collaborative Friction Stir Processing. Wichita State University will join and participate in the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Friction Stir Processing. The I/UCRC brings together the leading friction stir processing academic institutions in the United States and focuses on addressing the needs of the aerospace, aeronautic, automotive, material, energy, military, and other commercial industries in developing this emerging solid state metals joining and processing technology. Wichita State University plans to increase the quantity and quality of professionals prepared to work in friction stir processing. The I/UCRC will actively develop this technology to increase the friction stir processing knowledge base and broaden the experience of its faculty and staff for supporting the aviation and other applicable industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Burford, Dwight Wichita State University KS Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 197500 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0710997 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Step-Out Process for Producing Bio-Gasoline. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research provides a clean and efficient route to bio-gasoline made from cellulosic materials. This technology will reduce dependence on foreign oil and decrease net carbon emissions by converting unused agricultural wastes and grasses to bio-gasoline. The method is safe and environmentally friendly. Enzymatic fermentation is eschewed in favor of a faster and cheaper chemical route, and liquid acid catalysts are replaced by cleaner alternatives. The proposal seeks to develop a novel catalyst to allow cellulose hydrosylate to be converted into oxygenated hydrocarbons useable as gasoline blending agents. Such a process would be significantly more efficient than cellulosic ethanol production due to greater efficiency in the conversion of cellulose to fuel and eliminating the cost and time required for biological and enzymatic conversions. The broader impact of this research would be to lead to a process enabling the direct conversion of biomass into a gasoline substitute. Production of tens of billions of gallons of this motor fuel could be produced every year, creating economic opportunities for farmers, producers, and providing the public with a more stable and secure source of motor fuel. This project also offers new scientific developments in the areas of catalysis and the processing of biomaterials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9153 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711001 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Techniques for Microalgae Production, Harvest, and Conversion to Biodiesel. This Small Business Innovation Research Project develops new technologies to culture microalgae as a source of biomass for use in the production of biodiesel fuel. There is a critical worldwide need for new, renewable sources of energy to reduce our dependence on the dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. Biodiesel produced from plant biomass offers very high potential. Microalgae are the most efficient plants that can produce oil for biodiesel, with potential annual yields of 5,000-10,000 gallons of oil per acre, 100 times higher than soybean or rapeseed oil crops. However, large-scale and cost-effective methods to culture and harvest microalgae (and extract the oils they contain) are lacking. This project involves research using the Controlled Eutrophication Process (CEP), an innovative, multi-stage microalgae cultivation system that produces dense populations of single-celled algae in high-rate algal ponds circulated by large, efficient paddlewheels. The CEP concept will be adapted to develop cost-effective microalgae-biodiesel production processes that can utilize both agricultural wastewater and underutilized saline water as supply water for high-rate algal production ponds. Additional benefits derived from the CEP biodiesel production process include wastewater treatment with freshwater recovery, nutrient recycling, greenhouse gas abatement and co-production of biofertilizers, feed supplements, and electricity. Sales of these valuable byproducts will help to offset the biodiesel cost and improve the competitiveness of this environmentally-friendly bioenergy resource. The overall impact of the development of efficient techniques for using microalgae to produce biofuels will be of immense value in assisting the U.S. economy in a successful transition to renewable energy and have an immense positive environmental impact on the world as a whole. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Massingill, Michael KENT SEATECH CORPORATION CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149998 5371 BIOT 9109 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711113 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Feasibility Study for Developing Low Nitrogen Corn. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research will evaluate feasibility for conferring low nitrogen tolerance into corn using a bridging technology based on a wild relative of corn. Eastern gamagrass, a wild relative of corn, has special adaptations for low nutrient soils. By crossing gamagrass with another corn relative, Sun Dance Genetics developed a genetic bridge that overcomes the sterility barrier between corn and gamagrass and permits movement of new genes into corn using conventional plant breeding methods. Approximately 15 million tons of fertilizer are applied annually to corn in the United States. Fertilizer runoff from corn has seriously impacted watersheds and contributes to growing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Sun Dance Genetics' platform technology for developing high-yielding corn under low nitrogen will reduce fertilizer requirements. We will collect data on yield and nitrogen use efficiency of lines grown at 100 lb/N/ac, 200lb/N/ac, and organically in a replicated, randomized plot field test. We will statistically evaluate performance of different genotypes under the three treatments, and employ DNA fingerprinting to identify genetic loci associated with nitrogen use efficiency. Phase I will provide essential data to assess feasibility for developing low-N corn, and identify pedigrees that can be fast-tracked for advanced development in a Phase II recurrent selection, marker-assisted breeding program. The broader impact will be a positive effect on the environment and human health benefits from reduced fertilizer runoff into the Mississippi River watershed, and from lower nitrous oxide emissions. Savings in fertilizer costs will also improve American corn growers competitiveness without hurting the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eubanks, Mary SUN DANCE GENETICS NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9109 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711141 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Localized Gene Delivery from Implantable Arterial Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop a fibrous material for the embedment and gradual release of appropriate genetic material, including small interfering RNA (siRNA), and viral vectors carrying genes for anti-inflammatory molecules, from coronary stents and prosthetic grafts. With over one million stents, and 70,000 prosthetic grafts placed each year, development of a reliable material that can release biological entities such as viral vectors and siRNA can be of large benefit for the millions of individuals suffering from heart disease and other occlusive ailments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Phaneuf, Matthew Biosurfaces MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149941 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 1491 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711190 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High-efficiency and Stable Nanocomposite Light Emitting Diode. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a new type of bright and stable nanophosphors for light emitting diode (LED) applications. Polymeric LED (PLED) has the superior imaging performance, compact, lightweight properties, and versatile and cost-effective solution processability; and thus is setting to replace liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in many existing applications, as well as open up exciting possibilities for new product forms and applications. However, PLED has the drawback of limited emitting colors, broad and red tailed emission peak, low efficiency, and short lifetime. In Phase I, hybrid PLED device will be assembled and tested by embedding the nanophosphors into wide band-gap phosphorescent polymer. The operation of the device will largely rely on the energy transfer from host polymer to the guest nanophosphors. Taking the advantages of the high brightness and high stability of the nanophosphors to be developed in this SBIR project, the hybrid PLED devices would have low-cost and the high performance (i.e. efficiency, lifetime, and color quality) that would meet or even exceed the standards as required for commercialization. If successful some of the major impacts for the outcome of this project will be (1) the enabling of more extensive use of PLEDs in the electronic devices such as portable computers, cellular telephone, hand-held biosensors, and large area displaying screen, (2) engendering entirely new display products, for example, the transparent LED (TLED), which could be used in windshield displays, heads-up instrumentation for aircraft and automobiles, office windows doubled as display screen, (3) fabrication of high efficiency white PLED as lighting resources to replace the mercury-based lighting devices, and (4) generation of a new type of nanophosphors materials SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Yunjun Mesolight LLC AR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711234 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: RECONFIGURABLE SENSORS FOR AUTONOMIC MONITORING ACROSS FREQUENCY AND LENGTH SCALES. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project researches a single sensor patch capable of sensing damage across several length and time scales in an autonomous fashion, enabling this sensor product to reach a wider market and, more importantly, removing a technical barrier from the structural health monitoring and non destructive evaluation technologies. The proposed research solves the problem of monitoring structural integrity across multiple time and distance scales by integrating three detection methodologies into a single sensor device combined with reconfigurable computing and energy harvesting to produce a wireless, standalone, multifunctional sensor/actuator patch. The innovation here is the use of one physical transduction principle (piezoelectric effect) to simultaneously sense and actuate across large frequency (time) and length scales combined with concepts of reconfigurable computing to select different sensing scales. This sensor solution will vastly improve monitoring capabilities in public utilities and industries ranging from the nuclear power utilities to the aircraft industry. The proposed sensing solution would greatly reduce the required number of sensing units, substantially reducing the cost and complexity of monitoring systems, thus enabling more industries to seek monitoring solutions extending the life and safety of their products. The increased ability proposed here will directly improve public safety. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Owen, Robert Extreme Diagnostics, Inc. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 169991 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1185 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711247 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Non-Invasive Optical Analyzer for Medical Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will determine the performance and operating specifications for a low-cost optical CO2 isotope ratiometer for medical applications. The carbon isotope ratio in breath CO2 allows non-invasive diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of multiple pathologies. Although CO2 breath tests are generally accepted in the medical community, their widespread application is hampered by the availability of portable, cost-effective, highly accurate and reliable sensors. The proposed simple, compact optical-based instrument will allow extension of quantitative CO2 breath tests not only at medical centers but also to doctors' offices and in patients' homes. This new soda-can-sized sensor will allow determination of the carbon isotope ratio in untreated breath with sub-per-mil precision in a few seconds. This research project will have a broad impact on society by enabling widespread distribution of breath analysis as a medical diagnostic and monitoring tool. This noninvasive, patient friendly and broadly applicable medical method will improve the quality of patient care in hospitals, doctor's offices and at home. In addition to biomedical applications the basic sensor technology can be extended to carbon dioxide isotope measurements in air samples. These isotope ratiometers have importance in geo-chemical, environmental, and ecological studies where variations in natural abundance are studied. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Kutzner, Joerg VISTA PHOTONICS, INC NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711249 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Microcoil Sensors for Detection of Toxic Proteins and Bacteria. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) research project will develop a novel microcoil (or called microspring) sensing technology. Toxic proteins and bacterial pathogens pose a severe threat to the health of the general population and the military. The proof of concept experiments will be conducted with innocuous model systems using antibody modified coils. Antigens will be affinity captured on the surface of antibody-modified microcoils, which alters the stress properties of the surface and will change the microcoil electrical resistance. The specific aims of the present proposal are to optimize the microcoil geometries and fabrication processes for best sensing performance and to demonstrate the sensitive detection in various model systems. The attribute of this sensing technology will be of particular benefit in the area of Category A-C pathogens detection. This research will contribute to this novel sensing platform for the development of other chemical and biological sensors. The technology will have commercial applications in medical diagnostics for detecting potential pathogens. Existing detection systems have tended to be fairly large, are not very accurate, and require human operation. Many current analytical methods rely on signal amplification that introduces potential bias or errors in the data and require multiple steps. Standard microbiological approaches to detect bacterial and viral pathogens are time-consuming and tedious. A portable, or even wearable badge-size detection device is possible based these microsensors. Furthermore, microcoil sensors have proved to be highly sensitive. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Karen Sensacoil Incorporated LA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711269 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Photonic Sensors for Nondestructive Evaluation Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will support the development of a nondestructive inspection and evaluation sensor system, capable of measuring state of strain of advanced materials and structures as well as detecting and locating damages in these materials and structures. The proposed sensors consist of an array of stress sensitive Bragg gratings fabricated in a rosette configuration, which are capable of measuring state of strain, stress, and detecting damage presence and location in advanced structures. In Phase I, the sensor's capability to measure state of strain with large dynamic range, high accuracy and high sensitivity will be demonstrated. In addition, an ultrasonic method we will be used to demonstrate the sensor' capability to detect stress waves indicating the presence and location of damages in a metal structure. The grating rosette sensor, light source, and data acquisition will be controlled by an automated system, capable of determining the state of strain as well as the severity and locations of damages present in the advanced materials and structures. This novel NDE sensor system will offer significant cost saving for both the aviation and civil engineering industries by providing a cost-effective solution for damage evaluation and structural failure analysis in aerospace and civil advanced structures. Advances in the ultrasonic wave sensor technology will permit researchers to utilize this technology to better understand degradation mechanism leading to material failure in large and complex structures. The low-cost, high sensitivity sensor technology will improve public safety as a result of cost-effective structural and material condition evaluation and diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nguyen, An-Dien LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711329 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Novel sensor for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. This Small Business Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a device for non-invasive measurement of blood glucose levels using a combination of optical coherence tomography and thermal modulation. If successful, the proposed technology would be a major advance in non-invasive blood glucose monitoring (NIBGM) and would allow the diabetic population to improve their standard of care by enabling continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels without the pain and inconvenience of frequent skin pricks to obtain blood samples. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Melman, Paul Newton Photonics, Inc. MA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99729 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711332 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Thermally-Assisted Electro-Etching of Electronics Packages. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses an enabling technology for fabrication of printed circuit boards and electronic packages. The demand for increased integrated circuit density, performance and reliability while reducing size, weight and cost of electronic modules requires interconnects and packaging to employ lines and spaces that are less than 75 micron in width. Through-mask chemical etching of interconnects isotropically attacks copper under the mask, limiting feature sizes to larger than 75 micron. The proposed innovation, Thermally-Assisted Electro-Etching, combines Faradayic electrochemical etching to generate an anisotropic current distribution through the mask, with a pulsed thermal source to enhance anisotropic etching by selective heating of the exposed copper. Unlike chemical etching, this technology will enable through-mask etching of features 25 - 30 micron in width. The Phase I project will demonstrate this technology through design and build of an apparatus that promotes controlled etching, electrolyte selection, optimization of electrochemical and thermal process parameters, and an economic evaluation of the technology. The anticipated result is a robust, anisotropic, cost-effective through-mask etching process for electronic packaging features below 75 micron. The project team, Faraday, Columbia University and Lockheed-Martin, will set the stage for technology validation and commercialization. The research project, if successful, will result in higher density, lower cost interconnect applications. The proposed technological innovation is benign and will not adversely impact the environment nor worker safety. Workforce development with Columbia undergraduate and graduate students is anticipated and Faraday routinely provides opportunities for local undergraduate students and high school teachers in conjunction with NSF's REU and RET programs, respectively. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG McCrabb, Heather FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711335 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Low k Interlayer Dielectrics for 22 nm Technology Node and Beyond. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a new technology for manufacturing ultra-low dielectric constant materials (e< 2.0) for leading-edge logic devices for the 22 nm technology node and beyond. It is widely recognized that materials presently used in the 90 and 65 nm technology nodes will not remain endlessly effective with further miniaturization of integrated circuits either because they do not have sufficiently low e values, or because their morphological features will not provide acceptable mechanical properties for integration. This project will investigate a new approach to interlayer dielectrics based on the bottom-up synthesis of honeycomb-like nano-structured films in which porogen component is pre-built into the nano-sized cells and can be decomposed in a strictly controlled manner. This provides geometrically precisely organized closed pores with diameters selected at will from the range of 1-5 nm with precision of +/- 1 nm and separated by the 1-3 nm thin organo-inorganic walls. The proposed research program will have three major parts: (i)bottom-up synthesis of the nano-scaled precursor films, (ii) controlled preparation of nano-porous dielectrics, and (iii) characterization of the obtained products. While the immediate focus of this Phase I program will be on the interlayer dielectrics for the 22 nm node, it will also have a major impact on efforts beyond this stage and to the ultimate limits of silicon-based computers. This program will also significantly contribute to expanding our overall knowledge and understanding of nano-structured materials and nanotechnology in general. The Phase I results will provide proof-of-concept data that will be used to design a program for optimization and further improvement of this process and materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dvornic, Petar DENDRITECH, INC MI William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711509 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High-Efficiency Nanocomposite Photovoltaics and Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed towards development of an innovative technology for fabrication of high-efficiency thin film nanocomposite photovoltaic materials and solar cells taking advantage of the recently discovered breakthrough effect of carrier multiplication in nanocrystals. The proposed concept employs smart design of the solar cells providing fast and effective spatial separation of electrons and holes photogenerated in the nanocrystals. The proposed technology solves the challenging problem of modern nanoscience and nanotechnology - the problem of electrical communications with nanoscale objects, such as nanocrystals, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, etc. It can be also employed for development of many other nanocomposite optoelectronic devices for numerous commercial and military applications. The proposed technology has great commercialization market potential. The proposed all-inorganic, high-efficiency, thin film, flexible nanostructured photovoltaic materials and solar cells, which can operate in extreme environments and offer significant mass and volume savings, are ideally suitable for numerous applications, including power generating residential rooftops, power supplies for utility grid, emergency signals and telephones, water pumps, activate switches, battery chargers, residential and commercial lighting, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rupasov, Valery ANTEOS, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711564 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Exchange Coupling Enabled Scalable High Density Nonvolatile STT-RAM at Fast Speed and Low Power. This SBIR project addresses a novel (not heat assisted switching) use of ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interfacial exchange coupling to enhance the magnetic anisotropy and thermal stability of the free layer in a MTJ. Spin Torque Transfer Random Access Memory (STT-RAM) solves the write current scaling problem of Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM) by using the spin momentum of the tunneling electrons to switch Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) memory elements. Common MTJ used in STT-RAM suffers from a reduced thermal stability when optimized for lower current STT switching required for a small memory cell size and low power operation. The proposed approach promises lower STT switching current, higher TMR and adequate thermal stability for a high density non-volatile STT-RAM at fast speed and low cost. The success of this effort will enable STT-RAM to achieve performance and density that surpass mainstream semiconductor memories such as SRAM, DRAM and NOR Flash in both embedded and standalone memory markets, and create new sectors in the semiconductor industry. Consumers will buy standalone memories in mobile devices such as cell phones, iPod and digital cameras. Corporations like Qualcomm and Freescale can use this technology in embedded memories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Eugene Grandis, Inc CA William Haines Standard Grant 99993 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711593 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: A Monolithic Spiral Coil Acoustic Transduction Immunosensor. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop a monolithic spiral coil acoustic transduction (MSCAT) immunosensor for the detection of E. coli, in drinking water. The MSCAT sensor is more sensitive than standard ones because it can detect both electrical and mechanical property changes caused by a target analyte. Fast, sensitive and reliable detection of bacterial contaminants in water is of great interest to public health officials and the technology developed in this project may be expanded to cover other microorganisms as well. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG McCann, Donald Mainely Sensors, LLC ME Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149906 9150 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 9150 1491 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711621 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Assays for Clinical Chemistry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a point-of-care assay for creatine kinase, an important toxicity biomarker, to screen for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) using whole blood. The assay will utilize bioluminescent resonance energy transfer (BRET) probes incorporating quantum dots. The proposed technology is likely to impact toxicity testing, allowing physicians to test for potential ADR at an early stage and take corrective measures. With over 50% of Medicare patients taking multiple medications, the probability of ADRs is high and any inexpensive and reliable test for toxicity would be of benefit to these individuals and society as a whole. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sobek, Daniel Zymera Corporation CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99993 5371 BIOT 9183 5371 0711622 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Allosteric DNAzyme Sensors for Practical Detection of Cyanotoxins. This STTR Phase I research will develop detection methods using allosteric DNAzymes (aptazymes) to detect cyanobacterial toxins that occur throughout the world in both fresh and brackish water. Cyanotoxins present a public safety hazard through contamination of drinking water supplies by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), and sensitive detection of cyanotoxins has been a long-standing challenge. Although instrumented and immunological methods have been developed, a fast and accurate detection kit with high sensitivity and selectivity is still not available and its development would be very desirable. DzymeTech Inc. and the laboratories at the University of Illinois have previously developed many functional DNA-based sensors for metal ions and small molecules such as cocaine. In this research, a related combinatorial selection method will be used to obtain DNAzymes that are allosterically activated by cyanobacterial toxins. By attaching fluorophore-quencher pairs or gold nanoparticles to the DNA, practical sensors that target cyanobacterial toxins will be generated. Successful completion of this Phase I project will establish the feasibility of using nucleic acids to recognize cyanotoxins and thus have broad impact on a number of fields such as medical diagnostics, bioorganic chemistry, and nanotechnology. Aptazyme-based cyanobacterial toxin sensors will have substantial commercial value. Improved cyanotoxin sensors are urgently needed for rapid response to cyanobacterial outbreaks. These sensors will allow government agencies to make rapid judgments about treatment options and will allow the general public to have safer drinking water. The identification of aptazymes that can recognize cyanotoxins will also broaden our fundamental knowledge of interactions between nucleic acids and small molecules. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Juewen DzymeTech Inc. IL Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149995 5371 1505 BIOT 9104 1605 1179 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711623 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Feasibility Demonstration & Performance Optimization of an Ultra-High-Efficiency, Thin-Film, Crystalline Si Solar Cell for Cost-Effective, Grid-Connected Electricity. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project addresses the rapidly growing world-wide solar energy market, by demonstrating, optimizing, and commercializing an ultra-high-efficiency and ultra-low-cost solar cell / module technology. Expensive and unreliable fossil fuel supplies and escalating global demand for energy have created the need for an alternate, widely available, cost-effective, and renewable source. Key solar attributes are the abundant, worldwide, point-of-use supply of sunlight and its environmental friendliness. The goal of this project is to reduce solar electricity cost for grid-connected electricity markets by implementation of an innovative ultra-high-efficiency cell and module designs with a low material usage & cost-reduced manufacturing, while leveraging the maturity and environmental acceptance of Si PV. This project is expected to result in efficiencies higher than best-of breed crystalline Si-wafer cells. The team's approach improves the cell & module structures, resulting in enhanced efficiency & reduced cost. The proposed solution includes: (1) a significant reduction of Si consumption; (2) optimal cell design for ultra-high cell & module efficiencies; (3) low-cost super-selfaligned cell fabrication; (4) decreased consumption of fab materials; (5) unique module design & assembly, enabling fab automation; (6)) reduced performance gap between the cell & module efficiencies due to higher area utilization & lower ohmic losses; (7) reduced labor cost; and (8) cell technology based on 50+ years of Si-based learning and a mature manufacturing supply chain. The PV market (~$1.5B in 2005) will grow 35+% CAGR to >$35B by 2010, indicating the market-pull for cost-effective solutions. This project provides the following global benefits: (1) cost-effective solar modules to meet industry roadmap for affordable, secure, distributed electricity; (2) environmentally-benign solar cell & module materials and fab processes for sustainable environment; (3) shortened energy payback time to <1 year; (4) reduced breakeven time for end-users. Through the proposed technology, a residential customer with 4kWp installed proposed PV will reduce CO2 emissions by >400 kg/year (or by >12,000 kg over the minimum 30-year lifetime of PV systems). This project will make a measurable contribution to an expanding U.S.-based solar energy technology and fab infrastructure for grid-connected PV markets. It is the intent of this project to reduce cost by implementation of an innovative ultra-high-efficiency solar cell and module with simplified manufacturing while retaining the high-efficiency of crystalline Si PV. This project will serve as the precursor for establishing a cascade of U.S.-based PV fabs with production volumes scaled from 2.5 MWp to 100+ MWp over 4 years, making significant projected contributions to the U.S.-based PV manufacturing infrastructure and creation of U.S.-based jobs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Moslehi, Mehrdad Soltaix LLC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711638 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A New Class of Fast Fourier Transforms. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project is directed at development of a high performance, parameterized fast Fourier transform (FFT) circuit that will be sold as an intellectual property product to be used in ASIC and FPGA embedded signal processing applications. For the past 40 years parallel FFT implementations have remained relatively unchanged, being based essentially on different permutations of the signal flow graph and mappings thereof. Consequently, the inherent irregularities of the signal flow graph are reflected in the complex commutators or permutation circuits, large butterfly units, global interconnections, and stage-to-stage differences seen in today's FFTs and result in an inherent inflexibility and lack of performance. A radically different approach to parallel FFT implementation is proposed here based on a new matrix formulation of the discreet Fourier transform (DFT) which decomposes it into structured sets of multiplication-free 4-point DFTs. As a result, (1) implementations are simple, locally connected and structured, thereby allowing lower power and higher performance mappings to modern FPGAs and ASICs; (2) significant added functionality and flexibility accrues from the inherent scalability; and (3) good arithmetic efficiency is retained. The proposed research plan will validate these claims by appropriate analysis, modeling, circuit designs, and FPGA implementations. The DFT appears throughout a large number of real-time signal processing, communications, radar, acoustics, and electromagnetic applications and is arguably the most prominent of all signal processing algorithms. Consequently, the availability of more functional, flexible, and higher performance FFTs will significantly improve the efficacy of a host of electronic products. The benefits of this new FFT technology would be best suited to wireless devices, the largest and fastest growing market for electronic products. Future 4G protocols will be based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and scalable orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), which are digital modulation schemes that make use of the FFT. Consequently, most wireless communication devices of the future will use embedded FFT circuitry. However, today's FFT technology does not possess the combined throughput, functionality, flexibility and low power necessary to meet the needs of future wireless protocols. The proposed Phase I research will demonstrate an FFT circuit architecture that can meet all the computational demands of future wireless protocols. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nash, J Greg Centar CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99818 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711648 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Shape memory polymer AAA Endograft. This Small Business Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop endografts for percutaneous treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) using shape memory polymer (SMP) technology. This goal will be achieved by focusing on 3 features to evaluate the optimal design: fatigue, endoleaks, and endothelialization. The availability of a shape memory endograft for patients suffering from AAA will have a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lanning, Craig EndoShape Inc CO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99250 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711652 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Low-Cost Biodiesel Production via Novel Esterification and Transesterification Catalysts. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project develops methods for the use of novel esterification and transesterification catalysts to cut the cost of biodiesel production which have become a critical bottleneck for greater biodiesel use. At the current time, biodiesel is produced through a transesterification catalytic process and the catalyst employed is sensitive to water and free fatty acids (FFA). As a consequence, biodiesel producers have to purchase expensive equipments to remove water and FFA from the feedstocks which lowers the yields of biodiesel production. This research develops a novel transesterification catalyst that can tolerate water, FFA and a second esterification catalyst to directly convert unwanted FFA into biodiesel. The broader impacts of this work are: (1) cutting the cost of biodiesel production due to improved production yields and the adoption of high-volume, continuous production of biodiesel; (2) potentially expanding the range of biodiesel feedstock selections to allow much cheaper inedible animal fats and recycled cooking oils, all of which contain significant amounts of FFA; and (3) finally, enabling the wider use of biodiesel to reduce our reliance on crude oil imports, support local agricultural economies, and provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to non-renewable fossil-fuel energy sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Rong Midwest Energy Group Incorporated il Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 192500 5371 1505 BIOT 9109 9102 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711657 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: A Comprehensive Fluorescent Tool Set for Live Cell Imaging. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop new probes for targeting specific cellular compartments. This will be achieved by producing a library of green fluorescent-tagged proteins using a high throughput insertion strategy. Availability of these reagents would be of great value to cell biologists interested in cellular trafficking or other areas that would require the use of compartment-specific markers. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Quinn, Anne Montana Molecular LLC MT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149997 9150 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 9150 9102 1491 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711660 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Identification of commercially viable insect resistance traits for transgenic crops. This Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research project aims to develop novel insect resistance genes that meet the growing market need for the control of agricultural pests with environmentally neutral compounds. Biotechnology has revolutionized agricultural pest management by offering a safer and more effective method of insect control. The current product on the market has greatly reduced the application of harsh chemical pesticides and fostered demand for more such products. For this technology to be sustainable, however, new compounds must be discovered to manage the development of resistant insects and expand it's use in agriculture. Our previous research discovered fungal protein extracts that contain orally toxic insecticidal compounds, and our university research partner has a patent pending on the application of these proteins as an insecticide. MycoGenomix has an exclusive license to commercialize this product. The proposed research uses protein fraction tools coupled with insect feeding bioassays to identify candidate toxin proteins. DNA probes will be constructed from partial peptide sequences and used to screen a cDNA-based protein expression library to identify the specific gene sequences. The broader impact of this identification of novel insect resistance genes and the development of these products for agricultural use will be to provide for an improved, environmentally friendly means of agricultural pest management with significant commercial value. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Richards, Harry MycoGenomix TN Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 1505 BIOT 9150 9109 1491 1167 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711670 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Flexible Low Cost In-Situ Multi-Spectral Fluorometer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to investigate the feasibility of a flexible solid-state multi-spectral fluorometer for in-situ measurement of water parameters. Current commercially available instruments are limited in the number of wavelengths they offer. They are also expensive due to the use of costly components such as flash lamps, filter wheels, etc. This project will explore the use of a photodiode array, LEDs, optics, and signal processing to give scientists a flexible research tool allowing them to measure any or all wavelengths in the visible region. In addition the price of the instrument compared to current products will be as much as 50% less. A bench top prototype of the key optical, electronic components and software will be built to prove that an all solid-state design can achieve the necessary sensitivity. An emerging trend in water monitoring is the use of in-situ multi-spectral instruments. As opposed to standard fixed optics instruments, multi-spectral instruments allow the measurement of several parameters in parallel and can measure new parameters by performing data analysis on multiple wavelengths obtained simultaneously. Current commercially available instruments restrict researchers to a small number of wavelengths. They are also expensive. Hence they have not been, and are unlikely to ever be, widely adopted in the scientific community. A more flexible in-situ multi-spectral fluorometer dramatically increases the data that scientists can generate from a single instrument. The lower cost increases the availability of the instruments to researchers with limited funds. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hoang, Sang Turner Designs CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 1580 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711677 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Design and Fabrication of a Novel Electrostatic Micro Energy Harvester. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes to investigate the feasibility of making a vibration-based silicon electrostatic micro energy harvester with a high Actual Achievable Power Density (AAPD) for powering wireless sensor network nodes. This research proposes a new route to increase converted power by increasing the AAPD of an energy harvester. The innovation of this research includes a novel electrostatic harvester design and a novel process for making this design. The primary technical objective is to demonstrate if the proposed design can indeed be fabricated with the proposed process. The specific research activities include harvester design and microfabrication process integration and optimization. Batteries are not always an ideal choice if the lifetime, volume and replacement accessibility of a power source are restricted. Harvesting energy from the environment to power microelectronics devices has become an alternative solution. As energy harvesters produce power in the microW to mW range, outputting electric energy as much as possible is the primary goal of energy harvester development. The principal application of the proposed energy harvester is for wireless sensor networks (WSN). Currently, one of the biggest technical challenges for the commercialization of WSN is to provide a cost-effective power solution. Energy harvesters are highly attractive as they can supply long-lived power; reduce the cost of installation and maintenance; and enable completely self-powered wireless and battery-free sensor nodes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Gang Echemics ca Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99908 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711680 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: VLSI Clocking Using BDS Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will validate the Bi-Directional Signaling (BDS) concept in Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits (VLSI) clock distribution applications. The BDS concept was introduced recently as an idea enabling a disruptive new technology for VLSI clocking with significant implications in the VLSI design methodology. Similar to other recent research ideas, BDS replaces the dissipative and noisy signal transport inherent in conventional active trees with electromagnetic wave propagation, accomplishing major reductions in power dissipation, jitter, and travel time. BDS is a wide-band, openloop (driven) system naturally supporting fast clock start/stop operations and a very wide range of clock frequencies. In addition, unlike any other VLSI clocking techniques, BDS decouples the signal transport function from the local-area loading effects for almost complete freedom in clock distribution routing. If the theoretical promises of BDS turn into reality and the VLSI chip manufactures adopt this technology, the significant benefits will include faster IC development cycles, lower IC cost, higher yields, and better performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Banu, Mihai MHI Consulting LLC NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99950 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711686 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Kaelo - An Automated Corporate Governance Rating System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to research and demonstrate the feasibility of developing an automated and independent corporate governance rating system. The recent leadership scandals of companies such as Enron, WorldCom, and other high profile cases in the US and Europe have led to the growth of the corporate governance rating industry. This industry focuses on governance rating, proxy advisory, and consulting. Using over 200 governance variables in four corporate governance categories (i.e., governance and ethics, compensation, auditing and accounting, and finance), the project will employ intelligent information extraction technology on unstructured text and automated question answering system (based on securities domain-specific natural language) to generate corporate governance rating indices. Presently, the process of generating ratings and advisory information is labor intensive. This tool will automate the current information gathering and analysis processes used by governance analysts, industry regulators, and the investment community. If successful, the tool will reduce the cost of corporate governance analyses for individual and institutional shareowners, advisors, consultants, public companies, and government and market regulators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Odubiyi, Jide SEGMA LLC md Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99951 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711689 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Dynamic Passphrase Voice Security System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project proposes to develop a novel voice authentication security access system which uniquely combines speech verification with speaker verification in a dual fashion. As a basis for authentication, the proposed system generates a one-time pass-phrase which users are challenged to respond to immediately. The dual verification engine verifies that the response is the required pass-phrase and belongs to the claimed user. The proposed system addresses the vulnerabilities of previous voice authentication systems associated with 'ear shot' surfing, eavesdropping, guessing, and replaying attacks. The proposal offers a solution for emerging identity theft threats where personal or stored secret information cannot be said aloud. The proposal further addresses traditional password system limitations associated with ineffective passwords and password management. The research objective of this project is to investigate the feasibility of the technical approach and commercial potential. The research consists of the design and development of a prototype representative of the dual verification random pass-phrase proposed system. The research includes the measurement and analysis of engine accuracy, pass-phrase effectiveness and overall security. It is anticipated that important security improvements will be demonstrated for voice applications sensitive to eavesdropping and playback thereby expanding the overall potential for voice authentication. The impacts of the proposed activity include secure authentication through speech via the widely growing number of speech recognition applications, voice channels and converged platforms. As more individuals use their voice on a variety of devices and networks such as VoIP or cellular, real-time, speech applications will benefit from the proposed method. The proposed speech security method may also be the choice for those with visual or other applicable handicaps. Society is concerned with the continuous rise of security breaches and related identity theft. The system offers an important option to this problem with the possibility of positively impacting individuals and organizations that lose millions of dollars to fraud annually. The combination of security and authentication technologies in new and unique ways enhances our understanding of how a dynamic biometric, such as speaker verification, can be used to advance the technology as never before demonstrated. The proposal emphasizes the collaboration of industry and university and broadens the participation of underrepresented groups through a woman owned and operated business. The proposal facilitates the integration of research and education with the involvement of university faculty, researchers, and graduate students. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Skerpac, Valene iBiometrics, Inc. ny Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 149961 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711693 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Virtual Learning Environment for University Physics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes developing an advanced web-based collaborative virtual learning environment (VLE) for teaching freshman university physics. The VLE will deliver self-paced compelling and engaging instruction in the form of interactive simulations and high-end multimedia lectures. The interactive simulations will be delivered in a video-game-like 3D virtual environment, that supports multi-users, using physics-based models. The instruction will be delivered by near-photorealistic intelligent animated virtual instructors who can answer natural language questions. The multimedia lectures will include synchronized speech, text, sounds, movies and 2D/3D animated illustrations. At the end of each section, the student will be offered test exercises that he/she can either do on his/her own or with guidance from the virtual instructor. The VLE will include the subjects covered in first year university physics including, kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, optics, relativity and quantum/particle physics. In Phase I, a prototype VLE which includes a subset of those subjects (about 20% of a typical first-year physics text book) will be developed. The VLE's interactivity and high level of visual/audio quality will result in faster assimilation, deeper understanding, and higher memory retention by the students than traditional text-book/classroom learning. The proposed university physics VLE has the potential to radically change the way physics is taught. Due to the current exponential rate of increase in human scientific and technical knowledge, there is a need for students in science and engineering fields to assimilate more knowledge at a faster rate. Current classroom and text-book instruction delivery methods cannot satisfy these needs due to a variety of reasons, including, delivery of the lecture in non-engaging and minimally interactive way, use of antiquated static graphical illustrations, variability of teacher skill, lack of one-on-one teacher attention, and variability of student learning styles and speeds. The VLE will help overcome those limitations. Particularly, it will enhance the quality, accessibility, and speed of learning. It will also enhance the student experimentation, creativity and problem-solving capability. Freshman university physics was chosen in this project because it is one of the essential foundations for training high-caliber engineers and scientists who will ensure the continued leadership of the US in developing new technologies and in conducting cutting-edge scientific research. The VLE framework can be applied to other fields including mathematics, chemistry and biology. It can also be applied to K-12 courses. REESE SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wasfy, Tamer ADVANCED SCIENCE AND AUTOMATION CORP IN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 7625 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711697 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Novel High Performance, Low Cost Gas Sensor Platform. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 research project will optimize novel thick film materials and low cost screen-printing processes to create high performance, selective gas sensors that are significantly less expensive than competing technologies. Currently there are no stable, rapid responding semiconductor gas sensors that exhibit improved selectivity and that are inexpensive to manufacture. This research intends to solve this problem by demonstrating that high performance sensor platforms can be fabricated using well-developed, inexpensive screen-printing techniques and its proprietary, NanoCarbon thermally fugitive ink systems. Advanced, low thermal mass platforms will be created that enable robust gas sensors to respond rapidly, use very little power, and achieve improved selectivity and stability through temperature-programmed modulation. These innovative high performance gas sensors could have important broad impacts on the environment, health, safety and energy conservation. Specific examples of health and safety benefits include rapid detection of dangerous flammable and toxic gases, and low-cost portable sensors for detection of chemical warfare agents. Examples where efficiency and environmental remediation could be significantly improved include industrial process optimization for energy conservation, pollution monitoring with networked arrays, and systems that limit or control exposure to smog and environmental pollutants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ferguson, Luke Thick Film Technologies, Inc. wa Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99331 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711698 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: (IT-B5) Feasibility to Run Novel Voice Interface on a Low-Power Microcontroller. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project focuses on the porting a proprietary voice interface to a low-power wearable platform. A major challenge of this development is the elimination of hardware support for floating point calculations that are not typically included on low-power embedded platforms. This proposal addresses mobility characteristics by focusing the critical issues such as investigation of feasible methods for reducing the complexity of algorithms, and the lack of hardware support for floating point arithmetic on a low-power device as used in embedded applications. This project addresses the development of a novel information management system for the visually impaired. It also has the potential to revolutionize the information management needs for sighted people as well, and address niche applications such as prosthetic devices for 'forgetfulness'. Most importantly, this technology has many useful applications such as assisting people with other types of disabilities besides visual impairment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cameron, Seth CameronSound, LLC MT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711702 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Image Search Engine using Dynamic Routing Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop image search and recognition software inspired by the structure of biological vision systems. There are four main components to the proposed system: A hierarchical dynamical routing circuit, an associative memory, a sparse representation of image content and a scene preprocessor. While there has been previous research focused around each of these areas, this project represents one of the first efforts to combine all of these components into the development of a practical object recognition system. The image search and recognition software will be able to recognize objects regardless of their specific pose in an image and will be designed with hardware implementation criteria in mind. The unique properties of the system, such as utilizing the superposition principle to solve the combinatorial explosion in exhaustive search and its parallel architecture, gives it the potential to be a core engine for myriad search tasks unreachable by conventional means. The rapid proliferation of digital images and videos, the growth of the internet, and continuous improvements in computing have conspired to present an unique and timely opportunity for businesses that create or use visual search and recognition software and hardware. The applications for the technology are significant, ranging from national homeland security, to corporate copyright protection, to vision support for the blind, to personal indexing of digital photos. The system developed as part of this project is general enough to be applied to a wide variety of problems in vision as well as some non-vision problems. As a result, it is broadly suitable as a core engine of an intelligent machine solution for a wide variety of applications. Because its unique design is inspired by the primate visual system, it is expected that additional speed advantages coming from the hierarchical and parallel architecture will be realized in a hardware implementation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pesavento, Gerald IQ Engines, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711706 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF SiGe BiCMOS INFRARED IMAGING SYSTEMS. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will design and develop high efficiency silicon germanium (SiGe) photodetectors for infrared imaging systems based on a SiGe bipolar-complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (BiCMOS) technology. Current infrared imaging systems are widely made of InSb and HgCdTe due to their high sensitivity to thermal radiation from 3 -5 and 8 -12 um. However, they are incompatible to the mainstream Si CMOS technology for electronic readouts; hence the infrared imaging systems are discrete, incapable of scaling, and expensive besides the critical cryogenic temperature requirement. Thermal radiation from warm and hot objects contains a large quantity of infrared photons from 0.9 to 12 um. SiGe is an optical detecting material compatible to the Si CMOS technology and can detect photons from 0.9 to 1.5 um, making it possible to develop a variety of integrated infrared imaging systems on a chip based on a SiGe BiCMOS technology. Any improvement and breakthroughs in the development of a high-efficiency high-speed SiGe photodetector compatible to the Si CMOS technology and an on-chip SiGe BiCMOS infrared imaging system made of it will have a great impact on the field of semiconductor imaging. The successful development means that various SiGe BiCMOS infrared imaging systems on a chip can be designed and developed for various applications in both imaging industries and US militaries. The most obvious applications include night vision for vehicles, medical thermography for cancer or tumor detection during diagnosis or surgery. The proposed effort on SiGe photodetectors will also greatly benefit the research, development, and commercialization of the emerging silicon-based nanophotonics for advanced signal processing and data communication. Further, the project will also integrate with the UCLA undergraduate microfabrication education and research experiences program. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ren, Liping Global Nanosystems, Inc. ca Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99055 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711708 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Development of a Lead Optimization Chip for Drug Discovery. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop a new method for generating lead compounds by using enzymatic modification of compound sets. Availability of new methodology to generate biologically active compounds from existing molecules may enhance the success of the drug discovery process and may lead to the discovery of new and useful therapeutics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, Moo-Yeal Solidus Biosciences, Inc. NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 1491 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711712 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Intrigma Hospital Scheduling System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop the innovations needed to build a medical personnel scheduling system that can effectively deal with the hundreds of constraints specified by physicians and management, many of which change every month. Hospitals are spending an increasing amount of money each year on Information Technology. According to an American Hospital Association report, healthcare facilities will spend $31 billion on IT in 2006 compared with $19 billion in 2000. The goal of these expenditures is to increase the productivity of the hospitals. Most of the nearly six thousand hospitals in the United States still create their medical staff schedules manually. If commercialized, the advancements developed under this grant will allow schedules to be produced by automatically relaxing some of the constraints. Systems using these innovations could save hospitals a considerable amount of resources and hence contribute to decreasing costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eidelberg, Tal Intrigma Inc. ny Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149082 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711715 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Dynamic Web Application Development Environment for eLearning and Research. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project addresses the feasibility of designing a development framework that academics and industrial professionals can use to create dynamic Web applications for eLearning and research environments, as applied to broad areas of chemistry in drug discovery, but more specifically applied to synthetic organic chemistry in the area of drug design. The use of computer driven learning and research in the broader field of chemistry is becoming more commonplace, yet there is still a considerable gap between academic pedagogy and the use of computers in industrial methods and workflows at the juncture of synthetic organic chemistry and drug discovery. Presently, there are very few software tools, at the disposal of synthetic organic chemists, that are easy to use and well integrated for the use in either eLearning or research that reflect the industrial experience of those working in the field of drug discovery. Academics and industrial professionals in the computer chemistry area of drug discovery often cobble together disparate software packages from freeware in the case of the former, and from commercial sources in the case of the latter for instruction, on the job training, or research purposes. Dynamic web application environments provide an extremely effective way to deliver the integration of such software, while making the interaction of the many underlying programs invisible to the user. Having a way to modify and otherwise extend such environments, and thereby tailor them to very specific eLearning (e.g. distant learning, industrial training), industrial workflows, or research needs, provides enormous flexibility and power. This project is at the very leading edge of what in the industry is known as 'Chemist of the Future' projects, whereby even synthetic chemists will train and perform research via computer. The worldwide market for such a tool extends across thousands of academic institutions -- rural, small colleges to major universities, to synthetic organic chemistry programs in industrial laboratories. The proposed development framework is broad enough fro ti to be used in related scientific disciplines and industries. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG MacCuish, Norah Mesa Analytics & Computing, LLC NM Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99987 9150 5371 HPCC 9216 9150 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711742 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Accelerated Propagation Modeling of Near Ground Radio Signals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project addresses the development of accurate models for near-ground electromagnetic propagation in the 10 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range. The model proposed will be an improvement over existing models because it will 1) provide the result over a wide frequency band; 2) provide a result that is more accurate for near-ground propagation; and 3) be applicable to scenarios with multiple radiation sources and destinations. The primary phenomena it simulates are reflection, diffraction and scattering. The model, based on a combination of several well-known outdoor and indoor propagation models and techniques, relies on information contained in terrain elevation, ground cover and other databases. The broad impact of this research activity is that it will provide new insights into reduced-order modeling for large scale simulation. These insights will lead to a reduction in simulation redundancy and be applicable to electromagnetics and many other fields. There is a significant market for this technology in the SIGINT, COMINT, and ELINT sectors as well as the commercial sector. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gorodetsky, Dmitry Nokomis, Inc. PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711743 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Nanophotonic Chip based on Aligned Carbon Nanotube Arrays with Active Hybrid-layered Structure. This Small Business Technology Tranfers (STTR) Phase I research project will investigate a novel nanotube-based device capable of manipulating both photons and electrons on the same chip for data detection, processing and output. This device exploits aligned carbon-nanotube arrays as optical antennae to seize/emit photons with an active layer containing nanosized sensitive molecules to control the propagation of surface plasmons, leading to unique and useful optical features such as optical switching, controllable retro-reflection and wavelength add/drop multiplexing. This device, if successfully produced, has potential for communication, computing and sensing applications with significant performance improvement in speed, power consumption and sensitivity. The Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed optical-chip technique. The successful development of the proposed nanophotonic chip may have profound implications for communications, computing and sensing applications with significant performance improvement in speed, power consumption and sensitivity. It will also benefit development of ultracompact and lightweight optical sources, antenna transmitters and detectors. The high speed, high sensitivity and low power consumption expected for these devices would meet the requirements for future information systems in a variety of platforms, such as for highly sophisticated optical detection systems and communications networks. It may also enable the implementation of optical interconnects for on-chip computing systems and optical routers. In addition, the successful completion of this program will aid the development of nanoscale optical imaging systems including both near-field and far-field applications. Apart from the commercial applications, the proposed concept will be useful for the military defense applications such as dense arrays of intelligent sensors, compact reconnaissance platforms, and manned and unmanned military assets. These environments will need ultracompact, lightweight, low-power, low-cost optical sources, antenna transmitters, and detectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, Pengfei NEW SPAN OPTOTECHINOLOGY INC FL William Haines Standard Grant 149999 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711747 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A-Plane Silicon Carbide Wafers. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project aims to investigate the feasibility of producing low-defect-density wafers of a-axis oriented SiC. Aymont will grow boules of SiC in the a-axis direction by physical vapor transport (PVT) to produce these wafers. When available, wafers are normally fabricated out of boules grown in the c-axis direction. This project will model thermal gradients during PVT growth to promote growth in the a-axis direction as well as moderate crystal expansion in the {0001} direction. Gas-phase precursors will be used in addition to solid SiC to counteract Si depletion during PVT growth and control stoichiometry. Methods used in epitaxial growth of SiC will be utilized in the beginning stages of bulk growth in order to promote step flow growth in the a-axis direction. Implementation of these innovative methods will enable low-defect-density a-axis wafers by the end of Phase I. Silicon carbide is well-established as a substrate material for high-power devices, microwave devices and GaN-based emitters. To date the orientation primarily utilized for these applications is {0001), which is largely a result of the relative ease of crystal growth in this orientation rather than advantages in device properties. An analogy can be drawn to silicon, where the (111) orientation is easiest for crystal growth. Metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS)-based devices in Si ended up being widely adopted on (100) rather than (111) because of the reduced surface-state density in this orientation. Advantages of a-axis material with respect to {0001}include a lower surface state density, lack of polarization charge, and smoother surfaces after SiC epitaxial growth. Epitaxial growth occurs successfully over a wider range of growth conditions on a-axis substrates than {0001}. Polarization-induced charge in GaN-based devices should be eliminated if GaN is grown on a-axis SiC. This may lead to more rapid development of GaN-based power switching devices. Wider acceptance of a-axis substrates requires that they be available for purchase for industrial and academic research and development at prices lower than for (0001) SiC substrates today. The proposed work should make this possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rowland, Larry Aymont Technology, Inc. NY William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711753 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I:Manufacturing Platform for Immunoassays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research uses electrospray ionization as a deposition method for rapid and reproducible generation of advanced biosensor substrates. Deposition of bioactive surfaces for immunoassay based sensing elements is usually based on a wet-chemical approach. Unfortunately, the preparation and covalent linkage steps in such wet-chemical approaches can take several days, and are prone to inconsistency due to the elaborate multi-step processes. Electrospray ionization offers the opportunity for a new approach to this problem by direct spray deposition. The ionization process enables direct beam focusing, leading naturally to patterning and array based sensing elements. Electrospray deposition not only promises better control over the assay quality, but also enables production schemes such as continuous roll-to-roll processing. Since the process leverages directed deposition rather than diffusion kinetics from a liquid overlayer, process times of minutes are possible. Preliminary results for detection of pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 bacteria using electrospray deposited immunoassay substrates have demonstrated sensitivities similar to wet chemically prepared samples, and further optimization will be performed. This research will lead to improved methods for production of biosensors that delivers higher quality at a reduced cost to improve the overall utility of biosensors to the country. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anthony, John Elion Systems Incorporated TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99914 5371 BIOT 9184 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711762 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Compact, Single Particle Black Carbon Spectrometer For Small, Airborne Platforms. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) research project will develop a lightweight, low power, fast response, high sensitivity instrument for measuring the mass concentration of black carbon aerosols (BCA) in ground based and airborne applications. The compact, single particle soot photometer (CSP2) will employ laser induced incandescence, coupled with light scattering to derive the mass of black carbon (BC) in atmospheric aerosols, the diameter of particles, mixed or unmixed with BC and estimate the relative mass fraction of BC. The Phase I objective is a laboratory prototype that demonstrates the sensitivity, stability, and accuracy of the new instrument design. This instrumentation has application to ambient measurements of aerosol black carbon for climate and health research as well as source sampling for emission studies of black carbon. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gandrud, Bruce Droplet Measurement Technologies CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9139 1580 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711777 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Microbial Source Tracking for Evaluation of Water Quality and Identification of Contaminant Sources. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I research develops a set of microbial source tracking (MST) assays providing a cost-effective method to quantify fecal contamination, identify sources of fecal contamination, and detect pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms in drinking water sources and recreational waters. Collectively, MST is an ever widening group of methods designed to detect and quantify microorganisms indicative of human or animal fecal contamination of water or foods. Although safe drinking water is nearly taken for granted in developed nations, periodic outbreaks of waterborne diseases clearly highlight the need for improved detection of fecal contamination indicators. Since contamination can result from a variety of human (wastewater treatment plants & septic fields), agricultural (confined animal feeding operations), and natural wildlife activities, source identification is the key to MST and ultimately improvement of water quality. The end result of this SBIR Phase I project will be a set of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays offering rapid and sensitive enumeration of fecal contamination indicators, human pathogens, and the ability to identify the contaminant source. Due to the important societal impact of improved water quality, the market opportunities for MST are extremely broad and encompass nearly any public or private entity with a stake in the quality of water resources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Greg MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC TN F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9150 9104 1605 1237 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711781 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Planar Array Infrared (PA-IR): A Compact Rugged Double Beam Infrared Spectrometer for Laboratory and Field Analysis. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will demonstrate the utility of infrared planar array technology to study water pollutants such as industrial contaminants and biological impurities. It is proposed to design and build a compact, high-sensitivity, double beam infrared instrument based on focal plane array detection, which meets or exceeds performance standards of commercially available devices and is able to operate in ambient environments to provide measurements of dilute concentrations of organic and biological contaminants. Infrared spectroscopy has the molecular specificity to provide both qualitative identification of contaminants and quantitative measurement of concentrations. However, existing IR instruments based on Fourier transform techniques are limited in their ability to make these measurements rapidly under ambient conditions. The research will apply this innovative technology to enable real time effluent detection from a manufacturing site such as that found at chemical company sites to realize tangible savings from being able to pro-actively identify and measure the presence of pollutants. This reconfigurable and potentially portable instrument will assist scientists (academic, industrial and government) who work in analytical labs and require high speed measurements and/or those involved in environmental monitoring where sensing speed is important. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Frost, Daniel PAIR Technologies, LLC DE Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149899 9150 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 5371 1185 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711789 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: PMC Manufacturing Process. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the use of a new carbon/epoxy prepeg formulation and tape placement process to produce a polymer matrix composite (PMC) that meets large aircraft structural compsoite specifications. Conventional carbon/epoxy prepeg and tape placement processing may produce composites with bubble and void defects. Two innovative technologies are integrated to accomplish this proposal. A carbon/epoxy prepeg tape is made by dispersing an infrared absorber into an epoxy resin and coating the resin onto carbon fiber. An infrared radiation unit is used to uniformly irradiate the prepeg tape during layup, minimizing bubbles and voids in the final composite. The proposed work will define the prepeg formulation and radiation processing conditions to form a dfect free composite, evaluate the composite properties and define the requirements for prepeg manufactuing scaleup in a Phase II program. Upon successful demomnstration of the proposed research, the participating prepeg supplier and aircraft parts manufacturer are seeking a rapid scaleup in Phase II and commercialization of the prepeg and automated tape placement process. There is an immediate industry demand for a defect free PMC manufacturing process to replacing the current, less consistent process. Availability of a defect free PMC process will drive expansion of composite use and growth in the aircraft-manufacturing segment and subsequent growth of the total US economy. The new PMC process is broadly applicable in military and commercial aircraft, ground transportation vehicles, marine boats and industrial equipment manufacturing. The proposed research includes support and training for an undergraduate student. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Long, John Kubota Research Associates, Inc. DE Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711798 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Secure Virtual Machine Approach for Detecting Zero Day Memory Corruption Exploits. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase (SBIR) I project proposes a novel secure virtual machine approach to detect and mitigate a broad class of memory corruption attacks. If successful, the approach will: (i) detect a broad class of memory corruption attacks, (ii) be lightweight and efficient, (iii) detect zero-day exploits and (iv) work directly with binary files. If successfully developed, the proposed memory corruption protection technology has the potential to significantly advance the state-of-the-art in protecting businesses and consumers from zero-day worm attacks that exploit memory vulnerabilities. It will be able to protect vulnerable mission-critical business applications until a patch becomes available and also provide enterprises with a larger time window to test critical patches prior to deployment. End users will be afforded a safer experience when opening email attachments or accessing links in browsers. The proposed technology complements existing security software suites such as virus scanners and personal firewalls by adding a new dimension of protection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gupta, Satya Virsec Systems Inc MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99670 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711799 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Biosensor device for recordation of handwriting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the problem of instantaneous digitization of handwriting activity with an objective to verify that the handwriting can be reconstructed from EMG signals recorded from hand muscles. This research will be conducted in several task areas, namely EMG recording in human subjects during handwriting, analysis of EMG records using pattern recognition algorithms to extract the handwriting patterns, reconstruction of handwriting, and displaying the handwriting on a computer. The expectation is that there will be consistent correlation between EMG signals and the handwriting, which will allow the decoding of handwriting patterns and the display of the reconstructed handwriting. It is also expected that the most efficient pattern recognition algorithm to provide accurate handwriting reconstruction will be developed. The proposed research will primarily study two pattern recognition algorithms: linear regression method and Bayesian approach for solving the problem of instantaneous digitizing of handwriting activity. The proposed approach will remove several limitations faced by current technology and should provide a more durable, flexible, accurate, and user friendly product that can be easily adapted to different users. The technology will significantly impact the condition of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a common occupational illness being reported among typists. EMG-based fingerless glove can also be used as alternative communication device by disabled people who are not able to talk, or who have hearing problems. The resulting product has many applications in education, medicine, tele-robotics, and can be used by mobile workers. As a wearable computer device, this product will help to improve users image and self esteem. This research project will contribute to the better understanding of muscle interactions. Finally, the handwriting application that will be developed, can become a test bed for analyzing and comparing various pattern recognition algorithms, including traditional statistical algorithms and neural networks, for example Time Lagged Recurrent Networks (TLRN) these algorithms already have numerous applications in various fields. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Linderman, Michael Norconnect Inc NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711817 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Controlled Fermentation of Rice Bran for Production of Phenolic Compounds. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research will demonstrate the feasibility of the development of a novel fermentation process for the release of phenolic compounds from rice bran. Rice bran is an underutilized co-product of rice processing and is a rich source of nutrients and phenolic acids that have a wide variety of nutritional and functional uses. Rice bran phenolics have been shown to have activity as antioxidants and cancer preventatives in a number of studies. Also, antioxidant capacity may allow rice bran phenolics to be added to foods as natural preservatives to prevent oxidation of lipids and loss of food quality. In the proposed patent-pending fermentation process, GRAS status microbes (generally regarded as safe) are used to produce the enzymes needed to release bound phenolics into solution. This phenolic extract will have a variety of nutritional and functional uses that will increase the value and usefulness of rice bran. One of the most appealing aspects of Nutraceutical Innovations' patent-pending rice bran fermentation process is that all co-products of the process will have value in the marketplace. The components of the phenolic extract will find value in new markets as nutraceuticals and functional food additives. Today's consumer is well aware of the benefits of a diet high in antioxidants and is becoming increasingly attracted to antioxidants from natural sources such as rice bran. Using Nutraceutical Innovations' novel fermentation process to release phenolic compounds from rice bran would provide the market with a natural and cost effective source of antioxidant and food preservatives. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Horax, Ronny Nutraceutical Innovations, LLC AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711825 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Metamaterial-Based Antennas for Miniaturized Multi-Band Wireless Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project explores novel wireless antenna technologies based on one or two dimensional metamaterial structures. The basic approach is to compress, twist, and fragment (CTF) metal strips or discs in a multi-layer structure to form self-tuned, bandwidth optimized, and miniaturized antennas. A concept of dispersion band engineering is introduced in this project to facilitate the antenna design. By tailoring the transmission band characteristics through the use of three-dimensional (3D) substrate metallization, it is possible to reduce guide-wavelength dramatically while maintaining low dispersion. The metallized materials comprise possibly high-density localized vias and metal films within multiple dielectric layers in printed circuit structures. This project investigates new integrated antennas evolved from such structures. Wireless communications continue to demand compact power efficient multi-standard and multi-functional systems where the antenna has been a salient component and the bottleneck for miniaturization and broadband applications. The proposed concept of 3D volume integrated circuits to replace conventional planar integrated circuits will have broader impact on RF communication systems. The proposed low-cost single-band antenna solution could have direct impact on dimension reduction of GSM mobile phones. The new idea of one antenna for all should have an immediate market demand on WLAN enhanced GSM phones. The product could expand into other wireless networks, such as global satellite navigation, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and paging systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Castaneda, Jesus Bridge Wave Electronics IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711827 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Genetic Data Processing for Viral Researchers and Diagnostics. This Small Business innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a web-based tool for the analysis of viral seqeunces. Availability of a sequence analysis tool that would help investigators manipulate viral sequences and detect contaminants would be of value to researchers as well as to diagnostic laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lamers, Susanna BioInfoExperts LA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 97637 5371 BIOT 9183 9102 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711830 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: MEMS for Secure RFID Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will determine the best configuration of MEMS resonators for use as unique identifiers in RFID tags. MEMS resonators have high Q, high natural resonant frequencies which vary in frequency from resonator to resonator. This natural variation can be used to uniquely identify a resonator, and makes cloning a specific signal extremely difficult, in essence becoming a fingerprint. This approach to RFID security overcomes the drawbacks of encryption which include more complex and expensive tags and the need to manage encryption keys. MEMS resonators for RFID tags will be unique, secure, cost effective, CMOS compatible, fast to read, with low power requirements and low overhead. This research will have a broad impact on improving the security of identifying people and goods. For example, the RFID tags used in the implementation of US passports were recently cloned which puts into question the security of those tags. Since MEMS resonators cannot be cloned, they can provide significant security assurance to economically validate a given passport. Similar uses can be found in access cards to secure sites. MEMS resonators can also be used to economically authenticate pharmaceuticals since counterfeit drugs are increasingly prevalent and have caused deaths. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cross, Joshua Cerberex Technologies, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711838 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Radial-position Controlled Lanthanide Doped Nanocrystals as Time-resolved Fluorescence Imaging Agents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop highly bright and stable lanthanide doped semiconductor nanocrystals as Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF) imaging agents. Lanthanide chelates have exceptionally long fluorescence lifetimes, and thus are used as fluorescent probe in the time-resolved fluorescent imaging to minimize the autofluorescence which is typically characterized by a short fluorescence lifetime. However long-standing difficulties with lanthanide probes - e.g. the instability and poor compatibility with biomolecule, have limited their applications. The lanthanide doped semiconductor nanocrystals to be developed in this program would have the advantageous features of high brightness, high stability, easily surface modification to be compatible with biomolecules such as protein and DNA; and thus can be widely used in TRF imaging. The expansion of applications of bioimaging in the life and biomedical sciences is creating new market opportunity for imaging agents; of which, the market is huge and will grow from current $4.0 billion to above $5.0 billion before 2009. The commercialization of new type of lanthanide based TRF imaging agents will largely depend on the improvements in the luminescent efficiency and stability of the products. The broader impact of the technology from this project will be to enable more extensive use of time-resolved fluorescence imaging in the life and biomedical sciences. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Yunjun Mesolight LLC AR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711846 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Engineered Bacteriophage Based Biosensor for Rapid Detection of Viable Foodborne Pathogens. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project demonstrates the feasibility for the development of an innovative biosensor system for rapid and sensitive detection of viable foodborne pathogens. The core technology of the proposed system is to introduce a genetically engineered material, as a cell viability reporter, a signal amplifier, and a detection marker, into a proprietary biosensor platform that has demonstrated high capture efficiency for food pathogens. E. coli K12 was chosen as a nonpathogenic model of E. coli O157:H7 for the Phase I feasibility study. Phase II research will expand to detect viable pathogens in real-world food samples. Collectively, a commercial prototype will be developed that allows for on-site detection of viable food pathogens. The broader impact of this research will be to provide better methods to assure food safety for the general public. Current practices for ensuring food safety rely upon rapid identification and effective control of specific pathogens from farm to fork. However, the detection of viable food pathogens still relies on the traditional cell growth based methods, which are laborious and tedious, requiring at least 24 hours. Currently available rapid methods such as ELISA and PCR are both unable to distinguish viable from dead cells, and the inability may have significant consequences for the food processing industry. The proposed technology will be valuable to the commercial sector for routine analysis and to the governmental sector to monitor for and trace the source of accidental or intentional contamination of the food supply. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Su, Xiao-Li BIODETECTION INSTRUMENTS LLC AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 1505 BIOT 9150 9109 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711847 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Hybrid Precursor HVPE Growth of AlGaN. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project proposes to develop a new epitaxial growth process for production of long-lasting (lifetime > 20,000 hours), high-efficiency (wall-plug efficiency > 10%) deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) based on III-Nitride materials. Due to the lack of native substrates DUV LEDs are made from heteroepitaxial AlInGaN or AlGaN films grown on sapphire substrates and suffer from a high density of crystal defects. Large concentration of growth defects reduces DUV LEDs' efficiency, reliability and lifetime. Previous experience reveals that crystal defects can be reduced in thick films due to defects annihilation and strain-relaxation. The goal of the research is the development of a new process to facilitate the growth of thick III-Nitride materials and as a consequence allow for material relaxation and defects annihilation. The high growth rate will be achieved by using stable precursors that do not have strong gaseous phase reaction, as opposed to metal organic precursors. The PI proposes also to modify the Hybrid Precursor Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HPVPE) shower head and gas delivery system that has been used with the metal organic gases. The grown materials and the LEDs built will be characterized and evaluated to optimize the proposed process. The technical prospects of the proposal are promising, since growth of thick layers is expected to result in the annihilation of dislocations. The proposed activity will advance the knowledge and understanding of the growth of high quality materials and devices, which are normally difficult to grow. This aspect of the work is expected to benefit technologies other than LEDs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yang, Jinwei Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. SC William Haines Standard Grant 99768 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711857 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Dynamic Risk-Based Planning and Scheduling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will determine the feasibility of new software tools that utilize innovative principles to provide supply chain managers with more effective planning and execution tools than are currently available. These new tools emanating form this research will offer a comprehensive methodology that can interface to an existing ERP/SCM system (for data only) and then, utilizing newly developed stochastic models of the supply chain, provide a supply chain planner with a small number of key operational measures and controls. Additionally, these new models address critical mistakes that have been perpetuated in existing SCM offerings. This new tool, Dynamic Risk-based Planning and Scheduling (DRPS) anticipates to simplify the choices that can made at the planning level such as adding or reducing capacity on various days, or pushing out due dates). Consequently, these can be enumerated generating a solution that is both robust and optimal. If successful, the proposed approach will have solved the optimal scheduling problem that has eluded researchers for more than 40 years. The DRSP provides a Product Flow Dashboard that enables company planners to see critical variables in real time as well as provide useful and robust controls. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the industry by providing a meaningful direct link between planning and execution. Moreover, it provides a means to use a few key measures (total inventory, probability of missed shipments) to predict future performance and as well as using a few key controls (add capacity, work ahead, remove capacity). Such a system would have several distinct advantages in that it: 1) it is dynamic in that it is self correcting to random fluctuations in both demand and supply and signals when a significant change occurs that requires attention; 2) Is more accurate than models used today requiring less inventory for the same service; 3) The system explicitly considers risk and the stochastic nature of the supply chain; 4) Provides planning that is intuitive without burdening the planner with unnecessary details; and 5) Extends the range of manufacturing environments that can benefit from pull production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spearman, Mark Factory Physics, Inc. TX Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711859 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Developing a Standardized Array-based Diagnostic Product for Early Identification of Pathogens and Pests of Forest Tree species. This SBIR Phase I research developments an in situ synthesized, pathogen specific, diagnostic microarray that allows for early and accurate detection of harmful pathogens and pests of forestry tree species. The introduction of alien forest insects and pathogens into the USA results in an estimated $4.2 billion in annual losses. Traditional methods have failed to detect these pathogens in a timely and cost efficient manner. There is a pressing need to develop culture-independent molecular-based diagnostic tools that provide rapid and accurate detection of these organisms. It is against this backdrop of economic losses and a product gap that development an in situ synthesized oligonucleotide microarray specifically designed to rapidly and accurately identify these high risk pathogens and pests will address. DNA microarray technology is currently the only established technology that allows for the rapid detection and identification of multiple pathogens in a single assay. This research will design a unique detector for oligonucleotides for a number of high risk forestry pathogens/pests that have been selected in partnership with a consortium of the major companies involved in forest products world wide. The broader impact of this research will be the development of a diagnostic tool that will benefit the forestry industry as a whole, including the USDA Forest Service, Parks & Recreation, and USDA regulatory agencies. Stakeholders will be able to rapidly and accurately detect/identify high risk forestry pathogens in cell culture samples, soil samples, seeds, seedlings or solid wood products. This technology will improve the sustainability of the industry and protect the environment from negative impacts of forest diseases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG van Zyl, Leonel ArrayXpress, Inc. NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149949 5371 BIOT 9109 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711892 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Control of Lesion Nematodes by Transgenic RNA Interference. This Small Business Innovation Reserach (SBIR) Phase I research will generate transgenic crops with resistance to plant parasitic nematodes with a focus on the lesion nematode (Pratylenchus). Plant parasitic nematodes annually cause damage of $8 billion in the U.S. and are among the most difficult plant pathogens to control. Transgenic crops have a significant opportunity to provide economic benefit to growers through improved yields and decreased input costs and to replace toxic nematicidal pesticides. This project will use RNA interference (RNAi) to control the lesion nematode by silencing nematode genes. We will test the efficacy of specific double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to inhibit essential parasite genes. Divergence has established an efficient transgenic hairy root in planta expression system to screen candidate dsRNAs. Promising results controlling other plant parasitic nematodes have been achieved and the same system can be utilized for lesion nematode. Objective I will include the selection, cloning, and sequencing of gene targets from Pratylenchus scribneri that are likely to be essential in all lesion nematodes. In objective II, the RNAi potency of target genes will be assayed in the hairy root system. At the conclusion of Phase I, it is anticipated that several target genes demonstrating reduction in lesion nematode reproduction will be selected for Phase II whole plant transformation. A likely crop for the first introduction of transgenic lesion nematode resistance is corn, one of the largest acreage and most valuable crops in the U.S. The broader impact of this project will be to reduce the need for extensive use of pesticides in US agriculture and to counter an aggressive parasite that affects the production of corn. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McCarter, James Divergence, Inc. MO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 1491 1167 0201000 Agriculture 0711897 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Clock-on-Demand: High Performance, Ultra Low Power. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project is to develop a solution to a fundamental issue in low power Ultra Wide Band (UWB) transmitter design to be specifically applied to the field of passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Although UWB radio is inherently low power and efficient from a power per bit point of view, its high data rates and mandated higher spectral utilization make a precise and fast and thereby large and power dissipating oscillator imperative. Passive radio and the class of radio devices that are powered by the EM field generated by the interrogating device cannot afford a fast embedded oscillator, since they are both constrained by size and cost. However, as any radio technology, this class of RF devices would benefit from the features and advantages offered by the UWB technology. It will be possible to design a completely passive tag that uses UWB as means of uplink communication between the passive unit and the interrogator. RFID is an exponentially growing market. However, the technology that supports its expansion is not able to provide robust communication and signaling between a tag and a reader. Furthermore, today's technology only supports a low tag density (10s of tags/sec/m2), while the applications that will fuel the exponential expansion of the RFID market, like point-of-sale, inventory management, shelf management, etc., require 100s and 1000s of tags/sec/m2. The proposed approach to generating a fast on-demand clock offers an ultra-low power clock solution for passive radio and similar extremely constrained power budget devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eskafi, Farokh TagArray Incorporated CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711909 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: General Robot Controller for Legged Mobile Robots with Integrated Open Source Software. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I research project proposes the development of a generalized processing and sensor pack complete with open-source software and curricula for using legged robots as a platform in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses. The innovation of this proposal is to provide a middleware product, which consists of a processing board with sensors for legged robots serving as a layer between the low-level controls and mechanics of a legged platform and the high-level application software. Educators will be able to move their middleware from one legged platform to another, allowing software, curriculum, and hardware re-use. The middleware provides a layer of abstraction away from the details of the mechanical control of the legged system. It also provides sensors, such as foot haptics and an inertial processing unit that are uniquely important for legged robots. This products enables higher-level cognitive algorithms, such as path-planning, vision-based algorithms and behavior-based control systems, to be developed and used to control a variety of robots over a wireless interface. The distinctive features and challenges of legged robots provide unique opportunities for high-school and college curricula in a numerous STEM topics. Robots are currently used in a variety of STEM classes. However, the educational robot platforms are dominated by wheeled robots; legged robots with a biological basis are almost absent. Robots, which have good on-board processing power, sensors, a wireless interface, and open-source software, are necessary for building a curriculum that meets educational standards and for doing interesting research assignments. Currently available legged robots on the market are lacking these features. An additional problem with robotics is that software, operating systems, and sensor hardware are different for each robot platform, so that sensors and software cannot easily be reused when moving from one platform to another. This is a risk to educators who develop curricula and invest in hardware which then gets discontinued. The outcome of the proposed research is specifically designed to be a controller for multiple legged robot platforms. Having an academic project team with expertise in robotics curricula working with a small robotics company whose expertise is design and development, a complete integrated product that educators can use in their STEM courses will be developed. REESE IIP ENG Wheeler-Smith, Kim RoadNarrows LLC CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 7625 HPCC 9216 9102 1658 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711914 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Microglassification: Dehydration Process for Protein Preservation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops a new method for preserving proteins by a Microglassification Process that controllably dehydrates proteins into microspheres. This process has the potential to stabilize proteins by removing water to a level that does not allow microorganisms to grow and without heating or cooling, effectively preserving the protein at room temperature. Proteins are an important class of molecules in medicine that are used to diagnose, prevent and treat diseases or to restore (maintain) normal body functions. This research tests some model proteins that are in common laboratory and/or clinical use, and this process will be compared to the current state-of-the-art process of freeze-drying. The goal of this feasibility study is to develop a new industrial process that avoids the damage of the freezedrying process yet preserves protein in a stabilized form at ambient temperature as a partially dehydrated microsphere product. After feasibility for the new Microglassification Process is shown, the company plans to develop methods for customizing it for use with specific molecules of commercial importance with corporate strategic partners who are manufacturers of biologicals. The company plans to develop a new molecule preservation business that can derive revenue via process licenses to customers involved in production as well generating revenue through process customization contracts. In addition, licenses could also be provided to selected equipment manufacturers who are designated as providers of process equipment as well as selected manufacturers of process supplies. The broader impact of this technology will be improved preservation of sensitive biologicals important to the bioscience and biomedical marketplace. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gaul, David Southeast TechInventures NC F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99457 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711917 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Themally-Actuated Microfluidic Systems. This Small Business Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a thermallyactuated microfluidics platform, including Peltier-actuated microvalves. This will be achieved by controlling fluids entirely contained in a module separated from the actuation elements by provider phase changeable barriers. The availability of an inexpensive, self-contained and portable microfluidic device that contains all the reagents and functions needed for applications such as molecular diagnostics and proteomics will be of significant value to physicians and scientists. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welle, Richard Phasiks Inc. CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99460 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711924 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ultraviolet laser for ultra-high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses an immediate need for a short-wavelength, narrow-bandwidth, high-brightness light source for ultra-high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Low-photon-energy laser sources (~6 eV) have recently been applied to ARPES-based studies of superconducting material properties. Although these lasers have demonstrated the advantages of narrow bandwidths, much higher photon energies than those previously obtained will be required for wide acceptance within the industry. Howeve, solid-state nonlinear media cannot be used to generate light with sufficiently high photon energy due to strong absorption. The specific innovation of the proposed research is a high-efficiency gas-phase nonlinear frequency converter that may be harnessed to generate high average powers at photon energies near 11 eV. The high overall efficiency of this coherent source is due to a fortuitous coincidence between an atomic level and a high-power diode pumped infra-red laser. The nonlinear converter maintains the narrow-bandwidth of the drive laser to achieve sub-meV energy resolution at high photon energies. In the Phase I effort, the conversion efficiency of a phase-matched gas-phase nonlinear mixer will be measured in order to verify the technical and commercial feasibility of the light source. The commercial application of this project is primarily to advance the study of modern superconducting materials. As is well-known, room-temperature superconductors with high current-carrying capability will transform every aspect of the energy sector. However, much theoretical and experimental work remains before this elusive goal may be realized. Photoemission spectroscopy is a vital tool for understanding the mechanisms of high temperature superconductivity, but at present, many competing theoretical models of superconductivity cannot be resolved at the current ~5-meV energy resolution limit set by traditional synchrotron light sources. In conjunction with improvements in electron analyzer hardware, the proposed light source will dramatically increase the energy resolution of photoemission spectroscopy to the sub-meV level. The capabilities of the proposed light source will complement those of the workhorse synchrotron, and enable the next generation of superconducting research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Merriam, Andrew ACTINIX CA William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711927 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Biocidal Textiles for Active Infection Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a novel antimicrobial compound to provide active infection control to textiles that will be applied as a finishing treatment. Each year, 5-10% of individuals admitted to U.S. hospitals acquire an infection during treatment. Consequences of these infections include prolonged hospital stays, increased pain and discomfort, and even death. The added healthcare costs total billions of dollars annually. The number of hospital-acquired infections is increasing, with a larger proportion caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Laboratory and clinical studies have shown that bacteria can survive for weeks on items found in hospital patient rooms. Creating surfaces that are continuously biocidal will provide new methods of infection control, augmenting current practices without significantly adding to the workload of healthcare workers. In this project, the technology is intended for use on fabrics. The end product may also be applied to non-textile items (e.g., keyboards and bedrails). This Phase I project seeks to develop a finishing treatment to create textiles that kill microbes on contact. Because the biocide will be chemically attached to the fabric, migration of the antimicrobial agent into the environment will be minimized. During this research, we will attach biocides to common fabrics. Physical and microbiological characterization of the resulting fabrics will be performed. The performance of these compounds is expected to exceed currently available technologies. It is expected that strategic deployment of this technology as a complement to hand-hygiene will lead to a reduction in hospital-acquired infections. Other commercial textile applications include protective garments for military personnel and emergency responders, and fabrics for sports apparel. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lamba, Nina CCL BIOMEDICAL, INC MD F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711933 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Software to Aggregate, Correlate, Analyze and Trend data for Knowledge Management in Decision Making. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project evaluates the feasibility of correlating quantitative internet "chatter" to relevant business metrics for use in decision making. This product will aggregate and longitudinally analyze information from the Internet in order to identify trends and statistical correlations to relevant business metrics. The approach offers a solution to a problem most companies face, that of the inability to comprehend and react to the immense quantity of data available online related to their products/services and corporate reputation. In order to confirm feasibility, the research objectives for the project start with successfully collecting Internet "chatter" related to upcoming movie releases, and collecting box office and DVD sales metrics over the course of several months. After the data is collected, detailed statistical analysis will be performed to determine if a correlation exists between the two data sets. Finally, the commercial viability for decision making support based on the resulting output will be determined. Vyante's vision includes advanced functionality for semantic and contextual analysis, emergent trend identification, and enablement of predictive modeling. Broader commercial impact beyond the ability to better understand the relevance of "chatter" to business metrics such as sales can be developed. For instance, as a risk monitoring tool could be developed which is especially important in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries where liability for an issue can increase by millions of dollars per day. The ability to react more quickly can prevent financial catastrophe; Vioxx and Guidant provide recent high-profile examples. The approach offers a consolidated view into the "voice to the customer", allowing a better understanding of general public sentiment about topics ranging from new products to corporate initiatives and political issues. The underlying technology incorporates a new method for aggregating massive amounts of data across thousands of data sources and applies existing statistical methods to create complex statistical models allowing for scientifically relevant information to be used for decision making purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ranck, Benjamin Chatterspike, Inc. in Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711935 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ultra Low Power RF Receivers Based on Subthreshold CMOS Biasing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project is aimed at design and implementation of low cost, battery-less (traditional batteries), sensitive, ultra low-power and fully integrated wireless receivers for ad hoc sensor networks. Electronics of future wireless sensors should not require battery replacement for sensor's life of operation while providing high sensitivity and good performance. This research will provide a low power fully integrated solution for such electronic systems. Specifically, it is proposed to use sub-threshold biasing of RF CMOS circuits coupled with high-Q integrated 3D passives to substantially reduce the power consumption of a multi-GHz RF receiver, while maintaining its good performance. The research will study alternative power generation schemes to substitute alkaline-based batteries and develop novel low-cost integration technology with embedded high-Q passives. Successful implementation will result in low-cost low-power wireless nodes and make mega-scale electronic monitoring operations become practical and long-term in-vivo applications become possible. For example blanket emergency response systems for natural disasters and chemical/biological attacks will improve. Given its low power and compact nature, the proposed system can be applied to implantable miniaturized electronics for monitoring the in-vivo environment, delivering nerve actuation and releasing medications like insulin. These nodes will not use alkaline-based batteries, so they are environmentally safe and can be readily disposed. Results of this effort will be used to develop a fully-integrated ultra low power transceiver with integrated antenna and printable batteries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jali, Hilda Avicenna Technology Inc IN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711939 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High Efficiency Low Cost Nitrogen Fertilizer Production from Fly Ash. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop an innovative manufacturing technology for high efficiency, low cost nitrogen fertilizer from fly ash, which is a recycled material from coal power plants that may contain high concentrations of mercury and carbon. The traditional N-fertilizers are water-soluble compounds, resulting in significant loss of fertilizer and pollution of streams and ground water. At the same time, America's coal power plants produce more than 76.5 million tons of fly ash per year, and most of it is disposed of in landfills. The high mercury content in the fly ash makes the disposal more difficult and costly. In this project, the fly ash will be converted to high efficiency nitrogen fertilizer and the mercury in the fly ash will be recovered. The success of this project will lead to a high volume and highly technical application for fly ash and a value-added high efficiency low cost nitrogen fertilizer. Moreover, the projected production cost of this nitrogen fertilizer is lower than that of the traditional nitrogen fertilizer. The use of this new nitrogen fertilizer on farms will increase crop production profitability and prevent fertilizer loss and water pollution. By avoiding the landfill disposal of the fly ash, the coal power plants will save millions of dollars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Peng United Environment & Energy, LLC ny Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711954 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ultra High Definition Head Mounted Display. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be used to fabricate, measure, and test a novel micro-lens array and optical design for use in a new type of ultra high-definition (UHD) head mounted virtual reality display (HMD). The proposed research builds on large screen (UHD) projection technology that uses a rapidly scanned micro-display to produce images possessing much more resolution than the micro-display itself. It accomplishes this by illuminating different sub regions of each pixel during each scan, producing an image made up of the sub regions instead of the pixels. At present, custom-made micro-displays with lens arrays embedded in the front glass, very close to the pixels, are needed to focus light into the tiny pixel sub regions. This proposed research tasks will include the fabrication, measurement, and testing of a novel type of lens array than can produce arrays of sub-pixel sized illumination spots at distances of several tens of mm from itself, through the use of light wave interference. It is anticipated that this type of lens array can be mounted remotely from off the shelf micro-displays, thus eliminating the need for custom micro-displays and allowing wide implementation UHD technique at lower cost. The outcome of the proposed research should lead to the development of HMDs aimed at high-end work station markets. Application areas which are obvious include scientific visualization, including biotechnology research, genetic engineering, and fluid flow dynamics, and simulation and training. Currently, the needs of the simulation market are met by large, expensive dome and out the window simulators. Small HMDs should also have an impact on this market which includes applications for driving, flying, and ship piloting training for military and civilian markets SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eichenlaub, Jesse DIMENSION TECHNOLOGIES INC NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99987 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711955 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-miniature in vivo pressure and temperature transducer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a fiber optic miniature pressure sensor for use in medical applications, including measurements of pressure inside the coronary arteries, the eye, the cranium and spinal cord. The ability to measure pressure inside various fluid parts and compartments of the body would enable physicians to expand their repertoire of tools for diagnosis and assessment of the effectiveness of treatments. Moreover, an ultra-small pressure sensor may be of great value to researchers using rodent models, and may have applications in areas outside of medicine as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Michael PRIME RESEARCH LC VA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99465 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711958 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Tin droplet generator for Extreme Ultra Violet photolithography sources. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to design and build a liquid metal droplet generator that will enable high power Extreme Ultra Violet (EUV) sources for photolithography. The methods for EUV generation currently being developed do not satisfy the projected power requirement, generate too much debris, have short collector mirror lifetime and have thermal management issues. The droplet generator uses tin for higher conversion efficiency and higher power output, respectively. The discrete droplets presented to the laser have the size selected so they can be entirely converted into plasma (mass-limited) and significantly reduce the debris generation. The droplet generator design will optimize the geometrical dimensions using numerical simulations and models based on the continuous jet theory. The material and processes will be also defined together with the placement of the heating elements and thermocouples for a uniform temperature distribution. Two droplet generators will be fabricated. Functionality of the fabricated generators will be verified using water and then tin for which the evaluation will be performed in an inert environment. The range of operational parameters (drop size, velocity, frequency range, and distance between droplets) will be measured and compared to the model predictions. Drop stability will be also measured. Laser Produced Plasma EUV lithography is considered as the only viable alternative that will supply the required power output for the next generation photolithographic sources. The tin droplet generator that will be fabricated by MicroFab is the enabling technology for this new generation EUV sources. Commercial EUV sources will lead to increased processor power, operational speed and memory capacity for integrated circuit devices for a lower cost. Other spin-off opportunities could be to enable metal freeform fabrication, X-ray microscopy sources, precision deposition of materials and means for presenting the bio-molecules for mass spectrometry. The droplet generator will also enable basic research in plasma emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ayers, Scott MicroFab Technologies Inc TX William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711961 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Process Control Sensor for Fine Particles. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I research project seeks to develop a real-time, non-invasive sensor for fine particle process control and measurement. This involves two patented innovations, dual detector dynamic light scattering and optical homodyne gain, which will be integrated into a single instrument, or probe, aimed at overcoming critical obstacles to efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. This will advance in-situ monitoring and characterization of fine particles. The goal of this research is to confirm and quantify the joint and/or separate advantages of these two innovative technologies, seeking theoretical insight and empirical closure. The emphasis is focused on especially problematic industrial needs: characterization of high concentration particle suspensions and suspensions with weak scattering signals. Specimens from several industrial and academic collaborators, representing several application areas at the nanoscale (semiconductor polishing, paints, adhesives, fuel cell catalysts, and advanced ceramics) will be studied. The success of this project will enhance the scientific and technological understanding of fine particle behavior, down to the nano length-scale, and will assist in bringing the promise of nanotechnology closer to commercial reality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Saltiel, Craig Scattering Solutions CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711986 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Electronically Actuated Low Power Microfluidic Pump. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a low-cost, low-power, and disposable microfluidic Electrolytic Hydraulic Pumps (EHPs). Many emerging diagnostic and clinical applications, such as point-of-care Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) pathogen analysis and ambulatory drug infusion, require battery-powered fluid pumping systems that are lightweight, low power, and extremely accurate. Unfortunately, current syringe and roller pumps are too heavy and power-hungry for many portable applications. This research will develop matchbox-sized EHPs that can pump volumes ranging from 0.1 ml to 5 ml. In addition, a programmable control system that integrates an ultrasonic transit-time flow measurement system will be developed. This combination will produce a prototype that can deliver up to 5ml volumes at 3microL/minute with a 0.1microL/minute accuracy. This technology would also permit development of high-accuracy "cigarette-pack"-sized wearable drug infusion systems. Emerging point-of-care systems analyze suspected pathogens via a PCR reaction carried out on a microfluidic chip. DNA purification and PCR reactions in the system require precise fluid delivery to ensure a reliable and repeatable pathogen analysis. The EHP Pumping system would permit design of disposable cartridges containing the pump, pre-measured reagents, and connectors. Another potential market for the proposed pumping technology would be for emerging "animal-on-a-chip" cell culturing systems and drug toxicology studies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stelick, Scott Illuminaria, LLC NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711990 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Self-Assembled Nanocrystal Photovoltaic Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I proposal will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) processes for the large-area and low-cost fabrication of allinorganic nanocrystal photovoltaic (NC-PV) devices. Current limitations for organic PV devices include short lifetime, spectrally limited absorption and low carrier mobilities. The research team has investigated the fundamental physical principles to fabricate the NC photosensitive materials via the ESA process. Through ESA process, the team will develop heterostructural PV devices using NCs such as CdTe, CdSe, PbS, and PbSe with other semiconductor materials of higher mobility, such as porous silicon (pSi), amorphous silicon (a:Si) and nanocrystalline silicon (nc:Si) to reduce the carrier recombination. The team will also investigate the heterogeneous selections of nanocrystals to form a multiheterojunctioned tandem NC-PV device to fully use solar AM1.5 spectrum. In addition the company's QD-PMMA composite will be used to fabricate the top films of the NC-PV devices as down-converters to shift the incident high-energy photons toward lower energies for which the NC-PV cells work more efficiently. A broad band of applications of the proposed PV devices include solar cells, spectroscopy, photography, analytical instrumentation, optical position sensors, beam alignment, surface characterization, laser range finders, optical communications, and medical imaging instruments. Currently, the production of electricity from photovoltaic devices is uneconomical compared to fossil fuel or nuclear sources except for applications located off the electrical grid. The company's research in the PV field has shown promise in producing cells of acceptable efficiencies at significantly reduced cost using organic, inorganic and conductive polymer materials. A revolutionary breakthrough in reducing the costs of PV cells may be achieved if the semiconductor is deposited from solution onto large flexible substrates in roll-to-roll coating machines. Manufacturing costs would be much lower because roll-to-roll coaters use very little energy and have an exceptionally high throughput. Installation costs would be lower because lightweight flexible PV cells could be handled more easily than heavy silicon panels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ruan, Hang Nanosonic Incorporated VA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711991 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Design and Fabrication of Subwavelength Optical Polarimetry Array (SOPA) for Polarization Enhanced Imaging. This SBIR Phase I project is to fabricate subwavelength optical polarimetery array (SOPA) for polarization enhanced imaging using nanofabrication technology based on nanoimprint lithography. Polarization imaging will not only enhance imaging quality such as contrast, but also reveal chemical property of objectives by detecting polarization dependent reflections or absorptions. SOPA delivers a novel way to build polarimetry imager with very low cost and fast response. Polarimetry imager can be built either by placing a SOPA chip in front of an imaging chip or fabricating SOAP above imaging pixel array on the same chip. In SOPA, each pixel in a 2D array has sub-pixels of subwavelenth polarizers and waveplate in front of photodetectors to detect different polarizations. These subwavelength optical elements can be fabricated monolithically into a large array and are very thin (200 nm - 300 nm thick). Since all pixel photodetectors using SOPA detect the incident light simultaneously and with a submicrosecond speed, polarimetry imaging is obtained very fast. Polarimetry imagers with SOPA have many unique features and superb performances that are unattainable with the other existing polarimetry imagers, including fast, wide wavelength range (from UV to far IR), low manufacturing cost, and onchip integration compatiblity. SOPA can be used to enhance performance of various types of optical imagers from infrared to visible. Its market impact covers many imager applications, such as CMOS camera, night vision, fast imaging detection and spectrum analysis for objective recognition. Chemical or bio-material detection and space telescope are additional applications. Since SOPA technology enables fast polarimetry imaging at low cost, imager with SOPA chip can go into fields that previously could not afford the high cost of polarimetry imaging. These fields include objective recognition for security surveillance, car-collision warning, and, especially important, portable or handheld noncontact chemical/bio-hazard detector for homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Wei Nanonex Corporation NJ William Haines Standard Grant 99607 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0711992 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Airborne Biomass and Carbon Measurements of Hardwood and Mixed Forests. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develops a system for remote analysis of the carbon and biomass content of hardwood and mixed forests through airboune hyperspectral imaging techniques. Existing remote sensing systems can estimate the biomass of coniferous forests but currently there is no method commercially available for hardwood and mixed forests. The company's airborne radar and LiDAR have demonstrated excellent reproducibility and accuracy over pine plantations. However, further research is needed to refine the combined sensor system for the estimation of biomass and carbon over hardwood and mixed forests. The system could provide for the estimation of terrestrial biomass over all forests which will be faster, more accurate, cheaper, and available for commercial and scientific surveys of biomass and carbon over all the world's forests. The system would give scientists a powerful new tool to measure the efficacy of the various techniques being studied for the uptake and sequestration of carbon in terrestrial biomass. This research will impact all public and private organizations, agencies, and individuals who own and/or manage mixed forest and timberlands. Global warming is now a recognized threat. The Kyoto Accords and the related "Carbon Credit" market address the reduction of greenhouse gases, specifically methane and CO2. Forestry is not yet significantly involved in the exchange of carbon credits, primarily because there is currently no method to reliably and rapidly measure terrestrial biomass. This system has the potential to be a powerful influence on mitigating global warming. It will measure biomass and carbon to a degree sufficient for carbon credit deals to be transacted using trees. The immediate result will be the planting of millions of trees which will reduce global warming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Johnson, Patrick Zimmerman Associates, Inc. VA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149673 5371 1505 BIOT 9104 1605 1238 0110000 Technology Transfer 0711995 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Book Scanner Technology for Universal Access to Digital Books. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project seeks to develop a low-cost high-speed automatic book scanner to digitize vast libraries of bound printed matter. Despite the ubiquitous use of computers to create modern publications, the majority of literature in circulation remains exclusively outside the digital domain. This renders large volumes of books to be inaccessible to search engines and digital libraries. The vast majority of books that are now converted from the printed page to digital format are scanned manually. This is a slow, tedious, and costly process that is hinders the ability to scan the millions of books by several companies that provide books and content in digital form. For people with physical disabilities, the digital version of books can enable them to reach beyond the mechanical limitations of page turning and the visual limitations of small fixed-sized fonts. Digitizing traditional books is also of practical importance for legal fair-use purposes by students, researchers, and all people who yearn for a digital library that can benefit from portability and search engines. It is anticipated that legal personal use of book scanning by corporations, libraries, government agencies, and high-end consumer markets will have broad impact on education, research, and commerce. The objective of this project is to develop a robust solution at less than one tenth the price of competing products. The proposed device addresses two core problems in book scanning -- automatic page turning and page flattening. A novel turnstile design is introduced to hold the book open flat, as well as to move a page from one side of the book to the other. The analysis of bending stiffness, friction, and contact pressure will enable the input to the image acquisition system to fuse input images having minimal distortion. Feasibility will be determined by measuring the registration (alignment) error of the imaging system and determining if sub-pixel accuracy is achieved in registering multiple page images together during the image fusion operation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schipper, Irene PAGEFLIP NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712010 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Permanent Attachment of Antimicrobial Peptides to Central Venous Catheters.. This Small Business Innovation Research phase I research addresses hospital infections which currently afflict 1.7 million patients and kill 99,000 in the US annually, the majority of which are associated with medical devices. Medical devices provide a surface for bacterial growth and, when penetrating the skin, a route for external bacteria to enter the bloodstream. If these infections reach the bloodstream, they lengthen average hospital stays from 5.4 to 20 days and cost up to $50,000 to treat. Existing antimicrobial coatings, which utilize the slow release of metals or other antibiotics, have a limited lifespan and increase concerns of bacterial drug resistance due to the distribution of active agent in the bloodstream. In contrast, SteriCoat is developing a coating in which the antimicrobial agent remains permanently attached to the medical device while providing antimicrobial protection. The broader impact of this development of a highly active, permanent antimicrobial coating, SteriCoat technology will be to help reduce these human and economic costs by preventing infection with fewer side effects and greater efficacy than existing, slow release coatings. The novelty and commercial potential of this technology has been recognized throughout the entrepreneurial community through awards such as first place in both the MIT 100K and the Oxford University business plan competitions. SteriCoat will first produce coated central venous catheters, which have a US market of approximately $350 million, but this highly versatile coating can be applied to devices of any size, shape, or material, leading to a host of follow on products to increase the commercial viability of the product and the impact of the product on the nation's health. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Loose, Christopher Semprus Bioscience Corporation ma F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99983 5371 BIOT 9267 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712017 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Single Crystal Silicon Flexible Display Backplane. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate printing of fully formed thin film transistors on plastic substrates for use as high performance backplanes in flexible displays. No company has developed a cost-effective process for forming high performance thin film electronic devices on plastic substrates. This missing capability has prevented the development of flexible displays as well as a large number of other flexible electronic innovations. In the proposed approach, high performance electronics are first formed on a "mother" semiconductor wafer using conventional wafer processing techniques, specific wet etching chemistries are used for undercutting the devices in such a way that they become lift-able in an ultra-thin and flexible format from the mother wafer, and are "transfer printed" onto a plastic sheet using a silicone rubber transfer "stamp". The proposed work will focus on developing the processes and materials necessary to meet the demanding registration and yield requirements of large area array printing necessary for display manufacturing. In addition the team will identify, analyze and resolve key issues yielding circuit defects. A fully printed 400 mm by 300 mm plastic substrate with thousands of circuit elements will be produced with yields exceeding 99%. The key feature of this approach is the fact that all the demanding fabrication process steps necessary to fabricate high performance electronic systems are performed on the "mother" substrate and not on the final plastic substrate. As a result, the inherent mechanical or chemical instabilities of the final receiving plastic substrate do not limit the choice of semiconductor manufacturing processes for fabricating the devices. The ability to manufacture flexible display backplanes to the demanding standards of the display industry will open up a broad market of opportunity in flexible electronics far beyond displays, including configurable X-ray sensors, RFID tags, and wearable electronics and sensors. In displays, backplanes using the proposed technology would be utilized by all TFT-LCD manufacturers, OLED manufacturers, and other specialty display manufacturers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menard, Etienne SEMPRIUS, INC. NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 136693 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712018 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Smart SiC DC-DC Power Converter for HEV. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims for feasibility demonstration of the first Power Integrated Circuit based on a very unique design of Silicon Carbide (SiC) high-voltage lateral Junction gate Field-Effect Transistor (HV-LJFET), which promises to overcome all the problems SiC Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFETs) face for Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) applications. This research will develop circuit models for all SiC components required for a smart power DC/DC converter and its optimum design and experimentally demonstrate the key components, including a monolithically integrated HV-LJFET with its gate driver buffer circuit, so that a complete, fully integrated smart DC/DC converter can be developed. As a result, it becomes possible to develop the proposed fully integrated smart DC/DC converter with HV-LJFET having a specific on-resistance thirty times lower than the state-of-the-art, a switching frequency more than ten times higher than existing technology and a high-temperature capability up to 300 degrees celsius. With the rapid development of applications such as HEV, the demand grows rapidly for power electronics systems that can deliver and manage efficiently electric power in a reliably (even under harsh conditions), compact and smart manner. The overall vehicle efficiency improvement resulting from the drastic size and weight reduction of power management systems based on SiC technology will reduce global warming. Although the proposal is focused on HEV power management application, the proposed technology can also offer great advantages in other applications where high power density is crucial and high temperature is required or strongly desirable, including point-of-load DC/DC converters in aerospace and avionic applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fursin, Leonid United Silicon Carbide, Inc NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712019 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: An Advanced Antibiotic Screen of Marine Environmental DNA through a Metabolically Engineered E. coli Strain. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop a new method for expressing novel antimicrobials from marine microbial DNA in engineered E. coli. Availability of new antibiotics would be of great value to medicine, as more human pathogens are acquiring resistance to mainstay antibiotic therapy. Moreover, a method for expression and isolation of heterologous natural products in E. coli would also open the door to identification of products with other desired activities, such as anti-tumorigenic compounds. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Osburne, Marcia EarthGenes Pharmaceuticals MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 1491 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712025 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Fast Electro-Optically Tuned Laser. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a compact, rugged, rapidly and widely tunable, low noise, narrowband laser for use in microwave photonic processing applications. The key innovation in this effort is the use of a shaped ferroelectric in conjunction with a diffraction grating to produce an electro-optically controlled wavelength tuning element. The monolithic electro-optic tuning element, when combined with a semiconductor or rare-earthed doped gain media will result in an ultra-compact narrowband laser source that will be capable of extremely fast, mode hope free tuning over 100 GHz with a programmable chirping profile. Use of fiber coupled semiconductor optical amplifiers will ensure output power of at least 100 mW in a diffraction limited beam, and act as an optimal seed source for further possible amplification by a fiber laser amplifier. The research objectives of the Phase I effort include designing, fabricating, and demonstrating the successful operation of a prototype EO tunable laser. This effort will lead to advanced tuning capabilities in the field of microwave photonics. With the increasing demand for high-speed communications, there has been growing interest in developing techniques that can transmit microwave and/or millimeter waves over optical fiber. Low-noise tunable lasers would prove especially useful in this field. The technology will also be useful for improved Ladar sensors that can perform acquisition, tracking, and discrimination on missile and airborne platforms. Other potential applications include antenna remoting, beam forming networks for array antennas, feed networks for wireless communications, photonic processing of microwave signals, cable television signal distribution, sensor systems, and instrumentation. During the Phase I, the team will continue its effort in creating a broader impact in research and education through its onsite research program for university undergraduates and high school teachers. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roberts, Tony ADVR, INC MT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99774 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712033 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A System for Indoor Navigation to Assist the Visually Impaired. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research from Koronis Biomedical Technologies (KBT) will develop a low-cost indoor personal navigation system. Indoor navigation technology is needed to support seamless mobility for the visually impaired. A number of location devices have been created, but thus far they all have major drawbacks that limit their widespread use. The ability of a person to move freely within public and commercial buildings is an important factor for integration and independence in educational institutions and the work environment. Recently developed time-domain ultra-wideband wireless technology makes indoor navigation feasible. This new technology has the capability to track locations inside buildings without any special building infrastructure. A small, portable personal navigation device that provides current position, useful contextual wayfinding information about the indoor environment, and directions to a destination would greatly improve access and independence for people with low vision. Such a device would allow visually impaired persons the freedom of movement within public and commercial buildings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lichter, Patrick Koronis Biomedical Technologies Corp. MN F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9123 1517 1203 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712036 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Selective Carbon Nanotube Etching. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a gas precursor-assisted electron beam-based process for precise site-selective carbon nanotube (CNT) etching as a simple, effective, and damage-free way of controlling the fabrication and repair of carbon nanotube based nanodevices and for general materials manipulation on the nanosize level. The main innovation of the proposed etching process is (1) precise nanometer-scale linear etching operations, including nanotube cutting, shortening, cleaning, and other individual carbon nanotube operations, and (2) precise micron-scale area etching operations, including cleaning entire areas of unwanted nanotube growth. The central goal of this work is to investigate optimal chemistries and electron beam parameters that will result in the efficient and precise selective etching of carbon nanotubes. This STTR project will result in a simple, effective, and damage-free way of controlling the fabrication and repair of these CNT based nanodevices and for general materials manipulation on the nanosize level. The resulting process yield and product quality improvements will enable larger scale production of CNT AFM tips and CNT emitters as well as other new products we plan to develop for future markets. This research will also enable the development of other carbon nanotube based devices. These include CNT-based X-ray sources for semiconductor metrology, X-ray, microwave and Terahertz-ray sources. The work will support graduate students in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Tennessee, and in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir XIDEX CORPORATION TX William Haines Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712037 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Abraisve Free Chemical Mechanical Planarization (AFCMP) Process for Next Generation Copper Interconnects. This small business innovation research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the development of a novel abrasive-free recyclable copper CMP (AFCMP) recyclable process based on an unique patented iodine chemistry which leads to the formation of a soft, insoluble copper iodide layer on the surface of the copper. This layer can be gently removed by the polishing pad without the need for particles in the slurry (abrasive-free slurry). This process is in contrast to conventional CMP processes that forms a hard copper oxide layer (by addition of hydrogen peroxide), which require both etching chemicals and hard abrasives (alumina/silica) for removal. In contrast, the copper iodide layer possess nearly an order of magnitude less hardness, thus can be easily removed by the polymer polishing pad. The insoluble copper-iodide in the effluents can be removed by filtration and the chemicals can be recycled back for CMP polishing. This project will attempt successful demonstration of (i) copper polishing using abrasive-free CMP slurries to meet present technical requirements, (ii) compatibility of AFCMP slurries to next generation ultra-low k dielectrics materials, (iii) the ability to filter and obtain consistent performances with the filtrate slurries. The rapid integration of low k interconnects and AFCMP is expected to lead to substantial profits and energy savings. Environmental friendly manufacturing, and increase in hi-tech jobs. US will be a leader in copper low k CMP technology; and US based semiconductor companies will have a local slurry supplier. Ensure US leadership in nanotechnology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mishra, Abhudaya SINMAT, INC. FL William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712045 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Multiplexed suspension array for rapid, point-of-care molecular diagnostics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a microbead-based suspension array product for molecular diagnostics (genetic screening) that can make multiplexed measurements in near-real-time without the need for sample amplification and fluorescent labeling. The technology could have a direct positive impact on the diagnostic market for both humans and animals and will enable healthcare providers to make more educated assessments of a patient's disease profile and potential responsiveness to different therapeutic modalities. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Engebretson, Daniel Prairie Scientific Innovations SD F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 98500 9150 5371 BIOT 9183 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712054 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: MEMS-Engineered Thermal-Barrier Bragg Reflectors for Gas-Turbine Engine Blades. This Small Business Innovation Research project will develop a potentially revolutionary technological innovation that will significantly increase the efficiency, lifetime and reliability of gas-turbine engines. Despite the tremendous improvements in coating technologies to enable huge increases in operational temperatures, continued advances using conventional, purely materials-science approaches have resulted in diminishing marginal returns in the last 25 years. The problem is that the turbine blades heat up as a result of radiative and conductive heat transport. Using MEMS-fabrication methods, the team will develop a technique to coat the blades with Bragg reflectors, tailored to the spectrum of the radiation, that will decrease the thermal radiation from the surface to the turbine blades tenfold, thereby providing the means to (1) increase turbine-blade lifetime; and (2) attain considerably higher operating efficiencies by operating the engines at significantly higher temperatures. The team will fully characterize the material requirements of the layered coatings and model the characteristics of an optimal Bragg reflector. The economic value of the proposed technology will be driven by its capability to reduce the cost of existing equipment by over $10 billion annually. These savings will come from four major market sectors: (1) more efficient, high-performance turbines for commercial aircraft that will result in a fuel saving of $5 billion annually; (2) annual savings from the power-generation industry of $6 billion; (3) cost reduction to the US military of $5 billion in annual fuel costs; and (4) reduction in the cost-of-ownership of US military attack/tactical aircraft by $1.6 billion annually. These fuel savings will in turn reduce oil consumption providing significant environmental and political benefits to society. Finally, introducing advanced MEMS techniques into turbineblade development will advance the technical understanding of materials limitations and properties. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Flusberg, Allen Science Research Laboratory Inc MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99972 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712065 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Engineering process traits in biomass for lignin degradation to improve ethanol production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research investigates the feasibility of engineering biomass with processing traits for ethanol production. Biomass will be transformed to produce lignin-degrading enzymes, modified with a biological switch to remain inactive during crop growth. After harvest, the enzymes can be inducibly activated from within the lignin structure to enable more effective degradation, allowing for significant cost advantages over current ethanol production. Cellulosic biomass is an attractive feedstock for biofuels. However, the conversion process requires severe operating conditions and expensive enzymes, leading to prohibitive costs. Embedded enzymes will enable effective processing without the stringent materials requirements, allowing for lower-cost ethanol production. The biological switch will prevent the disruption of normal crop development. The research objectives for Phase I are to create a library of the enzymes and screen their expression and characteristics in corn. The results will be applied to the Phase II goal of producing a corn plant with switch-modified lignocellulosic degrading enzymes for ethanol production from the entire corn plant. This research will have a significant impact the U.S. ethanol industry which has a market size of $10 billion and is growing rapidly by reducing the costs of production. Currently, corn grain accounts for over 70% of production costs, and recently higher prices for grain have lowered margins. Enabling the conversion of the whole corn plant into ethanol will provide for a more plentiful feedstock at a lower cost. The utilization of this feedstock would contribute to rural development, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG De La Vega, Humberto Agrivida, Inc. MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149500 5371 BIOT 9181 9153 9109 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712073 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Production of Transgenic Poultry Resistant to Avian Influenza Infection by RNAi. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project generates transgenic poultry resistant to avian influenza (AI) virus through RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Poultry are vulnerable to AI infections that can rapidly reach mortality rates approaching 100%. Current vaccines provide only limited protection, with prophylaxis based on surveillance and diagnosis, followed by rapid depopulation and disposal of infected or exposed birds and quarantine and disinfection of farms and equipment. RNAi technology is a new strategy that could be applied to the inhibition of AI virus replication, representing a paradigm shift in the way to deal with the challenges of AI. Phase I objectives are (i) to generate ALV vectors hosting short interfering RNA (siRNA), (ii) establish stable cell lines hosting siRNAs vectors and (iii) test the efficacy of siRNAs against AI viruses. Three siRNAs shown to effectively inhibit AI viruses will be used to generate cell lines, which will be challenged with 5 different AI viruses to determine whether these vectors, when integrated into the avian genome, can effectively inhibit AI viruses. The broader impact of this research will be to improve the biosecurity of biopharmaceutical production in poultry as the avian influenza virus spreads and well as potentially protecting the food supply from natural as well as bioterrorist threats should these transgenic chickens gain wide approval in the marketplace. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Christmann, Leandro AviGenics Inc. GA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 97415 5371 BIOT 9109 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712078 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I:Novel High-Volume Spherical Microlens Production. This Small Business Research Program project will develop novel spherical microlenses with controlled, radially graded refractive index for advanced optical applications, including laser tracking, remote sensing, and communications, among others. Much theoretical and practical interest has focused on spherical graded index (GRIN) lenses because their spherical symmetry allows them to accept and manipulate light beams from any angle, so that orientation of the lens is unnecessary. However, production of these lenses (sometimes called fisheye or cat's eye lenses) has been impractical due to a lack of methods to produce a spherically graded index of the required profile and magnitude. The research team will develop production of spherical GRIN microlenses of high optical quality, in an economical high volume process using fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD). The team will demonstrate the feasibility of the new process at the bench scale in a binary oxide glass system and characterize the product by physical and optical techniques. If successful the benefits of success could be much better devices for atmospheric monitoring and improved automated metrology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sbrockey, Nick STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712087 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Extended Performance Red VCSELs. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will evaluate the feasibility of significantly improving the output power, temperature range of operation, and reliability of red VCSELs. The objective of the Phase I project is to develop a design approach for 650-680nm VCSELs that will increase the temperature range of operation by >20 deg C, improve the output power by greater than 30% and improve lifetime at 50 deg C to 3000 hours. The Phase I work will also provide the insight for even more substantial performance improvements for further developments. This project will use existing epitaxial wafers to test a novel fabrication approach for improving carrier injection and remove heat from the devices. This proposed work will enhance the understanding of the design features impacting the high temperature performance of red VCSELs. If the objectives are achieved, the activity will significantly improve the performance of red VCSELs relevant to commercially important applications. In addition to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the design parameters, the prediction of the limits of the technology will be estimated and modified. An understanding of the parameters affecting device reliability will also be developed. The approach proposed for this Phase I program breaks out of the traditional model for fabricating VCSELs, by implementing a hybrid integration approach that can impact the fundamental issues limiting the technology. If successful, the results will open up a wide range of commercial opportunities that would benefit from the performance characteristics of VCSELs, including plastic optical fiber for homes and automobiles, laser printing, industrial sensing, military LIDAR, and medical sensing. To date, the only commercially available VCSELs have been in the wavelength range of 780nm to 850nm, due to the materials challenges existing of devices outside this range. The proposed work may be applicable to a variety of VCSEL wavelengths (similar thermal issues exist on the long wavelength side, i.e. 1310nm to 1550nm), as well as other optoelectronic devices that may be limited by thermal issues. Commercially, a significant enhancement in red VCSEL performance can enable the migration of plastic fiber based home and auto networks to higher data rates (Gbps vs Mbps), can enable faster and higher quality laser printing, can facilitate longer distance and more precise motion control sensing, and enable new types of portable or wearable medical sensing that uses spectroscopic absorption or fluorescence for detection. The ability to bring this additional value to these applications in turn opens up a significant business opportunity for the suppliers of red VCSELs. The project also has an educational component, in that a student intern will assist on the project, and will develop an improved understanding of the technology, as well as exposure to the process of transferring technology to drive a business activity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brenner, Mary Photonic Development Group mn Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99994 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712091 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Bifurcation analysis of nonlinear PDEs - a powerful Software Tool for Computational Design - Educational Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop advanced software tools for efficient and accurate numerical bifurcation analysis of nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs) applicable to such fields as computational design for educational applications. Nonlinear elliptic PDEs are the basis for many scientific and engineering problems, such as chemical reactions, pattern formation and propagation of action potentials in biology, blood coagulation cascades in biophysics, etc. In these problems it is crucial to understand the qualitative dependence of the solution on the problem parameters. The principal approach of numerical bifurcation analysis is based on continuation of solutions to well-defined operator equations. Such computational results give to student/researcher a deeper understanding of the solution behavior, stability, multiplicity, and bifurcations, and often provide direct links to underlying mathematical theories. Interactive interface and automatic PDE discretization let the student/teacher concentrate on the problem solving, increasing the learning process efficiency. The intellectual merit of the proposed activity is in the integration of efficient and accurate discretization methods of PDEs by radial-based functions (RBFs) into existing numerical bifurcation analysis software. The outcome of this project will show the feasibility of the proposed concept that can be applied to a variety of problems. As an example, this software tool will be validated on an important application - the analysis of a blood coagulation cascade. The numerical bifurcation analysis tools for educational applications are currently not available on the market. Although recent progress made in mesh less numerical methods creates a basis for incorporating these into numerical bifurcation software, high accuracy mesh less methods would allow researchers to elegantly identify the spatial solutions of the PDE systems that are used for mathematical description of nonlinear processes. These methods could also help to identify new regimes otherwise missing, to bring insights into evolution of nonlinear systems dynamics and provide enhanced scientific and technological understanding. Additionally, if this tool could be integrated into MATLAB platform environment - a widely used mathematics tool, which would enable these software tools to be user-friendly, portable to all operating systems and allow a standard handling of data files, graphical output, etc, and would allow these tools to be attractive for education at various science and engineering departments of universities. This project will also have a broad impact by enabling open source model for software distribution. REESE IIP ENG Kansa, Edward Convergent Solutions CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 7625 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712095 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Development of High-Speed Infrared-Transparent Flexible Transistors Using Electronic-Grade Carbon Nanotube Solutions. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop an innovative high speed IR-transparent flexible thin-film transistor (TFT) technology for application to conformal IR invisible electronics by using unique electronic-grade carbon nanotube (CNT) solutions that contain individually suspended ultrapure CNTs without any surfactant. With numerous simple solution-casting methods, ultrapure CNT films of various densities can be formed. Such films possess ultrahigh carrier mobility, great mechanical resilience, and superior IR transmittance. Meanwhile, the unique room-temperature solution-processable CNTs would enable mass production of large-area high-speed conformal integrated circuits on virtually any desired flexible substrate at low cost and high throughput without the need for special lithography equipment. In Phase I, a prototype flexible CNT-TFT will be fabricated for conducting technical feasibility investigation, and potential commercial feasibility will be assessed. The work in Phase II would concentrate on achieving large-area high-speed IR-invisible integrated circuits on flexible substrates at low cost and high throughput. Through this project electronic structures and IR properties of CNT films will be further revealed. Bandgap engineering techniques will be developed to enable the tuning of electrical and optical properties of CNT films. Purification techniques and post-fabrication processes will be optimized to enhance the field-effect mobility and the on-off ratio of CNT-TFTs. Various solution-casting methods will be explored to achieve high-rate cost-effective manufacturing of large-area integrated circuits on flexible substrates. The outcomes of this project will provide a solid base for developing a family of electronic-grade CNT solution products suitable for a great variety of applications. This project is potentially importance for a great variety of applications, such as flexible electronics, IR-invisible antennas, and embedded IR sensing, imaging, and communications. This project will train both industry workers and college students in cutting-edge cross-disciplinary areas of Nanomaterial Science and Nanoelectronics. Internships will be offered to students as part of the industry training, which will help to provide and maintain qualified hi-tech work forces in the United States. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jones, Carissa Brewer Science Incorporated MO William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712117 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Low Dielectric Fiber for High Frequency Circuit Board Applications. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will assess the feasibility of using blends of polymers to make high strength, low dielectric fibers to be used as reinforcements with glass fiber in high frequency circuit board substrate materials. The innovation will allow a reduction in the dielectric constant of 42% (from 5.2 to 3.0) and dielectric loss of 80% (from 0.025 to 0.005) in high frequency circuit board substrates when compared to FR-4 circuit board materials. In addition, the density of the board materials will be decreased by 35%, lowering the weight in mobile and transportation applications. While blends of polymer materials are common, those chosen for the proposed research are particularly interesting not only for the proposed application, but also for the technical challenges inherent in the chosen strategy. Specifically, the research proposes to blend miscible polymers, one of which is amorphous and the other semi-crystalline. While the processing temperature ranges overlap, the high shear environment of fiber spinning should provide for interesting science as well as a strong commercial need. If successful, the fibers will provide for a low cost, light weight reinforcement which can provide significant benefit to high frequency circuit board materials in applications ranging from high speed computing to mobile communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morin, Brian Innegrity LLC SC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712121 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Protein Probe for High-Throughput SNP Screening. This Small Business Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a reagent that binds specifically to DNA mismatches for use in a microarray-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay. Directed evolution will be used to isolate variants of a DNA repair protein with substrate binding properties optimized for this assay. Key challenges will be decreasing the affinity for perfectly complementary oligonucleotides and increasing the spectrum of mismatches bound with sufficient specificity. Because this assay does not rely on subtle differences in hybridization energy for detection of mismatch-containing duplexes, the microarrays require only a small number of probes per SNP (2-4) and are not limited to using short probes. The availability of an inexpensive, flexible, and high throughput SNP detection methodology could lead to better understanding of the genetic components of complex diseases and advance the development of personalized medicine where disease prognosis and treatment is individually tailored. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hall, Daniel Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99994 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712125 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Lightweight Composites for Aerospace Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test the feasibility of making light weight and high modulus polymer composite materials, suitable for the aerospace environment through incorporating unique high modulus polypropylene fiber into fabrics containing carbon fiber in hybrid composites. The demands on composites used in today's aerospace applications are significant, and include 1) solvent resistance, 2) thermal cycling durability, 3) the ability to survive ultraviolet exposure, in addition to light weight, superior modulus and strength. While solvent resistance and UV exposure resistance are known to be good for polypropylene fibers, the thermal cycling durability is expected to pose significant technical hurdles which will have to be overcome in order to take advantage of the physical properties that are possible by making hybrids of these two performance fibers. The research performed under this SBIR will address this issue by making a resin-compatible high-modulus polypropylene yarn that can be woven with carbon into hybrid structures with low weight, high modulus, good impact resistance, in addition to meeting the other demands of the aerospace industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morin, Brian Innegrity LLC SC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712126 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Feasibility of Teaching Polarized Light Microscopy in an Innovative Virtual Analysis Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing an innovative virtual analysis environment to educate, train and test post secondary students and professionals in the use of polarized light microscopy (PLM). The key innovative contribution will be the design of an advanced PLM simulator and a virtual analysis environment that can be delivered via the Internet or CD/DVD. Polarized light microscopy was selected because it is a fundamental teaching and research resource in diverse areas of materials characterization, and has significant commercial potential. The simulated PLM will supplement actual PLM instrumentation in teaching laboratories, or could be implemented where such instruments are not available. The key objectives of this Phase I proposal are to: 1) design a PLM GUI with areas for function control and image viewing; 2) design the virtual analysis environment architecture to support PLM utilization of 'stacks' of images (either focal plane and Becke line, or interference colors with stage rotation); 3) assess the functionality with respect to ease of use, realism, response time, and image quality; 4) test the PLM prototype simulator with appropriate students and professionals; and 5) develop the outline of an educational module(s) incorporating the PLM simulator . The commercial potential of products based on PLM simulation for forensic and geology is conservatively estimated to be on the order of $2,000,000 per year. However, the applications of the virtual analysis environment are far reaching into commercial, industrial and other related educational markets. Once the basic virtual analysis environment is optimized, the market for related products would have the potential to expand into other areas of education and thousands of laboratories around the world. Such a program will play a role in the national need for highly qualified graduates ready to fill positions in science and technology related fields. The technology discussed in this proposal supports the concept of lifelong learning. Further, products developed in this effort support the NSF efforts in establishing the Cyberinfrastructure (CI) as a resource that will bring the digital revolution into the classroom. REESE IIP ENG Kennedy, Stephen RJ LEE GROUP, INC PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 7625 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712132 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I:Heat treatment process modeling and simulation tools. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will establish the feasibility of commercialization of CHT (Computer-aided Heat Treatment) technology developed at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). The proposed research will: (1) develop knowledge discovery based data mining tools to uncover hidden furnace model parameters and rules; (2) develop a calibration technique to enable furnace profiling for each individual furnace which will improve model accuracy; (3) develop a web-based service model to enable broad customer beta use of the tools; and (4) convert the current CHT systems into web-based systems to facilitate the service oriented business model. Heat treatment process is a manufacturing process which determines the materials properties contributing to the product quality. Under WPI Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE) sponsorship, a loaded furnace modeling technique has been developed for simulating the complex thermal process and microstructure evolution for predicting material properties. The models have been validated with production data. This approach can be further used to optimize heat-treating processes, improving energy efficiency, reducing process times and production costs, and achieving zero distortion and uniformity in heat-treated parts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Lei JYL Solutions LLC MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712133 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Polarization-diverse leaky-mode resonance biosensors in compact format. This Small Business Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a new class of biosensors based on the guided-mode resonance effect in thin periodic films to monitor complete biochemical binding events without foreign tags. The fact that the resonant sensors operate without chemical tags permits observation and study of unperturbed biochemical processes, as no foreign substance needs to be introduced. Therefore, these sensors can provide enhanced understanding of chemical and bio-molecular processes and may lead to advances in chemical process development, drug discovery, and defense applications. The new class of sensors proposed could have high impact on areas such as medical diagnostics, drug development, proteomics, genomics, environmental monitoring, and homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wawro, Debra Resonant Sensors Incorporated TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712158 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Wearable Tactile Display System for Blind Individuals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a wearable tactile display system for blind individuals. The goal is to develop a tactile display which has the following features: (1) lightness, (2) conformability, (3) high spatial resolution, (4) low power consumption, and (5) low manufacturing cost. The proposed technology will consist of an array of novel micro-fluidic tactile actuators, which can provide spatial resolution that has never before been achieved in a tactile display utilizing standard actuators like piezoelectric actuators or vibrators. The project will further integrate the proposed tactile display with a talking tactile tablet, an award winning system which allows visually impaired individuals to access graphic imagery they otherwise would not be able to access and hear audio descriptions of each component of an image. By integrating our tactile display system with talking tactile tablet, the following two major limitations will be surmounted: 1) the current system of printing on special paper with raised lines and texture fills is cumbersome, takes time and cannot be modified, and 2) the lack of access to content that is widely available electronically to sighted users. Consequently, the proposed research will improve access to education - mathematical concepts such as graphs, and geographical maps; entertainment and will promote navigation skills by map reading. A wearable, lightweight, low power tactile display has excellent applicability not just in the field of education for blind individuals, but also in a variety of other fields. A tactile display-enabled talking tactile tablet product that targets education alone could represent a market potential of at least $16 million in the US and at least $32 million worldwide. In addition to a wearable tactile display coupled to a portable talking tactile tablet display for individual use, it is also envisioned that a larger kiosk version could be developed for institutional use, the cumulative market potential for which is at least $219 million domestically, and at least $428 million worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Srinivasan, Mandayam Yantric, Inc. ma Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712181 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Automated platform for maintenance, culture scale up and screening of human Embryonic Stem Cells. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project by Stem Cell Products Inc. (SCP) develops an automated cell culturing system for maintenance and scale-up production of human embryonic stem cells (hES). The worldwide market for stem cells, cytokines and growth factor therapies is expected to reach $20.7B in 2010. Increased availability and accessibility of hES cells is fundamental to basic stem cell research as they represent a key model system for human development and may provide a nearly unlimited resource of cells that are otherwise inaccessible in large numbers. Current cell culturing techniques are labor intensive, requiring highly-skilled personnel. Improved media and automated culturing conditions will enable routine handling of hES cells for research, ensuring reproducibility and enabling faster commercialization of improvements to assays, screening, and treatment. The technology for culturing and maintaining hES cells was discovered in 1998 by Dr. James Thomson, an SCP founder. Cell culture conditions have since been improved continuously with contributions by members of our team, most recently demonstrated in the publication of a defined media free of animal products. SCP's expertise in media optimization and automation will facilitate transfer of current culturing protocols into affordable, commonly used automation platforms. Further development of this platform will facilitate automation of differentiating hES cells towards the blood lineage (in support of SCP's mission to develop red blood cells and platelets from hES cells). It will also help to provide various other blood cell types in quantities required for drug development, high throughput screening, biochemical characterization and potential medical treatment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bergendahl, Veit Stem Cell Products Inc. WI F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9181 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712183 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: AcceleGlove: A Cost Effective Device For Translating American Sign Language Into Text and Speech. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a bio-electronic portable device that translates American Sign Language (ASL), a gestural language that has no written representation, to spoken and written English. The development of such a device implies design and refinement of mechanics and electronics, as well as writing several computer applications to integrate with extant computer programs that train and practice ASL. Development efforts proposed for this project will substantially propel this device toward commercialization. The instrumental part of the research aims to obtain a fully portable gesture capturing system in two versions: wired and. The proposed research has three goals: (1) To determine feasibility for two-arm translation, (2) To determine capability to interface with ASL instructional software, and (3) To determine if the electronics can be made robust enough for consumer use. Achievement of these goals will require (a) modification of hardware and software previously developed to handle finger spelling (one hand) to handle ASL translation (two-handed) by consumers, and (b) development of a series of communication protocols and conventions to integrate the ASL instructional and translation software, which are currently standalone applications. American Sign Language (ASL) is the native language of many deaf and speech impaired people in the United States and Canada and the second language for relatives and others who provide services to them, making ASL the fourth most widely used language in the U.S. As a gestural language, based on visual principles, it has no written representation. Despite how pervasively this language is used, there is no automatic device on the market that can translate ASL to spoken or written English (or any other sound-based language) in the same way that there are electronic dictionaries to translate English to other spoken languages. Development of this bio-electronic instrumentation will enable native ASL users to communicate instantaneously with English users for commonplace purposes. It is anticipated that it will have special value to multiply disabled deaf and other disabled (e.g., autistic, mentally retarded, aphasic) individuals for whom acquisition of English is a challenge. This instrumentation also has applications for rehabilitation, gaming, and robotics. The proposed instrumentation overcomes limitations posed by previous inventions that could not interpret palm orientation, an essential component for recognizing distinct signs, by using digital accelerometers mounted on fingers and the back of the palm. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vinopol, Corinne Institute for Disabilities Research and Training, Inc. md Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712199 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Providing Access to Science and Math for Disabled Students Using MathSpeak. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I research project investigates the improvement of the quality of the synthetic speech rendering generated by the conversion mechanism and to subsequently demonstrate Phase II commercialization feasibility via efficacy tests with targeted consumer groups. The first objective will be to remove distortions and mechanical sounding expressions. Observations suggest that the distortions arise from the lack of logical insertion of pauses (i.e., based on a model of real speech) between elements in the synthetic speech stream. This objective will be accomplished by developing an algorithm based on recordings of math educators speaking mathematical expressions that will be incorporated into the synthetic speech conversion mechanism. The second objective will involve efficacy testing for the reduction of distortions and mechanical sounding expressions. Distortion reduction testing will require participants to listen expressions and to exactly (verbatim) report the expressions they heard. The third objective will involve an efficacy test to test the capacity of the pause algorithm to enhance disambiguation. Broader impacts include the following: an overriding goal is to increase the accessibility to science, technology, engineering, and mathematical fields by under-represented groups. This goal is consistent with the objectives of the NSF and the Department of Educations incentive to further develop and implement the National Instructional Accessibility Standard (NIMAS), which would facilitate an increase in accessibility via the development of flexible alternatives to print as a primary objective. Additionally, the project advances discovery and understanding not only of the specifics aspects of the wording of spoken language that contribute to misinterpretations but also investigates the more subtle nuances of the non-verbal information such as the intervals between word and their influences on accurate acquisition of information. These findings have educational implications for the optimization of learning strategies and models for teaching and training. Further, the basic protocol for algorithm development has potential paradigmatic significance for development and improvement of synthetic speech across multiple fields that synthetic speech such as artificial intelligence, augmentative and alternative communication, and computer and communication sciences. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schleppenbach, David GH, LLC IN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 197466 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1654 0110000 Technology Transfer 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712204 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Oral Cancer Detection Using Redox Magnetohydrodynamic Microfluidics-based Bioassay Chips. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a molecular signature-based redox magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) microfluidic system for the detection of oral cancer. The microfluidic chips are expected to interface with a handheld readout instrument that has a low operator skill requirement and is suited for point-of-care operation. If successful, the methodology can be used for early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma, as well as other forms of cancer and as such may benefit a large number of individuals suffering from cancer. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Evans, Christine SFC FLUIDICS, LLC AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 9150 9102 1491 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712213 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-High Powered Lasers: Lanthanide Oxide Single Crystals as a New Light Source. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will prove out the concept that appropriately doped single crystals of lanthanide oxides (i.e. Yb:Sc2O3) can be grown via a commercially viable hydrothermal process. These crystals will enable the development of new high powered diode pumped solid state lasers with cw powers in kilowatts and pulse operations to 200 femtoseconds. The use of doped lanthanide oxides as gain media shows exceptional promise because of their favorable ligand-field parameters, excellent thermal conductivity and high thermal stability. Most importantly, their thermal conductivity is very high so they can shed waste heat easily. However, their use has been limited by the inability to manufacture the single crystals due to their extremely refractory nature. Their melting points exceed 2400C, making crystal growth by conventional methods difficult. A commercially viable route to appropriately doped Ln2O3 will enable new high powered lasers for machining, cutting, welding and eye-safe applications like LIDAR, telemetry and range finding. The research team will 1) develop a scaleable and commercially viable hydrothermal growth process for the production of doped single crystals of Ln:Sc2O3 (where Ln is Yb, Er Nd). These crystals will be of a size and quality suitable for use in prototype devices. In addition, the field of crystal growth is not generally covered in traditional University curricula in the United States. As a result, the field is "dying" in the US and most of the commercial crystal growth has moved offshore. The maintenance of a cadre of trained crystal growers is absolutely essential for the United States to maintain its competitive advantage in advanced materials and technology. The company is also part of a newly created consortium of universities/companies growing rapidly in the area, the Carolina Micro-optics Triangle (CMOT). Joining in these economic development activities will help improve quality of life in the South Carolina through growth of the knowledge economy. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Giesber, Henry ADVANCED PHOTONIC CRYSTALS, LLC SC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99555 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712214 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Electrically pumped silicon laser for monolithic integration of electronics and photonics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims at developing a practical silicon laser with the ultimate goal of monolithic integration of electronics and photonics on a single silicon substrate. Past approaches to silicon light sources, including Si/Ge superlattices, porous silicon, silicon nanocrystals, a variety of silicon-rich oxide structures, bulk silicon with a textured surface, and various optical pumping schemes have made noteworthy progress through the last few decades. Nonetheless, an electrically pumped silicon laser with satisfactory quantum efficiency has yet to be demonstrated. The proposed program exploits a recent development based on doped silicon nanostructures formed from mixtures of spin-on-dopant and spin-on-glass, which has already achieved an external quantum efficiency of 0.013% and obvious linewidth narrowing above a clear threshold, all at room temperature. The prior development, however, suffered from a poor waveguide structure which collected generated photons inefficiently and lowered effective gain. This project will attempt to solve this problem by investigating the spatial gain profile and designing a waveguide structure tailored to maximize the overlap of the optical mode field of the waveguide and the spatial gain profile. The proposed program aims at enhancing the external quantum efficiency to a few percent, which becomes comparable to compound semiconductor lasers. Having electronics and optics work together on one silicon chip has been the vision of generations of scientists and engineers. Developing an electrically pumped silicon laser is a crucial step toward realizing this vision. Yet the intrinsically weak photon emission capability made the use of silicon problematic. A silicon laser would enable the integration of all optoelectronic components on a single silicon chip. Such chips may find applications in computers, consumer electronics, and medical devices. A special feature of the proposed silicon laser approach is its simple fabrication process, which is readily compatible with modern silicon VLSI technology. This would hasten adoption of the technology into the marketplace. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gu, Lanlan Omega Optics, Inc. TX William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712220 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Photon Assisted Active Cooling. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a novel refrigeration system that brings together three technologies that, up till now, have been used separately in solid state cooling systems: Photonics, Thermoelectrics, and Electron Field Emission. The project proposes hybrid cooling system that bring the innovative technologies into an architecture that offers the potential for refrigeration with efficiencies to rival or surpass what is currently available from small and medium scale vapor compression refrigeration. This hybrid system takes advantages of the strengths of each of the three constituent technologies while addressing the limitations of each: (1) the nascent field of optical cooling (anti-Stokes Fluorescence) lacks practical, manufacturable architectures, (2) thermoelectrics have suffered from poor conversion efficiency, even with recent materials advances, (3) and field emission cooling suffers from low cooling flux and manufacturable implementations. In the proposed system, optically enhanced field emission cooling is coupled with current state of the art p-type thermoelectric materials, allowing the notoriously under performing n-type thermoelectric material to be omitted. This innovative use of light creates an efficient and manufacturable thermal management technology for the microelectronics and refrigeration industries, in response to the solicitation. The development of efficient, compact refrigeration technology proposed here has the potential to significantly impact the society in the United States and beyond through economic and environmental means. Risings standards of living worldwide and global warming are increasing the use of refrigeration, and the innovation proposed here, if proven successful, has the opportunity to lower the power consumption of small and medium scale refrigeration systems, moderating global increases in power consumption (power often extracted from non-renewable sources). The proposed solution contains no ozone depleting chemicals and has zero global warming potential, thereby reducing environmental threats as this technology displaces incumbent refrigeration technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Miner, Andrew Romny Scientific, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712223 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Trace Peroxide Sensor for the Detection of Homemade Explosives. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project seeks to develop a peroxide sensor for the detection of homemade explosives, addressing a critical capability gap in airport security technology. The concept involves self-assembly of a peroxide sensitive coating on a detector, featuring a chemically amplified response for high sensitivity and selectivity. The objective is to prototype a proof-of-concept peroxide detector and determine its limit of detection and false alarm rate, in order to assess the expected performance of an explosives detection system that consists of existing imaging and detection equipment coupled with the proposed peroxide sensor. Homemade explosives derived from ordinary liquid peroxides have been central to recent terrorist plots to sabotage airliners and are not reliably detected by conventional trace explosives detection systems (EDS) in airports. They operate at temperatures that degrade peroxides into indistinguishable molecular fragments. The proposed development of a highly sensitive and selective peroxide sensor fills a critical gap for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is urgently seeking a sensor for the reliable detection of peroxide-based homemade explosives and their precursors. By incorporating reliable trace detection capabilities into baggage imaging equipment, the false alarm rate of the overall explosive detection system can be reduced to near-zero levels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lock, John TRITON SYSTEMS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99940 5371 HPCC 9139 7653 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712224 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Non-contact Surface Plasmon Enhanced Electric Field Sensors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will develop novel light weight, compact, non-contact electric field sensors for biomedical monitoring of low level signals. The sensors will utilize surface plasmon resonator structures fabricated on electro-optic materials such as lithium niobate. A single sensor will have a spatial resolution of a few microns, approaching the size of individual neurons, compared to the minimum several millimeters of existing contact sensors. Sensors can be interrogated using optical fibers for invasive research on brain activity, or grouped in arrays for clinical Electro-Encephalography (EEG) monitoring. This research will demonstrate the principle using a combination of fundamental modeling, test structure fabrication, and optical characterization with laboratory controlled electric fields. The proposed effort to make non-contact electric field sensors will provide a significant advancement in the state of the art in terms of sensitivity and spatial resolution. This would have an impact on brain research. The ease of use of non-contact sensors combined with the patient mobility provided by a wireless data link will make the package attractive for routine clinical brain monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hollingsworth, Russell ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149964 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712241 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Phase-Modulated Antennas for Bandwidth-Efficiency and Cost Reduction. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to prove the feasibility of Direct Phase Antenna Modulation (DPAM), an innovative wireless communication signaling technology that promises to greatly enhance spectral efficiency and multi-user interference, while reducing hardware complexity and component cost. The proposed approach uses specific novel properties of an antenna structure to perform modulation and demodulation, bypassing the need for these blocks in transmitter or receiver electronics. A doubling of data rate for a fixed spectrum allocation and quality of service can be achieved through use of a novel orthogonal bit per symbol in conjunction with traditional Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) signaling. This proposed DPAM technology promises to enhance the widely used QPSK format, improving bandwidth efficiency by 50% while reducing system complexity and costs. Such an increase in bandwidth can have a large impact on wireless communications as radio spectrum, a fixed resource, is becoming more and more congested. This technology can support future versions of 802.x wireless data, personal communications, and telemetry services for consumer, government, military, and public safety applications. The DPAM also provides improvements with respect to multi-user isolation and also promises improved resistance to jamming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Uhl, Brecken Invertix Corporation VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149851 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 4096 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712243 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Cilk++. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes a solution to the challenges of the effective software programming of multi-core processor architectures. These architectures will become increasing prevalent in the near term, and a solution that would allow increased programmer productivity in implementing higher-performance software applications to utilize multi-core processor architectures is extremely desirable. The proposed work involves extending the C-based software language extensions in Cilk to C++. The broader impacts include the development of applications which more effectively utilizes the computational power of multi-core processor architectures and enhanced productivity of software developers. The successful technical execution of this project and the follow up commercial development of this project would impact a broad range of application domains. Education and professional development would also be positively assisted. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Leiserson, Charles Cilk Arts, Inc MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712256 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Novel Holographic Wavefront Sensing Device Enabling Light Weight, Low Cost, Fast Adaptive Optics Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of a novel holographic wave front sensing device. The advantage of this modal holographic wave front sensor is that it optically processes the incoming wave front, automatically generating the coefficients for the feedback signal. This is in contrast to other approaches, which rely on conventional computers to perform the processor intensive wave front expansions before feedback. By using holographic optical processing, the wave front sensor can be made to operate on a much faster time scale allowing for device operation in regimes of heavy turbulence or in extremely high resolution, large aperture systems. Other advantages include reduced size, complexity, and cost of the overall wave front device, allowing for more sensors, actuators and larger closed loop bandwidths for a given fixed budget. The technical work plan includes performance analysis of a multi-channel wave front sensing device, actual testing and measurements on a multi-channel device, examination of the major issues and barriers to practicality, and a full system device design and feasibility study. There are a variety of applications that would benefit from extremely fast, highly complex (i.e. a large number of sensors and actuators) adaptive optics systems. Scientific and government applications include imaging satellites and spacecraft through turbulent atmospheres as well as compensating atmospheric turbulence in astronomical imaging. There has also been substantial interest in adaptive optics for the projection of laser beams through the atmosphere, providing highly focused spots on targets several hundreds of kilometers away. Similar applications, both beaming and imaging, can be envisioned through highly turbulent flows. In each of these major application areas, there is a push towards larger aperture or sparse aperture systems to increase both the light gathering capability and the resolving power of the system. Ultimately, there is a large need for faster adaptive optics systems that are capable of driving hundreds to thousands of actuators at very high closed loop bandwidths. This proposal will enhance scientific knowledge on holographic optical processing and how such technology can be used to create such an applicable, reduced complexity, low cost adaptive optics systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Roos, Peter Bridger Photonics, INC MT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712259 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: The Pipsqueak: A Miniature Low-Cost Travel Aid for the Blind. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project focuses on development of an electronic mobility aid for the blind to prevent collision with overhanging obstacles that are not detected by standard methods such as the cane. Surprisingly, there is a conspicuous gap in the catalog of mobility aids addressing this problem. There is currently no device available that meets all the following criteria: (a) low cost, (b) hands-free operation, (c) small size, and (d) low cognitive demands. Uniquely, this product will incorporate algorithms to minimize cognitive demands on the visually impaired user, as well as fulfill the other criteria. Design tasks include custom circuitry for a wide-angle ultrasound emitter and receiver, low-power considerations for extended battery life, mechanical design of the circuit board and housing, and firmware for the embedded controller. Laboratory tests will determine battery life during continuous use as well as reliability in detecting thin, semi-rigid obstacles such as tree branches. An expert consultant will evaluate the ease of use for blind users and the suitability of alert sounds and controls. The risk of injury from overhanging obstacles has been variously recognized, and this problem applies to all legally blind persons, of which there are more than one million in the U.S. In addition, many individuals otherwise afflicted with visual impairments (such as those with visual field restrictions) are similarly at risk, since head-height objects may be outside their field of view when focusing on the ground ahead. The proposed device is uniquely designed so that its use will require next to no effort and attention, allowing hands-free use without need for training to provide immediate benefit to blind persons of all skill levels and ages. Prototype parts cost is about twenty-five dollars, suggesting that the ultimate end product will be very affordable in comparison to existing electronic travel aids, which is of great importance for a user base whose income is often significantly reduced due to their disability. By developing an easy-to-use, affordable product that addresses a largely unmet need, the project will significantly improve the safety and quality of life for individuals with visual disabilities in a wide range of circumstances, such as work, school, and home, and during other daily activities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sachtler, Wendelin Corpora Systems, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712265 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Non-Destructive Sensor Platform for Chemical Activity Assessment on Reactive Surfaces. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will demonstrate a new sensor platform for measuring reactive surface activity in real time in a non-destructive manner. One of the common features to these coatings is a reactive element or compound. In processing these layers it is often difficult to assess the activity of the reactive layer unless destructive tests are used on selected samples. Common inspection techniques for such coated films and surfaces include optical, electrical, and thickness analyses that are capable of determining the presence and location of the reactive layer elements. However, none of these classical processes are capable of addressing the fundamental requirement of a reactive surface, its chemical activity and propensity for reacting. This research will demonstrate a new sensor platform for measuring the real-time activity of reactive surfaces in a continuous and non-destructive manner. Reactive surfaces are increasingly being used in products ranging from batteries and fuel cells to bio-coated films used for bio and chemical destruction or detection. This sensor approach can help the manufacturing process for reliably fabricating reactive surfaces. The technical approach is amenable to high volume manufacturing methods where reactive films or layers are continuously fabricated. With this approach, these reactive film activities can be quantified before the films are processed further into higher value products. This will help improve manufacturing yields and reduce costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kimble, Michael MicroCell Technologies MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99972 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712279 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High-Efficiency, Monolithic White LEDs Based on InN Quantum Dot Layers. Project Summary: The goal of this Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project is to develop an efficient, monolithic white light emitting diode utilizing a multilayered InN-based quantum dot device structure. An unprecedented range of photon energies can be emitted by embedding InN-based quantum dots within a wide band gap nitride barrier. This approach also avoids fundamental problems associated with the growth of thermodynamically unstable InGaN alloy compositions. While the synthesis of high quality InN has proven challenging via standard growth techniques such as metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), our preliminary investigations have confirmed that InN nucleates via the strain-induced Stranski-Krastanov growth mode with visible emission. A key objective of this Phase I project is to demonstrate self-assembled InN quantum dot structures with strong red emission that can be combined with layers emitting at shorter wavelengths to achieve white coloring in a single p-n junction device. This SBIR project to develop InN-based quantum dots is part of a larger effort at Kopin to harness nanosemiconductors for efficient solid-state light and power generation. Three-dimensional carrier confinement in quantum dots is predicted to significantly enhance the performance of traditional semiconductor devices. The material properties of InN-based quantum dots give unparalleled flexibility in designing advanced, high-performance devices. Efficient white light emission for solid-state lighting can be obtained by engineering selfassembled quantum dot structures with dots tailored to emit at red, green, and blue wavelengths. All told, an effective InN-based quantum dot manufacturing process could impact multiple markets with billions of dollars in yearly revenue. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welser, Roger Kopin Corporation MA William Haines Standard Grant 99588 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712280 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Webcam-Based Science Tools: Easing Access to Data Collecting Investigations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes the development of new software and curriculum materials utilizing webcams to gather and share data, and test these materials to see if they can benefit groups that have not widely adopted data collection activities in the past. Webcams are ideal data gathering tools for a multitude of investigations. A webcam can track motion, measure light, color, and sound, record change over time, and act as a timer. For instance, the webcam could enable investigations of the motions of sports, the color of the sky, comparison of sound quality of musical instruments, or the progression of shadows throughout the day. The initial target audience and focus for design and testing will be middle school classrooms, as they have been slow to adopt existing data acquisition tools. The proposed project will research the needs of other learners, particularly in-service teachers taking online enhancement courses. Used in conjunction with inquiry-based curricula, the proposed system can impact thousands of science and mathematics classes, thus reaching millions of students. Improvements in the teaching of science and mathematics are key to science literacy and is mandatory in creating a technologically capable workforce. Recent studies have shown that this is a particularly strong need in the United States at this time. In-service teacher training could also be improved by the use of these tools: improvement in in-service science and mathematics teacher training is also an important national priority. The project thus has a broad impact, and furthermore it will create new software methods that could lead to enabling technologies for areas within and outside of education. REESE IIP ENG Kimball, Nathan Alberti's Window, LLC MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99924 7625 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712287 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Exploiting High-Resolution Imagery, Geospatial Data, and Online Sources to Automatically Identify Direct Marketing Leads. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will conduct a feasibility study to demonstrate that by combining currently available high-resolution imagery, geospatial data (e.g., parcel data or structure data), and other related online data sources (e.g., property tax data or census data), it is possible to automatically generate highly targeted direct marketing leads for a variety of markets. The plan is to approach this problem by (1) aligning existing geospatial sources with the high-resolution imagery in order to determine the exact location and determine the address of the parcels seen in the imagery, (2) extracting the relevant features from the imagery to provide appropriate leads, such as determining the presence or absence of a swimming pool, the type of roofing materials used, or what types of cars are parked in the driveway, and (3) bringing in other sources of data, such as property tax assessment data to provide additional context. The primary focus of the phase I project will be to demonstrate the use of machine learning technology for identifying features in high-resolution imagery that can be used for direct marketing. High-resolution aerial imagery is now being widely collected and is available for low cost or in some cases is even free. The challenges are to first to align parcel data with the high resolution imagery to identify the exact address and boundaries of a property, and second to develop feature extraction techniques that can exploit the contextual information to accurately identify novel features, such as roofs, cars, pools, landscaping, etc., that can be used for direct marketing. The ability to accurately identify features in imagery and then relate them to specific properties as well as related sources of information will allow a targeted direct marketing product to be built. The end users of this product will be companies seeking to market products directly to residential consumers. This includes product and services relating to home improvement, both exterior and interior, as well as those products relating to residents of the home, that can be gleaned from imagery available for the parcel in question. This is a large market and includes everyone from home improvement stores to roofing companies, construction companies, automobile dealers, tree trimmers, landscapers, and pool construction companies. Beyond direct marketing, the technology can also be used for other applications that combine imagery, geospatial data, and structured information. For example, it could used for mosquito abatement, which is important to stop the spread of West Nile Virus, by identifying large pools of stagnant water, associating those hazards with the appropriate address, and then mailing abatement notifications to the residents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Ching-Chien Geosemble Technologies, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149938 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712289 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Atomic force microscope-compatible magnetic tunnel junction sensor nanoprobe. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a new magnetic imaging method with nano-scale spatial resolution and high sensitivity. The new method will combine the emerging technology of the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor -- a device which provides a factor of ten improvement in magnetoresistance ratio versus the best competing giant magnetoresistive devices -- with the workhorse technique of atomic force microscopy (AFM). MTJ sensors with magnetoresistance ratios on the order of 100-200% will be fabricated and integrated into the standard cantilever-based methodology of AFM tips. High spatial resolution will be obtained by patterning MTJ sensors to 100 nanometer-dimensions and by using AFM's standard force-feedback methods to ensure minimal standoff between the sensor and the sample. The new method will be quantitative and non-invasive, will require no special sample preparation, and will have a magnetic sensitivity which is 100 times better than magnetic force microscopy, the current workhorse technique for imaging magnetic fields at the nanoscale. The new technique will also be able to measure magnetic fields created by current flow, a capability which is difficult or impossible with most competing techniques. The research will have a variety of scientific, economic, and social impacts. The new nanoprobe will immediately present compelling advantages to any engineer or technician who relies on scanning probe techniques to measure magnetic or current-carrying materials. It would therefore be an enabling capability for the semiconductor and disk drive industries, where the new nanoprobe could be used to image disk media and recording heads, and to visualize and quantify current flow in both new prototypes and faulty devices. Similarly, engineers working on the next generation of magnetic random access memories will be able to quantitatively measure new devices with high accuracy. Taking a longer view, progress in the fields as critical and disparate as nanotechnology, neuroscience, and bio-engineering depends on the availability of tools which can non-destructively measure physical properties of materials and devices at small length scales. For example, researchers wishing to directly measure electrical activity in the brain will be able to use the MTJ nanoprobe to obtain a combination of spatial resolution and sensitivity far superior to anything else currently available. Finally, the development of new tools for visualization of physical phenomena is always critical for creating scientific awareness and understanding in the larger community. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schrag, Benaiah MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA William Haines Standard Grant 99971 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712290 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: TeachScribe: Supporting teacher professional development through collaborative reflection and annotation of video. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a teacher professional development tool, to support teachers' collaborative reflection on video of their own practice. This tool will address the conceptual challenges teachers face when examining, reflecting on and discussing instructional practice, as well as the technical challenges of preparing, annotating, and sharing video. The tool will simplify video capture, annotation, reflection and sharing within a single, easy-to-use software application. The Phase I objectives involve working with two partners, a commercial teacher professional development firm and a university researcher who uses video extensively in pre-service and in-service settings, to (1) refine use models of reflective video analysis in professional development settings; (2) conduct market analysis and strategic planning; (3) develop prototypes for software application server and client, integrated tools for collaborative reflection on video of teacher practice, and (4) conduct formative user tests of these prototypes with teachers representing our target market. The outcomes will include a refined set of use models for video in professional development that can be used to drive the design of software; proof of concept prototypes of application server and client components suitable for pilot testing and integration with existing teacher professional development systems; and established strategic partnerships with other organizations as a part of the scaling up process towards full commercial deployment. The goal of this research work is to improve teacher professional development. Video of teaching practice has much potential as a source of modeling, an object of reflection, and a conversational catalyst to facilitate discussion of teaching practice. But video remains a difficult medium to work with due to its time-based nature, the sheer size of video files, and the lack of tools that support reflective analysis. By removing these barriers to adoption, this application enables a new form of community discourse around professional practice centered on video. It infuses the discourse with new modes of evidence-based evaluation. The enterprise-wide nature of the tool encourages participation across individuals, groups, and districts, making it easy for all teachers to produce and consume content while maintaining control over their own footage. The potential market for this application includes 14,000 school districts nationwide and over 1300 pre-service institutions that train tens of thousands of new teachers every year. Beyond teacher professional development, support for the easy capture, annotation, reflection, collaboration, and sharing of video has a broad appeal to students as well as other markets that make use of digital video for collaborative film editing, translation and transcription, or film critique. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baumgartner, Eric Inquirium, LLC IL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99973 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712293 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Solution for Sensor Degradation Detection in Information Technology Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project focuses on techniques to enhance the reliability and performance of sensor networks. Incipient sensor degradation can lead to inaccurate diagnostic results and ineffective control actions in an Information Technology (IT) system. This research proposes to establish the feasibility whether sensor degradation algorithms using analytical redundancy approach, can be integrated with model-based monitoring methodologies. Specifically, the proposed research will be based on the following techniques: 1) detecting sensor degradation in a monitored system; and 2) model-based system monitoring, diagnosis and prognosis. This project will impact the maximizing of the life of sensor-based device and applications, thus providing better maintenance support through the diagnosis of sensor failures. Specifically, the proposed integrated software will fill the gap between many existing distributed sensor networks within IT infrastructure and machine level operations. The work will provide a solution to significantly enhance information technology infrastructures by adaptively detecting system fault and sensor degradation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Langdon, Adam EDAptive Computing, Inc. OH Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99958 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712295 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Monolithic Multiwavelength Blue-to-IR LED for Biomedical Diagnostics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel multi-wavelength light-emitting diode (LED) for transdermal health monitoring of various blood metabolites simultaneously in real time. With independent control of up to 12 spectrally narrow wavelengths, ranging from deep-UV to mid-IR, from a single 1 mm2 LED die, the company's compact multi-wavelength LED will revolutionize traditional pulse oximetry with unprecedented functionality at a significantly lower cost. In contrast with traditional dual-wavelength pulse oximetry, which primarily measures the ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated blood, the proposed multi-wavelength LED will enable the real-time analysis several additional metabolites critical to health monitoring via the same noninvasive paradigm. Furthermore, combining 12 LEDs into one self-aligned device precludes the need for expensive packaging and complex optical alignment. The medical impact of dual-wavelength pulse oximetry, in both saving lives and reducing healthcare costs, has encouraged the development of broader platforms using additional optical wavelengths. Incorporating 3 or more independently controlled wavelengths has been shown to enable the real-time monitoring of multiple health factors while further reducing readout errors - thus saving more lives. Beyond blood oxygen monitoring, a real-time noninvasive assessment of renal and hepatic health can be realized by integrating several wavelengths in the same clinically accepted pulse oximetry paradigm. The proposed multi-wavelength single-die approach surmounts these limitations by providing independent control of several wavelengths from a single, self-aligned, compact LED. Integrating these advanced, cost-effective optical sources into traditional pulse oximetry opens up new markets in noninvasive metabolic monitoring for paramedics, physical therapists, drug discovery, and home healthcare. As a spectroscopic source, other applications include air-quality/pollution monitoring and agricultural/industrial controls. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG LeBoeuf, Steven Valencell Inc. nc Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 191942 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712296 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Electronic Orientation and Navigation System for People with Visual Impairments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will design, build and test a new type of Orientation and Navigation (O&N) system for people with visual impairments. This research will develop a new type of radio frequency identification (RFID) system, in which intelligent, variable-range active RFID tags are programmed with information about their locations and placed throughout indoor environments like schools, shopping malls and museums. This information will be accessible to people with visual impairments via a small RFID reader worn on the user's belt. An important part of the research will focus on user interface development, which will consist of a text-to-speech synthesizer and an innovative three-button input system. This research will lead to a prototype RFID-based orientation and navigation system that is low-cost, functional in both indoor and outdoor environments and simple enough for use by children. It will combine standard Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) anti-collision techniques with an innovative dynamic transmission range management system. While GPS-based solutions show promise in outdoor environments, there are currently no widespread O&N devices that are designed for use in indoor environments. This makes it difficult for people with visual impairments to navigate through indoor public spaces. There are 10.4 million people with visual impairments in the U.S. Because this system will be inexpensive and easy to use, it has the potential to become widespread. Also, because of the simplicity of the interface, the system will be useful to Orientation and Mobility educators working with young children to develop spatial concepts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Manning, Michael ManningRF, LLC nc Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 144807 5371 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712298 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Safety-Centric Analysis and Runtime Monitoring for Plug-and-Play Medical Suites. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I research project proposes the enhancement of an existing set of modeling, analysis, design, and monitoring tools for use in the medical domain so that safe, reliable systems can be assembled from plug-and-play medical devices. This project addresses important problems in building medical systems out of medical devices. The existing toolset which draws upon theory in several fields with the goal of formalizing the design and evaluation process, is important for providing quantitative analysis of systems built from medical devices. This project has the potential to impact the medical device plug-and-play standard. By providing tools for the design and analysis of medical systems, the project has the potential to improve the quality of such devices and perhaps expand the development of such systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Clarke, Duncan Fremont Associates, LLC SC Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 9150 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712300 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Real-Time Roboting Grasping System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will create a generic robotic grasping system. Generic grasping is among the most difficult of robotic problems. The universe of objects is unlimited, and it is very challenging to create an algorithm that enables grasping of all of them. Many techniques exist, but they typically do not run in real time (on common computational platforms), and they are incomplete. There are no generic algorithms that give a fast (at runtime) method to grasping a very large number of objects with any type of gripping mechanism. This research will enable a new technique using an XML-configured object-oriented database of fast algorithms. Though it is not possible to create a database that includes every type of object, it is possible to include enough objects to make the database effectively comprehensive. To populate the database, this research proposes refinement algorithms that can modify and optimize nominal grasps for specific new objects. Algorithms for nominal grasps will be generated using an efficient human-supervised approach. Generic robotic grasping, when solved, will change forever many human endeavors. Robotic grasping insufficiency has been identified as one of the two primary obstacles to wide robot adoption (the other is machine-vision insufficiency). Great potential exists both for further enabling the existing robotic base and for extending robotics to new applications. Applications include manufacturing, space-based applications, defense, medical, entertainment, energy, and agriculture. All these will benefit from improved grasping. Today, there are no persistent robotic manipulators in the home. No robot can open doors in a general household setting. Yet the need for home robotics, with an aging population in the developed world, is great. Low-cost grasping will enable solution of practical problems and be an enabling technology for home robotics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Ying Energid Technologies MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712301 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Ultrasonic Guided Wave Phased Array Inspection System for Large Area NDE. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to enhance large area Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) by exploiting the long-distance propagation capability of ultrasonic guided waves in combination with state-of-the-art phased array technology. Currently, embedded guided wave sensor technology is limited by the inability of low-profile sensors to efficiently excite guided waves that can travel long distances. Novel piezoceramic sensor designs will be incorporated into the phased array system to facilitate large area inspection. The research will demonstrate improved guided wave propagation and inspection capability using novel embedded sensor designs. It will also demonstrate the ability to improve inspection performance using the improved sensors in combination with state of the art phased array technology. The technology is targeted towards reducing inspection costs in the aerospace, military, storage vessel, and pipeline industries by providing real time, large area inspection. An NDE method that is capable of inspecting large structures from a single sensing position will enhance the electronics and sensors industry by eliminating the need for time-consuming point by point inspections. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Royer, Roger FBS, Inc. PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 184121 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1185 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712302 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Integration of Langmuir-Blodgett Quantum Dot Films Into Optoelectronic Device Heterostructures. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, entitled "Integration of Langmuir- Blodgett quantum dot films into optoelectronic device heterostructures", will drive incorporation of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (SQD) into inorganic semiconductor optoelectronic devices. Nanostructure plays a critical role in high efficiency operation of IIInitride light emitting diodes over a range from violet to blue-green. Dot Metrics Technologies has novel intellectual property to extend III-nitride LED color to the deep green through integration of II-VI SQD layers. Electroluminescent devices with low wall plug efficiency have been demonstrated by DMT and others. Drop casting and spin casting methods used so far to deposit SQD result in non-uniform layers of SQDs, degrading uniformity of vertical electronic transport through the heterostructures. In this project, standard Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer film deposition techniques will be employed to deposit single layers of SQD. In this way, SQD active layers will be on the order of the same thickness as quantum wells in III-nitride LEDs. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) will be used to encapsulate SQD to form device heterostructures, and light emitting diodes will be fabricated and tested. The broader impact of this project is significant. Deep green light, near the human eye response peak, is an essential component of "white light" and multicolor displays. Typically, deep green is generated through lossy phosphor down-conversion. This project will result in higher efficiency generation of deep green through direct electrical pumping of SQD. Resulting devices will be highly marketable; thus, the work will attract further funding from non-SBIR sources upon completion. Also, direct electrical control of deep green allows better control of subjective color quality, resulting in higher quality lighting and displays, and also energy savings. Integration of SQD with traditional semiconductor epitaxy is itself a marketable process, potentially applicable to other types of optoelectronic devices such as detectors or solar cells. DMT has executed four other SBIR projects to date, and while no products have yet been commercialized, significant technical progress has been made as evidenced by the numerous publications associated with this work SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pagan, Jennifer Dot Metrics Technologies, Inc. NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 137497 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712303 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: An On-Ramp to Computational Fluency. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project undertakes a major improvement in the cost-benefit equation of learning computer programming. The approach integrates a new programming paradigm particularly suited to real-time, high-interactivity applications, with advances in program liveness and visualization, and game-based learning of essential concepts and skills. The strategy is to draw learners onward and upward through continued creative empowerment, while also facilitating more direct engagement with the core intellectual content of computer programming. If successful, this research project will lead to products that will engage over half a million learners in mastering fundamental computational topics and orient them to creative purposes, thereby addressing these major national priorities: 1) workforce preparation and technological fluency; 2) rebuilding computer science enrollment and retention at the college level; 3) alternative, hands-on pathways into algebra and mathematics for students who struggle with traditional instruction; and 4) cultivating technology-based creativity among young people. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hancock, Christopher Tertl Studos LLC VT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 HPCC 9216 9150 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712305 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Self-Reinforced Composites Made of Immiscible Polymers from Recycled Products. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project explores the technical feasibility and commercial potential of an innovative process for converting immiscible polymer wastes into self-reinforced high-performance composites. The process entails creating fibers with sheath/core morphology to self-reinforce the resulting composites and eliminate separation steps. The new recycling protocol will be initially implemented in PP/nylon blends and tested in carpet recycling. The Phase I project addresses the following critical questions: a) Can the new method be used effectively in enhancing the mechanical properties of immiscible polymer blends? and b) What are the major factors that should be considered in scaling up the process prototype? The successful completion of this project will yield a novel enabling processing route for making self-reinforced polymer composites from recycled PP/nylon cost effectively. For the carpet recycling market alone, it holds the promise of reducing more than 4 billion pounds/yr of existing landfilled carpet waste and converting them into value-added products. This will both reduce the carpet waste stream going to the landfill and reduce the demand for the petroleum-based raw materials used in plastics manufacturing. The elimination of complicated sorting and separation steps further implies less energy consumption in manufacturing. The lightness of the resultant products can further enhance fuel efficiency in transportation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tsai, F. Daniel Novana, Inc. GA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712307 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Dose Sensor for Proton Beam Cancer Therapy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop dose sensors for use in ion beam and proton beam cancer therapy. The proposed technical approach will result in compact, low-cost dose sensors with high sensitivity, high accuracy and good long term stability. The sensors can be used for both ex-vivo applications (such as beam monitoring, calibration and control), as well as for in-vivo applications (implanted within the patient's body), to allow very precise treatment of small tumors and advanced tumors. Proton beam cancer therapy is fast becoming a mainstream technology in the US, offering the potential for successful cancer treatment, with minimal side effects and minimum damage to adjacent healthy tissue. For successful treatment, it is critical to achieve the proper dose, and to target the dose to a specific volume within the patient. The development of accurate, reliable dose sensors is critical to achieving the proper dose to cancerous tissue and minimizing the dose to healthy tissue. The use of in-vivo dose sensors will enable beam position accuracy to within small fractions of a millimeter, even with the inevitable organ movement due to patient respiration and cardiovascular action. This increased level of beam position accuracy will enable successful treatment of advanced tumors, small tumors and tumors intimately adjacent to healthy organs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sbrockey, Nick STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712317 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: BP 1 - Microwaveable Bioplastic Packaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops next-generation price-performance competitive bioplastics. Economic and environmental concerns make it highly desirable to find alternative sources for petroleum based plastics as a means of preventing pollution and ensuring economic sustainability. Recently the world's largest retailers have identified preferred suppliers that use sustainable plastics packaging. The reserach objective is to use nanotechnology to develop new "green" bioplastics and to move rapidly towards commercialization through a partnership with the multi-billion dollar Sealed Air Corporation, a supplier to Wal-Mart. The intellectual merit of the project rests in advancing the technology of bioplastics so that they may be used in a wider variety of commercial applications. Polylactide (PLA) is a bioplastic made from corn but available from any fermentable biomass resource, including plentiful cellulosics. Life cycle analysis shows multiple environmental benefits over petroleum-based plastics. However, the property window of PLA is limited - the heat distortion temperature (HDT) is too low. University expertise developed under previous NSF funding is exploited to achieve the research objective of developing new bioplastic nanocomposites that overcome existing property limitations relevant to microwaveable food packaging. The new materials are developed through controlled experimentation guided by known principles of polymer science and engineering. The broader impact will be to provide bioplastics having suitable properties, including cost, to serve as a replacement for polystyrene in foamed and solid tray plastic packaging applications. Projections suggest annual consumption of 15-20 million lbs/year with an annual sales volume of approximately $20 million. Such products will reduce the country's dependence on petroleum products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hollingsworth, Laura PolyNew Incorporated CO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 119990 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 1773 1465 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712324 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I:Metabolic Engineering of Isoflavonoid Biosynthesis in Eschericia coli. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research will create a biosynthetic system for economical, environmentally benign, versatile production of isoflavonoids, natural and non-natural. By transferring the optimal enzymes for the synthesis of isoflavonoids from plants into E. coli, the research will create self-replicating metabolic machines that convert inexpensive feedstocks into any of a diverse array of isoflavonoids determined by the precursors used and the enzymes added. Specifically, the research will co-develop the key enzymes in the biosynthesis of isoflavonoids and an E. coli strain adapted for the particular needs of these enzymes. This will provide a scaffold upon which other enzymes can be added to simultaneously create new isoflavonoids and the means of their production. Isoflavonoids are natural compounds from legumes that have great potential for improving human health. The simplest isoflavonoids , genistein and daidzein, have attracted clinical attention for their antioxidant and anticancer activities. More complex isoflavonoids such as puerarin and formononetin are also being evaluated for nutraceutical or pharmaceutical applications. Attracted by the numerous ways that isoflavonoids alter human cellular processes, chemists have begun to synthesize new generations of non-natural, isoflavonoid-based pharmaceutical candidates that might be more effective and specific than their natural precursors. In fact, some are already in clinical trials. The supply of isoflavonoids is based on extraction from plants, a process that is neither efficient nor consistent, and chemical synthesis which is excellent for some molecules but inefficient for others such as those that contains sugars or alkyl groups at specific positions on the isoflavonoid core structure. This process will expand the availability of these compounds and provide novel products for the benefit of the country. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Daiss, John First Wave Technologies, Inc. NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99980 5371 BIOT 9181 1491 1166 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712325 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Low Temperature, Lead-Free Nanosolder for Microelectronics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project is to develop a nanomaterials approach for a low temperature lead-free solder technology for heat-sensitive microelectronic, nanoelectronic and MEMS device that is based on the depression of the bulk melting temperature exhibited by sub-10nm particles. Preliminary results have shown a depression of up to 30ºC. With these alloy nanoparticles combined into a paste using organic liquids and a flux that suppresses nanoparticle oxidation as the paste is heated, the paste can be applied to form an interconnect with existing microelectronics assembly processes. The elimination of Sn-Pb solder in electronics enacted by the European Union has led to widespread industry adoption of Pb-free solders with significantly higher melting temperatures than the Sn-Pb eutectic alloy they replaced. Heat sensitive components, such as sensors, system-in-package, and MEMS devices, were barely surviving the 183°C eutectic temperature of Sn-Pb. With the introduction of Pb-free alloys that melt more than 30°C higher, significant damage can be done to critical electronic and MEMS components under standard assembly conditions. The key feature of the new technology is the use of solder alloy nanoparticles of approximately 5-10nm in diameter to create a material with a melting point of approximately 185°C, some 30° lower than the bulk melting point. With these alloy nanoparticles combined into a paste using organic liquids and a flux that suppresses nanoparticle oxidation as the paste is heated, the paste can be applied to form an interconnect with existing microelectronics assembly processes. The solder alloy nanoparticles melt at a lower temperature than their bulk powder counterparts. The nanoparticles will then coalesce and, as they are cooled, will solidify. An important feature of the technology is that once the solder joints are solidified, because of their large size, their melting temperature will be the bulk melting temperature. This new technology therefore allows for step soldering in which heat-sensitive components may be attached sequentially without damaging components with subsequent soldering steps. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sengupta, Suvankar METAMATERIA PARTNERS LLC OH William Haines Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712339 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: High Relative Permittivity Packaging to Enhance MEMS Gyroscopic Sensors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will seek to significantly enhance the performance of MEMS gyroscopic sensors through the use of innovative packaging. This effort will be the firs step in the commercialization of a technique for augmenting electrostatic MEMS devices through hermetically packaging them in a gas chemistry that possesses a relative permittivity significantly greater than one, which results in an equivalent gain in each of the fundamental equations governing the performance of electrostatic MEMS devices. For example, sulfur dioxide is one gas that has been identified as suitable for this application. The result of utilizing this technique is the realization of an equivalent performance MEMS device that can be smaller, lower voltage and/or more powerful than the same device packaged in a vacuum or a traditional gas chemistry. MEMS gyroscopic sensors are particularly well suited to take advantage of this technology, due to the sensor's architecture where both electrostatic actuation and capacitive sensing are employed, and because of the large, but cost sensitive commercial market potential, which includes inertial sensing, automotive safety, the Segway Human Transporter and similar systems, and camcorder and digital camera image stabilization. If successful one of the outcomes of this effort will be an increased knowledgebase of the fluidic damping, dielectric breakdown, and relative permittivity voltage magnitude/frequency dependence properties of various gas chemistries that have not heretofore been investigated in this type of application. This should lead to new MEMS products, the application of existing MEMS products to new applications, and an enhanced understanding of the capabilities and limitations of micromachined devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Brunsch, James MEMSense, LLC SD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149974 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712340 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Novel MEMS Based Low Cost Thermal Camera. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes a breakthrough Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) device that holds the promise of overcoming the drawbacks and limitations in present IR sensors. Based on a novel micro-photomechanical sensor design, the proposed MEMS technology passively transfers thermal infrared radiation into a visible image that can be readout by a mobile-phone type camera. This new thermal imager is simple to manufacture, amendable to large high resolution array, consumes little power, requires no cooling, and higher sensitivity due to the elimination of electronic noise. All hot objects emit electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectral band. Thermal cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by the object itself and, therefore, can see objects in total darkness and measure their temperature profile. Human and animal bodies emit radiation at 7 to 10 microns in the infrared band, making thermal imaging ideal to detect them in either day and night. Thermal cameras can see far and can see through rain, snow, fog, and even smoke. Although humans can not see in this wave band, many of nature's creatures have good thermal vision, such as snakes and beetles. Thermal cameras that provide this capability represent the best available technology to address what is becoming known as the all-condition imaging market. However, the inherent high costs of the incumbent approaches have made them inaccessible to 95% of potential users. If successful the proposed technology will lead to a new class of disruptively low cost thermal camera that opens up a large previously un-served market. it will implement a critical sensor configuration improvement that doubles the sensitivity; bring the technology closer to practical application. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Salerno, Jack Agiltron Incorporated MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99938 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712346 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Chiral Long Period Grating Fiber Sensors. This Small Business Innovative Research (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative optical chiral fiber sensor (CFS) technology. A double helix structure with pitch greatly exceeding the wavelength will be imposed by twisting glass fibers with noncircular cores as they pass through a miniature oven in a "twisting tower" with enhanced temperature and motion control. The chiral long period grating (CLPG) will couple core and cladding modes to produce a series of dips in transmission of the core mode. The central wavelengths and depths of these dips are sensitive measures of the strain, pressure, torque, and temperature of the fiber and of the refraction index of the material surrounding the fiber. The CPLG design will be guided by an innovative combination of analytical calculations assisted by 2-D hybrid transverse finite elements electromagnetic simulations and fully three-dimensional finite vector elements simulations of wave propagation. These simulations will yield the coupling strength between the core and cladding modes. The results of transmission measurements with varying temperature, elongation and surrounding refractive index will be used to refine the assumptions of the calculations. The improved model will be used to fabricate the CLPG and to design a transducer for a CFS. The innovative CLPGs present a clear advantage of a broad choice of glass materials, which may be selected for resistance to harsh environments at high temperatures and/or radiation levels such as those in oil wells, nuclear reactors or outer space. In contrast, conventional fiber gratings created in UV sensitive glass fibers are significantly degraded in such harsh environments. The versatile fabrication approach allows for the flexible production of a full suite of sensors functioning over a broad frequency range by a single tool by changing the computer controlled twist and draw rates. This manufacturing process will make it possible to fabricate highly sensitive uniform CLPGs while dramatically lowering the production cost relative to conventional fiber gratings, which require precise patterning of UV radiation. The improved manufacturing process will also be used to produce other devices based on chiral fibers for filter, laser, sensor and polarizer applications. The computational model developed will enhance the understanding of optical interactions with chiral fibers and thereby facilitate the development of new chiral fiber devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Neugroschl, Dan CHIRAL PHOTONICS, INC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712348 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Ultra-Efficient 50-gm, 300-W Servoelectronics Module with Integral Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will evaluate the feasibility of reducing manufacturing cost by an order of magnitude of a power efficient ultra-miniature, brushless servo-electronics module. The module integrates rotor-position sensing for high-performance servomotor applications. Starting with a recently proved prototype driving high-performance robotic arms, the innovation hinges on substituting a $500 ultra-precise 40,000-counts/revolution, optical encoding chip with a new $8 magnetic-encoder chip (array of Hall Effect sensors). Since the array is to be literally embedded into the servo-electronics, the technical challenge is to overcome parasitic variations in magnetic field by leveraging the existing 32-bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP) used for commutation. The research will identify and measure the effects of electromagnetic fields on the magnet encoder, validate a shielding-plus-DSP-compensated approach to reduce these effects, and measure the degree of precision drop and its effect on commutation efficiency and overall performance. As machines become more intelligent through embedded processing and sensor fusion we expect them to do more too, improving not only industrial productivity, but our quality of life. While embedded processors and MEMS-based sensors have become tiny, highly effective, and affordable, similar improvements in servomotors have evolved more slowly. At fractional-horsepower levels the power electronics contribute significantly to total motor-system bulk. By making brushless motors (including drive electronics) smaller and more efficient, the resulting devices and machines will become simplified, lighter, less obtrusive, and far more capable. Robots will become more agile with additional degrees of freedom and less mass to accelerate. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Townsend, William Barrett Technology Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712357 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Developing a Commercial Video Game for Tweens to Support Complex Systems Thinking. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative, cutting-edge, commercial video game, that inspires and entices middle school children to engage in complex systems-based problems to learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by using a stealth-based learning approach. The project will combine the best in commercial game play (e.g., novel storytelling/game play) with the latest in learning sciences research and design (e.g., stealth learning, embedded scaffolds) to develop a game that students will want to play and that are tied to national academic standards. The tasks for this are: 1) a complete game design treatment with narrative and interaction outlines based on complex STEM problems; 2) four prototype game scenarios based on complex, STEM-related issues/problems; 3) a matrix linking game play with STEM curriculum as well as national standards. In Phase II, the video game will be fully prototyped, as well as a curriculum and teachers guide. The project will employ an experimental design to examine the impact of the video game on: 1) learning gains of STEM-based concepts and problem solving; 2) gains in efficacy with using math and science to solve problems; and 3) use of embedded scaffolds to support learning. The playing of innovative video games that touch our childrens imagination may act as a catalyst for a much needed renaissance in mathematics and science. Most video games focus on fun, and educational games focus on learning combining the two so that neither fun nor learning are sacrificed has not been done well by a commercial game. By developing this approach, we will create a new model of game design that moves past first person shooters to a new genre of first person explorers using stealth learning that forward our childrens capabilities without sacrificing the fun and engagement. While one game alone will not solve all of the problems with STEM education, this research will contribute to our understanding of how to design video games to support stealth learning. The proposed innovation supports the use of using innovative technologies for enhancing student learning, problem solving, and participation in STEM topics. This game will: 1) meet the need of improving students the understanding and learning of scientific and technical principles as well as increase problem-solving capability; 2) facilitate interactive learning and collaborative learning; 3) broaden access to high-quality science and technology education; and 4) promote access for those with disabilities. REESE SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kirkley, Sonny Information in Place, Inc. IN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 7625 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0108000 Software Development 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0309000 Land Use & Planning 0712360 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Development of a Novel Mass/Heat Flow Sensor for an Accurate Nanobalance. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will encompass the design, fabrication and testing of prototypes for a new mass and heat flow transducer that would permit accurate measurements of solids, liquids and absorbed gases at nanogram and sub-nanogram levels. The development of a versatile and accurate mass sensor will enable the subsequent development of commercial instruments with the capabilities to quantitatively determine masses of solids, liquids, residues and absorbed/ adsorbed gases to less than one nanogram (nanobalance) and monitor mass changes and other properties during reactions with gases or as a function of temperature, humidity and other environmental factors (nanobalance /microcalorimeter). The sensitivity of commercial analytical balances is presently limited to greater than one micro-gram. The goal of this project is to develop a sensor by modifying the size and shape of the electrodes and by confining liquids, such as a drop of solution containing an analyte of interest, to a region of constant mass sensitivity by physical and/or chemical modifications of the electrode surface. The resulting sensor would enable nanogram measurements on a broad range of materials. The redesigned quartz crystal resonator will increase sensitivity for analytical balances by at least two orders of magnitude, particularly for micro-balances, the fastest growing segment of the balance market. It will also greatly expand the types of materials and applications for simultaneous gravimetric/calorimetric analysis in nanogram quantities. One application of great commercial interest is the creation of a "droplet gravimeter", a new technique which measures the concentration of total dissolved solids in a drop of solution. The droplet gravimeter will measure the nonvolatile residue of the solution with parts-per-million precision after the solvent of determined mass is evaporated to dryness. For other poorly soluble but valuable materials such as synthetic proteins or DNA fragments, current limitations preclude using gravimetry routinely, and other less direct and more complex methods are required to determine solubility. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Furry, John Masscal Scientific Instruments FL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712361 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Optical Spectroscopy for Colon Cancer Screening without Colonoscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop an optical technology for population-wide colon cancer screening by means of a simple, inexpensive, minimally intrusive and accurate optical rectal test that would forego the need for bowel cleansing. The technology is based on low-coherence enhanced backscattering (LEBS), an optical technique which enables the sensing of tissue micro-architectural correlates of pathological changes in otherwise normal mucosa. Performance of colon cancer screens by primary care providers will increase the likelihood of early detection and treatment of this important disease. Moreover, the availability of the technology will also decrease the cost associated with this disease by enabling the selection of at-risk individuals by the primary care provider for referral to the gastroenterologist for further follow-up. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cittadine, Andrew American BioOptics, LLC IL F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0203000 Health 0712363 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A diode laser system for high-resolution terahertz spectroscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a turnkey laser system for creating terahertz radiation by optical heterodyne mixing of two laser frequencies on a solid-state photomixer. In Phase I the lasers will tune relative to each other over a range of 0 to 1 THz with <2 MHz absolute accuracy and <2 MHz relative linewidth. To achieve this performance, novel frequency-offset locking techniques will be used to maintain laser locking with 100% duty cycle to absolute frequency references during the entire tuning range. The laser system will be all solid state, robust, and easy to use, making it a key enabling technology, along with commercially available photomixers, for the commercialization of high-resolution cw terahertz spectrometers. High-resolution terahertz spectrometers will provide a new window into low-energy light/matter interactions and can directly probe large amplitude vibration motions of molecules, DNA, biomolecules, and proteins. A high-resolution terahertz spectrometer will have important applications to biomolecular research, pharmaceutical development, and homeland security. Large molecules such as proteins, DNA, and even bacteria and viruses can have spectroscopic signatures in the terahertz regime with clear applications to bio-threat detection and research and development. Research is showing that different crystalline forms of large molecules have signatures in terahertz regime with important consequences for drug uptake and process control of pharmaceuticals. Terahertz spectrometers could also aid in the R&D of antibody/antigen receptors important to drug research and biomolecular research. Finally, spectroscopic signatures of large molecules could have a large impact on explosives detection for landmine remediation efforts and transportation and building security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, Mike VESCENT PHOTONICS INCORPORATED CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99961 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712385 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: ANALYZING DATA FOR SYSTEMS VS. COMPONENTS. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to address a difficult and widespread problem in analyzing repairs and maintenance data from the automotive sector: to rapidly identify the causes of system-level failures which are due to unexpected interactions among components that are part of a system rather than component-level malfunctions. The proposed approach is through the automated analysis or mining of maintenance datasets generated by technicians who perform the repairs. The proposed type of data analysis is likely to be the most effective and efficient solution to these common problems because data provides a far cheaper and centralized means to study the overall problem. Without a need to transport the physical components or having analysts travel to the repair locations, such data analyses may lead to physical root cause identification and solutions which ultimately result in engineering design modifications. The proposed research and resulting outcome should impact not only the automotive sector, but also for several other transportation, manufacturing and service industries. This work will provide solutions wherever maintenance and repair reports are logged, thereby providing clues about problems that may arise at the level of systems rather than at their constituent components. The project will be an important case study of utilizing advanced mining algorithms, and be of immediate use in this important and extensive commercial sector. Beyond the pragmatic applications, this research may provide better insights into how components interact to form systems-level properties, and this may help with the notoriously difficult problem of modeling systems better. Also, there is also the possibility for more a efficient and cost-effective means to identify safety issues. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Soparkar, Nandit Ubiquiti Inc. mi Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 148660 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712386 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Micro-resonator Tunable Optical Filter. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I proposal seeks to develop a fast tuning, MEMS optical filter based on whispering gallery mode micro-resonators. As internet traffic continues to grow and broadband applications become more widespread, the need for efficient dense optical networks becomes greater. The proposed filter technology offers the potential for rapid access to the numerous spectral channels employed in dense optical networks while minimizing the cross-talk between channels. This technology will aid in meeting the bandwidth needs as video communications and on-demand services continue their rapid growth. The Phase I research will model key characteristics of the tunable micro-resonator optical filter, addressing key concerns of bandwidth limitations, tuning rate, coupling efficiency, and signal integrity, while performing preliminary measurements using micro-fabricated devices. The rapid growth of broadband applications in recent years will soon strain the ability to efficiently and rapidly disseminate information, which can be remedied by the addition of more bandwidth. The proposed tunable optical filter technology employs a unique means for improving the ability to access channels in optical networks, thereby facilitating an ease in the nation's information bottleneck. The proposed core technology has numerous applications in commercial venues, and widespread implications for the nation's optical network backbone. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Holler, Stephen NOVAWAVE TECHNOLOGIES CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712395 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Actively Controlled Self-Aspirating Microelectromechanical (MEMS) Fuel Atomizer. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will develop a self-aspirating microelectromechanical (MEMS) atomizer for timed fuel injection into carbureted engines. The liquid fueled carburetor most commonly used in small gasoline fueled engines meters, injects and mixes the fuel with the air flowing to the engine. However, the system cannot time the injection, so the engines suffer from relatively poor fuel economy and high emission levels. Unfortunately, small engines account for significant amounts of HC, CO, NOx, and Particulate Matter emissions, which form smog and contain toxic compounds such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Due to this significant amount of pollution, the EPA has mandated emissions regulations for these engines, which existing technology will be unable to meet in a cost effective manner. The proposed work will develop low-cost MEMS fuel atomizers for timed injection. This Phase I project will determine the feasibility of this new technology and proposed a design for its manufacture. Low-cost small engines have enabled a large number of recreational vehicles and equipment for home use; the U.S. market is about $20M per annum for the engines alone. These engines are fueled with simple carburetors, which are reliable and cost little. Unfortunately, the emissions from these engines are too high to meet EPA regulations that will be in place in the next two years. Fuel control technologies to lower the emissions must still be inexpensive and robust like the carburetors or they will not see widespread use. Actively controlled and self-aspirating MEMS fuel atomizers to be developed under this effort can be built in large numbers with low-cost IC microfabrication facilities. Therefore, the proposed atomizers will improve fuel economy and reduce emissions at much lower cost than the competing technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Nabity, James TDA Research, Inc CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 5373 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712398 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Novel Method for the Deposition of Electrically Conductive Patterns of Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves the development of a cost effective, scaleable, and non-lithographic-based deposition system to deposit electrically conductive CNTs patterns on a wide range of substrates. The advantageous physical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), including excellent electrical, thermal conductivity, good mechanical strength, semiconducting/metallic nature, and advanced field-emission behavior, have been utilized in various different devices. The area-selective synthesis or deposition of CNTs on pre-patterned growth templates using either catalytic or plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition methods opens up further fields for advanced future applications. However, these techniques require complex lithography processes and sophisticated deposition facilities or are limited to thermally durable growth substrates. Lynntech and their collaborators will develop an innovative digital optical chemistry processor (DOC-P) to create a reactive surface for the subsequent assembly of CNTs through electrostatic or covalent interactions. The DOC-P involves focusing UV-light onto surface-treated substrates by reflection from an independently controllable micron-sized polished micromirror array commercialized by Texas Instruments eliminating the need for photo-masks. The technology will allow more rapid deposition than inkjet-printing or DipPen approaches. In Phase I, electrical behavior, adhesion strength, and optical transparency of the printed patterns will be investigated and limitations of the process will be determined. The proposed system provides a simple and rapid method to generate transparent conductive patterns using carbon nanotubes. Successful patterning of CNTs using DOC-P will lead to reduction in manufacturing costs. The technology can be used to make electronic circuits and field emission displays on highly transparent conductive films. According to Nanomarkets LC, a company specialized in analyzes nanotechnology market, while some of the circuits for flexible plastic displays can use CNTs, the biggest opportunity for CNTs in the display sector will come from field emission displays (FEDS) which may provide the first mass market for CNTs. Nanomarkets LC expects FEDS will generate more than $700 million in revenues by 2009. The properties and processing advantages of DOC-P technology will also find uses in commercial applications such as touch screens, larger areas displays, flexible display and solar photovoltaic collectors. The DOC-P setup allows the fabrication of different conductive patterns without the use of high cost photo-mask procedures, making it very useful for educational research laboratories. The process to make such patterns or circuits is also very environmental friendly as photoresists or toxic solvents are not needed for patterning or the immobilization of CNTs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wong, Season Lynntech, Inc TX William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712406 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Compact, Low-cost Remote Sensing of Methamphetamine Labs. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project addresses the need for sensitive, portable, low-cost, laser-based remote sensing devices to detect chemical effluents of illicit methamphetamine (meth) production from a distance. The proposed project will develop an innovative correlated-mode laser source for high-resolution mid-infrared differential absorption lidar. To accomplish this the research team will base the research on a compact, monolithic, passively Q-switched laser/optical parametric oscillator design that has proven incredibly effective for ranging purposes (no spectroscopy) in demanding environments. This source, in its present state, is unsuitable for high-resolution mid-infrared spectroscopy. The team will therefore advance the laser by targeting the desired effluent mid-IR wavelengths, significantly improving the spectral, spatial, and temporal emission characteristics, and incorporating dual mode operation. Realization of the laser source will enable real-time remote detection of meth labs in widely varying environments, locations, and circumstances with quantum-limited detection sensitivity, spectral selectivity for the desired molecules in a spectral region that is difficult to access, and differential measurement capabilities for effective self calibration. Methamphetamine (meth) use in the U.S. and particularly in the state of Montana has reached epidemic levels. Meth is considered the most addictive illicit drug and is easily produced with widely available and inexpensive ingredients. The drug is often implicated in violent crimes and is rapidly becoming more popular with teenagers and minorities. Meth use in Montana is dramatically higher than the national average and almost 3/4 of the state's federal sentences were meth related in 2003. Aggressive use prevention efforts are showing progress, but complementary efforts to address the supply side of the meth problem are direly needed. In fact, 65% of Montana's young adults report that meth is "very or somewhat easy" to obtain. Meth's abundant availability is often attributed to the fact that it is alarmingly easy to produce and that makeshift clandestine labs are now ubiquitous (in homes, apartments, motels, storage facilities, etc). These labs are becoming increasingly difficult for law enforcement to uncover as the producers become more sophisticated and mobile. Drug enforcement personnel on local, national, and international levels require the ability to detect meth labs rapidly and in widely varying locations and circumstances. This capability currently does not exist. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Roos, Peter Bridger Photonics, INC MT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0712408 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Bright and Tunable UV Light Emitter from ZnMgO Nanocrystalline System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop innovative, compact, and bright UV light emitting devices based on nanostructural optical materials that have tunable optical UV light emission. This innovation is based on optical processes emerged in nanomaterials by absorption and emission through band gap engineered meta-stable but high quantum efficiency nanocrystalline, highly directed wires and nanocrystalline epitaxial films. The research team will demonstrate the optimization of nanostructural optical materials with high UV light emission efficiencies and proto-type device integrated with optical fiber for further applications including medical devices, biological analysis tools, ultraviolet-based secure communications, space sensors, mineral identification, UV curing, UV fluorescent inspection, UV security, UV disinfection/sterilization of water, and UV measurement, which have market potentials of $ 500 million to $ 1 billion by 2010. Further studies will expand the potential of the candidate material for the fabrication of cost effective devices, and then focus on manufacturing and scale-up requirements. If successful the outcome of this research will have broad new applications towards enhancement of safety, security, and defense in bio-chemical attacks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vispute, Ratnakar BLUE WAVE SEMICONDUCTORS, INC MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 127851 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712426 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Efficient static analysis tools for detecting bugs in large software. This Small Business Innovation Research project investigates and explores the feasibility of commercializing bug detection tools to improve the quality and productivity of a variety of software developed by various industry segments. The tools are based on state-of-art data-mining tools under development at the University of Illinois. The proposed project will improve the accuracy, usability and robustness of the tools in order to make them more user-friendly and reliable. The tools, once commercialized, can benefit a large market of IT departments in different business segments (IT, finance, government, entertainment, insurance, etc) to improve their software quality and productivity and reduce the software development cost via automatic bug detection. In contrast to traditional manual efforts that usually takes a programmer 1-2 weeks to detect a bug, the proposed tools can easily identify hundreds of bugs in millions lines of code automatically in 1-2 hours. In addition to detecting software bugs, the proposed tools could also be used to detect copyright infringment and plagiarism from open source or other software. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhou, Yuanyuan Pattern Insight, Inc. IL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712428 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: High Performance Surface-Emitting Quantum Wire Slab Coupled Optical Waveguide Laser. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will develop a reliable, high power (1 to 10 W), stable, efficient, single-frequency surface-emitting semiconductor laser in the 9xx to 10xx nm range. The proposed device will have the capability for high speed (~ 40 Gbps), low chirp modulation at high powers by adjusting the phase of the optical fields entering an outcoupler grating. The technology roadmap for this loss-coupled distributed feedback (DFB)/distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) Phase-Shift Modulated (PSM) Grating-outcoupled Surface-Emitting (GSE) laser requires developing a quantum wire (QWR) Slab Coupled Optical Waveguide Laser (SCOWL) structure. These proposed devices represent an innovative approach to improving the efficiency of moderate power, low coherent sources to high power, coherent sources that can be used for laser displays, lidar or free space communication applications. Unlike VCSELs and edge-emitting semiconductor lasers, the technology roadmap for this grating-stabilized Phase-Shift Modulated (PSM) Grating-outcoupled Surface-Emitting (GSE) laser includes integration of the electronic circuitry and signal processing capability. The proposed device contains two major innovations: 1) very high single-frequency power with high reliability, and 2) very high-speed modulation at high power. The high power is achieved with a SCOWL concept. The knowledge to develop such a device requires expertise in materials, optics, gratings, nanostructures, semiconductor processing, material growth, thermal transfer, high-speed electronics, packaging and systems. The advanced research proposed is an innovative photonics and electronics technology that has broad applications in telecommunications, information processing, data communications, fiber to the business and home, entertainment, instrumentation and computations. A very important application of 1064 nm and 920 nm single-frequency, diffraction-limited high power devices is frequency doubling to obtain green (532 nm) and blue (460nm) lasers for display and storage applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Achtenhagen, Martin PHOTODIGM, INC TX Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149905 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712433 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Developing an Ultra Energy Efficient Sensor Node Using RFID Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes to develop an ultra-energy efficient wireless sensor node using RFID technology. By providing ultra energy efficiency and hence extended network life time, the proposed solution can significantly reduce recurring maintenance cost due to replacing/recharging batteries and interruption of normal operation for networks with long deployment lifetime. The outcome of the proposed tasks is a prototype of a wireless sensor platform that will provide ultra-energy efficiency, at least 5-10 times improvement as compared to existing solutions. The approach is to uniquely combine wireless sensor platform with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. In contrast to conventional designs where synchronized, periodic sleep/wakeup of sensor nodes are used as the dominant strategy for energy conservation, we employ an innovative asynchronous communication architecture, where sensor nodes are allowed to independently transmit without requiring any synchronization. The approach is fundamentally different from existing design paradigms; the innovative asynchronous communication architecture allows a sensor node to directly write data into a special, reactive module residing on the receiving node while its main platform is asleep. In this way, each individual sensor can schedule its own transmission without demanding any network-wide or local synchronization, thus resulting in a store-and-forward, asynchronous communication pattern in the network. Owing to the low duty cycle of a sensor node, the proposed asynchronous architecture will liberate the network from collisions and idle listening by fully exploiting time as one dimension of resource. The result is a design achieving order of magnitude improvement in energy efficiency. The extension of a wireless sensor network's life time will have significant commercial potential in saving recurring maintenance cost due to replacing/recharging batteries and disruption of normal operation for a technology with exploding market. Moreover, the technology can enable a plethora of applications, infeasible under existing designs, which demand extremely large scale sensor networks and ultra energy efficiency for long term operation. These include habitat, oceanic and planetary monitoring and surveillance of infrastructures. Furthermore, this integrative, and cutting edge project demands a systematic and synergistic approach that combines wireless networking, embedded system design, and lower power radio, and should also promote the fusion of knowledge in various domains by focusing on a mutual and challenging objective. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Yonghe Seniton Technology Incorporation tx Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99360 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712444 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Miniaturization of the Continuous-Flow Streamwise Thermal-Gradient Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) Counter. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research proposal addresses one of the largest uncertainties in understanding climate change. Measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) aerosols are fundamental for providing the link between atmospheric aerosol properties and cloud microphysics. The continuous-flow streamwise thermal gradient technique has significantly improved the quality of CCN measurements. The main features of this instrument include: supersaturation that is a function of flow rate and temperature; continuous flow allows fast sampling; and simple cylindrical geometry reducing size and minimizing buoyancy effects. In this new design the operational limits have been identified and the overall size of the instrument reduced. The objective of this research proposal is to provide a miniature CCN counter, based on an operational prototype that will reduce weight, size and power consumption by a factor of ten. This company has commercialized the streamwise thermal-gradient CCN instrument that is the accepted standard and has been successfully deployed in dozens of international experiments. Future studies on aerosol/cloud/climate interactions require a major effort to provide adequate instrumentation to bridge the gap between aerosols and cloud properties to define limits for atmospheric models. A miniature commercial CCN instrument is essential for deployment in the next generation of research aircraft. This instrumentation development will be an important step forward in providing additional data for climate researchers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kok, Gregory Droplet Measurement Technologies CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149740 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1580 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712445 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Focused Ion Beam Fabricated Custom Probes for Superior Magnetic Force Microscopy of Recording Media. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project is aimed at bringing magnetic force microscopy (MFM) for the data storage and memory applications to the next level of imaging thus turning MFM into a critical tool in the emerging era of nanomagnetic and Spintronics applications. The research will integrate cost-effective focused ion beam (FIB) based fabrication methods with micromagnetic field simulations to develop custom probes with superior properties as compared to conventional MFM probes. The following two goals will be pursued. First, research will be conducted to develop FIB-modified probes with the spatial resolution as small as 5 nm at room temperature. For comparison, today, the feature size resolved with MFM spans from 30 to 60 nm while the resolution of AFM is of the order of 1 nm. Second, a method to improve the quality of the information measured by MFM will be developed. The new ultra-high-resolution MFM will be able to measure not only the strength (as in conventional MFM) but also components of the field along selected directions. Micromagnetic simulations and the principle of Reciprocity will be used to predict FIB-based modifications to MFM probes necessary to satisfy certain custom requirements specific to certain applications. The span of MFM applications is truly diverse, from an accurate analysis of secret information by the FBI to a fundamental study of magnetostatic bacteria. Though all these applications will eventually benefit from this technology, the current emphasis will be placed on the magnetic data storage and memory applications where advancements in MFM could play a pivotal role in the development of next generation systems. Finally, the new ultra-high-resolution MFM could become a critical instrument for future Spintronics related applications. For example, the ability to provide unconventionally high resolution MFM images could shed light on the nanoscale properties of magnetic domains in the recording media and help the development of ultra-high density systems. As for the ability to measure the field orientation, this may become a truly unique imaging feature to characterize longitudinal and perpendicular magnetic storage media in which the stray field orientation represents the signature of each media type: the stray field measured from the bit transitions is predominantly perpendicular to the plane or along the track in longitudinal and perpendicular media, respectively. In summary, the proposed interdisciplinary integration approach may lead to the creation of ultra-high-resolution MFM with unique features critical for future data storage and memory related applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gomez, Pablo Nanomond Corporation CA William Haines Standard Grant 149977 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712454 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Starter Wafers for Diamond MEMS Fabrication. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine the feasibility of making foundry-quality MEMS starter wafers composed of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) on SiO2 and on Si (diamond-on-insulator, DOI) in a strategy similar to silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers. The research team has solved problems of thickness uniformity, sp3/sp2 ratio uniformity, grain size uniformity, adhesion, and roughness (<30 nm rms), but problems remain with the stress level, particle density (>102 cm-2 particles >1 um mainly due to non-clean room processing), and limited uniformity of the acoustic velocity (14-16 km/s). Phase 1 will 1) implement a novel method for stress reduction to bring it down to -50 to + 100 MPa and prove the resulting level is conserved through subsequent thermal processing (deposition of oxide and nitride layers by LPCVD, PECVD), 2) prove that particle density on the device layer can be reduced to under 10/cm2 (for particles of size >1 um) while backside contamination can be eliminated by special seeding conditions and cleaning, and 3) optimize the deposition conditions to bring the acoustic velocity to the 16 km/s range with a 10% confidence level on 4" and 6 " diameter DOI wafers. UNCD has proven its advantages for MEMS components through its exceptional hardness, Young's modulus, toughness, acoustic velocity, smoothness, uniformity, bio-compatibility, and tunable conductivity. The commercialization of diamond MEMS products is inhibited by limited (high) quality diamond production capabilities, little experience with diamond by end users, and concerns that the seeding process (precursor of diamond growth) may lead to contamination issues. The present DOI product targets users at various levels (small companies, foundries, research centers) who want to enter the diamond MEMS realm. Diamond MEMS has great potential in RF-MEMS (resonators, filters, oscillators for wireless communication and information technology), bio-implantable chips (artificial retina, cochlear implants, implantable ID chips), electronics and material research (AFM probes, data storage devices, x-ray and electron optics), sensors (SAW sensors, vibrating cantilever sensors, etc). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moldovan, Nicolaie ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 124980 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712462 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: In-Home Rehabilitation System for Post Stroke Patients. This Small Business Technolongy Transfer (STTR) Phase I research develops an in-home training device that allows a post-stroke patient to undergo rehabilitation with little or no assistance. Approximately 500,000 Americans survive a stroke each year. Miraculously, most stroke survivors can relearn skills such as walking that are lost when part of the brain is damaged. They can relearn walking most effectively if they are aided in making the correct motions by a machine or a physical therapist while part of their body weight is supported. This training is expensive and requires the patient to go for regular visits to a stroke center. Utilizing recent breakthroughs in the design of ""human exoskeletons"", this research will create a lightweight robotic exoskeleton which cradles a patient''s lower extremities and torso, and maneuvers their paralyzed limbs for them. Using this completely portable device, the patient will not have to go to a rehabilitation facility for daily therapy sessions. The patient can relearn ambulation in the privacy of his/her home with some help from his/her spouse, children, or friends. This device would allow the patient to walk, maneuver and have a more enjoyable, longer duration rehabilitation experience. Ultimately, creating such a device will also give clinicians an alternative to the wheel chair for patients who have more permanent problems, but would benefit enormously from functioning upright and with significant load on their bone structure. The broader impact of this project will be to adddress the needs of millions of people affected by stroke, muscular dystrophy, trauma, neurological disorders or even chronic arthritis, the medical and sociological implications to improve their quality of life and health. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Harding, Nathan Berkeley ExoWorks CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 BIOT 9123 1517 1203 0110000 Technology Transfer 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712464 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Rapid Solar Thermal Gasification and Pyrolysis of Cellulose and Lignin for Renewable Fuel Production. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research uses solar thermal energy as a novel way to provide the necessary energy for renewable biomass conversion to energy or useful products, and develops the science required to engineer an efficient and commercial solar biomass conversion facility. Gasification and pyrolysis of representative biomass resources grown near solar regions (corn stover and sorghum) will be converted via thermogravimetry, controlled aerosol reaction, and on-sun demonstration of feasibility of this approach. Thermogravimetric experiments will determine chemical kinetics and necessary conditions for high selectivity to syngas and tar mitigation. Economic simulations will determine the main cost drivers for product price and highlight the syngas products with highest near-term scale-up potential. The broader impacts of the application of solar thermal energy to thermochemical conversion of biomass will provide a bridge between these sources of renewable energy that could surmount many of the challenges associated with conventional biomass processing technologies. Combined use of solar energy with biomass has a larger potential than either renewable resource alone and will help alleviate the nation''s dependence on foreign petroleum, generate economic growth, create fuels that are environmentally sustainable, and have an impact on the overall human impact of energy use. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Perkins, Christopher Copernican Energy, Inc. CO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9109 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712489 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Biotransformable Block Terpolymers for Drug-Eluting Stents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research research project aims to develop a polymer system for drug eluting coronary stents (DES). The material is expected to provide higher drug loading with a controlled drug release profile, as well as tunable mechanical properties over the lifetime of the stent. This will be accomplished using block terpolymers of specific composition to which drug molecules will be covalently attached. Recent advances in DES technology have increased the success rate of CHD treatment; however, restenosis (re-blockage of the artery through the stent) occurs in 10% of the implanted stents. Also currently available drug eluting coatings deliver the bulk of the loaded drug within the first 48 hours of stent placement, with little to no delivery after 30 days. Thus a new type of stent that can overcome the limitations of current stents would be of significant value. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kemp, Lisa Ablitech, Inc. MS Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9183 9150 9102 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712496 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: High-Frequency Laser Ultrasonic Inspection System for In-Situ Characterization of Nanoscale Structures. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research proposal will develop a high frequency laser based ultrasonic system suitable for the characterization of a wide range of micro- and nano-scale thin films and coatings. The system will incorporate an intensity-modulated continuous wave laser for the excitation of extremely narrow bandwidth surface acoustic waves, and a novel superheterodyne lock-in interferometer. This combination allows for higher signal-to-noise ratio than can be achieved using conventional pulsed laser sources, while at the same time allowing for a substantial reduction in system cost. The high frequency (GHz) displacement signal detected by the interferometer will be frequency downshifted optically to a fixed intermediate frequency, thereby allowing for the use of low frequency detection electronics. The interferometer also uses a novel quadrature detection approach, and is capable of making high sensitivity measurements on both optically flat thin films used in the semiconductor industry and environmental barrier coatings and wear protective coatings deposited on unpolished, optically rough substrates. The proposed laser based ultrasonic system will have a broad range of commercial applications including copper thickness measurement for the semiconductor industry, non-destructive testing of environmental and thermal barrier coatings, and inspection of wear protective coatings. The system offers to two key advantages over existing systems: the cost of the system is expected to be substantially lowered due to the fact that the system uses a low cost fiber coupled excitation laser rather than the femto- and picosecond pulsed lasers typically employed, and the system is compact, with both the generation and detection lasers fiber coupled, making it attractive for in-situ measurements. Furthermore, the detection system is robust, has relaxed alignment constraints, and can operate off of optically rough surfaces. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pouet, Bruno BOSSA NOVA TECHNOLOGIES LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149280 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712498 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Online Optimization for Induction Motor Efficiency. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will develop a new control method to automatically maximize the operating efficiency of electric machines. This research will apply recent developments in a particular type of optimal control to the important challenge of energy efficiency, will research into observers for machine power processing, and connection of the method to vibrational control. Efficiency maximization has been studied, especially for induction machines, but methods that adapt over wide load ranges are not available. The new approach leverages recent advances in ripple correlation control (RCC) to provide a fast, robust power minimizer. RCC uses inherent ripple in a power electronic system to force the average operating point to an optimum. RCC has been applied to solar power, but has been difficult to extend to motor control. RCC will be connected to vibrational control, a well established field that exploits variation in a system but with different objectives. The effort promises substantial electrical energy savings, works with electronic motor drives and will increase understanding of machine efficiency. Electric motors account for at least 60% of electricity consumption in the U.S., and about 2/3 globally. Widespread application of the technology developed through this project would reduce total electricity consumption by 7-10%, for an annual savings of about $23 billion in the U.S. alone. Even modest adoption of this technology would significantly reduce energy use in industrial and commercial arenas, and would establish technology solutions for efficiency control. The new approach is also important in advanced motor applications. It would extend the range of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in HEVs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kuhn, Brian SmartSpark Energy Systems, Inc. IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149458 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712506 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Monolithic Imaging Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will assess the viability of an imaging spectrometer based on a novel monolithic anamorphic design. This approach will reduce part count and assembly costs while maintaining excellent performance and stability, thereby providing a fundamental value advantage over existing technology. Optical and mechanical modeling will be performed to determine component tolerance requirements and the trade space between performance and cost. Additionally, key questions on the proposed design and lithographic fabrication will be addressed with well-defined proof-of-concept experiments. Performance requirements will be guided by the needs of two potential end users who have indicated a strong interest in the technology. The technology developed under this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will help expand the application of spectral imaging to new areas for which it is currently not cost effective. The proposed technology will provide detailed spectral and spatial information. A primary target application will be color measurement, which will benefit from the additional spectral information for more accurate color measurements. Other possible markets include the traditional machine vision market, which can leverage existing expertise using spatial information, and the low-cost spectrometer market, which can leverage expertise in using spectral information. The color measurement, machine vision, and low-cost spectrometer markets are all substantially larger than the current spectral imaging market and provide a large potential commercial market. Potential societal impacts include improved quality control of raw materials, food, and finished products, and improved sorting of wastes. Because the proposed monolithic anamorphic spectral imaging system can readily be engineered to meet a wide range of cost and performance requirements, scientists will be able to explore new applications for spectral imaging. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Swanson, Rand RESONON INC. MT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99999 9150 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712523 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Development of a Remote Climbing Robot for Automating Welding Processes in the Ship Building Industry. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will demonstrate a novel, climbing, robotic manufacturing platform to significantly advance automated ship fabrication techniques in the US. The goal of providing automation to the American ship-building industry poses significant challenges for several reasons: the industry presents a highly unstructured environment that could be restrictive to the mobility of autonomous machines; manufacturing requirements in the industry dictate a large degree of flexibility in the operation of fabrication equipment; and the industry requires reliable operation in a physically demanding environment. This proposal offers a solution to these challenges by merging recent climbing robot technology developed for remote inspection tasks in the coal-fired electric power industry with automated (but manually driven or tracked/feature-based) welding equipment and by adding lessons learned in developing intelligent and mechanically robust equipment for harsh environments. In modern sea-going vessels, there is a vast amount of welding and cutting required during the process of creating the bulkhead assemblies. Automating these tasks for this industry provides several significant advantages: process safety improvements for hazardous environments or for space-constrained environments that require disassembly for manual inspection; cost reductions through decreased need for manual, repetitive activities or setup of elaborate equipment; and, quality improvements as processes are automated. In the longer term, these efforts will serve as a base for extending this flexible automation tool to many parts of the ship fabrication, inspection and maintenance process. Finally, the proposed work will advance the state of knowledge in performing robotic tasks remotely in unstructured environments, and will contribute to increased automation in many other fields that present tasks that are hazardous or expensive for humans. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Beard, Jamie Robotic Technologies of Tennessee TN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149648 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712529 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Harvesting Walking Energy for Mobile Electronics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will research and develop devices that harvest energy during walking, thereby displacing some use of batteries and frequent recharging. This project involves the design, optimization, and testing of a biomechanical energy generator. The major technical challenges are high power output, efficient power management, and low mass as well as improved human efficiency. This effort requires synthesis of electromechanical, electronic, and bio-mechanical disciplines. Advanced computer modeling, as well as innovative electro-mechanical design, is required as this area of work is relatively little researched. Small electric generators, connected to loads through sophisticated power electronics would provide an alternative power source. The project seeks to minimize the parasitic weight of such a generating device while also providing electrical power storage and utilization. In addition, the effort would seek to optimize the effects of the other human loading such as carrying efficiency. The growing use of portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants, laptops, music players, and so forth, has caused increasing demand for mobile power delivery. Power is a limiting factor in the use of mobile devices, which is currently served mainly by lithium-ion batteries that are nearing their practical limits. By harvesting energy normally wasted from ordinary human activity, this problem may be alleviated. This project will impact the availability of the required energy for the wearable electronic devices without any disposal requirement, temperature sensitivity (fuel cell alternatives have high temperature), and availability of electrical outlet within easy access. The proposed electricity generation technique would give field scientists, explorers, and disaster relief workers freedom from the heavy weight of replacement batteries and thus extends their ability to operate in remote areas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kuhn, Brian SmartSpark Energy Systems, Inc. IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712535 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: SaaS-Based Procurement and CRM Systems for Local Food Markets. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop tools to enable an online marketplace for locally-grown foods. Currently, two million small and mid-sized US farms struggle to take advantage of the increase in demand for local foods. Increases in sales and margins make it difficult for buyers to source new product and conduct their transactions in an efficient manner. This inefficient market is one reason why 330 small to mid-sized farms go out of business every week. This project will provide a three-fold solution by: (1) developing an innovative Software as a Service (SaaS)-based internet trading site for local food markets; (2) incorporating a SaaS-based customer relationship management platform into this trading site to create a unified system for conducting and monitoring transactions; and (3) licensing this unified SaaS-based system. Fresh foods are now the fastest growing sector of the market. Buying local is quickly outpacing organic as the new trend in food as customers see the value of fresher products, increased variety, and reduced environmental impact while supporting their local community. Anecdotal evidence from market leaders such as Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats, and Byerly Lunds supports the increasing importance of locally produced products over organics. Each store displays a daily tally on the number of local products offered; a similar tally for organic foods is not provided. Unfortunately, despite this steadily growing demand for locally produced food, no agricultural supply chain network has been developed to support this demand. Large food distributors have existing supply systems that are suitable only for large-scale farm operations. Local producers, predominantly small and mid-sized, still rely on outdated methods for reporting offerings, availability, pricing, quality, and for arranging delivery schedules. Buyers, overwhelmed with the time-consuming tasks of juggling information from multiple buyers, typically revert to ordering online from their known large distributors, and thus under-utilize local producers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hilleren, Heather Hevva LLC wi Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99859 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712540 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Dendritic Hydrogel Actuators for a Liquid Drug Delivery Patch. This Small Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project develops a small, affordable, lightweight, Liquid Drug Delivery Patch based on the Medipacs Digital Pump platform. The availability of a safe, system integrated, lightweight, and robust fluid pump platform that enables body fluids chemistry sampling, diagnostics, subsequent chemistry adjustment, mixing, and fluid delivery of pharmacologic agents would provide a significant breakthrough in medical care with significant commercialization potential for military and civilian healthcare in pain management, IV therapy, drug and fluid delivery, and insulin therapy. Medipacs will demonstrate the feasibility of low-cost, safe Drug Delivery Patch targeted first for Insulin delivery, and then for more complex drugs, that uses Electro Active Polymer (EAP) hydrogel actuators. These actuators act as pistons in a peristaltic action to pump fluids. The research problem to be addressed in this STTR project is the (1) hydrolytic instability; (2) insufficient reproducibility of actuation; and (3) low response of actuator materials currently under development to investigate the feasibility of Medipacs technology. The research plan is to (1) incorporate dendritic macromolecules as chemical cross linking agents into the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based EAP hydrogel actuators; (2) vary the molecular weight of the PEG component of the hydrogel; and (3) investigate different crosslinking chemistry for the hydrogels. Optimized materials will be miniaturized into components for incorporation into a patch prototype pump. The Medipacs PACS architecture is a platform technology that will enable the next generation of artificial organs and bioreactors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Banister, Mark Medipacs Inc AZ Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 BIOT 9184 1773 1491 1167 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712547 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I:Competitive Carbide Cutting Tools with Alternative Binders. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to investigate a new class of tungsten carbide (WC) based tooling that uses nontraditional binder metals. The metal-matrix composite is designed to have increased temperature and wear resistance by adding the refractory metal rhenium and a nickel-based superalloy to the traditional cobalt binder. The rhenium-superalloy combination yields a higher melting point and hot hardness compared to cobalt, and both have the right properties (limit solubility of carbide) for bonding WC. Increased temperature resistance will allow faster processing for the tool. A processing and testing plan is proposed to examine the effects of binder composition on the tool performance in machining of Inconel 718 and 6Al-4V titanium. Tool wear rate and cutting speed capability will be assessed. The results are expected to demonstrate the great potential for a marketable class of tooling that can dramatically change the equation for metal working by allowing for increased productivity resulting from higher processing rates, and without significant loss in tool life. Furthermore, since the tools are composed and processed similar to traditional WC tools, their toughness and production costs will be competitive, as compared to more expensive, brittle pure ceramic tools. By demonstrating the effectiveness of the tool material for cutting Inconel and titanium, the potential will be exhibited for using the material for cutting other metals, forming or joining metals in other ways, and even serving as structural components. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Shaiw-Rong Genius Metal Inc. ca Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149305 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712553 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Compact 1 mJ sub-hundred femtosecond fiber laser. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project amis to realize an all-fiber 1 mJ pulsed laser with sub-hundred femtosecond pulse duration. The laser is a chirped pulse amplification system utilizing the Raman scattering process in fiber amplifier, in order to achieve a very short pulsed laser with high energy using fiber technology. So far, it has never been demonstrated to create a parabolic Raman pulse and to compress it to a transform-limited pulse. The project will demonstrate experimentally that all-fiber system can achieve pulses with high energy and short pulse simultaneously for the first time in laser history. If successfully carried out, the results of this project will provide a breakthrough in a research for high energy short pulsed fiber lasers. Femtosecond lasers have recently drawn a paramount attraction in material processing thanks to the intrinsic high peak power. Femtosecond pulses have many advantages over the long pulses when the material processing is concerned. Whereas long pulsed lasers melt the material down, short pulsed lasers ablate material if the fluence is above the ablation threshold. Such laser ablation leaves extremely clean cut surface whereas the thermal processing leaves heat-affected morphological structure on the processed material. Hence, the femtosecond ablation is often sought for precise micro- and nano-machining. Fiber lasers are robust against the environmental changes, free from maintenance while occupying small form-factor. The proposed compact fiber lasers will fairly compete with current bulky lasers and may eventually replace them. The proposed technology will broaden the usage of femtosecond fiber lasers in the fundamental science research as well as military, aerospace, and industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Soh, Beom Calmar Optcom Inc. ca Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 98443 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712559 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Multi-functional Oil Quality Sensor. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project is designed to develop and characterize a novel, multi-functional oil quality sensor for the automobile and diesel engine markets. The objective of the proposed research project is to develop an innovative, cost effective multi-functional oil quality sensor that can detect a variety of degradation mechanisms for engine oil. Current sensors for detection oil quality are highly specialized and usually work only with a specific type of oil or a specific type of degradation mechanism (e.g. metal fragments or water contamination), and no single, cost-effective sensor that will work to identify possible oil quality degradation due to a variety of mechanisms is available in the market. This poses a problem for engine manufacturers as the utilization of a variety of sensors, each of which can detect only one type of problem makes the adoption of oil-quality sensors cost-prohibitive. The new sensors will allow on-line monitoring to accurately detect various modes of degradation of engine oil, and will be designed to work with oil provided by different manufacturers. On-board sensors, that can continuously monitor the quality of engine oil and alert the operator/driver when an oil change is required, can have a significant beneficial economic impact. If engine oil is not changed when needed, the result may be increased wear or even catastrophic engine failure. On the other hand, if the changes are too frequent, the result is added cost. A reliable, cost-effective on-board oil condition sensor will be beneficial to the engine manufacturers as they can gain a competitive edge by reducing lifetime cost to their customers, and is clearly beneficial to the end users as their operation and maintenance costs are reduced. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Nair, Balakrishnan CERAMATEC, INC. UT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149996 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1185 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712564 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Fabrication and Testing of Laser-Assisted Terahertz Field Emitters. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will determine the feasibility of developing new solid-state devices based on photomixing (optical heterodyning) in laser-assisted field emission to generate terahertz (THz) radiation. Many THz applications are now under study, including air quality monitoring, cancer detection, and security screening of packages and personnel. However, researchers describe ""hurdles"" due to the present THz sources, including limited tunable bandwidth and output power. Photomixing is now used in sources of THz radiation, and the PI has made a new type of microwave tube that, in effect, creates a nanoscale ultrafast non-linear optical medium for photomixing in laser-assisted field emission. Analyses show that this new technique may lead to THz sources having much greater tunable bandwidth and output power because of the high-speed and nonlinearity of field emission and the considerable reduction in the shunting capacitance. It is proposed to use silicon nanotechnology to develop solid-state devices that operate at atmospheric pressure because they should be much easier to manufacture and market than the vacuum tubes which the PI made earlier. The Phase I objective is to build and test prototypes having an output power of 80 nW at 1 THz to show feasibility. If this project is successful in developing new solid-state sources for terahertz (THz) radiation, the increased power and bandwidth could help in many THz applications including science (astronomy, biology, and chemistry), medicine (cancer detection and dental imaging), and security technology (detecting non-metallic concealed weapons and explosives). This project could also lead to progress in high-speed computing and communications where massive paralleling of much slower devices is now required. Thus, there could be a far-reaching impact to benefit science, industry, and society, to open a strong market. This project may also contribute to basic science. A resonance of optical radiation with tunneling electrons, discovered in simulations and later confirmed by experiments, is fundamental to this technology. This resonance requires that a significant correction be made in determining the local density of states in metals by photofield spectroscopy, and it provides some insight in regard to the process of barrier penetration including the long-debated topic of the duration of quantum tunneling. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hagmann, Mark NewPath Research L.L.C. UT William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712571 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Scalable Game Design: Broadening Computer Science Participation with Low-Threshold, High-Ceiling Design Environments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a scalable game design environment, including curriculum, with the goal of increasing the participation of students in K-12 computer science education. Partially due to exaggerated fears of job outsourcing, enrollment in University-level computer science programs is dropping at an alarming rate. Another, more fundamental problem is a broken pipeline effect in which K-12 students simply fail to get interested in computer science courses. Advanced placement courses offer a methodical introduction to computer science, but their focus on abstract programming and the lack of motivating applications has resulted in dwindling participation. Multimedia courses are popular, but often are little more than advanced PowerPoint tutorials. Game design, when done in a scalable way, can provide an ideal balance between motivational and academic concerns of computer science. Game design can also be matched to the existing Fluency with Information Technology framework recommended by the National Academies of Sciences. The proposed research will explore scalable design by building a low-threshold, high-ceiling design environment based on Incremental 3D model creation and programming. The research will incorporate this environment into a scalable design curriculum. This scalable design should provide an attractive route to the effective design, development and deployment of an exceptionally large spectrum of games ranging from simple 2D Frogger-type games to 3D Sims-type games. The proposed technology should dramatically increase the number of K-12 students interested in computer science, which in turn will result in larger enrollment in computer science at the university level. Without stronger computer science enrollments the US cannot maintain an internationally competitive IT workforce. A less abstract programming, more design-based IT curriculum should also increase the participation of women and minorities. Further, the resulting general environment can be employed as a simulation-authoring tool for computational science and, through Web integration (e.g. with Google Earth), as computational cyberinfrastructure. The user audience will include K-12 students, university students, scientists, engineers and members of the general public interested in computational 3D applications. The commercialization pathway utilizes a novel business model based on offering the technology as a consumer tool that will be free for K-12 but sold as a special take-home deal to students interested in using the technology at home. Additional revenue will be created through product support such as game design workshops and curriculum development. The open nature of the tool will permit the development of extensions such as plug-ins, as well as integration with existing rich-media technology such as a 3D modeler. REESE IIP ENG Repenning, Alexander AGENTSHEETS INC CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 7625 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712578 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Miniaturized 10 MHz-500 MHz Single-Chip Multi-Frequency MEMS Filters for Electronic Communication. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research aims to investigate the feasibility of producing miniaturized, multi-frequency, single-chip filters from 10 MHz to 500 MHz using aluminum nitride (AlN) micromachined-electromechanical-system (MEMS) piezoelectric resonators. The resonators for this work have their fundamental frequency set by lithographically defined features. This enables the design of arrays of multi-frequency filters directly at the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) layout level, without the need for any extra etching or deposition steps. Lithographic frequency definition also desensitizes this resonator to variations in film uniformity, which promises significant yield and cost advantages. In comparison to legacy Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) and dielectric filters, these filters exhibit higher performance and are processed on silicon substrates, which will ultimately provide advantages in cost and form factor. It is anticipated the results of this research project will demonstrate the AlN contour filters can surpass the demanding specifications required of commercial IF filters. The IF filter solutions proposed here offer up to several orders of magnitude reduction in size and weight, enabling lower power consumption via reduced filter insertion loss, costing substantially less, and exhibiting equal or better performance than their surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter competitors. The addressable market for these IF filters and resonators includes the communications, aerospace / military, consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial sectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Black, Justin Harmonic Devices Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712581 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Scalable Location Data Management. This SBIR Phase I research project seeks to develop asset tracking methods for complex environments. Location-based data methods will be built as a middleware platform that leverages the strengths of traditional systems for managing simple alphanumeric data. Research will include the necessary steps to develop simple demonstration applications that can be used to show scalable querying, updating, and location based trigger evaluation features. The expected outcome is a system that augments existing data management applications with powerful location-based data management capabilities that informs critical business decisions. The proposed methods could lead to improved efficiencies in applications where asset tracking represents a significant resource drain. For example, commercial deployment of these methods could prevent a nurse from spending hours searching for lost diagnostic equipment, leading to improved efficiencies and eventually eliminating what is now an issue costing individual care units hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ramasamy, Karthikeyan Locomatix, LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712583 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Convergence Of Email And File Via Message Stripping. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the problem of corporations that are becoming fuzzy and flexible, and users who increasingly share files with external entities for business (consultants, customers, prospects, etc.). Given the global ID nature of email addresses, email has become the most popular communication vehicle for document exchange. This approach has four fundamental shortcomings: proliferation of disaggregated versions of documents, lack of security (the email protocol is not encrypted), unreliable delivery of attachments, and expensive growth of email storage and staff support. This project develops an email server filter that strips attachments from messages and stores them on cheaper file servers instead of expensive email storage. Messages (sent or received) can be modified so that each attachment is replaced by a secure link and the attached documents can be tracked and managed. Xapio designed a system architecture and user interfaces that harness the best features of email, web, and file systems: this includes a system that supports shared metadata between files and emails, secure links to permanent objects, and email based authentication, and a set of browser user interfaces that converge the file and email experience. By adding these capabilities to a system, it is possible to deliver all benefits without changing IT infrastructure, install desktop applications, or changing user habits. That is, Users can securely and reliably send any size file to anyone from their email client (i.e. Outlook). Recipients retrieve the files with their email client or any browser. The sender can track downloads. If successful, this project has the potential to significantly impact email cost, security and reliability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Foresti, Stefano Xapio UT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712584 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Two-Stage Culture Process for Production of Omega 3 Rich Algae from Biodiesel Waste Glycerol for Use as an Aquaculture Fish Feed Supplement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops a two-stage culture process of heterotrophic microalgae with a high cell density of more than 100 g/L to produce omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, from the crude glycerol produced as a by-product by the biodiesel industry. The overall objective for this Phase I research is to scale-up and optimize this process and assess its economic viability and feasibility for future research, development, and commercial sales. The research objectives are to: (1) refine the culture medium components for scale-up; (2) evaluate KLa as a parameter for scale-up of the lab-scale DHA production process; and (3) assess the economic viability and overall feasibility of the process. The broader impact will be to solve the problem of waste glycerol treatment in the biodiesel industry while providing an essential fish feed supplement that could help reduce the reliance of aquaculture on fish oil and fishmeal. This reduced cost algal culture process could help to completely substitute fish oil supplementation with omega-3 enriched algae supplementation; thereby resulting in enhanced marketability of the healthier fish product while also aiding in protecting our depleted marine fisheries from further degradation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Frear, Craig AEB Engineering LLC WA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 80000 5371 BIOT 9117 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712588 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: ResonantAcoustic Centrifuge for Platelet Concentrate Preparation. This Small Business Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop an improved method for generating platelet concentrates for transfusion that reduces platelet activation. This will be achieved by simultaneously combining mixing and centrifugation to prevent platelet pelleting. The proposed methodology may improve the quality of platelet rich plasma platelet concentrates, improve their storage stability, and potentially enhance medical outcomes for patients receiving platelet transfusions. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McAdams, Todd RESODYN CORPORATION MT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 9150 5371 BIOT 9183 9150 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712591 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Unified, information based sensor network infrastructure.. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project brings a unified, information-based design to wireless sensor network (WSN) infrastructure architecture. Because WSNs sacrifice reliability over the greater density of the sensors and lower network setup costs compared to traditional sensor networks, these networks are characterized by severe resource constraints and uncertainty regarding power, communication and computation. Such conditions can result in latency and lack of coordination between infrastructure message routing and other decisions that protect and preserve the network and the applications fusion and information seeking actions. The proposed unified architecture enhances a tight coupling between communication and application by influencing spanning tree algorithms to consider efficiency in inference as important as efficiency in communication, to limit information flows to those that enhance the fused information state through the feedback of the application level fusion and eliminate the redundant data at the sensor source, and to decompose, embed, and distribute the application among the processing nodes of the sensor network. The expected end result will enhance autonomous decision making with much reduced latency, making for more responsive, adaptable applications. The broad impact of this project is to provide software for the backbone infrastructure in high value, high-risk applications of sensor networks. This architecture will enhance the development of sensor networks in remote, even hostile environments as well as impossible to wire and difficult sensing applications. The industrial range of wireless sensor networks is very broad, from military to medicine, and the uniqueness of applications unconstrained by wires is likely to grow as well. Additionally, the impact of this work will provide a better understanding of how the limits of communication resources lead to poorly coordinated and latent decisions and the knowledge of how to better organize communication and analysis within human organizations, especially in the homeland security and intelligence community. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welch, Robert iPeaksData Corporation CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99938 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712592 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: A Collaborative Architecture to Support Large-Scale Exploratory Workflows. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project advances the state of the art and builds fundamental knowledge in the area of workflow systems. This research will produce a set of scalable tools (algorithms and software) for effectively managing complex workflows that will allow users to collaboratively, and in a distributed setting, perform large-scale exploratory tasks. Workflows have been traditionally used to automate repetitive tasks. For applications that are exploratory in nature, very little is repeated; change is the norm. As an engineer or scientist generates and evaluates hypotheses about data under study, a series of different, albeit related, workflows are created while a workflow is adjusted in an interactive process. The proposed effort was designed to manage these rapidly-evolving workflows. If successful, it will streamline the creation, execution and sharing of complex visualizations, data mining or other large-scale data analysis applications. The approach provides infrastructure that can be combined with and enhance existing visualization and workflow systems. Some examples of advanced applications include calibrating simulations for hedge funds and for locating oil wells; mining of usage data for Web analytics; manipulating photos in digital imaging software and creating complex visualizations. The infrastructure developed in this effort will enable users to query over the history of previous explorations; retrieve and re-use workflows relevant to a particular task; contribute new workflows; run workflows remotely; and create live documents that are automatically updated as new results are derived. The proposed infrastructure can be integrated with existing workflow and workflow-based systems and it has the potential to greatly reduce the time to insight in data exploration tasks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Callahan, Steven VisTrails, Inc. UT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712593 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Miniaturized, Wide-Bandwidth, Low-Loss Contour and Thickness-Extensional Mode PZT-on-SOI Resonators and Filters. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of miniaturized, wide-bandwidth, low-loss bandpass filters for wireless communication and other signal processing applications enabled by novel high Q thin-film piezoelectric micromechanical resonators. The research team is proposing thin-film PZT-on-SOI micromechanical resonator topologies that can simultaneously enable filters with greater fractional bandwidth (up to 40%) and order-of-magnitude lower passband losses (less than 1 dB) than any competing technology by virtue of fundamentally superior electromechanical coupling and innovative resonator designs. Using contour and thickness extensional mode electromechanical resonators, the company can manufacture miniaturized banks of high-performance IF filters and discrete RF filters with frequencies ranging from 10 to 500 MHz and 500 MHz to 1 GHz, respectively. The resonators will be designed to maximize the kt 2Q product, which is regarded as an important figure of merit for filter design compared to current-state-of-the-art VHF to UHF filtering technologies, the proposed MEMS-based solution will permit system architectures with smaller form factors, reduced component count, and lower system power consumption. Moreover, the unprecedented combination of wide bandwidth and low loss in the proposed devices has the potential to enable paradigm shifts in radio front end design. The filtering solutions proposed by the research team provide a compelling value proposition by offering up to several orders of magnitude reduction in size and weight (40X at 70 MHz and even greater reductions at lower frequencies), enabling lower power consumption via reduced filter insertion loss, costing substantially less, and exhibiting equal or better performance than their SAW or BAW filter competitors. The 2006 worldwide addressable market for the proposed IF filters alone is over $600 million, and includes the communications, aerospace / military, consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial sectors. The outcome of the study on the proposed technology will facilitate the deployment of low cost, high-performance, miniaturized communication electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stephanou, Philip Harmonic Devices Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712600 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Improved X-band T/R Modules for High-Temperature/Power Operation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a hybrid substrate based, Si-on-SiC, for application to X-band circuitry. This innovative approach incorporates the advantages of compound semiconductor devices with the incumbent advantages of Si processing and circuit technology to form hybrid circuits which will enable advanced high-frequency (X-band) amplification systems. The hybrid circuits will be made using a highly-thermally conductive hybrid substrate, so that the heat generated in the X-band devices will be efficiently carried away from the active area. This unique hybrid substrate is a Si-on-SiC hybrid wafer comprised of a very thin Si membrane (~1 micron) that has been sliced from a Si wafer and attached to a SiC wafer. Incorporating an X-band device in close proximity with Si signal processing electronics reduces signal noise compared to the tradional approach of completely seperated systems, while the SiC of the hybrid wafer wicks heat away from both the X-band and Si electronics, thereby allowing for increased power-density of devices, increased packing density of devices per unit area, or some combination of the two. Furthermore, electronics fabricated in the Si layer of the hybrid wafer have all of the advantages of SOI electronics: the ability to operate at high temperatures, resistance to parasitic currents and radiation hardness. The general hybrid circuit technology being developed could also be applied to power conversion systems or any application where SOI based electronics are subjected to high power and high temperature levels. Approximately 2.5 million 200 mm diameter equivalent SOI wafers were produced worldwide in the year 2004 alone. The hybrid wafers offer superior thermal performance compared to conventional SOI while maintaining the incumbent advantages of SOI over bulk Si. This project will lead to improved X-band radar systems for military applications. A typical airborne x-band radar antenna consists of one to three thousand transmit/receive(T/R) modules, each with its own high frequency GaAs amplifier producing on the order of 10 W of power. This makes heat management a critical issue. Overall system size is also an important issue for military applications. Given that a radar system will perform better with more T/R modules, the need to minimize T/R module size is paramount. This project addresses possible solutions to both heat management and T/R module size reduction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Treece, Randolph ASTRALUX, INC. CO William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712605 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Precision Plant Irrigation Control Utilizing Leaf Thickness Sensor Technology. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project will develop an innovative method that enables reliable feedback for plant irrigation control by direct detection of impending water deficit stress (WDS) in plants. This technology indicates water deficit stress of living plants by measuring the thickness of leaves, which decreases dramatically at the onset of leaf dehydration. The proposed method overcomes the obstacle of traditional methods for determining the thickness of living plant leaves, measuring leaf thickness non-destructively, gently, reliably, conveniently, with high resolution, and in real-time. This novel real-time leaf sensor technology is non-destructive to the plants and can be used on a wide number of species. The proposed leaf sensor can easily be miniaturized and automated without hindering plant cycles. It combines concepts of engineering and plant physiology while employing recent technological advances in electronics and information technologies. Early detection of impending water deficit stress in plants may be used as an input parameter for precision irrigation control, a strategy which has the potential to preserve enormous amounts of precious freshwater while ensuring successful plant cultivation and crop yield optimization. Such a device may find commercial applications in agricultural sectors or the greenhouse industry. The research would develop this novel method into a sensor that is applicable reliably, conveniently, and permanently under field conditions. This research implements this novel real-time leaf sensor-technology into an automated irrigation system as a proof-of-concept demonstration, and evaluates its performance in terms of reliable plant cultivation and its potential for water conservation under realistic farming conditions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stoner, Richard AgriHouse Inc. co Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149988 5371 1505 BIOT 9109 0110000 Technology Transfer 0712612 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Internet Control Digital Microfluidic Chip for Diffusion of Science Education. This Small Business Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a highly scalable, programmable and rugged biochip platform that can be internet controlled to serve as a remote student learning device for high school and college level scientific demonstrations. The proposed technology would be of significant benefit to students at remote or under-resourced high schools and universities which lack traditional lab facilities, bench-top hardware and instruction. By enabling internet control of a remote biochip platform, student users can conduct basic scientific demonstrations, assays and experiments through internet control of sophisticated fluidic handling, sensing and analytical devices that are typically found only in advanced university laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yi, Uichong Core MicroSolutions, Inc. CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99947 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712617 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Optical Multi-Resonators for Laser Spectroscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will solve the problems of high cost and large size associated with current generation fiber laser platforms, by developing compact, efficient wavelength conversion light sources based on the innovative principle of fiber optic multi-resonators (OMRs). This represents a breakthrough in performance for optical fiber lasers, enabling them as effective light sources at wavelengths previously only available at great expense. The objective of this research is to solve the problem of incorporating multiple fiber embedded mirrors suited to the requirements of this device as a means of wavelength specification. Advanced holographic methods with unique optical fiber compatibility and scalability to manufacturing will be evaluated, and feasibility of these techniques will be established as compatible with the OMR platform. It is anticipated that this program will result in the realization of compact, wavelength specific, OMR lasers, and a set of design principles and process parameters governing their fabrication. The subject light sources of this work have been conceived primarily as an enabler in the large commercial markets for non invasive biospectroscopy of species such as alcohol, lactate and glucose. The resulting systems will have a major impact in areas ranging from more effective means for reducing the incidence of drunken driving to early detection and thereby avoidance of the onset of diabetic shock in Type I diabetes patients. One substantial customer for these devices would be the current manufacturers of such spectroscopy equipment who rely on less effective light sources such as Halogen Lamps or Light Emitting Diodes. Further, the potential for compact, lower cost light sources at unique wavelengths can begin to address spectroscopy for the monitoring of greenhouse gasses. The potential improvement to the viability and quality of people's lives in either one these two areas results in high commercial value of these enabling light sources. It is also found that the optimization of the interaction between the multiple optical resonators of this platform demands significant advance in several areas of the physics of both optical fiber lasers and semiconductor lasers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thornton, Robert r. l. thornton and associates CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99573 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712620 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: 3-D Laser-based ultrasonic inspection system. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project describes an innovative approach for Laser-Based Ultrasonic (LBU) Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE). The proposed inspection system will allow efficient laser generation of both compression and shear waves, as well as simultaneous laser measurement of the three-component of the ultrasonic displacement. LBU has now become a valuable tool for on-line inspection, demonstrating its advantages in the steel and aerospace industries. Unfortunately, these systems do not take advantage of the whole ultrasonic information available because they are based on only the propagation of compression wave and they only measure the out-of-plane displacement. There is a strong need in NDE for both a laser generation capable of efficiently generating shear waves at normal incidence and for a laser ultrasonic receiver capable of measuring simultaneously the three-component of the ultrasonic field (i.e.: measurement of interface properties, material anisotropy or residual stress evaluation). The ability to efficiently and remotely generate both compression and shear waves combined with the ability to simultaneously and remotely measure the three-components of the ultrasonic field will be very beneficial for on-line process control as well as for research material characterization. With this proposed LBU system, NDE inspection techniques based on shear wave detection could now be carried out remotely without mechanical contact, allowing for rapid, in-process inspection of high temperature material. The industries that will benefit from this new NDE tool include: The metal industry, the aerospace industry, the automotive industry and the coating industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pouet, Bruno BOSSA NOVA TECHNOLOGIES LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 129899 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712631 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Innovative control of ectoparasites: key to expansion of open ocean fish farming. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research aims to evaluate a range of natural substances as feed additives or passive dip solutions in an in-cage dip device. Individually, or in combination, these novel methods may help control ectoparasites in offshore fish farms. Recent development of commercial-scale hatchery production techniques for high-value marine fish offers tremendous opportunity for expansion of open ocean aquaculture. Control of ectoparasites in farmed fish remains a concern, of both environmental and economic significance. Parasites from wild fish can proliferate among cultured stocks, affecting the economic viability of the farm, and amplifying disease prevalence in wild fish. Inshore farms overseas often rely on bath treatments to control parasites. However, prolonged bath treatments are not practical in most open ocean farm conditions, and many effective compounds are not permitted for use in the U.S. Natural feed additives may reduce infections. Fish might also be conditioned to expose themselves to treatments to control ectoparasites. This project tests a range of natural substances as feed additives or passive dip solutions. A passive dip device will be tank-tested. Individually, or in combination, these novel methods may help control ectoparasites in offshore fish farms. The broader impact will be to address the US government's aspiration to increase aquaculture production five fold by 2025. The need is pressing: the seafood trade deficit is almost $8 billion, and domestic seafood demand is increasing. Capture fisheries face declining stocks, closures, and increasing regulation. Open ocean aquaculture presents the best opportunity for meeting this national priority and the world's seafood protein needs in a sustainable, environmentally-sound manner. Offshore farms can produce high-value marine fish without significant impacts on water quality, benthic habitats or other ocean user groups. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sims, Neil Kona Blue Water Farms, LLC HI F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99993 5371 BIOT 9150 9117 1465 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712634 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Zero-Power Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Sensing Tags. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I research project focuses on developing a smart sensor network integrated with Zero-Power Radio Frequency Identification Sensing Tags (RFID-ST) that combines the technology of a digital Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) switch and a reconfigurable RF antenna for a wide variety of distributed sensor applications. While micro sensor technologies appear very promising, unfortunately, most of sensors are energy hungry and the battery life of the sensor is very short. The cost and maintenance of a large number of remote and autonomous distributed sensors has become a major issue. The proposed reconfigurable RFID-ST requires no dedicated power source; rather, after selective detection of special agents of interest (e.g. explosive, chemical or biological agents, illegal drug etc.), this tiny, low cost sensor chip reports back the signal when it is interrogated periodically by a remote RF reader/transducer. The RFID-ST is a generic sensor platform, the resulting products which can be deployed virtually anywhere strategically, includes but not limited to, the safety of transportation, infrastructure, and detection and countermeasure to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The RFID-ST can be developed to identify explosive, industrial toxic gas, chemical and biological threat agents, illegal drugs, environmental pathogens, etc. Wireless remote sensing is an important area of technology development which can address a number of needs for commercial and private section applications that including identification of various toxic gas, biological threat agents, explosive, and environmental pathogens. Environmental and regulatory uses exist in the detection of chemical leaks, contaminants, and illegal storage of hazardous materials; and industrial users would be able to monitor chemical storage and processing systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ho, Winston MAXWELL SENSORS INC. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149998 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712641 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Identification of a suitable butyraldehyde/butanol dehydrogenase for a heterologously expressed butanol pathway. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will test the feasibility of a proposed byproduct-free butanol-production host developed using molecular means to engineer specific enzymes important to secondary processing of the alcohols. Biofuels have the potential to not only reduce the United States' dependency on foreign oil imports vital to homeland security but to also dramatically decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with global warming. Biofuels, such as ethanol, can be obtained from the conversion of carbon based feedstock. While ethanol is increasingly being used as an oxygenate additive for standard gasoline, butanol has several advantages over ethanol for fuel. It can be made from the same feedstocks as ethanol but, unlike ethanol, butanol has the potential of being stored, transported and used in the same manner as gasoline. Butanol can be produced using Clostridium strains that naturally produce butanol but this process is relatively inefficient and produces large amounts of byproducts. This project will aid in developing microorganisms capable of converting biomass to butanol with greater efficiency than Clostridium and without byproducts. Phase I will evaluate the feasibility of the proposed byproduct-free butanol-production host. Specifically, enzymes that catalyze one of the key steps within the glucose-to-butanol metabolic pathway will be expressed in a heterologous host to identify the one the functions best. Phase II will optimize the metabolic pathway within a suitable production host for increased space-time-yields. The broader benefits of the technology developed by this project will be the potential of providing a second generation renewable transportation fuel, reducing dependence on imported oil, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and expanding markets for agricultural products worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meinhold, Peter Gevo Inc. CO F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712645 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Peertalk and Gametalk Based on Extended ACTIVE Platform. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to create a peer-to-peer protocol that will cope with the challenges of supporting easy-to-deploy, large-scale audio communication solutions in the rapidly growing areas of social networking environments and online games. Today, the challenges prohibiting peer-to-peer audio communication on a large-scale consists of managing the dynamic nature of users joining and leaving and bandwidth management and optimization, enabling the creation of high quality audio and market-acceptable latency. The protocol and subsequent end-user applications that this project is developing aim to meet these challenges. A successful deployment with existing social networking sites will add significant value to their current offerings. The business opportunity is magnified due to the peer-to-peer nature of the protocol which requires minimal up-front infrastructure investments and manageable integration effort to roll out the technology. The proposed architecture aims to be a significant breakthrough that will elevate online communication within large group social sites from its current form of text chatting to a level that is closer to direct person-to-person contact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Boersma, Jonathan BabbleStream Incorporated ca Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 125000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712649 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: Development of an Indole Biosensor Using Insect Chemosensory Proteins. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a rapid and sensitive detection system for Escherichia coli in water supplies, based on the production of indole by bacteria. The methodology takes advantage of chemosensory proteins that are sensitive to low quantities of indoles. The proposed technology will enable testing of water supplies for E. coli contamination, and as such should provide a significant public health benefit. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woods, Daniel Inscent, Inc CA F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 99125 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0313040 Water Pollution 0712652 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: Abrasion Resistant Ultrahydrophobic Coatings for Corrosion, Erosion and Wear Resistance. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will enable the further development of a novel nanocomposite based, environmentally safe, anti-corrosive coating system to enhance its erosion, wear and abrasion resistance performance. Standard testing protocols will be used to evaluate the improved functions of the coating formulations. Coating formulations compatible with current coating technology and equipment will be used in the proposed work. The nanocomposite based corrosion prevention and erosion resistant coatings developed during this research program will have significant commercial application. The total annual estimated direct cost of corrosion in the United States is $276 billion, about 3.1% of the gross domestic product. Thus, deploying methods that can withstand erosive and abrasive environments while preventing or reducing corrosion processes will dramatically increase productivity and efficiency of a system. The coatings in development will be of immediate commercial value. Potential retail commercial markets include transportation (automotive, aircraft, boating, and train), utilities, farming, and paint industries. The identification of erosion resistant, corrosion preventing coatings that do not utilize the current hexavalent chromate based standard, which has been identified as a significant chemical toxin and health hazard, will have a significant societal and environmental impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Yuliang Seashell Technology CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712671 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: High-Power Microwave Tuner/Reconfigurable Matching. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims at demonstrating a novel radio-frequency tuner/reconfigurable matching network (T/RN) capable of handling high-power RF/microwave signals. Electronically T/RNs find many applications in the design and development of communications circuits and systems. While the performance of current T/RNs employing RF MEMS switches or varactors is impressive, this has been mostly demonstrated at relatively low-power signal levels (e.g., sub-Watt) due to the onset of self-actuation in the switches or varactors when operating at high power levels. There is a need, therefore, for RF MEMS-based tuners/reconfigurable matching networks that can maintain the high levels of performance enabled by this technology even when handling high-power signals. The proposed research has three primary objectives: 1) to design a novel high-power RF MEMS-based T/RN; 2) to demonstrate its low-cost manufacturability; and 3) to demonstrate its high-power performance. The research will address key technical challenges related to T/RN architecture to maximize its life and power-handling capability. The successful outcome of this research will enable new capabilities in high-end systems, such as aerospace and defense systems, wireless infrastructure, and instrumentation. Its potential commercial value lies in the tens of millions of dollars. The scientific impact of the research will be prolific. The research at Texas A&M University (TAMU) will be integrated into two undergraduate courses, "MEEN 461: Heat Transfer" and "MEEN 404: Engineering Laboratory," and the new introductory-graduate/senior-undergraduate level course "ME489: Introduction to MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanotechnology." Furthermore, the proposed research program and product development efforts will foster multi-physics computational modeling, materials characterization and investigation of thermal transport mechanisms in thin films. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DeLosSantos, Hector NanoMEMS Research, LLC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712686 July 1, 2007 STTR Phase I: MicroMiniature Spectrometer. This Small Business Technology TransferResearch (STTR) Program project aims to resolve if LEDs can provide properly formed light spectra and identify the appropriate LED control needed to resolve if COTS photodetectors can detect the full spectral character of analytes in-situ and identify the optimized sampling control needed and to innovate an LED(s) and photodetector(s) integrated functional design which achieves or exceeds the range and sensitivity of current spectrometer designs. This project will also help in the understanding of the cost to produce and build the business plan to market a micro-miniature spectrometer. with UW DMS. Develop committed business plan, based on resolving DFM issues. A spectrometer that significantly improves upon current specifications will be received well in markets ranging from remote oceanographic or atmospheric monitoring services to point-of-care diagnostic services in health care to national defense applications for water or airborne contaminant clouds. A micro-miniature spectrometer is proposed that will achieve half the size of current instruments, draw <1 watt of power, provide data over a USB interface to open source analyses tools (Matlab, Excel), enable multiple simultaneous measurements, and be affordably priced. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Cranney, John Compliant Embedded Systems Research Inc ID Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149999 9150 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0712688 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase I: CVD Growth of Silicon Nanocables Using Patterned Silicon Dioxide Mask. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will assess the feasibility of a new fabrication method for high-density p-n silicon nanocable arrays using CVD techniques. This project aims to create grow p-silicon nanowire arrays using a patterned mask that will enable highly ordered and perfectly oriented nanowires, which cannot be achieved through conventional methods. On these nanowires, CVD will be used to grow n-silicon layers radially, resulting in high-quality single-crystal structures. The aim is to demonstrate high quality semiconductor junctions integrated in a nanocable array structure. Techniques to control and characterize the p-n Si nanocables obtained by CVD are the primary focus of this proposal. It is the only technology known that may allow controlled orientation of nanostructures and integration of the p-n junction in the nanowire itself, with precision growth that prevents structures from shorting against one another. Techniques to control and verify the quality of surfaces and interfaces are especially important when the subsequent layers are extremely thin, as is the case in this solar cell design. The results lay the foundation for creating highly-flexible nanostructure array templates and arrays. Although targeted at solar cells, this research has broad applicability in nanoelectronics and nanofabrication. The result will be arrays of complex nanostructures that can be insulated from one another. Controlling the quality, composition and dimensions of nanowires that allow ultra-thin layers deposited thereon allows creating nanostructured materials that are tunable for key nanoscale properties at low cost. This enables applications not possible with bulk materials. These processes should allow low-cost continuous fabrication of nanostructure of dimensions and density not possible using current commercial membranes. Nanostructured devices, rather than bulk materials, are the key to realizing economical, reliable, high performance solar cells. Results will be arrays of discrete structures but the same techniques are applicable to circuitry, sensors, and optical applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vidu, Ruxandra Q1 NanoSystems Corp CA William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0719306 July 1, 2007 I/UCRC Collaboration: Homeland Security Interfaces for Automated Surveillance and Robotic Response. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Safety, Security and Rescue Research Center (SSR-RC) at the University of Denver will collaborate with the University of Minnesota on two distinct projects that involve human augmentation by computer; the first is a novel human/computer interface for hazardous environments called the "wearable joystick" and the second is a prototype airport exit lane monitoring system for security personnel. Efforts by the academic community to expose advanced technology to emergency responders are highly valuable. The connection with the I/UCRC will ensure that both of these technologies will be exposed to users and first responders at the field trials hosted by the Center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Voyles, Richard University of Denver CO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 49999 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0721009 November 13, 2006 I/U CRC for Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites - RB2C: Continuing Grant. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites (RB2C) has operated for the last five years form its base at the University of Missouri-Rolla and has focused on addressing the needs of the construction industry in the areas of rehabilitation and strengthening of existing structures using novel materials and technologies. North Carolina State University has joined the University of Missouri-Rolla as the partner in the Center. Together, the Center maintained an ideal core as it includes manufacturers, distributors, applicators and users of composite products/technologies. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI STRUCTURAL MATERIALS AND MECH IIP ENG Nanni, Antonio University of Miami FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 389346 7609 5761 1662 1635 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 125E 122E 116E 1049 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0723669 July 15, 2007 STTR Phase II: Development of an In-Line Cylinder Bore Inspection System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is working toward commercialization of cylinder bore probe inspection technology. During Phase II continued improvements and enhancements to the existing cylinder bore probe technology (in cooperation with the ERC for Reconfigurable Manufacturing at the University of Michigan) will continue. The scientific feasibility of this cylinder bore inspection technology was proven during the Phase I project; continued work on the operation of an automated inspection station with an array of probes working in parallel in a factory environment will be demonstrated during the Phase II project. Enhancing the technology may create opportunities for performing inspections at other locations on the engine block production line and for other cylindrical machined surfaces. The broader impacts anticipated from this inspection process will be improved quality, reduced production costs and improve performance of vehicles used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. It is also anticipated that this technology could lead to an optimized manufacturing process that would produce engines with reduced emissions, reduced oil consumption, improved efficiency and longer lives. Optimizing surface finish may have a greater effect on diesel engines, which are more efficient than gasoline engines. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Segall, Stephen Industrial Optical Measurement Systems MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 564107 5373 1591 MANU 9146 7218 5761 1468 1467 1049 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0723832 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Parts Forecasting for Configurable Products. This SBIR Phase II project will develop a new methodology for parts forecasting for discrete manufacturing. Emcien is developing a software suite to enable a product manager to better manage a configurable manufactured product. This suite includes a method for forecasting the demand for a configurable product at the full configuration level of detail. This means forecasting unique configurations, each with an expected volume. The method depends on extracting customer buying patterns from the sales history for the product. The mathematical algorithms for extracting and representing these patterns, and forecasting using these patterns are the main contributions of the research. The set of parts needed to build a configurable product generally depends on combinations of options, so it is not possible to plan parts requirements from an aggregate forecast. By using a configuration level forecast, it is possible to expand each unique configuration into component parts, and then use the associated volumes to produce a complete parts forecast. American manufacturers are specializing in complex, configurable, high-end products, as mass produced commodity products move offshore. Allowing customers to customize a product results in significant numbers of alternative product configurations. This variety increases costs in many ways. One important way is the increased difficulty of planning parts requirements. The current practice of basing parts planning on a few popular variants leads to excess inventory of some parts and shortages of others. Excess inventory incurs both holding and obsolescence costs. Shortages can interrupt production and cause both lost sales and quality problems. Emcien has developed a methodology that, among many other benefits, can improve the accuracy of parts planning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Marsten, Roy Emcien, Inc. GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 497763 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724041 July 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Atlantic Cod Nodavirus Vaccine. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project of develops a recombinant vaccine for the prevention of nodavirus disease of cultured Atlantic cod, fisheries of growing importanct to New England and Atlantic Canada. The recombinant technology used to build the vaccine is economical, safe and results in a potent and efficacious product that improves cod health. The research addresses recombinant antigen synthesis, formulation, safety, potency and efficacy. After translational development, manufacturing and regulatory approval, the vaccine will be available to cod producers for the prevention of nodavirus disease. The broader impacts of this research will be to enable more facile development of the nascent cod aquaculture industry in respect to methods of viral disease control through vaccination. This is in concert with the desire of the nation to increase aquacultural production significantly by 2020 without impacting the ocean environment negatively. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Anderson, Eric Maine BioTek, Inc. ME Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 499393 5373 BIOT 9150 9117 0201000 Agriculture 0724090 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Structurally Integrated Organic Light Emitting Device-Based Sensors for Dissolved Oxygen in Water. This SBIR Phase II project aims to develop and commercialize a novel, next-generation photoluminescence (PL)-based, palm-size and miniaturizable dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor. DO sensors are primary monitors of water quality in industrial wastewater treatment. The new sensor is based on a pioneering platform for PL-based biochemical sensors where the excitation source is a pulsed organic light emitting device (OLED) pixel array that is structurally integrated with the sensor component. The individually addressable pixels and the sensor film are fabricated on either side of the glass substrate. The photodetector is "behind" the OLED array, monitoring the PL passing between the OLED pixels. This uniquely simple structural integration enables multi-sensor fabrication on a single, compact substrate, and should therefore yield field-deployable micro-sensor arrays for simultaneous detection of various analytes. This sensor has applicability in water quality measurements in wastewater treatment, power, pulp and paper, chemical, food, beverage, brewing, and pharmaceuticals plants, fish farms, fresh water, coastlines, and the oceans. Current sensors suffer from key drawbacks that limit their utility and application. Electrochemical sensors require frequent calibration and maintenance, and are typically slow to respond. PL-based sensors are expensive due to intricate design. The proposed sensor will be reliable, require very little maintenance/calibration, and will be inexpensive, with a flexible design and size. The proposed device will be uniquely simple, initially palm-size and eventually micro-size, autonomous, fast, miserly on power consumption, and inexpensive. It will be structurally integrated and will operate in a pulsed PL-lifetime mode, eliminating the need for optical components and frequent calibration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Shinar, Ruth Integrated Sensor Technologies, Inc. IA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499988 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724096 September 1, 2007 STTR Phase II: Fully Embedded Optical Interconnects based on Optical Bus Architecture for Large Size Printed Circuit Boards. This STTR Phase II research project is to develop a commercial board level optical interconnect using bus architecture. Conventional copper links on printed circuit boards fail to provide sufficient bandwidth for data transfer above 10 Gbit/sec. Optical interconnections are widely viewed as an alternative to higher throughput. However, existing photonics-related approaches suffer from issues of packaging, reliability and manufacturing cost. In this project, Omega Optics and the University of Texas at Austin seek to develop a fully embedded board level optical interconnect for enhanced bandwidth, while reducing the difficulties of optoelectronic packaging and device reliability. Phase I results demonstrated 150 GHz bandwidth with 51 cm interconnection distance. Instead of utilizing surface mounted optical components this approach separates the fabrication of the optical layer with the electrical parts and laminates it inside printed circuit boards, between which the interconnection is setup through in-layer vias. This fully embedded technology seals all the optical components and provides a seamless interface with electrical layers, therefore it eliminates the concerns of external optoelectronic devices for end users. The revolutionary breakthrough over copper links sought through this research would benefit the entire computer industry and enable the continued progression of bandwidth and interconnect distance. STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Wang, Alan Omega Optics, Inc. TX William Haines Standard Grant 500000 1591 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724183 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Development of Efficient Short-Wavelength Radiation Sources For Next-Generation Lithography. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will pursue the development of novel plasma technologies for creating highly efficient, short-wavelength radiation sources for use in next-generation semiconductor chip manufacturing. The development of radiation sources that efficiently emit light at wavelengths near 13.5 nm is crucial to the expected emergence of EUV lithography as the primary technique used in manufacturing integrated circuits and DRAM near the end of this decade. Laser-produced plasma experiments will be conducted to validate and refine the novel high-efficiency, low-debris EUV light source designs developed in our previous work. Comparisons between experimental data and simulations performed using state-of-the-art simulation tools will facilitate the development of light sources with high 13.5 nm conversion efficiencies. This project will lead to lower cost, more efficient, and more robust EUV lithography light sources for use in the manufacturing of next-generation semiconductor chips. Short-wavelength radiation sources are applicable to a wide variety of research areas, and have significant value in commercial applications, basic research, and defense research and technology. Such sources are valued not only for use in EUV lithography, but also in medical research, instrumentation, and technology. While this project will focus on the development of plasma-based technologies for creating highly efficient light sources for EUV lithography, it is likely that techniques and capabilities developed under this project will further the development of plasma light sources applicable to other major areas of research and technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Harilal, Sivanandan Hyperion Scientific, Inc. WI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 466981 5373 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724204 July 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Ultra Low Cost, p-i-n OLED Lamps for Specialty Lighting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase-II project will analyze the limiting factors in performance and commercialization obtained through printed polymer organic light emitting diode (P-OLED) research and development as well as customer engagement. Utilizing this basis, a set of materials, device and process development tasks have been devised. These include continued lifetime improvements and development of an encapsulation process. During Phase-I, the impact of light-emitting layer morphology and cathode interactions on device performance was identified. This has allowed a prioritization of these issues for final development. Technical objectives include exceeding the commercialization threshold and achieving greater than 1000 hour product lifetimes with a flexible encapsulation process adaptable to small and large scale manufacture. This includes advanced light-emitting polymers (LEP) formulations, cathode development, and device structure optimization to meet performance milestones along with encapsulation adhesive, getter materials and lamination process trials and optimization. If successful the outcome of this project includes benefits for mobile electronic product designers and consumers using low cost and low energy manufacturing in the U.S. display and lighting industries. Furthermore, the science and engineering work compliments R&D efforts in related materials technologies. The proposed technology is uniquely attractive among OLED lighting technologies currently under development in that it allows for low manufacturing set-up and operating expenses, and therefore early commercial adoption. Because of this cost structure, which is radically different from conventional, high capital, glass-based OLED processing, there is a significant early commercialization opportunity in mobile backlighting products and other specialty lighting applications. In these product areas, the proposed technology''s voltage, brightness, DC drive, and form factor makes it preferable to existing inorganic approaches. The low capital cost structure and dependence on advanced materials technology also provides opportunities for distributed manufacture in the U.S. away from the centralized Far East display manufacturing base. Outside of the organic display and lighting industries, this research would enhance the scientific understanding for other emerging printable and organic electronics technologies including organic photovoltaics, thin film transistors and memory, where low cost manufacturing of high-efficiency devices are paramount for commercial success. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG MacKenzie, Devin Add-vision, Incorporated CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 497242 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724210 August 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: One-Step Environmentally-Friendly Synthesis of Novel Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Pigments. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will support the commercialization of a novel line of high-performance Mayacrom pigments using a lower cost, solid-state, environmentally friendly one-step manufacturing process. The Mayacrom pigments exhibit superior properties compared with many commercially available pigments and may replace environmentally detrimental pigments such as cobalt and cadmium based colorants. The intellectual merit of the proposed work includes the advancement of knowledge of solid-state reactions in the fields of materials science and engineering. Environmentally, aspects of the proposal include creating a production process that is solvent free, consumes only a modest amount of energy, and releases only water during manufacturing, resulting in no negative ecological impacts. Broader effects include the fundamental understanding of the solid-state thermodynamics and reaction kinetics that affect the physical and chemical properties of the pigments. Results of the influence of mixing intensity on reaction kinetics will also expand the knowledge for other industrial processes. Other broader impacts include continued collaborative research activities at the minority-based University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) to expand the scientific understanding of these hybrid pigments and publish significant findings. If successfully commercialized, the one-step manufacturing process will create jobs in the United States and in the under-utilized El Paso, Texas border region. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Polette-Niewold, Lori Mayan Pigments, Inc. TX Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 497550 5373 MANU 9147 9102 1984 1948 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724231 November 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Spatially-Resolved Swept-Laser Spectroscopic System for Gold Nanoparticle Sensing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a spatially-resolved bio-sensing technology based on spectroscopic swept-source optical coherence tomography (S-SSOCT) and gold nanoparticles as bio-sensors at 1060nm spectral region. The proposed system will advance contrast-enhanced molecular imaging of diseased tissue. The project will explore several contrasting agents for imaging applications, among these are; the traditional florescence and absorption dyes, to the latest semiconductor quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles. The recently engineered gold nanoparticles possess superior light scattering and absorbing characteristics as well as long-term stability, and when bound to antibodies, can enable high-contrast molecular and cellular imaging of various diseases. The advancement of biotechnology and nanotechnology will benefit greatly from the ability to perform spatially-resolved and sensitive imaging of diseases in molecular and cellular levels through contrast enhancing agents. One expected outcome of this project is to make it possible to track the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals, treat disease, monitor responses to therapies, as well as to provide novel pairing of therapeutic and diagnostic processes. A particular goal of this project is to advance cancer diagnostic technology by developing a high-speed, high-resolution bio-medical imaging modality using gold nanoparticle as bio-conjugated sensors. This market is driven by synergy between various imaging methods (optical, nuclear, and magnetic) and new types of imaging agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hsu, Kevin MICRON OPTICS INC GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 642342 5373 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724233 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Photon-Assisted Hydrogenation Process Technology for Manufacturability and Improved Operability of HgCdTe Infrared Detectors. This Phase II Small Business Innovation Research project will deliver an innovative hydrogen passivation technique for improving manufacturability and performance of HgCdTe infrared detectors. Photon-Assisted Hydrogenation (PAH) causes the substrate to be hydrogenated by simultaneous exposure to hydrogen gas and ultra-violet (UV) light which allows hydrogen to diffuse into and become a permanent part of the substrate. In Phase I the feasibility of PAH for the fabrication of high-performance near-infrared HgCdTe avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays on large-area silicon wafers was demonstrated. In Phase II PAH will be optimized for fabrication of HgCdTe infrared sensors from a variety of sources. The PAH process will not only create a new product line of high-performance HgCdTe/Si-based APDs, but may also provide a means to effect significantly higher yields, and thus lower costs for all manufacturers of HgCdTe-based detectors. PAH technology will enable all HgCdTe infrared device manufacturers to grow on Silicon wafers, significantly reducing the cost of these high value systems, and making them more generally available for a broad range of currently unaffordable applications, including civil transport, aviation, medical and robotic vision systems. Derivatives of the this technique may be applied to the manufacture of a variety of other optoelectronic semiconductor devices requiring passivation to mitigate defects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hellmer, Ronald Amethyst Research Incorporated OK William Haines Standard Grant 430775 5373 MANU 9150 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724237 October 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Wavelength-Selective Lasers for Photonic Integrated Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will address the commercial need for novel, wavelength-selective laser diodes for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications. The distributed feedback lasers currently used in 10 Gigabit Ethernet transceivers are fabricated using an expensive, low-yield, epitaxial re-growth process. The drawbacks of this method are the high cost of the capital equipment and of the manufacturing process. In addition, the lower yields encountered with the multiple regrowths required to fabricate complex photonic circuits make cost-effective integrated photonic components difficult to achieve. A novel laser diode design and high-yield manufacturing method that will enable the fabrication of low-cost wavelength-selective and tunable laser diodes for optical communications has been developed. This research will refine the design and fabricate both discrete and integrated devices for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications. The major scientific and technical benefit of this work is an improved method for fabricating lasers and other optoelectronic devices. The work should also result in arrays of novel, wavelength selectable lasers suitable for use in high-speed data communications applications. The main societal impact will be the increased availability of low-cost, high-speed data communications, which is a significant contributor to economic development. Making lower cost lasers will enable a significant reduction in the cost of transceivers, which will increase the rate at which high speed Ethernet penetrates the data network. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sugg, Alan VEGA WAVE SYSTEMS, INC. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 539976 5373 SMET HPCC 9178 9139 1775 1769 1517 1092 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724271 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Robust Speech-to-Text Messaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project proposes to develop techniques for the hands-free input of text to mobile devices. Specifically, this project extends the results of the Phase I effort to produce a speech-recognition system for mobile devices and personal appliances that is robust in the presence of background noise. To increase the speech recognition accuracy, four techniques are employed: 1) Spellation where the users have to speak and partially spell the words as they dictate, 2) VoiceTap which requires that, for each character, the user says that character and the following character in the alphabet, 3) Voice Predict where the user has to say the word and input the first character of the word using the keyboard or VoiceTap, and 4) multi-modal speech to text, where the user speaks and uses the keyboard simultaneously. The research effort will focus on developing modules that allow speech to be dictated using a combination of whole words and spelled words. The outcome of the proposed research has significant commercial potential. Because the front end or client-side can be ported to a variety of operating systems and processors, the flexibility of this technology should enable wide licensing of the technology to telecommunication device manufacturers. The mobile wireless industry is very large and growing industry, and multi-modal input technology is important to mobile customers who demand more efficient and accurate methods for communication. Improvements in accuracy could be very significant and would potentially have widespread applicability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS IIP ENG Rao, Ashwin TravellingWave WA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 700000 5373 1480 HPCC BIOT 9139 9107 5373 1640 1480 124E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724285 October 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: System for Optimizing Sweeps in Banks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the scale up and validation of a tool which enables small and medium-sized banks to optimize their "sweep" programs for managing their deposit balances. To date, most optimizations are based on heuristics and are out reach for small to medium sized institutions. The approach of the proposed effort, which will be embodied in a cost-effective software application, deploys a proprietary algorithm based on analytics and stochastic optimization. It should provide a 15-25% improvement over the current heuristics effort and be affordable for small to medium sized banks. If successfully commercialized, the proposed solution will enable more efficient deposit optimization in small to medium-sized banks; addressing an approximately $150M market opportunity. The solution also has the chance to enhance cash management at branches, vault cash/ATM networks and other cash logistics operations. Further, improved modeling of customer behavior has potential applications for customer relationship management in all financial services including credit cards, insurance, brokerage services and e-commerce in general. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hagan, John FinOpTrix, Inc. CT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 25000 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724306 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Zero-Remanence Tamper-Responsive Cryptokey Memory. This SBIR Phase II research project is to develop a more secure encryption key for non-volatile memory. Secure ICs often utilize encryption to protect non-volatile memory contents. A clever engineer can recover the key after decapsulating and probing the semiconductor die. NVE intends to produce an innovative non-volatile spintronic cryptographic key memory that will self-erase without data remanence in the event of tampering and without applied power. The main research objectives of this work involve development of a fully integrated 256-bit embedded tamper resistant magnetic random access memory. The technology proposed in this Phase II SBIR program is intended to provide a defense against theft of intellectual property and to protect sensitive data stored in an integrated circuit. Identity theft has become a very large issue for society in general and particularly in the more computerized societies. This is more than a problem of economics, as US military systems have also been reversed engineered by both friendly and unfriendly nations to gain access to US weapons capability. The technology proposed under the Phase II program addresses the need to provide a tighter level of security for data stored on integrated circuit (IC) and IC assemblies. Commercially, this provides an extra layer of protection on IC-based assemblies such as smart cards, cash machines etc. In addition, the proposed program would render a system inoperable in the event of physical tamper. This may be a very useful tool in stemming the tide of fraudulent usage, compromises, and reverse engineering of IC-based instruments as well as certain types of identify theft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Beech, Russell NVE CORPORATION MN Ben Schrag Standard Grant 499809 5373 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724326 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Low-cost Ceramic Membranes for Drinking Water Treatment. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop a novel approach for fabrication of ceramic membranes that would provide a significant reduction in fabrication costs. Membrane filtration is becoming an important process for drinking water treatment. Much of this growth is due to development of low-cost polymeric membranes that can compete economically with traditional methods of water treatment. Ceramic membranes can be used to achieve the same level of water quality as provided by polymeric membranes, with several distinct advantages: ceramic membranes provide higher fluxes, reduced fouling rates, and longer lifetimes with fewer integrity issues. Historically, ceramic membranes have not been competitive with traditional methods or polymeric membranes due to high manufacturing costs. Recent developments that offset the high manufacturing costs have allowed ceramics to be competitive with polymerics in some markets. By developing the proposed innovation, ceramic membrane module cost will be further reduced, giving ceramics an advantage over currently employed polymeric membranes. Increased membrane usage in water treatment will lead to safer drinking water for the 90% of Americans that receive their water from community water systems. For the water systems that employ ceramic membranes, there will be less cost, maintenance, and concerns of system integrity failures. Additionally, the technology developed in this program would be applicable to ceramic microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes for all food, beverage, chemicals, pharmaceutical, energy, wastewater, and water applications. Energy efficient separation processes requiring robust membranes would become more economically viable, potentially lowering the 4,500 T Btu of energy consumed annually for industrial separations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hoffman, Christopher CeraMem Corporation MA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 426821 5373 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724338 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Visualization Toolkit for 3D Photography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop a comprehensive 3D photography toolkit for importing the geometry of existing large-scale urban structures into the computer. The goal of the project is to minimize the effort of building models of high geometric and photometric accuracy that are suitable for efficient rendering, manipulation, and analysis. The proposed Phase II work will build upon the feasibility study conducted in Phase I. The Phase I effort introduced a novel algorithm that successfully integrated multiview geometry with automated 3D registration to produce realistic visualizations of complex, reconstructed, real-world 3D models with minimal human interaction. The goal is to build approximate lightweight 3D models directly from a collection of photographs of the scene. The proposed workflow treats a photograph as tracing paper upon which 2D shapes are defined prior to extruding them into 3D models. The commercial application of this Phase II project is the introduction of a comprehensive software toolkit for 3D photography. The ultimate goal is the reconstruction and visualization of detailed models of urban sites, i.e. digital cities. The creation of digital cities drives other areas of research as well: visualization of very large data sets, creation of model databases for GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and combination of reconstructed areas with existing digital maps. Other applications include video game development, entertainment, architecture, virtual tourism, fire/police/urban planning, urban design, disaster prevention, archaeology, and historical preservation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zokai, Siavash Brainstorm Technology LLC NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724340 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Wafer-Scale, Hermetic Packaging of Intelligent MEMS-Based Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase-II project continues to address development of a novel packaging method for wafer-scale hermetic packaging of intelligent Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Packaging of MEMS along with their requisite electronics is one of the main technical barriers to commercialization of these devices. Packaging methods are often expensive, have long development cycles, and may adversely affect device performance and reliability. In cases where direct media access is required and the MEMS device needs to operate in harsh environments, protecting the electronics from the media provides a huge challenge. The proposed packaging approach consists of extending the MEMS device and etching a deep cavity into the substrate to house the electronics. A wafer-level hermetic bonding method will then be used to cap the electronics while allowing electrical connection between the electronics and the device. This Phase II project will focus on development of hermetic lead transfer using buried metal layers, and expansion of the packaging method to include wireless applications. Wired and wireless pressure sensor/electronics testbeds will be fabricated to verify overall system integration and evaluated both internally and by external customers. The potential commercial value of this Small Business Innovation Research proposal will be in several areas. The most immediate area will be revenue from sale of foundry services for packaging and integration of MEMS and their associated electronics. Through its existing Foundry Services Division, ISSYS will provide a packaging platform for wired and wireless MEMS sensor/electronics subassemblies. The second source of revenue is product sales, where off-the-shelf MEMS pressure sensor subassemblies (wired and wireless) will be sold to customers in various medical and industrial fields. The long-term vision is use of this packaging platform for a variety of MEMS-based devices. According to Yole Development, the worldwide MEMS market is forecast to grow from $5.1 Billion in 2005 to $9.7 Billion in 2010. The main product families in this market are inkjet heads, pressure sensors, microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes, optical MEMS, microfluidics, RF MEMS and micro-fuel cells. The proposed packaging technology will be highly beneficial to pressure sensors, microphones and microfluidic devices, with a combined market forecast of $2.5 Billion in 2010. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Massoud-Ansari, Sonbol (Sarah) Integrated Sensing Systems Incorporated MI Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724350 July 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Particle Metrology and Diagnostics using Microchannel Resonators. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II program develops an instrument capable of measuring micron-scale particles using their weight as the measured parameter. At the instrument''s core is a novel microfabricated sensor containing a vibrating microchannel. The target particles are suspended in fluid as they pass through the channel, causing channel vibration frequency to change with a sensitivity of less than a picogram. The broader impact of this research will to provide a method for particle size analysis that in addition to size gives mass. Manufacturing processes in many industries could benefit from this type of instrument to improve their processes and thereby lower production costs as well as improving product quality when used in a quality assurance program. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Babcock, Ken Affinity Biosensors CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 746845 5373 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724361 August 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Low Power Microcontroller Design. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will investigate novel integrated circuit design technologies for the realization of ultra-low-power microcontrollers. The main objective of this project is to investigate the deployment of novel charge-recovery circuitry for the design of an ultra-low-power leading-edge commercial microcontroller core. The resulting charge-recovery core is expected to dissipate 25-30% less power than its conventional counterpart. In conventional circuit design, capacitors are switched abruptly between supply and ground, dissipating all their stored energy as heat across resistive devices. In charge recovery design, on the other hand, capacitors are switched gradually, returning any energy that remains un-dissipated back to the power supply. The significant potential of charge recovery to reduce power consumption has so far remained untapped in the commercial world, primarily due to the lack of support for such a new design style that deviates from established design practices. The results of the proposed research are commercially applicable to the realization of a broad class of computer systems and consumer electronic devices that are subject to power efficiency requirements. Microcontrollers are essential elements of every System-on-Chip (SoC) and typically account for a substantial fraction of overall chip power, since they remain on most of the time. Embedded microcontrollers are key components of semiconductor chips for mobile devices such as cell phones and personal digital assistants. Generating a commercial microcontroller core with substantially reduced power consumption will lead to a broad variety of next-generation computer and communication systems with enhanced features, longer battery life, and improved performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ishii, Alexander Cyclos Semiconductor CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724370 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Compressing and Measuring Ultrashort Laser Pulses in Imaging and Spectroscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop two novel ultrashort-laser-pulse devices. Each will solve an important problem for researchers that use exciting new ultrashort-laser-pulse techniques for imaging, micro-machining, surgery, telecommunications, chemical-reaction control, time-domain spectroscopy, and many other applications. Such applications work best with the shortest pulse - but currently operate with much longer ones because such pulses naturally lengthen as they pass through the many optical components on the way to their final destination. Pulse compressors, which use four prisms (or two prisms and a mirror), solve this problem, but they are unwieldy and have a tendency to introduce other distortions, making them difficult to commercialize. This research will develop an elegant, easy-to-use single prism pulse compressor, which is much simpler, more compact, and much less expensive, and is also naturally immune to the problematic distortions of current two- and four-prism designs. The pulse compressor will greatly benefit multi-photon microscopy - in use in over 1000 biological labs worldwide, and where it will significantly improve image sensitivity and resolution. Micromachining efforts and new ophthalmologic surgical techniques that now use ultrashort pulses also require the shortest possible pulses. In addition, telecommunications and chemistry researchers who shape their pulses into potentially extremely complex waveforms, currently cannot measure them, but this spectral interferometer, which can also measure complex shaped pulses, will fill this need, as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lee, Dongjoo Swamp Optics, LLC GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 469584 5373 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724375 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Nanostructured Materials and Process for Improved Electrochromic Device Performance. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project is to develop full size electrochromic (EC) window glazings with superior performance and durability due to the incorporation of sputtered nanocomposite thin film materials. These window glazings can be electronically darkened to control solar light and heat in buildings and vehicles. The new materials and processes will be tested for prototype glazings followed by the development of a robust manufacturing process with optimum product yield and reliability. Numerical simulation techniques will be used to model how process input variables impact product attributes with a goal of minimizing device variation and optimizing performance. The performance and reliability improvements achievable from this SBIR project are essential for widespread acceptance of electronically tinted windows. The improved transmission properties and more neutral coloration obtainable with nanostructured materials are highly desired commercial features. A successful project will lead to widespread adoption of EC windows and enable annual energy savings of up to 0.7 quad to occur sooner. This corresponds to a reduction in carbon emissions of ~10.5 million metric tons per year. In addition to architectural windows, deposition technologies for nanostructured films can improve the performance of transportation windows, flat panel displays, and alternative gate oxides for advanced CMOS technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Weir, Douglas SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS,INC. MN Ben Schrag Standard Grant 490991 5373 MANU 9147 1788 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724380 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Immunological Tools for Trimetasphere Fullerenes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research develops antibodies and immunoassays for studying therapeutics based on carbon-based nanomaterials. This research will expand the immunological tools developed in Phase I to focus on detailed characterization of anti-fullerene antibodies and validate and down-select immunoassays and reagents for validated commercial formats. Commercial formats will include enzyme-linked, immunosorbant assays (ELISAs) for medical and environmental applications, neutralization schemes for mitigating potential toxicity of fullerene/nanotubes and biosensors platform for long-term monitoring systems. Biosensor platforms based on fullerene antibodies as affinity ligands will include the quartz crystal microbalance and surface acoustic waveguide. The broader impacts will be to provide a full spectrum of immunological tools for studying the medically-related nanomaterials and monitoring nanowaste by-products during manufacturing processes. These will be new to the marketplace and enable monitoring of the use of products based on these nanomaterials to asssure their safe application. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG VanTassell, Roger Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 529831 5761 5373 BIOT 9107 5761 1769 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724382 August 1, 2007 STTR Phase II: Novel Deposition Rate Sensors for Real-Time Thickness Control of Plasma Spray. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project will develop a robust, commercial ready sensor that enables the first viable implementation of real-time control for plasma spray, reducing the cost for existing spray applications and enabling advanced coating applications that require tighter tolerances. The sensing scheme, based on a high speed solid state array, is superior to existing sensors because it can sense individual particles across the entire plume and can filter out non-molten particles that don't contribute to the coating. For the first time, a sensor will provide the basis for real-time, closed loop control for coating thickness of plasma sprayed parts. The Phase II research will develop production models of the sensor and the related closed loop control module, as well as establish proof of concept for advanced versions of the sensor. Plasma spray is a high-throughput, economical, low environmental impact process that can be used to custom engineer coating microstructures to meet specific performance requirements, primarily in the form of thermal barrier coatings for gas turbines used in power generation and aircraft engine applications as well as emerging applications such as the electrolyte coating for fuel cells. Currently, the plasma spray process is run open-loop with respect to the critical deposition physics that determine coating quality and is characterized by large variations in coating thickness and structure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Reimann, Gregory Cyber Materials Solutions MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 516187 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9231 9215 9178 7331 5225 1962 1185 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724385 August 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Control and Optimization of Combustion Based on Multispectral Emission Tomography. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project investigates a novel approach for directly measuring critical combustion flow-field information required for active control to increase combustion efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. Combustion control systems can be based on non-intrusive in-situ measurement using passive optical probes that measure spectrally-resolved radiation from specific molecular products (H2O, CO, and CO2) in the hot flow field. Concentrations and temperatures can be directly determined from the observed spectral structure. The critical innovation in this proposal is the experimental determination of the functional relationship using spectral sensor technology and tomographic reconstruction techniques. Flow field characterization is achieved using a large number of measurements over multiple lines of sight through the flow. The proposed Phase II research lays the scientific ground work for active control systems for a range of multi-burner combustors, including turbine engines, boilers, and process burners. These applications represent more than 50% of the global fossil energy usage; thus improvements in efficiency can have a major economic and societal impact. The proposed innovation is just one of the component technologies required for the development of active control systems, but it is an enabling component, with potential application in all industrial combustion markets SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jin, Xuemin Spectral Sciences Inc MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 747910 5373 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724407 July 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Development of Resonant Waveguide-Grating Elements for High Throughput Screening of Proteins. This Small Business Inovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project applies a new sensor principle to develop commercial High-Throughput Screening (HTS) systems for drug-development applications. The advantages of the Guided-Mode Resonance (GMR) sensor concept for such applications reside in its inherent physical characteristics including polarization diversity, materials independence, choice of spectral regions, angular-addressing flexibility, and associated compact system configurations. These properties enable tag-free sensor technology with high sensitivity, high accuracy, and multi-parameter detection. A major objective is the development and verification of GMR-sensor HTS commercial system prototypes in standard formats. Integrated analysis software will present data on biomolecular binding events, including background density and molecular accumulation dynamics, to the user. An additional main thrust is the development of attachment chemistry and methods for sensor activation where a set of protocols and processes for example measurands will be optimized to maximize detection sensitivity. Finally, by applying transmission sensor formats with shaped input light beams and integrated detector matrices, the next-generation compact system designs for massively parallel screening of drug compounds will be provided. This research project will stimulate progress in drug discovery. Guided-mode resonance sensors operate without chemical tags permitting observation and study of unperturbed biochemical processes, as no foreign substance is introduced. Therefore, these sensors provide enhanced understanding of chemical and biomolecular reactions and may lead to advances in chemical process development and drug discovery and design. Moreover, this class of biosensors has other potential applications including medical diagnostics, proteomics, genomics, environmental monitoring, and homeland security. Application of this technology to microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, and wireless integrated sensors for homeland security and environmental monitoring may provide new tools for accurate and cost-effective detection of biotoxins, explosives, and hazardous materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wawro, Debra Resonant Sensors Incorporated TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 900000 5373 HPCC 9215 9102 7331 5225 1962 1197 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724408 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Catalytic Nanochannel Reactor Arrays for Fuel Reforming. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop and commercialize advanced nanochannel array reactors for efficient and cost-effective fuel reforming for fuel cells and other applications. Conventional reformers have significant performance, size, reliability and cost issues that prevent broad-scale introduction of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems, especially in the portable power market segment. To overcome these limitations, a highly innovative approach based on the nanoporous ceramics is being pursued to create ultra-light and ultra-compact reactors. That approach was successfully validated during Phase I. The results unequivocally demonstrated the feasibility of methanol reforming and confirmed the strong competitive advantages of the proposed architecture over conventional reactors. The Phase II aims to develop application-specific reactor prototypes and to initiate their integration into PEM fuel cell systems. The expected outcome will be a manufacturing technology for low-cost and compact yet highly efficient and reliable reactors for point-of-use hydrogen generation. This technology has a potential to facilitate the development of more affordable fuel cell power system for broader government, commercial and consumer applications, especially in the portable power (0.1-1kW) market segments, and will benefit our society by contributing to energy security and availability of environmentally friendly energy solutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Synkera Technologies Inc. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 487677 5373 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724411 July 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: An Innovative Photobioreactor for Commercial Production of Astaxanthin from Genetically Improved Haematococcus Pluvialis Strains. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II reserach develops an innovative biotechnology for commercial production of natural astaxanthin using genetically improved microalgal strain(s) grown in a proprietary large-scale photobioreactor, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new strains in improving bioavailability of astaxanthin. The proposed R&D efforts aim to overcome the major weakness inherent in the present production of astaxanthin-enriched Haematococcus: poor bioavailability of astaxanthin for humans and animals. The company will use several genetically modified Haematococcus strains with remarkably improved bioavailability of astaxanthin. The major objectives of the Phase II research are to design, construct, and evaluate an innovative large-scale photobioreactor system for sustainable mass culture of these new strains. The improved production system will increase astaxanthin productivity by 1.5- to 2-fold with at least 30% cost reduction. The broader impacts of this technology will be to overcome two major hurdles for the Haematococcus-based astaxanthin industry. The application of this biotechnology will lead to major increases in astaxanthin sales by 2015. It will also result in job expansion in the Haematococcus-astaxanthin production and related industries (e.g., cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical). Reduction in the production costs will lead to decreasing prices, making astaxanthin more affordable to allow more people to take advantage of astaxanthin as a strong antioxidant for improving health and well-being. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lu, Fan Algaen Corporation NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 448550 5373 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724417 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: R-CEL for DUV Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop a product for a reversible contrast enhancement layer (R-CEL) using semiconductor nanocrystalline materials. The R-CEL technology, if successfully developed, will enable finer resolution optical lithography postponing the need for more expensive techniques such as electron beam or x-ray lithography. R-CEL technology will help to extend the diffraction limit facing optical lithography by enabling double exposure techniques to be used for pattern definition. The use of R-CEL with double exposure will increase the capability of optical lithography thus enabling the extension of Moore's Law without the need to switch to more expensive alternatives. It will also help restore the technological competitiveness of domestic vendors in the lithography industry. The SBIR project will also advance the understanding of semiconductor nanocrystal characteristics including detailed absorption and recombination processes and the effect of nanocrystal surface conditions on dispersion with polymers. This information will be valuable in other semiconductor nanocrystal UV applications including optical storage, UV light sources and detectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chen, Zhiyun Pixelligent Technologies LLC MD William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724423 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Compact genetic assessment using the Infrarray SNAP (Simple Nucleic Acid Profiler). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project aims to further develop a microfluidic device for the detection of nucleic acids for a variety of studies where genetic analysis and identification of target sequences are required. The instrument proposed is designed to be compact and capable of reading a disposable cartridge on which sample preparation, amplification, and multiplex detection, with a modest-sized microarray, are performed. The proposed instrument is enabled by direct imaging of a PhotoGenerated Reagent (PGR) microarray, with an image sensor positioned near the face of the microarray. It is also enabled by the use of up-converting phosphors as the label, which are in turn excited by infrared radiation that passes through the silicon microarray. The development of and inexpensive, fully integrated and automated microfluidic device for use in genetic analysis would give individuals in academic, commercial and defense settings access to affordable microarray analysis. The availability of such a versatile platform would allow the development of arrays for any nucleic acid target, as well as easy multiplexing. With such a platform, production of custom arrays and off-the-shelf ones will be achieved with great facility. Moreover, the integrated platform will reduce the cost and effort associated with microarray analysis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Savoy, Steve Nanohmics, Inc TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 482526 5373 BIOT 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724428 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Three-Dimensional Microscopy of Surfaces by Grazing Incidence Diffraction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase-II project is aimed at building a working three-dimensional microscope for industrial applications. This patented optics using holography will be grafted onto a two- dimensional inspection microscope now sold into the thread spinneret manufacturing industry. This research will seek to demonstrate that the expensive holographic master used in Phase I can be inexpensively mass replicated. Optical microscopy has almost always used refractive primary objectives, and 3D versions of classical refractive microscopes exploit the methods of triangulation, confocal focus accommodation, or interferometry. Here, a new concept into the technology of optical microscopy, primary objective gratings, is introduced. We have demonstrated that if an objective grating is fabricated using holography and is then configured at grazing incidence, it can be used as 3D profilometer. The demonstration microscope will be designed with features to show that it can be sold into the electronics surface mount technology inspection industry, a larger market than spinneret inspection. This project will demonstrate the 3D capability to inspect solder paste and component insertions of sample circuit boards, and therefore will impact industrial inspection, and will provide robust field units for geology, archeology, anthropology, and paleontology. In medicine, this method has utility in endoscopy, and uses in surgery and dentistry is also foreseen. Generalized biological scientists will also be end users with the introduction of computer image processing, the availability of 3D profiles greatly expedites characterization and pattern recognition, because 3D data is immune to variations in surface shading typical of 2D image processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ditto, Thomas DeWitt Brothers Tool Company, Inc. NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 498650 5373 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724433 August 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Novel Titanium Tantalum Materials for Improved Biomedical Implants and Medical Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will use Titanium-Tantalum (Ti-TA) alloys, with the objective that these materials will become commercial alloys used in orthopaedic and stinting devices. Ti-30Ta has potential as a highly biocompatible implant alloy with a modulus closer to that of bone (thus mitigating bone shielding), and is potentially less notch-sensitive than standard titanium implant alloys. This project will also demonstrate that advanced powder metallurgy can produce novel titanium alloys that are extremely difficult and prohibitively expensive to produce by other means. Critical material property data of these alloys will be generated that will lead medical device manufacturers to incorporate these alloys into specific devices and to conduct the necessary testing and clinical trials for commercial product release. The broader impacts from the use of Ti-Ta alloys will enable the development of improved medical devices that will last longer; are less invasive, promote faster patient recovery times and minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Advances in orthopedic and cardiovascular products will also significantly reduce short-term and long-term health care costs associated with such medical conditions and surgical procedures. Ti-Ta materials will also offer advantages for non-biomedical applications, in regard to mechanical properties as well as to shape memory and superelastic properties. For example, such materials can be expected to also offer improved properties such as resistance to corrosion, oxidation and high temperatures. Thus, availability of these alloys will be applicable to a wide variety of industrial, consumer and aerospace products in addition to biomedical applications, resulting in significant commercial potential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fisher, Harvey DYNAMET TECHNOLOGY INC MA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 0203000 Health 0724434 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Automated Structural Health Monitoring Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will support the development of a new automated structural health monitoring (SHM) sensor system capable of detecting cracks and measuring stress in advanced structures. Current electrically-based SHM instrument is bulky and expensive. With the increase of sensing points and structure size, the amount of cabling, weight, and cost for hardware increases dramatically. This instrument combines optical waveguides and fibers, and Bragg Gratings (BG) with a low-cost, rugged light source to yield a SHM instrument capable of continuous measurements in the field with high precision and sensitivity. Phase II research will develop a field-tested 8-channel BG-based SHM instrument for simultaneous crack detection and loading stress measurements in large structures. This novel SHM instrumentation will offer significant cost saving by providing a low cost solution for crack detection in large airframe structures such as wings, fuselage, and lap joints, as well as in civil structures such as oil pipelines, bridges, freeways, plants and buildings. The new sensor technology will enhance public safety as a result of low-cost condition-based maintenance and effective warning systems due to the sensor instrument's accurate prognosis and early prediction of catastrophic failures in large public transportation and utility systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nguyen, An-Dien LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 493460 5373 HPCC 9215 7331 5225 1962 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724445 August 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Physiologic High Throughput Screening of Bioengineered Tissues. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research develops an innovative high-throughput/high content drug screening platform that utilizes three-dimensional human skeletal muscle tissue constructs that mimic in vivo skeletal muscle to quantify muscle force generation. Significant demands exist for new drugs to treat contractility disorders involving skeletal muscle. Myomics' proposed drug testing platform will contribute to significant reductions in time and costs associated with bringing new drugs to market by discovering drug candidates and eliminating ineffective compounds earlier than currently possible. Unlike existing systems, this approach incorporates biomechanics into drug discovery using mechanical sensors to detect contraction of multiple identical tissue samples over extended time periods. Significant socioeconomic and quality-of-life impacts will result for patients with contractility disorders (sarcopenia, atrophy, or Duchennes muscular dystrophy). While most drug screening protocols test one protein pathway at a time, this platform provides a unique physiological screening system and protocol which quantifies contraction as the result of multiple protein pathways interacting over time. The broader impacts of this research will be to enhance muscle contractility disorder/disease research and provide new tools to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for drug discovery. Upon successful development, the sensing mechanism will potentially be used to develop treatments for several contractile tissues relevant to a range of important human contractile disorders and diseases contributing to improved outcomes for these diseases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vandenburgh, Herman Myomics, Inc. RI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 661856 5373 BIOT 9261 9251 9181 9150 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724449 July 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Non-Contact Optical Stethoscope for Neonatal Patients. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop a non-contact optical stethoscope for use in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Premature babies in NICU require monitoring for signs of lung congestion and heart disease. Currently NICU medical personnel use acoustic stethoscopes. The use of acoustic stethoscope has a number of highly undesirable side effects including withdrawal response, flinching, apnea, hypoxemia, change in sleep state, and possibility of contamination. During Phase I a prototype non-contact optical stethoscope, capable of recording good quality heart and lung sounds was developed. The non-contact stethoscope is based on a standard technique of interferometry with a novel fiber optic design. The fiber optic design avoids the use of glass components - mirrors, lenses, splitters, and prisms - and yields a light, rugged and inexpensive interferometer. The non-contact optical stethoscope based on the fiber optic interferometer could greatly improve the quality of care for neonates, burn victims, immuno-suppressed patients, and in those cases where direct contact should be avoided. A laser interferometer based on a novel fiber optic design has been developed. The interferometer based on fiber optics is light, inexpensive, and rugged as it does not require component alignment. The handheld point-and-listen microphone based on the fiber optic interferometer can be ideally positioned to enter the existing laser interferometry market and to open new markets including medical, preventive maintenance of rotating machinery, military urban and rescue operations, as well as law enforcement surveillance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vyshedskiy, Andrey Stethographics, Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9107 7236 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724452 November 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: User Oriented Character Animation Framework for Producing Believable Motions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes a new approach to the problem of creating and editing premium quality computer-generated character animation that will dramatically reduce the heavy labor penalty associated with animation techniques and software tools currently available. The specific technical innovation consists of a generic animation framework that produces high-quality motion through a reduced set of input parameters (compared to keyframe techniques) while providing a high degree of "directability" for the user. Additionally the proposed innovation affords the ability to capture, store and reproduce stylistic motions with a high level of fidelity and repeatability. Style is encoded in both physically- and behaviorally-based time-variable parameters supporting smooth transitions between styles. The theoretical foundation is similar to spacetime approaches yet has major differences that improve usability, flexibility, and productivity. Successful completion of this project will lead to a product that increases the productivity of experienced animators by simplifying the animation process, and enables novice or non-animators to quickly and easily create animated content. The successful completion of this Small Business Innovative Research phase II project, in conjunction with an appropriately developed user interface, will positively impact the global content creation industry by increasing the ease-of-use for creation of animation compared to the difficult and labor intensive animation processes currently employed. Successful commercialization will expose a much broader consumer market to the art of computer animation. The broader exposure of the solution will allow un-trained and underrepresented groups the ability to express themselves through the art of 3D computer generated character animation that is currently the realm of highly skilled users only. In addition, the increased ease of creating compelling animations will afford the dissemination of animation based information over a broader audience. Finally, the solution will allow animation to be used for applications where it was not previously feasible due to ease-of-use and budgetary constraints opening up new commercial opportunities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Divelbiss, Adam Creative Logic Entertainment NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 493457 5373 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724453 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Advanced MicroDisplay Engine for Full Windshield Transparent Display. This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a revolutionary miniature projector engine for automotive full windshield display (FWD). The invention allows high quality images with rich graphics to be displayed directly on automobile windshields. The mini-projector engine can be integrated with a rearview mirror. It can be interfaced to the on-board electronics or other communication devices using standard protocols. Based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) fabricated micromirror devices, the proposed display engine provides 4X faster display speed than state-of-the-art vector display devices. Its size is less than 1 in3 and consumes less than 1W of energy. It can be mass produced at low cost and is the most suitable for automotive applications. If successful the outcome of this project will provide the most effective method to convey information to driver without causing distraction. Unlike traditional HUD, it can display information on the entire windshield. As augmented information display, it can effectively reduce road accidents and save thousands of lives every year! When implemented, even a small 10% of deployment, the market size for this display engine will be 6 millions of units annually in the 60 millions global vehicles market. It will generate hundreds of millions dollars of tax and hundreds of jobs for the United St SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Jianqiang Compass Innovations Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 5225 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724463 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: High Performance Cement Additive from an Agricultural Byproduct. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project develops the manufacturing process for a cement additive from an agricultural biomass waste to be used in the production of High Performance Concrete (HPC), and blended cement. This additive imparts increased strength and durability to concrete; therefore will mostly be used in high-rise buildings, highway construction, and infrastructures built in severe environmental conditions, e.g. petrochemical plants and marine structures. This project will generate increased revenues to the US farmers by selling their byproduct at a higher price and will create jobs in rural areas. Also, potential exists to license the technology to several emerging economies, where there is an urgent need to build transportation-, energy- and building-infrastructures. The Broader Impacts of this research will be increased and higher value use of this agricultural waste in high strength cement. Utilization of this improved product will reduce pollution caused by the current alternatives in both air and at landfill sites. This research is intended to provide a profitable alternative to farmers producing this crop and create rural jobs. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vempati, Rajan ChK Group, Inc. TX Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 502132 5761 5373 BIOT 9251 9231 9186 9109 1401 116E 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724467 October 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Diffractive Electrode Structure for on Chip Embedded Passive Components.. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a method for tuning the capacitance of on-chip capacitors. The Phase I effort demonstrated an optical diffractive electrical electrode structure that permits the penetration of deep ultra-violet (DUV) radiation into an underlying dielectric. This was used to precisely tune dielectric constant and capacitance. The DUV radiation incites a photochemical reaction altering the dielectric constant of the spacer material in the capacitor. This project, if successful, will enable compact, precision capacitors embedded on chip to replace external discrete capacitors in electrical circuits. Moving passive components on chip in the same fabrication process is a reduction of manufacturing effort. By precisely trimming electrical values with resistor trimming equipment a significant simplification of the manufacturing process may be achieved. The successful results of Phase II will result in the demonstration of a molecularly engineered nanocomposite for use in millimeter and micro wave monolithic integrated circuits that can be photo-optically tuned for precise value to embed precision capacitors on chip. Incorporation of this technology can result in reduced size and cost for a wide variety of high frequency applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kubacki, Ronald IONIC SYSTEMS INC CA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 464282 5373 MANU 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724468 August 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Developing Advanced Ultracapacitors Using Carbon Nanomaterials and Environmentally Friendly Electrolytes. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop advanced ultracapacitors for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The proposed research combines the unique properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes with those of environmentally friendly ionic liquid electrolytes to develop ultracapacitors possessing high performance (energy and power densities) and long life for HEVs. The proposed research will focus on optimization of CNT materials, production of selected CNT electrodes on a larger scale, and fabrication and evaluation of packaged prototype ultracapacitors. Advanced vehicular ultracapacitrs are extremely useful in achieving better fuel economy, decreasing harmful emissions, and reducing the nation's reliance on foreign sources of petroleum. More generally, ultracapacitors are essential components in consumer electronics (ex: notebook computers, cell phones, pagers, video cameras), medical electronics (ex: drug delivery units), and military and defense systems (ex: spacecraft probes, missile systsms). In addition to ultracapacitors, research in the proposed project will also have a broad impact on the applications of carbon nanomaterials to other electronic and electrochemical devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lu, Wen ADA Technologies, Inc. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 521991 5373 MANU CVIS AMPP 9251 9231 9163 9150 9146 1972 1468 1467 1397 116E 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724469 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Integration of Nanostructured Electrodes with Organosilicon Electrolytes for High Energy-Density Supercapacitors. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes the development of ultracapacitor devices that combine the use of nanostructured carbon electrodes with organosilicon electrolytes. These innovative ultracapacitor devices are expected to provide higher working voltages than existing devices, yielding significantly increased energy and power density. This Phase II project will use laboratory results to develop prototype devices and address issues associated with scale up and development of procedures for creating prototype devices. These ultracapacitor devices will be characterized for long-term use by evaluating their physical properties and stability. The size of the ultracapacitor market, already surpassing $200M, continues to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 15%. The development of improved ultracapacitor energy storage devices should accelerate this growth by facilitating the commercial development of low-emission vehicles, which should reduce the overall demand for energy. Organosilicon-based electrolytes should improve the overall safety profile of ultracapacitor devices due to their low flammability and low vapor pressures. The improved safety and improved physical characteristics will expand opportunities for the use of ultracapacitors as robust energy storage devices in consumer electronics and industrial applications. This work will also assist in the development of a trained workforce by involving graduate students and postdocs in the research and development effort. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG West, Robert Silatronix, Inc WI Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 526995 5373 AMPP 9231 9163 1972 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724478 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: New Ceramic Sub-Microchannel Plates. This SBIR Phase II research project proposes to develop and commercialize advanced high- resolution ceramic microchannel plates (s-MCPs) for applications in low- and night vision devices, scientific detectors and biomedical imaging. Conventional glass-fiber MCP technology has reached its fundamental limits in spatial and temporal resolution, fixed pattern noise, high count rate capabilities, thermal performance, yield and reproducibility, stability and lifetime. This is a unique approach based on nanoporous ceramics, which allows reaching ultra-high sub-micron resolution. Due their ceramic nature, the proposed s-MCPs are capable of processing temperatures up to 1000 degrees celsius, enabling direct integration of advanced photocathodes for expanded spectral range and sensitivity, and are also expected to have greater lifetime than those produced with existing methods. In addition ceramic s-MCPs can be produced at a much lower cost than glass MCPs. A robust ceramic structure with the required dimensions and resistance has been developed. The remaimimg challenge is to fabricate functional s-MCP prototypes from this structural material, along with validation of s-MCP performance. The expected result of the proposed work is a manufacturing technology for production of commercially viable sub-microchannel plate intensifiers with better performance, longer lifetime and lower cost. This could open up new opportunities in the development of the next generation particle and photon detection systems for the infrared, UV, x-ray and gamma ray astrophysics applications. Spin-off applications for ceramic MCPs include "lobster eye" optics for x-ray detectors as well as gas avalanche detectors. Commercial applications include detectors for high-energy physics, scientific instrumentation, biomedical imaging, commercial satellite mapping, vision augmentation, as well as consumer night vision products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Routkevitch, Dmitri Synkera Technologies Inc. CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9215 1657 1289 1216 1214 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724494 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Tunable Filter for Mini Hyperspectral Imager. This SBIR Phase II research project will address the need to see beyond ordinary human vision, which is critical to improvements in health care delivery, development of precision agriculture methods, guarantee of front-line responder safety and protection, and processing a safe food supply. Hyperspectral imaging, with its ability to capture hundreds of continuous spectra, delivers a valuable tool that provides enhanced visualization and analysis. Current systems tend to be space- or air-borne, large bulky modules that do not lend themselves to portable or hand-held solutions. This mini hyperspectral imager has at its core a novel MEMS monolithic, Fabry-Perot tunable filter and optical system and will be portable and handy, similar in size to a zoom camera in a cell phone. This research and development effort will develop a family of innovative miniature hyperspectral imaging systems that potentially can have a significant impact. These systems can alert our modern war fighter and emergency first responders by seeing beyond our vision and identifying terrorist threats. It can safeguard our nation's water and food supplies by utilizing affordable hyperspectral systems to identify e-coli and other bacterial contaminations before they are consumed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zander, Dennis SpectralSight Inc. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499421 5373 HPCC 9139 9137 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724500 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: CLEAR-View - A Cost Effective Thermal Imaging Sensor. This NSF SBIR Phase II project aims to develop and produce a novel suite of algorithms to enhance the performance of thermal imagers, offering real-time solutions in the automotive, surveillance and other segments of the thermal imaging market. The proposed algorithm is integrated with noise-infested, uncooled microbolometer infrared cameras, elevating their performance and offering manufacturing-cost reductions while adding new features and capabilities. At the heart of the approach is a Scene-Based NonUniformity Correction (SBNUC) algorithm, which works to correct the fixed-pattern noise resulting from nonuniform detector-to-detector responses in the focal-pane array. The novel SBNUC approach relies on exploiting the presence of minute amounts of scene/camera motion in a video sequence, naturally present in almost all applications, to algebraically extract the nonuniformity-noise parameters in a dynamic fashion, without the need for a mechanical shutter, as done conventionally. This approach improves the camera's reliability. If successfully commercialized, the largest market is in the automotive sector, where the lower cost and improved performance of the device can potentially lead to tens of millions of dollars from new installs of collision-avoidance systems in cars and trucks. The enhanced features and lower costs offered by this technology also offer the potential of expanding the use of thermal imaging in other applications. In the firefighting market segment, equipping every firefighter with a thermal imager will reduce the number of fatalities due to smoke inhalation, heat, and response efficiency. In security applications, more information will be delivered at a higher level of quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Agi, Kamil K&A Wireless, LLC NM Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 499991 5373 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724502 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Fabrication of Conformal Antennas for Airborne SatCom Using Kinetic Metallization. This Phase II SBIR research project will develop direct write copper conductors onto doubly curved dielectric substrates using the Kinetic Metallization (KM) process. There is a need for new processes and methodologies to enable low profile RF systems on current and planned airborne platforms. Low profiles antennas are achieved through integration with structural elements. The concept is referred to as aperstructures, and in this Phase II research the scientific and engineering foundation necessary for robust aperstructures will be laid. Principally, research to establish process-property relationships will be conducted, as well as an investigation of novel material systems. The envisioned result of this research is conformal antennas integrated into the load bearing structures of the application platform. Conformal antennas represent a significant stride forward in the ability to communicate in high bandwidth applications. They also offer lower profiles, lighter weight and greater mission flexibility. Originally airborne platforms were identified as high benefit early adopters. Targeted markets in the Navy and Air Force have already been identified with customers awaiting the Phase II results to transition the KM process to the manufacture of antennas. Ship systems, land systems, and non-military opportunities such as automobiles and skyscrapers will also gain from the development of this research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tapphorn, Ralph INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 480255 5373 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724503 August 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Efficient, High-Resolution Fast-Neutron Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will develop a fast-neutron imaging detector capable of high resolution and efficiency. Traditionally, fast neutron detection has required a thick, low resolution scintillator material. The proposed research will instead use light-channeling micro-capillaries filled with liquid scintillants. The capillary diameter and length that will yield optimal resolution and efficiency will be determined using a state-of-the-art image-intensified CCD camera capable of creating short time-interval images, in which noise can be identified and filtered out. The detector system will be tested using a new, revolutionary fast neutron source that is being fabricated and sold by the company. Because fast neutrons are highly penetrating, they have the possibility of imaging and interrogating large, high-density objects. The new high-resolution fast-neutron detector will be used with a high-brightness fast neutron source being developed under another program to form a fast-neutron radiographic system. This system will serve the nondestructive testing interests of commercial and military aircraft, public utilities and petrochemical organizations. The detector and generator combinations will increase the safety, reliability and efficiency of nuclear and other power plant facilities. The discovery of fatigue cracks and piping integrity without the removal of insulation, and possibly the detection of aging in polymeric cabling materials will be possible. The imaging system will be portable, permitting imaging inside of thick steel, lead or even uranium for voids, corrosion and cracks. The proposed detector and neutron generator has a large market for screening for contraband, weapons, and explosives. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cremer, Jay Adelphi Technology, Inc CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9215 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724505 September 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: A Novel Imaging Device for Infrared and Terahertz Radiation Beams Utilizing Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will construct a detector with the capabilities of broadband imaging in the far infrared to terahertz band. The far infrared (FIR) to terahertz (THz) band of the electromagnetic spectrum has recently opened up with the proliferation of sources in this regime. However, the detector systems available on the market for this spectral region are currently expensive and inflexible. The research is centered on the study of a specific material that will convert the thermal imprint of incoming THz radiation into a visible, wavelength dependent signature that is analyzable by a detector and specialized software. A scanning system based on this detector combined with a tunable source will be designed for use as a security/inspection system. The research will incorporate this detector, capable of imaging a wide spectrum of FIR-THz radiation sources with sensitivities better than current technologies at a fraction of the cost, into a scanner system that can scan small parcels, bags and humans to identify hazardous materials or contraband. As researchers and industries increasingly exploit this previously inaccessible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the need for a better imaging diagnostic tool becomes ever more important. A less-expensive, more sensitive imaging detector of FIR-THz sources is necessary before real-world applications, such as in medicine, become widespread. The realization of this particular application will impact the security and non-destructive testing markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Murokh, Alex RadiaBeam Technologies, LLC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724875 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: New N-Type Polymers for Organic Photovoltaics and other Electronic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to develop a new family of n-type conjugated semiconducting polymers for use in plastic photovoltaics and other organic electronic devices. New n-type semiconducting polymers with good solubility, environmental stability, and high charge carrier mobility are needed to fabricate efficient organic solar cells and other electronic devices. During the Phase I project several n-type semiconducting polymers were fabricated via simple reactions. In Phase II the polymers will be optimized to improve their solubility and charge mobility. Partnership with a major developer of organic photovoltaics will allow the materials to be optimized for use in organic solar cells. The further development of these n-type semiconducting polymers will result in the manufacture and sale of these materials as specialty chemicals to the organic electronic industry for the fabrication of a variety of organic devices including photovoltaic devices, thin film transistors, organic light emitting diodes, and others. The novelty of this chemistry over the chemistry of current n-type organic semiconductors has the potential for significant academic and scientific value and could lead to a cascade of new discoveries and technology advancements, in addition to the primary objective of creating a new business. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Luebben, Silvia TDA Research, Inc CO Ben Schrag Standard Grant 471515 5373 MANU 9147 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724876 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Novel Labeling Method for Multicolor Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) Probes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project aims to further develop a panel of multicolor oligonucleotide fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes for performing preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and detecting aneuploidies in eggs used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols. The use of oligonucleotides offers advantages such as enhanced specificity and sensitivity, shorter hybridization times as well as a reduction in manufacturing cost when compared to currently available genomic DNA derived probes. The panel that the company plans to develop will cover 8 chromosomes known to be particularly susceptible to deletions and rearrangements and would allow simultaneous detection of any abnormalities that may be associated with them. The development of a panel of probes for the detection of genetic abnormalities in preimplantation embryos will increase the success rate of IVF procedures and thus reduce the financial and emotional cost associated with them. Moreover, use of the proposed labeling method can be useful in a variety of areas outside of PGD, including basic research, clinical diagnostics and cytogenetic testing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Aurich-Costa, Joan ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 512000 5373 BIOT 9231 9183 9102 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724878 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Enabling Low-Temperature Synthesis of Vertically Aligned Carbon-Nanotubes by Selective Heating of Catalyst. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop, validate, and demonstrate a new technology for a low-temperature synthesis of vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) and nanofibers (VACNFs). The low-temperature manufacturing process is critical to decrease the cost and improve the quality of VACNTs/VACNFs-based materials and devices. This project will further advance and demonstrate the low-temperature technology by producing: a novel research-grade reactor with four special components: a RF plasma source for vertical alignment of free-standing VACNT/VACNF, a pulsed RF power source with tunable frequency in the GHz range for inductive heating of catalytic nanoparticles,.a nonconducting substrate to eliminate substrate Joule heating; and a system for active cooling of the substrate. The broader impacts anticipated from the proposed low-temperature synthesis approach will result in a novel research-grade reactor and a multiscale simulator for a direct, low-temperature synthesis of VACNTs at pre-selected locations on the surfaces of temperature-sensitive materials. This approach could lead to a new US-based high-technology manufacturing business. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vasenkov, Alexsey CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 456150 5373 ampp AMPP 9163 9150 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0724913 July 15, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Enhanced Plasma deposition Process for MgO-Based Magnetic Tunnel Junctions with 500% Magnetoresistance. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop the process to fabricate magnesium-oxide (MgO) based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor devices, which are simultaneously ultra-sensitive at high frequencies, small in size, with high output, and extremely low power consumption. The dual advantages of high sensitivity and low power consumption will separate these sensor devices from traditional Hall-effect and magnetoresistive sensor products, which are power hungry and typically not suitable for many high-performance and battery-powered sensing applications. This innovative approach combines the high resistivity tunneling and enhanced signal strength derived from magnesium oxide tunnel barrier technology. The broader impact anticipated if this project is realized is a new class of MgO-based sensors with high sensitivity and low power consumption, and the development of a reliable fabrication process suitable for mass production. This project will advance the state of understanding of the emerging spintronic technology of magnetic tunnel junctions, a class of devices which forms the central component of a number of important commercial products in the high-tech semiconductor and data storage industries. Finally, the collaboration of physicists, electrical engineers, materials scientists, and students will result in a broader multidisciplinary training and education for all the participants in the field of spintronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Carter, Matthew MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 731351 5373 AMPP 9261 9251 9178 9163 7744 7218 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0725021 August 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Novel Hybrid Rapid Thermal Processing (HRTP) Systems for Annealing of Advanced Silicon Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on development of a novel high-temperature system for processing of advanced silicon devices. Currently used rapid thermal processing (RTP) systems result in substantial dopant profile broadening because of their relatively large time constants. The development of a novel Hybrid Rapid Thermal Process (HRTP) system which combines the advantages of RTP and laser annealing will be accomplished through this project. The advantages of HRTP anneals was demonstrated in the Phase I of the project. In the Phase II project extensive thermal simulation studies will be performed to understand, optimize and scale up the process. Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) systems are a critical part of semiconductor manufacturing operations and are used to form gate oxides, silicides and annealed ion implanted dopants for formation of ultra-shallow junctions. The market-size for these applications exceeds $500 M/year. With the rapid miniaturization of the devices, there is a strong need to develop higher ramp rate and higher temperature annealing systems to achieve the formation of ultra-shallow junctions. The proposed HRTP system is expected to fill this niche. The HRTP system can also be usedin thermal annealing of wide band gap semiconductors such as GaN and SiC as they require extremely high temperature, which cannot be achieved by traditional systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Singh, Deepika SINMAT, INC. FL William Haines Standard Grant 512000 5373 MANU 9261 9251 9178 9147 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0725388 September 1, 2007 SBIR Phase II: Sensory System for Autonomous Area-Wide Disease and Agriterror Detection and Reporting. This SBIR Phase II research project will fabricate nanosensory arrays using the Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technique. This electrochemical polymerization of biomolecule-friendly conducting polymers was developed and successfully tested to build functional, highly reliable nanosensors. This research will address key technical challenges in automating the fabrication of antibody-functionalized conducting nanowires that are individually addressable and scalable to high-density biosensor arrays for the detection of Huanglongbing (HLB). The resultant nanosensory-arrays will form the base for the development of small, effective, inexpensive, field worthy, autonomous and automated pathogen detection devices. These units will permit the unattended processing of a large number of field samples, thus increasing the temporal and geographical density of data collection, providing superior pathogen and agri-terror detection. Current disease management techniques typically lack the data collection technologies needed to avert epidemics; diagnostic instruments are not amenable to unattended autonomous operation. Devices currently used are slow, expensive, bulky, and must interface with humans. Consequently, only few pathogen introductions are detected before causing widespread disease or epidemics. This research will increase the efficiency in detection of plant pathogens and agents of disease, allowing for preventative rather than crisis or remedial control actions. The development of this automated system can mitigate the estimated $300 billion loss due to agricultural pests. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mafra-Neto, Agenor ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 639336 5761 5373 HPCC 9139 1775 1769 1517 1401 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0726109 May 15, 2007 Algorithms and Software/Hardware Infrastructure for Distributed Miniature Robots. Funds provided by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory will fund a project, "Algorithms and Software/Hardware Infrastructure for Distributed Miniature Robots", at the University of Minnesota research site of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Safety Security and Rescue. The project pursues research into a hardware/software infrastructure to improve robotic response capabilities in the case of robot teams. The project builds on the current scout robot research and proposes some innovative robot designs that depart from the shape and functionality constraints of the initial platform. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Papanikolopoulos, Nikolaos University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 1693125 T771 5761 SMET HPCC 9251 9216 9178 9102 122E 116E 1049 0108000 Software Development 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0729045 July 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Performance Evaluation of Child Safety Seats in Lateral Sled Tests at Varying Speeds. Through collaboration with the Wichita State University and its state of the art crash test facility at the National Institute for Aviation Research, the study of 'Child Safety Seats Performance in Lateral Sled Tests at Varying Speeds' will support the mission and the expansion of the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Child Injury Research and Prevention at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The study will provide an in-depth assessment of the performance of child safety seats and the response of the anthropomorphic test device. In addition, the results from the study will add the understanding of the child safety seats and the anthropomorphic test device interactions at different speeds in side impacts to the current knowledge of the seat testing and help in defining and regulating the procedures for testing in side impact configurations. This new partnership between the I/UCRC at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Wichita State University will further enhance the capability of the Center to support research in injury prevention, in addition the findings from this study will augment the current efforts to define regulatory sled setup procedure for side impact crashes involving children in child safety seats, which currently do not exist. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lankarani, Hamid Gerardo Olivares Wichita State University KS Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 40000 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0729183 July 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Performance Evaluation of Child Safety Seats in Lateral Sled Tests at Varying Speeds. Through collaboration with the Wichita State University and its state of the art crash test facility at the National Institute for Aviation Research, the study of 'Child Safety Seats Performance in Lateral Sled Tests at Varying Speeds' will support the mission and the expansion of the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Child Injury Research and Prevention at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The study will provide an in-depth assessment of the performance of child safety seats and the response of the anthropomorphic test device. In addition, the results from the study will add the understanding of the child safety seats and the anthropomorphic test device interactions at different speeds in side impacts to the current knowledge of the seat testing and help in defining and regulating the procedures for testing in side impact configurations. This new partnership between the I/UCRC at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Wichita State University will further enhance the capability of the Center to support research in injury prevention, in addition the findings from this study will augment the current efforts to define regulatory sled setup procedure for side impact crashes involving children in child safety seats, which currently do not exist. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Menon, Rajiv Flaura Winston The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 34794 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0729418 July 15, 2007 Synthesis of Biosurfactants and Evaluation of Their Interfacial Properties. This collaborative project joins researchers from the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Advanced Studies in Novel Surfactants at Columbia University and the I/UCRC for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules at the Polytechnic University of New York. The research will focus on understanding how biosurfactant structures can be fin tuned to improve their interface properties, which in turn, will impact their performance. This research will be conducted in two phases; develop a family of biosurfactants and study interface properties. This research has the potential to significantly impact the use of biosurfactants in the medical area. This collaborative effort will have a broad impact on participating students, industry and faculty members and will increase the research base for biosurfactants. The research will help towards the development of a variety of biosurfactants that will suit the needs of industrial applications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gross, Richard Ponisseril Somasundaran Polytechnic University of New York NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0730100 July 15, 2007 Synthesis of Biosurfactants and Evaluation of Their Interfacial Properties. This collaborative project joins researchers from the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Advanced Studies in Novel Surfactants at Columbia University and the I/UCRC for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules at the Polytechnic University of New York. The research will focus on understanding how biosurfactant structures can be fin tuned to improve their interface properties, which in turn, will impact their performance. This research will be conducted in two phases; develop a family of biosurfactants and study interface properties. This research has the potential to significantly impact the use of biosurfactants in the medical area. This collaborative effort will have a broad impact on participating students, industry and faculty members and will increase the research base for biosurfactants. The research will help towards the development of a variety of biosurfactants that will suit the needs of industrial applications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Somasundaran, Ponisseril Richard Gross Columbia University NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0731414 April 1, 2007 Workshop: IT Security, Stanford, CA. This IT Security workshop will focus on bringing Innovation to market in the IT Security sector. One objective is to provide connections to the academic and small business community that is working in this area. Speakers from the venture industry as well as technology officers from potential strategic partners will convey "lessons learned" and best practices to increase commercialization success. After the workshop is complete, leaders from the community will be more experienced with the NSF SBIR/STTR program and companies will walk away with rich contacts with future business development potential. The NSF's SBIR/STTR program makes approximately $100mm in grants on an annual basis and maintaining and improving commercialization of these efforts through public-private partnerships is considered a strategic thrust for the effort. Supporting workshops specifically-targeted to areas such as IT security is one way that NSF can as a catalyst to establish more effective public-private partnerships and thus increase the commercialization impact of the program. SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROG IIP ENG Pyrovolakis, John The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Enterprise Forum MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 10000 5370 HPCC 9217 0308000 Industrial Technology 0732424 August 15, 2007 Electromagnetic Compatibility Center -- An Industry/University Cooperative Research Collaboration. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-institution Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility will be established at the University of Oklahoma, University of Missouri-Rolla, Clemson University, and the University of Houston. Electromagnetic compatibility is an essential feature of virtually all high speed digital electronic devices ranging from consumer electronics to essential control and information processing systems. The proposed center will perform research in areas that are identified by industry as being significant and valuable for their continued growth and development. The proposed center could function as an electromagnetic compatibility solution resource center for future problems important to industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG DuBroff, Richard James Drewniak Daryl Beetner Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0732457 July 1, 2007 Developing a Telematics Platform for Bridge Monitoring and Health Prognostics. A collaborative research effort will be performed at the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites at North Carolina State University and the I/UCRC for Intelligent Maintenance Systems at the University of Cincinnati. The project will focus on Developing a Telematics Platform for Bridge Monitoring and Health Prognostics, as aged and deteriorating bridges are becoming more sever choke points in the economic strength and growth of the United States. The approach in this project integrates the extensive research on bridge damage physics and the instrumentation of bridge monitoring systems conducted at the I/UCRC for Repair of Building and Bridges with Composites , with the future-based smart prognostic agent, developed by the I/UCRC for Intelligent Maintenance Systems to accurately quantify and predict bridge deterioration. The development of health prediction for reinforced bridges will advance the state-of-the-art technologies in today's bridge health monitoring systems. It will enable bridge designers, builders, and administrators to intelligently utilize appropriate information, which will greatly reduce cost throughout a bridge entire life cycle. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lee, Jay Masoud Ghaffari Haixia Wang University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 109449 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0732486 August 1, 2007 Collaborative: CELDi Renewal. The existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) is beginning their second 5-year cycle. The mission of the center is to solve integrated design and analysis problems in logistics and distribution via simulation and mathematical modeling, analysis, and the development and application of powerful, intelligent, real-time algorithms. By integrating resources at the multiple campuses, CELDi has promoted a fundamental paradigm shift from the traditional compartmentalized logistics and distribution research approach to an examination of the problem as a whole. The I/UCRC expects to grow in regard to partner universities and member companies during this second phase of funding. Several member organizations are actively involved with the partner universities to provide real-life logistics and distribution problems to graduate and undergraduate classes. The center's research holds the promise of creating new practice based education models that can be used to augment this undergraduate and graduate instruction. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pulat, Babur M. Cengiz Altan University of Oklahoma Norman Campus OK Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 218971 H306 H169 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0732493 August 1, 2007 Collaborative: CELDi Renewal. The existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) is beginning their second 5-year cycle. The mission of the center is to solve integrated design and analysis problems in logistics and distribution via simulation and mathematical modeling, analysis, and the development and application of powerful, intelligent, real-time algorithms. By integrating resources at the multiple campuses, CELDi has promoted a fundamental paradigm shift from the traditional compartmentalized logistics and distribution research approach to an examination of the problem as a whole. The I/UCRC expects to grow in regard to partner universities and member companies during this second phase of funding. Several member organizations are actively involved with the partner universities to provide real-life logistics and distribution problems to graduate and undergraduate classes. The center's research holds the promise of creating new practice based education models that can be used to augment this undergraduate and graduate instruction. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Heragu, Sunderesh John Usher University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc KY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 150000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0732516 August 1, 2007 Collaborative: CELDi Renewal. The existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) is beginning their second 5-year cycle. The mission of the center is to solve integrated design and analysis problems in logistics and distribution via simulation and mathematical modeling, analysis, and the development and application of powerful, intelligent, real-time algorithms. By integrating resources at the multiple campuses, CELDi has promoted a fundamental paradigm shift from the traditional compartmentalized logistics and distribution research approach to an examination of the problem as a whole. The I/UCRC expects to grow in regard to partner universities and member companies during this second phase of funding. Several member organizations are actively involved with the partner universities to provide real-life logistics and distribution problems to graduate and undergraduate classes. The center's research holds the promise of creating new practice based education models that can be used to augment this undergraduate and graduate instruction. RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ingalls, Ricki Oklahoma State University OK Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 215575 T911 T909 7218 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 7218 122E 116E 115E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0732517 July 1, 2007 Collaborative research: Smart Vehicle Concepts Center (NSF/IUCRC). An Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Smart Vehicle Concepts has been established at the Ohio State University. The I/UCRC will focus on novel and emerging trends in vehicle design where smart structures, next generation suspension or mounting devices, vastly improved actuators or valves, and intelligent sensors will be integrated to develop ground vehicles of the future. In addition to providing relevant research results to industry, the Center will be a source of information and education, not only to university students, but also to practicing engineers. The I/UCRC will help the U.S. automotive industries to remain competitive in an increasingly difficult global economy. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Singh, Rajendra Gregory Washington Marcelo Dapino Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 621184 S103 I296 H376 H156 7609 5761 SMET OTHR 9178 5761 122E 116E 111E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0732686 August 1, 2007 Collaborative: CELDi Renewal. The existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) is beginning their second 5-year cycle. The mission of the center is to solve integrated design and analysis problems in logistics and distribution via simulation and mathematical modeling, analysis, and the development and application of powerful, intelligent, real-time algorithms. By integrating resources at the multiple campuses, CELDi has promoted a fundamental paradigm shift from the traditional compartmentalized logistics and distribution research approach to an examination of the problem as a whole. The I/UCRC expects to grow in regard to partner universities and member companies during this second phase of funding. Several member organizations are actively involved with the partner universities to provide real-life logistics and distribution problems to graduate and undergraduate classes. The center's research holds the promise of creating new practice based education models that can be used to augment this undergraduate and graduate instruction. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Meller, Russell University of Arkansas AR Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 501837 I317 H426 7609 7218 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 9102 7218 5761 122E 116E 115E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733019 August 15, 2007 Electromagnetic Compatibility Center -- An Industry/University Cooperative Research Collaboration. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-institution Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility will be established at the University of Oklahoma, University of Missouri-Rolla, Clemson University, and the University of Houston. Electromagnetic compatibility is an essential feature of virtually all high speed digital electronic devices ranging from consumer electronics to essential control and information processing systems. The proposed center will perform research in areas that are identified by industry as being significant and valuable for their continued growth and development. The proposed center could function as an electromagnetic compatibility solution resource center for future problems important to industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Grant, Floyd John Fagan Hazem Refai University of Oklahoma Norman Campus OK Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733125 August 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: A TIE Research Program on E-Design for Design for Supply Chain. This collaborative research effort between the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for e-Design at the University of Pittsburgh and the I/UCRC for Engineering Logistics and Distribution at the University of Arkansas and Oklahoma State University will address the problem of how to effectively synchronize product design and supply chain design for new and existing products resulting in not only a good product design, but a supply chain that is cost effective, minimizes lead time and ensures quality. Results from the research will be incorporated into existing graduate courses and used to develop new graduate courses,. Furthermore the research will enhance the infrastructure for research and education with in the I/UCRCs. Empirical results of this research will guide industry partners and companies in their product and supply chain design efforts by providing industry related cases which are tested and validated with mathematical models and simulation. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mason, Scott University of Arkansas AR Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 25000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733144 August 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: A TIE Research Program on E-Design for Design for Supply Chain. This collaborative research effort between the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for e-Design at the University of Pittsburgh and the I/UCRC for Engineering Logistics and Distribution at the University of Arkansas and Oklahoma State University will address the problem of how to effectively synchronize product design and supply chain design for new and existing products resulting in not only a good product design, but a supply chain that is cost effective, minimizes lead time and ensures quality. Results from the research will be incorporated into existing graduate courses and used to develop new graduate courses,. Furthermore the research will enhance the infrastructure for research and education with in the I/UCRCs. Empirical results of this research will guide industry partners and companies in their product and supply chain design efforts by providing industry related cases which are tested and validated with mathematical models and simulation. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ingalls, Ricki Oklahoma State University OK Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 25000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733305 August 15, 2007 Electromagnetic Compatibility Center: An Industry/University Cooperative Research Collaboration. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-institution Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility will be established at the University of Oklahoma, University of Missouri-Rolla, Clemson University, and the University of Houston. Electromagnetic compatibility is an essential feature of virtually all high speed digital electronic devices ranging from consumer electronics to essential control and information processing systems. The proposed center will perform research in areas that are identified by industry as being significant and valuable for their continued growth and development. The proposed center could function as an electromagnetic compatibility solution resource center for future problems important to industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Chen, Ji Don Wilton David Jackson Ce Liu University of Houston TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733386 August 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: A TIE Research program on E-Design for Design for Supply Chain. This collaborative research effort between the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for e-Design at the University of Pittsburgh and the I/UCRC for Engineering Logistics and Distribution at the University of Arkansas and Oklahoma State University will address the problem of how to effectively synchronize product design and supply chain design for new and existing products resulting in not only a good product design, but a supply chain that is cost effective, minimizes lead time and ensures quality. Results from the research will be incorporated into existing graduate courses and used to develop new graduate courses,. Furthermore the research will enhance the infrastructure for research and education with in the I/UCRCs. Empirical results of this research will guide industry partners and companies in their product and supply chain design efforts by providing industry related cases which are tested and validated with mathematical models and simulation. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Needy, Kim LaScola Bryan Norman Braden Hunsaker University of Pittsburgh PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 122E 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733578 August 1, 2007 IUCRC - Center for Micro and Nanofiltration. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a new multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center Micro and Nano Filtration will be established at North Carolina State University and the University of Akron. The center will focus on the following goals: encompass different aspects of filtration from materials and large-scale nano/micro-fiber production to the modeling their structures and filtration performance, to the activation of the fiber surfaces to form self-decontamination properties; integrate existing technologies of mechanical air/liquid filters with those of chemically-active membranes; and engineer filter media for the separation of biological and chemical agents from a liquid stream. The center will play a leadership role for the Filtration industry by stimulating high quality research and education, while developing a skilled workforce, and at the same time creating new jobs in the U.S. Filtration industry. The Center will also establish synergies between the related fiber and non-fiber industries, stimulate collaboration between the different disciplines associated with the filtration industry, and impact socially important problems in health, environment, worker safety; connections to homeland security issues. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pourdeyhimi, Behnam North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733596 July 15, 2007 IUCRC Planning Grant for UW to Affiliate with CHOP/CCHiPS. A planning meeting will be held to determine if the University of Washington is to become a research site to the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Child Injury Research and Prevention (CChIPS). The Center is dedicated to all aspects of childhood injury prevention. The addition of the University of Washington will build on its current research capabilities in the areas of; 1) childhood injury biomechanics, mechanisms and tolerance; 2) product design; 3) human interaction with and behavior related to safety technology; 4) safety education and promotion; and 5) focused injury prevention behavioral research/modification programs. The addition of the University of Washington will have a broad impact on the participating students and faculty through involvement with the industrial members. All will significantly benefit from the greater interaction possible in a multi-university center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Scott, Craig University of Washington WA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733648 August 1, 2007 Planning grant request for the establishment of a multi-university I/UCRC Silicon Solar Center (SiSoC). A planning meeting will be held to determine if North Carolina State University can establish a new multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Silicon Solar research. The efforts of the research site at NC State University will emphasize materials characterization leading to a fundamental understanding of impact of defects/impurities/mechanical behavior of solar cells materials. The proposed center will play an important role in meeting the rapidly growing demand for electricity in the 21st century, while having the significant bonus of a minimal impact on the environment. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rozgonyi, George North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733701 August 1, 2007 I/UCRC for Micro and Nano Filtration. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a new multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center Micro and Nano Filtration will be established at North Carolina State University and the University of Akron. The center will focus on the following goals: encompass different aspects of filtration from materials and large-scale nano/micro-fiber production to the modeling their structures and filtration performance, to the activation of the fiber surfaces to form self-decontamination properties; integrate existing technologies of mechanical air/liquid filters with those of chemically-active membranes; and engineer filter media for the separation of biological and chemical agents from a liquid stream. The center will play a leadership role for the Filtration industry by stimulating high quality research and education, while developing a skilled workforce, and at the same time creating new jobs in the U.S. Filtration industry. The Center will also establish synergies between the related fiber and non-fiber industries, stimulate collaboration between the different disciplines associated with the filtration industry, and impact socially important problems in health, environment, worker safety; connections to homeland security issues. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Chase, George University of Akron OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733879 August 15, 2007 Center for BioFuel Research and Development. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for BioFuels Research and Development will be established at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with the University of Kansas, South Dakota State University and Kansas State University. The research of this proposed center will include sustainable feedstock development, fuel and product generation and purification, and fuel characterization, modeling, storage and distribution. The proposed center will leverage resources from multiple sources to build critical infrastructure, conduct ground-breaking basic and applied research, and transform that research into commercial activities. These features will help build the center into a sustainable, nationally recognized research and development center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Weatherley, Laurence Dennis Lane Susan Stagg-Williams Aaron Scurto Ray Carter University of Kansas Center for Research Inc KS Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733883 August 15, 2007 Collaborative Research: Planning of a Center for Autonomic Computing. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Autonomic Computing will be formed at the University of Florida, Rutgers University, and the University of Arizona. The mission of the proposed center is to advance the knowledge of how to design and engineer systems that are capable of running themselves, adapting their resources and operations to current workloads and anticipating the needs of their users. The center will not only advance the science of autonomic computing, but will also accelerate its transfer to industry by closely working with partners in the definition of projects to be pursued, and contributing to the education of a workforce capable of designing and deploying autonomic computing systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hariri, Salim University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733884 August 1, 2007 Center for BioFuels Research and Development. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for BioFuels Research and Development will be established at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with the University of Kansas, South Dakota State University and Kansas State University. The research of this proposed center will include sustainable feedstock development, fuel and product generation and purification, and fuel characterization, modeling, storage and distribution. The proposed center will leverage resources from multiple sources to build critical infrastructure, conduct ground-breaking basic and applied research, and transform that research into commercial activities. These features will help build the center into a sustainable, nationally recognized research and development center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gibbons, William South Dakota State University SD Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 4998 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733885 September 1, 2007 Embedded WirelessSensor Network Site Center. A planning meeting will be held to determine if the University of Texas San Antonio will join the existing I/UCRC for Wireless Sensor Networks. Wireless sensor networks are rapidly emerging as an important research area; they are composed of a large numbers of distribute, connected, and coordinated nodes that have revealed vast potential in a plethora of applications. These applications include computer networks, wireless mobile communications, encryption, information security and privacy, algorithms and data structures, graph theory, information and game theory, data storage and coding, optimization theory, and computational learning. The proposed site is the gateway for a new generation of advanced sensors created by fusing the university communication with the Medical Center, Southwest Research Institute and others focusing on innovative research in the security of wireless and sensor networks and the tradeoffs between security and performance. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Cotae, Paul University of Texas at San Antonio TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733890 September 1, 2007 Collaborative Research Center for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel. A planning meeting will be held to determine if the Michigan Technological University and the University of Utah can establish an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel. This proposed center will take advantage of the tremendous strides that have been made in instrumentation, materials characterization, and reaction modeling to advance the understanding of iron oxide reduction reactions. The proposed center will promote research that will improve understanding of what is happening in the iron reduction and steelmaking process. The proposed center will focus on iron and steel, both because iron accounts for approximately 85% of all the metals produced in the U.S., and techniques developed for iron production will also be broadly adaptable to improving the efficiency and sustainability of processes for reducing oxides of other based metals. The center will integrate research with education, involving a diverse group of pre-college, undergraduate, and graduate students in substantive research activities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sohn, H. Y. University of Utah UT Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 AMPP 9161 129E 1049 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733902 September 1, 2007 Data Acquisition for Networked Smart Sensors. A planning meeting will be held to determine if the State University of New York at Stony Brook will become a research site of the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Embedded Systems. As part of the sensor revolution in the various applications of ubiquitous sensing vast amounts of data are generated and there is a need to have an efficient network of smart sensors to harvest these mixed signal data into aggregated digital signals for further processing in an embedded system or networks of embedded systems. A goal of this research site is to provide an infrastructure for university/industry interaction and collaboration in this area. A result of joining the I/UCRC will be an increase in creation of new intellectual property, commercialization of technology, licensing revenue, and more collaborations among partners of the consortium. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Tang, K. Wendy Ridha Kamoua Serge Luryi Alexa Doboli Mikhail Gouzman SUNY at Stony Brook NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733905 September 1, 2007 Collaborative Research Center for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel. A planning meeting will be held to determine if the Michigan Technological University and the University of Utah can establish an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel. This proposed center will take advantage of the tremendous strides that have been made in instrumentation, materials characterization, and reaction modeling to advance the understanding of iron oxide reduction reactions. The proposed center will promote research that will improve understanding of what is happening in the iron reduction and steelmaking process. The proposed center will focus on iron and steel, both because iron accounts for approximately 85% of all the metals produced in the U.S., and techniques developed for iron production will also be broadly adaptable to improving the efficiency and sustainability of processes for reducing oxides of other based metals. The center will integrate research with education, involving a diverse group of pre-college, undergraduate, and graduate students in substantive research activities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kawatra, S.K. Michigan Technological University MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733906 August 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Advanced Small Satellite Technologies Research and Education Center (AS2TREC). A planning meeting will be held to determine if a new multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Small Satellite Technologies Research will be established at North Carolina State University and the University of Florida. The center will focus on the transformation of the space industry from current Risk Aversion mentality that results in high costs and long schedules to a more responsive, and affordable industry that has Risk Tolerant as its philosophy. The research results will provide companies with answers to many questions regarding the production and design of small satellites. The multi-university involvement provides a broad research base and can significantly increase the experience of researchers, students, and companies interacting with other universities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Edmonson, William North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733935 September 1, 2007 Center for Information Protection: A Multi-University Industry/University Collaborative Research Center. Stony Brook University plans to join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Information Protection. The membership in this center will significantly enhance its strength in a number of areas, including software security, database and information security, intrusion detection, vulnerability analysis, trust management, and intrusion recovery response. The role played by the industrial members in selecting research project will ensure that problems with practical impact are addressed. This will help product targeted research with strong commercialization possibilities, leading to better and more secure consumer software products. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sekar, Ramasubramanian Tzi-Cker Chiueh Scott Stoller Erez Zadok Radu Sion SUNY at Stony Brook NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 148750 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733937 September 1, 2007 IUCRC Planning Proposal: SMU Research Site Proposal to Join Embedded Systems IUCRC. A planning meeting will be held to determine if Southern Methodist will become a research site of the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Embedded Systems. As part of the sensor revolution in the various applications of ubiquitous sensing vast amounts of data are generated and there is a need to have an efficient network of smart sensors to harvest these mixed signal data into aggregated digital signals for further processing in an embedded system or networks of embedded systems. A goal of this research site is to provide an infrastructure for university/industry interaction and collaboration in this area. A result of joining the I/UCRC will be an increase in creation of new intellectual property, commercialization of technology, licensing revenue, and more collaborations among partners of the consortium. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Tian, Jeff Hesham El-Rewini Sukumaran Nair Southern Methodist University TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733940 September 1, 2007 I/UCRC: A Planning Activity for Joining the Center for Embedded Systems. A planning meeting will be held to determine if the University of Texas at Dallas will become a research site of the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Embedded Systems. The new research site would undertake and promote research and development of service-oriented, network-centric systems. The addition of another research site will extend the capabilities of the I/UCRC and enhance the participating universities' ability to open doors to other industrial sponsors. The immediate impact of the research site will be on the research needed for next generation software and systems for mission critical applications. By joining the current participating academic institutions and companies, the site will greatly enhance the research capabilities and revolutionize our national research competence INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bastani, Farokh Dung Huynh Gopal Gupta I-Ling Yen Neeraj Mittal University of Texas at Dallas TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733944 August 15, 2007 Electromagnetic Compatibility Center--An Industry/University Cooperative Research Collaboration. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-institution Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility will be established at the University of Oklahoma, University of Missouri-Rolla, Clemson University, and the University of Houston. Electromagnetic compatibility is an essential feature of virtually all high speed digital electronic devices ranging from consumer electronics to essential control and information processing systems. The proposed center will perform research in areas that are identified by industry as being significant and valuable for their continued growth and development. The proposed center could function as an electromagnetic compatibility solution resource center for future problems important to industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hubing, Todd Clemson University SC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733961 September 1, 2007 I/UCRC Planning Grant: Safety, Security and Rescue Robots. A planning meeting will be held to determine if Drexel University will become a research site of the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Safety, Security and Rescue Research Center (SSR-RC). This center brings together industry, academe, and public sector users together to provide integrative robotics and artificial intelligence solutions for activities conducted by the police, FBI, FEMA, firefighters, transportation safety officials, and emergency responders to mass casualty-related activities. Drexel University is well postured to provide expertise in unmanned aerial vehicles, civilian medical response to bioterrorism and applied communications and intelligent networking. Safety and security robotics will provide proactive technologies to permit disasters, either natural or man-made, while rescue robotics will enable more effective responses to mass-casualty incidents. It will nurture an emerging field of research and the associated industries, helping to establish the challenges of the field and acceptable research and evaluation methodologies. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Oh, Paul Drexel University PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733967 August 15, 2007 Collaborative Research: Planning of a Center for Autonomic Computing. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Autonomic Computing will be formed at the University of Florida, Rutgers University, and the University of Arizona. The mission of the proposed center is to advance the knowledge of how to design and engineer systems that are capable of running themselves, adapting their resources and operations to current workloads and anticipating the needs of their users. The center will not only advance the science of autonomic computing, but will also accelerate its transfer to industry by closely working with partners in the definition of projects to be pursued, and contributing to the education of a workforce capable of designing and deploying autonomic computing systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fortes, Jose Renato Figueiredo University of Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733970 August 1, 2007 Planning grant request for the establishment of multi-university I/UCRC silicon solar center (SiSoC). A planning meeting will be held to determine if the Georgia Institute of Technology can establish a new multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Silicon Solar research. The efforts of the research site at Georgia Tech will emphasize materials characterization leading to a fundamental understanding of impact of defects/impurities/mechanical behavior of solar cells materials. The proposed center will play an important role in meeting the rapidly growing demand for electricity in the 21st century, while having the significant bonus of a minimal impact on the environment. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rohatgi, Ajeet GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733972 September 1, 2007 IUCRC-Planning Proposal: UNT Research Site Proposal to join Embedded Systems I/UCRC. This planning grant seeks support to establish a research site at the University of North Texas for the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Embedded Systems. This new site will undertake and promote research and development of service-oriented, network-centric systems. The new research site will extend the capabilities of the I/UCRC and enhance the participating universities' ability to open doors to many industrial sponsors. The researchers have extensive experience in the design and implementation of highly dependable and adaptable software and hardware systems for safety-critical and/or mission-critical applications, such as command and control systems, emergency preparedness infrastructure, large scale medical operations, health monitoring, and healthcare systems. By joining the institution and companies, the I/UCRC will greatly enhance the research capabilities of the participants and revolutionize our national research competence. The immediate impact of the research site will be on the research needed for next generation software and systems for mission critical applications. Graduate and undergraduate students at the institutions and employees of the industrial members will benefit from the I/UCRC infrastructure and industry driven research and development projects. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kavi, Krishna Robert Brazile Philip Sweany Robert Akl University of North Texas TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733978 August 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Advanced Small Satellite Technologies Research and Education Center (AS2TREC). A planning meeting will be held to determine if a new multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Small Satellite Technologies Research will be established at North Carolina State University and the University of Florida. The center will focus on the transformation of the space industry from current Risk Aversion mentality that results in high costs and long schedules to a more responsive, and affordable industry that has Risk Tolerant as its philosophy. The research results will provide companies with answers to many questions regarding the production and design of small satellites. The multi-university involvement provides a broad research base and can significantly increase the experience of researchers, students, and companies interacting with other universities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fitz-Coy, Norman University of Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 43275 H268 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733980 August 15, 2007 Center for BioFuel Research and Development. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for BioFuels Research and Development will be established at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with the University of Kansas, South Dakota State University and Kansas State University. The research of this proposed center will include sustainable feedstock development, fuel and product generation and purification, and fuel characterization, modeling, storage and distribution. The proposed center will leverage resources from multiple sources to build critical infrastructure, conduct ground-breaking basic and applied research, and transform that research into commercial activities. These features will help build the center into a sustainable, nationally recognized research and development center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Dixon, David South Dakota School of Mines and Technology SD Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733981 August 1, 2007 Planning Grant: An I/UCRC Center for Visual Decision Informatics. A planning meeting will be held to determine if an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Visual Decision Informatics will be established at Oregon State University. The focus of this center will be to develop new visual and analytic methods that leverage modern computer hardware and software, and develop analysis and discovery tools that can be applied to this complex data-based decision-making process. This center will have direct and indirect impacts on industry. The center will be collaborating with the industrial partners on a regular basis, and at the biannual meeting to facilitate the transfer of ideas and information. The Center will impact industry by being a vehicle to increase the production of students. The collaborations with industry will also improve the educational abilities and allow students to be better prepared and more industry-aware. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bailey, Michael Oregon State University OR Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733986 August 1, 2007 Center for Biofuels Research and Development. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for BioFuels Research and Development will be established at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with the University of Kansas, South Dakota State University and Kansas State University. The research of this proposed center will include sustainable feedstock development, fuel and product generation and purification, and fuel characterization, modeling, storage and distribution. The proposed center will leverage resources from multiple sources to build critical infrastructure, conduct ground-breaking basic and applied research, and transform that research into commercial activities. These features will help build the center into a sustainable, nationally recognized research and development center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rezac, Mary Kansas State University KS Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733988 August 15, 2007 Planning of a Center for Autonomic Computing. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Autonomic Computing will be formed at the University of Florida, Rutgers University, and the University of Arizona. The mission of the proposed center is to advance the knowledge of how to design and engineer systems that are capable of running themselves, adapting their resources and operations to current workloads and anticipating the needs of their users. The center will not only advance the science of autonomic computing, but will also accelerate its transfer to industry by closely working with partners in the definition of projects to be pursued, and contributing to the education of a workforce capable of designing and deploying autonomic computing systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Parashar, Manish Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0733989 August 1, 2007 Arizona State University affiliation with the Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution. A planning meeting will be held to determine if the Arizona State University is to become a research site to the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). The meeting will provide an opportunity to develop a recruiting plan for industrial partners, deploy the recruiting plan and prepare for the submission of a full center proposal. The Arizona State University site will focus on two major areas of research: supporting the development and implementation of efficient and effective US-Mexico Logistics practices and enabling further productivity improvements as well as state-of-art supply chain and logistic practices in the Semiconductor Industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Villalobos, Jesus Ronald Askin Esma Gel Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0735268 September 1, 2007 High Efficiency Power Delivery and Front-End Module Design for Implantable Bio-Sensors. The I/UCRC for Advanced Technologies for Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment at the University of Minnesota and the Connection One I/UCRC at Arizona State will be collaborating on a project that focuses on fully integrated high efficiency power supply regulators and low noise analog front end circuits for battery-less implantable passive telemetry based sensors. The researchers will collaborate on diverse areas of microelectronics and bioengineering including electromagnetics, MEMS based inductors and probes, analog, mixed-signal IC design and power electronics. This collaborative project will provide a much broader university and industry experience for the researchers, students and company members. The research results will help companies design efficient, reliable power supplies that do not require batteries for implantable devices, thereby reducing the number of surgeries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bakkaloglu, Bertan Sayfe Kiaei Stephen Phillips Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0735481 September 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: HIGH EFFICIENCY POWER DELIVERY AND FRONT-END MODULE DESIGN FOR IMPLANTABLE BIO-SENSORS. The I/UCRC for Advanced Technologies for Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment at the University of Minnesota and the Connection One I/UCRC at Arizona State will be collaborating on a project that focuses on fully integrated high efficiency power supply regulators and low noise analog front end circuits for battery-less implantable passive telemetry based sensors. The researchers will collaborate on diverse areas of microelectronics and bioengineering including electromagnetics, MEMS based inductors and probes, analog, mixed-signal IC design and power electronics. This collaborative project will provide a much broader university and industry experience for the researchers, students and company members. The research results will help companies design efficient, reliable power supplies that do not require batteries for implantable devices, thereby reducing the number of surgeries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Cui, Tianhong Aaron Redish University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0736283 September 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Center for Advanced Forestry Systems. The expanded Industry/University Cooperative Research center for Advanced Forestry Systems will link four of the top forestry research programs in the US, and will expand the current Center for Tree Genetics to build on the strengths of the research programs to create a multi-university, interdisciplinary I/UCRC that will solve industry-wide problems through multi-faceted approaches. Researchers will approach questions on multiple scales, including the molecular, cellular, individual-tree, stand, and ecosystem. The research conducted by the center will increase the competitiveness of forest products industries and forest landowners by solving problems on multiple temporal and spatial scales and determining fundamental solutions that transcend traditional species, regional, and disciplinary boundaries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS PLANT GENOME RESEARCH PROJECT IIP ENG Howe, Glenn Steven Strauss Keith Jayawickrama Oregon State University OR Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 178000 5761 1329 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 128E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0736307 August 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Center for Health Organization Transformation. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a new multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Health Organization Transformation will be established at Texas A&M University and the University of Minnesota. The proposed center applies and refines a comprehensive transformation framework that will guide, research, and advance organization transformation in health systems, especially hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. With its industry partners, the center will conduct research on the execution of research on transformational interventions and strategies described below that combine evidence-based management and clinical innovations and ongoing organizational learning and cultural change. The proposed center will contribute significantly to the efficiency and quality of care offered by industry partners as a result of more effective implementation of transformation strategies and interventions. It will help the participating health systems and larger health industry to meet consensus aims for heal care established by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine and to more effectively use organizational technologies to meet increased demands for accountability and to be viewed as an economic driver and service leader and not as a drain on the larger economy. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gamm, Larry Craig Blakely Robert Ohsfeldt Jane Bolin Christopher Johnson The Texas A&M University System HSC Research Foundation TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0736340 September 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Center for Advanced Forestry Systems. The expanded Industry/University Cooperative Research center for Advanced Forestry Systems will link four of the top forestry research programs in the US, and will expand the current Center for Tree Genetics to build on the strengths of the research programs to create a multi-university, interdisciplinary I/UCRC that will solve industry-wide problems through multi-faceted approaches. Researchers will approach questions on multiple scales, including the molecular, cellular, individual-tree, stand, and ecosystem. The research conducted by the center will increase the competitiveness of forest products industries and forest landowners by solving problems on multiple temporal and spatial scales and determining fundamental solutions that transcend traditional species, regional, and disciplinary boundaries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS PLANT GENOME RESEARCH PROJECT IIP ENG Fox, Thomas Harold Burkhart Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 217200 5761 1329 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 128E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0736399 September 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Center for Advanced Forestry Systems. The expanded Industry/University Cooperative Research center for Advanced Forestry Systems will link four of the top forestry research programs in the US, and will expand the current Center for Tree Genetics to build on the strengths of the research programs to create a multi-university, interdisciplinary I/UCRC that will solve industry-wide problems through multi-faceted approaches. Researchers will approach questions on multiple scales, including the molecular, cellular, individual-tree, stand, and ecosystem. The research conducted by the center will increase the competitiveness of forest products industries and forest landowners by solving problems on multiple temporal and spatial scales and determining fundamental solutions that transcend traditional species, regional, and disciplinary boundaries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS PLANT GENOME RESEARCH PROJECT IIP ENG Michler, Charles Richard Meilan Purdue University IN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 288000 5761 1329 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 128E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0736402 September 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Center for Advanced Forestry Systems. The expanded Industry/University Cooperative Research center for Advanced Forestry Systems will link four of the top forestry research programs in the US, and will expand the current Center for Tree Genetics to build on the strengths of the research programs to create a multi-university, interdisciplinary I/UCRC that will solve industry-wide problems through multi-faceted approaches. Researchers will approach questions on multiple scales, including the molecular, cellular, individual-tree, stand, and ecosystem. The research conducted by the center will increase the competitiveness of forest products industries and forest landowners by solving problems on multiple temporal and spatial scales and determining fundamental solutions that transcend traditional species, regional, and disciplinary boundaries. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS PLANT GENOME RESEARCH PROJECT IIP ENG Goldfarb, Barry Charles Michler Jose Stape North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 440618 7609 5761 1329 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 128E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0736447 August 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: Center for Health Organization Transformation. A planning meeting will be held to determine if a new multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Health Organization Transformation will be established at Texas A&M University and the University of Minnesota. The proposed center applies and refines a comprehensive transformation framework that will guide, research, and advance organization transformation in health systems, especially hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. With its industry partners, the center will conduct research on the execution of research on transformational interventions and strategies described below that combine evidence-based management and clinical innovations and ongoing organizational learning and cultural change. The proposed center will contribute significantly to the efficiency and quality of care offered by industry partners as a result of more effective implementation of transformation strategies and interventions. It will help the participating health systems and larger health industry to meet consensus aims for heal care established by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine and to more effectively use organizational technologies to meet increased demands for accountability and to be viewed as an economic driver and service leader and not as a drain on the larger economy. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Christianson, Jon University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0736466 September 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: TIE Research for RFID Microtag - NSF IUCRC. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution at Oklahoma State University and the Connection One I/UCRC at Ohio State University aim to develop miniaturized RFID tags for high throughput sensing of container stability and integrity. The research will enable the PIs to address the relevant scientific challenges, leading to the establishment of a proof-of-concept implementation for miniature sensor tags to track the condition and history of individual packages within the container for global logistic operations. Many valuable products and items of critical security need miniaturized RFID sensor tags for effective tracking and monitoring. This research will enable the development of a high throughput miniature RFID sensor tags for deployment in these critical applications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Volakis, John Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0736485 September 1, 2007 Collaborative Research: A TIE Research Program for RFID Microtag. The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution at Oklahoma State University and the Connection One I/UCRC at Ohio State University aim to develop miniaturized RFID tags for high throughput sensing of container stability and integrity. The research will enable the PIs to address the relevant scientific challenges, leading to the establishment of a proof-of-concept implementation for miniature sensor tags to track the condition and history of individual packages within the container for global logistic operations. Many valuable products and items of critical security need miniaturized RFID sensor tags for effective tracking and monitoring. This research will enable the development of a high throughput miniature RFID sensor tags for deployment in these critical applications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bukkapatnam, Satish T. S. Venkatesh Sarangan Oklahoma State University OK Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0738088 August 1, 2007 I/UCRC: Wireless Research Center for Cross-Layer Optimization of Coexisting Systems. Auburn University plans to establish a research site of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for the Wireless Internet. The research at Auburn University will address several important areas in the next generation wireless Internet and will complement the research capabilities at the existing research sites. The theme of the research will be cross-layer optimization of coexisting wireless systems. As a research site of the I/UCRC, Auburn University will be able to expand the base of technologies that the faculty and graduate students have been addressing at the system level. The research will benefit the society by providing efficient and low cost wireless systems. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Agrawal, Prathima Jitendra Tugnait Vishwani Agrawal Fa Dai Shiwen Mao Auburn University AL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 412106 T950 I426 H463 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 5761 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0741676 September 1, 2007 Research Site of the I/UCRC entitled "Repair of Buidlings and Bridges with Composites". The research site at North Carolina State University is an extension of the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Repair of Buildings and Bridges with Composites. The North Carolina State research site focuses on addressing the needs of the construction industry in development of new and innovative structural components as well as strengthening/repair methods for existing structures using advanced composite materials. The research at North Carolina State University will greatly expand the I/UCRC's research agenda. The multi-university activities will also expand the industry/university interactions and experience for researchers, students and company members. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rizkalla, Sami North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 60000 5761 OTHR 125E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0741843 August 15, 2007 Small Company Entry into the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership. In December 2006, the Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable (GUIRR) launched a new organization, the University-Industry-Demonstration Partnership (UIDP). The mission of the UIDP is to nourish and expand collaborative partnerships between university and industry in the United States. Recent studies show the inability of U.S. universities to quickly arrive at agreement on intellectual property (IP) terms with their industry sponsors puts them at a competitive disadvantage compared to foreign universities. Industry-sponsored research is stagnant in the U.S. and booming elsewhere. The significance of the problem is not lost on the universities, 49 of which have signed up as members of the UIDP. This award will successfully brokering a holistic solution for the nation by proactively engaging small companies in UIDP discussions, alongside the 18 (and growing) number of large companies. Small/startup companies are a primary engine of U.S. economic growth, and a non-trivial outcome of university research. However, the price of UIDP membership may be a barrier for small companies, which consider memberships generally as a budget luxury. This award will provide funds to incentivize those companies for involvement in the UIDP, so that the solution set arrived at by UIDP members will serve all of the U.S. interests: universities, large companies, and small companies alike. GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS IIP ENG Sloan, Susan National Academy of Sciences DC Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 60000 1504 MANU 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0742304 September 1, 2007 Safety, Security, Rescue, and First Response. The University of Pennsylvania has joined the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Safety, Security and Rescue Research located at the University of South Florida and the University of Minnesota. The I/UCRC will bring together industry, academe, and public sector users together to provide integrative robotics and artificial intelligence solutions in robotics for activities conducted by the police, FBI, FEMA, firefighting, transportation safety, and emergency response to mass casualty-related activities. The need for safety, security, and rescue technologies has accelerated in the aftermath of 9/11 and a new research community is forming, as witnessed by the first IEEE Workshop on Safety, Security and Rescue Robotics. The Center is built upon the knowledge and expertise of multi-disciplinary researchers in computer science, engineering, industrial organization, psychology, public health, and marine sciences at member institutions. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kumar, R. Vijay Camillo Taylor Kostas Daniilidis George Pappas Mark Yim University of Pennsylvania PA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 220000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0742547 September 1, 2007 Connection One-Communication Circuits and Systems Research Center Phase II. The existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Circuits and Systems (Connection One) will continue to receive NSF support for the second five year of their live cycle. The focus of the center is on Communication Circuits and Systems for the advancement of the next generation of wireless and wireline system systems. The center has had a broad impact on communication, semiconductor, and electronics industry. The research has benefited the wireless industry to develop smaller, more compact, low-power fully integrated new wireless models. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kiaei, Sayfe Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 302000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0801333 November 1, 2007 PFI: 2008 NSF Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) Grantees Workshop. The University of Toledo proposes to organize and manage the 2008 NSF Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) Grantees Workshop at the Westin Hotel, Arlington, VA, March 30-April 1, 2008. This workshop is the first of its kind for PFI. Its purpose is to provide a forum for a comprehensive gathering of NSF-sponsored researchers on both active and graduated awards supported by the Partnership for Innovation (PFI) Program. In addition, for each award, the forum should include a representative from among the non-academic partners and, for currently ongoing PFI awards only, a representative from among the students involved in the project. The objectives of the workshop are to share ideas, experiences, lessons learned, best practices, and results that have come out of the NSF-sponsored PFI awards; to discuss strategies and achievements with respect to sustainability of innovation once the PFI grant performance period has ended; and to provide input for the design and anatomy of future partnerships projects. It is expected that this interchange will facilitate the exploration of next steps to be taken on ongoing projects and that it will promote future collaborations, thus addressing several goals: catalyzing or enhancing the enabling infrastructure necessary to foster and sustain innovation in the long-term; providing guidance to regions and organizations in promoting innovation economies; and contributing to the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science (America COMPETES) Act. The intellectual merit of this project lies in the generation of new ideas about the formation and ongoing development of innovation partnerships from the collective wisdom of the leadership of a diverse set of funded partnership projects in the context of an opportunity to mingle in a variety of ways. The workshop will provide the NSF with additional information on ways that the discovery process can be translated to learning and innovation to create wealth and improve the human condition. The generation of ideas can result from discussions during poster sessions, breakout sessions, and plenary sessions and indeed throughout the opportunity to be present in the context of the rich resource of the PFI community. The synergy among grantees will also be facilitated by providing very brief but key project highlights via the conference website. The broader impact of this project includes the identification of factors that encourage long-term value creation and innovation through partnerships. Because a portion of the PFI awards have as their primary focus workforce education and training, there will be ample sharing of the impact of PFI partnerships as they relate to curriculum development; STEM education and education contributing to knowledge of the entrepreneurial enterprise; and the career paths of students. The project will also provide information on how innovation can be promoted across different geographic locales given regional differences in R&D spending, university research, culture and other factors. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Calzonetti, Frank University of Toledo OH Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 206798 1662 OTHR 0000 0650124 January 15, 2008 PFI: Leveraging Advanced Research University Knowledge for Innovation in Legacy Industrial Era Regions: Pennsylvania's I-99 Corridor. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will identify five test-bed companies for which associated technologies have been pinpointed that would help these firms remain competitive in today's economic environment. Working with these test-bed companies will enable the project personnel to identify mechanisms helpful in reducing or removing barriers between universities and the private sector that inhibit innovation. The area encompassing three south central Pennsylvania counties, strongly served by Pennsylvania State University, is the basic area to be addressed. All counties share several declining economic indicators, although businesses in the region remain viable. The businesses and the counties could be served by a partnership with a university that can help the five test-bed companies develop and commercialize their products. Use of the test-bed model and subsequent analysis through focus group discussions, questionnaires, and other tools to determine where barriers exist and how they can be reduced or removed is important and will be helpful for other universities that strive to support industry. While the project focuses on five test-bed projects involving central Pennsylvania companies, the work will be transportable to other regions of the nation where legacy companies can be assisted through innovation. The project will specifically address the need to work with underrepresented groups. The societal benefits will include successful high-tech businesses and resultant jobs in a region that has primarily relied upon industrial employment. Partners include Pennsylvania State University (lead institution); Altoona Blair County Development Corporation; Appleton Papers, Inc.; Ben Franklin Technology Partners; Bedford County Development Corporation; Centre County Industrial Development Corporation; Creative Pultrusions, Inc.; Delta Health Technologies; GSP Consulting; Juniata College; Lampire Biological Laboratories; Paradigm Solutions International; Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (IRC) Network; Pennsylvania State University; QuantumBio, Inc.; and TRS Technologies, Inc. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Wormley, David Eileen Trauth Paul Hallacher Stephen McKnight M. Richard Hoover Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 720000 1662 OTHR MANU 9146 117E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650130 February 15, 2008 PFI: Venture Enhancement Teams (VETs) for Commercialization of University Intellectual Property. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will support a package to licensees to significantly reduce the risk of commercialization. The package consists of an initial working prototype, business or marketing plans, and the requisite IP for market entry. This work will be done through the creation of Venture Enhancement Teams (VETs) implemented within the University's recently created multidisciplinary capstone design program. The project provides for expanding the Triage Team (the members of VETs from outside of the University) to 5 to 10 members to accommodate responsibilities for selection of projects with risk profiles to be enhanced through prototype development, additional practical business planning, and IP collaboration. The goal by the end of the grant period is for Venture Enhancement Teams to become an established and essential element of Louisiana Tech's technology transfer infrastructure, and a driving force behind the innovation enterprise of north Louisiana. The inventive and replicable approach to IP commercialization in this project will engage academic researchers, students, and outside partners in a common enterprise. It will enhance the commercial potential of academic research and accelerate its transformation into private economic activity. It will employ a novel approach to acceleration of technologies from academic research to viable businesses through the identification, specification, and development of requisite prototypes, business plans, marketing plans, SBIR proposals, complementary IP, and seed capital with the involvement of a broad range of university personnel and business partners. Building upon a previous PFI award, 0332461, this project will take the previous work to a new level by offering a package to reduce the risk of commercialization. In the long term, the project will generate new wealth in the regional economy of north Louisiana by increasing technology transfer. The innovations in emerging technologies will support areas of the economy such as medicine and healthcare, homeland security and national defense, manufacturing and chemical processing, and others that are essential to the improvement of the national well-being. In addition, the preparation of deliverables by the Venture Enhancement Teams is experiential education available few places in the world. The project will broaden the training of future leaders in technology research, development, and commercialization through direct student engagement with University IP and technology transfer. The project will advance the understanding of students and faculty as to the importance and role of commercialization, while at the same time it will promote teaching, training, and learning of the specific technical, marketing, and business elements of the process. Partners include Louisiana Tech University (lead institution), and Triage Team members (with their institutions): Bob Tucker, Jones Walker Law Firm; Bob Mehalso, Microtec Associates; Mike Marcantel, Owen Biosciences; Ross Barrett, Louisiana Ventures; Joe Lovett, Louisiana Fund 1; Chris Mangum, Century tel; Paul Campbell, DFJ Mercury Venture Partners and AsterBio; Justin Boland, Artimen Ventures; John Buske, Regional Innovators Network; Roy Keller, Louisiana Business & Technology Center. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Guice, Leslie James Nelson Jon Pratt Rich Kordal Davy Norris Louisiana Tech University LA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 400000 1662 SMET 9179 9150 117E 0000912 Computer Science 0101000 Curriculum Development 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650163 February 15, 2008 PFI: Development of Fiber-based Technology for Creating New Opportunities in Economically-depressed Northeastern US. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will apply an innovative approach for translating research on IXF and nano-particles of metal oxide into environmental industrial applications, thus serving to revitalize the textile industry. The project will combine high value-added manufacturing and relatively short times-to-market production, leading to novel combinations of knowledge base and applications to important environmental problems. The design is to combine textile production with the ability to generate nano- and micro-fibers having highly selective ion exchanges and ion generating properties. The textile production expertise, a legacy of the northeastern U.S., will be combined with new processes in order to develop a fiber-based technology with applications in industrial products and processes. The new fibers can ultimately be used to produce textiles and products for water treatment, filtration processes, phosphorus removal, and clean-up of contaminated water sites. The broader impacts of the project are the creation of new jobs and business opportunities through private partnerships and students' innovations and enhanced academic-private sector interaction leading to sustainable technologies for mitigating environmental hazards with tangible economic benefits. The detailed management plan will develop and transfer IFX technology to a broad range of commercial partners representing different water purification needs in the economy. Clear objectives have been established in each area and should ensure that the new IFX technologies have impact on the important water purification problems at the household, community, and industrial level. The project will also create opportunities for underrepresented groups of students to receive education and training and develop skills required to join the high technology workforce. Because of the potential impact of the concept for advancing discovery and understanding, it is likely that results from this project will effectively promote teaching, learning, and the integration of research and education. Partners include the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (lead institution), Lehigh University, Chevron Energy Technology Company, Donaldson Company, Inc., The Purolite Company, Royal Consulting Services, Inc., Solmetex, Inc., and Southern Company Generation. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Sengupta, Sukalyan Steven Warner Arup Sengupta Prabir Patra Robert Peck University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 AMPP 9163 117E 0650233 February 15, 2008 PFI: An Interdisciplinary University-Based Education Partnership to Support Biomedical Technology Commercialization in Nebraska. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) program--An Interdisciplinary University-Based Education Partnership to Support Biomedical Technology Commercialization in Nebraska--aims to create a self-sustaining university-based program to foster innovation for the commercialization of bioscience technology in Nebraska. Creighton University, including the College of Business Administration, School of Law, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, and Office of Technology Transfer, has developed a program to cross train undergraduate and graduate students in business, law, and the biosciences. Upon completion of a one-year concentration, student teams will compete for seed money to fund start-up companies for further conceptualization and marketing of bioscience technologies. The program, involves a strong partnership between the two largest biomedical research centers in the state, Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and a collaboration led by the deans of the business, law, and medical schools, as well as a director of technology transfer and a professor of strategy and entrepreneurship. In addition, numerous local businesses and other organizations have committed services, expertise, scholarship money, and internship opportunities. The Creighton University Partnerships for Innovation will also serve as the core curriculum for a new professional science master's degree, an MBA for scientists and mathematicians. The program will serve as a model for the integration of research, education, and practice to efficiently promote and increase regional high technology transfer. This university-industry partnership will have broad impact on high technology businesses and employment opportunities. The anticipated avenues to achieve the goals of this program are as follows: 1) Stimulate the transformation of knowledge created through the research and education enterprise into innovations that build strong local, regional and national economies. 2) Broaden the participation of academic institutions and citizens by cross training a professional workforce, providing seed money to develop technologies, and creating facilities for conducting proof of concept and start-up activities. 3) Enhance the infrastructure necessary to foster and sustain innovation in the long-term. 4) Develop a professional science master's degree program, endorsed by the National Innovation Act of 2005 at Creighton University. The program is aimed at enabling future managers to navigate the business of science with ease, going from a meeting about enzymes to another about intellectual property rights, while understanding that the goal is marketable products. Partners include Creighton University (lead institution); University of Nebraska Medical Center; Kiser Family Foundation; Blackwell, Sander, Peper, Martin, LLP; Stinson Morrison, Hecker, LLP; First National Bank of Omaha; bioNebraska, Life Sciences Association (a consortium of firms); Booz Allen Hamilton.; GR Exypnos, SafeStitch, LLC; Nature Technology Corporation; and Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Hendrickson, Anthony Anne York Lee Fenicle Patrick Borchers Cam Enarson Creighton University NE Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 351179 1662 BIOT 9150 9123 117E 0101000 Curriculum Development 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650251 February 15, 2008 PFI: I SEE: Innovation through Synergistic Educational Engagement. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project seeks to change the innovation education process by synergistically partnering with local small businesses, national laboratories and global educational partners so as to include significant innovative and entrepreneurial dimensions in both undergraduate and graduate education. The project will build a linked undergraduate and graduate program with outreach to industry. The model uses well designed teams of graduate and undergraduate students, a faculty mentor, and high school students to work with small businesses. The evaluation component of the project will develop a new measure, based on self-efficacy, to gage success in creating innovators and to potentially provide a new way to measure innovation education effectiveness. The project approach has two critical differentiators that make it viable and sustainable. By having innovation teams with graduate students and faculty to support the teams' knowledge-related questions, the innovation teams reduce the time/interaction demands on corporate partners to levels that small businesses will consider acceptable. Unlike internship programs, the team approach also provides continuity for the time scales necessary for end-to-end innovation. Secondly, in keeping with the concept of generating real value, the innovation teams will work with the partners to seek grants, other contract funding, and other forms of financial support for innovation to justify investments of time from the companies and to eventually provide sustaining funding. This project will have an impact on K-12 education and propose a model for innovation education that will be sustainable at a wide range of institutions, not just at the top 50 research schools. It will offer symposia to disseminate results to a wider audience. The project will also encourage and mentor women and members of underrepresented groups, engaging them with local companies where role-models can help maintain their excitement and commitment. Partners include the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (lead institution), Academy School District 20, NAVSYS Corporation, Colorado Engineering, Inc., SemQuest, Inc., Intelligent Payload Solutions, Inc., Atmel, and Securics, Inc. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Boult, Terrance Michael Larson University of Colorado at Colorado Springs CO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599856 1662 SMET 9180 117E OTHR 0000 0101000 Curriculum Development 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650258 January 15, 2008 PFI: Whatever Happened to Long Term Bridge Design?. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will address the serious problem of aging of the highway system infrastructure and the possibility of structurally deficient bridges in the United States today. The proposed solution to this problem involves a shift in the bridge design protocol to include baseline finite element modeling, continuous sensor-based monitoring and testing, and the intellectual post-processing of collected data to determine the structural health of bridges. The 1956 Interstate Highway Program expanded the U.S. highway system to over 500,000 bridges, but there was no monitoring or condition assessment included in the initial design and building effort. This proposal focuses on a condition assessment tool that integrates baseline finite element models and parameter estimation for model updating. The baseline model will include documentation of design approaches and methodology and is intended to facilitate the use of that baseline information over the bridge's life cycle to monitor condition and structural health. Thus the project would develop a process to consider how the, long term requirements such as future inspection, corrosion, and reconstruction impact the structural condition of the bridge in a meaningful way. The research, if successful, will be applicable to a significant fraction of the national infrastructure in the US and beyond. The benefits from a successful project would be realized through improvements in safety, as well as improvements in the economics of bridge design, fabrication, and maintenance. Partners include Tufts University (lead institution); University of New Hampshire; State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation; Fay, Spofford, & Thorndike Engineers; Geocomp Corporation (consultants on instrumentation for risk); Bridge Diagnostics, Inc.; and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Sanayei, Masoud Linda Abriola Brian Brenner Tufts University MA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 481590 1662 CVIS 117E 1059 1057 1038 0110000 Technology Transfer 0207000 Transportation 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650271 March 15, 2008 PFI:Transforming the Tri-State Philadelphia Region A Partnership for Innovation in Science and Technology Education. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will develop a partnership between academic, government, and corporate partners. The goal is to provide the infrastructure, access to equipment, curriculum development, teacher training, educational content, and diverse science-based experiences necessary to inspire a sustained interest in science and technology in students and teachers. The partnership will implement a three dimensional approach to achieve these goals that includes vertical integration across education levels, broad geographic implementation across the region, and the application of complementary programs designed to improve classroom instruction, spark student interest, and spur exploration. The range of student classes is from the Middle School to post-High School levels. It is understood that most middle school and high school students do not have access even to rudimentary experimental tools and materials. This project will supply an assembled kit of suitable objects to permit students to do simple but thought provoking experiments. Since sophisticated equipment is unlikely to be available to any students except those enrolled at a major research institution, the plan is to provide tele-experimentation to allow students an actual manipulative experience with sophisticated equipment through an on-line connection. The project addresses a need in regional technology companies for more technically-skilled workers as well as the broader question of science and technology education. The three-state region surrounding Philadelphia (Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) is home to leading corporations in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and materials industries. These corporations face a continuing challenge in finding the technically-skilled workers at all levels of education that they need to remain competitive. Although high-quality technical education options exist within the leading four-year research institutions; at the Associate Degree and post-secondary certification level, there is a critical gap in educational offerings in advanced technology. The solution begins at the Middle School level, where studies have shown that students might be lost to a science and technology career path. The programs of the partnership are focused around nanotechnology because the interdisciplinary nature of the subject provides an entry into important educational topics in biology, chemistry, physics, and derivative fields. In addition, the subject captures the attention of today's youth. Partners include Immaculata University (lead institution), University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University; Burlington County College (NJ), Chester County Intermediate Unit (NJ), Del Tech (DE), and Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (PA); Barra Foundation, SAIC, Outreach Providers are as follows: Cephalon, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Merck, LifeSensors, Nanoselect, Unisys Corporation, Neose Technologies, and Endo Pharmaceuticals. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Murray, James David Luzzi S. Ann Heath Melody Wilt Immaculata University PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 SMET 9180 7355 7348 7300 1713 117E 0101000 Curriculum Development 0650279 January 15, 2008 PFI: Stevens Environmental Entrepreneurship Program. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will create the Environmental Entrepreneurship Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology to foster rapid development and acceptance into the market of environmental innovations that can be adopted by existing companies. The Environmental Entrepreneurship Lab will combine the "technology push" usually found in technology transfer with "market pull" assisted by competent partners such as entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and representatives from regulatory agencies. The goal is to reduce the usual 3 to 4 year time frame for technology transfer by integrating market knowledge into the invention process and simplifying the transfer process at the market end. By joining the two concepts of technology push and market pull, Stevens will be able to introduce environmental solutions before the need for those solutions becomes a headline story. The Environmental Entrepreneurship Lab will pull together competent partners with diverse backgrounds, including faculty, students, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and investors, industry partners, and representatives from local government and regulatory agencies. The Environmental Entrepreneurship Lab will be an interdisciplinary university-wide resource that introduces environmental awareness and entrepreneurial behavior to faculty and students in all fields. Special emphasis will be placed on outreach and the inclusion of minority Ph.D. students and undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree in environmental science or engineering. The outreach program will be strengthened through the participation of the Polytechnic University of New York and Stevens in a City University of New York-led Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate program. Initially, the Environmental Entrepreneurship Lab will focus on environmental innovations at Stevens, but it can readily be adapted to serve the specific needs of other technologies and universities. Partners include the Stevens Institute of Technology (lead institution), Polytechnic University of New York, GE Edge Lab at UConn, Venture Association of New Jersey, Stryker Instruments, New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Technology Council, New York City Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), and NJ Jumpstart. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG McCusker, Lex Kurt Becker Christos Christodoulatos Thomas Lechler Stevens Institute of Technology NJ Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 587853 1662 SMET EGCH 9251 9178 9102 1317 117E 116E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0650321 January 15, 2008 PFI: Partnership for Innovation in Wisconsin's Packaging and Printing Industry Cluster. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project, which has recognized the packaging and printing industry in Wisconsin as critical to the state's economic success, plans to adopt an industry cluster-based approach to innovation-driven economic development. The intellectual merit of the proposed activity lies in the creation, transfer, and application of advanced packaging and printing technology (using nanoparticle-based inks, composite coatings, and embedded electronics). This project will lead to the development of new packaging and printing products and processes that have superior characteristics (physical, chemical, and biological properties and smart sensing capabilities). It will also make possible the ability to transform supply chain processes and the economic potential for commercialization, and it will improve the understanding of necessary changes in the industry. Together, these advances will pose high barriers for foreign competition and enable the creation of high-paying jobs in Wisconsin. The packaging and printing industry is of strategic importance to Wisconsin and the nation as a whole. In terms of shipments, Wisconsin's national rank is No. 1 in plastic film packaging, No. 1 in paper, No. 4 in metal cans packaging, No.9 in corrugated and fiber board packaging, and No.11 in folding cartons packaging. Wisconsin's packaging and printing industry is a major source of employment for the state and the nation. Thirty-one percent of the entire U.S. printing employment is based in the Milwaukee-Madison-Chicago triangle. Strategic initiatives that will create a sustainable competitive advantage for the Wisconsin packaging and printing industry are imperative for its continued success. The broader impacts of this project also include a scientifically and technologically literate and diverse workforce (from high-school students to college graduates with a Ph.D., and under-represented groups). This workforce will be prepared to capitalize on this new knowledge to advance growth in innovation and productivity and drive an infrastructure that enables networking, collaboration, and entrepreneurship in Wisconsin's packaging and printing industry. Partners include Educational Institutions: University of Wisconsin-Madison (lead institution), University of Wisconsin Stout, and Waukesha County Technical College; Industrial organizations: Appleton Company, Banta Book Group, Bemis Company, Great Lakes Packaging Corporation, Kell Container Corporation, Kimberly-Clark, Prent Corporation, RedPrairie, Rockwell Automation, Sargento Foods, Serigraph, Inc., Stora Enso, Suttle-Straus, and Zebra Technologies; State Entities: Office of the Governor; and Other Stakeholders: Forward Wisconsin, Printing Industries of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Veeramani, Dharmaraj Marc Anderson Paul Peercy Daniel van der Weide Richard Rothaupt University of Wisconsin-Madison WI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 612000 1662 MANU 9149 9148 117E 0101000 Curriculum Development 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0650347 January 15, 2008 PFI: Inter-University Technology Bundling Project. The Inter-University Technology Bundling Project proposes to create an infrastructure and system for identifying bundles of intellectual property from 18 universities in California and match those to private sector companies that can beneficially commercialize the ideas. The technology transfer offices from the 18 universities and research institutions and from numerous industry affiliates in Southern California comprise a network which is focused on improving the technology transfer process by collaboratively overcoming challenges to commercialization. This network of technology transfer offices is managed by Larta Institute, a leading nonprofit organization that connects people for the purpose of promoting innovation. The Inter-University Technology Bundling Project (IUTBP) was piloted with great success in 2005-2006 under Larta Institute's leadership and with the support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The network is now ready to move toward transactional phases and the IUTBP is enhancing the regional infrastructure for innovation and is building a model for national impact. Loma Linda University will lead this project in collaboration with Larta Institute. With 41 bundles already identified and ready for marketing, this project has proven it can have broad economic and societal impact by overcoming the challenges facing the transfer of multi-institution IP. The successful transfer of just a fraction of existing shared IP and the easing of bundling processes to allow for more multi-university transfer efforts would each produce innovations effecting the health and well-being of people around the world and would generate new businesses and jobs in multiple sectors. Through Loma Linda's leadership, the project will involve and have an impact on numerous underrepresented student groups. The program has built-in mechanisms for intellectual dissemination, including to groups of significant diversity. In addition, the dissemination of effective ideas from this project would help develop practices and methods for transferring technologies across other organizations, including NSF-funded institutes in universities across the country. Finally, the integration of this program into Loma Linda's pedagogy and the project's involvement of minority researchers, students, and business people will help to grow the innovation enterprises of tomorrow, including those emerging in underrepresented communities. Partners include Loma Linda University (lead institution), Larta Institute, California Institute of Technology, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, California State University-San Bernardino, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, San Diego State University, University of California-Irvine, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Riverside, University of California-Santa Cruz, University of California-Santa Barbara, University of California-San Diego, University of Southern California, Pepperdine University, California Pacific Medical Center, and Keck Graduate Institute PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Taylor, Barry Carlos Gutierrez Carol Grande Rohit Shukla Loma Linda University CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 593978 1662 SMET OTHR 9180 117E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0738167 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Improved in Vivo Delivery of SiRNA. PARS Summary This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop an improved method for the delivery of small inhibitory ribonucleic acids (siRNA) into cells. The proposed methodology will utilize chemically induced immuno-conjugates or direct linking of siRNAs to antibodies as the mechanism for improving siRNA delivery into the cells. Use of siRNA to silence genes of interest has become a very important mechanism to regulate gene expression both in experimental settings as well as in diseases. One of the current limitations to using siRNA therapy in vivo is the low uptake by the cells. Methods that improve siRNA uptake by target cells would therefore be of great benefit to the scientific and medical communities. The use of the cellular uptake mechanisms for the delivery of these potent regulatory molecules into cells further opens the possibility of using specific gene silencing molecules as therapeutic modalities in vivo. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ford, Lance Bioo Scientific TX Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 146910 5371 BIOT 9183 1517 1491 1112 0308000 Industrial Technology 0738266 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Heterogeneous Catalytic System for Biodiesel Production from Alaska Fish Oil. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a continuous flow, fixed-bed heterogeneous catalytic system for production of cost-competitive biodiesel from fish oil. Alaska's fisheries are experiencing a high diesel fuel cost for fishing vessels and boats, while a significant amount of fish oil is discarded from fish processing plants. Converting the low-value fish oil to biodiesel is an environmental friendly solution. The commercially available homogeneous alkali-catalyzed biodiesel production technology is an energy and labor-intensive process, resulting in high processing costs. The proposed technology offers an environmentally friendly process at a reduction of the current costs. The commercial potential of this project will create a value-added and profitable market for fish oil, reduce damage to the marine environment resulting from disposal of fish waste products, and provide Alaska with a renewable fuel that will in turn reduce diesel emissions and fuel costs for remote communities and fisheries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Peng United Environment & Energy, LLC ny Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0738329 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Optical Ethylene Monitor for Food Crop Quality Assurance. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will determine the performance and operating specifications for a high-sensitivity laser spectrometer suitable for selective detection of trace ethylene during crop processing applications. Crops react to environmental stressors by releasing ethylene at low levels. If these levels can be detected, stressors may be mitigated before crop viability is compromised, significantly reducing waste. For post-harvest crop processing, real-time detection of rot or senescence can prevent contamination from spreading to entire batches during storage or transport. Present monitors are inadequate due to sensitivity, selectivity, time response or cost. New faster monitors will be enabling components for controlled plant growth, early detection of stress, precise application of ripening inhibitors and other chemical agents, and successful long-term storage and delivery. This tightly monitored life cycle from seed to seed will provide today's agricultural industry the tools to continually increase production yields. This compact, rugged, real-time, parts-per-billion gaseous ethylene analyzer will be suitable for widespread application in the agricultural industry. It will reduce the loss of crops due to undiscovered environmental, processing, storage and transport stress. The basic technology can extend to other trace gas detection applications including biomedical breath diagnosis. Additional applications abound in detection of trace environmental species important to health, occupational safety, and global warming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pilgrim, Jeffrey VISTA PHOTONICS, INC NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0738336 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Scaleable, Inexpensive Production of siRNA in E. coli. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project develops molecular biology, biochemical engineering, and purification techniques to provide "small interfering RNA" or siRNA molecules on at large-scale and at low cost compared to available techniques. In recent years, siRNA's have been recognized as potent gene-silencing agents via "RNA interference" (RNAi). Genes for important diseases such as cancer, HIV, and hepatitis have already been shown to be controllable by siRNA action. Applications of siRNA's now warrant large-scale manufacture of siRNAs for the purposes of RNAi associated studies and as pharmaceutical agents. Unique to the technology is our well demonstrated evidence that RNA insert sequences can be harbored in larger ribosomal RNA (rRNA) carriers and produced at high levels within E. coli by conventional fermentation. Following fermentation, the desired siRNA is excised and purified for large-scale production of the RNA product. The broader impacts of this research is to provide a general, large-scale production tool applicable to a wide range of future novel RNA products. In addition to siRNA production, the methods proposed here can be used for large-scale production of micro-RNAs, aptamers, antisense therapeutics, or other short RNA molecules that are also of considerable interest for structural and pharmacological applications. The associated products and RNA expression systems are expected to have considerable commercial value, first in the research community and eventually as pharmaceuticals. This project will also result in fundamental scientific knowledge regarding RNA structure, enzymatic action, and purification of particular RNA molecules. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jackson, George BioTex, Inc. TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0738405 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Materials - Nano-diamond Coatings for Light-Weight Engine Components. This SBIR Phase I project aims to develop a novel surface modification technology for aluminum alloys used in automotive internal combustion engines to improve resistance to friction. The related energy loss due to wear of components directly impacts the fuel efficiency of the automobile. The process to be used is a CO2-laser-based technique, combined with a fluidized-bed method to coat the component surfaces with nano-diamond (n-D)particles, in order to create a low-friction diamondlike carbon (DLC) film. The specific novelty is the technique is that it allows rapid transition of n-D into DLC, and permits deposition of thick coatings with excellent adhesion to the lightweight substrates. The broader impacts of this technology include the ability to improve the fuel efficiency, and therefore reduction in exhaust emissions of toxic components and increased lifetime due to reduction in the wear of moving parts. This technology, if successfully developed and commercialized, will be an enabling technology for applications in medical devices, microelectronics, MEMS, information storage, etc. The inclusion of undergraduate and graduate students in the program will allow the students to learn about the novel ways of applying classroom knowledge into real-life advanced engineering components, with a potential benefit to the environmental pollution, energy and materials waste reduction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nair, Rajeev Photon Energy Technology IA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0738794 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Large Diameter ZnS Single Crystal Substrates for II-VI-based UV-Detectors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will investigate a novel sublimation crystal growth technique for producing large diameter, high quality zinc sulfide (ZnS) single crystal substrates suitable for fabricating specific UltraViolet (UV) detectors. These UV detectors that are visible/solar-blind with high detection efficiencies will have many important applications that require detection of weak UV radiation against a strong visible or infrared background. The proposed research effort will investigate a unique technique for producing large diameter, high quality ZnS single crystals in an efficient manner. One critical aspect in the development of these high performance UV detectors is to commercialize large diameter, lattice-matched, native single crystal substrates, particularly ZnS substrates. If the proposed sublimation growth technology is successfully adopted in volume production, large diameter, high quality ZnS single crystal substrates will become widely available commercially at an affordable price, which will greatly accelerate development and commercialization of high performance UV detectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Shaoping Fairfield Crystal Technology, LLC CT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739315 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Novel SMP-based TCD Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a novel trans-cervical device using biocompatible shape memory polymers to achieve permanent female sterilization as an alternative to fallopian tube ligation. Such a methodology could potentially benefit all women undergoing permanent sterilization procedures and would be a significant improvement over existing methods which although relatively new, have been adopted by the medical community despite certain issues. Indeed, current procedures for the ligation of the fallopian tubes are hysteroscopic (visually guided) and although significantly better than the surgically invasive techniques of past, still have several draw backs. One of the most important of these shortcomings is the length of time that is required to get fibrotic-proliferative-based closure of the tube after the insertion of the device. Currently a woman has to wait between 3 and 6 months to ensure full closure of the tubes. The proposed system on the other hand, obviates the wait time and can fully close the fallopian tube upon insertion. As such, this technology is likely to be a very favorable addition to the presently available trans-cervical devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lanning, Craig EndoShape Inc CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 124000 5371 BIOT 9183 5371 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739472 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Probe for Inspection of Transmission Valve Ports. The Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project is directed towards developing a non contact optical probe for automated inspection of cylindrical valve ports of automatic transmission valve bodies and pump covers. In Phase I a probe will be built and a test stand will be set up to characterize the response of the probe to different surface finishes and to centering and alignment errors of the probe with respect to the valve port. The probe will scan the surface of a transmission valve port using a laser beam and will determine whether the surface finish is acceptable or defective by analyzing the return signal to a detector mounted in the probe. At the present time these valve ports are visually inspected by human inspectors. Not all valve ports are inspected and defects in parts that are inspected may be missed. The probe being developed will identify defective components so they can be removed from the production stream. If this technology is successfully commercialized it would increase efficiency and reduce costs in the manufacture of automatic transmissions. This would result in less expensive, higher quality vehicles for the public. The technology would replace an ineffective, random, subjective inspection process with an automated, objective total inspection that produces recordable data, which could be mined to enhance understanding of the manufacturing process. Defective transmissions in operating vehicles are less fuel efficient, so higher quality transmissions could also improve fuel economy. The technique could be applied to inspection of small cylindrical holes in other precision manufactured components. Successful commercialization of this technology would create a new product with a worldwide market. This would generate high-paying high-technology jobs that would strengthen the American economy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Segall, Stephen Industrial Optical Measurement Systems MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739479 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Thin Film Water/Oxygen Barrier Coatings for Flexible OLEDs. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will formulate, design and fabricate a thin film flexible barrier coating specifically for Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diodes (FOLEDs). These barrier coatings are needed to improve the reliability and lifetime of FOLEDs. Although the proposed technology will be developed for FOLEDs, it has a broad scope of applications where flexible barrier coatings are required. Specifically, these markets include food/beverage packaging and barrier technologies for thin film/flat plate photovoltaic devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kimble, Michael Reactive Innovations, LLC MA William Haines Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9139 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739548 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Humanized Mouse Ig system employing BAC. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to introduce the entire human immunoglobulin locus into the mouse in order to enable the subsequent production of completely humanized monoclonal antibodies from hybridomas. Monoclonal antibodies against cell surface proteins are currently being used for a variety of clinical indications, including cancer and autoimmunity. Their binding avidity and specificity make them one of the most important modes of therapy for the treatment of a variety of diseases where specific targeting is required. The current technology is based on a system where only 80% of the immunoglobulin locus has been humanized. Replacement of the remaining mouse genes with the human ones will improve the quality and diversity of the antibodies produced and as such, will be an important contribution to this important therapeutic modality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shizuya, Hiroaki Aliva Biopharmaceuticals CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 1112 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739552 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Lower Extremity Exoskeleton Assist Device for Reducing the Risk of Back Injuries among Workers. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project seeks to create exoskeleton assist devices for workers in distribution centers and automobile assembly plants. By using these assistive devices, workers can dramatically reduce the load in the vertebrae of the lower back when maneuvering parts and boxes. Such collaboration between humans and machines has the benefit of the intellectual advantage of humans coupled with the strength advantage of machines. The proposed project involves the University of California at Berkeley as research partner, General Motors Corporation, and the U.S. Postal Service. The end goal is a reduction in back injuries in the workplace which are considered by OSHA the nation?s number one workplace safety problem. The broader impacts of this research are reduced worker?s compensation insurance costs, reduced disability payments, increased worker productivity, and the ability for workers to keep working into their older years; in short, improve worker quality of life. Furthermore, these new devices will open an entirely new market which will serve an important role in establishing the United States as the number one player in the emerging field of bionics. The potential impacts to worker safety and American quality of life are large and diverse. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Harding, Nathan Berkeley ExoWorks CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 1517 1203 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739553 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Energy Efficient Composite Based Roofing. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project offers new technology for commercial/industrial buildings to replace the steel purlins in sloped roof construction with composite based panels. A little known fact is that 57% of cooling load in commercial buildings comes from waste heat given off by artificial lighting. The solution proposed is daylighting built into panels that filter the infrared energy in direct sunlight before it enters the building; saving significant amounts of lighting/air conditioning expense and demand on the grid. A unique assembly and weather sealing system enables the use of fiberglass/Argon insulation, offering high R-Values without the smoke hazard of foams. Using established data for roof contribution to commercial building heating load, 10 year sales of the proposed system could save 730,000 tons of carbon emissions from natural gas heating. The daylighting summer peak demand savings have the potential to take a 500MW coal fired power plant off line. The proposed approach breaks new ground in applying fire-safe, high strength composites to building applications. It will also lead to advances in the understanding of how to manage cooling loads in buildings while providing improved lighting and a better work environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hartman, Paul Sustainable Structures LLC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 98750 5371 AMPP 9163 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739659 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Alpha phase crystalline aluminum oxide coated at temperatures below 500 C using PVD. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project is aimed at developing and commercializing an alpha alumina coating by using a PVD technology based on an inverted cylindrical magnetron that creates an unbalanced magnetic field. Current methods for producing these coatings require high temperatures and result in undesirable stresses, limiting their applicability. An important example is prosthetics, where corundum's high hardness and biocompatibility would make it an excellent wear surface in joints. The proposed work will develop a better understanding of how equipment design affects the physics and chemistry of the coating process and will demonstrate the feasibility of depositing corundum films on functional substrates for biomedical/surgical implants. Ceramics such as aluminum oxide are used in a wide variety of applications for their high wear resistance and thermal barrier properties. A low temperature process for depositing coatings of stable crystalline ceramic materials would greatly extend the number of product applications that could be improved with these materials. For instance, the lifetime, reliability and overall performance of engine components could be significantly increased using ceramic coatings. Reduction of deposition temperature and control of stresses would allow stable ceramic coatings for these and other important applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Glocker, David ISOFLUX, INC NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149989 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739757 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Modupulsed Electrography-A Disruptive Technology for Digital Printing. This STTR Phase I project aimed at developing a new digital color printing technology having the capability of producing high-fidelity, continuous-tone prints at high speeds and wide widths. The technology, called ME Digital, is based on a unique process that precisely deposits electrons from a micro-plasma array to produce a latent electrostatic image on a printable substrate. This research will address two deficiencies in current technology, the absence of electronic drivers to precisely control the micro-generation and micro-deposition of electrons and the inability to fabricate a print head that resists breakdown under the severe operating conditions imposed by high-speed printing. The project will develop precision fabrication processes for selected ceramic print head materials and conductive inks, and the means to design fabrication methods and components that maintain tolerances through firing operations. The key component in the electronics is the radio-frequency source that drives the print head. High voltage is required to generate the plasma. Maintaining control of the output once the plasma forms is the focus of the electronics work. Computer modeling has provided designs that will be tested for their ability to drive multiple plasma sites. In addition to providing the printing industry with a unique new capability, this research will greatly expand the scope of applications for precision fabricated ceramic materials as well as enhance understanding of the behavior of the materials in the region of a plasma discharge. The ME Digital printing process will benefit the large field of powder coating by providing a method for precisely depositing powders to allow multi-color imaging. The ability to generate and control a micro plasma array that deposits electrons at ambient temperatures and normal atmospheres would lead to the fabrication of large-scale plasma display screens that can operate in air. On a small scale, the ability to introduce controlled local plasmas into microsystem packages will provide a means for cleaning and for decomposing constituents with implications for chemical and biochemical analysis. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Fantazier, Richard R&D Imaging Technologies, Inc. PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149072 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739814 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Disruptive Performance From Engineered Piezoelectric Organic Polymer Nanocomposites:An Inventive Approach To New Electrical and Mechanical Energy Conversion Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a new discovery by Tetramer which indicates that the addition of a very small amount of nanotubes to poleable polymers can provide an 6X increase to the piezoelectric performance of the composite. This effect, called piezoelectricity, is an alternative energy source which can convert mechanical motion into electrical energy and vice versa. Tetramer will explore the conversion of these nanocomposite materials into not only classical polymer films for use in transducers, actuators, and waste heat recovery, but also explore new types of electrospun smart fabrics for applications such as vibration damping and even wound healing. This could greatly expand the commercial impact of piezopolymers. Piezoelectric materials are a $340 million market US ($900 Million global) growing at 9% per year, with applications such as transducers, actuators, sensors, energy harvesting, and vibration dampening. Piezo electricity is one of many alternative energy sources along with solar, wind, biomass, wave and fuel cells which will continue to play an increasingly important role for both the business and social foundation of the US. Fossil fuels costs, environmental impact, availability and more difficult political foreign source access are going to demand that alternative sources be developed over the next twenty years. Piezoelectric energy conversions, although rarely mentioned in the popular press, are actually more versatile than those mentioned above. Using currently available technology, these commercial applications are already growing at double (9%) the current US GNP with sales of over $340 million. Increased growth will mean broader impact benefits from improved performance in classical applications such as transducers, actuators, sensors, energy harvesting, vibration dampening, and smart polymers. The disruptive technology proposed will allow expansion into new areas of public benefit such as waste heat recovery and wound healing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 137496 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739891 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Micro-sized gas analyzer for identification and measurement of environmental gas constituents. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will design and realize an on-chip detector that is capable of identification and measurement of environmental gas constituents. The device employs the recently introduced analytical science technology of Penning Ionization Electron Spectroscopy in plasma (PIES). PIES spectra contain distinct peaks that are specific for every component of the gas mixture. The performance of the on-chip PIES detector will be evaluated and PIES spectra for several environmental gases recorded using an upgraded test station consisting of a pre-concentrator device, gas chromatograph and control electronics. The project will advance the understanding of fundamental processes of chemi-ionization with participation of metastable helium atoms. It will also contribute to understanding basic processes occurring in microplasmas. The project will advance engineering of miniaturized analytical systems and help the designers by supplying information concerning behavior of a system as its dimensions change. The development a micro-sized gas analyzer will result in a cost effective and accurate tool for in situ environmental sensing that will improve control of the transport of polluted air masses to the residential and vacation areas. The proposed analyzer will also find applications in other areas, such as industrial process control, aerospace engineering, medicine, science and technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Popov, Gotze Lenterra Inc NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99986 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739912 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Effective Upgrading of Bio-Diesel Waste Stream. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will dramatically improve the economics of biodiesel production by efficiently converting the unrefined glycerol byproduct into a useful chemical, such as hydrogen. Biodiesel is a viable and rapidly growing addition to the nation's motor vehicle fuel supply. However, its production yields considerable amounts of a glycerol waste product. As the use of biodiesel continues to expand, the only currently available outlets for this product will be overwhelmed. The results from this project will provide significantly higher selectivity to hydrogen than currently available techniques and with a low energy input. The broader impacts (commercial potential) of this project (if successful) would be a reduction in the overall cost of production of biodiesel while also creating a source of carbon-neutral hydrogen for use in the production of other chemicals or clean fuels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739959 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Adhesive Systems for High Performance Sandwich Panels. This SBIR Phase I project will focus on the development of a thermally activated cross-linkable thermoplastic adhesive film. Although many thermoplastic adhesive films are available, none are capable of being cross-linked as they are applied. The addition of the cross linking functionality will allow the bonded joints thus created to be used at a higher temperature, closer to the original film melting point, without loss of performance due to softening or creep of the adhesive. The prime application for the development of the cross-linkable adhesive film is for bonding of polypropylene composite skins to foam cores for the manufacture of structural sandwich panels. The new adhesive film will allow bonding at a sufficiently low temperature to avoid damage to the foam while enabling the panel to be used at a temperature close to the film application temperature, thus extending the temperature range at which the panels may be used. This will significantly broaden the application range for these lightweight sandwich panels in transport and infrastructure applications. Additionally the cross-linkable adhesive films have potential uses in other areas including apparel and automotive interiors where more durable, higher temperature bonds are of value. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Edwards, Christopher Fulcrum Composites Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 97691 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739966 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Evaluation of recombinant HED2 proteins as synergists for cellulosic biofuel production. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will explore the feasibility of recombinant expression and use of a selected group of plant proteins to enhance cellulase performance in the conversion of cellulosic biomass to simple sugars for production of biofuels such as ethanol. Cellulosic biomass is an attractive energy feedstock because supplies are abundant both domestically and globally. Current methods to break down biomass into simple sugars for fermentation into ethanol are inefficient and constitute a significant barrier to producing ethanol at volumes and costs competitive with gasoline. A primary research objective for Phase I is to achieve gram-scale expression of a representative sample of naturally-occurring and artificially-constructed homologs of Expansin Domain-2 (HED2) proteins in a heterologous expression system. The recombinant proteins will be assayed for cellulase synergism using commercial cellulases and biomass samples under conditions that approximate industrial processes. The broader impacts of this research will be to significantly improve the breakdown of cellulosic feedstocks by improving enzyme performance. It is widely recognized that measurable improvements in enzyme performances are required in order to reach an economically viable, biomass-based, fuel production process. While significant strides have been made to reduce production-related enzyme costs, overall cellulase performance must be improved in order to achieve a cost-effective process. An accessory protein, which enhances cellulase activity, would be a key development in unlocking the energy potential of recalcitrant cellulose to potentially reduce the nation's dependence of fossil fuels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sella Kapu, Nuwan Expansyn Technologies, Inc. PA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99750 5371 BIOT 9181 9146 1944 1465 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739981 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Environmental Impact Mitigation of Herbicide Runoff via Sequester and Controlled Release from Polymer/Layered?Material Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project examines the feasibility of novel controlled release methods of herbicide delivery that will significantly limit pollution due to agricultural runoff. The research utilizes natural layered minerals that are able to sequester and later release herbicides gradually into soils or foliage; and will examine the feasibility of developing time-delayed release agents that will prevent dissolution and runoff of herbicides during critical heavy rainfall events. Further, the research effort will examine the feasibility to utilize an intensified process to prepare the proposed composites, a process which is carried out at room temperature, involves only a single step, produces no by-products, and renders the proposed product highly cost-effective for its end customers. The broader impacts of this research will be development of cost-effective products that mitigate the environmental impact of agricultural runoff (one of our nations most significant sources of pollution), and will mitigate the concomitant collateral damage (both environmental and economic) to our nations fisheries. Customers, such as nurseries, greenhouse growers and farmers, will derive several benefits from products resulting from this research: a time-delayed, controlled-release product may potentially eliminate the need for multiple applications of herbicides, will minimize exposure of workers to harmful herbicides, may potentially limit or eliminate herbicidal runoff to adjacent watersheds, and may provide significant cost-savings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bringley, Joseph G3 Technology Innovations, LLC NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99796 5371 BIOT 9104 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0739998 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Modeling of Plasma Discharges and Plasma Surface Chemistry on Unstructured Computational Grids. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of developing and implementing computational algorithms to study a broad range of plasma discharge and plasma surface processes. New algorithms will be based on a fully kinetic description of plasmas such that electrons, ions, and/or neutrals will be individually tracked with proper weighting techniques applied. The computational approach will be based on Monte Carlo methods which will be combined with XccelerateTM, Remcom's particle-in-cell (PIC) and finite integration (FIT) solver currently under development. Taking into account the limitations of the current methods available, a comprehensive list of relevant plasma/gas and plasma/surface chemical reactions will be constructed to form a foundation and scope of the project. Research code will be developed to study the accuracy and computational expense of the combined PIC/FIT/Monte Carlo solver. If the computational expense proves prohibitive, parallelization and hardware acceleration techniques will be investigated. The Phase I project will determine the feasibility of implementing a plasma processing code which provides computational solutions for a wide range of plasma discharge and processing applications. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be the creation of simulation software for plasma processing. Plasma processing is widely utilized in the manufacturing of semiconductors and integrated circuits as well as being a critical component of material science and nanotechnology applications. These fields will continue to expand in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, even after many years of research, the theoretical understanding of plasma processing lags behind the practical application, and industry relies largely on trial and error techniques in determining their manufacturing processes. The overall goal of the project is to provide plasma processing physicists with a comprehensive software package which will provide a full range of numerical solutions with an easy to use graphical user interface (GUI) and powerful result visualization capabilities. This contribution will allow industries to streamline their operations by increasing theoretical understanding prior to the manufacturing stage and reducing man-hours spent developing complex in-house computational algorithms. In addition, it is also expected that the completed project will receive attention from various government research labs and provide an excellent tool for academic teaching and research. As there are no current commercial software packages available which provide in depth analysis of plasma chemistry and processing, the market size and commercialization potential of the completed project will be considerable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moss, Gregory Remcom Inc PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99754 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740001 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Matching the timing of renewable energy production with patterns of electricity demand. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I proposal we investigate the feasibility of a software application to search through public wind databases in order to match sites of renewable electricity production with sites of electricity demand. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are intermittent, but still have clear diurnal and seasonal patterns. This tool will analyze historic data to these patterns with those of electricity consumption, producing recommendations to help electric utilities find specific wind sites that best coincide with their patterns of electric load. Similar analytical techniques are used in the financial industry but have yet to be applied to renewable energy supplies in an affordable package that can be effectively employed by non-statisticians. The team draws on experts from different arenas statistics, finance, software, marketing and the power industry and will collaborate with the University of Wyoming. If successful, this tool will have a market for commercialization throughout the country. Future plans include incorporation of data from other renewable sources, addition of complexities from constraints of transmission, and estimation of increases in monetary value. If deployed, the tool will reduce the impact of intermittency on our electricity system simply through statistical analysis and encourage construction of wind and solar farms throughout rural America. In addition to the commercial considerations, effective application of this tool will provide a path toward decreased reliance on fossil fuels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ladd, Edward Dixon Ladd LLC WY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740005 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Improved Thermoelectric Generators through the use of Aerogels. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating aerogels into thermoelectric devices to improve their efficiency and lifetime. The proposed work will develop and evaluate aerogel-filled thermoelectric generators for converting waste heat into electrical energy. For internal combustion engines, ~38% of the generated power is lost as waste heat through the exhaust system. Adding aerogels into thermoelectric (TE) devices will improve their efficiency by eliminating heat transfer from the hot side to the cold side. Furthermore, the TE generator's lifetime will be improved by reducing the sublimation of the TE material at elevated temperatures. Success in the proposed Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of using aerogels in TE generators for the hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) market. The inclusion of aerogels is anticipated to provide a 21% improvement in power generation over typical TE devices. This development will improve the power density of the HEV, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 150,000 metric tons during the lifetime of the vehicle. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rhine, Wendell ASPEN AEROGELS INC MA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740008 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Microbe and Cell Assay (MICA) Device for Measuring Bacteria Antibiotic Susceptibility. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project demonstrates the feasibility of a device for rapidly determining the susceptibility of infectious bacteria to antibiotic treatments. Whereas standard susceptibility tests take between 24-96 hours, this device promises to provide assessments in less than two hours without the use of specialized reaction surfaces. To demonstrate feasibility, the real-time activity of bacteria will be monitored during growth in nutrient broths before and after exposure to dosages of simulated antibiotics. Signatures of two distinct bacteria will be followed, minimum measurable concentrations determined, integrative concepts and partnerships for this instrumentation established, and design of a prototype completed. The broader impacts of this research are improved speed and accuracy for diagnosing and treating patients having bacterial infections, decreased costs for patient care at hospitals, emergency departments, physician offices/satellite facilities and point-of-care providers, and heightened automation and ease of operation for a front-line approach that improves health givers' abilities to treat infectious disease and save lives. Furthermore, successful implementation would point to other potential applications in medical, biopharmaceutical and clinical settings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stencel, John Tribo Flow Separations, LLC KY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 125000 5371 BIOT 9150 9107 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740027 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Development of Bacterial Glycorandomization Hosts. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase I project develops methodology needed for the production of sugar enhanced (glycosidic) compound libraries and final therapeutic leads. Sugar attachments have been identified as a powerful way to make therapeutically relevant small molecules. Examples of drugs with sugar attachments such as erythromycin and doxorubicin show how sugars can change inactive molecules into antibacterial or anticancer drugs. Finding the correct genetically altered cell-based systems needed for efficient high yield production of small molecule sugar enhanced compounds is the first phase at exploiting sugar enhanced drug discovery beyond what Nature has provided. The broader impacts of this research are found in the enormous potential that sugar enhancement provides to therapeutics. Sugars are critical molecules that regulate a vast array of biological processes and pathways in the human body and play fundamental roles in diseases as well as in drug action. This project will greatly expand the ease and reduce the cost of making, screening and commercially scaling sugar-enhanced small molecule therapeutics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG hutchinson, charles centrose llc WI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740033 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Surface Light Scattering Spectroscopy. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I Project will develop a non-invasive technique of Surface Light Scattering Spectroscopy (SLSS) to measure the surface tension, viscosity, and other interface parameters of fluids at high temperatures and pressures. The goal is to increase understanding of the behavior of surfactants and fluids at extreme conditions found in oil reservoirs and to develop methodologies and instrumentation to optimize surfactant type and concentrations for enhancing oil recovery. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the use of Surface Light Scattering Spectroscopy as a low cost, non-contact, multi-property measurement tool that will help scientists and engineers to better research and understand surface chemical phenomena; to develop new methods and processes based on surface chemistry; and better monitor processes. This technology could lead to shorter development times for new processes and methods and better quality of manufactured products and processes based on surface chemistry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Saltiel, Craig Scattering Solutions CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740038 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Optimized Nano-Porous Surfaces for Boiling Heat Transfer. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project aims at developing a heat exchanger technology utilizing a homogeneous nano-porous surface (NPS) that will significantly increase the efficiency of the boiling process. The NPS technology offers considerable enhancement in boiling heat transfer capabilities for small- to large-size heat generating facilities, power plants, and electronics cooling hardware. The goals of the proposed Phase I research are: 1) to develop an effective NPS for boiler applications, 2) to demonstrate the effectiveness of the NPS technology against other conventional heat exchanger technologies, and 3) to evaluate the long-term performance of the NPS based heat boiler. A prototype multi-tube boiler will be constructed and tested for industrial deployment. The objectives of the proposed project will be achieved by producing a surface that can generate smaller and controllable bubble sizes during boiling processes. Unlike traditional flat surfaces and previously investigated micro-porous surface coatings, the NPS technology can offer improved long-term durability, a simple-to-manufacture and low-cost means of achieving higher performance and more energy efficient heat transfer. Successful implementation of this technology will result in millions of dollars saved nationally and internationally in the energy market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Yanming ADVANCED MATERIALS & DEVICES INC NV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740050 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Develop an Autonomic-Healing Hot Mix Asphalt. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of developing autonomic-healing hot mix asphalt. A major objective of this proposed study is to develop self-healing hot mix asphalt (by means of phase-dispersion of healing agent) that would actively arrest microcracks. This study will involve mechanical tests to determine the healing efficiency of autonomic-healing hot mix asphalt, in terms of fracture load, and results will be compared to those obtained from traditional hot mix asphalt. The proposed study also will determine the optimum application rate and the optimum size of the dispersed healing agent spot. America's highway system includes more than 3.9 million miles of highways, arterials, and local roads and streets. About ninety-six percent of paved roads in America are surfaced with hot mix asphalt. Total disbursements for highways in year 2000 were 126.7 billions dollars. The price of hot mix asphalt continues to climb due to oil shortage and large demand. Improving the life of asphalt used in transportation construction will contribute to reducing the demand for crude oil. In addition, extending the life of hot mix asphalt will prolong the rehabilitation cycle periods, which reduces the costs and congestion during rehabilitation/reconstruction and increases the safety of both drivers and workers in the work zone. This technology, if proven feasible, has the potential to save $20 billions each year as a result of extended life of hot mix asphalt. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tsao, Keh Advanced Engineering Research, LLC WI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 148497 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740056 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Energy Efficient Manufacturing of Fluoroaromatics. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes energy efficient microwave-process for the conversion of chloroaromatics to fluoroaromatics by halogen exchange. Currently, fluoroaromatics are produced by conventional heating of appropriate reagents; and potassium fluoride, the fluorinating agent, is poorly soluble in the reaction media. Unlike this process that involves rigorous drying, long reaction periods to obtain high yields while producing decomposition and side reactions, the alternative microwave process will use different fluorinating agents to produce similar yields in shorter reaction period, minimizes decomposition and side reactions, while significantly increasing the energy efficiency of the process. Fluoroaromatic constituents are active ingredients in many pharmaceutical and agrochemical formulations. These include PROZAC (cholesterol medication), PREVACID (ulcer and acid reflux treatment), FLONASE (anti-asthma agent), FLUXETINE (an antidepressant agent), FLUVOXAMINE (an antidepressant), EFFAVIRENZ (antiretroviral therapy for HIV), and MEFLOQUINE (anti-malarial). Others include NORFLURAZON FLURIDONE (herbicides), FLURPRIMIDOL (plant regulator), FLUOTRIMAZOLE and FLUTRIAFOL (fungicides). Over the next decade, some 33 percent of pharmaceuticals drugs, and 9 percent of agrochemicals would be fluorinated, worth over $15 billion in sales. The current manufacturing technology, by conventional heating, consumes several trillion BTU/year. This work will produce technologies that will conserve several billion BTU/year in future manufacturing of fluoroaromatics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Omotowa, Bamidele Pearlhill Technologies, LLC ID Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740058 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Innovative Source of Terahertz Radiation. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop an innovative high power narrowband tunable source of terahertz radiation (terahertz laser) by utilizing the exchange interaction in magnetic materials. The key technical objectives include achieving critical pumping at which terahertz laser will lase. The research activities under this award include: 1) designing of a basic terahertz laser; 2) preparation of suitable magnetic films; 3) preparation of experimental setup; and 4) conduction of the proof-of-principle experiments. If successful the outcome of this project will enhance scientific understanding of the fundamental properties of the selected magnetic materials. The proposed activity will enhance technological potential of the U. S. by providing a high power narrowband tunable source of terahertz radiation to the market place. The proposed terahertz laser will contribute to a broad range of applications, including medical imaging, spectroscopy, nondestructive evaluation, and homeland security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tankhilevich, Boris Terahertz Technologies LLC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149364 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740059 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Eliminating Critical Failure Mechanisms and Increasing Performance Development in Alkaline Fuel Cells by using a Solid Polymer Electrolyte. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel hydroxyl ion-conducting polymer membrane for use in anion exchange alkaline fuel cells through a parallel approach based on two novel polymer approaches each combined with nano particle functionality. A key issue with traditional alkaline fuel cells (AFC) is electrolyte and electrode degradation caused by the forming of carbonates and bicarbonates in a liquid electrolyte. The degradation is caused by the forming of precipitants of solid metal carbonate crystals which fill the pores and channels, and mechanically disrupt the active sites. In order to address this key issue the project will develop an alternative to the liquid electrolyte; therefore a solid polymer membrane will be investigated. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology will be a solid polymer-based AFC membrane with high temperature capability with the potential to move this fuel cell technology variant into previously unattainable applications such as automotive power and stationary power generation. Thin solution cast solid polymer membranes would allow for more compact spacing within the fuel cell stack assembly allowing this fuel cell technology variant to be potentially used in "micro" applications such as consumer electronics and military on-soldier power packs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Santurri, Pasco Chemsultants International Inc. OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99075 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740077 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Novel Deposition Process to Produce Bilayer Alloy Electrocatalysts for PEM Fuel Cells. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses the need for novel catalytic systems for electrochemical energy conversion technologies, specifically polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, through an innovative bilayer electrocatalyst design and the ability to implement that design using a sophisiticated electrodeposition process. The project will demonstrate improvements in catalyst efficiency and cost through a bilayer electrocatalyst design that enables excellent control of the morphology, coating thickness, density, and the nature of the oxide layer on the catalyst surface, which is critical to the overall durability of the bilayer structure and its activity. This technology is enabling to PEM fuel cells for the automotive, portable and stationary power markets. The broader impact/commercial potential of this technology is the ability to address the needs of the emerging fuel cell industry, enabling cost-effective manufacture of a critical enabling component for PEM fuel cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Inman, Maria FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740089 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Net-Shape Directionally Reinforced Structural Foams with High Temperature Mechanical Properties. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a family of high temperature closed-cell polymer foams from liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) by a net-shape foaming technique. The proposed low-density LCP composite foams will be processed with directional reinforcements. This innovative material will possess superior structural properties at room or elevated temperatures, and will be fire retardant, moisture resistant, and chemical resistant. Most structural components in aircraft, ground vehicles, and space structures have complex shapes. Currently, they are fabricated in a block form and machined into the desired shapes. The machining cost (over 80% of the total cost) and the material waste are big factors in the overall acquisition cost. The polymer foams used for the sandwich structures are lack of high temperature mechanical properties that are desired for aerospace and numerous high-end applications. Commercial applications of the net-shape LCP foams would include sandwich structures, aircraft and aerospace structures, shock absorbers, landing pads, buildings and bridges, off-shore structures, large vehicle components for trucks (like bumpers, fenders, and side-wall interiors), buses, trains, wind turbine blades, sound barriers, vibration suppression media, off-shore constructions, services vessels and platforms. Specific ground vehicles applications may include padding in doors, behind headliners, knee bolsters and under steering columns for knee impact protection, in the foot well area, and bumpers for pedestrian protection. Specific aircraft applications may include sandwich structures for leading edges, radome, fuselage, wing, tail, and around the engines components. The proposed net-shape directionally reinforced LCP composite foams can potentially replace structural foams like Rohacell, Nomex foams and aluminum honeycomb, which have $6 million, $400 million and $1 billion in sales per year, respectively, in the U.S. alone. The proposed technology will push forward scientific understanding of creating a superior polymer foam. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tan, Seng WRIGHT MATERIALS RESEARCH CO. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740100 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Dual-Wavelength Diffractive Optics for Absorbance-Modulation Optical Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to design dual wavelength diffractive optics for maskless absorbance modulation optical lithography. Absorbance-modulation optical lithography (AMOL) can achieve nanoscale resolution, while getting rid of the expensive photomask. Successful development of a maskless absorbance modulation optical lithograpy system will provide nanoscale resolution at lower costs than scanning electron beam lithography. This technology provides a combination of resolution and writing speed that is currently unavailable, and hence, will create a paradigm shift in the field of nanomanufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menon, Rajesh LUMARRAY LLC MA William Haines Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740104 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Improved Addressing Speed of Plasma-sphere Arrays. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project will investigate the feasibility of improving the addressing speed of Plasma-sphere. Plasma-spheres are hollow transparent shells that encapsulate a selected pressurized gas. When a voltage is applied across the shell, the gas ionizes and glows. Plasma-spheres are applied to flexible, electrically addressable arrays to form Plasma-sphere arrays for use as large area plasma displays. Plasma-sphere arrays, like standard plasma displays require secondary electron emitting materials to increases addressing speeds. Several promising materials, both thin and thick, will be investigated including Barium Oxide, Calcium Oxide, Strontium Oxide and strontium-doped LaMnO3 (LSM). This process presents a novel approach to produce video speed large area plasma displays. The Plasma-sphere array differs from other display technologies in that it allows for low-cost displays that are flexible, ultra-large, with full-color and full-motion video. The Plasma-sphere array is a breakthrough in display technology. It moves away from the traditional semiconductor fabrication processes as practiced by many display manufacturers in Asia and replaces them with low cost plastic, glass, and printing processes practiced and well understood by US based companies. The successful development of high speed addressing will help move this product toward commercialization in the large and growing market of dynamic signage. Plasma-sphere arrays are an order of magnitude lower in production cost when compared with ultra large LED displays. The Plasma-sphere array can be made large like an LED display, while retaining many of the exceptional features of a conventional, rigid plasma display including good viewing angle, high brightness, excellent contrast, and full motion video. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wedding, Carol IMAGING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INC OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149825 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740112 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Advanced 5V Cathodes for High-Energy (~350Wh/kg) Lithium-Ion Batteries Applied in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop lithium-ion battery (LIB) applications for hybrid electric vehicles. The project will develop an advanced 5 volt cathode with enhanced capacity. The implementation of 5 volt cathodes will enhanced specific energy will contribute to the development of lithium-ion batteries with energies as high as 350 watt-hours per kilogram. Battery systems with such high specific energies will be highly desirable on the portable electronics market (notebooks, cellular phones, portable medical devices, etc.) and in other consumer and military applications. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is the development of safe and inexpensive lithium-ion battery with high energy density that is critically needed for the commercial consumer market and for military applications. Among commercial applications electric vehicles (EV) market and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications would benefit from the safe, reliable and high-performance lithium-ion batteries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gulbinska, Malgorzata Yardney Technical Products Inc CT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149979 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740125 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: A Simple and Innovative Approach to the Synthesis of Metal, Alloy, Metal Oxide, and Mixed-Metal Oxide Nanoparticles. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project addresses the scale-up to kilogram quantities of a novel university laboratory solid-state method of synthesizing metal oxide and metal nanoparticles by mixing common chemical starting materials and baking the resulting precursor material at modest temperatures; and the dispersment of the loosely agglomerated particles for commercial applications. The synthetic method will be, low cost, environmentally friendly and will yield high quality materials. Commercial applications include coatings for abrasion, ultraviolet radiation and heat protection. Because of their small size, high crystallinity and purity, applications as catalysts are being explored. Also, because of their crystallinity, the particles retain the properties (e.g., magnetism) of the bulk material which can be useful for applications as diverse as medical imaging contrast agents and electronic memory. Metal oxide or metal nanoparticles can be made of any transition metal, actinide or lanthanide which can also be doped with metals from Groups I and II, and they can be made with any combination of any number of these metals in any stoichiometric ratio, hence these limitless new compositions are finding unique applications in fuel cells, batteries, catalysts, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Astle, Lynn Cosmas UT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 175000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740147 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: An Omni-Directional Antireflective Coating from Solutions. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel Omni-Directional Antireflective Coating (Omni-AR) to improve light collection in photovoltaic cells. The coating consists of a monolayer of microscale silica particles partially immersed into a film of spin-on glass. Its antireflection is broad spectrum and less dependent on sunlight incident angle, thus omni-directional. More importantly, the coating is prepared from solutions, ensuring its low cost. The research activities include 1) development of coating processes which allow large-area, uniform and close-packed coating of solar cells with monolayer silica particles; 2) optical simulation to optimize the designs of Omni-AR coatings and 3) testing of commercial polycrystalline silicon solar cells with Omni-AR coatings. Except anisotropically-etched pyramids on single-crystalline silicon, there is currently no cost effective method to produce surface texture on any other types of solar cells. Through this project, the technical feasibility and commercial potential of Omni-AR will be demonstrated. Such a low-cost, broad-spectrum, omni-directional and substrate-independent AR coating will have a significant impact on current and future solar cell technologies, including polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, ribbon silicon, copper indium diselenide, cadmium telluride and organic semiconductors, by significantly improving their efficiency with a minimum cost increase. These solar cells currently have ~60% of the solar cell market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guo, Qing ZT Solar, Inc TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740148 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Ultra-High Efficiency Biodiesel Manufacturing. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project research seeks to change the paradigm that chemical reactions need mechanical mixing. Innovative Fiber Reactors (FR) offer a 100X change in efficiency of chemical and biochemical manufacturing while eliminating dispersions. This research focuses on biodiesel transesterification and esterification reactions. Biodiesel plants convert fats/oils to biodiesel with many reactors and centrifuges. The need for this complexity is due to poor mass transfer between oil and methanol, poor reaction rates, and poor phase separation due to the by-product soaps. The FR will improve mass transfer and eliminate soap dispersion to thereby reduce the cost of biodiesel. This project will demonstrate feasibility of energy savings and process intensification in biodiesel manufacturing using a high-throughput, continuous static reactor and wash. The broader impacts of this research will include advances in covalent reactor technology applicable to other chemical reactions, improved consumer economics, reduced environmental pollution, reduced greenhouse gases, and improved fuel security for the Nation. Commercial fiber reactor technology would be applicable to pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturing and would provide similar benefits to those industries. This project will impact the production costs to potentially enable more cost effective energy production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Massingill, John Advanced Materials and Processes TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149999 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 9146 1465 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740154 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Linear Optical Modulator (SFDR =130-145.1 dBHz). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 research project aims to investigate the feasibility of a super-linear optical modulator technology. This innovation involves a unique and complementary combination of Phase Modulator (PM) and weak Gires-Tournois Resonator (GTR) modulator inside a reflective-type modulator. This modulator has other superior features such as broadband operation, high tolerance characteristics, simple design structure, small footprint, and low-cost potential. This research will focus on the design, simulation, fabrication, and measurement on this ultra-linear waveguide-type optical modulator designed to operate below GHz ranges. The impact of this project has broad commercial, military and scientific significance and represents a major, on-going engineering challenge because of its fundamental role in the overall performance of analog fiber-optics transmission links. In the commercial arena, linearized modulators are key devices in ultra-dense cable television (CATV), Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) communications, broadband wireless access, cellular/personal communication and other mobile platform antenna systems. In the military arena, linearized modulators with wide bandwidth and high tolerance features are in demand for radar jamming, antenna-remoting, signal distribution for phased array antenna applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dingel, Benjamin Nasfine Photonics, Inc. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0740166 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Sensor-Assisted Real-Time Information System (SARTIS) for Prognostics and Health Management of Mission Critical Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project plans to integrate technologies from two emerging areas - sensor-based prognostics and health management and high-rate/high-volume real-time information management. In mission-critical commercial, military, and government applications, the cost of hardware failure is detrimental. The costs result from three types of scenarios: monetary, time, and productivity loss. The proposed research will develop a four-tier sensor based framework to create an environment wherein 1) catastrophic failures are minimized/avoided, 2) monitoring is simplified and optimized, 3) replacement/service costs are lowered, 4) hardware life is prolonged, and 5) the reuse/recycling is increased. The specific research objectives are: 1) formulate a framework to handle sensor-based real-time data generated in a distributed environment; 2) develop an information system to process incoming sensor data, make diagnostic/prognostic decisions, and pass on decisions to all the users; and 3) develop effective data processing protocols to interface sensors with the information system. The anticipated project deliverables include (1) information system prototype, as applied to computer servers as test-bed (2) protocol to integrated sensors with the information system; (3) a web-based application to manage/analyze data and to generate notification reports. The reliance on devices to store data, perform critical tasks combined with the need for 24x7x365 availability are the impetus for SARTIS. Preventing breakdowns, data and time loss increases efficiency and security. In commercial systems it is noticed that implementation of monitoring and diagnostics technologies can cut down half of the downtime cost. The project will promote the welfare of society and the environment. Society will have a tool to ensure mission-critical processes operate continually, saving redundancy-related costs. Understanding of effective integration of sensor and information technologies into commercial, government, and military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zeid, Sharif MerlinWave, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99961 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740170 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Lens-forming nanocomposites for high strength, clear ophthalmic lenses. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a nanocomposite ophthalmic lens utilizing nanoparticles and UV curable monomers. The objectives are to increase the impact resistance of the lens by 33% and to improve the modulus at elevated temperatures keeping haze to 1% or less while engineering the refractive index to greater than 1.60. The ultra-violet (UV) curable monomers allow for faster polymerization and the nanoparticles will be used to engineer the refractive index; the nanocomposite will be used to engineer mechanical properties. If successful the outcome of this project will produce lighter eyewear and materials with unique mechanical properties to improve the impact and scratch resistance for lenses. The proposed product addresses a significant ophthalmic market; it takes novel material technology directly to the consumer market. Given the sheer number of people using prescription lens it is likely that the product coming out of this research project will have a significant market impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Druffel, Thad Vision Dynamics, LLC KY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 124728 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740174 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Relief-Free Infrared Diffraction Optics Based on Semiconductor Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will fabricate a new generation of relief-free thin-plate semiconductor components of diffraction optics and photonic crystals operating in the infrared spectral region up to wavelengths of about 10 micrometer. The holographic recording of the one-dimensional or two-dimensional sub-wavelength diffraction grating structures will be performed using an already demonstrated proprietary process, which dramatically changes the refractive index of the semiconductor material. The same process can be used for optical recording of various complicated phase structures projected on the semiconductor surface through a mask defining geometry of the structures. The possibility of employing the methods of physical holography for recording the volume phase holograms permit an automatic accounting for all particularities of each specific component with compensation of possible imperfections. The technology will permit fabrication of various relief-free sub-wavelength diffraction components based on semiconductor materials, including photonic crystals, diffraction gratings, spectral filters, polarizing beam splitters, retardation plates, lenses, effective medium optical components and anti-reflecting coatings. It will also allow manufacturing of sub-wavelength diffraction components operating in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) regions of the spectrum. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Krivoshlykov, Sergei ANTEOS, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740176 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Novel Chemically Resistant Membranes. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop novel chemically and thermally stable, highly fluorinated mixed matrix polymeric membranes with high selectivity. The program's objective is to apply enhanced membrane separation as an alternative to distillation separations that deal with high temperature and aggressive chemicals. Distillation is a major separation process in the chemical industry and consumes significant energy and capital costs. Many aggressive chemicals are difficult to separate by distillation. While membranes offer potential, most are limited by difficulties with aggressive chemicals and temperature limitations. Compact Membrane Systems has developed a family of perfluorinated membranes featuring high temperature capability, ability to operate in aggressive chemicals, and high flux. The chemical process industry would benefit from perfluorinated membranes with high upper use temperatures of 240ºC with improved separation factors. This program addresses this particular need by developing mixed matrix membrane having perfluorinated base polymer and highly fluorinated additives. By introducing greater quantities of additives as well as appropriate choice of additives, we expect to significantly modify flux and separation properties of the base perfluoropolymers while retaining their unique stability. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology could reduce energy consumption in the chemical process industries. Distillation consumes one-third of chemical process industry energy. Enhanced membrane processes with superior chemical and thermal properties can be used to replace/improve many of these distillation separations. The largest market is the ethanol dewatering market. Ethanol is expected to grow to upwards of 40% of U.S. fuel. If this occurs the market is 50-60 billion gallons of fuel per year. This project could lead to an energy-efficient process to produce ethanol as well as reduce the energy consumption of the chemical process industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Majumdar, Sudipto COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740181 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Tribal Project Solutions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to provide an information technology based software system that will support productivity for Tribal grantees using a culturally comprehensible, project management tool. The intellectual merit of this project is an enabling technology that integrates Native ways of knowing and learning with Native ways of doing technology. Research efforts will identify and document business, technical, and cultural requirements to develop the function and constraints of the software. Strategic partnerships include a multinational software company, a rural Alaskan Tribal consortium, and Academic institution. The specific Phase I objectives are to 1) investigate the design requirements and user features for an information based software system that promotes efficiency and success for Tribal grant projects management; 2) assess the commercial potential of the software system compatibility and potential to be manufactured for targeted markets, and 3) provide a best practices model for IT educators, researchers, and developers to integrate cross-cultural approaches into technology design and use. This project has the potential to impact a broad market of Tribal grantees and commercial software industries and will enable Tribal staff to take ownership of their grants in a way that contributes to successful programs, and to learning and career advancement. Technology design will help entry-level staff effectively manage projects while learning about administrative requirements and program implementation. Successful, culturally comprehensive development of the software interface will foster cross-cultural technology design opportunities and will present a best practices model for the IT industry in developing culturally relevant products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Herrmann, Joan Alaska Project Solutions, Inc. AK Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 9102 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740183 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Nano-Phosphors for Novel Electronic Displays. This SBIR Phase I project will develop phosphorescent nano-materials for full windshield display (FWD). The PI has developed single color FWD technology, which has been demonstrated to the automotive industry. New, advanced nano-phosphors will be developed to overcome many of the current problems with organic dyes, and will be tested in this work. The development of bright, stable, transparent nanophosphors with multiple colors will enable new and exciting display techniques for daylight full window displays that could be used in multiple applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG sun, ted Sun Innovations Inc CA William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740203 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Bulk Nanostructured Thermoelectric Alloys for Enhanced Efficiency. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will combine two classes of nanocomposite materials and combine them into a single bulk material component by pressure-assisted sintering technique. The two classes of materials individually exhibit thermoelectric (TE) behavior, and one goal of this research would be to evaluate the combined TE characteristics of the bulk composite. TE materials have great potential for harvesting waste heat from various sources and use it to convert the thermal energy into electricity. The capture of this alternative energy source is a major issue in the search for solutions to energy derived from fossil fuels. Previous research has shown that TE materials in the thin-film are far superior to bulk materials in their heat capture efficiency and, thus, this proposed work has the potential to provide a viable new source of power. The broader impacts of this technology, if successfully developed and implemented, would significantly impact in many areas, such as solid-state coolers in microelectronics. There is a great need to provide highly efficient cooling of modern microelectronic components (e.g., computer chip used in laptop computers and other hand held devices, IR imaging systems, sensors), MEMS and NEMS devices and other applications where the size of the device gets smaller as the power density continues to increase. The big hurdle in achieving the needed heat extraction efficiency has been the low conversion efficiency of current devices. The proposed technology has the promise of meeting these goals with the use of a novel dual-phase nanocomposite material. The microelectronic coolers and heat pumps represent a significant global market, and this technology has the potential to grab a sizable share of this market, if successful. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sengupta, Suvankar METAMATERIA PARTNERS LLC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740207 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Cost- and energy-efficient synthesis of long carbon nanotubes from waste plastics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a two-stage process consisting of pyrolysis of thermoplastic waste, and combustion in the presence of a catalyst, to manufacture long-length carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with reproducible quality. The concept of using polymer waste, which normally ends up in landfills, is novel and revolutionary, especially in the field of manufacture of CNTs. Not only does this research, if successful, will have a significant impact on the environment and land pollution, but will dramatically reduce the cost of manufacture of CNTs. The cost of CNTs has always been very high, mainly because of low process yields, and stringent quality requirements, especially when long length CNTs are manufactured. The proposed research has the promise to manufacture an important new engineering material from solid polymer waste product, and still controlling and maintaining the high quality needed and expected. The initial target application identified by the research team is for replacement of indium tin oxide (ITO) films used as transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coatings for flat panel displays, liquid crystal displays (LCD) and solar cells, all of which are currently being developed to meet the needs of medical, electronics and alternative energy markets. The broader impacts of this research, if successfully completed and implemented on a commercial scale, will be in the polymer waste reduction and conversion into a very high value-added product which is technologically and commercially extremely important in developing advanced technologies that impact a large number of industries, from microelectronics, advanced composites, medical devices, aerospace and automotive materials, high strength structural engineering materials, novel micro-and nano-scale devices, sensors, biomedical diagnostic tools, information storage, retrieval and analysis tools, machine tools and machines capable of developing high-quality nano-manufacturing processes. The worldwide competition for these new technology developments are aggressively funded by many nations around the globe, including the so-called developing countries, providing a significant challenge to the U.S. innovators a worthy goal of remaining ahead of the pack by taking the lead on new, innovative ideas that can be turned into highly successful commercial products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Richter, Henning NANO-C, INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149945 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740209 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Dimensional Standing Wave Sensors for Measurement Across Dimensional Scales. This SBIR Phase I research proposal addresses a disruptive tool with the inherent ability to measure, manipulate, and modify in three dimensions across multiple dimensional scales. The basic premise is focused upon an energy source capable of delivering, creating, and sustaining a multidimensional virtual tip high aspect ratio probe. The technology and approach enable the tip to be programmed into various geometric shapes while also providing the capability to detect surface interactions in a 3D space. In nano and micro-measurement this virtual tip when equipped on a measuring machine, provides the ability to perform high speed measuring through continuous scanning, is readily scaleable to nanoscale features, and enables reach into deep cavities and holes for 3D measurement. The current scientific heritage in standing wave 1D sensors will be extended to investigate this innovative multi-dimensional sensor for high aspect ratio microscale feature measurements. Research areas include exploring linear driven mode with multi-dimensional capability, nonlinear dynamic modeling for setting up multi-harmonic standing wave modes, and investigating scaling issues for sub-micrometer feature measurements. Various recent reports have both identified microscale and nanoscale metrology tools as a bottleneck to innovation across multi-dimensional scales. Technology barriers continue to arise in three broad areas - measurement, modification, and manipulation. There are many industries now fabricating microscale features with inability to offer quality inspection tools. The market for instrumented tools operating at these scales is, and will be, disruptive thereby enabling scientific insight for emerging markets, predictive process capabilities, enhanced functionality, and connectivity across scales. This technology platform springboards into an array of applications ranging from semiconductor to MEMS. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woody, Shane INSITUTEC, INC. NC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 137500 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740211 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Bioinformatics knowledge-based, universal library design for a non-immunoglobulin, protein-scaffold. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop novel protein scaffolds for the targeting of specific molecules in vivo. The technology, based on site directed mutagenesis of specific residues, would enable the creation of a diverse library for screening against targets of interest. Specific targeting of molecules on the surface of cells is one of most powerful methods for delivery of drugs, or disruption of disease associated binding events. Human monoclonal antibodies are currently used to target cell surface receptors in order to treat some cancers and autoimmune disease. Use of aptamers is also showing promise for targeting specific molecules that are involved in disease processes. Yet, other methodologies are being developed to target molecules of interest. The proposed technology would provide a complementary therapeutic modality that could broaden the repertoire of the presently available target-specific, immunoglobulin-based, as well as other therapeutic modalities. As such, the technology may open the door to the treatment of many other types of diseases where molecule specific targeting is desirable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cappuccilli, Guido Protelix Inc CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 98201 5371 BIOT 9183 1719 1718 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740214 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Model-Based Control for Chemical-Mechanical Planarization of Copper/low-k Films. This SBIR Phase I project will develop model-based control of electro-chemical mechanical planarization systems used for future generations of semiconductor manufacturing. The model-based control will incorporate critical system knowledge to improve wafer uniformity and system throughput. The successful completion of this project will assist in the adoption new dielectric structures for next generation electronic devices. It may also enhance the understanding of electropolishing and electroplating processes. Optimization of the processes will also reduce environmentally sensitive waste. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Emami-Naeini, Abbas SC SOLUTIONS INC CA William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740215 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Solar Grade Silicon from Agricultural Byproducts. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a process to convert renewable agricultural byproducts to solar grade silicon metal in an energy efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The hulls of rice and many other grain plants are rich in silica derived from the soil in which they are grown. This silica can be extracted in a highly purified form from rice hull ash to produce useful specialty chemicals. It can also be extracted to provide a basic feedstock for the production of solar grade silicon for the production of photovoltaic cells. This process will bypass the capital and energy intensive methods, such as the Siemens process, which are currently in use. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology could develop a process which will enable the production of high purity silicon directly from agricultural byproducts without the use of the current energy intensive methods such as the Siemens process. The process uses an abundant waste product as a renewable material source in an energy-efficient manner to achieve a valuable product at low cost and with minimal environmental impact. Current production of crystalline photovoltaic cells is limited by the bottleneck of poly-silicon production. This innovative new process will enable downstream PV plants to run at full capacity, unconstrained by shortages of raw material, thus allowing more rapid adoption of solar energy at lower cost per kWp. Furthermore, the proposed process will be better for the environment in that it is much less energy intensive and uses less toxic chemicals than existing methods. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Popova, Vera Mayaterials Inc. MI Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99997 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740223 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Integration of Virtual Reality-based 3-D interactive simulations into classroom and online science curricula. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project focuses on the development of an innovative instructional technology platform by integrating Virtual Reality (VR)-based interactive 3-D simulations into introductory physics curriculum for K-12 and higher education. This approach will support the learning process by providing unique possibility for students to interact and explore their hypotheses in VR-generated 'realistic' and 'artificial' worlds, thus making it possible for students to 'experience' what they are learning in an entirely new way. The proposed VR-based 3-D courseware will include a wealth of educationally-powerful dynamic visual representations (high-quality 'realistic' objects, visualization of concepts such as forces and velocities, visualization of processes and things invisible to the naked eye, focusing on core-concepts (e.g. highlighting, magnifying, removing irrelevant aspects), a real-time graphing tool, etc.), and allow for real-time interaction and high flexibility in parameter settings. To foster mental model construction and connection with real world situations, the virtual environments will be presented with a various degree of abstraction and realism, from a very de-contextualized setting to a realistic setting with avatars (human-form characters) involved in virtual activities. Currently, there are no commercially available VR systems deployed for regular instructional use in K-12 or university education. Applications of curriculum-based virtual environments in education are immediately practical and cost effective for a very large market of students and teachers. The main impact of the proposed project is the creation of a high-quality, affordable and widely accessible curriculum-based courseware in science education using VR environments in combination with real experiments or as a stand-alone virtual laboratory courseware for web-based (online) deployment as a tool to perform individual and collaborative tasks. The developed modules will be accessible not only through immersive VR systems, but also through affordable desktop 3-D VR systems, as well as a through a Web-accessible interface. The development of effective modular courseware being economically affordable by school systems via low-cost standard VR tools and the use of standard computers for daily classroom use will reduce digital divide through broadening the participation of underrepresented groups. The potential outcomes of our proposed innovative instructional technology approach and visualization tools will also impact, through generalization, other educational domains where interactive visual display is crucial in helping students to develop their cognitive and social skills. REESE IIP ENG Sigalov, Yakov MM Virtual Design NJ Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 149998 7625 HPCC 9216 9102 1658 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740231 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Combining Mobility and Manipulation in a Tri-Sphere Robot. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project explores the utility of a robot predicated on a novel Tri-Sphere design. Robots are playing a progressively more significant role in our modern world. In support of this ascendance, researchers have developed elegant, biologically-inspired robots with an impressive range of capabilities. However, these capabilities often come with daunting mechanical complexity. Consequently, robots required to function outside the laboratory generally make use of standard wheeled locomotion and utilize serial jointed manipulation. While functional, this configuration has serious limitations. New approaches to both locomotion and manipulation based on the Tri-Sphere design are proposed. As envisioned, Tri-Sphere robots will be rugged, scalable and capable of dexterous manipulation and autonomous mobility in unstructured environments. An applied research effort will develop a conceptual design for a Tri-Sphere mobility platform, explore complementary sensory systems, gauge the performance of the resulting robot and demonstrate the concept's potential for successful application to real-world needs. A fully realized Tri-Sphere robot will be a powerful enabling technology. The military represents the primary market for this system where, in various incarnations, it will perform explosive ordnance disposal, carry out reconnaissance missions and act as a self-propelled communications installation. The aerospace industry is a logical secondary market where dexterous Tri-Sphere manipulators will be integrated into spacecraft for automated on-orbit repair of satellites. The scalable, mechanically austere design of Tri-Sphere robots make them ideal candidates for operation on the surface of the moon and Mars where they will support our nation's ambitious space exploration goals. A third market is the Department of Energy where these high-payload mobile robots will assist in the clean-up of sites contaminated by nuclear waste. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Viola, Robert Square One Systems Design, Inc. WY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99752 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740234 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Interactive 3D Learning Environment Supporting Higher Education in Immunobiology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will provide the foundation to build a first-of-its-kind immunobiology simulator, combining a systems approach to learning immunology with advanced 3D interactive technology. The proposed project builds on an existing successful technology platform, extending it from an expanding business working with preeminent pharmaceutical companies to higher education. Immunobiology involves complex systems, and the traditional approach to learning immunology can feel like one is studying a rain forest with a magnifying glass; lots of fascinating insights and diversity, yet how the rain forest works as an ecosystem is lost in the detail. The proposed project will create a virtual 3-D environment using a bioengineering paradigm to compartmentalize the immune system into elements that interact in a non-linear fashion to form a responsive system. Instead of reading about it, students will experience how the immune system works by interacting with these elements. Networked systems, which are common in life science, are difficult to learn in a linear fashion. Advanced 3D game technology is well suited to simulate systems. The proposed project will integrate this powerful technology with an information engine, grounded in adult learning principles, to allow the creation of experiential learning environments. This project will allow this core technology to be extended to create an interactive immunobiology simulation. This interactive simulation will be accessible over the Internet and, with content oversight by accomplished immunology educators, it will provide a remote, in-depth resource in this field to students at community colleges or other institutions that do not retain faculty members who have this expertise. While this project is designed as an advanced tool for learning immunobiology, the system described can be replicated in virtually any complex science topic using the same core technology and expertise. The development of this project will impact other areas in life science, and beyond, in higher education, and will allow this technology to create a paradigm shift in how complex life science is learned at the undergraduate and graduate level. REESE SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Seifert, Douglas Syandus, Inc. PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 7625 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740238 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Megathura crenulata Post Larval Culture - Bottleneck for a Valuable Medical Resource. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops methods for the reliable control of settlement and metamorphosis of larval stages of Megathura crenulata (the giant keyhole limpet) to support the production of commercial quantities of Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH), a unique and medically valuable marine natural product. Unlike many other prospective medical products from marine organisms, KLH is already in extensive use as an immuno-stimulant, including in over 20 KLH-based clinical trials of therapeutic vaccines. KLH is commonly produced from animals harvested from the finite and fragile natural populations of California and Northern Baja California. With the potential success of one or more of these KLH-based cancer vaccines, the commercial market for KLH could exceed $50 million and place extreme pressure on the species. The broader impacts of this research are significant to the development of new medicines and the preservation of a threatened marine species. Therapeutic vaccines are a promising new class of treatment for cancer, arthritis, and other debilitating chronic diseases; several of these vaccines rely on the proven safety and efficacy of KLH?s immuno-stimulatory properties for their therapeutic effects. Although the natural population of M. crenulata cannot sustain the quantities of KLH required for commercial vaccine products, aquaculture technology has the potential to overcome this supply constraint. Reliable methods for controlling the larval stages of the M. crenulata life cycle are the key to large-scale aquaculture, and could eliminate the biomedical industry?s dependence on wild-harvested animals for commercial KLH supplies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Oakes, Frank Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 136921 5371 BIOT 9117 1465 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740241 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Laser Ultrasonic Emission Sensor for In-process Monitoring during High-Speed Laser Welding. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the technical feasibility for in-process monitoring of welding quality during high-speed laser welding of thin plates which is critical to manufacturing of fuel cells. The monitoring system is based on laser detection of small ultrasonic signals emitted during the welding process. The proposed technique is a modification of laser-based ultrasonic inspection. In this technique, the high-speed laser welding process is used as the ultrasonic source and a laser interferometer is used to continuously monitor the ultrasonic emission generated at the weld pool and to assess the weld quality. The proposed in-process laser welding monitoring technique is critical for the manufacturing of commercial hydrogen fuel cells to be used in the next generation of energy efficient transportation vehicles. The new in-process monitoring technique will allow to monitor weld quality in real-time, suppressing the need for post-process inspection. Other industries where laser welding of thin parts is intensively used, such as the pharmaceutical industry, could benefit from the proposed in-process sensor. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pouet, Bruno BOSSA NOVA TECHNOLOGIES LLC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 145018 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740261 January 1, 2008 SBIR PHASE I: Closed-Field Magnetron Sputtering with RF Plasma Enhancement for Large Flat Panel Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposes to build and diagnose a new type of Magnetron cathode system which will be particular application in the manufacture of flat panel displays. Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) including the Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) provide a fundamentally enhanced capability for a number of display technologies. Newer technologies, including Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are highly promising replacements for existing products (based on the incandescent light bulb technology) if the manufacturing yield can be improved. A key goal of OLED manufacture is to create devices on flexible substrates like plastic films. Large area deposition systems suffer from difficulties in co-locating the required deposition processes, leading to difficulties in controlling and taking advantage of the interactions between processes. The proposed unique arrangement of magnetron targets with the auxiliary ion source will allow tunable control of processes that till now have operated independently. The proposed technology will allow significant reduction in the process temperatures in the fabrication process, thereby improving process yield as well as defects in the devices over the currently used TCO deposition techniques, and also permit use of temperature-sensitive substrates such as plastic films. The broader impacts of the proposed technology, if successful, will be to significantly improve the current manufacturing processes for flat panel displays. The new equipment design will enable development of other thin film deposition technologies for large-area substrates, and even allow manufacture of application-specific turnkey systems. The various industrial technologies used in microelectronics, such as flexible and thin panel television, cell phones and other portable electronic devices, films for large-area windows designed for thermal insulation without impairing visibility, etc. are some of the advanced applications which be enabled by this technology. The company's established marketing channels will ensure rapid implementation of the new technology into the industrial production systems, and will provide the U.S. with a significant leadership position in the global marketplace. The involvement of a university expert and his team will ensure that the the young scientists and engineers of tomorrow will be able to participate in the cutting-edge research that ties their classroom studies with practical applications of the findamental principles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dockstader, Thomas David Ruzic Kurt J. Lesker Company PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740265 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Fabrication of Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will develop a reliable and effective processing technique to produce a next-generation metal matrix composite comprised of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide nanoparticles dispersed in an aluminum alloy metal matrix. The proposed technology combines the merits of the traditional stirring method and the latest high-intensity ultrasonic processing technology. The use of an impeller stirrer creates a vortex to efficiently pull the lighter nanoparticles into the melt. The use of high-intensity ultrasonic vibration breaks up the nanoparticles clusters and disperses the nanoparticles into the melt. The successful completion of the Phase I project will lead to a breakthrough technology for the processing of metal matrix nanocomposite materials and for the utilization of lightweight materials for applications at elevated temperatures and critical conditions. The technology can be used to reinforce aluminum, magnesium, or other lightweight materials for replacing iron, steel, or titanium components for automotive, power transmission, aviation, and defense applications, leading to significant energy savings, cost savings, and environmental benefits. The U.S. transportation industry continues to focus on the increased use of lightweight alloys for weight and energy savings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Clause Hans Tech IN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740266 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Intraventricular Cooling Catheter. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop a catheter for cooling the brain tissue of individuals who have suffered from traumatic brain injury (TBI). The catheter, which can be set in place by the physician, will enable the direct cooling of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which will in turn, cool the surrounding tissue. Each year 50,000 deaths, 235,000 hospital admissions and 1.1 million emergency room consults occur as a result of TBI. Moreover, nearly 90,000 of TBI patients will have long term damage as a result of the injury. Whole body hyperthermia has been shown to reduce the severity of TBI if administered quickly. But this approach has several drawbacks, including damage to peripheral tissues and organs. Thus, if successful, the proposed technology could have a powerful beneficial effect on TBI patients and is likely to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with TBI. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Elefteriades, John CoolSpine LLC CT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 140939 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740267 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Separation of Uncharged Polymers by Non-Uniform Electroosmotic flow. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will demonstrate electrokinetic separation of uncharged polymers by length. This technique will create specially-designed microfluidic channels using standard microfabrication technology, coupled with electrophoresis equipment and a fluorescence microscope. The separation of uncharged, fluorescent poly(ethylene glycol) polymers at single-monomer resolution will enable the technology to progress to a prototype platform for use in academic, industrial, medical, and environmental laboratories. The broader impacts (commercial potential) of this technology are the ability to separate a chemical mixture into constituents, this is absolutely necessary for all of analytical chemistry. Improvements in speed, quality, efficiency, or resolution of separation techniques will enhance the behind-the-scenes laboratory work that ensures the quality of everyday products. Measuring the level of organic compounds or mineral content in water is often handled by lab technicians operating chromatography tools; the process is expensive and time-consuming. Nevertheless, the application of chromatography in these fields is pervasive. The overall impact from this project would be a faster and less expensive process to separate chemical mixtures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Buretea, Mihai Labrador Research LLC WY Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740269 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Innovative Smart-Cut Approach for Producing High Efficiency Optical Waveguide Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project incorporates the emerging "Smart-Cut" technology to produce large optical index contrast lithium niobate waveguides on silicon substrates. Nonlinear optical operations that previously required optical switching power in the kilowatt range for bulk device form would require only tens of milliwatts using these innovative high contrast optical waveguide devices. Compact, efficient, and cost effective optical signal processing functions would be possible using nonlinear optical periodically poled and micro-ring resonator type device structures. The proposed lithium niobate on silicon platform would enable integration of all-optical, electro-optic, and electronic functions. A high contrast optical waveguide approach would make dense and monolithic all-optical circuits practical. This enabling technology has broad impact for other materials systems used for optical chip products. Several key technologies developed under this program are useful for applications in a variety of industries, both defense and civilian. The proposed innovative smart-cut method will enable the development of unique modulator, switch, micro-ring optical filters, and nonlinear optical device products with extremely good competitive advantage compared to other optical products on the market. Lithium niobate-on-silicon optical waveguide devices would have great potential for civilian communications systems, as the quest for reliable, high-speed, low-cost, transmission and truly all-optical switching continues to be aggressively pursued by the telecommunications industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stenger, Vincent SRICO INC OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149998 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740275 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Dexterous Machining Head. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address the problem of singularity (jamming) by a developing a new design of the dexterous machining head. The result will be an innovative, dexterous machining head for milling and drilling applications. Presently, almost all machining heads have singularities, or jamming points, in their work envelopes causing considerable down time in every cycle of operation. This results in lost productivity in every shift. Unique kinematics and structural design of the mechanism as well as novel control algorithms will be developed. An innovative architecture makes possible a full hemispherical,singularity-free motion. A through-hole allows for a flexible shaft for transmitting torque to the cutter or drill. Based on the classic high-precision V-ways found in many machine tools, a new type of conical journal bearing has been created that has zero-backlash. This journal bearing will be used throughout the head to provide precision. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology will be high flexibility, singularity-free motion in machining heads. The results from the proposed activity include application of the new dexterous machining head to other fields of cutting or material treatment, such as plasma and water jet cutting. In addition, laser cutting and non-destructive testing using robotically directed water jets for conduction of ultrasonic beams will be greatly improved by this technology. Traditional industrial robotics such as spray finishing, sealant application, and welding, bevel cutting, and spot welding robots would benefit. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rosheim, Mark Ross-Hime Designs Incorporated MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149960 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740277 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Next Generation Polymer Optical Fiber. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will enable the fabrication of the next generation of polymer optical fibers. Currently micro-structured fibers made of silica are expensive. This high cost is limiting their use in many fields. Additionally, silica micro-structured fibers are fragile, difficult to finish, and not amenable to doping. Micro-structured fibers made of polymers on the other hand can be fabricated inexpensively and offer many other benefits when compared to silica such as flexibility, ruggedness, ease of finishing, ease of optical modification with dyes, chelates, nanoparticles, and quantum dots. This research will result in a flexible, economic process for fabricating various types of microstructured polymer optical fibers including large mode area, high numerical aperture, hollow core, dual clad, multi-core, as well as fibers with increased functionality such as fiber lasers, amplifiers, and sensing fibers. The realization of inexpensive fibers with such novel properties will lead to new product breakthroughs in telecommunications, defense, medicine, radiation detection, optical power delivery, etc. These new fibers will also give researchers new tools for developing the components to create a vast array of next generation optical components. The advent of inexpensive polymer micro-structured fibers will further accelerate this process and lead to new products that are not achievable with silica fibers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welker, Dave PARADIGM OPTICS INCORPORATED WA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740278 January 1, 2008 SBIR PHASE I: A Technology that Improves Gene Targeting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to improve the frequency of homologous recombination by increasing the number of targeting vector molecules that reach the nucleus. The technology is based on constructing targeting vectors that have proteins involved in nuclear translocation attached. Recombination events that can target an exogenous DNA constructs to a particular gene are relatively rare due to a variety of reasons, one of the most important of which is the low frequency of transport across the nuclear membrane. Thus, an approach based on the use of members of a cell's own nuclear translocation machinery is likely to improve the odds of successful recombination events. Important therapeutic modalities such as gene therapy are dependent upon the efficient targeting of specific chromosomal loci. Development of methodologies that enhance nuclear targeting would improve the odds of successful recombination events and as such would not only be important for gene therapy, but also for the creation of novel animal models, which is also dependant on homologous recombination. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG EZEKIEL, UTHAYASHANKER GENEPROTECH,INC. MO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 1112 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740280 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Smart transparent solar heat management films. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate a flexible transparent film technology that automatically reflects near infrared (NIR) solar heat above, but allows the same to transmit through below the room temperature. Using the large discontinuous change in refractive indices across a first order phase transition in liquid crystals (LCs), the proposed polymer and LC composite structure shows index matching at lower temperatures but shows significant index mismatching at higher temperatures. The index mismatched polymer and LC structure at higher temperatures is designed to transmit visible light but to reflect a broad band of NIR radiations. The developed film may be laminated or used as retrofits into glass windows for architectural and vehicular applications to reject solar heat on a hot summer day but allows the same to warm the interior on a colder winter day while the glass windows maintain clear at all times. Full use of such films may save consumers billions of dollars annually in air conditioning costs in summer. The flexible polymeric structure with vastly available materials and scalable thin film manufacturing technologies makes the technology economically very attractive and readily affordable, and successful development of the proposed film technology could have enormous environmental and economical impacts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xue, Jiuzhi Naxellent LLC CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99850 5371 AMPP 9163 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740283 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: IC Yield and Quality Improvement thru Test Data Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project is focused on improving the yield and quality of integrated circuits (ICs) thru information extraction from test measurement data. Yielding reliable, working integrated circuits (ICs) is becoming significantly more difficult as fabrication technology moves towards structures with even smaller and smaller dimensions. As a result, the traditional testing task of determining if every manufactured IC is correct and reliable is also growing in importance. But beyond its traditional sort function, test has to become a major feedback mechanism for improving yield and quality. Standard practices involving in-line inspection, wafer-level test structures, and physical failure analysis are losing effectiveness and must be augmented with new methodologies that mine IC test measurement data for critical information that enable improvements in both yield and quality. This proposal plans to maximize knowledge extraction from IC test data by extending the patent-pending, state-of-the-art test and diagnosis methodologies to cope with more complex failure mechanisms and the increasing complexity of modern ICs. The broad impact of the research proposed here centers on continuing the advancement of the $250B U.S. semiconductor industry. There is significant commercial opportunity in supplying test data analysis on a per-design basis to both Integrated Device Manufacturers and fabless design houses that enables them to improve yield and quality through feedback from IC testing. Manufacturers will use this information to fine-tune their fabrication processes to maximize yield and performance, and optimize their test methodologies to ensure quality meets customer demands. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Blanton, Ronald TestWorks PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740287 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Molecular Interaction Measurement System: A Label-free Detection Platform.. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a novel label-free methodology for the real-time detection of binding events of biological relevance. The technology takes advantage of optical interference for the measurement of binding events. Label-free detection is one of the most sought-after goals for scientists interested binding events such as the interaction of ligands with receptors. Such interest could be in the context of high throughput screening, or biochemical/molecular studies and would be equally important to these areas. Current detection of binding events relies on labeling molecules and subsequently monitoring the interaction of the labeled entity with the target of interest. As such, the cost and effort associated with such measurements are high and could be significantly lowered if the need for labeling is obviated. The current proposal addresses this crucial problem and may provide a solution that would be of use in medical and scientific applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bilello, John Ridge Diagnostics Inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 148231 5371 BIOT 9183 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740289 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Ring-Transmutation Metathesis Synthesis of Rugged, High Temperature Tolerant Ionic Polymers. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of synthesizing robust, high temperature resistant ionic polymers by utilizing "Green Chemistry" approach. Robust high temperature tolerant ionic polymers are needed for the development of efficient structural components for automobiles, aircrafts, engines and propulsion systems. For example, the new Airbus 380 is using 22% of its structural weight in composite while the Boeing 787 is using 50% of its structural weight in composites. Resistance to high temperature and fire are highly desirable characteristics of these materials. The primary hazards during fires are toxic gases, smoke and heat. Production of life threatening levels of these hazards depends on the rate of heat release of toxic materials. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be a lightweight and high temperature resistant coatings and structural components; the use of green chemistry approach in the manufacturing process will enhance the quality of life for workers and citizens in general. The proposed ionic polymers can be used in transportation vehicles, firefighter garments, printed circuit board, cabinets and housing for electronic and electrical components, construction materials, household items such as mattresses, carpets, upholstery and furniture, and paper-thin coating for protecting important paper documents such as bonds securities and stock certificates, real estate titles and deeds. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Alam, Maksudul InnoSense LLC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740294 January 1, 2008 SBIR PHASE I: Validation of Remotely Powered and Interrogated Microwire Temperature Sensors for Composites Cure Monitoring and Control. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will refine a temperature sensing system comprised of a wireless reader capable of remote, simultaneous interrogation of multiple, uniquely identified amorphous microwire temperature sensors that can be embedded permanently beneath layers of carbon fiber. Current manufacturing methods for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites do not employ real time temperature feedback from the critical interior of thick parts because no practical wireless temperature sensors exist. The results from this project will contribute to a better understanding of this sensing system for composites curing, as well as a new autoclave control system. The commercial aircraft industry's rapidly expanding use of CFRP composites is driving marketplace demand for curing process enhancements. Thus, aerospace companies and suppliers are immediate targets for commercialization of the microwire temperature sensing system and its resultant enhanced curing control system. Anticipated improvements to the speed of microwire-enhanced curing processes may also accelerate the use of CFRP composites within the automobile industry. Furthermore, their extremely low thermal mass and resultant fast thermal response should allow faster composite curing devices employing real time feedback, such as microwave ovens for initial cure and induction heaters for repair cure, further speeding global CFRP composites use. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Clothier, Brian Thermal Solutions, Inc. KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740295 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Thermo-Electric Conversion by Optimally Scaled Nanocomposite Materials. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a power generation architecture based on thermoelectric effects. This technology allows significant gains in conversion efficiency and total converted power. This is achieved by integrating three aspects of a successful energy conversion product: (1) advanced materials that enable efficient energy conversion due to their nanostructure, (2) a structure that is formed at the optimal geometric scale that the application dictates, allowing it to take full advantage of the high quality materials of which it is constructed, and (3) a manufacturing process that forms these conversion devices in a cost efficient manner, allowing for broad adoption of this technology. The proposed technology will allow underutilized thermal energy available in many industries to be converted into useful electrical energy. In motor vehicles more than half the energy in gasoline is wasted as heat. This technology will boost automobile fuel efficiency by converting and reusing this otherwise wasted energy. U.S. heavy industries such as aluminum production will also be positively impacted as this technology will allow the tremendous amounts of otherwise wasted heat to be converted into useful power. By using energy more efficiently, this proposed work will have significant environmental, economic, and national security benefits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Miner, Andrew Romny Scientific, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740298 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: A Storage Engine for High-Volume Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate adaptive techniques to speed up key database operations dramatically. Specifically, the project will investigate adaptive algorithms and idle-time re-balancers which can respond to bursts of insertions and to changing insertion and query patterns. Many applications insert millions of indexed records per second into storage systems. The proposed research is based on new algorithms for transactional databases that improve insertion speeds by two orders of magnitude, achieving about 2% of disk bandwidth for worst-case insertion patterns of 100-byte records, as compared to 0.01% for traditional B-tree-based databases, a 200-fold speedup. Although impressive, there remains another factor of 50 before disk bandwidth is fully utilized. The specific research objective is to obtain another order-of-magnitude speedup for insertions, allowing databases to insert millions of indexed records per second on a modestly sized disk array. The anticipated outcome of the research is an algorithm with a theoretical performance analysis, along with a design document for incorporating the design into a proposed database product. The market for databases and file systems is over $15 billion per year and growing. Furthermore, there are many application areas which do not employ database because their performance is too slow. Orders-of-magnitude speedup for databases can help grow the market by additional billions of dollars per year. Societal impact: Applications in finance, retail, homeland security, telecommunications, and scientific computing will benefit from high-performance databases. Enhanced scientific and technological understanding: The proposed research will further understanding of how to organize data on disk, which is a core problem for computation on large persistent data. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farach-Colton, Martin Tokutek, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 1659 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740304 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Structural Snap-fits for Joining of Composite Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is organized to achieve major advances in structural snap-fit technology. Each time a connection to an internet cable or a phone line to a laptop computer is made that connection is made with snap-fit technology. Many products have come to rely on this type of connections for their competitive, technical an economic viability. This project will investigate the next frontier of snap-fits, specifically the connection of structural composite materials, and metal to composite, and composite to ceramic. The broader impact/commercial potential of this technology will be a structural snap-fit technology that will have a competitive advantage over traditional bolting and riveting which is time consuming and costly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hiel, Clement Composite Support & Solutions Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99944 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740312 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Nanocomposite Hydrophobic Photocatalyst for VOC Destruction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will examine the feasibility of a novel synthesis process for the creation of a composite hydrophobic nano-photocatalyst. The innovation is expected to allow enhanced volatile organic chemicals (VOC) and organic pollutant adsorptions in either air or liquid mediums. The development of a commercial composite hydrophobic photocatalyst with nanostructured architecture for enhanced efficiency is a competitive advantage not enjoyed by any current commercial photocatalysts. The robustness and flexibility of the proposed synthesis process will allow the utilization of the enhanced photocatalysts in a variety of commercial and residential facilities in a granular powder format as well as in the form of high quality coatings. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology will be a precision sol-gel process for the synthesis of a super-hydrophobic, translucent, high surface area, antimicrobial, adsorbent composite nanophotocatalyst in an aerogel form. This process will present a major competitive advantage in the air and water organic pollutant remediation markets and will provide an economical solution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mathew, Bijo Bijhem Scientific, Inc OK Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 9102 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740318 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Sonochemical Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will design, build, and characterize a highly efficient sonochemical reactor. Sonochemistry is known to dramatically accelerate liquid reactions through the generation of micron sized cavitation bubbles. Unfortunately, its use has been limited to the laboratory due to the small fraction of the acoustic power actually coupled into cavitation events. Now, an innovative combination of physics, acoustics, and hydrodynamics promises to enable efficient coupling of the sound field to generate cavitation. This novel sonochemical reactor will enable industrial application of the enormous increase in chemical reactivity due to ultrasound and cavitation. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology could enable efficient scale-up of the ultrasonic processing of liquids and slurries and creation of efficient sonochemical reactors which will reduce industrial processing costs through enhanced mixing and reactivity. Sonochemistry has significant and broad applications in mixed-phase synthesis, materials chemistry, and biomedicine. Biodiesel synthesis, pharmaceutical crystallization, and water purification are examples of commercial opportunities for ten fold increases in throughput via sonochemistry. A new industry of sonochemical processing will emerge from low power ultrasound diagnostics and cleaning applications. The theoretical understanding developed in this project will advance acoustics and chemical engineering. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jaffe, Stephen Material Methods CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740319 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I:Development of Critical Hydrogen Halogen Technologies for Efficient Energy Storage, Hydrogen Production and Carbon Dioxide Sequestration. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to better understand the fundamental technologies relating to the hydrogen/chlorine regenerative fuel cell system through a series of laboratory experiments, and will be the first step along a product development pathway leading to the creation of hydrogen generation, energy storage, and novel atmospheric management products. The project will conduct research involving laboratory cells to collect parametric data to assist in modeling the system as it relates to these important applications. A well qualified team will address key technical limitations identified in previous research; including enhancing hydrogen electrode durability during shutdown periods, elimination of parasitic shunt currents through novel bipolar plate designs, and optimization of mass transport at the halogen electrode through flow field optimization. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be efficient hydrogen production, energy storage and carbon dioxide sequestration. The diversity of product applications that can be addressed through the development of this technology is very large. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Molter, Trent Sustainable Innovations, LLC CT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99938 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740336 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Nanowire Thermophotovoltaic. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will investigate a novel approach for converting heat into electricity. The proposed device, known as a thermophotovoltaic (TPV), is similar in operational concept to the more widely recognized technology of solar cells (photovoltaics); however, while a solar cell converts visible light (sunlight) into usable electrical energy, a TPV converts infra-red radiation (heat) into usable electrical energy. Adding to the innovative approach being used in this project, the TPV will be enabled using nanotechnology. TPV generation of electricity is an elegant and practical alternative source of electrical energy generation. For example, TPV generation of electricity could supply electrical energy from industrial waste heat that consumes huge quantities of energy supplied by natural gas, fossil fuels, and other sources. Another application is co-generation, in a simple example, excess heat created from coal, oil, or wood being burned to heat a home could be recycled to augment the electrical needs of the structure. Further, TPV generators can be constructed to supply electricity when and where it is needed. TPV technology has advantages of low weight, no mechanical parts, low noise and multi-fuel capability that can be exploited in portable, military, space/satellite and emergency power generation applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Habib, Youssef ILLUMINEX CORP PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149999 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740338 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Line Scan X-Ray Tomography for In Cylinder Diagnosis. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project will evaluate the feasibility of utilizing Line Scan X-Ray Tomography to characterize the combustion process inside internal combustion engines. The two innovative parts of the proposed work are a high frequency Line Scan X-Ray tomography system and an advanced statistical deconvolution method. These two innovations will enable the determination of the structure of flames and high-pressure sprays inside internal combustion engines. The innovation enables property estimation inside engines without the need for optical or acoustic windows. The proposed work builds on the company's expertise in developing statistical deconvolution methods for industrial process tomography. There are two primary commercial applications for the proposed Line-Scan X-ray tomography system. The first is the estimation of flame structure within automotive engines. New federal regulations, scheduled to become effective in FY11, mandate much lower pollutant emissions from automotive engines than are currently permitted. The second is the determination of pattern factors inside turbines. Newer turbine engines used for power production run at high temperatures that can significantly degrade thermal barrier coatings if hot spots exist. The proposed system will provide previously unavailable information within automotive and turbine engines, leading to tighter control on pollution and engine performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sivathanu, Yudaya EN'URGA INC IN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740339 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Improved Manufacturing Methodology for Aluminum Ash Metal Matrix Composite Materials. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will utilize highly processed fly ash in combination with the stir-casting technology to advance the manufacturing of coal ash-aluminum metal matrix composites (MMC). Fly ash, a ceramic glass sphere is produced when coal is burned, will be classified into a product with a narrow size range and little to no fine material (i.e. ash <5 micron in diameter) using a novel classification system. The low surface area of the classified ash particles will facilitate dispersion within the aluminum matrix while simultaneously slowing associated reduction reactions. The proposed aluminum-fly ash MMC will exhibit superior stiffness, hardness, and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the successful creation of a material with increased stiffness that can be machined with conventional tooling would represent a breakthrough. If successful, the proposed aluminum-fly ash MMC would make it an attractive alternative to ductile iron in automotive applications (brake rotors). This material also has the potential to compete with hyper eutectic aluminum alloys in applications such as pistons, engine blocks, and engine heads. Fly ash-aluminum MMC would make automobiles lighter, and positively impact fuel consumption and cost. Additionally, the production of these composites would be environmentally friendly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Marrs, Brock NuForm Materials, LLC KY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 123530 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740346 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I:Efficient CO2 Gas Capture and Solution Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project will develop a technique to capture CO2 gas from a combustion exhaust stream and transform it into a water soluble form for sequestration. Enzyme-loaded particles are seeded through the combustion exhaust to absorb CO2, and convert the CO2 into a water soluble form. The CO2 is then washed from the particles, which are recycled to repeat the process. Removing a specific gas from a large, quickly-flowing volume of gas rapidly and at low cost is a difficult problem, but an important one to solve because of the contribution of CO2 release to global warming. Enzyme-laden particles will be developed, together with modeling of the CO2 capture process to define concept potential and guide experiment design, fabrication, and analysis. A Phase 1 particle gas absorber device will be designed together with an experiment that can be used to test the CO2 removal device. The Phase 1 CO2 gas absorber experimental test device will be fabricated and used to perform experiments to measure the performance of a CO2 capture device and to compare its performance with modeling. Commercial application will target CO2 emissions from power plant exhausts. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology could create a practical method of capturing and storing CO2 released from combustion processes. A CO2 absorber particle will be developed, together with a technique to use the particles to efficiently remove CO2 from a combustion gas exhaust stream. Not only do the particles absorb the CO2, but they convert it to a storable, water soluble form. This program seeks to lessen the costs associated with global warming. The cost of global warming to the global economy include the costs associated with rising ocean levels, increasing weather disturbances, decreased animal and crop production due to climate changes, and the power costs needed to offset increased temperatures. Commercial value will come as utilities recognize that CO2 removal is a necessary business expense of producing electric power. The decrease or elimination of global warming will provide a fundamental and far-reaching benefit to all humanity, by maintaining our current climate so that we can continue to develop and live out our lives without the constraints of severe climate change. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bates, Stephen THOUGHTVENTIONS UNLIMITED LLC CT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740350 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Condensation on Gradient Surfaces. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will undertake innovative heat transfer research involving dropwise condensation on a wettability gradient. Dropwise condensation alone has shown the ability to increase condensation heat transfer coefficients by an order of magnitude over film condensation, typical of vertical thermosyphons. Droplets condensing on a gradient surface experience different contact angles, causing the droplets to accelerate to high velocities in the direction of increased wettability. The difference in contact angle on opposite sides of the condensing droplets is due to locally varying properties of the condensing surface, controlled by varying surface concentrations of molecules with low surface energy. The higher droplet velocities caused by condensing on the gradient surface further increases the heat transfer coefficient over typical dropwise condensation. Furthermore, the gradient surface does not require gravity to remove liquid from the condensing surface enabling dropwise condensation heat transfer coefficient values on horizontal surfaces and in microgravity applications. The broader impact/commercial potential from this project is that the technology will have the ability to impact heat transfer solutions in various commercial applications where the ability to dissipate more power is parallel to better performance. In the computer processing industry, solutions for notebook computers and servers are becoming increasingly limited by the thermal solution. In micro-gravity environments a gradient surface will replace or enhance the capillary forces currently used in heat pipe devices, such as axially grooved heat pipes and loop heats for spacecraft applications. There is already a demand for higher capacity thermal solutions, and this demand will only increase as commercial companies and government agencies expand their capabilities and demand greater thermal dissipation. This research will further the fundamental understanding of liquid movements due to surface gradients and similar Marangoni flows. Uses of similar Marangoni flows, such as temperature gradient induced flows, are currently the focus of many studies regarding fluid pumping in microfluidic applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Bonner, Richard Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 168427 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740351 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: HIGH-STRENGTH LOW-COST FIBER VIA MULTI-COMPONENT NANOFIBER (MCN) SPINNING. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will employ a multi-component nanofiber spinning approach to develop a high-strength and high-modulus polymeric "composite fiber", using the latest available "islands-in-sea" spinning technology and innovative spinning process parameters and polymer combinations. The goal of this project is to achieve a "composite fiber" wherein nano-scale fibers (~100nanometers in diameter) reside in a reinforcing matrix. Due to their small size and molecular orientation, the nano-fibers will exhibit strengths approaching the theoretical strength of the constituent polymer. The resulting new composite fiber will be comparable to other high performance fibers on the market today, but will cost significantly less. Additionally, the matrix of the composite fiber may be a thermoplastic of lower processing temperature, enabling subsequent processing to melt the matrix and form composite materials and structures. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be new composite fiber that can be commercialized in stages: first as an easy-to-sell industrial grade fiber; then as strong structural ballistic/structural fiber; and then as a composite material system with fiber and matrix already intimately interfaced (i.e. island and sea polymers, respectively). Initially composite fiber will be marketed as a replacement for industrial nylon, polyester, etc., in markets that don't require extensive testing and application development; e.g. cordage, ropes, nets, webbing, tire-cord, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Dickinson, Larry 3F, LLC nc Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 187500 5371 1505 MANU AMPP 9163 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740353 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Experimentally Validated Simulation Tool for Two-Phase Microscale Flows. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a two-phase cooling system analysis tool based on a two-phase gas-kinetic BGK-Burnett solver. Different from the macroscopic Burnett approach, the gas-kinetic BGK-Burnett solver is unconditionally stable for all Knudsen numbers. Whereas it is almost impossible to correctly set up the boundary condition for the Burnett equations, this can be easily done in the BGK-Burnett solver with the Maxwell boundary condition, re-emitting the particles from the boundary according to the accommodation coefficient. This project will simulate two-phase micro-channel flows; two-phase flow and flow boiling of pure fluids in micro-channels will be used to examine the capabilities and limitations of the proposed methodology. The broader impact/commercial potential of this technology would be the ability to simulate the flows in ultra-compact heat exchangers, miniature and micro pumps, miniature compressors, micro-turbines, micro thermal systems for distributed power production, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tang, Lei D&P LLC AZ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149966 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740359 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of low-bandgap nano-crystalline SiGeC thin films using the Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) technique. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop nanocrystalline SiGeC thin films with an optical bandgap (Eg) in the range of 1.6-1.8 eV, and enhanced absorption characteristics, leading to low-cost, high-efficiency (>20%) photovoltaic devices. Previous attempts at improving the photovoltaic efficiency have not been consistent and successful. The proposed approach uses plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique to deposit these films, which allows greater control of the process by being able to manipulate the plasma and electron temperatures to control the ion density in the plasma, with an independent control of the process parameters. This flexibility does not exist in the currently used techniques. With the proposed technique, stable and consistent films of SiGeC can be deposited on the desired substrate at moderate temperatures. If successfully developed, this technique could provide higher efficiency solar cells for the alternative energy market. The goal of highly stable films, high deposition efficiency and process scalability for large-scale manufacturing can only be achieved if the basic process can be proven. The broader impacts of this research will be in the low-cost photovoltaic (PV) devices for power generation market. If successfully completed, this research could lead to a strong partnership between solar cell manufacturers and equipment manufacturers, leading to a potentially lucrative photovoltaics market. Currently, electricity generated with available PV devices is 3-4 times more expensive as the conventional electricity. The selected materials (Si, Ge and C) for the thin film are abundantly available, which can significantly reduce the raw materials costs. A large body of basic knowledge of the requirements of solar electricity for the competitive market already exists, which makes the development of the process with a realistic performance target easy to achieve. The main challenge for achieving this goal lies in being able to control the deposition process to assure a stable and robust process, as the previous work has not been able to achieve consistent results. The initial target of producing a triple-junction thin-film solar cell is a worthy first product demonstration, which will prove the efficacy of the proposed technique, and attract third-party funding with little difficulty. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Madan, Arun M V SYSTEMS, INC CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99624 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740360 January 1, 2008 SBIR PHASE I: Electrical Impedance Spectroscopic Sensor to Detect Objects in Soil and other Infrastructure Media. This SBIR research project will extend surface electrical impedance spectroscopy and tomography to identify and classify objects, such as tunnels, hidden deep in soil or other infrastructure media. Innovative shape-based approaches will be developed to address the under-determined and ill-posed nature of the inversion problem. Advanced finite element techniques will be used to produce a forward model of the sensor, ancillary electronics, and the soil medium. Maximum use of a-priori knowledge will be used to condition and guide the inversion approach. The new inversion algorithms will be supported by new sensor and electronics configurations combined with improved signal processing to improve signal to noise ratio and reduce the effects of noise. A surface following linear array of geo-referenced sensing elements will be scanned over the surface to produce the measurement data. Impedance spectroscopy will use the highly dispersive characteristic of soil in the radio frequency band to provide additional information to improve discrimination of target objects. The newly developed technology will provide a framework that can be directly applied to other sensing modalities, such as acoustic and seismic, and other applications, such as preservation of historic infrastructure. Rapid, non-invasive identification of anomalies in materials is a problem with wide application to construction, infrastructure mapping and preservation, foodstuffs preparation, and biological systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gamache, Ronald TransTech Systems, Incorporated NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC AMPP 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740367 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I:Development of Oxidation Resistant Coating System for C/C Composite by Solution Approach. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) phase I research aims to develop a dual-layer protective coating system for carbon/carbon (C/C) composites, using a novel, low-cost sol-gel method. The success of the dual-layer coating technology has been proven earlier by the company?s the physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, which is, however, quite expensive. The proposed research aims to use a low-coast process to achieve the same quality and performance goals with an overall low-cost manufacturing process. The C/C composites are used in the construction of pressure pads for aircraft braking systems exposed to extremes of temperatures and other harsh environments (e.g. airport runways and aircraft de-icing chemicals and use of temperature-indicating crayons during maintenance checks performed during refueling). This exposure to chemicals accelerates oxidation of the carbon composites and premature failure of brakes. The currently used oxidation protection technology is not adequate for the achievement of lifetime of the brakes as specified by the design. Thus, this technology, with its novel, low-cost coating process, has a significant benefit for improving the service life of critical brake pads. The broader impacts of this technology, if successfully developed and implemented on a commercial scale, will significantly improve the performance of a critical aircraft component. Other potential civilian markets for this technology will be in the auto race car engines which also experience very harsh operating environments during racing events. Additionally, this technology could open up new applications for the use of C/C composites in brake pads in the long-haul transportation rigs running on America?s highways. Thus, successful development an implementation of this technology will have significant impact on the U.S civilian and military vehicles, by improving the reliability and durability of the critical braking systems, which will save lives, improve fuel efficiency and performance of our critical transportation infrastructure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG He, Peng UES, Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99967 5371 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740371 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Shape Variations in the Development of Miniature Micropumps. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research proposal targets technical innovations that will advance the implementation of micro-scale bioassays, lab-on-a-chip applications, and electrospray mass spectrometry approaches to proteomics. It is proposed to design and fabricate miniature, stand-alone non-mechanical pumps with a diversity of shapes. Each micropump will have a footprint of less than 1 in2 and be capable of controlled, precise flow rates from nL/min to microL/min. The non-mechanical nature and operating principles that govern the ePump afford an unusual degree of freedom in pump design, extending to include a wide range of pump shapes and sizes. Delivering pulse-free flow, this new type of pump will be compatible with a broad range of assay solvents and solutions. The target is a miniature pump that can be implemented in a range of shapes that can be readily adapted to the constrained spaces within OEM assay systems. Market opportunities for the proposed stand-alone pumps exist in research and commercial chromatography, microfluidics, proteomics, and sample introduction. Additional opportunities are represented for drug delivery and IV therapy. The unique miniature pumps will advance biotechnology on a number of fronts including lab-on-a-chip, micro-total analysis systems, and point-of-care devices. A direct impact on public health will be realized by increased portability and general accessibility of diagnostic and measurement systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Evans, Christine SFC FLUIDICS, LLC AR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 9102 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740388 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Aquazol-based Copolymer Nanocomposites for Lithium Ion Polymer Batteries. This Small Business Research Innovation (SBIR) Phase I project will develop extrudable high performance solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) nanocomposites with high room temperature (RT) conductivity for lithium ion polymer battery applications. The proposed technology aims to offer a high performance SPE that will favorably compete in the secondary battery market and provide a safe alternative to lithium ion batteries that have problems with volatile liquid electrolyte leakage and fire hazards. The technology proposed herein aims to create a nanocomposite containing high concentrations of conductive moieties able to withstand thermal processing and provide a wide temperature use range. It is anticipated that the Aquazol-based copolymer nanocomposites will result in the first SPE with RT conductivity greater than currently available materials in an easy to process form. The development of a high performance solid polymer electrolyte that can compete with lithium ion and gel electrolytes without the safety and fire hazards has significant market value. Potential applications include high performance solid state batteries, chemical sensors, electrochemical capacitors, energy conversion by the fuel cells, electro-chromic displays or windows and analog memory devices. Significant environmental benefits are provided due to the limited quantities of volatiles used in the synthesis of copolymers and SPE nanocomposite production. In addition, these proposed novel Aquazol-based copolymers are a new addition to the family of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxzoline) products commercially available and their chemical and physical properties may find applications in fields such as personal care and medical products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shekhawat, Linda POLYMER CHEMISTRY INNOVATIONS, INC AZ Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99748 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740397 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Civil Structure Health Monitoring using Wireless Acoustic Emission Sensors. This SBIR Phase I research proposal will advance the state-of-the-art by transforming civil infrastructure maintenance from time based to condition based, advance the state-of-the art in Acoustic Emission (AE) technology from the existing legacy personal computer based platform to an autonomous localized platform, develop a novel sensor node that can process high-bandwidth AE data in real-time, yet have low-power consumption and detect AE events in sleep mode, devise a time synchronization protocol that has high precision to enable the correlation of AE events across sensor nodes, support the periodic coordinated wake up of the network and have low overhead in terms of power consumption and develop a reliable data collection protocol that ensures that all AE detection data is delivered to the data sink at a high probability. There are undetected, detected and documented, and repaired fatigue cracks in every steel bridge that the company has inspected for their clients to date. Based on these inspected bridges and feedback from bridge engineers it is safe to assume that the majority of steel bridges in the U.S contain undetected fatigue cracks, known fatigue cracks with unknown crack propagation rates, and repaired/reinforced fatigues cracks that are not dormant. The proposed technology will offer a cost effective technology to detect and monitor fatigue crack activity in real-time. It s expected that the wireless system will be deliverable at two orders of magnitude cheaper than the conventional PC based approach. As a result, bridge owner/operators will be able to monitor two orders of magnitude more bridges at current maintenance budgets which translates into increased public safety. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hay, Thomas WavesInSolids LLC PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99633 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740414 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Efficient Production of High Quality Carbon Nanotube Field Emitters. This SBIR Phase I project is aimed at demonstrating the feasibility and synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) containing few walls, as opposed to the single- and multi-wall CNTs available in the market today. CNT-based field emission devices require high quality CNTs to improve emission uniformity, current density, emission stability and lifetime. The current commercially available CNTs have limitations in terms of cost, poor field emission properties, and thermal stability. The company, in collaboraion with Duke University, discovered a proprietary method for growing few-walled CNTs (FECNTs), which show promising field emission performace compared to other commercially available CNTs. In this project, the company will (a) modify the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system to improve the safety and efficiency of the process, investigage the effects of catalyst composition and CVD conditions on the structure and morphology of the FWCNTs produced and enhance the adhesion between the CNTs and the matrix materials in the FWCNT cathode films. The broader impacts of this technology will be in improved field emission devices with enhanced current densities, which will significantly enhance the performance of X-ray tubes and field-emission displays. This will have a significant positive impact on the manufacture of more efficient X-ray equipment used in medical applications and advanced research. The field emission display market will benefit greatly from having brighter, more stable and longer lasting displays, used in a variety of applications, including entertainment, HDTVs, handheld devices, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lu, Mei Xintek, Inc. NC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 146855 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740424 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Novel MEMS Pressure Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 research project will develop a novel MEMS capacitive pressure sensor which may be used for making highly accurate water depth measurements. Intended for use in regulated, long-term, unattended environmental monitoring of ground water, the device will meet or exceed stringent Federal and State regulations requiring an accuracy of at least 0.01 foot to a depth of 500 feet, or 0.002% of full-scale reading. This project involves the study of at least three MEMS device geometries, embodying designs that provide either redundancy or multiple pressure measurement ranges. In addition, at least two electronic circuit topologies will be studied for suitability in interfacing with existing commercial devices. The inherent non-linear behavior of the device will pose significant challenges in both areas. However, the non-linear characteristic of the sensor yields a large dynamic range of operation, which is highly desirable for this target application. The commercial merits of this project have immediate utility in the target market of environmental monitoring of ground water. Improved monitoring of ground water has clear societal benefits. In recent history, the EPA has migrated from site remediation to site monitoring. Accurately predicting where contaminants might flow requires precise modeling of water percolation, aquifers, and surface water flow. A low power sensor will allow for the deployment of entire networks which can more precisely monitor groundwater behavior over a greater distance with a faster measurement rate than current technologies. Providing a physically small device will enable the use of low cost, small diameter bore holes for underground monitoring, reducing installation costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hochwitz, Todd Wyoming Silicon, LLC WY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740426 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: The Novel Technology Beyond Bt Era to Help Plant Self-defense. This Phase I SBIR project develops a novel technology to help plants defend themselves against aphid attack. The currently available insecticidal control methods have the risks of killing beneficial insects and polluting the environment. Plants are capable of using aphid-induced volatile signals for self-defense. Many aphid predators use these signals to increase their foraging efficiency. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of using the soybean indirect defense strategy to produce the plant defensive compound (methyl salicylate) via the timely-expressed methyltransferase system that not only attracts aphid natural enemies, but also acts as an aphid repellent to reduce their colonization. The Broader Impacts of the proposed activity are to provide novel plant defense strategies for repelling aphids and recruiting the aphids' natural enemies to suppress aphid population under the economical threshold; to improve crop quality and to increase yields at a minimal cost for aphid management, and thus will increase growers competitiveness in the world market; and to provide vital information for both fundamental and applied research at the molecular levels to address the problem of managing the aphid pests on the nation's food crops. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Sijun MSTRS Technologies Inc. IA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99560 5371 BIOT 9109 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740427 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Scratch Repair Kit for Indium Tin Oxide Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will develop an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) repair system for restoring the optical and electrical properties of scratched ITO-coated surfaces. These types of materials are used as electrically conducting windows which also provide protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) in applications such as aircraft windshields and canopies, electro-optical devices, solar cells and EMI shielding.Currently there are no economical solutions to repair or rework the ITO-coated substrates scratch during the manufacturing or use in final applications. The proposed process will directly apply ITO films into the scratched areas. The research will focus on the development of process parameters, including materials, film deposition procedures, to allow the application of the novel coating technique in ambient conditions, rather than having to use high-vacuum equipment or high deposition temperatures. This will allow the technology to be used easily by technicians during manufacture, or in the field for on-site repair using a portable film application kit. The broader impacts of this technology will be ITO-coated aircraft and helicopter canopies, damaged in service due to impact by debris or other materials. This will be a major benefit for the military since the damage to the aircraft due to electromagnetic interference can be quite hazardous. Other major, high-value-added markets include electro-optical devices, such as displays, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs)and sensors.The new technology will permit the use of direct patterning processes used in microelectronics manufacture, thereby significantly reducing process costs. This will put the U.S. in a leadership position vis-a vis the Asian manufacturers of the electro-optical devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kimble, Michael Reactive Innovations, LLC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 5371 AMPP 9163 0740430 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Tracking Device for Patients with Cognitive Impairments. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I research develops technologies to address the increased demands on both families of and institutions serving patients with cognitive and physical impairments to monitor and track patients. Wandering is a common problem in people with dementia. This research expands exisiting system technology to provide monitoring and tracking that covers an area over 0.5 square miles. This will be done by integrating pseudo-Doppler antenna array and direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technologies to greatly enhance the range and accuracy of the present Directional Antenna /Digital Compass based technology. The broader impacts of this research will be to provide technologies that replace human supervision of caregivers of patients with dementia or cognitive impairment, thereby reducing the burden on health care providers and family and improving the quality of life of the patient. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chin, Robert Fabrico Technology Inc TX Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149000 5371 BIOT 9183 1517 1203 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740435 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I:Next generation interactive educational television. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project is designed to develop interactive, Internet-delivered educational television technology. The proposed research will use intelligent tutoring system (ITS) technology integrated with animation to create educational programming for middle school math and science that makes the viewer an actual part of the TV plotline. Through viewer interactions and dialog with the TV characters, the viewer's mastery of the subject matter will be assessed and the program events will unfold accordingly. Customized instruction will be presented to the viewer dynamically by the TV characters. This research will involve the development of a pilot detective TV show and test its educational effectiveness in three school districts, by comparing it to a similar version of the show without interactivity. The broad impact of the proposed research is to create web-based interactive television technology that allows viewers to participate in the unfolding of the TV program and influence the events that happen. Additionally, this development will enhance current educational television practice and will create two potential commercial opportunities: as a pure entertainment venture in the field of educational TV and as a complement to the current fully-automated online tutoring services. This type of interactive TV can serve as an entertaining way to learn as well as show how academic content is used in real world contexts. If successful, the proposed research would help raise educational achievement as well as stimulate interest in math and science by making the learning process more enjoyable. REESE IIP ENG Leddo, John Education Online, Inc. VA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 7625 HPCC 9216 5371 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740440 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: BioPath Finder: An integrative workflow for the design, construction and analysis of biological pathways. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative workflow that greatly expedites the model building process in Systems Biology. This workflow will make the collection of data and mechanisms in order to define the model an integrated process, enabling modelers to make consistent, well-informed decisions about the model building process. Modeling is becoming increasing important, motivated by the FDA's drive to modernize the drug discovery process and the advent of emerging fields such as Systems Biology. A broad adoption of modeling has been limited, however, because the current practice of creating models is laborious in that it is difficult to assemble and digest data from various sources, such as the literature, databases, and experts in the field. Moreover, it is one of the critical bottlenecks or limiting steps in the process of producing a model that can be used in the research cycle. The commercial value of this approach is high as the pharmaceutical industry is investing significantly in mathematical modeling and Systems Biology aiming to overcome both the skyrocketing costs of drug development and the stagnation in the discovery of new drugs since the 1990's. The market for Systems Biology products and services is expected to grow at an annual compound rate of 66% exceeding $1 billion by 2009. Further, aging populations in developed countries are going to cause sharp increases in health care costs, while at the same time there are serious budgetary pressures (both from government and private insurers) to keep health care costs under control. Thus, methods that speed up the research cycle and reduce development costs for new drugs and treatments are going to become increasingly important. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Park, Taeshin RES Group, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740444 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Decontamination Wipes for Chemical Warfare Agents.. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will involve the development of decontamination wipes for chemical warfare agents. The company proposes to develop a nano-adsorbent impregnated cellulosic fiber which will not only physically remove the offending gas/vapor, but also decompose it into relatively non-toxic products. Phase I will involve establishing the fabrication process for the fiber and proof of its decontamination ability towards stimulants of warfare agent. Preliminary studies will be performed to design a non-woven fabric using the coated cellulose, during which time, compatibility with various other binding fibers will be determined. Decontamination is an important, unavoidable process in the protection against chemical warfare agents. The aim of decontamination is to rapidly and effectively render harmless or remove poisonous substances both on personnel and equipment. High decontamination capacity is one of the factors which may reduce the effect of an attack with chemical warfare agents. In addition in the event of a terrorist attack or an accident these types of fabrics can help first responders to be protected from exposure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rangan, Krishnaswamy Materials Modification Inc. VA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 0740447 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I:Printable flexible TiO2 photoanodes for solar energy conversion and hydrogen generation. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project focuses on the production of a flexible, low cost, solar cell which can be used for the conversion of solar radiation to electricity or hydrogen. The proposed work will involve working on increasing the efficiency of the dye sensitized solar cell by increasing the connectivity of the anatase network in a low temperature scalable process. Over the course of this work, solar cells with power conversion efficiency greater than 5% will be developed. Concurrently optimization of these electrodes for use in a photoelectrochemical cell for hydrogen production will occur. Dye sensitized solar cells have not become a major player in the solar market partly because of the low efficiencies that have been achieved to date with low-cost flexible substrates. The technology being pursued will both increase the efficiency of the cell and reduce the cost of production, a combination that will directly compete with other solar harvesting platforms. In addition to the use in electricity production, the proposed technology has the potential to expand quickly to hydrogen generation for transportation needs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Coleman, Michael ALTAIR NANOMATERIALS INC NV Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740449 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Eye-Gaze Correction for more Effective Telepresence. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) project will develop a novel real-time depth sensor that exploits the inverse square law, e.g., the light radiance falls off as a function of distance. Compared to existing commercial full-frame sensors, it is expected to provide high resolution (e.g. 640x480) depth maps while reducing the cost by one or two orders of magnitude. Secondly it utilizes a hybrid approach for scene depth estimation, combing both active sensors and passive stereovision in an optimization-based probabilistic framework. The outcome from the project is expected to significantly improve the quality and robustness of the synthesized view. The telepresence market is enjoying 100% annualized growth with a projected market size of $1B in year 2011. It is anticipated that the proposed technology could offer tremendous communication improvements for telepresence systems. As cameras, large displays, and broadband become more and more ubiquitous, telepresence can be realized on every desktop and laptop. With correct eye gaze, life size imagery, and fluid motion, compelling telepresence experiences could someday significantly reduce the need for travel. Additionally, the proposed active range sensor can deliver video streams with depth information, which can be used in many markets such as immersive gaming, intelligent automotive, security, distance education, and factory automation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mostert, Paul Direct i2i Technologies Inc KY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 198946 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740453 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Optowireless. This STTR Phase I research proposal will solve disparate requirements of all-optical networks and mobile wireless networks by reconciling, linking, and harmonizing the optical and wireless domains. It will enable a host of new network architectures and mechanisms for integrating optical and wireless domains. Subsequent development may focus on full duplex communications, further miniaturization, or network architectures that exploit the full range of benefits. This will lead to a myriad of enabling spin-off technologies in applications that require extreme miniaturization. The system will develop a method to harvest optical energy from fibers to generate electrical power. This technology will enable microsystems to be driven by purely optical means over many kilometers of optical fiber. This wireless technology promises a host of applications, particularly in harsh or extreme environments. Fiber optic sensor systems will benefit by having another degree of freedom for multiplexing and interrogation. Applications that require fiber optic sensor instrumentation but cannot provide access may use this to interrogate the systems over wireless links. This can be used to replace copper cables in ships, airplanes, hospitals, and other facilities. Its micro-photovoltaic power harvesting technology may be used to operate other forms of micro- and nano-systems driven through optical fibers. The fiber-integrated antenna will prove to be a versatile broadband antenna for systems with tight physical constraints. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Rumpf, Raymond PRIME RESEARCH LC VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740454 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Novel Acceptor Materials for Organic Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project aims to develop novel acceptor materials for organic solar cells in an effort to improve organic solar cell efficiencies. These molecules are based on a metal nitride surrounded by a carbon cage which allows tuning of the molecular orbitals to more closely match the donor levels in the organic solar cell. Organic solar cells have the potential for low material and production cost. The usefulness of these cells has been limited by low energy conversion efficiency. This research, if successful, will develop materials that dramatically increase the energy conversion efficiency of organic solar cells and thus lead to their successful commercialization. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Drees, Martin Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA William Haines Standard Grant 149967 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740458 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Wireless Connectivity for Mobile Healthcare. The SBIR Phase I research project proposes to develop critical wireless networking technology for a "Last Meters Link" that will connect physiological body sensors to various mobile devices that have access to existing WAN/LAN network infrastructure. It will enable Mobile Healthcare on a large scale, by providing a critical bridge from physiological sensors to WAN/LAN via mobile devices. The project will verify key concepts for a physiological sensor network leveraging a revolutionary CMOS radio architecture for the "Last Meters Link". This proposal aims to develop certain critical technologies for a semiconductor platform that wraps low cost, robust wireless communications around sensors for common clinically important parameters to enable the development of safe, highly reliable, easy-to-use and low cost mobile healthcare systems that can work with the existing network infrastructure. It will provide a substantial advantage in terms of power and reliability over today's systems. The US healthcare system is in a state of crisis due to extraordinarily high costs, and getting worse by the day with baby boomers retiring and obesity rising. In order to lower the cost and maintain the quality of care, the patient must be moved from expensive hospital-based facilities into homes or similar lower cost facilities. This change requires low cost wireless continuous ambulatory monitoring systems providing clinical visibility to enable the clinician to make the needed diagnostic/therapy changes from a remote location. Such a technology system will also serve critical industrial/consumer/military applications that require an ultra low power and ultra reliable radio. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Magar, Surendar HMicro, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149206 5371 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740461 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: High Performance Signal Generation and Data Encoding for Fiber Distributed 60 GHz WPANs. This STTR Phase I research project will develop new enabling technologies for the realization of an integrated fiberoptic wireless network architecture for future millimeter-wave (mm-wave) wireless personal area networks (WPANs). To fully enable the diversity of bandwidth-demanding services for a large number of users or terminals communicating over shorter distances, a mm-wave WPAN architecture that can accommodate multi-gigabit-per-second data rates and multiple radio coverage areas is essential. The integration of a mm-wave WPAN with a fiber-optic signal distribution scheme provides an efficient means to deliver the required high data rate signals to a large number of radio distribution access points and ensure optimized radio coverage. An optical technique for generating the mm-wave WPAN signals that results in a low phase noise RF carrier after conversion back into the RF domain is essential. Also, the transport of the 60 GHz WPAN signals over fiber must be tolerant to the potential impact of fiber chromatic dispersion on the signal to noise ratio of the recovered wireless signal. New photonic technologies and system architectures are needed that will satisfy the WPAN physical layer requirements. In addition to directly benefiting consumers by providing the ready availability of new bandwidth intensive services via an affordable, efficient, flexible and scalable network architecture with optimized radio coverage, the technology will directly provision new communication services as well as acquire untethered connectivity to future high capacity multimedia communications. The application of the newly invented technologies to other wireless systems will provide additional benefits. The inherent security provided by 60 GHz radio links may also be of direct benefit to organizations such as law enforcement agencies, homeland security, financial institutions and medical institutions, for which the secure transmission of data is critical. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Novak, Dalma Pharad LLC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740464 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Thickness Mode Harmonic Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design and develop a very broadband and high sensitivity probe via the use of multi-thickness mode single crystal ferroelectrics; having superior electromechanical coupling coefficient. The unique design of the proposed array probe will produce the required two-octave bandwidth for operating at the subharmonic, first harmonic and second harmonic frequencies. In this project, the first harmonic transmit/receive frequency will be 4.0 MHz with corresponding subharmonic and second harmonic echoes at 2.0 MHz and 8.0 MHz, respectively. This project will develop a single crystal linear array with multi-resonance frequencies. A 16-element array will be fabricated, utilizing the "dice and fill" method that is ideally suited for the frequency regime common to medical imaging (1-10 MHz). Feasibility will be demonstrated with measurement of the temporal and spectral scattered echo returns from a fluid with microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agent. The broader impact/commercial potential if successful, will be a significant advancement of numerous clinical applications, such as the enhanced detection of myocardial perfusion, perfusion abnormalities of kidney parenchyma, and liver tumors. The long-term goal is to develop a single probe amenable for several diagnostic studies: adult and pediatric abdominal, breast, peripheral vascular, small parts, musculoskeletal, and cardiac (sub-sternum). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jadidian, Bahram J&W Medical LLC CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740466 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Simple Desulfurizing Component Enables Fuel Processing of Sulfur-laden Logistic Fuels for Fuel Cells. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate the technical and commercial feasibility of coating metal foils with a solid sorbent so that they act as a desulfurizing component for pre-treatment of sulfur-laden liquid fuels. The coated foils will be inserted into a small heat exchanger that acts as a platform unit for conversion of liquid fuels to hydrogen for fuel cell applications; the heat exchanger platform has already been demonstrated as a reforming device. This sorbent unit, when coupled with the reformer, will allow fuel cells to be operated on high-sulfur liquid fuels, allowing their use in power systems for military and aviation applications with no change in the fuel infrastructure. Novel nanoporous sorbents will be developed and tested for their sulfur sorption capability. A select group of these sorbent materials will be coated onto metal foils for further testing, including stability of the sorbent on foil and capacity for regeneration. The broader impact/commercial significance from this technology will be fuel cell technologies that will offer unique opportunities for significant reductions in energy use, emissions, noise, and thermal signature from auxiliary power systems in certain applications (such as transportation). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Chattopadhyay, Sudipta CATACEL CORP OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149990 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740472 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Security Solutions for UHF passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project investigates the feasibility of implementing strong public key cryptography within passive UHF RFID tags for the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical industry incurs over $40B in annual losses due to drug counterfeiting and divergence which directly threatens patient safety. The FDA is urging the industry to adopt RFID technology to mitigate these threats but a large exposure remains if the security of the data on the tag can not be ensured. Today's tags cannot protect the user from unauthorized reading, copying, or tracking due to the lack of onboard security. SecureRF has developed a security protocol which is thousands of times smaller and faster than any other cryptographic function. The anticipated result of Phase 1 is to determine the feasibility of implementing this protocol within passive EPCglobal Gen 2 UHF RFID tags. Pharmaceuticals must be protected from counterfeiting and theft which impacts public safety and drives up consumer drug prices. Without security, the FDA recommended use of RFID tags could introduce new societal threats including patient privacy concerns under HIPAA. Additional commercial value from this project will come from high value asset tracking, contactless payment systems, Defense and Homeland Security including border security, and Near Field Communications. The RFID market is estimated at $1.5-2.0 billion with a projected growth to around $26.9 billion in 2015. If successful, a new low-footprint authentication protocol to address these commercial opportunities will be developed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anshel, Iris SecureRF Corporation CT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 132185 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740487 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Selective Bio-Molecule Filtration Media Formulated Using Vapor-Phase Deposition Technology. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I proposal will develop a process for conformally coating non-woven fibers and fiber-based systems in order to selectively remove toxic pathogens from fluid streams. The chemically treated surfaces of fibers and fabrics made from these fibers will be able to filter, capture and separate hazardous bio-molecules from the fluid streams, such as water, blood and other types of contaminated fluids. The research will provide new insights into the possibilities available with the proposed novel film deposition process of atomic layer deposition, which permits deposition of single monolayers of a chemical and combinations of various films in selected sequence to build a desired final film structure with targeted properties. The broader impacts of this technology, if developed successfully, will be in the bio-hazard mitigation. Transmittance of chemical and biological toxins through fluid media is a major threat to human populations around the world, as the various kinds of viruses and pathogens can be directly ingested through the use of contaminated water. Similarly, contaminated blood can cause serious health hazard for patients. The threat of biochemical warfare by terrorists is a major societal concerns. Thus this research, when successfully completed and commercialized, will have a major impact on human health, mitigation of terrorist threats, hospital treatments involving blood transfusion, decontamination of sites after a major accident (fire, explosion, etc.) or chemical spills at industrial locations, spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, ringworms and other health hazards after floods, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hyde, Gary Alditri Technologies NC Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 187500 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740489 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Photovoltaic Laser Annealing System. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to achieve recently reported gains in CIGS solar cell efficiency from in-situ laser deposition, by using an ex-situ laser annealing approach that is compatible with an existing pilot manufacturing system. The proposed ex-situ approach will not need to heat the substrate above the 425C value used to manufacture CIGS solar cells on flexible polyimide substrates. Solar cell technology is an energy alternative that can reduce America's dependence on fossil-fuel-generated electric power. A truly cost effective technology is to build cells using methods whose thermal budgets are low enough to enable the use of inexpensive polymer substrates, which enables large-area roll-to-roll processing and automated cell-to-cell connection techniques. AMBP Tech Corporation will develop and demonstrate a tool to improve solar cell performance that is immediately applicable in the solar-cell manufacturing marketplace. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Belkind, Abraham AMBP Technology Corporation NJ Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740491 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Use of Dynamic Electric Field Gradients for the Crystallization of Proteins. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is for the development of technology to crystallize proteins using less sample and with higher speed and success than current high throughput protein crystallization methods. Protein crystallization is an intermediate step in determining the precise three-dimensional shape of a protein, and proteins are involved in virtually every cellular process. Precise knowledge of the three-dimensional shapes of proteins is very useful in a wide variety of applications, especially in predicting which drug candidates (each with a known shape) can bind to and potentially alter a particular protein?s function. It would also allow specific design of drugs to bind to sites identified on a target protein, thus increasing the potential for regulation of that protein. The broader impacts of this research will be a drastic reduction in the amount of time, money, and human effort necessary to develop new drugs thereby improving general overall health and reducing the cost of healtcare. Since many diseases are caused by perturbations in the function of one or more proteins in a cellular pathway, a method for quick and inexpensive analysis of protein structure would have far-reaching benefits to patients worldwide. Improvements in structural data acquisition will streamline basic proteomics research and revolutionize the process of drug discovery and development through enhanced scientific and technological understanding of underlying processes. The commercial value of this project arises from substantial conservation of manpower and funding, and will allow large pharmaceutical companies, as well as smaller biotechnology companies and academic scientists, to extend and enhance their research programs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reinot, Tonu BioCrystals, LLC IA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99691 5371 BIOT 9267 9107 1165 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740507 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Advanced Lithium-ion Nanobatteries. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project proposes to develop high capacity / high rate nanostructured electrodes and combine them with environmentally benign ionic liquid electrolytes to develop advanced lithium-ion nanobatteries. The proposed work will combine the unique properties of high capacity and high rate capability of nanostructured electrodes with the superior safety-related properties of ionic liquids electrolytes to meet the demands of high energy / power densities, inherently safe operation, and long cycle life for advanced lithium-ion batteries. This research will produce nanostructured electrodes and mate these electrodes with ionic liquid electrolytes to establish the synergism of combining these components to develop batteries with performance and safety exceeding those of the currently available lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries represent the current state-of-the-art for rechargeable batteries. However, performance (energy / power densities, safety, and cycle life) of the current lithium-ion batteries is limited by the properties of both electrodes and electrolytes. Improvements in these materials are needed to develop batteries to satisfy the rapidly increasing performance demands for a wide range of applications including consumer electronics, medical electronics, transportation technology, and military/defense. In addition to lithium-ion batteries, nanoelectrodes and safe electrolytes in the proposed project will also have a broad impact on the applications to other electronic and electrochemical devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lu, Wen ADA Technologies, Inc. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740518 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Biodegradable Plastic Derived from Wheat Gluten. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to demonstrate proof-of-concept of an innovative processing method for yielding commercial-grade plastic (polymer) materials derived solely from biobased resources such as plant proteins. The proposed method for conditioning and processing wheat gluten will lead to a hard plastic material that is fully biocompatible and biodegradable. The proposed production method is expected to result in cost-competitive biobased polymer products with mechanical and performance attributes comparable to, or better than, those of their synthetic plastic counterparts. Plastic materials that are made entirely from plant proteins are natural, and will, therefore, reduce pollution of the environment caused by toxic chemicals used in synthetic plastic manufacture and by non-degradable plastic waste accumulation. The proposed study will have a strong educational component through Drexel's Co-op Undergraduate Education Program. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woerdeman, Dara R&D Green Materials, LLC PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9153 9102 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740522 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Adaptive Aircraft Scheduling for the Emerging Air Taxi Industry. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate efficient scheduling methods for the emerging air taxi industry. Unlike conventional airlines, air taxis will carry customers from one airport to another on demand, not on a published timetable. The logistics requirements go beyond existing paradigms in the technical literature, such as dial-a-ride or traveling salesman. Air taxi companies must be able to aggregate unpredictable, unstructured, randomly arriving demand into a set of aircraft itineraries that they can assign pilots to fly. The research objective is to investigate the feasibility of adapting a linear programming fleet assignment methodology (typically used at airlines) to produce continuously updating, efficient schedules for the air taxi industry. The scheduling methodologies that will be investigated and refined in the course of this Phase I project are mission-critical to the success of the air taxi industry: without an efficient automated scheduling system, air taxi operators will be unable to manage the complex logistics beyond 10-15 aircraft. JIT SlipStream's long-term plans are to develop an industry-wide internet booking engine (which might possibly include conventional airline flights as an alternative). Such a system would provide value to both consumers (who would see multiple options for fulfilling their travel needs) and operators (who would get efficient aircraft routings, customized for their operation). Other macroeconomic benefits will be accrued if the air taxi industry is successful. Improved transportation to small communities will enhance their general economic prospects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Wayne JIT SlipStream LLC VA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740524 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Ultraviolet Germicidal Optical Flow Cell. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 research project will develop a low power germicidal flow cell with a reduced form factor for point of use (PoU) water disinfection. It will use ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) along with a novel and proprietary flow cell design. Current ultraviolet PoU water disinfection is accomplished using discharge lamps, which requires high voltage, ballasts, and a relatively large form factor. The use of UV LEDs instead of discharge lamps will allow the light sources to reside inside a smaller form factor, and to function at lower overall electrical power, without line voltage and ballasts. The proposed unit also will facilitate two distinct and complementary disinfection mechanisms. One involves the structure and material of the flow cell itself, which is designed to improve upon the conventional flow cell by maximizing the ultraviolet dose received by microorganisms in the water. The other involves a specific photochemical mechanism between a material constituent of flow cell and water, resulting in an independent chemical pathway to disinfection. The broader impacts of this project are low power PoU disinfection with a smaller form factor will allow more UV water disinfection units to be employed in more locations. As the cost of UV LEDs continues to decrease, the system will become increasingly commercially attractive to consumers. The low power aspect will make the system potentially useful for battery operated field applications where line voltage is not available. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pagan, Jennifer Dot Metrics Technologies, Inc. NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 137335 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740525 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Nano-Needle DNA Biosensor For Iin-Situ Direct Detection. This STTR Phase I research proposal will demonstrate the feasibility of a nanoscale needle (nano-needle) probe biosensor assaying low-abundance nucleic acids without target-/signal amplification. The unique point in the proposed work lies in the combined use of dielectrophoresis and capillary action to fabricate a high-aspect ratio nano-needle made of a hybrid nanomaterial and to operate the nano-needle as a biosensor, achieving high sensitivity through size-exclusive sample concentration. The company has already succeeded in nonspecifically sampling/assaying intercalator-treated lambda-DNA spiked into a buffer or cell solution in a quantitative manner. The sensitivity of this achievement was around 10pg/mL (0.3fM) which is comparable to the concentration of naturally occurring DNA species and sufficient for screening/detection of circulating DNA in blood (sub-50ng/mL). The method will pave the way to high throughput fabrication of high aspect ratio nano-needle structures and the application to the biosensing platform. The proposed nano-needle biosensor device will enable simple, rapid, yet sensitive detection without target-/signal amplification and minimize the operation in terms of the physical size, corresponding energy consumption, sample size, and sample preparation time as a field-deployable device. The biosensor is aimed for point-of-care-testing using minimally treated or raw samples. Eventually, the device will be applicable to nucleic acid testing (NAT) for rapid screening of diseases (e.g. cancer), which is enabled through minimally treated samples. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lee, Kyonghoon NanoFacture, Inc. WA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149996 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740531 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Self-healing Corrosion Protection Coatings to Enable Use of Magnesium in Automobiles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I aims to enable the widespread use of magnesium alloys in automobiles by developing a self-healing, chromate-free conversion coating for magnesium alloy components. The weight reduction associated with the use of magnesium will make automobiles more fuel-efficient and reduce CO2 emissions. A major impediment to the use of magnesium in automotive applications has been its high susceptibility to corrosion. Although chromate conversion coatings provide adequate corrosion inhibition, hexavalent chromium is a carcinogen. As a result, automotive manufacturers have resorted to using alternatives to chromate-based coatings. Commercial non-chrome pretreatments exhibit barrier properties, but do not provide adequate damage-response behavior, resulting in poor performance relative to chromate coatings. Hence, there is a need for a chrome-free pretreatment that displays damage-responsive corrosion behavior similar to that of chromates. The key innovation proposed in this research is the development of a novel non-chrome corrosion inhibiting pretreatment technology that is expected to impart self-healing behavior. If successful, it will set the stage for a phase II program, where tests will be conducted under simulated use conditions, leading to the fabrication and testing of prototype automotive components. The broader impact of this research will mainly be in the automotive applications, where the use of lighter-weight magnesium alloys (as compared to the currently used aluminum alloys) will help reduce CO2 emissions from the automobile exhaust. Currently some components (transmission housing and steering column) are made of magnesium alloys, but this research will permit the use of magnesium alloys for other components, such as engine blocks, gear boxes, clutch housing and engine cradle. This technology will also be applicable to aluminum alloys used in aerospace and underwater applications. The non-chromate technology will not only generate substantial revenue (estimated several million dollars) for the company, but will also help U.S. automotive manufacturers to provide lighter and more fuel-efficient cars for the overseas markets, especially in the European Union (EU). The work will be published in leading corrosion science journals and conferences, thereby providing new knowledge for the universities for the training and education of new, young engineers and scientists. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singhal, Amit NEI CORPORATION NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99949 5371 AMPP 9163 0740534 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Development of the First SiC PEBB. This SBIR Phase I research project is to develop and commercialize the first silicon carbide monolithically integrated Power Electronic Building Block (PEBB). The proposed PEBB integrates a Vertical Junction gate Field Effect Transistor (VJFET) and a Junction Barrier Schottky (JBS) diode on the same chip. The innovations include a simple fully self-aligned process compatible with the PEBB fabrication, a design that permits the monolithic merging into a single JBS diode by a process without any extra step, a design and process permitting the fabrication of the fail-safe normally-off VJFET with submicron vertical channel by a completely self-aligned process which requires only one mask for fabricating the active part of the VJFET and is compatible with the PEBB integration, and a PEBB design suitable for synchronous rectification that can substantially reduce diode conduction loss and improve circuit efficiency. With a quickly-increasing amount of the electric power being processed by power electronic systems before their final consumption, improvements on efficiency and reliability of these systems can save a substantial amount of energy and lead to profound technological and social benefits in the years to come. The proposed PEBB can be applied to low-to-medium power applications that cover consumer electronics, industrial motor control, transportation (Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Electric Vehicles) systems, military and space power applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fursin, Leonid United Silicon Carbide, Inc NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740535 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Design, Evaluation, and Feasibility Study of a Personal Assistant System. This STTR Phase I project addresses the cost of senior care using technology-assisted support. The project advances developments in sensing, object localization/tracking, and wireless communications technologies to make possible the unobtrusive supervision of basic needs of frail elderly. By implementation of a cost-effective, reliable, secure, and open software infrastructure that provides real-time interaction between elderly people and remote care providers consumers their transfers to skilled nursing facilities and improve the quality of their lives (by preserving independence). The University Of Illinois, has designed, partially developed, and evaluated a wireless-based system infrastructure, called the Personal Assistant System (PAS), that facilitates preservation of independence and quality of life of frail elderly, through time-based reminders of daily activities, non-intrusive monitoring of physiological functions and mobility profiles, and automated fall detection and emergency assistance. The current effort builds upon this initial progress with enhancements in security, reliability, ubiquity and privacy. This project will have broader impacts on critical quality-of-life issues of the baby boom generation. Indications suggest that the nation's and, moreover, the world's growing elderly population represent a ready and waiting market for this new technology. From the perspective of Social Security, by replicating services of on-site health care providers with PAS and enabling elderly people to maintain their independence, PAS will likely extend the period of time a patient remains in either the home environment or the independent living facility. The savings to society in reduced healthcare costs could be significant. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Yu, Sammy Quality Care Technologies, LLC IL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 0 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1640 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740538 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: In-situ Diagnostics and Process Control Based on Optical Emission Spectroscopy and Neural Networks for Manufacturing Thin Film Silicon Photovoltaic Materials. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will address the need for an advanced process control system for improved manufacturing of photovoltaic cells. Thin film silicon photovoltaic modules offer a potentially lower cost alternative to crystalline silicon modules through reduced materials utilization and lower processing temperatures if improvements in conversion efficiencies and/or lower production costs can be achieved. The objective of this program is to develop an intelligent sensor based on optical emission spectroscopy and artificial neural networks (ANNs), for process monitoring and control during manufacturing of thin film silicon solar cells. Phase I will demonstrate the sensor technology and develop the ANN model. The process control system resulting from this project will provide significant advantages in photovoltaic cell technology development and manufacturing, providing a competitive edge to U.S. manufacturers and helping to re-establish the previous U.S. global market dominance in photovoltaics. Worldwide, the benefits of solar power are numerous. Solar energy is non-polluting, producing no atmospheric emissions or greenhouse gases. It is an abundant, renewable source of energy and can be employed in remote areas of the world where other energy sources are inaccessible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Cosgrove, Joseph Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 148787 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740542 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: A New Method for Quantitative Calibration-Free Chemical Analysis. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves development of Analytical Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIIBS), a breakthrough method of material analysis that will allow for heretofore unattainable process control capabilities in metal and glass production. This research will result in new plant instruments capable of rapidly measuring materials' chemical composition, a major factor in metal and glass quality. The proposed Phase I research will include development of a new method to accurately measure key physical constants of important chemical elements in metal and glass production. Insights into the fundamental physics of this measurement method will be gained, as well as new mathematical techniques to compute material compositions. The proposed activity will impact manufacturing plants that produce glass, metal alloys, and other materials by allowing plant personnel to continuously monitor the composition, and thereby the quality, of their material for the first time. Increased plant output, reduced waste, and reduced energy use will result from optimizing the plant operation. There will also be benefits in other fields that that can utilize the on-site measurement technique; including the environment, planetary science, agriculture and food science, and explosives detection and other security applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weisberg, Arel Energy Research Company NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740544 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: ((Echo))MyPlace Peer-to-Peer (p2p) Application. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and commercialize a free, location-based peer-to-peer (p2p) application for sharing user-generated content. The application combines mapping and visualization technologies with peer-to-peer technology, enabling new types of social interaction as users share place-based experiences. Micro-Targeted Advertising will connect buyers and sellers of products and services, especially those for which demand changes rapidly and is different from place to place. Phase I research will address technical risks and assess, develop and demonstrate search mechanisms and intuitive user interfaces for discovering Micro-Targeted Advertising in a p2p network and develop methods to combine Micro-Targeted Advertising content with user-generated content. This proposed capability is beyond the technical scope of current online advertising provided by giants like Google and Yahoo, and represents an emerging opportunity for p2p applications in the social networking and advertising markets. The application will let people share place-based experiences documented in user-generated media, and also let product and services sellers open an account, create channels for customer-generated content, purchase views and target local markets. The advertising business model is further enhanced by the ability to adjust the user experience for different cultures. Furthermore, relationships with industry leaders are being established to position the application for co-marketing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Harrison, Jeff Carbon Project, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 125000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740546 January 1, 2008 SBIR PHASE I: Bulk AlN Growth For III-Nitride Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research project is to develop a novel semiconductor growth technique resulting in low dislocation density AlInGaN material that can be used to advance the current state of III-Nitride semiconductor device performance. The growth technique termed Metalorganic Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (MOHVPE) is a hybrid of Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD), used for device growth where atomic layer accuracy is required, and Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE), used for fast bulk growth. Deep UV light emitting diodes represent a new market opportunity for commercialization of semiconductor products for component and systems use. U.S. based manufacturers have succeeded in competing globally in the visible LED market with two of the five largest LED manufacturers being based in the U.S. with two in Japan and one in Germany. The Deep UV light emitting diodes enabled by this project will find application in water sterilization point of use systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Adivarahan, Vinod Nitek Incorporated SC William Haines Standard Grant 99870 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740550 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Educational Particle Image Velocimetry Suites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a low cost educational particle image velocimetry (PIV) suite including both hardware and software for fluid science and engineering education at high-school, undergraduate and graduate school levels. PIV technology is fluid flow research that enables visual and quantitative analysis of the flow field. Industrial/research level PIV system usually costs over $100,000. Current PIV systems are high power systems, and their high cost and safety considerations make them not suitable for adoption in the higher education system. This development will create learning materials by developing software as a virtual teaching assistant for the education process, where the students can develop enhanced understanding of fluid flow by interactive experiments through a computer terminal in the classroom. Hence, the software will be an instrument that can be used in diverse educational settings because of its effectiveness as an education tool, high-tech appeal, compact size, low cost and safety. The broader impacts include the development of applications which more effectively utilize the computational power of multi-core processor architectures and enhanced productivity of software developers. The successful technical execution of this project and the follow up commercial development of this project would impact a broad range of application domains. Education and professional development would also be positively assisted. REESE IIP ENG OKCAY, MURAT INTERACTIVE FLOW STUDIES LLC MN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 96500 7625 HPCC 9216 9150 5371 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740552 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Large array microring resonator biosensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will combine photonic and materials science using molecularly engineered semiconductor nanocomposites with antibody capture layers to construct high-sensitivity biosensors. The nanocomposite will be used to fabricate high?finesse, planar microring resonators in large arrays to produce high throughput biosensing arrays. The sensors will be developed to detect foodborne pathogens but create a platform that can subsequently be applied to additional health care and homeland security issues. The broader impacts of this research will be to provide biosensors that can quickly and cost effectively detect the more than 200 known diseases that are transmitted through food by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metal, and poisons. This research uses molecular engineering and nanotechnology to provide a bridge between integrated circuit (IC) and biosensing device manufacture in order to bring IC levels of improved performance and lowered cost to revolutionize biosensor availability and answer a market need, that is insuring the quality and safety of the food chain. This innovation research will address this need with a cost efficient, highly integrated optobiologic sensor array. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kubacki, Ronald IONIC SYSTEMS INC CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99920 5371 BIOT 9107 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740569 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Innovatve Laser Ablation Techniques for Increasing Catalyst Utilization in PEM Fuel Cells. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will dramatically improve electrocatalyst utilization in PEM fuel cells to reduce their cost and ultimately assure their commercial viability in transportation applications. Using current technology, the cost of mass- produced PEM fuel cells is driven by the cost of platinum catalyst, yet the vast majority of the platinum is unutilized; dispersed largely onto inaccessible areas of the porous electrode. Using a novel thin-film laser ablation technique, this project seeks to achieve deposition of appropriately sized catalyst nanoparticles directly onto a polymer electrolyte precisely where they are needed. In combination with more durable electrode materials, this approach has the potential to reduce catalyst requirements to a tiny fraction of current levels. Program efforts will first optimize the laser ablation conditions to create and deposit dense distributions of non-agglomerated catalyst nanoparticles on solid polymer electrolyte films. These will then be used to fabricate and test membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). The anticipated result is a more easily controlled, dry chemistry, high volume, reel-to-reel process to produce cheaper, more effective components that will make fuel cells viable for transportation applications, initially in scooters and low velocity Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, and ultimately in automobiles. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology will be a method for deposition of fuel cell catalyst particles by laser ablation, resulting in affordable PEM fuel cells; this could have wide ranging impact on society and manufacturing science. The addition of a fuel cell charger will give all-electric vehicles increased range and usefulness. Ultimately replacing the internal combustion engines with practical, economical fuel cells which will provide an alternative that can reduce American dependence on foreign oil, reducing pollution, and green house gas emissions Applications may also extend to non-transportation sectors, such as remote, on-site power generators for buildings (bringing affordable energy to off-grid locations), and miniature fuel cells to power consumer electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jacobsen, Ronald Mound Laser & Photonics Center, Inc. OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149975 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740575 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Use of Bacteriophages to Prevent Foodborne Illness Associated with Raw Produce. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research develops a bacteriophage-based spray/dip to disinfect whole or sliced fresh produce. This research will utilize key patent pending processes that will reduce the cost and safety concerns of commercial-scale production of bacteriophage preparations. By utilizing multiple-host-range, alternative host amplified bacteriophages, the product will ultimately be effective against a range of pathogenic bacteria associated with fruits and vegetables. The broader impact of this research will be the formulation of a cost-effective method to reduce or eliminate foodborne pathogens on fresh produce. Although the United States has the safest food supply in the world, contamination of food products by pathogenic bacteria is a major concern of our society. Changes in dietary habits, methods of produce production and processing, global sourcing of produce, and the emergence of pathogens previously not recognized for their association with raw produce have enhanced the potential for outbreaks associated with raw fruits and vegetables. Commonly used disinfectants achieve the recommended bacterial reduction only a small percentage of the time. Thus, there is a significant need for inexpensive and cost-effective produce decontamination processes that will be met by the proposed bacteriophage preparation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bielke, Lisa BIODETECTION INSTRUMENTS LLC AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9150 9109 9102 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740583 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Polymer Matrix Composites Based on Nanofiber Fused Microfiber Architecture. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and characterize a novel class of polymer matrix composite materials using the continuous NanoFiber Fused- Microfiber (Nf2-M) reinforcement technology developed by the company. In this patent pending process, carbon nanofibers are grown in a continuous process directly from the surface of continuous filaments (introduced in tow form) in a continuous, scaleable process. Unlike traditional approaches which involve difficult mixing operations to introduce carbon nanofibers into the matrix resin at very low loading levels and with questionable dispersion, the above approach produces continuous three-dimensional reinforcements which are easily incorporated into composites using standard fabrication techniques, including filament winding and prepreg wet lay-up processes. No additional or modified composite fabrication steps are needed. For initial demonstration of the advanced composite microstructure methodology, Nf2-M reinforcing fibers will be used to fabricate aerospace grade epoxy composites and physical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties will be measured. The scientific, economic, and societal impacts of the proposed research are threefold: (i) providing a foundation for a new technology in materials science research; (ii) utilizing these fundamental findings to develop and engineer enabling materials to meet growing needs in industry for current and future applications; and (iii) providing a low cost, commercially available, high performance carbon fiber reinforcement technology that has the potential to change the face of the composite materials industry. Global market forecast for reinforcing carbon fibers is ~$12.2 billion annually by 2011, and the novel approach proposed in this research can take advantage of the multitude of existing markets. Sporting goods, electronics, consumer products, aerospace, and automotive industries are all target markets of the proposed materials technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lincoln, Jason Performance Polymer Solutions Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99995 5371 BIOT AMPP 9163 9104 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740584 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Nanomechanical Resonator Technology for Passive and Active Devices in Wireless Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project seeks to develop novel radio-frequency components for wireless communication using an innovative nanomechanical resonator technology platform. The company has developed the world's highest-frequency mechanical resonator and will use this device to create programmable RF filters for wireless communications in the 100 MHz to 3 GHz ranges. The project will develop a 900MHz and 2GHz filter design, test and characterize the design, transfer the manufacturing process to a commercial CMOS fabrication, package the devices using standard commercially available methods, design and test a single pole double throw switch and integrate a switch and filter onto the same die. Each of these resonators can act as a high Q filter, and arrays of these resonators can be combined to create bandpass filters of arbitrary bandwidth with low insertion loss and excellent outside-band attenuation. This potentially disruptive technology incorporates novel mechanical amplification of rigid nanostructures to achieve GHz resonant frequencies and RF performance levels not possible with MEMS scale devices. These filters will offer significant performance improvement over existing RF filter approaches with significant improvement in size, power consumption and filter performance. This platform will also allow additional devices such as clock oscillators and digital circuitry to be integrated onto the same chip. This technology will be used to replace existing discreet filters in cell phones and other mobile wireless devices with the ability to access many different air interfaces with excellent radio performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mohanty, Pritiraj Sand 9, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740590 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Smart SAM for Visible Detection of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project applies newly developed technology to construct a "smart" Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM) for the rapid detection of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins, (PSTs), which are neurotoxic seafood poisons produced by algae then accumulated in filter-feeding shellfish. The disease that results from ingestion of contaminated shellfish is called Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning or PSP. The proposed technology could be applicable to an inexpensive, portable device, to an accessory for a benchtop fluorometer, or in an array for high throughput analysis. The broader impacts of this research are related to the protection of human health by providing an alternative to animal testing in determining the safety of shellfish for human consumption. PSTs can be fatal to humans. PST detection programs may use a number of techniques, but mouse bioassay is the current benchmark technique in the food safety arena. This method involves injection of a shellfish extract into a mouse. The time it takes the mouse to die correlates with toxicity. The mouse bioassay is a reliable indicator of human toxicity, but it is expensive and time consuming, especially for large numbers of samples. For both economic and ethical reasons, an alternative is highly desirable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lewis, Penny White River Bioscience, Inc. AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9150 9107 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740592 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: High-Throughput RNAi Screening of Mammalian Cells. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop a system for the rapid screening of siRNAs that can inhibit genes involved in cellular responses such as hyperosmotic stress that can affect pathways of high commercial importance, including protein production. Use of hyperosmotic stress as a proof of concept system will demonstrate the feasibility of high-throughput RNAi screening and will at the same time yield results that can be used to improve monoclonal antibody production in commercial and laboratory settings Production of biopharmaceuticals such as antibodies is exquisitely responsive to the culture conditions under which the cells are grown and thus can be improved through optimizing such settings, which in turn, would affect the genes involved in the specific synthetic pathways of interest. Development of a rapid methodology to identify inhibitory RNA molecules that can inhibit genes that adversely affect yield would be of significant importance to pharmaceutical companies that produce protein therapeutics and may result in a lowering of the const of these therapeutic entities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Hogg, Michael Solidus Biosciences, Inc. NY Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 1491 1112 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740593 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Development of XRD Based On-Line Characterization of Semicrystalline Plastics. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility for nondestructive, on-line monitoring of critical plastic film crystalline characteristics, including percent crystallinity, crystal size, and crystal orientation. Novel collimated polycapillary x-ray optics coupled with a proprietary x-ray source management system to form a compact, safe, reliable, rugged, low-power X-Beam will be used to carry out x-ray diffraction measurements. Currently there is no practical, nondestructive on-line method to provide this information in real time during the manufacturing process. The behavior and manipulation of semi-crystalline plastics are of great interest to major sectors of the U.S. industry including packaging, automotive, consumer electronics, medical instruments, along with a great variety of aerospace and defense applications. Crystalline information is important for semi-crystalline plastic products because it strongly influences thermal, mechanical, electrical, optical, and chemical resistant properties. The proposed project will focus on high-value, biaxially-oriented films for high-performance plastics electronics applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Huang, Huapeng X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99882 5371 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740596 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I:Video Analysis Techniques for Computer-Aided Quality Control for Colonoscopy. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop algorithms for a quality control system for colonoscopy (a procedure where the mucosa of the large bowel is inspected via a flexible tube with a camera on it) that has contributed to a marked decline in the number of colorectal cancer related deaths. However, recent data suggest that there is a significant miss-rate for the detection of even large polyps and cancers. Anticipated results of this research are: (1) algorithms for colonoscopy to determine whether the beginning of the large bowel was reached; (2) algorithms for detecting the appearance of the appendiceal orifice as the appendix is located at the beginning of the colon, its detection confirms that the entire colon has been traversed; and (3) software tools to derive quality measurements. The broader impacts of this research are that it will enable automated, objective quality control for colonoscopy in large-scale, day-to-day medical settings, which is currently not feasible. This has the potential to benefit the health of millions of people each year. If successful it will initiate new research and development in quaity control for other endoscopic procedures such as bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, and laparoscopy. The project will contribute to medical education, research, and practice by providing videos containing all aspects of typical colonoscopy practice and corresponding quality measurements that can be used for teaching and training of new endoscopists and recertification of previously certified endoscopists. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tavanapong, Wallapak EndoMetric, LLC IA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 199882 5371 1505 BIOT 9267 9183 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740601 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Software-Based Liveness to Prevent Spoofing Fingerprint Biometric Scanners. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project is the development of liveness confirmation for fingerprint systems to reduce vulnerability to spoofing. Biometrics systems, authentication through physiologic characteristics such as fingerprints, have been suggested to improve security while increasing convenience. One limitation is that it can be 'stolen' and replicated to achieve authentication, termed spoofing. This project will develop a means to detect liveness through a software-only approach which can be integrated with any mainstream commercial fingerprint technology. This approach considers the moisture changes in one or more images directly measured by the existing scanner. It is anticipated that liveness is a critical technology in security to enable the maturity of biometric systems by minimizing its vulnerabilities and by increasing user confidence in the technology. This research will decrease biometric vulnerability and extend to other emerging biometric research areas. By developing liveness, one of the main vulnerabilities of biometric systems will be minimized, thus, enabling the technology to achieve its promise to increase trust in transactions that are increasingly electronic and remote. There is a need to link electronic identity to an individual in more reliable ways. Biometric authentication is growing industry with applications that include identification for government employees through a new biometrically-enabled identification card, electronic passports for border security (ePassport), and electronic payments systems, Pay by Touch, to reduce identity fraud. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Lewicke, Aaron NexID Biometrics, LLC WV Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 147326 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740603 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Solid-State Fan. This SBIR Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of designing a solid state fan with performance characteristics that are superior to the conventional, rotating blade fans or centrifugal blowers that are typically used in conjunction with heat sinks. The goal is to develop an ion-drag type fan that is lower in cost, noiseless, an order of magnitude smaller in size and weight, more energy efficient and more reliable as compared to the standard axial fan or centrifugal blowers. A unique ion generation mechanism called self seeding electrodes will be evaluated. This will be done by modeling the mechanism and verifying the model with experiments. The fluid flow, heat transfer and dust tolerance capabilities of the new mechanism will also be evaluated. The waste heat load produced by personal computers and consumer electronics continues to increase with a simultaneous decrease in overall product dimensions. This trend is straining the capabilities of conventional, air cooled heat sinking products. The impact of this new heat transfer technology will be in the area of mobile computing. The solid-state fan will enable laptop computers to further shrink in size while maintaining their performance. It will enable ultra-slim and even ultra-mobile computers (palm sized computers) to run full featured versions of operating systems and other PC software and perform at a similar level to their larger counterparts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schlitz, Daniel Thorrn Micro Technologies, Inc. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740606 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY SELECTING SYSTEM AND PROCESS. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops a system for facilitating the monoclonal antibody screening process. The system will be a proprietary technology able to significantly shorten the time required for producing antibody-generating hybridomas, and to improve the successful rate for identifying and cloning monoclonal antibodies. The goal is to establish a cellular basis selection system in collaboration with researchers at Hunter College of the City University of New York. The broader impacts of this research are in monoclonal antibody generation and production. Since monoclonal antibody has become a powerful tool for diagnosis, treatment and many other purposes in the bioresearch fields, the proposed technology would be of benefit to biotech industry, biodefense against bioterrorism, pharmaceutical industry, and society as a whole. This project also fosters collaboration between industrial biotech and academe. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG ZHANG, Shuang Immune Technology Corp. NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99000 5371 BIOT 9267 9107 1165 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740621 January 1, 2008 SBIR PHASE I: High Power, Vertically Conducting UV LEDs. This SBIR Phase I research program will develop high power, large area, deep ultraviolet LEDs based on a novel vertically conducting geometry that is arbitrarily scalable. AlInGaN based deep ultraviolet LEDs have recently been developed and commercialized. The performance of these UV LEDs has increased resulting in external quantum efficiency of the devices being approximately 2% with 1-2 mW of output power generated in continuous operating mode. Despite this initial success, the output power from these devices is far below that which is required for penetration of some of the largest UV market segments (e.g. water and air purification). This research will develop vertically conducting large area LEDs with expected minimum output powers of 10 mW per 1 mm x 1 mm device. This performance will allow for penetration into large existing UV market segments. Deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes represent a new opportunity for commercialization of semiconductor products for component and systems use. U.S. based manufacturers have succeeded in competing globally in the visible LED market with two of the five largest LED manufacturers being based in the U.S. with two in Japan and one in Germany. This optoelectronic field continues to grow each year and the expertise gained through this program will contribute to the advancement of a novel light source. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Adivarahan, Vinod Nitek Incorporated SC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 137370 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740625 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Compact THz-ABCD Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project proposes to develop a Compact TeraHertz (THz) Air-Breakdown-Coherent Detection (ABCD) Spectrometer. Specifically, this research will construct and integrate this THz spectrometer based on recent experimental and theoretical research on broadband THz waves produced from laser-induced plasma in ambient air. A focused optical pulse in a gas creates atmospheric plasma (ionized gas molecules) which produces very intense, highly-directional, and ultra-broadband THz waves in the far field. Through the reciprocal process, this plasma could also serve as a sensor of pulsed THz waves through air-breakdown coherent detection. With the introduction of secondary synchronized laser pulses, amplification of the THz field (amplitude, phase, and radiation direction) can also be achieved. Recent significant advances in THz science and technology will help scientists and engineers to use pulsed plasma to emit, control, enhance, and measure broadband THz waves. Applications include non-destructive testing, tomographic imaging, label-free genetic analysis, cellular level imaging, explosives detection, and chemical/biological sensing. In addition to advancing numerous sensing and imaging concepts in the THz frequency range, with an immediate impact on non-destructive analysis, a short-term application for homeland security and a longer-term interest in the biomedical sector. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tongue, Thomas Zomega Terahertz Corporation NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740628 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Novel Projection Display System. This SBIR research project will develop and demonstrate an innovative technology to turn a transparent glass or plastic panel into a full color, high contrast electronic information display, without affecting the optical transparency of the panel. Novel quantum dots based materials will be developed and applied to the display, in addition to the demonstration of a corresponding video color projector. The feasibility on a color 20 inch transparent video display system for indoor application will be demonstrated prior to developing a fully functional large panel transparent display prototype. This display technology will leverage and create a broad spectrum of commercial applications and change the way people use "glass" for centuries. For example, success of the project will enable a mass deployment of the innovative transparent display technology in automobiles and significantly improve the safety of US highway: It will properly deliver message or alerts to drivers, who don't have to turn eyes away from the road to search for information under the dashboard display. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG sun, ted Sun Innovations Inc CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740629 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: On Generalizing Localization in Wireless Networks: Providing Low-Cost Solutions for Tracking and Security in Wireless LANs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will provide a scalable spatial positioning service for wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN). Unlike wired networks, wireless ones offer the opportunity to position any transmitting device in physical space. At the conclusion of the project, our single framework will demonstrate real-time spatial positioning and tracking of WLAN devices in challenging indoor environments with little or no prior set-up and configuration. Providing affordable localization will not only enable better WLAN management, but also will enable additional location-based services. In particular, the proposed research addresses the challenges of positioning accuracy, consistency, and tracking performance. The proposed research work will provide the foundation for a scalable, universal localization infrastructure. Such a foundation is necessary to integrate location information into wireless devices. The resulting impact of such a seamless integration can be likened to those obtained now that communication is partnered with nearly every computing device; in both cases many novel and exciting applications are enabled by these infrastructures. The long term goal is to enable the position of all wireless devices to be known using only the existing communication traffic. Such a universal, scalable localization system will enable a host of novel monitoring, tracking, routing and security services. For example, emergency response, inventory tracking and control, geometric network routing, and security applications would all benefit from widely available, low-cost localization. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elnahrawy, Eiman Kordinate LLC NJ Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99093 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740643 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Novel Production Platform for Synthesis of Toxic Enzymes. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research develops a novel bioprocess platform for the synthesis of toxic enzymes as inactive pro-enzymes in bacteria that can subsequently be activated via simple pH and/or temperature shifts. Recombinant enzymes for industrial synthetic applications or pharmacologic replacement therapies can be very difficult and expensive to produce in large quantities in an active form because they are toxic to the host, self-inactivate, or both. Numerous proteases, digestive enzymes, and cross-linking enzymes that break down or build up macromolecular complexes with high commercial potential are all but impossible to isolate in active form. The company proposes to use the catalytic core of the human transglutaminase 1 enzyme (TG1) to prove the concept. This research could have a direct impact on patients suffering from a severe form of ?scaly skin? disease, known as lamellar icthyosis, who have a defect in their TG1 gene. The broader impacts of this research are development of novel biomaterials and/or processes for several industries, including biotechnology, food processing, cosmetics and skin care (non-pharmacologic), detergents, and possibly waste remediation. Recombinant transglutaminases will specifically enable the development of novel types of biopolymers and materials. The research with TG1 could have a broader impact in the biomedical industry because it may lead to the development of a TG1-based ?liquid bandage? product for use in treatment of wounds, burns and cosmetic/reconstructive surgeries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pilon, Aprile APC Biotechnology Services, Inc. MD Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 9146 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740649 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Inkjet Printed Nanotube Inks for Rapid Prototyping. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop inkjet printable carbon nanotube inks for rapid prototyping of electronics and displays. LCDs, touch screens, and next generation solar cells all require transparent conductive coatings to conduct electricity while allowing light to pass into or out of the device. Inkjet printing allows direct, rapid patterning of electronic components. If successful, this project will have a profound impact on the printed electronics and the displays industries. Direct additively patterned nanotube coatings will replace subtractive lithographically patterned transparent conductors. In turn, device designers will be able to rapidly design, create, and test functional prototypes of touch screens, flexible displays, solar cells, organic LEDs, and printed electronics. Using the proposed nanotube inks, functional prototypes will be made in record time at minimum cost. This paradigm shift in device design will lead to faster progress in new printed electronics, as well as adoption of new materials that will lead to brighter, lighter, cheaper, and even flexible displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Britz, David Eikos, Inc. MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740650 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-Compact, Low-Cost, and Robust Volume Holographic Spectrometers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project is focused on the feasibility study of a new class of ultra-compact, low-cost, robust, and alignment insensitive spectrometer for diffuse source spectroscopy with better overall performance compared to conventional slit-based spectrometers using specially-designed volume holograms as dispersive elements. The resulting spectrometers are composed of only a volume hologram and a detector array. Thus, it is ultra-compact, lightweight, low-cost, and insensitive to input alignment. Moreover, due to excellent design flexibility of the volume holograms, this technology enables the custom design of the spectrometer without adding any complexity into the system. The performance measures (such as resolution, operation bandwidth, and throughput) of the proposed spectrometer will be either comparable or better than all implementations of the conventional slit-based spectrometers. The proposed spectrometer will have a broad range of applications in the fields of biochemistry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, industrial quality assurance, homeland security, mineralogy, and environmental purposes. Specifically, in the applications where the light source has a diffuse nature (e.g., fluorescence spectroscopy) the developed spectrometer will show the best sensitivity among existing technologies. The ultra-compact lightweight nature of the proposed spectrometers makes them a perfect choice of handheld sensing devices that are of high current demand in several fields mentioned above. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hsieh, Chaoray ProSpect Photonics, Inc. GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740656 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Novel, Flexible, Video-based Motion Tracking as a Rehabilitation Tool. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and test a novel system for providing patients in physical and occupational therapy customized visual and aural feedback as a rehabilitation tool. The proposed 'augmented feedback' system will allow therapists to supplement their own verbalized feedback with visual and aural feedback concerning the subtle nature of a movement that is difficult to perceive. As the system uses commonplace computers and displays with either video cameras or webcams, it will be easy to use and its cost will be low making it suitable for widespread use in clinics or in patients' homes. The number of people who see physical therapists is estimated to be 15 million people, is expected to grow as baby boomers age and as technology advances save the lives of a larger proportion of trauma victims and newborns with birth defects. Additionally, recent advances in basic and clinical neuroscience have brought exercise to the forefront as a physiological tool to promote overall 'brain health' and 'behavioral recovery' from neurological impairments due to stroke or Parkinson disease. It is expected that these growing demands and scientific advances will provide even greater utilization of rehabilitation and wellness programs in the future. While computers and modern technology have been used to advantage in research settings, they are rarely used in clinical settings or home settings due to complexity, cost, or limited flexibility. The simplicity, low cost, and adaptability of the proposed technology to a variety of exercises will make it an ideal learning tool for a wide audience and put it within the financial and technical reach of clinics, private health and fitness practitioners, patients, and healthy seniors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Antonucci, Paul Alberti's Window, LLC MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99969 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740658 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Doped Quantum Dots for Solid State Lighting. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) research project will develop novel high brightness solid-state Light Emitting Diodes (LED) using doped quantum dots. Solid state lighting is rapidly gaining momentum as a highly energy efficient replacement technology for incandescent and eventually fluorescent lighting. However, current high brightness solid state devices suffer from reduced luminous efficiencies due to scattering, re-absorption, and thermal quenching losses inherent in conventional phosphors and standard undoped quantum dots. The proposed doped quantum dots have broad and size-tunable absorption bands, size and impurity tuned emission bands, size-driven elimination of scattering effects, and a distinct separation between absorption and emission bands. In addition, they also display the ability to maintain efficient (even improved) emissions at high temperatures similar to those experienced in today's high brightness LEDs. These new lamps will improve lighting and provide US industry with competitive technologies that will significantly reduce global energy use and environmental pollution. This technology has applicability to all LED light sources where a fluorescent color conversion layer is used. Thus, any current application, such as lighting in portable electronics, automobiles, traffic signaling, will immediately benefit from increased efficiency. The increased efficiency and use of LEDs will lead to significantly reduced energy requirements, lower levels of pollution, reduced toxic waste (e.g., Hg from fluorescent lamps) and a reduced dependence on foreign oil suppliers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menkara, Hisham PhosphorTech Corporation GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99968 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740660 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Combined physics solutions for accurate and interactive tool-tissue simulation for open surgery training. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the goal of developing a general approach to a simulation tool for tissue interaction for a variety of surgical training scenarios that meet the training needs of many constituencies. The key to open surgery simulation is accurate mechanical behavior of tool tissue manipulations with real-time interactivity. User experiences must reflect real-life activities. The proposed approach will achieve this by combining widely used computational mechanics simulation code and games physics code to produce a training system that can produce both accurate and interactive surgical simulation experiences. The overarching goal is to develop a general approach to simulating tool tissue interaction for a variety of surgical training scenarios that meet the training needs of many constituencies. Coupled with the broader use and greater simulation complexity of open incision surgery, professional organizations that oversee surgical training and certification are looking toward simulation to meet the increasing challenges. Users of the technology developed with this research will include surgeons, surgical students, and members of other professions that perform physical interventions on the human body. Potential buyers of the technology will include medical schools, medical simulation centers, and hospitals. The use of simulation for technology intensive open surgical procedures will have the effect of improving the quality of surgical training, thus improving and standardizing surgical practice and reducing errors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meglan, Dwight SimQuest International LLC MD Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 97568 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740663 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: High Temperature Sensing System for Ultrasonic Monitoring of Critical Energy Infrastructure. This STTR Phase I research proposal will develop the means to continuously monitor local and large area thicknesses at high temperatures and harsh operating environments. This will be accomplished by the ultrasonic measurement of instantaneous temperature, by self-calibrating thickness measurements to compensate for temperature variations, by robust sensor attachment methods, by generation of suitable guided wave modes in a pipe or vessel via long delay lines for interrogation of large areas, and by developing signal processing methods for relating changes in guided wave signals to thickness variations. Continuous monitoring of the integrity of critical structures is an ambitious goal which has not yet been achieved for many applications. The primary broader impact of the proposed work is to take a significant step in achieving that goal in the context of enhancing the performance of our nation's energy infrastructure. The proposed monitoring method has broad applicability, not just for high temperature applications but also for any harsh environment (e.g., nuclear, liquid natural gas, space vehicles) and for structures which have inaccessible areas and cannot be disassembled for inspection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG McNicol, Donald Mechanical Integrity Inc. TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 147721 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740668 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Activated Shape-Memory Polymers for Cast Immobilization. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a new material and methodology for cast immobilization of an injured or surgically repaired area. The work focuses on using multi-functional shape-memory polymers with multiple activations to create an adaptive cast. Currently, the shape-memory effect is a singular event and occurs on the acute timescale. The proposed project will attempt to create a tunable shape-memory polymer cast material with the capability of activating at separate events to function on the chronic timescale. The cast material will be developed with the ability to respond to physiological changes associated with post-operative edema. The proposed work will lay the groundwork to create and design other shape-memory medical devices with multiple functionalities. This is relevant to any application that experiences mechanical relaxation or geometrical changes over time. General examples include problems in implant loosening or pediatric development. On a larger market, this work is relevant for the design of multi-functional sensors and actuators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yakacki, Christopher MedShape Solutions, Inc. GA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 148909 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740681 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Plasticization-Resistant Hybrid Membranes for Olefin-Paraffin Separations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the separation of olefin/paraffin vapor mixtures using organic-inorganic hybrid membranes. These membranes consist of thin selective layers that contain an interconnected network of nano-sized inorganic particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. The inorganic network increases membrane durability and inhibits swelling of the polymer selective layer. This allows the membranes to retain high olefin/paraffin selectivities at challenging industrial conditions. By the appropriate combination of the inorganic phase with the matrix polymer, it will be possible to develop membranes capable of efficiently separating a wide variety of vapor/vapor mixtures. The broader impacts (commercial potential) of this project will be the development of a new type of vapor/vapor selective membrane. If the technology is successfully developed, membranes could be tailored to perform a variety of important commercial separations. Systems based on such membranes would provide serious competition to distillation, the workhorse separation technology of the petrochemical and refining industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Merkel, Tim MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740683 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Laser Vapor Deposition for thin film functional polymers and nanocomposites. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the commercial potential of laser vapor deposition (LVD), an innovative technology for depositing functional thin films of electronic polymers and nanomaterials. In the LVD process, resonant infrared laser excitation of organic or polymer targets produces a vapor of intact material that can be deposited. LVDTM has been demonstrated for many different polymers, is fundamentally a low-temperature process, and preserves the functionality of polymers and small organic molecules. Furthermore, LVD can be used to fabricate new categories of thin-film devices incorporating biomaterials and nanocomposites. If successful, the outcome of this project will have a significant impact on the reduction to practice and the mass production of organic opto-electronics devices. Widespread adoption of solid-state lighting product such as white-light OLEDs could cut the US consumption of electricity for lighting by 29%, saving the nation's households about $125 billion in the process, according to the US Department of Energy. It would also reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, saving the environment. Furthermore, the LVD will accelerate the penetration of organic electronics into the consumer space and create new applications such as flexible displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Park, Hee AppliFlex LLC TN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 194916 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740693 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Surface Modification of Nonwovens Via Plasma Processing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop a low cost plasma treatment methodology capable of increasing adhesive strength between electrospun nanofibers and substrates, as well as change the functionality of nanofibers to develop functional textile material for various applications. The surface modification of substrates will be carried out using atmospheric pressure plasma based on inert, oxygen, and nitrogen containing gas mixtures. The choice of processing parameters and gas mixtures will be made according to the desired functional groups on treated polymer surfaces. The different processing parameters radio frequency (RF), RF power, gas flow rate, gas composition, separation of the electrodes, etc.) will be altered to correlate with the final material properties (wettability, wickability, printability, work of adhesion, surface area, etc.). The developed material can be used for a number of applications depending on the surface functionalities, including medical cloths functionalized for antimicrobial activity; apparel clothing altered for hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity; medical implants and patches capable functionalized for cell attachment; and similar niche applications. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology could lead to textile materials which can be treated such that it shows different functionalities on opposite sides (e.g., a hydrophilic fabric coated with hydrophobic nanofibers, or vice versa.) The success of the technology will lead to further advancement in application of nanofiber and plasma technology to a wide variety of applications without needing investment to change supporting equipments (e.g., using nanofiber based filters in current filtration equipments). The successful use of plasma technology can further remove our dependence on alternate technologies (like wet chemistry) which has damaging environmental consequences. The success of this project will improve textile material quality, advance nanofiber processing technology, allow spinning polymeric nanofiber webs on incompatible substrates, and spur growth of new markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doshi, Jayesh ESPIN TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149999 5371 MANU 9150 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740695 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: A Robust Optical Biosensor for Cardiac Diagnostics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a novel detection system based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and common path interferometric detection (CPI), to detect binding events of biological relevance. The investigators will use self assembled monolayer (SAM) chemistry, or a three dimensional binding surface comprised of polymers to bind the antibodies of interest that will in turn, capture antigens of interest from the blood or other biological fluids. Current detection of binding events relies on labeling one of the molecules and subsequently monitoring the interaction of the labeled entity with the target of interest. As such, the cost and effort associated with such measurements are high and could be significantly lowered if the need for labeling is obviated. The current proposal addresses this crucial problem and may provide a solution that would be of use in medical and scientific applications. An assay based on SPR and CPI has the potential to successfully achieve this important issue. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greef, Charles AlphaSniffer LLC CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 9102 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740700 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Spiral Assessment Loop for Rubrics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase 1 project seeks to improve educational assessment rubrics. Accreditation requires adequate assessment rubrics to substantiate expected student outcomes. Faculty struggle with specifying outcomes and their rubrics, due to inexperience and lack of proper tools. Our first research objective is to accumulate and classify expected outcomes, including common assessment techniques, e.g. survey, portfolio, and projects, and associated rubrics to evaluate if expectations are exceeded, met, or not met. Classification leads to the second objective defining a many-to-many mapping of outcomes to rubrics. The third objective initiates controlled customization of outcomes, rubrics, and mappings for better evaluation coverage and to satisfy accreditation goals for continuous assessment improvement. The proposed effort defines SALR (Spiral Assessment Loop for Rubrics), based on the spiral model for software engineering, to generate, test, and evaluate assessment rubrics. SALR uses the resulting outcome classification ontology from which the mapping of outcomes to rubrics emerges coupled with current evaluations of achievement to determine needed changes. The anticipated results are documented classification of outcomes, assessment techniques and rubrics for computer science and some broader engineering sciences, ontologically based mappings of outcomes to rubrics, and spiral assessment loop prototype for commercial development. Universities can benefit from software-based rubrics development and evaluation scaled to the collegiate level. Curriculum-based rubrics immediately inform faculty of assessment issues and needed improvements. Commercial software can provide quick and easy storage, retrieval, and evaluation performed on a semester, exam, or project basis. Students are well-served by achieving success in critical education aspects. With performance-based rubrics at hand, students can understand expectations and how to reach them. Without explicit expectations, all may be surprised at failed outcomes. Unfortunately, few in higher education know how to construct proper rubrics. Current tools do not scale to university levels. Thus, rubrics must often be tailored or created from scratch. Thus, this research and development effort can remove barriers to assessment, benefiting faculty and student understanding of successful outcomes. REESE IIP ENG Flagg, Leigh Sentar, Inc. AL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 7625 HPCC 9216 9150 1658 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740703 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Chlorhexidine Releasing Superhydrophobic Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop super hydrophobic coatings for endotracheal tubes that can deliver antimicrobial drugs as well. The coatings and the process to coat the surfaces are proprietary, but the technology, if successful, may provide a method for minimizing infections that are associated with long term placement of the tubes. Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant problem in mechnically ventilated patients. Development of antimicrobial surfaces for the ventilation tube is likely to have a significant beneficial effect in this area by reducing the incidence of VAP and the morbidity and mortality associated with such infections. Moreover, the technology is likely to have applications in other circumstances and once developed, such surfaces could be used to give other material such as venous cannulae that are placed into hospitalized patients for extended periods antibacterial properties. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Taton, Kristin Innovative Surface Technologies, Inc. MN Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99939 5371 BIOT 9183 9102 1972 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740704 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Applying Latent Group Models to Web Publishing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will apply recent advances in knowledge discovery to bridge the gap between what is known about an Internet viewer and what is done with this knowledge to improve user experiences and business outcomes. Recent machine learning research has shown that latent group models perform extremely well compared to other relational probabilistic models (such as the more traditional relational Bayesian networks) in most problem categories. This research will investigate if latent group models can help a publisher make better publishing decisions. Online publishers operate in an environment of massive quantities of input data from disparate sources, non-homogeneous attribute data, and a business requirement for computation agility. Solving this problem will require advances in modeling, algorithmic, and implementation technologies. Today, online content publishers aggregate enormous volumes of data about their viewers from their web logs, registration systems, third-party web analytics providers, and ad serving systems. Mostly, these systems operate independently with a primary focus on describing what has happened. For example, a web site analytics package can best describe how many visitors came to this page yesterday, while an ad management system accurately counts how many ads were served on this section last month. Through analysis these tools can provide information used primarily for medium to long-range planning. None of these tools assist a publisher answer the question, "what does this viewer want from my site on this page at this point in time?" Answering this question is the key to unlocking a new path to growth for the online content publisher. If the publisher can anticipate the needs of its users, it can better hone its content and navigation to the specific needs of its diverse audience. This in turn leads to improved viewer satisfaction and more time spent, consuming more content from the content publisher. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bucciarelli, Mark Cross Cut Media MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740705 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Spectrally Diverse Ultrafast Lasers. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project addresses the need for high-power ultrafast lasers from the visible to the mid-wave infrared spectral regions. This research will develop a highly innovative ultrafast laser system emitting sub-picosecond pulses that is based on unexplored coupling between stimulated Raman scattering, stimulated Brillouin scattering, and four-wave mixing. Because none of these processes requires resonance with a single-photon transition, the technique will lead to ultrashort pulse generation at virtually any wavelength. Furthermore, the wavelength flexibility enables pumping with mature, extremely high power diode and fiber laser sources. Unique features of the gain medium will enable scaling of this system to the kilowatt average power level. There is commercial potential for a high-power ultrafast laser system with such spectral accessibility. For instance, this source can be used to avoid or target atmospheric and/or material absorptions in the mid-wave infrared. It could therefore lead for example to greatly improved free-space ground-to-satellite communications systems, efficient laser machining /welding, active hyperspectral imaging, and ultrafast materials research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Roos, Peter Bridger Photonics, INC MT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740708 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: High Capacity Lithium Ion Batteries Using Sponge-like Porous Silicon Anodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop unique materials for High Capacity Lithium Ion Batteries Using Sponge-like Porous Silicon Anodes. At the present time, carbon-based materials are utilized as the anode material, which have a theoretical capacity limit for intercalation of Li of 372 mAh/g. The innovation is a breakthrough technology that will lead to an increase in electrical capacity of Li-ion batteries up to an order of magnitude greater than currently possible. An area of active research has been directed towards new materials. In particular, Si has been studied extensively because it has a large theoretical capacity of 4200 mAh/g. However, Si materials have poor performance because with charge-discharge cycling, large accompanying volume changes lead to rapid capacity fade due to loss of mechanical integrity and electronic conductivity. To solve the cycling problem, it is proposed to use a novel sponge-like porous Si, which has a unique morphology with high surface area (for good access of Li ions) and a large pore volume within individual particles (to accommodate the volume change). Increasing Li-ion battery capacity is of paramount importance to the success of a number of applications that affect society on a world-wide basis, such as electric vehicles (to increase mileage range), consumer electronics (compact cell phones and laptop computers), and military operations (lighter and more powerful devices). The worldwide yearly market for Li-ion batteries is expected to be on the order of $40 billion in the next few years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tiegs, Terry LoTEC, Inc. (dba Vesta Sciences, Inc.) CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740717 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: New Labeling Reagents for Genetic Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop novel nucleic acid labeling reagents that can be used in living cells to monitor gene expression. Instead of relying on labeling the molecules using fluorescently labeled bases, the proposed approach relies on adding the label to the terminal phosphates. This would have great advantage over existing methods and would be a welcome addition to the tools of molecular analysis. Current detection of the changes in gene expression relies on the labeling of nucleic acids with fluorescent labels, which sometimes interferes with hybridization. Thus development of a technology that allows labeling of the nucleic acids in such a way so as to not affect the molecules? hybridization parameters would be a significant advance. Moreover, such a technology would make quantitiation of the hybridization event easier as the fluorescence intensity of the probe molecules would not be sequence dependent. In addition, the obviation of the need for enzyme incorporation and amplification methods would reduce the time and cost associated with the labeling of probes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Naleway, John MARKER GENE TECHNOLOGIES, INC OR Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99959 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 1112 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740718 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Silica-Titania Coated Packing: A Novel Solution Capable of 99% Hg Capture at a Low 20-year Cost. The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Research project proposes to develop a novel adsorbent packing material impregnated with photocatalyst particles, Silica-Titania Coated Packing (STCP), that can economically capture greater than 90% of mercury in flue gas. Mercury is a persistent pollutant that accumulates in the environment and can negatively affect human health. Coal-fired power plants are the largest anthropogenic source of mercury pollution in the United States. In the proposed work, the STCP material will be synthesized and tested in bench-scale experiments with simulated flue gas and in actual flue gas at a local power utility. Parameters needed for the design of pilot and commercial units will be determined. The proposed work would develop a lower cost removal of mercury, adsorbed in all chemical forms, from combustion of gas streams. When commercialized, the STCP technology would offer the power industry a robust and economical technology that does not negatively impact the balance of plant issues, and does not compromise the salability of fly ash. The technology proposed has application to all coal-fired plants, and is particularly well-suited for those utilities that burn lignite or sub-bituminous coal, which when combusted produce higher concentrations of elemental mercury compared to ionic mercury. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Casasus, Anna Sol-Gel Solutions, LLC FL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149752 5371 1505 MANU 9153 9102 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740727 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Global Correlation Service for Network Security Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed toward fulfilling the need of business and Government organizations to more effectively monitor and protect their electronic networks. Network security devices (NSDs) such as Antivirus, Intrusion Detection/Prevention, spam/phishing filtering, and bandwidth anomaly detection systems have become an integral part of our networks as they provide invaluable services in maintaining data integrity and confidentiality, while protecting the availability of our computing resources. This research aims at significantly increasing the timeliness, accuracy and cost-effectiveness of NSDs in combating fast changing and ever more sophisticated network security attacks. If successful, this effort will provide an effective subscription service to update the security policies based on global information and MetaFlows will increase the usability of NSDs by reducing false positives. This will have the effect of improving network security and cost-effectiveness as a whole. The programming and maintenance of NSDs is today a significant obstacle to their wider adoption. The most common and significant complaints are (1) too many false positive events (events that should not be generated) and (2) the tremendous expertise required in the management of these devices. These obstacles limit NSDs' adoption by many smaller companies that cannot afford to hire network security experts. This research effort will improve the manageability, accuracy and return on investment of many existing NSDs. Future extension of this technology will generalize this subscription-based approach to all other types of NSDs. Besides improving the objective security of networks, these services and their future extensions will also promote a wider adoption of network security products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ricciulli, Livio MetaFlows Inc CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149719 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740730 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: New Nanocomposite Materials for Advanced Li/S Batteries. This STTR Phase I research proposal will develop novel Nanocomposite Cathode Materials (NCM) that will significantly improve the performance of Lithium-Sulfur (Li/S) batteries in terms of cycle life. The superior properties of the proposed NCMs will be achieved via formation of stabilized sulfur nano phases in a conductive matrix. During this project the company will prepare the novel NCM electrodes via a low-cost approach. The NCMs will be structurally characterized and the nanocomposite electrodes will be electrochemically evaluated. The proposed technology will result in lighter, smaller, more powerful, safer, and cost-effective rechargeable lithium-based batteries that will have a great impact on the performance of commercial and military devices and equipment. The Lithium (Li) / Sulfur (S) battery is a promising power source for many civilian and military applications due to the extremely high energy density, low-cost, and low environmental impact. However, the performance of the current batteries is hampered heavily by their poor cycle life and fast capacity fade due to the poor electrochemical stability and low electrical and ionic conductivity of the current sulfur electrodes. The potential for commercialization of a rechargeable battery with good performance, safety, and manufacturability is extremely high. The market includes cell phones, video cameras, laptop computers, tools, and other consumer products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Tuqiang TH Chem, Inc. NM Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740751 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Use of Open Pond and Novel Photobioreactor Technology for Cost-effective Microalgal Oil Production. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research centers on cost-effective production of microalgal-derived biodiesel using an innovative approach that utilizes both a novel photobioreactor (PBR) and open ponds combined with novel separation technology. Though the combination of PBR and open pond technology has been used to produce nutraceuticals, the combined techniques have not been applied to the production of biodiesel from algae because of the difficulty of separating algae from aqueous growth media. This research combines laboratory-demonstrated novel separation methods with the strengths of PBR and open pond technology to overcome major problems facing the cost effective production of microalgal-derived biodiesel. The broader impacts of this research are the economic production of algal-derived biofuel by targeting two areas faced with the largest production costs: cultivation and harvesting. Producing biodiesel from algae has not reached commercial reality despite the increased price of oil and other technological advances. A major obstacle has been separation technology. This reserach will combine novel photobioreactor technology with open pond technology to produce a microalgal feedstock for biodiesel production. Novel algal separation technologies are added combined with novel lipid/biomass conversion technologies to overcome economic barriers to commercialization thereby reducing the nation's dependence on fossil fuels. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kretschmer, Xiomara Transglobal Oil Corp. NM Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 98449 5371 BIOT 9181 9146 9102 1465 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740753 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Scalable, Real-time Search Engine. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility to enable Web search engines software to scale to 10 million resources updated at a typical speed of 5 minutes with a typical response time of 3 seconds. The Phase I plan is to develop a software simulator using off-the-shelf hardware and infrastructure software, along with a new, innovative software algorithm to improve the search engine. The broader impacts of the innovation are in enabling a new class of Web applications for high-update resources such as real-time sensors and RFID. The innovation will increase the technological understanding in building scalable real-time Web applications. Commercial web search engines available today are designed for resources that are updated in weeks or months; they are not suitable for the next generation of Web applications that require higher updates. This innovation, if successful will allow a new class of real-time distributed Web services. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kumar, Vineet Xyoom VA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99820 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740756 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Smart Avatars: Mining Social Networks through Avatar Customization. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will establish the technical and practical feasibility of a Smart Avatar adaptive search system for mining social networks based on the choices the users make while customizing online avatars. The intellectual merits of this research are in defining, developing, and evaluating an adaptive search system that uses genetic algorithms to improve a user's ability to grow their social network. Ingeeni proposes to create better tools for defining online identities and establishing social groups, based on the insight that people's personalization of their avatars can be used to help them find other compatible people. Ingeeni will build a prototype and verify it within the CreaturePark.com online character portal created by the company. The results of the Smart Avatar search will be compared with sets of search matches generated randomly, and the data will be used to conclude whether the Smart Avatar system improves the user's willingness and ability to engage in the online community by exploring and extending their networks of friends. The broader impacts of the Smart Avatar adaptive search system are scientific, economic, and educational. 800,000,000 interconnected user accounts are estimated to exist among the approximately 200 major social network websites today. The Smart Avatar research project aims to shed light on the problem of effectively mining such vast data sets and making them accessible to the target audience. This project has a potential of attracting adoption by the teen demographic and thus creating a major economic opportunity because it aims to provide tools for improving two of the key elements in teen life: defining social categories and negotiating identity and status. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hlavac, Michal Ingeeni Studios, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99990 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740760 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Electro-optic liquid crystal microspectrometers as rapid and inexpensive optical sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research phase I project will utilize contemporary electro-optic (EO) device principles (based on unique liquid crystal materials and configurations) to develop a fully functional chip-scale spectrometer and hyperspectral imaging device. Liquid crystal materials can be used to create analog electro-optically tunable reflective or transmissive filters with narrow optical bandgaps (< 20nm) which, when coupled with a photodetector or array detector, creates a two component non-dispersive spectrometer or hyperspectral imager, respectively. This mode of operation is markedly different than that required in display technology, where liquid crystals are using as digital light valves with color filters. The proposed spectrometer with its fabrication method eliminates the need for expensive gratings or focal plane arrays, enabling fabrication of ultra-compact and inexpensive microchip spectrometers (< 1 cm3 size scale). If successful the manufacturing of this device will have an impact in cost or space-sensitive applications that only require lower resolution spectral scanning. The PI and the team will utilize liquid crystal micro-spectrometer technology as the chief component in its core technology in identifying anemia noninvasively using reflectance spectra from blood vessels lining the inner surface of the eyelid (conjunctiva). Compact optical spectrometers, as the one proposed in this work, have applicability in numerous fields within and beyond medical devices, including on-line screening tools in manufacturing, active elements in fluorescence microscopy, and wavelength selective devices in telecommunications. Explorations of these types of devices will not only enhance the knowledgebase in liquid crystals beyond display technologies, but also drive spectroscopy into fields where instrumentation had previously been restrictive. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kivnik, Alan Corum Medical MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99590 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740774 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: The Scientific Media Concise Message Routing System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to implement a new technology that allows anyone with information "individuals, small businesses, large corporations, or other organizations" to quickly, easily, and inexpensively distribute (and optionally bill for) their information via cell-phone text messaging (SMS). The Scientific Media system comprises hardware and software that route requests and responses between subscribers who access information and content providers who distribute information. The Scientific Media system incorporates the following significant features: (1) the system replicates the organizational structure of the internet by allocating keywords in the context of SMS, (2) the system provides for multiple authorship of content by establishing a structure that allows complex content by arbitrarily numerous authors and (3) the system integrates billing and advertising capabilities and can generate revenue by charging content providers, subscribers, or advertisers. Scientific Media believes that the system establishes the framework of an important new method of distributing information via SMS that can be applied in a variety of settings, including consumer, education, and research settings. If successful, there will be a significant market opportunity with ad-generated and other revenue. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gromoll, Stefan Scientific Media NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 135000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740780 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Consumer Electronic Privacy Protection System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a novel prototype system for privacy protection in the information sharing and data mining environment. This research addresses our society's growing concerns about invasions to individual privacy by information technology in general, and by data mining in particular. The intellectual merit of the proposed project is four-fold. First, it identifies the problem of privacy breaches in the de-identified data. A common practice for many organizations today is to remove identity attributes from the customer records (called de-identification) before releasing them to the third party. This research analyzes the disclosure risks in such de-identified data. Second, the primary objective of the proposed research is to develop a privacy protection system to provide solutions for the problem, initially in the health-care domain. This project will take a systematic approach to develop methods and algorithms, conduct experimental evaluations with health-care providers, and produce a commercially viable and tested privacy protection solution. Third, the proposed research integrates a variety of techniques, such as linear programming, Bayes estimation, kd-trees and data masking, in an innovative and creative manner. The proposed approach overcomes several limitations in existing approaches and is flexible for integration with other related techniques. Fourth, this project is expected to result in a software solution consisting of a set of techniques that can be used by organizations to protect privacy, while providing the data to researchers and partners for research that benefits both the industry and society at large. This project addresses the imperative privacy concerns and thus will have broader impacts in this information-rich society. This project has potential for significant commercial impact and strong commitments from industry. Several organizations have expressed interest to acquire the related products. Three organizations have agreed to participate in the study by providing data for experiments and feedback on the final prototype. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shah, Pankaj Globe Tech, Inc. NH Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740783 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Ultrafast spintronic devices based on magnetic tunnel junctions using magnesium oxide (MgO) tunnel barriers. This SBIR Phase I project is to investigate magnetic layer compositions, structures, and geometries to develop spintronic devices using magnesium oxide based magnetic tunnel junctions that operate in the deep sub nanosecond time regime. The research will address the problem of slow magnetic response from both an experimental and theoretical prospective. A software package will be developed to facilitate conceptual understanding of the magnetization dynamics. The ultrafast magnetic materials and structures that will be developed will increase the performance of magnetic memory and magnetic sensors thus benefiting applications in data storage, magnetic sensing and non-destructive evaluation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carter, Matthew MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740785 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Hydrogen Passivation of As-Grown Defects in CdZnTe for Improved Gamma Detection. This SBIR Phase I research project is to improve the performance of CdZnTe based gamma ray detectors by passivating as grown defects through a hydrogenization process. These defects are a source of leakage current and contribute to the backgound noise of the detectors. Successful completion of this research will improve the performance of gamma ray detectors in applications ranging from Astronomy to the medical fields. Passivation is a low cost process compared to growing material with inherently low defect concentrations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Holland, Orin Amethyst Research Incorporated OK William Haines Standard Grant 99336 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740806 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Development of Multi-Functional Membrane-Based Reactor for High Alcohol Synthesis. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a commercially viable ethanol process via a multi-functional membrane-based reactor using the best available catalyst. The proposed reactor incorporates the advantages of existing reactors which result from the in-situ product removal, without being hampered by some of the associated disadvantages, such as inefficient removal of the exothermic reaction heat. A nearly 100% carbon monoxide (CO) conversion with a high selectivity to ethanol is theoretically and practically feasible in this single stage reactor. Process intensification, as a result of the application of the proposed multi-functional reactor, will result in high efficiencies, low capital costs, and a small overall footprint, all required for the process to be a commercially viable. The broader impact/commercial potential of coal-derived ethanol is an affordable, efficient hydrogen carrier that can be distributed and stored using the nation?s existing fuel infrastructure. In addition, as is also the case with bio-ethanol (albeit at a smaller scale), coal-derived ethanol can provide an interim solution as a liquid automobile fuel/additive before the hydrogen-based economy is fully implemented. Ethanol derived from the abundant domestic supply of coal can reduce dependence on imported energy, and more importantly, offers an attractive alternative to bio-ethanol. An efficient coal-to-ethanol production process offers an economically driven ethanol supply (as opposed to subsidized bio-ethanol) to the growing market demand in the near-term, while providing a high energy density feedstock from domestically available coal for distributed hydrogen production in the long-term when the hydrogen-based economy will be fully implemented. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Paul Media and Process Technology Inc. PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149990 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740809 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Catalyst for Biomass Gasification Processes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new approach for removing tars from gasified biomass, which will enable the cost effective and efficient use of biomass to produce power, liquid fuels and value added chemicals. The objective of this project is develop an improved catalyst and catalytic approach that will convert residual hydrocarbons and tars in gasified biomass into hydrogen, and carbon oxides, thereby upgrading the quality of the synthesis gas before further processing. The approach is based on a newly invented catalyst material that has been demonstrated to have high activity and stability for biomass gasification applications. The Phase I work will focus on development of the new catalyst and demonstrating the new catalyst and catalytic approach for tar removal and hydrocarbon reforming. The Phase I research results will enable reductions in cost and improvements in efficiency of biomass conversion processes. The broader impacts (commercial potential) of this technology will possibly lessen dependence on the use of fossil fuels, especially petroleum and natural gas. The use of fossil fuels for heat and power contributes to environmental pollution and global warming. There is no single solution to the pending energy crisis, but rather a combination of solutions will be required to meet future energy needs (including wind, solar, hydrogen, biomass, and/or fuel cells). This project focuses on catalyst technology that is needed for the biomass option, and specifically offers technology that will make it technically and economically feasible to make biomass a significant part of the nation's energy future. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Matter, Paul NEXTECH MATERIALS LTD OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740822 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Direction and Profile Control for Thermal Sprays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to apply the unique property of high-speed jets to adhere to nearby curved surfaces, with a turning radius much larger than the size of the jet - the so-called COANDA effect. The proposed research aims to take advantage of this effect to manipulate thermal spray jet stream and vector the stream such that the hot thermal gas stream can be effectively bent away from the surface to be coated while allowing the heated powders to strike the surface to product the coating. The benefit of this approach is in being able to maintain the substrate at a temperature that allows a hard coating to be applied to the surface without excessively heating the part. This would allow the process to be applied to a wide variety of thermally sensitive substrate materials. Other advantages include improved stability of thermal sprays, better control of the coating process and ability to operate in confined spaces and harsh environments. The broader impacts of this technology, if successful, will be in the $3.5 billion thermal spray coating market, which serves a wide range of critical applications, including aerospace components, from landing gears, engine hot-section parts and other components subjected to hot corrosion and thermo-mechanical degradation in service; automotive components, medical implants, electronics. The ability to manipulate thermal jets will be further enhanced by the addition of robotic controls that allow coating of intricate parts, confined environments and improved spray coatings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Minichiello, Angela CASTLEROCK ENGINEERING UT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149993 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740825 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Magnetically Scanned Terahertz Spectral Sensor with High Temperature Superconductor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project aims at developing a fast response, broadband TeraHertz (THz) spectrometer with High-Tc SuperConductor (HTSC). It is believed that the development of highly sensitive full THz spectrum coverage spectrometer will be an alternative, cost effective and much more efficient way towards real applications. Estimating from the data available from associating with a single X-ray photon detection in peer cited publications, the proposed innovative THz spectrometer concept expects to reach a high level of sensitivity. The sensitivity can be improved further by photonics modification and electronics design. The Terahertz (THz) spectrometer under development of this project is expected to target the market of identification of chemicals (monitoring atmospheric species) and explosives. The applications extend from surveillance using on the ground and airborne platforms. It will be more effective and safer for applications like airport screening of explosives, detection of chemical laboratories, medical diagnostics, monitoring of bio-contaminants in food processing plants and as a laboratory tool for the microscopic interrogation of biological characteristics and chemical function. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Hua Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99997 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740826 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: An Ultra Compact and Low Cost Raman Analyzer Based on Slitless Volume Holographic Spectrometers. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project is focused on the feasibility study of a new ultra-compact, low-cost, and robust low-resolution (around 1 nm) Raman analyzer system. The proposed system is based on slitless volume holographic spectrometers and has a better overall performance compared to the other systems based on conventional spectrometers. Reducing the size and the cost of the Raman systems are highly desired for different biological applications. Recently proposed slitless spectrometers that are based on volume holographic elements have the advantage of integrating the functionalities of several optical components into a single volume hologram. The proposed research is the feasibility study of developing a Raman system based on these slitless spectrometers. New innovative modifications will be considered to considerably reduce the size and the cost of the system. The proposed Raman analyzer will have a broad range of applications in the fields of biochemistry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, industrial quality assurance, homeland security, mineralogy, and environmental purposes. The ultra-compact and low-cost nature of the proposed instruments makes them a good choice of handheld sensing devices that are of high current demand in several fields mentioned above. The use of volume holograms (which are typically recorded in low-cost materials like photopolymers) to replace multiple bulky optics (e.g., slit, collimating lens, and grating of the spectrometer, and lens and thin-film filters of the excitation and collimation subsystems in a Raman analyzer) is an important enabling technology that can impact several applications (e.g., imaging and sensing) beyond the proposed functionalities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Karbaschi, Arash ProSpect Photonics, Inc. GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740827 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Integrating scenario-based usability engineering and agile software development practices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will integrate scenario-based usability design practices into existing agile development processes and tools to enable the efficient development of usable software systems. This effort will integrate scenario-based design methods with agile methods employed for industrial desktop and mobile application development. Agile development methodologies have emerged as one way to mitigate the many risks of software development. However, these methods and tools focus heavily on implementation at the expense of usability - resulting in systems which meet functional requirements, but which can be difficult or frustrating for end users. This research will identify key interactions, communication mechanisms, and design representations to enable successful integration of usability into agile processes. This work will be validated through a combination of small-scale development projects using the combined approach and early-stage tools as well as interviews and questionnaires with users in all areas of application development, including software engineers, managers and business analysts. The proposed efforts, motivated by a clear line of background and related work, will address the theory-practice gap between academia and industry by bringing classic and recent innovations in human-computer interaction and usability research into the agile software development arena. The efforts will enhance understanding in scientific and engineering communities by providing important feedback and results to validate and motivate further HCI research in usability engineering within a practical agile development context. The results of these efforts will be disseminated through leading research and industry publications and by organizing workshops and presentations at a combination of agile and HCI conferences. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stevens, Kenneth Todd Meridium Inc. VA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1654 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740838 January 1, 2008 SBIR PHASE I: Tumor-Targeting Particles for the Delivery of Paclitaxel Against Ovarian Cancer. PARS Summary This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop paclitaxel-loaded nano particles with avidin modified surfaces for the targeting of the drug to cells that express an appropriate receptor for which the particle also carries the ligand. Tumor-specific targeting of drugs is one of the most sought after goals of oncology and the use of liganded nano particles may enable not only targeting, but also greater uptake and deeper tumor penetration resulting in enhanced drug efficacy. Ovarian cancer is a devastating disease and the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies. The current treatment is cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy. Despite these efforts however, the disease remains recalcitrant. Intraperitoneal therapy has been shown to hold promise for the treatment of ovarian cancer and the development of nanoparticles that would be able to target the tumor and deliver drug into it would be a significant step forward in the efforts to fight this disease. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fong, Peter Carigent Therapeutics CT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 97021 5371 BIOT 9183 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740847 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: A versatile valveless mutlichannel parallel bioassay system. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop a versatile high throughput bioassay system. The proposed system will be built on a patent-pending biosensing technology that has been exclusively licensed from the University of Arkansas. Using this technology, the company has obtained promising preliminary results for rapid and sensitive detection of food-borne pathogens, protein biomarkers, and pesticide residues. The Phase I research will focus on increasing sample throughput, reducing cross-contamination, and simplifying operation by developing a valveless mutichannel parallel bioassay system. The proposed system will consist of an automated sample/reagent delivery module, an easy-to-change multichannel biosensor cartridge, and an interface providing on-cartridge optical detection. Escherichia coli O157:H7, one of the most common and dangerous food-borne pathogens, will be used as the model target for the feasibility study. Microbial contamination of food products by pathogenic bacteria remains a major concern of our society. Food-borne illness affects millions of Americans each year and food producers are required to test their products for pathogens in a timely manner. Although conventional culture methods hypothetically allow the detection of a single cell of specific pathogens, they are extremely time-consuming, typically requiring at least 24 hours and complicated multi-steps to confirm the analysis. They also require laboratory setup and skilled personnel. The need of rapid detection of food pathogens and other important agents has posed a challenge for high throughput bioassays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Su, Xiao-Li BIODETECTION INSTRUMENTS LLC AR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740850 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Automated DFM/DFA Constraint Satisfaction for Printed Circuit Boards. This Small Businees Innovation Research phase I project is investigate the incorporation of design for assembly and design for manufacture constraints into automated circuit board layout design software. Including these constraints will improve the capabilities of automated layout design software. Successful completion of this research will shorten time to market for circuit boards, reduce design and prototyping costs, and improve final product quality. The improved performance of the software will minimize layout rework and contribute to achieving successful board designs on the first attempt. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chandankumar, Aladahalli Desantage Corporation PA William Haines Standard Grant 149993 5371 HPCC 9139 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740854 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Epitaxial Metal Oxide Thin Films Using a Novel Polymer Assisted Deposition (PAD) Technique. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate method of depositing high density and reproducible epitaxial metal oxide thin films using a spin-on deposition technique. This method is not limited to the oxides, but can be used to deposit thin films of nitrides, carbides, and sulfides as well. The project will focus mainly on process development in which only a few selected metal oxides will be used. The thickness of the film's can be controlled over a wide range from few nanometers to several micrometers. The process is organic solvent-free and avoids typical problems encountered with sol-gel processes, which makes it attractive for commercialization. Both conducting and dielectric films can be deposited. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be improved and lower cost manufacturing processes for thin films of simple or complex oxides, where Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or sol-gel methods are currently used. The ability to deposit high-density epitaxial films without the need of expensive vacuum or CVD equipment could revolutionize the field of epitaxial coatings and lead to efficient devices, such as electronic devices, sensors and micro-actuators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sanghavi, Mahavir Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99832 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740861 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Open platform for semantic search. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project shall prove the technical feasibility of semantic search using meta or search documents. Today's Internet search services use various levels of semantic understanding to enhance the results; however, most limit their conception of a search to a single query. Nevertheless, queries are usually one step in a larger process; users often visit multiple websites, collect results of interest, and evolve queries over time as focus shifts from concept to concept and website to website. The goal of this effort is to incorporate the entire context of a user's search into a meta document, semantically disambiguate all terms in that document, and provide automated results based on discoveries of other users' prior and contemporaneous searches. Search is an integral part of how people use the Internet. Meta documents make it easy for people to save, share, and re-use complex searches. Availability of a meta document will transform search from a tool for discovering individual web pages into a means to create and share knowledge. Transforming complex searches from an abstract process of repeated queries across multiple websites into a meta document is a simple, yet profound, shift in how search is conceived. Having an explicit representation of users' multi-site, multi-query searches enables any number of strategies for improving search results in multiple ways. If successful, the meta document will create a tabula rasa for future third party innovations and thus have significant economic impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Andrieu, Joe SwitchBook, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740864 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Deposition Technology for Thermal Barrier Coatings with Increased Toughness. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will develop a new deposition technology to enable the production of novel Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) compositions having increased performance. TBC coatings are widely used in jet aircraft engines to increase the durability and temperature tolerance of hot-section engine components such as turbine blades, thereby improving the performance, use time and readiness of these engines. Recently, new TBC material compositions have been discovered that are anticipated to lead to greatly improved coating durability, however, they also pose fundamental challenges for application onto turbine engine components using conventional deposition techniques. The key issue arises from the fact that current application technology does not enable the compositional control required to achieve the desired performance benefits. The proposed deposition technique is a unique approach to circumvent these challenges and enable the implementation of TBC compositions that would otherwise remain unexploited. Thermal Barrier Coatings are widely used to increase the durability and performance of gas turbine engines. Much greater jet engine performance benefits, specific fuel consumption reduction or up to several percent thrust improvement, is possible if the full potential of these coatings are realized. Such improvements can only be exploited if the reliability of these coatings is such that they can be guaranteed not to cause engine failure. The implementation of more durable TBC coatings may therefore enable a significant fuel consumption reduction. These advances will benefit commercial aero gas turbine engines and industrial gas turbines as well as military turbine engines. The innovative approach proposed here will reduce the time and expense for refurbishing and repairing engines, thus reducing the cost of maintaining commercial aircraft and gas turbines in power plants as well as improving military readiness. In addition, under the Kyoto Protocol, there is a responsibility for control of emissions that affect climate change. Accordingly, methods to control emissions that can affect climate have today a primary focus on carbon dioxide (CO2). The emissions of CO2 from any turbine are directly related to fuel consumption. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Eustis, Susie Directed Vapor Technologies International VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 169507 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740871 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Plasma Processing of Agricultural Waste into Photovoltaic Silicon. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will investigate the production of silane gas (SiH4) and photovoltaic-grade silicon (Sipv) from high silicon content agricultural waste. Current solar cell production struggles against the tremendous cost and complexity of refining Sipv or its more valuable gaseous pre-cursor SiH4. It is believed that the application of electromagnetic energy via a hydrogen plasma can be used to break SiO2 bonds and refine SiH4 directly from both lower grade silicon and from agricultural waste. This is a vast improvement over the current technique which requires the use of highly toxic chemical intermediaries and complex and capital intensive systems. Creating Sipv and SiH4 at lower cost from domestically available renewable resources will enable more aggressive and diverse investment in emerging solar energy technologies. This will help move the US toward nationally independent and environmentally clean energy, providing a broad positive impact both in terms of economy and national security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Morris, David ElectroDynamic Applications, Inc. MI Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149850 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740877 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Dual Magnetic Tunnel Junction (DMTJ) Materials and Structures for STT-RAM. This SBIR Phase I research project is to investigate material innovations that are necessary to take spin transfer torque random access memory to the product development stage. Grandis will produce single and dual magnetic tunnel junction structures to determine processes and structures for producing maximum tunneling magnetoresistance with reduced critical current. Spin Transfer Torque Random Access Memory has the potential to provide a fast, nonvolatile, low power high density memory solution which could transform the commercial memory product landscape. Successful commercialization of this technology would provide new levels of performance in computing and data storage devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Driskill-Smith, Alexander Grandis, Inc CA William Haines Standard Grant 99510 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740885 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Novel, High Capacity Battery. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will address the current energy density power, and manufacturing limitations of existing battery systems particularly as they are miniaturized. The goal of the project is to develop a new, easily assembled, solid-state electrochemical cell with very high energy density and few components based on a novel electrochemical couple. During Phase I the methods for making the active components will be developed and the cell will be demonstrated. The cell will greatly simplify the manufacture and miniaturization of batteries with very high energy densities for a variety of applications. Such applications include powering remote sensors, consumer and military portable electronics and medical devices. The batteries will be ideal for medical devices requiring very long lifetimes and could potentially greatly extend the life of implantable devices, limiting the number of replacement operations and saving significant health care expenses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kepler, Keith Farasis Energy, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740887 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Self Assembled Nanocrystal Thin Film Transistor. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project is to design and fabricate Nanocrystal Thin Film Transistor (NC-TFT) devices for flexible display application, using molecular level self-assembly performed at room temperature. Specifically, this project will combine advances in semiconductive nanocrystals, metal and oxide nanoclusters, with electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) processes, to enable large-area, low-cost and integrated device manufacturing on flexible substrates. The successful completion of this research will enable a wide variety of flexible display applications for military and consumer use. The simple and low-cost ESA manufacturing process may be used for the rapid fabrication of ESA-formed patterned NC-TFT devices for both low-cost and high performance applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kang, Yuhong Nanosonic Incorporated VA William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740888 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Fe-nanoparticle coating of anisotropic magnet powder for nanocomposite permanent magnets with enhanced (BH)max. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an innovative approach to synthesize anisotropic magnet powder coated with Fe nanoparticles for high performance nanocomposite magnets. The approach for this project lies in converting the Fe nanoparticle synthesis into a deposition process. Fe nanoparticles will be deposited onto anisotropic hard magnetic powders that act as a substrate. Unlike previously employed techniques, the approach this project will take will allow the control of the size of the soft magnetic Fe-particles to the nanoscale. Moreover, it is compatible with mass production. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology (if successful) would be Fe-nanoparticle coated precursor powder, subsequently consolidated, will lead to a new generation of high performance anisotropic permanent magnets with a maximum energy product, much higher than that of current commercial magnets. This will directly result in the improvement of the functionality of electromagnetic devices and eventually lead to new applications not possible with current permanent magnets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Jinfang Electron Energy Corporation PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740893 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Development of Chest Protectors That Actually Protect. This SBIR project will a develop special material designed to rapidly absorb energy from sports or recreational impacts for young athletes. Such impacts can lead to a condition called "commotio cordis," the second leading cause of death in young athletes. Studies have shown that none of the commercially available chest protectors are effective in preventing commotio cordis. Current materials used in protective gear typically rely on polymeric foams with or without a hard shell. While they may slow down a projectile, they cannot absorb the impact quickly enough to reduce or eliminate the dangers of commotio cordis. The intellectual merit of this project is in developing chest protectors that will actually prevent or significantly minimize the risk of commotio cordis. The company will explore combinations of materials with extraordinarily high strain-rate response that can absorb energy more quickly and efficiently than the commercial products available today. These lightweight materials will be deployed and tested in a variety of configurations, to further improve their ability to rapidly absorb energy. The broader impacts of this research would be to dramatically help save lives, and at the same time yield great commercial potential as well. First and foremost would be use of the material in chest protectors for young athletes. The market for sports protection gear in the U.S. is about $400 million. Subsequent markets would include protective equipment for the other parts of the body, such as the head, or for other demographics, such as seniors in danger of falling. Development of such chest protectors would fill an important void in the protection of our youth and potentially many others. The long-term benefits of this technology will be in significantly reducing the high medical costs of treatment, improving the quality of life of athletes and others who may otherwise suffer from injuries or lifelong disabilities from the effects of impacts and falls. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Peters, Christopher The Lucrum Group PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740897 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Use of No-Reference Measurements of Subjective Quality to enhance Next Generation systems for Video Distribution. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project concerns the design and development of systems for real-time enhancement of the quality of video distributed over IP-based networks, including best-effort links. The proposed research provides a systematic way of realizing the above goal, building upon recent research on the measurement and optimization of video and network subsystems. A central aspect of the proposal is a zero reference method for predicting video quality anywhere in the network, with high correlation with subjective measurements of quality. The research will include the topologically simple example where video quality at a specific place in the network (such as the receiver at the end of the video communication chain) is enhanced by making use of algorithms that are at the core of the system. If successful, the solutions proposed in this research will help content providers, aggregators, distributors and receiver manufacturers in meeting user expectations in emerging systems for entertainment video. This is by itself a significant market. The proposed research will also contribute directly to the science of high-quality visual communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mane, Pravin VQlink Incorporated GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740921 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost-Reduced Risk Manufacturing Process For Nanocoatings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will reduce the cost and risk of manufacturing nanoparticle-containing coatings. Metal and metal oxide nanoparticle-polymer compositions are becoming more important in a number of fields, including pharmaceuticals, materials, sensors and others. Current manufacturing processes to produce these particles involve producing nanopowders ex-situ with subsequent addition and dispersion into the polymer compositions. These processes are characterized by either high cost, high environmental impact, or both. This project will use an in-situ method of forming nanoparticles in polymer materials. The method involves the blending of a proprietary precursor directly into a liquid resin composition, with a resulting formation of nanoparticles either immediately or during the polymer curing process. The proposed process reduces manufacturing steps, reduces cost and avoids creation of hazardous nano powders. The coatings produced will be tested to determine amount and type of nanoparticles, and the enhancement of their performance. The production process will be evaluated to determine cost and environmental impact. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the creation of a roadmap for development of nanoparticle-containing materials by a simpler process. Potential cost savings are anticipated to be 25% or substantially more compared to existing processes. Most importantly, the attendant health risks posed by inhalation of nanoparticulate powders are completely avoided. The largest potential of the proposed work is to enable a number of nanotechnology applications by reducing environmental, health and safety risks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Khatri, Rajesh Topasol LLC KY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 123985 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1972 1769 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740927 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Nanoscale Silver Pastes for Low-Temperature Joining of Power Semiconductor Devices. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of employing novel silver pastes for joining power semiconductor devices to achieve 5 times higher temperature cycling capability, 3 times better total module resistance, and device junction temperature over 175 degrees Celsius. A sintering technology for joining semiconductor chips, now being implemented in manufacturing lines of some major European companies, requires a 120-ton press to lower the sintering temperature of silver powders. This significantly complicates the manufacturing process and places critical demands on substrate flatness and thickness of the chips. This project uses materials that can be sintered below 270 degrees Celsius under ambient pressure and have 5 times better thermal and electrical properties than widely used solder alloys, thus will have great commercial potential to improve the electronic assembly process and products. The broader impacts/commercial potential is to the electronics manufacturers in the United States by providing a low-cost manufacturing process for low-temperature sintering technology for joining devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Luo, Susan NBE Technologies, LLC VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 147391 5371 1505 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740928 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Algebra Immersion Robotics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop ways to leverage the teaching power of educational robotics to promote the learning of central big ideas in algebra. With its strong appeal and rich intellectual content, educational robotics has an established culture and following - but one that sits outside the educational mainstream. Considered a 'technology' activity, robotics is pursued more often in after school clubs and other informal settings. While a wide variety of young people are drawn to robotics, those who stay with it tend to be strongly technologically inclined. New technologies and curriculum materials can disrupt this state of affairs by making robotics more accessible and rewarding, and by unlocking its potential to yield important and measurable learning outcomes that align with national mathematics education standards. The proposed research focuses on innovations to improve the quality of educational robotics technologies as creative tools and as hybrid physical/virtual manipulatives that make core algebra ideas transparent, interactive, and empowering. Design research methods will be used to begin to chart pathways by which context-bound competence within the robotics learning environment can transfer to success in school algebra. Educators and policymakers understand that algebra is powerful that it is a gateway to academic and career success. But most young people have yet to taste the power of algebra. A successful project outcome will lead to products that enable many thousands of young people to master fundamental algebraic concepts and turn them to their own constructive purposes, thereby experiencing algebra's creative empowerment and its connection to technology and digital media. The project outcomes will impact educational robotics by increasing its benefits and expanding its audience, gaining a stronger presence in school settings while also attracting and retaining a broader range of participants in informal settings. This work advances urgently needed alignment between technological fluency and school mathematics and science. REESE IIP ENG Hancock, Christopher Tertl Studos LLC VT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 7625 HPCC 9216 9150 5371 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740937 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Magnetically Enhanced Tunable RF Inductors. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project will develop die-area-efficient tunable magnetically enhanced inductors for use in Radio Frequency (RF) Integrated Circuits (IC). This project is to explore magnetic materials and inductor geometries with the goal of achieving area efficient, tunable, high Q inductors that operate at frequencies up to 6 GigaHertz (GHz) or more. In particular, the project will explore the use of magnetic alloys with ferromagnetic resonance that is significantly higher than that of permalloy in order to allow high-Q operation at frequencies up to 6GHz. The project will also explore multiple geometries for the magnetic cores, the current carrying conductors, and the inductance control conductors. As demand for RF communications bandwidth continues to increase, the need for frequency agile radios is growing. As feature sizes shrink, RF front end ICs in cell phones require up to 80% of their die area for inductors and area under inductors must be empty, increasing cost of future multi-band radios. This project could lead to the creation of frequency agile radios and could greatly reduce the cost of radios (allowing many radios to be integrated together at the cost of a single radio today). RF front end circuits that employ magnetically enhanced inductors have the potential to achieve much smaller die area, less cross talk compared to inductors used in today's cell phone RF front end ICs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tai, Wei Carley Technologies, Inc. PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149682 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 9102 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740943 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Cryopreserved Cells as Reagents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a system for the freezing of cells that obviates the need for post-thaw culture and expansion of the cells. If successful, the technology would be of significant value to scientists involved in any aspect of biological inquiry that relies on tissue culture, including high-throughput assays. Current methods for the use of frozen cells require that the cells be expanded after removal from the freezer. This is not only time-consuming, but cell viability can vary and thus influence the amount of time that it takes to grow the needed number of cells for the experiment. The proposed methodology, based on the use of paramagnetic loaded biocompatible beads, would allow cells to grow on the beads and enables freezer-to-lab bench capability. As such the technology would have a profound impact on high-throughput assays and other areas where cell culture is needed for experimentation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Justice, Brad Global Cell Solutions, Inc. VA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 121630 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740948 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Empowering Broadband ISPs to Generate New Profit Streams via Differentiated Web Content. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to investigate the feasibility of enabling technologies that will allow a Broadband Internet Service Provider (BISP) to create new revenue streams. The proposed activity involves advances in the areas of network protocols and middleware, and context-based applications. The first area is a well-established area; however the proposed activity looks to conduct research in a relatively new field within it, namely adding value-added intelligence to the edge of the network. The second area has received significant attention in the mobile networks literature. The goal of the proposed research is to demonstrate the feasibility of a network software solution that will empower the Broadband ISP to provide web-portal services to its subscribers, whereby those web-portal services are differentiated by being geography-specific, in a way that is transparent to the subscriber. Moreover, the network software solution will facilitate the ability of the subscriber to access the ISP's web-portal. This is done by allocating an area dedicated to the Broadband ISP within the subscriber's web-browser without the area being intrusive. The proposed technology, if successful, is a component of a larger product being developed for the Broadband Internet Service Provider (BISP) market. The goal of the product is to create new revenue streams for BISPs. In doing so, it will increase the profitability per BISP customer, which will make the business case for deploying Broadband in currently underserved area (e.g., poor urban neighborhoods and rural America) more appealing, which in turn will increase the penetration of Broadband in such areas. Broadband Internet access is increasingly considered as essential as traditional utility services; and among its social benefits are online education/distance learning and telemedicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kassab, Hisham MobiLaps MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740958 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: A MultiObjective Bilevel Approach to Highway Alignment Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is aimed at developing a multi-objective bi-level approach to highway alignment optimization. Unlike the rapid developments in the automobile and construction industries road design is still carried out in the traditional manner which is more than 50 years old. The increasing highway traffic and motorist's safety concerns constantly demand for the construction of new highways, bypass routes, realignment and expansion of existing highway routes, intersections, and interchanges. For new highway construction typically an optimized route between specified points is desired. In expansion projects an optimized route between tight bounds may be desired. For interchange construction various ramps may need to be optimized between tight bounds. For at-grade intersections appropriate angle constraints need to be satisfied for all legs. The study of finding the best available option for a new highway construction, realignment, or expansion falls in the general area of 'Highway Route Optimization' or 'Highway Alignment Optimization'. Road transportation is vital to U.S. economy. As such, the proposed research endeavor can assist the road planners and designers in building cost-effective and environmentally compliant highways, which in turn, will have a strong positive impact on nation's economy. Carefully planned and designed roads may reduce congestion and cut-down travel-time delay and vehicle operating costs significantly. A multi-objective analysis coupled with the bi-level modeling approach can allow examining various trade-off scenarios quickly, thus expediting project approval and road construction process. The proposed multi-objective bi-level approach may have applications in other fields, such as rail transit, bus route, and power and utility line optimization. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jha, Manoj Amar Transportation Research & Consulting, Inc. MD Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740963 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Bulk Production of Metallic-Enriched Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Creation of Nanocomposite Thin Films with Improved Performance Characteristics Compared to ITO. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop methods of sorting metallic and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in an economically scalable manner and use them to form thin films. The goal of this proposal is to demonstrate the technological and commercial feasibility of using enriched SWNTs to fabricate nanocomposite thin films with performance criteria that match or exceed those of indium-tin oxide (ITO) coated polymeric substrates. The successful completion of this project would create methods to produce transparent conductors on flexible substrates at lowered costs with improved performance. The low temperature fabrication of transparent conductors would enable the development of flexible displays and flexible solar cells using inexpensive printing techniques. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Metters, Andrew Selah Technologies, LLC SC William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740964 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Novel organic photovoltaic device construction using carbon nanotube transparent electrodes. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will determine the feasibility of carbon nanotubes as transparent electrodes in inverted and top tandem organic solar cells. Organic solar cells performance is limited by series resistance, inefficient solar spectrum response, and high conductivity contacts with optical loss. This project will use carbon nanotube based transparent conductors as electrodes in these cells in an attempt to improve their performance. Results from a successful project will impact organic photovoltaic efficiency and cost, providing manufacturers and society with access to renewable energy at lower costs. Lower costs will enable the broad application of this technology to electrical power generation resulting in a reduction of fossil fuel use. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Britz, David Eikos, Inc. MA William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740982 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: CMP Slurry Monitor. This SBIR Phase I project is to develop a Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) Slurry Monitor as a fully in-line, real-time, point of use instrument that will detect and disperse large agglomerates in the nanofine slurries used in IC manufacture. The monitor will not only detect scratch inducing agglomerates but will also attempt to destroy them. Successful development of the slurry monitor will improve yields and decrease costs for the semiconductor industry. The principles of induced microcavitation may find wide applications in liquid/particle processing. By detecting and destroying agglomerates improved processes and products will be enabled. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ji, Hang Uncopiers, Inc. KS William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0740999 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Compact Semiconductor Ring Resonator Lasers. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I research project will develop ultra low-loss, curved geometry compound semiconductor optical waveguides. It will investigate the feasibility of realizing compact semiconductor optical waveguide bends and ring resonators for improved light management in low-cost compact single-facet lasers capable of low threshold, high output power, and tunable single-frequency operation. This will enable the uniform oxidation of sidewalls in deeply etched high-index-contrast ridge-waveguides. The process simultaneously reduces sidewall roughness, remediates etch damage, provides excellent surface passivation, and creates a high confinement structure enabling efficient laser operation within low-loss, tightly-curved waveguides. This effort will accelerate the commercialization of new innovations for manipulating and managing photons in semiconductor optical waveguides and resonators, and promote more rapid and widespread deployment of high-bandwidth optical communication networks in local and metro area settings. In addition, the proposed compact ring resonator technology will make possible advanced integration of components for wavelength division multiplexed fiber optic networks that are not practical with the current state-of-the-art, bringing new concepts for high efficiency and high bandwidth all-optical routing to both metro and long-haul telecommunications markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Whisnant, Jeffrey VEGA WAVE SYSTEMS, INC. IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 174599 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741004 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Network Offloading for Genome Sequence Searching using the SmartNIC. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based co-processing unit that will enable more rapid searches of protein and nucleic acid data by allowing, among other functions, one core of a multicore system to be used as a co-processing unit for data management. Enabling faster comparison and analysis of sequences is essential to the more efficient alignment and identification of molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids whose numbers have grown tremendously over the last two decades and continue to increase. The efficient mining of various databases with tools that allow rapid regional and global alignments is an important part of bioinformatics. With the increasing complexity of the volume of protein and nucleic acid sequence data, it is imperative that hardware and software tools be developed that would allow fast searches of these growing databases. Production of a Field Programmable Gate Array based co-processing unit would enable such a computational acceleration and would improve the currently obtained speeds by a considerable margin. As such, the effects of the technology are likely to be significant. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sabin, Gerald RNET Technologies, Inc. OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149704 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 1719 1718 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741010 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Chemoenzymatic Production of Innovative Sesquiterpene-Based Fragrance Libraries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a yeast-based platform for the generation of novel sesquiterpene compounds, as well as commercially unavailable sesquiterpene scaffolds. The technique combines metabolic, protein and biochemical approaches to produce defined sesquiterpene scaffolds, which are in turn, used to produce libraries of interesting compounds using combinatorial chemistry. The generated compounds are commercially valuable to the fragrance industry, but could also be screened for medically relevant properties. The mevalonate and non-mevalonate pathways are currently the only ones known to be used for the synthesis of isopentenyl pyrophosphate, one of the precursors to isoprenoids (terpenes), the most structurally diverse class of biological compounds. These precursors are converted to the terpenes through a series of enzymatic reactions. The proposed technology aims to leverage the understanding of the biochemistry and enzymology of the terpenes to develop a process that enables the production of thousands of new sesqueterpenes with interesting properties and great commercial value. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Burlingame, Richard Allylix Inc. KY Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 1116 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741015 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Force Feedback Control of a Shape Memory Alloy Active Catheter for Minimally Invasive Micro-Surgery. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project extends the capability of a novel dexterous endoscope by providing force feedback to the operator in minimally invasive surgery. The project builds on innovations in sensing, actuation, manufacturing, and control of the MicroFlex Scope (MFS) and adding capabilities for integrated force sensing, design, simulation, and testing of a bilateral teleoperation architecture suited to the unique MFS shape memory alloy actuator characteristics, user evaluation on tissue in representative procedures, and preliminary design of a cost effective force feedback manipulative. The project investigates the feasibility of two types of integrated force sensing in the MicroFlex tip, as well as force feedback architectures and control designs appropriate to the shape memory alloy actuation in the MicroFlex device. Design of a cost-effective force feedback manipulative will also be carried out, based on the requirements determined from the simulation and test results. Force Feedback MicroFlex Scope technology extends the reach of minimally invasive surgery to previously inaccessible locations in the body, and simultaneously improves the dexterity and control of endoscope motions in those locations. This enables new surgical procedures for previously inoperable conditions. It also enables existing procedures to be conducted with less patient trauma, reducing discomfort and recovery time, and allowing many more procedures to be conducted in outpatient and office settings, rather than in expensive operating rooms. Medical specialties that would benefit include: neurology, neonatology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, urology, and rhinology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG VonOhlsen, Jon Quest Product Development Corporation CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 184110 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741024 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Nanoporous Nano-laminated Ultra Low-K Dielectric. This Small Business Innovation research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of producing low k dielectrics with a nanoporous and nanolaminated structure. The project will demonstrate the feasibility of deposition of low-k porous silica and flourosilicate stacks, using atmospheric-pressure thermal plasma treatment of nanoscale silica powders to produce the film precursors. Successful development of low k dielectrics will enable continued evolution of integrated circuits for higher performance. The deposition technology developed will permit processes that support both superior film performance and very high throughput. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Selitser, Simon TimeDomain CVD Incorporated CA William Haines Standard Grant 99801 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741025 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Domain-Unified Modeling for Electro-Mechanical Component Libraries. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a framework to support product development, analysis, and decision making in multi-domain engineering environments through domain-unified product models. Ad hoc and even formal (standards-based) product data models, subject to the need for multiple views and attributes to support domain-specific application requirements, suffer from data redundancy and consistency problems. These problems are exacerbated by the implicit nature of information in geometric representation schemes and the difficulty and latency of its access. The result is expensive translations, manual verification, and slow design iterations leading to lengthy and expensive product development cycles. The intellectual merit of the work lies in the ability of the developed formalism to support the simultaneous generation and maintenance of multiple views of product model data, and the enforcement of consistency between them. In this project, a novel use of proxy geometric scripts enables tracking dependencies of numeric-valued geometric attributes on implicit information in a geometric representation. The broader impact of this work accrues from the application of the domain-unified modeling methodology to packaged components for printed electronic assemblies in the aerospace and defense industry though an international standard for product data modeling (ISO 10303-210). The demanding nature of the application and long product life-cycles result in very large component libraries and models that must support design and analysis processes across multiple domains (electrical, thermal, mechanical, manufacturing, metrology, etc.). Hence, the problem of redundancy and consistency of data in components models is particularly severe. If successful, this project will result in tools that will bring increased technical capability and productivity to American industry, and will provide the scientific and engineering community valuable insight into tractability of the data consistency problems being faced in multi-domain engineering design environments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stori, James SFM Technology, Inc. IL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 120000 5371 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741027 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Advanced Informatics for Chemical Imaging: Visualization, Mapping, and Analysis. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project aims to develop a novel software package for the analysis of complex data generated by a combination of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). Novel algorithms that can facilitate the analysis and visualization of the large amount of information created in mass spectrometric experiments are needed by scientists in the academic and industrial arenas alike. Moreover, as improvements are made in mass spectrometers, the use of these instruments is bound to increase and as such robust and intuitive programs for data analysis will be in demand. The mass resolution and characterization of the surface profiles of heterogeneous material such as cells achieved by ToF-SIMS and ATR-IR results in the generation of large quantities of useful data that require equally powerful algorithms to analyze and visualize. The development of software that can systematically process and display the layers of information produced in such experiments would maximize the usefulness of the powerful hardware that has been developed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tao, Qingping GC Imaging NE Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741028 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Integrated Design of Nanostructured Diamond Coated Drills (for Dry Drilling of High-strength Automotive Powertrain Components). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to overcome one of the barriers to widespread acceptance of diamond coating technologies for cutting aluminum alloys which is to fabricate functional diamond coated drills. Drilling is among the most difficult of the machining processes and responsible for bottlenecks in workflow efficiency. Chemical-vapor-deposition (CVD) diamond coatings greatly extend tool life; however, drill geometry affects both the cutting capability as well as coating characteristics, and these synergistic coating/tool characteristics must be solved in an integrated manner. The objective of this project is to develop the scientific tools that facilitate synergistic design of CVD diamond and cutting edges of tungsten carbide; cobalt drills that will enable high throughput, unlubricated hole-making processes for high-strength aluminum. The project will focus on the analysis and design of drill geometry, CVD coating, and drill performance as measured by fully instrumented cutting machine, CVD reactor and advanced characterization techniques. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology will be improved designs for CVD diamond drills that incorporate synergistic coating process variables with drill geometric parameters. This project will specifically benefit US workers and the US economy because it levels the playing field against manual-intensive workforces. This project addresses high productivity through scientific methods to improve manufacturing, specifically high speed hole drilling of automotive, aluminum-alloy components. The development of CVD diamond coatings for cutting tools, especially drilling tools will improve productivity by reducing cutting time, tool inventory and congested workflow. This will increase the global competitiveness of the US automotive industry and aerospace industries where hole drilling is critical to production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Raymond VISTA ENGINEERING INC AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 MANU 9150 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741031 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Nanocone Containing Materials and its Potential in Polymer Reinforcement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop new classes of advanced composites containing a recently discovered form of carbon, called the carbon nanocones (CNC) and carbon nanodisks (CND). The company has acquired exclusive rights from the Norwegian company that came up with this new class of materials, and this research will focus on taking advantage of the unique structure, morphology and properties of CNCs and CNDs to develop new classes of advanced composites. The research will combine the advanced mixing technology developed by the company to uniformly distribute these nanomaterials into the matrix of the polymer composite with the aim to study the electrical, mechanical and thermal properties of the composite materials. The broader impact of this research, if successful and commercially implemented, will be in the development of a new class of advanced polymer composites for use in thermal insulation, high-strength structural materials, and conducting polymer composites, which can be used in many applications, from microelectronics to engineering components. The new class of materials will also be of lower cost than the carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The research also aims to develop manufacturing processes for the composites which will be much simpler and less expensive. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Biermann, Manfred RESODYN CORPORATION MT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741042 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Development of an Innovative Warm Hydroforming System for Lightweight Alloys. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will address the challenges caused by rising fuel prices, environmental concerns, and international market pressures which are driving the urgent need to seek innovative ways to conserve energy by improving fuel efficiency in vehicular transportation. Substantial gains in fuel economy may be made by reducing vehicle weight through novel uses of lightweight materials, such as aluminum and magnesium alloys, but there are barriers in forming aluminum and magnesium alloys at room temperature. The warmforming process can help overcome some of those barriers. This project will address the challenges of implementing the warmforming process. The broader impact/commercial significance from the technology will be a solution for the automobile manufacturers to be able to design and fabricate lightweight vehicular components which can reduce fuel consumption. This project fosters collaboration between academic research and small business to address this high-risk high-payoff challenge that is timely, relevant, and critical in the effort to conserve energy and bolster the U.S. manufacturing base and automobile manufacturers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Cain, Patrick Interlaken Technology Corporation MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149901 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741050 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Electro-Hydrodynamic Production of Molecularly Designed Silk-Like Fibers. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research develops high strength and flexibile fibers based on spider dragline silk for personal protective equipment for use in hazardous occupations and high strength membranes for water purification. The project resolves problems that have impeded making biosynthetic silk with the mechanical properties of the natural fiber. The project introduces new technology for aggregation of silk proteins into silk-like fibers that combines a molecular design of proteins through gene expression and a novel electro-hydrodynamic process for controlled generation and spinning of fibers. The broader impacts of this research are to provide superior personal protective equipment, improved fabrics, and filtration systems in markets important to the nation's security and the environment. Combining high strength and flexibility will restore full range of motion to individuals wearing protective clothing, such as police, military and others in hazardous occupations. Filtration is used in water purification, the beverage industry and the drug industry. The new, easily scalable process will enable an assortment of generic tools for design and creation of new molecular materials. Success in the project advances understanding of the science of silk protein structure and provides technology for using these proteins to develop nanomaterials with well controlled properties. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sheldon, Edward Chembionics, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99930 5371 BIOT 9181 0741055 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Blended Clocked and Clockless Integrated Circuit Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project will demonstrate a globally asynchronous, locally synchronous (GALS) methodology for the design of large-scale, deep-submicron, System-on-Chip (SoC) integrated circuits fabricated in Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The methodology utilizes a Delay-Insensitive (DI) interconnect between conventionally clocked subsystems. The interconnect components are bundled data paths and a set of control elements whose designs are DI and hazard-free across processes and submicron scaling. These control elements are defined by Petri net models or their trace theory equivalents. Prototype software has been developed to synthesize, from their defining models, the required logic for these elements. Hazards are identified, logic hazards eliminated and metastability hazards managed. The methodology, in contrast to other approaches, allows the synthesis of a variety of arbiters from their models and includes novel stability detectors that can be implemented in FPGAs. The proposed work will improve the reliability, breadth and ease-of-use of the synthesis software and demonstrate a significant multiprocessor FPGA architecture. The proposed integrated circuit design methodology can substantially decrease the difficulty of designing billion-transistor, integrated-circuits for the SoCs of the future. The proposed GALS methodology will be introduced in the increasingly popular FPGA sector where other clockless designs have failed to leave the research laboratories. The proposed methodology has the potential to markedly decrease design cost and time-to-market of the large, specialized systems of the future. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Cox, Jerome Blended Integrated Circuit Systems, LLC MO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149883 5371 1505 HPCC 9215 7354 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741059 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: High Temperature Solar Thermal Biomass Gasification and Co-reduction of Iron Oxide to Produce Hydrogen. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project applies renewable solar thermal energy as a novel way to provide the necessary energy for biomass gasification and will develop the science required to engineer an efficient solar biomass-to-hydrogen conversion facility. Central to this innovation is the use of a reduced oxide intermediate to chemically store solar energy in a solid, allowing continuous hydrogen generation when the sun is not shining. The operating conditions necessary to achieve economically viable conversion of biomass resources to hydrogen will be determined through in-depth study "on-sun" and in the laboratory of heat transfer, reaction rates, and rate controls. The proposed project provides a bridge between solar energy and biomass to surmount many of the challenges associated with conventional biomass processing technologies. The high temperatures available from solar thermal systems allow for high conversion and selectivity, maximizing utility of the valuable biomass resource and extending its ability to replace conventional fossil fuels. Use of a reduced metal oxide stretches the applicability of solar energy beyond the daylight hours. Combined use of solar energy with biomass has a larger potential than either renewable resource alone to provide renewable fuels for the future. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Perkins, Christopher Copernican Energy, Inc. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741061 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Significantly High-Efficiency a-Si Photovoltaic Cell. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop significantly high-efficiency photovoltaic-cells (a.k.a. solar-cells) for clean electrical energy generation commercial applications. Conventional solar cell has the limitation in conversion efficiency, basically structured dependent. For example, it is ~18% for Si-crystal and 10% for amorphous-Si (a-Si) based Solar cell. It is required to develop solar cell utilizing material systems, which are matured, friendly to manufacturing, and can be fabricated using low-cost substrate (e.g. glass). A goal of the Phase I program is to carry on research and development of a-Si-solar cell for conversion efficiency of >25%, utilizing the glass-substrate. The design, performance simulation, and parameters optimization will be carried out during the Phase I activity period. The proposed high-efficiency a-Si solar cell structure is widely applicable to next generation commercial applications. According to the recent report from the US Department of Energy (DOE), today's global market for solar cells for all commercial applications is $7-billion and it is estimated to grow with >40% per year, reaching $39-billion in 2014. Commercial applications include residential applications (on-grid/off-grid), industrial applications (both on-grid and off-grid), and consumer products (e.g. cell phones, PDAs). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dutta, Achyut Banpil Photonics, Inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741073 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Optical Mode Conversion for Chemical and Biological Sensing and Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Phase I research project proposes a novel diagnostic tool based upon evanescent field and complementary molecular vibrational spectroscopy methods for rapid detection and analysis of hazardous biological and chemical targets in solution and air. The main characteristic of the proposed approach is the use of evanescent field Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) and an active integrating probe with maximized evanescent field of propagating excitation signal created by controlled optical mode shifting in the active sensor region. The investigators propose to develop designs and fabrication methods for planar waveguide mechanisms to reversibly and controllably transfer photonic energy between optical modes within a specified path length. The sensor element will be attached to a Raman identification system to obtain Raman and fluorescence signals. The evanescent field at the sensor-environment interface will interact with biological and chemical molecules adsorbed onto or near the surface. Potential commercial applications of the proposed sensor system for environmental contamination include the possibility of contamination level observation in a large variety of remote locations by the use of fiber optic transmission or wireless network of sensor signals to analytical hardware; development of real-time monitoring equipment for hazardous industrial environments; detection of toxic industrial chemicals spills in commercial/industrial chemical storage and transport locations; and development of the real-time scanning system of the tap water contamination levels in residential and commercial buildings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Raspopin, Alexander Senspex, Inc. NM Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741079 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Lens-Laser Packaging Approach. The objective of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop an integrated optical and electrical packaging technique that allows for the precision placement of high density, large arrays of VCSELs, LEDs, or photodetectors coupled with arrays of microlenses. The computed radiography market is $1B annually, and this innovation would enable smaller, more reliable and higher resolution systems. In the long run, the application of precision optical assembly techniques may have an impact on the revolution taking place in chemical, biological and medical analytical instrument and sensing devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hibbs-Brenner, Mary Mytek, LLC MN William Haines Standard Grant 149456 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741082 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Hypertag: A Locator Tag with GPS and Cellular Communications Capability. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project addresses the need to collect information on the location and condition of high-value inventory items while in transit. The project objective is to develop an advanced, low-cost, battery-operated RFID tag (the Hypertag). Custom and off-the-shelf hardware and software components will be combined to create a device which integrates the functions of an assisted GPS locator with cellular communications, environmental sensors, a conventional active RFID tag, and an RFID reader, in a compact module. Assisted GPS will allow location to be determined where conventional GPS does not work. Sensor capability will allow the Hypertag to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and vibration. RFID reader capability will allow a Hypertag to scan nearby conventional RFID tags and return information from them to a remote server. The Hypertag will return tag and location information to a remote server via the cellular network. The expected result of the program is a tag which can provide on-demand information on the status and location of assets wherever cellular coverage is available. The Hypertag will be valuable for tracking of critical assets in real time over a large geographic space. Potential users include the military, logistics companies, transportation companies, and car companies. The need for asset tracking devices increases as globalization causes supply chains to become more extended. Also, the increasing adoption of lean manufacturing processes means that disruption of supply chains has a more severe effect on businesses. There are few, if any, devices on the market today that have the capabilities of the Hypertag. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG McCallum, David MICROLINK DEVICES INC IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 4096 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741095 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Surface Engineering Processes of Au Nanostructures Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of engineering surface treatments of nanowires in a nanostructure array. The project will explore smoothing and roughening surfaces for different applications using electrochemical treatments. This project will grow nanowire arrays using a patterned mask that create highly ordered and perfectly oriented nanowires of controlled dimensions, which conventional methods don?t allow. This research will demonstrate consistently controllable pre-treatments of nanostructures and nanostructured arrays suitable for a variety of high-precision devices, like solar cells or sensors. Techniques to control and characterize surface properties of gold (Au) nanowire array obtained by template synthesis are the focus of this proposal. This project will use nanoimprinting as a cost-effective technology that enables tailored fabrication of nanostructures. This project will examine two surface engineering processes never before applied to nanostructures. These surface treatments are based on restricting surface treatments to the top-most atomic layers of nanoscale structures. Techniques to control and verify the quality of surfaces and interfaces are especially important when subsequent layers are extremely thin, as is the case with solar cells, the intended application. Results lay the foundation for creating economical and consistently high-precision nanostructure array templates and arrays. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be arrays of nanostructures of precise dimensions and surface quality; although this project has targeted solar cells, this technology has broad applicability in nanoelectronics and nanofabrication. Nanostructured devices, rather than bulk materials, are the key to realizing economical, reliable, high-performance solar cells. Results will be arrays of discrete structures but the same technique are applicable to circuitry, sensors, optical applications, etc. This research is a key step in establishing a new low-cost, high-performance photovoltaic cell and enables new capabilities and performance in sensing devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vidu, Ruxandra Q1 NanoSystems Corp CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1972 1769 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741121 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: A Hydrogen Fuel Demonstration Project at Chena Hot Springs Resort, Alaska. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will build on an existing 400 kilowatt binary geothermal power plant. This power plant can supply more electricity than is needed during normal business operations, and because the grid is completely isolated due to its remote location (North Pole, Alaska), there is no use for this excess power. This project will use the excess electricity which would otherwise go to waste; to generate hydrogen on a continual basis. Stranded geothermal energy is an ideal renewable resource to tap for hydrogen production due to its high availability and relatively low cost of power generation equipment. Additionally, small scale, remote hydrogen production and use in arctic climates present unique technical challenges which will be quantified and addressed as part of this project. This project will further enable the transfer of technology to native Alaskans in other rural communities in Alaska. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the ability to significantly address the increasing cost of power generation in remote communities; such as those in Alaska. According to the Alaska Energy Authority, the cost of power generation in rural villages can approach 90 cents per kilowatt/hour (kWhr) using diesel generators, and averages 46 cents per kWhr. High fuel costs and evidence of global climate change are strong motivators for seeking alternatives to traditional generation technology, and create an opportunity for Alaska to become a leader in renewable energy and fuel storage technology. There is growing consensus about the importance of developing renewable resources for long term economic well-being in the face of declining oil production and rising fuel costs. Alaska is an energy producing and exporting state, and while today this energy is primarily derived from fossil fuels, Alaska has the resources available to transition into becoming a vital player in a future world renewable energy and hydrogen economy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Holdmann, Gwen Chena Hot Springs Resort AK Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 9102 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741130 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Large scale manufacturing of silicon and germanium nanowires. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop advanced materials for printed electronics. Nanowires are favorable in printed electronics because their form factor supports high electron mobilities, while at the same time allowing extreme mechanical flexibility. The project will use a process that can deliver the performance required of the market at cost point and throughput needed to meet the need. Additionally, the technology is "green" - focused on making environmentally sound silicon and germanium nanowires. The project will further optimize nanowires for printed electronics and improve the process. The boarder impact/commercial potential of this project will be a break development of advanced materials for the electronics market. The printed electronics market spans across several high value applications - from thin film transistors (TFT) for liquid crystal display (LCD) backplanes to radio frequency identification tags (RFID). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Knoop, John Pinon Technologies TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 199873 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1972 1769 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741139 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Micro- and Macrofluidic Continuous-Flow Zone Refining. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will evaluate the feasibility of micro-fluidic zone melting, and the derivative concepts of both micro- and macro-scale continuous-flow zone refining. Zone refining is an established materials purification technique used in certain specialty applications, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, but broader use is limited by cost and complexity. In microfluidic systems, the absence of turbulent and convective mixing, combined with the potential for rapid and precise temperature changes, presents an interesting new opportunity to expand the utility of zone melting techniques. In particular, zone refining can potentially provide new tools for sample concentration and purification, while zone leveling can provide a new tool for fluid mixing. Preliminary work has shown that these techniques can be extended to developing zone refining methods applicable for microfluidic systems, including a prototype flow-through zone refining system. The design of this system does not depend on fundamental phenomena particular to microfluidic systems, and it appears possible to scale it up to provide a simplified continuous-flow zone refining capability for industrial-scale applications. The broader impacts (commercial potential) of this technology would result in the development of a new tool set that would greatly extend the capability of microfluidic devices. The ultimate goal of this project is to incorporate a complete biological procedure on a practical, low-cost self-contained device that is small enough to be easily portable, yet still contain the reagents and functions needed to accommodate complex applications such as those for molecular diagnostics. The increasing complexity of molecular diagnostic tests and the pressure to provide cost effective point-of-care assays will continue to increase the demand for such systems. The societal impact of this technology will be substantial cost reduction, more accurate and consistent results, and improved health care resulting from more rapid and specific treatment. In addition, successful development of a macroscopic continuous-flow zone refining capability will lead to improved efficiency in fields as diverse as pharmaceutical production and food processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welle, Richard Phasiks Inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149661 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741147 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: PiezoElectric Actuation System for Upper Limb Prosthetics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops a new technology for prosthetic arm components, using a lightweight piezoelectric actuator. A piezoelectric actuator will be developed to drive a prosthetic hand. Available arm prostheses have up to three powered degrees-of-freedom, but are sometimes considered too heavy and noisy for their disabled wearers. Lightweight and quiet piezoelectric actuators offer power-to-weight ratios that are over twice that of electromagnetic actuators, and lower the noise of the device. Furthermore, the intrinsic back-lock of a piezoelectric actuator eliminates the need for a mechanical back-lock, which maintains pinch force when the drive is stopped. The broader impacts of this research are the application of these actuators to other prosthetic components for those experiencing the loss of upper limb (a population of over 100,000 Americans). At this time, an estimated 2,000 electric prostheses are fitted each year in the U.S. alone, with equivalent numbers in Western Europe. The improvements offered with this new motor technology could increase this market greatly, making contributions to the independence and functionality of this disabled population. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Iversen, Edwin MOTION CONTROL, INC. UT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1517 1203 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741150 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Novel Ion Source for Enhanced Focused Ion Beam Material Removal at the Nano, Micro and Macro-Scales. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will investigate the feasibility of increasing the spectral brightness of a plasma ion source by miniaturizing the plasma size and improving the energy transfer to the source with a poly-phase RF antenna. This new ion source will extend the range of focused ion beam machining tools from the nano-scale where today?s focused ion beams (FIBs) are practically used, to the micro-scale and macro-scale. FIB tools are used for nanometer scale precision material removal. The benefits of FIB tools include nanoscale beam placement accuracy, a combined imaging and patterning system for accurate part registration and pattern placement, and low structural damage of the area surrounding the removed volume. The development of this new ion source would have a broad impact in enabling FIB systems to remove material at the nano, micro, and macro scales with material removal rates that are suitable to the different length scales. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology will be a new ion source that would have a broad impact in enabling FIB systems to remove material at the nano, micro, and macro scales with material removal rates that are suitable to the different length scales. This technology would also have a broad impact in other areas that use ion sources such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) instruments and ion accelerators for high energy physics. The new source could be used to improve SIMS imaging resolution to the theoretical limit of approximately 10 nano-meters. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Noel Oregon Physics LLC OR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741155 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Silver Nanopillar patterned substrate for surface enhanced fluorescent detection of carbohydrate microarrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a carbohydrate microarray platform that takes advantage of the generation of surface plasmon by silver nanopillars to excite fluorophores above the surface of the microarray to perform detection of binding by proteins. A platform for querying the binding to carbohydrate moieties would open the door to a better understanding of the important role that carbohydrates play in the regulation of cell signaling and inter cellular communication. Such events not only play a role in the normal functions of the body, but are also intimately involved in the disease process. Currently the information regarding the interaction of proteins with carbohydrates is generated using techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). As mentioned above, the binding of proteins and carbohydrates constitutes a very important biological phenomenon, and thus the development of a carbohydrate microarray for querying such binding events would be of significant value to the scientific community. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhou, Xichun ADA Technologies, Inc. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99984 5371 BIOT 9183 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741157 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: An Advanced Aeroelastic Thermoplastic Composite Blade for Residential-Scale Wind Turbines. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the technical and economic feasibility of developing residential-scale, variable-speed wind turbines with aeroelastic, thermoplastic composite blades to achieve two key design objectives: improved energy capture in low to medium winds and rotor speed regulation in high winds. In Phase I, a thermoplastic composite will be developed with biased glass or carbon fibers for optimum coupling coefficient, and cost analysis will determine if meeting both design objectives is feasible for Phase II prototype development. Wind energy is the fastest growing power source worldwide, and critical problems with fossil fuel depletion and carbon emissions will likely accelerate this trend. Although utility-scale wind farms have the leading role, the American Wind Energy Association predicts that 3% of US power needs could be provided by small wind turbines (defined as 100 kW or less) by 2020. The proposed work provides opportunities for individuals with suitable land and wind resources to contribute to the nation's energy security, as well as economically meet power requirements for homes, farms, and small businesses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Luke, Kevin Z4 Energy Systems WY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 124985 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741171 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Diffractive Imaging Micro-Spectrometer. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research project is for the development of an ultra-compact Diffractive Imaging Micro-Spectrometer for the entire visible spectral range. The spectrophotometer can operate with dozens of independent optical inputs and provide high resolving power in a wide spectral range. This compact low cost spectrophotometer may enable a wide variety of handheld detection sensors for use in chemical sensing and the detection of biological agents. This spectrometer has the ability to be mass produced and mass deployed which makes it attractive for homeland Security applications such as chemical sensing and bio-threats. A device with such size is inherently lightweight and rugged which makes it useful for defense applications such as un-manned airborne vehicles. The device also compliments lab-on-chip concepts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Cook, David Spectrum Scientific, Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741176 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Solar Thermal Stirling Combined Heat and Power System. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will integrate and extend technologies of advanced solar thermal collectors and Stirling engines to produce electrical power and thermal energy for space and water heating. The research program will investigate the technical opportunities that are present for heat engines at medium temperature differentials (100C ? 300C) rather than the well-explored high temperature differentials (500C+). Theresearch will also focus on the study of advanced materials for components of the existing prototype STSE-CHP (Stirling engine system for combined heating and electrical power generation) system. This Phase I work has enormous potential for contributing to the societal goal of displacing the world's depleting supply of highly polluting fossil fuels with cleaner, renewable sources of energy. The further purpose of providing affordable electricity and heat to people in emerging economies with limited infrastructure will be enabled by this medium-temperature STSE-CHP system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weaver, Samuel Cool Energy, Inc. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149896 5371 AMPP 9163 7644 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741177 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Flexible Inorganic/Polymer Multilayer Gas Diffusion Barrier Films. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will develop diffusion barriers for organic electronic devices. Innovative new films formed from inorganic/polymer multilayers are excellent flexible gas diffusion barriers to protect organic electronic devices. Current coating technologies can not meet the requirements for low water and oxygen permeability for flexible organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). The proposed work will develop flexible inorganic/polymer multilayers that should display unsurpassed diffusive lag times for the H2O permeability of 10 years. Flexible inorganic/polymer gas diffusion barriers would greatly impact the development of flexible OLEDs. Currently, these flexible organic electronic devices have been pushed back 10 years because of the lack of a suitable gas diffusion barrier. The usefulness of flexible gas diffusion barriers also reaches into other arenas. OLEDs are very energy efficient. The ability to fabricate OLEDs on inexpensive flexible plastic substrates would allow for widespread adoption of OLED lighting. OLED lighting sources should reduce energy consumption and help improve the nation's energy security. Flexible barriers are also needed for a variety of other applications such as medical packaging and flexible materials to protect from chemical and biological agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Groner, Markus ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741192 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Optical NDI of Thermal Barrier Coatings. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate an optical non-destructive inspection (NDI) method for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), based on a combination of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) and photo-stimulated luminescence piezo-spectroscopy (PLPS). TBCs are widely used in aircraft engines to protect metal components from high operating temperatures in order to improve the durability and engine efficiency. Coating spallation can lead to premature component failure; therefore, there is a need for NDI technologies to detect early damage and assess the TBC remaining life. Key innovations include coupling FD-OCT to super-continuum light source technology to enhance the subsurface imaging quality and synergistic combination of FD-OCT and PLPS to provide a more robust TBC remaining life assessment. Successful completion of this program will result in a novel NDI technology, which will result in maximizing the use life of TBC-coated components of aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines, leading to significant cost savings. It will also be useful for NDI of other ceramic coatings and a variety of composites. The intended markets include turbine manufacturing and maintenance facilities, industrial research laboratories and government. This technology will have impact on material research, and the turbine engine and power industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Peterson, Kristen Southwest Sciences Inc NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149999 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741194 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Enhancing Starch Quantity and Quality in Hybrid Grain Sorghum. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project developes methods to molecularly abort sorghum embryos, early in their development, to redirect nutrients, normally used for embryo development, toward starch accumulation. The research will construct and test genetic cassettes necessary for aborting embryo development in seeds and identify sorghum lines possessing high tissue culture regeneration potential. These high-energy grain sorghum products are being designed for the biomaterials/biofuels industries, and the goal is to achieve a 10-20% increase in yield of extractable starch per acre from sorghum hybrid seeds. The broader impacts of this research are the lessening of the nation's dependence on foreign oil in its production of bioplastics, biofilms and other biomaterials, enhanced agricultural prosperity for marginal farmland, and new and cost-effective methods of producing pharmaceuticals and other industrial chemicals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roche, Dominique Caisson Laboratories, Inc. UT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 119989 5371 BIOT 9109 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741195 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Application of an Electrostatic Actuator Stable-Range-of-Motion Enhancement Control Law to Improve MEMS Gyroscopic Sensors. This STTR Phase I research project will seek to significantly reduce the size and cost of MEMS gyroscopes through improving the internal electrostatic actuators. Specifically, this effort will commercialize Auburn University's patent protected technique for extending the stable range of motion of micromachined gap-closing actuators, so that the actuator size can be reduced while still producing the same range of motion. This technique not only increases the actuator's stable range of motion, it also allows for a denser architecture, further reducing actuator size. Auburn University will utilize its expertise and facilities to characterize and optimize the proposed technique. The scientific merit of this effort also includes the development of a sensorless technique for increasing the stable range of motion of micromachined electrostatic parallel plate and gap-closing actuators that can be applied to many types of MEMS devices in addition to gyroscopes. A limitation of many types of MEMS devices has been the limited stable range of motion of micromachined electrostatic parallel plate and gap-closing actuators, with applications such as variable capacitors, micro mirror based spatial light modulators and precision inertial sensors that utilize actuators. Most techniques developed to alleviate this problem either involve expensive changes to the physical design or complex motion sensor based controller approaches. This research can lead to new MEMS products, the application of existing MEMS products to new applications, and an enhanced understanding of the capabilities and limitations of micromachined devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG French, Samuel MEMSense, LLC SD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149865 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741208 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Teaching Programming from the Browser: A Serious Business with Fun Rewards. The objective of the proposed Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research is to deliver an innovative programming environment via Web-application and to prove the effectiveness of this programming environment. The proposed effort should result in concrete market evidence that: (i) it is possible to deliver content that appeals to educators and students for grades 3-8 that meets stated goals and metrics in the teaching of technology; and (ii) delivery of such content as a Web-application onto typical classroom computers is practical. U.S. schools are faced with the conundrum of having to provide students with an adequate technical background, while having limited time and resources to make such training possible. The commercialization strategy of the research is two-fold: (i) to increase brand awareness and mind-share through the delivery of high-quality, educational content to schools; and (ii) to derive a primary revenue stream from a top-ten destination site for the under-13 demographic that delivers additional, entertaining and constructive activities to children for out-of-school use. All content will be free to users. It is the aim of the proposed research to teach basic programming as part of a fun, creative lesson plans in economics, math, and scientific methods, where both student and teacher see the technology programming activity as within the normal scope of learning. By utilizing the Web as a delivery platform, the research makes technology education accessible to any school or individual with access to the Internet. The proposed research has the opportunity for societal gains in an area that has been identified in numerous recent policy reports as a fast emerging crisis for our nation: educating our children to an appropriate level of technical fluency and properly preparing them for the workforce of the coming decades. REESE SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Milne, Brent Kerpoof, LLC CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 7625 5371 HPCC 9216 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741214 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Direct Microreactor Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a microreactor system for formation of hydrogen peroxide in water by direct catalytic reaction of oxygen and hydrogen. This approach will overcome limitations that exist in current direct processes, which are not commercially viable. A more efficient and safer reactor system is proposed. Intrinsic attributes of microreactor technology, including exceptional heat and mass transfer rates, and free radical quenching, will allow an efficient, safe, and scalable process to be achieved. The societal benefits (commercial potential) of this project a "green" process for the formation of hydrogen peroxide in water. The major advantage of hydrogen peroxide over other chemical reagents is the benign by-products that are formed. Hydrogen peroxide is utilized in industrially important processes. Penetration of hydrogen peroxide into industrial processes has been stymied by cost, where a significant fraction of the cost is for shipping of concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions. The capability to generate low cost hydrogen peroxide on-demand using microreactors will overcome this the shipping expense. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Akse, James Umpqua Research Company OR Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741216 January 1, 2008 STTR PHASE I: Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal (FLC) Gels for Facile Processing and High Yield Manufacture of Hardened FLC Displays. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project will enable the widespread use of Ferro-electric Liquid Crystal (FLC) electro-optic devices which is currently impossible because their high fabrication costs become prohibitive for displays over a few centimeters in size. New FLC materials are needed to construct well-aligned FLC cells and consequently larger and less expensive devices. This research will develop polymer dopants that expedite processing and increase yield of well-aligned FLC cells by designing and synthesizing block copolymers that dissolve in the isotropic phase of the Liquid Crystal (LC) and self-assemble into a network when the LC cools. It will characterize the physical properties of these FLC gels to show they retain fast electro-optic (EO) responses and test the new FLC gels for improved durability and manufacturability. Approximately 2 billion small flat panel displays are used annually in cell phones, PDAs, iPods, etc. The additives developed would allow FLCs to be processed into displays in this size range, providing a step-change in resolution and speed. Scientifically, LC gels and elastomers have proven to be a fascinating class of materials and theory is just beginning to offer tantalizing predictions of phenomena that may be found when experimentalists begin to explore FLC gels. This project will be at the cutting edge of experimental research in FLC gels, providing the first glimpse into the consequences of orientational coupling and rubber elasticity in chiral smectic LCs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wand, Michael LC Vision, LLC CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 199930 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741237 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: A Novel, High-Dimensional Touchpad. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the inefficiency of conventional, low-dimensional pointing devices, such as the mouse, which typically control only two parameters. The shrinking size and expanding functionality of consumer devices raises further user interface challenges. The proposed research will investigate how a high density touch pad (HDTP) touchpad, can address these problems; for example, a fingertip potentially can control six independent parameters and convey several discernible postures in a small area of contact. The HDTP incorporates a pressure-measurement sensor array with real-time processing to derive information from pressure images. The project objectives are: 1) create usable increased dimensionality by calculation of parameters in real-time from hand contact pressure distributions; 2) study system requirements and performance tradeoffs; 3) study small format opportunities wherein several usable parameters may be extracted from touch of a key. The Phase I research result will be a catalog and assessment of how the technology can increase dimensionality, and determination of system requirements. It is expected that the technology will prove capable of controlling eight or more parameters, several using only a small area, with commercially viable system requirements. The low-dimensionality of conventional pointing devices creates a bottleneck, forcing users to perform many operations solely for the reassignment of pointing device parameters to application parameters. Many applications, including 3D drawing, CAD, simulation, data visualization, machine control, process control, advanced data navigation, animation and performing arts technologies, intrinsically require simultaneous interactive manipulation of three, four, five, six, or more independent parameters. As a high-dimensional device operated in an intuitive way with a wide range of applications, and adaptable for use in small devices, the proposed touchpad could become an attractive way to improve ease-of-use and efficiency. In fact, depending on its hardware and software requirements, it has the potential to be adopted even more widely than the conventional touchpad, now found in many laptops. Further, because of its sensitivity to fine movements, it has potential as an assistive device for the disabled, thus promoting the goal of universal access. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ludwig, Lester New Renaissance Institute CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741246 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Hybridization and SNP Detection Using Unlabeled Target DNA. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a new platform for performing multiple DNA hybridizations that uses optically encoded beads attached to a probe that is homologous to a region of the target and a labeled reporter molecule that is homologous to an adjacent segment of the target. The binding of the probe and the reporter to the target results in the enhanced fluorescence of the bead. Such a system allows for the very specific detection of target hybridization and through the optically encoded beads offers the capability for extensive multiplexing and rapid analysis. Currently suspension array technologies allow multiple DNA hybridization experiments, such as for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Yet, manufacturing bottlenecks, high cost and flexibility issues remain a problem. The proposed system addresses some of the flexibility issues and may offer a less expensive and easier way of generating the reagents for such experiments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99574 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 1112 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741247 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Talking Blood Glucose Meter with full Accessibility for Blind, Visually and Cognitively Impaired. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project addresses a crisis in the lack of effective glucose monitoring equipment for visually and cognitively impaired diabetics. The proposal thoroughly examines the technical and commercial feasibility of developing innovative technology that enables such patients to reliably use information provided by a state-of-the-art blood glucose meter, using speech output that is coupled with a commercially developed meter. There are currently no state-of-the-art or best-of-breed blood glucose meter systems available in the U.S. market with speech capabilities for use by the cognitively, visually impaired or blind community. The development of such a meter will positively impact the self-management of diabetes mellitus, improving quality of life and clinical outcomes for patients and preventing the development of secondary complications and provide an opportunity to impact a major health problem affecting millions of U.S. citizens. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gray, Christopher Bay Area Digital, LLC CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99250 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741252 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Mass Spectrometry Imaging Using Gold Nanoparticle Matrices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will enhance the capabilities of 2D spatial mapping of expression levels of biomolecules from tissue samples using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Current MALDI imaging protocols use organic acid matrices to promote desorption and ionization of biomolecules from the tissue surface. These organic matrices limit the analysis of small biomolecules due to the extensive fragmentation and interference in the low mass region of the mass spectrum. Furthermore, no one matrix is currently capable of desorbing and ionizing all types of biomolecules. New matrices are needed to fill this void and this research is developing a new matrix that utilizes gold nanoparticles (AuNP) to efficiently ionize biomolecules from tissue samples. A series of well characterized AuNPs with different sizes and surface chemistries will determine the mechanism of the AuNP induced ionization. Optimal formulations will be tested on tissue samples to determine their effectiveness as a matrix for tissue imaging. The broader impacts of this research are to supply new matrices that are well characterized which will lead to new insightful information about the spatial expression of specific biomarkers thereby leading to better drug discovery and improved health outcomes. Gold nanoparticle matrices have unique specificity, good sensitivity and the potential to unlock the 2D spatial imaging of biomolecules that cannot currently be observed using standard methods. These types of new information could have profound affects on the scientific community?s ability to understand/diagnose disease and find novel drug targets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spencer, Matt nanoComposix, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741267 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Improving the safety and efficacy of epidural anesthesia. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop an improved method for the controlled introduction of the epidural needle into the epidural space. The simple technology relies on torsional-resistance and control to allow physicians to access the epidural space without doing accidental damage to the dura, The current method used for accessing the epidural space involves the blind insertion of the epidural needle by the physician to the depth of 2-4 cm through the skin and ligamentum flavum. An increase in the resistance to forward needle advancement is the only indication to the physician that s/he is in the epidural space. Development of a device that allows controlled advancement of the epidural needle would be of great use to the physicians performing this procedure and would reduce the likelihood of damage to the dura as a result of a misinsertion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wall, James Insite Medical Technologies CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0741278 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: MusicianLink Platform for Audio Collaboration and Real-time Distributed Audio Processing. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project is to develop a low-latency network-based quality of service (QoS) framework, for hosting a new class of distributed audio signal processing algorithms. The technique reveals connection quality using high-quality audio streaming as a closed-loop resonant probe. Users "pluck" a bidirectional stream much as if it were a guitar string in which sound waves travel in a recirculating manner. Network round-trip time is the natural pitch of the "string" while jitter and packet loss cause vibrato and interferences in the sound. Any path supporting any application consisting of low-latency interactive flows can be tuned according to qualities revealed by the resulting tone. Immediate and intuitive, the sound is a complement to graphical and statistical techniques for monitoring connection quality. The proposed technique is one example of a wider class of applications involving real-time distributed signal processing over the Internet. This Phase I STTR proposal addresses the technology transfer aspect of the technology, and initiates a joint university/small business research venture. The intended outcome puts into broad use the first commercially-available example of this class of applications in music collaboration, telepresence, and teleconferencing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Willyard, David MusicianLink, Inc. CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0749461 April 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: Joint UFL/CU I/UCR Center for Particulate and Surfactant Systems. This proposal formally establishes a multi-university Center for Particulate and Surfactant Systems as part of NSF's Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) program. The University of Florida (the lead institution) and Columbia University will maintain research sites to collaborate on research. The proposed center's goal is to develop a knowledge base on the interactions between particulate systems and their relationship with the structure of different surfactants for enhanced performance in the pharmaceutical, chemical, microelectronic, and other nano-bio applications. The research thrust areas identified in the proposal include synthesis, characterization, processing and applications. The proposed activity involves a number of researchers from different disciplines from both universities. Much of the research will be carried out in collaboration with a number of industrial researchers. The proposed I/UCRC research program will contribute to a timely development and commercialization of targeted research of major societal significance. Work force development through education and advanced training of students will be a resource to industry and academe in this critical field of science and engineering and surfactant systems. In addition, recruitment of women and under-represented groups will be emphasized. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS INTERFAC PROCESSES & THERMODYN IIP ENG Somasundaran, Ponisseril Columbia University NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 266497 7609 5761 1414 OTHR 5761 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0749481 April 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: Joint UFL/CU I/UCR Center for Particulate and Surfactant Systems. This proposal formally establishes a multi-university Center for Particulate and Surfactant Systems as part of NSF's Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) program. The University of Florida (the lead institution) and Columbia University will maintain research sites to collaborate on research. The proposed center's goal is to develop a knowledge base on the interactions between particulate systems and their relationship with the structure of different surfactants for enhanced performance in the pharmaceutical, chemical, microelectronic, and other nano-bio applications. The research thrust areas identified in the proposal include synthesis, characterization, processing and applications. The proposed activity involves a number of researchers from different disciplines from both universities. Much of the research will be carried out in collaboration with a number of industrial researchers. The proposed I/UCRC research program will contribute to a timely development and commercialization of targeted research of major societal significance. Work force development through education and advanced training of students will be a resource to industry and academe in this critical field of science and engineering and surfactant systems. In addition, recruitment of women and under-represented groups will be emphasized. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS INTERFAC PROCESSES & THERMODYN IIP ENG Moudgil, Brij University of Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 268500 7609 5761 1414 OTHR 5761 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0749862 March 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Online Chapter Marketplace for Biology Learning Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development of an electronic replacement for reading materials currently used by the majority of biology undergraduate students. This replacement will combine smaller reading sections with more active learning components such as simulated experiments. The system to be developed will be open to contribution from a wide variety of authors and subject matter experts. Textbooks are currently used in most college biology environments to present material to students. However, learning through textbooks occurs primarily through memorization. This project is developing new innovative ways to facilitate productive learning techniques, and for configuring take-home assignments of biology students to be more active, without losing the content needed for understanding biological systems. This project has the potential to transform one of the pillars of science education, the textbook, from a passive reading instrument to an active learning tool. This could contribute to the improvement of learning gains for the at least one million students per year that participate in college level biology classes each year in the U.S. On a broad scale, this project eventually could help improve learning across all the sciences. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Meir, Eli SimBiotic Software NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 592639 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9216 7218 1658 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0749884 February 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Lantibiotic Synthesis Using Differentially Protected Orthogonal Lanthionines. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop differentially protected orthogonal lanthionine technology (DPLOT) to synthesize novel antibiotics. Lanthionines are found in nature and have been isolated from a variety of sources. Although amino acids, lanthionines are not components of proteins. They are however, constituents of a group of naturally occurring peptide antibiotics called lantibiotics, which includes nisin (a food preservative), subtilin, epidermin (an anti staphylococcus and streptococcus agent), and ancovenin (an enzyme inhibitor). Due to their mechanism of action, resistance to lantibiotics is uncommon and as such they can be of value for treating antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. The technology under development would allow the synthesis of novel lantibiotics that may be effective against the growing number of antibiotic resistant bacteria and would expand the therapeutic arsenal available for treating such infections. It would therefore have a profound impact on public health and the control of infectious diseases caused by bacteria. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hillman, Jeffrey Oragenics Corporation FL Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9183 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0749979 February 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Vapor Generator for the Calibration of Explosive Trace Detectors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to use digitally controlled vapor generators for calibration and test of explosive. Two systems will be created: a research oriented system, targeting manufacturers, for development of new explosive vapor trace detectors and production quality control and a portable system, intended for end users, for field testing and calibration. The use of digitally controlled ink-jet dispensing to precisely eject minute amounts of dilute explosive solutions and convert them into vapor has been demonstrated. We have also identified unique requirements of distinct vapor trace detector models and the actual needs of the marketplace. This project will: design and fabricate the two systems; generate the software control program; formulate explosive solutions customized for commercial explosive vapor trace detectors; develop test protocols for each system; evaluate the systems with commercial vapor trace detectors; and run reliability and repeatability testing. The research performed will also include: material compatibility studies; distribution of various explosive vapors by flow simulations and measurements; shelf life studies of the cartridges; and development of methods to calibrate the cartridges for explosive solutions. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be a method to evaluate the development of the next generation detectors. This project will lead to products (vapor generator systems and associated consumables). These products will provide the means to compare the various explosive trace detectors and to identify the most accurate ones. Ultimately, the ability to further miniaturize the vapor generators will lead to units that are embedded into next generation detectors for real-time verification and calibration. The overall societal benefit of successfully developing vapor generator products will be improved protection of the public, both real and perceived, from terrorist threats while minimizing the cost and negative perception related to false alarms. Technological advances from this project will facilitate basic research on detection mechanisms for explosives, drugs and chemical threats. Researchers in government labs and academia will be able to use the vapor generator to evaluate and quantify improvements of promising detection methods. The technology also has spin-off opportunities in olfaction based medical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hayes, Donald MicroFab Technologies Inc TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499961 5373 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750028 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: A Standards-Based High School Symbolic Geometry System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an interactive symbolic geometry system that integrates algebra and geometry and focuses on high school mathematics. The absence of such a system has led to a technology gap in mathematics education between the geometry year in high school and the college level calculus sequence. The result of this project will be a software system along with learning materials which fills that gap. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards include the visualization of three-dimensional figures and the mapping between certain three-dimensional surfaces and their two-dimensional unfolding or projection onto the plane. To address this, the project will create a three dimensional symbolic geometry system and in the process will break new ground both from an algorithmic and a user interface perspective. The creation of geometric models dependent on discrete but possibly indeterminate parameters, for example, a general n-gon, is an important pedagogic device for the study of the limits of geometrical figures. Such a facility poses new design and user interface challenges ranging from the definition of the general form of the dependence to the display of a geometrical figure with an indeterminate number of primitives. This Phase II project addresses the need for solid mathematics skills required for college-bound students and for those going directly into the workforce. Specifically, this project focuses on the learning of algebra, and its linkages with geometry. To date, no application exists that integrates algebra and geometry. The integration of technology itself within the learning of mathematics is one of the NCTM's six key principles of school mathematics. The project will incorporate geometrical constraints in addition to geometrical constructions and hence, unlike any other current educational system, directly address the workforce/professional requirements of a geometry system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Todd, Philip Saltire Software Inc OR Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 571869 5373 HPCC 9261 9231 9216 7744 7218 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750040 February 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: EO: Security Microchip for Mobile Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project has as its objective the development and demonstration of a hardware-based security platform for the protection of applications and confidential data in mobile phones. The end-product components consist of an ultra-low-power security chip protected against attacks, by means of a unique compilation-driven instruction set obfuscation technology, built-in cryptographic acceleration support, and secure storage, a mobile security firmware supporting the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) specification of the Trusted Computing Group industry consortium and a unique mobile application protection technology with secure software plug-ins, and associated development tools to facilitate the use of our technology, including a security-focused compiler. By focusing on ultra-low-power approaches, this solution can be used by battery-powered applications and will not greatly reduce the time between recharges. The broader impact of this activity is that it addresses key technical obstacles that are a barrier to expanding the use of mobile phones in financial transactions and enterprise applications. Currently, mobile phones do not have the amount of built-in security that would lead to the widespread use on them of electronic wallets, for example, or to allowing users to securely execute mobile enterprise applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Carver, Kristopher BlueRISC Labs MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 602682 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 5761 1185 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750045 April 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: OptDiverse: Innovative Technology to Enhance Workforce Diversity, Capabilities, and Performance. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to refine an algorithmic approach and develop prototype software for workforce optimization with a focus on diversity planning and management. This project is expected to achieve the following four major objectives: 1) further enhance and extend the core technology created during Phase I and endow it with added capabilities that will be valuable for marketability as well as effectiveness; 2) enhance external communications - the software must communicate effectively with the user and database systems. In Phase I, rudimentary communications were established. During Phase II, the system will be greatly enhanced to allow for more effective use; 3) develop software as a service architecture - for greatest market penetration, the software will be deployed via the web. The system architecture will be redesigned to accommodate this requirement; and 4) perform alpha-testing - internal and external testing is critical to releasing a high-quality product. The Phase II research will strengthen the technical aspects of the product while significantly improving its ease of use, producing a system ready to enter the market. The commercial applications anticipated for the software system are to first enhance the performance of workforce diversity planning and then evolve to supporting the optimization of the entire workforce. The technology is expected to have a significant impact on the broader inclusion of under-represented talent in the workforce. We also expect the technology to lead to improved organizational performance by enabling better decisions in recruitment and retention of all employees. The software will permit an organization to model and simulate critical patterns between policies, programs, initiatives, as well as other factors such as practices and compensation. The impacts of this research include the potential to: 1) design a more effective approach (simulation/optimization) to diversity planning and workforce optimization, increase workforce diversity, capabilities, and performance; 2) support a significant social and economic initiative; 3) become appealing to attract investments as it significantly increases return and minimizes risk in diversity and workforce planning; 4) add to the body of knowledge in human resource management and decision sciences that may be leveraged to permit additional research and development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Glover, Fred OptTek Systems, Inc. CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 447521 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 1653 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750054 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Early Growth Metabolic Responses of Mycobacteria. This SBIR Phase II research project develops a new rapid, nonmolecular method for quickly testing the drug susceptibility of Mycobacteria tuberculosis, the bacterium causing the epidemic disease tuberculosis (TB). Currently, all measurements for determining drug susceptibility - essential for prescribing effective treatment - rely exclusively on detecting changes in the slow growing bacterial population after exposure to drugs known to kill the bacterium. Phase I demonstrated this technology's approach to drug susceptibility testing provides commensurate information without time consuming measurements of growth. Susceptibility results were obtained in only a few hours compared to currently used methods requiring several weeks to obtain the same information. In addition, resistant strains were easily distinguished from sensitive strains inferring the ability to identify drug resistant TB infections in only a few hours time. With this information in hand quickly, physicians will be able to prescribe antimicrobial therapies with confidence because the treatments will be targeted and not empirical. The broader impacts of this research are the reduced spread of drug-resistant infections, increasing of the effective lifespan of drugs now known to cure disease, and lower healthcare costs associated with more successful patient outcomes. Rapid testing will enable better control over the spread of tuberculosis and the management of effective domestic and global policies. This will leave the United States and all other countries better prepared to mount an adequate defense in the event of an epidemic or intentional widespread exposure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rieder, Ronald BioSense Technologies Inc. MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 429080 5373 BIOT 9123 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750056 February 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Room Temperature Medical Waste Treatment. This SBIR Phase II research develops a novel, reliable, affordable, technology for effective decontamination/sterilization of medical waste. The technology is based on an air/gas sterilant produced in a non-thermal plasma source powered by a standard microwave oven magnetron. The simplicity and the affordability of the technique to produce an effective gas sterilant capable of sterilizing a wide range of materials and surfaces at low-temperature and with low energy requirements provides technology suitable for a low cost decontamination/sterilization device for medical and dental offices/clinics. This technology is free of chemical residue, low maintenance, and simple in operation. The broader impact of this research is to improve the safety of doctors' offices and hosptials through on-site sterilization of biohazardous and infectious wastes. The technology provides a significant power saving and decreases the number of medical waste incinerators that contribute harmful emissions to the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Golkowski, Czeslaw SUPER PULSE NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 505999 5373 BIOT 9267 9231 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750063 March 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Software Platform for Quality-by-Design Implementation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a novel Quality-by-Design (QbD) software platform directed at the needs of FDA's QbD initiative, a framework for innovative pharmaceutical development, manufacturing and quality assurance. QbD is implemented at four levels: process understanding; quality by design; monitor, predict and control; and continuous improvement. QbD implementation is hampered by the lack of a reusable and extensible QbD Software Platform for assembling QbD tools that execute, document and integrate QbD workflow. In the Phase I program, we successfully demonstrated 'proof-ofconcept' for the QbD Software Platform for application to the first QbD level workflow. This project will extend research to the other levels and enhance the QbD Software Platform in three principal ways: 1) increase capabilities for managing QbD data-set objects; 2) enlarge the pool of QbD workflow objects; and 3) add collaboration capability in conjunction with a centralized repository. We will test, evaluate and validate the QbD Software Platform through use scenarios developed in conjunction with pharmaceutical-company research collaborators. The ultimate goal of the program is to develop a commercial QbD software toolkit that enables scientists and engineers to implement QbD for increased manufacturing efficiency with regulatory flexibility. The health of our nation's citizens depends on the availability of safe, effective and affordable medicines. Pharmaceutical companies need to employ innovation, cutting-edge scientific and engineering knowledge, and the best principles of quality management to respond to the challenges of new discoveries (e.g., complex drug delivery systems and nanotechnology) and individualized therapies or genetically tailored treatments. The FDA and global pharmaceutical community are laying the foundation for a regulatory policy revolution, Quality-by-Design (QbD), that provides a framework for allowing regulatory processes to more readily-adopt state-of-the-art technological advances in drug development, production and quality assurance. QbD shifts focus from 'quality by testing' to 'quality by design', i.e. build quality into the process rather than rely on resource-intensive quality control systems to prevent defective products from leaving the factory. The Quality-by-Design (QbD) Software Platform of the present proposal enables scientists and engineers to implement state-of-the-art multi-variate analysis and machine learning to manufacturing quality. Additionally, given that manufacturing represents 25% of drug cost, equipment utilization is below 40%, and batch quality failures range from 5 to 15%, the effective implementation of QbD will enable improved efficiency providing lower drug costs and increased competitiveness for the US pharmaceutical industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG vanEikeren, Paul Blue Reference OR Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 523771 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750064 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Novel Deposition of Silicon Carbide Boules. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel processing technique to form silicon carbide (SiC) boules for wafer production. The technique uses high-purity gas precursors and has the potential to economically produce large diameter SiC boules with low contamination levels and reduced defect levels. In this project, SiC boule growth using gas-phase precursors will be developed for commercialization of 150 mm SiC wafers. SiC is a wide bandgap compound semiconductor with high thermal conductivity, high breakdown electric field strength, thermal stability and chemical inertness. SiC-based electronics are of great interest because they can significantly outperform conventional semiconductors under high-temperature, high-power, high-radiation, and corrosive conditions. Potential products based on SiC include engine control eletronics, turbine engine sensors, power switching devices, microwave electronics, and many others. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Robbins, Joshua SiC Systems, Inc. CO William Haines Standard Grant 538000 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 7218 1775 116E 9231 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750076 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: High-Speed Atomic Layer Disposition System for Compound Semiconductor Thin Films. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel high-speed Atomic Layer Deposition technology comprising an ALD reactor and associated thin film processes for GaN thin films required for fabrication of high-brightness Light Emitting Diode (HBLED). The proposed effort is based on successful demonstration of operation of the ALD reactor in phase-I SBIR project at 5x speed of commercially available ALD reactors. The unique ALD reactor concept can process atomically thin films and also micron thick films in one chamber. Furthermore, point-of-use, safer and low-cost generation of chemical precursors combined with low temperature processing promises low defect density thin films of a variety of compound semiconductors including GaN. Low defect density, low cost GaN thin and thick films are building blocks of an HBLED. An HBLED bulb that consumes 15 Watts, lasts 10+ years and costs a few dollars can effectively replace a fluorescent tube consuming 30 Watts and an incandescent bulb consuming 100 Watts. The proposed ALD technology promises to reduce process cost, and improve the HBLED quality critical to realize ultra-large scale production of affordable HBLEDs for worldwide lighting applications leading to 50% potential electricity savings and tremendous associated environmental benefits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gadgil, Prasad Atomic Precision Systems Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499908 5373 AMPP 9163 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750136 February 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Implementation, Testing and Refinement of a Hybrid Distributed / Traditional System for Broadcasting Live and Pre-Recorded Content to Large Online Audiences. This Phase II project has two technical goals. In Year 1 the focus is on increasing the video quality (bit rate) of NFT delivered broadcasts, while keeping bandwidth costs low. In Year 2 the focus shifts to expanding product support to Mac and other non-Windows systems. Network Foundation Technologies (NFT) has developed a patented distributed broadcast technology that overcomes many of the current bottlenecks. The key difference between the NFT approach and the traditional approach is that with NFT the computers and Internet connections of the viewers watching a broadcast help deliver that broadcast on to other viewers. Network Foundation Technologies' products and technology have the potential to significantly impact the way television-style broadcasting is conducted over the Internet, greatly increasing the number of voices that can be heard. While NFT's near term goal is "to bring television to the Internet", the long term goal is to give ordinary citizens their own "online television stations." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG O'Neal, Mike Network Foundation Technologies LA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 512000 5373 HPCC 9231 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750177 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Innovative Isotropic Ultra-High Thermal Conductivity Diamond Composite Materials. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop and demonstrate an innovative class of composite ultra-high thermal conductivity materials for solid state electronics thermal management applications. There exists a growing need for high thermal conductivity materials that exhibit greatly increased isotropic thermal conductivity and lower density compared to existing thermal conductivity materials and composites. Materials with these characteristics do not presently exist, but are enabling for many other future applications. Under the Phase II effort, the P2SI Team will develop these materials and characterize the fundamental structure-property-processing relationships to enable manufacturing scale-up and commercialization. The P2SI concept is for an "Engineered Material" where the processing behavior and the resulting macroscopic performance (thermal conductivity) is a unique function of the composite architecture. Building the proposed ultra-high isotropic thermal conductivity materials from a multi-scale constituent level represents a leap in technology that was first developed from the fundamental level and validated in the Phase I program. The impacts of this research are twofold: providing a foundation for a new technology in materials science research; and utilizing these fundamental findings to develop and engineer enabling materials to meet growing needs in industry for thermal management applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Curliss, David Performance Polymer Solutions Inc. OH Ben Schrag Standard Grant 712758 5373 AMPP 9251 9163 7218 1984 116E 115E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750180 February 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Ultra High Thermal Conductivity Aluminum/Graphite Composites from Low Cost Natural Graphite. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and present for commercialization natural graphite (NG) reinforced Al (AlGr). In this project, inexpensive natural graphite flake (NGF) will be manufactured into a preform and pressure infiltrated with Al-Si alloys to form composites with thermal conductivities (TC) from 600 W/mK to 750 W/mK and corresponding thermal expansion (CTE) from 7 to 4 ppm/K. CTE is specified by controlling volume fraction of NGF. TC is 1.5 to 1.9 times oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) Cu at 25% of the mass and comparable volumetric cost to Cu with customized CTE enabling thermally efficient direct die attach. High TC results from reaction of Si from the alloy with NGF surfaces to form low thermal impedance SiC interface. These properties result from innovative preform architecture. In addition, quasi-isotropic TC values (~700 W/mK) are achievable through further preform design. For every 10C decrease in operating temperature, the life of an electronic device is doubled. Conversely, more efficient cooling schemes enable devices to be manufactured with higher performance at higher power densities and in smaller spaces. The materials developed in this project would enable such performance enhancements, and at lower cooling costs. The proposed technology would reduce the dependence on copper for electronic thermal management applications and would find serious application in space and military radar and communication systems as well as laser diode heatsinks, heat spreaders for notebook computers and other consumer electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cornie, James Metal Matrix Cast Composites, LLC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 515994 5373 AMPP 9251 9163 1984 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750183 February 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Materials for Hybrid Electrochemical Capacitors. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves the development of a nanostructured electrode material for high energy and power density hybrid electrochemical capacitors also called ultracapacitors or supercapacitors. Symmetric electrochemical capacitors that consist of two identical electrodes currently utilize flammable, non-aqueous electrolytes to improve the energy density. Hybrid or assymetric configurations that utilize different electrodes result in significantly higher energy densities and can operate in aqueous rather than non-aqueous electrolytes. The objectives of the Phase II project are to optimize the material's synthesis, further characterize the material, perform electrochemical testing to evaluate the energy density, power density and cycle life of the material, optimize the electrode fabrication process and electrolyte composition, and develop a low-cost, large-scale manufacturing process to produce the material. The anticipated result of the project is the development of a new, commercially viable electrode material that enables hybrid electrochemical capacitors with improved energy density, lower cost, and improved safety over current technologies. The development of low cost, high performance electrochemical capacitors has a substantial impact on the development of electric and hybrid vehicles, consumer and industrial electronics, and telecommunications devices. The broad impact of this technology is to enable the manufacturing of next generation electrochemical capacitors that will have higher energy densities, lower cost, and improved safety compared with current electrochemical capacitors. Hybrid electrochemical capacitors that have high energy densities as well as power densities result in improved performance power systems for numerous medium, high, and pulse-power applications. The ability of the hybrid ultracapacitor to operate in benign aqueous electrolytes reduces the cost of the device and has significant environmental and safety impacts, since current non-aqueous electrolytes are flammable and can emit toxic gases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rhodes, Christopher Lynntech, Inc TX Ben Schrag Standard Grant 467171 5373 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750189 February 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: High Performance Cooling Devices through Wafer Scale Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will create high performance coolers using waferscale semiconductor manufacturing by building on the material processing foundations demonstrated in Phase I. Phase I work has demonstrated that high quality materials can be formed in a method that can be extended to high volume production. This Phase II effort will implement this manufacturing technique at a wafer scale, integrating Phase I materials into initial devices for customer evaluation and sale. The broader impacts of widespread deployment of efficient thermoelectric coolers include reduction in energy consumption and more efficient use of available energy by widespread use of high performance thermoelectric power generation from waste heat; and broad improvements in general quality of life by high performance compact coolers that allow continued advancement of products in the microelectronics and optoelectronics industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Miner, Andrew Romny Scientific, Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 505487 5373 HPCC 9231 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750194 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Durable Functional Coloring of Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Structural Composites for High Strength Material Applications. The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will demonstrate the ability to color structural composite parts made of thermoplastic polymers reinforced with long (3 mm to 25 mm in length) glass fibers. Today the options are black or natural resin color which limits their design appeal. Colorants are not used in thermoplastic composites for structural applications because they historically caused significant loss in key properties. This breakthrough of successfully using durable, high performance energy managing colorants in long glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic structural materials will open options for a wide range of products in construction, safety, sporting goods, furniture, industrial, transportation and recreational markets. Application prototypes for the transportation and industrial markets will be created in this project. By integrating durable color within structural composite parts, the speed of displacing traditional materials will increase. Thermoplastic composite materials provide clear advantages relative to metals of reduced weight in the part with equal or superior properties, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility, all resulting in significant cost savings. Painting processes can be eliminated with the incorporation of color. The structural long glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics are more durable and result in less waste over time and therefore are better for the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG White, James The Shepherd Color Company OH Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 9102 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750202 March 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: The Media Fusion Project: A Distributed Architecture for Mega-Pixel Displays. This SBIR Phase II project will develop and deliver a software media architecture that removes a critical barrier to the widespread use of multi-projector, high-resolution, ultra definition displays. The approach defines a set of layered abstractions from the low-level display driver to higher-level protocols including multi-user display use and security. This model is the bedrock of a new display architecture that will not constrain future display innovations, allow content developers and producers to communicate to current and future display systems, and acts to isolate the underlying complexities of new display technologies from users. Building on this new architecture, the Phase II project will implement a software-based Display Operating System. The project is motivated by the perception that we will soon live in a world where displays cease to be individual discreet devices but rather become an extension of our environment; a limitless fabric of pixels. The potential impact of this innovation is significant, by removing the usability and cost barriers normally associated with ultrahigh-resolution displays, applications once available to only a select few can become commonplace. This has the potential to change the advanced visualization, media interaction models, as well as the way in which we interact with our computational environments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jaynes, Christopher Mersive Technologies, LLC KY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 499999 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750206 March 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Multivariate Analysis of Heterologous Protein Expression. This SBIR Phase II research develops methods to improve the manufacture of recombinant protein products produced in foreign hosts. Cost-effective production of proteins generally utilizes organisms that are well-suited for protein engineering and large-scale production. Establishing a suitable production system for a protein is often a time-consuming, trial-and-error-based process and can be a significant barrier for the commercialization of a protein. In cases where production systems are found, they are often far from optimized due to the time and cost required as well as our current limited understanding of the critical parameters. In Phase I several gene design variables were assessed for their importance to protein expression in the bacterium Escherichia coli, a commonly used production organism. Data suggested novel means for gene optimization that were unexpected from conventional wisdom. In Phase II relevant gene design variables suggested by Phase I will be explored toward development of a refined model of the relationship of gene design to protein expression in E. coli as well as in other useful production organisms. The broader impacts of this research are improved manufacturing techniques for recombinant protein based products. Protein products constitute a currently >$40 billion and rapidly growing world-wide market including industrial enzymes, diagnostic enzymes and protein pharmaceuticals. The tools developed from this project will drastically improve the speed, reduce the cost, and remove the uncertainties of modern protein manufacturing, which significantly limit this market. Improved production will also accelerate the study of proteins with therapeutic or otherwise marketable potential, expanding the field of candidate proteins for commercialization. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Welch, Mark DNA Twopointo Inc CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 506750 5373 BIOT 9231 9181 116E 1166 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750247 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Shape Memory Polymer Based Orthopedic Fixation Devices. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project includes the design, development and commercialization of shape memory polymer orthopedic soft-tissue fixation devices. Current soft tissue fixation devices are primarily metal or plastic screws used to attach tissue grafts to bone in repair of torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL). These threaded devices commonly damage the tendon during insertion; reducing the effectiveness of the surgery. Shape memory polymers are a superior solution in that they can provide a simpler, stronger, and less damaging fixation method for these tendon grafts. Essentially, a shape memory polymer device can be; (1) delivered into the body in a compacted and less invasive state, (2) self-deploy at body temperature and (3) do so without sharp edges that might damage the tissue. The proposed work has immediate commercial potential and direct societal benefit in the field of sports medicine with a significant market on the order of $210 million in ACL repair devices annually. Furthermore, the biomaterial developed for ACL reconstruction should have long-term impact on the 1.6MM orthopedic procedures performed each year to repair tendons and ligaments in knees, shoulders, and ankles and by reducing the invasiveness of surgery and improving the outcomes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Griffis, Jack MedShape Solutions, Inc. GA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 515826 5373 AMPP 9251 9163 1773 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750259 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Catalytic Filter for Diesel Exhaust Purification. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II aims to develop a catalytically active filtration device for the continuous removal of particulate matter from diesel engine exhaust. Particulate emissions from diesel engines are viewed as a significant health hazard. New diesel fuel and exhaust emission regulations to be phased in through 2010 require that diesel engine exhaust be extensively cleaned; current purification products are considered too large, too expensive and impose too great a fuel economy penalty on the diesel engine. A particulate filtration system that continuously oxidizes particulate matter using oxygen contained in the engine exhaust and does not require regeneration will be prepared, characterized and refined. The technology that will be developed has the capability to remove ultra-fine particulates with dimensions as small as 20 nm. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology will enhance the scientific understanding of the synthesis and stability of novel ceramic nanostructures as well as the interaction of soot with dispersed catalytic species. The successful application of this technology will lower the cost of purifying diesel engine exhaust, enabling wider application of highly fuel efficient diesel engines, which will in turn reduce the overall fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fokema, Mark ASPEN PRODUCTS GROUP, INC MA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750267 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Fabrication of Luminescent Phosphor Plasma-sphere Arrays for Display Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research II project will develop hermetic hollow gas encapsulating spheres (Plasma-spheres) with shells fabricated from phosphor compositions processed with modified processing methods. The outcome will be blue emitting Plasma-spheres and improve red and green Plasma-spheres for use in a full color flexible plasma display. Plasma-spheres are placed on flexible electrically addressable arrays with the ionized gas glowing when a voltage is applied across the Plasma-spheres. This is due to the conversion of UV into visible light. If successful this process will allow carpet size displays to be produced at a fraction of the cost of rigid glass displays. Unlike traditional one-piece rigid plasma display technology, the Plasma-sphere pixels are produced separately and applied to large flexible electrically addressable substrates using low cost wide-web processes. The separation of pixel production from substrate fabrication provides several advantages; 1) shortened cycle time (by eliminating a 19 hour gas processing step), 2) higher yields, 3) lower capital equipment investment, 4) lower production costs, 5) longer life, 6) smaller form factor, and 7) a greater percentage of biodegradable material. The entire Plasma-sphere array production process is environmentally benign. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wedding, Carol IMAGING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INC OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 512000 5373 MANU 9147 9102 1788 1775 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750299 March 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: SAFE: Behavior-based Malware Detection and Prevention. This SBIR Phase II project has the objective of implementing a commercially-competitive, host-based, malware detection and prevention system. During Phase I, a host-based malware detection system that demonstrated the practicality of detecting a malicious process by dynamically monitoring its system events was developed. The prototype called SAFE (Secure Activity Filtering Engine) filters system events using a stateful policy engine whose policies specify malicious behavior and the appropriate response. Because the technology does not rely upon the detection of "signatures" (i.e. patterns of bytes), it can detect previously unseen malware. During Phase II a number of significant enhancements to the policy engine including a checkpoint/rollback capability will be developed. The proposed functionality removes file system and registry changes associated with a process when a policy violation is detected. The ability to delay detection of malicious behavior until detailed system events are observed provides a just-in-time detection capability that increases the accuracy of the detection process while reducing false positives. The SAFE technology has the potential to demonstrate an effective approach to combating at least two of the dominant trends in the threat landscape. One such trend is the crafting of blended threats which use multiple infections vectors like email readers, web browsers, and messaging software to infect a host computer. Another trend is the popularity of "malware toolkits" which can be used by malware writers to quickly generate multiple variants of the same virus. The rapid proliferation of obfuscated variants is a potent threat to traditional signature-based solutions on two fronts: the rate of malware infection may overwhelm efforts to produce signatures to detect these variants and the logarithmic increase in the size of signatures databases reduces the performance of signature scanning. The SAFE technology addresses both of these trends. The stateful policy engine can correlate non simultaneous events across multiple sub systems and processes and thus detect and block blended threats. If successful, the architecture of the proposed system will have the potential to address a myriad of security threats and make a commercially-significant impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wang, Hao NOVASHIELD, Inc. WI Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 518000 5373 HPCC 9231 9139 7744 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750325 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Compact membrane reactors for high-purity hydrogen. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop mini-channel membrane reformers to produce pure hydrogen from gaseous and liquid fuels. Fuel reforming of hydrocarbon fuels to yield high purity hydrogen is, at present, the only means for overcoming the lack of an established infrastructure for hydrogen. Fuel processors must be able to start up quickly, follow demand rapidly, be tolerant to sulfur, and operate efficiently over a wide range of conversion rates. The use of mini-channel reformers, with selective membrane removal of hydrogen at the site of production within the individual reformer stages, will lead to improved efficiency, thermodynamics and kinetics of reforming reactions. If successful, the proposed membrane reformer system will decrease system complexity, reduce costs, and allow ease of control, monitoring and transient response. The proposed technology has significant business opportunities in the business sector for high-purity merchant hydrogen, and in the civilian and military sectors for hydrogen fuel cells, used in portable power and distributed generation. Valuable scientific and technological understanding will also be gained about the behavior of hydrogen-permeable membranes and their use in high-temperature, sulfur-resistant, compact fuel reformers to produce high-purity hydrogen. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Harris, Sterling Eneregtics Incorporated CA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 639704 5373 AMPP 9251 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750328 February 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Automated Analysis of Body Fluid Chemistry Using MHD-Based Microfluidics. This Phase II SBIR Proposal develops a suite of labs-on-a-chip that can be used to establish the metabolic health of an individual in real-time from a finger-prick sample of blood. Each disposable chip will contain all reagents necessary to run the assay and all waste will be stored on the chip. These sealed, self-contained assay chips will be based on magnetohydrodynamic microfluidics and microelectrochemical detection and will allow for the simultaneous quantization of multiple biomarkers. The biomarkers chosen for this project have been linked to an individual?s metabolic health in a broad range of high importance areas, including aging, cardiovascular health, neurochemical health, and prepregnancy health. The ability to quantify the biomarkers simultaneously will allow for assessment of an individual?s metabolic status and determination of an intervention strategy within the time scale of a single visit to the doctor. Any necessary follow-up visit will provide immediate feedback on success or failure of the intervention strategy. This point-of-care testing platform will allow both doctor and patient to take a more proactive stance in the management of an individual?s metabolic status. The broader impacts of this research meet a need for improved preconception care. This technology can be expanded to include additional biomarkers that will allow for convenient, inexpensive screening of a number of health issues, including pernicious anemia, renal disease, neurochemical health and cardiovascular health that could broaden its impact on improving the Nation's healtcare. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Evans, Christine SFC FLUIDICS, LLC AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9267 9150 9107 9102 1491 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750352 March 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: 3D Human Functional Anatomy for Middle and High School Education. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II Project combines 3-D computer graphics and gaming technology to provide a non-linear, immersive learning environment for science education in the human anatomy and physiology domain. Modern computer-simulations present a unique ability to present scientific information in an easy to understand manner. Technology advances in computer graphics present opportunities to present higher quality visual models in an interactive fashion that can convey the scientific process in a way which makes learning science fun and interesting for the students while capturing their enthusiasm for science. The proposed project will develop a toolkit consisting of 3-D visualizations for teaching human anatomy and physiology and interactive simulation environments for exploring the human body from a first person point of view. It is envisioned that simulations will be used in conjunction with traditional lectures while the interactive environments will provide immersive reinforcement learning. Phase II development will be validated by an independent evaluation that measures the products effects on achievement and interest in science. This project will play a role in increasing achievement and interest in science. In order for the nation to remain competitive in the life sciences, the nation must produce an adequate number of students who pursue degrees in life sciences. The proposed research is targeted at improving students' interest and achievement in science, and thus greatly impact the disturbing drop in recent years in United States' student interest in pursuing science education and careers, and the rapid increase in demand in the labor market for science-based degrees for the labor market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Levine, Robert ArchieMD, Inc FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 493537 5373 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750353 February 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: High-Throughput In-Situ Crystallography Screening System. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a high throughput crystallography screening system aimed at accelerating and automating crystal growth for structural studies. X-ray crystallography is the primary method for determining the molecular structure of biological macromolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids. Yet, although crystals are an ideal material for analyzing the structure of solids, growing crystals of sufficient quality for diffraction studies has heretofore been a tedious and labor-intensive undertaking. Thus, the development of a platform that allows automation, miniaturization and parallelization for obtaining crystals of optimal quality would be a significant step forward in crystallography and would accelerate structural studies. An improvement in this area would therefore be of interest not only to academic scientists engaged in structural studies, but also to pharmaceutical researchers who are interested in the structural relationship of drugs and their targets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wang, Steve Xradia CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 499393 5373 BIOT 9183 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750368 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Infrared Confocal Measurement System. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will design and construct prototype measurement systems based on near infrared (NIR) chromatic confocal sensor technology. Silicon is transparent in the NIR, and thus the sensor measures the distance to the front and back surfaces of the wafer simultaneously. The sensor will measure deep trenches and vias from the back side so that their aspect ratios are of no consequence. The proposed innovations lie in the sensor design and integration. The proposed measurement systems will address the following semiconductor industry needs: 1) in situ wafer thickness measurement during wafer thinning operations; 2) wafer thickness and shape measurements of ultra-thin wafers; and 3) the measurement of deep, high aspect ratio, etched trenches and vias in silicon. Direct, in situ, measurements during wafer thinning are not currently possible. Neither is the nondestructive measurement of trench depth of many types of deep etched trenches and vias. The measurement of the thickness of ultra-thin wafers (<150 micron) requires greater accuracy for less cost than is currently available. Present technology does not have the resolution for measuring thickness in this thinner range, nor does it have sufficient spatial density on the wafer to accurately describe its shape. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Marx, David Tamar Technology CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499401 5373 AMPP 9163 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750379 February 15, 2008 STTR Phase II: Photochemically Switched Chiral Materials for Chiral Nematic Displays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop an extremely low cost photodisplay for stored value cards such as gift cards, payroll and income support cards where, for the first time, the value of the card and other information can be displayed to the user updateable with each use. The enabling display technology based on photo switchable chiral materials provides displays that are thin, flexible, rugged, and above all, of such low cost that they add little to the cost of a card. Such photodisplays can provide a high resolution image without the need and cost of drive and control electronics necessary for electronic displays. The photodisplays are optically updated by a display writer in which images such as, numerical, bar codes, and other digital data can be repeatedly updated. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will advance the basic and applied science of photochemical chiral compounds for use in liquid crystalline materials by designing, synthesizing and studying new compounds to exploit their unique optical and electro optical effects. Thin, flexible photodisplays developed from these materials are similar to a photographic film, but with the advantage that the image can be erased, rewritten, hidden from view and made to reappear. The photodisplay films have the properties of an electronic display in which the image can be changed but without the driving electronics that forces electronic displays out of many markets. A further advantage of the photodisplay is that it can be mass produced by continuous roll-to-roll manufacturing equipment of the type already developed for the label industry. The photodisplay therefore opens new display markets in many applications such as stored value cards, point of purchase signs, identity and security tags, signage and many other uses where updatable displays were not possible before because of cost, bulkiness and inflexibility of existing electronic displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Doane, J. William KENT DISPLAYS INC OH Ben Schrag Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750402 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: A Portable Dissolved Oxygen Delivery System for Rapid Treatment of Organic Spills. This SBIR Phase II project completes the design, construction, and testing of the largest readily portable Supersaturated Dissolved Oxygen (SDOXTM) injection system developed in smaller scale in Phase I. During the first year of the project, the SDOX will be used to study the effect of dissolved oxygen addition on water quality and fish health in the tailrace of a hydroelectric dam. In the second year of this project, the SDOX will be used in the prevention of spills and remediation of waterbodies impacted by organics and phosphorous. The effects of the SDOX on removing DO as the limiting component in aquatic ecosystems will be studied during all four seasons of the year. The broader impacts of this research are the ability use of a portable SDOX 400 on aquatic ecosystem restoration that has previously been impractical or impossible. This technology benefits an improved environment for aquatic species, minimized environmental impact from hydroelectric dams, and more economic and efficient wastewater treatment. The technology could positively impact drinking water, recreation, irrigation and other aqueous ecological services important to the public and the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Osborn, Scott BLUEINGREEN AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 494416 5373 BIOT 9150 9104 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750406 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Engine Combustion Simulator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop the Engine Combustion Simulator (ECS), an innovative software product that will enable researchers to develop and apply accurate chemical reactions for the design, control and optimization of the automotive engine and exhaust gas after-treatment devices. The ECS will reduce the costly and time-consuming experimental testing, as well as enable the researcher to probe concepts that are difficult or infeasible to test experimentally. These developments will accelerate the development of more fuel efficient and environmentally cleaner automobiles. At the core of the ECS is a suite of advanced database technologies and computational algorithms that enable the user to easily build accurate reaction mechanisms, and quickly perform simulation studies using these mechanisms. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will result in cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Even a small gain in fuel efficiency can translate to billions of savings in fuels as well as reduced dependence on foreign oil. Less fuel consumption directly scales to reduction in emissions thus lowering of greenhouse gases while improving the human health. The ECS will be made available at no-charge for use in education and research in academia and some of the key components will be made available as an open-source to the research community to foster collaboration between researchers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ko, Glen RES Group, Inc. MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 504721 5373 AMPP 9251 9163 1407 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750416 March 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Innovative Two-Phase High-Heat-Flux Heat Exchanger. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to demonstrate an innovative multi-phase-fluid heat exchanger capable of revolutionizing heat transfer for high-heat-flux cooling applications. Initial experiments confirmed that metastable two-phase fluids can produce heat transfer coefficients 40% greater than single-phase fluids at the same flow rate and they have the potential to dissipate heat flux values. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology will be result in a standardized family of two-phase cold plates that can be used by designers of electronics devices for a wide variety of applications. The new family of two-phase cold plates will be sold in sizes and configurations similar to existing air-cooled devices, but will have significantly increased heat flux dissipation rates and reduced thermal resistances. This project will also provide supporting design information and an Interactive Design Tool for use by the electrical packaging designer. The designer will then be free to package the remainder of the thermal management system based on basic vapor-compression design principals or purchase a system. Additionally, for applications where standard thermal components will not work, this project will provide custom solutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sole, Joshua Mainstream Engineering Corporation FL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 477109 5373 AMPP 9251 9163 1443 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750432 March 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: A Visual Language for Mathematical Model-Making. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project continues the development of a visual interface that allows students to construct and investigate mathematical models. This research is undertaken with the goal of creating a general-purpose environment in which students, teachers, and content developers may benefit from being able to create such models for classroom use. The specific research objectives for this project address the following issues: 1) the underlying algorithmic support to achieve a concrete user interface; 2) the completion of the core functionality; 3) classroom usability and curricular integration; and 4) learning outcomes. The innovation embodied in this project responds to a national need for improved algebra education, and to increased emphasis on, and demand for, environments that provide visual, dynamic access to mathematical ideas and thinking processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hancock, Christopher Tertl Studos LLC VT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 568000 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9216 9150 7218 1658 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750442 January 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Ultraviolet Activated Chelation (UVAC) for the Recovery of Hg from Industrial Wastewater. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II aims to further develop and optimize an advanced oxidation technology called Ultraviolet Activated Chelation (UVAC), which utilizes low-energy ultraviolet (UV) light for the removal of mercury (Hg) from industrial wastewaters. The Phase I project achieved Hg concentrations as low as 11 ppt (which is lower than the Hg levels commonly found in rainwater) via this process. The technology has been proven in the bench- and pilot-scales, but further work is required to consistently achieve Hg concentrations below 12 ppt and to obtain the most economical commercial design. The Phase II objectives will include the optimization of design parameters such as filtration, pH, residence time, and UV light characteristics. The effect of various water chemical characteristics on Hg removal will also be studied. It is anticipated that Phase II efforts will result in a robust and economical commercial system employing the UVAC technology for industries to comply with current and pending environmental regulations. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be a process for Hg removal from water to trace levels, this technology is contributing to the protection of human health, wildlife, and the environment. Exposure to Hg, which can occur by consumption of contaminated fish, can affect cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, and fine motor and visual spatial skills. Additionally some researchers have proposed a link between Hg and autism. A commercially viable solution for Hg removal from water to levels below 12 ppt is lacking. Development of the UVAC technology for the chlor-alkali industry may lead to the commercialization of the technology for other industries, such as coal-fired power plants and dental offices, among others. Further understanding of the UVAC process will enhance the scientific community's knowledge about Hg in the environment, particularly in relation to UV light. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Casasus, Anna Sol-Gel Solutions, LLC FL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 524423 5373 1591 AMPP 9251 9231 9163 9102 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750452 June 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Multi-Marker Prognostic Test for Breast Cancer Outcome. This Small Bbusiness Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to continue the validation of a set of markers for predicting recurrence and guiding the selection of treatment in stage I-III breast cancer patients. Upon removal of their primary stage I-III operable tumors, breast cancer patients must decide whether or not to receive adjuvant therapy such as chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. Currently, the physician and patient can arrive at the decision by relying on several published guidelines whose accuracy is limited by the fact that they are based on general clinicopathologic data such as tumor size and grade. Thus the majority of patients are recommended to receive adjuvant therapy, although only a small fraction of them benefit from it. Availability of a set of reliable markers that can predict recurrence of tumors would allow tailoring of adjuvant therapy for each patient and is thus likely to reduce the chances of under-treatment and over-treatment. As such, it would be of great benefit to cancer patients, as well as to oncologists. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Linke, Steven PREDICTION SCIENCES, LLC CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 481960 5373 BIOT 9183 1719 1718 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750461 April 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Disciple Technologies for Development, Utilization, and Maintenance of Regulatory Knowledge Bases. This Small Business Innovation Research (STTR) Phase II project as a continuation of the Phase I effort, will develop alpha versions of the Regulatory Knowledge Base (RKB) products. The Regulatory Knowledge Bases will be tailored to classes of compliance problems within the financial services space, such as broker or trading compliance, or anti-money laundering. Addtiionally, they will include a complex regulatory ontology specific to the financial services industry and rule bases that reflect the latest regulations and best practices that govern analysis of alerts and compliance cases. The Regulatory Knowledge Base products will be sold in various formats and standards so they can be directly deployed on various commercial off-the-shelf reasoning engines. Regulatory demands, as well as the increasing costs associated with financial crime, are placing increasing cost pressures on financial institutions. The burden of compliance is driving up operational costs. Financial services firms are seeking to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and return on investment of their compliance and risk management systems. The current knowledge management technologies and software tools cannot offer efficient customized procedures to deal with specific compliance cases. Therefore, there is a need for flexible knowledge-based systems, like Disciple-FS, and for Regulatory Knowledge Base products, that can offer help in solving specific cases while ensuring compliance with all the rules and regulations. These systems should also be capable of acquiring reasoning skills of their users to adapt their capabilities to deal with new cases. The prototype built during Phase I proved that the Disciple Technologies have the required functions and abilities to support development, utilization, and maintenance of regulatory knowledge bases. The prototype also helped to identify research and development goals for Phase II that we present in this proposal. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Dybala, Tomasz Exprentis, Inc. VA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 HPCC 9216 9139 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750465 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Virtual Prototyping Tool for Complex Flows of Polymers and Suspensions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an engineering design level simulation tool for non-Newtonian fluid systems used in advanced materials engineering/process design. The project will implement innovative physics modeling of rheological properties and will leverage the full computational strength of the company's PowerFLOW simulator, including automatic grid generation for arbitrarily complex geometry and perfect parallel scalability on cluster computers using hundreds of million computational cells. This project will convert the hydrokinetic software resulting from Phase I project into a stable and robust technology platform that can be fully commercialized. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology will be virtual design tools to overcome physical and/or engineering limits in flow simulations of chemicals, food products, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional processing, disk drive manufacturing, environmentally benign processes, semiconductor equipment, anti-icing aircraft sprays, etc. The tool for non-Newtonian flow prediction will open new commercial markets for the PowerFLOW technology. Key advantages include grid generation and set up times, thus enabling shortened product/process development cycles, optimization to improve yield and energy efficiency, and environmental improvements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Staroselsky, Ilya Exa Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 497699 5373 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750470 April 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Fire-Retardant Phase Change Materials from Fats and Oils. This SBIR Phase II research focuses on a new type of phase change material(PCM)that can meet performance goals of being fire-retardant, non-toxic, and renewable. This project will advance the state of understanding of fat/oil chemistries. It will also advance our understanding of non-ideal mixture behavior. Applications that will benefit include such things as clothing, building construction and HVAC systems. Fat and oil based PCMs currently produced by the company both out-perform paraffin-based PCMs and cost less. While customers have overwhelmingly accepted these renewable PCMs, they overwhelmingly expressed their desire that fire-retardant phase change materials be developed. The broader impacts of this research includes the incorporation of PCMs into applications that would have impacts for both general public and the military/emergency response personnel. Phase change materials find a range of applications, including clothing, construction materials, and food containers. The introduction of lower-cost fire-retardant phase change materials will have broader impacts through improved utilization in consumer products. Applications not previously pursued will be open to use of these materials because of reduced risk of fire. When used in buildings, the phase change materials can reduce energy costs year-round. An improved understanding of the associated fat and oil chemistry will likely find other applications in the fat and oil industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sutterlin, William Renewable Alternatives, LLC AL Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750479 April 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Germyl Silanes - Enabling Precursors for Chemical Vapor Deposition of Advanced CMOS Substrates, CMOS-Integrated MEMS, and Nano-Scale Quantum-Dot Silicon Phot. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II project will demonstrate pilot scale manufacture of germyl silane precursors and their use to create prototype semiconductor devices and thin films under low temperature and selective growth processing conditions. The project addresses a critical need for precursors and processes that deposit such films under low temperature conditions with throughput rates that are significantly higher than those offered by existing processes. The potential market for devices made with these technologies is predicted to exceed several billion dollars per year and exhibit double-digit growth rates over the next five years. Ge-rich SiGe films will enable higher clock speeds in microprocessors, lower power consumption in cell phones, silicon-based photonics, and more efficient solar cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Stephens, Matthew Voltaix, Inc NJ Ben Schrag Standard Grant 481557 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750485 March 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Improving Privacy and Security in Biometrics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project aims to make fundamental advances in Biotopes -- cryptographically secured privacy-enhanced fingerprint and face-based technologies. The project will develop prototypes to support beta testing in commercial applications and pursue large-scale government testing. The development effort introduces the concept and will develop/demonstrate bi-directional biometric verification, whereby both the sensor and DB receive match confirmation. This is critical for remote/web-based biometric usage and improves security and privacy with match-on-card solutions. It will develop a new Biotope which uses, but never stores, multi-spectral data not obtainable from existing databases or from latent prints, providing a sustainable non-spoofable secured identity tokens that match in encoded form and change on every transaction. It will explore improving accuracy with 'negative' minutiae and PCA-based feature enhancements. To improve reuse of existing minutia-based algorithms and hardware, the effort seeks to develop a minutiae-to-minutiae mapping approach with the same security/privacy protection of existing Biotopes. For face-based biometrics, the project develops new multi-view approaches for face-based verification from non-cooperative subjects in complex unstructured environments. Additionally, the project addresses privacy protection, with a non-searchable technology that still supports a privacy-protecting image-storage for fraud prosecution, and will extend other research work in the area of continuous verification by improving the online verification for distance education and other applications. The broader impact starts with its unique focus on simultaneously improving privacy and security rather than trading one for the other. At a time when citizens feel their privacy is traded for the mere promise of security, this effort is an investment in privacy. The project will transition fundamental research into testing with commercial partners. It directly addresses reasons that other researchers have said cause the perpetual gap between predicted and realized commercial growth in biometrics. It will enhance biometrics, providing 'revocability' and transactional uniqueness to support biometric-based commerce without fear of phishing, hacking or insider access. The project will impact the distance education market for example, by focusing on improving effectiveness of state training for those in need while protecting their privacy and dignity. The projected outcomes also open the potential for passports/IDcard that allow individuals to prove their identity without allowing others to use that data to search for them. It will support smart-card based solutions that allow for biometric-verified yet 'anonymous' transactions. It addresses the often overlooked biometric dilemma, that wide-spread deployments of biometrics today may ultimately increase identify theft and also limit biometrics security value tomorrow. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Scheirer, Walter Securics Incorporated CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 507685 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9139 7744 1654 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750498 February 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: TRX Sentinal First Responder Tracking System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the critical problems of tracking and monitoring firefighters or other first responders inside structures. Whereas many available systems such as GPS fail indoors or require an overwhelming number of access points to obtain accurate information, our system requires only a base station that can be quickly set up at a command post outside (or inside) a building and small devices worn by the responders. Our system sets up a mesh network to communicate data amongst responders, as well as between the responders and the command post base station(s). The mesh network extends the range of the base station by allowing data to be relayed through another team member if a responder goes out of range. Our prototype system has been demonstrated to provide accurate tracking and location of personnel performing simple motions in complex structures from a base station outside of the structure. This project will focus on improving tracking algorithms such that complex motions can be recognized and accurately tracked. The expected outcome of the project is a much improved interface between the typical command center and the first responders. The initial market impacted by this project development is firefighter location and monitoring. Firefighting is one of the most dangerous jobs in the US. An average of 95 firefighters have been lost every year over the past decade. Some of these deaths could have been prevented if only the firefighter's distressed condition and exact position were known. No commercial technology currently exists that pinpoints the location of a downed firefighter. Critical time can be wasted before a downed firefighter is even first detected. Subsequently, critical resources are often diverted in frantic searches in hazardous conditions and extremely poor visibility. The seconds saved by knowledge of firefighter alarms and their positions could mean the difference between minor and severe injuries or death. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Teolis, Carole TRX SYSTEMS INC MD Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 1028000 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9139 1655 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750502 March 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Fast Software Image Reconstruction for Micro-CT. The SBIR Phase II project aims to develop a software package that enables rapid image reconstruction for X-ray Micro-CT (computerized Tomography) imaging. Over the last few years, Micro-CT has become a very valuable tool in pharmaceutical and basic research. Current Micro-CT scanners have reached a resolution of 1 micrometer and thus allow high resolution in-vivo and ex-vivo three dimensional examination of entire small animals such as mice. Other applications of Micro-CT range from functional imaging to use in material science. Yet, high resolution reconstruction of a single data set can be extremely time intensive, thus limiting the use. If analysis software capable of speeding up image reconstruction by 2 or 3 orders of magnitude can be developed, such software would significantly decrease the time to analyze high-resolution Micro-CT images and would thus increase the utility of this powerful imaging method. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Brokish, Jeffrey InstaRecon, Inc. IL Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 453488 5373 BIOT 9183 1719 1718 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750506 March 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Hybrid Integrated Optoelectronic Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will combine advanced two-chemistry photopolymer science and 3D maskless lithography to demonstrate a solution to a ubiquitous barrier to the broader impacts of optical and optoelectronic technologies. This research will strive for a universal integration platform capable of seamlessly hybridizing electronic, micro-mechanical, opto-electronic and optic devices on a single chip to implement complex 3D systems in an environmentally robust package. Over 90% of the development cost of optoelectronic components for telecom is estimated to be packaging and the limited market penetration of MEMs products is universally blamed on packaging difficulties clearly showing the need for the proposed platform. In this program the team will optimize the photo polymerizable monomer system and adapt a multi-beam direct-write lithography platform in order to demonstrate and optimize a new class of 3D routed waveguides. Anticipated results are a new class of polymer material and an associated maskless lithography technique to support research, education and commercial production of a wide range of miniature mobile devices that are currently confined to laboratory benches. If successful the proposed multi-disciplinary materials and lithography research program has the potential to revolutionize public access to complex microdevices that are currently restricted to laboratories or expensive military systems. By providing a platform for inexpensive, robust miniaturization of systems that seamlessly incorporate optics, MEMs and electronics, a wide range of communication, medical and sensing systems become technically and economically feasible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Dhar, Lisa InPhase Technologies CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 506000 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9139 1775 1769 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750507 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Algorithms and Visualization Techniques for the Detection of Geographic Aberrations in Crime (GIS). This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop HunchLab -- software tools that leverage spatial statistics to enable police personnel to test their theories of criminality against data collected in the day-to-day activities of policing. The preceding Phase I project proved the feasibility of developing HunchLab as a set of innovative software tools that scour the historic data of a police department, search for geographic aberrations expected by the theories or 'hunches' put forth by crime analysts, and apply spatial statistics to confirm or deny the supposition. Preventing crime is a more sophisticated task than simply mapping incidents or arrests and deploying resources accordingly. The ability to detect and analyze changes in the geographic patterns of crime and disorder is an innovation in policing which holds the potential to enhance the organizational capacity of police departments across the country. This Phase II project will refine the application and build additional functionality, including alternate workflows for different user types, expanding the alert infrastructure, and building text mining capabilities. The obvious sector that this product will impact is law enforcement at all levels of government. Additionally the successful outcome will impact federal law enforcement agencies and regional crime analysis consortia. There are roughly 250 municipalities with over 100,000 people in them, and these each have police departments that would find this system of use. The tools will be helping thousands of police officers do their jobs better every day. This efficiency will result in better policing, meaning that criminals will be caught more effectively. Criminals cause damage far in excess of the property and medical costs directly attributable to their activity. Perhaps more importantly, the research will form the basis for other products that operate in realms other than law enforcement. The algorithms and technologies developed in the Phase I prototype are transferable to other datasets that demonstrate similar point pattern processes - events with explicit spatial and temporal attributes. Our Phase I process demonstrated a substantial utility in domains other than law enforcement including fraud detection, real estate, sales and public health. The Phase II work plan includes testing with other data sets to refine that software should address these other markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Buchanan, M. Cecelia Avencia Incorporated PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 483805 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750508 April 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Vertical Perifusion System for Cell Culture and Monitoring. This Phase II SBIR research develops tools to monitor live cells in a model system capable of maintaining the cells over extended periods in near normal conditions. The perfusion chamber allows one to interrogate the metabolic response of cells in real-time in a non-invasive manner. Potentially, this technology could open a number of tissues to examination in further detail for research and as an alternative to live animal testing. The broader impacts of this project include significant advances in the science of cell physiology and behavior, mechanistic pathways of diseases, and improved understanding of cellular signaling, growth and death. Rational design of more effective drugs depends on ever improving fundamental knowledge of cellular mechanisms. Commercially this innovation will lower the cost of drug development, testing and clinical trials, thereby providing broad benefit to the US healthcare industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Varney, Michael TauTheta Instruments LLC CO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 495224 5373 BIOT 9267 9231 9107 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750512 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Sub-100nm Infrared Spectroscopy Based on Atomic Force Microscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop the prototype of a characterization system which can perform IR spectroscopy and imaging at sub-100nm spatial resolution and thus break the 5 micron resolution barrier that has limited IR spectroscopy for the last 50 years. This 50x breakthrough in spatial resolution is enabled by the proprietary technique of Photo-Thermal Induced Resonance (PTIR) whose feasibility has already been demonstrated in the Phase I work. IR spectroscopy is a critical analytical technique which itself comprises a $1 Billion/yr industry. However, its spatial resolution limitation has seriously limited researchers who need information on nanoscale chemical composition. The potential impact of nanoscale IR ranges from new materials discovery to interfacial property improvements in high value applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kjoller, Kevin Anasys Instruments Corp. CA William Haines Standard Grant 558057 5373 HPCC 9139 5761 1517 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750514 March 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: FireScape: A Platform for On-Demand, Browser-Based Incident Command. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II aims to prove the feasibility of creating a web-based mapping and visualization application for end-users in wildland fire management communities as an extension to the results of the Phase I work. By partnering with strategic vendors, the project will expand our current application to offer not only advanced remote-sensing data products and customized reports, but on-site, real-time weather data, GPS tracking, and full data transfer and communications networks (including audio and video). The project aims to ultimately provide end-users access to a complete team of expert analysts and engineers to gather, merge, and analyze fire-related data products through satellite communications networking. Our experts will then consolidate and simplify all the available data into custom, real-time data reports with geospatial context and delivery it to end-users to expedite high-level decision making, which can save valuable assets and lives. The platform will be amenable to the networking, visualization and analysis of a great number of issues in not only the natural resources realm, but also homeland security, disaster relief, global monitoring, and hazard mitigation. The ability to quickly and efficiently collect, analyze, and share geospatial data (in particular, time-sensitive environmental data) across the World Wide Web is the cornerstone value proposition for this product. These combined abilities provide a critical and as-yet-unavailable tool for the fire management community. The project has both economic and humanistic benefits in that confinement strategies decided-on and applied during the early stages of fires can significantly reduce the cost of fire suppression by several millions of dollars. This increased information will also allow decisions to be made that keep firefighters as safe as possible. Additionally the project will offer advanced data products in formats designed specifically to address the aspects that influence these decisions. The combination of the hub solution and web browser interface as a flexible architecture, is based on open standards and therefore is agile, dynamically configurable, and interoperable holding significant value for applications such as natural disasters, pandemics, or homeland security. The overlay and visualization of that data will provide analyses of critical importance for decision and policy makers, as well as regular citizens, all seeking the best geospatial information possible and in a form they can use. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Crabtree, Robert HyPerspectives, Inc. MT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 491180 5373 HPCC 9150 9139 1655 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750515 March 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Low-Cost Portable Telerehabilitation System for Intelligent Stretching and Remote Assessment of Hypertonic Arm Joints. This STTR Phase II research project seeks to develop technologies needed for rehabilitation of post-stroke patients with neurological impairment. For those patients, physical therapy followed by timely examination is the cornerstone of the rehabilitation. However, not all patients receive sufficient therapy due to limited access to expert healthcare services. There is a need for a tele-rehabilitation system that can stretch the spastic/contractured joints under accurate control at a remote location and provide remote access to expert healthcare services. This Phase II research will focus on improving the technology and making it suitable for the market by improving the design of the tele-rehabilitation system for multi-purpose applications to treat/evaluate multiple joints in the arm. It will make the portable device stand-alone with built-in capabilities of passive stretching, voluntary movement exercise, and tele-assessment of joint range of motion, stiffness, spasticity, and catch displayed in an intuitive way. Finally, a clinical test of the tele-rehabilitation system on stroke survivors will be conducted. This portable and low-cost stretching device is suitable for home use, making frequent and convenient treatment accessible to a large number of patients. It can potentially have broad impact on rehabilitation of stroke and other neurological impairments. The intelligent stretching concept was developed to insure safe and effective treatment and it will also be useful in other applications dealing with human-machine interface. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Ren, Yupeng Rehabtek LLC IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 706928 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9231 9215 7744 6840 1591 1480 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750520 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Adaptive Authoring for Compound XML Documents: Collaboration Tools and eLearning Content Creation for STEM. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop rich-media adaptive authoring tools for e-learning content creation for collaborative documents for science and mathematics. The proposed objective is to remove technical barriers that impede development and deployment of e-learning content, and to advance tools that create structured content from multiple cooperating document types. The research objectives of this Phase II project will extend the Lexicon adaptive authoring framework developed in Phase I, as measured by compound document authoring issues exhibited by the QTI XML binding, which we will use as a vehicle to advance the adaptive authoring framework. The project will elaborate the Lexicon operator declarations to provide conventional authoring behavior needed for QTI markup elements, according to a progressive schedule of regular project milestones. At the end of the project, it is anticipated that the Lexicon will represent an adaptive authoring tool for rich-media collaborative documents with full language support for QTI markup, as a means for authoring and delivering e-learning content. Additional configuration language improvements and configuration authoring tools will position Lexicon to adapt to a wide range of compound XML document types for e-learning content, and extended programming interfaces will enable Lexicon to embed into a wide range of collaborative e-learning applications. Education in the U.S. is currently undergoing a transition to the digital age that will impact every aspect of teaching and learning. The current generation of collaboration tools are text-based,and do not support the notation needed to communicate mathematics. This project seeks to develop a suite of collaboration tools that have native support for mathematical notation, so that students and instructors can communicate scientific and mathematical concepts more effectively. This Phase II project aims to will extend the Lexicon adaptive authoring framework developed in Phase I, to support embedded semantic markup needed to deliver rich instructional content, and to position Lexicon to support a series of collaborative e-learning applications that are enabled by a relatively small amount of semantic markup: MathIM, an instant messaging application, prototyped during Phase I, that allows users include mathematical notation in person-to-person chat messages; MathWiki, a web-based forum application that supports communities of users who share an interest in topics that require mathematical notation; MathSpace, an online authoring environment for creating student worksheets; and MathME, or the Math Media Environment, a 'virtual notebook' in which students can record the work they are doing online. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dooley, Samuel Integre Technical Publishing Company, Inc. NM Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 499920 5373 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750521 March 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Control System Development for Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Segmented Deformable Mirrors. The SBIR Phase II project aims to develop an integrated control system for adaptive optics (AO) systems based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) deformable mirrors (DM). Under ideal circumstances, the resolution of an optical system is limited by the diffraction of light waves. Due to imperfections in optical components however, the limits are never achieved. AO is a technology that enhances the performance of optical systems such as telescopes and microscopes by reducing distortion. It can lead to significantly sharper images which can approach the theoretical diffraction limit. The increase in image sharpness also allows additional gains in contrast, thus allowing detection of faint objects. Although AO has been significantly used for improving the performance of telescopes, an AO system based on MEMS deformable mirrors for use in biomedical applications has not. It would significantly improve image quality and would likely find multiple applications. As such, it would lead to the adoption of AO in a variety of biological imaging settings and would be of benefit to scientists engaged in such research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kempf, Carl Iris AO, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 570995 5373 BIOT 9251 9183 5761 1517 1491 1049 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750536 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Dual Substrate MEMS switch. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II SBIR project will develop manufacturing capabilities for MEMS electrical switches with a novel dual substrate design approach. The approach consists of dividing the switch components between two substrates, with the moving portion on an upper substrate, and the stationary contacts on a lower substrate. The moving portion will be formed from a stress-free layer of single crystal silicon, and so has no tendency to warp or distort. Using two substrates allows the contacts to be fully exposed throughout processing, and cleaned just before the substrates are bonded together to form the switch, thereby minimizing the contact resistance of the switch. Because the contacts are exposed, they can be effectively cleaned just prior to sealing in the hermetic seal between the two wafers, thereby reducing the contact resistance of the junctions. This Phase II effort will take the improved design into volume manufacturing to produce higher power, higher frequency, lower contact resistance and/or smaller footprint switches than competing ones while being produced at lower costs. If successful, the approach described here will be used to produce MEMS cantilevered switches for a broad range of applications, from DC power handling applications to RF and radar applications. Because of their high current-carrying, high frequency characteristics with small size and low cost, the MEMS switches may serve as viable replacements for FET switches or micro relays in a wide range of devices. The approach may also be applicable to other sorts of MEMS devices, such as sensors and actuators, which may have a movable component suspended over a substrate which interacts with a fixed component on the substrate. This approach may therefore fundamentally alter how these devices are manufactured, and open up a wide range of applications not presently served by MEMS devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spong, Jaquelin Innovative Micro Technology CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 727942 5373 MANU 9251 9147 9102 1775 1517 1480 1467 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750543 April 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Integrating Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) and Ontologies to Discover Inconsistencies in Expectations for Supply and Demand. This STTR Phase II project aims to produce a software application that dramatically improves a manager's ability to allocate resources to productive uses. With advances in Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) and ontology technology, the tool has the potential to enable the discovery of future supply and demand imbalances for teams of business analysts. The objective is to produce at least one Investable Inconsistency per day by the end of the research period. The Phase I project produced unanticipated innovations that may have broad utility in both the OLAP field and the ontology field, and with these innovations, the software platform shows promise for transforming the essential practice of analysis in the field of market research in support of investment decisions. The Phase II project, if successful will result in technology that extends this promise to a broad audience, educating users in best practices for investment analysis and enabling them to materially improve their allocation of resources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Moore, Peter Mark Musen Clados Management LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 512000 5373 1591 HPCC 9231 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750544 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Automated Community and Sentiment Mining for Global Media Preference Understanding. This SBIR Phase II project applies data mining and machine learning techniques to both natural language description and Internet link graphs to model communities in order to predict preference, taste and sentiment for different kinds of media (music, TV, online media, video games, books). Current contextual information mining approaches that scan the text on a page for advertisement or recommendation ignore valuable community connections inherent in most self-published Internet discussion. Sentiment and opinion extraction systems operating on full text create challenging language parsing problems are fraught with issues of scale and adaptability. The identification systems can automatically categorize anonymous Internet writers or website visitors into specific demographic communities based on their tastes in many kinds of media. The Phase II research project approaches opinion extraction with a bias-free learning model based on training from known online corpuses that can be adapted to different languages and learns in real time as more data becomes available for high accuracy. Current personalization and marketing approaches either look at the "clickstream" of an anonymous user, leading to equally anonymous recommendations for popular movies and music -- or by scanning a surface-level overview of the text, leading to keyword advertisements with limited contextual understanding of entertainment content and community sentiment. The project plans to fully integrate people-focused community and sentiment analysis technologies into an autonomous, learning and scale-free "media knowledge service" for digital entertainment providers and marketers that can change the way digital content is marketed and sold. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jehan, Tristan The Echo Nest Corporation MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750549 March 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Commercialization of an Innovative Green Technology for Controlling Zebra Mussels. This STTR Phase II research project is focusing on the development and commercialization of a new, environmentally safe biopesticide for the control of zebra and quagga mussels. These freshwater, invasive bivalves foul water pipes and cause severe economic and ecological harm throughout North America and Europe. Marrone Organic Innovations, a leader in biopesticide commercialization, is partnering with biological control experts at the New York State Museum who have discovered a bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, that produces a natural compound that is selectively lethal to these pest mussels. The microbial biopesticide developed in this project will be an environmentally safe alternative to the polluting, non-selective chemicals that infested facilities, due a lack of alternatives, are currently forced to rely on to control mussel infestations. The broader impacts of this research include both economic and ecological benefits to society. Mussel infestations cause hundreds of millions of dollars in additional expenses every year, and the chemical methods currently used to control them are known to be harmful to other aquatic organisms. The proposed research will advance a project of national significance and reach across numerous scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, microbiology, and invertebrate zoology, serving as a model in the effort to reduce the use of polluting pesticides. Training and learning will be fostered by involving postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students. Because of its extraordinary safety, this bacterial biopesticide will serve as an example of a green technology that will benefit the environment as well as industrial and recreational users of freshwater. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Marrone, Pamela Marrone Organic Innovations, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 516000 5373 1591 BIOT 9251 9117 9102 1465 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750550 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Collaborative Patent Drafting Software. This SBIR Phase II project will develop a patent-drafting software tool which addresses two critical problems currently preventing inventors from closely collaborating with patent attorneys: 1. Attorneys need tools to hold their comprehension of and manipulate the relations in the document while ensuring they're used correctly and 2. Inventors need an ability to share the attorney's comprehension of the relations, review the application at any time, and author parts of the specification without requiring extensive oversight or rework by the attorney. The project will entail prototyping a set of collaborative knowledge representation methodologies, which are not currently available on any platform and which require cutting-edge, broadband-enabled infrastructure. The U.S. economy relies heavily and increasingly upon intellectual property, and patents are the primary currency of this economy. 500,000 utility patent applications will be filed in 2008 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), a quantity that has been growing annually at 7.5% for a decade. As patents become more significant in the operations and outcome of U.S. businesses, it becomes increasingly important to assure that the system can be efficiently traversed by high-technology startups, which will provide the next-generation of innovations. A U.S. patent application typically costs $10,000 and requires either specialized knowledge or the time to learn how to navigate the process. The large expense and difficulty of patents leads companies to triage protection for their innovations, leading to curtailment of promising activities due to the lack of a budget for patent protection. They must decide whether to divert precious capital and engineering resources from product development to patenting. The proposed patent-drafting software tool will encourage greater participation in the intellectual property economy by reducing costs, increasing relevance, and allowing inventors to actively participate in drafting the application. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kahn, Rocky Team Patent LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 516000 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 1640 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750551 April 15, 2008 STTR Phase II: Developing a Mixed Reality Rehabilitation System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project investigates further development of a mixed reality (MR) haptics-based virtual reality system in preparation for commercialization. This MR system will aid the physical rehabilitation of stroke patients with upper extremity disabilities. This MR system includes hardware and software designed to induce neuroplastic changes and increase mobility through mental practice, video capture body movement, and engaging mixed reality scenarios. The goals of this project will be to file the appropriate paperwork for regulatory approval of the system in preparation of use on the market, improve the system in scenarios, add mental practice and video capture scenarios, program metrics into the system, develop sensor tracking interface and telerehabilitation capabilities, and conduct clinical trial to determine system safety and efficacy. Headed by a collaborative team of qualified investigators from The Virtual Reality Medical Center, the University of Central Florida's Institute for Simulation and Training, and Kindred Hospital (consultant), this project will increase the understanding of state-of-the-art adjuncts to traditional stroke rehabilitation therapy. To date, no MR rehabilitation tool that facilitates mental practice, includes video capturing, and aids physical therapy, has ever been commercialized. The resulting marketable product will be sold to rehabilitation facilities. This STTR Phase II project will lead to the commercialization of new software and hardware that can be used for further technological developments in mixed reality systems, including those for other applications such as prosthetic limb rehabilitation for amputees. The success of this project will also add to the scientific knowledge base on what is known about mental practice in rehabilitation. With over twelve million families in the U.S. alone that have members with a physical development, success in this project will therefore pave the development and commercialization of future rehabilitation systems to help this broad and underserved population. By increasing stroke patients' upper extremity mobility and rate of recovery, this system will also increase their activities of daily, enable at-home physical therapy, relieve some of the burden of caregivers, and decrease costs in lost productivity and hospital length of stay. The commercial spin-out company resulting from success of this project will be located near the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine where future joint projects will include recruiting and training students (including those from underserved populations) in research. The commercial spin-out company will also create new jobs, taxable revenue, and income within the Florida High Tech Corridor. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Wiederhold, Mark The Virtual Reality Medical Center CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 512000 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 7744 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750552 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Recycling Advanced Batteries. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop process conditions, recycled materials, and recycling of new battery technologies. Phase I demonstrated that the innovative recycling process can produce materials for new batteries from spent batteries. The Phase II recycling research objectives will (1) Survey advanced battery technologies (2) Improve process efficiency and (3) Recondition used materials. Starting with spent batteries, the project recovers materials, examines utility, and develops methods for recondition based upon physical or chemical limiting issues. The anticipated result of this development is establishment of the most efficient process to recycle high performance battery materials. The proposed project establishes the most environmentally friendly advanced battery recycling technology as the solution to the next generation's significant environmental challenge. Today's battery recycling options inefficiently bury, burn, or melt spent batteries. This project addresses needs from battery-reliant industries for low-cost recycling with minimal environmental impact; the developed recycling process is the basis for jobs fundamental to the future portable electronics and electrified vehicle markets. The innovation is based upon knowledge from battery life-limiting mechanisms coupled with green-chemical processing techniques. The research actively involves undergraduate researchers at Willamette University in the development and commercialization of energy efficient technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sloop, Steven OnTo Technologies OR Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 528000 5373 MANU 9251 9197 9153 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750558 January 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Multi-Party Peer-to-Peer V3oIP. This SBIR Phase II project extends the PI's Phase I to create a theoretical bandwidth and latency efficient multimedia streaming framework for communication. The ultimate goal is a software system that achieves less than 150 msec one-way end-to-end delay (the typical delay of telephone) for a 10-30 site meeting supporting wideband audio, full motion video, and application/desktop sharing over broadband networks. The industry norm to achieve multiparty video/web conferencing is the client-server architecture. Client-server architecture is expensive to deploy due to the number of servers required and the bandwidth required at the server nodes. Peer-to-peer approaches have been successfully used for large scale file sharing. However, peer-to-peer approaches have been relatively unexplored to scale the number of participants in a single meeting. This research combines real-time network sensing and the domain knowledge of video and web conferencing to create a scalable and cost effective peer-to-peer streaming algorithm. The maximum number of sites in a multiparty videoconferencing is typically 4-6. Given the limited screen resolution of a laptop/desktop, methods for showing 10-30 full motion video and a shared application are relatively unexplored. Poor user experience from inadequate user interface is a major barrier to the adoption of previous video/web conferencing tools. This research combines recent human factor discoveries to create a novel user interface that intuitively supports multiparty communication. Since AT&T invented videoconferencing in 1927, videoconferencing has been one commercial failure after another. The PI's previous research suggests that such failures are rooted in inadequate knowledge of the human factor requirements of videoconferencing. Based on previous research, they are developing a commercial software system which will make substantial impact on telework, remote education, and humanitarian operations. This project aims to create a low-cost peer-to-peer alternative to client-server architectures for large scale meetings. If successful, the architecture proposed in this effort could have significant commercial impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chen, Milton VSee Lab CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 495154 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750559 February 15, 2008 STTR Phase II: Coherent THz Sources and Amplifiers Using Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project will design and develop practical traveling-wave tube (TWT) amplifiers and oscillators at THz frequencies. During Phase II the research team will 1) optimize the design for low noise operation, 2) add a tuned feedback loop to the 0.345 THz TWT so the unit can function as a stand-alone oscillator, 3) based upon the experience gained at 0.345 THz, develop a detailed design for a TWT for higher frequency operation (e.g. 0.65, 0.82, and 1.5 THz where atmospheric absorption by water is at its minimum at THz frequencies), and 4) package a THz TWT for a wide variety of commercial uses. The proposed developments will increase the coherent output power available at frequencies above ~200GHz by orders of magnitude, while dramatically reducing the cost per milliwatt. The work will also provide a path for the realization of the first THz low-noise amplifiers. If successful the results from the proposed research will lead to the availability of signal sources and amplifiers capable of yielding orders of magnitude more coherent power in the THz regime than is currently available. The devices coming out of the effort will lead to THz components and devices that can be used in applications ranging from communications and remote sensing to medical imaging. . Potential end-users include NASA, aerospace companies, telecommunication companies, the security industry, companies engaged in the development of medical imaging systems, and the military. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Drouet d'Aubigny, Christian TeraVision Inc. AZ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 508705 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9139 9102 1571 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750584 April 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Picotesla Magnetic Sensor Using MgO-Based Magnetic Tunnel Junction Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will develop a compact, easy-to-use two-axis magnetic sensing module with picotesla sensitivity, based on the use of Magnesium Oxide (MgO)-based Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) sensor devices and associated electronics. The sensor module will have superior field sensitivity with excellent linearity and orthogonality, thanks to a specialized control circuitry which allows the sensors to operate under optimal magnetic conditions. The sensor module will operate under ambient conditions, with no extra infrastructure required, and will therefore be easily integrated into a number of emerging applications. The field sensitivity of the sensor module will be more than a factor of ten larger than any commercially-available thin film sensor, giving it a dominant technical edge for high -performance applications. This sensor module will be realized through the synergy of three key innovations: enhanced device performance derived from magnesium oxide tunnel barrier technology, active sensor compensation via on-board current-carrying striplines, and anisotropy engineering using specialized annealing processes. This research will create a new product family with greatly enhanced capabilities for use in many critical segments of the world sensor market, including remote sensing applications in the defense and homeland security segments, as a key component of non-destructive evaluation systems, and in emerging medical applications. It will expand the utility and availability of a number of powerful new medical technologies. This research will improve the understanding of the emerging spintronic technology of magnetic tunnel junctions, a class of devices which forms the central component of several important commercial products in the high-tech semiconductor and data storage industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Carter, Matthew MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 522295 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 7744 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750623 January 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: An Innovative Method for Removing Resist from Wafers. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop an innovative, environment friendly method for removing resist from semiconductor wafers. After every lithography step, and the following processing step, e.g., etching or ion implantation, the process-hardened resist must be stripped away and the wafer cleaned. Existing photoresist removal methods (plasma ashing and wet chemical stripping) are proving too aggressive for current state-of-the-art interconnect materials-they tend to degrade and damage low-k dielectrics and corrode copper; they are also detrimental to the delicate device structures. In this project the resist stripping and wafer cleaning are accomplished in a single process step through controlled microcavitation in ultrapure water with no damage to the underlying layers and features. Resist stripping is a growing $2.64B market. The proposed resist remover and wafer cleaner successfully overcome a critical technological barrier facing the IC manufacturing industry today. Beyond the IC manufacturing industry, the microcavitation based layer removal will find applications in all areas requiring controlled thin film removal,e.g., MEMS, PCB, optics, automotive (paint removal), and aerospace. This will be an enabling technology useful in thin film processing. Microcavitation is a chemical free, environmentally friendly technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ji, Hang Uncopiers, Inc. KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0750637 January 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: New Synthetic Approaches to Higher Performance, Lower Cost CO2/CH4 Gas Separation Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to develop a new gas separation polymer membrane technology created in Phase I to significantly improve the ability to separate carbon dioxide from methane. Successful utilization of this new technology to separation of these commercially important gases will provide better performance at lower cost than current methods for separating carbon dioxide and methane. The approach to this problem involves construction of new-to-the-world polymer architecture. The monomer units, which are the building blocks to the polymer membranes desired, will be individually designed to pass carbon dioxide molecules through the membrane faster than methane molecules. The broader impact/commercial potential from the technology developed in the project will be a commercially robust membrane able to resist degradation under operation in real field conditions, which will lead to the production of prototype gas separation modules for field testing and will further expand applications to other gas separations such as oxygen and nitrogen. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 547994 5373 BIOT AMPP 9251 9231 9181 9163 9150 7744 5373 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0753710 May 1, 2008 Center for Experimental Research in Computer Systems - Research Site. The award establishes Ohio State University (OSU) as a research site of the Industry/University Collaborative Research Center (I/UCRC) for the Center for Experimental Research and Computer Science (CERCS) at Georgia Institute of Technology. The mission of this center is to lead the innovation of new information and computing technologies to construct the information grids of the future and to create the intellectual capital that can further advance this technology and fuel future advances. The primary focus of the proposed site will be to develop Adaptive Complex Enterprise (ACE) architecture knowledge for enterprise transformation and innovation. The objective of the ACE architecture knowledge is to provide widely-applicable methods for planning and execution of an environment-business aligned IT strategy. As a research partner, the OSU site will complement the CERCS center at Georgia Tech. The OSU team brings a significant track record and diverse and complementary strengths to the center. CERCS will benefit from the expanded research expertise and involvement of various companies that OSU will bring to the table. Ohio State University will make significant contributions to the mission of CERCS. The quality and quantity of research conducted will expand the impact of CERCS in technical, educational and outreach activities. Key to success and growth at OSU is broader participation not only from university faculty, but also from experts from business and other academic institutions. OSU has a clear plan to involve students in its research, and the nature of the proposal ensures that the proposed research will have significant impact on industrial practice through close collaboration with industrial partners. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ramanathan, Jayashree Rajiv Ramnath Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 95000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0758508 January 1, 2008 NSF I/UCRC Joining" Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing". A planning meeting will be held to investigate the University of Illinois joining the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. With the University of Illinois background in plasma and laser related advanced manufacturing, the university is well poised to play a vital role in advancing the goals and mission of the I/UCRC to further develop science, engineering, and technology base for laser and plasma processing of materials, devices, and systems. As the University of Illinois joins the I/UCRC, future research will pursue knowledge of atmospheric plasmas for manufacturing, space propulsion, high powered pulsed magnetron sputtering, and welding using previously developed techniques and developing new and novel ways to study and characterize these processes. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ruzic, David University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign IL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 129E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0758556 January 1, 2008 Planning Grant Proposal for Emerging Contaminants Center (ECC). Emerging contaminants (ECs) generally refer to chemicals and materials recently detected in the environment, and which may have potential or real threat to human health or the environment. The challenge of ECs intersects several industries including the pharmaceutical and personal care products industries, producers of nano-sized materials, as well as entities that treat wastewater and drinking water. A planning meeting will be held to investigate the proposed establishment of a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Emerging Contaminants. The lead location of the proposed center will be at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, with a second site at Villanova University. The mission of the proposed center is to address sensing and remediation of emerging contaminants (EC). The proposed center will pursue research projects of importance to a broad range of U.S. companies seeking to avoid becoming a major contributor to pollution. The center and its research activity will involve faculty researchers, graduate and undergraduate students working together with industrial representatives. The center will further enhance the ongoing efforts at both institutions of integrating research in classroom teaching. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Suri, Rominder P. Villanova University PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0758566 January 15, 2008 Collaborative Research: Center for Autonomic Computing. This award establishes the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Autonomic Computing at the University of Florida, University of Arizona and Rutgers University. The I/UCRC will focus on multi university research on improving the design and engineering systems that are capable of funning themselves, adapting their resources and operations to current workloads and anticipating the needs of their users. The center will work on improving hardware, networks and storage, middleware, service and information layers used by modern industry. The research performed at this center is important for U.S. industry to help maintain its lead in the information technology field. This I/UCRC will have a broad impact on the participating students and faculty through involvement with the industrial members. This center has the potential to develop new knowledge in this area that will increase US industrial competitiveness. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pompili, Dario Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 227999 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0758576 February 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: SiSoC Center Proposal. This proposal formally establishs a multi-university Silicon Solar Consortium (SiSoC) as part of NSF?s Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) program. The Georgia Institute of Technology and North Carolina State University (the lead institution) will maintain research sites to collaborate on research, fabrication, and characterization of advanced photovoltaic (PV) materials and devices. The proposed center's goal is to help reestablish a global leadership role for the U.S. Silicon PV industry by having government together with the solar-electric power industry jointly stimulate high quality university level research and education, while developing an expanded and skilled workforce. The Center will collaborate with other university and government agencies bringing together the leading academic institutions currently involved in PV research and development. Research emphasizes materials characterization leading to a fundamental understanding of impact of defects/impurities/mechanical behavior of solar cell materials to accommodate various needs of both single- and multi-crystalline Si wafers, thin films and nanoscale PV science and technology. Results will create strategies for processing advanced silicon PV structures and devices. Research will also focus on reducing the cost of PV generated electricity and designing and fabricating high efficiency solar cells. SiSoC will help develop a skilled workforce in a much needed area. This will be enabled by having NSF and other government agencies, together with the solar-electric power industry jointly stimulating high quality university level research and education. Research activity will also be strengthened through student internships at industry member locations. This center will also be used to compliment efforts for outreach and improve opportunities for underrepresented minorities/women to participate in PV materials research through such programs as the Research Experiences for Undergraduates. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rohatgi, Ajeet Steven Danyluk GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 187000 7609 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0758579 January 15, 2008 Center for Autonomic Computing. This award establishes the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Autonomic Computing at the University of Florida, University of Arizona and Rutgers University. The I/UCRC will focus on multi university research on improving the design and engineering systems that are capable of funning themselves, adapting their resources and operations to current workloads and anticipating the needs of their users. The center will work on improving hardware, networks and storage, middleware, service and information layers used by modern industry. The research performed at this center is important for U.S. industry to help maintain its lead in the information technology field. This I/UCRC will have a broad impact on the participating students and faculty through involvement with the industrial members. This center has the potential to develop new knowledge in this area that will increase US industrial competitiveness. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hariri, Salim University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 212000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0758586 February 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: SiSoC Center proposal. This proposal formally establishs a multi-university Silicon Solar Consortium (SiSoC) as part of NSF?s Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) program. The Georgia Institute of Technology and North Carolina State University (the lead institution) will maintain research sites to collaborate on research, fabrication, and characterization of advanced photovoltaic (PV) materials and devices. The proposed center's goal is to help reestablish a global leadership role for the U.S. Silicon PV industry by having government together with the solar-electric power industry jointly stimulate high quality university level research and education, while developing an expanded and skilled workforce. The Center will collaborate with other university and government agencies bringing together the leading academic institutions currently involved in PV research and development. Research emphasizes materials characterization leading to a fundamental understanding of impact of defects/impurities/mechanical behavior of solar cell materials to accommodate various needs of both single- and multi-crystalline Si wafers, thin films and nanoscale PV science and technology. Results will create strategies for processing advanced silicon PV structures and devices. Research will also focus on reducing the cost of PV generated electricity and designing and fabricating high efficiency solar cells. SiSoC will help develop a skilled workforce in a much needed area. This will be enabled by having NSF and other government agencies, together with the solar-electric power industry jointly stimulating high quality university level research and education. Research activity will also be strengthened through student internships at industry member locations. This center will also be used to compliment efforts for outreach and improve opportunities for underrepresented minorities/women to participate in PV materials research through such programs as the Research Experiences for Undergraduates. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rozgonyi, George North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 261000 7609 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0758596 January 15, 2008 Center for Autonomic Computing. This award establishes the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Autonomic Computing at the University of Florida, University of Arizona and Rutgers University. The I/UCRC will focus on multi university research on improving the design and engineering systems that are capable of funning themselves, adapting their resources and operations to current workloads and anticipating the needs of their users. The center will work on improving hardware, networks and storage, middleware, service and information layers used by modern industry. The research performed at this center is important for U.S. industry to help maintain its lead in the information technology field. This I/UCRC will have a broad impact on the participating students and faculty through involvement with the industrial members. This center has the potential to develop new knowledge in this area that will increase US industrial competitiveness. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fortes, Jose Renato Figueiredo University of Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 422029 7609 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 5761 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0801876 February 1, 2008 BYU Site for CHREC I/UCRC. This award establishes Brigham Young University (BYU) as a research site of the Industry/University Collaborative Research Center (IUCRC) for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. Other sites of this collaborative research center include the University of Florida (2007) and George Washington University (2007). Reconfigurable computing (RC) technology can be divided into two areas of use: High Performance Computing (HPC) and High Performance Embedded Computing (HPEC). RC technology is used in the field of HPC to accelerate demanding computations that would otherwise be performed in software on a large-scale computing system. RC technology is used in HPEC to create high-performance embedded computing solutions in areas such as signal and image processing, real-time vision, cryptography, and network processing. The mission of this center is to investigate, develop, and evaluate new concepts, methods, infrastructure, and tools in reconfigurable HPC and HPEC, from building-block devices to infrastructure to applications, and advance these technologies through research and education for the benefit of center members, students, and the discipline at large. The research BYU will address; 1) Novel Core Architectures and Related Components for Aerospace & Defense Applications, 2) Application Mapping of HPC Codes to High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing Systems, 3) Profiling, Analysis, & Performance Optimization for Reconfigurable Computing Applications, 4) Middleware, Interfaces, & other Infrastructure for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computers. The Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing should significantly enhance the U.S. effort to maintain a strong leadership position within their area of information technology. It may also serve to bring industry and users together to define common standards. Industry members, researchers and students will gain from the interactions throughout the life of the research center. This should be a rewarding experience for all as the university has a detailed plan to achieve diversity in working with several minority institutions. Advances in RC affect virtually all disciplines of science and engineering which require high-performance computing, be it mainframe-oriented or embedded. RC technology promises to produce computing systems combining the flexibility of software-programmable computations with the computational power of custom hardware. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nelson, Brent Brad Hutchings Michael Rice Michael Wirthlin Brigham Young University UT Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 153275 H136 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0801919 January 1, 2008 Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution - Virginia Tech Research Site. A research site will be established at Virginia Polytechnic Institute for the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). The center conducts research and develops integrated solutions for logistics and distribution problems. Virginia Tech enhances CELDi expertise in logistic systems, supply chain design, and material flow analysis. The results of the research projects are shared among all center members and eventually in the research literature. The direction of the research is influenced by industry members and conducted by some of the most talented faculty and students in the country. The research results from CELDi impact industry operations directly, provide improved approaches for practitioners who see the research results at conferences and in publications, and extend the general body of knowledge in logistics and distribution. RET SUPPLEMENTS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ellis, Kimberly Gaylon Don Taylor Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 128800 7218 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9177 7218 1591 122E 116E 115E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0804155 January 1, 2008 I/UCRC Proposal For University Site At Virginia Tech: Center For High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing (CHREC). This award establishes Virginia Polytechnic Institute as a research site of the Industry/University Collaborative Research Center (IUCRC) for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. Other sites of this collaborative research center include the University of Florida (2007), George Washington University (2007), and Brigham Young University (2008). Reconfigurable computing (RC) technology can be divided into two areas of use: High Performance Computing (HPC) and High Performance Embedded Computing (HPEC). RC technology is used in the field of HPC to accelerate demanding computations that would otherwise be performed in software on a large-scale computing system. RC technology is used in HPEC to create high-performance embedded computing solutions in areas such as signal and image processing, real-time vision, cryptography, and network processing. The mission of this center is to investigate, develop, and evaluate new concepts, methods, infrastructure, and tools in reconfigurable HPC and HPEC, from building-block devices to infrastructure to applications, and advance these technologies through research and education for the benefit of center members, students, and the discipline at large. The research BYU will address; 1) Novel Core Architectures and Related Components for Aerospace & Defense Applications, 2) Application Mapping of HPC Codes to High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing Systems, 3) Profiling, Analysis, & Performance Optimization for Reconfigurable Computing Applications, 4) Middleware, Interfaces, & other Infrastructure for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computers. The Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing should significantly enhance the U.S. effort to maintain a strong leadership position within their area of information technology. It may also serve to bring industry and users together to define common standards. Industry members, researchers and students will gain from the interactions throughout the life of the research center. Advances in RC affect virtually all disciplines of science and engineering which require high-performance computing, be it mainframe-oriented or embedded. RC technology promises to produce computing systems combining the flexibility of software-programmable computations with the computational power of custom hardware. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Athanas, Peter Wuchun Feng Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 296366 I140 H460 H158 H137 5761 OTHR 5761 1591 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0805967 January 1, 2008 Planning Grant for Emerging Contaminants Center. Emerging contaminants (ECs) generally refer to chemicals and materials recently detected in the environment, and which may have potential or real threat to human health or the environment. The challenge of ECs intersects several industries including the pharmaceutical and personal care products industries, producers of nano-sized materials, as well as entities that treat wastewater and drinking water. A planning meeting will be held to investigate the proposed establishment of a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Emerging Contaminants. The lead location of the proposed center will be at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, with a second site at Villanova University. The mission of the proposed center is to address sensing and remediation of emerging contaminants (EC). The proposed center will pursue research projects of importance to a broad range of US companies seeking to avoid becoming a major contributor to pollution. The center and its research activity will involve faculty researchers, graduate and undergraduate students working together with industrial representatives. The center will further enhance the ongoing efforts at both institutions of integrating research in classroom teaching. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Watts, Daniel New Jersey Institute of Technology NJ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0806858 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: AuthorIT: Authoring Adaptive and Configurable Tutoring Systems (A-ACTS). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project proposes a fundamentally new approach to knowledge representation and building highly Adaptive and Configurable Tutoring Systems (ACTS) based thereon. This authoring system, automates steps in knowledge representation, and eliminates the need to program pedagogical strategies and otherwise simplifies the process of building ACTS. An companion application automatically delivers learning as prescribed. This Phase I research aims to demonstrate the feasibility of: 1) using the technique to develop commercially-viable ACTS for well-defined STEM content; and 2) to extend the technique to support ACTS that will enable learners to solve novel problems that they have not been taught how to solve; and 3) to deliver such content over the web. Full realization of this innovation will increase the impact of ACTS in STEM education by increasing learning efficiency, reducing development costs, improving quality control and yielding systems that can easily be configured to meet specific educational needs. If successful, this project will result in ACTS having direct application in schools as well as open new opportunities in the commercial world. The application will cut development cost in half, making it commercially feasible to develop even specialized and highly efficient ACTS, while maintaining quality control, and has the potential of radically improving the way adaptive tutorial systems are built as well as the effectiveness of those systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scandura, Joseph Intelligent Micro Systems, Ltd. PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0808079 May 1, 2008 Research Related to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Membership in WICAT. The University of Virginia WICAT research site focuses on technology to support Rapid Configuration of Wireless Systems. The proposed research plan will focus on two activities important to serving mobile users in a large enterprise that requires user security. The proposed research relates to the special interests of the National Reconnaissance Office who is a member of the WICAT I/UCRC at the University of Virginia. A successful completion of the proposed research will make a significant contribution to improving the knowledge base for secure mobile computing. The proposed activities will provide all sites with an expanded set of data and results to complement their component technology results. The proposed effort will also broaden currently provided opportunities to achieve greater diversity by creating additional invited student interactions across the WICAT research institutions. IIP ENG Horowitz, Barry Alfred Weaver Peter Beling Stephen Patek Benton Calhoun University of Virginia Main Campus VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 427815 H152 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0808857 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Enhancing Knoweldge Engineering through Cognitive Modeling and Instance-Based Learning. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to create a toolkit embodying cognitive capabilities for use in developing intelligent agents. These agents would provide human-like interactions with software, for desktop productivity, research, and gaming domains, by observing human interactions with the system and mimicking those interactions. Current approaches for embedding intelligent agents such as finite state machines and rule-based systems are often limited by either brittleness, or by difficulties in knowledge engineering, or often by both. In contrast, state of the art cognitive modeling approaches combine symbolic rule-based approaches with numeric statistical machine learning techniques, and do so in a computationally scalable way. The specific research objectives are: 1) exploring variations in instance-based learning techniques and their ability to simulate human learning and their computational implications; 2) examining using an expert system to elicit knowledge and produce a task skeleton for organizing knowledge; 3) exploring plan recognition techniques for mapping a stream of human behavior onto the elicited task structure; 4) exploring the extraction of strong knowledge from segmented human performance data through statistical learning techniques; and 5) developing techniques for remediating developed systems so that deficiencies noted can be translated directly into improved agent behavior. The proposed toolkit will automate computer desktop tasks, thereby enhancing productivity, and will produce gaming agents without programming, thereby satisfying the need for greater numbers of robust, believable non-player characters. For the currently installed base of PCs is estimated at 898 million units, with yearly worldwide sales at 190 million units, and with the worldwide gaming market estimated at approximately $20 billion, the proposed work will provide easier automation - through observing competent behavior rather than through programming - to both of these markets. The proposed technology is applicable to other domains not addressed specifically in this proposal such as the assistive market to produce an assistant for the handicapped that learns typical sequences of interface actions and offers to complete those actions. Additionally, the technology can also aid in building training systems where the task is collaborative and the cost of using human team mates is prohibitive. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Best, Bradley Adaptive Cognitive Systems LLC CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99826 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0808957 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I:A Novel 360-Degree Video Surveillance Camera. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel 360° video camera with direct optical unwrapping capability. It can obtain high resolution undistorted (unwrapped) 360° video of surrounding scene without requiring external computer for performing digital unwrapping. The proposed video camera offers, for the first time, several unique advantages over any existing 360° video cameras. It is able to: (1) Capture real-time video of seamless 360° surrounding scene with no moving components; (2) Unwrap the 360° surrounding image optically, without using any electronics or computing overhead. The outputs video is directly viewable for human interpretation and understanding. (3) Preserve image quality via optical unwrapping - no digital re-sampling related artifacts that deteriorate image quality; (4) Acquire entire 360° surrounding scene with full pixel resolution of imaging sensor (conventional fisheye lens or omni-directional 360° optics acquires circular images, making 42% active pixels of sensor useless); (5) Eliminate time delay caused by digital processing. If successful the proposed video camera concept will offer a completely different path to the 360° imaging technology field and will have profound impact in video surveillance markets. In 2005, the global video surveillance industry is about $7 billion, which is expected to grow to $13 billion within five years, with 44% growth market on the verge of technological breakthrough. The video surveillance market is considered as a limitless growth market. 'Cameras Everywhere' continues to be the best description of the trend in the Video Surveillance market. By eliminating the need for digital unwrapping, the proposed video camera eliminates the need for external computing resource, which historically has been one of most significant barriers in building practical 360° video cameras and facilitating 360° video surveillance. This new advanced 360° imaging technology will lead to a number of innovative products and vast applications to video surveillance fields, with unprecedented performance, resolution, image quality, cost efficiency, and ease of use. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Geng, Jason Xigen LLC md Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0808990 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Natural Fiber-Reinforced Bio-Based Thermoset Resin Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop natural fiber-reinforced bio-based resin composites that are appropriate for use in exterior applications on vehicles (automobiles, over-the-road trucks, and recreational vehicles). These bio-based engineering materials are interesting to automotive and truck manufactures because of their light weight, potential low cost, and low environmental impact. However, these composites tend to be highly sensitive to moisture. That sensitivity is one of the main barriers to commercialization for bio-based composites. Currently, no natural fiber-reinforced composites are used as structural components in transportation applications because of the moisture sensitivity issue. The approach is to investigate combinations of fiber type, fiber processing, and resin chemistry to produce composites with strong interfacial bonding and properties that are the least sensitive to moisture. It will be determined how the type of fiber (kenaf vs. flax), the processing of the fiber (degree of fibrillation, and surface modification), and the type of resin (soybean oil-derived resins vs. modified phenolics) affect the mechanical properties of the composites and their moisture sensitivity. It is anticipated that within this experimental space will be combinations that produce good interfacial bonding between resin and fiber which will lead to reduced moisture sensitivity. Natural fibers and bio-based resins have the potential to replace fiberglass and synthetic resins derived from petroleum in a variety of composite applications. The most likely opportunities will be in the transportation sector (automotive, truck, RV); additional opportunities may develop in building materials (subfloor, roof, decking, posts and beams). Replacing fiberglass-reinforced synthetic resin composites with natural fiber-reinforced biobased thermoset resin composites will have the many advantages over traditional composites. The bio-based composites will have lower density, acceptable specific strength, equal or higher specific modulus, and fibers that are non-abrasive and have low wear rates for tooling. Their environmental impact will be less as the are renewable resources and use less non-renewable energy in making the fibers. There will be a weight reduction which can increase fuel economy and reduce emissions as well as reduce the life-cycle environmental impact by sequestering carbon during the growth of the plant material. This product will have a lower cost due to the fact that these are renewable resources and have a lower cost of raw materials at industrial production levels. Natural fibers and bio-based resins can be combined with synthetic fibers and resins to provide design flexibility, e.g., if the stiffness of a natural fiber-reinforced composite is insufficient for an application, fiberglass (10-30 wt%) can be added to raise the modulus to an acceptable level. One still realizes much of the value of the natural reinforcement. Likewise, bio-based resins can be used to extend petrochemical resins much as ethanol is blended with gasoline. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Janney, Mark Materials Innovation Technologies, LLC. NC Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149300 5371 BIOT 9181 1773 1467 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0809036 March 1, 2008 I/UCRC: WICAT@VT. This award establishes Virginia Polytechnic (VT) as a research site of the Industry/University Collaborative Research Center (IUCRC) for the Wireless Internet Center for Advanced Technology (WICAT). Other sites of this collaborative research center include the New York Polytechnic (lead), Auburn University, Columbia University and the University of Virginia. The mission of this center is to focus on emerging technologies for wireless internet. Virginia Polytechnic will be a strong partner of WICAT and will perform research activities that will be complementary and synergistic with those of the other WICAT sites. The theme at the Virginia Polytechnic site will be cognitive radio based wireless networks, with the following thrust areas: Software Defined Radios, Cognitive Radios, Cognitive Network Test Bed Implementation, Theoretical Foundations of Wireless Communications, and Wireless Systems Modeling and Simulation. The test bed will enable researchers from WICAT and others to implement and test algorithms, protocols, applications and hardware technologies within a realistic environment. Virginia Polytechnic will make significant contributions to the mission of WICAT. The effort at Virginia Tech will be a subset of the already existing collaborations with wireless industry. The quality and quantity of research conducted will expand the impact of WICAT in technical, educational and outreach activities. WICAT at VT will include faculty and students from the Northern Virginia Campus and the Middle Eastern and Northern Africa (VT-MENA) campuses. This will add to the diversity of faculty and students, and WICAT at VT research site will emphasize diversity in all selections of faculty, students, and staff. The affiliation of a large number of industries with the WICAT at VT research site will provide students with significant opportunities and permanent engineering positions. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bose, Tamal Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 363575 I291 I179 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 5761 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0809450 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Wireless Sensing of Body Movement: Detection and Evaluation of Lameness in Horses. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project focuses on lameness which is one of the most common health problems for horses. Treatment is most effective in the earliest stages of lameness, however the subjective diagnostic methods currently used by large animal are imprecise and inaccurate. To improve the quality of lameness evaluation, the startup company Equinosis is leversaging research at the University of Missouri to develop a field-ready, portable, wireless body-sensor-based system that can diagnose the affected limb and severity of lameness in horses sooner and more effectively than current methods. This computer-driven technology determines the degree of lameness by measuring the head and pelvic movements of horses. In the proposed project, Equinosis will evaluate the patterns of head and pelvic motions of horses with definite diagnoses of naturally-occurring and experimentally-induced (temporary) lameness. The objective of this work will be to verify both the technology and University of Missouri research data. The broader impacts of this research may extend beyond the initial goals of improved diagnosis and earlier, more effective treatment of lameness in horses. While Equinosis has identified lameness in horses as its initial commercialization target, the company believes that this patent-pending technology can be extended to detect other ailments in other animal species. Further development of the technology could eventually assist in the diagnosis of medical issues for humans, especially in those cases where the patient has referred pain or cannot communicate symptoms clearly to medical professionals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Keegan, Kevin Equinosis LLC MO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 199524 5371 1505 BIOT 9109 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0809497 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: A Molecularly Imprinted Conductive Polymer-based Biodetector. In this Small Business Innovation Research project, Smart Polymers Research Corporation will focus on the creation and testing of a molecularly imprinted conductive polymer as an innovative potential electrochemical detector for ricin, a natural cytotoxin, which is the second highest toxic plant cytotoxin after abrin, and which can be a potent biological weapon. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are becoming an important analytical tool. Non-covalent imprinting, in particular, has a great range of applications because of the theoretical lack of restrictions on size, shape or chemical character of the imprinted molecule. The possibility of tailor-made, highly selective artificial receptors at low cost, with good mechanical, thermal and chemical properties makes MIP materials appear ideal for chemical- or bio-sensing applications. Despite the large amount of data available to date on formulae for MIPs, the main applications continue to be in the separation field, whereas the development of sensors and electrochemical sensors, in particular, is significantly slower. Electrochemical sensing could offer good limits of detection, at low cost, with the possibility of easy miniaturization and automation. Upon feasibility demonstration of our approach, a multispecific detector will be targeted to address the detection of several biowarfare agents of viral or bacterial nature. The potential for future miniaturization and possibility of field application of the proposed assay/sensor will be outlined. The proposed MIP-based sensor can have a wide range of commercial applications due to the versatility and adaptability of the underlying technology. The immediate applications can be broadly defined as targeted toward 1) the military; 2) first responders, and 3) the civilian sector. Based on mission requirements and the possibility of battlefield contamination, the military is expected to remain the largest consumer. Second are civil defense and law enforcement agencies, or first responders. These end-users are present at state and local levels and are tasked with protecting civilians in the event of a WMD attack. The third group of end-users is found in the civilian sector. These are primarily companies involved in chemical and biological demilitarization work and government agencies without first responder duties. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Komarova, Elena Smart Polymers Research Corporation FL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9267 9107 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0809678 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Bioenergy from Genomics: Genes that Increase Corn Kernel Starch and Oil Content.. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to identify and validate the small number of genes that control starch and oil content in corn. The project will determine statistical associations between corn domestication genes and these traits. Having genes in hand that control starch and oil levels could be used to breed or genetically engineer corn with significantly higher starch or oil content per kernel. The broader impact of this research will ultimately be reduced dependence on foreign energy sources. Domestic energy self-reliance can come from bioenergy technologies, including corn ethanol and biodiesel. Two major objections to the use of corn to make ethanol are the environmental impact of fertilizing and irrigating greater amounts of land for growing corn and diverting corn from food to fuel when people in the world are starving. Increasing the yield of fermentable starch for ethanol production from each acre of corn grown would address these objections. In this way, more ethanol and biodiesel feedstocks can be produced from the same acreage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Messier, Walter Evolutionary Genomics, LLC CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99129 5371 BIOT 9183 7286 1719 1717 1491 1167 1165 0308000 Industrial Technology 0809892 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: An Accurate, Low Cost In-Situ Multi-Spectral Absorption Meter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of an accurate low cost in-situ solid-state multi-spectral absorption meter for measurement of water properties. Current commercially available instruments are limited in their accuracy in real world conditions due to their design and are also expensive due to the use of costly components such as lamps, filter wheels, spectrometers, etc. This project will explore the use of a novel patented construction method that in combination with LEDs, optics, and photodiodes gives scientists an accurate and low cost research tool to measure absorption in-situ over a variety of wavelengths. The instrument will be insensitive to interfering parameters (e.g. scattering) and easy to maintain in the field. If successful this new method of measure water properties will help communities determine the health of natural water resources. Measuring the absorbance of water is a fundamental measurement for aquatic researchers. Light penetrating water is diminished almost exponentially with depth with an accompanying change in the energy spectrum. These changes affect phytoplankton life directly, so an understanding of the absorption properties for bodies of water is significant for determining the ability to support the growth of phytoplankton. Multi-spectral absorption can also be used to determine the constituents of water, distinguishing between water, dissolved yellow substances, phytoplankton, etc. Most measurements of absorption have been done on samples using a laboratory instrument, but there is an ongoing need to measure absorbance in- situ which allows researchers to gather much more data efficiently. A more accurate in-situ absorption meter dramatically improves the quality of the data that scientists can generate and reduces the amount of time they spend correcting for interfering parameters. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hoang, Sang Turner Designs CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810012 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Novel Spatial Speech Separation Techniques to Improve Speaker Identification and Speech Recognition. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project focuses on a novel approach that uses multiple microphones to spatially separate speech and hence enhance speaker identification and speech recognition accuracy. The first component of the project will apply feature-driven adaptive beam forming to improve speech recognition accuracy in noisy and reverberant environments. Unlike conventional beam forming methods, this proposed method performs weight adaptation based on feedback from the feature extraction and recognition modules. The arrays can eliminate directional interferences and reduce reverberant effects. For the second component of the proposed project, a new continuously-variable mask estimation method will be used to estimate which parts of the separated speech contain speech with good signal-to noise ratio (SNR), applying speech reconstruction to repair these regions. The repaired speech will then be fed into the speech recognition/speaker identification engine. Thirdly, the project will apply ideas motivated by human binaural perception. The potential market for robust speaker identification and speech recognition is projected to be large, ranging from voice dictation in noisy offices, voiceprint verification for financial transactions, biometrics, speech recognition in automated voice response systems, voice-based search for mobile devices, and several others. Additionally there are many military applications in military command, control, and communications segments, where it is important to convey the correct commands to the other recipients. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kwan, Chiman Signal Processing, Inc. MD Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810023 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Topologically Encoded Animation (TEA) for Visual Effects in the Digital Arts. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops new algorithms and data representations to streamline the development and dissemination of computer animation products. High risk for this project lies in extending prototype software for temporal anti-aliasing on crisp mathematical examples to realistically complex cases. The innovation, if successful, will be a comprehensive commercial solution and provide basic improvements to temporal anti-aliasing during the conceptual design stage, portability across display devices (inclusive of emerging 3-D options) and compact representation for more efficient data storage and transmission. The business focus of the effort is to facilitate the creation, storage and delivery of digital visual effects. If successful, a new market (similar to traditional visual effects) will be developed. Once established, this market will offer significant commercial opportunity. As the technology matures, current partners will be developing instructional animation content for undergraduate biology students. This effort will offer feedback to assist in contributing to ongoing educational projects in other areas as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Peters, Thomas Kerner Graphics, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810026 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Highly Efficient CdTe Thin Film Solar Cells with Ordered Structure. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses an innovative device fabrication process and bulk hetero-junction structure to fabricate CdTe solar cells with unprecedented performance. Today's crystalline silicon based solar cell technologies are not cost effective as a viable alternative to existing energy sources. CdTe based solar cells have shown very promising as a low cost alternative to current crystalline silicon solar cells. However, the energy conversion efficiency of commercial CdTe solar cells is only ~ 10%. With this innovative approach it is intended to improve energy conversion efficiency up to the limit efficiency of ~29% for CdTe based solar cells, representing a real breakthrough in thin film solar cells and leading to tremendously wide applications. World solar photovoltaic (PV) market installations reached a record high of 1,744 megawatts (MW) in 2006, representing growth of 19% over the previous year. World solar cell production reached a consolidated figure of 2,204 MW in 2006, up from 1,656 MW a year earlier. Global industry revenues were $10.6bn in 2006. According to a new report from Solarbuzz, LLC, annual worldwide industry revenues will reach between $18.6bn and $31.5bn by 2011. Currently, the solar cell market is dominated by crystalline silicon solar cells with a market share of ~93%. If successful the proposed approach can improve the energy efficiency of CdTe based solar cells to the next level, which enables them to compete with (even outperform) current crystalline silicon solar cells. With improved efficiency and low cost, CdTe solar cells will get a significant share of the solar market. There is an extensive range of applications where solar cells are already viewed as the best option for electricity supply such as ocean navigation aids, telecommunication systems, remote monitoring and control, rural electrification, space power and domestic power supply. The proposed green technology harvests solar energy, reducing the emission of CO2 and global warming. This program also provides a route to enhance scientific and technological understanding of crystal growth process at the nano-scale. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cheng, Lisen NanoGreen Solutions Corporation MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810029 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Active Device for Reliable Cleaning of Feeding Tubes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop the Tube-Clear device to remove clots from feeding tubes. In excess of 411,000 people receive feeding tubes annually in the United States. Feeding tubes become a requirement when critically ill and compromised patients lose the ability to swallow, but still need nutrients or medication. Clogging is a significant problem in the treatment of these patients, leading to time without nutrients or medication. While several approaches exist for clot removal, none are 100% successful, and when they fail, an uncomfortable and expensive process is required to replace the tube. Existing processes for cleaning feeding tubes can be time consuming, even when they succeed. With the aging population, a more reliable device to remove clots becomes critical. This SBIR Phase I program will develop the Tube-Clear, an activated device, to pass into a feeding tube and break up food clots, quickly and reliably, without removing or damaging the feeding tube. The Tube-Clear will ease the burden on nursing staff and patients dealing with the frustration of clogged feeding tubes. The anticipated selling price would be $35 with a reusable control unit selling for $300. Anticipated volume would be 2,000 per year. The effect of pricing on market acceptance will be studied in more detail in Phase II. In addition to the market for cleaning feeding tubes, PRII believes our technology can be extended to cleaning of other medical devices and tubes, such as catheters and endoscopes for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and drain tubes. Markets for these devices are in the hundreds of thousands to millions of units per year. Nursing experts have expressed that the Tube-Clear device would be a significant advance in dealing with clogged feeding tubes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bagwell, Roger Piezo Resonance Innovations, Inc. PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149998 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810299 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Knowledge Management Framework For High Growth Startups. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a framework designed to assist high tech entrepreneurs and angel investors in the early formative processes of a venture. The framework combines application software and tools structured and unstructured experimental databases, and a collaborative networking infrastructure - a social network of entrepreneurs and investors. Starting up a rapid growth technology company is a risky proposition. Entrepreneurs jump into a high-pressure, high-stakes realm where decisions are made using dynamic, imperfect information while aiming at a moving target. If a framework could be developed to increase the success rate of such ventures, it may have significant impact. The proposed framework is based on a: 1. software model garnered from observation of thousands of live startups; 2. collaborative network of entrepreneurs and investors who use social networking technologies to distinguish winners from losers; 3. suite of data mining tools to compare one startup?s experience with historical data. The project intends to develop a software implementation of that model, which must be tested and refined using company data. If high-growth entrepreneurship is an engine of economic growth, the project's immediate aim is to fine-tune that engine's performance, removing friction where it currently exists. The framework seeks to increase startup success rates by empowering the entrepreneur to make informed decisions. The effort also offers investors the power of its framework to select the best projects, and later monitor their progress. The predictive models and collaborative decision making could help savvy investors improve their average ROI significantly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rubin, Marco Exoventure Technologies, Inc. VA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810330 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Reducing Diesel Fuel Consumption in Recovering Woody Biomass. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project develops a technology by which diesel fuel consumption can be significantly reduced while increasing productivity in recovering woody biomass. Diesel fuel is the number one operating cost of an industrial grinder and it is estimated that the diesel fuel consumed in processing the millions of tons of woody wastes each year in the United States alone is approximately 158 million gallons, with a cost to businesses valued at almost one half billion dollars. This Phase 1 research will field test the intermittent duty cycle of a diesel engine on a mobile industrial grinder and the data collected will then be analyzed to evaluate the technology for commercialization. The technology is expected to lower the cost of diesel fuel consumed per ton of woody resource material recovered. The broader impacts of this research are the conservation of in diesel fuel during biomass processing for bioenergy production. Secondly, with the increased productivity and fuel savings, companies would be more profitable, thus making a direct impact on the success of those businesses. Tax payers would benefit for those cities and counties who operate industrial grinders at their landfills. Thirdly, with increased capacity of the grinder fleets, more organic materials could be processed for use as bio-fuels. This will have applications in future markets such as boiler fuels, co-gen plants, cellulose ethanol and other bio-fuel markets. Finally, the technology once developed will be able to be applied to other markets where engines are operated in intermittent duty cycles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fleenor, Jeff Fleenor Manufacturing Inc. IA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810335 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: A Label-Free SERS-Capture Assay in Microchips for Biological Warfare Agents. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops assay chips that can detect, identify, and quantify the presence of Category A or B bioagents at the required sensitivity within 10 minutes. The assay chips will employ silver particles in a porous sol-gel to selectively extract and bind a specific bioagent with detection using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The chips will be part of an analyzer that also includes an aerosol collector and a field usable Raman spectrometer. Feasibility of the approach will be demonstrated during Phase I by developing the silver functionalization method to bind Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis spores, and to detect the capture event by SERS. During the Phase II project, assay chips will be developed and field-tested for several Category A or B bioagents. The broader impacts of this research an enchancement of our ability to monitor public places targeted by terrorists, and to implement rapid response and countermeasures. This information will save lives and substantially reduce the terror associated with such attacks. The device can also be adapted to detect more common Category B pathogens regarding food and water safety (e.g. E. coli 0157:H7). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Inscore, Frank REAL-TIME ANALYZERS, INCORPORATED CT Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99998 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810340 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: MEMS Gas Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I SBIR research project will prototype a MEMS-based hydrocarbon gas sensor. The MEMS-based gas sensor uses a microfabricated photonic crystal to emit infrared light in a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelength can be tuned by design to overlap an absorption band of methane, for example, to make a small, sensitive, efficient detector of methane or other toxic or flammable gas. The MEMS-based approach also includes a microfabricated anti-reflective surface, which uses microfabricated sub-wavelength features to reduce the effective index of refraction of the wafer material. The broader impact of this approach is to produce MEMS-based gas sensors having a well defined absorption band in the infrared. The technique may be readily adapted to make other gas sensors, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphurous compounds. The microfabricated anti-reflective structures may be applied to infrared devices such as spectrometers, optical elements, and other infrared emitters and detectors. Methane sensors may be made which are inexpensive enough to equip individual members of a mining team, greatly improving mining safety. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spong, Jaquelin Innovative Micro Technology CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149933 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810351 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Biopolymer reinforced RF Tissue Welding. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses developing a radiofrequency (RF) tissue welding technology using a biopolymer as reinforcement for use in pulmonary resections. This project is focused on the development of minimally-invasive RF tissue welding technology for pulmonary resections including biopsies, to further advance early detection and treatment of lung cancer. Based on preliminary studies, a single endoscopic grasping device thermally welds tissue and subsequently delivers molten bioabsorbable polymer to the weld. The biopolymer fully penetrates the weld, solidifies, and increases the weld burst strength. The project is focused on the synthesis and characterization of a series of low-molecular weight bioabsorbable copolymers with optimum physicochemical properties for use in tissue-weld reinforcement. Using a series of bioabsorbable copolymers, we will examine the influence of monomer composition on processibility, wicking ability into the denatured collagen/elastin tissue matrix, mechanical properties including burst strength, and degradation rate. Lung cancer has become the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Efforts are underway to improve early detection of lung cancer using Spiral CT (National Lung Screen Trial). Only 16 percent of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage appropriate for surgical intervention. Early screening must be weighed against performing surgically invasive biopsies on patients where the screening results may be false positive. In spite of significant advances in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), the vast majority of pulmonary resections including biopsies continue to be performed by open thoracotomy. RF-based technologies allow for greater design flexibility, enabling minimally invasive surgery. Many studies support the use of RF energy-based tissue welding for pediatric pulmonary resections where access through small intercostal ports is crucial in small patients. With larger and thicker resections, however, weld strength of RF-sealed lung tissue has been shown to decrease, limiting widespread use in adults. Our goal is to increase weld strength in pulmonary resections by reinforcement with a bioabsorbable polymer. Infusion of low molecular weight polymer into thermally treated tissues can potentially improve tissue structure, provide hemostatic barriers, or attach grafts and meshes in a wide array of surgical treatments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schechter, David VitruMed Inc. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1773 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810357 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Multilevel Magnetic Recording for Areal Densities Above 10 Terabit-per-square-inch. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I will study the feasibility of the technology of multilevel magnetic recording. This technology is potentially suitable for densities beyond 10 terabit/in2 and data rates faster than 1 gigabit/s. This project will include the study of the industry standard spinstand for a device prototype capable of achieving more than 16 signal levels to store information with effective aerial densities above 1 terabit/in2 and demonstrate a potential to extend the technology beyond 10 terabit/in2. The proof of concept system will consist of a high-field transducer built via focused ion beam trimming of regular magnetic recording heads and three-dimensional (3D) media. To prove the feasibility of multilevel recording, the innovative multilevel encoding channel will be integrated into a state-of-the art spinstand Guzik V2002. Spinstand testing with the new channel will be used to combine 3D recording media and transducers into a viable multilevel recording system. If successful the outcome of the feasibility study for this cost-effective and long-term solution may have great impact on the multibillion data storage industry. With the introduction of multilevel signal processing this proposed solution has potential to leapfrog the existing information related technologies. Not only data storage related but also other electronics applications could benefit from the introduction of multilevel signal format. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Preda, Mihai MultiMag3D Inc. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 146304 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810367 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Coating Health Monitors for Smart Infrastructure. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project involves development of a coating health monitoring system based on wireless electrochemical impedance sensors to identify, track, and predict corrosion damage on bridges, pipelines, and other metal structures. By making use of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Coating Health Monitors (CHM's) identify the degradation of coatings and paints, providing an early warning of corrosion of the underlying metal. It can detect paint coating degradation well before any irreversible corrosion damage occurs. The broader impact of this is the early detection of paint and coating health that will be greatly beneficial to public safety. When the CHM's are used to monitor large structures such as bridges, a detection of failing protective coating can mean the difference between life and death. It will prompt the need to recoat before failure of the steel. Application of CHM's in difficult to inspect locations will enhance the safety of inspection personnel. Using wireless technology and a network of CHM's, coating health information can be gathered remotely versus hands-on inspection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Davis, Guy Electrawatch, Inc. VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99619 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810388 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Fault Isolation of Open Circuits in Semiconductor Products using Magnetic Current Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will extend the capabilities of magnetic current imaging to detect open failures in semiconductor packages with an accuracy of 30 microns to facilitate the integration of semiconductor components and devices into systems. The largest, most difficult problem encountered in packages is electrical opens due to increasing shrinking and complex technology in leading edge designs. The only available techniques are time domain reflectometry with practical resolution of 1-2 mm and time consuming layer-by-layer deprocessing. It is proposed to use magnetic current imaging with a SQUID sensor to solve this critical problem through increasing the frequency detection limit of the equipment to detect high frequency signals at the defect location. The semiconductor industry has a critical need for localization of buried open defects in packages with resolution below 30 microns. The proposed technology is targeting a 30 micron resolution to fill a known gap in fault isolation technology for packaging. For the semiconductor companies it will enable the packaging manufacturing sites to isolate open defects and improve their manufacturing processes to minimize or eliminate these defects quickly so that they can get high quality reliable products to market faster. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Orozco, Antonio NEOCERA INC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99938 5371 HPCC 9139 1586 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810391 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: High Energy Density Piezoelectric Thin Films and Energy Harvesting Devices. This STTR Phase I project is to develop processes and optimized integrated structures based on the piezoelectric effect, and complemented by other traditional sources, to enable energy harvesting devices for self-powered sensors and devices. The team has recently developed a piezoelectric composition with the highest ever reported energy density for bulk piezoelectric ceramics. This project will seek to develop and optimize piezoelectric thin film processes using the newly discovered composition. Successful use of piezoelectrics for energy harvesting from vibration sources can provide a high efficiency and low maintenance power source, particularly at a small scale, for applications that are remote, inaccessible and in darkness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Shah, Pradeep Texas Piezoelectric Incorporated TX William Haines Standard Grant 199999 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810404 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Virtual Collaborative Spaces for knowledge discovery and sharing on the Internet. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will prototype and assess feasibility of "Virtual Collaborative Spaces." The rapidly expanding ubiquity of the web creates an opportunity to exploit its potential as a global, dynamic repository of knowledge, more than just a vast archive of posted information. This knowledge, which arises from the web users' exploratory activities, is highly volatile, fragmented, and episodic, but nonetheless practical and instantly applicable if it can be captured and delivered to the right person at the right time. It is continuously created (and lost) by millions of people who surf the Internet daily for various reasons: to research a topic, to find advice, to make a purchase, and so on. By harnessing even a portion of this activity and by linking it to the practical knowledge thus discovered: what to do, how to do it, where to find it, etc., a vast, sharable, and self-sustaining resource can be created, that, if properly managed, would deliver enhanced levels of support and accuracy to all web users: the seekers and the offerors alike. If successful, the effort will make the existing internet applications, including search, more responsive to the users' needs by modeling users' exploratory activities rather than the users themselves. The broader impact is the transformation of the Internet into a dynamic knowledge repository with greatly improved access, so that the users can draw more value from it; the potential for market impact is significant. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Small, Sharon Language Analytic Corporation NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810420 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Method of Integrated Web-Based Tools to Enable a Collaborative Community of Professional Creatives. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to attract and organize a revenue-generating, web-based, collaborative community of independent "creatives" - writers, photographers, animators, video producers, graphic artists, designers, musicians, etc. by providing web tools designed to increase their productivity and ability to interact with peers and with potential clients. Artbox plans to build the platform by integrating web-based tools into an efficient online application, creating a virtual community for people who usually work alone. These free-lance workers are a growing portion of the creative labor market. They need a network of creative people with different skillsets to carry out multifaceted multimedia projects they could not do on their own. The net has changed the economic realities of almost every business, and the American economy is at a turning point. Old models based on manufacturing and information technology have been greatly affected by the availability of cheap labor overseas. Observers of these trends have identified that innovation and imagination and collective intelligence form the new basis for competitive advantage in the global marketplace. In an innovation economy, creators of original content, concepts and products are also the creators of value. By aggregating this "Creative Force", Artbox.com will build a powerful network and efficient talent-sourcing tool for businesses and individuals alike. If successful, the commercial impact of this platform promises to be significant. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Messina, Elizabeth Artbox LLC CT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810423 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: RF-System and Integrated Electronics for Low-Cost Smart Antenna Arrays. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project explores the possibility of designing beam steering base-station quality smart antennas using low-cost cell-phone quality electronics. The team is proposing a unique system approach leveraging the latest advances in radio-frequency integrated circuits and signal synchronization technology. If validated, the proposed method will enable the introduction of performance levels previously available only to expensive military systems to cost sensitive commercial wireless networks. This includes increased capacity for almost any standard, longer communication range, lower power dissipation, and better reliability. Applied to antenna arrays with a large number of elements, the proposed solution is suitable for low-cost high-quality beam-steering systems required in space-division multiplexing. Another advanced application is in conformal antenna arrays, useful in concealing the ever-growing wireless infrastructure. The phase I work of this proposal will answer essential feasibility questions such as system partitioning and key integrated circuit functionality. In addition, it will carry out the preparatory calculations and design for building a low-cost beam-steering antenna demonstration using a future experimental integrated circuit. If proposed effort is successful a de facto platform technology for low cost ubiquitous beam-steering antenna arrays will emerge. This will open a new large market for specialized integrated circuits serving this new application. In addition to communication and military systems, active arrays are useful in medical and industrial imaging. The availability of a low-cost beam steering system solution will affect these areas significantly. For example, portable scanning equipment may become affordable and more prevalent. Phased array technology is largely an understood topic outside a small group of specialists, yet this old concept has a great potential in modern applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Banu, Mihai MHI Consulting LLC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149973 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810426 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Havesting Hydrokinetic Energy Using Vortex Induced Vibration and Fish Biomimetics: 1-5 kW System Development. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will transition an innovative 1-5 kW energy generating system from the University of Michigan (UM) Marine Renewable Energy Laboratory (MRELab) towards the commercial market place. The system is based on a system of cylinders that are made to oscillate by water currents at velocities as low as 1-2 knots (water turbines require 5-7 knots). It is through this mechanism that the converter harvests the hydrokinetic energy. This project, if successful, will yield a new means of harvesting energy from low velocity currents. Additionally, this system is believed to have fewer impacts on aquatic wildlife than turbine based systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Simiao, Gustavo Vortex Hydro Energy LLC MI William Haines Standard Grant 149990 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810428 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Semi-Automated Sports Video Search. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop new technology that will enable precise search of sports videos. Users will be able to search for specific players, teams, and plays from large archives of recorded video sports broadcasts. The proposed research will build on early results of a sports video search engine developed by the team at MIT. The approach combines semantic information mined from speech transcriptions with visual information extracted using video analysis algorithms. The proposed research will extend the existing software algorithms that have been developed for baseball video to other professional and college sports. Additional software tools will be developed to increase the accuracy of the search system, and new user interfaces based on natural language processing algorithms will be designed to enable simplified user access to video. The anticipated result of this research is a method for accurate video search and indexing that enables queries by natural language and requires significantly less human labor to initially tag video than existing techniques. The broader impact of this research comes from the commercialization of this technology as a service layer which provides search and indexing solutions to multiple market segments that together represent a multibillion dollar industry in the United States. The research meets the needs of at least three market segments: (1) Sports professionals, who will gain powerful video access tools enabling better player evaluation, recruiting, coaching, and game analysis; (2) Sports news providers, who will be able to link news stories to related video clips thereby adding value to their media offerings; (3) Sports fans, who will be able to search and browse sports video archives with ease, providing new opportunities for advertising. Initial market research suggests that the access enabled by this technology would have broad impact on how sports video is used. Furthermore, the approach may later be extended to apply beyond sports to other video domains. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fleischman, Michael Bluefin Lab, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810429 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Active Fiber Optic Sensor Array for Cryogenic Fuel Monitoring and Management. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I proposal addresses key components for managing the liquid natural gas and hydrogen fuel supply economy. Transporting and storing cryogenic liquid fuels entails danger of fire and explosion. Since these fuel technologies are growing and acquiring increasing US strategic as well as worldwide importance, sensors and instrumentation to safely manage it are required. The outcome of this work will be a basic technology, first demonstrated at the University of Pittsburgh, consisting of active fiber optic sensors powered by in-fiber light, to measure cryogenic liquid level, temperature and hydrogen concentration in air. Such sensors can be multiplexed at multiple points on a single fiber. The sensors are fiber Bragg gratings (FBG), which produce a signal that is independent of optical intensity noise, electromagnetic interference, and are all-dielectric, avoiding the potential for electrical sparking. With the heating laser off, temperature can be accurately measured to detect liquid density stratification and other management problems. With the heating laser on, Bragg grating with functional coating can be used to measure the thermal conductance difference between cold liquids and gases for leveling sensing. Hydrogen is detected by the strain on the fiber induced by the absorption of hydrogen in a palladium film applied to the fiber at each Bragg grating. The palladium will be heated by the heating laser into a temperature range where it is most active even if it is near a cold pipe or vessel. If successful this technology will assist in providing security when transporting liquid natural gases. The safety of people and facilities are also great importance and impact. A bad accident could delay the wide adoption of hydrogen as a major fuel source. Having a flexible, multi-use system available that can be installed with absolute confidence to monitor and manage these fuels, as well as the health of installed systems, will have a major impact on the acceptance of hydrogen as a safe alternative fuel source. The ability to multiplex many sensors on a single fiber will enable safer and more economical penetrations in cryogenic walls and the low corrosion potential of the fibers will enable sensors to be placed along piping underground. The same basic active fiber sensor technology has the potential to be extended to fuel flow and other economically useful functions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Swinehart, Philip Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149887 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810434 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Intelligent Tool Wear Monitoring. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase 1 project will investigate the confluence of process verification and tool wear technologies. Process verification - physics-based analysis and optimization of the machining process and sequel to purely geometric NC verification - can significantly improve the reliability and productivity of 21st Century manufacturing. Physics-based systems are based on tool force modeling and depend critically on input process model parameters called cutting energies. As the tool wears, these cutting energies and associated tool forces can double or triple, invalidating recommended cutting conditions based on sharp tool parameters, leading to broken tooling and disruptions in manufacture. This project will monitor spindle power to determine the cutting energies in situ, providing accurate updated model parameters and tool forces. Most importantly, in addition to providing reliable tool forces, the updated cutting energies may provide valuable tool wear information. In contrast to current commercial tool monitoring systems, the proposed system does not require laborious user-directed learning experiments. Following on some preliminary experiments, this effort will investigate whether the absolute value and time dependence of the cutting energies can be used to inform the user of the dominant wear mechanism, the extent of the tool wear and the expected remaining tool life. NC verification (virtual machining validating the part geometry) has become an ubiquitous technology. Process verification, based on tool force modeling, in principal can provide valuable guidance in setting optimal machining conditions. In practice, very few such systems have been sold, for three reasons. 1 The available systems focus on tool forces and few, if any, machinists know how to choose optimal force profiles. 2 Those tool forces, if based on sharp tool model parameters, are not reliable as the tool inevitably wears. 3 The primary market competitors have a small direct sales force, reaching only a limited market. In contrast, 1 the proposed process verification system will interface with machinist-friendly terms such as CNC performance limits and desired surface accuracy. 2 The technical solutions developed under this project will integrate with existing software-only process verification products to include reliable, updated tool forces as the tool wears. The integrated products will assist the machinist in selecting cutting conditions where more desirable wear mechanisms (flank wear) dominate and, if the technical program is successful, provide valuable estimates of the remaining tool life. If successful, this project could have a significant commercial impact on global 21st century manufacturing operations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Esterling, Donald VeritasCNC, Inc. NC Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 137500 5371 HPCC 9139 1786 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810437 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: High Power Density, High Efficiency Actuation for Robotic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research proposal will demonstrate a family of high efficiency and high power density actuators utilizing Parallel Magnetic Circuit (PMC) technology. This magnetic force control technology will be applicable to any electromagnetic device. Unlike "conventional" electro-magnetic motors and actuators, which use series magnetic circuits limited by the force of the most powerful single magnet element, PMC moves flux from multiple permanent magnets and field coils into a coherent and additive geometry, dramatically increasing both efficiency and power density. The broader impact will be that in addition to being four to six times as efficient and producing a minimum of four times as much torque as an equivalent standard motor, PMC actuators also allow greater continuous torque, are lighter to comparable actuators, require no active liquid cooling, and are highly reliable with reduced maintenance costs. This actuator technology has the potential to have a significant impact in robotics, conventional vehicles, and hybrid-electric, or electric vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Flynn, Charles QM Power, Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 141713 5371 HPCC 9139 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810445 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: vueDEW : Bi-stable, Electrowetting Display Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a technology whose success will result in novel, ultra-low power, reflective displays that will be an environmentally friendly replacement for flat screen LCD displays in TVs, computers and mobile devices. The simple, yet ingenious, concept of this proposal transforms existing electrowetting displays from having to consume power in an 'ON' state, to consuming no power in either the 'ON' or an 'OFF' state. Layers of colored oil and water are sandwiched between two electrowetting surfaces. One surface is subdivided by hydrophilic barriers into sub-pixels. A stable 'OFF' state occurs when the light-absorbing oil layer covers the entire pixel. When that surface is made hydrophilic by electrowetting, the oil beads up, touches the other surface and transitions there. On that other surface the oil is confined to a single sub-pixel covering 25% or less of the total pixel, creating a 75% transmitting, stable 'ON' state. This simple, yet highly innovative, patent pending arrangement should result in reflective displays that 10 msec switching speed, 100% color conversion, sun light readability, and zero power consumption in either the 'on' or 'off' state. If successful this type of electrowetting reflective displays have the potential to impact several important facets of the $100 billion a year display market. Their predicted high reflectivity, ambient light readability, use of low cost materials and ultra-low power consumption make them potentially very well suited to e-ink applications such as the rapidly growing electronic shelf label market that is forecast to grow to about $1 billion by 2012. Other anticipated performance advantages, such as the 10msec anticipated switching speed, low switching power, 100% color conversion and sun light readability, make them contenders to replace LCD displays in the $20 billion mobile display market. The displays may find use in portable computers, helping provide the possible broader social benefits of more affordable, and more environmentally friendly, portable computers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rosser, Roy Montgomery Rosser Media, LLC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810454 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost, Acoustic Flow Cytometry Analyzer/Imager. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I develops a new acoustic particle focusing technology in a low-cost flow cytometry analyzer/imager that is capable of both high particle analysis rates (1000's particles/s) and capturing images from user selected subpopulations of cells. This new technology will give researchers the ability to rapidly search through large populations of cells while imaging only those of interest. This project will examine and resolve the technological hurdles and demonstrate the technology in a proof-of-principle device. The broader impacts of this research are in the areas drug discovery, medicine, homeland security, and general biomedical research. Acoustic focusing, with triggered imaging, combines the traditional high throughput and statistical power of flow cytometry with the high information content of imaging. This combination will reduce cost and increase information in drug discovery assays, allow high content/rare target analysis in cancer diagnostics and open doors to new high throughput/high content assays in cell biology. It will also bring this combination of analysis to dilute samples which will lead to new applications in urinalysis, environmental monitoring, and industrial contamination. Acoustic cytometry combines adjustable flow velocities with tight single particle/cell focusing. If this technology can be implemented at a lower-cost than conventional solutions, it will have broad impact on world health and research by making cell analysis more accessible to researchers and clinicians worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kaduchak, Gregory Acoustic Cytometry Systems NM Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9267 9181 9150 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810466 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Repair and Manufacturing of Integrated Circuit Probe Cards through Innovations in Electrochemical Printing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project is to develop Electrochemical Printing technology for the repair of integrated circuit (IC) test probe cards. Electrochemical Printing (EcP) will be developed as a tool for repairing and manufacturing small quantities of high value metal micro-structures on probe cards. EcP is a maskless solid freeform fabrication technique that electrodeposits dense metal micro-scale patterns beneath a rastering microjet print nozzle. The broader impact of this research is to provide an economical means of repair for probe cards that are currently scrapped. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nelson, Jeffrey Ionographics, Incorporated WA William Haines Standard Grant 134906 5371 HPCC 9139 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810470 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: GABA-Mediated Nitrogen Efficiency. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research aims to increase the efficiency in which plants use nitrogen (N) and to enhance their tolerance to water stress. The proposed project will introduce into oilseed plants a novel pathway that will increase production of the amino acid, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA has been implicated in both N uptake and stress tolerance. Research objectives include testing how the novel pathway affects plant size and yield, as well as effects on seed viability and quality under limited N and water stress conditions. The broader impacts of this research are economic growth and environmental relief. Crop yield is directly related to N use. However, of the N fertilizer applied to the fields, plants use only a portion. Unutilized N runs off into rivers, lakes, and streams. N-based fertilizers are a major cost in crop production. Thus plants that can achieve high yield with significantly less N (i.e., increased N-use efficiency; NUE) could significantly reduce crop-production costs and help protect the environment while accommodating the growing demand for food, feed, fiber, and biofuel. A 20% (modest) increase in NUE is estimated to have a global annual savings of nearly $5 billion in cereal production alone. Weather changes also affect crop-production costs and yield. Droughts have incurred global annual crop losses of 5% to 30%. Plants with increased tolerance to drought could help sustain agricultural production. The proposed technology has great commercial potential in a market that is actively seeking crops with increased NUE and value-added traits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Turano, Frank Plant Sensory Systems, LLC. MD Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 5345 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810474 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: High Throughput Screening of Multivalent Drugs and Nanomedicine. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops cell membrane mimetic-microarrays for high-throughput screening and analysis of multivalent drug candidates, particularly nanomedicine. Traditional drugs based on mono-valent and high-affinity interactions can lead to non-specific side effects and toxicity. Advances in synthetic and processing techniques for nanoparticles (inorganic, organic, dendrimer, polymer, liposomes, and etc.) have made available an increasing library of drug candidates that incorporate multivalent surface functionalities for targeting specific cells. The proposed cell membrane mimicking microarrays will be based on an air-stable and fluidic supported lipid bilayer system; the robustness of the proposed membrane microarrays greatly simplifies manufacturing, product distribution, and usage. This product will be of high value to pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that are involved in multivalent and nanomedicine development as well as fundamental research on cell-cell interactions. The broader impacts of this research are contributions to drug development and human health. Nanomedicine is a $7 billion market today and growing at double digits annually. While pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and academic laboratories are actively developing nanoparticle-based therapies, there are no products that provide high-throughput analysis of these potential drug candidates. The proposed research will allow development of a superior product to meet the needs for large-scale screening of multivalent drug candidates and, in return, accelerate the development of nanomedicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guo, Athena MICROSURFACES INC MN Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810475 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Fast Two-Color Heterodyne Non-Contact Scanning System for Mapping Optical Parameters of Human Eye. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops a high speed and high sensitivity system for measuring optical dimensions of human eye, such as the total axial length, corneal thickness and the location and thickness of the crystalline lens, in a non-contact manner using infrared light, invisible to the eye. This task is accomplished by improving the existing technique of time domain low-coherence interferometry. In the case of a live patient, which in general cannot be immobilized for steady measurements, speed and sensitivity of the measurements are especially important to achieve high accuracy and precision. The broader impacts of this research will benefit a large part of the population that suffers from cataract and other vision problems. The U.S. population of over 65 years old is expected to increase to over 70 million in 2030. Therefore, there is a dramatic need for tools to treat the wave of eye diseases and problems inherent to such population. Information on the structure of the eye is required in eye surgeries, including those that deal with replacing the crystalline lenses affected by cataract. The proposed research will result in an array of critical tools aimed at mapping out the eye, for medical research and for more successful treatment of eye diseases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ignatovich, Filipp Lumetrics, Inc NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99932 5371 BIOT 9267 9184 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810485 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: High Resolution Tunable Receiver For Remote THz Sensing. This SBIR Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of inexpensive high-resolution tunable terahertz (THz) receivers based on electron-heating in semiconductor nanodevices. The nanosensor will be composed of a low-mobility channel shaped from a Aluminum Gallium Arsenide/Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs/GaAs) two-dimensional electron gas. The proposed tunable inexpensive heterodyne detector (mixer) will operate at moderate cooling temperatures (~77K) within the 0.3-30 THz range. The proposed device will have the advantages of low noise, broad spectral coverage, technological compatibility of the detector with available solid-state local oscillators. The proposed system will provide critical information on the status of atmosphere, aid in the demarcation of pollutions, and monitor the progress of cleanup efforts. The broader impact of the concept of the proposed system is that it is very flexible and could be applied to a variety of chemical and biological contaminants. Besides environmental monitoring, the proposed receiver can be used for screening of personnel and handheld materials. THz screening is non-invasive and non-destructive for living beings. Explosives and biological agents can be detected and identified even if concealed in clothing and suitcases because the THz radiation is transmitted through clothing and luggage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wobschall, Darold Esensors Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 97186 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810507 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Speech Analysis and Intervention for Early Childhood. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project seeks to develop technology to help teachers and schools evaluate speech fluency in young children and to provide an innovative and unique method of intervention when speech problems are discovered. An initial goal of this research project is to develop automatic speech recognition software that is designed to identify specific aspects of speech that are related to early childhood education, such as rhyming, blending, vowel sounds. Current technologies specifically designed for adult speech recognition will be customized to identify aspects of a child's speech related to phonemic awareness. The second major goal of the research is to develop an novel procedure for the instruction and intervention of children with speech fluency difficulties, specifically, to 'mirror' the child's voice back to the child with the hope that the child will be able to self-correct the speech impediment. A child's speech is foundational to his or her literacy development and assessing speech fluency for the purpose of individualizing curriculum is a vital role of early childhood education. As schools nationwide are confronted with increased accountability due to 'No Child Left Behind' and 'Reading First' legislation, the technology proposed by this research plan could become an indispensable tool for use elementary schools. Currently, such speech fluency evaluations are typically delivered individually by teachers and consume a great deal of time and money. The proposed research will offer teachers an independently administered assessment and instructional technology that would be easy to use and provide immediately available and actionable information for schools. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Camacho, Christopher Children's Progress, Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810523 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Tapping Finger Identification for Efficient Mobile Input. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to explore the technique of combining feature matching methods with hand gesture recognition technologies to reliably identify typing fingers. This is a novel, unique technical approach that can lead to more robust solutions for gesture recognition in many applications, such as improved human computer interface (HCI) for gaming or mobile computing. For example, it provides a natural and better way for interacting with computer games or some virtual applications by allowing users to grab objects or execute commands using various fingers. Furthermore, this could enable users to input text by 'typing on air'. The broader impacts of this research lie in its potential to overcome the barrier of efficient and productive text entry on mobile devices. With mobile devices becoming more pervasive, it is important that Inputting text to small devices not be burden to the user. Efficient mobile input could translate into greater mobile application usage and new, differentiated offerings from OEMs and carriers that result in significant improvements in revenues. In summary, improved text entry capabilities will lead to a greater adoption of mobile computing in general. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Dongge Zienon, LLC IL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 147500 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810530 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I:Multi-functional, Programmable LADAR using Photonics Arbitrary Waveform Generation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project will investigate the feasibility of a potentially disruptive, new Laser Ranging and Detection (LADAR) sensor system with programmable, multi-waveform capability using an emerging technology of Time-lens Pulse Generator (TLPG)?based Photonics Arbitrary Waveform Generator (P-AWG) or TLPG?based P-AWG for short. In complete contrast to traditional P-AWG, the proposed TLPG?based P-AWG does not consider the functions of Optical Pulse Generator (OPG) and Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) blocks as separate per se. In fact, it generates the arbitrary optical waveforms during the pulse generation itself (or in OPG) by using the time-lens concept. This new TLPG?based PAWG architecture is a cost-effective and robust since it uses Continuous Wave (CW) laser instead of expensive mode-locked lasers (MLL) and/or supercontinuum (SC) sources. This translates to (i) simple set-up, (ii) low optical insertion loss, (iv) compact size, and (v) most importantly overall low-cost. The proposed innovation is a significant yet simple modification of existing PAWG that has far-reaching significance. Phase 1 will be limited to (i) developing model & inverse algorithm for calculating the required RF data signal to generate 4 waveform shapes namely; square, triangle, and impulse waveform, in TLPG?based PAWG, (ii) performing proof-of-concept experiment for TLPG?based PAWG, and (iii) developing preliminary engineering design of the highly resonant optical/microwave ring resonator unit. If successful the result of this project will have broad commercial, scientific, homeland security, military impact. This new high performance P-AWG-based LADAR addresses the needs for new capabilities above and beyond what conventional LADAR solutions can offer. The commercial applications include high resolution (1) remote aerial mapping, ground surveying, and 3D-modeling for urban planning, (2) autonomous vehicle navigation, machinery guidance and collision avoidance for transportation safety and preventive systems, (3) automated process control, quality control, monitoring and ranging for mobile robot in manufacturing and industrial sites. In the scientific and homeland security arena, this superior P-AWG-based LADAR can be used for global climatology monitoring, environmental sensing, geographic surveying, chemical and biological weapon detection to detect additional target characteristics as well as operate effectively under challenging environmental conditions. Furthermore, its increased resolution from tailored waveforms will aid in the identification of unknown materials or structures. In addition this new smart LADAR is a key subsystem in military applications such as: laser munitions seekers, airborne reconnaissance, active/passive surveillance, anti-ship missile tracking, targeting systems, and imaging sensors for manned/unmanned autonomous robotic ground/air vehicles to name a few. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dingel, Benjamin Nasfine Photonics, Inc. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810531 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Diamond Carbon Coated Graphite-Copper Material for Use in RF Power Amplifier Packaging. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is focused on the development of a unique diamond carbon coated graphite-copper composite material. The composite material will be used to produce low thermal resistance packaging components for use in RF power amplifiers. Under the Phase I effort, a low-cost diamond carbon coating process will be demonstrated. There is a critical need for advanced materials with improved thermal properties capable of meeting the thermal management requirements of current and future high power RF amplifiers. Due to advances in packaging, circuit architecture and semiconductor materials, the heat dissipation rate of electronic systems has increased dramatically. Today's high power RF power amplifier devices are approaching a heat dissipation of 600 to 800 W/cm2 and this level is projected to reach1,000 W/cm2 within several years. The research objective of this project is the refinement of the chemical synthesis process for the polymer precursor used to produce the diamond carbon coating and establish the coating process to deposit the polymer precursor onto the graphite-copper substrate, and thermally convert the polymer precursor to a high thermal conductivity diamond carbon coating. Ideally, the diamond carbon coated graphite-copper composite would have a thermal conductivity of from 500 to 600 W/m-oK and a coefficient of thermal expansion that can be adjusted from 5 to 10 ppm/oC in order to minimize the thermal expansion between the substrate and the RF semiconductor device that would be attached to it. The results of this research program will enable the manufacture of a cost effective diamond carbon coated graphite-copper composite that offers improved thermal properties critical to thermal management solutions for next generation RF power amplifier. If successful this research effort will advance the basic understanding of (1) the chemical synthesis process to produce the polymer precursor; (2) the methods to produce a diamond carbon coating on a graphite-copper substrate and (3) the impact of the composite material variables (e.g., carbon fiber and copper matrix volume fraction; diamond carbon structure; diamond carbon thermal processing; diamond carbon coating thickness; etc.) on the composite's microstructure, and its mechanical and thermal properties. These results will provide the basis for establishing an empirical understanding of the basic properties of the diamond carbon coated graphite-copper composite material. This understanding will be critical to the design of electronic packages based on the composite material. The adoption and wide-spread use of the diamond carbon coated graphite-copper material for electronic systems will enable commercial products based upon more efficient higher power semiconductor materials that will provide benefit to society in the form of more efficient, longer life electronics; reduced energy consumption; and improved environmental quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Connell, James ADVANCED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 149997 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810535 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Low-cost, High-performance Microphones Enabled by MEMS Integration Innovation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will lay the foundation for creation of a new microphone with performance characteristic of the highest precision measurement microphones today, but with size and cost approaching those of microphones found in consumer electronics. The broader impacts of this project are that by reducing the cost of instrumentation microphones, access to high-quality test and measurement will be more available to schools and educational institutions. Beyond instrumentation applications, having a high performance, low-cost, small-sized microphone can have a strong impact on other consumer markets isuch as the hearing aid market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hall, Neal Silicon Audio, LLC TX William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810542 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Thermoreflectance for Defect Mapping and Process-Control of Solar Cells. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate a new method of thermographic imaging to improve the manufacturing yield and energy conversion efficiency of silicon photovoltaic solar cells. Although thermographic imaging is an ideal method for locating the defects and shunts in solar cells which compromise their efficiency, conventional infrared cameras do not have sufficient spatial resolution to be effective as a production tool for NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation). The proposed technology will produce 100X higher spatial resolution with 1 mK thermal resolution at much lower system cost than infrared cameras. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate a new method of thermographic imaging to improve the manufacturing yield and energy conversion efficiency of silicon photovoltaic solar cells. Although thermographic imaging is an ideal method for locating the defects and shunts in solar cells which compromise their efficiency, conventional infrared cameras do not have sufficient spatial resolution to be effective as a production tool for NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation). The proposed technology will produce 100X higher spatial resolution with 1 mK thermal resolution at much lower system cost than infrared cameras. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Domash, Lawrence Alenas Imaging Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 199998 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810544 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Development of Design and Operational Criteria of Continuous Culture Hatchery Techniques for the Production of Brachionus rotundiformis (s-type) rotifers. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research will deveop and commercialize a robust, continuous culture production system for rotifers (Brachionus rotundiformis; s-type). The inability to supply microalgal, zooplankton and rotifers feeds cost-effectively and consistently continues to be a major technological "bottleneck" in the expansion of the marine aquaculture industry in the United States. This project will focus on the development of the fundamental engineering infrastructure required for a large-scale turnkey continuous culture rotifer production system, and subsequent marketing/sales to the marine aquaculture industry. This research has the potential to "jump-start" the marine aquaculture industry by eliminating one of the key limiting factors to increasing the production of many marine species, i.e. the unavailability and the high cost of fry and fingerlings. The broader impacts of this research are simplification and cost reduction for the production of marine fry and fingerling, which will lead to rapid expansion of marine hatcheries and hence a dramatic increase in the availability of lower cost marine fry and fingerlings for aquaculture grow-out in ponds, ocean cages and/or indoor recirculating systems. Aquaculture production of popular marine finfish will relieve the pressure on severely threatened or overfished commercial fish stocks. Furthermore, aquacultural production will allow culture under highly controlled, biosecure conditions with limited exposure to potentially harmful elements and using commercially formulated diets maintain optimal nutritional content. With the U.S. seafood trade deficit at close to $9 billion dollars, there is a significant potential for expansion of marine aquaculture production in the United States. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Drennan, Douglas Aquaculture Systems Technologies, LLC LA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 75393 5371 BIOT 9150 9117 1465 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810548 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Micro-Compliant-Interconnect-Mechanisms (MCIMs). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project investigates the feasibility of using Micro-Compliant-Interconnect-Mechanisms (MCIMs) to provide chip level communication to Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) devices. MCIMs are microscopic spring connectors fabricated directly on silicon wafers which provide an alternative to soldered flip chip technology for interconnecting individual dies in multi chip modules. Evolving MEMS designs have led to increasingly high-density devices. Providing reliable inter-die electrical interconnections to high density MEMS represents a substantial portion of the overall complexity of these devices. The MCIM connection technology described in this project offers to dramatically reduce the cost of packaged MEMS devices making them available to a much broader market. The broader impact of this technology is that MCIMs represent a novel solution to the challenge of providing high density inter-die electrical connections in devices utilizing multi-chip module architectures. The higher yields and lower production costs provided by MCIMs will lead to new market opportunities for MEMS based laser light modulators. The high costs and relatively low per wafer yields of these devices restrict their use to high end markets. Other applications of MCIMs include the development of micro-probes for use in semiconductor testing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bloom, David ALCES TECHNOLOGY, INC. WY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99969 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1586 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810551 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Optimization of a Microscale Human Liver Tissue for Evaluating Chronic Drug Toxicity. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project optimizes an in vitro model of human liver tissue and assess its utility for evaluating liver toxicity following chronic drug exposure. While primary human hepatocytes isolated from the liver are utilized by pharmaceutical and biotech industries to evaluate drug metabolism and toxicity, these cells under conventional culture rapidly lose liver-specific functions, which does not allow for chronic effects of drugs to be tested earlier in drug development. Recently, a miniaturized, multiwell human liver tissue model with defined microscale architecture has been developed that maintains phenotypic functions for several weeks. This project will utilize microtechnology tools to functionally optimize the microscale liver tissue for enhanced longevity (months), and assess utility of the system for evaluating clinically-relevant chronic (weeks) drug toxicity using high content imaging readouts and gene expression signatures. The broader impacts of this research are to provide an improved understanding of protein/gene expression changes in primary human hepatocytes following chronic drug exposure, and development of a novel chronic toxicity assay for use in industry. In the future, chronic toxicity screening with microscale liver tissues may be used to eliminate toxic compounds much earlier in the drug development pipeline towards reducing the $1 billion per drug development costs, increasing likelihood of clinical success, and limiting human exposure to unsafe drugs. More broadly, microscale human liver tissues may enable the investigation of mechanisms of toxicant action, allow identification of new biomarkers, and enable studies to assess the risk associated with exposure to mixtures of drugs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Khetani, Salman HEPREGEN MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810561 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Predicting Behavior in Electronic Commerce Environments. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is investigating the creation of a single multi-dimensional score that accurately predicts the preference of a consumer within an electronic commerce environment, allowing the owner of the electronic commerce environment to deliver personalized content. The intellectual merit of the proposed innovation is the aggregation of actual consumer consumption behavior from a variety of ecommerce domains to form a holistic view of the consumer and create a highly predictive model to predict the content or offer that is most likely to elicit a desirable consumer response. The broader social implication for the proposed innovation is to positively impact those engaged in electronic commerce (consumers and providers). Consumers will benefit by receiving highly personalized content and offers that is relevant to their actual consumption patterns which improves their interaction or experience and removes unwanted or irrelevant content. This experience change positively influence consumers' satisfaction and loyalty to the ecommerce provider. The ecommerce provider benefits from increased satisfaction and participation on behalf of their customers which translates into short and long term economic value. If successful, the project could provide a framework from which to build additional value-added service products and have significant commercial impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Garmon, Ronnie VueLogic LLC GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810565 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Adaptive Methods for Sensorless Estimation of Induction Motor Efficiency. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will explore and demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining accurate on-line estimates of efficiency in industrial electric motors. The effort will be based on the SMART SENSORLESS (S²) technology that is at the core of the condition monitoring & assessment (CM&A) product currently being developed. The S² technology is sensorless in that only electrical measurements, i.e. three-phase voltages and currents available at the motor control centers (MCCs), are utilized. No mechanical sensors, such as speed, torque, vibration, or temperature are necessary. Consequently, the technology is cost-effective and cost-scalable, while being reliable and effective. The proposed approach to efficiency estimation is based on the existing CM&A framework by utilizing the raw electrical measurements, while augmenting it with adaptive filters for accurate motor speed and shaft torque estimation. The Phase I research plan calls for the development of on-line motor efficiency estimation algorithms based on various machine learning and adaptive filtering approaches. These algorithms will be tested and compared to accurately computed efficiencies from an existing database of staged motor faults and other motor, power quality and load anomalies. Algorithms for the on-line computation of efficiency estimation errors will be investigated. The broader impacts of the project include awareness of the importance of energy efficiency in industrial electric motors, which account for 25% of all electricity sold in the U.S. Widespread adoption of the technology developed through this SBIR project would reduce the total energy consumption by industrial electric motors up to 18%, with an annual savings of up to $6.8 billion in the U.S. alone. The costs of maintaining electric motors, the losses due to inefficient operation and the costs of lost production associated with motor downtime are among the most significant controllable costs in any industrial establishment, and are estimated to cost U.S. industry alone over $50 billion per year. Even a modest adoption of the technology that could result from the proposed innovation would eliminate some fraction of this waste and have a significant impact on the U.S. economy. These cost estimates present a large, unserved market opportunity for new technologies in on-line CM&A and efficiency assessment of electric motors. By addressing energy efficiency in the industrial sector, this effort will enable clients to reduce their energy costs, increase profitability, reduce fuel imports, and lower greenhouse emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Atiya, Amir Veros Systems, Inc. TX Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 1786 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810566 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: High Throughput Flowcell for Biosensor Platforms. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and demonstrate a high throughput flow cell array for use with a variety of label-free biosensing platforms, but primarily SPR systems. Flow cell technology is currently the limiting factor in the development of high throughput label-free sensing technologies. Modification of Wasatch Microfluidics Continuous Flow MicrospotterTM into a highly parallel flow cell should begin to eliminate this bottleneck and provide a template for even more highly parallel systems. The research performed in this project will specifically help us understand the differences between different pumping technologies and their ability to be integrated with the flow cell. Preliminary work suggests that a flow cell array can convert mediocre SPR imaging instruments into highly-competitive protein analysis instruments comparable to state-of-the-art SPR instruments with meager throughput. We will also develop an understanding of how the flow cell technology will impact the sensing capabilities of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instrument, and an optimized baseline protocol will be developed. The end result will be a 48 channel flow cell, which will be scalable to much higher throughputs (192, 1536). This flow cell will be generic such that it will be easily integrated with a variety of label-free sensing technologies. The end result of this research and development effort will be a flow cell array with more than double the capacity of the best current systems and will lay the ground work for much higher density systems. The broader impacts of this technology include the commercial opportunities of the microfluidic flow cell array (MFCA). The MFCA will be developed for integration with the biosensing platforms of a number of other companies. Specifically we will target labelfree technologies used to measure kinetic and affinity constants for binding of molecules to one another. This is currently a $100M/year market. From our discussions with pharmaceutical companies, higher throughput label-free systems will lead much larger implementation of these technologies and a significant commercial potential, including a significantly larger market. Even the most basic implementation of our flow cell will have a substantial impact. Currently, it takes the flagship Biacore instrument 28 hrs to process 384 samples. These same 384 samples would only take 1 hr with our new flowcell. These same instruments will then lead to substantially faster and more effective drug discovery processes, and eventually better health for the US population. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gale, Bruce Wasatch Microfluidics, LLC UT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99963 5371 BIOT 9267 9107 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810568 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Engineering Clostritrial Fermentation for Biobutanol Production. Intellectual Merit: This STTR project will develop novel engineered Clostridia strains for fermentation to economically produce butanol as a biofuel from sugars derived from starchy and lignocellulosic biomass. Butanol is an important industrial solvent and potentially a better transportation fuel than ethanol. Recent rising oil prices and limited petroleum resources have generated high interest in the production of biobutanol by anaerobic Clostridial fermentation. However, the conventional acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation has low butanol yield (<20%), butanol concentration (<16 g/L) and reactor productivity (<0.5 g/L*h) due to a strong butanol inhibition, and the fermentation process is difficult to improve due to the complicated metabolic pathways and gene regulation involved in the production microorganisms, mainly Clostridium acetobutylicum. To develop a novel high-butanol producer, Clostridia mutant strains with inactivated ack (acetate kinase) and pta (phosphotransacetylase) will be cloned with an alcohol dehydrogenase gene in Phase I and the mutants will be further adapted in a fibrous bed bioreactor to attain a high butanol tolerance. Functional genomic studies of the mutants and further metabolic engineering and process development will be carried out in Phase II to evaluate the feasibility and advantages of producing butanol from glucose and xylose. The new fermentation process can double the butanol yield and concentration, thus reducing the product cost to an economically competitive level for fuel application. Broader Impact: Currently, butanol is almost exclusively produced via petrochemical routes. Its uses include industrial applications in solvent, rubber monomers and brake fluids. Butanol has also been shown to be a good alternative transportation fuel. Biobutanol will have a great potential to compete with ethanol as a transportation fuel when its production cost is reduced by using advanced fermentation technologies such as metabolically engineered butanol-tolerant mutants. By increasing the butanol yield from glucose and xylose from the current low of <20 % (w/w) to ~40%, the economics of biobutanol can be greatly improved. With the engineered mutants, the productivity and butanol product concentration can also be improved by at least 100%. Overall, the biobutanol product cost can be reduced to less than $2 per gallon. This technology thus can provide an economical and better biofuel than ethanol. This project will focus on generation of value-added products from industrial waste streams and low-cost biomass feedstocks to enhance the economic viability of the biorefinery industry. Successfully developing the proposed butanol fermentation technology will satisfy the public interest, especially in providing a safe, renewable energy, protecting natural resources and the environment, and enhancing economic opportunity and quality of life. There will be job creation throughout the commercial development and manufacturing phases. At least one postdoctoral scholar and one Ph.D. student will be trained in this project. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tang, I-Ching Bioprocessing Innovative Company, Inc. OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 9102 1491 1465 1238 1167 1166 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810586 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Chemically Selective Litmus Paper for Exposure Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project uses a new approach based on evolutionary screening of biomolecular receptors mimicking molecular recognition in biology for gas-phase chemical analysis. This approach has led to the discovery of various short peptide sequences that are shown to be highly selective to gas molecules due to multivalent binding. When liposomes of conjugated polymers such as polydiacetylene (PDA) are distorted due to ligand-receptor binding on their surface, a blue-to-red color change is induced. The innovation in this project is to combine the short peptide receptors with the PDA liposomes to create chemically-selective color-changing "litmus paper" for detecting carcinogens and other chemicals in indoor environments and for personal exposure monitoring of susceptible populations. Of the five human senses, those related to smell and taste have not been replicated in miniature devices, mainly due to the lack of selectivity. Chemical analysis is currently achieved using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Because such systems are large and expensive, chemical analysis has largely remained in the lab and in centralized facilities. The technology for chemically selective coatings proposed here has the potential to fundamentally change that, and lead to low-cost sensor systems that are portable and ubiquitous. These microsystems can decentralize chemical analysis of air-borne chemicals related to volatile explosives, toxins, pesticides, chemicals, food spoilage products, metabolite biomarkers for disease states, flavoring agents and cosmetics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Horn, Thomas Kalinex, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810590 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Pneumatic Energy Storage with Staged Hydraulic Conversion for Low Specific Cost Renewables Support. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and evaluate a prototype for a novel energy storage system using Pneumatic Energy Storage with Staged Hydraulic Conversion (PES with SHC). This storage system will combine compressed air energy storage with a hydraulic system to maximize energy storage efficiencies. This work, if successful, will enable mid-range energy storage for use with renewable energy sources such as wind energy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bollinger, Benjamin SustainX, Inc. NH William Haines Standard Grant 149916 5371 HPCC 9139 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810595 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Biocidal Coatings Targeting Spore-Forming Bacteria. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop smart antimicrobial coatings that will be able to effectively neutralize both vegetative and spore forms of harmful bacteria with at least 3-6 log reductions. The coatings combine two biocidal chemical entities optimized for synergistic impact and operational lifetime advantages. Spore-killing activity is enhanced through the incorporation of a cocktail of known small molecule spore germinants. The coatings will be targeted toward fighting hospital acquired (nosocomial) infections as the first priority, and defense/homeland security applications as the second priority. While the first and best line of defense against nosocomial infections is scrupulous hand washing and diligent cleaning of environmental surfaces, these antimicrobial coatings will help compensate for unavoidable inconsistencies in compliance with recommended protocols. The coatings to be tested here are expected to possess key advantages over emerging commercial antimicrobial coatings that contain silver, and as a consequence, would not be sufficiently biocidal against spores. In the course of this program, fabrication of the coatings will be demonstrated, followed by testing of their ability to germinate and kill bacterial spores. It is estimated that as many as 10% of the hospital patients in the U.S. will acquire a nosocomial infection (e.g., 2 million patients a year), at an annual cost of $4-11 billion. In 1995, nosocomial infections contributed to 88,000 deaths in the U.S., and Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) represented a significant portion of the problem. The CDC estimates that there were 400,000-500,000 cases of CDAD in 2004, with an estimated cost of $3,669 per case, or $1.1 billion a year, and an average lifetime cost of $10,970 per person. It is estimated that public health officials would be willing to spend up to 5% of this annual cost ($55 million) on promising new antimicrobial approaches. In addition to their contribution to public health, these coatings are also expected to serve critical needs in defense and homeland security applications, and hence, they will be tested against spores of well known anthrax mimics, including Bacillus subtilis, and the Sterne strain of Bacillus anthracis. Arrangements with the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program at Michigan State University for biological testing of the coatings will directly facilitate the integration of education and research for an M.S. student. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kaganove, Steve DENDRITECH, INC MI Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99933 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810597 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Development of a Eukaryotic Membrane Protein Overexpression System. This Small Business Innovation Phase I research concentrates on creating overexpression technology for eukaryotic membrane proteins, a group of membrane proteins that remain intractable yet are of significant medical importance. A majority of membrane proteins are very difficult to obtain in significant quantity, even at milligram scale, since their natural biosynthesis levels often are very low and currently available protein expression methods are not effective for membrane proteins. With the completion of several genome sequencing projects, many large-scale efforts are under way to understand the protein products. The broader impacts of this research are significant in surface membrane proteins for structure-based drug design and protein engineering, protein therapeutics, and diagnostic devices. These efforts will provide new understanding of membrane proteins as well as lead to new generations of efficacious medicines for virtually all therapeutic areas including infectious diseases, cancer, genetic diseases due to genetic defect in membrane proteins, central nervous system diseases, cardiovascular system diseases, digestive system diseases and many others. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nguyen, Hiep-Hoa TransMembrane Biosciences CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9181 9146 1491 1166 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810609 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Solution Processed p-i-n type Multilayer White Emission OLED with High Power Efficiency and Long Lifetime. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses a method to achieve low-cost, high performance multiple-layer organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) by solution process. OLED is emerging as a next-generation display and lighting technology, they have a number of intrinsic advantages over liquid crystal displays including brighter and clearer displays, large viewing angles, simpler construction, low cost, and fast response times. They also hold a promise to provide more energy-efficient solid state lighting sources featuring long lifetime, excellent color quality, novel designs, and significant energy and environmental savings. The simplicity of OLED device structures and the associated solution based, non-vacuum fabrication processing will lead to low fabrication costs. However, currently the efficiency of solution processed OLEDs is still too low for lighting applications. The PI and his team will use their expertise in this area to enhance the efficiency of OLEDs. If successful the commercial potential of the proposed technology is two-fold: solid state lighting and flat panel displays, including flexible displays. OLED based displays are encroaching on the currently liquid crystal dominated flat panel display market valued at tens of billions of dollars in 2007 with unprecedented attributes such as flexibility and transparency, unattainable from other display technologies. For solid state lighting (SSL), OLED intrinsically achieves higher lighting efficiency than conventional incandescent lamps and fluorescent tubes from the energy conversion standpoint, leading to significant energy and environmental savings. OLED based lighting also offers long lifetime, high color quality, and novel design features not available with current light sources. OLED based lighting is estimated to provide cumulative financial savings of $115 billion in the US alone by 2020. OLED lighting also promises to replace conventional light sources, with impressive environmental savings. SSL also serves US national interests. With rapid development and commercialization of high performance OLEDs, the US leadership in SSL will be assured. A new lighting industry will be created along with many new high quality jobs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, King Agiltron Incorporated MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99972 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810614 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Portable Ultrasound Devices for Noninvasively Monitoring Intracranial Pressure. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project develops a portable ultrasound device for non-invasively monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP). The key issues for developing such a kind of device are sensitivity, accuracy, repeatability, and portability. Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated (BATi)and the University of Florida (UF) will develop such an instrument with a novel ultrasound measurement technique. With the improved measurement approach, better sensitivity can be achieved comparing to those measuring of acoustic velocity only, and higher accuracy will be expected than the time-of-flight method. This unique method is also independent to any changes in the pulser voltage, instrument self-calibration is thus inherently feasible. Together with the design and implementation of an efficient electronic driving circuit for ultrasound transducers, the developed non-invasive ICP measurement instrument will be sensitive, accurate, reliable, and portable. The broader impacts of this research are to greatly benefit victims of trauma to the head by improved means of measurement ICP. The potential for this apparatus in commercial clinical practice is enormous. Early non-invasive measurements of ICP can help reduce both the mortality and morbidity associated with head trauma. A severe blow to the head, as may result from a car or motorcycle accident, may cause swelling of the brain and increased intracranial pressure. The device can also be used in civilian and military emergency departments/forward surgical team/combat support hospitals, and with military and civilian medical first responders. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Zhao, Hongzhi Boston Applied Technologies, Incorporated MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149959 5371 1505 BIOT 9267 9184 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810618 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Ultra-High Flux Carbon Nanotube Water Purification Technology. This SBIR Phase I research project will develop an innovative carbon nanotube water filtration membrane technology that will drastically outperform conventional filtration membranes. This project aims to improve performance by fabricating an ultra-high flux carbon nanotube filtration membrane through a solution-based material preparation technology. The goal of the carbon nanotube filtration membrane is to provide ultra-high flux output, yet at low energy consumption, which is currently unavailable. If the carbon nanotube water filtration membrane is successfully developed it will change the landscape for the water purification industry. The desired performance improvement would significantly surpass the evolutionary progress that has characterized the membrane industry over the past four decades. The adoption of this novel ultra-high flux carbon nanotube membrane would have profound impact on industries such as water purification, medical, chemical, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and environmental remediation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Salerno, Jack Agiltron Incorporated MA William Haines Standard Grant 99915 5371 HPCC 9139 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810626 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Magnetic Nanoparticle Microfluidics for High Efficient Capture, Separation and Concetration of Foodborne Pathogens. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research demonstrates the feasibility to use the new generation of oxide magnetic nanoparticles for rapid and high efficient separation of foodborne pathogens. Rapid detection of foodborne pathogens is urgently needed to ensure food safety and security, and in developing new detection methods, separation of target pathogens at ultra low concentrations (1 - 100 cfu/mL) from food is very critical. The recently developed nanoparticles (4 ? 50 nm) with high magnetization value and well controlled size and surface chemistry show great potential for their use in bioseparation. Therefore, the objective of this project is to apply new oxide magnetic nanoparticles to a portable, inexpensive magnetic separator for rapid and high efficient separation of foodborne pathogens. In Phase I of this project, E. coli O157:H7 will be used as the target bacterium to test magnetic nanoparticles with different sizes and structures, to evaluate antibody-nanoparticle conjugates, different buffer solutions and protocols. The broader impacts of this research are to improve the safety and security of the nation?s food supply and biological systems. The proposed new technology will greatly enhance the rapid detection of pathogens in food products, and thus to reduce foodborne illnesses. Also, the outcome of this proposed research should provide direct economic benefits to the food industry in terms of reduced product recalls and international trade barrier due to microbial contamination. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Yongqiang Ocean NanoTech, LLC AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 BIOT 9267 9150 9107 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810633 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Social Marketplace for E-learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project seeks to create the first social community for e-learning, enabling professionals and amateurs to generate, distribute, and share more effective e-learning experiences through collaboration and social interaction. The application is focused on higher education. The community will include students, faculty and alumni engaged in peer-to-peer tutoring relationships, providing and consuming supplementary instruction in the form of user-generated tutorials. Specifically this SBIR Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of the concept using a pilot deployment with a major institution, using a range of rubrics to evaluate the technology, user experience, and market viability. The research project will combine both theory and practice in a seamless user-friendly environment that will empower the individual user to learn, create and share their knowledge. The e-learning market is facing disruptive change from so-called Web 2.0 social communities. According to leading market analysts, the supply chain is rooted in old business practices and unable to meet the needs of the new buyers. Significant technical and business innovation is required to introduce user-generated content into this market, while maintaining quality of materials and cognitive principles of e-learning software design. The outcome of the research project will provide a platform to accomplish this change, creating a peer-to-peer learning community that will generate a diversity of learning materials to provide individualized learning experiences to its members. Leveraging the wisdom of crowds, the platform will enable students, faculty and alumni to engage in a national conversation focused on learning, creating and sharing a range and quantity of e-learning materials that has not been feasible till now. This will have significant and sustained impact on education. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sprague, Christopher Inquus Corporation GA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 149968 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810637 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Designing Complex Internal Structures for Solid Freeform Fabrication. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of developing an internal structure design software system for solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processes. The software system, if successful, will serve as a simple and effective design tool to help designers to achieve better design performance over a wide range of applications. SFF is a direct manufacturing process that can fabricate complicated geometries cost-effectively. Therefore, it provides designers with design freedom including complex internal structures. However, designing a computer-aided design (CAD) model with such internal structures is beyond the capability of current CAD software. The project will address significant open research questions that stand in the path of incorporating internal structures in our everyday products. The primary innovation of the proposed research is (1) a general and effective design method based on 3D texture mapping for various design requirements, (2) an efficient computational approach based on hybrid geometrical representations and calculations, and (3) a SLS fabrication feasibility study which will provide important insights on the relations between process parameters and internal structures material properties. If successful, this project will result in an internal structure design method that is general and effective for a wide variety of applications. This STTR project, if successful, will give rise to a commercial software product which will enable designers to use materials more efficiently in their designs. This will positively impact a host of industries, such as aerospace, defense, and medical industries, where using materials efficiently is critical. The internal structure design software system will also help rapid prototyping and manufacturing companies to reduce their material usages in the SFF processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Xiaoshu Solid Concepts Inc CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 149890 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 1786 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810640 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Processing Genetically Engineered Biomass to Obtain Optimal Enzymatic Digestion of Cell Wall Polysaccharides in Cellulosic Biofuel Production. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will demonstrate methods of increasing the performance of lignocellulosic enzymes engineered into crop feedstocks that are used to produce cellulosic ethanol. Current feedstock conversion processes use a dilute acid, high temperature "pretreatment" step to make polysaccharide substrates such as cellulose and hemicellulose more accessible to bioreactor produced glycolytic enzymes, "glycozymes," that are added at a later step. Such glycozymes have recently been produced in crop feedstocks themselves as a means of reducing enzyme costs. Since pretreatment heat and acid can denature plant-produced glycozymes, there is a need to develop material process flows that preserve glycozyme activity through the pretreatment process into downstream saccharification. This project will characterize conditions for activating and preserving endogenous glycozyme activity throughout the cellulsic ethanol production process. Successful completion of the project will reduce the cost of producing cellulosic ethanol from a wide variety of agricultural residues and dedicated energy crops. This technology will help realize the enormous potential of engineered bioenergy crops by making feedstock processing improvements necessary for the commercialization of this novel energy resource. By increasing the efficient use of plant-produced enzymes, the costs of pretreatment and downstream saccharification can be reduced, thereby facilitating expanded production of cellulosic ethanol as a renewable transportation fuel, reducing CO2 emissions and pollution from fossil fuels, fostering increased energy independence, and raising rural and farm incomes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Pappan, Kirk EDENSPACE SYSTEMS CORP VA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 1491 1465 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810648 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Spray-on Biological Soil Crusts for Arid Land Restoration. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a process for spraying site sourced biological soil crusts (BSC) inoculants onto degraded arid lands in order to facilitate more efficient restoration. Environmental degradation due to energy exploration, environmental disturbances (e.g. fire), and various land use practices (e.g. grazing) have created conditions in the arid west region of the United States that are increasingly difficult and exceedingly costly to restore with any permanence. To avoid ecosystem collapse and desertification, federal regulatory agencies and private industry are willing and obligated to restore these degraded lands. Despite their critical ecological role in arid ecosystems, there are no available methods or products for efficiently and affordably inoculating BSC onto disturbed lands. To gauge the feasibility of spray-on inoculant delivery, ecotype specific BSC organisms will be isolated, ex situ culture of BSC organisms will be optimized, and the restoration potential of inoculants will be tested under field-like conditions. In the West, the need for a sustainable one time application of a product that promotes native diversity while achieving soil stabilization and weed abatement are of immediate concern. Over the course of the next decade, 100,000 oil and gas wells are slated for construction on public lands across western states, of which 51,000 will be drilled in Wyoming. Invasion of annual weeds and non-native perennial grasses such as cheatgrass and crested wheatgrass have severely altered western fire regimes. Consequently millions of acres burn each year. Unfortunately, current technology is not able to effectively restore these damaged lands. California recently experienced some of the most costly fires on record. In Wyoming, the energy industry will spend $300 million to reclaim wells over the next 10 years. Similar sums will be spent in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. In 2007, the western states BLM will purchase 1.4 million pounds of seed for restoration at an estimated cost of $50 million. Spray-on BSC has great potential to meet the western U.S. restoration market's demand for improved restoration technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Paulsen, Steven Conservation Seeding and Restoration, Inc. ID Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 98215 5371 BIOT 9150 9104 1605 1491 1238 1182 1179 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810649 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Constitutive Promoters for Crop Improvement. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I develops better gene promoters in order to allow the creation of improved genetically modified crops for food and biofuels. Gene promoters are a critical element of all transgenic crops, precisely controlling when and where within the plant a transgene is expressed. This project utilizes the proprietary root analysis system, the RootArray platform, to identify and characterize these enhanced promoters. The RootArray provides an unprecedented ability to monitor gene expression within developing plant roots. The broader impacts of this research are the development of better genetically modified crop varieties. The next generation of genetically modified food crops will more easily withstand environmental stresses, like drought and pests, while producing higher yields and more nutritional value. These crops will play an important role in guaranteeing food security. Moreover, genetically modified crops hold tremendous promise to produce better biofuel crops to help meet the nation's growing demand for energy. Genetically modified plants have the potential to play a key role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse emissions. Innovations in plant biotechnology - including the development of enhanced gene promoters - will help bring these enormous benefits to society. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Elich, Tedd GrassRoots Biotechnology, Inc. NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 200000 5371 1505 BIOT 9109 5345 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810652 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Batteryless Wireless Smart Labels with Embedded Non Volatile Memory. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project initiates the development of a new class of wireless miniature smart sensor labels that continuously track and record exposure to the environmental conditions, and directly store the sensed data in digital Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) non volatile memory without requiring any battery. These batteryless CMOS-sensor micropackaged chips track temperature, humidity and shock/vibrations. The sensor chip embedded in a standard passive radio frequency identification (RFID) inlay forms a multi-sensor environmental condition tracking wireless device that can be deployed in a scalable RFID network. The broader impact will be on enabling new markets and industries to be formed around this innovative, low cost and small form factor distributed wireless sensors for the existing live biomaterial delivery and blood plasma market segments. Commercial delivery logistics is another large potential market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yazdi, Navid Evigia Systems Inc. MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99936 5371 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810670 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Continuous Flow Fixed-bed Biodiesel Production from Algae Oil. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a highly energy efficient, high throughput continuous flow fixed-bed reactor technology for cost-effective algae oil biodiesel production. Algae oil has emerged as one of the most promising sources for mass biodiesel production to replace all transportation fuel in the U.S. A large amount of algae oil will be available in the near future for biodiesel production. However, the current commercial biodiesel production process - a homogeneous catalyst based transesterification process - has not changed much in the last two decades and is far from being efficient. In addition to the significant capital costs required for this homogeneous alkali-catalyzed process, the neutralization and washing processes, along with the production of waste water, are energy and labor intensive and not environmentally friendly. To meet the mass algae oil production demand and achieve the algae biodiesel economy, a new highly energy efficient and high throughput biodiesel production process needs to be developed. In Phase I, research will focus on evaluating the algae oil composition, optimizing the fixed-bed reactor configuration and operating conditions, producing ASTM D6751 standard biodiesel, and proving the technical feasibility. The successful application of this technology to algae oil biodiesel production will significantly increase biodiesel productivity, simplify product separation and purification, improve glycerin quality, eliminate the washing step and associated waste stream, and reduce the plant size and capital costs. This will, in turn, lead to the replacement of the low-efficiency homogeneous catalyst biodiesel production process with a highly efficient fixed-bed heterogeneous catalytic process for algae oil biodiesel production, expedite the substitution of petroleum diesel with domestically produced alternative fuel, decrease energy consumption and its associated environmental impact, reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil imports, and enable the U.S. transportation industry to sustain a strong, competitive position in domestic and world markets. This technology will be commercialized in our company. Additionally, we will license it to biodiesel producers or plant developers to make it available to the entire biodiesel industry. With collaborations with the largest biodiesel companies in the U.S., this technology will be commercialized within three years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wen, Ben United Environment & Energy, LLC ny Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9181 1491 1465 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810682 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Light-Weight Bio-Based Nano-Enhanced SMC Formulations. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project shall utilize a multi-organizational team with uniquely experienced and multi-disciplinary personnel to demonstrate the feasibility of a new family of innovative sheet molding compounds (SMCs) that are partially bio-based and have lower density while having similar performance and cost. Kenaf natural fiber will be blended with glass fiber and combined with commercially available soy-oil based resin and select nano-materials to produce new SMC formulations that will be manufactured and validated experimentally. Innovations include 1) chemistry approaches to address the known problems of moisture absorption and strength retention in natural fiber composites and 2) fiber processing methods that will enable the use of standard fiber processing machines and existing SMC manufacturing equipment. The new lighter weight SMCs will find initial application in off-road farm equipment, automotive trunk floors, wheel wells and other non surface-critical components that currently use metal or heavier SMCs. Multiple companies who currently make SMCs and/or SMC components will license the new material technology through the National Composite Centers (NCC) newly forming SMC consortium. The development team, innovative materials combinations and processing approach have been carefully selected to enable rapid commercialization of the new technology once demonstrated. Innovative materials and combinations of materials have potential to provide cost-effective engineered materials systems that provide significant weight savings for automotive structures, thus leading to higher vehicle fuel economy. Additionally, the full or partial use of bio-based renewable materials will reduce the consumption of and dependence on petroleum based products. The exciting "green" aspect to this program will assist NCC's educational mission as students have great interest in environmental issues and the use of renewable resources to make a sustainable environment. NCC's cooperative education program may be utilized in support of the proposed work. Positive R&D results may serve as the basis of setting up conferences with high schools through NCC's multi-source video and videoconferencing center. As a lead agency for the effort, NSF's funding of this program will also support President Bush's American Competitiveness Initiative whose goal is to "increase investments in research and development, strengthen education, and encourage entrepreneurship" and enable America to "remain a leader in science and technology." A focus of this research proposal is to develop technology that will enable cost-effective US manufacture of materials and components; thus supporting other "Made in America" type Federal initiatives. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Dickinson, Larry 3F, LLC nc Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 178125 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 1773 1467 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810684 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Designing and Engineering Thermoplastic Starch BioFoam Materials for Protective Packaging Applications. Intellectual Merit KTM Industries in cooperation with Michigan State University plans to design and engineer biodegradable starch based biofoam materials for the protective packaging market. These new, biobased foam materials are expected to displace petro-based polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane materials used currently in these applications. KTM Industries, working with National Starch, Specialized Packaging Group LP, and its customers, namely Toyota, Volvo, have test marketed and commercialized several starch foam materials for limited applications. However, its extreme moisture sensitivity, poor surface properties, and strength have precluded its use in broader applications. KTM/MSU with its industrial collaborators will design, manufacture and test new chemically modified plastic starch biofoams with superior moisture resistance, strength, surface uniformity, and ease of fabrication than is currently achieved. This has the major benefit for gaining market acceptance of bio-based foam cushioning technology across a wider range of applications. Broader Impact KTM's Green Cell product is the only commercially available bio-foam in North America. It is completely biodegradable, greenhouse gas neutral, and competes well in selected polyethylene packaging applications. Market feedback, however, has shown that broader acceptance of starch biofoams requires KTM to overcome current moisture sensitivity, brittleness, strength, and surface property issues as well as manufacturability challenges. By developing a thermoplastic starch biofoam that has the enhanced moisture resistance, flexibility, good strength, surface uniformity, and manufacturability characteristics that industry needs, KTM believes starch biofoams can finally penetrate and capture a large portion of the $2.6 billion foam packaging market. Achieving performance parity with synthetic, petroleum-based resins, being manufactured from domestically grown corn, and being biodegradable will greatly accelerate the acceptance of packaging biofoams for many industries and customer groups. Indeed, KTM believes the research could ultimately result in displacement of as much as 10% of the market. This would create jobs, and position companies to better serve a growing customer base that demands companies reduce their negative environmental impacts and reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, the technical advancements implied in this research will significantly accelerate the development of a broader range of commercially successful bio-plastic products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Graiver, Daniel KTM Industries MI Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9181 1773 1467 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810693 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Real-time, accurate OCR from Video using Intra- and Inter-Frame Machine Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project focusses on the development of ground-breaking real-time algorithms for automatically finding and recognizing text in digital video of complex 3-D environments using machine learning of fonts and text strings. Essentially, the project takes OCR from being a technology for 2-D documents and brings it to the 3-D world. The project builds on algorithms for optical character recognition (OCR) of documents where conventional OCR fails: colorful brochures, magazine covers, and other sources where photographs, line art, and arbitrarily-rotated text greatly complicate the OCR process. The project aims to build on this technology to find solutions to the finding and recognizing text in complex 3-D real world scenes such as street signs and storefronts where the text may be at any arbitrary 3-D angle to the camera. Critical to the success of this project is the algorithm's capability for machine learning of fonts. There are a number of exciting applications that are impacted by accurate OCR from video sources. While OCR of text in video sources can be done, it usually must be on plainly obvious text, such as subtitles, and it cannot be done in real-time. Real-time and accurate video OCR would enable applications that include 1) Unaided indexing of digital video footage by the text contained therein, 2) aiding the blind navigate independently, both indoors and outdoors, 3) automated continuous roadside or vehicle based license plate scanning, and 4) as ground truth for improved GPS accuracy. Markets for the technology therefore include individuals, corporations, and government agencies. The societal impacts include 1) rendering digitized video libraries searchable by more metadata tags at low cost, 2) greater independence and safety for the blind, 3) improving road safety through automatically identifying cars reported stolen or cars owned by people with suspended licenses, and 4) improved GPS navigation accuracy. Technological impacts will be in the areas of machine learning applied to video OCR, real-time OCR, and low-resolution OCR. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gross, Ari CVISION Technologies, Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810703 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Knowledge Discovery based on Personal Web Content Annotation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of an intelligent recommendation system based on users? personal online research annotations. A combination of three key characteristics makes this system novel. First is the use personal Web page annotations (highlights, comments in notes, etc.) to understand users? information needs. Second is social recommendation based on the personal Web page annotations of related users with shared research interests. Third is the integration of recommended content directly into users? normal reading and information gathering behavior. Taken together, these qualities of the proposed system represent a significant advance in knowledge discovery. The broader impact of this project consists of a contribution to research and education by saving time, cost and frustration for institutions and individuals seeking information online for any project. While researching online, users wish to take notes to enforce their understanding of what they read. In the absence of adequate online annotation tools, they print important Web pages to annotate them by pen. Switching from the interactive, networked Web environment to the static, disconnected medium of paper presents two limitations. First is the inability to leverage this research to identify and pull related content. Second is the inaccessibility of the researched content to others with shared research interests such as professional colleagues. The proposed research leverages a powerful web annotation system under development that allows users to directly annotate Web pages and thereby eliminates the need to print. The proposed recommendation system will analyze users? annotations and suggest related Web pages, thereby saving the time, cost and frustration experienced by students, scientists, business analysts and others who aggregate online information. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Karkar, Victor skribel, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810717 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Stretched Silicon. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to enhance the development of high-efficiency, lightweight microconcentrator photovoltaic arrays based on stretched silicon technology developed at Stanford University The project output will be a sparse matrix of small, high quality, miniature solar cells incorporated into modules. The stretchable silicon process achieves the accurate placement and electrical wiring of thousands of miniature solar cells in one parallel and potentially low-cost step. The resulting reductions in module interconnect costs, weight, and amount of active material may achieve the low costs necessary to make energy provision via easily-installed solar panels compelling to commercial and residential users. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Padmakumar, Bala NetCrystal Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 99000 5371 HPCC 9139 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810720 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Ultra-High-Throughput NSOM Probe Based on Nanoscale Waveguide Tip Integrated with Laser and Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is for the technology development of a novel near-field scanning microscope (NSOM) probe with much higher power throughput utilizing an innovative high-refractive-index nanoscale waveguide (nanoWG) as the probing tip. The proposed nanoWG probe can achieve small spot size and yet with tip power 100 to 10,000 times higher than a fiber probe, making it highly attractive. The enhanced performance of the nanoscale waveguide tip will enable many new applications in nanotechnology and nanoscience. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Huang, Yingyan OptoNet Inc. IL William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810725 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Large-Scale Production of Monodisperse Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovation Research project is to demonstrate large scale capability for sorting single walled carbon nanotubes by diameter and electronic type. Sorting of carbon nanotubes can lead to improved performance in existing applications as well as opening up new applications that require monodisperse properties. The broader impacts of this research if successful will enable the delivery of purified carbon nanotubes on scales necessary for volume applications. A means for producing large quantities of SWCNTs that are monodisperse in their diameter and/or electronic type would enable companies in the electronics, optics, materials, and healthcare industries to explore fundamentally new avenues for commercial product development using carbon nanotubes. SWCNTs can potentially be incorporated into a wide range of commercial devices, such as transparent conductive films for displays and solar panels, interconnects in integrated circuits, high-performance field-effect transistors, thin-film transistors, memory devices, near-infrared emitters and detectors, and biosensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Leven, Daniel NanoIntegris, Inc. IL William Haines Standard Grant 0 5371 HPCC 9139 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810751 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Intelligent Personalized Monitoring of Ambulatory Human Biosignals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate a continuous ambulatory human health monitoring system. The system is comprised of a wearable wireless sensing device and an advanced nonparametric machine learning algorithm called Similarity Based Modeling (SBM). SBM is applied to multivariate biosignals from humans (e.g., vital signs) gathered from the wearable device to provide unmatched real-time visibility into health status and sensitivity to incipient health problems. The SBM technology is trained to be specific to each individual?s normal vital signs characteristics. This ?personalization? capability of SBM increases the sensitivity at which subtle deviations from normality can be detected. SBM overcomes the monumental hurdle of digesting and autonomously monitoring massive data streams that will be generated as continuous ambulatory telehealth gains widespread acceptance. Traditional medical monitoring will fail at this, due to highly dynamic variation of continuous biosignals both for the individual (e.g., diurnal, activity-based variation) and across populations. Variation masks incipient anomalies and creates massive false-alert problem for conventional medical alert limits (the proverbial ICU alert overload). SBM learns normal personal human baseline to overcome this. If successful the proposed work will address the existing problems in the ambulatory monitoring market. Current commercial telehealth devices and services are underpowered and technologically outdated, and furthermore do nothing to anticipate the problem of who will monitor the massive data streams that will come from widespread deployment of ambulatory monitoring. Home telehealth markets are poised to grow at a 5-year CAGR of 56% (compared to 9% for the clinical market), and exceed $8 Billion globally by 2012. The proposed solution will fit squarely into this space, as a cornerstone to an infrastructure that is actually able to service this incredible demand. The target customer base would include: Current home/ambulatory care services; hospitals (post-discharge and post-operative monitoring); ambulatory device manufacturers/vendors and related service companies; self-insureds (GM, LeapFrog members); the Veterans Administration; and the like. Furthermore, it is anticipated that a growing trend will emerge in the retail consumer market, with ordinary citizens investing in over-the-counter devices and monthly services enabling them to take charge of their own healthcare. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wegerich, Stephan Venture Gain, LLC IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 87362 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810755 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: PolyRNA - A Radical Innovation for Healing the Human Body. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a platform technology for cancer therapy which overcomes the inherent shortcomings of other attempts to delivery siRNA to cancer cells. The difficulty with current siRNA delivery is that the enzymes in the body degrade the siRNA before it can reach its target. Most current siRNA technologies on the market are based on permanent modifications to the RNA itself to enable delivery. These modifications typically involve changes to the internal linkages of the siRNA which often decreases the gene silencing ability. Ablitech's Poly-RNA system involves making reversible modifications to the siRNA solely for attachment to our polymer network; the backbone structure of the siRNA itself is left unchanged. This will allow for the delivery of the most effective siRNA units rather than sacrificing efficacy for enzymatic stability. We plan to specifically target pancreatic cancer as this form of cancer is one of the most aggressive, and it is estimated that over 37,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year. Pancreatic cancer has an extremely high mortality rate, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. The average life expectancy after diagnosis with metastatic pancreatic cancer is only 3-6 months. Commercially, this research is anticipated to result in a marketable platform technology for gene therapy for the treatment of a variety of diseases such as cancer, HIV, and other diseases resulting from genetic abnormalities. The initial target market for Ablitech's Poly-RNA is the cancer therapy market, which is expected to generate $55-$70 billion in sales by 2010. Currently, large pharmaceutical companies such as Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and others that possess large marketing and distribution channels dominate this market and in recent years have commercialized technologies licensed from small, innovative companies. Ablitech seeks to follow this model for the commercialization of Poly-RNA. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kemp, Lisa Ablitech, Inc. MS Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99978 5371 BIOT 9183 9150 9102 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810763 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Biosensor Compatible Polymers for Use in a Commercial 3D Microdevice Printer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the commercialization of a 3D microdevice printer for biosensing applications through the development of highly efficient two-photon initiators of Poly(dimethysiloxane)s (PDMS). The microdevice printer developed by Auma Laboratories, LLC is based on two-photon direct-writing. The Auma Printer diverges from current (non-commercial) direct-writing machines because it is designed to pattern bio-specific materials from PDMS over areas up to 1000 mm2, depths up to 10mm, and translate at many tens of centimeters/second. This size and rate is required by the biosensor community where microfabrication on petri-dishes, slides, inside microfluidic channels, etc. with submicron resolution is desired. The structures generated by this technique are tunable polymeric solids, made by scanning a focal volume through an optically addressable monomer precursor. The technique is used to achieve better than 50 nanometers volumetric resolution, and is capable of realizing 3D, functionalized polymeric solids in a single processing step. Aside from the profoundly unique applications of Two-Photon Direct-Writing (sub-surface and single-step three-dimensional patterning of sensor materials), there is also great potential to flat-out replace far costlier, time consuming, and chemically toxic technologies currently used in polymer microdevice fabrication. However, the list of compatible materials is currently devoid of any PDMS systems. PDMS material has become popular for microfluidic applications during the last decade because of its numerous advantages over silicon and glass. PDMS is inexpensive, is optically transparent down to 230 nm, has very low fluorescence, is gas permeable, and is water impermeable (for cell culturing). By coupling novel two-photon initiators to PDMS systems, this work will have tremendous impact throughout the biological/chemical sensor and medical microdevice manufacturing communities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Young, Aaron Auma Laboratories, LLC WA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 119242 5371 BIOT 9267 9107 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810765 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Robotic System for Visual Placement-RSVP. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I research project will develop a new perception/vision system for a robotic arm and a new software tool to design such embedded systems. Further development will include advances in actuator technology and control theory to create an affordable yet robust highly-dexterous vision-enabled robotic arm for lightweight low-precision tasks. Tasks of this type include pick-and-place and sorting. This technology is innovative because it will fundamentally change the way goods are produced by developing new control methodology for a new robotic arm and adapting it to a new field at a low cost. It will reduce labor-intensive work, increase efficiency and increase quality in an industry which needs automation. The broader impact will be to fill a need in the flower industry to enable cost reduction over the entire worldwide sector and improve quality. The robotic arm will have applications in other areas such as automated recycling, landmine clearing, litter removal, highway maintenance, and hazardous material handling. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Owens, Ken Cognisense Labs Inc CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 174944 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810778 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Compact Aberration Compensated Focus and Scan Control for Biomedical Sensors. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility of an innovative aberration compensated focus control device for a revolutionary improvement in medical imaging. Currently, a variety of medical conditions are diagnosed and treated through in vitro imaging of suspicious tissues, requiring invasive, time-consuming biopsies. Several in vivo medical imaging technologies have been developed and shown to be efficacious for disease diagnosis and treatment (confocal, OCT, etc.). These commercial systems, however, remain too large for imaging of most native biological systems. This is due to the size of the optical assemblies, the manner in which they are raster scanned to create images, and inherent optical aberrations induced during scanning. This project will solve these problems by creating a compact, miniaturized aberration free focus control/scanning device by combining two critical innovations: extremely small, low cost, large stroke, micro-electro-mechanical deformable mirrors for focus control and compensation of spherical aberration and a miniaturized wavefront sensor to detect and control aberrations induced by the deformable mirror. After providing critical proof-of-concept demonstrations, the team will create a prototype device design and determine its technical feasibility based upon its expected performance and projected size, weight and power consumption. The potential commercial payoff for this miniaturized aberration compensated focus control/raster scanning device is very large. Applications encompass not only biomedical imaging but extend to other markets including digital cameras and cell phone cameras. Conservative market estimates suggest that within the next three years, sales of this device could provide gross annual revenues greater than $27M. The team will consult with industry experts, engage potential customers for the medical imaging market, and identify market insertion points for the device. The team will also contact major cell phone and digital camera manufacturers. Based upon the response from these potential customers, the examination of the competitive landscape, and the projected time to market, the team will determine the device's commercial feasibility. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kaylor, Brant Bridger Photonics, INC MT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 175000 5371 1505 BIOT 9267 9150 9107 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810782 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Integrated Powered Knee-Ankle Prosthetic System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I research project proposes the development of the design features, sensory system and the control algorithm of an integrated powered knee-ankle power regenerative prosthesis. Despite significant advances in lower limb prosthetics over the past decade, all presently commercially available lower limb prostheses incorporate passive ankle joints. That is, the joints of the prostheses can either store or dissipate energy, but cannot provide any net power over a gait cycle. The inability to deliver joint power significantly impairs the ability of these prostheses to restore many locomotive functions, including level walking, walking up stairs, walking up slopes, running, and jumping, all of which require significant net positive power at the knee joint, ankle joint, or both. The objective of this proposal is to investigate the use of integrated powered knee and ankle joints in transfemoral prostheses that use sensory information from the ground and the wearer. The hypothesis is that a prosthesis with actively powered knee and ankle joints will significantly enhance the mobility of transfemoral amputees while walking on level grounds, as well as stairs and slopes. The proposed work will result in new theoretical frameworks for both the control, sensory system, and design of such systems. Major intellectual contributions will include the design of power systems; development of the sensory system to obtain information from the ground and from the user; the development of a control framework for the interactive control of prostheses; and the development of adaptive and robust controllers for impedance modulation during locomotion. This project intends to create principles that provide significantly greater functional capabilities for above-knee amputees. Specifically, the proposed work will enable more natural, stable, and adaptable prostheses. These research elements in this proposal will also form a foundation for powered orthotic systems. Additional significant benefits of this work include fostering a broader awareness and increased sensitivity of young engineers and educational institutions to disability issues. Limb loss also affects a growing number of military personnel serving in recent conflicts, as well as a far larger number of veterans from previous wars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Fairbanks, Dylan Berkeley ExoWorks CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9216 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810785 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Development of Novel Repellents for the Honeybee, Apis mellifera. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project provides the scientific foundation for a paradigm shift in insect pest control away from traditional insecticides toward products that alter insect behavior by directly manipulating insect chemosensory proteins. A rational design approach is used to isolate compounds that bind to critical chemosensory proteins, and those compounds capable of altering insect behavior will be further selected. These compounds are referred to by the trade name, Arometics. In response to citrus grower demand, small molecules that should affect the foraging behavior of the agriculturally and economically significant insect, Apis mellifera (European honeybee) are being isolated. The final products will be repellents capable of protecting citrus from unwanted pollination. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will alter insect control practices by avoiding the use of insecticides and the need for complicated pheromone synthesis. The initial insect targeted, the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), provides essential pollination that adds an estimated $14 billion annually in value to US crops. This research will lead to better honeybee management strategies that will protect the honeybee, a critical crop pollinator. This project will have broad scientific and societal impact, as it introduces the technologies necessary to develop novel, environmentally responsible insect control methods that are compatible with modern integrated pest management schemes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woods, Daniel Inscent, Inc CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99903 5371 BIOT 9109 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810790 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Non-Eigen Decomposition Beamforming for Smart Antenna Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposed the development and evaluation of a new class of adaptive interference mitigation techniques via smart antenna beamforming algorithms. Current blind (no user or interference information required) beamforming algorithms require computational complexity too high for many target applications; consequently, the proposed work focuses on a promising new technique for blind beamforming that does not rely on the eigenvalues and eigenvectors utilized by standard algorithms. Current blind interference mitigation research focuses on incrementally improving previous techniques fundamentally limited by unnecessary assumptions and their basis in Eigen Decomposition techniques. This new category of Non-Eigen Decomposition beamforming techniques achieves comparable performance (approaching theoretical maximums for SINR gain) to conventional blind algorithms in nulling interference sources while reducing computational requirements by an order of magnitude or more (order M instead of M2 or M3, where M is the number of antennas). Unlike most conventional techniques, the beamforming weight for this new technique does not require the weight at the previous snapshot because it is only a function of the cross correlation vector and initial guess. When the array autocorrelation matrix is known, the optimal solution is found with zero transition time, resulting in fast convergence and excellent tracking ability. If successful this SBIR Phase I project will have a significant impact on commercial applications and will foster a new field of scientific and technological understanding. By significantly reducing computational requirements for blind beamforming algorithms this work will make it feasible for low-cost commercial applications to eliminate co-channel interference signals despite limited computational resources. Current blind beamforming algorithms cannot be used in many applications due to their heavy computational loads and nonblind algorithms require significant overhead to obtain spatial information for the user and interference sources. If feedback is also required for non-blind beamforming techniques then significant throughput and bandwidth are wasted. Creation of a new class of adaptive blind interference mitigation techniques for smart antenna systems will enhance scientific and technological understanding. Published works over the past decade made incremental advances in blind beamforming algorithms, but those techniques are based on past works and do not have the potential for revolutionary improvements in this research area. Academia and Industry researchers will be able to evaluate the simulations and over-the-air measurement results from this work and adapt these algorithms for their purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Okamoto, Garret Adaptive Communications Research Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810791 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Compact NMR for Dilute Pathogen Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops compact NMR devices for rapid detection of dilute cells and pathogens to replace blood culture, providing improvements in detection speed and sensitivity while decreasing cost. They will enhance medical care and address the growing crisis of sepsis in hospitals. The devices are based on a combination of technologies - microcoil NMR and biochemical labeling by magnetic nanoparticles. The research will extend the performance boundaries of this technology, resulting in a detector for extremely dilute, immuno-magnetically labeled, pathogens. The broader impacts of this research are based on the importance of early detection of dilute concentration of pathogens and other cells that would permit more timely diagnosis of diseases, thereby enhancing healthcare outcomes. Early detection also reduces costs, as patients recover faster and require less intervention. Blood culture is a workhorse of the diagnostic lab, so there is a demand for a device that substantially improves its performance. Sepsis is a growing public health problem with significant consequences, so the motivation to adopt new tools for the detection and treatment of this condition is strong. The NMR device proposed here achieves enhanced performance in sensitivity, speed, size, and cost that will permit new uses in the future, including in the primary care setting and in the field. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fukushima, Eiichi ABQMR,Inc NM Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149573 5371 BIOT 9267 9181 9150 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810792 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase I: Smart Antenna Systems for Unlicensed ISM-band Public Safety and Remote Meter Reading Data Networks. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will characterize the interference environment of outdoor unlicensed 900 and 2400 MHz wireless networks used for public safety and energy management. It will also develop a proof of concept and test innovative interference minimizing smart antenna prototypes to restore operations and improve performance of public safety networks. Private wireless broadband networks, deployed by municipalities and utilities are used for such functions as public safety, public Internet access, and energy and water management. These networks are experiencing dramatic growth in both size and number. This growth, along with expanding enterprise and consumer use of overlapping devices and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), continue to exacerbate performance reducing interference problems. This interference has forced many municipalities to double their investments in infrastructure equipment or to increase transmitter power to overcome interference, thus producing more interference for overlapping systems. If successful the use of this antenna in the proposed band will help first responders save lives. For example, interactive live video, voice and vitals monitoring allow physicians to interact with disaster victims and their caregivers at the scene and during transport. These and other applications such as GPS enabled emergency response vehicle and personnel tracking and fuel-efficient dispatch require large amounts of data to be delivered over reliable wireless networks. This unique smart antenna technology will help insure that private municipal wireless networks provide reliable high data rates that continue to meet performance goals as the frequencies they use become more crowded. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Conley, Robert LHC2 Inc. WA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 147794 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810794 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Electron Capture Dissociation for Radiofrequency Ion Trap MS. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will test the feasibility of an electron capture dissociation (ECD) method for radio-frequency (RF) ion trap mass spectrometers. ECD has emerged as a powerful means to fragment peptide and protein bonds in a manner that can reveal details of post-translational modifications (PTMs). ECD is difficult to implement in RF driven mass analyzers, such as quadrupole and linear ion traps, because the RF fields drive electrons to excess energy and out of the trap. This research demonstrates the feasibility for an ECD method for ion traps using a method of gating the RF off for short periods of time, while introducing low-energy electrons to achieve ECD. The broader impacts of this research are in healthcare and disease control. Studying the entire complement of proteins expressed by a particular cell, organism or tissue at a given time and under a specific set of environmental conditions will require developing new automated and high-speed methods for analyzing the protein content of cell lines. The proposed ECD method for ion traps will lead to accurate identification of protein structure including PTM sites. This diagnostic capability has the potential to provide systematic searches for biomarkers. Studies of cancer cell lines can reveal signatures of cancerous cells that can serve as biomarkers for actual diagnosis. The economic impacts in terms of increased productivity and decreased burden on the health care system are substantial. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Syage, Jack SYAGEN TECHNOLOGY INC CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99991 5371 BIOT 9267 9181 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0810826 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Dynamic Device for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is devoted to the development and testing of a novel biomedical implant to better treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) - the most common type of incontinence affecting more than 12 million Americans. SUI is a complex and multifactorial disease that has a major impact on a person's physiological and psychological wellness. The objective of this Phase I plan is to demonstrate technical feasibility of Cûrant's DRD (Dynamic Response Device) by performing pre-clinical testing, advancing DRD-prototype designs, and completing a risk-reduced design specification. The DRD is a novel treatment for SUI that will be the first product to offer a universal, and more effective, solution to this multifactorial problem. In addition, development of the DRD will lead to a broader acceptance and understanding of the complexity of SUI in both men and women. Cûrant is led by a balanced team of engineers and physicians with outstanding access to industry expertise throughout the bay area's med-tech community. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address a major deficiency in the understanding, acceptance and treatment of urinary incontinence - the involuntary leakage of urine. Urinary incontinence is one of the most common chronic ailments facing Americans. According to the National Association for Continence (NAFC), over 25 million people are affected by some form of urinary incontinence. Not surprisingly, this condition is one of the leading causes of individuals losing the ability to live independently and having to enter care facilities. Accordingly, the extended yearly cost of urinary incontinence is estimated at $19.5 billion each year in the United States. The novel biomedical device being developed in this Phase I project - the DRD (Dynamic Response Device) represents a dramatic advance in the understanding of, and approach to, treating the complex, multifactorial, condition of stress urinary incontinence, (the most common type of urinary incontinence). The DRD's ability to simply and mechanically provide a dynamic, therapeutic response more closely resembles natural physiology than any other incontinence device currently available. The implications of this extend beyond urinary incontinence and dynamic technology may eventually be used to address many other complex medical conditions such as glaucoma or gastroesophageal reflux disease. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vecchiotti, Richard Curant, Inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99366 5371 BIOT 9183 1517 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0815195 May 1, 2008 University of Missouri CELDi Research Site. Proposal Title: I/UCRC: CELDi at MU Institution: University of Missouri-Columbia Abstract Date: 03/30/2008 The award establishes University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) as a research site of the Industry/University Collaborative Research Center (I/UCRC) for the Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). Other sites of this collaborative research center include the University of Arkansas (lead), Oklahoma State University, Lehigh University, Clemson University, University of Oklahoma, University of Louisville, Texas Tech University and Virginia Tech. The mission of this center is to provide integrated solutions to logistics problems through modeling, analysis, and intelligent systems technologies. MU will be a strong partner of CELDi and should be able to immediately contribute to the logistics systems analysis and design, supply chain modeling, and material flow design and improvement. MU has a team of researchers who are capable of providing immediate assistance in research related to the integration of logistics components in large, complex inter/multi-modal systems. CELDi will benefit from the expanded research expertise and involvement of top Fortune 500 companies that MU will bring to the table. University of Missouri-Columbia will make significant contributions to the mission of CELDi. The quality and quantity of research conducted will expand the impact of CELDi in technical, educational and outreach activities. The research team at MU is multidisciplinary with faculty participating from industrial engineering, systems engineering and transportation engineering perspectives as well as management logistics and agricultural economics. MU has a clear plan to involve students in its research, and the nature of the proposal ensures that the proposed research will have significant impact on industrial practice through close collaboration with industrial partners. Both the undergraduate and graduate education at MU will be positively impacted by MU?s participation in CELDi. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Noble, James Wooseung Jang University of Missouri-Columbia MO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 193032 7609 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 5761 1591 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0819919 June 1, 2008 Research on Automatic Target Recognition in High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing. The proposed work will support the research of the Center for High-Performance Reconfigurable Computing (CHREC) by using its tools for mapping algorithms onto reconfigurable hardware. The algorithms to be tested are the preprocessing and feature extraction portion of automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithms. The objective of the proposed work is study the computational complexities associated with hidden Markov model (HMM) algorithms when applied to ATR. The proposed research will allow investigation of application areas that are not supported by the current CHREC industry members. The proposed work will provide access to cutting edge tools for mapping signal processing algorithms onto reconfigurable hardware. This set of skills is becoming more prevalent in the telecommunication and defense industries. The proposed research will be performed at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), and will utilize undergraduates who are underrepresented in the STEM fields and give them with exposure to research activities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Doss, Christopher North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 49913 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0822020 November 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: A Value-based Approach for Quantifying Problem Solving Strategies. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will investigate methodologies required to scale and disseminate an online performance-based assessment system for quantifying the scientific problem solving skills of middle school students. This Phase II research will be based on the Phase I results which identified the technical, logistical and professional development challenges that influence the rapid calculation, aggregation and real-time, online, reporting of problem solving assessment data to diverse educational stakeholders. The research will first design and implement an Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) model for data analysis and reporting and incorporate these designs into a system scale-up plan to flexibly accommodate the 10-20 fold increase in users indicated by our commercialization plan. A central component of this development will be a data warehouse that will be instrumented allowing the analysis of how teachers access the performance data, which will be linked to a digital dashboard which will provide teachers with an easy, and highly visual access to multi-dimensional assessments of their students and comparison classrooms. Additionally, this information will be used to develop new forms of professional development to support teachers in the better use of the data available. The impact of this extensible formative, summative and programmatic assessment system of learning will have broad relevance for helping teachers to teach, students to learn, and administrators to make informed data-driven decisions through the continual, and real-time formative evaluation of a student's problem solving progress, a dimension not frequently or rigorously assessed in today's classrooms, yet a critical component of 21st century skills. The outcomes of this project should have widespread utility at all levels of science education and should allow cumulative comparisons of problem solving across science domains, classrooms, teachers and school systems thus helping to re-think the ways scientific problem solving is systemically assessed and how the impact of teaching these skills becomes quantified. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Stevens, Ronald The Learning Chameleon, Inc. CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 489370 5373 HPCC 9216 5761 1658 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822525 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Condensing Ejector for Second-Step Compression in Reversed Rankine Cycle. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project seeks to continue the research and analysis of condensing ejectors for second stage compression in a refrigeration cycle. A condensing ejector is a two-phase jet device that produces outlet pressure higher than either of inlet pressures. The project combines theoretical and experimental models in order to design the condensing ejector for use in more efficient refrigeration systems. The results thus far show that the new design is capable of improving the efficiency of vapor compression refrigeration cycle by approximately one-third with R22 refrigerant. The goal is to draw closer to this ideal value with environmentally friendly refrigerants like R410A. The application of critical two-phase flow devices will lead to development of more efficient thermodynamic cycles for refrigeration and A/C and in the future possibly for propulsion and power generation. The broader impact/commercial potential from this project will bring considerable economic and societal benefits by reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil, improving safety of nuclear reactors and natural gas pipelines, and better understanding of phenomena of two-phase flow. Applications of the condensing ejector theory in heat pumps might promote use of renewable geothermal energy sources in the remote communities with limited energy choices. This project leads to enabling technologies by providing the technology platform for a new approach to evaluating two-phase flows. The capability to handle rapid phase change simulations has generated interest from the automotive industry to simulate flash boiling in automotive fuel injection. This project also provides the basis for establishing fundamentally new engineering and designing methods for equipment operating on two-phase flow. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Bergander, Mark Magnetic Development, Inc. CT Ben Schrag Standard Grant 511873 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 7744 1591 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822542 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Clock-on-Demand: High Performance, Ultra Low Power. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project is to develop a prototype and proof of concept for the tag and reader that uses an innovative low power Clock-on-Demand (CoD) and baseband/ media access controller (MAC) calibration algorithm to be used with ultra wideband communication systems. The new CoD and algorithm are motivated by application of ultra wideband to the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) market. In this prototype, the CoD and the baseband/MAC layer algorithm are implemented in standard CMOS for tag and the UWB receiver and narrowband receiver with discrete components for reader. The low power requirement is achieved by the CoD and by dividing the time into epochs and epochs into slots. The CoD only runs until the tag transmits its impulse in the relevant slot, and the reader decodes the ID representations of all tags by the slot number. Therefore, if an epoch is divided into 210 slots, an impulse by tag represents 10 bits of the information. The robustness is achieved by having an UWB impulse transmitter in the tag and by repeating the impulse in different epochs. RFID is an exponentially growing market. However, the technology that supports its expansion is not able to provide robust communication and signaling between a tag and a reader. Furthermore, today?s technology only supports a low tag density (10s of tags/sec), while the applications that will fuel the exponential expansion of the RFID market, like point-of-sale, inventory management, shelf management, etc., require 100s and 1000s of tags/sec. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Eskafi, Farokh TagArray Incorporated CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822598 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: A New Process for Boride Coatings for Manufacturing Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is seeking the transfer and further development and commercialization of a new low temperature metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (LT-MOCVD) technology for boride coatings. The project will work to develop coatings for characterizations of adhesion, microstructure, morphology, composition and hardness. Selected coatings will be tested for friction and wear and corrosion resistance under laboratory test conditions on various common engineering substrate materials. The precursor preparation process will be scaled up and deposition will be done in an industrial scale deposition system. The coating process will be optimized for high hardness and good adhesion. Optimized coatings will be applied to components for testing at end users' facilities under production conditions. The broader impact/commercial potential of wear and corrosion resistant coatings are very attractive for their high hardness and good chemical stability, and have potential for many applications in the manufacturing sector in United States. The process developed in this project, of deposition of borides, will enable a wide spectrum of applications including cutting tools, die casting dies and inserts, transfer rolls for flat glass, components for chemical processes, armament industries, automotive and aerospace industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Bhattacharya, Rabi UES, Inc. OH Ben Schrag Standard Grant 507858 5373 1591 AMPP 9251 9163 1633 116E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822652 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: High-Efficiency Nanocomposite Photovoltaics and Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is focused on development of an innovative technology for fabrication of high-efficiency thin film nanocomposite photovoltaic materials and solar cells taking advantage of the recently discovered effect of carrier multiplication in semiconductor nanocrystals. The proposed concept employs smart design of the solar cells providing fast and effective spatial separation of electrons and holes photo-generated in the nanocrystals. The proposed reach nanotechnology platform solves the challenging problem of electrical communications with nanoscale objects, such as nanocrystals, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, etc. It can be employed for development of many other nanocomposite optoelectronic devices having numerous commercial and military applications. If successful the development of new generation of high-efficiency photovoltaic materials and solar cells based on the demonstrated technology will have broad impact on the entire solar energy industry resulting in considerable energy savings and environmental protection. The technology has great commercialization potential and niche market. The proposed all-inorganic, high-efficiency, thin film, flexible nanostructured photovoltaic materials and solar cells, which can operate in extreme environment conditions and offer significant mass and volume savings, are ideally suitable for numerous applications, including power generating residential rooftops, power supplies for utility grid, emergency signals and telephones, water pumps, activate switches, battery chargers, residential and commercial lighting, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rupasov, Valery ANTEOS, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 492740 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822695 August 15, 2008 STTR Phase II: 3D Lithography of Thick Photopolymers for Imaging and Photonic Crystal Waveguides. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will culminate in a new form of 3D lithography capable of fabricating imaging arrays and photonic-crystal waveguides that are cheaper, higher performance, lighter, more flexible and have capabilities not currently possible with current ?stack and draw? manufacturing. For example, by directly fabricating these parts at the micron scale, perturbations such as global scaling (to implement magnifying arrays), global rotation (to implement image inverters) or local scaling (to implement modal tapers or integrated lenslets) can be created in a single process step. Unlike current methods which must draw out a minimum of km from a preform, here single parts can be cm in length. The imaging arrays have significant commercial potential as replacements for current endoscopes, fiber face plates and image inverters. They also enable new markets including inexpensive eye monitoring for clinical and public safety applications, wearable gaze-tracking for human-computer interface for paralysis victims, and ultra lightweight heads-up displays for military and consumer entertainment. The team will develop both the lithography and materials to create these all-polymer imaging cables. The transport and manipulation of optical images is ubiquitous but nearly uniformly implemented with delicate, rigid lens trains. Discrete imaging devices such as fiber bundles are sufficient for modern digital displays and cameras and are naturally robust, but currently limited by cost and capability. By enabling flexible, lightweight transport of discrete images, the results will impact ? Education, Medical and Biological Research and Macular Degeneration. The Phase I including supplementary funding has partially funded 7graduate, 1 post-doc and two undergraduate students. An exchange of graduate students with Dublin Ireland extended this impact. The lithography system has been used in multiple undergraduate class projects and for multiple cross-disciplinary graduate research programs. Disposable endoscopes with high resolution, small diameter and large field of view exceed current capabilities at much lower costs. Zenwa has signed a collaborative agreement with the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute to develop a lightweight customized image delivery system to restore sight to the severely vision impaired. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Kuykendall, Jacob Zenwa Inc MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 545956 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9139 7257 1775 1517 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822696 July 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Artificial Intelligence Tutoring and Assessment for Teacher Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project focuses on bringing the power and benefits of artificial intelligence tutoring technology to the arena of teacher professional development (PD). The proposed innovation is a teacher professional development system built on the principles of artificial intelligence, and delivered via the Internet. Similar to a flight simulator, this technology will offer a realistic but benign opportunity to test and expand a teacher's preparedness through practice with realistic classroom situations. A key objective is the creation of a classroom simulator which incorporates a virtual master teacher, to help teachers deepen their content understanding, learn to respond to student questions more effectively, practice proven pedagogical techniques for improving student understanding and conduct self-monitoring and assessment before getting in front of a live class. An increasing number of schools are forced to rely on new or out-of-field teachers to fill the gap for teaching science and mathematics, often resulting in a substantial decline in quality, depth and individual attention students receive. Because of the well-documented problems of teachers teaching out of their content areas, and low-performing schools having greater percentages of lesser-qualified teachers, states have established stronger criteria for in-service teachers and newly qualifying pre-service teachers. Middle and high school science and mathematics are the areas where most out-of-area teaching is occurring. In the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report, 'The Condition of Education', a key finding is that high school students in high-poverty, high-minority schools were more often taught science, mathematics and English courses by out-of-field teachers than their peers in low-poverty, low-minority schools. This research is expected to impact these issues and in addition address the goals of the American Competitiveness Initiative and the requirements for highly qualified teachers identified in the 'No Child Left Behind' initiative. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Johnson, Benny Quantum Simulations Incorporated PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9216 1653 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822713 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Mobile Visual Search Engine. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a biologically-inspired image search and recognition technology to provide rapid object information retrieval from a mobile phone camera. The end result is that potentially any object in the real world is now "clickable": a picture of an object provides a hyperlink to the Internet. The proposed system utilizes a new method for sparse, multi-scale image representation based on the monogenic signal, a 2D generalization of the analytic signal that is robust to image transformations. By 2010, it is estimated that there will be over 1 billion mobile phones with cameras.The mobile phone is becoming an important connection between people and the digital world. The applications for mobile search technology are enormous and include national homeland security, product information retrieval (such as environmental ratings, pricing, or specifications), vision support for the blind, accessing object information for the disabled, and general purpose information retrieval including remote visual data analysis and inspection. Search technology has brought about many profound societal, educational and scientific benefits in the past decade. The proposed mobile image search technology will extend those benefits to a broader base of users and applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pesavento, Gerald IQ Engines, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822723 August 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Magnetohydrodynamic-based Circular Liquid Chromatography. This STTR Phase II research project develops a circular chemical separation system on a small (~1 inch x 1 inch) chip. This chip and the associated instrument will separate complex mixtures for biological, chemical, medical, and industrial applications. Based on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)-driven liquid flow, liquid chromatographic (LC) separations will be accomplished in a circular, closed-loop format. Typically, LC separations require a sample containing multiple analytes to flow in a single direction along a fixed-length, linear column with detection performed after the analytes elute from the column. In the circular LC system, miniaturization is possible because samples are instead circulated around a closed-loop chromatographic column thus, the effective column length is not limited to small chip dimensions. Very few methods can provide the mobile-phase pumping in a closed-loop that is required for practical application of circular LC. The MHD-based circular LC system envisioned will be small, portable, and designed for laboratory as well as field use. The sealed LC chip will contain the stationary phase, mobile phase, and all in situ MHD pumps needed to conduct the separation of complex samples. This prototype LC instrument will be designed and fabricated with a built-in fluorescence detector for monitoring analyte separation directly on the chromatographic column. The broader impacts of this research are highlighted by the ability of the proposed circular separation system to miniaturize a valuable analytical tool, liquid chromatography (LC). Samples of interest include human blood serum, saliva, and urine, with component analytes of interest that are equally diverse (e.g. proteins, pharmaceuticals, and small molecular biomarkers). Many analytes in these complex mixtures have similar properties and cannot be separated and analyzed using a very short chromatographic column, which has limited the miniaturization of this important analytical tool. This limitation is overcome using circular LC, where the effective column length is not limited by the small chip sizes that are essential for portable LC instrumentation. SFC Fluidics' core technology makes possible the miniaturized, closed-loop pumping required for implementation. This method has broad implications for the portable LC systems for field deployment or point-of-care applications. The market opportunity is expected to be significant, particularly when considering that applicability extends beyond the traditional instrumentation market into the worldwide point-of-care diagnostics market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Evans, Christine SFC FLUIDICS, LLC AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 499923 5373 1591 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822738 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: High Efficiency Low Cost Nitrogen Fertilizer Production from Fly Ash. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop innovative high efficiency, low cost nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing technology from fly ash. Fly ash is a recycled material from coal power plants that may contain high concentrations of mercury and carbon. Traditional nitrogen fertilizer production uses natural gas as the primary feedstock and is very costly. The traditional fertilizers are water-soluble compounds, resulting in significant loss of fertilizer which in turn pollutes streams and ground water. America's coal power plants produce more than 71.1 million tons of fly ash per year, and most of it is disposed in landfills. The high mercury content in the fly ash makes the disposal more difficult and costly. The Phase II project will bring the viable fly ash nitrogen fertilizer production technology from a laboratory scale to a pilot scale, and will determine the optimal pilot plant operation conditions, produce fertilizer for farmland field testing, and demonstrate its commercial viability. The pilot plant data will be used to understand the importance of design parameters and operating conditions on plant performance, refine the manufacturing plant design, and reduce the risk associated with construction of manufacturing plants. The broader impacts (commercial significance) if this project is successful will be a high volume and highly technical application for fly ash and a value-added high efficiency low cost nitrogen fertilizer. The production of this fertilizer will not be affected by the availability of natural gas. Moreover, the projected production cost of this nitrogen fertilizer is much lower than that of the traditional nitrogen fertilizer. The use of this new nitrogen fertilizer on farms will increase crop production profitability and prevent fertilizer loss and water pollution. By avoiding the landfill disposal of the fly ash, the coal power plants will save millions of dollars. If all the fly ash produced at coal power plants in the US were used to produce nitrogen fertilizer, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer produced could meet the entire US market demand. The success of this new technology will bring a revolutionary change to the traditional nitrogen fertilizer production process and will have substantial environmental, economic, and technical benefits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhang, Peng United Environment & Energy, LLC ny Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 9102 5373 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822739 August 15, 2008 STTR Phase II: A Multi-Axis Planning System (MAPS) for Direct Fabrication Processes. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project focuses on the development of an innovative Multi-Axis Planning System (MAPS), for layered manufacturing processes. By enabling current direct metal deposition systems to fully control and utilize multi-axis capability to make complex parts, MAPS will enable fully-automated process planning for multi-axis layered manufacturing processes to directly control metal deposition machines used in automated fabrication. The building of complicated shapes without support structures is a major challenge for current direct metal deposition processes. This proposed Phase II research will continue to research and develop the 'centroidal axis' algorithm in multi-axis slicing, with an emphasis on completeness and robustness for complicated shapes such as geometry with multiple loops and internal structures. This algorithm will allow manufacturing systems to handle parts with multiple loop features. Additional features to be developed under this Phase II project include a deposition visibility map for efficient computation on the collision-free slicing/deposition sequence in a multi-axis scenario, and a '3-D layer' toolpath generation which will provide an alternative turning algorithm for the deposition process. The proposed project will impact the manufacturing industry by incorporating fully-automated multi-axis control capability into the rapid manufacturing industry to produce fully functional metal parts with complicated shapes. This capability will lead to dramatic reductions in lead time and manufacturing costs for high-value, low-volume components with high performance material. Assuming the outcomes are successful, the project will several segments such as aerospace, military, motor sports, automotive, industrial machinery, medicine, dentistry, and consumer products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Ruan, Jianzhong Product Innovation and Engineering, L.L.C. MO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 532000 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9216 7218 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822743 August 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: (IT-B5) Feasibility to run novel voice interface on a low-power microcontroller. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will implement a miniature information management system that is suitable to the access requirements for visually impaired users. Current information technologies for the visually impaired are slow and difficult to operate while holding a white cane or guide dog. Visually impaired people will benefit greatly from a hands-free/eyes-free information system that is much faster to operate and easier to access. The project will develop a voice-operated personal digital assistant (PDA), called Vivian, which performs 10 times faster than Braille PDAs. The outcome of the Phase I study demonstrated the feasibility of real-time speech processing algorithms on integrated microcontrollers without hardware floating-point arithmetic. The outcome of this Phase II project is anticipated to result in a wearable device similar to a state of the art media player with 10X faster processing and 10X smaller in size. With more than 160 million visually impaired people worldwide, 10 million in the US alone, the proposed research is a critical step towards a device that will address their mobile information management needs significantly better than current alternatives. Moreover, this device should impact mobile information management for sighted people. The results of usability trials with sighted users speaking multiple languages conducted during the Phase I project, indicate that the outcomes of a powerful and fast alternative human computer interface to graphical user interfaces for sighted and visually impaired users. Additionally, this voice technology is suitable for integration into mobile appliances such as mobile phones for which over 300 million were sold in 2007. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cameron, Seth CameronSound, LLC MT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9215 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822744 August 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Splintered Topologically Close-Packed (TCP) Offload Engine for Grid Computing and Bandwith-Delay Product (BWDP). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project addresses the challenges of networks with extreme bandwidth delay products. Bulk data transfer over such networks used by national research laboratories and aerospace companies need to be provided with the endpoint resources required to ensure high performance in a cost effective manner. The outcomes of this project attempts to provide compatibility with present and future versions of GridFTP. The project addresses these challenges through the use of a novel offload engine. During the Phase I project, the feasibility of deriving and simulating the offload engine architecture, firmware, and creation of intellectual property (IP) for low-cost, high-performance field programmable gate array (FPGA) subsystems was completed. Successful results from this research will significantly advance the state of the art for off-load engines used in grid computing. Immediate applications include accommodating the e-Science community's need for scalable 10-100 Gbps off-load engines, while supporting present and future versions of GridFTP. Other applications include the use of our ultra high-speed offload engines for grid and cluster computing, utilizing our open source firmware. The FPGA code resulting from this project has the potential to be used as intellectual property that could then be marketed to off-load engine manufacturers. These IP cores would accrue cost-effective savings for existing engine firms and would accelerate products to the market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Awrach, James SeaFire Micros, Inc. MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 488128 5373 1591 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822746 November 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Novel sensor for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. This SBIR Phase II project will demonstrate a promising method for continuous noninvasive glucose monitoring based on an innovative optical sensing technology. To date no organization has been successful in producing an FDA-approved non-invasive glucometer, i.e. one that provides a level of sensitivity and selectivity equivalent to the current self-test method (deposition of a blood droplet on a test strip). The primary difficulty in building an accurate instrument has been the reliable discrimination of the weak glucose signature from interfering effects inherent in live human tissue. Newton Photonics (NP) has developed a new approach based on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Researchers have previously demonstrated that OCT could detect a person's glucose level. Unfortunately, the considerable influence of physiological effects, especially those of cell size, tissue hydration and tissue non-uniformity, have limited the practical application of this modality. NP integrates OCT sensing with thermal modulation of the skin and new noise reduction techniques to overcome this critical deficiency. In Phase I, NP demonstrated the principles of operation in experiments using phantoms and ex-vivo tissue. In Phase-II NP will upgrade the system for human testing and conduct pre-clinical trials. NP's non-invasive glucose monitor will improve the lives of millions of individuals whose health depends on the external control of their glucose levels. The NP monitor provides continuous data output. It maintains its measurement accuracy without the frequent calibration required by commercially available subcutaneous probes. These capabilities will enable convenient, pain-free operation. Two groups of users will benefit from this technology: a) hospitals will improve the health and longevity of intensive care patients while simultaneously reducing the cost of healthcare. Approximately 20 million intensive care unit (ICU) patients per year frequently suffer hyperglycemia as a result of major surgery or illness. A 2001 landmark medical study demonstrated that tight glycemic control of ICU patients leads directly to reduced hospital stay duration and also provides a 3-8% decrease in first year post-hospitalization death rate. b) Self-testing diabetics will have a convenient, painless way to more frequently monitor their glucose level and thus control it more accurately. Diabetes is a chronic disease with no cure. The direct cost of treating diabetes and its complications in the US was $92 billion in 2002, approximately 10% of the entire annual cost of the US healthcare system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Melman, Paul Newton Photonics, Inc. MA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 477497 5373 BIOT 9267 9107 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822770 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Single Crystal Silicon Flexible Display Backplane. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on fabrication of flexible display backplanes using transfer printed electronics. The display industry has been successful at fabricating amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film transistor (TFT) backplanes on rigid glass. However, a-Si TFT manufacturing does not easily translate to flexible substrates due to handling issues and the high temperature process of a-Si deposition. In transfer printing, a novel elastomeric stamp is used to pick-up specially designed circuits from the parent wafer and transfers the circuits to the desired target substrate. The parent wafer is fabricated using a standard silicon IC foundry and the single crystal silicon transistors have much better performance than the a-Si counterparts. The SBIR Phase I project demonstrated chip transfer printing process yields of 99.9% and chip placement accuracies better than +/- 5 ìm. Phase II objectives include design, fabrication and characterization of flexible backplane prototypes and further optimization of transfer printing by increasing throughput and demonstrating rework methods. The anticipated result is a manufacturing approach to flexible electronics that is cost competitive, low temperature and well suited to handle flexible substrates. The competitive advantage of the proposed approach is the fact that all the demanding fabrication process steps necessary to fabricate high performance electronic systems are performed on the ?mother? substrate and not on the final plastic substrate. If successful the inherent mechanical or chemical instabilities of the receiving plastic substrate do not limit the choice of semiconductor manufacturing processes for fabricating devices. The ability to manufacture flexible display backplanes to the demanding standards of the display industry will open up a broad market of opportunity in flexible electronics far beyond displays, including configurable X-ray sensors, RFID tags, and wearable electronics and biosensors. In displays, backplanes using the proposed technology will be utilized by all major display manufacturers and many specialty manufacturers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Menard, Etienne SEMPRIUS, INC. NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 475557 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 5373 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822777 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Scalable Location Data Management. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to design, implement, and test scalable methods for providing location-based services, with a special emphasis on mobile cell phone applications. Examples of such applications include continuous monitoring of static and dynamic geo-fences, building dynamic mobile social networks, and mobile e-commerce. The Phase II effort will develop methods to push the efficiency of the location-based computation techniques, and develop methods for more sophisticated features such as privacy management and mobile power management, which will be crucial for the wider adoption of location-based applications. Location data is currently generated by continually moving physical objects equipped with location-based sensors, such as GPS and Wi-Fi based tags. Data management methods for these datasets require dealing with high update rates, large volumes of historical location data, and location-based triggers that raise an alert when the location of a moving object meets certain criteria (for example, if an object is beyond a well-defined boundary). Existing methods for supporting applications that have these requirements are not scalable. The broader merits of this project include the development of a technology that has a potentially large commercial value and addresses an emerging market need. For example, for the cell phone market, these location-based services are projected to grow from $464M in 2007 to over $11B by 2011. If successful, the potential impact in both consumer and enterprise markets for location-based services could be substantial. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ramasamy, Karthikeyan Locomatix, LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822808 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Automotive Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II proposal aims to commercialize a new mesoporous silicate nanoparticles for the reinforcement of thermoplastic polymers used in the manufacture of U.S. cars and light trucks. Whereas nanoparticles, in general, provide some polymer reinforcement benefits, they typically lack the ability to provide strength as well as stiffness. Also, they normally require extensive organic surface modification for dispersion in the polymer matrix. Organic modifiers limit nanoparticles thermal stability and compromise their suitability for nanocomposite manufacturing through cost-effective melt processing methods. The purely inorganic mesoporous silicates this project plans, circumvent all of the limitations caused by organic modifies by providing a unique combination of surface polarity, mesopore size, surface area, and pore volume which optimizes interfacial interactions between the particles and the polymer matrix for effective dispersion and reinforcement. In addition to providing stiffness at particle loadings, the mesoporous silicates provide strength, which allows the amount of polymer needed to produce an automotive part to be reduced in proportion to the added strength. The polymer savings alone allow users of the technology to reduce the weight of the vehicle, achieve stiffness, and improve fuel economy at no added cost. The broader impact/commercial potential of automotive nanocomposites can directly impact the US energy economy, as well as environmental quality. The combination of reduced vehicle weight and increased fuel economy translates into a reduction in petroleum consumption and green house gas emissions. The process for producing mesoporous silicate nanoparticles is neither energy-intensive nor environmentally harmful. Based on aqueous sol-gel chemistry, this project's nanoparticles are manufactured in yields at a temperature of with no harmful waste released to the environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dulebohn, Joel Claytec Inc. MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 540000 5373 SMET AMPP 9178 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822810 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: A High-Throughput Scanning Probe Microscope Using Micromachined Ultracompliant Probe Arrays with Embedded Sensors for Simultaneous Topography and Thermal Imag. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to produce a commercial prototype of a state-of-the-art high throughput scanning probe microscope (HT-SPM), which can be used for measuring topography and thermal parameters in nanotechnology, bio, and semiconductor applications. The scanning probe microscope has been a very successful tool, but emphasis has not been put on rapid data acquisition. The HT-SPM is an enabling technology that consists of a transformative and patented method for extracting topography which allows for higher throughput. The project leverages experience in atomic force microscope (AFM) probe micro-fabrication and industry. An immediate outcome of this SBIR project will be a fully functional and market ready HT-SPM. The broader impact/commercial potential of measurements in nanometer scale devices and structures have both scientific and industrial importance. Although the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is one of the most important tools for nanotechnology, there has not been any fundamental innovation in the way it operates for more than a decade. This project provides faster measurement as a result of a fundamentally different way of imaging. Faster characterization permits manufacturers to expedite problem isolation, leading to higher productivity and higher return-on-investment (ROI). The HT-SPM also benefits R&D, failure analysis and off-line engineering. The HT-SPM offers critical capabilities that will allow users too quickly and clearly measure topography/friction/temperature at the nanoscale and view critical characteristics. The HT-SPM fills a critical need in integrated circuits, nanotechnology, life sciences and other markets that rely on sub-micron microscopy, as it will provide users with a superior and inexpensive measurement system to aid in studying new properties. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gaitas, Angelo PICOCAL, Inc. MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499694 5373 AMPP 9163 5373 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822830 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: VLSI Clocking Using BDS Technology. This SBIR Phase II research project intends to demonstrate a unique circuit method for GHz clock distribution inside CMOS chips, which provides state-of-the-art performance and is modular, scalable, and reusable. The theoretical foundation of this technology is the Bi-Directional Signaling (BDS) principle implemented over on-chip transmission lines. The project covers the design, fabrication, and evaluation of a comprehensive test chip aimed at validating key aspects of this new method such as the practical accuracy of a long distribution system, the realization of inexpensive high-quality integrated transmission lines, and the design of low power high precision active circuits for local clock generation. If laboratory tests confirm the expected performance and features, this method will be the basis of a valuable new VLSI Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology. The demonstration of scalable and reusable circuit Intellectual Property (IP) for clock distribution will cause a major simplification in the VLSI design methodology with substantial benefits to the manufacturers of integrated circuits. The semiconductor industry will be able to produce faster processing, lower power, and lower cost VLSI components for systems such as computers and communication devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Banu, Mihai MHI Consulting LLC NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 544989 5373 HPCC 9139 6840 5761 5373 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822862 August 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Innovative control of ectoparasites: key to expansion of open ocean fish farming. This SBIR Phase II research targets innovative means for controlling ectoparasite pests in open ocean aquaculture. Offshore fish farming offers tremendous growth opportunities. Adaptive fish health management offshore remains a challenge for environmentally sound expansion of this potentially lucrative industry. PEDICURe (Passive Ectoparasite Device In Counter-current Underwater Reservoir) prototypes showed great efficacy in treating ectoparasite pests in marine fish in tank trials. Phase II research will refine therapeutic treatments, PEDICURe designs and protocols for use. Commercial-scale prototypes will be deployed and tested in offshore cages. PEDICURes could be sold or licensed to fish farms worldwide. PEDICURes could also provide compelling competitive advantages to drive expanded production in Hawaii, U.S. waters, or globally. The broader impacts of this research are in increasing the environmentally sound means for optimizing fish health in open ocean aquaculture, and thereby aiding the growth in this innovative, exciting and potentially lucrative industry. Offshore farms can produce high-value marine fish without significant impacts on water quality, benthic habitats or other ocean user groups. Cost savings to a $1 billion U.S. offshore farming industry could be $115 million p.a. There are potential applications worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lowell, Jennica Kona Blue Water Farms, LLC HI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 505398 5373 BIOT 9251 9150 9117 9102 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822879 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Modulation-Assisted Deep Hole Drilling of Micro/Meso-Scale Biomedical Components. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project aims to develop a Modulation-Assisted Machining (MAM) system with novel capabilities for micro/meso-scale deep-hole drilling of biomedical components. The system is structured around a new device; an accessory developed for computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools. This new device superimposes a low-frequency sinusoidal modulation onto machining processes enabling controlled chip formation and easy disposal, enhanced lubrication of tool-chip contact, reduces energy consumption, and, potentially, a reduction in tool wear. When implemented in the appropriate system framework, unprecedented increases in productivity and efficiency of deep-hole drilling processes are envisaged. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be commercialize MAM technology in manufacturing of biomedical components and related applications in automotive and aerospace fluid systems manufacturing. Complemented by a strong education and training program. By driving the development of a class of clean machining processes with reduced effluent streams and energy consumption, and improved efficiency, this project will impact sustainable manufacturing for the discrete products sector, with broad societal benefits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Mann, James M4 Sciences, LLC IN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 511660 5373 1591 AMPP 9251 9163 1591 1467 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822888 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Efficient static analysis tools for detecting bugs and improving developer productivity. This SBIR Phase II project develops software products to improve software quality and developer productivity. Computers are used everywhere in our lives with most applications requiring high reliability, availability, and security. Despite efforts to improve quality, bugs are still too common and costly. To address these problems the team has conducted research in static-analysis and bug detection - taking a pattern-based approach - applying data-mining to software code analysis. The Phase II effort will focus on integration of the tools into the software development lifecycle providing customers an optimal way to benefit from the tools. The team will also develop needed functionality (Branch Quality Management, Patch-Mining) and code search - all new, unique, broader and important usages of technology identified by customers from Phase I. The tools, once commercialized, can benefit a large percentage of IT departments in different business segments (IT, finance, government, entertainment, insurance, etc) to improve their software quality and productivity and reduce the software development cost via automatic bug detection. In contrast to traditional manual effort that usually takes a programmer 1-2 weeks to detect a bug, the proposed tools can easily identify hundreds of bugs in millions lines of code automatically in 1-2 hours. Once a bug is detected (either from these tools, or any other tools, the tools can be used to ensure that the bug-fix is applied throughout the code. In addition to detecting software bugs, the proposed tools can also be used to detect illegal software plagiarism from open source or other software. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Xanthos, Spiros Pattern Insight, Inc. IL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 508000 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 1640 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822889 August 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: SaaS-Based Procurement and CRM Systems for Local Food Markets. This SBIR Phase II project will develop a new methodology for data interchange in the agricultural industry. GreenLeaf Market is developing application program interfaces to enable the automated transfer of data to enterprise resource planning systems through a representational state transfer interface interchangeable with a webservice. This platform automatically identifies and aggregates agricultural market information while enabling this information to be integrated into the purchaser's business systems. If successfully commercialized, the application stands to significantly reduce post-harvest spoilage costs, now in the tens of billions of dollars for the United States. It will increase productivity for purchasers, assist the producer in identifying emerging markets, reduce the distance agricultural products must travel, boost the local economy, improve the food security of the US, and lower the overall cost of food by reducing the gap between supply and demand. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hilleren, Heather Hevva LLC wi Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 9136 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822896 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Cilk++. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project aims to develop software technology to enable C++ programmers to easily program multicore chips produced by the leading processor hardware vendors. Physical limits are driving chipmakers to produce chips containing multiple processor cores, but existing methods for programming multicore chips are error-prone and difficult to use. The potential outcomes of this research project will enable C++ programmers to easily parallelize applications to run on multicore processors without restructuring their legacy applications. Cilk++ is a simple set of language extensions to C++, which, together with a powerful runtime platform, allows multicore processors to be programmed easily. Market research shows that global variables pose a major barrier to parallelizing legacy code. This research project seeks to understand the linguistics, implementation, and applicability of hypervariables, a new construct designed to solve data-race problems created by parallel accesses to global variables. The results of the project include software implementations of hyper-variables in the context of Cilk++, including modifications to the Cilk++ language, compiler, tools and runtime platform. Additionally, the project will produce engineering design documents, user documentation, and training and educational materials, and will evaluate this technology in customer applications. In 2008, the leading processor manufacturers will ship over 100 million processors, with forecasts for over 75 percent of such processors be multicore. On the software side, the C++ programming language has become the standard langauge for developing applications that run on uniprocessor-based platforms. Although C++ programmers number well over 3 million, most lack the specialized training to use create correct, high-performing parallel programs. This research project will allow ordinary developers to multicore-enable legacy code and bring new multicore applications to market, thereby fulfilling the potential of multicore technology to help users of computers and personal appliances be more productive and to take advantage of the increased performance of computers in as diverse areas as health care, shopping, scientific advancement, entertainment, financial planning, and more. This research will advance the understanding of how multicore computers can be programmed effectively. The lessons of Cilk++, and the innovation of hypervariables in particular, will generalize to other programming languages, such as Java, C#, and Fortran. The educational and training materials will educate software engineers in parallel programming and expose them generally to the subtle issues of concurrency. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Frigo, Matteo Cilk Arts, Inc MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822914 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Metal Oxide Nanofibers for Filter and Catalyst Support Structures. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project seeks to take advantage of unique performance properties of ceramic nanofiber supported catalysts for applications in automotive, power generation, and chemical process industries. The efficiency of ceramic nanofiber composite materials to capture nano-sized particulates (inorganic and soot) is of particular interest to the automotive industry. Also, an opportunity to field test a composite catalyzed nanofiber material in a power generation facility to remove low-levels of NOx has been developed through commercialization activities within the power generation industry. This is a significant opportunity that will require the fabrication of a ceramic nanofiber/polymeric composite media and a field test apparatus. Successful completion of this opportunity will provide the background necessary to develop a first-generation ceramic nanofiber product. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will provide the initial detailed examination of catalyst deactivation mechanisms using nanofiber support structures as well as providing a critical investigation of nano-sized particulate capture by nanofiber composite materials. This baseline information is beneficial to define and support future investigations of ceramic nanofiber materials. It is anticipated that catalyzed ceramic nanofiber/microfiber media will maximize the efficient use of catalytic materials (precious metals), enhance destruction of greenhouse gases (NOx and CO) from combustion processes, and capture harmful particulates from various gas process streams. These characteristics will help the power generation industry (fossil fuel burning), the motor vehicle, and the chemical industry meet current and future emission reduction standards while simultaneously benefiting the environment. Also as globalization leads to added pressures on U.S. companies to produce products and materials at a lower cost to remain competitive, reduction in the overall cost of energy production and transportation costs will improve U.S. competitiveness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Carlson, Gary MemPro Ceramics Corporation CO Ben Schrag Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 1788 1591 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822959 August 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Permanent Attachment of Antimicrobial Peptides to Central Venous Catheters.. This SBIR Phase II project continues SteriCoat's development of a permanent antimicrobial coating for use on central venous catheters. Current leaching antimicrobial technology does not possess the duration of efficacy required to protect these devices over the lifetime of implantation, especially for peripherally inserted central lines (PICCs). Research during this Phase II project will focus on the integration of proprietary polymer technology with tethered antimicrobial peptide (AmP) technology developed in Phase I to maximize the efficacy and bioavailability of the immobilized AmPs in vivo. Work will also be performed to ensure the manufacturability of SteriCoat's coating technology, including prototype production. After transitioning this formulation to the intra- and extraluminal surfaces of a polyurethane tube, efficacy and biocompatibility will be demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. By the end of this Phase II project, SteriCoat will have an antimicrobial CVC model with efficacy proven in vivo using the models designed by industry thought leaders and will be ready for scale-up and manufacturing. This SBIR Phase II project addresses the hospital infections afflicting 1.7 million patients and killing 99,000 in the US annually, the majority of which are associated with medical devices. Existing slow-release antimicrobial coatings are insufficient in addressing device infection. They have a limited lifespan and concerns over drug resistance and toxicity because the drug gets distributed in the bloodstream. SteriCoat is developing a permanent coating using antimicrobial peptides (AmPs) to prevent bacterial colonization of central venous catheters (CVCs), a $350M market. The goal of this project is to deliver a polyurethane-based antimicrobial CVC model which incorporates a surface functionalization with AmPs and to test the ability of this approach in resisting bacterial colonization. By the end of this phase II project, SteriCoat will have verified in vivo efficacy of prototype catheters and be positioned to begin GLP studies for FDA product approval. In addition, achievement of the technical objectives of this Phase II will open up avenues for additional investigation in the field of bioactive ligand presentation as the developed technology could lend to the efficacy of many biomaterial applications in addition to antimicrobials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Loose, Christopher Semprus Bioscience Corporation ma Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 499923 5373 BIOT 9183 1773 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822965 September 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: High Resolution, High Brightness Display for Virtual Reality. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project focuses on new GaAs-based, low voltage technology for high definition head mounted displays (HMDs), suitable for advanced applications in immersive virtual reality and 3-D imaging. Applications for this technology include battery powered augmented reality HMDs, full color, high resolution HMDs with 3-D imaging potential, and low cost, low voltage indicators and backlights for battery powered electronics. Displays derived from this GaAs technology have superior color gamut, high brightness, resolution and efficiency compared to other approaches. The results obtained from the STTR Phase I project indicate that low cost HMD-based optical systems can be designed using these high resolution microdisplay chips at supply voltages as low as 1.5 volts. Compared to display systems based on GaN LED and OLED technology which require voltages of up to 4 volts, this technology presents a path for continued advancement to 3-D imaging systems that could reach the resolution of the human eye. This technology should impact low cost HMDs displaying low-information content data such as maps, text or line graphics that require long battery life for markets that include first responders, factory and inventory workers, and consumer appliances. The technology can be advanced to much higher resolution microdisplays and improved optics for the high-information content marketplace such as immersive virtual reality for education, medical imaging and surgery, games and videos. Commercial emphasis will be placed on the low voltage operation for battery compatibility, a key advantage for augmented reality HMDs; and one which may lead to fundamental changes in battery powered electronics having indicator lights and/or displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Bass, Michael bdDisplays, LLC FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 492628 5373 1591 HPCC 9215 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822972 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Electronic Orientation and Navigation System for People with Visual Impairments. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will design, build and test a new type of orientation and navigation (O&N) system for people with visual impairments. While GPS-based solutions show promise in outdoor environments, there are currently no widespread O&N devices that are designed for use in indoor environments. This makes it difficult for people with visual impairments to navigate through indoor public spaces. The purpose of this research will be to complete development of a new type of radio frequency identification (RFID) system, in which intelligent, variable-range active RFID beacons are programmed with information about their locations and placed through indoor environments like schools, shopping malls and museums. This information will be accessible to people with visual impairments via a small RFID receiver worn on the user?s belt. Information will be conveyed to the user via a text-to-speech interface. Results from field testing have demonstrated that the device helps people with visual impairments to navigate through an unfamiliar environment. Phase II research will complete development of the communications protocols and interface techniques that give the system its unique capabilities for delivering speech-based information to people with visual impairments. There are 10.4 million people with visual impairments in the U.S., and this research will lead to an inexpensive commercial product that will greatly enhance their ability to navigate in unfamiliar surroundings. The market for this technology includes those who will purchase the RFID receivers and the RFID beacons. This includes people with visual impairments, as well as the owners and tenants of public spaces, such as office buildings, schools, malls, museums and government facilities. Also, because of the simplicity of the interface, the system will be useful to Orientation and Mobility educators working with young children to develop spatial concepts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Manning, Michael ManningRF, LLC nc Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822975 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: OpenBio Workbench for Sharing of Mathematical Models in Drug Discovery. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop an innovative software platform called OpenBio Workbench that will enable researchers in drug discovery to easily access and share mathematical models and model results. Modeling is becoming increasing important, motivated by the FDA's drive to modernize the drug discovery process and the advent of emerging fields such as Systems Biology. A broad adoption of modeling has been limited, however, because the current practice requires programming and computational skills not typically possessed by experimental researchers in biological sciences. In the Phase II project, the tool's capabilities will be augmented by allowing users to calibrate models by including experimental data, adding innovative advanced modeling tools such as model building. The potential commercial value of this workbench is high as the pharmaceutical industry is investing significantly in mathematical modeling and Systems Biology aiming to overcome both the high costs of drug development and the stagnation in the discovery of new drugs since the 1990's. Further, aging populations in developed countries are going to cause sharp increases in health care costs, while at the same time there are serious budgetary pressures (both from government and private insurers) to keep health care costs under control. Thus, methods that speed up the research cycle and reduce development costs for new drugs and treatments are going to become increasingly important. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Park, Taeshin RES Group, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 496357 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822980 September 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Next Generation Digital Data Recovery System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project proposes to research and bring to market the next generation digital data recovery techniques. The problem of restoring lost data from a damaged digital device arises routinely in digital forensics and data recovery. In many advanced cases of digital storage failure currently available file recovery techniques based on disk storage information fail. During the Phase I of this project a software framework was developed for file carving. Using this framework a software library and a user interface to carve fragmented files from a disk image, called Adroit was implemented. Adroit currently supports carving of JPEG fles, structured documents (such as HTML, source code, plain-text fles, etc.), and Microsoft office documents. In tests conducted, Adroit recovers more files than tools currently available in the market. Furthermore, the validation and user interface component built into Adroit excels at allowing the user to guide the technology to recover more data with much less effort. The problem of recovery of information from bits and pieces of digital data, in the absence of storage meta-information to tie the pieces together, is equivalent to the problem of having hundreds/thousands of jigsaw puzzles mixed into together. The challenge of identifying if a piece of data belongs to a specific file or file type is daunting. The preliminary research conducted in Phase I has demonstrated the viability of developing domain specific techniques to identify the type of data fragments and the use of file type specific algorithms to reconstruct files. The broad impact of this technology and its commercialization are: 1) it will change the nature of the data recovery market and make possible unprecedented recovery of data in a variety of situations; 2) it will save countless users the agony of losing valuable data. Be it important data that is needed for a company's survival or an emotionally valuable photograph of a proud parent or child; 3) it will provide law enforcement officials with an increased ability to gather evidence and prosecute their cases more effectively; 4) it will provide counter-terrorism experts the ability to glean crucial evidence that they may have otherwise missed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Pal, Anandabrata Digital Assembly LLC NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 559525 5373 1591 HPCC 9216 5761 1658 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822985 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Photochemical Treatment of Dioxin-Furan Compound Emissions from Industrial Processes. This SBIR Phase II research will advance the use of photochemistry for the control of toxic air pollutants emitted from industrial sources such as furnaces, boilers, and kilns. The types of ultraviolet lamp sources now used successfully for wastewater treatment, water purification, and air stream disinfection will be adapted for use in the more challenging environment of industrial process effluent gas streams. This research program concerns a photochemical system designed to destroy highly toxic compounds called dioxin-furans, which are unintended byproducts of some industrial processes. During an extended test program at an industrial facility, the researchers will evaluate: (1) long-term ultraviolet lamp energy efficiency in hot, dust-laden gas streams, (2) dioxin-furan destruction efficiencies during routine variations in source conditions, (3) reaction product characteristics, and (4) reductions in pollutants in addition to the targeted dioxin-furans. The broader impacts of this research will include an improved understanding of the chemical reactions of dioxin-furan compounds at the gas temperatures and pollutant concentrations typical of industrial gas streams. The results will help assess the applicability of photochemical systems to provide high efficiency air pollution control while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases produced by existing control techniques. Photochemical systems that destroy toxic air pollutants will provide an attractive alternative to systems that retain the toxic compounds on adsorbents disposed in landfills. The development of ultraviolet light technology will result in reduced air emissions of persistent toxic pollutants that bio-accumulates in the food chain and cause adverse human health effects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Richards, John Air Control Techniques, P.C. NC Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 490912 5373 BIOT 9104 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0822999 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: BP 1 - Microwaveable Bioplastic Packaging. This Phase II SBIR research develops innovative nanotechnology to allow the use of bioplastics for food packaging. Polylactic acid (PLA) is an environmentally beneficial bioplastic made from renewable resources; however, the properties of PLA are limited. This makes it unsuited for use in microwaveable food packaging. In Phase I, university expertise resulting from earlier NSF funding was used to formulate a bioplastic with suitable properties, including cost. In Phase II, a viable manufacturing route towards food packing trays will be demonstrated at the pilot plant level working in close collaboration with a large industrial manufacturing partner. The broader impacts of this Phase II SBIR research will be manifold. The new bioplastics are quantitatively more environmentally benign that petroplastics. Bioplastics are made form renewable resources and therefore simultaneously help decrease dependence on foreign oil while providing environmental benefits. Using a domestic biomass resource provides a competitive advantage against low labor cost manufacturers like China helping to stem job losses in the plastics industries. Presently, polystyrene is largely used for tray applications and foamed with 3-5 weight percent hydrocarbons. PLA can be foamed with carbon dioxide so the new technology has the additional benefit of displacing at least 1 million pounds per year of the pollutant volatile organic carbons (VOCs). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hollingsworth, Laura PolyNew Incorporated CO Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 506000 5373 BIOT 9231 9181 9104 9102 1467 1465 1402 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823002 August 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Diamond Nanoprobes for Atomic Force Microscopy - Imaging, Metrology, Material Property Measurement, Process Control, and Manipulation with Ultrahigh Performanc. This STTR Phase II project will develop commercially viable atomic force microscope (AFM) probes fabricated from ultrananocrystalline diamond. The project will refine the processes developed in Phase I and bring contact and non-contact all-diamond probes to market. Probes using conducting diamond that are chemically and electronically tunable and have superb tribological properties will also be developed. This work will facilitate new industrial applications for AFM, including high-throughput imaging, metrology, and characterization of large quantities of materials, local electrical characterization for process control in micro/nanoelectronics, nanomechanical characterization of MEMS/NEMS devices, and ultraprecise hard mask correction for the micro/nanolithography industry. INTERNATIONAL PLAN & WORKSHOPS SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Carlisle, John ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL William Haines Standard Grant 491644 7299 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 5978 5921 1984 1788 1676 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823008 November 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Low-Cost Ultra-Efficient 50-gm, 300-W Servoelectronics Module with Integral Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase-II research project aims to cut the manufacturing cost of an innovative power-efficient ultra-miniature, brushless-servo-electronics module from $1,000 to $100. The module integrates all rotor-position sensing, vector-based commutation, controls, and power supplies needed to drive high-performance brushless servomotors rated up to 300 W (Root Mean Square) and 2 KW (peak) into a single 50-gram module not much bigger than a bottle cap. The cost reduction relies on a set of innovations led by replacement of laser optics used for rotor-position sensing with an array of magnetic field sensors measuring a calibrated target magnet. Phase I demonstrated that well-placed shielding enables high precision and excellent commutation performance even in the proximity of stray fields produced by high switched currents and spinning rotor magnets located in the motor body only millimeters from the sensor array. This servo-electronics module fits the definition of disruptive technology for entrenched players, such as Danaher/Kollmorgen, Siemens, Fanuc, and Yaskawa, while it will enable scores of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to improve the performance, compactness, power efficiency, and reliability of their machines at competitive prices. As machines become more intelligent through embedded processing and sensor fusion it will improve not only industrial productivity, but quality of life as society ages. While embedded processors and MEMS-based sensors have become tiny, highly effective, and affordable, similar improvements in servomotors have evolved more slowly. At fractional-horsepower levels the power electronics contribute significantly to total motor-system bulk and complexity. Providing smaller and more efficient servo-electronics will enable OEMs to increase the competitiveness of their products. Robots will become more agile with additional degrees of freedom and less mass to accelerate. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Townsend, William Barrett Technology Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 516000 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 6840 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823009 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: MEMS for Secure RFID Applications. This SBIR Phase II research project will demonstrate a working ?alpha? prototype of a MEMS-based approach to security for RFID and other electronic security applications. MEMS resonators have very narrow bandwidths and high frequencies which vary from resonator to resonator. This natural frequency variation can be used to uniquely identify a resonator, and makes cloning a specific signal extremely difficult ? in essence creating a ?voiceprint?. This approach to RFID security overcomes the drawbacks of encryption which include more complex and expensive tags and the need to manage encryption keys. MEMS resonators for RFID tags are unique, secure, cost effective, CMOS compatible, and fast to read, with low power requirements and low overhead. This research project will demonstrate in a real environment with material temperature swings, working vacuum encapsulated MEMS chips with attached antennas, a low-cost prototype reader with maximum 10cm read range, and reader and system software to extract MEMS response signals to compare with stored signals for chip identification. This project will have broad impact on the security of identification of both people and goods. For example, the RFID tags used in the implementation of US passports were recently cloned which calls into question the security of those documents. Since MEMS resonators cannot be cloned, they can provide significant security assurance to economically validate a given passport. MEMS resonators can also be used to economically authenticate pharmaceuticals since counterfeit drugs are increasingly prevalent (the World Health Organization projects a $75 billion counterfeit market in 2010) and have caused deaths. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cross, Joshua Cerberex Technologies, Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 545000 5373 HPCC 9139 5761 4096 1367 1049 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823012 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Low-Cost Hot Press Die Casting of Graphite-Metal Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop an unique hot press die casting technology to be used to produce graphite-metal materials. These materials will be used to produce packaging components for use in high power electronics packaging. There is a critical need for advanced materials with improved thermal properties capable of meeting the thermal management requirements of current and future high power electronic systems. The heat dissipation rate of electronic systems has increased dramatically, as a result of ongoing advances in semiconductor materials, compression of circuit physical architecture, size reduction of packaging envelops and faster switching speed. The technology developed in this project will enable the manufacture of cost effective graphite-metal packaging that offers improved thermal properties critical to thermal management solutions for next generation power electronics. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the development of the hot press die casting technology for use in producing graphite-metal billet materials. The adoption and wide-spread use of the graphite-metal packaging products for electronic systems will enable commercial electronic devices based upon more efficient higher power semiconductor materials that will provide benefit to society in the form of more efficient, longer life electronics; reduced energy consumption; and improved environmental quality. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Connell, James ADVANCED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499734 5373 AMPP 9163 5373 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823014 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Low Dielectric Fiber for High Frequency Circuit Board Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop the production and application of low dielectric fibers for use in high frequency circuit board applications. As the frequency of digital communications approaches the frequency at which microwave ovens work, the importance of the dielectric properties of the substrate material on which digital circuits are formed is becoming of critical importance. This project will use material and processing strategies to increase the physical properties and reduce the cost of fibers based on cyclic olefin copolymers. These fibers will be woven into fabrics and made into prototype circuit board materials to show their utility. The anticipated results of the project is a fully developed fiber which is ready to be commercialized which can be combined with glass fiber to reduce the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of high frequency circuit board substrate materials, but in all other ways is compatible with processes and materials used to manufacture these circuits. The broader impact/commercial potential will be the achievement of processing blends of amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers in fiber extrusion at speeds approaching 2 kilometers per minute. If successful, this project will introduce a low cost material that enables further advances in digital data processing and communication, with all the incumbent benefits, doing so with reduced energy dissipation in the circuit board materials. The materials are also lighter weight than their glass fiber predecessors, and therefore reduce the weight of mobile electronic and communication devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Morin, Brian Innegrity LLC SC Ben Schrag Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 5373 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823015 July 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Shape memory polymer AAA Endograft. This SBIR Phase II project aims to continue the development of novel endografts for percutaneous treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) using unique and proprietary shape memory polymer (SMP) technology. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are both common and lethal in the older population, affecting between 7 and 13 % of older persons (> 60 years), accounting for between 13,000 and 18,000 deaths per year in the US alone, and increasing in diagnostic prevalence as both diagnostic techniques improve and the population ages. Endovascular treatment using covered stainless steel or Nitinol stent-grafts is now the preferred option for AAA treatment. However, current devices are far from perfect, and complications from endovascular repair such as endoleaks, continued growth of the aneurysm, device migration, arterial dissections, and other problems persist at very high (> 25-35%) rates. Most if not all these problems can be traced to the inherent limitations of the materials used in current devices. We propose to continue the highly promising Phase I work with particular focus on four areas: finalize polymer formulation; develop methods to manufacture patient-specific endograft designs; finalize biocompatibility evaluation; and evaluate endografts in acute and chronic animal studies. Anticipated deliverables at the end of the Phase II project are a finalized polymer formulation particularly suitable for endografts, complete ISO 109993 biocompatibility evaluation, methods to manufacture patient-specific endografts, and comprehensive data on the acute and chronic vascular response of the shape memory polymer endografts. The broader impacts of this work lie in the development of the next generation of medical devices using advanced materials with characteristics that can be customized to the patient. The successful development of useful devices from such technologies should pave the way for a plethora of commercial opportunities including tissue-engineering applications whereby the "seeds' of new tissues or organs can be incorporated into shape memory polymer devices and delivered using minimally invasive methods into the target site to eventually grow healthy tissue. The ability to fuse shape memory polymer technology with advanced three-dimensional imaging and automated manufacturing methods, such as rapid prototyping and stereo-lithography, promises to open up the exciting prospect of creating patient-specific devices within the operating suite; devices that once manufactured can be compacted in situ into a catheter and delivered immediately into the patient. Lastly, successful completion of the overall project should have immediate impact on a disease that is the 13th leading cause of death in the US, and consequently on human health. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Castleberry, Jeff EndoShape Inc CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 450989 5373 BIOT 9183 1773 1517 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823022 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Extended Performance Red VCSELs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demonstrate significantly improved output power, temperature range of operation, and reliability of red VCSELs. Commercialization of red VCSEL technology has been plagued by the limited temperature range and output power of the devices and unknown reliability characteristics. The Phase I project demonstrated the 1) feasibility of improving output power and temperature range through a number of techniques, 2) that the fundamental limit of the temperature range is at least as high as 125°C, and 3) dramatically improved reliability. The Phase II approach proposed here breaks away from traditional models for fabricating VCSELs and consists of a variety of growth and fabrication methods allowing us to provide a high thermal conductivity path from the active region to the package. The goals and expected technical results are to demonstrate > 0.5mW single mode, and >1mW multi-mode useful output power at 670nm at 85°C, and the same power output power objectives for 655nm at 65°C on a reproducible basis. This project will also demonstrate greater than 10,000 hours device lifetime at 85°C continuous operation. Project activities consist of design, wafer growth and fabrication, performance testing, and reliability testing. To date, the only commercially available VCSELs have been at 780nm to 850nm, due to the substantial materials challenges at other wavelengths. This proposed effort is applicable to a variety of VCSEL wavelengths (similar thermal issues exist at 1310nm to 1550nm), as well as other optoelectronic devices. Commercially, a significant enhancement in red VCSEL performance can enable the migration of plastic fiber based home and auto networks to higher data rates, faster and higher quality laser printing, longer distance and more precise motion control sensing, new types of portable or wearable medical sensing, and improved robustness and cost of radiography equipment. The success of this project not only creates a significant business opportunity for a red VCSEL supplier, but also enhances the competitiveness of customers by making available a valuable new technology. The reduction in power consumption and improvement in medical technology costs address particularly important societal issues. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Brenner, Mary Mytek, LLC MN Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 530794 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 5761 1775 1517 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823023 August 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: High Resolution Spectrometer-on-a-Chip Based on Nano-Optic Plasmonic Device. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is to develop an ultra-compact, high-resolution and low-cost spectrometer-on-a-chip, based on plasmonic nanowire arrays. In response to the growing demands for miniaturized non-invasive spectroscopic sensor, there have been many efforts to miniaturize optical spectrometers using various conventional technologies. However they are not yet conducive to both dramatic miniaturization and also high spectral performance at low production cost. Unlike the bulky and expensive conventional diffractive optical devices, the proposed nano-optic device utilizes the wavelength-dependent plasmonic phenomena occurring on metal nanowire surfaces and the gaps between the metal nanowires. This single layered nano-optic filter array is expected to enable a high resolution spectrometer-on-a-chip, overcoming the limits of diffractive optics. This proposal is to design, and fabricate the nano-optic filter array structure using standard wafer processes, to integrate it with a custom designed CMOS detector array to form a spectrometer-on-a-chip. The anticipated outcome of this project are spectrometer-on-a-chip samples for customer test and evaluation, and demonstration of high spectral resolution (10nm) over 380nm ~780nm wavelength range in a compact size, less than 5 mm x 5 mm x 2 mm, at significantly lower cost. If successful the proposed ultra-compact high-resolution low-cost spectrometer-on-a-chip can be used in various applications such as high-resolution color sensing, multiple gas detection, and mobile/wearable health monitoring. Consumer electronics manufacturers, portable medical device vendors, and wireless sensor node suppliers can be all potential customers. As a key component to these markets, it is anticipated that the total addressable market for the proposed spectrometer-on-a-chip will be over $1 billion in around 2012. Considering the manufacturability of the proposed technology and the readiness of the markets, it is feasible to launch the first commercial product in 2010. The proposed activities will contribute to enhancing color quality and color consistency across consumer color devices, and has potential to contribute to advancing personalized point-of-care, environmental monitoring, and homeland security by enabling non-invasive, high-throughput, low-cost sensing. The proposed activities will provide further solid understanding of the phenomena occurring when a light interacts with nanostructured metal, and enhance the mass production capabilities of nano-structures. Successful completion of this project will also open up new application opportunities in the convergence areas of information, bio and nanotechnologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Lee, Byounghee NanoLambda, Inc. PA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823027 October 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Automated culture and differentiation of human Embryonic Stem Cells. This SBIR Phase II research is focused on methods to utilize blood precursor cells derived from human embryonic stem (HES) cells. The project uses a new defined differentiation system which allows automation and scale-up production of this important cells. There is a significant demand for these cells from research and drug discovery. Increased availability and batch-to-batch reproducibility of HES cell-derived blood cells, resulting from the defined genetic background of the starting material and this standardized, automated culture system, make this technology invaluable model systems for basic research and drug development. Based on the automated pilot system for handling and scale-up production of HES cells developed in phase I of this SBIR project we will transfer our current culturing protocols into robust automated production procedures to provide a reproducible quality of CD34 positive cells The broader impacts of this research will be improving the process of drug discovery and development and in the long term by providing revolutionary new applications for medical treatment to improve public health. Nearly 98% of a multi-million dollar stem cell market is currently consumed by blood and immune system treatments. We anticipate that the proposed research will lead to the faster integration of HES cell biology into biomedical research. It will help to provide a variety of other blood cell types in quantities required for basic research, drug development, high throughput screening, biochemical characterization and potential medical treatment of blood related disease. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rajesh, Deepika Stem Cell Products Inc. WI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 5345 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823029 August 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Chemical Aerosol-flow Synthesis of Nanometals. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop new scale up methods for the synthesis of surface stabilized metal nanoparticles from aerosol. The advantage of chemical aerosol-flow synthesis is in its simplicity in procedure and experimental setup, low cost and scalability. The method allows for the synthesis of high quality nanoparticles in continuous flow regimen. Phase I results proved feasibility of the method for the synthesis of high quality silver nanoparticles with high yield. This Phase II project will focus on increasing manufacturing capabilities to decrease the cost of nanoparticles significantly. Low cost, printed electrical conductors are expected to be a rapidly growing market for flexible electronics and solar cells. Reducing processing temperatures and material costs are key enablers to these growing applications. The low cost production of nanometals will contribute to these trends. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Didenko, Yuri UT Dots, Inc. IL William Haines Standard Grant 515986 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 1984 1788 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823040 August 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Development of Cadmium-Free, Water-Soluble and Multicolor Quantum Dots by Chemical Doping. This NSF Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to synthesize cadmium-free, water-soluble, and multicolor quantum dots (QDs) by chemical doping. The project will focus on the synthesis of high quality doped ZnSe QDs using a newly developed phosphine-free approach. From these cadmium free doped derivatives with high quality blue, green, and red emissione will be produced. Then the doped core/shell QDs will be processed to make them water-soluble and biocompatible through proprietary methods for biomedical applications. Successful development of the proposed techniques will result in a new generation of biolabels and make significant advances in biomedical applications of such cadmium-free doped QDs. The "green" nature of the production methods, mineral precursors, natural surfactants, non-toxic and nonvolatile solvents and cadmium free QDs, will assist to maintain a sustainable environment, in addition to delivering high performance end products to the public. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Li, Lin Song Ocean NanoTech, LLC AR William Haines Standard Grant 551960 5373 HPCC 9251 9150 9139 1984 1788 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823046 November 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: A Fundamentally New X-ray Driven Manufacturing System for Recycling Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will put into service a prototype/pilot facility to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of unambiguously sorting small chips of super-alloys at high speeds. Spectramet Technology is a platform optoelectronic manufacturing technology for analyzing metals and alloys at previously unachievable accuracy and high speeds into known alloys to meet smelter specifications. The technology platform is not only aimed at sorting alloys into base metal groups, but can also sort the alloys by alloy type. One part of the Spectramet Technology focuses on sorting valuable super-alloys such as nickel-, cobalt-, and titanium based metals. This proposal is aims at extending the existing technology with an entirely new innovative sensor approach to process particles one-thousandth the size of prior applications and to identifying and sorting those particles at speeds thousands of times faster than has ever been done before. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be reducing the amount of strategic super-alloy metal that is downgraded to inferior product uses and applications in the U.S. so that this very valuable scrap metal can be recycled into its highest value application, so it can be used again as super-alloy feedstock for making new super-alloy parts. The result of recycling this material rather than downgrading it to lower value applications will be reduced U.S. dependence on supplies of strategic virgin metals recovered at primary refineries from ore (most of which are purchased abroad), substantial energy savings from use of scrap rather than ore and virgin materials, and greatly reduced emissions because secondary smelting consumes much less energy than primary production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spencer, David wTe Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499998 5373 MANU 9197 9153 5373 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823064 July 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Optical Spectroscopy for Colon Cancer Screening without Colonoscopy. This SBIR Phase II project aims to develop a commercial grade optical probe and system for FDA clinical trials and subsequent commercialization of a population-wide colon cancer screening test. An interdisciplinary research team of engineers, biologists, and clinicians has developed low-coherence enhanced backscattering (LEBS), an optical technique which enables sensing tissue microarchitectural correlates of the genetic/epigenetic changes in otherwise histopathologically normal mucosa. The preliminary animal and human studies demonstrated the potential of LEBS to detect subtle alterations in histologically normal-appearing tissue that occur with the presence of precancer in a different part of an organ, a consequence of the well-established concept of field carcinogenesis. This opens a possibility to detect colonic adenomas by means of LEBS analysis of rectal tissue, which is readily accessible using a rectal probe and without the need for colonoscopy or bowel preparation. Indeed, ex vivo human studies and a small-scale trial of the in vivo LEBS probe from Phase I research demonstrate that rectal LEBS is remarkably accurate for predicting neoplasia anywhere in the colon. In continued close collaboration with the research team, American BioOptics endeavors in Phase II to refine the prototype LEBS probe into a medical-grade probe for use in a patient without bowel preparation and to develop a low-cost LEBS optical system for multi-center FDA trials and subsequent commercialization. LEBS has the potential to become the first truly population-wide test for colon cancer screening performed during an annual exam by a primary care physician, without colonoscopy or bowel preparation to determine the need for colonoscopy. The proposed test would be simple, inexpensive, minimally intrusive and highly accurate without the need for bowel cleansing. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. largely because of especially poor screening participation relative to other major cancers. Only a small fraction of eligible population (90 million Americans over age 50) undergoes screening colonoscopy due to a variety of reasons including expense, patient reluctance, complications, and insufficient number of endoscopists. Development of a minimally invasive test to identify patients who do and do not harbor colonic adenomas is of crucial importance to enable, for the first time, population-wide screening for this disease. Currently, no such initial screening test is available. Based on the results of the LEBS test, the physician could recommend either no colonoscopy (the majority of cases) or need for colonoscopy (which the patient will be more compliant with). Thus, with a readily available LEBS screening test developed in Phase II and subsequent FDA approval, more patients with colonic neoplasia will undergo colonoscopy. The LEBS test would not only prevent many more colon cancer deaths by screening a larger part of the population, but it would also reduce costs/complications of screening in the majority of the population who are not destined to develop neoplasia. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cittadine, Andrew American BioOptics, LLC IL Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9267 9184 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823066 December 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: ElectroNanospray Process for Nanoformulating Drugs. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II Project will develop a novel drug solubility enhancing process for improving yields from costly drug discovery efforts, where up to 40% of new drug candidates have poor water solubility and are abandoned despite promising biological activity. Phase I research developed a novel nanoformulation process using the ElectroNanospray process that improved model drug solubility 20-40 fold. In Phase II, the new process will be tested to enhance solubility of a model class of pain therapeutics, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. By expanding the universe of potential drug candidates and by developing enhanced delivery methods for existing drugs the project will seek to enable the development of new drug therapies with an initial emphasis on pain management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hoerr, Robert Nanocopoeia Inc. MN William Haines Standard Grant 477090 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9139 1984 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823070 December 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Life-like, Expressive Avatars for the Instruction of Young Learners who are Deaf. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will develop a new authoring tool that will allow persons proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) to create animated stories and instructional material in ASL. The goals of this authoring tool are: 1) to support the creation of instructional materials that assist Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HH) students in the elementary and middle grades in learning to read; 2) to support the creation of animated ASL stories, including the full range of ASL grammar, that can be enjoyed by Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students; and 3) to provide a tool that can be used by older students, at the secondary and university levels, to learn about the ASL by creating animated ASL passages. The project includes the development and testing of exemplary reading instruction for Deaf students reading at grade level K-6. The research will result in improved, computer-based reading instruction for the 50,000+ K-12 Deaf/HH students in the U.S. whose first language is ASL, as well as students that are taking ASL courses. Currently, Deaf children are delayed in developing language skills, to the extent that the average reading level of a Deaf high school graduate is no greater than 4th grade. Since Deaf children have difficulty developing phonemic awareness, and are often isolated from contextual information available to hearing students, teaching reading to Deaf children requires the application of several unique methods that go far beyond simply translating English text. By providing educators and developers of educational software with products that allow them to develop personalized signing avatar tutors for Deaf children, this project will make possible the creation of instruction that is available 'anytime, anywhere' for assisting Deaf children in developing literacy skills. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hurdich, Jason VCOM3D, INC. FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 541484 5373 SMET HPCC 9251 9216 9177 7744 7218 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823095 December 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Autonomous Sensor Network to Manage West Nile Virus Epidemics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II proposal seeks to develop an automated sensory system (AMSS) for gathering and processing of mosquitoes vectors of West-Nile-Virus-Fever (WNV). AMSS captures mosquitoes, macerates them with solvents, process the fluid using a sensory array, relays wirelessly the information to a centralized internet hub where data is hosted, managed, reports created and distributed. There are four main parts to the proposed AMSS: 1) Design and development of the robotic device that sucks and crushes the insect; 2) Design and development of the sensor array; 3) Development of methods to determine presence of WNV in the circulatory fluids of the insects; 4) Automated wireless system for transmitting data. The AMSS can also be decoupled from the mosquito-trap providing the user with a handheld-sensing-system to detect WNV in samples derived from vectors (e.g. mosquitoes) or hosts (e.g. humans, vertebrates in general). The proposed system can be potentially expanded for detecting other harmful pathogens and could be used by homeland security and public health agencies. If successful detection of the WNV-pathogen at a very early stage of its occurrence is of significant benefit to public health agencies and may allow for diversion of future epidemics. Early detection is the only form of early epidemic prevention. This project describes a disruptive concept to fill an enormous gap in vector-management, which now lacks technologies for speedy and effective data collection. WNV-detection-instruments are slow, expensive, bulky, require human interference and laboratory conditions with plenty of consumables and energy, and not amenable to unattended autonomous operation. Current detection procedures invariably fail to detect introduced pathogens before disease or epidemics become widespread. Vector-control personnel and epidemiologists rely on manual time consuming mosquito- vector management methods that often come too late to prevent epidemics and require expensive remedial actions, such as blanket spraying of insecticides on entire regions. Such mosquito management is inefficient, ecologically harmful and conducive to pesticide resistance. The proposed AMSS system will have significant impact in the detection of WNV-pathogens market, evaluated at $500M/yr. This will foster preventative rather than crisis or partially effective, remedial control actions. Implications can be made that this vector and disease management may be useful for bio-detection in the homeland-security, health-care, agroenvironmental field and food-safety markets, evaluated at $1.3B/yr. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spencer, Kim ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 448148 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823103 December 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Dry Thermal Adhesive Based on Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop a flexible, double-sided, dry adhesive "tape" that is applicable to science, space, industry and home use. The thermally and electrically conductive tape will be detachable and reusable, and, will not have the disadvantages associated with other adhesion methods. Surfaces will not require being smoothed, clean, non-porous, nor ferro-magnetic for adhesion, nor will it require special fixtures for attachment. This project will permit tape to be directly applied as the intermediary between any two surfaces that require 1) high thermal heat transfer from one surface to the other, and/or 2) strong adhesion. The project will explore manufacturing aspects, as well as preparation for production of prototype double-sided adhesive tape with superior thermal and adhesive properties. The coexistent mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, makes this innovative adhesive tape advantageous to many applications including semiconductor chip mounting, heat sinking and systems that require a rapid mount. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will mean significant improvements in thermal performance of many electronic devices and time-savings in manufacturing by removing the need to bolt down (sub-) assemblies. The true commercial value of using this innovation, in terms of superior performance, streamlined designs, ease of manufacture, trouble-free operations and simplified assembly, could very well run in the millions of dollars in cost savings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhao, Yang Atlas Nanotechnologies, LLC CA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 499993 5373 AMPP 9163 9102 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823108 July 1, 2008 STTR Phase II: Low-Cost Processing of Nanoporous, Super-Hydrophilic, Multifunctional Coatings for Glass and Plastic Surfaces. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) seeks to develop three significant permanent, self-cleaning, anti-fog coatings for plastic and glass surfaces. Fogging of the windows of a car is a hazard most drivers have experienced at one time or another. Fogging results in poor visibility, and unsafe driving or flying conditions. Durable, anti-fog coatings that provide a permanent solution to the problem have potential to satisfy critical needs, especially for the growing number of aging baby boomers. The broader impact/commercial potential of the coatings has been tested independently; these coatings will be fine-tuned for applications in aircraft cockpit windows, motorcycle helmet visors, and in related personal protective gear. These multifunctional hard coatings can be used as abrasion resistant, anti-fog and anti-reflection coatings on both glass and plastic surfaces. The coatings are made from inexpensive raw materials and simple processing techniques like dip or spray coating suited to forming conformal coatings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Sampathkumaran, Uma InnoSense LLC CA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 589999 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 9102 5761 1773 1049 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823112 August 15, 2008 STTR Phase II: Low-Cost Nanoparticles for Enhanced Heat Transfer. This STTR Phase II project is to develop and commercialize copper nanofluids for heat transfer enhancement applications. The low cost nanoparticle production methods developed will produce quality nanoparticles for this application. Success of this STTR project will benefit a wide range of applications for heat transfer enhancement including: electronics, HVAC, transportation, textile and paper manufacturing, and energy production systems. The project will also provide educational impact by offering opportunities for student recruitment, research and training, and curricula design at the University of Nevada, Reno. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Yanming ADVANCED MATERIALS & DEVICES INC NV William Haines Standard Grant 480409 5373 1591 HPCC 9150 9139 1984 1788 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823115 July 15, 2008 STTR Phase II: Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Inclusion for Thermal Conductivity Enhancement of Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project seeks to investigate the commercial feasibility of new processes capable of incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into micro- and nano-capsules thereby producing particles with novel thermal and fluid properties. The primary objective is to take advantage of MWCNT exceptional thermal properties to enhance the thermal performance nano/microencapsulated phase change material (N/MPCM) slurry. Thermally enhanced N/MPCM slurries can provide palpable benefits in the thermal management of commercial and industrial processes and products, from microelectronics devices to large industrial facilities, by providing considerable additional heat capacity and better heat transfer performance. The combined effect of nano/microencapsulated MWCNTs and phase change materials present a unique opportunity to improve the performance of heat transfer fluids beyond current levels. A series of experiments will be carried out to quantify the degree durability, heat transfer enhancements in laminar and turbulent conditions, and in typical heat exchangers. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will have a lasting impact on the entire heat transfer industry. Direct impacts include lower flow rates, lower pressure drop, smaller heat transfer area and improved heat transfer effectiveness. The project will also elucidate how the new fluid performs in commercially available heat exchangers. The project will also provide unique educational opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. The success of the project will broaden scientific and technological understanding of enhanced heat transfer fluids in industry as well as in academia. Indirect impacts include enhanced living standard and improved competitiveness. Successful commercialization of the proposed concept will find applications in biomedical, aerospace, homeland security, and energy generation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Thies, Curt Thies Technology NV Ben Schrag Standard Grant 499783 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 9150 1406 0110000 Technology Transfer 0522100 High Technology Materials 0823118 December 15, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Spray Deposited Transparent Conducting Zinc Oxide Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop a cost-effective, non-vacuum technology to deposit p-type transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films. The lack of effective p-type TCOs has been a long-standing problem for the electro-optic industry. It is the crucial component to advance photovoltaic technology with n-type absorbers. The Phase I project developed cutting-edge spray pyrolysis technology to deposit wide-gap p-zinc oxide (p-ZnO) films. The project achieved important breakthroughs, both in terms of the new deposition system, as well as achieving p-ZnO films with inexpensive spray pyrolysis. The structural and electro-optical data for the ZnO films validate the feasibility of the new deposition approach and provide a compelling measure of project success. The Phase II project will advance the deposition system, improve the scientific understanding of doping issues, derive process-property correlations to optimize the electro-optical properties, and integrate technology into existing technology. The broader impact/commercial potential for new optoelectronic products is increasing exponentially, owing to the demand for clean energy and the microelectronics revolution. The deposition method offers cost and manufacturability advantages over current vacuum methods; it is remarkably versatile to deposit a number of other technological semiconductors that are amenable to spray deposition. The p-ZnO films can be used for short-wavelength light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, energy efficient windows, flat panel displays, gas sensors and other opto-electronic applications. It can extend photovoltaic technology to n-type absorbers and multi-junction flexible solar cells for higher efficiency. The commercialization of this technology will provide energy security, avert future power crises and reduce global warming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 416021 5373 AMPP 9163 9102 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823122 November 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Isobutanol biocatalyst - Engineering pathway enzymes for higher isobutanol productivity.. The intellectual merit of this Phase I SBIR research is the development of a biocatalyst for the commercial production of isobutanol using molecular techniques. During Phase I of this proposal, a bacterial microorganism was engineered that produced isobutanol at reasonably high rates and reaching high concentration, indicating that a biotechnological process for the production of isobutanol is feasible. During Phase II research, any limitation to biocatalyst productivity will be removed using molecular techniques resulting in a microorganism that produces isobutanol at a rate that allows for economically competitive production of isobutanol. The broader impacts of this Phase II SBIR research will be reneweable isobutanol produced for both the transportation fuel market as well as the chemical market. Higher alcohols, such as butanol and isobutanol that can be produced from the same biomass as ethanol are attractive second-generation biofuels due to their higher energy content and their low hygroscopicity. Successful completion of the Phase II work will help enable a process for the biotechnological production of isobutanol that is economically competitive with the petrochemical market. This not only delivers a better second-generation biofuel but also reduces the dependence on imported oil, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and expands the use of biobased products in the chemicals market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Meinhold, Peter Gevo Inc. CO Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 9104 1465 1402 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823126 November 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Bright and Tunable UV Light Emitter from ZnMgO Nanocrystalline System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase (SBIR) II project proposes to develop innovative compositionally tuned nanomaterials based oxide phosphor bright UV light emitting devices that have tunable optical UV light emission. This innovation is based on optical processes emerged in nanomaterials by absorption and emission through band gap engineered meta-stable but high quantum efficiency nanocrystalline, highly directed wires and nanocrystalline epitaxial films. This effort will demonstrate the optimization of nanostructural optical materials with high UV light emission efficiencies and proto-type device integrated with UV lamps. If successful the outcome of this effort will facilitate applications including invisible UV ink for security applications, medical devices, biological analysis tools, ultraviolet-based secure communications, space sensors, mineral identification, UV curing, UV fluorescent inspection, UV disinfection/sterilization of water, and UV measurement which have market potentials over $500M by 2010. The next generation of UV light sources will enhance UV applications by, 1) Providing additional energy savings, and thus a lower cost of ownership, 2) Enhancing optical spectroscopy, and 3) Enhancing national security applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Vispute, Ratnakar BLUE WAVE SEMICONDUCTORS, INC MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 477624 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823411 November 1, 2008 SBIR Phase II: Developing a Commercial Video Game for Tweens to Support Complex Systems Thinking. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will support middle school students in learning STEM concepts and problem solving through the use of a problem-based curriculum and video game with embedded scaffolds (e.g., guidance, tools, resources). The project will focus on the design, development, and testing of the usability, feasibility, and implementation of the Virtual Astronaut Learning Platform (VALP), an immersive, problem-based video game approach to improving STEM learning outcomes. The three-part model will combine the latest in learning sciences research and design with the best in commercial game play, and includes a new serious game-learning methodology - Mission Based Learning; a new game genre, First Person Explorer; and an approach - STEaM, which integrates creativity into STEM activities. The research will include iterative design and rapid prototype testing in school settings during Year 1 and a full-scale quasi-experimental design field test in Year 2. Additionally, the research will examine learning gains related to STEM concepts and problem solving approaches, changes in attitudes towards STEM-related careers, and changes in student self-efficacy related to science inquiry and technology; and will help to advance knowledge related to effective educational game design and implementation. The Virtual Astronaut Learning Platform will result in a commercial quality 3D game environment that supports single player and collaborative multi-player learning activities. VALP is a collection of game-based STEM learning environments that will be sold as a supplement to existing curriculum and textbooks, thus enhancing the availability of engaging and effective STEM learning activities for students. VALP learning activities are being mapped to national STEM standards and will include a teacher's guide to ensure appropriate integration into the larger STEM curriculum. Set 50 years in the future and based on realistic future science and technology capabilities, VALP will enable students to see how space will be explored in their lifetime, and how STEM content provides them with the knowledge and tools they need to solve real problems in space. Findings from the design process as well as from the learning outcomes research will add to the growing body of research related to effective embedded scaffolding techniques, problem-based learning approaches, and STEM learning and game-based learning approaches for diverse populations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kirkley, Sonny Information in Place, Inc. IN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 515885 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 7218 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0823780 September 1, 2008 National Science Foundation Industry University Cooperative Research Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing (LAM). Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing IIP-0823780 University of Virginia Gupta This is a proposal to renew the University of Virginia's participation in the Lasers and Plasmas center, an I/UCRC center that was created in 2002. The center was initially established as a single university center and currently has grown to a multi-university center with participation from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Southern Methodist University. The primary focus of the center's research is in laser applications for advanced manufacturing. Some of the center's research activities have included laser removal of oxides, laser micro-machining of titanium, laser microtexturing, optical sensor for laser welding, micromachining of aluminum alloys and carbon nanocomposites. The future center research will focus on applications of high power diode and fiber lasers for various materials processing needs. Laser processing techniques are expected to increase well beyond the applications of today as research provides improved development of this important process. The integrated effort of multi-university center for laser applications provides a great benefit to the society in terms of helping US industries to be more competitive in advanced manufacturing. The center will provide education and training to prepare students to meet future workforce needs. The center will provide a unique experience to graduate students who will interact and collaborate with industrial researchers and engineers. The center will continue to involve undergraduate students through REUs. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gupta, Mool University of Virginia Main Campus VA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 108000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0829576 July 15, 2008 Center for Advanced Knowledge Enablement. The explosive growth in the number and resolution of sensors and scientific instruments, of enterprise and scientific databases, and of internet traffic and activity has engendered unprecedented volumes of data. The frameworks, metadata structures, algorithms, data sets, search and data mining solutions needed to manage the volumes of data in use today are largely ad-hoc. The goal of this proposal is to initiate a new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Advanced Knowledge Enablement. The proposed center will study the representation, management, storage, analysis, search and social aspects of large and complex data. The proposed center, hosted at Florida International University (FIU), will facilitate research on problems of relevance to industry and in a forum that protects the proprietary nature of the asset. The research program will involve state-of-the art techniques for enhancing semantics, internet technology and knowledge representation techniques for improvements in applications. The activities proposed by FIU will have a wide ranging impact on the industry for improved application of data management and access. The investigators at the proposed center will leverage their track record of involving FIU?s predominantly Hispanic student population in research with programs such as ?affinity groups? that enable research performed by the graduate and undergraduate students to be shared with other students. The Center also plans to expand opportunities of mentoring and graduating computer scientists from under-represented populations at the BS, MS, and PhD levels. The center plans to build a cohesive structure spanning multiple institutions, in part by enabling extended research visits at partner sites for faculty and doctoral students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rishe, Naphtali Shu-Ching Chen Tao Li Evangelos Christidis Florida International University FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 249000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0831110 August 15, 2008 Collaborative Research: Establishing an I/UCRC Center for Multicore Productivity Research (CMPR). 0831875 University of Maryland, Baltimore County (lead institution) - Milton Halem 0831358 University of California, San Diego - Sheldon Brown 0831110 Georgia Institute of Technology - David Bader The objective of this planning grant proposal is to establish a "Center of Multicore Productivity Research" (CMPR). The CMPR consists of sites at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of California, San Diego. The proposed center will develop, test and optimize prototype formulations of computationally intensive applications and systems relevant to industry and government partnering sponsors on emerging multicore processors. The proposed work addresses a real-world problem, and there is a number of processor-intensive computer processes that can benefit immediately from this technology. The unifying theme uniting these separate research institutions into a Center for Multicore Productivity Research is their synergistic computational research endeavors in multicore computing, available multicore processor resources and the expertise of their staffs to support the computer science inherent in the parallel processing algorithms that are required to optimize the performance and scalability of intensive computations. The broader impact of CMPR addresses the future needs of the computer industry as this new multi core processor technology evolves. Breakthroughs in multi core productivity will enable real-time use of more sophisticated artificial-intelligence based control systems, providing additional productivity savings to multiple manufacturing and process industries. All CMPR sites are incorporating multicore computing into their core course curricula, and CMPR plans to significantly expand the number of industry or government organizations sponsoring relevant student research. CMPR also plans to capitalize on its relationships with local schools to provide opportunities for high school educators and students to participate in projects at the center. The collaboration with Maryland public schools and the charter school at UCSD are highly innovative. The Meyerhoff program and the Georgia Tech interaction with Atlanta area HCBUs should provide an excellent source for research students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bader, David Ada Gavrilovska Richard Vuduc Nate Clark GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0831358 August 15, 2008 Collaborative Research: Establishing an I/UCRC Center for Multicore Productivity Research (CMPR). 0831875 University of Maryland, Baltimore County (lead institution) - Milton Halem 0831358 University of California, San Diego - Sheldon Brown 0831110 Georgia Institute of Technology - David Bader The objective of this planning grant proposal is to establish a "Center of Multicore Productivity Research" (CMPR). The CMPR consists of sites at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of California, San Diego. The proposed center will develop, test and optimize prototype formulations of computationally intensive applications and systems relevant to industry and government partnering sponsors on emerging multicore processors. The proposed work addresses a real-world problem, and there is a number of processor-intensive computer processes that can benefit immediately from this technology. The unifying theme uniting these separate research institutions into a Center for Multicore Productivity Research is their synergistic computational research endeavors in multicore computing, available multicore processor resources and the expertise of their staffs to support the computer science inherent in the parallel processing algorithms that are required to optimize the performance and scalability of intensive computations. The broader impact of CMPR addresses the future needs of the computer industry as this new multi core processor technology evolves. Breakthroughs in multi core productivity will enable real-time use of more sophisticated artificial-intelligence based control systems, providing additional productivity savings to multiple manufacturing and process industries. All CMPR sites are incorporating multicore computing into their core course curricula, and CMPR plans to significantly expand the number of industry or government organizations sponsoring relevant student research. CMPR also plans to capitalize on its relationships with local schools to provide opportunities for high school educators and students to participate in projects at the center. The collaboration with Maryland public schools and the charter school at UCSD are highly innovative. The Meyerhoff program and the Georgia Tech interaction with Atlanta area HCBUs should provide an excellent source for research students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Brown, Sheldon University of California-San Diego CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0831875 August 15, 2008 Collaborative Research: Establishing an I/UCRC Center for Multicore Productivity Research (CMPR). 0831875 University of Maryland, Baltimore County (lead institution) - Milton Halem 0831358 University of California, San Diego - Sheldon Brown 0831110 Georgia Institute of Technology - David Bader The objective of this planning grant proposal is to establish a "Center of Multicore Productivity Research" (CMPR). The CMPR consists of sites at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of California, San Diego. The proposed center will develop, test and optimize prototype formulations of computationally intensive applications and systems relevant to industry and government partnering sponsors on emerging multicore processors. The proposed work addresses a real-world problem, and there is a number of processor-intensive computer processes that can benefit immediately from this technology. The unifying theme uniting these separate research institutions into a Center for Multicore Productivity Research is their synergistic computational research endeavors in multicore computing, available multicore processor resources and the expertise of their staffs to support the computer science inherent in the parallel processing algorithms that are required to optimize the performance and scalability of intensive computations. The broader impact of CMPR addresses the future needs of the computer industry as this new multi core processor technology evolves. Breakthroughs in multi core productivity will enable real-time use of more sophisticated artificial-intelligence based control systems, providing additional productivity savings to multiple manufacturing and process industries. All CMPR sites are incorporating multicore computing into their core course curricula, and CMPR plans to significantly expand the number of industry or government organizations sponsoring relevant student research. CMPR also plans to capitalize on its relationships with local schools to provide opportunities for high school educators and students to participate in projects at the center. The collaboration with Maryland public schools and the charter school at UCSD are highly innovative. The Meyerhoff program and the Georgia Tech interaction with Atlanta area HCBUs should provide an excellent source for research students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Halem, Milton Yelena Yesha University of Maryland Baltimore County MD Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832238 July 1, 2008 Connection One: Telecommunication Circuits and Systems (I/CURC). The University of Arizona is renewing its participation in the Connection One (C1) center, an I/UCRC center that was created in 2002. The lead institution is Arizona State University, and the center at present includes five universities and more than twenty industry members. The main research mission of the C1 is to develop technologies and solutions for emerging wireless communication systems, ranging from circuit designs and smart antennas to wireless network architectures and protocols. The scope of C1 extends to the integration of wireless and broadband wire-line technologies (optical communications). The primary focus of the proposed site over the next five years will be to increase the scope of the present work focused on communication protocols for wireless systems as well as mixed analog/digital circuit designs. The extensions to areas of research in wireless technology such as security and RFID are very positive. The cognitive radio area is also an important area for contribution as well as the integrated sensor area. The activities proposed by the University of Arizona (UA) research site will impact many important technology needs in the commercial and public sectors. The use of industrial internships to enhance the educational experience is very attractive. The site director at UA plans to exploit the NSF SBIR/STTR program to allow small businesses to directly participate in the C1?s research, and anticipates at least two new small companies to be part of the joint UA/industry projects. The site director has a diversity plan for the I/UCRC that makes specific efforts to attract under-represented groups to fill research, undergraduate and graduate positions. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Krunz, Marwan University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 160000 5761 OTHR 7609 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832240 August 15, 2008 Collaborative Research Thru NSF I/UCRC Planning Grant: Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) 0832243 West Virginia University; Hota GangaRao 0832240 Rutgers University, New Brunswick; Perumalsa Balaguru Western Virginia University (WVU) and Rutgers University (RU) propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructures" (CICI) for infrastructure systems such as highways, bridges, buildings, pipelines, flood control systems and utilities are all necessary for a healthy economy and comfortable standard of living. The proposed center intends to focus on innovation and mass-production of advanced polymer composite members and subsystems and integrate them into infrastructural systems through advanced construction methods such as rapid-modular deployment. Development of lighter materials and modular construction and re-construction will enhance disaster response and recovery both domestically and abroad. CICI will address the challenge of making these materials viable for commercial application through the combined intellects of academia and industry. CICI will integrate scientific endeavors complementing WVU and RU strengths to advance the composite knowledge base and applications, with education modules development to train both present and future engineers. The proposed activities of the center will enhance the international competitiveness of the American industry in the area of composites including modular construction. The nation as a whole would benefit as composite use would, in general, lead to structures of higher safety, shorter construction times and longer life spans at a reduced overall cost, new job opportunities and creation of new industrial sectors. The proposed projects of CICI will provide the intellectual tools to reshaping the infrastructure as well as train the skilled practitioners for designing the materials and structures required. Through the various mechanisms available at each university, CICI plans to recruit graduate students from under-represented groups, including minorities and women to broaden their participation in engineering. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Balaguru, Perumalsa Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9996 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832243 August 15, 2008 Collaborative Research thru NSF I/UCRC Planning Grant: Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) 0832243 West Virginia University; Hota GangaRao 0832240 Rutgers University, New Brunswick; Perumalsa Balaguru Western Virginia University (WVU) and Rutgers University (RU) propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructures" (CICI) for infrastructure systems such as highways, bridges, buildings, pipelines, flood control systems and utilities are all necessary for a healthy economy and comfortable standard of living. The proposed center intends to focus on innovation and mass-production of advanced polymer composite members and subsystems and integrate them into infrastructural systems through advanced construction methods such as rapid-modular deployment. Development of lighter materials and modular construction and re-construction will enhance disaster response and recovery both domestically and abroad. CICI will address the challenge of making these materials viable for commercial application through the combined intellects of academia and industry. CICI will integrate scientific endeavors complementing WVU and RU strengths to advance the composite knowledge base and applications, with education modules development to train both present and future engineers. The proposed activities of the center will enhance the international competitiveness of the American industry in the area of composites including modular construction. The nation as a whole would benefit as composite use would, in general, lead to structures of higher safety, shorter construction times and longer life spans at a reduced overall cost, new job opportunities and creation of new industrial sectors. The proposed projects of CICI will provide the intellectual tools to reshaping the infrastructure as well as train the skilled practitioners for designing the materials and structures required. Through the various mechanisms available at each university, CICI plans to recruit graduate students from under-represented groups, including minorities and women to broaden their participation in engineering. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG GangaRao, Hota West Virginia University Research Corporation WV Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832302 August 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: THz Application Center Planning Grant. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for THz Application 0832302 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Xi-Cheng Zhang 0832304 Oklahoma State University; Weili Zhang Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Oklahoma State University propose a planning grant for a collaborative center to investigate applications of Terahertz radiation. The proposed center "Terahertz Technology and Applications Center" (THz-TAC) will focus on developing new knowledge, tools, hardware, and personnel required for THz wave non-destructive testing and stand-off sensing for industrial and security applications. The center will leverage industry support and enhance the impact of the fundamental research at academic campuses to the application-driven tasks promoted by the industry members. The research to be pursued at the proposed center will address frontier areas of the electromagnetic spectrum from 0.3 to 10 THz in a number of challenging topics. The investigator experience and facilities appear to be well aligned with this project. THz-TAC will present an excellent platform for interdisciplinary research with broad applicability. There should be significant benefits through academic program development and technology transfer is highly likely, leading to more rapid utilization of terahertz technologies in industry and improved industrial competitiveness. THz-TAC will have an immediate impact on non-destructive analysis, a short term application (3 to 5 years) for homeland security and a longer term interest (5 to 10 years) in biomedicine. The THz-TAC's performance plan clearly addresses the interaction with underrepresented students. RPI has excellent track records on the enrollment of female and minority students. Diversity is well addressed in this planning grant proposal. The non-invasive nature of the technology holds potential for many areas of application in numerous fields. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Zhang, Xi-Cheng Albert Redo-Sanchez Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832304 August 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: THz Application Center Planning Grant. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for THz Application 0832302 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Xi-Cheng Zhang 0832304 Oklahoma State University; Weili Zhang Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Oklahoma State University propose a planning grant for a collaborative center to investigate applications of Terahertz radiation. The proposed center "Terahertz Technology and Applications Center" (THz-TAC) will focus on developing new knowledge, tools, hardware, and personnel required for THz wave non-destructive testing and stand-off sensing for industrial and security applications. The center will leverage industry support and enhance the impact of the fundamental research at academic campuses to the application-driven tasks promoted by the industry members. The research to be pursued at the proposed center will address frontier areas of the electromagnetic spectrum from 0.3 to 10 THz in a number of challenging topics. The investigator experience and facilities appear to be well aligned with this project. THz-TAC will present an excellent platform for interdisciplinary research with broad applicability. There should be significant benefits through academic program development and technology transfer is highly likely, leading to more rapid utilization of terahertz technologies in industry and improved industrial competitiveness. THz-TAC will have an immediate impact on non-destructive analysis, a short term application (3 to 5 years) for homeland security and a longer term interest (5 to 10 years) in biomedicine. The THz-TAC's performance plan clearly addresses the interaction with underrepresented students. RPI has excellent track records on the enrollment of female and minority students. Diversity is well addressed in this planning grant proposal. The non-invasive nature of the technology holds potential for many areas of application in numerous fields. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Zhang, Weili Oklahoma State University OK Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832361 July 15, 2008 I/UCRC Safety, Security and Rescue Research Center (SSR-RC). University of Denver is planning to join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Safety, Security, and Rescue Research (SSR-RC). The current center is built upon the knowledge and expertise of multi-disciplinary researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Minnesota (lead university). The primary focus of the proposed site will be on developing novel, heterogeneous, and modular mobility and sensing components; and integrating these diverse capabilities into reliable systems. The proposed site also brings some novel research aspects that are not represented in the universities currently participating in the SSTR-RC. For example, the proposed research site has recognized expertise in the development and delivery of infectious disease cultures and their vaccines. Furthermore, the University of Denver brings expertise in software engineering that is critical to the systems aspects of the center?s agenda and also valuable to companies looking to commercialize medium term academic research. The activities proposed by the University of Denver (UD) research site will impact many important technology needs in the commercial and public sectors. Together, with the support of partner companies and other campuses, new small-scale sensors will be developed and integrated with robust mobile platforms and truly human-centric interfaces, leveraging close cooperation with the user community in real application scenarios. The site director has a diversity plan for the I/UCRC that makes specific efforts to attract under-represented groups to fill research, undergraduate and graduate positions. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Voyles, Richard University of Denver CO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832390 August 1, 2008 I/UCRC Collaborative: The Center for Health Organization Transformation. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Health Organization Transformation 0832439 Texas A&M University System (lead institution); Larry Gamm 0832390 Georgia Institute of Technology; Eva Lee Texas A &M Health Science Center and Georgia Tech propose a center "Center for Health Organization Transformation"(CHOT)to conduct mixed methodology, applied research on the antecedents, execution, and effects of transformational interventions and strategies that combine evidence-based management, clinical and information technology innovations, and ongoing organizational learning and cultural change. The proposed work can result in improved health care quality and more effective use of financial and system resources in the delivery of health care. The research is designed to produce transformation in a critical industry, and the proposed team makes a credible case that the scope of the problem indicates a need for whole-system, transformative change. Since the health care sector is a significant segment of the US economy, enabling more effective use of resources within this sector could positively impact the economy. More specifically, the proposed research will benefit quality of patient care, operations efficiency of the healthcare delivery systems, and workforce transformation. These successes will be propagateda cross the practicing health systems in the nation through the center's industrial partners as well as the center directors and investigators.Research teams for the proposed center are made up of a diverse set of research faculty and graduate students,working closely with health system leaders. The center activities will support improvements in both masters' and doctoral level education and research. Broader dissemination will occur via professional and academic associations and conferences,and other mechanisms. Both schools are committed to inclusion of a diverse faculty and student body. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lee, Eva GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 100000 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832399 August 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC in Space Power and Propulsion. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC in Space Power and Propulsion 0832399 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Alec Gallimore 0832434 Michigan Technological University; Lyon King (lead institute) University of Michigan and Michigan Technological University propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "I/UCRC in Space Power and Propulsion" to pursue research in areas including launch vehicles, in-space propulsion, energy generation, energy storage, and energy processing. The program is motivated by the increasing penetration of commercial applications in the space industry. The intellectual merit of this proposal lies in the development of new methods and standards for terrestrial testing of space craft. By standardizing testing techniques, new designs can be more readily benchmarked and failure rates can be predicted with less time in testing. By improving standards for measuring ground test facility capability and consistency of measurement, industry will be better able to judge the merits of tested designs and accept them with greater confidence. The proposed center in collaboration with two universities and endorsed by several government agencies and industries, if successful, will facilitate the research development to support the US satellite communication and aerospace industries. This research will help maintain U.S. strategic competitiveness in space power and propulsion. Once the center has been established, the PIs will seek to broaden the research expertise by recruiting other universities and members. Both universities have also institutionalized programs to recruit, educate, and retain under-represented groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gallimore, Alec University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832417 November 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC on Assembly Research. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC in Assembly Research 0832417 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (lead institution); Kazuhiro Saitou 0832433 Michigan Technological University; John Sutherland The University of Michigan and Michigan Technological University propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "Industry/University Collaborative Research Center (I/UCRC) on Assembly Research" to maximize the global competitiveness of the US manufacturing industry through innovations in assembly design and manufacturing. The proposed center aims to conduct needs-driven, collaborative research projects within and across four research thrust areas: assembly design, assembly systems, supply chain management, and disassembly. Compared to fragmented attempts to tackle a focused research issue in isolation with others, this holistic approach is likely to yield strong synergy across the research thrusts and among industry partners representing various industry segments. The knowledge generated in the proposed center would also be applicable to non-manufacturing industry, such as service industry, where products are "assembled" of multiple commoditized and custom-made components. The broader impacts of this proposal would be to improve the competitiveness in the global manufacturing environment and to educate and train students who would be the future work force in the US manufacturing industry. The proposed center plans to disseminate research results to the general public through professional education courses and workshops and at the College of Engineering open house. Local high school and community college teachers will be encouraged to participate in the workshops, and the center will actively recruit students from the under-represented groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Saitou, Kazuhiro S. Jack Hu Jionghua (Judy) Jin Goker Aydin Harry Giles University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832420 August 15, 2008 An I/UCRC Center for Visual Decision Informatics. 0832420 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Vijay Raghavan The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) seeks to partner with Oregon State University and form a new NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Visual Decision Informatics. The focus of this consortium will be to develop new visual and analytic methods that leverage modern computer hardware and software, and develop analysis and discovery tools that can be applied to this complex data-based decision-making process. The potential robustness of the approach utilizing highly immersive environments with flexible and real-time manipulation of large amounts of data has the potential to make breakthroughs in a variety of fields. The proposed I/UCRC will provide a series of services complementary to other education, research and technology transfer units. It will provide students and faculty a platform to conduct industry-relevant research and gain valuable practical experience that otherwise cannot be gained from textbooks and research publications. The proposed center will recruit women and minorities through its ongoing outreach programs and through promotions with historically black colleges and universities in the region. The proposed center will also promote, catalyze and accelerate the commercialization of technology innovations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Raghavan, Vijay Bradd Clark Carolina Cruz-Neira Mark Zappi University of Louisiana at Lafayette LA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832427 October 1, 2008 Collaborative Research Center for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel 0832427 Michigan Technological University; S. Kawatra 0832700 University of Utah; H. Sohn The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC entitled "I/UCRC for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel" to develop new knowledge, tools, hardware, and personnel required for the iron and steel industries. The proposed center will be a collaborative project between Michigan Technological University (MTU), and the University of Utah (UoU). The proposed center will promote research to improve the understanding of iron reduction and steelmaking processes. The research to be conducted at the center has the potential to develop new process methods that should break away from the process restrictions imposed by the current blast furnace steelmaking operations. It would also involve investigation of different ways to convert iron oxides to metallic iron, and to investigate methods for conducting life cycle analysis and the reduction of wastes and emissions generated by the steel making process. The proposed projects will take advantage of the tremendous strides that have been made in instrumentation, materials characterization, and reaction modeling to advance the understanding of iron oxide reactions. The broader impacts of the proposal are that the processing operations of other alloys have the potential to benefit from the information gained in studying the iron and steel systems. The staff and students of the educational institutions and member companies will benefit by learning and understanding the mechanisms involved with the reduction of iron oxides. The industry will, in general, benefit as the close cooperation between the two universities and the member companies will accelerate the dissemination of information. The proposal has a well defined outreach program to broadening participation and ensuring diversity of involvement by partners, student outreach to under represented groups, and teachers at various institutions. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kawatra, S.K. Michigan Technological University MI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 145969 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832433 November 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC on Assembly Research. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC in Assembly Research 0832417 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (lead institution); Kazuhiro Saitou 0832433 Michigan Technological University; John Sutherland The University of Michigan and Michigan Technological University propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "Industry/University Collaborative Research Center (I/UCRC) on Assembly Research" to maximize the global competitiveness of the US manufacturing industry through innovations in assembly design and manufacturing. The proposed center aims to conduct needs-driven, collaborative research projects within and across four research thrust areas: assembly design, assembly systems, supply chain management, and disassembly. Compared to fragmented attempts to tackle a focused research issue in isolation with others, this holistic approach is likely to yield strong synergy across the research thrusts and among industry partners representing various industry segments. The knowledge generated in the proposed center would also be applicable to non-manufacturing industry, such as service industry, where products are "assembled" of multiple commoditized and custom-made components. The broader impacts of this proposal would be to improve the competitiveness in the global manufacturing environment and to educate and train students who would be the future work force in the US manufacturing industry. The proposed center plans to disseminate research results to the general public through professional education courses and workshops and at the College of Engineering open house. Local high school and community college teachers will be encouraged to participate in the workshops, and the center will actively recruit students from the under-represented groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gershenson, John Jaime Camelio Michigan Technological University MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832434 August 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC in Space Power and Propulsion. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC in Space Power and Propulsion 0832399 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Alec Gallimore 0832434 Michigan Technological University; Lyon King (lead institute) University of Michigan and Michigan Technological University propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "I/UCRC in Space Power and Propulsion" to pursue research in areas including launch vehicles, in-space propulsion, energy generation, energy storage, and energy processing. The program is motivated by the increasing penetration of commercial applications in the space industry. The intellectual merit of this proposal lies in the development of new methods and standards for terrestrial testing of space craft. By standardizing testing techniques, new designs can be more readily benchmarked and failure rates can be predicted with less time in testing. By improving standards for measuring ground test facility capability and consistency of measurement, industry will be better able to judge the merits of tested designs and accept them with greater confidence. The proposed center in collaboration with two universities and endorsed by several government agencies and industries, if successful, will facilitate the research development to support the US satellite communication and aerospace industries. This research will help maintain U.S. strategic competitiveness in space power and propulsion. Once the center has been established, the PIs will seek to broaden the research expertise by recruiting other universities and members. Both universities have also institutionalized programs to recruit, educate, and retain under-represented groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG King, Lyon Michigan Technological University MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832439 August 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: Center for Health Organization Transformation. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Health Organization Transformation 0832439 Texas A&M University System (lead institution); Larry Gamm 0832390 Georgia Institute of Technology; Eva Lee Texas A &M Health Science Center and Georgia Tech propose a center "Center for Health Organization Transformation"(CHOT)to conduct mixed methodology, applied research on the antecedents, execution, and effects of transformational interventions and strategies that combine evidence-based management, clinical and information technology innovations, and ongoing organizational learning and cultural change. The proposed work can result in improved health care quality and more effective use of financial and system resources in the delivery of health care. The research is designed to produce transformation in a critical industry, and the proposed team makes a credible case that the scope of the problem indicates a need for whole-system, transformative change. Since the health care sector is a significant segment of the US economy, enabling more effective use of resources within this sector could positively impact the economy. More specifically, the proposed research will benefit quality of patient care, operations efficiency of the healthcare delivery systems, and workforce transformation. These successes will be propagateda cross the practicing health systems in the nation through the center's industrial partners as well as the center directors and investigators.Research teams for the proposed center are made up of a diverse set of research faculty and graduate students,working closely with health system leaders. The center activities will support improvements in both masters' and doctoral level education and research. Broader dissemination will occur via professional and academic associations and conferences,and other mechanisms. Both schools are committed to inclusion of a diverse faculty and student body. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gamm, Larry Craig Blakely Robert Ohsfeldt Jane Bolin Christopher Johnson The Texas A&M University System HSC Research Foundation TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 150000 5761 OTHR 124E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832467 August 15, 2008 COLLABORATIVE PROPOSAL: I/UCRC: Center for Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC in Grid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) 0832538 University of Arkansas (lead institution); Homer Mantooth 0832467 University of South Carolina; Roger Dougal The University of Arkansas and University of South Carolina propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "Center for Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES)." Advanced grid control is a critical issue facing the US power grid today, especially with the increase in renewable power generation. The main objectives of the proposed center are the following: to develop new advanced power electronic systems, to develop the analysis tools for predicting and controlling the system behavior, and to educate and train the qualified manpower who understand the system benefits derived from the emerging technologies. The University of Arkansas has recently developed a major test facility, which will be critical to a number of the proposed projects. The proposed center will develop leading-edge industry relevant research that will provide the basis for effective development of the 21st century Future Grid. Continuing education of working power and utility engineers will be an important part of the GRAPES plan. The center will address the shortage of power engineers that is forecasted to emerge by 2010 by educating graduates for power management industries. Preliminary plans to add other universities to the proposed center, including universities in other countries, will be finalized during the planning period. Both the University of Arkansas and University of South Carolina have important initiatives that will serve to broaden representation of all people groups in this field. The center research theme will inherently have a major impact on society. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Dougal, Roger Enrico Santi Antonello Monti Ferdinanda Ponci University South Carolina Research Foundation SC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9999 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832469 August 15, 2008 Collaborative Research: Center for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Formulation. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Formulation 0832469 Georgia Tech; Andreas Bommarius 0832530 University of Kansas; Eric Munson 0832478 Duquesne University; James Drennen Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Kansas, and Duquesne University propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "Center for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Formulation (CPMF)" to address current challenges in the pharmaceutical industry with the aim of developing solutions towards more selective and robust manufacturing processes, more stable formulations, and better characterized and consistent products. The Center will provide a mechanism for collaborative projects between scientists from government, academia, and industry to develop innovative methods towards more selective and robust processes with less environmental footprint and to improve the safety of the nations drug supply. The proposed research agenda includes manufacturing, formulation, and analytical. The manufacturing focus is on transitioning to microscale and continuous process from the current norm of batch processes. The integration of manufacturing, formulation, and analyses of the approaches to testing and rapid identification of counterfeit and degraded drugs will lead to an advancement in knowledge in the field. Advances in these areas would help mitigate production costs, and would help keep the companies viable. The proposed work will improve the ability to develop safe drugs and drug formulations. Collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry will add value by promoting the rapid dissemination and application of technologies and information. The proposed center (CPMF) will promote learning by participant students as they conduct their research. CPMF will also place emphasis on recruiting under-represented groups in the graduate education, including presentations and visits to colleges and universities that serve under-represented groups, especially where the faculty are alumni. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bommarius, Andreas Charles Eckert Stefan Lutz Christopher Jones Hang Lu GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832478 August 15, 2008 Collaborative Research: Center for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Formulation. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Formulation 0832469 Georgia Tech; Andreas Bommarius 0832530 University of Kansas; Eric Munson 0832478 Duquesne University; James Drennen Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Kansas, and Duquesne University propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "Center for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Formulation (CPMF)" to address current challenges in the pharmaceutical industry with the aim of developing solutions towards more selective and robust manufacturing processes, more stable formulations, and better characterized and consistent products. The Center will provide a mechanism for collaborative projects between scientists from government, academia, and industry to develop innovative methods towards more selective and robust processes with less environmental footprint and to improve the safety of the nations drug supply. The proposed research agenda includes manufacturing, formulation, and analytical. The manufacturing focus is on transitioning to microscale and continuous process from the current norm of batch processes. The integration of manufacturing, formulation, and analyses of the approaches to testing and rapid identification of counterfeit and degraded drugs will lead to an advancement in knowledge in the field. Advances in these areas would help mitigate production costs, and would help keep the companies viable. The proposed work will improve the ability to develop safe drugs and drug formulations. Collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry will add value by promoting the rapid dissemination and application of technologies and information. The proposed center (CPMF) will promote learning by participant students as they conduct their research. CPMF will also place emphasis on recruiting under-represented groups in the graduate education, including presentations and visits to colleges and universities that serve under-represented groups, especially where the faculty are alumni. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Drennen, James Moji Adeyeye Carl Anderson Wilson Meng Peter Wildfong Duquesne University PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832498 September 1, 2008 I/UCRC Center for Bioenergy Research and Development - NCSU Site. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Bioprocessing Research and Development 0832549 South Dakota School of Mines; David Dixon 0832554 University of Hawaii; Scott Turn 0832505 South Dakota State University; William Gibbons 0832498 North Carolina State University; Steven Peretti 0832522 Kansas State University; Mary Rezac 0832520 State University of New York, Stony Brook; Devinder Mahajan This proposal request seeks funding to establish a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Bioprocessing Research and Development (CBRD). The proposed center is comprised of six universities, and is focused to make transformative discoveries to enable the lignocellulosic and fats and oil based bio-industries meet the challenges set forth by the US President, federal and state agencies and the American public. The research proposed is highly consistent with the USDA and DOE roadmaps and well integrated with the Sun Grant centers. The topic is timely and very crucial to the US, with strong academic and industry interest. The proposed research is highly interactive and multi-institutional, and has strong potential to be transformative through new discoveries. Universities participating in the proposed center have identified six initial research foci, and each of these focus areas will be addressed through numerous research projects. Additionally, the focus of the proposed center will be on activities that support and extend recent advances made by industrial partners. CBRD is positioned to make transformative discoveries that enable the lignocellulosic and oil and fats based bio-industries to meet the challenge of declining petroleum supply. The wide range of institutions and projects proposed present numerous mechanisms for broader impact. The proposed center will serve as an educational environment, to fill the workforce pipeline with engineers and scientists needed to make use of these opportunities. This center will also provide a network of information flow to the public sector: involve K-12 outreach activities and involvement from minority participation throughout the country. It Is anticipated that the center will have direct participation from tribal colleges and historically black colleges and universities. Technology transfer is well addressed in the center plan. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Peretti, Steven Kenneth Swartzel Stephen Kelley North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 117000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832505 September 1, 2008 I/UCRC Center for Bioenergy Research and Development. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Bioprocessing Research and Development 0832549 South Dakota School of Mines; David Dixon 0832554 University of Hawaii; Scott Turn 0832505 South Dakota State University; William Gibbons 0832498 North Carolina State University; Steven Peretti 0832522 Kansas State University; Mary Rezac 0832520 State University of New York, Stony Brook; Devinder Mahajan This proposal request seeks funding to establish a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Bioprocessing Research and Development (CBRD). The proposed center is comprised of six universities, and is focused to make transformative discoveries to enable the lignocellulosic and fats and oil based bio-industries meet the challenges set forth by the US President, federal and state agencies and the American public. The research proposed is highly consistent with the USDA and DOE roadmaps and well integrated with the Sun Grant centers. The topic is timely and very crucial to the US, with strong academic and industry interest. The proposed research is highly interactive and multi-institutional, and has strong potential to be transformative through new discoveries. Universities participating in the proposed center have identified six initial research foci, and each of these focus areas will be addressed through numerous research projects. Additionally, the focus of the proposed center will be on activities that support and extend recent advances made by industrial partners. CBRD is positioned to make transformative discoveries that enable the lignocellulosic and oil and fats based bio-industries to meet the challenge of declining petroleum supply. The wide range of institutions and projects proposed present numerous mechanisms for broader impact. The proposed center will serve as an educational environment, to fill the workforce pipeline with engineers and scientists needed to make use of these opportunities. This center will also provide a network of information flow to the public sector: involve K-12 outreach activities and involvement from minority participation throughout the country. It Is anticipated that the center will have direct participation from tribal colleges and historically black colleges and universities. Technology transfer is well addressed in the center plan. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gibbons, William South Dakota State University SD Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 56000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832508 August 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: Advanced Space Technologies Research and Engineering Center. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Advanced Space Technologies Research and Engineering Center 0832517 University of Florida; Norman Fitz-Coy 0832508 North Carolina State University; William Edmonson The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Advanced Space Technologies Research and Engineering Center (ASTREC)" that will develop new knowledge, tools, hardware, and personnel required for advanced space technologies. ASTREC will establish this multi-university collaboration between two research institutions in the southeast, University of Florida (UF) and North Carolina State University (NCSU). The proposed research aims at advancing knowledge by performing multidisciplinary research and providing breakthrough technologies in each of the satellite subsystems for pico/-nano-class of satellites. By focusing on small satellites of the pico- and nano-class drives the technology research to be constrained by low power, mass and volume. Through a Design-Build-Fly (DBF) philosophy, the center?s research mission is to perform leading-edge research that is industry driven to produce technologically small satellites and components, which will be on-orbit validated and demonstrated. The proposed work is important because it seeks to develop more agile space assets through developing innovative technologies and processes. Due to the diverse technologies that make up a satellite, those involved in the center?s research will come from engineering, the physical sciences and biological sciences. The efforts of ASTREC will provide the space industry with a class of satellites that cost less to develop and build without becoming technologically dated at launch. Through the success of its DBF philosophy, ASTREC will assist in the transformation of the space industry from risk adverse towards risk tolerant design. The Center plans to engage K-20 students in all aspects of small satellite design through hands-on cradle-to-grave experience to create the next generation of "rocket scientists". ASTREC has a strong diversity plan that ensures the participation of underrepresented groups in all levels of the Center. Extensive experience in fostering participation of underrepresented in research and education will add value to the center. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS UPPER ATMOSPHERIC FACILITIES IIP ENG Alexander, Winser William Edmonson North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 112000 5761 4202 OTHR 4444 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832517 August 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: Advanced Space Technologies Research and Engineering Center (ASTREC). Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Advanced Space Technologies Research and Engineering Center 0832517 University of Florida; Norman Fitz-Coy 0832508 North Carolina State University; William Edmonson The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Advanced Space Technologies Research and Engineering Center (ASTREC)" that will develop new knowledge, tools, hardware, and personnel required for advanced space technologies. ASTREC will establish this multi-university collaboration between two research institutions in the southeast, University of Florida (UF) and North Carolina State University (NCSU). The proposed research aims at advancing knowledge by performing multidisciplinary research and providing breakthrough technologies in each of the satellite subsystems for pico/-nano-class of satellites. By focusing on small satellites of the pico- and nano-class drives the technology research to be constrained by low power, mass and volume. Through a Design-Build-Fly (DBF) philosophy, the center?s research mission is to perform leading-edge research that is industry driven to produce technologically small satellites and components, which will be on-orbit validated and demonstrated. The proposed work is important because it seeks to develop more agile space assets through developing innovative technologies and processes. Due to the diverse technologies that make up a satellite, those involved in the center?s research will come from engineering, the physical sciences and biological sciences. The efforts of ASTREC will provide the space industry with a class of satellites that cost less to develop and build without becoming technologically dated at launch. Through the success of its DBF philosophy, ASTREC will assist in the transformation of the space industry from risk adverse towards risk tolerant design. The Center plans to engage K-20 students in all aspects of small satellite design through hands-on cradle-to-grave experience to create the next generation of "rocket scientists". ASTREC has a strong diversity plan that ensures the participation of underrepresented groups in all levels of the Center. Extensive experience in fostering participation of underrepresented in research and education will add value to the center. INTERNATIONAL PLAN & WORKSHOPS INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fitz-Coy, Norman Peggy Evanich University of Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 197017 I320 7299 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 5979 5946 5761 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832519 August 15, 2008 Fiber Optic Communications and Ultrabroadband Systems (FOCUS): UNM's Connection One IUCRC Center. The University of New Mexico is proposing to join the Arizona State University (lead institution), University of Arizona, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Ohio State University and the University of Hawaii existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Communications Circuits and Systems Center (Connection One). The proposed research site would increase the research capabilities and activities of the Center by focusing on fiber-optics and wireless (ultra-wideband) communications and systems. Some key objectives of the proposed research site include defining an initial set of well-defined research projects in collaboration with the industry partners, to market a forward-looking research and development vision to potential industry partners, and to build a team of core industry members committed to establishing the proposed site. The proposed center will pursue research projects of importance to a broad range of companies including Air Force Research Lab, Sandia National Lab, Encore, Gridline and others. The activities at the proposed site will involve faculty researchers, graduate and undergraduate students working together with industrial representatives. The proposed research site will also have increased participation of under-represented groups and minority students in industrially-relevant research activities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Jain, Ravinder University of New Mexico NM Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832520 September 1, 2008 I/UCRC Center for Bioenergy Research and Development. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Bioprocessing Research and Development 0832549 South Dakota School of Mines; David Dixon 0832554 University of Hawaii; Scott Turn 0832505 South Dakota State University; William Gibbons 0832498 North Carolina State University; Steven Peretti 0832522 Kansas State University; Mary Rezac 0832520 State University of New York, Stony Brook; Devinder Mahajan This proposal request seeks funding to establish a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Bioprocessing Research and Development (CBRD). The proposed center is comprised of six universities, and is focused to make transformative discoveries to enable the lignocellulosic and fats and oil based bio-industries meet the challenges set forth by the US President, federal and state agencies and the American public. The research proposed is highly consistent with the USDA and DOE roadmaps and well integrated with the Sun Grant centers. The topic is timely and very crucial to the US, with strong academic and industry interest. The proposed research is highly interactive and multi-institutional, and has strong potential to be transformative through new discoveries. Universities participating in the proposed center have identified six initial research foci, and each of these focus areas will be addressed through numerous research projects. Additionally, the focus of the proposed center will be on activities that support and extend recent advances made by industrial partners. CBRD is positioned to make transformative discoveries that enable the lignocellulosic and oil and fats based bio-industries to meet the challenge of declining petroleum supply. The wide range of institutions and projects proposed present numerous mechanisms for broader impact. The proposed center will serve as an educational environment, to fill the workforce pipeline with engineers and scientists needed to make use of these opportunities. This center will also provide a network of information flow to the public sector: involve K-12 outreach activities and involvement from minority participation throughout the country. It Is anticipated that the center will have direct participation from tribal colleges and historically black colleges and universities. Technology transfer is well addressed in the center plan. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mahajan, Devinder SUNY at Stony Brook NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 112000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832522 September 1, 2008 I/UCRC Center for Bioenergy Research and Development. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Bioprocessing Research and Development 0832549 South Dakota School of Mines; David Dixon 0832554 University of Hawaii; Scott Turn 0832505 South Dakota State University; William Gibbons 0832498 North Carolina State University; Steven Peretti 0832522 Kansas State University; Mary Rezac 0832520 State University of New York, Stony Brook; Devinder Mahajan This proposal request seeks funding to establish a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Bioprocessing Research and Development (CBRD). The proposed center is comprised of six universities, and is focused to make transformative discoveries to enable the lignocellulosic and fats and oil based bio-industries meet the challenges set forth by the US President, federal and state agencies and the American public. The research proposed is highly consistent with the USDA and DOE roadmaps and well integrated with the Sun Grant centers. The topic is timely and very crucial to the US, with strong academic and industry interest. The proposed research is highly interactive and multi-institutional, and has strong potential to be transformative through new discoveries. Universities participating in the proposed center have identified six initial research foci, and each of these focus areas will be addressed through numerous research projects. Additionally, the focus of the proposed center will be on activities that support and extend recent advances made by industrial partners. CBRD is positioned to make transformative discoveries that enable the lignocellulosic and oil and fats based bio-industries to meet the challenge of declining petroleum supply. The wide range of institutions and projects proposed present numerous mechanisms for broader impact. The proposed center will serve as an educational environment, to fill the workforce pipeline with engineers and scientists needed to make use of these opportunities. This center will also provide a network of information flow to the public sector: involve K-12 outreach activities and involvement from minority participation throughout the country. It Is anticipated that the center will have direct participation from tribal colleges and historically black colleges and universities. Technology transfer is well addressed in the center plan. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rezac, Mary Kansas State University KS Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 102000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832530 August 15, 2008 Collaborative Research: Center for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Formulation (CPMF). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Formulation 0832469 Georgia Tech; Andreas Bommarius 0832530 University of Kansas; Eric Munson 0832478 Duquesne University; James Drennen Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Kansas, and Duquesne University propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "Center for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Formulation (CPMF)" to address current challenges in the pharmaceutical industry with the aim of developing solutions towards more selective and robust manufacturing processes, more stable formulations, and better characterized and consistent products. The Center will provide a mechanism for collaborative projects between scientists from government, academia, and industry to develop innovative methods towards more selective and robust processes with less environmental footprint and to improve the safety of the nations drug supply. The proposed research agenda includes manufacturing, formulation, and analytical. The manufacturing focus is on transitioning to microscale and continuous process from the current norm of batch processes. The integration of manufacturing, formulation, and analyses of the approaches to testing and rapid identification of counterfeit and degraded drugs will lead to an advancement in knowledge in the field. Advances in these areas would help mitigate production costs, and would help keep the companies viable. The proposed work will improve the ability to develop safe drugs and drug formulations. Collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry will add value by promoting the rapid dissemination and application of technologies and information. The proposed center (CPMF) will promote learning by participant students as they conduct their research. CPMF will also place emphasis on recruiting under-represented groups in the graduate education, including presentations and visits to colleges and universities that serve under-represented groups, especially where the faculty are alumni. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Munson, Eric Charles Middaugh Elizabeth Topp Valentino Stella University of Kansas Center for Research Inc KS Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832538 August 15, 2008 COLLABORATIVE PROPOSAL: I/UCRC: Center for Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC in Grid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) 0832538 University of Arkansas (lead institution); Homer Mantooth 0832467 University of South Carolina; Roger Dougal The University of Arkansas and University of South Carolina propose a planning grant for a collaborative center "Center for Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES)." Advanced grid control is a critical issue facing the US power grid today, especially with the increase in renewable power generation. The main objectives of the proposed center are the following: to develop new advanced power electronic systems, to develop the analysis tools for predicting and controlling the system behavior, and to educate and train the qualified manpower who understand the system benefits derived from the emerging technologies. The University of Arkansas has recently developed a major test facility, which will be critical to a number of the proposed projects. The proposed center will develop leading-edge industry relevant research that will provide the basis for effective development of the 21st century Future Grid. Continuing education of working power and utility engineers will be an important part of the GRAPES plan. The center will address the shortage of power engineers that is forecasted to emerge by 2010 by educating graduates for power management industries. Preliminary plans to add other universities to the proposed center, including universities in other countries, will be finalized during the planning period. Both the University of Arkansas and University of South Carolina have important initiatives that will serve to broaden representation of all people groups in this field. The center research theme will inherently have a major impact on society. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mantooth, Homer Juan Carlos Balda Roy McCann University of Arkansas AR Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832545 July 1, 2008 Establishment of a Site on SMA-Research Technologies (SMA-RT) as part of OSU-SVC. Texas A & M University (TAMU) is planning to establish a site for the NSF I/UCRC program on shape memory alloys (SMA) and actuation technologies as a new thrust area of the recently established I/UCRC Smart Vehicles Concepts Center (SVC) at Ohio State University. The proposed research site will focus on development, processing, characterization, design and analysis of SMAs and SMA actuators with high actuation work outputs and operating temperatures spanning from subzero temperatures to 500C. In particular, the proposed research will establish the relationship amongst processing, microstructure and properties of SMAs. Emphasis will also be placed on studying the complicated thermo-mechanical response of SMAs and SMA actuator designs and analysis. The new SMA materials, actuators, design and analysis tools developed at TAMU will benefit a wide range of industries and especially the design of new vehicles and mechanisms. The proposed site will contribute to and support the smart technology activities that are currently under development at OSU. TAMU will help disseminate the SMA knowledge to the interested US industries and help maintain or improve their global competitiveness. The researchers at the proposed site intend to recruit women and minority undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the SVC-TAMU research work. IUCRC FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Lagoudas, Dimitris James Boyd Ibrahim Karaman Texas Engineering Experiment Station TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 181000 7609 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 5761 129E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832549 September 1, 2008 I/UCRC Center for Bioenergy Research and Development. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Bioprocessing Research and Development 0832549 South Dakota School of Mines; David Dixon 0832554 University of Hawaii; Scott Turn 0832505 South Dakota State University; William Gibbons 0832498 North Carolina State University; Steven Peretti 0832522 Kansas State University; Mary Rezac 0832520 State University of New York, Stony Brook; Devinder Mahajan This proposal request seeks funding to establish a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Bioprocessing Research and Development (CBRD). The proposed center is comprised of six universities, and is focused to make transformative discoveries to enable the lignocellulosic and fats and oil based bio-industries meet the challenges set forth by the US President, federal and state agencies and the American public. The research proposed is highly consistent with the USDA and DOE roadmaps and well integrated with the Sun Grant centers. The topic is timely and very crucial to the US, with strong academic and industry interest. The proposed research is highly interactive and multi-institutional, and has strong potential to be transformative through new discoveries. Universities participating in the proposed center have identified six initial research foci, and each of these focus areas will be addressed through numerous research projects. Additionally, the focus of the proposed center will be on activities that support and extend recent advances made by industrial partners. CBRD is positioned to make transformative discoveries that enable the lignocellulosic and oil and fats based bio-industries to meet the challenge of declining petroleum supply. The wide range of institutions and projects proposed present numerous mechanisms for broader impact. The proposed center will serve as an educational environment, to fill the workforce pipeline with engineers and scientists needed to make use of these opportunities. This center will also provide a network of information flow to the public sector: involve K-12 outreach activities and involvement from minority participation throughout the country. It Is anticipated that the center will have direct participation from tribal colleges and historically black colleges and universities. Technology transfer is well addressed in the center plan. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Winter, Robb Duane Abata South Dakota School of Mines and Technology SD Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 208000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832553 September 1, 2008 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) on sustainable engineering systems. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC in Sustainable Engineering Systems 0832553 Santa Clara University; Jorge Gonzalez-Cruz This proposal integrates the activities from three institutions (Santa Clara University, San Jose State University, and California College of the Arts to plan the formation of a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) on sustainable engineering systems with a focus on quantifiable sustainability. The proposed "Center for Sustainable Engineering Systems" (CSES) will focus on quantifiable sustainability and reducing market barriers by improving performance, by installation of systems driven by overall energy efficiencies, and by promoting incentives that rely on measured benefits obtained using advanced building information systems. The proposed research will revolve around sustainable materials, building integrated technologies, building information systems, sustainable built environments, and sustainable transportation, focusing on relationships between energy efficiency and weather/climate, construction material and location, and human behavior and living spaces. The greatest benefits that would be derived from this work largely descend from wider public understanding about sustainability and the development of a more robust way to measure it. The several products discussed for development (building products and integrated solar panels) will provide for wider usage of more sustainable products. The ability of the center to harness interest of entities in California is promising. The proposed center plans to recruit students from under-represented groups, including minorities and women to broaden their participation in engineering. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gonzalez-Cruz, Jorge Robert Bornstein Timothy Hight Mark Aschheim Kathrina Simonen Santa Clara University CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 30000 5761 OTHR 112E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832554 September 1, 2008 I/UCRC Center for Bioenergy Research and Development. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Bioprocessing Research and Development 0832549 South Dakota School of Mines; David Dixon 0832554 University of Hawaii; Scott Turn 0832505 South Dakota State University; William Gibbons 0832498 North Carolina State University; Steven Peretti 0832522 Kansas State University; Mary Rezac 0832520 State University of New York, Stony Brook; Devinder Mahajan This proposal request seeks funding to establish a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Bioprocessing Research and Development (CBRD). The proposed center is comprised of six universities, and is focused to make transformative discoveries to enable the lignocellulosic and fats and oil based bio-industries meet the challenges set forth by the US President, federal and state agencies and the American public. The research proposed is highly consistent with the USDA and DOE roadmaps and well integrated with the Sun Grant centers. The topic is timely and very crucial to the US, with strong academic and industry interest. The proposed research is highly interactive and multi-institutional, and has strong potential to be transformative through new discoveries. Universities participating in the proposed center have identified six initial research foci, and each of these focus areas will be addressed through numerous research projects. Additionally, the focus of the proposed center will be on activities that support and extend recent advances made by industrial partners. CBRD is positioned to make transformative discoveries that enable the lignocellulosic and oil and fats based bio-industries to meet the challenge of declining petroleum supply. The wide range of institutions and projects proposed present numerous mechanisms for broader impact. The proposed center will serve as an educational environment, to fill the workforce pipeline with engineers and scientists needed to make use of these opportunities. This center will also provide a network of information flow to the public sector: involve K-12 outreach activities and involvement from minority participation throughout the country. It Is anticipated that the center will have direct participation from tribal colleges and historically black colleges and universities. Technology transfer is well addressed in the center plan. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Turn, Scott University of Hawaii HI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 149525 I176 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0832700 October 1, 2008 Collaborative Research Center for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel 0832427 Michigan Technological University; S. Kawatra 0832700 University of Utah; H. Sohn The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC entitled "I/UCRC for Fundamental Studies of Advanced Sustainable Iron and Steel" to develop new knowledge, tools, hardware, and personnel required for the iron and steel industries. The proposed center will be a collaborative project between Michigan Technological University (MTU), and the University of Utah (UoU). The proposed center will promote research to improve the understanding of iron reduction and steelmaking processes. The research to be conducted at the center has the potential to develop new process methods that should break away from the process restrictions imposed by the current blast furnace steelmaking operations. It would also involve investigation of different ways to convert iron oxides to metallic iron, and to investigate methods for conducting life cycle analysis and the reduction of wastes and emissions generated by the steel making process. The proposed projects will take advantage of the tremendous strides that have been made in instrumentation, materials characterization, and reaction modeling to advance the understanding of iron oxide reactions. The broader impacts of the proposal are that the processing operations of other alloys have the potential to benefit from the information gained in studying the iron and steel systems. The staff and students of the educational institutions and member companies will benefit by learning and understanding the mechanisms involved with the reduction of iron oxides. The industry will, in general, benefit as the close cooperation between the two universities and the member companies will accelerate the dissemination of information. The proposal has a well defined outreach program to broadening participation and ensuring diversity of involvement by partners, student outreach to under represented groups, and teachers at various institutions. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sohn, H. Y. University of Utah UT Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 112000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0833513 September 15, 2008 Workshop: IT Security Conference. This IT Security workshop will focus on bringing Innovation to market in the IT Security sector. One objective is to provide connections to the academic and small business community that is working in this area. Speakers from the venture industry as well as technology officers from potential strategic partners will convey "lessons learned" and best practices to increase commercialization success. After the workshop is complete, leaders from the community will be more experienced with the NSF SBIR/STTR program and companies will walk away with rich contacts with future business development potential. The NSF's SBIR/STTR program makes approximately $110mm in grants on an annual basis and maintaining and improving commercialization of these efforts through public-private partnerships is considered a strategic thrust for the effort. Supporting workshops specifically-targeted to areas such as IT security is one way that NSF can as a catalyst to establish more effective public-private partnerships and thus increase the commercialization impact of the program. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pyrovolakis, John Kauffman Innovation Network MO Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 10000 5373 HPCC 9217 5371 0836986 August 1, 2008 Building on Success: Indigenous Alliance Expansion. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project will add the following expansion schools to the Indigenous Alliance: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Idaho, and University of North Dakota. Under the leadership and guidance of the founding institution, the University of Alaska Anchorage, each of these Alliance Universities has formed a partnership with high schools and industrial participants. The goal of this project, which builds upon and adds to an existing alliance of six institutions--University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Hawai?i Manoa, University of Washington, Kapiolani Community College, and Kuskokwim Community College?is to effect a systematic change in the hiring patterns of Indigenous Americans in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by increasing the number of individuals on a career path to leadership in STEM fields. Basic to the work of each of these teams is the Pre-College portion of the model. Each team works with high schools and industrial partners in order to establish computer labs in Native communities and/or in schools with substantial indigenous populations. In the labs, high school students assemble computers, train on specific engineering and science software packages, and teach others how to build computers. Students are required to successfully complete chemistry, physics, and trigonometry prior to graduation. Students who meet all of the programmatic requirements earn the right to keep the computer. The work will advance the knowledge and understanding of key elements that serve to motivate native students and to sustain their interest through successful degree completion. While the project focuses primarily on the replication of the pre-college model developed at the University of Alaska Anchorage, it will also contribute to the strengthening of the STEM pipeline including summer bridge programs, university retention programs, and graduate education at the participating universities. The proposed pre-college project has the potential to bring about a substantial increase in the number of Indigenous Americans studying engineering and other STEM fields at the participating universities. NSF funding will be substantially leveraged by matching funds from participating universities and their industry school system partners. Partners central to this Indigenous Alliance activity include University of Alaska Anchorage(lead institution), universities: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Idaho, and University of North Dakota; high schools: Lapwai Junior-Senior HS (Nez Perce), Four Winds Community High School; Boulder Valley Schools; Leadership Institute: Boulder Valley Schools; non-academic organizations: Ford Foundation, Sloan Foundation, 3M, and J.D. Abrams Native American Support Fund; evaluator(also a non-academic organization): Urban Institute. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Schroeder, Herb University of Alaska Anchorage Campus AK Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 720000 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0837875 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Novel True 3D Display System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a device capable of volumetric 3D images providing true 3D measurement of and spatial relationship among the displayed 3D objects, while the multiview 3D images provide photo-quality textured surface properties of the displayed 3D objects. It seamlessly integrates these two 3D display modes into a single 3D display system, the proposed true 3D display technology offers an unprecedented capability never available before: a volumetric 3D display capable of showing both true 3D positions of voxels, as well as various surface properties (occlusion, shining, reflection, shadow, etc) that are essential to many high image quality biomedical image visualization applications. Unique advantages of the proposed true 3D display technology include: 1) Capable of display 3D image in both volumetric and multiview mode simultaneously in single system, for the first time; 2) Preserve 3D spatial voxels and 3D measurement capability while producing photo-quality 3D images with realistic surface properties (shining, shadow, occlusion, etc, 3) High resolution, capable of displaying several hundred million voxels in single 3D image; 4) Offer volumetric mode, multiview mode and simultaneous multiview/volumetric mode in 3D display, suited for various visualization and 3D measurement applications; and 5) No special viewing glasses or any special eyewear is needed to view the 3D images. If successful this 3D display technology will have a tremendous impact because it will provide a new level of realism and literally add a new dimension to the dynamic interaction between human and the world around us. The potential market for 3D display systems is large with far reaching applications for medical and military uses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Geng, Jason Xigen LLC md Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0838067 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Novel Nano-Crystal Materials That Enhance Solar Cell Efficiency. This Small Business Innovation Research project is to develop and apply a novel nano-crystalline functional material to existing commercial solar cells or modules, to significantly enhance their energy conversion efficiency, without incurring much cost or disruption to existing solar cell production process. By significantly enhancing the efficiency of existing solar cells, this project could impact the commercialization of solar electricity and benefit the Nation's environment as well. The proposed approach is economical and easily-adoptable step to increase output from the current commercial solar modules without changing the existing production process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG wang, hao Sun Innovations Inc CA William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0838318 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Large Diameter CdS Single Crystal Substrates for II-VI-based Light Emitters and Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate a novel crystal growth technique for volume production of large diameter, high quality cadmium sulfide (CdS) single crystals suitable as lattice-matched substrates for fabricating II-VI-based light emitters, particularly ZnCdMgSe quantum-well light emitting devices and high resolution full-color displays. One challenge in the development of high-performance ZnCdMgSe quantum-well light emitting devices is the overcoming of manufacturing hurdles of lattice-matched, large-diameter and high-quality CdS single crystal substrates. The proposed effort will investigate a unique growth technique for producing large-diameter, high-quality CdS single crystals in an efficient manner, so that large diameter CdS single crystal substrates may be manufactured at a competitive price. If the proposed growth technology is successfully adopted in volume production, large-diameter, high-quality CdS single crystal substrates will become widely available commercially at an affordable price, which will greatly accelerate development and commercialization of high-performance II-VI-based light emitters and LED-based full-color displays for varieties of defense, industrial and commercial applications. The company's advantage over the competitors is the experience in producing large diameter single crystals and development of an efficient manufacturing process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Shaoping Fairfield Crystal Technology, LLC CT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0838612 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Eliminating the use of Fluorochemicals in Textile Applications: Superhydrophobic Surfaces via Surface Modified Nanoparticles.. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will examine the feasibility to develop effective replacements for fluorochemicals that are widely used in the textile industry to produce soil and stain resistant finishes on clothes, upholstery, carpet and medical textiles. Fluorochemicals, while highly effective, have been shown to be persistent in the environment, bio-accumulative, and have recently been cited by the Environmental Protection Agency as probable carcinogens. Moreover, fluorochemicals and the precursors used to prepare these materials such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been shown to accumulate in human breast tissue and in arctic wildlife. There is a clear need to develop an effective replacement for fluorochemicals that provides the benefits of fluorochemicals but is not bio-accumulative and is not harmful to the environment or people. G3 Technology Innovations will develop novel advanced materials utilizing nanoparticle surface modification methods developed by G3i, to create a superhydrophobic, nano-rough surface in a single-step process. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project is to eliminate the use of fluorochemicals in water-resistant textile finishes. The novelty of this technology is that it provides a soil and stain resistant finish that is free of fluorochemicals, contains no VOCs, and can be applied to fabric using existing textile finishing equipment in a single-step process. This technology will be highly beneficial to the US textile industry, enabling differentiation from foreign competition. Furthermore, the technology is beneficial to society at large since it virtually eliminates a major source of environmental pollution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bringley, Joseph G3 Technology Innovations, LLC NY Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99715 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 1769 0308000 Industrial Technology 0838747 November 15, 2008 Collaborative Research: Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for e-Design: IT Enabled Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is renewing its participation in the e-Design center, an I/UCRC center that was created in 2003. The lead institution is Virginia Tech, and the center at present includes three universities and approximately seventeen industry members. The mission and Vision of the NSF Center for e-Design is to serve as a national center of excellence in IT-enabled design and realization of manufactured products. E-Design involves conceptualizing, designing and realizing a product (or system) using methods and software tools that allow for interoperability of remote and heterogeneous systems and support collaboration among distributed, multidisciplinary stakeholders. The University of Massachusetts (UMass) will bring expertise in three of the four Center thrust areas, including: New Design Paradigms and Processes, Design Optimization, and Enabling Information Infrastructure. Researchers at UMass will be focused on the development and application of engineering ontologies related to product design to enable seamless collaboration and interoperability of engineering tools and people in a distributed web-environment. The joint research efforts of researchers at the other Center institutions (Virginia Tech and University of Central Florida) both complement and strengthen the work at UMass. The proposed Center renewal will enable UMass to continue its key research and leadership role in the Center, as well as contribute significantly to the successful development and preparation of graduate and undergraduate students. Benefits to students will include integration of resulting work into coursework and engineering curricula, as well as internship opportunities. The center will provide a unique experience to students who can interact and collaborate with industrial researchers and engineers. Research and educational findings will continue to be disseminated nationally and will have a significant impact on US industry as a whole. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Krishnamurty, Sundar University of Massachusetts Amherst MA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 104990 5761 OTHR 7609 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0838814 August 15, 2008 Advancing the Scientific Study of Discovery-to-Innovation (D-I) Partnerships. The University-Industry Demonstration Partnership will host a workshop on the Discovery-to-Innovation (D-I) process. The participants will include leaders from the university, industry (large and small) and government. The workshop participants will discuss the strategic, operational, and scientific issues associated with new opportunities to accelerate the D-I process. In addition to researchers from the engineering, computer science and physical science disciplines, the workshop will engage social and behavioral scientists who are leaders in the area of science of science and innovation policy. The intellectual goals of the workshop will focus on discovering new approaches to innovation research, identifying emerging and potentially supportive research activities at NSF, investigating new opportunities for University-Industry innovation research partnerships, and incorporating scientific analysis into the Discovery-to-Innovation process. The broader impact of this workshop will be to strengthen and broaden U-I research partnerships and collaborations which will ultimately amplify U.S competitiveness. SCIENCE OF SCIENCE POLICY SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROG SCI & TECH CTRS (INTEG PTRS) OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY AC IIP ENG Sloan, Susan Anthony Boccanfuso National Academy of Sciences DC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 124139 7626 5370 1297 1253 OTHR 5370 0000 0838881 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High-K PMN-PT Thick Film With K Above 3000. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to produce thick film piezoelectric material for high frequency devices. The plan is to develop a sol-gel nanocomposite thick PMN-PT film technology with low temperature processing. Currently, high frequency ultrasonic transducers are fabricated from single crystals and ceramics by grinding down thickness or dicing method. This limits the minimum thickness possible. By producing thinner films the frequency response of devices will be extended. The proposed films may find applications in ultrasonic imaging arrays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Huang, Yuhong CHEMAT TECHNOLOGY INC CA William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0838893 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High-efficiency Multi-carrier Ribbon-beam Amplifier for Wireless Communications. This SBIR Phase I research proposal will demonstrate an innovative Ribbon-Beam Amplifier (RBA) which significantly advances the state-of-the-art in solid-state and vacuum electronic Radio Frequency (RF) amplification. The goal is to determine the feasibility of a ribbon-beam amplifier that is highly efficient (56%), broadband (1930-1990 MHz), and high power (100 W in continuous-wave operation). As a next-generation RF amplifier, the RBA is expected to be applicable to third-generation (3G) wireless communications and future wireless communication platforms such as emerging fourth generation (4G) and ultra-wide-band (UWB) wireless communications. If successful, this project will lead to commercially deployable RBA products overcoming the limitations of existing solid-state multi-carrier power amplifiers (MPCAs) which have low efficiency, complex and expensive linearization circuits, and narrow instantaneous bandwidth (30 MHz). The proposed technology will significantly lower both the capital cost and operating cost of commercial wireless base station amplifiers. Using increases in efficiency of a factor of 2 to 3 over current solid state products provides for cost reduction in primary power usage by the amplifiers themselves; operating cost and capital cost reduction from lower power output requirements of backup power sources such as batteries and auxiliary power generators needed for power outage conditions; smaller power supplies; and smaller less expensive cooling systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bemis, Thomas Beam Power Technology, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0838939 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Novel Polylithium Salts for Small and Full Size Rechargeable Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop and employ novel cost-effective lithium salts for mass production of full size lithium-ion batteries for EV/HEV applications. Small lithium-ion batteries containing fluorinated low lattice energy lithium salts are used in computers, cell phones, cameras, and medical devices. For mass production of full size batteries to be used in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles (EV/HEV), the electrolytes derived from these salts are far too expensive and are potentially hazardous to the environment. In a Li-ion battery, the liquid electrolyte is the second most expensive component after cathode materials. Therefore, there is a great demand for lithium salts that are inexpensive compared to that of the current lithium salts. The availability of such salts will be a major advance in Li-ion battery technology. This project will develop low-cost lithium salts that have excellent electrochemical properties. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is to introduce to the marketplace new lithium salts for large-scale production of full-size lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and consumer products. These environmentally safer and less costly materials will provide improved batteries compared to those currently available. Due to worldwide concerns about environmental issues and the depletion of natural fossil fuels, there have been increasing demands for sustainable EVs (electric vehicles) and FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles). These electric powertrains need secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged frequently. One of the most promising types of secondary batteries is the lithium-ion(Li-ion) battery, because of its high energy and power densities and because it has the potential to last the lifetime of the car. Li-ion batteries are also currently in large-scale commercial production for use in consumer electronic products, such as laptop computers and cellphones. However, the high cost of small cells precludes their use in economically-demanding mass-market vehicles. To improve their competitive position and with a view to potential long-term expansion of the vehicle market, considerable research and development must be devoted to lowering the costs of Li-ion batteries. The technology developed in this project will advance this goal. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Filler, Robert TechDrive, Inc. IL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839140 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Cell Targeting Tools. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need to develop cell targeting agents for more effective study of internalization in cells. In the field of targeted therapeutics, especially in nanoparticle drug delivery systems, it is becoming increasingly important to select the best targeting molecules to enable cell targeting and cell entry. There does not appear to be a good way to do this now nor have products emerged to address this particular problem. The proposed research develops a method that can be used with a plate reader and is adaptable to high-throughput screening. This method would be an important research tool for many companies and academic researchers developing targeted therapeutics. A small natural protein shell filled with a fluorescent dye is used. Targeting peptides can be attached to this protein shell via chemical crosslinking to the surface. Peptide binding efficiency to the protein shell can be ascertained by fluorescent reporter molecules that do not overlap with the internalized dye. Ultimate targeting and cell entry can be determined from release of the internalized dye. The broader impacts of this research are in developing novel methods for diagnosis and treatment of disease. A rapid method for discovering new targeting agents in a controlled platform has widespread potential applications as a basic research tool and as an advanced technology for discovery of novel drug delivery platforms. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Oberhardt, Bruce NanoVector, Inc. NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 125174 5371 BIOT 9183 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839146 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Novel Processing of Mesoporous Materials for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of designing engineered mesoporous zirconia films for intermediate temperature (600°C) solid-oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) with the aim of extending the basic and practical knowledge of synthesis as well as electronic behavior of mesoporous films, while at the same time producing materials that have a direct application in IT-SOFCs. This work will, for the first time, demonstrate mesoporous zirconia films for IT-SOFCs. The objectives of this study are: 1) refinement and detailed design of a large-scale and practical means of generating significant amounts of mesoporous zirconia powders and films, and 2) assessment of the ionic conductivity properties of the films. The successful completion of this project will result in mesoporous ceramic films with high electronic conductivity for IT-SOFCs. Compared to state-of-the-art, the proposed technology has competitive advantages including: synthesizing highly stable mesoporous materials, obtaining compacts with grain sizes in the nanometer regime, and allowing the determination of permeability and electronic properties in these types of materials. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project is to aid in the development of less expensive fuel cells. This technology could provide a solution for portable power and partly eliminate the need for batteries. SOFCs offer a promising technology options for the fuel cell industry which is one of the fastest growing segments of the power industry due to the need for reliable power sources. Most SOFCs are used at the operating temperature of 800-1000°C because the resistance of the standard commercial electrolyte material is lower at high operating temperatures. To reduce the cost of the SOFCs and to accelerate their market application, the operating temperature of SOFCs needs to be decreased. Mesoporous zirconia is an excellent candidate material for the IT-SOFCs application. The mesoporous film technology is unique compared to the competing technology and will allow for the development of effective power sources. This technology is of increasing importance for the future energy needs of this country. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Yanming ADVANCED MATERIALS & DEVICES INC NV Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1984 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839160 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: An Uncooled Multi-color Resonant Tunneling Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetector. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a high-performance uncooled sensor to accommodate multiple spectral-band infrared detection at high operating temperatures. The photon detector will operate in the 3 to 5 and 8 to 10 micron spectral bands. In addition, the infrared sensor will be fabricated out of III-V nano-semiconductor materials. The nano-material will be composed of features, such as quantum dots and wells, and superlattices, for intra-band photon detection and dark current suppression. That is, detector materials and large format detector arrays will be design, constructed and characterized. If successful the proposed uncooled high-performance sensor will be important for many commercial, scientific, and defense applications. In particular, the research and development activities will directly lead to a sensor product for high temperature operation (uncooled) and multi-color imaging. For example, the advanced sensors will benefit many industrial applications that include: environmental monitoring, biological and chemical detection, and medical imaging. Based on the advanced properties of the nano-material constituents, a number of unique detection and imaging capabilities will be realized. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meisner, Mark Titan Optics & Engineering NH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839187 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Agonist-mimetic Aptamers: a New Method to Control Stem Cell Fate. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research develops an efficient method to produce single-stranded DNAs, known as aptamers, which can bind to receptors on the surface of cells and mimic the biological effects of naturally occurring proteins that bind to these receptors. These proteins control cellular functions and are critically important for the emerging applications of stem cells for therapeutics. These proteins are often difficult to produce and expensive, whereas aptamers are relatively easy to make and cheap. In phase I, aptamers will be produced which mimic the effect of a protein known as stem cell factor (SCF). Stem cell factor has been identified as a key protein in stimulating stem cell growth. A procedure known as SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) will be used to identify aptamers from a large pool of such molecules that bind to all receptors on the surface of stem cells. A new procedure will be used to pinpoint aptamers which bind only to the targeted SCF receptors and produce a biological response. The broader impacts of this research are 2-fold. First, this technology will replace rare and expensive proteins with abundant and cheap aptamers that mimic the biological effects of these proteins, enhancing basic research applications. Second, these aptamers have the potential to replace many therapeutic proteins now on the market or yet to be developed, contributing significantly to the reduction of healthcare costs in the future. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Navran, Stephen Synthecon, Inc. TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839191 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Fast-Response, High Sensitivity MEMS based NOx Emission Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project demonstrates the technical feasibility of a Fast-Response, High Sensitivity MEMS based NOx Emission Sensor for Diesel and Other Lean Burn Engines. The innovation combines the company?s SiC-based MEMS piezoelectric bimorph microresonator chemical detection technology with a NOx sensor materials technology patented by MIT, to develop a NOx sensor needed for emissions control and capable of operation in harsh engine emissions environments. This will be accomplished by 1) formulating NOx-sensitive material compositions optimized for sensitivity, reversibility and long term stability, 2) developing deposition processes for integrating the NOx sensitive materials onto its MEMS resonators, and 3) developing high temperature compatible electrodes and packaging compatible with hot engine emissions. If successful the proposed NOx sensor will fill a strategic and unmet need allowing diesel engines to conform to new diesel engine emissions standards being implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European Union and Japan. The proposed program will develop and demonstrate highly innovative, sensitive and stable MEMS-based resonator sensor suitable for detecting NOx and ultimately other pollutants in high temperature and chemically aggressive engine emissions environments, and will position US industry for a leadership role in engine emissions NOx control. In order to meet these standards, automobile and truck manufacturers have turned to two after-treatment technologies that reduce tailpipe NOx emission levels. Both after-treatment technologies require NOx sensors, to 1) control the after treatment trap-regenerate cycle, and 2) to monitor after-treatment system performance, confirming proper NOx restriction or triggering the ?check engine? indicator. The NOx sensor will allow clean, energy efficient diesel engines to continue to replace gasoline engines, thereby reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions without increasing NOx pollutants. Furthermore, as the NOx sensor and NOx remediation technologies are introduced into diesel automobiles, trucks, locomotives, diesel power generators etc., these systems will become cleaner providing significant value to society in the form of cleaner air, improved health and reduced medical costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mlcak, Richard BOSTON MICROSYSTEMS INC MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839217 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Split Amine Absorbent for CO2 Capture from Post Combustion Flue Gas of Coal Fired Power Plants. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to demonstrate an innovative low cost, low energy-consuming, and novel CO2 capture technology based on a process entitled ?Split Amine Absorption?. The Phase I objective is to develop data necessary to confirm the principle of the concept and to identify at least one set of optimum absorbent composition for the CO2 capture from flue gas of post combustion coal fired power plants. The approach to accomplishing the objective consists of: 1) continue bench-scale experiments (Phase I); 2) design and install a prototype pilot scale system and to operate, test, collect data and optimize its performance. The system will be installed as a slipstream unit in an existing coal fired power plant. It will be designed to achieve at least 90% CO2 removal efficiency. The data collected will be used to evaluate the technical and economic viability of the technology (Phase II). The broader impacts of this research are significant reduction of the cost of CO2 capture. The cost of capture and sequestration will be over 200 billions U.S. Dollars a year with current MEA amine-based technologies. The cost for CO2 capture alone accounts for more than 75 percent of the total cost of capture, transportation, and storage. Reducing this cost is the key to make coal an economically viable and socially acceptable fuel for generating electricity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hu, Liang 3 H Company KY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149997 5371 BIOT 9104 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839225 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I:High Performance Zero-Crossing Based A/D Converter Architectures. This SBIR Phase I research proposal will investigate new circuit architectures for high performance Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converters with potentially more than an order of magnitude lower power consumption and much smaller silicon area than conventional architectures. The new architectures are based on zero-crossing detectors. The zero-crossing based circuits utilize the virtual-ground based signal processing as in traditional op-amp based circuits. Therefore, they provide the same functionality and robustness and are compatible with most op-amp based circuit architectures. The zero-crossing detectors replace the virtual ground forcing function of the op-amp with virtual ground detection by a zero-crossing detector. The zero-crossing detector based circuits provide high speed operation at extremely low power consumption, are tiny in size, and are compatible with standard deep submicron Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors (CMOS) technologies. The proposed research, if successful, can have far reaching impact, because A/D converters are ubiquitous in electronics systems. The power consumption represents approximately thirty (30) fold reduction from the state-of-the art. It will provide high performance A/D converters built in deep submicron CMOS technologies thereby exploiting their very low cost, high-speed capability, tiny size, high level of integration, and low power digital circuits. These may include software-defined and cognitive radios, and portable phased array radios among many other possibilities. For military applications, Portable phased-array radars, battery-operated smart sensors (e.g. smart dust), micro-robots, and small unmanned aircrafts can benefit from the low power and tiny size/weight/volume of the proposed circuits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gulati, Kush Cambridge Analog Technologies, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99750 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839230 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A MHz High Energy Femtosecond Fiber Laser System for High Throughput Photonic Device Fabrication. In this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, a team from PolarOnyx, Inc. and University of California at Davis will develop an integrated femtosecond (fs) high energy fiber source for high throughput photonics device fabrication, such as waveguide couplers, WDM components and filters. The proposed device if successfully commercialized will enable a broad range of applications ranging from materials processing to healthcare. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Jian PolarOnyx Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 99956 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839243 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Non-invasive Pulse Waveform Analysis for Measuring Intracranial Pressure. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result in the first hand-held, non-invasive device for measuring pressure within the head and brain. The proposed device will be a simple sensor that can be placed against the skin and that will determine brain pressure from the ?pulse? within blood vessels traveling to and from the head. Pulse wave analysis is an established technique for monitoring cardiovascular health, but this is the first time such a technique will be developed for monitoring pressure within the skull and brain. Preliminary studies by NeuroDx suggest that the technique may be useful as a way of rapidly screening patients for potentially harmful elevated head and brain pressure. The broader impacts of this research will be to provide a new method for measuring an important determinant of brain health following serious head injury (235,000 non-military cases in the U.S. annually) and in patients with brain tumors and other neurological disorders (110,000 cases in the U.S. annually). Existing methods for measuring pressure within the head use a probe that must be placed within the skull, requiring surgery and special facilities. The proposed device will enable head and brain pressure to be monitored without risk to the patient, and in field situations (such as by first-responders). The proposed study is expected to significantly improve our understanding of the dynamics of head and brain injury. It will have a strong educational component through Drexel University?s Co-op Educational Program. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Swoboda, Marek Neuro Diagnostic Devices PA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99968 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 5345 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839258 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Self-Aligned Miniature External Cavity Tunable Laser from Blue-Violet to Infrared. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project is intended to develop a miniature, low cost tunable laser enabled by the volume holographic filter technology already developed and commercially available today. The project will focus in developing the tunable light source for the blue-violet and near infrared range in order to address the above-mentioned markets. It is intended that the activities of this project will result in the development of a novel architecture: a self-aligned external cavity tunable laser (ECTL) enabled by an ultra-narrow band multi-line filter. The passive self-aligning nature of the proposed tunable laser is the main driver for low cost manufacturing. A unique feature of the architecture of the ECTL is its axial symmetry. This enables the use of axially symmetric components such as TO-can laser packages, lenses and volume holographic filters which further reduces the cost of manufacturing. The ultra-narrow band spectral light management capability of the volume holographic filter enables an extremely compact ECTL: an initial proof of concept tunable laser generated single mode light with a physical length of 12 mm and a couple nanometer tuning range. If successful the outcome of this project will have many commercial applications. The tunable laser technology is a platform that can be applied from the blue-violet (375 nm) to the infrared (4000 nm) and use commercially available low cost semi-conductor lasers. The attractive price/performance ratio of the match-box size tunable laser, over such a large spectral range, will open market segments in different fields that have been sparsely addressed by the state-of-the-art tunable laser technology. In particular, the technology can play a role in decreasing the rate of carbon emission by monitoring and optimizing efficiencies in combustion processes such as engines and coal plants. The technology could contribute to increasing the deployment of environmental stations by providing the optical source at a fraction of today?s cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moser, Christophe ONDAX INC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99789 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839260 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: FRET-Aptamer Tests for Treated Wastewater. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to further develop its one-step fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-DNA aptamer technology for the rapid (assay results within minutes of sampling), sensitive, on-site detection of fecal bacteria in treated water supplies. Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech) previously demonstrated successful development of FRET-aptamers that bind common core antigens of surface molecules from various strains of E. coli and used the preliminary family of FRET-aptamers to detect as few as 10 bacteria per milliliter in water samples with a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)handheld and battery-operated fluorescence sensor. The technology was in development to satisfy stringent requirements of the federal Beaches Act, but is now proposed as a broader solution for safety verification of treated wastewater. In order to meet this new requirement, OpTech will add a fluorescence viability test for the handheld reader and compare to standard Colilert fluorescence test results. In Phase II, OpTech will expand its repertoire of tests to include other enteric bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The broader impacts of this research are: 1) enhanced drinking water safety for the public 2)better on-site decision making ability for wastewater treatment facilities to decide if treated effluents are suitable for drinking, irrigation, or release back into the environment, 3) faster decision making ability at recreational waters (oceans, lakes, even swimming pools) with regard to potential closings to prevent human exposure to fecal contamination. FRET-aptamer technology also has applications in rapid and portable food safety testing, homeland security, and clinical point-of-care diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bruno, John Operational Technologies Corporation TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99990 5371 BIOT 9104 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839265 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Nanospring-Based Ultracapacitor Electrodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is for development of Nanospring mats for electrodes in next generation ultracapacitors. The mats have high surface area for integration into ultracapacitor devices. The high specific power of ultracapacitors coupled with their ability to be rapidly charged and the potential for lightweight structures make these devices of significant interest for automotive applications in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Corti, Giancarlo GoNano Technologies ID William Haines Standard Grant 147549 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839270 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of Nanobattery Systems Using Femtosecond Laser Machining. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will use femtosecond laser machining to fabricate Lithium ion based nanobatteries composed of arrays of nanocells. In addition, an array of addressable batteries will also be constructed. A femtosecond laser is a powerful tool to machine features on a variety of materials in the nanoscale regime. These batteries will be grown on flexible, polymer substrates. Each nanocell will be around 20 nm to 50 nm in diameter. High surface area to volume ratio should lead to light weight, high-power, safe and reliable batteries with extremely fast recharging times. The broader impact of this project is that the nanoscale laser machining techniques that will be developed for this project can be readily adapted to apply to other technologies to fabricate nanosensors, nanoactuators, one nanodevice at a time. Also, nanobatteries are expected to overcome the current limitations of conventional batteries (high weight and volume, slow recharging times etc) and will find applications in diverse industries like defense, transportation (aviation and automobiles), communications (power for satellites) and consumer electronics. The nanobateries can potentially replace conventional batteries in a wide range of applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Conner, Jacob US Photonics, Inc MO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 144706 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839272 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Atmospheric Pressure Deep Etch for MEMS Manufacturing and Integration. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel approach to through-wafer via formation in silicon. Vertical stacking of MEMS and CMOS devices is becoming increasingly popular for increasing functional density, and for combining specialized microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) with standard silicon integrated circuits. Vertical stacking generally requires that via holes for contacts be formed through a wafer using anisotropic etching, but current low-pressure techniques for performing this step are slow and expensive. This project will apply the company?s unique Linear Inductive Plasmatron technology to silicon etching using both the current multistep (etch/passivation) approach and single-step etching. The increased species densities at atmospheric pressure should enable passivation and etching of high-aspect-ratio features without etch-stop behavior observed at low pressure, and low electron temperatures ensure minimal plasma damage. If successful such a tool will greatly reduce the cost of via fabrication and enable 3D stacking of circuitry in applications where it would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. The unique characteristics of an atmospheric-pressure plasma etch process allow design of a processing tool that combines low cost, high throughput, and high performance. Because gas flows can be used to define reaction regions, wafers can be exposed to multiple process steps at high rates in batches using a carousel-type architecture. Once proven as a semiconductor manufacturing tool, the Linear Inductive Plasmatron is likely to find other applications in high-rate, low-cost processing for semiconductor fabrication, photovoltaic fabrication, and other manufacturing dependent on thin film deposition and etch processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Selitser, Simon TimeDomain CVD Incorporated CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839290 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Urban Interactions, Inc.. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to solve the computational problem of on-demand job matching and scheduling for the purpose of creating an active online listing in the service domain. The recent explosion of online listings reflects the demand by users for Internet-based search for service-based listings. These current listings tend to offer basic post-and-search capability - a digital counterpart of traditional newspaper advertisements. GigBin is a proactive online listing that addresses peoples' needs for fast, personalized, and reliable matching of service seekers and providers by offering a unique technology that enables: a) fast automatic matching of service providers and seekers, and optimized over a wide range of criteria based on dynamic scheduling algorithms; b) personalized searches using machine learning techniques to learn users' preferences over time and recommend better matches; c) reliability - by analysis of the feedback on providers' performance and job statistics to determine reputation score and improve matching recommendations; d) ubiquitous access - uses text understanding to efficiently utilize cell-phone messaging. Because intelligent matching of service seekers and providers goes beyond search and scheduling, the outcomes of the project should lead to the creation of new job markets. This new approach will impact the long tail of the job market; satisfy casual needs and provide emergency services; predict demand and make it profitable to address niche markets. Most importantly, the tool will impact social change by increasing the welfare of the weakest workforce members who cannot afford advertising costs and marketing efforts. Additionally, this new technology while allowing people to specify requests in natural language, learns personal preferences, tracks progress and reputation, enables payment, and encourages formation of work-centric social networks of service seekers and service providers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nemirovsky, Paul Urban Interactions Inc / GigBin.com MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9216 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839294 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: ManyWheels VehicleTransport Optimization. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will pursue a solution to the inefficiencies in transporting automobiles. 80 million new and used vehicles are sold annually in the US in a rich, dynamic market involving manufacturers, dealers, wholesalers, consumers, banks, rental agencies, and others. In spite of the sophistication and size of this market, the transportation of these vehicles from seller to intermediary to buyer operates inefficiently, often using technology and business processes that pre-date the Internet. Commercial automobile transporters frequently drive routes with spare capacity or empty trucks because they cannot identify and secure new business opportunities in real time. This project will improve the efficiency of transporting automobiles by developing market-mechanisms to allow shippers and transporters to discover and negotiate opportunities in real time. Creating such a market requires solving a real-time logistics problem in an enormous, highly fractured market of thousands of businesses shipping millions of pieces of cargo among 10,000 transporters which often have limited communications infrastructure beyond PDAs and cell phones. Billions of dollars are spent annually transporting automobiles; the potential for even single-digit efficiency improvements creates a compelling business opportunity. The company that can achieve such improvements may benefit from the scalability and network effects that create attractive investment opportunities for venture capitalists. The financial model also improves with rising fuel prices. Additionally, the solution will have the strategic benefit to the US of reducing our oil consumption. It will also have the social benefit of reducing the US carbon footprint. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dewalt, Kevin Dewalt Kevin M VA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839300 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: An Innovative and More Effective Means to Manage the Communication Process Between Colleges and Prospective Students. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a more effective means to manage the communication process between colleges and prospective students by automating the response logic needed to successfully transition critical decision making steps. Data mining techniques and geo-demographic analysis have recently gained limited popularity in college recruiting as a means to segment prospect populations based on historical data and then to recalibrate manual communication strategies. However, these static methods are retrospective in nature and require several years of consistent historical data for implementation, limiting their appeal. The approach proposed in this research employs an automated system that analyzes the ongoing interaction between colleges and prospects. Through the application of database-embedded and integrated modeling and pattern analysis techniques, key decision points are identified in the communication process as they occur. The recruitment process in higher education is becoming increasingly complex and compressed. Students are waiting longer to reveal their interest to colleges and submitting applications to more colleges. There exists only a brief window, between the point a prospect becomes 'known' to a college and the actual matriculation decision, when the opportunity exists for targeted communications to simultaneously inform and influence each students' decision-making process. As competition for students increases dramatically over the next decade in the face of rising attendance costs, changing demographics, and a decline in the number of college-bound students, each institutions' ability to survive, much less prosper, will depend directly on its ability to identify, qualify, and communicate with prospective students in an more efficient and cost-effective manner. If successful, the effort proposed will provide a means for measurable value for those institutions that embrace this approach. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Perfetto, Greg 422 Group GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839304 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Compliant Jack Spring Actuators for Lower Limb Mobility. This SBIR Phase I research proposal will develop a novel, spring-based actuator that will power future wearable robots and exoskeletons. The actuator will be designed, developed, and tested to meet the demanding requirements for lower limb mobility. This actuator can be used in a variety of powered orthoses, prosthetic devices, and wearable exoskeletons. Its unique ability to tune stiffness allows it to be customized to an individual, a significant impact in the wearable robotics field. An additional benefit of the actuator is to solve the problem of converting rotary motion into linear motion in a lightweight package. It will meet the demanding design requirements that include the tradeoffs between high power, low energy usage, compliance, robust sensing of forces, and high cycle demands. The proposed activity will lay the groundwork for the development of the next generation of rehabilitation aids for lower limb mobility. The purpose of powered, lower-limb exoskeletons is to enhance the strength and performance of the person who wears it. In the case of gait assistance such a device will increase symmetry and duration of walking. In fact, a below-the-knee amputee wearing a passive prosthetic device typically uses more energy to walk and presents asymmetry in their motion as compared to an able bodied walker. This asymmetry in gait leads to joint pain, arthritis, and back pain. Because of the difficulty to walk, their conditions often lead to a more sedentary lifestyle decreasing their already limited mobility. It is documented that decreased mobility increases health risks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hollander, Kevin SpringActive, Inc. AZ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839308 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Sensing Technology for Cell Tracking in Suspension. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop instrumentation that will track significant numbers of individual cells in time and extract the single-cell growth rates of their physiological state. In contrast to microscopy the cells will be kept in suspension. The core innovative concept that will enable the proposed instrument is a two-phase flow phenomenon termed the Segre Silberberg effect. The Segre Silberberg effect states that particulates in a fluid in a capillary will self-organize on the same streamline and therefore have the same velocity independent of the direction of the flow. Thus, by simply pumping in the forward and reverse directions for equivalent amounts of time, the same plug of cells will pass by the measurement point in the same order. Thus repeat measurements of large numbers of single cells can be obtained. The research objectives of this proposal are to examine what are the upper limits of this effect in terms of the number of cells that can be successfully tracked. The broader impact/commercial potential of this technology will be the development of an instrument capable of accurately measuring individual, suspended cells and their development in time in a precisely defined environment. Such instrumentation currently does not exist. It will enable a new research approach to study development and cell cycle progression of microbial cells, differentiation of stem cells, or the response of individual cancer cells to specific drug treatments. Based on the results from a survey at the annual American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Meeting there was an overwhelming positive response to this cell analysis technology. The survey results strongly suggest that, among researchers in the area of cell biology, there is a high level of interest in and need for an instrument that can track and measure individual, suspended single cells in real time. Given these responses it is conservatively estimated that the total number of laboratories and research institutions across academic, industrial and medical organizations in the US that could benefit from this instrumentation is around 1,000. With the same number in the rest of the world, there are up to 2,000 potential customers in total for this instrumentation representing a potential market size of $600 - $800 Million. This tefchnology has a significant commercial potential and could have a large impact on the scientific community. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sitton, Greg RateScan MN Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9267 9107 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839323 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Label Free Nucleic Acid Assays for POC Diagnostics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a Label Free Nucleic Acid Assay for Point-Of-Care (POC) Diagnostics especially for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). The broader impacts of this research are to enable effective diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhoeae in a single visit at the clinic and thus avoid patients who currently go untreated because they are lost-to-follow-ups. The ability to obtain easily available POC tests in primary care clinics, school clinics, Emergency Department settings, or even at-home testing (OTC), may have a far reaching impact on the rates of STIs in this country. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Subramanian, Kumar Phoenix Biosystems CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99745 5371 BIOT 9107 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839332 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Electrospray Atomization and Space Charge Modeling for Electrohydrodynamic Wind Energy Conversion. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will support development of a commercially viable electro-hydrodynamic wind energy conversion system by developing the science base for design of a high-efficiency charged droplet generator. Electro-hydrodynamic wind energy conversion (EHD-WEC) is a non-turbine based means of producing electricity from wind employing charged particles driven against a voltage gradient. A minimum of moving parts and fundamental simplicity gives EHD-WEC the potential to be disruptively lighter and cheaper than its mechanical counterparts. The opportunity exists to apply recently developed efficient droplet generation means, such as advanced electrospray and MEMS-based microfabrication of electrospray nozzles, as well as real-time system controls, to craft a system with significantly positive net energy balance. Renewable, non-fossil fuel based approaches to electrical generation are of interest worldwide. Demand for electricity is projected to rise steadily due to population growth and development in emerging economies. Simultaneously the price of oil and other fossil fuels is projected to rise as pressure is put on existing supplies. In addition, there is widespread interest in carbon neutral energy sources. If EHD-WEC's potential to significantly lower the cost of generating electricity from wind can be realized, the broader impacts will be global in nature; providing the world with a renewable source of energy, and creating many new ?green? jobs in the US, as well as reducing national dependence on foreign fossil fuel providers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, Dawn Accio Energy, Inc. MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 147793 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839335 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Semi-Autonomous Adaptive Neural and Genetic Segmentation of Medical Images. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will implement a physician-assisted, real-time adaptive system for the segmentation of anatomical structures in 3D medical image data. Medical image segmentation seeks to change the representation of an anatomical structure, making it more easily analyzed. Because of the extreme variability of these structures in biological systems, current idiosyncratic manual methods currently in use are tedious, time consuming, and error prone. Image segmentation cannot in general be programmatically solved. The proposed system is a Neural Network (NN) based adaptation of the individual data using parallel Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and coupled with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) based adaptation across GPU cores. The system will build a diagnostically useful segmentation of the anatomical feature within seconds from an area of interest outlined by a physician using a Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. Fast growth in medical imaging overwhelms available diagnosticians. An intuitive and inexpensive system to quickly and accurately deliver diagnostic relevant segmentation of medical images offers tremendous commercial value. Currently, each scan requires approximately 50 minutes of manual preparation. The diagnosis and treatment of an estimated 20 percent of diseases benefit from medical imaging. Newer scanning technologies have increased in resolution, but such techniques have not made segmenting easier or faster. The proposed method will enable more diagnostics to be done with the quality controlled directly by physicians. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Muniandy, Kovalan KJAYA, LLC CT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839336 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: An Optical Instrument for Nanostructure Characterization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project tests the feasibility of using a highly innovative polarized multi-wavelength light extinction spectroscopy approach for on-line non-destructive characterization of coated nanoparticles and nanoparticle agglomerates. From extinction measurements and a database which contains numerically generated extinction values for different sizes of coated spherical particles and their agglomerates shapes, the size and thickness distribution of coated particles (or size distribution of their agglomerates in terms of distribution of number of primary spheres and fractal dimension) is determined. Currently available commercial instruments cannot accurately characterize coated spherical particles and agglomerates. Techniques such as electron microscopy involve time consuming sample preparation and sample handling which alters sample morphology. The capability provided by our proposed technology is extremely important in several applications relevant to targeted functionality. The proposed instrument will help in developing tailored coated nanoparticles for new applications. Nanoparticles technology is well advanced and positioned to impact industries related to pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, and biomaterials. If successful the proposed instrument will enable new levels of quality in the manufacturing of coated and agglomerated nanoparticles. Global market for nanoparticles in biomedical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications are worth $ 204.6 million in 2007 (Bcc research report, nano17D). This is expected to increase to over $ 684.4 million by 2012, a CAGR of 32.0 %. The proposed product will be a valuable characterization tool for many of these industries and the technology, with its unique application potential, will pave the way for new enabling technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Manikkavasagam, Siva Synergetic Technologies, Incorporated KY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99787 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839347 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Metamaterials for Giant Dielectrics and Energy Storage Solutions. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project explores a novel laser processing technique to produce nano-dielectric films which are based on polymer coated metal nanoparticles. This will enable in-house synthesis of nano-dielectrics films using laser irradiation of target materials in a liquid environment exhibiting a dielectric constant several orders of magnitude higher than that of the host polymer. Scaling up this technology will lead to fabrication of high energy density capacitors with both reduced size and mass. The pulsed laser ablation process has been successfully applied for fabrication of micro column arrays on various materials for blackbody and thermal management applications. The proposed method can lead to very high dielectric constants which would increase the energy density of the dielectric. The proposal also addresses high temperature use. The broader impact will be to lead to the fabrication of ultra high energy storage capacitors that will find use in commercial and military systems where size and weight are a premium. These devices should allow storage of a large amount of charge per unit volume (high energy density) that can be released rapidly (high power density). Commercial super-capacitors currently available have either too low power or energy density to meet future power storage needs or are too expensive to manufacture. This technology will find applications in load leveling, power back-up in electronics and automotive industry and various aerospace and military systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Badi, Nacer Integrated Micro Sensors TX Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839349 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: EUV Source for Semiconductor Metrology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a coherent extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source for industrial application in support of EUV lithography. The Broad impact of this project represents an area of fundamental interest to optical science. The High Harmonic Generation (HHG) process is the result of basic quantum physics at the extreme of high energy and short time scales. The development of phase matching techniques for HHG represents the precise coherent manipulation of matter on unprecedented short length and time scales. A further understanding may make it possible in future to generate coherent light at even shorter wavelengths, suitable for ultrahigh resolution biological imaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Backus, Sterling KAPTEYN-MURNANE LABS INC CO William Haines Standard Grant 99518 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839368 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Correlating Opinions with Outcomes in Business and Industry: Statistical Modelling of Natural Language Data. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project combines methods from natural language processing (NLP) with regression and classification techniques from statistics and machine learning to determine the feasibility of associating opinions with outcomes in business and industry. The research objectives are the following: 1) Determine whether or not automatically extracted opinion information is associated with security value trajectories, with asset value trajectories, or with some other measurable value (e.g. market penetration of a product or product line) and, 2. Use predictive models to investigate which specific media sources and opinion holders are most influential and describe these influences on the outcome. The research builds on previous opinion-extraction research where information extraction and machine learning techniques from natural language processing were adapted to handle subjective language. This project focuses on research in statistical modeling where features/predictors derived from automatically extracted opinions will be used to augment predictions of interest to information analysts and decision-makers in business and industry. If successful, the project will result in the development of services that allow decision makers to better understand who and what is influencing their company, customers, competitors and marketplace, in an environment where trend-setting content originates from an exploding number of information sources. Although this SBIR project focuses on the uses of automated opinion analysis in business and the financial market, the techniques and services that will be developed are domain independent: they can just as easily be applied to opinions and outcomes in other industries or in politics, regulatory policy, foreign policy, sports and entertainment. The methods might also be used to track opinions on narrower topics of interest for users of the service, e.g. climate change, urbanization, sustainable architecture, their favorite presidential candidate. The market opportunity for text analytics is projected to grow from the current $700 Million to $2 Billion over the next three years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pierce, David Jodange Inc NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839375 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Non-invasive Vibro-Acoustic Diagnostic and Prognostic System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop innovative technology for conducting the diagnosis and prognosis of vibro-acoustic characteristics of a complex machine. This technology aims to offer substantial advantages over current technologies such as experimental modal analysis (EMA) and operational modal analysis (OMA). EMA and OMA attempt to gain an insight into the integrity of a vibrating structure by extracting modal parameters. The knowledge acquired cannot be used in noise abatement, however, because modal parameters have no direct relation to sound. The new technology exploits the concept that sound and vibrations are two different physical phenomena, and will enable users to obtain a clear and better understanding of the root causes of vibration-induced noise. Also, the input data to this technology can be collected by using non-contact, non-invasive measurement equipment. Hence, users can use this new technology to tackle noise and vibration issues of a complex machine running in its native and normal operating condition. The potential outcomes of this project should broadly impact science and technology in sound, structures, and their interactions. Additionally, the knowledge gained will have a profound impact on noise and vibrations, including not only diagnosis and prognosis, but product quality control and product testing because noise is an indicator of defects in products at various stage of a manufacturing process. Noise is also a significant health and environmental issue. According to the National Institute of Health, over 10 million Americans suffer permanent noise-induced hearing loss and about 30 million Americans are exposed to daily noise levels that eventually impair their hearing. The proposed technology will enable users to identify and abate undesirable sound and vibrations in the most cost-effective manner. Use of the proposed technology will significantly enhance the competitiveness of manufacturing industries in the United States in tackling a variety of noise and vibration issues. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moondra, Manmohan SenSound, LLC MI Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839377 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Novel PECVD Single Layer Thin Film Encapsulation for Organic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the development of a novel flexible thin film encapsulation technology to exceed commercial barrier and cost requirements for both existing and emerging commercial products. This research if successfully commercialized will enable a sizeable market for large area, flexible electronic products for displays, solid state lighting, photovoltaics, thin film batteries, image sensors, and medical and security devices. Without the required, and currently unavailable at low enough cost, thin film permeation barrier to prevent the degradation of organic devices, these markets will not be realized. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ma, Ruiqing Universal Display Corporation NJ William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839381 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Novel Fire-Resistant Toughened Benzoxazine Resins. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop and demonstrate flame-resistant, polymer-composite materials based on novel benzoxazine resin chemistries. Recent work by Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) has shown that thermosetting polymer resins based on these materials offer significantly improved flame and moisture resistance as compared to other resins commonly used in composite manufacture (e.g., epoxy and cyanate-ester chemistries). Despite these encouraging preliminary results, significant impediments exist to the widespread application of benzoxazine resins. In particular, most potential markets and customers are adverse to the introduction of "non-heritage" material systems, due to lack of familiarity and potential changes to processing and manufacturing techniques dictated by the new materials. Hence, and in order to overcome this barrier to market entry, a more fundamental understanding of the material design and synthesis is needed with which to tailor commercially-viable versions. Therefore, the focus of this project is to design and synthesize benzoxazine-based polymers with suitable processing characteristics and mechanical performance for large-scale commercial composite applications. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project is the develoment of viable, flame resistant benzoxazine-based polymers with suitable processing characteristics and mechanical performance (especially improvements in strength and toughness) for large-scale commercial composite applications. Assuming the barriers to market entry can be overcome, benzoxazines could revolutionize a variety of markets. Most immediately, there is opportunity to dramatically improve the flame resistance of composite materials in civilian and military aircraft, as well as naval vessels. Similarly, there is great potential to improve the safety of composite consumer goods (e.g., furniture, electronics, etc.), and products being employed by homeland security, and law enforcement agencies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hooker, Matthew Composite Technology Development, Inc. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99949 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839383 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Portable and Automated Multiplex Diagnostic Bioanalyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project builds the foundation for a fully automated and portable multiplex diagnostic analyzer (xPAK). Today, the rising costs of healthcare and hospital stays combined with the new technological frontiers and the greater expectations from the patients to receive more efficient and convenient medical services is leading to an unprecedented expansion of the Point-Of-Care Testing (POCT) market. Most current POCT devices are disease specific and offer limited multiplex capability. Therefore, there is a need to develop a portable and automated diagnostic instrument that will be capable of performing a large number of bioassays from the same sample. The Phase I proposal seeks to develop a microsphere simulator and the algorithms that will enable to development of a chip-scale flow cytomer (xCHIP), which is the core technology of this portable diagnostic instrument. At the end of phase II, the xChip analyzer module will be combined with a front-end automation module to produce xPAK, a unique portable and automated multiplex point of care diagnostic instrument. The broader impacts of this research are to bring a high multiplex testing capability, up to 100 assays, to the point of care. POCT is playing an increasing role in the healthcare system and enables providers to reach a faster diagnosis, a critical component for treating acute conditions such as myocardial infarction. A portable multiplex POCT tool will enable all first responders such as family physicians or Emergency Units, to establish better diagnosis and to more efficiently dispatch patients and provide treatment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Collins, Charles Luminex Corporation TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 1267 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839385 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Probes for Molecular Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the detection of an established target in cancer diagnosis and treatment using new targeted Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer to Quantum Dots (BRET-QD) technology. BRET-QD offers substantial advantages over fluorescence or luminescence imaging by: (1), circumventing the need for external illumination while delivering comparable or better sensitivity; (2), providing compatibility with existing image capturing technology; (3), providing superior probe stability compared to radiolabel technology, enabling longitudinal studies; and (4), delivering greater in vivo penetration-depth than fluorescence-based probes. The project will demonstrate the direct detection of the HER2 cancer marker in breast cancer cell lines. Successful detection of HER2 in live cells from a breast cancer cell line will provide the proof-of-concept necessary for advancing to direct tumor and tissue imaging with BRET-QD probes in small animals. The broader impacts of this research are the development of a sensitive and convenient targeted imaging probe platform and its application to breast cancer detection. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer, there is increasing interest in advancing from cell-based assays to in vivo imaging of disease states in small animal models. The targeted BRET-QD platform will provide a cost-effective, convenient and effective alternative to fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging probe technology. In addition to cancer applications, this platform will be applicable to virtually any investigation requiring sensitive detection of a known molecule that can be targeted via a biotinylated antibody or other biotinylated molecule. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sobek, Daniel Zymera Corporation CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839397 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Screen Printable RFID Antenna. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research proposal will develop a printable conductive ink for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna applications. Currently, most RFID antennas are etched or wire coil, either copper or aluminum, made by wire winding copper wire or etching films that have had copper applied to them. These require expensive processes to form the antenna. In addition, current antennas are fragile and susceptible to breakage, rendering the RFID tag useless. Silver inks, used for screen printable processes, are also expensive because of the valuable metal, present environmental problems, and lack performance. The objective of this work is to develop a highly conductive ink that can be used in an inexpensive screen printable process. This ink will then be applied to an appropriate substrate to fabricate and test flexible RFID antennas. These RFID antennas are expected to be cost about 90% less than comparable copper antennas, encouraging the adoption and improving the reliability of RFID technology for a wide variety of identification and tracking applications. Applications include high frequency tag antennas, reader (small to large) inductor antennas, RF air interface enhancements and passive field focusing couplers, chipless antenna tuning balun (balanced / unbalanced) circuits, and chipless printable RFID. This will result in replacement of higher-cost copper antennas and one that will out perform the silver ink antennas. Commercial applications in situations where low cost and reliability are desirable, such as tracking documents and confidential information are likely. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Barbarich, Thomas MysticMD Inc. CT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 98622 5371 HPCC 9139 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839402 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Miniaturized Sensor for Determining the Optical Properties of Aerosols. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a palm-sized and low-cost instrument for measuring the characteristics and distribution of airborne black carbon aerosol particles. Based on an existing analyzer, the optical property analyzer will use photoacoustic detection of aerosol light absorption in a miniature package. Current instruments are too large to be deployed easily in the upper atmosphere. The outcome of this proposed project is the development of a low cost but robust and accurate sensor that can be deployed on multiple platforms, manned and unmanned aircraft, balloons, ocean buoys, towers and in urban monitoring stations. If successful the broader impact of this activity will stem from rapid diffusion of knowledge that will occur once this new technology is made available to the international community. This new instrument circumvents the limitations of the technology that is currently being used in both research and monitoring applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Walker, John Droplet Measurement Technologies CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839404 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Thermostable Reverse Transcriptases for Single Enzyme RT-PCR. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to improve the reliability of widely used methods for detecting and measuring trace amounts of RNA (genetic material actively made by cells and contained within certain viruses). Most current methods for detecting RNA use two different enzymes; one to convert RNA to DNA and a second to generate billions of copies by PCR amplification. This two enzyme approach has serious problems (e.g., additional manipulations, cross contamination, uneven amplification of certain genes, inaccurate amplification, and low efficiency). Alternative enzymes have been discovered and characterized at Lucigen that efficiently perform both conversion of RNA to DNA and amplification in a single reaction. However, these need to be more fully developed and characterized to replace existing methods. These candidates and others in our collection will be developed and compared to available enzymes in Phase I. Those that are superior to current enzymes will be developed for commercialization in Phase II. The broader impacts of this research include substantial cost savings in biotechnology research, increased accuracy of data, and improved reliability of diagnostic tests. Nearly $1 billion is spent annually on detecting RNA targets, and this amount is growing rapidly. This type of research is strictly dependent on the available enzymes and is compromised by their deficiencies. Improved enzymes to be developed in this SBIR project promise to greatly improve basic research, diagnostics, and drug development, and will have an important impact on human health, agriculture, and research in microbial diversity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schoenfeld, Thomas LUCIGEN CORPORATION WI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839407 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost, High Performance, Compact Wavelength Blocker For Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project is to develop a novel, low cost, high performance and compact wavelength blocker for Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) in fiber telecommunication networks. The primary benefit of an enterprise ROADM network is its ability to add capacity wherever and whenever it is required, with the assurance that the underlying network will automatically compensate for the added traffic, eliminating the need for manual tuning or wholesale upgrades. ROADMs are very rapidly becoming a must-have for equipment vendors serving carriers' metro network needs, resulting in a multi-billion dollar market in near future. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fardad, Amir Southeast TechInventures NC William Haines Standard Grant 99997 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839425 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Development of Biodegradable Aliphatic Polycarbonates. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop novel biodegradable aliphatic polycarbonates using carbon dioxide as a feedstock. This research will lead to the development of biodegradable polymers that are not derived solely from petrochemicals, energy intensive fermentations, or food-based feedstocks. Currently available biodegradable polymers rely on food-based feedstocks, resulting in unintended economical (rising food costs) and environmental (greater carbon emissions) consequences. Using an innovative catalyst system, Novomer will synthesize several polymer compositions and architectures from readily available epoxides and CO2. The resulting polymers will be cast into films then evaluated for biodegradability. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project may be revolutionary in the plastics industry by producing environmentally-friendly polymers. The proposed materials will reduce the use of petrochemicals in plastics production, reduce the use of non-biodegradable polymers, and will recycle CO2 by-products from energy production and other sources. Commercially, the efficient catalyst technology will make biodegradable polymers in a cost-effective alternative to polymers derived solely from petrochemicals, thus opening up new markets for environmentally-friendly polymers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Simoneau, Christopher Novomer LLC NY Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839428 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High Energy Density Film Capacitators. This SBIR Phase I research project would demonstrate proof of principle for the production of ultra capacitors with energy densities competitive with lithium ion batteries, but that can be charged in seconds to minutes as opposed to hours or days. These ultra capacitors are based on the development of new, super-high permittivity (30-100,000 epsilon) nanostructured titanate particles that allow for high charge storage along with high dielectric breakdown strength that are arranged in percolative networks in a very low cost polymeric film. More specifically, the project goal will be to demonstrate multilayer capacitor prototypes having dielectric breakdown strength above 5000 V/mil and effective permittivity above 20,000 (goal is 30,000) at room temperature, and demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating these formulations into capacitor devices using an innovative low cost metallized film production technology. The successful development of high energy ultra capacitors having energy storage densities above 150 J/cc has the potential to revolutionize energy storage and power conversion technologies for backup power supplies, as well as plug-in and hybrid vehicles by greatly reducing the size and cost of energy storage systems. Competing products are flywheel storage, advanced battery chemistries, and electrolytic capacitors, which are all substantially more expensive and have lower performance. The primary current market for film-foil super-capacitors is high peak power electrical applications and includes pulse power supplies (lasers and flash lamps), defibrillators, and high rep rate applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Johnston, Matthew POWDERMET INC OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839434 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Smart Wheelchair System for Personal Automobility. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project proposes to develop a smart wheelchair system that will integrate onboard LIDAR for position estimation and obstacle detection with an adaptive motor controller framework. The resulting smart-chair will be capable of autonomous navigation outdoors, and under real-world environmental conditions. This technology will be integrated into the Automated Transport and Retrieval System (ATRS). ATRS represents a new paradigm in personal auto-mobility for wheelchair users. It affords complete mobility independence while providing a safer and more economical transportation alternative to van conversions. The proposed smart-chair will be the heart of ATRS. It will navigate autonomously between the driver's seat position and a lift platform at the rear of the vehicle where the chair will be automatically secured and stowed for transport. This eliminates the need of an attendant for stowing and retrieving the wheelchair for the driver. Access to transportation is critical for Americans with disabilities and the elderly to participate fully in basic activities such as employment, education, worship, job training, commerce, recreation, and other activities of community life that most people take for granted. By facilitating personal transportation, the proposed smart-chair system will improve personal independence and the quality of life for the physically challenged across the country. It will also help remove one of the greatest hurdles preventing wheelchair users from finding employment. With the number of people 65 and over in the U.S. expected to double from 35 million people in 2002 to 70 million by 2030, a sizable market is expected. The benefits of the technology-based smart-chair/ATRS paradigm over van conversions include lower cost, improved safety and greater vehicle choice. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Panzarella, Thomas Freedom Sciences, LLC PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839435 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Polymer resists for Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Nanolithography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project proposes to develop high photospeed, low line edge roughness, and low outgassing photoresist for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. Although EUV lithography at 13.5 nm wavelength has emerged as a promising candidate to meet the resolution requirements of the microelectronic industry roadmap, yet the development of novel photoresist materials with all of the required imaging properties is still challenging and is one of the major subjects of current nanolithography research. The critical requirements for EUV lithographic photoresist include high photospeed, high resolution, and low line edge roughness. The design of novel resist materials that can achieve all three characteristics is the key for the continued success of high resolution patterning in integrated circuit manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rabinovich, Monica PhotonTech, LLC NC William Haines Standard Grant 99646 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839457 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Sorbent for Hg Removal from Scrubber Water to Below 10 ppt. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on the evaluation and optimization of a promising sorbent, Silica-Titania Composites (STC), for mercury removal from coal-fired power plant scrubber water to below 10 ppt. Coal-fired power plants are a predominant mercury emitter in gases and liquids. There are no commercial technologies for mercury removal from scrubber water to levels anticipated under future regulations (i.e., 1 to 10 ppt). Sol-gel Solutions, LLC (Sol-gel) has obtained mercury concentrations below 1.3 ppt when evaluating the STC for mercury removal from a mixed wastewater from a coal-fired power plant. These levels would comply with the Great Lakes Initiative, a strict criterion that will be enforced in parts of the U.S. in 2010. The objective for the proposed project is to optimize the technology for mercury removal from scrubber water from several coal-fired power plants, with the ultimate goal of designing a commercial system. It is expected that the STC will effectively remove mercury to below 10 ppt, with the potential of being recovered and reused. The broader impacts of this research are the protection of humans and wildlife from exposure to mercury. In humans, this exposure may impair neurological development, particularly in fetuses and during early childhood. A key element of the proposed work will be the promotion of interest in science and engineering via dissemination of the learnings from the proposed work and related fundamental science to high school and community college students, among others, via a targeted "webinar" and newsletter. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Casasus, Anna Sol-Gel Solutions, LLC FL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99103 5371 BIOT 9104 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839478 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Work Softening and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis to Reduce Tissue Trauma during Surgical Retraction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research develops new technologies to reduce the tissue damage that occurs when a surgeon opens a patient's chest during surgery. Currently, chests are pried open by a surgeon with a simple mechanical jack, called a retractor, which is relatively unchanged from designs developed 70 years ago. This project is applying technologies from sensors, computation, automation, and biomechanics to develop a retractor that decreases tissue damage, such as broken ribs, torn ligaments, and damaged nerves. Specifically in this Phase 1 project, we will be combining sensors, actuators, and a novel biomechanical process to test new techniques for retraction. The broader impacts of this research are to reduce the pain and medical complications that arise after the nearly 1 million chest surgeries that occur in the US each year. Most pain after chest surgery is due not to the surgical procedure inside the chest, but to the opening of the chest and to the retraction. Damage to the tissues of the chest, and ensuing pain, both contribute to medical complications, such as impaired respiratory function, to longer hospital stays, and, ultimately, to expensive additional post-surgical care. The goal for this new retractor is to improve patient quality of life, shorten hospital stays, and decrease medical expenses for surgery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Crenshaw, Hugh Physcient, Inc. NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99571 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 5345 1517 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839481 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Innovation for an Easy to Use Clinical a/LCI System for in Vivo Detection of Precancer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop new clinical instrument for detecting early stage cancer in human epithelial tissues, the origin of most cancers. The instrument is based on a novel optical spectroscopic technology which is capable of providing information about cell nuclear morphology in vivo without the need to physically remove tissue. Preliminary experiments have shown a very high level of sensitivity and specificity when compared to pathological evaluation of tissue. The ability to quickly and accurately examine many tissue sites translates to significant commercial potential in clinical and research applications. The proposed research will enable clinical usage by simplifying instrument design and providing a robust, well calibrated fiber probe. The new instrumentation design will be validated with tissue phantoms experiments and in vivo measurements. The broader impacts of this research include benefits to society, education and technology development. The proposed optical system will benefit society as it has the potential to greatly improve endoscopic screening and surveillance of epithelial tissues for signs of cancer by providing instant feedback on tissue health while avoiding the need for random biopsy. We will enable utilization of this technology in teaching, research, and industry through conference presentations and hardware offerings aimed at the research market. Finally, the proposed technology products has a very high commercialization potential such that successful development will lead to employment of technical staff such as electrical and biomedical engineers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brown, William Oncoscope, Inc. NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 127934 5371 BIOT 9107 1517 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839484 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High Permeability Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membranes for Reverse Osmosis Desalination. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a scalable process for production of nanomaterials-based, high permeability, energy-efficient membranes for desalination. While recent strides have been made in improving the energy-efficiency of seawater desalination processes, it is widely acknowledged that improvements in membrane permeability are needed to bring the process closer to cost-parity with existing methods of water production. The reverse osmosis membranes developed in this project will utilize unique water transport and salt rejection characteristics of select nanomaterials to achieve the desired high permeability. The project will also enhance understanding of the science behind water and ion transport through membranes on the nanometer-scale, an area of active academic interest. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project is to develop a reverse osmosis-based desalination system that can operate efficiently at substantially lower feed pressures than currently available systems (and thereby reduce the capital and operating costs of producing potable water from salty water). The concept is likely to be applicable to other challenging molecular separations. Less than one half of one percent of the world's water is readily accessible fresh water. As a result, desalination of brackish and seawater has grown into an enormous ($10B annual) industry. This, however, meets the needs of only 1% of the world's population. A number of global trends will increase world demand for potable water. While reverse osmosis (RO) has emerged as the lowest cost desalination process, it nevertheless remains relatively expensive. Energy and membrane costs comprise 75% of the operating costs of desalination facilities. The total costs of the world's RO desalination facilities today exceed $10B annually. Existing and future RO desalination facility owners need a means to reduce energy consumption, use fewer membrane cartridges, and construct smaller, less expensive facilities. Reduction in cost associated with the next-generation membranes developed in this project will garner interest from a wide array of water suppliers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Holt, Jason NanOasis CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149356 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839485 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: LNG Compatible Aerogels for use in LNG Tanker Insulation Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating cost-effective, LNG-compatible, fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation that is mechanically strong while retaining the unique highly insulating properties of aerogels . Perlite and PUF have a number of desirable characteristics that make them useful as insulation products. However, these two insulation products lack good moisture resistance and have high flammability, decreasing the quality and performance of the insulation. Aerogel materials are 2 to 3 times better insulators than Perlite and PUF materials. This research will involve two areas of focus. First, the structure and physical properties of the novel aerogel will be intensively investigated to maximize the LNG compatibility and minimize the thermal conductivity of the aerogel. Second, a cost effective method to manufacture this novel material to a production scale will be developed. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is to reduce the costs associated with transporting LNG by improving the insulation products for tankers. The insulation may have applications in other fields as well. The growing scarcity and increasing cost of oil is expected to drive up demand for natural gas in the future. Natural gas burns more cleanly than other hydrocarbons which will bolster market demand if carbon taxes are enacted. Markets that are geographically separated from production sites rely on pipeline and container shipping delivery to meet demand. In recent years, cost reductions in LNG transportation technology have outpaced those of pipeline delivery. Liquid natural gas has a volume approximately 600 times less than the gas phase, making the liquid more economical to store and transport. Liquefaction also provides the opportunity to store natural gas for use during high demand periods. Current LNG tanker technology uses insulations such as PUR foam and expanded perlite to reduce boil off losses in transit. Replacing these materials with a more effective aerogel-based insulation material would increase storage capacity at the same level of thermal efficiency and enhance the reliability and cost effectiveness of LNG sea transportation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Begag, Redouane ASPEN AEROGELS INC MA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839491 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Stopping URL-Fraud One Website at a Time. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel approach to protect people and businesses from damage inflicted by phony and malicious web-sites, which engage in URL-fraud. These web-sites exploit the carelessness and inexperience of users, who often mistype the name of a site or follow hyperlinks from email spam, which appears to be from a legitimate organization, such as their bank. The proposed core technology consists of a method to automatically detect whether a website is legitimate or not. The novelty of the work lies in the development of profiles, which capture multiple facets of the properties and the behavior of a website. The project requires a synergy between networking, datamining, graph-mining and machine learning in order to identify the right features in each profile and combine them intelligently for a final decision. The proposed work has high commercial potential and direct impact on regular Internet users. Web-fraud is an immediate and expensive problem that affects people and business through identity theft, email spam, and the spread of viruses, all of which are interconnected manifestations of Internet threats. Through the development of web-browser plug-ins and monitoring tools, the proposed technology will make web-surfing and email safer for the less tech-savvy people, such as elders and children, which are particularly vulnerable. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Banerjee, Anirban JAAL LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839492 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Deep UV LED with High Quality p-AlInGaN Layers by Digital Doping Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Project will develop next generation high power deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes with high quality p-type AlInGaN layers with digital doping control. Advancements in AlInGaN material system and device technology have resulted in commercially viable UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) operating in the spectral region from 240 nm to 365 nm. This innovative technology is positioned to create new applications that were previously unattainable due to the inherent limitations of existing UV lamps or lasers. Primary markets include water/air disinfection, bio-medical and analytical instrumentation, fluorescence sensing, ink curing, and phototherapy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shatalov, Max Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. SC William Haines Standard Grant 137331 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839493 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A 3D Interactive Virtual Patient Platform for Nursing Education. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I Project combines web-deliverable, 3-D computer graphics and gaming technology to provide a non-linear, immersive learning environment for nursing education. The outcome of the project is a toolkit which will center on an automated virtual patient capable of providing case-based, non-linear, clinical training scenarios that incorporate the full range of nursing skills. The proposed environment will integrate the virtual patient with physiologically accurate visualizations and an automated feedback module to provide a comprehensive learning environment. Modern computer-simulations present a unique ability to present medical/scientific information in an easy to understand manner. Technology advances in computer graphics present opportunities to present higher quality visual models in an interactive fashion that can convey the scientific process in a way which makes learning interesting and interesting for the students while capturing their enthusiasm for nursing. This project will impact nursing education by ncreasing learning opportunities students in this field. This technology may play a critical role in mitigating the well documented future nursing shortage, by providing high quality virtual nursing educational experiences, without increasing the number of nurse educators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Levine, Robert ArchieMD, Inc FL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839497 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Photon Enhanced SEM Platform for Nano-Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of introducing optical processing into conventional scanning electron microscopes (SEM). The addition of localized and site specific high photon flux offers the opportunity to enable a variety of novel patterned materials processing options in these tools, including enhanced deposition and etch processes at the nanometer scale. The broader impact of this project opens up a broad array of new applications in areas such as biology, medicine and nanotechnology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moore, Thomas Omniprobe TX William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839498 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Highly Ordered Membranes for Molecular Separation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project investigates the viability of a new method for manufacturing ceramic membranes with highly uniform pores oriented perpendicularly to the membrane surface. These membranes will be designed and optimized to perform molecular separation and purification of chemicals from wood extracts. The ideal membrane for molecular separation must be very thin, have uniform pores which are oriented perpendicularly to the surface of the membrane, have very few defects, and be thermally and chemically stable. There are no commercially available membranes that provide all of these features. The research objectives of this project are to create the first DNA templated ceramic thin film and provide evidence of its structural characteristics. High throughput experimentation will be used to determine the optimum conditions to form the monolayer of uniformly oriented DNA in the presence of sol-gel. The conditions for the polymerization of the sol-gel to form the silica encapsulated DNA on a surface will also be determined. It is anticipated that analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy will confirm the existence of a highly oriented monolayer of silica encapsulated DNA on a surface. These new membranes have significant advantages over existing organic polymer-based membranes. Zeomatrix is targeting the ceramic nanofiltration membrane market. It is estimated that the inorganic membrane market is approximately $375 million per year. The nanofiltration market segment, while smaller than the microfiltration segment, is growing at a rate of roughly 8% per year. The rapid growth of oil costs is expected to dramatically increase the potential market for viable alternatives such as biomass. Potential customers for the first inorganic membrane Zeomatrix will produce are biorefineries which convert woody biomass to sugars, organic acids, and alcohols. Current membrane technologies can separate the sugars from acetic acid and furfurals. However, a new membrane technology is needed which will separate furfural compounds from acetic acid. A great advantage of molecular separation by membranes rather than distillation is lower cost primarily in energy savings. This Phase I project could lead to a new class of membranes that will have applications to other industrial sectors. Specific industries include oil and petrochemical, coal gasification, pulp and paper, and natural gas producers. In each of these industries, membranes which are resistant to corrosion, tolerate high temperatures, and are capable of separations in the 10 to 20 angstrom range are needed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG MacKay, Susan Zeomatrix, LLC ME Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 119161 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 9102 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839501 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Corneal Tissue Scaffold Using Synthetic Nonwoven Matrices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I submission proposes to design and produce nanofiber-based corneal tissue scaffolds to treat corneal diseases, the second most common cause of blindness worldwide, affecting 10-15 million people. This innovative approach uses electrospun mats from biocompatible polymers, which will be characterized for mechanical and optical properties. Candidate mats will be functionalized using a unique poly(acrylic) acid chemistry, conjugating extracellular matrix proteins laminin and fibronectin to the highly porous, high surface area nanofiber mats. Mats will then be sterilized, seeded with cultured human limbal stem cells, and attached to the scaffolds via laminin and fibronectin protein ligands. Cell viability and adhesion will be studied to determine the optimal transparent, biocompatible, pathogen-free, corneal scaffold for implantation in the eye. The broader impacts of this research include other ocular transplantation needs, such as corneal endothelial cell and retinal pigment epithelial cell transplantation (for macular degeneration), as well as tissue engineering for virtually all body tissues, from cardiac valve leaflets to tendon repair. Newer partial keratoplasty procedures, such as the rapidly evolving Descemet?s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), would similarly benefit from a transparent tissue scaffold seeded with human endothelial cells. Worldwide, the need for healthy donor tissues far exceeds the available supply. This corneal transplant market is in excess of $22 billion annually worldwide. Experience gained from ocular bioengineering will translate into customization of other stem cells on nanofiber scaffolds for applications in diverse areas of the human body, broadening the impact of this technology for an aging population. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DeBarge, L. Raymond Notus Laboratories, Inc. TN Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 9150 5371 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839504 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Nanomaterial-Based Room Temperature Conductive Paste. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will enable the development of a lead free electrical conductive adhesive(ECA) with improved mechanical and electrical properties. For the ECA to be electrically conductive, the conducting constituents need to reach a percolation threshold value, such that there is sufficient contact to form a conductive network path. Due to the human health and environmental concerns from the use of tin-lead alloy solders, electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) are gaining use as an alternative to solder technology in micro-electrical packaging. The successful commercialization of this technology will allow the development of environmentally friendly electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schultz, David Seashell Technology CA William Haines Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839505 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Cost- and Energy-Efficient Conversion of Cellulosic Biomass to Bio-Fuel Feedstock of Consistent and Preferred Geometry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops a new cutting attachment for chipping/grinding/chopping of cellulosic biomass to yield feedstock for production of cellulosic ethanol. With increasing energy/diesel prices, power consumption in chipping/grinding/chopping is of heightened concern, as is the cost/inefficiency of equipment downtime for tooth/knife replacement. The innovative cutting technology draws on the vast research base in metal cutting to address these chipping, grinding and chopping applications with a single base product, achieving greater economies of scale. It involves a rotating tooth and multi-tooth layouts that replace current chipper/chopper knives and grinder teeth to achieve lower specific energy, reduced tool-change downtime, and thinner chips to facilitate efficiency later on in the ethanol production stage. The broader impacts of this research are to facilitate the diversification of the country?s energy portfolio by improving the economic end energy viability of biofuels produced from cellulosic feedstock like wood chips, switchgrass, and corn stover. While ethanol is an attractive alternative fuel, care must be taken not to negatively impact food supplies with an excessive shift to grain-based ethanol. Since non-prime farmland can be used for energy crops like switchgrass and fast-growing trees, production of ethanol from cellulosic biomass (including agricultural waste and forestry residues) can enjoy significant growth without undue competition with the food supply. Other energy applications to be impacted include use of chipped/chopped biomass in boilers that produce heat and electricity, which are using cellulosic biomass at increasing rates. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Endres, William Endres Machining Innovations MI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 1465 1402 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839512 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Commercial Development of a Novel Microbial System for Producing Hydrogen Directly from Plant Feedstocks. This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) research utilizes the anaerobic digestion by Clostridium phytofermentans (C-phy), which has an unusually broad substrate range and is capable of fermenting all major carbohydrate components of the plant cell wall directly to hydrogen without prior decomposition to simple sugars, to develop a system for hydrogen production. This research will: 1) Quantify the production of hydrogen by C-phy from plant-derived sugars and biomass; 2) Maximize the rate and efficiency of cellulose to hydrogen conversion, using a model feedstock. 3) Select an available significant commercial biomass feedstock for use in fermentation experiments. 4) Demonstrate the biomass to hydrogen conversion process using the selected commercial feedstock. 5) Identify targets for strain improvement. Broader impact. The broader impact of this research will be to enable biofuels production from ecologically and economically sustainable plant feedstocks to significantly offset fossil fuel use. Outcomes of this project will include: (1) an assessment of the commercial feasibility of producing hydrogen as a primary and secondary product of a novel biomass conversion process, 2) the training of the next generation of scientists for the sustainable production of biofuels from plant feedstocks. These results are expected to inspire new strategies for evolving and engineering microorganisms to enable biomass to be used as a sustainable and commercially significant source for hydrogen production. Potential customers such as oil companies, commercial gas suppliers, and venture capitalists will value the versatility of C-phy in producing hydrogen from a wide array of renewable feedstocks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kilbane II, John SunEthanol Incorporated MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 98360 5371 BIOT 9181 5345 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839518 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Directional MEMS Microphones for Communication Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a novel MEMS based microphone based on entirely new design principles. By abandoning the traditional 100 year-old microphone architecture common to both full-scale microphones as well as recently commercialized MEMS microphones, this project will explore a vastly superior acoustical design that will result in substantial improvements in fidelity and SNR (20 dB SNR improvement over existing MEMS microphones). Furthermore, the microphone will have an inherently directional response with the benefit of focusing on a speaker or event of interest while rejecting ambient background noise. These attributes make this innovation ideal for addressing an emerging need of high volume consumer communication device manufactures that are looking for acoustic sensing innovations with the unique combination of high performance and low manufacturing cost. If successful the proposed innovation will enable, for the first time, the introduction of performance-audio quality into a suite of consumer communication devices. The primary customer focus for this innovation is high volume consumer communication device manufacturers with applications on their horizon that demand substantial improvements in microphone component performance. Presently, commercial suppliers of MEMS microphones all use variations of a traditional microphone architecture which has proven incapable of addressing high performance applications, in particular those that require high fidelity and directionality. Additional markets and applications for this innovation include acoustic instrumentation, performance audio, military and defense, intelligence gathering, speech recognition (ex. in laptop computers), and hearing aids. Addressing hearing aid markets will have a societal impact as well, as patient satisfaction with hearing aid devices is presently very low. The innovation is also expected to have other audiological applications including use in hearing health monitoring systems based on otoacoustic principles. Clinical tools and instruments based on this innovation will serve to enhance scientific and technological understanding in many fields of acoustics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Garcia, Caesar Silicon Audio, LLC TX Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839522 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Engineering Principles Demonstrator. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and demonstrate a low cost, multi-disciplinary Engineering Principles Demonstrator based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) on-chip experiments. The Demonstrator is designed to address a critical need in engineering education of more directly integrating experiments into engineering classrooms and curricula. MEMS technology can be effectively used to demonstrate most of the physical phenomena that engineering students must understand and become proficient at applying in their professions. Unlike conventional technology, which requires separate, cumbersome and often marginalized laboratory courses, MEMS experiments can be performed on a time scale consistent with direct integration into lectures, they are intrinsically safe, as well as environmentally efficient. The Demonstrator software can be used to integrate explanation of relevant principles as well as to provide designed experiments and analysis assistance within the product. The primary innovation in this proposal revolves around the use of MEMS technology to teach engineering fundamentals to undergraduate engineering students. The proposed demonstrator is broadly applicable across a variety of engineering curricula. The potential advantages to society with a technology- and knowledge-based economy follw from the quality of engineering students graduating with skills and knowledge to solve national challenges. With the economy of the United States and its standard of living predicated on high technology innovation, the benefits to the US economy would be expected to be significantly higher relative to other, less technologically oriented economies. The outcomes of this project is expected to impact a large number of students who graduate from US engineering schools without the fundamental grasp of physical phenomena which is critical for innovating new solutions and products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Franz, Aleksander Chemicro Engineering MA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839525 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Oxidation Resistant Carbon Supports For Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project deals with improving the long-term durability of fuel cells. Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells offer a potential environmentally friendly source of power but performance improvements are required before costs justify more widespread adoption of this technology. This project focuses on the improvement of long-term performance of platinum or other noble metal based catalysts for fuel cells. Loss of active platinum surface area during the course of operation is one of the major reasons for performance degradation. To counteract this loss of active metal area our approach provides a unique method to stabilize the catalyst via modification of the carbon support. New technology from ceramics, the electronics industry and catalysis are combined to develop new support materials which are much more resistant to degradation. Lessons learned in improving the resistance to catalyst deactivation are applicable to catalysts in this study and to any future fuel cell catalyst that uses carbon as a support. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project is to improve the degradation resistance of PEM fuel cells. Fuel cells offer an opportunity to provide a clean source of energy, a world-wide concern. Performance improvements are required before the costs of fuel cells make them economically viable. The catalyst electrode is by far the major cost in a fuel cell stack, so improving its productivity is crucial. This project provides a method of preventing, or slowing, the loss of platinum surface area during fuel operation thus improving its long-term performance. This project complements the work reported by others in developing catalyst systems with higher initial activity. Both approaches are critical in providing economical fuel cells. In terms of overall costs, increasing the catalyst lifetime by two to four fold is equivalent to cutting the platinum costs by at least a factor of two to four. The technology developed in this project is not only applicable to any fuel cell system but to other industrial processes that use carbon catalysts. Carbon supported catalysts are used as commercially important oxidation catalysts. Development of materials more resistant to oxidation and sintering could provide additional benefits to these processes as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hucul, Dennis Oxazogen, Inc. MI Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839528 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Shear Stress Sensor Based on Optical Micro-Spring Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at the development of a wall shear stress sensor with an Optical Micro-Spring (OMS) as its core element. The OMS, a miniature fiber-based load cell, relies on the morphology-dependent optical resonances known as Whispering Gallery Modes (WGM) realized in a microcavity. A miniature and robust sensor is proposed that is capable of direct measurement of wall shear stress in either transparent or opaque media. Due to high quality factor of WGM technology, displacements of the sensing element as small as a hundredth of a nanometer can be detected. The sensor therefore virtually does not have any moving parts while detecting sensing element displacements within more than four orders of magnitude of the shear force. The project will advance the understanding of the fundamental processes occurring in the boundary layer of a flow. For non-Newtonian or otherwise rheologically complex fluids the wall shear stress can not be easily calculated or, especially for non-transparent flows, measured. The chemical and pharmaceutical industries suffer from an inability to scale and predict mixing equipment performance. Direct measurements of wall shear stress would significantly improve existing CFD models and provide a means to increase process control, quality and throughput for high intensity mixing devices and to reduce the cost of the final product. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stepaniuk, Vadim Lenterra Inc NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99981 5371 HPCC 9139 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839529 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Co-Production of Industrial Enzymes and Advanced Lipid Biofuels in Algae. This Small Business Innovation Phase I project will develop enzyme products from algae along with lipid biofuels. Algae have the potential to provide carbon-neutral, renewable biofuels from advanced lipids. At most, algae will be capable of producing advanced lipids as 30% - 40% of their total biomass, leaving 60% - 70% of the remaining biomass, primarily protein, as waste. As algae growth for biofuel production is scaled up to the levels required to replace significant amounts of transportation fuel, the costs for disposing of this waste biomass will become prohibitive. Therefore, identifying and developing large-scale commercial uses for the remaining biomass is required for commercial viability of large scale advanced lipid biofuel production from algae. In order to fulfill this need, Sapphire Energy will develop a system to co-produce commercially important industrial enzymes and advanced lipids for biofuels in algae. Stephen Mayfield of Sapphire Energy has pioneered the recent development of tools to overexpress proteins in algae. The Phase I experiments examine the feasibility of using these recently developed tools to produce industrial enzymes in algae at levels sufficient to be competitive with existing enzyme production systems while retaining activity and purity. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project is to make algae more viable as an alternative fuel while also supplying industrial enzymes. Revenue from the sale of industrial enzymes will negate the costs of disposal of excess protein byproduct resulting from lipid production in algae, lowering production costs of advanced lipid biofuels. Development of this technology has wide-ranging societal impacts as it would reduce a key barrier to commercialization of a renewable transportation fuel that 1) can directly substitute for petroleum-based gasoline in current automobile engines, 2) does not compete with or use food crops, and 3) utilizes wastewater and excess CO2. Additionally, the work will allow further development of molecular tools for manipulating algae, increasing the types of products that may be produced in an organism that is rapidly gaining importance for the production of carbon-neutral, renewable products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Behnke, Craig Sapphire Energy, Inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 1491 1465 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839550 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Development of non-toxic antifouling compounds targeting a key G-protein coupled receptor involved in settlement and metamorphosis of barnacles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops a novel, non-toxic, antifouling technology for the aquaculture industry. Unlike existing biocidal metal-based coatings, our technology is based on a class of compounds that inhibit the settlement, attachment, and/or metamorphosis of invertebrates on marine surfaces by modulating the activity of a specific nutrient-salinity sensing receptor found in fouling invertebrates. In initial testing, it was demonstrated that a class of compounds called calcimimetics act on these receptors and possess antifouling activity in barnacles in the lab and the field. These data will be refined utilizing a combination of approaches to identify antifoulants suitable for use in the aquaculture industry. Such a non-toxic antifouling system will either replace or dramatically reduce the metal content of current toxic alternatives. The broader impacts of this research are to benefit society by discovering a non-toxic solution to antifouling. This approach, if successful, will reduce the need for metal-based coatings that are toxic to many non-fouling organisms and to allow for increased aquaculture opportunities that are often in economically depressed areas. One of these areas is downeast Maine and as such this research is carried out in collaboration with the University of Maine. This partnership will form the basis for future private-public projects in Maine?s developing aquaculture industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jury, Steven MariCal, Inc. ME Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 124400 5371 BIOT 9150 9117 5345 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839574 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Non-Invasive Lobster Vitality Sensor. This small business innovation research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a new optical sensing paradigm complete with field-deployable, non-invasive, automated, sensors for routine assessment of lobster vitality. The instrument incorporates a fiber optic probe that is interfaced with the lobster ventral sinus membrane and interrogates lobster health through absorbance and fluorescent spectroscopy of the lobster hemolymph. The specific research objectives: (i) analyze lobster hemolymph in vivo using non-invasive, optical sensor. (ii) compare these measurements to those obtained with extracted hemolymph from the same lobsters (iii) determine the feasibility of the proposed method and the design specifications for a portable, non-invasive, lobster vitality sensor. The broader impacts of this research are that the development of this sensor will enable the transition of sensor research current research at Mainely Sensors and The Lobster Institute, at the University of Maine, to a fully commercialized product in the lobster markets while promoting teaching and learning for University undergraduate and graduate students. Currently funded, NSF educational grants, GK-12, Research Experience for Undergraduates, Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship, and Research Experience for Teachers sensor programs, integrate sensor science and technology into the University and secondary school curricula, and offer research, educational, and job opportunities for the participants. It will benefit the national and international American lobster industry, including lobstermen, lobster dealers, holding facilities, and shippers, and research community. It is also anticipated that the proposed sensor will be applicable to other lobster and crustacean species. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bolton, Jason Mainely Sensors, LLC ME Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 98493 5371 BIOT 9150 9117 1465 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839588 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: RGB upconverted laser backlights for LCDs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new type of red, green, and blue (RGB) backlight for liquid crystal displays (LCD) that can provide low cost, high efficiency, high image quality, and low voltage. While LCDs dominate computers, communication, and entertainment, they remain limited in their image quality and efficiency by the lack of a low cost, high quality RGB backlight. This lack of RGB backlighting is due to the market barrier of the high cost associated with the available technologies. The proposed project investigates a transformative approach to LCD backlighting using laser up-conversion that can reach very low cost by incorporating new materials, photonic device structures, and integration techniques at the backlight subsystem level. In addition, the Phase I project enables a dramatic improvement in the LCD system level performance through color and 2D modulation with increased resolution, color and image contrast, and elimination of the need for expensive LCD color filters. If successful one of the key benefits of this outcome is that the increased performance will reduce the cost displays systems. The LCD has become the dominant technology for information display in education, science, health care, government, security, and entertainment. Few other technologies have had as broad an impact on the U.S. and world societies. The LCD impact comes from its multibillion-dollar world market and in its diverse range of applications. This SBIR effort has as its goal furtherance of LCD displays by developing low cost RGB backlighting. It combines an important opportunity for technology advancement in a market sector important to the U.S. economy with a collaborative effort in basic science and new materials with university researchers to achieve this goal. The new technology offers the opportunity for rapid development and commercialization of new university developed concepts. In addition, the technology may find new applications in automotive lighting, indicator lamps, and other display technologies. The research effort targets integration of new materials and devices at the subsystem level, with a clear technology path to innovation for LCDs in each of the leading market sectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bass, Michael bdDisplays, LLC FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839592 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Novel Low-Cost Electric Motors for Variable Speed Applications. This SBIR Phase I research proposal will analyze, develop, and demonstrate a novel, optimized, high power density and high efficiency electric motor technology capable of operating at high speeds using Parallel Magnetic Circuit (PMC) technology. PMC technology is a breakthrough magnetic force control technology that is applicable to any electromagnetic device. Unlike ?conventional? electro-magnetic motors and actuators, which use series magnetic circuits limited by the force of the most powerful single magnet element, PMC moves flux from multiple permanent magnets and field coils into a coherent and additive geometry - dramatically increasing both efficiency and power density. The proposed motor will have efficiency greater than 90 percent over a broad range of operating speeds with peak efficiency greater than 97 percent, operate at speeds in excess of 20,000 rpm, cost less than comparable existing permanent magnet motors, and require no active liquid cooling when operating within the designed parameters. These power generators have significant quantitative and qualitative advantages over the incumbent motors being used in the current variable speed applications. Their smaller size and ability to operate more efficiently over a wider range of operating speeds, as well as their ease of integration, installation, and projected reliability, would greatly increase electric motor viability in the commercial market. This would significantly increase the viability of electric drive trains and speed the adoption of efficient and environmentally sustainable electric vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Flynn, Charles QM Power, Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 96567 5371 HPCC 9139 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839594 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Electrochemical Ozone Generator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an electrochemical ozone generator to treat water for drinking and industrial processing. In the US, 85% of all public water systems serve fewer than 3,300 people. For providing these small unit drinking water systems, three congressional findings highlight the challenges. First, the small communities typically have a low tax basis making affordability a challenge unless the system is low in cost. Secondly, the small communities typically do not have technical experts to manage the water disinfection system thus posing a challenge that the system must be simple to operate. Third, the popular chlorine based systems will be outlawed in 2015 for drinking water systems according to the EPA Stage 2 Safe Drinking Water Act. To this end, Reactive Innovations, LLC is proposing to develop an electrochemical ozone generation system that produces ozone directly into a process flow stream using only ambient air and DC electrical power. The broader impacts of this research are a robust reactor platform is obtained that can be used for small and large scale water treatment processing. The US drinking water equipment market was $115M in 2005 growing at a compound annual rate of 5%. In addition to producing ozone for water and wastewater disinfection, the proposed electrochemical ozone generator may also be applied toward purifying water systems for semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and pulp/paper processing. These applications represent a worldwide water treatment market projected to be worth $11B by the year 2015. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kimble, Michael Reactive Innovations, LLC MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99967 5371 BIOT 9104 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839598 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Cell-based Wireless Sensor for Stand-off Detection of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project involves using olfactory neuron cells integrated with electronic circuits, and interfacing with a wireless hardware based on ZigBee technology for detection at a standoff distance. Recent experiments with pouched rats have demonstrated that their highly sensitive olfactory system can detect and recognize vapors diffusing from IEDs. The vapor molecules of the explosive bind to specialized receptors on the cilia of olfactory neuron cells in the nose, triggering an electrical response that propagates to the brain. This approach takes advantage of the sensitivity and specificity of olfactory sensory neurons, which are unequaled by any state-of-the-art human-made sensor technologies. High-sensitivity front-end amplifier circuits, fabricated on the same silicon die, are able to detect action potentials and amplify the electrical signals toward subsequent transmission through a ZigBee wireless system. There is urgent need on the part of the U.S. military to develop effective IED detection systems since IEDs account for the majority of U.S. casualties in Iraq. By modest alterations, the same technology can be used in the transportation of sensitive goods such as medicine and weapons as well as security and protection of sensitive assets. Monitoring and protecting working and living environments against harmful pathogens is another market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ozdemir, Tayfun Virtual EM Inc. MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99947 5371 HPCC 9139 7331 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839600 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Vibration Energy Harvester. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project is to develop, fabricate, and characterize a new type of cost effective high performance vibration energy harvester. The use of piezoelectric benders for vibration energy harvesters has been limited due to their low energy output, high vibrational frequency requirement, and narrow frequency bandwidth. Several configurations of these energy harvesters will be fabricated that are predicted to offer up to 1.45 times higher voltage and up to 9.6 times higher current output capability over conventional monolithic and composite energy harvesters. In addition, these new harvesters offer up to 5 times lower resonance frequency and up to 10 times wider bandwidth. The proposed harvesters are projected to satisfy the powering requirements for ubiquitously deployed transportation and industrial sensor networks and mobile electronics, eliminating the need for battery recharging, replacement, and disposal. For wireless sensor networks, the proposed energy harvester will eliminate power consumption from the mains power, data cable and power cable installation and maintenance, and battery cost, replacement, and disposal. In addition, sensor data can be used to facilitate structural health monitoring and condition based maintenance of transportation infrastructure, power generation structures, and air, water, and ground transportation vehicles, which can result in multi-billion dollar savings by avoiding catastrophic failures, eliminating unnecessary scheduled maintenance, and reducing maintenance costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Near, Craig Genziko Inc. GA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99847 5371 HPCC 9139 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839615 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Quantitative Analysis for Trace Levels of Toxic Elements in Consumer Products Using High Definition X-ray Fluorescence. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of rapidly and quantitatively detecting ten different toxic elements found in consumer products with a portable high definition x-ray fluorescence (HDXRF) analyzer. The objective is to develop a new innovative analyzer with a new small spot x-ray source, tri-chromatic beam, and energy dispersive XRF detection that will provide a definitive pass-fail for products tested on the factory floor. In Phase I, the team will demonstrate the feasibility of measuring these toxic elements in a benchtop setup. The analyzer will have detection limits at sub parts per million levels. The broader impacts of this research are that American manufacturers, distributors, and retailers will be able to preserve their competitive position by becoming compliant in a cost-effective way to the new regulations such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act regulating lead and other toxic elements in consumer products. Currently, there is no measurement technique available outside the laboratory with sufficient accuracy, spatial resolution, and speed to use as a definitive pass-fail method on the factory floor. There is a major public health benefit. The public can be certain the products they buy are safe and free from toxic element contaminations that have been linked to serious health issues such a neurological disorders and kidney damage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Zewu X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 141477 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839635 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Surveyor Endonuclease Adaptor-Ligated Libraries for Genomic Mutation Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops a novel process allowing rapid and cost-effective analysis of genetic variation between test and known, control genomes. The method, known as SEAL, will allow researchers to construct DNA libraries containing only these variations. This would be a breakthrough in technology as whole genome sequencing produces vast amounts of redundant data representing the test genome?s regions that are identical to the control genome. Using current sequencing technologies this redundant data imposes high generation and analysis costs without contributing any new information. This project will demonstrate the method?s feasibility by developing robust bacterial genome analysis applications. Each step of the multi-staged method will be tested to find optimal conditions. Phase II aims will be developing more complex human genomic applications. The broader impacts of this research are on how DNA sequencing is performed and DNA variation is assessed. Research areas impacted include: pharmacogenomic assessment for personalized medicine diagnostics, notably in cancer treatment; simpler, less data-intensive methods to collect the genetic variation information required for understanding complex diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and tools for discovery of new antibiotics for drug-resistant pathogens. The commercial value will be a dramatic decrease in the cost and time of genome sequencing, identification of biomarkers associated with appropriate treatments and decreased requirements for very high cost sequencing equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gerard, Gary Transgenomic, Inc. NE Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99353 5371 BIOT 9150 9107 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839653 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: One-Step MembraneReactor-based Process for Conversion of Biomass Gasifier Off-gas to Syngas Ready for Alternative Fuel Syntheses. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a one-step membrane reactor-based process to clean-up, concentrate, and condition bio-based syngas to make it suitable for downstream processing into fuel or chemicals. The biomass-based energy production pathway has been favored recently due to no/minimal net CO2 emission. The recent skyrocketing prices of imported crude have made domestically available biomass a very attractive alternative fuel and chemical source. Thermochemical conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals has been considered one of the better developed bio-based energy production processes. However, today for thermochemical conversion of biomass to play a significant role in reducing our country's dependence on imported fossil fuels, the syngas generated during biomass gasification must be (i) meticulously cleaned to remove trace contaminants (e.g., tar, H2S, NH3, HCl, etc.), (ii) concentrated via removal of a broad range of diluents (e.g., N2, O2, CH4, etc.), and (iii) conditioned to the proper ratio to meet the feedstock requirements of such diverse products as hydrogen for fuel cells or syngas for methanol and higher alcohol synthesis and for hydrocarbon production via Fischer-Tropsch. During Phase I of this project, the gas clean-up/concentration/conditioning process based upon the proposed one-step concept will be demonstrated in a bench top unit with synthetic feeds. The experimental and simulation results thus generated will be used to validate the proposed technical concept and provide economic basis for the next phase technical and commercial development with an end user participant. The development of this process will play a pivotal role in linking the existing upstream biomass gasification technology with the downstream hydrogen or syngas use technology. The production cost using existing technology was about 2 to 4 times of the cost of fossil diesel in 2004. By implementing this technology, the projected bio-based fuel cost will be in line with current fossil fuel prices according to preliminary cost analyses. The development and commercialization of this process will play a pivotal role in linking the existing upstream biomass gasification technology with the downstream syngas to fuel/chemical conversion technologies and will boost the domestic energy supply with minimal net greenhouse gas emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Paul Media and Process Technology Inc. PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839657 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Inspection for Precision Surface Finishing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate automated inspection and finishing of variable, free-form parts. In turbine blade manufacture, part geometry and finishing work requirements vary part-to-part, so blades must be visually inspected and shaped and polished by hand. The broader research objective is to automate this rigorous and painstaking work by integrating non-contact sensing and a compliant finishing robot in a closed loop configuration. It will analyze part requirements, autonomously generate work plans, remove material with high precision by combining sensory data, and verify work results. Turbine blade manufacture is an essential component of the $34B market in the U.S. for aircraft engines and gas turbine generators, and automated finishing will produce considerable cost savings, quality improvements, and improved worker safety. The current polish-inspect-shape-inspect process cycle will be combined into a single operation, reducing production time plus hardware, footprint, maintenance, and energy requirements. The primary cause of scrap, human error, will be avoided for these valuable, nearly finished parts. Workers will not be tasked with a job that is difficult, dirty, and known to inflict high rates of repetitive stress injuries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Somes, Steven Western Robotics Co OH Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839659 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Bidirectional Power Converter Control for Vehicle-to-Grid Applications. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I research project addresses system-level research into the control of grid-interactive power electronics converters in widely distributed energy storage and delivery applications. One such application of particular interest is the proposed use of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications wherein bidirectional inverter/rectifiers are used to store energy from the utility grid at times of light load and to deliver energy back to the grid during peak load periods. This project investigates novel power conversion control methods necessary to maximize the economic and electrical benefits of such distributed energy storage and delivery systems. The end goal of this research is the development of fundamental control algorithms for safe, reliable, cost-effective, and standards-compliant energy transfer within the interactive Smart Grid of the future. The device proposed here can be programmed to operate with specific values of power amplitude, direction, and phase angle, and can be connected to the grid through a variety of standard interfaces. It can also operate either in grid-interactive or stand-alone (emergency backup) modes, and includes the communication and control capabilities required to make plug-connected vehicles suitable for widespread use and acceptance. Enabling this multiuse use of plug-connected vehicles with bidirectional power flow capability will greatly enhance the opportunity to use electricity as the fuel of choice for transportation, will help make alternative energy systems more cost effective, and can help extend utility assets both through load shifting and through distributed delivery of ancillary services such as spinning reserve, regulation and reactive power sourcing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Skutt, Glenn Power Hub Ventures, LLC DBA VPT- Energy Systems VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149778 5371 HPCC 9139 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839667 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Developing a Real-time High-data-rate Multicarrier Underwater Acoustic Modem. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project proposes to develop a real-time high-data-rate multi-carrier modem for underwater acoustic communications and networking. It will lead to a data rate increase by one order of magnitude over existing commercial acoustic modems. Furthermore, this modem will be equipped with modules that can facilitate advanced networking functionalities. The development of high-data-rate acoustic modems for underwater applications is hindered by the unique characteristics of underwater channels. Based on recent success in making Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) work in underwater environments with fast-moving platforms, this project will develop a real-time high-data rate OFDM modem. This will solve a long-standing problem in the underwater acoustic communication community. By providing a real-time high-data-rate multi-carrier acoustic modem, this project will make significant contributions to the acoustic communication community and will be a significant step towards the commercialization of high-data-rate underwater modems. It will directly benefit the development of emerging underwater wireless sensor networks for a variety of aquatic applications such as oceanographic data collection, pollution monitoring, offshore exploration, disaster prevention, and tactical surveillance applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cui, Jun-Hong Aquatic Sensor Network Technology LLC CT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 124856 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839669 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Slitless, compact, low-cost, and multichannel volume holographic spectrometers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new platform for spectrometers using cylindrical beam volume holograms (CBVHs) as dispersive elements. Due to its unique characteristic, the CBVH enables the capability of the design of two-dimensional (2D) spatial-spectral output patterns to significantly enhance the functionality of holographic spectrometers. As an example, a multichannel spectrometer is proposed for deployment by dividing a CBVH into several rows, and each row is specifically designed and recorded to perform wavelength dispersion in a wavelength range (or channel) within the entire spectral bandwidth. Thus, a significant improvement of the spectral bandwidth can be achieved without sacrificing spectral resolution while keeping all merits of a compact, lightweight, low-cost, reliable, and alignment robust spectrometer. With the proposed multichannel spectrometer design, several species of interest can be detected at one shot even though their spectrums are distributed in a very large spectral bandwidth. Due to the design flexibility of volume holograms, this technology enables the design of spectrometers with custom functionalities without adding any complexity (such as more elements and complicated system arrangement) to the system. If successful a spectral sensor system that provides spatial and spectral detection offers great utility to the life science and medical markets. For high throughput screening, it is desired to have multiple channels read simultaneously on a test containing multiple sample sites. For fluorescence based tests, multiple fluorophores need to be quantified requiring more spectral information. Maintaining good sensitivity is still required in these applications for low concentration detection at a low cost and size demanded by these markets. The proposed multichannel spectrometer based on CBVH will have a broad range of applications in the fields of biochemistry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, industrial quality assurance, homeland security, mineralogy, and environmental monitoring. Moreover, the proposed technology offers a practical solution for the design of custom sensors that can perform optical measurement in a large spectral bandwidth. The compact and lightweight nature of the proposed spectrometer makes it a perfect choice for handheld sensing devices that are of high current demand in several fields as mentioned above. The entire US market volume that can be covered by this technology has been $2.6B in 2005, with a prospected 7% growth rate through 2010. The use of sophisticated volume holograms with 2D spatial-spectral output patterns is an important enabling technology that can impact the design of custom multi-purpose spectrometers (or sensors) beyond the proposed functionalities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hsieh, Chaoray ProSpect Photonics, Inc. GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839678 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Highly Processable High Performance Ni Superalloys for Heat Exchanger Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will design and develop a new high performance Ni superalloy material for high temperature heat exchanger applications. The alloy design will leverage existing QuesTek efforts on Ni superalloy modeling, design, and prototyping, including multicomponent thermodynamic and kinetic models of microstructural stability and precipitation behavior. The key microstructural design concept is based around achieving the superior strength, high thermal conductivity, and elevated thermal-mechanical strength (fatigue resistance) required of high performance heat exchanger materials via a combination of L12-type and DO22-type precipitation. In Ni superalloys these two types of precipitates nucleate and grow in a highly interactive manner ("compact morphology"). QuesTek will harness this "self-assembly" behavior by understanding the detailed chemical (thermodynamic) and elastic (stress) interactions during the controlled co-evolution of these precipitates. The goal is a breakthrough in heat exchanger material temperature capability with significantly higher service temperature capabilities (and thermal efficiencies) than previously achievable. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is to keep pace with improving system technology by producing higher-temperature and lower-weight heat exchangers that are increasingly in demand. State-of-the-art heat exchangers are fundamentally limited by the availability of next generation superalloys in two ways. First, the weight of heat exchangers is limited by the thickness of existing materials. Current operating temperatures require thick gauge material to withstand severe thermal cycle stresses resulting in a heavy component. Materials that could withstand higher stresses at elevated temperatures would enable thinner sheets resulting in weight savings in addition to better heat transfer across thinner sections. In addition, thermal conductivity and thermal efficiency are enhanced at higher operating temperatures. The life and operating temperature of heat exchanger components are limited by the temperature capability of currently-available materials in sheet form. Improvements in material performance would have direct benefits to high temperature heat exchanger performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sebastian, Jason QUESTEK INNOVATIONS LLC IL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 96350 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839684 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Manufacture of Brightly Luminescent Carbon Quantum Dots. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project tests a new robust and scalable route to manufacture Selah Dots(TM), a biologically and environmentally benign and competitive alternative to heavy metal based quantum dot imaging agents. Selah Dots(TM) exhibit strong photoluminescence in the visible and near-infrared regions and offer significant advantages over traditional fluorescent dyes for a variety of in vitro diagnostic applications. The innovation in this work will allow the commercial production of these benign and photoluminescent core-shell nanoparticles with characteristics that meet or exceed the performance criteria of existing fluorescent dyes and heavy metal based quantum dots. These innovative materials will provide the following performance benefits over competing imaging products for in vitro diagnostic assays: i.) improved signal sensitivity (including capability for sensitive multiphoton microscopy), ii.) improved detection specificity, iii.) improved biocompatibility, and iv.) physicochemical and photochemical stability. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is to produce Selah Dots which will provide highly consistent performance levels comparable to expensive semiconductor quantum dots at substantially lower price levels competitive with traditional organic dyes. The global market for in-vitro diagnostics (IVDs) is estimated to exceed $40 billion by 2010. Selah Dots will first find market acceptance to three sub-segments of the IVD market: immunoassays, molecular diagnostics, and histology/cytology. The addressable market in these segments for the Selah Dots technology is projected to be $2.2 billion in 2010. A biological imaging agent made from Selah Dots will improve the detection sensitivity and specificity of important in vitro diagnostic tests. Higher sensitivity will promote earlier detection of diseases; higher specificity will lower overall diagnostic costs by eliminating the need for complex and time-consuming preparatory steps; and an imaging agent made with a carbon core instead of heavy metals will mitigate the potential environmental impacts posed by the commercial adoption of traditional quantum dots. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Metters, Andrew Selah Technologies, LLC SC Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 137500 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1972 1769 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839689 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Learning About Complexity through Programming Modular Robots. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates end-user programming for ensembles of robots. The project focusses on the developmnent of an accessible end-user programming environment so that middle and high school students can create their own custom ensembles or blocks of robots and observe how the blocks' behavior affect an entire robot. Building powerful and correct intuitions about the behavior of complex systems is important for scientists and engineers, but with today's technologies it is difficult for children to acquire and integrate these ideas into their mindset. Through exploratory play with thr proposed robotics construction kit, which embodies a distributed processing scheme for embedded microprocessors, children can build and observe complex systems acting in the real world. Programming such systems is difficult: the problem to be solved is to identify effective end-user programming paradigms for children to program distributed embedded systems, and thereby construct mental models about the behavior of complex systems. Although end-user programming environments exist for software systems, and even for a few robotics toys, no competing approach to end user programming tackles distributed processing for modular robotics. The project aims to build three experimental systems: a text-based environment, a visual programming language, and a 'cellular automata' interface. Testing with local middle school students will determine the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. The outcome of the project is expected to have a broad impact on children's understanding of how complex global behaviors emerges from local effects. Designing and building complex systems exposes children to a variety of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts. The addition of an intuitive, low-threshold, high-ceiling approach to reprogramming ensemble modules will add extensibility to this already powerful model of complexity. In addition to the primary objective, the design and testing of end-user programming for distributed embedded computing can inform other applications of this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schweikardt, Eric roBlocks LLC PA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9216 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839718 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I:Si-Ge Quantum Dot Laser. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop silicon germanium quantum dot lasers. The quantum dot approach has demonstratable advantages for the near-IR wavelengths of 1.3 to 1.55 micron. Near-IR lasers emitting at 1.3 ìm and 1.55 ìm are very important to fullfill the needs of increasing data bandwidth. By developing systems on silicon, a photonic integrated circuit can be fabricated that will address the needs of the telecom marketplace. A low cost 1.3 ìm wavelength laser is viewed by industry analysts as a key-enabling device for high volume production of fiber-optic transceivers for the metro and metro access markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Matt QuantTera AZ William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839729 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High quality, low cost bulk gallium nitride substrates. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of growth of high quality, low cost bulk gallium nitride substrates by the high pressure ammonothermal method. The proposed approach utilizes a novel apparatus which is scalable to process volumes of hundreds of liters at modest cost. If successful this project will dramatically reduce the cost of GaN substrates for use in optoelectronics and energy conversion devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG D'Evelyn, Mark Soraa, Inc., aka SJS Technologies CA William Haines Standard Grant 99935 5371 HPCC 9139 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839730 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Synthesis of Metal and Metal Alloy Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the development of a novel solid-state method of synthesizing metal and metal alloy nanoparticles. A method has been developed for metal oxide and mixed metal oxide nanoparticles which can now be extended to the synthesis of metal and metal alloy nanoparticles. This approach will be very low cost and environmentally friendly and will produce high quality nanoparticles of any metal or alloy of any number of metals in exact stoichiometric proportions. The method simply involves mixing common dry chemical starting materials and baking the resulting precursor material at modest temperatures (e.g., 300°C) for approximately one hour. If the baking step is performed in the ambient atmosphere, metal oxides are formed; however, if a reducing environment is employed at somewhat higher temperatures, metal nanoparticles are formed. In initial experiments, the metal particles are rather large, 30-50nm as compared to 2-10nm for the oxides, and there is oxide contamination. This project focuses on developing the method to produce small, pure metal and metal alloy nanoparticles. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project is to develop a nanoparticle synthesis that does not use solvents which would result in a process that is economical and has better enivironmental impact than current processes. This process could have major impact to the fields of catalysis, batteries, and fuel cells. The European Commission published a comprehensive report on nanotechnology which predicted that the nanomaterials market is going to reach 300 billion Euros by 2015. If this forecast is accurate, manufacturing of nanoparticles is going to be required on a scale equivalent to many of our largest current industries. Because the market is still in its very early stages of development, this industry has an opportunity to adopt intelligent methods before more energy consumptive and polluting approaches become entrenched as industry standards. Current methods for making nanoparticles suffer from heavy energy consumption, large amounts of waste, and/or purification problems. The Cosmas synthetic method has the potential to become the method of choice for supplying novel metal and alloy materials for hundreds of low to high technology applications because it will be low cost, environmentally friendly and will yield nanoparticles which can meet virtually any product specification. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Astle, Lynn Cosmas UT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 137500 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839732 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Biodegradable Elastomers of Intravascular Drug Delivery. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a cell and blood compatible, non-clotting drug-eluting prosthetic artery that can release, in a controlled manner, drugs or other small compounds that can inhibit scarring and clotting. Potential drug candidates will be loaded using various concentrations and conditions, in order to determine the release rate and dosing that should be used to move the technology forward towards human application. It is expected that grafts will show controlled release and an effect on vascular cells tested in the lab. The broader impacts of this research include the development of engineering principles that will facilitate the fabrication of drug-eluting grafts that could potentially be useful in: a) procedures to correct blood flow occlusion due to peripheral artery disease, b) vascular access grafts for hemodialysis patients, and c) procedures where traditional prosthetic grafts cannot be used such as coronary artery bypass. This innovative technology and product has the potential to reduce the incidence of limb amputation and have a significant impact on the care of patients with vascular disease. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Webb, Antonio VesselTek Biomedical LLC IL Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 1773 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839733 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: The Synthesis of Air-stable Copper Nanoparticles for the Printed Electronics Industry. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to test the feasibility of the chemical synthesis for the production of copper nanoparticles, which are stable on the air, for the electronic industry. UT Dots will develop a synthetic procedure for the production of copper nanoparticles that will be formulated as ink for printable electronic industry. Air stable copper nanoparticles may be used in a wide variety of applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Didenko, Yuri UT Dots, Inc. IL William Haines Standard Grant 99992 5371 MANU 9146 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839734 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Particle Filtering Technology for Wearable Medical Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at developing improved noise filters for wearable medical instrumentation. Recently, medical sensing instrumentation for the monitoring of physiological signals has become increasingly wearable and noninvasive. However, because these sensors are now portable they will be exposed to higher levels of noise and artifacts (especially motion artifacts) than in controlled clinical scenarios. As a result, these sensors cannot perform reliably unless data is post-processed by a filter. Conventional filters (adaptive-recursive, wavelet, and others) are limited by their generic applicability and do not have the necessary performance. To address this, Streamline Automation, LLC (SA) and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) will develop particle filters (PF) based on physiological models. PF have been shown to outperform all other known filtering methods, especially for nonlinear systems, such as human physiology, with non-stationary and non-Gaussian noise (motion artifacts). However, so far PF have not been used in medical or biological applications. To make this possible, we propose a state-space modeling approach based on anatomical and physiological concepts. In Phase I, we will develop and demonstrate the particle filtering approach based on a cardiovascular-respiratory system state-space model to process wearable pulse oximeter signals. Potential applications are vast because particle filters have the potential to deliver robustness and reliability to any physiological monitoring hardware but have not yet been applied to biosignals. The focus of this project is increasing the robustness of the wearable pulse oximeter hardware such that it becomes useful in ambulatory monitoring. This technology should be applicable in urban and natural disaster areas where multiple traumatic injury victims must be triaged and evacuated (earthquakes, car accidents, explosions, tornadoes, etc). Other applications include monitoring of long-distance flight pilots, physical exercise monitoring, surgery and anesthesia, sleep apnea, patients with chronic cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, and remote monitoring under austere environments such as high altitude rescue teams, firefighters, and deep sea diving. Since particle filtering technology is not limited to pulse oximetry, a host of other applications exist, provided suitable mathematical models for the system and measurement are developed. Examples of these are the detection of faint fetal electrocardiogram, kidney dialysis monitoring, non-invasive glucose monitoring, and electromyogram filtering. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reich, Alton Streamline Automation, LLC AL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99932 5371 BIOT 9267 9150 9107 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839741 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Catalysis of Exothermic Solid-State Reaction for Safe Heating of Consumer Products. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, led by Ironbridge Technologies, Inc. is directed at harnessing the energy release from a kinetically modulated solid-state reaction for use in novel food heating products for consumers. The research will build on recent findings on "super-thermites", and be conducted by a highly qualified team comprising an industrial partner experienced in technology commercialization and university experts on nano-energetic materials. Using various combinations of reaction rate modifiers we will prepare catalyzed thermite fuels, assess kinetic, energetic and safety characteristics and then analyze physical and chemical properties to establish correlations between structural properties and thermal performance. Through this effort we will develop greater insight into factors that govern solid state chemical reactions. The scientific challenges are extremely high; for the intended end-use we must discover a combination of solid fuels, oxidizers, and additives to yield a system that is energy efficient, inherently self-regulating at bounded temperature, uses food-safe materials, and is low cost. At the end of Phase I we will complete a system analysis to objectively gauge the technology capability to fully address application requirements defined by potential commercialization partners from the packaged food industry. The intended consumer application for this technology is self-heating food packaging (SHFP) intended to heat prepared foods in their containers to serving temperature in minutes, simply, safely and efficiently. Major producers of prepared foods have indicated hundreds of millions of units potential for a SHFP system that can deliver on challenging performance, safety, and cost characteristics. The only SHFP technology currently in the consumer market uses an onboard system for mixing quicklime and water. These products are bulky, complex, unreliable, costly, and have thus achieved very low market penetration. The proposed technical approach is superior in that will use a dry, energy-dense material to heat foods in their containers with a flameless, smokeless reaction. These advantages may enable significant market penetration. In addition to significant commercial potential, there will be many tangible broader impacts of the proposed research effort. University subawards will provide support for student education and training to gain cross-disciplinary knowledge in nanoscience and chemical analysis. From an applied standpoint the information developed will be invaluable for the design and optimization of superior chemical technologies for energy storage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Coffey, Brendan Ironbridge Technologies, Inc. TX Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839744 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Novel Microencapsulation for Oral Delivery of Antiviral dsRNA to Shrimp. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on oral delivery of an antiviral treatment for White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)for use in shrimp aquaculture. This antiviral is based on the concept of RNA inhibition, or RNAi, and is focused on priming the shrimp?s natural antiviral machinery to silence critical genes of the infecting virus, thus preventing spread of viral infection. If successful in proof of concept in Phase I, Phase II research will focus on testing and optimizing oral delivery of RNAi antivirals in response to viral challenges. This research is combines expertise in evaluating therapeutics for shrimp and understanding of RNAi-based approaches for controlling viral infections, with the proprietary technologies for micro-encapsulation to enhance stability and availability of therapeutics. The broader impacts of this research are to address the dire need for antiviral treatments for successful shrimp aquaculture. In particular, White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) will be the first target for a commercial product. WSSV is endemic in the majority of shrimp producing countries, and causes losses of over $1.5 billion annually. The virus can potentially destroy the shrimp output of an entire country as it did in Ecuador in the early part of the century. The oral delivery of RNAi therapeutics to shrimp could be adapted to target other economically damaging viruses. Such technologies for oral delivery of RNAi-based antivirals to shrimp could be the first blockbuster therapeutic in aquaculture. There is a desperate industry need, and a significant commercial opportunity, for innovation in addressing shrimp viral infections. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Buchanan, John Aqua Bounty Technologies MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 95236 5371 BIOT 9117 5345 1465 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839747 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: MEMS Electromagnetic Pump. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will prototype a MEMS-based electromagnetic pump for small, controlled or continuous delivery of a drug. In contrast to other designs for micropumps, the MEMS pump is configured to move in the plane of the substrate on which it is built, allowing it to have relatively complex shape, high speed and large throw. This planar configuration also allows relatively large particles to be pumped through the microfluidic system, such that particle-based slurries can also be delivered in therapeutic doses. The MEMS in-plane electromagnetic pump has better performance than other pumping mechanisms such as piezoelectric, in terms of voltage requirements, speed, pumping force and manufacturability. The broader impacts of this research are that the pump described here may be used to produce a very small pumping system appropriate for use in an adhesive patch worn on the skin to deliver, for example, insulin in small, adjustable dosages. Coupling the pump to a glucose monitoring system may eventually form an artificial pancreas to deliver insulin on a controlled, continuous basis. Such tight control of blood glucose levels could mitigate the large number of life threatening or at least life limiting health consequences of diabetes. The pump may also be coupled to other sensors, to administer controlled volumes of other substances, or in response to the detection of other biochemical signals, for example in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, pain, chronic pain, cancer, AIDS, neurological diseases, Alzheimer's Disease, Hepatitis, or Parkinson's Disease. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spong, Jaquelin Innovative Micro Technology CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99983 5371 BIOT 9183 9107 9102 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839748 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Ion implantation-free SiC device fabrication technology based on low-temperature selective epitaxial growth. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project aims at developing new semiconductor device processing technology for SiC electronics. The new method is based on low-temperature selective epitaxial growth of SiC (LTSEG) of SiC. The technology promises high values of doping, especially for p-type doping that is problematic in SiC. Another advantage is the development of a self-aligned fabrication technique for the emerging market of SiC power integrated circuits. Self-aligned device fabrication for SiC is in the embryonic stage. Efforts to develop new fabrication technologies in Japan and Europe are growing, which may put the U.S. SiC industry significantly behind in developing cost-efficient SiC electronics. In this respect, the novel device fabrication method offers a possibility of strong competitive advantage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Melnychuk, Galyna BarSiC Semiconductors, LLC MS William Haines Standard Grant 99996 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839750 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Internet-based Software for the Treatment of Depression among Veterans. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project seeks to determine the feasibility of a web-based tool that provides depression treatment for Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. A recent Pentagon report estimates that approximately a third of all soldiers returning from deployment suffer from a mental health disorder and that unfortunately the military health system does not have the resources in place to address this problem due to limitations in both labor and funds. The proposed innovation will enable the military's mental health professionals to offer an effective, evidence-based and drug-free depression intervention, which will effectively mitigate stigma concerns faced by military personnel and will provide treatment at a fraction of the cost of the typical depression interventions available today. If successful, the effort will create significant value by 1) allowing VA mental health professionals to provide an easily accessible, evidence-based and drug-free depression treatment to returning military personnel suffering from depression 2) enabling veterans to seek treatment without having to face the fear of stigmatization due to seeking face-to-face treatment that is typically within the confines of a mental health care facility 3) reducing the economic burden on the military health care system by providing an effective and scalable depression treatment of at a fraction the cost of today's typical depression interventions. With an estimated 10 million veterans and 60 million civilians in the U.S.A suffering from depression, cost-effective and innovative methods to help address this burgeoning healthcare epidemic are critical to the well being of our nation. Through further research, this web-based framework can also extend to other mental health problems that plague our country such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Drug Abuse, Anxiety and Alcoholism. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sallas, Bill Simiao Health IL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839752 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Conversion of Biodiesel Glycerol to Xylitol Co-Product. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the production of xylitol from glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production. By converting crude glycerol to a value-added coproduct there will be significant improvement in biodiesel production economics. Xylitol has health benefits as a low calorie sweetener and anticariogenic agent, but its use is limited by high cost due to limited availability of d-xylose, the feedstock for current manufacturing methods. Phase I will assess the feasibility of engineering E. coli to produce xylitol from glycerol. By starting with a strain capable of converting glycerol to d-xylulose-5-phosphate and d-xylulose to xylitol, the ability to convert glycerol to xylitol hinges on a single enzyme a phosphatase to bridge the gap. Phosphatases will be tested and identified, and the ability to engineer the system will be demonstrated. Phase II will focus on developing an optimized commercial process. The broader impacts of this research will be to enchance the viability of biodiesel production processes while enhancing the supply of a critical sweetener. First, creating better economics for the production of biodiesel will result in a more competitive process, thus reducing our reliance on foreign oil, creating new market opportunities for the US agricultural industry, and reducing pollution and carbon footprint. Second, such a process would relieve the production bottleneck for xylitol which is beneficial to oral health, allowing the US market for xylitol to expand. Finally, the process will provide a springboard for conversion of glycerol to generally more valuable 5-carbon sugar-based molecules. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woodyer, Ryan zuChem, Inc. IL Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 148864 5371 BIOT 9181 1465 1402 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839753 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Demonsration of a Prototype Solid Oxide Fuel Cell For Co-Generation of Electricity and Syngas from Natural Gas. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will utilize direct-methane SOFCs to produce syngas by reacting methane with oxygen using electrochemical partial oxidation (EPOx). Syngas is a precursor for hydrogen and synthetic liquid chemicals/fuels including methanol and various hydrocarbons. Advantages are similar to ceramic membrane reactors: syngas without nitrogen dilution and reduced cost due to process intensification by combining the oxygen separation and partial oxidation steps. SOFCs have an added advantage - dual products: syngas and electricity - that can significantly improve economics. FCT recently demonstrated high-rate production of syngas (30 sccm/cm2) and high electrical power density (0.9 W/cm2) at 750°C using conventional Ni-YSZ anode-supported SOFCs. Stable SOFC electrical output was reported for up to 300 hours. This project will develop alternate support materials for SOFCs that facilitate direct stable operation in fuels such as natural gas and in the presence of sulfur. FCT proposes to implement its expertise in segmented in series SOFC design into for scaling up EPOx for commercial applications. A scale-up of EPOx generation to a small stack of approximately 100W and 4L/min of syngas will be performed. This project demonstrates a new technology with potentially major impact in the fuel cell and alternative fuels areas. It is well known that cost is the main barrier to commercial introduction of fuel cells and the acceptance of fuels such as hydrogen. By co-producing syngas/hydrogen and electricity, the method demonstrated here has the potential to decrease the cost of both. This will not be an incremental decrease in cost, as might be expected for an improvement of a technology, but a substantial decrease as a result of a completely new approach. This new technology has the potential to significantly impact commercialization of these technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Ilwon Functional Coating Technology, LLC IL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839761 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Method to Prevent Dilation of the Heart Following an Acute Myocardial Infarction.. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project aims to develop a device to prevent congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients after a heart attack. There is currently no effective way to prevent the development of CHF. Several passive restraint devices placed around the heart have shown benefit in patients with established CHF. Recent animal studies have shown that these devices can prevent CHF when placed immediately after a heart attack. However, due to their permanence, they can only be used in patients with established CHF. This research continues the development and performs initial animal testing of a device to prevent progression to CHF in patients after a heart attack. The broader impact of this project will be to reduce CHF is, which is a disease that affects 5.5 million Americans costing the healthcare system $30 billion a year. Heart attacks, the leading cause of CHF, place the heart under significant mechanical stresses leading to CHF. Every year, almost 1.2 million patients suffer from a heart attack in the United States. Currently, there are only a few medical strategies to slow down progression to CHF and no real way to prevent it. This technology develops a minimally invasive biodegradable device to delay or prevent patients from developing CHF after a heart attack. This device will provide a much needed device based therapy, potentially radically modifying current treatment paradigms with an estimated annual market potential of $3 billion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shafi, Bilal COR Innovations, Inc CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 5345 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839773 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Sensitive, Rapid Heterogeneous Immunoassays Based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Gold Nanoparticle Labels. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops a diagnostic platform for herpes viruses by combining gold nanoparticle labels, high-speed fluid handling, and sandwich-based heterogeneous immunoassays with advances in surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Herpes has reached near epidemic levels in the United States and other countries. Current diagnostic approaches severely limit broad level testing of the causative agents of this disease, herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). This application reflects the increase in market need for a high-speed, low-cost testing platform capable of quantifying HSV levels critical to diagnosis (tens to hundreds of viruses per milliliter of sample). The broader impacts of this research are demonstrated by the urgent need for reliable techniques that can be deployed as rapid, low-cost analysis methods ranging from point-of-care (POC) diagnostics in the doctor?s office or hospital, to laboratory testing. Presently more than 50 million Americans have genital herpes, with another 1% of the U.S. population predicted to become infected annually. A 1999 survey showed ~20% of pregnant women tested positively for HSV-2 antibodies. If economic and rapid POC testing were available as a litmus test for HSV-2 in maternity wards, more informed decisions for herpes necessitated cesarean deliveries could be made, thereby protecting the immune-compromised neonates. A technique capable of quantifying HSV at the noted levels would also find a niche in the researcher?s laboratory in evaluating the antiviral effectiveness of candidate vaccines, as well as by pathologists in defining infective pathogen thresholds. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schoen, Christian Concurrent Analytical, Inc. HI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 BIOT 9267 9150 9107 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839783 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: MEMS-Based System for Particulate Matter Pollution Monitoring Using Thin-Film Bulk Acoustic Wave Resonators (FBARs). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a miniaturized, battery-powered, and inexpensive sensor to provide real-time mass measurements of airborne particulate matter (PM). PM is a major public health issue, and there is an urgent need for inexpensive devices that monitor PM in epidemiological studies of aerosol exposure, especially with regard to pollutants. The highly innovative PM mass monitor leverages state-of-the-art micromachined electromechanical system (MEMS) technologies to achieve unprecedented reductions in power consumption, cost, sample flow rate, and form factor. The system employs the thermophoretic deposition of particulates from a sample stream onto a thin-film bulk acoustic wave resonator (FBAR), and determines the mass deposited by measuring the frequency shift of an electronic oscillator. The Phase I effort will focus largely on improving the sensitivity and stability of the MEMS FBAR mass sensor, but also seek to reduce the monitor size and power consumption and to improve the interface electronics. The broader impact/commercial potential of this technology will be to inexpensively and quickly assess airborne particulates for human health and industrial cleanliness. Present instrumentation to measure PM mass can be bulky, costly to purchase, and difficult to operate. This real-time MEMS PM mass monitor provides a compelling value proposition by offering stand-alone operation and an order of magnitude reduction in size and power and lower cost in comparison to existing aerosol mass monitors. Markets for the instrument include industrial hygiene and clean room monitoring, power plant monitoring, mobile monitoring in aircraft, indoor air quality monitoring, ambient PM monitoring, and emergency response. The 2007 worldwide addressable market for the technology is over $100 million. This work contributes to scientific understanding by enabling a highly-sensitive, portable, and low-cost PM mass monitor for epidemiological studies of aerosol exposure. The technology has important societal impact by assisting those seeking to improve air quality and reduce the health impacts of airborne PM in the environment and workplace and by reducing the cost of collecting airborne PM pollution data. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Black, Justin Harmonic Devices Inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9267 9107 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839784 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Improving Business-Consumer Commerce Via Mobile Social Networking Services. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to investigate an approach towards solving key problems experienced commonly in in-store business-consumer transactions, namely a lack of a priori information about the consumer's identity, and a lack of insight into the consumer's personal interests, which influence buying decisions. The feasibility of an innovative solution that combines the power of social networks with mobile computing will be explored. Achieving this unique mobile social networking solution will require challenging research innovations in three areas: (1) developing the appropriate wireless software and systems infrastructure to seamlessly integrate mobile phones with online social networks, and (2) realizing practical data mining solutions to link consumer preferences with business products/services; (3) ensuring that consumer and business privacy concerns are met. An outcome of the research will be a novel mobile social networking data service for cell phones and online servers that could fundamentally transform the quality and portability of business-consumer commerce. The broader societal impacts of the mobile social networking technology resulting from this proposal's Phase I research have the potential to be substantial, as there are strong incentives to adopt the technology and accelerate its implementation into the marketplace. Businesses will have a strong incentive to adopt this proposal's unique mobile social networking technology so that more can be learned about the prospective customer that just walked into the store, and instant targeted discounts can be delivered on merchandise that matches the consumer's interests, thereby driving up consumer loyalty and enabling transactions that may not otherwise occur. Conversely, consumers have an incentive to adopt the technology in order to obtain those discounts, thereby saving their money and time while also enhancing the quality of their business-consumer transaction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Han, Richard TechoShark, Inc. CO Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839795 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Affordable Optically Pumped Semiconductor Lasers for Polychromatic Guide Star Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel, compact, low cost, semiconductor transmitter to serve as a guide star source. The same technology will be extended in a very straightforward fashion to produce a polychromatic guide star (PGS) source. This program addresses research and development of a unique laser technology that simultaneously provides a compact and low-cost alternative to dye lasers as Laser guide stars (LGS) and PGS sources. The objective of the Phase I effort is to demonstrate that the required multi-watt average power levels can be obtained with high spectral fidelity and control. From a broader perspective, successful completion of the Phase I effort and a potential Phase II follow-on will provide a complete demonstration of the ability of the proposed technology to meet commercial observatory requirements in both LGS and PGS applications. The technology proposed in this program adaptive optics (AO) targets the astronomical community. There are a large number of telescopes world-wide that would benefit from affordable guide star AO systems. An initial preliminary survey has shown that hundreds of transmitters would be required for systems that currently exist, are under construction or in the planning phase. Large telescopes will require multiple 10- 25 watt laser guide stars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Murray, James Arete Associates CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99972 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839802 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: iGlasses: An Appliance for Improving Speech Understanding in Face-to-Face Communication and Classroom Situations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project will advance the state of the art in human machine interaction, speech, machine learning and assistive technologies. The innovation in the proposed research is to develop and test the technology required to design an embellished eyeglass, which will perform continuous real-time acoustic analysis of the interlocutor's speech and transform several continuous acoustic features of the user's speech into continuous visual features displayed on the eyeglasses. Pilot research has demonstrated that it is possible to recognize robust characteristics of isolated auditory words and to transform them into visible features in real time. The proposed research extends this research to sentences along with tests of different feature detectors and automatic recognition models. The proposed activity will impact society by providing a research and theoretical foundation for a system that would be available to all individuals at a very low cost. It does not require literate users because no written information is presented as would be the case in a captioning system; it is age-independent in that it might be used by toddlers, adolescents, and throughout the life span; it is functional for all languages because it is language independent given that all languages share the same phonetic features with highly similar corresponding acoustic characteristics; it would provide significant help for people with hearing aids and cochlear implants; and it would be beneficial for many individuals with language challenges and even for children learning to read. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cohen, Michael Animated Speech Corporation CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99944 5371 HPCC 9216 1654 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839804 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Connecting Interactive Projections to Online Social Communities with Personalized Media. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop the technologies to connect interactive projections to online social networks via personalized media for advertising, entertainment, branding and other uses. Entertainment and advertising companies have not yet fully leveraged the impact of Web 2.0 communities because these communities are inherently personal. The innovation ties the linearly scalable technology of interactive projection to the exponentially scalable technology of online Web 2.0 social communities in order to exploit these communities for advertising, entertainment and education. This is done by creating a standardized technological framework to share personalized videos created with experiences from interactive projections via online social communities and an open API to allow enthusiastic public extensions to the platform. The broader impact of the project will be to create a scalable business for creating personalized media with interactive projections, developing an irresistible value proposition for advertising agencies, entertainment firms, museums and other customers with access to public space. By rapidly and skillfully developing the online product, the effort has the potential to create a new niche within the rapidly growing alternative media advertising market of $73Billion. The anticipated market size of this niche is $1.4Billion for this new sector within five years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Snibbe, Scott Snibbe Interactive, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839817 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Do-It-Yourself database-driven web applications from high level specifications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will lead to a Do-It-Yourself hosted database-driven web application platform that will enable non-programmer business process owners to rapidly build simple custom structured data exchange and workflow applications for their business processes. If successful, the project will lead to the development of a web application specification method and a corresponding system that is: (i) high level, i.e. business process owners only choose options and specify aspects of the application they can easily understand from a business point of view and (ii) sufficiently expressive to allow the specification of the applications needed by the organizations. The project combines the following innovations to achieve (i) and (ii): First, a page-driven/workflow-driven specification method, where the owner specifies only easily understood aspects of the pages of workflow applications. Inference algorithms inspect the evolving application, propose to the user semantically meaningful options and automatically create database schema, queries and pages. The applications thus enabled by the effort would afford developers the opportunity to quickly and inexpensively develop a host of applications for the small-to-medium sized businesses that otherwise would be unable to afford custom web-enabled applications. If successful, a significant market opportunity exists. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zoeller, Mary app2you CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 128986 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839818 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High Dynamic, Alignment Free Metrological Method for 3D Shape Measurement of Optical Surfaces Based on Polarization. This SBIR Phase I research proposal aims at developing a new alignment-free metrological method for optical surfaces with high measurement speed and high dynamic range. Next generation optical surfaces will need to be mass-produced with high departure from spherical shapes, and high numerical aperture. Manufacturing these optical components is challenging because of today?s limited metrology methods: contact sensors are too slow to be used in-process whereas interferometers and wave front sensors have a small limited dynamic range and require careful alignment. The research objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of a polarization based method and to evaluate its speed, dynamic range, accuracy, and insensitivity to alignment. The proposed approach combines an innovative polarization camera, a specific illumination, and a novel algorithm for automatic 3D shape extraction. The proposed metrology approach will have a major impact on the manufacturing of aspheric optical components used for various applications: concentrating photovoltaics (CPV) for solar power generation, optical instruments, ophthalmic lenses and consumer electronics (cameras, phones). The system would allow mass production of high quality aspheric lenses with individual inspection of each manufactured component. High numerical aperture lenses would also be measured easily in-process which will drastically increase productivity. This will translate into the faster deployment of cheaper, more efficient solar power production, lighter optical systems, and better corrected contact lenses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Breugnot, Sebastien BOSSA NOVA TECHNOLOGIES LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839819 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Real-time Economic Sampling System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address two components required to automate the highly manual work of economic process control optimization in semiconductor manufacturing. The intelligent Real-time Economic Sampling (RES) system that can be created with the innovation will allow sampling to be optimized and adjusted many times per day across multiple process steps and products. This minimizes a manufacturer?s overall economic risk of producing bad products by adaptively focusing sampling where it gives the greatest financial return. The two research objectives are: 1) research modeling and optimization such that highly optimized sampling solutions for a whole semiconductor factory can be found in one hour (while using off-the-shelf affordable PC hardware), and 2) enable the RES system to estimate specialized yield parameters needed in real-time directly from aggregated inspection and yield data. Semiconductor manufacturers today are limited to occasional process control planning with time-consuming off-line analysis. Engineers also spend time doing manual ad-hoc adjustments to direct sampling where it is needed, while not really knowing what other harm they could be doing to the operation. Meanwhile valuable products are being wasted during out-of-control situations that can be detected faster if automatic economic sampling could collect data where the production risk is currently the highest. The RES system would step into a fast growing segment in the semiconductor industry, spending on process control went from 10% in 2000 to 19% in 2007 (Source: Dataquest), about $7.4 billion market. If successful, the RES tool could have a significant impact on the semiconductor process industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gudmundsson, Dadi Sensor Analytics Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 120000 5371 HPCC 9139 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0839969 September 1, 2008 Arizona State University affiliation with the Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). Full center proposal to join the I/UCRC in Logistics and Distribution (CELDi) 0839969 Arizona State University; Jesus Villalobos Arizona State University (ASU) seeks to join as an additional site the I/UCRC in Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi). ASU should complement CELDi research by focusing on two major areas of research: (i) supporting the development and implementation of efficient and effective International Logistics practices, and (ii) enabling further productivity improvements as well as state-of-art supply chain and logistics practices in the regional industry. Research housed by the ASU site will contribute to improvements in the cost, quality, and responsiveness of a regional industrial base that is increasingly global. This effort will focus on increasing the relative and absolute competitiveness of this industry, by providing access to leading-edge knowledge, tools, systems, and benchmarking opportunities. The initial activities at ASU will focus on efficient international logistics practices, as well as productivity and cost improvements in production and supply chain operations. The proposed center will be a catalyst for the regional economic development and also for increasing the number of students who decide to pursue advanced degrees in logistics and productivity related fields. Students will not only have direct access to research initiatives at ASU, but will also have the opportunity to interact with students and researchers from other institutions, listen to visiting speakers, and become involved in a variety of projects directly sponsored by CELDi. The center plans to include undergraduate, women and minority students in research teams. It is anticipated that every project will have at least one undergraduate student participating in it. ASU has a clear commitment to diversity. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Villalobos, Jesus Ronald Askin Esma Gel Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 99856 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0840960 August 15, 2008 Industry/University Collaborative Research Center for Advanced Cutting Tool Technology (ACT2). Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Advanced Cutting Tool Technology (ACT2) 0840960 Michigan State University; Patrick Kwon The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC entitled "I/UCRC for Advanced Cutting Tool Technology (ACT2)" to develop the fundamental science and technology necessary for the advancement of cutting tool technology. The proposed center consists of a single academic institution and industrial partners, including cutting tool manufacturers and manufacturing companies to resolve unsettled and new challenges through long-term synergistic partnerships. The proposed center addresses some of the fundamental issues in advanced machining. The research expertise of the proposed team will enable them to identify wear mechanisms under various machining conditions, develop wear-resistant compositions and geometries of cutting tools, apply tool wear models for selection of optimum tool materials for specific machining situations, and find new ways to realize minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). The proposed center, led by Michigan State, will have the assistance of Georgia Tech; and will be an important contributor to the knowledge base in cutting tools and tool materials. The projects outlined in the proposal will significantly advance the know-how of the researchers. The developed science and technologies will enable cutting tool and component manufacturers to effectively design and produce components more efficiently. The students involved in the industry relevant research projects will certainly benefit from the industrial interaction. The results of the proposed research will be disseminated in conference presentations, journals, and an online database will be created to assist researchers worldwide. The PIs plan to recruit students through the Michigan State University (MSU) ENGINEERING Minority Office, and the McNair-SROP program, in order to encourage participation from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kwon, Patrick Brian Feeny Hyungson Ki Michigan State University MI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 168515 I292 5761 OTHR 5761 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0842652 August 15, 2008 Markets Lab. The objective of the Kaufman Innovation Network "Market's Lab" workshop is to spur market driven innovation in the NSF's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer ("SBIR/STTR") program in two industry segments: financial services and healthcare services (insurance). The workshop is to be held in Omaha, Nebraska; there is a significant business community around financial services and health insurance which is motivated to spur innovation in their industries. There are two key components of the workshop. The first is having the larger corporations articulate three key "pain points", for the purpose of providing visibility to NSF SBIR/STTR grantees about what sorts of innovation they would be interested in. The second is introducing these companies to NSF SBIR/STTR grantees with technologies that have the potential to match up with pain points. The broader impact of the proposed activity is to spur market driven innovation within the NSF's SBIR/STTR program. The NSF SBIR/STTR program makes over $100mm/yr in grants annually to small to mid-stage technology companies, with the goal that these companies will eventually make a significant contribution to the American economy. An impediment to some grantee's ability to make such a contribution is a lack of visibility into what market there is for their technology. The proposed workshop proposes to provide this sort of visibility by having larger companies with a demand for innovation discuss what sorts of technologies they are interested in. This improves the chances of "market-driven" innovation occurring within the NSF SBIR/STTR program. Focusing the workshop on a very particular industry - financial services and health insurance - further improves these chances. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pyrovolakis, John Kauffman Innovation Network MO Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 20000 5373 HPCC 9217 5371 0844891 March 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Educational Particle Image Velocimetry Suites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a low cost educational Particle Image Velocimetry (ePIV) suite including both hardware and software for fluid science and engineering education at university undergraduate and graduate school levels. The proposed PIV is the state of the art technology in fluid flow research that enables visual and quantitative analysis of the flow field. Industrial/research level PIV system usually costs over $100,000. The high cost and safety considerations - because of the use of high power Class IV lasers - prohibit adaptation of PIV systems in the US higher education system. Current PIV systems typically use two pulse lasers with 50 mJ/pulse energy and 5 nanossecond pulse duration. This translates to a total power of 10 mega Watts if it was a continuous laser. In summary, although it is very challenging to develop a PIV system that works with only a single 15 milliwatt continuous laser and a regular CCD camera, the Phase I outcomes indicate that it is feasible. The project will create learning materials by developing software as a virtual teaching assistant for the education process, where the students can develop enhanced understanding of fluid flow by interactive experiments through a computer terminal in the classroom. Hence, the software will be an instrument that can be used in diverse educational settings because of its effectiveness as an education tool, high-tech appeal, compact size, low cost and safety. Fluid mechanics is a highly visual subject. During the teaching process one must take full advantage of this fact. ePIV gives the opportunity to achieve this to its full extent making this technology easily accessible. The educational suite will provide faculty the latest technology as a teaching tool at a very affordable price, allowing them to acquire new knowledge and skills and to revise their curricula and teaching practices. The low cost of ePIV will allow schools with very limited budgets to use and teach the state of the art technology to their students. The project envisions bringing this new technology from technical colleges to BS, MS and Ph.D. granting institutions. Due to its simplicity of operation, low cost and being highly visual, the ePIV technology can even be used at museums, science centers and similar institutions to develop exhibits in science and engineering. This tool can also be used to promote fluid mechanics and science in general even to non-science and non-engineering students. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG OKCAY, MURAT INTERACTIVE FLOW STUDIES LLC MN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 501163 5373 SMET 9178 1653 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0847198 January 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: New Process for High Strength/Weight Net-Shape Auto and Aero components from Mg Sheet. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR ) Phase II project aims to scale-up and commercialize a low cost and simple process to produce high strength/density Magnesium (Mg) alloy sheet; using Thixomolding Thermomechanical Processing (TTMP). TTMP avoids the decades-long barriers of twinning and shear band deformation that limits the formability of commercial coarse-grained Mg alloys, rather, in TTMP fine isotropic grains are molded in the first Thixomolding step and then these are thermomechanically processed to impose continuous dynamic recrystalization to finer grains of 0.8 to 2 microns. In this fine grained mode of processing, twinning and shear banding are minimized while slip and grain boundary sliding are promoted. The common intermetallic phases of Mg alloys are also refined to nanometer size so that they can serve as dispersion hardeners. The end result of the refined microstructures is an increase of both strength and ductility. The mechanism may apply also to Titanium (Ti) and Beryllium (Be) alloys. The broader/commercial impacts of this project are fuel and pollution savings in automobiles and trucks; fuel and payload benefits in aerospace; energy savings in batteries and fuel cells; and medical benefits in bio-replaceable body implants. Commercially, this project will result in a new U.S. business in manufacture of superior low cost Mg sheet. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Decker, Raymond Jack Huang Thixomat,Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 562000 5373 1591 AMPP 9231 9163 5761 1591 1467 1049 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0847999 February 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Applying Latent Group Models to Web Publishing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will extend the work begun in Phase I to apply advances in knowledge discovery to bridge the gap between what is known about an Internet viewer and what is done with this knowledge to improve user experience and business outcomes. The effort will develop new algorithms to combine implicit and explicit taxonomies to build content networks. A live feedback loop that uses multivariate test results will be used to adjust and refine clusters of users in order to establish specific parameters which can subsequently be acted on. Online content publishers aggregate enormous volumes of data about their viewers from web logs, registration systems, third-party web analytics providers and ad-serving systems. Mostly these systems operate independently with a primary focus on describing what has happened. Through a deeper analysis, which will be enabled by the current effort, content providers will be able to use this data in more predictive ways. This in turn will allow content providers a more intelligent tool for serving higher-value content throughout the online experience. If successful, this will have implication for new rich media services and e-commerce. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bucciarelli, Mark Cross Cut Media MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 512000 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848096 February 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Planar Array Infrared (PA-IR): A Compact Rugged Double Beam Infrared Spectrometer for Laboratory and Field Analysis. This Small Innovation Technology Transfer (STTR) project will demonstrate the utility of infrared planar array technology to study water pollutants such as industrial contaminants and biological impurities. It proposes to optimize the design and construction of a compact, high-sensitivity, double beam infrared instrument based on focal plane array detection, which meets or exceeds performance standards of commercially available Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) solutions and is able to operate in ambient environments to provide measurements of dilute concentrations of organic and biological contaminants. If successful the outcome of this project will enable real time effluent detection from a manufacturing site such as that found at chemical companies who could realize tangible and intangible savings from being able to pro-actively identify and measure the presence of pollutants. A portable Planar Array Infrared (PA-IR) spectrograph could be used to measure contaminants in rivers, streams and ponds, thereby providing ?real time? feedback on changes in the environment. The World Laboratory Analytical Instrument Market is estimated to be $9.36B in 2008. IR spectroscopy is estimated to be $738MM. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Frost, Daniel John Rabolt PAIR Technologies, LLC DE Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499844 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848253 March 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Shape Variations in the Development of Miniature Micropumps. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project focuses on the development of a product line of miniature pumping systems for the controlled delivery of fluids in ultra-low flow rate range (nanoliters to microliters per minute). This line of micropump systems will provide pulse-free flow and controlled micro-volume dispensing in this challenging low volume regime. The non-mechanical nature and operating principles of this pump afford an unusual degree of freedom in pump design. The ability to tailor the shape and size of the micropump to specific applications can be very valuable, particularly in small devices where the available space is significantly constrained (for example, point-of-care devices, portable chemical and biological analysis systems, and micro-dosing devices). There is a growing diversity of chemical and biological analyses that are taking place within small chips, as well as in the rising demand for ultra-small dosing systems. Such analyses are continuing to shrink in size and measurements that have conventionally been performed in a laboratory and are now being adapted to handheld devices. These micro-analysis systems can provide immediate results without waiting for laboratory analyses. For example, the analysis of blood samples is being adapted to small devices, so important results are available at the point-of-care. Likewise, the desire is growing for small, portable dosing systems for animal studies and for human medications (like insulin and chronic pain management). All of these applications require micropumps for the controlled delivery of compounds. Fundamental engineering constraints mean that conventional mechanical pumps cannot be simply decreased in size to meet this challenge. These miniature non-mechanical pumps require very little power, can be controlled to deliver at constant flow rate or specific dispensing volumes, and offer the pulse-less flow that is not accessible by other pumps. This provides a significant market opportunity in the liquid pumping market (roughly $160 million presently), into the animal dosing (valued at approximately $90 million per year) and human drug delivery (valued at $80 billion presently) markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Evans, Christine SFC FLUIDICS, LLC AR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848285 February 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: A New Class of Fast Fourier Transforms. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is directed at development of a high performance, programmable fast Fourier transform (FFT) circuit for use in embedded signal processing integrated circuits. Over the last 40 years the technology for executing parallel FFT implementations has remained relatively unchanged, being based essentially on different permutations of the signal flow graph and mappings thereof. Performance improvements are now largely achieved by shrinking circuit geometries according to Moore's Law. Because of the limits imposed by physics of integrated circuit fabrication, it is expected that continued improvement in signal processing will only be achieved with more efficient algorithmic implementations in combination with advanced integrated circuit technologies. This proposal focusses on a radically different architecture for parallel FFT circuits based on a new matrix formulation of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to achieve exactly this goal. The specific advantages of this new formulation include: 1) logic and memory resource requirements are reduced; 2) less power is consumed; 3) significant added functionality is accrued; and 4) design, test, and maintenance efforts are diminished because the circuits are simple, locally connected and structured. The outcomes of this project is a commercial quality FFT circuit based on the feasibility prototypes developed during SBIR Phase I. The DFT sub-system is a critical and important component of large number of real-time communications, radar, medical, acoustics, navigation, surveillance, remote sensing, and robotic inspection applications and is arguably the most prominent of all signal processing algorithms. Consequently, the availability of more functional, efficient, and higher performance FFTs will significantly improve the efficacy of a host of electronic products. The benefits of this new FFT technology would be best suited to mobile wireless devices, the largest and fastest growing market for electronic products, because future 4G wireless protocols will be based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, which is a scheme that makes use of the FFT. Consequently, most wireless devices of the future will use embedded FFT circuitry. However, the computational demands to support 4G communication requirements will increase by a factor of ~10 compared to today's wireless mobile devices. Therefore, more efficient integrated circuit implementations of FFTs will be required to continue to keep the cost and power usage of mobile appliances low. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nash, J Greg Centar CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 499555 5373 HPCC 9216 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848366 February 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Development of Hydrogen/Halogen Fuel Cell Technology for Renewables Based Energy Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop the underlying technology behind a highly efficient energy storage system that can provide reliable, dispatchable power from intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. This technology is based on a novel hydrogen/chlorine chemistry embodied in a regenerative fuel cell architecture that can address MW-scale applications. This project will develop a better scientific understanding of important technological barriers to commercial implementation of this technology including developing an insight into parametric behavior through both experimentation and modeling, improving reactant mass transport at the chlorine electrode, and eliminating parasitic shunt currents in multi-cell module architectures. Sustainable Innovations, LLC, will work with Harvard University to develop an 8-cell, laboratory scale electrochemical module having a round-trip efficiency of over 80% with design features that optimize mass transport and reduce shunt currents and will evaluate the performance of this module through a series of parametric and durability tests. This research will culminate in the development and demonstration of a 100-Watt integrated system and the development of a 135 kW system concept that will serve as a critical building block for future commercialization efforts. Concern about the increasing level of greenhouse gases is intensifying the global interest in better ways to harness renewables such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Renewable power applications have experienced significant growth as a result of this belief and also technological advancements that have reduced their cost and increased their efficiency. Utility privatization and deregulation have opened the market for innovative power technologies, and some consumers have elected to use renewables even when they are more expensive than grid power. But renewables can't always generate power on demand because they depend upon favorable natural conditions, such as the presence of sunlight or wind. The development of cost effective, efficient energy storage systems that could create dispatchable power from inherently intermittent renewables may enable the widespread use of these technologies. Various technologies, particularly batteries, have been implemented for applications requiring energy storage, but conventional batteries have significant efficiency, cycle life and life cycle cost limitations which reduce the overall cost effectiveness of renewable installations. New technologies, such as hydrogen/halogen regenerative fuel cells with improved efficiency, cycle life and cost are needed to add value and utility to intermittent renewables creating technical and economic drivers for widespread commercial deployment and global electrification. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Molter, Trent Sustainable Innovations, LLC CT Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 559617 5373 AMPP 9163 5761 1972 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848490 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Low k Interlayer Dielectrics for 22 nm Technology Node and Beyond. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop a new technology for manufacturing ultra-low dielectric constant materials for leading-edge logic devices for the 22 nm technology node and beyond. The research approach is based on the bottom-up synthesis of honeycomb-like nano-structured films in which porogen component is pre-built into the nano-sized cells and can be decomposed in a strictly controlled manner. By extending microchip miniaturization this project may impact information technologies and related fields. This program may also significantly expand the overall knowledge and understanding of nano-structured materials and nanotechnology in general. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dvornic, Petar DENDRITECH, INC MI William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9215 9148 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848519 March 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Nano-Phosphors for Novel Electronic Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop a fully functional color "transparent display screen" prototype, based on a set of outdoor stable nano-phosphors with very high fluorescent quantum efficiency and well-controlled nano-particle sizes. With these advanced nano-phosphors, a color display windshield prototype will be developed. This novel "transparent display screen" technology will enable an entire vehicle windshield or building glass windows to act as an electronic display screen, without affecting the optical clarity. This innovative display technology will leverage and create a broad spectrum of commercial applications and fundamentally change the way that people use "glass" in many designs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG sun, ted Sun Innovations Inc CA William Haines Standard Grant 491501 5373 HPCC 9215 9148 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848523 February 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Biosensor Device for Recordation of Handwriting. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes the construction of a biosensor device prototype that will produce text from electromyographic (EMG) signals recorded from hand muscles. This biosensor device will enable the user to enter text into a computer or a mobile device without the need of special paper, pen, or other devices to track the pen. Recent advances in various technologies have made it practical to develop the EMG detection and analysis techniques suitable for character recognition. Taking advantage of advances in electrophysiology, pattern recognition, signal processing, and computer engineering, this project proposes to develop a practical system to decipher the EMG signals generated by biosensors mounted in the digital glove. The project will use the test bed system that was developed during Phase I project and helped to prove the concept. The knowledge of hand EMG patterns of various characters that were gained during Phase I will be used in the development of hardware device. The development will be conducted in the areas of Data Collection, Data Representation (preparation), and Data Analysis. The improvements are expected in all three areas, due to the use of more advanced electrodes, data processing filters, and the application of Neural Networks algorithms. The proposed approach will remove several limitations faced by current technology and should provide a more durable, flexible, accurate, and user friendly product that can be easily adapted to different users for taking notes, or writing SMS messages for cell phones. The technology will significantly impact the condition of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a common occupational illness being reported among typists. EMG-based fingerless glove can also be used as alternative communication device by disabled people who are not able to talk, or who have hearing problems. The resulting product has many applications in education, medicine, tele-robotics, and can be used by mobile workers. As a wearable computer device, this product will help to improve users' image and self esteem. This research project will contribute to the better understanding of muscle interactions. Finally, the handwriting application that will be developed, can become a test bed for analyzing and comparing various pattern recognition algorithms, including traditional statistical algorithms and neural networks, for example Self Organizing Maps (SOM), State Vector Machine (SVM), or Time Lagged Recurrent Networks (TLRN). These algorithms already have numerous applications in various fields. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Linderman, Michael Norconnect Inc NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 488564 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 1654 116E 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848524 January 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Self-Reinforced Composites Made of Immiscible Polymers from Recycled Products. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is seeking to develop and commercialize a novel method for recycling immiscible polymer (IP) wastes into value-added products. In this new method, the IP waste is converted into highly-orientated filaments with a surface of a relatively lower melting point polymer and a core of a relatively higher melting point polymer. These high-strength bicomponent fibers are then processed into desired composite components by melting and fusing the surface polymer; because only the surface polymer is melted during processing, the end product is reinforced by its high-strength core fibril of the higher-melting-point polymer. The broader/commercial impact of this project will be an enabling process to cost effectively produce self-reinforced composites from recycled, immiscible Polyprophelene(PP)/nylon. For the carpet recycling market alone, this approach will reduce more than 5 billion pounds per year of carpet waste. By converting the waste stream into value-added products with improved mechanical properties the carpet waste will never reach our landfills. This process eliminates complicated sorting and separation steps, uses less energy for production, and reduces crude oil consumption needed for virgin polymers. For transportation applications, the self-reinforced composites' excellent strength to weight ratio can help produce lighter component parts, enhancing fuel efficiency. The new reinforced materials can be further processed by molding/forming processes to create 3-D parts with enhanced mechanical properties. This technology shows that recycled polymer blends prepared in an appropriate way can deliver superior value-added performance over virgin polymers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Tsai, F. Daniel Donggang Yao Novana, Inc. GA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 500967 5373 1591 AMPP 9231 9163 7744 1984 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848526 February 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Ultraviolet Laser for Ultra-high-resolution Photoemission Spectroscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop a shortwavelength, narrow-bandwidth, high-brightness photo-ionization laser; that can be used for used for ultra-high energy-resolution, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), and for single-photon-ionization (SPI) in order to improve mass spectroscopy-based detection capabilities of complex organic molecules, especially low-vapor-pressure explosive compounds and trace residues. The compact size, efficient optical conversion, and high brightness of the proposed laser source will enable integration into "field-ready", on-line mass spectrometry tools. The capabilities of the proposed single-photon-ionization light source will also complement a broad array of established mass-spectral analysis techniques to enable the development of instruments capable of analyzing heterogeneous samples with no a-priori knowledge of the sample composition. This capability is urgently needed for a variety of homeland security and non-proliferation applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Merriam, Andrew Lumeras CA William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9215 9148 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848528 January 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Dendritic Hydrogel Actuators for a Liquid Drug Delivery Patch. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II project will develop a class of new, stable, highly responsive Electro Active Polymer (EAP) hydrogel actuator materials. Incorporating dendrimers (dendritic macromolecules) and hyper branched polymers as chemical cross-linking agents into a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based EAP hydrogel to increase cross-linking densities at low polymer concentration will introduce systematic control of physical properties and performance through structural variables provided by the dendrimer (e.g. generation; end groups; branching ratio; subunit structure). Our research objectives involve the preparation of dendrimer containing PEG hydrogels and the investigation of dendrimer mole fraction, structure, and molecular weight on the stability, strength, physical and responsive properties of the hydrogel material. The new hydrogel actuator materials will enable low cost miniature infusion pump technology. These actuators will be the pump mechanism of a disposable (low cost), small patch like, device being commercialized by Medipacs as the Mini Infuser. The Mini Infuser is a miniature, disposable, programmable drug delivery device designed to significantly lower the cost of patient care while improving a patient's lifestyle with increased pharmacological safety, patient mobility and fewer needle sticks. Medipacs is collaborating with the University of Arizona Chemistry Department to develop the first generation commercial prototype in the Phase II project. Broad application of this technology will impact and lower the cost of healthcare not only for millions of infusion patients but also the industry providers. The projected market in the United States alone is greater than $3 billion. The impact to poorer regions though out the world is immeasurable; life-improving drug therapies such as low cost continuous insulin delivery will be enabled and become available for the first time to patients within these regions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Banister, Mark Dominic McGrath Medipacs Inc AZ Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 BIOT 9184 1773 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848530 March 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Thermo-Electric Conversion by Optimally Scaled Nanocomposite Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a power generation device capable of converting waste heat into electricity with much lower cost/watt than existing devices. This work is accomplished by bringing together principles of physics and materials science in practical wafer scale semiconductor manufacturing, enabling new, low cost products. The thermoelectric power generation devices to be developed in this work are key to realizing the often touted but yet unrealized societal benefits of thermoelectric power generation. Examples of benefits that can be forseen in the initial target market, the transportation industry, are economic benefits for the public from reduced fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact due to more efficient operation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Miner, Andrew Romny Scientific, Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 506927 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9148 1775 1517 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848558 February 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Use of No-Reference Measurements of Subjective Quality to Enhance Next Generation Systems for Video Distribution. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project concerns the design, development and commercialization of systems for real-time measurement and enhancement of the quality of video distributed over emerging networks. The Phase I project has demonstrated the feasibility of a real-time version of an automatic video quality meter (AVQ) that has several novel features. By not requiring a reference to the source video, and by being compute-scalable, the AVQ meter can reside anywhere in the video distribution chain. In addition, AVQ scores correlate extremely well with subjective assessments of users, making it valuable not only as an accurate measurement tool, but also as the starting point for VQ Enhancement (VQE). This Phase II work will create an industry-ready suite of AVQ products that can reside in the network (AVQ-N), home (AVQ-H) and Set Top Box (AVQ-STB). It will also create solutions for video quality enhancement (VQE) that will reside in several network points. The AVQ and VQE products will depend on several innovations in design, including the retention of performance in the leaner versions of AVQ and VQE, and portability of a core AVQ engine into multiple PC-native, board-level and chip-level platforms. In rapidly emerging scenarios, video information is generated, gathered and distributed in real time, using a larger number of communication networks than ever before. Increasingly, users who are exposed to the notion of high-quality, high definition television will demand a high quality of video experience in all circumstances, in both fixed and mobile systems. The solutions proposed in this research will initially help content providers, aggregators, distributors and receiver manufacturers in meeting user expectations in emerging systems for entertainment video. These systems include cable and telco services as well as mobile and internet video. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Howard, Daniel VQlink Incorporated GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848567 February 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: A Carbon Nanotube Metrology System for Conterfeit Detection. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II project is to develop advanced nanometrology of carbonaceous nanomaterials, in particular for the burgeoning counterfeit detection marketplace. Nanotechnology offers a new paradigm for the world's anti-counterfeiting efforts; in particular, the carbon nanotube (CNT) offers a new means for development of irreproducible labels. This project will develop an instrumentation platform for field operations in counterfeiting detection. The World Customs Organization estimates that counterfeiting accounts for 5% (or more) of global trade. Through the tailorable material properties of nanomaterials, there is an opportunity to offer a new development paradigm of anti-counterfeiting labeling platforms. Such labels could be used across a broad swath of the world's economy in products such as drug packaging, food processing, electronics, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Naha, Sayangdev Roop Mahajan ADA Technologies, Inc. CO William Haines Standard Grant 506165 5373 1591 HPCC 9251 9215 9148 1775 1517 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848572 March 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Process Control Sensor for Fine Particles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project proposes to develop Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) instruments capable of measuring fine particles in suspensions beyond the limits of current technology. By simultaneous or independent use of three innovative techniques, larger detection aperture, smaller field size, and optical, homodyne amplification, the team can now measure hydrodynamic radius over greater ranges of particle size and concentration than was formerly possible. Two key ideas for this effort are: 1) the construction of a numerical model of the complex phenomenology of DLS with eight free and independent parameters; 2) the ability to apply this new understanding to the quantitative analysis of existing instruments, and to optimize new system designs for extended applications. These ideas have been confirmed empirically, correctly defining operational boundaries, formerly less well understood and quantified. A key advantage is the ability to design DLS systems with superior ranges of performance, versatility, accuracy, and cost, noting especially that deeper understanding improves performance and reduces error limits of reported data. Newly capable and economical instruments are made available for characterizing suspended colloidal particles, from sub-nanometer to micron radii and from almost opaque to almost completely transparent. Extended capabilities include process control of high concentration colloidal materials, common in manufacturing from paint to chemical machining slurries, from foodstuff to pharmaceuticals. At the opposite end of the spectrum of difficultly lie suspensions scattering very little light, such as proteinaceous drugs, fuel cell catalysts, and many other materials of great interest to in-vivo non-invasive measurement of small sample volumes. Aside from a ready market in both real time monitoring and offline analysis for quality control in existing industrial processes, the extended capabilities offer attractive research opportunities into the properties of nanomaterials, a burgeoning field of interest and importance. Such instruments and their enhanced capability will increase materials research opportunities and be economical enough to use in a teaching environment, significantly augmenting the many and complex technologies already used for the assessment of these important materials. In contrast with more invasive measurements that may require dilution or evaporation for sample preparation irrevocably altering what is to be measured, extended DLS techniques complement and may be applied to undisturbed samples as small as a picoliter. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Saltiel, Craig Scattering Solutions CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 516000 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848600 February 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: The Scientific Media Concise Message Routing System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop and build a method and system for integrating sophisticated advertising capabilities into the Scientific Media Concise Message Routing System. The technology allows anyone with an internet domain name (individuals, small businesses, large corporations, or other organizations) to quickly, easily, and cheaply distribute information via a variety of mobile media, with particular emphasis on text messaging, or SMS. The technology comprises hardware and software that route text-message requests and responses between "subscribers" who access information and "content publishers" who distribute information. This project seeks to create the system and methods needed to append highly-targeted advertisements to the content requested from publishers by subscribers. Scientific Media believes that the system establishes the framework of an important new method of distributing information via SMS that can be applied in a variety of settings, including consumer, education, and research settings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gromoll, Stefan Scientific Media NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 516000 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9139 1640 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848605 March 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Heterogeneous Catalytic System for Biodiesel Production from Alaska Fish Oil. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project concerns an innovative high throughput, high efficiency, and low cost heterogeneous catalytic fixed-bed technology for biodiesel production from Alaska fish oil. Around 200 remote Alaskan villages have energy costs of three to five times the national average. Alaskan fisheries are suffering from high diesel fuel cost. Converting the low-value fish oil to biodiesel is an attractive solution. However, the commercially available homogeneous alkali-catalyzed biodiesel production process does not work well for fish oil. The objectives of this Phase II project are to scale-up the fixed-bed reactor, produce prototype reactors, conduct field testing in Alaska, and prepare for commercial production. The broader impacts of this research are as follows: the success of this project will create a value-added and profitable market for fish oil, reduce damage to the marine environment, and provide Alaska with a renewable fuel that will in turn reduce diesel emissions and fuel costs for remote communities and fisheries. The fixed-bed reactor can be a mobile unit for small fish oil production entities or can be easily scaled up for potential customers that produce a large quantity of fish oil. In addition to fish oil, this reactor can be used to process vegetable oil and yellow grease and can be applied to other biodiesel production plants in the U.S. The success of this new technology will bring a revolutionary change to the traditional biodiesel production process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhang, Peng United Environment & Energy, LLC ny Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 499989 5373 BIOT 9181 9102 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848626 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Novel SMP-based TCD Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to continue work from Phase I around the development of novel trans-cervical devices (TCD) for permanent female sterilization using unique and proprietary shape memory polymer (SMP) technology. The intellectual merit of the proposed activity rests in several areas. First, development of advanced finite element analysis (FEA) methods specifically focused on shape memory polymers will provide a time- and cost-effective means of evaluating medical device designs. Second, large-deformation FEA models have not been thoroughly developed for shape memory polymers; further, user materials routines specifically for shape memory polymers are not available currently and would provide ease-of-use advantages in implementing and optimizing device design. Lastly, although some work has been performed in understanding materials-based aspects of shape memory polymer behavior, much less work has been done in developing useful biomedical devices with this promising technology. The broader impacts of this work lie in the development of the next generation of medical devices using advanced materials with characteristics that can be customized to the patient. The successful development of useful devices from such technologies should pave the way for a plethora of commercial opportunities including tissue-engineered devices delivered using minimally invasive methods into the target site to eventually grow healthy tissue. Lastly, successful completion of the overall project should have immediate impact on a procedure that is the most common form of permanent birth control in the world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Castleberry, Jeff EndoShape Inc CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 1773 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848645 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Polymer Matrix Composites Based on Nanofiber Fused Microfiber Architecture. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and characterize a novel class of polymer matrix composite materials using a continuous NanoFiber Fused-Microfiber (Nf2-M) reinforcement technology. This patented approach, carbon nanofibers are grown in a continuous manner directly from the surface of continuous filaments (introduced in tow form) in a continuous, easily scaled process. Unlike traditional approaches which involve difficult mixing operations to introduce carbon nanofibers into the matrix resin at very low loading levels and with questionable dispersion, this approach produces continuous three-dimensional reinforcement networks which are easily incorporated into composites using standard fabrication techniques, including filament winding and prepreg wet lay-up processes. No additional or modified composite fabrication steps are needed. This technology has enormous potential for a multitude of commercial applications. The broader/commercial impact of this project are threefold: 1) providing a foundation for a new technology in materials science research; 2) utilizing the fundamental findings to develop and engineer enabling materials to meet growing needs in industry for current and future applications; and 3) providing a low cost, commercially available, high performance carbon fiber reinforcement technology that has the potential to change the face of the composite materials industry. Global market forecast for reinforcing carbon fibers is ~$12.2 billion annually by 2011, and the approach of this project can take advantage of the multitude of existing markets, such as sporting goods, electronics, consumer products, commercial aerospace and automotive industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lincoln, Jason Performance Polymer Solutions Inc. OH Ben Schrag Standard Grant 515960 5373 BIOT AMPP 9251 9231 9163 9104 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848649 February 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: High Performance Single Frequency Lasers. This Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Phase II project will enable a new generation of single-frequency semiconductor lasers to enable applications in displays, precision instruments and defense. Under the Phase I project the team developed industry-leading first generation lasers up to 200 mW. The initial customer feedback from a variety of applications has converged around the need for higher power under CW operating conditions and spectral stability under arbitrary modulation. Further feedback points to the need to address these requirements in a cost effective manner to ensure a competitive solution. The proposal outlines an innovative combination of materials engineering and monolithic device features to address these issues. The team proposes to fabricate and deliver for customer evaluation single frequency lasers operating (1) >500 mW under CW conditions or (2) meeting specified levels of spectral stability at pulse widths below 100 nsec with various duty cycles. If successful this STTR Phase II project will enable a new generation of low cost single-frequency semiconductor lasers to enable applications in displays, precision instruments and defense. This work has a strong educational component with students in device and fabrication classes at SMU been exposed to and benefit from the proposed research. The devices, software and concepts developed on this STTR will educate students and visitors to the SMU photonics website, impact the world economy with laser instrumentation for medical and scientific applications, provide laser displays, and have a humanitarian contribution since these lasers are used in magnetometers to find mines and improvised explosive devices in war torn regions of the world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Achtenhagen, Martin Gary Evans PHOTODIGM, INC TX Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499957 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848665 April 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Molecular Interaction Measurement System: A Label-free Detection Platform.. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to build upon the feasibility of using MIMS technology to determine the presence and measure the concentration of multiple protein biomarkers (specifically autoantibodies) within a single sample. In order to achieve our primary objective in Phase II, PHB proposes to produce a new highly-sensitive and stable MIMS system prototype for clinical use. We will develop a prototype disposable, reliable, easy to use biochip cassette with limited potential for biohazard exposure. To reduce the need for off-chip processing, PHB will implement a cartridge- based fluidic channel to remove blood cells. We will develop specific attachment strategies for antibodies and/or F(ab)2 fragments of antibodies that enable the efficient capture of antigens to be used as targets for autoantibodies. This will eventually lead to the development of reverse capture arrays for identification of autoantigens against which autoAb expression may be used to differentiate between normal and disease states. We will optimize the protein printing methodology, and blocking protocols to enable the optical interference detection system to provide reproducible results in molecular binding reactions on a multiplicity of nanostructured protein chips. We will evaluate the performance of the optimized substrate and platform in real-time with a representative set of antibody targets. Our initial focus will be a panel consisting of Thyroperoxidase antibody, TSH receptor antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies. These tests can potentially be used to diagnose an autoimmune thyroid disease and to separate it from other forms of thyroiditis. The broader impacts of this research are to develop the Molecular Interaction Measurement System (MIMS) which has the potential to measure multiple analyte types (protein, RNA, DNA etc.) in real-time. MIMS uses optical interference to measure the changes in thickness, resulting from binding of a ligand to a macromolecule attached to the surface of a detector chip. The array format of the MIMS assay permits simultaneous detection of the binding of multiple analytes. One application of interest and immediate clinical value is in the detection of autoantibodies which target host tissue and mediate autoimmune diseases. MIMS can enable specific detection without having to tag (e.g. with radioisotope or fluorescence) a patients sample: resulting in more accurate and cost effective diagnoses In addition, the finding that patients with cancer produce autoantibodies against antigens in their tumors suggests that such autoantibodies could have both diagnostic and prognostic value. Commercially, MIMS can be a tool to easily, rapidly and cost effectively screen a large number of patients with different types and stages of cancer and other diseases providing value to clinicians, to patients and the clinical research community. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bilello, John Ridge Diagnostics Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 464304 5373 BIOT 9107 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848689 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Solar Thermal Stirling Engine Combined Heat and Power System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project advances the development of an integrated solar energy system which delivers heat and electrical energy to a building's occupants. At Cool Energy, development continues on the SolarFlowTM System, a solar thermal system for combined heating and electrical power generation from medium-temperature heat energy (100-300°C) captured with evacuated-tube solar thermal collectors. The innovative system design integrates high-performance solar collectors with a novel advanced-materials Stirling engine and controller to use a single solar system to produce electricity and thermal energy for space and water heating. Economic value to the customer is maximized using an optimizing predictive control system to regulate the delivery of heat and electricity. Building on the successful Phase I program for selection of advanced engine components and the demonstration of significant electricity production from the engine prototype, the Phase II demonstration program encompasses system integration of the next-generation Stirling engine prototype with the system controller and solar collectors. The core intellectual merits are the advances in the Stirling engine design (with broader applications than solar power), the implementation of the predictive control system, the integration with the solar collectors for field testing, and the advanced engine and system design tools. This project supports a technology demonstration that has enormous potential for helping to replace the world's depleting supply of highly polluting fossil fuels with cleaner, sustainable sources of energy. The costs of traditional energy are rising rapidly, causing significant hardship to much of the world's population, including in the US. Disproportionate effects are visited on the poor as the costs of heating fuels and electricity escalate. Rising carbon emissions threaten ecosystems and human populations worldwide over the coming centuries. Cost reduction of renewable energy technology is a main driver of this Phase II demonstration project, as only through lowered costs of clean energy will the US and the world be able to attain domestic energy security, economic stability, and environmental responsibility. Concentrating on market success to enable widespread adoption, Cool Energy has expended a great deal of effort on modeling the economics of the SolarFlow System in various regions of the US. Further, partnerships have been cultivated with potential customers, distribution partners, manufacturing partners, and investors to build a strong business foundation to foster rapid penetration of this technology into commercial channels upon its successful demonstration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Weaver, Samuel Cool Energy, Inc. CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 507976 5373 AMPP 9231 9163 1972 1406 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848712 January 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: A Lithographic Gelcasting Process using Nanoparticulates: An Enabling Technology for Mass Production of Microdevices with Nanoscale Features. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop and commercialize a novel Lithographic Gelcasting (LGC) manufacturing process for microdevices that is amenable for economical volume production. Molds will be made using photolithography and filled with nanoparticulate materials. The resulting parts will then be sintered and the photoresist removed. The objectives of the proposed work are to develop the nanoparticulate casting process into a robust, repeatable, and high-yield manufacturing process for mass production, through the use of statistical process models that relate the manufacturing process parameters to desired outcomes, and determine the range of process capability and design space as it relates to manufacturing and design attributes such as feature size and geometry, achievable tolerances, process yield, and manufacturing costs. This effort will be conducted on known client/partner designs so that actual components will be produced for an end application while the process is being developed. The motivating application for this work is the fabrication of microsurgical instruments, a class of devices that is quite challenging from the perspective of feature size, material, and physical properties. The proposed manufacturing method will impact many types of devices and systems that will benefit from attractive material properties and mass production capability. If successful the proposed manufacturing methods have the potential to impact surgical instruments used in procedures as disparate as laparoscopy and its endoscopic or transluminal variants, neurosurgery, robotic-assisted surgery, flexible endoscopy such as colonoscopy, ophthalmology including vitreoretinal surgery, transluminal vascular procedures, and biopsy. In 2004 surgical and medical instruments comprised an approximately $24 billion industry. Millions of minimally invasive surgical procedures are performed annually in the U.S., where individual disposable instruments typically cost $100 - $3,000. Other industries requiring three dimensional precision parts could also be impacted. Besides the commercial potential the success of this enterprise could impact the economy of the local community in Central Pennsylvania. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Shrock, Jesse Advanced Powder Products, Inc. PA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848716 March 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Nanomechanical Resonator Technology for Passive and Active Devices in Wireless Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project seeks to develop novel radio-frequency components for wireless communication using an innovative nanomechanical resonator technology platform. The team has developed the world's highest-frequency mechanical resonator and will use this device to create RF filters for wireless communications in the 100 MHz to 3 GHz range. Building on the simulation results and optimal device designs the team will fabricate, test and characterize nanomechanical filters for use in wireless communication devices. There is a significant problem that designers of cellular handsets and other wireless devices are facing when adding additional air interfaces such as WiFi, WiMax, Bluetooth and Global Position Service (GPS) into their products. Each additional air interface requires a new set of RF filters and as the number of air interfaces multiplies the number of conventional filters required increases dramatically. The goals of the Phase-II project are to (i) develop nanomechanical filters in the 100 MHz - 3 GHz range; (ii) test and characterize the device for optimal performance parameters; (iii) transfer the manufacturing process to a commercial foundry for wafer-level fabrication; (iv) package the devices using wafer-level packaging in an external foundry. If successful this technology will allow the replacement of existing discreet filters in cell phones and other mobile wireless devices with the ability to access many different air interfaces with excellent radio performance. This innovative technology will impact many industries that operate on wireless technology. Also the product will be used in cell phones thus having world wide impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mohanty, Pritiraj Sand 9, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 498500 5373 HPCC 9139 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848718 April 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Software to Aggregate, Correlate, Analyze and Trend data for Knowledge Management in Decision Making. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the challenges for entities seeking to derive reliable and actionable information from enormous quantities of online "chatter" (online content from a variety of sources such as blogs, industry-focused sites, and media-generated material). Phase II will focus on technical objectives that will enhance the quality and reliability of the information produced by the ChatterSpike concept researched in Phase I. These objectives fall into three categories: data cleansing, context analysis, and basic commercial readiness. Their achievement will require the design, development and implementation of novel, niche-focused algorithms that will enable the mining and evaluation of thousands of online sources and the production of data with quantifiable quality metrics relating to authority, reliability, influence, and sentiment. The resulting product will algorithmically determine and quantitatively measure and evaluate these parameters in real time as it mines online sources for data, validating its conclusions and re-validating them every time it performs a retrieval operation. By focusing on specific industry niches, the technology produced will enable the production of automated, highly tailored, detailed reports with a high degree of quantitatively-confirmed reliability. This capability will result from the creation of novel algorithms designed to exploit cutting-edge theoretical approaches to extracting, validating, and evaluating information from a multiplicity of online sources. These reports will be superior to the manual reports produced by currently available technologies and approaches. In addition, if successful, the technology will have significant societal benefit. Companies will be able to react more quickly to meet consumer demands and to correct negative trends in consumer opinions. The technology will also be able to detect trends reliably at a very early stage; in some cases weeks or months before they become obvious and are detected by other methods. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kopel, Aaron Chatterspike, Inc. in Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848740 February 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Dynamic Passphrase Voice Security System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project focuses on the research and development of a novel voice authentication security system which combines speech verification with speaker verification. As a basis for authentication, the proposed system generates a one-time pass-phrase which users are challenged to respond to immediately. Following the challenge, the dual verification engine verifies that the response is the required pass-phrase and that it is associated with the person articulating the pass-phrase. The proposed system addresses the vulnerabilities of previous voice authentication systems associated with 'ear shot' surfing, eavesdropping and theft. The proposal offers a solution for identity theft threats where personal information cannot be said aloud and further addresses password systems limitations. The proposed project will develop and construct a system which expands the voice capabilities to include a wider selection of users, channels and types of speech. The system will expand pass-phrase generation to support large customers and its passphrase 'topic selection' privacy feature. Additionally, the system will automatically enroll users over multiple calls overcoming previous limitations due to inadequate speech across channels. The outcomes of the proposed project include secure authentication through speech via the widely growing number of speech recognition applications, voice channels and converged platforms. As more individuals use their voice on a variety of devices and networks such as VoIP or cellular, real-time, speech applications will benefit from the proposed method. The proposed speech security system method may also be the choice for those with visual or other applicable handicaps. Because of the continuous rise of security breaches and related identity theft, the outcomes of this project should significantly impact society by providing a robust security option for speech-enabled user interfaces. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Skerpac, Valene Lawrence Rabiner iBiometrics, Inc. ny Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 499956 5373 1591 HPCC 9216 9102 1654 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848749 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Efficient Production of High Quality Carbon Nanotube Field Emitters. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project addresses scaled up production of high quality carbon nanotube (CNT) field emitters, which are promising electron sources that can potentially overcome the limitations of thermionic source based devices. The current commercially available CNTs have limitations in terms of field emission performance, thermal stability and cost. Xintek and its collaborators at Duke University developed a proprietary few walled carbon nanotubes (FWNTs) which is shown to possess superior field emission performance compared to other commercially available CNTs. Upon the successful completion of the Phase II project, the low cost high quality field emission FWNTs will be produced to deliver improved field emission performance for a broad range of applications including but not limited to field emission displays, X-ray sources, vacuum electronic devices, accelerator electron guns, and high current electron beam processing facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lu, Mei Xintek, Inc. NC William Haines Standard Grant 466611 5373 HPCC 9215 9148 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848759 February 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Ultraviolet Germicidal Optical Flow Cell. This Small Innovation Research (SBIR) project will bring to market a low power, point of use (PoU) water disinfection system designed to retrofit into existing passive (non-germicidal) filtration systems. This project will use ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) along with a novel and proprietary flow cell design, resulting in PoU water disinfection. Current ultraviolet PoU water disinfection is accomplished using discharge lamps, which requires high voltage, ballasts, and a relatively large form factor. The use of UV LEDs instead of discharge lamps will allow the light sources to reside inside a smaller form factor, and to function at lower overall electrical power, without line voltage and ballasts. Furthermore, the proprietary optical design of the flow cell will improve upon conventional flow cells by maximizing the ultraviolet dose received by microorganisms in the water, and increasing their residence time in the flow cell. Currently, there are no PoU systems employing UV LEDs as the germicidal source. If successful, the product developed under the phase II program will be the first of its kind and provide a point of entry for UV LEDs into the large PoU water sterilization market. The low power aspect and small form factor of the flow cell will make the system potentially suitable for battery operated field applications where line voltage is not available. Such applications may include military or medical field operations. Overall societal impact should be significant, particularly in markets outside the United States where there is increasing concern about water sterility. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pagan, Jennifer Dot Metrics Technologies, Inc. NC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 507578 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848762 March 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: General Robot Controller for Legged Mobile Robots with Integrated Open Source Software. This Small Business Technolgy Transfer (STTR) Phase II project focuses on the development of a generalized processing and sensor pack complete with open-source software and curricula for using legged robots as an educational platform for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses. The innovation of this proposal is a middleware product called SkewZone Brain and Sensor Pack. This Brain Pack which consists of processing boards, plug-in sensors, wireless communication, software interfaces and mechanical hardware for attachment to commercially available legged robots, serves as a value-added layer between the low-level operations of a robot platform and the high-level software. Educators will be able to migrate their Brain Pack from one robot to another, allowing software, curriculum, and hardware reuseability. The Brain Pack provides sufficient sensory feedback to close the loop on the mechanical control of the legged platform. Higher-level cognitive algorithms, such as path-planning, vision, and behavior-based systems, can be easily developed or reused. The distinctive features and challenges of legged robots provide unique opportunities for high-school and college curricula in numerous STEM topics. Robots are currently used in a variety of classes. However, current educational robot platforms are dominated by wheeled robots; legged robots with a biological basis are almost absent. Robots, which have sufficient on-board processing power, sensors, a wireless interface, and open-source software, are necessary for building curricula that meet educational standards and for interesting research assignments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Wheeler-Smith, Kim Jerry Weinberg RoadNarrows LLC CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 516000 5373 1591 SMET 9251 9178 9102 1658 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848811 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Compact THz-ABCD Spectrometer. This NSF Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop a compact THz-ABCD (air-biased coherent- detection). spectrometer based on a new technique for generating and measuring ultra-broadband THz waves utilizing a laser induced plasma in ambient air and selected gases. A focused optical pulse with >100 uJ pulse energy and <100 femtosecond pulse duration in gas creates a plasma (ionized gas molecules), which produces very intense (>300 kV/cm), highly-directional (<6 degree), and ultra-broadband (10% bandwidth from 0.1 to 10 THz) THz waves in the far field. Through the reciprocal process, air or selected gases also serve as an ultra-broadband sensor of pulsed THz waves through air-biased coherent- detection (ABCD).The region of the electromagnetic spectrum from 0.3 to 10 THz (1 mm - 30 um in wavelength) is now a frontier area for research in physics, chemistry, biology, materials science and medicine. Recently, the observations of THz wave generation and detection in the laser induced atmospheric plasma provide new method in remote sensing and spectroscopy. The use of air as THz wave emitter and sensor provides unprecedented bandwidth (spectral range of 0.1 to 30 THz), sensitivity (heterodyne method), and spectral resolution (<MHz) which were previously considered impossible to achieve simultaneously. In addition, this technique produces THz electric field strengths approaching 1 MV/cm, unlocking the potential for nonlinear THz spectroscopy previously inaccessible by conventional optics lab facilities. Recent advances in the use of air/gases to emit, control, enhance, and measure broadband THz waves open up a range of research opportunities. Applications including nondestructive testing, tomographic imaging, label-free genetic analysis, cellular level imaging, explosives detection, and chemical/biological sensing have thrust THz research, from relative obscurity, to new heights. The proposed development of a compact THz ABCD spectrometer will provide a key enabling technology for interdisciplinary research. In addition it will advance numerous sensing and imaging concepts in the THz frequency range, with an immediate impact on non-destructive spectroscopic analysis (eg: pharmaceutical R&D, materials research), a near-term application (3 to 5 years) for homeland security and a longer-term interest (5 to 10 years) in the biomedical sector. If successful the outcome of this project will make significant contributions to academic and governmental laboratory collaboration, student education, and instrumentation development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schulkin, Brian Zomega Terahertz Corporation NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 590000 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 5761 1775 1517 1049 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848825 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Lens-forming nanocomposites for high strength, clear ophthalmic lenses. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the development of a UV curable bulk nanocomposite having enhanced optical and mechanical properties for ophthalmic lenses. The work focuses the incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles into a transparent polymer to engineer the refractive index and mechanical properties. This requires the synthesis of stable nanoparticles approximately 20 nm or less in diameter. The nanoparticles require a surface treatment that will aid in the monomer stability and impart improved mechanical properties to the polymerized lens. The functionalized dispersion can then be incorporated into a second monomer and then polymerized into a finished ophthalmic eyeglass lens using the lens casting system currently used by several hundred Vision Dynamics LLC customers. This extends the capabilities of an independent retail dispenser to deliver quality eyeglass lenses to consumers in less than an hour. The project will further the understanding of nanocomposites which are a very unique and important material. This SBIR Phase II project is directed toward the ophthalmic eyeglass lens market which is a $7B industry in the United States. Much of the eyeglass lenses in this industry are imported from overseas and through recent consolidations the three largest producers of lenses are foreign companies. If successful this technology removes the distribution rungs between the consumer and the optician, allowing independent retailers to more efficiently deliver quality eyewear to their customers. This allows retailers to continue to compete in this difficult landscape that has been dominated by acquisitions and mergers squeezing the independents. Furthermore, UV curing has been identified as a green coating technology for its low VOC emissions and low energy consumption. Currently UV cured polymers are limited in refractive index so this technology will play out in several industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Druffel, Thad Vision Dynamics, LLC KY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 516000 5373 HPCC 9251 9150 9139 7257 1775 1517 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848829 March 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Validation of Remotely Powered and Interrogated Microwire Temperature Sensors for Composites Cure Monitoring and Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project addresses an unfilled need in the composites manufacturing and repair industry. Current manufacturing and repair methods for curing Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) composite materials do not employ real time temperature feedback from the critical interior of parts or repair bond lines because no practical sensors can be permenantly embedded to report to a remote reader. This Phase II Project will lead to the commercialization of three complementary products designed to provide this capability so as to improve curing processes. Product 1 is an inexpensive microwire temperature sensor that is easy to use and does not negatively affect structural integrity. Product 2 is an autoclave/oven control system: modular antennas that reside inside the hot chamber and a reader with control software outside that combine to control the curing process via real-time temperature feedback from embedded sensors. Product 3 is a temperature-sensing accessory for all existing portable composite repair systems. This accessory allows existing repair systems, without modification, to monitor temperature from embedded Product 1 sensors. These complementary products will vastly improve legacy curing processes by cutting curing times, reducing labor, and reducing the number of rejected parts due to uncontrolled exotherm. The commercial aircraft industry's rapidly expanding use of CFRP composites is driving the marketplace demand for process enhancements that increase efficiency, yield and part quality. If successful the outcome of this project will address the needs of control system manufacturing companies, end-user companies and commercial aircraft manufacturers. The low cost of the microwire sensors and the anticipated improvements to the speed of legacy curing processes both for initial cure and repair may accelerate the use of CFRP composites within the automobile industry. This should result in reduced fuel/energy usage worldwide. Furthermore, the extremely low thermal mass of these microwire temperature sensors gives them such fast thermal response that they may allow for the development of unconventional and faster composite curing systems and processes that employ real time feedback, such as microwave ovens for initial cure and induction heating devices for repair cure, further speeding overall industry use of composites. Finally, microwire temperature sensing technology holds promise for remote measurement of internal temperatures of lithium ion batteries for electric and hybrid cars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Clothier, Brian Thermal Solutions, Inc. KS Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848854 March 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Control of Lesion Nematodes by Transgenic RNA Interference. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will use RNA interference (RNAi) to limit damage to corn from the plant parasite lesion nematode by silencing genes in the parasite. Phase I demonstrated in culture that expression of specific double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) from lesion genes limited nematode reproduction and increased root mass. In Phase II, validated constructs will be progressed to whole plant transformation. Transgenic plants with expression of the dsRNAs will be tested in greenhouse assays for control of lesion nematode. In parallel, the validated laboratory assays validated will be used to select next-generation constructs. Success in Phase II research will justify a field trial program. The broader impact of this research is to increase corn yields by commercializing a biotechnology trait for control of lesion nematode. Agriculture is under tremendous pressure to achieve improved yields and ensure the availability of crops. A major limitation on crop are parasites that damage root systems causing annual yield losses valued at $8 billion in the U.S. Currently available nematicides are toxic. In corn, there are no genetic sources of nematode resistance. Using RNAi, we aim to create biotechnology traits that provide season-long resistance to lesion nematode. Benefits to this approach for the grower include increased yield, increased tolerance to drought and stress, decreased input cost and preservation of soil microenvironment. Benefits for consumers include increased availability of corn and enhanced food and environmental safety. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McCarter, James Divergence, Inc. MO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9109 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848867 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Bioinformatics knowledge-based, universal library design for a non-immunoglobulin, protein-scaffold. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to fully establish ProtElix' scaffold-based human fibronectin libraries (14th fibronectin type III module of Human Fibronectin) as platform technology to discover novel antibody-mimics drug candidates for a wide range of therapeutic applications. The social and commercial implications of this discovery may include developing second generation protein drug antagonists which are less expensive, more efficacious and safer than current monoclonal antibody-based drugs. Overall, this Phase II Project will be divided in two stages: a research plan during which different binding and stability optimization strategies will be executed. Moreover, ProtElix technology will be tested with several protein targets (CD20, EGFR, VEGFR2, VLA-4) in order to fully assess the universality of the platform itself. The second stage of the project will be focused upon drug development activities. Lead candidates will undergo full kinetic characterization in vitro and in vivo and will be tested for PK/PD in small animal models. By the completion of phase II, a comprehensive discovery platform for proprietary human 14FN3-based antibody mimics libraries will be fully developed and the "drugability" of lead candidates assessed. The application of protein scaffold to develop new therapeutics is becoming an area of great commercial potential with high social implications as it relates to lower the cost and increase the accessibility of therapy to several life-threatening diseases. In particular the use of antibody-mimics to selectively block therapeutically important protein targets could be the key to overcome the clinical limitations and potential toxicity and lack of efficacy of current antibody-based therapeutics. The flexible format of ProtElix scaffold platform technology together with its proprietary mutagenesis technology for producing "intelligent" library diversity will provide an attractive alternative to pharmaceutical and biotech companies for the discovery and development of next-generation biotherapeutics. In addition, the intrinsic characteristics of the Fibronectin Type III domain (i.e. small size, no disulfide bonds) would lead to cheaper cost of manufacturing and potentially more effective and safe drugs (higher tissue penetration and faster clearance) compared to immunoglobulin-based antibodies. If successful, this project will take the potential applications of scaffold-based therapeutics to a higher level than first generation antibodies, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cappuccilli, Guido Protelix Inc CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 499825 5373 BIOT 9183 1717 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848877 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Catalyst for Biomass Gasification Processes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on improving efficiency and reducing cost associated with the production of energy, liquid fuels, and value-added chemicals from gasified biomass. Unlike most other sources of biofuels, gasification would not directly compete with food sources since virtually any organic matter can be used as the feedstock. Examples of feedstocks include agricultural residue, wood chips, and municipal waste. However, biomass gasification is currently a capital intensive process because of the difficulty with producing a clean syngas (free of tars and pollutants) for use in downstream turbines or chemical production steps. Tar removal is necessary to protect down-stream equipment in the process. Within this project, NexTech will develop and commercialize a novel catalytic monolith capable of reforming tars into a useful product, syngas, improving system efficiency. This will be done by first optimizing the processing steps required to produce the monolith, then verifying the monolith performance in independent testing. The end product will provide gasifier users with a simpler and less expensive method for tar removal than currently used approaches. The production of energy and liquid fuels from biomass will have a number of beneficial societal impacts. The gasification process is carbon neutral, since it uses CO2 that was captured from plants; therefore, biomass gasification will replace energy production from fossil fuels, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike fuel crops, biomass is a waste product that has no use for human consumption, so the technology does not compete with food sources. Further, using biomass as a source of energy will reduce the dependence of our nation on foreign sources of energy. The technology being developed could have application to a wide range of other catalytic reactions as well, including lean burn diesel engine exhaust treatment, hydrocarbon reforming and gas-to-liquid processes. From a scientific standpoint, the technology being developed in this project is unique from traditional catalysts, and the basic principles could be applied to a wide range of applications. Additionally, the work being carried out during this project will improve understanding of catalyst deactivation from sulfur poisoning and carbon formation. Overall, the project will contribute novel results to the body of literature in catalysis and materials development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Matter, Paul NEXTECH MATERIALS LTD OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 508000 5373 AMPP 9251 9163 1401 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848878 April 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: An On-Ramp to Computational Fluency. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project continues development of a major improvement in the cost-benefit equation of learning computer programming. The approach integrates a new programming paradigm particularly suited to real-time, high-interactivity applications, with advances in program liveness and visualization, and game-based learning of essential concepts and skills. The strategy is to draw learners onward and upward through continued creative empowerment, while also facilitating more direct engagement with the core intellectual content of computer programming. The research objectives of this Phase II project address: 1) continued language development, 2) creativity toolset development, 3) development of learning games, 4) a learning environment architecture with an underlying model of learning pathways, and 5) evaluation activities including measurement of learning outcomes. If successful, this Phase II project will lead to products that will engage over half a million learners in mastering fundamental computational topics and bending them to creative purposes, thereby addressing the following major national priorities: - workforce preparation and technological fluency; - rebuilding computer science enrollment and retention at the college level; - alternative, hands-on pathways into algebra and mathematics for students who struggle with traditional instruction; - cultivating technology-based creativity among young people. REESE SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hancock, Christopher Tertl Studos LLC VT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 516000 7625 5373 SMET 9251 9177 9150 1653 116E 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848913 March 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Wireless Healthcare Disposables. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will further validate a groundbreaking wireless semiconductor platform that enables disposable, body-worn, physiological monitoring wireless sensors (wireless disposables) for a wide range of applications in healthcare and other industries. The company's chips are combined with today's body sensors such as electrocardiogram (ECG), Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen (SpO2), and blood pressure, to produce wireless disposables for continuous monitoring. For mass deployment, wireless disposables must displace today's wired sensors, therefore must have equally low cost, similar reliability, and days of operating life for a single use. Conventional radios are too unreliable, too power hungry and cause high interference to meet this challenge. The company is creating a single chip solution by combining radio with sensor functions providing a gain of 50X over conventional radio based solutions in terms of low power, low cost and wire-like reliability. Eliminating the wires connecting a person's body to a patient monitor long held as impossible to replace could be possible with the proposed solution. Healthcare markets, the initial focus of the company (dominated by hospital use), represent more than a $2B market in disposables. The wireless disposables will have a broad global impact by contributing to cost effective, high quality care in hospitals and other care settings. In hospitals, wireless disposables can eliminate reusable monitoring wires, products which have been demonstrated to carry drug resistant pathogens in up to 75% of cases. Wireless disposables are also aligned with a future vision of highly automated institutions that support a more natural workflow. Outside the hospital, wireless disposables allow remote and mobile monitoring of people with chronic diseases, enabling early interventions, an important goal in maintaining health and lowering costs. Wireless disposables will help solve the global healthcare crisis, with US costs over $1.5 trillion and rising rapidly as 78 million baby boomers near retirement. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Magar, Surendar HMicro, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848916 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Improving the safety and efficacy of epidural anesthesia. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is focused on commercializing a proprietary medical device to provide safe and accurate delivery of epidural anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia provides excellent pain control for childbirth, major surgery, and chronic back pain without having to expose patients to the risks of general anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia involves (1) accessing the epidural space, a miniscule potential space adjacent to the dura, the thin protective covering of the spinal cord, then (2) delivering local anesthetic to bathe the spinal nerve roots and block pain sensation. Currently, epidural access requires blind insertion of a sharp-tipped needle through the back that is immediately halted just prior to entering the dura. The difficulty of the current method poses risks of anesthetic delivery to incorrect anatomic locations and injury to nearby critical structures. Complications are estimated to occur in 6-25% of cases. InSite Medical Technologies has developed a technology that eliminates the sharp needle tip and provides highly controlled access to the epidural space by uniquely engaging surrounding tissue. During the Phase II project InSite will finalize product design, establish a quality manufacturing system, attain an FDA 510(k) approval and achieve the first human use of the device. The epidural anesthesia market comprises an estimated 9.8 millions eligible patients each year in the United States of which only 3.4 million patients actually receive epidural anesthesia. The underutilization of epidural anesthesia results from several barriers including procedure difficulty and physician fear of complications. The epidural anesthesia market is segmented into obstetric, surgical, and chronic pain applications. With over 4 million births annually in the United States, obstetrics is the largest segment. Currently, during childbirth, 2.4 million women (60%) receive epidural anesthesia for pain control. The second largest segment is surgical anesthesia where, despite known patient-outcome benefits, epidural anesthesia is used in only 500,000 of 1.8 million eligible cases. Finally, spine-related pain syndromes are treated increasingly with epidural steroids and implanted stimulators, accounting for 600,000 annual cases. Outside the U.S., 19 million epidural access procedures are performed annually with a massive potential international market including 130 million births per year. By creating a safer and more accurate system for delivering epidural anesthesia, InSite Medical Technologies sees an opportunity to produce a premium medical device that positively impacts patients' experience with epidural anesthesia. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Willis, Eric Insite Medical Technologies CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9184 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848918 January 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Superhydrophobic Coatings for Water Repelling and Corrosion Control. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop a superhydrophobic nanotextured coating that is highly water repelling and anti-corrosive. The coating will be applied to specific hearing aid surfaces (i.e., microphone ports, receiver, joints, battery, and case) to impart a water resistant barrier that repels moisture and other environmental contaminants. Penetration of water into hearing aids from such sources as moisture, sweat, and rain interferes with acoustical performance and causes corrosion, circuitry malfunction and breakdown of the hearing aid. Openings are required for the transfer of sound waves. A seam is located around the battery and the Zinc/air batteries, themselves, cannot be sealed because they require oxygen to function. With all of the open areas and seams in a hearing aid, it is not surprising that water often penetrates into the interior of the hearing aid. Individuals are living longer and healthier lives and they want to be able to hear while they participate in boating, hiking, running, and golfing and other forms of exercise. The water repellent anti-corrosive coating will allow hearing aid manufactures to offer more durable and reliable instruments, that stand up to the rigors of an active life style for the 2.2 million hearing aid users nationwide. The broader/commercial impact project will be more durable hearing aids and that will potentially reduce the costs associated with hearing aid maintenance. Hearing aids are not the only electronic instruments that suffer from active lifestyles and environmental contaminants. Cell phones, earphones, digital cameras, watches, laptops, and other electronic devices could potentially benefit from the water repellent anti-corrosive coating technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Lawin, Laurie William Smyrl Innovative Surface Technologies, Inc. MN Ben Schrag Standard Grant 499424 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 9102 1633 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848925 March 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Real-Time Roboting Grasping System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will create an information-based robotic grasping framework to enable practical grasping of objects for any robotic manipulator and any robotic hand, or even multiple hands. Grasp algorithms are stored in an XML database organized in a tree structure that allows rapid access and uses intelligent caching for very large databases. When a new object is presented to the grasping system, best matches are found in the database and the corresponding algorithms are extrapolated to determine the best grasp for the new object. Shape, surface properties, and articulation are used for matching. The techniques support the grasping of moving objects that can be tracked with a vision-based system. For constructing the grasp database, human supervisors train new grasps by simply picking up objects and giving special cues. Collection devices, such as data gloves and machine vision systems, are used to collect the supervisor?s hand position and contact forces, and a learning module finds new grasps by coupling supervisory input with simulation-based optimization, using high-fidelity dynamic modeling. For optimization, control and configuration parameters (in end-effector space) are perturbed iteratively using nonlinear numerical optimization techniques. If successful the creation of a comprehensive grasping framework as proposed in this project will have broad impact to research, industry, and society. Traditional grasping systems require specialized coding for new tasks and new robots. The proposed system will facilitate specific instantiations of general grasping algorithms. Application to virtually any robot manipulator, any hand, and any object to be grasped will be possible. This unprecedented flexibility, coupled with advanced and innovative grasping algorithms will play a role in advancing general purpose robots (those that can do multiple tasks without reprogramming). Robots with the ability to grasp hold promise for industries with labor shortages. The agricultural industry, for instance, will use robotic grasping for harvesting. Grasping robots will work in dangerous environments. An example application is rescuing injured humans in dangerous situations. Next-generation robots will assist the disabled with intelligent manipulators that can open doors and pick up objects. Grasping robots will support manufacturing and warehouse businesses. The simulation capability that is part of this research will allow new grasping strategies to be tested safely in a virtual environment before being implemented and fielded. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Li, Ying Energid Technologies MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 508000 5373 HPCC 9251 9139 6840 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848943 January 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Monolithic Multiwavelength Blue-to-IR LED for Biomedical Diagnostics. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project, in collaboration with North Carolina State University, will develop and validate an innovative, mobile, multiwavelength pulse oximetry module for noninvasive health monitoring of various blood metabolites simultaneously in real time. At the heart of this pulse oximetry module will be a novel multiwavelength emitter having independent control of up to nine spectrally narrow wavelengths, ranging from blue to mid-IR, emitting from a single 1 mm2 LED die. In contrast with traditional dual-wavelength pulse oximetry, which measures oxygen saturation in the blood, the proposed multiwavelength LED will enable real-time analysis several additional metabolites critical to health monitoring via the same noninvasive paradigm. Furthermore, the individually controlled self-aligned wavelengths enable superior motion artifact cancellation, which is essential for eHealth and mobile fitness applications. The key objectives of this feasibility study are to: Demonstrate luminescent films with peak emissions from 400-1100 nm Integrate these films into a compact multiwavelength pulse oximetry module Optimize novel pulsing algorithms for multiwavelength pulse oximetry Validate the mobile multiwavelength pulse oximetry module in a lab setting The medical impact of dual-wavelength pulse oximetry, in both saving lives and reducing healthcare costs, has encouraged the development of broader platforms using additional optical wavelengths. Incorporating 3 or more independently controlled wavelengths has been shown to enable the real-time monitoring of multiple health factors while further reducing readout errors ? thus saving more lives. Beyond blood oxygen monitoring, a real-time noninvasive assessment of renal and hepatic health can be realized by integrating several wavelengths in the same clinically accepted pulse oximetry paradigm. Though multispectral pulse oximetry systems incorporating several optical sources have been successfully demonstrated by physicians and industry leaders, incorporating multiple LEDs (made from dissimilar semiconductors) has led to costly reliability errors and even product recalls. If successful the proposed mobile, multiwavelength single-die approach surmounts these limitations by providing independent control of several wavelengths from a single, self-aligned, compact LED. Integrating these advanced, cost-effective optical sources into traditional pulse oximetry opens up new markets in noninvasive metabolic monitoring for clinical research, paramedics, physical therapists, drug discovery, consumer eHealth markets, and home healthcare. As a spectroscopic source, other applications include air-quality/pollution monitoring and agricultural/industrial controls. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG LeBoeuf, Steven Robert Kolbas Valencell Inc. nc Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848952 March 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Megathura Crenulata Post Larval Culture - Bottleneck for a Valuable Medical Resource. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop methods for the control of larval settlement, metamorphosis and postlarval growth of Megathura crenulata (keyhole limpet) to support the production of commercial quantities of Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH), a unique and medically valuable marine natural product. Unlike many other prospective medical products from marine organisms, KLH is already in extensive use in over 20 KLH-based therapeutic vaccine trials. Phase I research successfully identified a critical "cue" for settlement of M. crenulata larvae and demonstrated the feasibility of achieving the long-term commercial objectives of this research. Phase II studies will translate the results from Phase I studies into prototype designs for testing and optimization of systems, diets and aquaculture methods for cultivation of the age-specific developmental phases, from metamorphosis to fully developed adults for KLH production. The broader impacts of this research are; 1) The elucidation of the underlying biochemical factors that promote settlement, metamorphosis and early postlarval survival of this carnivorous gastropod thus adding significantly to the body of scientific knowledge in this field and improving the potential for cultivation of other commercially important species with biomedical potential; 2) Providing sustainable commercial supplies of KLH for new, life-saving therapeutic vaccines for cancer, arthritis, hypertension, and other debilitating diseases, without continued dependence on the limited and threatened fishery, and; 3) Providing regulators and resource managers the opportunity to formulate management policies to protect the wild population without imposing limitations on KLH or the important KLH-based vaccines under development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Oakes, Frank Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 461566 5373 BIOT 9117 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848962 March 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Scalable Game Design: Broadening Computer Science Participation with Low-Threshold, High-Ceiling Design Environments. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build a Scalable Game Design tool and curriculum, with the goal of increasing the participation of students in Computer Science (CS). K-12 computer education fails to attract the necessary number of students to CS - especially at the middle school level, where students make critical career decisions by judging their own aptitudes towards math and science. This is a serious problem because, despite the growing need for IT workers, enrollment in undergraduate CS programs is dropping at alarming rates. Scalable Game Design provides an ideal balance between motivational and academic concerns of CS. This approach is based on the existing Fluency with Information Technology framework recommended by the National Academies of Sciences and will be aligned with the emerging National IT education standards (ISTE NETS). This project will explore Scalable Game Design by building a low-threshold, high-ceiling design tool, called AgentCubes, featuring Incremental 3D modeling, animation, programming, and visualization. The project will incorporate the tool into a 3D Gamelet Design curriculum to provide an attractive route to the effective design, development, and deployment of an exceptionally large spectrum of games - ranging from simple 2D Frogger-like games to 3D Sims-type games. The proposed technology has a high potential to increase the number of K-12 students interested in Computer Science (CS), which in turn should result in larger enrollments at the university level. Without stronger CS enrollments the US cannot maintain an internationally competitive IT workforce. A less programming-focused, more design-based IT curriculum is likely to increase the participation of women and minorities. Initial results from our feasibility study indicate that Incremental 3D approaches work across ethnicity and gender. The proposed 3-stage classroom integration strategy is based on a pipeline of required, elective, and transitional modules that introduce students to making simple games, move to more advanced games and computational science applications, and transition to traditional programming models. This strategy maximizes the exposure of public schools students in general, and women and minorities in particular, to computer science because all students will at least take the required one-week module. Furthermore, as a general end-user tool to create interactive 3D applications, the proposed technology will be useful beyond educational game design. Potential applications include computational science simulations, computational thinking tools and serious games with potential users such as university students, scientists, and engineers. REESE IIP ENG Repenning, Alexander AGENTSHEETS INC CO Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 465612 7625 SMET 9177 1653 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848966 March 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Virtual Learning Environment for University Physics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes the development of a web-based collaborative Virtual Learning Environment for teaching freshman university physics, called the Virtual Physics Lab (VPL). The VPL will deliver an individualized self-paced learning experience using high-end multimedia lectures, and interactive virtual-reality simulations. The multimedia lectures are delivered using a synchronized multimodal combination of both highlighted text and speech that is delivered by near-photorealistic intelligent animated virtual instructors. The multimedia lectures include interactive Flash animations, movies, and 2D/3D animated illustrations. The VPL's interactive simulations are delivered in a video-game-like 3D virtual environment using physics-based models to simulate physics concepts such as pendulums, impact, buoyancy, magnetism etc. The VPL is highly interactive and uses pre-topic, in-topic, and post-topic questions to keep students engaged and to assess whether or not students need further training in any given subject. The VPL also includes collaborative/competitive mini 3D computer games that use relevant physics principles to increase the students' interest about the material being taught, and to add entertainment and competitive dimensions to the learning experience. The VPL's interactivity and the visually stimulating instruction will result in faster assimilation, deeper understanding, and higher memory retention by the students than traditional text-book/classroom learning. The VPL has the potential to radically change the way physics is taught. Due to the current exponential rate of increase in human scientific and technical knowledge, there is a need for students to assimilate more knowledge at a faster rate. Current classroom and text-book instruction delivery methods cannot satisfy this need due to a variety of reasons, including, delivery of the lecture in non-engaging and minimally interactive way, use of antiquated static graphical illustrations, variability of teacher skill, lack of one-on-one teacher attention, and variability of student learning styles and speeds. The VPL will help overcome those limitations. Particularly, it will enhance the quality, accessibility, and speed of learning. It will enhance the student experimentation, creativity and problem-solving capability. Freshman university physics was chosen because it is one of the essential foundations for training high-caliber engineers and scientists who will ensure the continued leadership of the US in developing new technologies and in conducting cutting-edge scientific research. The US market for the proposed learning tool is estimated at 500,000 licenses per year. A larger market exists worldwide in English language speaking countries, and for future versions of the VPL that will be translated into other languages. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wasfy, Hatem ADVANCED SCIENCE AND AUTOMATION CORP IN Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 510000 5373 SMET 9178 7218 1653 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848967 March 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Themally-Actuated Microfluidic Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new technology to satisfy the need for reliable and inexpensive ultifunctional fluid handling and control in microfluidic devices. Building on the Phase I results, which demonstrated the fundamental concepts of thermal actuation of microfluidics, the goals of the Phase II program are to demonstrate, develop, and optimize thermal actuation techniques for all useful microfluidic fluid handling functions, and to demonstrate the ability to combine the various functions into an integrated device. To achieve these goals, methods will be developed for fabricating, operating, evaluating, and optimizing devices demonstrating each function of interest in a realistic application setting. The end result will be a complete microfluidic tool box that can be applied to supply fluid handling and control functions to a variety of customers for implementation in commercial microfluidic devices. The broader impacts of this research are in the areas of biomedical and biopharmaceutical research, and clinical diagnostics. Successful completion of this Phase II program would result in development of a set of thermally-actuated functional elements enabling a less complex and more cost-effective biomedical microfluidic device; the "lab-on-a-chip" system. The potential commercial value is significant. The increasing complexity of molecular diagnostic tests and the pressure to provide cost-effective, reliable, and repeatable point-of-care assays will continue to increase the demand for such systems. Societal impact of such a technology will include substantial cost reduction, more accurate and consistent results, and improved health care resulting from more rapid and specific treatment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Welle, Richard Phasiks Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9107 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848968 April 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Microglassification: Dehydration Process for Protein Preservation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance the recent discovery of an ambient temperature dehydration method "Microglassification" that is designed to more efficiently stabilize biomolecules for preservation. Lyophilization is the current process of choice, but it has major disadvantages including high capital cost of equipment, high energy costs, and long process time. Furthermore, with the advent of new protein therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines, such expensive and environment-sensitive biomolecules can be irreversibly impacted due to the stresses of the freezing and the drying process and may never reach the market due to insufficient stability or even degradation that makes them antigenic and toxic in the body. Incorporation of Microglassification to produce a dry formulation of a biomolecule leads to following benefits: reduction in operation costs, production time savings, increased yield and purity, increased long-term stability, and reduced capital equipment costs. The broader impacts of this research are not limited to broader temperature tolerances for the microglassified products facilitating storage and transport of sensitive biologics throughout the US, and also to developing countries. But also this research furthers the fundamental understanding of water removal from a protein (how molecular layers of water of hydration influence protein activity), the structural changes that might occur in the protein, and the protein interactions with its surrounding environment. It is expected that Microglassification will provide the needed stability to enable a biotechnological advance to reach the market, and, more importantly, reach the patient. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gaul, David Southeast TechInventures NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 515829 5373 BIOT 9231 9181 1491 116E 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848972 February 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Compact, Low-cost Remote Sensing of Methamphetamine Labs. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project addresses an urgent law enforcement need for a sensitive, portable, low-cost, laser remote sensor to detect illicit methamphetamine (meth) production labs from a distance. The research objectives are to: 1. Refine, optimize, and package laser subsystem, 2. Design, construct, and optimize receiver subsystem, 3. Integrate laser and receiver subsystems onto compact breadboard and test, 4. Design and construct first-revision prototype. To accomplish these objectives, the team and Montana State University will optimize the performance of the critical high-energy, narrowband, mid-infrared pulsed laser system that was developed under the Phase I effort. The laser subsystem will be miniaturized and packaged for use in the sensor and for direct sales to bootstrap the sensor commercialization. The receiver subsystem will be designed, constructed, and optimized for performance, size, weight, and cost. The laser and receiver subsystems will be integrated and the unit will be field-tested. The first revision prototype will then be designed and constructed, incorporating identified improvements and modifications, and law enforcement customer input. Meth use in our country has reached epidemic levels. It is considered the most addictive illicit drug, can be easily produced with widely available and inexpensive ingredients, and is rapidly becoming more popular with young adults. Almost 1/5 of 2003 federal sentences were meth related and the state of Illinois estimates a $2B/yr meth-related burden. In 2005, 65% of Montana?s young adults reported that meth is ?very or somewhat easy? to obtain. Meth?s abundance is often attributed to the fact that it is alarmingly easy to produce in makeshift clandestine labs (in homes, apartments, motels, storage facilities, etc). These labs also pose lethal hazards to law enforcement, first responders, and children inhabitants. Washington State reported that children are or have been at 35% of the lab sites. Although 2005 legislation restricting the sale of a key meth ingredient reduced the number of labs, there is now resurgence. Moreover, the labs are becoming increasingly difficult for drug enforcement to uncover as the producers become more sophisticated and mobile. Drug enforcement personnel on local, national, and international levels require the ability to detect meth labs rapidly and in widely varying locations and circumstances. If successful law the outcome of the project will enable enforcement personnel to have a higher success rate in detecting these meth manufacturing laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Roos, Peter Wm. Randall Babbitt Bridger Photonics, INC MT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848986 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Develop an Autonomic-Healing Hot Mix Asphalt. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will assess the performance of autonomic-healing concrete asphalt through large-scale testing. Each year, about 500 million tons of hot mix asphalt is produced in America, with an average price of $80 per ton. Compared to concrete, hot mix asphalt features lower material cost, but is prone to fatigue cracking when subject to repeated traffic loads. Developing an autonomic-healing concrete asphalt that will actively arrest the microcrack propagation is of great importance and provides an economic savings. The broader/commercial impact of this technology is a cost saving of approximately $340,000 for each mile of pavement construction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tsao, Keh Advanced Engineering Research, LLC WI Ben Schrag Standard Grant 468494 5373 AMPP 9163 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848990 February 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Open Platform for Semantic Search. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will create and test a working semantic search platform using Search Maps to represent users' Search intent. The effort will extend the ontology used in Phase I and build a complete system for generating high quality search results for typical searches. The recommendation architecture uses the similarity between Search Maps to introduce users to websites already discovered by others with similar Search Maps. If successful, this project will enable a new type of semantic search called User-driven Search, creating a new Search-enabled layer on top of the World Wide Web. As new way for users to manage, express, and resolve their Searches anywhere on the Internet, Search Maps create a new metaphor for helping users get more value out of the World Wide Web, no matter where they go. Coordinating queries and Search results provides immediate value as an enhanced Search tracking service. Allowing users to seamlessly send their Search Map to any provider would allow users to shortcut the traditional search and navigation paradigm at any and every website they visit. The implications for e-commerce and enterprise search are significant. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Andrieu, Joe SwitchBook, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848994 February 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: High Power, Vertically Conducting UV LEDs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will result in the commercialization of high power, large area, deep UV LEDs based on a novel vertically conducting geometry that is arbitrarily scalable. AlInGaN based deep UV-B LEDs (ë = 300 - 340 nm) have recently been developed and commercialized but have not reached the performance metrics of shorter wavelength UV-C LEDs, or longer wavelength visible LEDs. These devices have been able to penetrate some niche markets but because the output power is far below that which is required for penetration of the largest UV-B market segments (e.g. biomedical instrumentation and industrial curing) they have been limited in their reach. Visible LEDs faced a similar challenge 5-10 years ago and it was recognized that to compete with existing technology, high power large area LEDs were required. This approach has been limited for deep UV LEDs because the insulating UV transparent substrates combined with relatively large resistance AlGaN materials result in current crowding and non-uniform device bias when geometry is scaled up. To address this challenge, the company is developing vertically conducting large area LEDs with expected minimum output powers of 10 mW per 1 mm x 1 mm device. Deep UV light emitting diodes represent a new opportunity for commercialization of semiconductor products for component and systems use. U.S. based manufacturers have succeeded in competing globally in the visible LED market with two of the five largest LED manufacturers being based in the U.S. with two in Japan and one in Germany. This optoelectronic field continues to grow each year and if the outcome of this effort is successful its outcome will contribute to the advancement of a novel light source. The creation of this company will capitalize on the high-tech research that is being performed at the University Of South Carolina by providing an environment in which to transition this knowledge into a commercial setting as part of efforts to transition the local economy from traditional industries such as textile manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Adivarahan, Vinod Nitek Incorporated SC Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499305 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848996 February 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Fe-nanoparticle Coating of Anisotropic Magnet Powder for Nanocomposite Permanent Magnets with Enhanced (BH)max. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes the development of an innovative and facile method to synthesize composite magnet powders coated with Fe and/or Fe-Co nanoparticles and to consolidate them into high performance anisotropic nanocomposite magnets. It was theoretically predicted in the 1990s that two phase exchange-coupled nanocomposite magnets consisting of a hard magnetic phase with high magnetocrystalline anisotropy and a soft magnetic phase with high saturation magnetization may exhibit a maximum energy product (BH)max twice the value of the current magnets. In this research effort, Fe and Fe-Co nanoparticles will be deposited onto hard magnetic powders by combined chemical and physical methods. Unlike previously employed techniques, the proposed approach allows the control of the size of soft magnetic phase to the nanoscale. Moreover, the approach is compatible with mass production. Subsequent consolidation of these composite powders by pressure and temperature assisted methods will lead to a new generation of high performance anisotropic nanocomposite permanent magnets with a (BH)max much higher than that of the current commercial magnets. The multiple choices for the core powder will result in new improved magnets for close-to-room-temperature applications (Nd2Fe14B-based), high temperature applications (SmCo5- and Sm2Fe17Nx-based) and ultra-high temperature applications (Sm2Co17-based). The success in the development of the new (nano)composite magnets will directly result in the improvement of the functionality of electromagnetic devices and eventually lead to new applications not possible with the current permanent magnets. The higher performance magnets will result in even lighter weight, smaller footprint and lower the total system cost for electromagnetic devices in both commercial and military applications. The most well known applications are in: hybrid cars (permanent magnet motors and generators, sensors and actuators), spacecraft (momentum wheels, reaction wheels, stepper motors, ion propulsion), microwave sources (traveling wave tube amplifiers, klystrons, magnetrons), microwave components (isolators, circulators), inertial guidance (accelerometers, gyros), and other commercial systems (computer disk drives, computer printers, audio systems, satellite communication, medical imaging, stepper motors, etc). The proposal is a multidisciplinary enterprise involving physics, chemistry, and metallurgy. The bottom-up approach to the synthesis of nanocomposite magnets with uniform and controllable thickness of the soft magnetic shell formed from the precursor nanoparticle coating, will allow for an in-detail experimental characterization of magnetic interactions. This will provide valuable information to understand and substantially diminish the gap between the theoretical predictions and engineering capabilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Jinfang Electron Energy Corporation PA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 512000 5373 SMET AMPP 9251 9178 9163 1653 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848997 February 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Compact, Low-Cost, and Robust Volume Holographic Spectrometers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the commercialization of a new class of ultra-compact, low-cost, robust, and alignment insensitive spectrometer for diffuse source spectroscopy with lower cost and considerably better overall performance compared to conventional slit-based spectrometers. Intellectual merits: The spectrometers available in the current market are based on core technologies invented around one hundred years ago. The main problems of the traditional spectrometers are being bulky, sensitive to input alignment, relatively expensive, and low optical throughput, because narrow slits, lenses, high quality thin gratings, and the detector array are required in the system. As the portability, cost, and sensitivity are top concerns in recent biological and environmental sensing applications, a new class of spectrometers that satisfy those needs is in high demand. The proposed research is to commercialize an ultra-compact, low-cost, robust, and alignment insensitive spectrometer, which is composed of only a volume hologram and a detector array. The operation frequency range and the spectral bandwidth of the proposed spectrometers cover the requirements of most practical applications. The spectrometers can also be used to form special-purpose functional spectrometers with any desired spectral transfer function. If successful the proposed spectrometer will have a broad range of applications in the fields of biochemistry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, industrial quality assurance, homeland security, mineralogy, and environmental purposes. Specifically, in the applications where the light source has a diffuse nature (e.g., fluorescence spectroscopy) the developed spectrometer will show the best sensitivity among all the existing technologies. The ultra-compact lightweight nature of the proposed spectrometers makes them a perfect choice for handheld sensing devices that are of high current demand in several fields mentioned above. The entire US market volume that can be covered by this technology has been $2.6B in 2005, with a prospected 7% growth rate through 2010. The use of volume holograms (which are typically recorded in low-cost materials like photopolymers) to replace multiple bulky optics (e.g., slit, collimating lens, and Fourier transforming lens in the case of spectrometer) is an important enabling technology that can impact several applications (e.g., imaging and sensing) beyond the proposed functionalities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hsieh, Chaoray ProSpect Photonics, Inc. GA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 487850 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0848998 March 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Mass Spectrometry Imaging Using Gold Nanoparticle Matrices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enhance the capabilities of imaging biomolecular ions from solid tissue samples using matrix assisted laser desorption time-of-flight imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS). Currently, organic acid matrices are used to promote the desorption and ionization of biomolecules from the tissue surface, however, these types of matrices have a number of limitations. Specifically, extensive fragmentation can interfere with the analysis of lipids, peptides and pharmaceuticals in the low mass region (m/z < 500), and organic matrices tend to form large crystals upon drying which can limit imaging resolution and repeatability. NanoComposix is developing a new matrix that utilizes gold nanoparticles to efficiently ionize biomolecules from tissue samples. This gold nanoparticle matrix has much lower background ion signal, has improved imaging resolution, and specifically ionizes molecules not observed using traditional organic matrices. MALDI-IMS will be used to validate optimized nanoparticle formulations and application methods using hepatic and neuronal tissue slices. The broader impacts of this research are the potential for profound affects on the scientific communities understanding of disease, capabilities for early disease diagnosis, and our ability to find new drug targets. Information on the content and spatial distribution of biomarkers in tissue will accelerate the development of ?personalized medicine? where drugs can be selected based on individual patient characteristics. The current organic matrices used for MALDI-IMS are limited and there is an immediate need for new matrices with unique specificity and sensitivity towards biomarkers that are not observed using standard matrices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spencer, Matt nanoComposix, Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 468511 5373 BIOT 9251 9107 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0849004 April 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Wearable Tactile Display System for Blind Individuals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development of a novel system for communication with computer through touch, particularly relevant to blind individuals. The system includes a newly developed Tactile Display Device (TDD) technology with miniature thermo-fluidic actuators that uniquely revolutionizes the way humans interact with different machines and systems using a wearable tactile display. The proposed new technology is a significant breakthrough as the concept of sensing touch actuation based on bubble formation and vapor pressure has a wide potential for miniaturization, embedding, flexibility, and wearable possibilities with amplitude and force of actuation not achieved by other means so far. The specific objectives of the project are to improve the actuator modules and the TDD developed during Phase I of the project, so that the technology can be brought to market. The research will impact both the education and scientific segments of the market by addressing many challenges in application of bubble and vapor based motive power in miniature systems. Additionally, this outcomes of this work is expected to catalyze new avenues and variants discovered by the scientific community working in the areas of miniature actuators and systems, eventually leading to new innovations in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and in nanosystems. The research has very high societal impact potential as it addresses the blind population market segment that is somewhat neglected by the larger corporations due to its relatively smaller size. The blind population is not benefiting fully by the latest trend in information decimation increasingly through internet and computer based mediums. As these medium are highly graphic and visual in nature, alternate and enhanced interfaces with computers that use touch to convey information will be of great service and importance in making the visually impaired population more informed and productive. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Srinivasan, Mandayam Yantric, Inc. ma Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 454274 5373 HPCC 9139 1654 0308000 Industrial Technology 0849005 March 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Biocidal Textiles for Active Infection Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on the development of patented antimicrobial compounds to provide superior infection control to textiles. 5-10% of patients admitted to hospitals in the US acquire an infection while in hospital. Consequences of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include prolonged hospital stays, increased treatment costs, and cause more than 100,000 deaths each year. The financial costs of these infections run into billions of dollars annually. Laboratory and clinical studies have shown that bacteria can survive for weeks on items found in patient rooms, which are suspected of playing a role in the transmission of pathogens. This program continues the development an innovative fabric finish to create textiles that will kill microbes on contact. The performance of these compounds has been shown to be superior to current non-leaching antimicrobial technologies. The biocide is chemically attached to fabric using a water-based solution. Chemical immobilization of the antimicrobial agent minimizes migration into the environment. During Phase II, the efficacy of treated fabrics will be assessed against pathogens, including strains associated with HAIs. Physical characterization of the fabrics will be performed to determine the effects of laundering. Finally, the effectiveness of treated fabrics in the clinic will be demonstrated. The number of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) is increasing, with a larger proportion being caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Policy changes of cost reimbursement related to HAIs have already been implemented, placing the burden on hospitals to prevent such infections. Inevitably, infection control policies within hospitals will be expanded in order to reduce rates of infection. Creating actively biocidal surfaces will provide a new method of infection control, augmenting current practices without significantly adding to the workload of staff. In this program, novel antimicrobial technology is being developed for use on fabrics. Ultimately, it is expected that strategic deployment of this technology as a complement to hand-hygiene (the most important component of infection control) will reduce the number of HAIs, improve patient outcomes and reduce the costs of healthcare. Other commercial textile applications of this technology include protective garments for military personnel, emergency responders, and fabrics for sports apparel. The antimicrobial product may also be applied to non-textile items, such as computer keyboards and bedrails. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lamba, Nina CCL BIOMEDICAL, INC MD Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 463713 5373 BIOT 9183 9102 1773 1491 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0849006 January 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Lens-Laser Packaging Approach. This Phase II Small Business Innovation Research project is to develop an integrated optical and electrical packaging technique that allows for the precision placement of high density, large arrays of VCSELs, LEDs, or photodetectors coupled with arrays of microlenses. The project extends the limits of integration for device to device pitch, and device counts, of VCSELs and microlenses that have not previously been achieved. This innovation has immediate application to existing computed radiography, scanning and printing applications. The computed radiography market is $1B annually, and is shared by U.S. and Japanese companies. The proposed innovation enables smaller, more reliable and higher resolution systems. In the long run, the application of precision optical assembly techniques may have an impact on the revolution taking place in chemical, biological and medical analytical instrument and sensing devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hibbs-Brenner, Mary Mytek, LLC MN William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9148 9102 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0849008 February 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Development of a Remote Climbing Robot for Automating Welding Processes in the Shipbuilding Industry. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project will advance a Mobile Robotic Welding System (MRWS) to significantly improve automated ship fabrication techniques in the United States. Providing automation to the American shipbuilding industry poses significant challenges. Traditional robotic systems are inadequate in industries such as shipbuilding characterized by size and scale because of their inherent inability to adhere and maneuver across uneven and even inverted environments while maintaining a weld. The team addresses these problems by merging recent climbing robot technology developed for remote inspection tasks in the electric power industry with automated welding equipment. This project will advance this technology, moving it from the laboratory to the field and address the technical challenges posed by real-world conditions. This will include vehicle and manipulator interaction in a dynamic environment, sensor systems capable of handling variable conditions, and robust navigation and control algorithms with self preserving and correcting behaviors. This proposed effort focuses on technology innovation to significantly advance automation of manufacturing, inspection and maintenance processes through an autonomous, mobile climbing robot. If successful the outcome of this project will additionally advance the state of knowledge in performing robotic tasks remotely in unstructured environments. The general need for such capability in robotics is immense. Shipbuilding is an extremely labor-intensive, $15 billion dollar industry in the US, and its success depends on improvements in productivity. Over $40 trillion will be spent worldwide in infrastructure spending between 2005 and 2030. The US will spend $6.52 trillion overall and $1.53 trillion in energy/power segment with includes pipelines, storage facilities and alternative energy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Beard, Jamie Stephen Canfield Robotic Technologies of Tennessee TN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499994 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0849010 January 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Chiral Long Period Grating Fiber Sensors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop a novel optical fiber sensor of temperature, pressure, extension, axial twist and various environmental factors, including liquid level, in harsh environments. The optical fiber sensor will be free of electromagnetic interference and of the hazard of igniting combustible fuels and will be capable of remotely monitoring temperatures up to and beyond 750 °C and of tolerating high-radiation levels. Conventional long period gratings fiber (LPGs) formed by exposing photosensitive doped optical fibers to patterned ultraviolet illumination cannot operate in harsh environments because of the fragility of the imprinted periodic structure. In contrast, the glass fiber in the dual-twist chiral fiber sensor (CFS) need not be photosensitive and will be chosen for its robustness. The chiral long-period grating (CLPG) structure of the CFS will be created in a glass-forming process in which signal and scaffolding optical fibers are twisted together to form a helix in the signal fiber as the fibers pass through a miniature oven. Transmission dips due to coupling of the light between the core and surrounding glass cladding by the chiral grating and their shift with environmental factors will be measured and calculated using an increasingly sophisticated sequence of perturbation theories. The CFS based on the dual-twist CLPG structure overcomes the disadvantages of the LPG and of the CFS based on twisting single birefringent fibers. If successful it is ideally suited for demanding applications such as found in nuclear reactors, outer space, and oil wells, as well as in medical diagnostics and treatment and in the automotive and aerospace industries. The CFS may therefore become a pervasive part of modern technology and everyday life which relies increasingly on sensing and automated decision making. By substantially raising the operation temperature of optical fiber sensors, substantial savings can be realized. Conventional power generators could run at higher temperatures where they are substantially more efficient and the recovery rate in oil reservoirs can be increased considerably. The use of high-temperature and radiation-resistant CFSs in nuclear power plants can make these facilities more efficient and safe. The enhanced range of conditions in which the CFS can function relative to conventional electrical and optical sensors will have an impact across the economy and will make the CFS a rapidly growing segment of the multi-billion dollar sensor market. The novel glass forming fabrication methods and computational approaches may find use in diverse fields including photonics, microfluidics and medical diagnostics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Neugroschl, Dan Gennady Shvets CHIRAL PHOTONICS, INC NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0855370 February 15, 2009 University of Maine Proposal for Joining the NSF Center for Advanced Forestry Systems. IIP 0855370 University of Maine Wagner University of Maine (UM) is planning to join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "The Center for Advanced Forestry Systems" (CAFS) which was established in 2007 with four member institutions: North Carolina State University (lead university), Oregon State University, Purdue University and Virginia Tech. The primary focus of the proposed research site within CAFS will be modeling the productivity of managed natural forests. This research focus will be addressed at multiple scales ranging from the individual tree to the regional forest. UM has a long history of applied research in the management of naturally regenerated forests as well as a strong relationship with the forest products industry. The proposed activities at UM will augment current CAFS projects, and will more fully address the needs for scientific and technological advances for enhancing the competitiveness of the US forestry sector. The effort at UM has the potential to improve the competitiveness of the forest products industry by solving key problems using applied research and enhanced institutional collaboration. The broader scientific community will benefit through refereed publications and presentations at scientific meetings that focus on key nationwide research questions. Enhanced graduate student research opportunities will increase the number of trained professionals able to address these future forest resource challenges. UM also plans to address employee and student diversity issues. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Wagner, Robert Aaron Weiskittel University of Maine ME Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 77350 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 128E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855690 March 1, 2009 Proposal for the University of Washington to Join the I/UCRC Center for Advanced Forest Systems (CAFS). IIP 0855690 University of Washington Briggs University of Washington (UW) is planning to join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "The Center for Advanced Forestry Systems" (CAFS) which was established in 2007 with four member institutions: North Carolina State University (lead university), Oregon State University, Purdue University and Virginia Tech. UW expertise and proposed projects will expand and complement the areas of managing plantation site resources; measuring and monitoring their growth, yield and quality response with remote sensing; developing improved growth and yield and wood quality prediction models; and improving landscape-level decision support systems. The proposed activities at UW will augment current CAFS projects, and will more fully address the needs for scientific and technological advances for enhancing the competitiveness of the US forestry sector. The effort at UW has the potential to improve the competitiveness of the forest products industry by solving key problems using applied research and enhanced institutional collaboration. Members will benefit by becoming knowledgeable about a wider range of technological capabilities. Technology transfer will be facilitated by direct interactions between the scientist of member academic institutions forest sector members, refereed publications and presentations at scientific meetings, and training of graduate and under-graduate students. Aggressive recruiting for graduate students among under-represented groups will be conducted, increasing the diversity of the workforce for both academia and industry. The diversity promoting activities are part of the UW's overall commitment to and plan for increasing diversity. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Briggs, David Robert Harrison Eric Turnblom Sandor Toth Ludmila Moskal University of Washington WA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 147600 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 128E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855729 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: A Multi-University I/UCRC Center on Intelligent Storage. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Intelligent Storage 0855729 University of Minnesota; David Lilja 0855906 University of California-Santa Cruz; Ethan Miller The Center, comprised of the University of Minnesota (lead institution) and the University of California-Santa Cruz, proposes to manage and preserve large volumes of data and to be able to locate those data in an efficient manner. The goals are to develop innovative storage systems and new storage architectures, solve the long-term data preservation issues, develop efficient benchmarking, tracing, performance management and tuning tools for I/O and input systems, propose solutions that ensure data/information privacy and security, and to explore ways to save energy in data center. The proposed Center will build on the respective University's research talent and technology transfer skills to attract industrial partners who will subsequently play a significant role in planning, selecting, and implementing the output of the research. The broader impact of the potential research outcomes includes fostering the advancement of science and technology, making the society more efficient and secure, providing better health-care delivery, and better ways of preserving information. The industry participation will enhance the students' educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientists to industry. The proposed Center is committed to enhancing the education process by bringing input from industry, developing new courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and emphasizing the diversity of the student population. The Center also has plans to recruit more female and under-represented minority students and faculty into its research group. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Du, David David Lilja Jon Weissman Yongdae Kim Mohamed Mokbel University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9999 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855776 February 15, 2009 University of Georgia-Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources Proposal for Participation in the NSF Center for Advanced Forestry Systems. IIP 0855776 University of Georgia Kane University of Georgia (UGA) will join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "The Center for Advanced Forestry Systems"(CAFS) which was established in 2007 with four member institutions: North Carolina State University (lead university), Oregon State University, Purdue University and Virginia Tech. The proposed site will expand CAFS efforts by providing additional and specialized expertise and research platforms in the areas of silviculture, biometrics and wood quality. The proposed activities at UGA will augment and complement current CAFS projects, and will more fully address the needs for scientific and technological advances for enhancing the competitiveness of the US forestry sector. UGA has a long history of research on commercial forestry plantations, and proposes to develop research projects focused on understanding productivity drivers in thinned stands and integrating wood quality predictions into growth and yield models. The effort at UGA has the potential to improve the competitiveness of the forest products industry and forest land owners. The expected new developments in technical capabilities will have broad applications and benefits beyond just the US. The emphasis on inclusion of both graduate and undergraduate students in research will enhance the number of trained experts to work in this important field. UGA plans to address all issues related to diversity and to commit to the inclusion of under-represented groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kane, Michael Richard Daniels Bruce Borders Laurence Schimleck University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc GA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 139998 5761 OTHR 128E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855786 February 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: Industry/University Cooperative Research Center: Water and Environmental Technology Center. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Water and Environmental Technology (WET) Center 0855881 Temple University; Rominder Suri 0855786 University of Arizona; Ian Pepper 0855802 Arizona State University; Morteza Abbaszadegan The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Water and Environmental Technology (WET)" with a focus on water quality and emerging contaminants. The lead of the proposed Center will be Temple University (TU) with site locations at the University of Arizona (UA) and Arizona State University (ASU). The objective of the proposed Center is to advance the knowledge and understand the effects of emerging contaminants on water quality. Emerging contaminants generally refer to pharmaceuticals, personal care products, as well as pathogens detected in the source water environment; thereby posing a potential or real threat to human health or the environment. The proposed research aims at developing technologies to detect, understand, mitigate and/or control emerging contaminants in the environment as well as other traditional contaminants that can adversely impact water quality. Center engineers and environmental scientists using microbial, chemical, hydrologic and mathematical approaches will work collaboratively to conduct this research. The Center and its research activities will involve faculty, undergraduate and graduate students and industrial representatives; and the industrial-focused research program will enhance the scientific understanding and help address a potentially significant health and environmental problem. Many of the companies of the proposed Center have overseas installations; thus, students will be exposed to regulatory, social and cultural aspects of different countries, enhancing their global experiences. All three institutions plan to engage K-12 students and teachers, and will enhance the ongoing efforts of integrating research in classroom teaching. WET has a strong diversity plan that ensures the participation of underrepresented groups in all levels of the Center. The Center plans to publish results in various publications as well as present at Conferences. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pepper, Ian University of Arizona AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 84000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 128E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855796 March 1, 2009 Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Materials Resource Recovery and Recyclability. This collaborative grant to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Colorado School of Mines is to fund a study on the feasibility of creating a research center in the area of materials recovery and recyclability. The PIs plan to meet with industry leaders to help determine the need and sustainability for a government, industry, and academic partnership to work on research issues related to innovative recovery and recycling technologies that maximize the recovery of scrap from the waste stream and optimizes the cycling of these material back into the production of materials and products. Strategies will be planned with industry input to develop and build systems that optimize recovery and recycling technologies including: increased recyclability; developing sensors to identify metals and separation technologies to sort the waste stream; and establishing materials sensors, processes, and controls to achieve greater tolerance of scrap metal input for downstream recycling processes. Materials recovery and recycling research would be multi-disciplinary involving physics, mathematics, computer science, economics, management sciences, materials science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Generic science and technology developed by the center could have applicability in metallic alloys while providing economic and societal benefits. Energy savings and avoidance of pollution represent a compelling reason to establish this center as well as interests from a broad societal need throughout the supply chain involving scrap yards, disassembling companies, municipal waste centers, shredding companies, smelters, foundries, and consumers. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Apelian, Diran Worcester Polytechnic Institute MA Glenn H. Larsen Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855797 March 1, 2009 Center for Materials Resource Recovery and Recyclability. This collaborative grant to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Colorado School of Mines is to fund a study on the feasibility of creating a research center in the area of materials recovery and recyclability. The PIs plan to meet with industry leaders to help determine the need and sustainability for a government, industry, and academic partnership to work on research issues relate to innovative recovery and recycling technologies that maximize the capture of scrap while minimizing the quantity of scrap to be captured. Strategies will be planned with industry input to develop and build systems that optimize recovery and recycling technologies including: increased recyclability; developing sensors to identify metals and separation technologies to sort the waste stream; and establishing materials sensors, processes, and controls to achieve greater tolerance of scrap metal input for downstream recycling processes. Materials recovery and recycling research would be multi-disciplinary involving physics, mathematics, computer science, economics, management sciences, materials science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Generic science and technology developed by the center could have applicability in metallic alloys while providing economic and societal benefits. Energy savings and avoidance of pollution represent a compelling reason to establish this center as well as interests from a broad societal need throughout the supply chain involving scrap yards, disassembling companies, municipal waste centers, shredding companies, smelters, foundries, and consumers. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mishra, Brajendra Patrick Taylor Colorado School of Mines CO Glenn H. Larsen Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855798 November 15, 2008 Planning Grant : Formation of a New MAST Center Site at New Jersey Institute of Technology. PROGRAM DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATION IIP 0855798 New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Sirkar New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is planning to join the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "Membrane Applied Science and Technology" (MAST) which currently is a single university center. University of Colorado is currently the lead institute. Membranes offer the potential to dramatically decrease costs and energy consumption associated with gas and liquid separations in the petroleum, chemical, biochemical, food and water treatment industries. A site at NJIT would bring new areas of expertise to the Center and significant complementary expertise in other areas in which the Colorado site has ongoing research. The MAST center has core capabilities in membrane formation, characterization and performance. The NJIT research site will strengthen these core areas as well as facilitate new research interactions and opportunities in membrane materials and areas of applications of current industrial interest. The proposed site will lead to the education and training of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows for the membrane and related industries. The PI at the proposed site would also seek to incorporate the introduction to membranes and membrane separations as well as hands-on experimental membrane research activities in the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievements Program offered by NJIT to recruit underrepresented groups to science and engineering. Similar activities will be undertaken with high school students during the summer with the ACS Seed Program. Overall, the research and education activities of a NJIT MAST Center site will have a significant impact on the separation needs of a broad range of critical industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sirkar, Kamalesh New Jersey Institute of Technology NJ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9999 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855802 February 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: Industry/University Cooperative Research Center: Water and Environmental Technology Center. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Water and Environmental Technology (WET) Center 0855881 Temple University; Rominder Suri 0855786 University of Arizona; Ian Pepper 0855802 Arizona State University; Morteza Abbaszadegan The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Water and Environmental Technology (WET)" with a focus on water quality and emerging contaminants. The lead of the proposed Center will be Temple University (TU) with site locations at the University of Arizona (UA) and Arizona State University (ASU). The objective of the proposed Center is to advance the knowledge and understand the effects of emerging contaminants on water quality. Emerging contaminants generally refer to pharmaceuticals, personal care products, as well as pathogens detected in the source water environment; thereby posing a potential or real threat to human health or the environment. The proposed research aims at developing technologies to detect, understand, mitigate and/or control emerging contaminants in the environment as well as other traditional contaminants that can adversely impact water quality. Center engineers and environmental scientists using microbial, chemical, hydrologic and mathematical approaches will work collaboratively to conduct this research. The Center and its research activities will involve faculty, undergraduate and graduate students and industrial representatives; and the industrial-focused research program will enhance the scientific understanding and help address a potentially significant health and environmental problem. Many of the companies of the proposed Center have overseas installations; thus, students will be exposed to regulatory, social and cultural aspects of different countries, enhancing their global experiences. All three institutions plan to engage K-12 students and teachers, and will enhance the ongoing efforts of integrating research in classroom teaching. WET has a strong diversity plan that ensures the participation of underrepresented groups in all levels of the Center. The Center plans to publish results in various publications as well as present at Conferences. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Abbaszadegan, Morteza Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 73000 5761 OTHR 128E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855846 March 1, 2009 I/UCRC for Thermal Technology. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Thermal Technology 0855846 Case Western Reserve University; David Schwam 0856012 University of Michigan; Arvind Atreya Case Western Reserve University (lead institution) and the University of Michigan propose a planning grant for a collaborative center focusing on a range of topics including combustion, melting technologies and advanced methods of waste heat recovery. The main research thrust of the proposed Center will be to develop methods, materials and equipment for waste heat recovery from process heating. While both universities have a well-established reputation in the proposed area of activity, their capabilities are to a large extent complementary rather than overlapping. UM is a leader in combustion research while CWRU is prominent in materials processing and process heating research. The proposed Center has the potential to improve sustainability and profitability of US manufacturing by developing new technologies that will reduce energy consumption and pollution. Emphasis will be placed on partnering with industry, other academic institutions and the national laboratories to establish and carry out long-term research programs for achieving its objectives. CWRU and UM undergraduate and graduate students will play a key role in the activities of the Center. A pivotal role in dissemination of the results will be played by professional associations including American Foundry Society, Forging Industry Association and others. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Schwam, David Case Western Reserve University OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9962 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855878 February 15, 2009 Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Electromagnetic Compatibility 0855878 Missouri University of Science and Technology; Richard DuBroff 0856085 University of Houston; Ji Chen The proposal concerns the formation of a new I/UCRC "Electromagnetic Compatibility" consisting of the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) and the University of Houston (UH). MST is the lead institution of the proposed Center, and proposes to add two additional sites (University of Oklahoma and Clemson University) in the next review cycle. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is an essential feature of virtually all high speed digital electronic assistants and home entertainment centers to essential control and information processing systems. EMC is the ability of these electronic systems to function reliably without causing interference to other electronic systems, being overly sensitive to weak signals generated by other electronic systems, and generating signals in one part of the system interfering with the operation of another part of the same system. The Center and its research activities will involve faculty, students and industrial representatives; and the industrial-focused research program will enhance the scientific understanding and help address a potentially significant health and environmental problem. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration amongst the four institutions, and is committed to providing a skilled and diverse workforce in the area of EMC as required by industry. The research will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry. The close collaboration with various industry partners will help establish a strong research base to enable development of consumer electronics and control and information systems. The proposing institutions have a track record of increasing the participation of under-represented groups in research and education. In addition, the proposal emphasizes increased recruitment of students from under-represented groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG DuBroff, Richard Floyd Grant Todd Hubing Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 118995 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855881 February 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC - Water and Environmental Technology (WET) Center. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Water and Environmental Technology (WET) Center 0855881 Temple University; Rominder Suri 0855786 University of Arizona; Ian Pepper 0855802 Arizona State University; Morteza Abbaszadegan The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Water and Environmental Technology (WET)" with a focus on water quality and emerging contaminants. The lead of the proposed Center will be Temple University (TU) with site locations at the University of Arizona (UA) and Arizona State University (ASU). The objective of the proposed Center is to advance the knowledge and understand the effects of emerging contaminants on water quality. Emerging contaminants generally refer to pharmaceuticals, personal care products, as well as pathogens detected in the source water environment; thereby posing a potential or real threat to human health or the environment. The proposed research aims at developing technologies to detect, understand, mitigate and/or control emerging contaminants in the environment as well as other traditional contaminants that can adversely impact water quality. Center engineers and environmental scientists using microbial, chemical, hydrologic and mathematical approaches will work collaboratively to conduct this research. The Center and its research activities will involve faculty, undergraduate and graduate students and industrial representatives; and the industrial-focused research program will enhance the scientific understanding and help address a potentially significant health and environmental problem. Many of the companies of the proposed Center have overseas installations; thus, students will be exposed to regulatory, social and cultural aspects of different countries, enhancing their global experiences. All three institutions plan to engage K-12 students and teachers, and will enhance the ongoing efforts of integrating research in classroom teaching. WET has a strong diversity plan that ensures the participation of underrepresented groups in all levels of the Center. The Center plans to publish results in various publications as well as present at Conferences. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Suri, Rominder Temple University PA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 135515 I177 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 5761 128E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855888 February 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Wood-Based Composites Center. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Wood-Based Composites Center 0855983 Virginia Polytechnic; Charles Frazier 0855888 Oregon State University; Frederick Kamke Virginia Polytechnic (VT) and Oregon State University (OSU) are collaborating to establish the Wood-Based Composites Center, with VT as the lead institution. The proposed Center will advance the materials science of wood and wood-based composites, by improving the understanding of how wood interacts with adhesives, sealants, and composite manufacturing variables. The Center will promote research in building systems, mechanical and adhesive fastening between wood and non-wood materials, as well as novel material testing and modeling. VT and OSU plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners, and to develop an initial research agenda of sufficient commercial interest that attendees will be willing to invest in and sustain the Center. The development of more advanced wood-based composites to be used in applications that currently depend primarily on steel, aluminum or concrete would have a positive impact on the environment and help combat climate change. The proposed Center plans to attract graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines, and to provide them with an opportunity to interact with industry leaders, thus giving them an understanding of how to apply and transfer fundamental research and impact the industry and the economy. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kamke, Frederick Oregon State University OR Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855891 February 15, 2009 Collaborative Research Center for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems (CEHMS). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems 0856032 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Daniel Inman 0856046 Clemson University; Stephen Foulger 0855891 University of Texas, Dallas; Bruce Gnade The proposal seeks a planning grant for a new multi-university Center for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems to focus on recovery (harvesting) of unused energy from various sources such as radio and television towers, satellites and various portable electronics. Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VT), Clemson University (CU) and the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with VT as the lead institution. The research plan includes developing new products and designs in the following areas: Energy Harvesting for Vibration Measurement, PiezoCell and Panels for Harvesting Wind Energy, VLSI Circuit Design, Materials for "Self-Powered" Position and Speed Sensors and Electrical Energy Storage, Micro-Scale Thermal to Electric Energy Conversion, Magnetic to Electric Energy Conversion in Ocean Environments, On-Chip Energy Source Using Indium Nitride Quantum Dot Solar Cells, Piezoelectric Cantilevers Based Energy Harvesters, and Roll-to-Roll Printing of Organic Energy Harvesters. VT, CU and UTD plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners, and to develop an initial research agenda for CEHMS of sufficient commercial interest that attendees will be willing to invest in and sustain the Center. The proposed Center has the potential to improve sustainability and profitability of US manufacturing firms by developing new technologies that will reduce energy consumption and harvest energy that is normally wasted. Industrial members will benefit from the research conducted at the Center in areas of materials synthesis, thin-film deposition, energy conversion devices, micro/nano electronics, electrochemical storage systems, sensor development, system design, integrated hybrid architectures, computational and theoretical modeling, and nano-scale fabrication techniques. Students and faculty members of CEHMS will gain valuable experience by interaction with industry partners. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gnade, Bruce University of Texas at Dallas TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9945 5761 OTHR 127E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855906 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: A Multi-University I/UCRC Center on Intelligent Storage. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Intelligent Storage 0855729 University of Minnesota; David Lilja 0855906 University of California-Santa Cruz; Ethan Miller The Center, comprised of the University of Minnesota (lead institution) and the University of California-Santa Cruz, proposes to manage and preserve large volumes of data and to be able to locate those data in an efficient manner. The goals are to develop innovative storage systems and new storage architectures, solve the long-term data preservation issues, develop efficient benchmarking, tracing, performance management and tuning tools for I/O and input systems, propose solutions that ensure data/information privacy and security, and to explore ways to save energy in data center. The proposed Center will build on the respective University's research talent and technology transfer skills to attract industrial partners who will subsequently play a significant role in planning, selecting, and implementing the output of the research. The broader impact of the potential research outcomes includes fostering the advancement of science and technology, making the society more efficient and secure, providing better health-care delivery, and better ways of preserving information. The industry participation will enhance the students' educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientists to industry. The proposed Center is committed to enhancing the education process by bringing input from industry, developing new courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and emphasizing the diversity of the student population. The Center also has plans to recruit more female and under-represented minority students and faculty into its research group. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Miller, Ethan Darrell Long University of California-Santa Cruz CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9999 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855929 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC for Fuel Cell Research. Full Center Proposal for a Center for Fuel Cells (CFC) 0856055 University of South Carolina (USC); John Van Zee 0855929 University of Connecticut (UCONN); A. F. Anwar The purpose of this proposal is to renew and expand the Center for Fuel Cells (CFC) as an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. This proposal is based upon USC?s successful completion of five years of operation of the CFC, as a single university site; and the commitment by five companies to join a research site at the University of Connecticut. USC will be the lead research site for CFC. The proposed Center will promote collaboration between universities and their industry partners and solve problems related to commercial implementation of fuel cells. The PIs list five focus areas to help advance the technology and commercialization of Fuel Cells. The addition of UCONN expertise in solid fuel cells would add to the expertise at USC in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. The renewed and expanded Center will be successful because it builds on existing strengths developed during the first five years of operation. The Center will also educate and train researchers for industry and government. The broader impact of the proposed center includes the importance of finding alternative fuel cell sources to fossil fuels. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration, and the research will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry. Students will have opportunities for industrial internships with members. The educational activities and the research participation in the Center activities will provide a diverse workforce for an innovative technology that will be part of a new economy. Over 30% of the student participants will be women or under-represented minorities. Faculty in the CFC will work with REU students to present their work at national meetings with the goal of obtaining recognition for these students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Anwar, A University of Connecticut CT Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 58000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855939 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: IUCRC Center Proposal: Net-Centric Software and Systems. Full Center Proposal for an I/UCRC for Net-Centric Software and Systems 0855939 University of North Texas; Krishna Kavi 0855944 University of Texas at Dallas; Farokh Bastani The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Net-Centrics Software and Systems (NCSS)" with a focus on rapid development of highly dependable systems for critical net-centric defense, civil infrastructure, commerce, and other application domains. The lead of the proposed Center will be University of North Texas (UNT)) with site location at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Net-centricity is the key to enabling increased productivity, performance, agility, and dependability in several areas that can have significant positive impact on modern society. The net-centric paradigm enables a rich pervasive computing environment, and enables applications to leverage a variety of relevant information, knowledge, services, and other capabilities in real-time to achieve breakthrough enhancements. The proposed Center will develop capabilities to enable rapid high-assurance integrated modeling, analysis, design, implementation, verification and validation, deployment, and evolution of critical net-centric systems. The formation of the proposed Center will significantly enhance the existing research collaboration and greatly leverage the research capabilities of the participating institutions and industrial partners. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration, and the research will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry. Graduate and undergraduate students at the participating universities and engineers from the various industrial members will benefit from the I/UCRC infrastructure and industry-driven net-centric research and development projects. By joining the diverse capabilities and expertise of the participating institutions and the real world experiences of innovative high tech companies, the proposed Center will revolutionize our national research competence. As a leading technology innovator and a Center for technology commercialization, it will contribute to the economic growth of the nation. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kavi, Krishna Philip Sweany Robert Akl University of North Texas TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 75891 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855944 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: IUCRC Center Proposal: Net-Centric Software and Systems. Full Center Proposal for an I/UCRC for Net-Centric Software and Systems 0855939 University of North Texas; Krishna Kavi 0855944 University of Texas at Dallas; Farokh Bastani The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Net-Centrics Software and Systems (NCSS)" with a focus on rapid development of highly dependable systems for critical net-centric defense, civil infrastructure, commerce, and other application domains. The lead of the proposed Center will be University of North Texas (UNT)) with site location at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Net-centricity is the key to enabling increased productivity, performance, agility, and dependability in several areas that can have significant positive impact on modern society. The net-centric paradigm enables a rich pervasive computing environment, and enables applications to leverage a variety of relevant information, knowledge, services, and other capabilities in real-time to achieve breakthrough enhancements. The proposed Center will develop capabilities to enable rapid high-assurance integrated modeling, analysis, design, implementation, verification and validation, deployment, and evolution of critical net-centric systems. The formation of the proposed Center will significantly enhance the existing research collaboration and greatly leverage the research capabilities of the participating institutions and industrial partners. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration, and the research will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry. Graduate and undergraduate students at the participating universities and engineers from the various industrial members will benefit from the I/UCRC infrastructure and industry-driven net-centric research and development projects. By joining the diverse capabilities and expertise of the participating institutions and the real world experiences of innovative high tech companies, the proposed Center will revolutionize our national research competence. As a leading technology innovator and a Center for technology commercialization, it will contribute to the economic growth of the nation. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bastani, Farokh Dung Huynh Gopal Gupta I-Ling Yen Neeraj Mittal University of Texas at Dallas TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 65867 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 122E 116E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855971 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Center for Biophotonic Sensors and Systems. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Biophotonic Sensors and Sensor Systems 0855971 Boston University; Thomas Bifano 0856086 University of California-Davis; Dennis L. Matthews The proposed Center plans to establish a natural resource for Biophotonic Sensors and Sensor Systems (CBSS) where photonics provide the enabling technologies for advances in methods to detect/sense and identify biological properties, conditions, or changes at the molecular and cellular/sub-cellular level. The research efforts will be anchored by Boston University's Photonic Center as the lead institution, partnered with the University of California-Davis' Center for Biophotonic Science and Technology. Both BU and UC have mature photonics research Centers and a track record of achievement in managing translational research activities. The proposed CBBS will build on the respective University's research talent and technology transfer skills to attract industrial partners who will subsequently play a significant role in planning, selecting, and implementing the output of the research. The collaborative effort between BU and UCD will consist of three research areas: In vivo Platform Sensing, Label Free Sensing and Point of Care Diagnosis. The proposed Center's focused expertise in developing photonic methods for bacterial and viral detection will enhance the existing inter-disciplinary teamwork and enable an exceptionally strong foundation for Sensors and Sensor Systems development. The industry participation will enhance the students? educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientist to industry. BU and UCD are committed to developing the academic potential of under-represented groups in STEM fields. The success of the proposed Center will enable new photonics sensor technologies that can improve public healthcare, food and water safety, and homeland security. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bifano, Thomas Trustees of Boston University MA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9999 5761 OTHR 132E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0855983 February 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Wood-Based Composites Center. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Wood-Based Composites Center 0855983 Virginia Polytechnic; Charles Frazier 0855888 Oregon State University; Frederick Kamke Virginia Polytechnic (VT) and Oregon State University (OSU) are collaborating to establish the Wood-Based Composites Center, with VT as the lead institution. The proposed Center will advance the materials science of wood and wood-based composites, by improving the understanding of how wood interacts with adhesives, sealants, and composite manufacturing variables. The Center will promote research in building systems, mechanical and adhesive fastening between wood and non-wood materials, as well as novel material testing and modeling. VT and OSU plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners, and to develop an initial research agenda of sufficient commercial interest that attendees will be willing to invest in and sustain the Center. The development of more advanced wood-based composites to be used in applications that currently depend primarily on steel, aluminum or concrete would have a positive impact on the environment and help combat climate change. The proposed Center plans to attract graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines, and to provide them with an opportunity to interact with industry leaders, thus giving them an understanding of how to apply and transfer fundamental research and impact the industry and the economy. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Frazier, Charles Frederick Kamke Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856012 March 1, 2009 Center for Thermal Technology. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Thermal Technology 0855846 Case Western Reserve University; David Schwam 0856012 University of Michigan; Arvind Atreya Case Western Reserve University (lead institution) and the University of Michigan propose a planning grant for a collaborative center focusing on a range of topics including combustion, melting technologies and advanced methods of waste heat recovery. The main research thrust of the proposed Center will be to develop methods, materials and equipment for waste heat recovery from process heating. While both universities have a well-established reputation in the proposed area of activity, their capabilities are to a large extent complementary rather than overlapping. UM is a leader in combustion research while CWRU is prominent in materials processing and process heating research. The proposed Center has the potential to improve sustainability and profitability of US manufacturing by developing new technologies that will reduce energy consumption and pollution. Emphasis will be placed on partnering with industry, other academic institutions and the national laboratories to establish and carry out long-term research programs for achieving its objectives. CWRU and UM undergraduate and graduate students will play a key role in the activities of the Center. A pivotal role in dissemination of the results will be played by professional associations including American Foundry Society, Forging Industry Association and others. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Atreya, Arvind University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856024 February 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC-Center for Advanced Radioactive Materials Processing. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Advanced Radioactive Materials Processing 0856024 Boise State University; Darryl P. Butt 0856480 Utah State University; Brent Stucker The Center for Advanced Radioactive Materials Processing (CARMaP) will focus on the development of unique fabrication solutions for radioactive elements and their isotopes and for hard-to-process materials in functionally-optimized structures that include ceramics, metals, and their composites. Boise State University (BSU) and Utah State University (USU) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with BSU as the lead institution. CARMaP research will support commercial-scale material and fabrication advances that promote the expanded use of nuclear technology while reducing risks from nuclear proliferation and long lived nuclear waste. The Center would draw upon the research and fabrication capabilities at both universities, as well as at Idaho National Lab. The research proposed as potential topics will advance the capabilities of industries engaged in all phases of the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear medicine, and aerospace, as well as renewable energy generation and storage. BSU and USU plan to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners, and to develop an initial research agenda for CARMaP of sufficient commercial interest that attendees will be willing to invest in and sustain the Center. The outcomes proposed include new classes of validated materials and material joining and fabrication techniques for extreme environments characterized by high temperatures, corrosiveness and radiation. This research will become increasingly more important when the nation begins to shift more of its requirements for more energy from fossil fuel generation to nuclear generation. CARMaP will leverage existing collaborative relationships through the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) to engage graduate students in industrial research, to develop innovative curricula, to host industry/university short courses and seminars, to manage intellectual capital and to develop the regional technical workforce through outreach to the under-represented and underemployed. CARMaP research findings will be broadly disseminated through university networks that include the U. S. Department of Energy National University Consortium. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Butt, Darryl Megan Frary Boise State University ID Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 123E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856029 March 1, 2009 Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Next Generation Photovoltaics. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Next Generation Photovoltaics 0856034 Colorado State; W. S. Sampath 0856029 University of Texas at Austin; Brian Korgel The proposed Center, comprised of University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) as the lead institution and Colorado State University (CSU), plans to focus on the development of Next-Generation Photovoltaic Devices (PVs). The biggest challenge facing photovoltaic technologies is the need for a low-cost, scalable, and reliable manufacturing approach to produce solar cells with efficiencies of 10-20% that are suitable for use for 20 years in the field. Thus, the proposed Center will develop with industrial partners, new materials, precursors, and formulations for manufacturing high performance, low-cost PVs. The focus of this Center will be on low-cost inorganic materials, nanomaterials or hybrid materials solution to PV manufacturing. The research problem is complex and an interdisciplinary team of researchers is needed (as well as collaboration with industry) to make progress in this area. The proposed Center's focus on identifying a solution to decrease PV manufacturing costs would mean widespread adoption of solar cell technology worldwide and an immediate decrease on the world?s reliance on non-renewable energy resources. The industry participation will enhance the students? educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientist to industry. The efforts at the proposed Center will also be interfaced with some key educational programs at UT-Austin, such as the Doctoral Portfolio program in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and the green technology focus at CSU. The Center plans to have a team of faculty and students who are diverse in gender, race and ethnicity. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Korgel, Brian University of Texas at Austin TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856032 February 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC Planning Grant - Center for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems (CEHMS). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems 0856032 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Daniel Inman 0856046 Clemson University; Stephen Foulger 0855891 University of Texas, Dallas; Bruce Gnade The proposal seeks a planning grant for a new multi-university Center for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems to focus on recovery (harvesting) of unused energy from various sources such as radio and television towers, satellites and various portable electronics. Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VT), Clemson University (CU) and the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with VT as the lead institution. The research plan includes developing new products and designs in the following areas: Energy Harvesting for Vibration Measurement, PiezoCell and Panels for Harvesting Wind Energy, VLSI Circuit Design, Materials for "Self-Powered" Position and Speed Sensors and Electrical Energy Storage, Micro-Scale Thermal to Electric Energy Conversion, Magnetic to Electric Energy Conversion in Ocean Environments, On-Chip Energy Source Using Indium Nitride Quantum Dot Solar Cells, Piezoelectric Cantilevers Based Energy Harvesters, and Roll-to-Roll Printing of Organic Energy Harvesters. VT, CU and UTD plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners, and to develop an initial research agenda for CEHMS of sufficient commercial interest that attendees will be willing to invest in and sustain the Center. The proposed Center has the potential to improve sustainability and profitability of US manufacturing firms by developing new technologies that will reduce energy consumption and harvest energy that is normally wasted. Industrial members will benefit from the research conducted at the Center in areas of materials synthesis, thin-film deposition, energy conversion devices, micro/nano electronics, electrochemical storage systems, sensor development, system design, integrated hybrid architectures, computational and theoretical modeling, and nano-scale fabrication techniques. Students and faculty members of CEHMS will gain valuable experience by interaction with industry partners. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Inman, Daniel Dong Ha Roop Mahajan Donald Leo Shashank Priya Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 127E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856034 March 1, 2009 Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Next Generation Photovoltaics. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Next Generation Photovoltaics 0856034 Colorado State; W. S. Sampath 0856029 University of Texas at Austin; Brian Korgel The proposed Center, comprised of University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) as the lead institution and Colorado State University (CSU), plans to focus on the development of Next-Generation Photovoltaic Devices (PVs). The biggest challenge facing photovoltaic technologies is the need for a low-cost, scalable, and reliable manufacturing approach to produce solar cells with efficiencies of 10-20% that are suitable for use for 20 years in the field. Thus, the proposed Center will develop with industrial partners, new materials, precursors, and formulations for manufacturing high performance, low-cost PVs. The focus of this Center will be on low-cost inorganic materials, nanomaterials or hybrid materials solution to PV manufacturing. The research problem is complex and an interdisciplinary team of researchers is needed (as well as collaboration with industry) to make progress in this area. The proposed Center's focus on identifying a solution to decrease PV manufacturing costs would mean widespread adoption of solar cell technology worldwide and an immediate decrease on the world?s reliance on non-renewable energy resources. The industry participation will enhance the students? educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientist to industry. The efforts at the proposed Center will also be interfaced with some key educational programs at UT-Austin, such as the Doctoral Portfolio program in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and the green technology focus at CSU. The Center plans to have a team of faculty and students who are diverse in gender, race and ethnicity. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Sampath, W.S. Venkatesan Manivannan Colorado State University CO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9458 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856039 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Consortium for Embedded Systems. Full Center Proposal for an I/UCRC for Embedded Systems 0856090 Arizona State University; Sarma Vridhula 0856039 Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Spyros Tragoudas Embedded systems are application specific computing systems that have and continue to permeate across every facet of human and machine interaction. Home appliances, mobile hand-held devices, medical instrumentation, etc are just a few examples where embedded computing systems are found today. The proposal is to establish a Center to conduct research on robust, energy efficient and networked embedded systems. The lead of the proposed Center will be Arizona State University (ASU)) with site location at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). The main activities of the proposed Center will encompass fundamental, industry relevant research, education and training for undergraduate and graduate students through research projects and directed industry sponsored internships, and technology transfer made possible by shared IP arrangements and student employment. The formation of the proposed Center will significantly enhance the existing research collaboration and greatly leverage the research capabilities of the participating institution and industrial partners. The research activities at the proposed Center would have direct contribution to the following broad domains: Health Care, Homeland Defense, Energy and Environment, and Education and Culture. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration, and the research will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry. Graduate and undergraduate students at the participating universities and engineers from the various industrial members will benefit from the I/UCRC infrastructure and industry-driven research and development projects. Both schools have an excellent track record of getting under-represented populations involved in science, engineering and mathematics. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Tragoudas, Spyros Southern Illinois University at Carbondale IL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856042 June 1, 2009 PHEVs: Transportation and Electricity Convergence in the Built Environment (PHEV TEC BE). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Transportation and Electricity Convergence in the Built Environment 0856042 University of Texas at Austin; S. Travis Waller 0856064 Texas A &M University; Mladen Kezunovic The proposed Center for Transportation and Electricity Convergence in the Built Environment will focus on developing comprehensive analytical solutions for managed deployment and use of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) in the Built Environment. The research efforts will be anchored by the University of Texas at Austin (lead institution) partnered with Texas A&M University. The introduction of PHEVs appears ievitable as early as 2010 with large scale penetration 5-10 years away. However, the temporal aspect of travel behavior, combined with spatial options for interfacing with the electricity grid, introduces a plethora of options for integrating the electric grid, roadway network, and the built environment through PHEVs. The proposed Center plans to identify the couplings and the dynamics of this meta-system enterprise, involving energy, transportation, consumer choice, and infrastructure development using advanced system-level modeling, optimization, and analysis techniques. The proposed Center will lay the intellectual groundwork for characterizing and managing the inevitable changes in energy, transportation, and the built environment that will occur with increased adoption of PHEVs and other cross-cutting innovative sustainable solutions. Widespread deployment of PHEVs will have effects on numerous industries including electric utilities, automotive, manufacturing, transportation planning, air quality management, and construction of the built environment. The industry participation will enhance the students' educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientist to industry. The Center plans to attract a diverse group of researchers and students with highly interdisciplinary interests and training. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Waller, S. Travis University of Texas at Austin TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856046 February 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/URC Planning Grant - Center for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems (CEHMS). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems 0856032 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Daniel Inman 0856046 Clemson University; Stephen Foulger 0855891 University of Texas, Dallas; Bruce Gnade The proposal seeks a planning grant for a new multi-university Center for Energy Harvesting Materials and Systems to focus on recovery (harvesting) of unused energy from various sources such as radio and television towers, satellites and various portable electronics. Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VT), Clemson University (CU) and the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with VT as the lead institution. The research plan includes developing new products and designs in the following areas: Energy Harvesting for Vibration Measurement, PiezoCell and Panels for Harvesting Wind Energy, VLSI Circuit Design, Materials for "Self-Powered" Position and Speed Sensors and Electrical Energy Storage, Micro-Scale Thermal to Electric Energy Conversion, Magnetic to Electric Energy Conversion in Ocean Environments, On-Chip Energy Source Using Indium Nitride Quantum Dot Solar Cells, Piezoelectric Cantilevers Based Energy Harvesters, and Roll-to-Roll Printing of Organic Energy Harvesters. VT, CU and UTD plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners, and to develop an initial research agenda for CEHMS of sufficient commercial interest that attendees will be willing to invest in and sustain the Center. The proposed Center has the potential to improve sustainability and profitability of US manufacturing firms by developing new technologies that will reduce energy consumption and harvest energy that is normally wasted. Industrial members will benefit from the research conducted at the Center in areas of materials synthesis, thin-film deposition, energy conversion devices, micro/nano electronics, electrochemical storage systems, sensor development, system design, integrated hybrid architectures, computational and theoretical modeling, and nano-scale fabrication techniques. Students and faculty members of CEHMS will gain valuable experience by interaction with industry partners. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Foulger, Stephen Dennis Smith Rhett Smith Clemson University Research Foundation SC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 127E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856055 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Center for Fuel Cells: a Multi-University I/UCRC. Full Center Proposal for a Center for Fuel Cells (CFC) 0856055 University of South Carolina (USC); John Van Zee 0855929 University of Connecticut (UCONN); A. F. Anwar The purpose of this proposal is to renew and expand the Center for Fuel Cells (CFC) as an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. This proposal is based upon USC?s successful completion of five years of operation of the CFC, as a single university site; and the commitment by five companies to join a research site at the University of Connecticut. USC will be the lead research site for CFC. The proposed Center will promote collaboration between universities and their industry partners and solve problems related to commercial implementation of fuel cells. The PIs list five focus areas to help advance the technology and commercialization of Fuel Cells. The addition of UCONN expertise in solid fuel cells would add to the expertise at USC in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. The renewed and expanded Center will be successful because it builds on existing strengths developed during the first five years of operation. The Center will also educate and train researchers for industry and government. The broader impact of the proposed center includes the importance of finding alternative fuel cell sources to fossil fuels. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration, and the research will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry. Students will have opportunities for industrial internships with members. The educational activities and the research participation in the Center activities will provide a diverse workforce for an innovative technology that will be part of a new economy. Over 30% of the student participants will be women or under-represented minorities. Faculty in the CFC will work with REU students to present their work at national meetings with the goal of obtaining recognition for these students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Van Zee, John University South Carolina Research Foundation SC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 53000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856064 June 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for PHEV: Transportation and Electricity Convergence in the Built Environment (PHEV TEC BE). Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Transportation and Electricity Convergence in the Built Environment 0856042 University of Texas at Austin; S. Travis Waller 0856064 Texas A &M University; Mladen Kezunovic The proposed Center for Transportation and Electricity Convergence in the Built Environment will focus on developing comprehensive analytical solutions for managed deployment and use of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) in the Built Environment. The research efforts will be anchored by the University of Texas at Austin (lead institution) partnered with Texas A&M University. The introduction of PHEVs appears ievitable as early as 2010 with large scale penetration 5-10 years away. However, the temporal aspect of travel behavior, combined with spatial options for interfacing with the electricity grid, introduces a plethora of options for integrating the electric grid, roadway network, and the built environment through PHEVs. The proposed Center plans to identify the couplings and the dynamics of this meta-system enterprise, involving energy, transportation, consumer choice, and infrastructure development using advanced system-level modeling, optimization, and analysis techniques. The proposed Center will lay the intellectual groundwork for characterizing and managing the inevitable changes in energy, transportation, and the built environment that will occur with increased adoption of PHEVs and other cross-cutting innovative sustainable solutions. Widespread deployment of PHEVs will have effects on numerous industries including electric utilities, automotive, manufacturing, transportation planning, air quality management, and construction of the built environment. The industry participation will enhance the students' educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientist to industry. The Center plans to attract a diverse group of researchers and students with highly interdisciplinary interests and training. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kezunovic, Mladen Texas Engineering Experiment Station TX Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856085 February 15, 2009 Center for Electromagnetic Compatability Research. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Electromagnetic Compatibility 0855878 Missouri University of Science and Technology; Richard DuBroff 0856085 University of Houston; Ji Chen The proposal concerns the formation of a new I/UCRC "Electromagnetic Compatibility" consisting of the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) and the University of Houston (UH). MST is the lead institution of the proposed Center, and proposes to add two additional sites (University of Oklahoma and Clemson University) in the next review cycle. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is an essential feature of virtually all high speed digital electronic assistants and home entertainment centers to essential control and information processing systems. EMC is the ability of these electronic systems to function reliably without causing interference to other electronic systems, being overly sensitive to weak signals generated by other electronic systems, and generating signals in one part of the system interfering with the operation of another part of the same system. The Center and its research activities will involve faculty, students and industrial representatives; and the industrial-focused research program will enhance the scientific understanding and help address a potentially significant health and environmental problem. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration amongst the four institutions, and is committed to providing a skilled and diverse workforce in the area of EMC as required by industry. The research will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry. The close collaboration with various industry partners will help establish a strong research base to enable development of consumer electronics and control and information systems. The proposing institutions have a track record of increasing the participation of under-represented groups in research and education. In addition, the proposal emphasizes increased recruitment of students from under-represented groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Chen, Ji University of Houston TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 56000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856086 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Center for Biophotonic Sensors and Systems. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Biophotonic Sensors and Sensor Systems 0855971 Boston University; Thomas Bifano 0856086 University of California-Davis; Dennis L. Matthews The proposed Center plans to establish a natural resource for Biophotonic Sensors and Sensor Systems (CBSS) where photonics provide the enabling technologies for advances in methods to detect/sense and identify biological properties, conditions, or changes at the molecular and cellular/sub-cellular level. The research efforts will be anchored by Boston University's Photonic Center as the lead institution, partnered with the University of California-Davis' Center for Biophotonic Science and Technology. Both BU and UC have mature photonics research Centers and a track record of achievement in managing translational research activities. The proposed CBBS will build on the respective University's research talent and technology transfer skills to attract industrial partners who will subsequently play a significant role in planning, selecting, and implementing the output of the research. The collaborative effort between BU and UCD will consist of three research areas: In vivo Platform Sensing, Label Free Sensing and Point of Care Diagnosis. The proposed Center's focused expertise in developing photonic methods for bacterial and viral detection will enhance the existing inter-disciplinary teamwork and enable an exceptionally strong foundation for Sensors and Sensor Systems development. The industry participation will enhance the students? educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientist to industry. BU and UCD are committed to developing the academic potential of under-represented groups in STEM fields. The success of the proposed Center will enable new photonics sensor technologies that can improve public healthcare, food and water safety, and homeland security. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Matthews, Dennis University of California-Davis CA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 132E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856090 March 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Consortium for Embedded Systems. Full Center Proposal for an I/UCRC for Embedded Systems 0856090 Arizona State University; Sarma Vridhula 0856039 Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Spyros Tragoudas Embedded systems are application specific computing systems that have and continue to permeate across every facet of human and machine interaction. Home appliances, mobile hand-held devices, medical instrumentation, etc are just a few examples where embedded computing systems are found today. The proposal is to establish a Center to conduct research on robust, energy efficient and networked embedded systems. The lead of the proposed Center will be Arizona State University (ASU)) with site location at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). The main activities of the proposed Center will encompass fundamental, industry relevant research, education and training for undergraduate and graduate students through research projects and directed industry sponsored internships, and technology transfer made possible by shared IP arrangements and student employment. The formation of the proposed Center will significantly enhance the existing research collaboration and greatly leverage the research capabilities of the participating institution and industrial partners. The research activities at the proposed Center would have direct contribution to the following broad domains: Health Care, Homeland Defense, Energy and Environment, and Education and Culture. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration, and the research will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry. Graduate and undergraduate students at the participating universities and engineers from the various industrial members will benefit from the I/UCRC infrastructure and industry-driven research and development projects. Both schools have an excellent track record of getting under-represented populations involved in science, engineering and mathematics. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Vrudhula, Sarma Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 60000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0856311 September 1, 2008 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC: Safety Security Rescue Research Center (SSR-RC). This multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Safety, Security and Rescue Research located at the University of South Florida and the University of Minnesota will bring together industry, academe, and public sector users together to provide integrative robotics and artificial intelligence solutions in robotics for activities conducted by the police, FBI, FEMA, firefighting, transportation safety, and emergency response to mass casuality-related activities. The need for safety, security, and rescue technologies has accelerated in the aftermath of 9/11 and a new research community is forming, as witnessed by the first IEEE Workshop on Safety, Security and Rescue Robotics in February 2003. The Center will be built upon the knowledge and expertise of multi-disciplinary researchers in computer science, engineering, industrial organization, psychology, public health, and marine sciences at the University of South Florida (the lead institution) and the University of Minnesota. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CISE RESEARCH RESOURCES IIP ENG Valavanis, Kimon University of Denver CO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 129365 T672 5761 2890 OTHR 1049 0000 0856480 February 15, 2009 Planning Grant: I/UCRC-Center for Advanced Radioactive Materials Processing. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Advanced Radioactive Materials Processing 0856024 Boise State University; Darryl P. Butt 0856480 Utah State University; Brent Stucker The Center for Advanced Radioactive Materials Processing (CARMaP) will focus on the development of unique fabrication solutions for radioactive elements and their isotopes and for hard-to-process materials in functionally-optimized structures that include ceramics, metals, and their composites. Boise State University (BSU) and Utah State University (USU) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with BSU as the lead institution. CARMaP research will support commercial-scale material and fabrication advances that promote the expanded use of nuclear technology while reducing risks from nuclear proliferation and long lived nuclear waste. The Center would draw upon the research and fabrication capabilities at both universities, as well as at Idaho National Lab. The research proposed as potential topics will advance the capabilities of industries engaged in all phases of the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear medicine, and aerospace, as well as renewable energy generation and storage. BSU and USU plan to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners, and to develop an initial research agenda for CARMaP of sufficient commercial interest that attendees will be willing to invest in and sustain the Center. The outcomes proposed include new classes of validated materials and material joining and fabrication techniques for extreme environments characterized by high temperatures, corrosiveness and radiation. This research will become increasingly more important when the nation begins to shift more of its requirements for more energy from fossil fuel generation to nuclear generation. CARMaP will leverage existing collaborative relationships through the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) to engage graduate students in industrial research, to develop innovative curricula, to host industry/university short courses and seminars, to manage intellectual capital and to develop the regional technical workforce through outreach to the under-represented and underemployed. CARMaP research findings will be broadly disseminated through university networks that include the U. S. Department of Energy National University Consortium. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Stucker, Brent Heng Ban Leijun Li Utah State University UT Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 123E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0902804 February 1, 2009 NSF/IUCRC Technology Breakthroughs: Compendium and DVD. The National Science Foundation is constantly striving to more fully document the impact that I/UCRCs have on the development of technological breakthroughs, technology transfer and commercialization. Previous compendia have been used by the I/UCRC program to demonstrate the scope of high quality, industrially relevant research outcomes produced by the program. The proposed project will gather, organize, catalogue and illustrate noteworthy program-related technological breakthroughs that have resulted from I/UCRC research and subsequent technology transfer activities. The deliverables from the proposed project would make it easier for policy makers and researchers to access breakthrough descriptions from all I/UCRC scientific areas. Deliverables will also be useful as marketing tools for informing industry and the scientific community of the benefits of such programs, and could pave the way for studies of economic impacts of cooperative research. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Scott, Craig University of Washington WA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 214242 5761 OTHR 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0908567 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Airborne Soot Sensor for Improving Fuel Efficiency and Reducing Pollutants. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will test the feasibility of increasing diesel fuel economy while reducing soot to below EPA emissions standards for diesel exhaust by adjusting fuel injection timing using feedback from an inexpensive soot sensor that can be placed in the exhaust path and replace the currently employed expensive and fuel inefficient soot filtering devices. It is proposed to reduce fuel consumption 2-5% by replacing the current expensive (~$3000) diesel soot filter system with an inexpensive (<$150) sensor & feedback system that will keep soot levels below EPA standards and increase fuel economy by adjusting fuel injection timing. The proposal will determine if the measurements from this sensor can be used to adjust fuel injection timing to reduce soot levels to below EPA standards while increasing engine performance, both of which are theoretically possible. In addition to increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing diesel powered vehicle costs, the EPA will require the use of such sensors on all diesel vehicles starting in 2012. This sensor will be usable on all diesel engines, thus greatly reducing a major cause of pollutants in all major cities. In fact, the EPA estimates that 60,000 people die in the US each from airborne particulate matter pollutants. Finally, a fuel economy savings of 2-4% on diesel engines could have a significant economic impact. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, James Active Spectrum Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 98458 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0909642 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Nanomaterials Reinforced Light-Weight Structural Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to design, synthesize, manufacture, and test high-performance polymeric composite structures based on commercially proven resins, long fibers and nano-sized functional particles. Long fibers can provide good mechanical properties for the composites, while affordable nanoparticles such as nanoclays, graphene, carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes may improve barrier properties and strengthen the matrix between long fibers. To succeed in producing these new composites, two issues need to be addressed: how to disperse nanoparticles in the presence of long fibers and whether or not resin processability can be maintained and enhanced in the presence of nanoparticles. Our approach is to develop novel surface coatings of those nanoparticles, which can assist the dispersion and enhance the surface oleophilicity of the particles; consequently minimizing the flow resistance resulting from the nanoparticles. Furthermore, novel surface coatings can also increase the reaction rate and final conversion for both epoxy and vinylester resins cured at low temperature. This is highly valuable for manufacturing large composite structures using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. It is anticipated that successfully incorporating these modified nanoparticles in structural composites will address multiple demanding applications in energy, transportation, construction and security industries. The expected outcome expect is to significantly grow the overall share of composites in the materials industry and position Nanomaterial Innovation Ltd. (NIL) to be the industry innovation leader. While steel, wood and aluminum are prevalent today, the new composite materials will enable the replacement of traditional materials with lighter, stronger, more durable, and cost effective nano-tailored composites. Successful commercialization of these higher value-added nano-tailored composite products will have a significant impact on energy generation, material use, energy consumption and environmental stewardship. This award will enhance the United States global leadership position in multifunctional nano-tailored composite materials and products. Societal benefits include reduced petroleum dependency, improved energy efficiency, and reduced use of conventional fossil fuels that contribute to global warming. Educational and scientific benefits relate to the pioneering nature of nanocomposite technology and the opportunity this project will provide to advance frontiers of knowledge and the training of future scientists. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chiou, Nan-Rong Nanomaterial Innovation Ltd. OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1984 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0910417 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Microbial Source Tracking Using Mitochondrial DNA for Identification of Contaminant Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will result in a suite of microbial source tracking assays to provide cost-effective identification of fecal contamination sources in surface waters. Beach closures and advisories exceeded 20,000 days in each of the past 3 years with more than 60% caused by fecal pollution. Overall, 13% of surface waters do not meet quality standards due to fecal contamination. The problem continues more than 30 years after the Clean Water Act because traditional methods cannot identify fecal inputs from the myriad of human (wastewater treatment plants, septic fields), agricultural (confined animal feeding operations), and natural wildlife activities. Microbial source tracking (MST) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) offers a rapid but sensitive approach to quantify fecal inputs and most importantly identify the source. The primary milestone of the project will be rigorously validated qPCR assays that provide conclusive identification of fecal contamination sources allowing end users to eliminate fecal inputs and protect human health. The broader impact of this research is the development and validation of an mtDNA based qPCR method to identify fecal contamination sources which will ultimately lead to improved water quality. Fecal contamination of water resources currently results in beach closures and restrictions on shellfish harvesting that severely impact waterfront communities. Moreover, periodic outbreaks of waterborne diseases clearly highlight the need for improved detection of fecal contamination indicators to protect human health. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Baldwin, Brett MICROBIAL INSIGHTS INC TN Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9150 9104 6890 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0910419 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Bendable Ceramic Paper Membranes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project addresses the fabrication and characterization of unprecedented high performance and low cost ceramic membranes - Bendable Ceramic Nanowire Membranes. Membrane-based separation and filtration is a significant part of modern industries. Organic polymer membranes, due to their low manufacture cost and flexible feature, are dominating these markets. Ceramic membranes, despite their intrinsically superior properties, have not been widely adopted due to their high manufacture cost and rigid structures. In this program, Novarials will apply a novel fabrication strategy to make next-generation ceramic membranes based on high quality and low cost ceramic nanowires. These ceramic membranes (1) will be as bendable and flexible as polymer membranes so that they can be integrated into spiral wound systems to achieve high membrane packing density which is 5 to 10 times that of conventional ceramic membranes; (2) will be manufactured at low cost which is 10~20% of conventional ceramic membranes; (3) will be pure ceramic without organic additives, and thus pertain all the superior properties of ceramic materials; (4) will posses nanosized pore of 2 to 100nm in diameter for ultrafiltration where flexible glass fiber membranes failed. These ceramic nanowire membranes will be a disruptive technology in membrane industry. The unprecedented combination of many advantages of the ceramic membranes including flexibility and bendability, low manufacture cost, high stability to temperature, chemical inertness to acids, bases and chlorine, long operation life, as well as nanosized pores, will make them quickly penetrate into the current markets of conventional ceramic membranes. In addition, the ceramic membranes will be a strong competitor to current organic polymer membrane-dominated markets and a high potential candidate for new applications where conventional ceramic membranes failed due to high cost and where polymer membranes failed due to low stability. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhao, Qi Novarials Technology NH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0910543 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Intelligent Word Completion for Indian Languages. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves research in the area of intelligent word completion software as applied to a range of Indian languages for use in electronic devices where data entry is involved. Software for word completion in mobile phones is ubiquitous. However, the attributes for different languages vary (e.g. in their script), so the results for one language do not necessarily carry over to other languages. The goals of this Phase I research are to translate the superior results for English into similar performance for Indian languages by adapting the novel methods already developed for English. India (and Asia) has been the fastest growing market for cell phones recently. It will soon become one of the largest markets. Text messaging is also extremely widely used there owing to its low cost. Thus, there is a significant opportunity to transform the market for word completion in Indian (and Asian) languages. If successful, the result will be the implementation of a dramatic new capability for these languages that addresses a significant market opportunity. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Parikh, Prashant Noema, Inc. NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911028 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Fully Integrated Molecular Biosensor for Rapid Monitoring of Recreational Water. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the design of a fully automated biosensor that will detect fecal contamination in recreational (beach) waters with "same day" results. The sophistication built into the CARD sensor will eliminate virtually all "hands-on" efforts and permit complicated tests to be performed by individuals of varying skill levels (including unskilled). Successful completion of this project will not only reduce the time to results from the 1-2 days now required to perform the currently approved EPA methods, but will also allow EPA to satisfy a court ordered mandate to achieve "same day" results for beach monitoring. This will improve the health and safety of bathers and reduce the unnecessary concern on the part of beach users who may have used a beach in the several days leading up to a beach closing announcement. The broader impacts of this research are that the underlying technology has direct applications in multiple market niches including human and veterinary diagnostics, personalized medicine, drinking water/food/beverage testing, and monitoring of pharmaceutical and personal care products for microbial contamination. Our proprietary and inexpensive production methods can be used to produce the disposable CARD microfluidic devices which can then be inserted into a portable (AC or DC powered) control box, complete with the software required to control all aspects of the assays (i.e., time and volumes of each step, flow rates, temperatures, etc.). Taken together, the CARD system can be implemented with reduced training and expense in growing markets. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Montagna, Richard Rheonix, Inc NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99928 5371 BIOT 9104 6890 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911204 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Well-defined PEGylated multiblock polyamino acids for protein drug delivery. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project contributes solutions to two problems faced by therapeutic techniques using protein drugs: (i) current carriers for protein drugs are nonuniform on a molecular level and (ii) the efficacy of protein drugs diminishes by the carriers currently used for administering protein drugs. An innovative synthetic technique is provided that allows absolute control over the molecular weight of such carriers, hence generating uniform carrier systems. The interaction of these new carrier systems with the protein drugs is minimal and will therefore have no detrimental effect on the efficacy of the protein drug. Moreover, this technique is a substantial improvement over current techniques, since it does not rely on metal catalysts and it is scaleable. The broader impacts of this research are, to develop tailor-made drug delivery vehicles by technologies that readily adopt to the specific biochemical requirements of new protein drugs. Pharma companies are constantly identifying, developing and manufacturing novel therapeutic peptides and proteins. All of these novel protein drugs need a delivery vehicle that accommodates their fragile nature. Hence, the proposed technology is responsive to societal needs, that is, a critical demand for new types of drug delivery systems to keep pace with the developments of the pharma industry. The drug delivery systems proposed by Alamanda Polymers hold this potential and are of interest to academic and national research institutions and biotechnology companies. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vayaboury, Koumalen Alamanda Polymers, Inc. AL Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9184 9181 9150 6890 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911261 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost High Quality Nonlinear Optical Crystals for Laser Light Sources for Miniature Projectors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of growing high-quality fibers of periodically poled Mg-doped LiNbO3 for visible light generation, by a modified version of the laser heated pedestal growth (LHPG) method. Other methods used to grow these crystals have proven to be very expensive and to lead to unreliable results with a very long cycle time, making the use of nonlinear crystals non viable for many applications. Periodically poled crystals poled with the conventional LHPG method exhibit curved ferroelectric domains, which results in a loss of nonlinear optical conversion efficiency, making the technology unpractical for miniature display applications where maximum brightness is required. The company will commercialize LHPG-grown frequency doubling crystals of periodically poled Mg-doped LiNbO3 with higher quality, lower price, faster delivery, and longer lifetimes than the Czochralski-grown crystals available today. In order to accomplish this, the technical approach will be to create and engineer a novel optical after heater which can generate high enough temperatures to enable LHPG to grow high quality thicker fibers, with straight ferroelectric domains thus enabling high nonlinear optical conversion efficiency at 532nm in a very reliable and reproducible way. If successful the proposed LHPG method will produce single-crystal fibers of many compounds with low defect density and low internal strain. Its main limitation had been the inability to grow fibers with diameters larger than 0.8 to 1.2 millimeters and also with straight domains for periodically poled crystals, limiting the optical efficiency of the devices. The team will demonstrate a novel technique for growing LHPG fibers with bigger diameters and ferroelectric domains exhibiting no curvature. This work will enable high-volume manufacturing of frequency doubling chips by LHPG and thereby facilitate the commercialization of miniature projectors (especially the ones to be embedded in cell phones or other handheld devices) and other consumer electronics devices, which will rely on frequency-doubled lasers. The project will contribute to the theory of crystal growth. It will help materials scientists in research institutions to make further discoveries because thicker fibers are easier to study. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Maxwell, Gisele Shasta Crystals, Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911423 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Optical Detectors Based on Transparent Microwires and Nanowires on Plastic Film. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new type of optical power monitor based on microwires and nanowires patterned within a transparent multi-layer anti-reflection coating. These wires are nanometer to micron wide traces patterned within an indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive layer. ITO typically absorbs 1 to 10% at visible and infrared wavelengths, depending on its thickness. Localized heating of ITO occurs when the optical intensity passing through the conductive trace exceeds about 1 mW/mm2. The temperature change produces a proportional resistance change that can be measured electronically. This detector samples and transmits light with nearly zero insertion loss. By incorporating this patterned ITO coating within traditional antireflection coatings and thin film interference coatings, novel detection schemes can be developed. Moreover, by reducing the dimensions of the trace to the nanometer scale, the detector also has the potential for high-speed operation with a bandwidth approaching GHz. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project will be a detection technology that enables a wide range of new optical monitoring applications by eliminating costly and bulky assemblies. For instance, inexpensive and miniature optical monitors can potentially replace the ten million passive fiber optic connector adapters produced annually for fiber optic communication systems. By transparently measuring the optical power through fiber optic junctions in a low cost fashion, advanced self-monitoring and self-diagnosing communication network architectures can be realized for Fiber-to-the-Home and data centers. This technology promises to reduce the cost to measure power within optical fibers by two orders of magnitude. These detectors have the potential to be mass-produced on flexible plastic film, window glass, mirrors, or even on curved substrates such as light bulbs and lenses. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kewitsch, Anthony Telescent Inc. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99805 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911783 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Durable Super-Hydrophobic Nano-Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project is to develop a mechanically durable, conformal, super-hydrophobic coating that is applied through an innovative dry coating process. The nanocomposite coating will be optimized to improve its mechanical durability. Successful development of this coating technology could lead to protection of consumer electronic devices from immersion in fluids. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chinn, Jeffrey Integrated Surface Technologies CA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 99996 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911785 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Identifying and Interpreting Trends through News/Blog Analysis. The Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project will investigate a news/blog analysis system to support the commercialization of a product for market research and trends analysis. By performing natural language / statistical analysis on roughly 1,000 U.S. and international news sources retrieved on a daily basis, the tool can monitor spatial and temporal trends in the presence, reputation, and linkage among news entities such people, places, and companies/organizations. This project will focus on computational research issues associated with improving the performance and versatility of the proposed algorithms for sentiment detection (positive and negative associations) and social network analysis. The effort will also undertake the critical task of transferring the technology from an academic computing environment to a modern cloud computing infrastructure yielding increased reliability and the potential to scale the news analysis to vastly larger-scale text corpuses. If successful, the news analysis databases created under this proposal will be widely used in a broad range of trends analysis research and applications. It will help business, government and academic researchers to make wiser social and economic decisions, by empowering them to conduct their own primary studies on historical trends and social forces. The market opportunity addressed represents significant commercial potential across a wide range of vertical segments. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fasciano, Mark General Sentiment, Inc. NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911826 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Approach for Production of Freestanding GaN Wafers for III-Nitride Light Emitters and Detectors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate a novel technique for producing freestanding GaN wafers and substrates. High-quality freestanding GaN substrates are important for fabrication of high-performance light emitters, such as blue laser diodes, UV LEDs, and UV detectors that have many indispensable applications from data storage/data communication, to water/air purification, to detection/analysis of chemical and biological agents for homeland security applications. Despite the research efforts in the last decade, affordable freestanding GaN wafers and substrates of large diameters (2inches) have not been available commercially. This project will demonstrate a novel approach to growth of GaN thick films and fabrication of freestanding GaN wafers. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be commercially available freestanding GaN wafers and substrates of large diameters; at an affordable price, the commercialization potential will be great. This project will enable development and commercialization of high performance III-nitride-based light emitters and detectors. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Shaoping Fairfield Crystal Technology, LLC CT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911875 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Natural Graphite Reinforced Copper (Cu-Grp) Composites for Ultra High Thermal Conductivity Electronic Thermal Management Heat Sinks. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project is to develop extremely high thermal conductivity heat sinks that are thermal expansion matched to advanced semiconductors for high performance electronic and electro-optical systems. With low cost natural graphite platelet reinforcement, CuGrp composite heat sinks with thermal conductivities ranging from 750 to 900 W/mK will be achieved while controlling thermal expansion over the range of 7 to 4 ppm/K respectively. These properties are a factor of 2 to 2.5 times Cu and exceed any CTE matched thermal management material available. This project will result in a family of high performance passive thermal management materials that will increase the performance of electronic and electro-optical systems without increasing complexity. These technologies will service an a $500mm market that is growing at a rate of 8.5%/year. Immediate applications will be heat spreaders for LED and laser diode manufacturers for advanced communication, industrial and municipal lighting and flat screen displays as well as heat spreaders for advanced radar MMIC and T/R modules. Because of the projected low cost, other expected applications include power control systems for advanced hybrid and electric powered vehicles as well high performance IGBT base plates. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cornie, James Metal Matrix Cast Composites, LLC MA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 99997 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911889 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Increasing Productivity of Microalgae for Biodiesel.. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project makes use of expertise derived from the intersection of molecular biology and evolutionary biology to identify genes that control lipid (i.e., oil) accumulation in microalgae. The genes will be validated for their role in controlling lipid accumulation and will then be used to produce custom strains of algae that are highly productive. The biggest limitation to commercial use of microalgae to produce biodiesel is productivity: lipid accumulation needs to be improved. Successful identification of genes that increase lipid production will be followed in Phase II by use of these genes to develop improved microalgae strains for sale to commercial partners. The broader impacts of this research are both commercially and for American society at large. A major problem of the 21st century will be to produce sufficient environmentally benign fuel for the U.S. population. Dependence on finite, non-renewable petroleum for transportation fuels is at the heart of many of the challenges we are now facing, including soaring energy costs, unpredictable foreign oil markets with resultant national security threats, and environmental deterioration. World energy demands will only be met with a diversity of energy products. Microalgae can produce far greater amounts of lipids per acre than other lipid sources. The biggest current limitation to commercial use of microalgae to produce biodiesel is productivity: lipid accumulation needs to be improved, which is the goal of this project. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Messier, Walter Evolutionary Genomics, LLC CO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99628 5371 BIOT 9181 6890 1719 1491 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0911975 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Highly Luminescent Manganese-Doped Zinc Selenide Quantum Dots to Enhance Silicon Solar Cell Efficiency through Spectral Down-Conversion. This Small Business Technology Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate a spectral down-converter based on metal ion-doped nanocrystalline quantum dots to increase the efficiency of polycrystalline silicon solar cells. Attempts to add a luminescent spectral down-conversion layer to semiconductor solar cells to shift inefficiently-utilized light below 500 nm in the solar spectrum to longer wavelength have been made over several decades because of predicted relative efficiency gains of 10-20%, a very significant improvement. No practical device has resulted because of the very high performance requirements for the emissive over-layer. Manganese-doped zinc selenide nanoparticles exhibit little absorption longer than 500 nm, yet luminescence with high efficiency in a single band near 600 nm, thus eliminating both optical filtering and luminescence reabsorption. The objective of this project is to evaluate this material?s potential to be a practical spectral down-converter. This involves modeling calculations using solution data as input, measurement of actual performance gains using liquid-reservoir down-converter plus solar cell, and preparation of concentrated thin solid films and their photophysical evaluation. It will then be possible to determine the efficiency gains that can be expected from an integrated thin-film down-converter/solar cell module. The broader impacts/commercial potential of even small improvements in the efficiency of polycrystalline silicon solar cells, which represents a mature technology are very difficult and costly to realize. Yet the advantages of improving their performance is potentially enormous, both commercial and societal, given their current and anticipated increased utilization. Therefore a gain in efficiency on the order of 10% (relative) would have a large commercial impact, especially if it can be obtained from a fairly simple and inexpensive add-on layer. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Penner, Thomas NANOMATERIALS AND NANOFABRICATION LABORATORIES AR Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99981 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912019 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Selective Laser Sintering of Bioglass Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project submitted by Mo-Sci Corp. proposes to develop a novel synthetic bone tissue scaffold manufactured by selective laser sintering (SLS) to mimic the structure and mechanical properties of normal healthy trabecular bone tissue, and with high vascularization promotion as quickly as possible. This innovative tissue engineering technology could be applied to in vitro bone tissue growth as well as a synthetic graft material for direct implantation. Using bioactive glass particles as feedstock, the unique 3D fabrication capabilities of SLS will be utilized to generate resorbable tissue scaffolds that mimic the structure and mechanical properties of trabecular bone. The broader impacts of this research are to provide synthetic bone materials for people who are facing a growing burden from bone disease and fracture due to the aging of the population. The novel bone tissue scaffolds proposed will enable progress in the in vitro growth of bone tissue. These bone tissue scaffolds can also be used directly as synthetic bone grafts in order to meet the needs of the increasing number of individuals who will require restoration of skeletal structure and function due to bone disease and fracture in the next decade. The collaboration between Mo-Sci Corp. and the Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T) will promote a strong link between an industrial partner and academia in SLS manufacturing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Velez, Mariano MO SCI CORP MO Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 99990 5371 BIOT 9183 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912122 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Improved Manufacturing Method for Carbon Nanofiber Production. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the effectiveness of forming novel carbon nanofibers by a gas jet process (NGJ) and confirm performance benefits as these nanofibers are incorporated into polymer systems. Carbon fibers of various diameters enhance a broad range of materials and products to increase the strength-to-weight ratio and improve thermal and electrical properties of composite structures. However, a substantial gap in available fiber diameters exists between the largest nanofiber (100 nm) and the smallest microfiber (3000 nm). A similar gap exists in the aspect ratio of the fibers. Laboratory demonstrations have shown the NGJ process produces fibers that fill these gaps. The objectives of this project are to develop the equipment and procedures that demonstrate the high volume and low cost advantages of NGJ nanofibers reproducibly in important applications. This project consists of 1) design and fabrication of pilot scale equipment, 2) production and characterization of nanofibers, 3) preparation of composite samples, and 4) comparison of composites reinforced with NJG nanofibers to those reinforced with commercially available nanofibers. The results of this research will prove the advantages of the NGJ nanofibers and their commercial viability. Completion of this project will provide an understanding of the impact of larger diameter, higher aspect ratio carbon nanofibers on composite polymer performance. Additionally, the design and optimization of composite components and the process controls of fabrication will be improved by the availability of a wide range of diameters of the graphitic reinforcing nanofibers fibers. Also, fundamental morphological differences will be revealed in the way that graphene-like sheets are arranged in fibers of varying diameters produced by the NGJ process. This project will lead to the commercialization of low cost, high performance carbon nanofibers with unique mechanical properties. Benefits to society from these materials will include lighter weight, higher strength components utilized in most automobiles, which will reduce fuel consumption. Also, when used as affordable high performance fillers in lithium ion battery electrodes, these carbon nanofibers will help electric cars achieve mass appeal. Additional benefits will arise from the significant performance improvements and cost reductions that occur as the low cost, high performance materials are incorporated into manufacturing processes, packaging products, adhesives, and many other supply chain materials. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rosenbaum, Barry NGJ LLC OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99990 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1984 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912131 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Aptamer-Based Colorimetric Test Kit for Biological Contamination Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is dedicated to the development of rapid aptamer-based dipstick sensor. Based on a known DNA aptamer, we intend to develop a colorimetric test strip sensor for B. thuringiensis spores (anthrax simulant), to demonstrate its performance and to characterize its sensitivity, specificity, detection time and stability. Using the developed prototype, we will substitute the aptamer by the one specific to B. anthracis spores and demonstrate detection of anthrax spores in spiked water samples. If successful, we will expand the same approach in Phase II and include other known aptamers to Shiga toxin, cholera toxin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, botulinum toxin A, ricin toxin and to tularemia bacteria to create test-strip sensors for these analytes and perform additional sensitivity and performance optimization and stability testing. Individual testing strips can be assembled on a single laminating support card to result in a multi-specific single-dip colorimetric sensing card, ready for field use. Since the innovative technology is universal, it will find use in a variety of applications. We have assembled a capable team of scientists and commercial partners for to ensure success of the program all the way through commercialization of the technology. The sensor will have immediate applications for environmental monitoring, providing rapid specific detection and identification of multiple biological agents without extensive sample preparation or expensive detection equipment. In addition to indoor/outdoor surfaces, the developed technology will address numerous healthcare needs, from drinking water safety to food pathogen monitoring. The rapid detection and identification of pathogens would be of enormous benefit from a public health perspective. The functionality of the sensor will be expanded towards other biowarfare agents as new relevant aptamers are being selected. Such sensors will have a great potential for detection of minute amounts of a variety of biowarfare agents immediately after their use in a possible attack on military targets or the general population. Once developed, these sensors can become useful not only for battlefield pathogen detection, but for constant environmental monitoring of air and water to rule out any disease outbreak due to bioterror attack or to natural reasons. They have the potential to become in fact a part of creating an Urban Bioshield, maintaining the safety of large cities. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bogomolova, Anastasia Smart Polymers Research Corporation FL Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9104 9102 6890 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912132 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: USV-Grain Refining. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project entitled "USV-Grain Refining" aims at advancing the grain refining technologies for the production of aluminum or magnesium alloy ingots or castings. Grain refining is usually one of the first processing steps for the production of metal and alloy products. The conventional methods use chemical grain refiners that contain foreign particles. These methods have limited capability in reducing grain size, and foreign particles added into molten metals lead to defect formation during materials processing. This project will combine the latest technologies of processing of lightweight materials using ultrasonic vibration (USV) and continuous casting or direct chill casting technology, and to demonstrate the feasibility of an enabling technology for producing metal ingots of ultrafine grains without the use of foreign particles for grain refining. The new technology will provide cost effective opportunities for producing metal and alloy products with grain size much smaller than that obtainable using the best commercial grain refiners, addressing issues related to the defect formation associated with the use of grain refiners containing foreign particles and increasing the production rates of metals and alloys. The successful completion of this Phase I project will lead to a breakthrough technology for grain refining of a vast array of metals and alloys to the grain size level that are not capable to achieve using the conventional technologies. Grain refining is important for maximizing ingot casting rate, improving resistance to hot cracking, minimizing elemental segregation, enhancing mechanical properties, particularly ductility, improving the finishing characteristics of wrought products, increasing the mold filling characteristics, and decreasing the porosity of foundry alloys. The commercial implementation of the project results has the potential of achieving significant cost savings, energy savings, and environmental benefits for the metal manufacturing industry. In addition, students involved in the research will have opportunities to interact with industrial partners. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Clause Hans Tech IN Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1984 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912138 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Understanding Science Processes Through Modeling and Animation: Efficiently Producing Low-Cost Software Tools for K-12. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new generation of computer-based science modeling tools that will enable middle schoolers to develop a deep understanding of key science processes e.g, carbon cycle, storm movement, energy conversions. The key features of the 100 'animodelers' (animation & modeling) in the Animodeler Science Library are: 1) they are lightweight - easy to use, easy to integrate by teachers into the curriculum, requiring little computational resources; 2) they employ media (images, sounds, etc.) and animation to engage the digital children of today; and 3) the cost for a school year's worth of animodelers will be approximately $3 per child per year. Most importantly, besides running on standard school computers, animodelers will run on students' personal smartphones thereby extending the school day and building on children's intrinsic interest in exploring interactive media. Towards developing the Animodeler Library, a key Phase I objective is to develop an 'engine' that can churn out, at very low-cost, animodelers that address focused (micro) science processes. Inasmuch as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act now includes science, it is imperative that new instructional strategies be developed for K-12 students develop that engage and scaffold children as they develop a deep and integrated understanding of science. Science education needs a major refresh in America. New models are needed for for teaching and learning that address the interests of today's youth, address the enormous diversity that is a trademark of today's youth, and address the stringent financial challenges of today's schools. In providing media-based interactive learning at a very low price point that leverages the emerging, personal, mobile communications technologies with which our youth are already intimately engaged, the Animodeler Science Library is, we feel, an excellent example of a fresh approach to science education. Given that the barriers for schools to explore our Library are low (e.g., clear relationship to state standards, easy teacher integration, intrinsic student interest, and low cost), there is good reason to project its success in the marketplace. K-12 has been slow to change and adopt computing & communications technologies; but with a newly found sense of urgency, innovations such as the Animodeler Library are coming along at a time when K-12 can finally appreciate and accept them - a truly hopeful sign for America, its children, and its future. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Levy, Kate GOKNOW, INC MI Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99970 5371 SMET 9177 9102 6890 1653 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912157 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Regulating Transgene Expression for Biosecure Microalgal Biofuel Production. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project develops a system for the biosecure production of algal oils in open raceways while utilizing genetically modified algae. Through production of transgenic algae containing specific gene regulatory sequences, this research develops algal strains that conditionally express an essential chloroplast-encoded gene only in the presence of the specific inducer compound. Thus, transgenic algal strains would survive only in the presence of the inducer compound (which will be added to the ponds in our production facility). On escape from the production facility, these algae will stop production of the essential target protein and be unable to reproduce in the environment. This biosecure production system will allow the use of genetically modified algae in open pond production systems without fear of impacting the surrounding systems. The broader impact of the proposed research will be to enable the use of low cost, open-pond culturing systems for the production of biofuels using microalgae genetically manipulated for maximum oil and biomass production. This will be accomplished in a biosecure manner through the development of molecular biological strategies that prevent the genetically manipulated algal strains from reproducing once they are removed from the production ponds. The use of molecular genetics to both increase the production of oil and ensure biosecure use of the transgenic algae (unable to replicate in the surrounding environment) could enable cost effective production of biofuels using algal systems. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Postier, Brad Phycal LLC OH Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 6890 1491 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912193 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Voice-based Wearable Computers for Emergency Medical Services. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project aims to develop a wearable computer system with an innovative multimodal input mechanism. The objective of this research is to assess the feasibility, efficiency, and quality of documentation performed with a wearable computer utilizing speech recognition against the current methods of laptop input and paper notation. To measure the impact, field trials will be performed at two local EMS agencies, replacing their current method of field documentation with this wearable computer system. Data will be gathered on accuracy, documentation time, and other metrics for both their current system and the Phase I prototype. The anticipated results include an increase in percentage of documentation completed, reduction in time taken for documentation and communication, and reduction in documentation errors per trip. The seamless exchange of patient information will impact emergency care on a national level for both EMTs and patients. As new regulations are introduced to require electronic patient records, EMS agencies will be forced to transfer their current operations to digital records. This wearable computer system will enable a smoother transition from paper to electronic documentation as it follows the EMT?s current workflow for documentation input. For patients, hands-free documentation at the point-of-care can decrease the number of errors and allow EMTs to focus on their patients, enabling faster and higher quality care during transport and at the hospital. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Somasundaram, Prakash Vocollect, Inc. PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99380 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912221 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Bioadhesive Construct to Augment Rotator Cuff Repair. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a novel bioadhesive construct to help repair rotator cuff tears. Current methods are limited and frequently result in repair failure. Marine mussels provide the inspiration for the technology presented in this proposal. By releasing rapidly hardening, tightly binding adhesive proteins, marine mussels can firmly anchor themselves to surfaces in wet, turbulent, and saline environments. Nerites' biomimetic synthetic adhesives will be combined with a commercially available graft to create a novel bioadhesive construct that will be secured over the entire repair site, adhere well, and support new tissue growth. Nerites thus expects to create a repair stronger than currently possible with conventional methods (sutures and suture anchors) alone. The broader impacts of this research are a potential reduction in re-tear rates as well as reduced time to rehabilitation. Both would provide a substantial economic and societal benefit by decreasing the recovery time and by reducing the cost of revision surgeries. The success of Nerites' proposed product could dramatically improve overall patient comfort, and offer several additional areas of value to both orthopaedic surgeons and patients undergoing rotator cuff repair, including increased surgical success rates, reduced number of failures due to poor bone quality, decreased operative time (due to the need for fewer sutures); and shortened patient rehabilitation time (due to the load-sharing of the adhesive implant). Such a product has large commercial potential. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Vollenweider, Laura Nerites Corporation WI Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 99990 5371 BIOT 9183 9102 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912233 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Molecular diagnostics and biological control of disease in farmed channel catfish. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at developing an effective, inexpensive, safe means of controlling infectious diseases among farmed catfish. An integrated system of detection and control is targeted at Edwardsiella ictaluri, the most costly pathogen among farmed catfish. Detection is based on rapid, simple tests for pathogen genes. Control is based on naturally occurring viruses and bacteria. Together these technologies comprise an integrated system for rapidly and inexpensively detecting and treating catfish more safely, inexpensively and specifically. This approach is generally applicable to pathogens affecting a wide range of farmed fish. As commercial wild harvest of most fish species is proving unsustainable, farmed fish are increasingly significant as a food source and an important industry, often in underdeveloped parts of US and the rest of the world. A major impediment to developing this industry is infectious disease due to unnaturally high densities of fish that cause losses of up to half of the fish worth billions of dollars worldwide. There is currently no satisfactory means of controlling these outbreaks. Alternatives including antibiotics, vaccines, chemicals or controlled feeding are either expensive, harmful to human and environmental health and/or detrimental to yields. The immediate focus of this proposal, Enteric Septicemia of Catfish due to Edwardsiella ictaluri, addresses the $20-30M in losses and promises to improve the viability of an important source of income to the rural southeastern US. Longer term, this approach will be applied to other fish species throughout the US and the world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schoenfeld, Thomas LUCIGEN CORPORATION WI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9109 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912244 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High sensitivity nanoplasmonic biosensors. This SBIR Phase I research project will demonstrate an opto-fluidic chip-scale bio-sensor system for label-free, high-throughput, real-time monitoring and detection of dynamics of multitude of biochemical reactions in small volumes and at low cost. Numerous applications urge development of new biological sensors that provide high-sensitivity and resolution to enable detection of single or small number of molecules and high-throughput enabled by large numbers of parallel testing channels to increase test variation spectrum and reduce false alarms. The proposed approach significantly enhances the biosensor sensitivity and resolution by utilizing the results of research on novel polarization sensitive excitation and detection of surface plasmon polariton resonance in metal films perforated by 2D nanohole arrays made of optimized metal-dielectric composite nanostructure. This bio-sensor system will have direct technological and commercial impact because it provides unique performance characteristics (e. g., label-free, high throughput screening, high-sensitivity) at low cost. The proposed bio-sensor system will also impact detection of bio-chemical agents in military, homeland security, agriculture, and environment monitoring applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sun, Pang-chen Electrooptic Technologies and Application Systems CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912245 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A metal-free surface for label-free array detection. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to manufacture and test a novel surface for making label-free protein arrays. Label-free detection is valued in protein research because alternative methods based on labels (e.g. fluorescent tags) can cause experimental artifacts. Array formats are preferred for their efficient throughput and because only miniscule amounts of sample are required. Commercial label-free array systems require the use of gold surfaces for array fabrication. Gold has several limitations, including fragility, a tendency to denature proteins, and limited reusability. This proposal aims to manufacture a novel "Carbon on Metal" (CoM) substrate for protein arrays in order to address these limitations. The broader impacts of this research are to reduce costs and improve the speed of analysis in proteomics research, clinical diagnostics and the development of therapeutic antibodies. Now that the human genome project has revealed the genetic blueprint of humans, biological and medical research is turning its focus from DNA to the deciphering of protein function. After all, proteins are the targets of drugs. Since there are ~30,000 human proteins, high throughput, low-cost methods for determining protein function are urgently needed. In the same way that DNA microarray technologies accelerated genomics research, CoM protein arrays would accelerate proteomics research. Established markets for this platform include basic research, lab-on-a-chip diagnostics, drug discovery; forensics; detection of bio-terror agents; and food and crop testing. Thus CoM proteins arrays could potentially have far-reaching impacts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kodoyianni, Voula GWC Technologies, Inc. WI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912252 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Design and Development of a Precipitation Imaging and Characterization System (PICS). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will use Particle Image Velocimetry wherein a sample sheet volume is illuminated by laser diodes. A high speed camera takes pictures of precipitation illuminated in the sample volume. The proposed data analysis software would use object and pattern recognition algorithms combined with statistical analysis packages to generate output data from the input pictures. The output data would classify the precipitation into four output types with size and velocity distributions. The successful development of this instrument will be of significant help to researchers within government, academia, and the private sector that aim to measure, characterize, and understand precipitation and how it plays in the overall environment. Use within research would also make data available for students, teaching, and other training purposes. In time, the principle components of PICS would become less expensive and the system could serve as an additional sensor on domestic and international weather stations. Operational use in this manner would advance weather data assimilation and forecast model prediction. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fearon, Matthew Applied GeoSolutions, LLC NH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99906 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912258 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Submerged Bridge Pile Inspection Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will advance the state-of-the-art in underwater bridge inspection through development of novel long range ultrasonic technology (LRUT). The objective of this project is to determine if the proposed technology can minimize the requirement to use diving teams for underwater bridge inspection. This will be the first effort to apply LRUT to inspection of steel bridge H-pile. The objective of this work is to build upon the detection capability by studying how effectively and reliably the technology can quantify bridge pile wall loss. This project will focus on detection and classification of 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% wall loss. Inspection and data interpretation procedures will be developed and studied to determine how effective the technology classifies detected wall loss. The wall loss information will be used by the bridge engineer to load rate the bridge. There are thousands of bridges supported by steel pile in the U.S. The conditions of these H-piles are unknown due to the high-costs of diving teams used to perform underwater bridge inspections. The proposed technology will be low-cost and shall be performed above the water line. The objective of the proposed technology is to inspect two orders of magnitude (100X) more bridge piles at current inspection budget levels. The technology will have a significant impact in bridge safety and reliability in the U.S. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hay, Thomas WavesInSolids LLC PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9139 7331 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912260 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Biomimetic Tactile Sensing for Industrial Robots. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project is to develop a novel biomimetic technology for tactile sensing in which all sensors, connections and circuitry are protected from hostile environments. This project will refine existing designs into commercial products and it will test the transduction properties of the sensors and integrate them with signal processing electronics into self-contained modules. The immediate goal of the proposed research is to facilitate the production of customized tactile sensing arrays that can be incorporated onto mechatronic manipulanda of industrial robots. The research will include design, production engineering, prototype manufacturing and testing to achieve and demonstrate the sensitivity, dynamic range and durability required to perform as an industrial sensor. The results of the preliminary work show the ability of the technology to detect forces in the physiological range of a human finger, and to detect vibrations consistent with slip. Testing the sensitivity will be one key component of the research. The broader impacts and commercial potential of the proposed activities will be the development of a critical capability that will enable robots to interact with the physical world outside of rigid assembly-line environments. Importantly, the designs, materials and fabrication methods of the tactile sensors developed herein shall be suitable to support mass production and field servicing for robots involved in manufacturing of a wide range of goods. Commercial robots could have diverse and dramatic impact on society in manufacturing and service industries by automating repetitive tasks. Robots with tactile feedback will be able to identify and manipulate a wide range of objects. Telerobots with such sensors would offer benefits to society by reducing the need for people to work directly in dangerous environments. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wettels, Nicholas SynTouch LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912277 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Launching Velella: Testing the Commercial Potential of Mobile Offshore Fish Farming In Ocean Gyres. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project explores expanding open ocean mariculture by using mobile, drifting fish pens entrained in regional oceanic gyres. Offshore fish farming offers tremendous growth opportunities, but faces constraints: lengthy permit processes for leases or expansion and concerns for impacts on water quality, benthos, wild fish health and view planes. Velella drifter cages resolve these regulatory concerns, reduce potential for environmental impacts, and improve fish health and productivity. Velella cages are entrained within offshore gyres, using remotely-controlled sails or deployable sea-anchors for vector forces. Research must develop predictive models of the Kona gyre, test this by deployment of GPS-tracked drogues, and then deploy a drifting cage from the existing farm and track its movement. Satellite links for video-monitoring and feeding controls will also be tested. The broader impacts of this research are development of sustainable, scalable technology for open ocean mariculture. NOAA aspires to increase aquaculture production fivefold by 2025. The need is pressing: America?s seafood trade deficit is $9 billion. Domestic seafood demand is increasing, yet capture fisheries face declining stocks, closures, and increasing regulation. Open ocean aquaculture presents the best opportunity for meeting NOAA's goal and global seafood needs in a sustainable, environmentally-sound manner. Kona Blue already produces up to 100,000 lbs/month of sashimi-grade Kona Kampachi® offshore in Hawaii, but expansion opportunities are limited by leases and permits. Broader technologies developed for Velella could also be licensed to existing farm operations, to increase automation, reduce labor, and increase efficiencies. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sims, Neil Kona Blue Water Farms, LLC HI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99724 5371 BIOT 9150 9109 6890 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912290 July 1, 2009 SBIR: Innovative Recycled Microballoon Thermoplastic Sandwich Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project applies to material and process development of products from scrap (recycled) thermoplastic composite materials with microballoon fillers. Thermoplastics have superior strength, stiffness, impact energy absorption capacity, low cost and are readily recycled. Sandwich composite materials will be produced with recycled polypropylene syntactic microballoons and power plan derivate flyash microballoons. A sandwich composite is structurally efficient because it comprises a lightweight core that resists shear forces, bounded by stiff/strong facesheets that resist bending forces, and the above constituents will produce structures of superior specific strength and stiffness. The research objectives are to: (a) investigate the processing aspects of microballoon thermoplastics; (b) develop facesheets from recycled and sustainable thermoplastic composite scrap; (c) develop sandwich constructions with the recycled thermoplastic facesheets in conjunction with microballoon core materials, and (d) characterize thermal and mechanical properties of the sandwich composite panels. The results from these finding will establish design-process-performance windows to produce panels and intermediate forms to utilize recycled thermoplastic microballoon materials in semi-structural and structural applications. The ability to process recycled thermoplastic materials, syntactic foams and power plant waste derivative fly ash will create commercial value for products in transportation, pipeline safety and repair, infrastructure, protection of mass transit and school buses, enclosures for outdoor electrical equipment around buildings and marine vessels, and military gear. The material constituents are extremely cost-effective, so the product(s) will have lower to comparable cost metric to that of competing materials such as plywood, bulk metals and sheet metals. The materials developed will have positive societal benefits in terms of sustainability, recyclability, enhanced protection, cost-effectiveness, energy dissipation, insulation, impact resistance and vibration damping. This innovation will overcome the scientific and technological barrier for material and processing of regrind thermoplastic constituents and microballoon to create sustainable products. This is a high-risk, yet high pay-off developmental effort. The societal impact is further enhanced because (a) Sioux Manufacturing Corporation is a Native American company located in the Spirit Lake Nation, and (b) the educational impact is significant due to the involvement of graduate and undergraduate students including minority students at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the academic partner. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Grow, Dana SIOUX MANUFACTURING CORPORATION ND Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 9102 6890 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912338 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Adapting ATRP to Industrial Scale Production. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is directed towards adaptation of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to industrial scale production. ATRP is among the most powerful controlled/living radical polymerization techniques, and it is anticipated that many new products containing polymers made by this technique will be introduced in the US within the next several years. The major factors which constrain the commercial application of ATRP are high copper catalyst concentration and the special handling procedures which are required to avoid catalyst oxidation. Recently developed catalytic systems, ICAR and ARGET ATRP, alleviate these problems but were successfully applied only on the laboratory scale. Herein This project will develop a new "feeding" method for ICAR ATRP which will have a much greater potential to be used on industrial scale. There are several advantages of a "feeding" method compared to currently used ICAR ATRP: a) lower amounts of catalyst and radical initiator needed, b) precise temperature control over the polymerization process not required, c) higher reaction temperature possible which will allow reaching higher conversions in a shorter time, d) possibility of automation of the whole process, e) safe process for exothermic polymerization reactions. Materials made by ATRP are slowly entering broad market segments which collectively are estimated to be a $200 billion dollar US market opportunity. However, production of polymeric material via normal ATRP process generates a lot of chemical waste due to the need for catalyst removal. The amount of chemical waste generated may be significantly decreased when ICAR/ARGET ATRP is applied. These new systems, using ppm amounts of catalyst are significant advancements on initial procedures which enable i) preparation of new polymeric materials in an environmentally friendly fashion, ii) preparation of polymeric materials at significantly lower cost, iii) better control over the polymerization and iv) simple industrially viable synthetic procedures. Successful accomplishment of the goals in this SBIR Phase I project will allow straightforward scale-up of ATRP process and bring it much closer its potential for use in commercial products across broad markets. More importantly, expansion of the "feeding" method for ICAR ATRP will allow, in the near future, a significant decrease in the generation of waste for all companies which are going to use ATRP technology for producing new polymeric materials. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jakubowski, Wojciech ATRP Solutions, Inc. PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 94944 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1972 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912355 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Detector for Co-Axial Micro-focused Ion Beams for Detection of Backscattered Ions and Secondary Electrons from semi-conducting surfaces. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a secondary electron detector which can be co-axially mounted with a micro-focused ion beam. Backscattered neutral atoms (and ions) and secondary electrons will be analyzed to give a measure both of surface element location and identity. This detector will enable unique types of secondary ion mass spectrometry. The electrons and negative backscattered ions can be energy and time analyzed to give a spatially resolved elemental image of the surface under examination. Beam damage is greatly reduced compared to secondary electron microscopy allowing its use on biological samples. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Waters, Kelley IONWERKS, INC TX Ben Schrag Standard Grant 99949 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912360 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Coconut (Coir) Fiber Automotive Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of replacing polypropylene/polyester composite materials used for automobile trunk liners with more environmentally friendly coconut fiber based fabric composites. The environmentally friendly coconut fibers, produced from coconut husks, have a superior combination of fiber diameter, strength, stiffness, and ductility compared to synthetic, petroleum based polyester fibers currently used, making it possible to produce greener, lower cost trunk liners, door panels and floor boards. Preliminary results on an engineered composite material made from a compression molded blend of coconut fibers and polypropylene fibers are very promising, but additional research is needed to develop the optimal (1) combination of coconut fibers and polypropylene fibers, (2) interfacial adhesion between fibers, and (3) processing path (temperature, pressure and time) to meet the automotive certification/specification tests for General Motors and other automotive companies. The total market potential for coconut fiber automotive composites is 300 million kg/year. The broader impacts of this research include the reduction of petroleum consumption by 2-4 million barrels per year and the potential reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 450,000 tons per year. There are over 10 million poor coconut farmers (income ~ $500/year) who own 95% of the coconuts harvested annually worldwide. Approximately 85% of the coconut husks, which contain the coconut fiber, are burned because there is insufficient demand for this biomass. The successful development of coconut fiber based automotive composites could provide an additional $100-$200 million of annual income for these farmers. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greer, David Whole Tree, Inc. TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912362 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Poly(ethylene carbonate) for Use in High Oxygen Barrier Films. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop high oxygen barrier films from environmentally-benign polymers. High oxygen barrier films are primarily composed of polymers derived from petrochemicals. Poly(ethylene carbonate) (PEC) is an environmentally-friendly polymer, produced from ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide (containing 50 wt% CO2). PEC has excellent gas barrier properties, particularly for oxygen, but to date, inefficient manufacturing techniques have prevented its use in high oxygen barrier film applications. Novomer will synthesize PEC with improved gas barrier properties using a novel and efficient catalyst system. The resultant polymers will be formed into multi-layer films whose gas barrier properties will be evaluated. Successful research will yield commercially viable poly(ethylene carbonate) high oxygen barrier films. The project will have broad impact and commercial potential. The research will lead to improved manufacturing techniques that enable the use of nvironmentally-friendly polymers in the high oxygen barrier market. The use of poly(ethylene carbonate) films in this market will reduce use of petrochemicals in polymer production (approximately 4% of world oil production is used as polymer feedstocks). Further, poly(ethylene carbonate) uses carbon dioxide as a feedstock - enabling the development of valuable product from what would otherwise be a pollutant. Commercially, the efficient catalyst technology will make environmentally-friendly polymers a cost-effective alternative to polymers derived from petrochemicals. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cherian, Anna Novomer LLC NY Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 6890 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912365 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Biomass to Alcohols Process. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a breakthrough chemical process to convert cellulosic biomass into alcohols that can be easily blended into gasoline. This project addresses the urgent need for biomass conversion technologies that can efficiently produce motor fuels compatible with existing engines and infrastructure. This project responds to the NSF-stated desire to develop new biomass conversion and biorefinery improvement technologies, and in particular to the problem of selectively deconstructing biomass and converting it into useful materials. Biomass is converted into gasoline-range alcohols suitable for use as a motor fuel additive or substitute. The key innovations in this technology are a unique reaction scheme combining three steps to depolymerize and stabilize biomass, and then to selectively convert it to useful alcohols using a new heterogeneous catalyst with combined acid/base functionalities. If successful, this technology would provide a renewable source of motor fuel to begin to offset the 390 million gallons of gasoline consumed in the US each day. This SBIR Phase I project offers significantly better performance than other proposed biomass conversion technologies. Specifically, no acidic waste is produced, byproducts are minimized, and all of the carbon contained in the feed is preserved in the desired fuel products. This technology could form the basis of the first economically viable biorefineries. Many oil companies, as well as private investor groups have expressed interest in being the first to market with this type of next-generation biorefinery, but they lack cost-effective technology. This advanced biomass-to-gasoline process can be that enabling technology, offering clean, renewable motor fuels from non-food waste biomass, zero net carbon emissions, and the ability to reduce the US dependence on imported oil. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 6890 1491 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912380 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Solar Cell Lateral Collection Feasibility Study. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to investigate an innovative structure for improving the efficiency of amorphous silicon based solar cells. Amorphous silicon has a short minority carrier diffusion length and the innovative structure reduces the distance necessary to collect photogenerated electrons. Increasing the efficiency of solar cells can significantly reduce the cost per unit energy output. Amorphous silicon solar cells also use less silicon than do crystalline based cells. Reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency of solar cells will positively impact the adoption rate of photovoltaic power systems. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nam, WookJun Solarity PA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912383 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Conversion of biomass by catalytic hydrothermal gasification, bromination, and catalytic coupling. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is an innovative route to produce liquid fuels from biomass. The process will convert biomass, including lignocellulosic biomass, to liquid fuels, with three key steps. First, a synthetic natural gas (SNG) or biogas is generated by either anaerobic digestion or by catalytic hydrothermal gasification. The SNG is rich in methane, which is activated with bromine to produce methyl bromide. Finally, the methyl bromide is coupled catalytically to higher hydrocarbons. Each of the steps is known, but proof of concept has not been established. Feasibility of the technology will be determined through a series of carefully planned laboratory experiments. It is anticipated that this research will exhibit technical viability, and demonstrate commercial feasibility. GRT has substantial experience with and intellectual property related to converting natural gas to fuels; the project is a natural extension of in-house expertise, utilizing existing facilities. Substantial demand for carbon-neutral renewable fuels exists in contemporary society. The project contemplates a process to convert biomass into hydrocarbon fuels, with substantial market impact. The US DOE has estimated that as much as a billion tons per year of biomass is available sustainably for conversion to biofuels, sufficient to displace one third of petroleum use in the US. Society requires a process to produce biofuels at costs competitive with petroleum; a successful outcome to the project will satisfy that demand. GRT has partnered with Fortune 100 companies in the past for process development. Should technical and economic viability of the process be demonstrated, a similar partnership is anticipated. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Komon, Zachary GRT, Inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99971 5371 BIOT 9181 6890 1491 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912403 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Air Barrier System to reduce contamination of wounds during surgery. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the ability of a device technology currently in development to prevent the intrusion of infection-causing microorganisms into surgery sites via the airborne vector. The research to-date conducted on working prototypes during bench studies and cadaver surgeries corroborates the hypothesis that the device dramatically reduces the presence of microorganisms and airborne particulate at surgery sites versus control groups. SBIR Phase I funding will allow additional research to be conducted in order to demonstrate the device's effectiveness in a clinical trial of 63 surgery procedures. Affirmative Phase I results will lead to the anticipated goal of Phase II research to determine if the device can effectively reduce the incidence of surgical site infections in high-risk surgeries during a larger multi-site trial. The broader impacts of this research are the potential reduction of surgical site infections and the contribution to a better understanding of the vectors of infection. Patients contracting an infection during high-risk procedures face considerable hardships, and evidence shows that elderly, less affluent, and non-urban populations are more likely to succumb to an SSI after prosthesis implant surgeries. The cost of treating surgical site infections developing after high-risk surgeries is greater than $1.7 billion annually and is projected to grow rapidly through the year 2030. The technology under development can potentially reduce cost to the healthcare system and prevent human suffering caused by such infections. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Self, Sean Nimbic Systems, LLC TX Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 99879 5371 BIOT 9183 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912410 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Game-changing One-Step Novel Coatings. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the problem of solvent-based primers and coatings on metals that require a conversion coatings on the substrate for adhesion and corrosion performance. Such primers also contain toxic chromate-containing anti-corrosion pigments. The objective of the project will be to formulate anti-corrosion primers and complete coatings ('supercoats' or self-priming coatings) for a wide range of metals, such as aluminum alloys, hot-dip galvanized steel and cold-rolled steel. Instead of using hydrophobic primers we will formulate coatings that are more hydrophilic but possess a highly hydrophobic metal-coating interface. Such coatings will essentially consist of water-dispersed resins, organofunctional silanes and nanoparticles. They will contain very little VOC and non-chromate anti-corrosion pigments. In this Phase I our objectives and technical results will be to, i) better understand the reactions between the components in the systems, such as resins and silanes, and how these interaction determine the properties of the system, and ii) to have at least one formulation that can be sprayed onto a bare metal and then forms a 100-µm one-step coating that meets certain performance criteria, such as adhesion and corrosion protection. The broader impacts of the project will be that this activity will enhance our scientific understanding of the mechanisms by which coatings protect metals and how anti-corrosion pigments work in such systems. The relationship between the hydrophilicity of the coating vehicle and the water-solubility of the pigment will be addressed in this project. The mechanism by which certain inhibitors protect metals, e.g., phosphates, is another focus of our study. This high-risk project will have considerable cost and environmental advantages. Potential customers for this technology are numerous. Examples are the aerospace industry (coatings for aircraft), automotive industry (car repair finishes and modification of the painting line in automobile manufacturing plants), wash primers for repair and touch-up, shipbuilding industry, the coil coating (steel) industry, and many others, representing a commercial value of at least $100 million. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the paint and coating industry. Its societal impact will be that workers in paint-manufacturing plants will no longer be exposed to vapors of organic solvents or to toxic chromate-containing materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG VanOoij, William ECOSIL Technologies LLC OH Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 98730 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912413 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Microbial Production of Selected Anthocyanins. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project "Microbial Production of Selected Anthocyanins", aims to establish cost-effective methodologies for the efficient production of anthocyanins from genetically engineered bacteria. Anthocyanins are plant secondary metabolites that are mainly responsible for the colors in plant tissues, primarily reds, purples and blues. They are non-toxic and have been observed to possess antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities, thus making them attractive candidates in the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, and food colorants industries. As the benefits of anthocyanins continue to gain definition, the demand for these compounds is growing exponentially. Unfortunately, the cost of attaining pure or well defined mixtures of anthocyanins using conventional techniques outweighs the potential market return. By using engineered microbes, large batches of selected anthocyanins can theoretically be produced, making compound isolation efficient and cost effective. The broader impacts of this research are to produce cost-effective natural and non-natural anthocyanins, whose health benefits can be investigated; allow students to participate and train in the ongoing development of a microbial production platform; foster a collaboration between a U.S. academic institution and a U.S. company, and contribute to the expansion of a small specialtychemical company. This project will utilize students to create a biosynthetic system that will produce a vast array of anthocyanins. As these compounds are attained they will be moved to the market place, where they can be further researched by academia, industry and governmental agencies. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Venkataraman, Sylesh ChromaDex Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9109 9102 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912414 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Nano-scale Engineering via Grid-scale Computing: Designing, Optimizing and Manufacturing Cancer Therapeutics. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of engineering a new class of cancer therapeutics. They will be constructed from DNA nanostructures that can be functionalized with both molecular systems for targeting tumor cells and therapeutic payloads for their destruction. This project focuses on a CAD (computer-aided design) application, powered by a grid of several thousand computers, that solves what had been the major impediment to progress in the field of DNA nanotechnology: the intractable task of calculating the sequences of DNA required for self-assembly and functionalization of target nanostructures. The development platform, if successful, will provide a novel ability to rapidly engineer and re-engineer multi-functional macromolecules from molecular subcomponents. The company will use this capability in an attempt to create high value nano-products and related intellectual property for select vertical market segment. Inspired by early validation from the pharmaceutical industry, management has chosen to first pursue the cancer therapeutics market. However, the domains to which this CAD technology can apply are broader. For example, the research team has also created designs for detergent additives to improve the laundering of polyester and nanoarrays for detecting the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms for a hand-held biometric device. If proven feasible, this CAD platform will address a wide array of commercial opportunities in many industrial sectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Armentrout, Steven Parabon NanoLabs, Inc. VA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99890 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912420 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Nanometer-Level Fidelity in Maskless Lithography. 0912420 This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of achieving, by means of precision measurement and software corrections, sub-1nm feature-size control and 1nm feature-placement precision using its maskless-lithography tool based on zone-plate-array lithography (ZPAL). Several components of the semiconductor industry currently require nanometer-level patterning fidelity, in particular imprint templates, photonic devices and photonic intrachip communication. Future nanotechnology applications will also require such fidelity. By incorporating absorbance-modulation optical lithography into ZPAL, lithographic resolution below 20 nm should be achieved, enabling ZPAL to outperform electron-beam lithography in the important metrics of: throughput, resolution, overlay, feature-size control, feature-placement accuracy and size of field. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Henry LUMARRAY LLC MA William Haines Standard Grant 99964 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912422 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Identification of Environmental Contaminants Using an Electrospray Ionization - Ion Mobility Spectrometer / Chiral Ion Mobility Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is focused on the development of a stand-alone electrospray ionization-ion mobility spectrometer/chiral ion mobility spectrometer (ESI-IMS/CIMS) for on-site separation, detection and identification of environmental contaminants with the unique capability of separating chiral molecules. Many pesticides are applied as a mixture of chiral forms despite the fact that each chiral form may differ in its impact on environmental and biological processes. Efficient methods for chiral analysis will facilitate the study of stereoisomer-dependent toxicity and biodegradation, as well as permit evaluation of pollutant potential and agricultural pesticide loading. The ESI-IMS/CIMS system will be used in place of slow, expensive, lab-based chiral separation methods and will be able to concurrently detect non-chiral species of interest, including both volatile and non-volatile compounds. In Phase I, the focus is on the development of a commercial ESI-IMS system and identification and validation of chiral modifiers for use in CIMS. Many environmental analysis laboratories provide pesticide analysis to their clients as the identity and quantity of pesticide residues in water, soils, and foods can have an impact on agricultural use and public attitudes. With growing awareness of the importance of chirality to the function and degradation of environmental contaminants, interest in rapid and cost-effective chiral separations will increase. Successful commercialization of ESI-IMS/CIMS technology will enhance both field and laboratory analytical abilities for environmental analysis. A portable chiral ion mobility spectrometer will allow fast, on-site analysis of pesticide residues and will provide a powerful field analytical tool for environmental scientists and analytical testing/service labs as well as government regulators. Research to determine optimal conditions to separate chiral forms of environmental contaminants using chiral ion mobility spectrometry will facilitate rapid development of the technique. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, Ching Excellims Corporation MA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912423 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Automated Identification and Rapid Detection of Explosives Using Piezoresistive Micro- and Nano-Cantilever Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project develops an inexpensive, rugged piezo-resistive micro-cantilever sensor array for explosives and toxins detection with the ability for wireless data transmission. The sensor can identify analytes by changes in the electronic properties of the sensor material due to analyte absorption or binding. The sensitivities and detection limits are significantly improved by using ultra-compliant coated polymers that show a high degree of sensitivity and selectivity to different explosives. Ultrathin metallic piezo-resistive sensors are embedded into the cantilevers to enable both static and dynamic measurements. Compared to micro gas chromatographic systems and film based sensor arrays for detection of explosives, the sensor proposed has several advantages including a low-cost fabrication process, higher sensitivity for lower detection limits, and highly selective coating materials for absorption of chemical vapors from Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Remote detection systems for explosives are of great concern for homeland security. This proposed sensor can potentially enable low-cost and reliable handheld systems for remote explosive detection or help develop wireless explosive sensing networks for cargos, buildings and other security needs. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhu, Weibin PICOCAL, Inc. MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99776 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912432 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: UltraWave: A Combined Breast Imaging Solution. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research proposal is to experimentally verify the feasibility of combining ultrasound imaging and microwave imaging for the detection of malignant cells. This effort will investigate the feasibility of a novel medical imaging solution that provides high resolution images matching the quality of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems at the high throughput and low cost of X-ray systems. This involves coupling an ultrasound subsystem for exciting target tissues with a microwave subsystem for measuring the response and imaging the target tissues. The system combines the superior penetration and resolution characteristics of focused high-frequency ultrasound input waves, and the superior penetration and detection capacity of microwave detection and imaging. Breast cancer is among the most common forms of cancer for nonsmokers. Among the 1.2 million women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, 0.5 million died from the disease. Recent research studies at Sloan Kettering Hospital show that mammography detects only 50% of breast cancer cases at an early stage. Breast cancer has received a great deal of attention due to the inadequacy of existing screening technologies for early-stage detection. These recent findings emphasize the immense financial burden on patients and the medical community since MRI screenings cost about $1,500, i.e. nearly 10 times more than X-ray mammography. Consequently, there is a dire need for an imaging solution that matches the resolution and quality of MRI at the cost of X-ray mammography. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG salama, khaled Parvulus Solutions inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 77715 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912436 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Units-based numeric data extraction with knowledge of scientific context. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on a novel approach to develop units-based numeric indexing and search tools. The goal is to extract numeric quantities from technical literature, identify each with a corresponding physical unit, and further relate these to other identified semantic entities such as device properties. Unlike generic semantic information extraction strategies, which attempt to identify ambiguous structure with AI learning algorithms, Entanglement Technologies? solution capitalizes on the standardization and universality of units. Physical quantities are identified accurately with scientific heuristics in knowledge-rich contexts, and thus numeric search can be more efficient than keyword searches. The research objectives are to design and optimize these scientific heuristics across a wide array of physical units to intelligently extract numeric data. Concurrently, Entanglement will develop detailed scientific ontologies for identifying the context of an indexed number-unit pair. Successful demonstration of this project offers the potential for rapid and accurate data mining for technical and scientific specifications. This will have broad applications in industrial and scientific research. Entanglement Technologies anticipates generating licensing revenue from access to this search technology, targeting financial institutions involved in high-tech investments and academic libraries providing scientific search capabilities. The ability to define comprehensive, yet objective, heuristics for contextualizing a number removes much of the user's responsibility for identifying the correctness of the search engine?s retrieval. This inherent feature provides a non-expert with the capability for searching, aggregating and analyzing technical data currently only processed by experts. Furthermore, units-based numeric search offers the potential for automated number extraction and aggregation. Entanglement will utilize this capability by integrating its search functionality into a front-end user-friendly package, allowing a customer to benefit not only from the search but also from streamlined graph and report generation. If successful, this potential for automation will reduce the cost of such services currently provided by technical consulting firms. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tuchman, Ari Entanglement Technologies CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912440 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Heat Spreader Using Nanofluid Oscillating Heat Pipes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I proposal describes a heat spreader embedded with a nanolfuid oscillating heat pipe (OHP) that will meet the cooling needs of high power density electronics by utilizing: 1) the extra-high heat transfer coefficient of thin film evaporation; 2) the elevated thermal conductivities of nanofluids; and 3) the enhanced heat transfer of thermally-excited oscillating motions. Although the advantages of nanofluid OHPs have been proven in academic settings, commercial heat spreaders embedded with nanofluid OHPs have yet to be developed. The proposed research will: first develop a mathematical model of the heat transfer performance; then investigators will fabricate a commercial-scale prototype with a low-cost production process; and, finally, empirical results will be compared to company's modeled results and those of potential users. There is a pressing need for high heat flux, low cost heat transfer innovations. Computer makers, chip manufacturers, telecommunications companies, and other high-tech electronics providers cannot develop high power density solutions without cost-effective, micro-scale coolers. Given the absence of such a technology, the proposed nanofluid cooling device will find immediate acceptance in the microelectronics industry. Its performance and low cost will facilitate the aggressive development of faster, smaller computer chips. In doing so, the proposed research benefits all fields impacted by more powerful (or smaller) microprocessors. Outside of microelectronics, there are other fields where high heat transfer rates are needed but not currently provided. For example, the proposed heat spreader embedded with nanofluid OHPs can facilitate an extra high cooling rate in the cellular cryopreservation process and faster cooling rates increase cell survival rates (Jiao et al., 2006). "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cheng, Peng ThermAvant Technologies, LLC MO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912450 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Non-invasive Intracranial Pressure Monitor. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will involve the development of a noninvasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor based on a pilot clinical study correlating ocular blood pressure and blood flow parameters to ICP. The proposed novel device will combine several standard medical techniques used by ophthalmologists to gather data. The ultimate goal for this project is to develop a portable, easy-to-use unit that will be used by medical personnel on patients in the hospital and prior to their arrival. The broader impacts of this research are on patients with head injury, improving the diagnosis of elevated ICP and reducing the complications associated with unnecessary invasive procedures. ICP monitoring is a common tool for physicians treating patients with acute intracranial hypertension caused by neurological disorders, trauma, and stroke. Knowledge of a patient's ICP progression aids the physician in determining the optimal medical and/or surgical treatment. Every year, these surgical procedures expose patients to significant complications. Commercialization of a noninvasive ICP monitor would significantly decrease the burden on patients and to the healthcare system in the diagnosis and treatment of head injury by determining ICP more cheaply and safely than current technologies. A non-invasive method would also address the need for additional long term ICP monitoring data and expand the knowledge of how mild or moderate traumatic brain injury relates to ICP. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bellezza, Anthony Third Eye Diagnostics, Inc. PA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9107 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912459 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Selective Chemical Probes for Measurement of Flotation Collector Reagents in Sulfidic Ore Beneficiation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will research and develop selective chemical probes for use in froth flotation systems. Sulfide mineral froth flotation is a solid-solid separations process which dominates all other methods used in the mining industry to purify a target mineral from refuse minerals such as clay, wood, , diesel fuel, and other economically worthless substances. Flotation operators typically maximize mineral recovery and knowingly add into the flotation device an excess (10-30%) of mineral selective collector reagents that react with the target mineral and are subsequently removed by flotation. The aim of this project is to accurately control the amount of collector to a small (1-2%) excess. There are no commercially available sensors to do this task primarily because these complex and highly variable matrices strongly interfere with the measurement. It is the goal of this work to research and develop probes that will allow the selective measurement of the collector reagent in the presence of the interfering matrix. The bulk of the work involves synthesis of various types of probe materials for two different collectors. The effectiveness of the probes to separate the target collector chemical from the matrix with real world mining effluents will be tested. The project will have a significant societal impact by making the mining industry more sustainable in its approach to mineral recovery. Specifically, the research aims to significantly reduce the amount of toxic chemical waste associated with froth flotation and its inevitable environmental impact. The method has the potential of making the US copper industry more competitive by saving over $200 M in wasted collector while simultaneously improving mining sustainability by eliminating an estimated 891,000 kg of unnecessary chemical discharges. This project will make a significant contribution to flotation operating knowledge, as it is well known that recommended conditions based on lab testing rarely match a real operation, and will bring sensors to the operation. This project will be conducted in close collaboration with Professor Peter Carr of the University of Minnesota. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Jon United Science LLC MN Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99900 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912463 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost, Robust Multi-Gas Sensors for Environmental Sensing Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will develop a gas sensor technology that is both highly sensitive and selective, with a rapidity and accuracy not yet seen in commercially available technologies. This will develop an integrated high performance, low cost, and compact gas sensor device for environmental monitoring, with emphasis placed on the early and reliable detection of a variety of prevalent environmental and industrial airborne contaminants. The sensor system will be fast (i.e., having a response time <100 milliseconds) while demonstrating a minimum number of false positives. This detection requires sensors that are prevalent, sensitive, robust, and inexpensive. Furthermore, the response to targeted gases will be orthogonal to interfering species while also displaying fast recovery times. Many types of current gas sensors reveal large interfering sensitivities to molecules other than those of interest, typically resulting in false positive signals for the targeted gases. A micro-cantilever-based gas sensor technology that provides high sensitivity and low cross-sensitivity will be developed. The proposal will concentrate its efforts on detecting 5 gases of commercial and environmental importance: CO, NO2, H2S, NH3, and benzene. The ability to meet future environmental safety standards as outlined by the EPA will require gas sensors with high sensitivity (ppb level) and low cross-sensitivity. Currently available gas sensors cannot meet such requirements. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG James, Jon SENS4 SC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912466 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Navigation Aiding from Mosaicked Imagery. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research proposal addresses synergistic integration of navigation and environmental sensing instruments on manned or autonomous ground or air vehicles to both improve information registration accuracy and reduce costs of hardware. This will enable use of low cost Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) and will relax export requirements for remote sensing hardware heretofore based upon military-derived IMU components. This research will address the use of a digital camera and MEMS IMU that are tightly integrated in a novel manner so that navigation will occur within a coordinate frame that is fixed within the surrounding scene as observed by the digital remote sensing camera. Remote Sensing involves sensing physical properties of terrestrial objects from a distance and registering the sensed information into a geodetic reference frame. Such registration is critical for merging related data sources and for change detection from sequential data collects. Direct Geo-registration (DG) involves performing registration without prior knowledge of geodetic survey information collected from the vicinity of the sensed feature. Precision navigation using inertial navigation and GPS is a fundamental aspect of modern approaches to DG. Detection, tracking and subsequent re-acquisition of sensed features can be used as additional aides for improved navigation. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kain, James GeoVantage Incorporated MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912467 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Light-channeling Metamaterials for Polarimetric Sensing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will assess the feasibility of using the diverse, enabling light management capabilities of a subset of metamaterials called Plasmonic/ Photonic Hybrid Crystals to develop higher-performance, lower-cost polarimetric infrared sensors. The company's hybrid crystals, single-layer surface structures, can be fabricated atop any substrate material using standard CMOS fabrication techniques. A prototype polarizer array capable of extinction ratios of at least 500:1; with the potential of ratios as high as 5000:1; will be designed, modeled, fabricated and initially characterized. It is anticipated that the structure will also minimize light scattering, the primary cause of performance impairing crosstalk in current polarimetric sensors. The design will use polarization-dependent optical and electromagnetic modes within periodic subwavelength apertures to achieve the high polarization extinction ratios and to minimize or eliminate light scattering from surface polarizers. Fabrication processes will be developed and a preliminary prototype of a hybrid crystal to be applied to a polarimetric sensor operating in the 4-5m range will be fabricated The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project will represent a breakthrough enabling tool for managing the flow of light in optoelectronic devices in extremely varied, precise and sophisticated ways, and can be readily applied to a diverse array of photonic components operating in several wavelength ranges and across multiple industries. This technology involves CMOS-based fabrication of simple single-layer structures, it is essentially substrate independent; the hybrid crystals can be fabricated atop almost any material. Potential device applications include, but are not limited to, infrared imaging sensors, cloaking devices, solar cells and all optical memory arrays. The annual market opportunity for these devices alone is approximately $15 billion. The potential societal impact is significant, as the end-use applications include: remote sensing related to critical military and homeland security missions as well as to planetary mapping for global warming research; the development of higher-density, higher-speed computers, and the detection of environmental chemical and biological threats. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG James, Thomas Phoebus Optoelectronics LLC NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99872 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912470 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Next Generation Virtual Desktops. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on developing a desktop-specific distributed architecture to provide enterprise grade, highly available and scalable virtual desktop systems that cost no more than a regular PC. In order to accomplish this, the focus of the research will be 1) to create a seamless, scalable and self-managed distributed fabric that is easy to deploy and 2) to develop an approach that will allow the distribution of large desktop templates (in the order of tens of gigabytes) to tens of thousands of desktops in less than an hour. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project takes advantage of a sizable and growing demand for virtual desktops that offer lower management costs and superior data security. However, existing solutions on the market many times the cost of regular PCs and require highly skilled personnel to operate, thus hampering their adoption. If the research team is able to overcome the technical challenges and create a solution that costs no more than a regular PC, it may be able to open up the market consisting of an installed base of 500 million commercial desktop PCs with 84 million new units purchased each year worldwide. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Goswami, Kumar Kaviza Incorporated CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912471 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High quality AlGaN layers by fast growth rate MEMOCVD. This Small Business Innovation Research Project will develop an innovative approach for epitaxial deposition of high quality thick (Al)(In)(Ga)N layers with low dislocation density. Accomplishment of the proposed effort will provide technology for next generation UV LED structures, which currently require improvements in growth of thick and doped AlGaN layers with low density of threading dislocations and point defects. (Al)(In)(Ga)N based deep UV LEDs represent a new class of compact and environmentally stable semiconductor UV light sources. Deep UV LEDs penetrate existing markets that require compact, rugged and environmentally friendly UV radiation sources. This innovative technology is positioned to create new applications that were previously unattainable due to the inherent limitations of existing UV lamps or lasers. Primary markets include water/air disinfection, bio-medical and analytical instrumentation, fluorescence sensing, ink curing, and phototherapy. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shatalov, Max Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. SC William Haines Standard Grant 99364 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912472 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: UV LED Lamp Based Water Disinfection for POU Compact Purification Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop innovative water disinfection unit based on solid state UV LED lamps for compact point-of-use and point-of-entry water purification reactors. Accomplishment of the proposed research will result in compact semiconductor LED based UV water disinfection unit with reduced power consumption and extended reliability. Development of UV disinfection technology using semiconductor UV lamps utilizes unique characteristics, such as possibility of controlled UV spectral power distribution, fast switching time, lower power consumption, reliability, small size and ruggedness. The broader impacts of this research are the developments of commercially viable and environmentally safe technology for UV water disinfection. The primary market segment addressed through the work that will be performed under this Phase I effort is the microbial disinfection of water for point-of-use and point-of-entry applications in remote and rural areas. Incorporation of innovative UV LED lamps in water purification modules will enable cost effective and environmentally friendly technology for water purification designed for a variety of water supplies including residential, remote, and emergency relief. Solid state UV LED lamps enable new mercury-free UV technology for variety of application technologies, which will provide better quality of life in US and worldwide. Use of environmentally friendly semiconductor UV sources will lead to reduction of toxic waste and cost associated with mercury lamp disposal. The purification, sterilization, and early warning detection systems designed with UV LED sources will also benefit quality of life for people. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shatalov, Max Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. SC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99499 5371 BIOT 9150 9104 6890 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912474 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Bead-Based Label-free DNA Microarray Readout. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project explores a novel detection system for DNA microarrays, which are coin-size glass chips containing diverse molecules of genetic material. DNA microarrays have revolutionized basic research and industrial drug discovery, but have traditionally been difficult to use in clinical diagnostics. DNA microarrays are typically expensive and require long wait-times for data, in part because of the need to chemically label the sample material. In contrast, Synamem Corporation (a Synergenics, LLC business) is developing a novel readout for DNA microarrays using micron-size bead particles which completely eliminates the need to label the sample material, making the process considerably lower-cost and more rapid. This SBIR project will address the following: 1) The DNA microarray label-free readout will be optimized; 2) This readout will be tested in various potential diagnostic applications of DNA microarrays in the field of cancer; and 3) The compatibility of this label-free readout with commercially-available microarrays will be assessed. The broader impacts of this research are the development of DNA microarrays which could potentially be used in diagnostics on a more cost-effective and time-efficient basis. Successful commercialization and adoption of Synamem's label-free microarray system will greatly simplify the process of measuring gene expression, detecting gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations, and numerous other potential diagnostic applications of DNA microarrays. Indeed, it will enable faster diagnostic results in the clinic, closer to the patient, as it may eliminate the need for sending out samples for lengthy processing in centralized hospital laboratories. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Blitzer, Jeremy Synergenics LLC CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99914 5371 BIOT 9183 6890 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912478 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Novel Chemistry for Low Cost Solar-Grade Silicon. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to commercialize a new technology for purifying silicon for photovoltaic (PV) solar cells using a novel oxi-nitride chemistry and cold crucible induction melting. The process, based on upgrading low-cost metallurgical grade silicon by employing purification strategies that have led to high purity steel products, presents a new approach to refining silicon that eliminates melt-crucible interactions that otherwise limit the choice of chemistry and operational temperature. The proposed technology is projected to result in reduced capital investment, production cost reduction, reduction in electrical energy required; and a major reduction in potential environmentally damaging processes. The new refining process, once successfully commercialized, will play an important role in reducing the cost of silicon-based solar cells that still accounts for over 90% of the PV market. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hall, Robert Solar Technology Research Corporation AZ William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912482 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Electrochemical Capacitor Using Carbide-Derived Carbon Nanomaterial Electrodes. This SBIR Phase I research proposal will develop nano-porous carbide-derived carbon electrodes for improved super-capacitor performance. The high power charge/discharge rate of current super-capacitors is offset by a low storage capacity compared to batteries. The capacitance of activated carbon super-capacitor electrodes is partially limited by the large diameter and wide size distribution of pores resulting from conventional synthesis from organic precursors. This proposal will develop a novel method to produce nano-porous carbon with a narrow distribution of pores less than 2 nm in diameter. Metal atoms are chemically etched from a metal carbide lattice, leaving only carbon, the pore size of which can be tuned with Angstrom precision by varying the carbide precursor or etching conditions. While the use of a metal carbide lattice as a template for porous carbon allows precise control over the pore size, the pore volume is limited by the number of carbon atoms per unit of volume in the carbide lattice. Increasing the volume of pores and specific surface area without substantial broadening of the pore size distribution would lead to a significant increase in capacitance. Because of their long life and rapid power delivery, super-capacitors are replacing or supplementing batteries and fuel cells in many applications. Advanced super-capacitors will be used for energy harvesting from fast processes and for storage of electrical energy, facilitating the production and use of electrical energy from alternative sources. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dash, Ranjan Y-Carbon PA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912486 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Novel Amplification Technology as a Path to Practical Application of USP Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the development of a compact novel gain medium with application to a wide variety of pulsed lasers, including ultrashort pulse (USP) lasers,(less than 1 picosecond pulse length) and longer pulse lasers (greater than 1 picosecond to hundreds of nanoseconds). The average power and peak power levels of such pulse lasers are currently limited by the power handling of the amplifier gain medium, resulting in severe pulse distortions or beam distortion at high owers. Moreover, the amplifier limitations in USP lasers require bulky stretching and compression methods resulting in large, environmentally unstable lasers. The proposed compact gain medium will have over an order of magnitude increased peak power handling over todays available gain media and will be readily scalable to high average power without beam distortions. The research will focus on an understanding of the performance, prototype design and demonstration of key parameters of the gain medium, including gain, efficiency,power,beam quality and pulse quality. The proposed approach results in a solution that is robust, compact, highly manufacturable, and scalable to high powers and pulse energies. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project will be the integration of computing, software, and broadband technology with USP photonics,this project will drive the USP industry toward practical consumer devices. However, for USP lasers to be significantly transformational in the commercial space, an order of magnitude reduction in size and cost while increasing power output is necessary. If executed, this effort will fuel an explosion of new applications estimated to reach a multi-billion dollar market value within five years. Such applications include selective cancer removal, precise material machining such as for making vascular stents and thin film photovoltaic cells, gene transfection, and imaging. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mielke, Mike Raydiance Incorporated CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912492 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Metal-based microchannel heat exchange systems for electronic devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a compact, metalbased, sealed, recirculating, fluid cooling system for electronic devices. Metal-based microchannel heat exchangers (MHEs) have potential advantages over Si-based devices in terms of thermal performance and mechanical robustness. The proposed fabrication technology is unique and provides a means to low-cost, high-throughput, mass production of high efficiency, microchannel cooling systems for micro-electronic and power-electronic devices. Efficient fabrication of metal-based MHEs and quantitative flow and heat transfer measurements on them are critical for establishing the economic and technical feasibility of such devices. The proposing team has spearheaded the development of metallic high-aspect-ratio microscale structures (HARMSs) fabrication by molding replication, a potentially low-cost, high-throughput, mass production technique. This proposal will focus on the fabrication, assembly, and testing of metallic MHE based heat absorption modules and metallic MHE assembly based heat rejection modules. The team will 1) build all-metal, compact, high-efficiency, heat absorption/rejection module prototypes, 2) test these prototypes and quantify their heat transfer performance, 3) establish the engineering protocol for optimizing MHE geometries. The testing results on MHE-assembly based heat rejection modules will be benchmarked against competing devices. Traditional air cooling technology has become a limiting factor for current generation high performance electronic devices and will be insufficient for removing heat generated from new generation micro-electronic and power-electronic devices. Successful execution of this proposal will provide a novel, high-efficiency, microchannel fluid cooling technique for these new generation devices. The target product of this proposal will be marketed to computer original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as Intel, IBM, Apple, Dell, Lenovo, etc., and is believed to enjoy performance and cost advantages over competing devices currently being contemplated. The study on the fabrication and heat transfer testing of metal-based MHEs with complicated designs will enhance scientific and technological understanding related to both science of manufacturing and fluid flow and heat transfer. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mei, Fanghua Enervana Technologies LLC LA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912493 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Large-Scale Production of Monodisperse Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will evaluate a method to produce large quantities of single-walled carbon nanotubes that are monodisperse in their diameter and/or electronic type (semiconducting or metallic). Availability of large quantities of monodisperse SWCNTs by size and electronic type would enable many potential optoelectric and composite technologies using carbon nanotubes. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Leven, Daniel NanoIntegris, Inc. IL Ben Schrag Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912503 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Nano-enhanced Fibrous Structures for Pathogenic Virus Elimination from Biopharmaceutical Products. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is an effort by Alditri Technologies, Inc. to nano-enhance fiber materials in order to capture parvoviruses. Specifically, Alditri will employ and seek to understand vapor-phase deposition technology as it applies to fiber materials to convert low-cost fiber materials into effective virus capture devices. Purification accounts for a large portion of biopharmaceutical product cost. Further, the extremely expensive parvovirus capture devices currently available are not suitable for large-scale operations, such as those involved in biomanufacturing streams. This work will build upon previous fundamental advances at Alditri regarding the nano-enhancement of nonwovens. The successful completion of this project will result in low-cost, efficient parvovirus removal membranes for use in aqueous streams such those in biopharmaceutical production. The intellectual merit associated with this project is Alditri's ultimate development of a fundamental understanding of fibrous surface modification through vapor phase deposition techniques, thus enabling the technology for use in other applications. The surface modification technology targeted in this project could have considerable broader impacts, for example, in bio-materials and bio-functionalization. Alditri seeks to remove parvoviruses from aqueous streams within biomanufacturing processes with the use of nonwoven base materials, thereby drastically reducing the expense associated with virus filtration. The improved understanding of cost-effective, fiber-based filtration materials and devices has the potential to make parvovirus capture feasible within the water purification industry and even address emerging issues in nanotechnology processing, such as carbon nanotube or functional nanoparticle capture and collection, to avoid potential toxic effects of materials engineered at the atomic scale. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roberts, Kim Alditri Technologies NC Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 6890 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912506 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Consolidated Bioprocess to Generate Hydrogen from Cellulosic Biomass. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at the development of a new consolidated bioprocess to generate hydrogen from inexpensive cellulosic biomass in a single bioelectrochemical reactor. Demand for hydrogen is increasing but a renewable, inexpensive supply does not exist. Production of biofuels from cellulosic biomass has been proposed but this ordinarily requires multiple reactors and treatments. Microbial Fuel Cell Technologies' patent-pending process solves these problems by combining microbial fermentation and microbial electrolysis in a single thermophilic bioelectrochemical reactor. The goal of the Phase I research will be to determine the feasibility of this process by achieving the following: 1) identify biocatalysts suitable for microbial electrolysis at high temperature, 2) combine with cellulolytic thermophiles in a consolidated bioprocess microbial electrolysis cell (CBP-MEC), and 3) produce hydrogen from cellulosic biomass. It is anticipated that the system will recover more than 90% of the hydrogen bound to cellulose and will do so at high rates due to the metabolic properties of the thermophilic biocatalysts. Furthermore, the system will avoid fouling due to microbial contamination and will operate with robust biocatalysts. Hydrogen is a valuable commodity used in the reformulation of gasoline, food processing, and the production of fertilizer. It is also being considered as a transportation fuel to replace dwindling supplies of petroleum and avoid the release of climate changing carbon dioxide. Hydrogen is produced primarily by reformation of natural gas, and alternative methods remain expensive. This Phase I feasibility project will enhance the scientific and technological understanding of the use of microbial electrolysis to produce useful fuels and chemicals, in this case hydrogen. The CBP-MEC process will generate hydrogen from renewable cellulosic biomass while avoiding the use of fossil fuels or food crops. The hydrogen market in the US in 2005 was $798 million and worldwide it was $135 billion and growing 10% annually. Americans spent more than $400 billion for gasoline in 2007, thus a transition to hydrogen as a transportation fuel would significantly increase the market for this commodity. It is this large and growing market that MFC Technologies intends to enter by first testing the feasibility of the process, developing it to demonstration scale, and then leasing the technology to hydrogen manufacturers. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shimotori, Tsutomu Microbial Fuel Cell Technologies, LLC SC Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99780 5371 BIOT 9183 9150 6890 1491 1402 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912515 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Chip-Scale Micromechanical Gyroscope for Angular Roation Detection, Stability and Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a vibratory gyroscope with electrostatic actuation and capacitive (or piezoelectric) detection at 0.1 - 1 MHz, a much higher frequency than the ones used by current commercial MEMS gyroscopes and with quality factors exceeding 1000. Because of the high frequencies, the thermal Johnson noise (which typically defines the noise floor for standard micromechanical gyroscopes) is reduced considerably by orders of magnitude. The proposed technology involves a two-mode approach in which the drive force is applied in one mode of the resonator. Under external rotation, this mode is coupled to a second mode, which is detected, either by electrostatic or piezoelectric technique. Using this approach, it is possible to achieve micron-sized chip-scale gyroscopes, manufactured on wafer scale, with performance parameters compared to high-end tactical grade gyroscopes. Micromechanical vibratory gyroscopes have increasing relevance in inertial navigation systems and automotive applications. Beyond these applications which require devices with better sensitivity and performance parameters, a host of new applications in consumer electronics have suddenly emerged. In particular, hand-held devices such as cellular devices and GPS systems, and gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Wii are now including miniature gyroscopes as low cost companion to existing micromachined accelerometers. These applications are in essence similar to the automotive applications in which the gyroscopes are used to detect angular rotation and provide ride stabilization, roll over detection and better traction control. Development of high sensitivity high stability micromechanical gyroscopes will also be of importance to a number of fundamental research questions, which include measuring gravitational red shift for validating the predictions of general relativity. As an inertial system, a highly sensitive gyroscope that can be cooled down to low temperatures can also be used to detect or put limits on new fundamental spin-dependent forces. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, David Sand 9, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912519 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Multimodal Semantic Video Retrieval and Summarization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop methodology and software for highly accurate and efficient semantic video retrieval and summarization. Video Semantics will, provide personalized summaries of video content that meet users' preferences. These summaries will be based on shot granularity instead of the widely used key-frame-based summaries that are oblivious of semantics. Additionally, the proposed technology will significantly enhance online video search by enabling users to retrieve only semantically-relevant shots instead of the entire video. The key component of the software is an automated semantic video annotation system that integrates realtime video shot detection, speech recognition, natural language processing, and logic inference methods to accurately select video shots according to semantic user requests and preferences. Consumers and video content service providers will use the proposed adaptive video messaging technique to efficiently communicate queries, preferences and results using Semantic Video Summary messages (SVS). The proposed software, once commercialized, can affect a shift in the way online video content is searched and retrieved. Moreover, if successful, the software will advance the state-of-the-art of constructing video summaries, which in contrast to current technologies, accurately responds to semantic level user queries. Consequently, the software may be of interest to numerous content providers and consumers to be employed in a multitude of video applications. The software could also be integrated into the ever-popular digital video recorders to enable the owner to search large volumes of archived videos and retrieve specific ones given semantic queries, rather than the usually inaccurate file names. On the other hand, the unique summarization capabilities of the software can be used by content/service providers where personalized, semantic-based summary criteria can be predefined by the user so that the content providers, adaptively (based on network and device capabilities) stream summaries matching users' requirements to their smart phones of other mobile devices. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Abd-Almageed, Wael Video Semantics LLC MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912524 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Force-Controlled Robotic Arm Capable of Sub-Millimeter Precision. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a portable, interactive Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) for geometric data collection consistent with statistical sampling of a series of parts. The innovation exploits a characteristic of cable drives that supports precise repeatability in an articulated arm. To optimize production and avoid scrap generation, manufacturing process corrections must occur promptly and yet must be based on adequate measurement data. Existing metrology systems inhibit these preferred statistical process control principles. Large motorized CMMs are either taught offline using CAD models or online using awkward joystick interfaces. Manual only portable-arm CMMs are safe and convenient to use, but teach-and-playback is not supported. The proposed solution is a motorized articulated robot that combines the safety of a manual system with playback precision thereby supporting convenient statistical process control. The anticipated final product will be a portable, user-friendly, cost-effective robotic arm that spreads the quality advantages of statistical process control across a broad range of products and manufacturers including non-traditional manufacturing such as medical surgery. The shortcomings of metrology devices available today discourage the use of statistical process control, thereby undermining manufacturing quality. The proposed solution improves manufacturing competitiveness by enabling easier adoption of statistical process control, leading to higher quality and reduced scrap costs. The proposed solution invites production line workers back into close physical contact with the process that they must ultimately understand and control. The worker strengthens intuition by teaching the device for each new-part geometry, while the playback capability avoids tedium and repetitive stress. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Townsend, William Barrett Technology Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912527 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Interactive video based Contextual & Dynamic Application Access. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses a significant need facing video industry - how to monetize online video. There were over 11.5 billion online videos watched in USA only in July 2008. The online video consumption trend is increasing approximately 10% - to 13% monthly. The current approach to monetize online video is limited and does not scale. The intellectual merit of the proposed research is to assess the feasibility of a new and unique approach to monetize online video through an Interactive video based "Contextual" and "Dynamic" Ad insertion technology platform. A new algorithm/methodology/framework will be designed and an alpha prototype of the Interactive video based dynamic Ad insertion technology will be proven feasible. The key value proposition of this interactive video based contextual and dynamic Ad insertion technology is a new way to enhance end-user engagement with advanced business intelligence. The video publisher will have a new approach to monetize their online video assets with high scalability. The advertisers will have a unique tool to advertise and communicate about their products and services to target customers. The end users will have highly-engaging access to personalized and relevant information about a product or service. If proven successful, the technology would allow interactivity within the online video thus allowing end users quick call-to-action within the video in a novel way that will represent significant value for multiple stakeholders. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Abbas, Syed 2Cimple Inc TX Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99831 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912528 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: NSF 08-548, Electronics, Components & Engineering (EL), Subtopic: F. Energy and Power Management, F.3 Systems for harvisting alternate energy sources.. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project is designed to enhance performance of small wind turbines, i.e., increased efficiency and kWh production, through advanced aerofoil design (as achieved with the proposed acceleration plate), will reduce the overall cost of operation (capital cost minus energy cost savings) and decrease the achievable payback resulting in a more overall cost effective system. The company and their university partner combine business and university expertise needed to evaluate and enhance the wind turbine design through modeling, simulation and experimental verification. These activities include computational fluid dynamics, prototype construction and testing in a wind tunnel. This wind harvester incorporates a novel acceleration plate to direct air flow over the turbine rotors to increase the air speed and enhance the performance of the wind turbine. This design is most appropriate for small vertical axis turbines. Development of a small cost effective wind turbine as a result of this research program will eventually have broad impact on society in the form of an inexpensive, clean source of renewable energy. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fiebig, David Santoro Wind Harvester, Inc. MI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 94479 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912531 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Enabling Non-disruptive Updates in Order to Improve OS Security. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fundamental improvements to OS update technology. These improvements would allow system administrators to apply OS patches faster than current practice, which would significantly hinder botnets and other attackers by reducing the window of vulnerability during which systems are running software with known problems. The current state-of-the-art requires that computers reboot to apply kernel updates. Since rebooting is disruptive, many system administrators delay performing security updates, despite the greatly increased risk-more than 90% of attacks exploit known vulnerabilities. Security would improve if administrators could apply updates immediately, as hot updates, without the need for reboots or disruption. Although programmers have long been capable of making ad hoc modifications to running programs, hot update technology has not seen widespread use because of key technical problems. In particular, constructing hot updates has always required extensive programming effort, which is expensive and-since programmers make mistakes-risky. If successful, the current project will transform the state-of-the-art of software updates. Most directly, this research has the potential deliver a change that the IT industry wants: a way to apply security updates without rebooting. More generally, this research aims to improve the field's technical understanding of how to automatically apply traditional source code patches to a running program, such as the kernel. This problem has broad applications in debugging, profiling, instrumentation, and education. This research can lead to the creation of a hot update service, provided to companies on a per-machine, per-month basis, for a subscription charge. Companies who subscribe machines to this service would, without any ongoing effort, be able to transparently receive hot updates that solve software problems, without reboots or other disruption. This distribution of hot updates would improve security and reliability while decreasing machine maintenance costs. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Arnold, Jeffrey Ksplice, Inc. DE Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912538 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: UAS Certification Artifact Formulation Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will build on previous work in compositional Verification and Validation (V&V) for autonomous vehicles to demonstrate a new capability for establishing safety and reliability arguments satisfying both regulatory and certification requirements. This compositional V&V tool supports complex modular architectures and reconfiguration, and encompasses both discrete and continuous dynamics, permitting the explicit modeling of both control modes (including fault and safing modes), and vehicle dynamics. An explicit model of uncertain outcomes and uncontrollable events will be created and integrated into previous work using semi-Markov decision processes which are a good fit for the requirements of this application. The value proposition of this project is to enable many more Unmanned Autonomous Systems (UAS) to be granted permission to operate in regulated environments. Commercial feasibility will established through a collaboration with the Safety Security Rescue Research Center, an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC), and its industry partners. The initial target markets for this work will be ground and aerial UAS, to both the providers/manufacturers as a means to reduce costs and development time and users as a means to utilize the UAS to their full mission potential. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Boddy, Mark ADVENTIUM ENTERPRISES, LLC MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912539 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Wireless Sleep Monitor. This SBIR Phase I research proposed is to develop a new technique for detecting Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) without contact with the patient. The proposal will explore the use of Doppler radar technology to provide respiratory movement, heart rate, and activity level that could be used in a Type III Home Sleep Devise (HST) device. With the use of a commercially available wireless pulse oximeter and a wireless airflow sensor, there is potential to build a fully non-intrusive, portable, Type III HST device that could be easily deployed at home and in the field. This research effort involves developing and testing of a robust Doppler radar system for sleep monitoring. The two main objectives of the project are to develop 5.8 GHz Doppler radar hardware that will provide an accurate measure of physiological motion and to develop new methods for detecting OSA. Sleep is widely understood to play a key role in physical and mental health. Yet research indicates that 40 million Americans suffer from insomnia and chronic sleep disorders, with over 12 million Americans suffering from OSA. Serious consequences including increased mortality can result from untreated sleep disorders. The scarcity of sleep clinics and the expense associated with standard PolySomonoGraphy (PSG) techniques allows treatments of only small numbers of OSA cases. Thus the vast majority of OSA cases remain undiagnosed and untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Park, Byung-Kwon Kai Sensors, Inc. HI Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99499 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 4096 1367 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912541 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Volatile gene expression reporters for use during fermentation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop a set of novel, versatile measurement tools for use during fermentation and scale-up in metabolic engineering. The tools will be based on the production of odorants and enable real-time time monitoring of gene expression levels during fermentation. Metabolic engineering holds great promise for enabling a range of important applications including cellulosic biofuels, therapeutics production, and bio-based, environmentally-friendly chemical manufacturing. But any such project requires that an engineered organism expressing the relevant biosynthetic pathway be scaled up from lab-sized cultures to large-scale commercial fermentation. This is not a straightforward task, and is different for every project, because the fermentation conditions required for each engineered strain are different. The new measurement tools will enable more detailed quantification of cell state during fermentation so that strain and pathway optimization is more informed. The broader impacts of this research are to enable more informed strain optimization for large-scale fermentation thereby reducing R&D costs for the bio-based manufacturing industry. With the growing interest in clean technology and alternatives to petroleum-based manufacturing, many new companies and existing companies are moving into the bioengineering and biomanufacturing industries. However, all of these companies face a common hurdle of scaling up production of their fuel, specialty chemical or biomaterial to commercial scale. The companies spend significant R&D money and time optimizing pathway yield during fermentation. For example, Dupont took 7 years and $400M to scale-up microbial production of 1,3-propanediol. Jay Keasling, a founder of Amyris Biotechnologies, a leading synthetic biology company, reported that Amyris spends 95% of their time trying to find and eliminate unintended interactions between components in their engineered metabolic pathways. Reducing the R&D costs in the biofuels and industrial biotechnology industries would open up new application areas to environmentally-friendly, bio-based production solutions. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shetty, Reshma Ginkgo BioWorks MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99981 5371 BIOT 9183 9102 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912544 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Nanocomposites for Electronic Packaging. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will explore the feasibility of using well dispersed nanocrystals with high thermal conductivity as functional fillers to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of electronic packaging materials without sacrificing processibility. The successful development of nanocomposites will ensure that advanced packaging technology is capable of facing the challenges from the future generations of chips and circuits. The main competitors for these nanocomposites will be traditional filler reinforced composites, and carbon nanotube reinforced composites. The success of this SBIR project will also advance the state of the art in the synthesis of wide band bap semiconductor materials. These materials have unique mechanical, optical and electrical properties, which will be applied in many different areas, such as lithography, photodetectors, and light emitting diodes. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Jun Pixelligent Technologies LLC MD William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912547 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Metabolic Engineering for Clostridial Biotechnology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop platform clostridia strains suitable for industrial scale alcohol production from renewable feedstocks and also to improve metabolic engineering technologies for all clostridia. Clostridia are strictly anaerobic, endospore forming prokaryotes of major importance to cellulose degradation, human and animal health and physiology, anaerobic degradation of simple and complex carbohydrates. Obstacles for the industrial use of these organisms include the development of genetic and metabolic engineering tools and strategies that could lead to strains suitable for production of chemicals and fuels from renewable feedstocks. This project focuses on developing metabolic engineering strategies and strains of solventogenic clostridia for the production of chemicals and biofuels. Through novel approaches, this project aims to solve three important bioprocessing bottlenecks: 1) product formation characteristics, 2) product yield and selectivity, 3) and suitable characteristics for repeated fed-batch or continuous fermentations. Anticipated outcomes of this project are clostridia strains that overcome the aforementioned bioprocessing bottlenecks and improved metabolic engineering technologies that are applicable to all clostridia. Development of biorefinery and biofuel technologies has been on the scientific and technological agenda of our nation for over 35 years now but never quite with the urgency of the last 2-3 years. Oil supplies for producing chemicals and fuels are becoming increasingly limiting and unreliable. Moreover, use or combustion of non-renewable chemicals and fuels detrimentally impacts the climate of our planet. Biomass is a carbon-neutral renewable resource for producing chemicals and fuels and the basis for the biorefinery concept. Solventogenic, butyric-acid clostridia played a major industrial role in the production of acetone and butanol in the past. Metabolic engineering of solventogenic clostridia may lead to industrial processes for production of chemicals such as butyric acid, butanol, butanediol, propanol, and acetoin, and production of hydrogen. Some of these chemicals can serve as biofuels directly, while others can be used for chemical conversion to biofuels. A major advantage of these organisms is that they can directly ferment a large spectrum of simple and complex carbohydrates including lignocellulosics with minimal pretreatment. The commercial potential of metabolically engineered solventogenic clostridia is exceptional but remains largely unexplored. This project aims to capture and demonstrate part of this potential. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG TRACY, BRYAN ELCRITON, INC DE Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99492 5371 BIOT 9183 9150 6890 1491 1402 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912548 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Development of an Engineered Yeast Strain for the Production of Butanol - a Second Generation Biofuel. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes the engineering of a novel recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain containing the butanol biosynthetic pathway. Currently, most butanol technology development focuses on the genetic manipulation of the Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation microorganisms of the genus Clostridium. While several Clostridium species have the natural ability to make butanol via the ABE pathway, the amount of butanol produced is low, and therefore these strains would struggle to be commercially viable. To avoid this limitation, the genes involved in the butanol biosynthesis from Clostridium acetobutylicum were introduced into the yeast Sacharomyces cerevisiae using genetic engineering techniques. This simple eukaryote was chosen because of its robust nature in industrial fermentation and also because it is a genetically tractable organism. When combined with our work enabling yeast to digest and utilize cellulose as a feedstock, we expect to have generated a microbe capable of converting biomass into a next generation biofuel and industrial solvent. Much research and development has gone into the production of ethanol from biomass; although ethanol production is the most mature biofuel technology, other alcohol-based fuels, such as butanol, can be used as renewable replacements for gasoline. Butanol offers a number of benefits over ethanol including higher energy content; butanol can be used directly as a fuel in current vehicles without modification; butanol is less corrosive than ethanol and can be piped through the existing pipeline infrastructure. Butanol produced from petroleum is currently used as an industrial solvent or as feedstock for manufacturing plastics and has an existing market of several billion dollars worldwide. The current economic climate has forced the identification of new manufacturing processes that replace the use of petroleum. As a result, there is growing interest in fermentation of butanol from renewable resources. Through the 1940s, butanol was produced as a fermentation product by bacteria from the genus Clostridium. Due to economic considerations, manufacturing processes utilizing petroleum as the raw material replaced commercial scale fermentation. By utilizing non-food feedstock, the yeast strain that Arbor Fuel Inc will construct could play a significant role in reducing our country's reliance on petroleum and increase the utilization of renewable energy resources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Amerik, Alexander Arbor Fuel Inc. CT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 6890 1491 1402 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912586 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Injection-molded Thermoset Shape-memory Polymers with Enhanced Acoustic Properties. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop a new material and methodology to design comfortable, custom earpieces based on shape-memory polymers. These devices are stand alone earplugs or attachments to products in three other markets - headphones, hands-free and Bluetooth devices, and hearing aids: any aural device that demands comfort and seal. The work focuses on these adaptive self-adjusting materials that conform to complex contours of the inner ear canal, are comfortable and seal well. The intellectual merit of the project is related to developing adaptive earpieces from tailored shape-memory polymers with enhanced acoustic properties. Current material solutions suffer from several drawbacks, including an inability to control the force exerted by the earpiece upon the sensitive regions of the inner ear and concurrently block out unwanted noise. This Phase I project will develop next generation self-adjusting shape-memory polymers that deliver both long term comfort and an effective seal as cost-effective one-size-fits-all devices. This project will also provide overall proof of concept for enhanced devices and generate a fundamental research knowledge base necessary to ultimately produce successful commercial devices. Due to their desirable properties, chemically crosslinked shape-memory polymers are increasingly being proposed in biomedical applications, but their broader adoption into mass markets has been limited. The novel manufacturing process, mnemosynation, developed leading up to this project enables a new class of thermoset polymers with fully recoverable strains that can be mass manufactured through traditional plastics processing techniques. Thus, the broad impact of this project is two-fold: it will lay the groundwork for future injection moldable devices of complex geometries possessing shape memory and it will establish the first links between sound attenuation and crosslinker density in shape-memory polymer earpieces. Better occlusion translates into lower required listening volumes on devices such as earphones, Bluetooth hands free devices and hearing aids. This will be the first commercial proving ground for the mnemosynation manufacturing process and pave the way for a new generation of mass producible customizable ergonomic plastics with tunable shape memory properties. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Duncan, Brent Syzygy Memory Plastics GA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99991 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912589 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Dynamic Predictive Maintenance System for Mitigating CSO & SSO. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project develops a cost effective solution to the sewer overflow hazard within combined sewer systems and sanitary sewer systems. Specifically, the complexity and dynamic nature of the wastewater system presents significant challenges for maintenance. Underlying the maintenance policy development is an engineering trade-off: over-maintenance incurs unnecessary maintenance costs and under-maintenance incurs a greater overflow risk. The proposed solution introduces novel technology innovations which address the limitation in both the reliability and economic feasibility of current blockage detection approaches. Reliably predicting blockage locations will mitigate the risk with minimal maintenance requirements. The proposed project develops the technology innovations for implementing a Dynamic Predictive Maintenance System (DPMS) which allows municipal wastewater utilities to institute a just-in-time maintenance program for mitigating combined sewer overflows (CSO) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSO). Based on the Environmental Protection Agency 2004 Congressional Report, well over 34 thousand sewer overflows occur annually within the United States resulting in spillage in excess of 850 billion gallons of untreated wastewater. In Charlotte, North Carolina, over 400 sanitary sewer overflows occurred in 2007 within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities service area resulting in 1.6 million gallons of wastewater overflow. The overflows are predominantly caused by blockages. The blockages cause wastewater to spill out of manholes onto streets, public/private property or into waterways. Overflows result in property damage, environmental problems, and, in severe cases, public health and safety hazards. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Howitt, Ivan InfoSense Inc NC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912597 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes for making highly efficient water separation membranes for ultralow sulfur diesel fuels. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a novel membrane based on functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes. This membrane will radically outperform conventional membranes used for water separation from ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). Water present in ULSD forms highly stable emulsions which are very difficult to separate. There is a critical need for water separation from ULSD in diesel-vehicles because water drastically reduces the engines' durability and efficiency. Conventional membranes cannot destabilize these emulsions completely. Most importantly, these membranes perform differently over the range of ULSDs available. Surface chemistry of the fibers is critical for obtaining the optimal wetting behavior required for separation of such fuel-water systems. Multi-walled carbon nanotube surface chemistry will be used as a parameter for controlling the water-ULSD separation performance of the membrane. If successful, this would solve that long standing problem in the fuel industry and would also pave the way for subsequent products for water separation from liquids (e.g. biodiesels) which form highly stable emulsions with water. In the short term, this innovation would yield significant benefits for the ULSD vehicular industry by reducing the engines' maintenance and operational costs, while in the long term it would fulfill the challenging liquid-liquid separation needs of, among others, our chemical and pharmaceutical industries. On a broader scale, the potential commercial, societal, and scientific & technological benefits are numerous and profound. The commercial yields from this research and development involve setting a patent-protected standard for water separation from ULSD in a potential annual market of $3 billion in the US diesel-road-vehicular niche alone. Additional large ULSD markets are likely to arise in non-road and locomotive and marine sectors (mandated by 2014), and biofuels. Adaptations of this core liquid-liquid separation to related needs provide significant opportunities also. The societal benefits include cleaner fuel and air, longer injector/engine life, better combustion of ULSD, lower maintenance costs, new jobs, enabling use of high-sulfur fuel reserves, more efficient combustion of biofuels, products for export, and much more. Finally, Seldon's science team is building a deep understanding of MWCNT characteristics such as dispersion within its water filtration products, the fuel work potential here, and elsewhere. New functionalization and media fabrication strategies that Seldon will develop in this research project with this novel water-ULSD separation membrane and other efforts are all yielding a portfolio of expertise available to address broad issues, known and still to be identified. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bajpai, Vardhan Seldon Laboratories, LLC VT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99853 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912601 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Food Antioxidants (AOs) With or Without Estrogenic Activity (EA). This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will confirm that it is feasible to identify food antioxidants (AOs) to make formulations that have no detectable estrogenic activity (EA) or anti-EA (EA-Free) or have well-specified levels of EA (EA-Specified AO formulations). This project is innovative because food AOs have not previously been examined for levels of EA, especially after common-use-stresses of sterilizing or microwaving. CertiChem is uniquely qualified to develop and commercialize EA-free/EA-specified AO formulations because of its exclusive patents and experience in bringing EA-Free products to market. The broader impacts of this research are that CertiChem's data show that most current food AOs have EA in unknown concentrations. CertiChem proposes to develop AO formulations that are EA-Free or have well-specified levels of EA. Chemicals having EA at concentrations used in foodstuffs (mM to uM) often have adverse effects on mammals, including humans. Fetal or juvenile mammals are especially sensitive to effects of chemicals having EA at very low dosages (nM to pM concentrations). Conversely, some conditions in adult humans (e.g., menopause, some cancers or abnormalities of the prostate) are probably ameliorated by chemicals having well-specified levels of EA. CertiChem is raising consumer awareness by actively working with NGOs and legislators to educate the public on health risks or benefits associated with chemicals that have EA. Significant consumer demand for EA-Free products or EA-Specified products is already observed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yang, Cathy CertiChem, Inc TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99884 5371 BIOT 9109 9102 6890 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912603 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Cable-Driven Manipulator for Light Manufacturing and Service Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project focuses on the development of several technical capabilities for the class of open-frame, cable-driven robots and demonstrates these capabilities in a practical boat maintenance application. To-date such robots have largely remained laboratory curiosities, despite their potential for affording a large work volume in a light-weight, low-cost package. The proposer intends to advance this robotic technology along specific technical avenues, including work volume enhancement, force control, vibration resistance and tool orientation dexterity, in order to demonstrate the fitness of this class of robots for wide and productive application as machine tools. The work program will include conceptual design of the robot and the provisions for end-effectors, control system design, and lab-based testing. The targeted innovations will advance the design and applications of cable-driven robots to support machine automation in areas ignored by traditional robotic systems. They will foster the spread of commercially valuable automation technology and reduce the use of labor in dirty, dangerous and arduous tasks by lowering the cost, capability and work space barriers to the acceptance of robots in light manufacturing and service industry settings. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lovell, Gilbert Advanced Technology and Research Corporation MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99941 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912604 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Seismic Inertial Data Fusion. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project provides the foundational work for a novel data fusion method that corrects rotational effects in seismic data. After further refinement in a Phase II program, the method will enable a commercially-viable data fusion sensor package that streams digital rotationally-corrected seismic signals for infrastructure monitoring and seismic networks. The project includes the implementation of a patent-pending correction method followed by multi-axis shake table (MAST) testing of algorithm performance as measured by key technical and market metrics. The project fills a significant research and market gap; no automated correction scheme has been demonstrated or introduced to the market despite the numerous research studies by major customers that describe and quantify the problem. The project addresses a known problem that is considered one of most significant unsolved problems in seismic sensors and instrumentation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will directly impact the following markets and civic applications: seismic networks, earthquake hazard mitigation, structural health monitoring, structural design, building construction and site evaluation, actuarial and risk assessment, tsunami warning systems, forensic seismology and post-earthquake emergency management. The addressable market size of the proposed Phase I innovation is $35-65M/year. The innovation has a clear market foundation based on concrete, demonstrated needs that are currently unmet due to a widely recognized but unsolved problem in the current products sold to customers today. The innovation will enable a substantial improvement to the seismic and structural monitoring infrastructure by filling a major gap in the existing instrumentation marketplace. A successful commercial outcome of this project will improve the accuracy of tsunami warnings, assist in the protection of major infrastructure, and find immediate application in reducing the human and economic cost of earthquakes. With this project the team wants to lead the transformation of the seismic sensor market away from simple physical sensors and toward compound data fusion devices that synthesize data from multiple physical devices. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Canuteson, Eric Metrozet, LLC CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99077 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912615 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Fully Integrated Seamless Protein Production and Purification System. This small business innovation research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at demonstrating the technical feasibility of building an automated system for the large-scale production of recombinant proteins. The design criteria is for a device that provides for low cost, high throughput production at bench-scale as well as having the flexibility for a fully automated commercial-scale production system. In the Phase I portion of the project, a point-to-point construction format will be used to model the concept and demonstrate the technical feasibility of coupling the upstream biomass production with the downstream protein purification into a seamless production system. A key enabling facet of the design concept is the integration of Athena's novel expression system for the production of recombinant proteins. The broader impacts of this research are for lower production cost of recombinant proteins. The production and purification of proteins remains a rate-limiting step for basic and applied research as well as for commercial production. The general approach for producing large quantities of recombinant protein involves multiple steps that are physically and functionally separated. Consequently, it is a labor intensive process that is not readily amenable to parallel or high throughput operations. One means of addressing this is by linking the processes together; yet no system is available where the cell culturing and protein purification operations are coupled into one integrated fully-automated system. The device envisioned here will solve this by allowing for the automated large-scale production of recombinant proteins in a seamless system. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Broedel, Sheldon Athena Environmental Sciences, Inc. MD Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9184 6890 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912617 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Customizable Meniscus Implant Prepared by dielectrophoretic Biofabrication. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a prototype meniscal implant using bacterial cellulose and a novel biofabrication process, dielectrophoretic microweaving. Nanocellulose networks produced by the bacteria Acetobacter xylinum are biomaterials with unique hydrogel-like properties and biocompatibility that is ideal for cartilage tissue replacement. For applications such as meniscus there is however need to direct the nanofibril orientation. A new biofabrication process has been invented at Virginia Tech in which the precise control of bacterial motion in an electric field is used to control morphology of the nanocellulose network. In this project a microweaver, a device to manufacture customizable meniscus implants based on images from patients will be developed. This will be a major breakthrough in biomaterials for orthopedics applications. The broader impact of this project is technology for inexpensive but high performance, biocompatible materials for health care. Over 15 million people worldwide suffer from knee-joint failure each year. More than 225,000 people annually undergo arthroscopic meniscal repair at an average cost of $25,000 each. There are no satisfactory products on the market today and there is an urgent need for a new biomaterial that mimics properties of natural meniscus. By developing a meniscal implant that can substitute for the injured native meniscus, it may be possible to diminish the prevalence of osteoarthritis and its related economic costs. BC Genesis LLC is a biomedical start-up company working with technology for developing implants and tissue scaffolds by using bacteria to grow cellulose biomaterial. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gatenholm, Paul BC Genesis VA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912622 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Sustainable Polyesters for Foams. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop new sustainable, biodegradable polyester materials that will replace many currently-used petrochemical polymer plastics. Polymer Phases, Inc. (PPI) has developed biodegradable materials based on byproducts of bio-fuels. These materials can be somewhat water sensitive and sticky, not unlike many natural polymers. We have found, with modification in the synthetic process, polymers can be dry at room temperature and resistance and toughness properties improved through application processing. The purpose of this proposal is to study the effect of adding materials to these sustainable, biodegradable materials, varying the synthetic process, and changing the composition to see if the polymers will exhibit the performance to replace currently-used petrochemical-based plastics for a broader group of applications beyond adhesives. Polymer Phases, Inc. is seeking a family of polymers that can be extruded into pellets. These pellets need to be dry enough to flow like a powder. For this project's target, the customer would use the pellets to make foam sheets which could be formed into disposable food containers. During this project, PPI will form the foam sheets and compare the performance with polystyrene foam sheets. Petrochemical plastics, which are synthesized from finite supplies of petroleum resources, do not degrade in the environment and therefore contribute to the global accumulation of waste. In addition synthetic polymers are also associated with a number of documented health risks, including cancer, inflammation, and reproductive and endocrine disorders. There is a critical need for alternatives to current synthetic petrochemical polymers. Polymer Phases' unique materials will replace many conventional petrochemical-based polymers, which are derived from non-renewable sources, and which rely heavily on expensive and potentially toxic cross-linkers. PPI's products have potential applications ranging from disposable, biodegradable foams, insulation, bottles, plastic wares, packaging, coatings, plasticizers, film, and biomedical devices. The monomers utilized in PPI's unique synthesis method are non-toxic, renewable materials, and their resulting polyester pre-polymer products are easily biodegraded. Beyond the environmental and health benefits, PPI believes their unique production methods can be developed to yield polymers that are cost-competitive to petroleum raw material polymer products, with mechanical and performance attributes equal to or better than, bio-based or renewable polymers. Activities within this project will be integrated into existing educational programs (such as the Co-op internship) at Drexel University. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bigwood, Michael Polymer Phases Inc. PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912623 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Fast, High-Precision Model-Based Deformable Mirror Calibration and Control in Adaptive Optics. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project provides a significant advancement of the state of the art in fast, high-precision calibration and control of deformable mirrors for adaptive optics (AO)applications. This is accomplished by the development of a detailed nonlinear model of deformable mirror performance and fast solvers for the differential equations that describe the situation. Inverse techniques are utilized in the calibration process and fast solvers are used in the control. This approach provides enhanced performance over conventional approaches which assume that the deformable mirror is linear and only approximately solves the differential equations involved in two important ways. The first is that convergence in closed loop operation will be accelerated and the second is that accurate open loop control is available. The two major results of the proposed effort, accurate calibration and high-precision control of deformable mirrors, will be demonstrated by using the appropriate level of analysis and simulation. The team will concentrate in applying these advances to extra solar planet detection. The commercial impact of this work will be significant as it will facilitate the application of AO technology to areas that are unavailable today such as laser communications, biomedical imaging, consumer electronics, surveillance, and solar energy. Although the purpose of the proposed work is to bring this capability to market the scientific merits of this work are significant in their own right. Since this effort develops fast solvers to differential equations and solving an inverse problem that leads to the practical calibration and control of hardware there is little doubt these techniques have scientific merit and will be useful in these areas. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tyler, Glenn the Optical Sciences Company CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99936 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912626 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Intelligent Sensors for Health Management. This SBIR Phase I research proposal will develop intelligent sensors for structural state sensing. It will demonstrate the feasibility of a successful intelligent structural state sensor concept. The advantage of this approach is that, unlike traditional sensors, this technology does not require lead wires for signal interrogation, which overcomes one of the limitations for distributed sensing arrays required for structural health monitoring. The proposed sensors can be queried in real-time, making real-time strain or damage state monitoring possible. Furthermore, these sensors can be customized to sense various parameters including strain, temperature, moisture, and damage. The sensor size and distribution can be easily varied to create very large scale, distributed sensing systems. Finally, the separation of the sensors from the sensing system permits lower-cost solutions by making the sensors easily replaceable while keeping the sensing system in a protected environment. The goal of structural health monitoring (SHM) in aerospace applications is to use in situ sensing of internal and external state variables for optimizing real-time structural performance and for condition monitoring based maintenance. This technology allows for a new range of sensors to be developed for a host of parameters of interest and for a variety of applications. Such SHM systems can lead to lower maintenance costs, increase performance envelops, and prevent catastrophic failure. While initial commercial applications will be in the aerospace sector, the technology can be easily adapted for other structures. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pandey, Gajendra RK Composites Inc. OK Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99894 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912627 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Simple, Robust, Low Cost Tool to Quantify Stable Isotopes in Organic Molecules: Enabling Easy Access to Compound Source, Pathway, and Biokinetic Studies. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will combine the capabilities of Picarro's WS-CRDS (wavelength-scanned cavity ring down spectroscopy) instrumentation with Gas Chromatography (GC) - Combustion (C) technology. This new high-precision, but low cost analyzer will simultaneously measure hydrogen (D/H) and carbon (13C/12C) isotope ratios of organic molecules and provides critical insight into underlying biochemical processes. One important application is the administration of deuterium- and/or 13C-labeled organic compounds to a subject and the use of isotopic ratio monitoring to track the fate of the labeled compound across time and body tissues. Such high-precision measurements are currently obtained with Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers (IRMS), which are too large, expensive, and laborintensive for wide use. In addition, two separate IRMS systems are needed for simultaneous hydrogen and carbon isotopic measurements. Picarro's GC-C-CRDS analyzer will be a high-precision, small, and inexpensive single-system replacement for IRMS to quantify both hydrogen and carbon isotopes. The broader impact of this research is the cost reduction in health care through the advancement of preventative medicine by enabling the large-scale use of stable isotopes as tracers for metabolic research studies and medical diagnosis (insulin resistance, for instance) through the availability of an inexpensive and high-performance isotopic analyzer for clinical deployment and the subsequent possibility of fast, local, advanced medical testing and diagnosis in remote and economically disadvantaged communities. After establishing the GC-C-CRDS analyzer in research laboratories with this grant, Picarro intends to extend its presence to hospitals, clinics, and biopharmaceutical laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Saad, Nabil PICARRO INC CA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 99838 5371 BIOT 9184 6890 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912629 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Combinatorial, controlled, and timed release of parylene encapsulated anti-cancer therapeutics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on enhancing combinatorial and timed release of drugs for the localized treatment of cancer. Currently there are few solutions for localized elimination of tumor cells following surgical removal of breast cancer (lumpectomy). There is a real unmet need for minimally invasive devices that locally deliver a cocktail of drugs in a sustained and safe fashion. We propose to develop an implantable polymer-based microfilm device for the release of Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine that is non-toxic, comfortable and cosmetically acceptable to the patient. The broader Impacts of this research are: - Establishment of a multidisciplinary initiative that integrates expertise in biology, materials science/engineering and nanotechnology to address an unmet medical need. - Enhancements in breast cancer treatment, coupled with downstream opportunities to treat a broader array of other diseases that are expected to improve patient outcomes globally. - Economic value through new market creation, product development and clinical applications - Biotic Laboratories has a strong relationship with educational institutions (high schools and universities) in the LA and Chicago area and has engaged intern activity as part of its start-up activities. In general, new entrepreneurial companies such as Biotic serve as both economic growth engines and inspiration to a future generation of scientists and engineers. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pierstorff, Erik Biotic Laboratories CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 98328 5371 BIOT 9184 6890 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912640 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Large-Scale Social Network Analysis Software Services for the Telecommunications Industry. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the potential of using call log data to assist the telecommunications industry in better serving its customers. Call logs (records of who called whom) can be viewed as social networks, with phone numbers representing vertices and phone calls representing edges. Understanding a customer's social network can potentially provide a much better understanding of their behavior and preference. The technical challenge of this project is both statistical and computational. As the telecommunications industry serves a very large number of customers, their data sets are massive. In the single month, for example, a major telecommunications provider logged 12 billion phone calls made between 250 million phone numbers. The technical objectives are: 1) to further develop s nascent computational platform for extremely large-scale network analysis, and 2) to validate algorithms and procedures, which quantify the effectiveness of operator marketing campaigns. The goal is to create s software-and-services product offering designed to leverage telecom companies' own call logs to help them better value, serve and retain their customers. It is believed that the telecommunications industry has overlooked the richest data in their possession: the call logs themselves. A telecommunications operator has information not just on individuals, but on their calling behavior, their communities, and their communities' calling behavior. A single major operator typically serves over 15 million customers; given the sheer number of subscribers, operators must rely on statistical analysis to monitor customer satisfaction and to anticipate customer needs. Enhancing this knowledge will allow them to optimize their product marketing, to improve their customer care strategies, to more efficiently use their advertising budget, and to anticipate "churn," the cessation of service. The mobile phone market currently reaches over 4 billion subscribers globally. While the past decade has seen significant growth, most markets have reached saturation; mobile phone operators now are shifting their focus from growth to efficient customer retention strategies. This shift in strategy presents an opportunity to apply data mining techniques to call logs, a rich resource that to date has remained unused by the industry. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Eagle, Nathan NDM Labs NM Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912642 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Electro-Optically Tunable Diode Lasers for Sensing Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will reduce mechanical external-cavity diode lasers to a centimeter-sized waveguide chip using a novel giant electro-optic effect. The device, a waveguide external-cavity semiconductor laser (WECSL), will be environmentally robust, compact, entirely electro-optic and capable of continuous, mode-hop-free tuning of 100 nm in 500 ms. The laser will also exhibit a side-mode-suppression ratio of 40 dB and a (fast) line width of ~100 kHz. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project will be a low-cost technology platform of WECSLs, and their precision performance specifications will enable laser-based sensors to assume a prominent role in commercial applications. In biophotonics, tunable lasers can replace broadband light sources and enhance the performance of optical coherence tomography instruments that measure the tissue layers in the human retina and the vascular system. Distributed fiber sensing arrays greatly benefit from tunable lasers that probe Bragg sensors spaced along the fiber. Distributed fiber sensors needing low-cost tunable lasers are being developed for chemical and biological sensing, pressure sensing, and vibration, strain and temperature sensing. Low-cost tunable lasers are also needed for environmental sensing of toxic industrial compounds and safety monitoring for lower explosive limits in mining and other industrial operations. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, Mike VESCENT PHOTONICS INCORPORATED CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912649 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: An Indoor/Outdoor Robotic Air Vehicle for Emergency Response. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop underlying technologies that will enable Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) to navigate inside houses and buildings. This technology, applied to emergency response situations, will save the lives of police officers, victims, and suspects. Emergency response teams have been slow to adopt unmanned systems to aid in hostage situations, search and rescue, fire fighting, and armed standoffs. The impediment is the capabilities of the available unmanned system. Available ground robots are halted by rough terrain, large steps, and closed doors. Current UAVs can only be used outdoors. If UAVs could also take on indoor applications, they would surpass the capabilities of the ground robots as UAVs can traverse over any terrain, over any step, and enter and exit a building through any opening (including high windows). The technologies needed to enable for small UAVS to perform indoor missions are: indoor flight control and safety around people, which are the areas of the research proposed. This project will prevent the loss of life in dangerous situations by reducing emergency response teams' exposure to lethal situations, by increasing the amount of situational information available to emergency response teams, by reducing the level of anxiety of besieged suspects, and by allowing remote inspection of places and things that are harmful to humans. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greiner, Helen The Droid Works, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99865 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 6890 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912660 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Plasma Thermograms for Disease Detection and Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop and commercialize a powerful new diagnostic assay platform for quantitative analysis of plasma from human blood using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The platform will form the basis for generating novel high-throughput diagnostic assays requiring minimal sample handling and processing that can be performed in an hour on a single drop of blood. Output is in the form of a melting curve, or thermogram. Each thermogram provides a highly sensitive and specific signature for a variety of disease states including various cancers, auto-immune and infectious diseases. Thermograms establish a powerful new vista from which to view plasma diagnostics and provide an excellent complement to more traditional plasma diagnostic methods (electrophoresis and mass spectrometry) that separate plasma/serum proteins based on their mass and charge. The broader impacts of this research stem from the multiplicity of applications provided by the platform to be developed. These applications include: (1) Early stage disease detection, (2) Distinction between different stages of disease, remission and relapse (disease progression), (3) Assessing effects of therapeutic regimens and therapeutic monitoring, and (4) Identification of therapeutic targets for drug development (i.e. biomarker discovery). The universal platform provided by the plasma thermogram technology allows for the capability of detecting, diagnosing and monitoring a variety of very important diseases with high, unmet medical needs. This provides a multi-billion dollar opportunity for the commercialized plasma thermogram technology platform and diagnostic assays. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brewood, Greg Louisville Bioscience, Inc. KY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99801 5371 BIOT 9150 9107 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912664 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Real time optical control system for thin film solar cell manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project relates to a real-time optical control system in the manufacture of next generation thin film solar cells and panels. The proposed system improves thin film solar cell manufacturing by improving the quality of the individual solar cells and panels. It allows manufacturing of more consistent and uniform products resulting in higher solar conversion efficiency and manufacturing yield. The proposed system uses patented miniature fiber optic sensors, installed at many locations in the film deposition chambers. They monitor different spots on the substrate and obtain real time measurements of film properties. The system compares the measured with the targeted values and provides immediate correction, improving film uniformity and narrowing material property distribution. It returns most of the products to their targeted specification, which would otherwise be rejected. This proposal will reduce waste and improve the manufacturing yield and the conversion efficiency of thin film solar cells and panels. It has specific benefits for the large-size solar panels, which are manufactured at higher cost today due to insufficient manufacturing yield. The proposed technology will reduce the time it takes for solar panels to reach grid parity with traditional energy sources. The proposed technology will also facilitate the development of numerous other applications for next generation thin film based products such as photonic crystals, nanotechnology, meta-materials, multi-junction solar cells, printing and counterfeiting control. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Atanasoff, George AccuStrata Incorporated MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912667 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: An RF Radiation Empowered Sensing Method for Low Cost Structural State Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project addresses distributed structural integrity monitoring of infrastructure systems such as bridges and pipelines. The existing solutions for structural state sensing are expensive, labor intensive, non-scalable, and unreliable. The focus of this project is to determine the feasibility of an innovative, cost effective, non-intrusive, and scalable structural-state sensing technology known as Active RF Test (ART). The ART technology is based on the use of mechanically flexible patch-like wireless sensor devices that can be attached to distributed points of a structure. ART uses RF energy delivered from an in-network energy source to the sensors. Because the ART sensor patches will be battery-less, they will be durable and environment-friendly. The expected outcomes of this project are a novel battery-less power system for the ART patch sensors including a receive and rectifier antenna and a thin film super-capacitor as the energy storage medium, an energy-efficient wakeup scheduling scheme, in which the active duty cycles of the sensors are synchronized for correlated measurements, and a proof-of-concept prototype of a flexible ART patch sensor. According to the National Bridge Inventory database, the US transportation infrastructure has 589,540 bridges, of which 68,571 are structurally deficient. The report also indicates that more than 80% of deficient bridges are more than 30 years old. Other infrastructures such as energy pipelines also suffer from aging. There are more than 2.3 million miles of domestic oil and gas pipelines, of which 30% are more than 50 years old. As demonstrated by the Minnesota bridge collapse of 2007, aging infrastructures poses a significant societal challenge. The unique features of the proposed ART technology ? easy installation, low cost, scalability, energy self sufficiency, and durability ? make it an ideal response to this challenging problem. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Khandani, Mehdi Resensys, LLC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99700 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912668 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Lower Cost Carbon-Carbon Composites Densified by Microwave Heating. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the need for more cost effective, carbon/carbon (C/C) composites with improved properties. Microwave processing will be investigated to enhance densification of C/C composites traditionally produced by lengthy chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) processes that are known to be very costly. The innovation is to utilize microwave processing to produce temperature gradients within individual components, such that it will be possible to preferentially densify from the inside-out thus reducing densification times and potentially improving material properties. Materials Focus has developed technology that enables microwave heating of electrically conductive carbon fiber performs at low pressures in hydrocarbon environments without arcing that results in sooting and preferential heating at the soot deposits. This program will continue this research to achieve the best microwave equipment design/setup and to optimize processing parameters to demonstrate significantly shorter CVI times. Composites will be densified and characterized to assess progression of densification, measure strength, and provide an evaluation of the cost benefits over traditional CVI processing techniques. It is anticipated that densification times will be significantly reduced without detrimentally affecting the properties of the C/C composites. High specific strength C/C composites have been used for decades in high technology applications. The development of lower cost, higher strength C/C composites would be enabling to a multitude of industries requiring high performance friction components as well as aerospace and defense applications necessary for national defense. This includes aircraft brakes, clutch plates, rocket nozzles, and gas turbine engine components. As the cost of carbon and graphite fibers is escalating, lower cost processing techniques are required to make these materials more cost effective. The microwave CVI process is better than conventional CVI since it has potential to significantly reduce processing times which could result in substantial manufacturing processing cost reductions and improved composite properties. An additional benefit of microwave processing to society is that it is environmentally friendly and typically results in energy savings. The scientific value will arise from improved understanding of the interaction of microwaves with different materials and how microwave equipment design is critical for the heating of high electrical conductivity materials. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bracamonte, Lori MATERIALS FOCUS INC AZ Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1984 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912671 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Supercapacitors Based on Nano-engineered Electrodes. This SBIR Phase I research proposal will develop a novel super-capacitor that will have two times the energy density and ten times the power density of the best conventional carbon-based super-capacitors. This will be achieved by fabricating a nano-engineered electrode comprising of core/shell fibrils with Titanium Carbide (TiC) as an inner core and Carbide-Derived Carbon (CDC) as a shell. This novel core/shell nano-structured electrode material combines the recent breakthroughs in fabricating one-dimensional metal carbides and precision pore size engineering of carbide-derived carbon materials. Due to the metallic conductivity of the TiC core, the proposed electrode inherently possesses high electrical conductivity allowing fast transport of electrons. Moreover, this new electrode design not only eliminates the use of a current collector but also drastically reduces contact resistance. The use of nano-engineered CDC shells provides ideal electrode structure properties of high surface area, tunable pore size and uniform pore size distribution, achieving high energy density. Super-capacitors are indispensable energy storage devices because their performance bridges those of batteries and conventional capacitors. The most significant challenges to realizing super-capacitors are to dramatically increase their energy density and power density. The proposed superior super-capacitors will meet the needs of quickly growing markets of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), city buses, rails (heavy rail vehicles, tramways and metro), and renewable energy systems (wind power and solar applications). This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Kuiyang Agiltron Incorporated MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99969 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912672 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A novel SWIR/MWIR monolithic electro-optical sensor for manportable applications for day/night surveillance. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a novel electro-optical day/night vision sensor for man-portable surveillance applications. The proposed solid-state imager comprises of a monolithic focal plane array with an absorber that can detect mid-wave infrared (i.e., thermal) and SWIR radiation. This concept will require the development of a type-II semiconductor absorber material of InGaAs/GaAsSb quantum wells superlattice structures grown on InP substrates with low dark current. The processing of the device will use the company's established InGaAs/InP-based photodiode array technology platform. The combination of excellent epitaxial growth and low dark current processing technology is anticipated to yield a high sensitivity imager. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project will be a multi-spectral imager that will augment conventional SWIR imaging capability (low light level identification, imaging of near-infrared lasers, imaging through glass and atmospheric obscurants) by adding MWIR thermal detection capability. The use of a single focal plane array will drastically reduce cost, system size, and weight and will consume less power compared to fused imaging systems with dedicated sensors for each wavelength band. The imager developed for this project would require only modest cooling (~250K) using solid-state thermoelectric coolers reducing size weight and power of the imager enabling man-portable applications. Along with these improvements, the reduction in cost enables many commercial applications such as perimeter security, law enforcement, border and homeland security, and fire fighting. In other commercial markets, applications include high-resolution molecular spectroscopy, trace gas monitoring, air pollution analysis, wind shear measurement, non-invasive and medical diagnostics. Military applications include target identification and detection, laser designation detection, passive and active night vision, infrared thermal sensors, long stand-off reconnaissance and surveillance from UAVs and airships, helmet mounted night vision systems and remote sensing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Onat, Bora Princeton Lightwave, Inc. NJ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99935 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912683 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Development of Silicon Carbide Power Device and Circuit CAD Tools and Prototyping of SiC Based Power Converters for Hybrid Vehicles and Power Electronic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is focused on developing computer aided design (CAD) tools for the design of state-of-the-art Silicon Carbide (SiC) Power Double-Diffused Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect-Transistor (DMOSFET) and Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) based electric power-conversion systems for hybrid and all-electric commercial and military vehicles. These tools will aid device manufacturers and power conversion system designers, to develop high power, energy-efficient, and light-weight, power converters using SiC power devices. These devices are capable of working at extremely high temperatures and power levels that are beyond the theoretical limits of currently used Silicon power semiconductors. Use of this technical know-how and tool set for designing novel power conversion systems for automobiles will play a direct role in reducing green-house gases in the atmosphere. This project will assist the design of energy efficient, ultra-low emission, and environmentally friendly automobiles. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Potbhare, Siddharth CoolCAD Electronics MD William Haines Standard Grant 99984 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912687 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Determining the Manufacturing Limit on Thickness and Size (length and width) of a Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Bipolar Plate for PEM Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will expand manufacturing technology research into the limits of employing Metal Injection Molding (MIM) materials for fuel cell metal bipolar plates. The objective is to determine the design limits of a MIM bipolar plate, based on minimal thickness and widths. By working with various MIM materials and processes, a limitation based on manufacturing data will provide support for future MIM bipolar plate designs. This research is important since minimizing the MIM materials will drive the economic success of future fuel cells by significantly reducing costs. The successful outcome of this project will expand the knowledge base of metal injection molding processing which efficiently avoids metal waste by eliminating machining operations. The MIM process in bipolar plates will also augment the economic viability of fuel cells by reducing their cost, increasing reliability, and improving performance. As fuel cells continue to grow in volume, more efficient use of our fuels will result. Fuel cells are 40% to 60% efficient versus other power sources using various fuels (e.g. automobiles at 25%). Thus, the consequence of growing hydrogen based fuel cells is a reduction in green house gases which will reduce or avoid global warming issues. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Willis, Thomas Precision Energy and Technology OH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912699 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase Intelligent Software Power Management on Multicore Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and commercialize an intelligent software power management solution for multicore-based server-class systems. Existing open source and commercial power management solutions place processors into low power states to save power. Unfortunately, lower power equates to lower performance which can seriously impair the user experience or violate service level agreements for servers deployed by ISPs and others. Hence, in production environments, most data center facilities and end users with performance-sensitive missions disable power management altogether. Over the course of this project, the company will determine the technical and commercial feasibility of multicore power management in production environments. Data center operators require energy efficient servers in the data center. Data centers in the U.S. and abroad provide the technological backbone for the Internet and e-commerce. As of 2005, data centers accounted for about 2% of total U.S. energy consumption. Data center managers cite power consumption as their largest concern today since: 1) energy costs to run servers are now typically greater than acquisition costs; and 2) excessive energy use produces heat that reduces system reliability. If successful, the current effort will provide ROI in the form of 10-35% decreased energy consumption per server for end users without compromising service, performance or productivity. This effort has the potential to leverage emerging multicore technologies and migrate from research and development to the commercial, profitable marketplace. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Turner, Joseph MiserWare, Inc. VA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912703 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Microwave Sensing for Monitoring and Controlling Diesel Particulate Filter Operation. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project will investigate the feasibility of using microwaves to measure the amount, type, and distribution of material collected on filters. Filter Sensing Technologies, Inc. (FST) has targeted diesel particulate filters (DPF) as a promising application. Nearly all 2007 and newer diesel engines are equipped with DPFs to meet increasingly stringent emissions limits. The DPF is a porous ceramic substrate mounted in the exhaust, and traps up to 99% of all soot emissions. Accurate monitoring of material accumulation in the DPF is critical to ensure proper operation, minimize the associated fuel economy penalty, and avoid filter malfunctions. Current DPF monitoring systems measure the pressure drop across the filter together with sophisticated predictive soot emission algorithms. These systems are inaccurate, costly, and complex, resulting in inefficient engine operation. FST will develop an innovative microwave-based soot sensor to monitor DPF loading directly, more accurately, and with increased functionality than the current state-of-the art. The research plan will investigate the ability of this system to simultaneously detect soot and ash in the DPF and the spatial distribution of the material. Phase 1 will result in a prototype system to undergo additional field testing and development in Phase 2. The broader impacts of this research address a significant unmet need to improve filter monitoring and control. Measurement error in the current systems is reported between 30% - 50%, and increases when alternative fuels are used. More accurate DPF monitoring provides annual fuel and maintenance cost savings to the end-user between $750 and $1,350 for a typical heavy-duty truck. OEM's benefit from lower system costs, reduced warranty claims, and improved engine and DPF operation. The US DPF sensor market will generate $45 M in annual revenues in 2008, growing to $90 M by 2012. The European market is five times as large. FST's patent pending RF-sensing technologies offer improved performance and increased functionality at less than half the cost of current systems. This sensor greatly simplifies the use of DPFs in OEM and retrofit applications, significantly reducing harmful soot and greenhouse gas emissions. It increases compatibility with alternative fuels and provides fuel economy benefits to the end-user. This technology is not limited to emission control applications, but a wide range of filtration applications where monitoring the amount, type, and location of materials accumulated on filters is critical. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sappok, Alexander Filter Sensing Technologies, Inc. MA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912709 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Crono: Personalized Agents to Save Users' Time. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the problem of automating complex multi-step tasks and negotiations for computer users. The focus is on developing representations and algorithms for a personal assistant agent, and on contributing the incorporation of these algorithms into negotiating meeting times. Personal assistant agents need effective models of their users' and others' preferences, which can be highly discontinuous in time and often complex. A key part of the research is on improving user preference learning algorithms, as well as designing a representation of the learned user model to facilitate interaction with the user. Currently consumers waste significant time at work and at home interacting with applications to find information, conduct their work, connect with others, and generally organize their life. Personal assistant agents that automate tasks and negotiations based on their users' preferences, have the potential save people and businesses large amounts of time. By building a personal assistant agent platform Crono plans to focus on automating tedious multi-step tasks and interactions. The agent will, as it learns, completely remove the time burden of meetings scheduling from its users. The research promises to yield an enhanced understanding of how to learn about users, and how applications can interact with them and act on their behalf, building trust over time. If successful, the agents developed in this project will allow a new class of automated negotiation services to be fielded. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Crawford, Elisabeth Crono, LLC. PA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 9102 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912711 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Pre-clinical Development of Device to Guide Heart Recovery via Assist and Support. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on a novel therapy for heart failure that employs device mediated intervention to guide cardiac growth, remodeling, and recovery. The CorInnova device is the first to combine active cardiac assist and passive cardiac support. It is non-blood contacting, adjustable post-implantation, and can be delivered via minimally invasive surgical procedures. Hence, CorInnova's technology represents a substantial advancement from both, existing cardiac assist and existing cardiac support technologies. While the device has shown potential in limited short-term animal studies, the full capabilities and limitations of the design are as yet unknown. The research plan is aimed at determining these capabilities and limitations. The broader impacts of this research are important in the treatment of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). CHF is a debilitating condition that currently afflicts nearly 5 million Americans. Treatment costs are estimated to be in excess of $50 billion per year. For the 300,000 Americans in "end-stage heart failure", transplant is the preferred treatment option. However, the lack of donor hearts renders this treatment option "epidemiologically trivial". For most of these patients, the potential for cardiac rehabilitation is neglected. Thus, the proposed technology represents a shift in the treatment paradigm - an intervention conceived to stimulate restorative growth and remodeling processes - essentially providing rehabilitative physical therapy for the heart muscle. The versatility of the device empowers the cardiologist, providing the means for tactical intervention via adjustments to the passive support component and application of active cardiac assist. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moreno, Michael CorInnova Incorporated TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912712 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Next generation optochemical sensors for detection of growing mold. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop and employ an innovative signal amplification methodology to create highly sensitive polymer sensors that can detect mold in residential and workplace settings. One method is to detect the airborne microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC) released by growing mold. However, to be valuable any technology needs to be highly sensitive to the MVOC compounds, provide real time results, portable and inexpensive. The results of the proposed research will lead to highly sensitive sensors that can be incorporated into a handheld instrument which will regularly screen suspect areas to provide early detection and point of source mold detection in areas where mold may be present but not seen, create building histories, provide understanding of the relationship between mold and health, and promote standards relating to the levels of MVOC in workplaces and other buildings Currently mold is primarily detected through human observation - sight and smell ? however, by the time mold is detected through human observation, it has already been growing for some time in hidden or inaccessible areas, and may have caused adverse health problems and significant property damage. The proposed research will enhance the science of polymer based sensors through developing and proving a new signal amplification strategy. This same strategy can be used across many different polymer types and detection problems to enable trace detection of compounds in other applications such as security explosives) and industrial safety (toxic industrial chemicals). This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG White, Joel CogniScent, Inc. MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99700 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912719 July 15, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Multi-target, Multi-spectral Explosives Detector. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project seeks to develop a new technique for enhancing fluorescence-based detection of explosives in order to help counter the threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IED). The proposed approach will develop a highly enhanced multi-spectral band fluorescence reader and a tape-based sensing surface supply system that is generally applicable to any fluorescence-based transducer. The proposed Surface Plasmon-Coupled Emission (SPCE) can enhance fluorescence-based detection sensitivity without sacrificing utility at the cost of higher positive alarm rates. The proposed innovation imparts greater probability of detection and, at the same time, maintains or even reduces the false alarm rate. This is accomplished through significant increases in the amount of signal collected from the fluorescent transducer with the simultaneous extraction of fluorescence spectral feature information. The envisioned optical reader head takes advantage of unique plasmon-resonance effects that focus fluorescence signals in one dimension while at the same time imparting an angular dispersion of the fluorescence spectrum such that the angles of emitted light must simultaneously satisfy the boundary conditions constraints of the surface plasmon. While the initial application will be to support the fight against IEDs, the technology is generally applicable to any optically enabled detection scheme and is, thus, applicable to numerous types of analytes other than explosives. Additionally, the SPCE technique lends itself to more diverse deployment strategies than most sensitive chemical detection instruments. These include a simple array-based sensing format with multiple reporters and an automatic sensor renewal process for autonomous operation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Knobbe, Edward Advanced Photonics Group OK Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912722 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Synthesis of Hard Magnetic Nanoparticles and Fabrication of Micromagnets for MEMS Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to develop anisotropic hard magnetic nanoparticles, based on rare earth transition metal compounds, with particle size in the range of 200 nm down to 100 nm. These nanoparticles will be consolidated by screen-printing into permanent magnet structures with dimensions to bridge the gap between the permanent magnet thin films (few nanometers to a few microns) and micromachined permanent magnets (larger than 500 microns). The anisotropic hard magnetic nanopowders consolidated by screen printing can serve as small permanent magnet structures with dimensions between ten microns to hundreds of microns for various devices. The improved magnetic properties will yield enhanced performance in these applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Jinfang Electron Energy Corporation PA William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912724 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Analysis and Acceleration of Engineering Simulation and Modeling. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I proposal will research, develop and demonstrate that the performance of Engineering Simulation and Modeling applications can be dramatically improved using FPGA and GPU accelerated servers. Engineering Simulation and Modeling applications enable the design and manufacture of complex mechanical systems that incorporate material modeling, heat transfer and fluid flow. There are significant financial, time and quality benefits derived from incorporating these multi-physics computer driven simulation methods into both the design and manufacturing processes. The Intellectual Merit in Phase I of the proposed project is to demonstrate that it is feasible to achieve 10 to 30 GFLOPS of sustained performance using FPGA and GPU accelerated servers to execute real-world Engineering Modeling and Simulation applications. As simulation models grow in detail, simulation times will become an inhibiting factor to the growth of this industry. The broader impact of this proposal will be realized through the acceleration of simulations by a factor of 10 times. If the proposed work is successful, a week-long simulation will become less than a day and the work will be performed with one accelerated server rather than a rack of computers. The success of this effort carries with it significant savings in time and the cost of infrastructure. Additionally, significant environmental savings will be achieved through reduced energy costs, thermal emissions and square footage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hoare, Raymond Concurrent Electronic Design Automation, LLC PA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912730 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Low-power Real-time Java for Mission-critical Systems. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to deliver a low-power real-time Java virtual machine suitable for long-lived deeply embedded applications. The proposed system will leverage research and publicly-available open source software components and deliver a clean-room Java implementation that promises to outperform competing implementations with a dramatically reduced power and memory footprint. Embedded real time software is pervasive - it can be found in automobiles, trains, aircraft, satellites, medical devices, sensor networks, among other prevalent applications. Currently such software is written in low-level languages, which drives up costs and delays deployment. Shifting the programming model of embedded real time software towards Java would: Reduce the cost of developing software by allowing greater code reuse and giving companies access to a larger pool of programmers. If successful, the current effort will provide a new tool for embedded systems development which benefits significantly from the strengths of Java and the wide pool of talented developers that currently use Java. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pizlo, Filip Fiji Systems LLC IN Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912734 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Development of Miniature Endoscopic Imaging Probes for In Vivo Noninvasive Optical Imaging for Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project an Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging MEMS-based probe of 2.8 mm diameter will be designed and manufactured. The plan is to apply MEMS design and wire bonding free packaging techniques for miniaturization of the probe. In this MEMS design the mirror will have high fill factor and bonding pads on the opposite chip side of the reflective mirror surface. The MEMS mirror and the other optical component will be packaged into the MEMS-based probe; the probe will be attached with the existing OCT system, and then will be tested for lung imaging. The proposed MEMS-based OCT system has the potential to be a low-cost tool for rapid diagnosis or screening of lung cancer at the point of care. It is also expected that the technology could be used for other OCT systems for internal organ imaging. If successful the proposed MEMS design and wire bonding-free (WBF) packaging technique can be applied virtually to all optical imaging systems including coherence, confocal, nonlinear and adaptive optical imaging. They can also be used in laser scanning displays and optical telecommunications. This effort may lead to the world?s first MEMS-based OCT applicable to rapid diagnosis or screening of lung cancer at the point of care (e.g., bedside or office). Due to its low-cost and disposable nature, it is particularly suitable for field use without the need of sterilization equipments. Although the focus of this proposal is on a MEMS based endoscopic OCT system for bronchoscopy, the key technology developed can be adapted for other compact OCT systems for internal organ imaging. The MEMS-based endoscopic OCT probe is applicable to diagnosis and image-guided surgery of various internal cancers such as prostate, colon, rectal, and gastro-intestinal cancers. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guo, Shuguang WiOptix, Inc. FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99987 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912735 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Bent-Core Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals for Nonlinear-Optic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to examine the feasibility of developing a new class of bent-core NLO ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) capable of advanced, low cost, laser light sources for displays on the basis of their strong second harmonic generation (SHG). These materials will also have large electro-optic (EO) coefficients and can be readily integrated with silicon VLSI, enabling their use in high-bandwidth chip-to-chip data transfer, optical long-haul, and fiber-to-the-home telecommunications. This SBIR Phase I project will advance the scientific and technological understanding of a new class of bent-core NLO ferroelectric liquid crystals. This innovation will enable advanced optoelectronic products across multiple markets, including laser illuminators for projection display, high-speed integrated EO modulators (e.g. >100GHz), switches for optical interconnects and telecommunications, and sensors and devices for optical information processing. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Yongqiang Displaytech Incorporated CO William Haines Standard Grant 0 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912743 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Low-Impact Magnesium Production by Solid Oxide Membrane Electrolysis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a mathematical model of the Solid Oxide Membrane (SOM) electrolysis process for producing magnesium metal from its oxide. This model will simulate fluid flow and heat and mass transfer in the SOM process in order to provide a design tool for an industrial-scale SOM reactor for magnesium production. Experiments performed by the subcontractor at Boston University will validate the model and help to tune its parameters. The mathematical model will also couple to a cost model in order to predict various costs including energy, capital and raw materials and determine the most cost-effective size and configuration of the industrial-scale process. If successful, this will be the first industrial process to produce metal and oxygen from metal oxides in one step with no carbon or chlorine anywhere in the process. This model will also be useful for assessing the fitness of the SOM process to producing other metals. Magnesium is the lowest-density engineering metal and third most abundant metal in the earth's crust with good strength and stiffness. But high and fluctuating prices have prevented its broad utilization in motor vehicles and other applications. Auto makers led by the U.S. Big Three are seeking to increase the magnesium alloy content of vehicles from 10-15 lbs/vehicle to 350 lbs/vehicle by 2020, replacing 650 lbs/vehicle of steel and aluminum parts. This will increase fleet fuel economy by 1.5-2 miles per gallon, reducing annual petroleum import expenditures by about $20 billion. In addition to magnesium's impact on vehicle efficiency, the straightforward and efficient SOM process will likely use much less energy than is used to produce aluminum, and its magnesium product may rival the raw material cost of the steel and aluminum which it replaces. This could lead to a new magnesium economy taking full advantage of its light weight and ease of manufacturing in products from bicycles to refrigerators to trucks. Furthermore, the SOM process can likely reduce the cost and environmental impact of producing other metals such as titanium, copper, and tantalum leading to a new primary metals industrial ecology. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Powell, Adam Metal Oxygen Separations Technologies LLC MA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912756 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Hugebrow Lite, A Participatory Human Genome Browser for Mobile Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on creating a 3-dimensional human genome visualization for education and exhibition. The platform will be a 3-D visualization software toolkit designed to explore the genome's structure and function in the context of the entire body. It will also ease the difficulty of genomic and proteomic searches. The toolkit will use public data to interactively present and build pathways from gene to phenotype. Currently, no genomic software incorporates the molecular movement capability of software tools into animated processes of gene expression. In addition, no software takes the powerful dataset integration of applications to create powerful 3-D visuals. Biochemical, medical, and genetic researchers lack intuitive software to input data-rich files and automatically output genetic pathways. The team envisions a tool that will accept keyword search terms, like a trait name, and show all related regulatory molecules and pathways. This would provide users with an efficient visual map on a particular genetic topic, which could then be used to focus deeper investigation. By showing how somatic concepts connected through the integrated workings of the genome, the team will create a visualization tool for research, media production, and education. If successful, this platform will find a wide array application across industry and education sectors. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Perez-Sweeney, Beatriz Hugebrow NY Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912758 July 15, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Virtual Flow Pipelining Based Radio Communication Chip Architecture. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This SBIR Phase I research proposal will develop architectural solutions for programmable radio devices. The emergence of multiple radio access technologies and their continued evolutionary development drive a need to support them in a programmable manner. The objective is to enable flexibility for future evolution while ensuring processing of high data bandwidths. Current practices are based on the Software Defined Radio (SDR) approach. This approach lacks performance, is difficult to program and silicon-on-chip (SoC) devices are complex. The Virtual Flow Pipelining architecture proposed here enables programmable SoC devices with low hardware complexity, simple programming model, and high performance. These characteristics are achieved using atomic architectural support for the function synchronization, scheduling, sequencing and communication with performance guarantees. The benefits of the programmable platform are longer lifetime of devices, faster time to market, and universal reach. It will simplify prototyping effort, and accelerate product and technology adoption. The market opportunities for commercialization are wireless protocol IP cores with semiconductor companies such as Intel, Broadcom, Qualcomm as target customers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Miljanic, Zoran MultiFlow Communications NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99500 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912765 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Development of novel SMP-based embolic coils. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop the next generation of vascular embolization coils using proprietary shape memory polymer (SMP) technology. Coils are used to occlude or isolate vessels for treatment of malformations, hemorrhage and tumor isolation. Current metal coils are expensive, cannot effectively occlude large vessels, and exhibit limitations resulting in long procedures. EndoShape's (ESI) SMP technologies promise to significantly reduce device cost, reduce procedure time, achieve large vessel closure, while enabling a broad set of medical procedures. This project leverages previous material research from the University of Colorado, combined with ESI's ongoing development work on device design and SMP manufacturing technology. To optimize design, we focus on: resistance to migration, fatigue, and biocompatibility. By employing finite element analysis, in vitro testing and animal evaluation, we efficiently distill many design and material combinations to the most promising candidates. Phase I work will pursue a sub-set of these goals. The broader impacts of this research are providing physicians with more effective and more cost efficient devices that can be adapted to an expanded patient population and a broader set of medical procedures. A direct benefit of an SMP embolic coil is an expanded indication for use in pediatrics, or neurovascular intervention, wherein current metal coils have limited utility or present compromises (e.g. imaging artifacts) associated with their material. Further clinical advances through integration of tissue engineering or development of patient specific devices can be leveraged from the success of these devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lanning, Craig EndoShape Inc CO Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912771 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Semiconductor Memory Having Both Volatile and Non-Volatile Modes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to demonstrate the high-density feasibility of a novel memory, which has both volatile and non-volatile functionality. Such memory combines the non-volatile memory's ability to retain information in the absence of power (such as Flash memory) and the fast access speed and reliability of a volatile memory (such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)). This memory is fabricated using silicon-based fabrication process, eliminating the need of new materials or new process technology developments. One of the many applications of the proposed memory is to enable power-efficient computing applications and mobile devices. A power-efficient memory such as the one proposed in this proposal can reduce the overall data center power consumption by up to 75%. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Widjaja, Yuniarto Zeno Semiconductor CA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 93000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912773 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: New Thermosetting Wood Composite Binder Resin having Low Formaldehyde Emission Potential. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims at improving the reaction yield in synthesizing a new resin monomer material. The monomer was found to be processed to polymeric thermosetting resins useful for replacement of current urea-formaldehyde resins used as binders of various interior grade wood composite boards because of their excellent capability of reducing the formaldehyde emission levels of boards. Formaldehyde emission reduction or elimination from wood composite boards has been called for by general public as well as by various government regulations. There is currently no good commercial alternative binder resin system available to meet impending government regulations. For further development of the new resin system to the pilot plant and then to the commercial stage, the chemical synthesis method for the resin monomer material needs to be improved significantly in the laboratory. The proposed research aims to investigate the chemical synthesis method of the monomer by carrying out a series of reactions and measuring the yields of the product and byproducts to obtain the most optimum synthesis reaction parameters. The objective of research is to reach the chemical synthesis reaction yield of 95% or higher along with minimal associated costs of reaction. The Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims at expediting the commercialization of a new resin technology by optimizing the manufacturing process of monomer and thereby lowering the overall manufacturing cost. The new resin technology will enable the interior grade wood composite board industry to significantly reduce the formaldehyde emission levels of boards below the regulation levels. The industry will be able to continue the manufacturing of otherwise well-accepted wood composite boards, converting low value wood wastes into high-value wood composite boards. Further, the low formaldehyde emission of wood composite boards will directly result in significant health benefits to the public as well as lowering of environmental pollution. The proposed research and resultant implementation of the resin technology will enhance the technological understanding on the chemical and physical mechanisms of formaldehyde emission generally occurring in the hot press manufacturing of wood composite boards using UF resins. Relationship of the mole ratio of formaldehyde vs. functionality of base monomer of resins and resultant strength properties of boards and formaldehyde emission levels will be more clearly understood, which may lead to improvements in technologies that further reduce the formaldehyde emission levels of wood composite boards in the future. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Moon Mississippi Pacific Resins Incorporated MS Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1773 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912774 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: An enhanced UHD RFID system for warehouse management. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project is aimed at developing an innovative Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based warehouse management system utilizing a new patent-pending component that will help to address fundamental shortcomings of present day Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID systems. When integrated with conventional UHF RFID systems for warehouse management, this technology will bring value by enabling precise localization of tagged pallets, localization of forklifts, prevention of cross dock pallet reads, tracking of direction of pallet motion and improving the read rate or read accuracy of pallet tags. The project objectives are directed towards hardware prototyping, protocol implementation, software development and initial pilot deployment. RFID is a rapidly emerging technology with applications in diverse fields such as supply chain management, indoor asset tracking, healthcare and manufacturing. This technology can enhance the handling of material and supply chain operations and the operational efficiency of various businesses processes including greater control over inventory, more accurate production forecasting, and more timely order fulfillment. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Djuric, Petar Astraion LLC NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912797 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: The Potential for Holographic Planar Concentrator Modules to Enhance Power from CIGS Thin Film Photovoltaic Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to determine whether thin film materials, specifically CIGS, can accept the angle of diffracted light from holographic film, and assess the commercial viability of HPC on thin film PV modules. The project will characterize the electrical and optical properties of thin film cells, design holographic elements to work with the cells, design and produce a sample low cost module, and evaluate performance and manufacturability. Results from this project will be higher efficiencies, low-cost manufacturing and many new applications for thin film. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project will be the merging of thin film technology with existing technology to create a groundbreaking new product. The thin film market has been growing dramatically, resulting from its low cost, low weight, and the ability to manufacture on flexible substrates and embed solar into walls, roofs and windows. When thin film is combined with inexpensive holographic film, the results should lead to even more dramatic performance efficiencies and lower costs. It has been forecasted that the thin film market will represent 20% of the PV industry by 2010, and reach $7.2 billion worldwide by 2015 (from just over $1.0 billion today). "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rosenberg, Glenn Prism Solar Technologies, Inc. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99837 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912801 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Control and Estimation for Cooperative Vertical Axis Wind Turbines. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project seeks to develop advanced control technologies for improving the overall cost-effectiveness of small-scale vertical axis wind turbines. Most commercial wind turbines operate at energy efficiencies much lower than what can be practically realized. The efficiency can be vastly improved by implementing active control. In this project, simple blade actuation mechanisms, advanced control algorithms, nonlinear filtering methods will be integrated with effective generator, power converter and sensor technologies for reduction of overall cost per kilowatt. Furthermore, cooperative control methods will be developed for multiple vertical axis wind turbines installed on a building, by enabling inter-unit communication. It is expected that the proposed advanced technologies will render vertical axis wind turbines units economically viable for small-to-medium scale implementation on residential and commercial buildings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bhatta, Pradeep Princeton Satellite Systems, Inc. NJ Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99967 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912824 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Portable High-Power Tunable Terahertz Source using a Two-Color VECSEL. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel room temperature, narrow-line, high power vertical external-cavity semiconductor laser (VECSEL) THz source based on difference-frequency-mixing of high-power circulating dual wavelength fields in a high-finesse cavity. Semiconductor quantum-well gain media have the unique property that multiple wavelengths can be simultaneously generated within single laser cavity through a physical process known as spectral hole-burning. A preliminary experiment has demonstrated 3mW of THz power, far exceeding (by six orders of magnitude) the existing record for CW THz sources using optical generation schemes. The project goal is to develop an integrated source/detection solution for detection of and countermeasures to improvised explosive devices. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project will be a price competitive and comprehensive solution that would impact a broad range of defense and commercial applications. Potential THz applications range from the standoff detection of explosives and chemical and biological agents, to the measurement of in vivo tissue water content, fat content, blood glucose and cholesterol contents and the diagnosis of cancer. In dentistry THz may provide a powerful alternative to X-ray images. In the food processing industry THz waves will help detect E-coli and other poisonous bacteria as well as small imperfections in packaging. THz spectroscopic imaging can help Law-enforcement with the detection of prohibited substances and counterfeit bank notes. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yarorough, Michael Desert Beam Technologies, LLC AZ Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912828 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Continuous Near Infrared Monitor for Pichia Pastoris Bioreactors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop sensing technology capable of continuously monitoring concentrations of critical metabolites during protein expression with the yeast Pichia pastoris. Presently, continuous monitoring is unavailable and this process is controlled using time consuming and labor intensive off-line analyses. This sensing technology uses near infrared absorption spectra of bioreactor growth medium collected continuously to monitor analyte concentrations and changes in biomass throughout the fermentation process. Preliminary results demonstrate the ability to make accurate and continuous analytical measurements and to actively control metabolite concentrations. This success is attributed to ASL innovations that include using a solid-state spectrometer, restricting the measurement spectral range, and implementing a calibration strategy based on analyte-specific chemical information. This Phase I effort will establish the commercial feasibility of this monitoring approach by developing a robust, practical calibration system for routine operation and by designing a means to continuously and non-destructively collect analytical spectra. The broader impacts of this research will be to enable accurate feedback control of bioreactors, thereby enhancing optimization efforts and maximizing production yields of high commodity proteins. Successful development of a continuous, real-time monitor for Pichia pastoris will enhance its attractiveness as a protein expression platform. The proposed monitor will overcome the limitations of off-line analyses by providing an effective means to follow metabolite concentrations and cell density changes non-destructively during the course of a fermentation process. This sensing technology will fill a void in the general protein expression market where reliable, on-line sensing is unavailable. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gibson, Elizabeth ASL Analytical, Inc. IA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99991 5371 BIOT 9107 9102 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912834 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A multispectral system for real-time prediction of beef tenderness. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to determine the feasibility of a multispectral imaging technology, to provide real time beef tenderness prediction. The hypothesis is that it is possible to predict the tenderness of beef using only a moderate number of bands for the image. This is based on the observation that hyperspectral images contain large amounts of redundant information. The technological challenge is to verify the hypothesis by identifying the key bands that are central to tenderness prediction and to develop a model to accurately predict tenderness. Identification of key bands will be performed using data mining and image analysis algorithms. Successful verification of the hypothesis will directly lead to the development of a multispectral system for tenderness prediction at commercial speeds. Currently there are limited methods for real time classification of beef by tenderness, the most important trait influencing consumer satisfaction. Meat packers have expressed a desire to sort by tenderness, because consumers are willing to pay a premium for steaks that are guaranteed tender (an added value of $170 to $421 per carcass certified as tender). Some of the major packers have expressed interest in a service to classify beef for tenderness. At 2.5% of value added per head for 20% of the cattle, annual revenue of $23.7 million to $58.7 million could be generated from service sales to the top four U.S. meat packers. International potential would magnify this effect. This project, if successful, is expected to enhance economic opportunities for cattle producers and processors by improving assessment of beef product quality to meet consumer expectations. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Calkins, Chris Goldfinch Solutions, LLC NE Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9150 9146 6890 1786 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912837 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Transgenically Mediated Sterility by Targeted Germ Cell Ablation. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate a new transgenic approach to induce sterility in economically important species, with initial applications in aquaculture. This approach will evaluate the potential to produce transgenic lines of fish capable of passing on the transgene to subsequent generations through the male lineage while the progeny of transgenic female would be sterile. This technology should be widely applicable to multiple fish species, other vertebrates, and invertebrates. Zebrafish will serve as a primary model and will be used to document sterility at the cellular and molecular level. Histological and morphological study of the gonad structure in transgenic adults will confirm functional sterility. We will also confirm that this approach has broad application by demonstrating feasibility in salmon embryos. The broader impacts of this research address a need for improved performance and reproductive confinement in aquaculture that can be achieved by induced sterility. This technology should prove applicable to multiple fishes to prevent gene flow to wild populations, to prevent colonization of new habitats by farmed non-native species, and to increase culture performance by preventing loss of energy and condition to gonad development and sexual differentiation. Sterilization methods will also be a prerequisite for the application of transgenic improvement to aquaculture species. Besides its application in aquaculture, this technology should prove broadly applicable to multiple species and could have additional applications in other economically relevant arenas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lauth, Xavier Aqua Bounty Technologies MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99840 5371 BIOT 9109 6890 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912842 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Lead-Free Sintering Adhesives for Electronics Thermal Management. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop and characterize lead-free adhesives with very high thermal and electrical conductivity for wide bandgap semiconductor packaging. The company will build on its IP portfolio of fluxing adhesive binder systems to formulate polymer fluxes suitable for low-temperature, lead-free solders. The development of cost effective, high performance packaging systems will hasten the adoption of wide bandgap semiconductor components for high power electronic and optoelectronic applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wrosch, Matthew Creative Electron, Inc. CA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 99998 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912855 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Development and Characterization of Bio-inert UNCD films for Implantable Devices to Eliminate Blood Clotting. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate UNCD®, a nanocrystalline from of smooth, thin diamond, as an anti-thrombotic coating for implantable medical devices. One of the largest problem with implantable circulatory assist devices such as artificial hearts and vascular assist devices (VADs) is the need to treat patients with anticoagulants to avoid blood clots within the devices and to avoid heart attack, stroke, and death that may occur if the anticoagulation dosage is not right. Previous work on diamond and diamond-like carbon (DLC) has demonstrated reduced interactivity between the coating and human blood clotting factors. The use of UNCD however, with its overall biochemical and electrochemical inertness, extreme durability to wear, and very low surface roughness, will extend the advantages previously demonstrated with other carbon materials. The broader impacts of this research are the potential reduction or elimination of anticoagulants for patients with implanted medical devices, making a much larger patient population eligible for advanced devices such as heart pumps, and enabling the use of these devices for new applications. UNCD coatings on the blood contacting surfaces of these and similar devices has the potential to eliminate the need for anticoagulation or to reduce it to so low a dose that the risk of fatal bleeding can be eliminated. The reduction in prescription costs alone could pay for this investment many times over. Fundamental work will also shed light on the effects of dynamic blood flow, variations in surface chemistry and morphology on the thrombus/clot formation. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carlisle, John ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 99852 5371 BIOT 9183 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912856 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Diamondoid-Containing Carbon Nanostructures as Hydrogen Storage Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims at developing a novel diamondoid/promoter/carbonaceous nanostructure with enhanced hydrogen storage capability, through simultaneously increasing their pore sizes and hydrogen binding abilities, as potential on-board hydrogen storage materials. Developing compact, lightweight, safe and affordable on-board hydrogen storage media is a crucial step towards the eventual implementation of hydrogen as transportation fuel. It has been demonstrated that a pure, undoped carbon single-walled nanotube at room temperature cannot meet the targeted criterion as the on-board hydrogen storage materials. The success of this Phase I project could demonstrate that a "hybrid" approach including increasing available surface areas and increasing binding energies of carbonaceous materials could enhance the hydrogen uptake capacity of carbon-based nanomaterials and thus could lead to a commercially viable pathway for hydrogen fuel application in transportation. Successful development of on-board hydrogen storage materials will greatly boost the domestic "Hydrogen Economy." Utilization of hydrogen, a renewable and clean energy, as fuel for transportation vehicles or other mobile power supplies will greatly benefit not only the national economy but also the national energy security and environmental protection. Therefore, it can be anticipated that intense interest will be drawn from industry and government as well as academia if the feasibility of the approach for producing novel on-board hydrogen storage materials is successfully validated. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tang, Yongchun Sheeta Global Technology Corp CA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 99969 5371 AMPP 9163 6890 1972 1417 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912862 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Career Simulation Environment. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to create a content and delivery platform to facilitate interactive learning for career education - addressing the application in support of teaching and/or learning subtopic. The project will develop a prototype of the Career Simulation Environment (CSE) - an engaging, exploratory and constructivist environment that will better inform youth about the kind of opportunities that will be available to them when they grow up. In addition, it will reinforce the habits, skills and values that they should acquire in preparation for those opportunities. It is hypothesized that students will be more motivated to explore careers in an active manner and more motivated to pursue careers that they have been able to 'taste'. Career simulations must be complex enough to gain credibility with students, be comprehensive enough to model career skills and satisfy curriculum requirements, and yet be highly usable. This project is uniquely suited to address this problem by combining best practices and research from the fields of adolescent career preparation, human computer interaction, gaming and e-learning. The proposed research will substantially extend previous research and practice in career exploration through an interdisciplinary approach to the development of and evaluation of career explorations simulation tools. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Burns, David Transcend Innovation Group IL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 99824 5371 SMET 9177 6890 1653 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912870 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Developing a Pivoting-sliding Elliptical Machine for Knee Injury Prevention/Rehabilitation. This SBIR Phase I research project will develop a controllable and measurable knee training system with a novel pivoting and sliding mechanism, which trains patients to improve neuromuscular control in off-axis motions of pivoting and sliding. This pivoting and sliding mechanism can be potentially implemented on many existing exercise machines (elliptical machine, step machine and bicycle exerciser) as a training accessory. As a powerful clinical evaluation tool, this system also benefits the current study of knee injury prevention and rehabilitation. Among those injuries, the knee is one of the most easily injured body areas, with injuries to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) as the most frequent problem overall followed by the PatelloFemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). In most cases the knee injury involves the entire lower limb and trunk, so it is more effective and efficient to train the whole lower limb, instead of an individual joint. The proposed unique neuromuscular training system on the pivoting-sliding mechanism has significant potential for rehabilitation after ACL and PFPS injury prevention/reduction. It is especially important to provide the patients a scientific evaluation and make them recover efficiently after their surgeries. It can be used widely in rehabilitation centers for lower limb rehabilitation and ACL injury prevention. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ren, Yupeng Rehabtek LLC IL Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99503 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912879 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Wide Tuning Range VCSEL. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop a tunable, low power miniaturized laser which can be applied to a wide variety of sensing applications. The laser will use thermal tuning and is expected to provide a tuning range of >40nm with less than 2V, and a tuning power dissipation of less than 4mW. Homeland security, industrial safety, and indoor environmental monitoring are driving a demand for increased chemical and biological sensing. There is also increasing activity in the area of biomedical monitoring, allowing one to monitor a patient for vital signs and biomarkers in order to take action before the situation becomes a crisis. A widely tunable VCSEL would enable very compact solutions, allowing such sensors to be incorporated into a wearable device, or a portable sensor. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dummer, Matthew Mytek, LLC MN William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912880 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Siftables - Distributed, Gestural Human Computer Interaction. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to accelerate construction of humane, efficient and intuitive user interface (UI) - a system of small, wireless, gesture-sensitive displays that act in concert as one interface. People can efficiently execute cognitive tasks through spatial manipulation of groups of physical objects. New gesture-based UIs recently launched into the market indicate that market and technology conditions are right to develop multi-object interfaces - systems that elegantly connect the (increasingly smart) world of physical objects to networked digital information. If successful, the approach will provide a UI that can address a broad range of human-computer tasks, from media creation to data analysis to social communication. In the immediate term, a novel interactive entertainment system, building on existing, successful set of game applications will be deployed. Historically, the entertainment domain has provided a profitable staging area in which to introduce novel UI systems. This market is large, has price flexibility, and its consumers have a demonstrated desire for novel interactions. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kalanithi, Jeevan Taco Lab LLC CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912913 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Force-Reflective Dexterous Telerobotic Manipulators. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project involves the development of inexpensive, reconfigurable force-reflective telerobotic manipulators. Incorporating dexterous manipulators onto available mobile robotic platforms greatly expands the capabilities and usefulness of the systems, providing telerobotic operators the ability to safely touch, feel, and interact with objects in remote, unknown, and possibly hazardous environments. Currently available mobile robots and remote manipulation systems do not have the dexterity and portability needed for many of these situations, nor the cost effectiveness to be affordable by target users. These systems can break down doors but cannot open them. They can pick up and transport objects, but cannot easily open a door, trunk, or hood of a car. The proposed system will be a high fidelity dexterous system that can perform these tasks. This proposal is a unique application of existing technology with proposed innovations for improved intersystem stiffness and force-reflection bandwidth. The development of the proposed technology will also promote faster deployment into the field and enable applications supporting a broader spectrum of tasks, providing telerobotic operators, from a safe distance, the ability to more transparently sense and accurately control the interactive forces that are experienced at the point of manipulation during the execution of a task. Commercial potential for this technology lies in manufacturing and industrial robotics, defusing and examining improvised explosive devices or bombs, performing medical triage from a remote location, and tactile examination and manipulation of dangerous or hazardous materials in remote environments for military, homeland security and industrial applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Olsen, Gordon VPI Engineering UT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6840 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912914 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Isolating Specific Appliance Energy Usage from Whole Building Energy Consumption. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will test the feasibility of a signal processing algorithm to separate energy used by individual appliances from the total natural gas and electricity entering a home. Utility ratepayers may benefit from this detailed information by more-effectively identifying and mitigate inefficient appliances and activities. The new generation of smart electric meters currently being deployed for automated reading and time of use pricing are not be able to provide this level of detail. The signal processing algorithm evaluated in this study is innovative in its use of non-parametric statistical measures and specific conductance signatures to accurately distinguish individual appliance loads. Tests will be performed in three residences to compare the performance of the load disaggregation system with that of isolated electrical power measurements from ten or more appliances. The intended outcome of this project is to create an easy-to-use tool that will continually educate consumers to reduce energy consumption. When coupled with adoption of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The commercial potential of this technology is high since residential and small business ratepayers could reduce energy costs if they can reliably identify inefficient appliances or activities. If successful, the energy savings from the average household using this technology would pay for the installed cost of the device in less than three years. Providing appliance specific level load information would transform ratepayers' ability to conserve energy and significantly impact resource consumption. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kuhns, Hampden Intelligent Building Untility Conservation Systems NV Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99990 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912918 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: The Natural Finder. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the problem of finding and analyzing information within emails and files. This problem is particularly felt by knowledge professionals and enterprises that want to leverage growing email archives for business or discovery. A new user interface that works with existing search engines and databases, and enables the user to search email more naturally will be investigated. The approach enables the user to: search by who-when-what, receive real time feedback while constructing a query, select which results to keep or discard from the view, and merge items from different queries. Email is a primary conduit for business communications and document transmission: an increasing number of professionals and enterprises retain email instead of deleting it, either to build new knowledge or for regulatory compliance. Providing superior user interfaces to email search will significantly enhance the ability of professionals and enterprises to successfully find information, reduce time spent in searches, increase the ability to analyze and discover archives, build new knowledge and business, and cut costs. If successful, the technology holds the promise to apply to other search problems databases, social networks, blogs, and the web as well. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Foresti, Stefano Xapio UT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912921 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Inorganic Electron Beam Resist for High Throughput Nanolithography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will assess the technical feasibility of developing a robust, high-speed inorganic electron-beam resist platform that will enable the manufacture of electronic devices with feature sizes < 30 nm. The requirements of high speed, low line-width roughness, sufficient etch resistance are extreme for patterning devices at these feature sizes. Success in the project will have a considerable impact on continued progress along the ITRS semiconductor roadmap, which supports several multibillion dollar industries. New levels of device performance will be enabled, providing broad societal impacts through the introduction of advanced electronics, while enhancing prospects for domestic employment in semiconductor manufacturing. The broader scientific and engineering research communities will benefit from new techniques to build novel devices at the extreme end of the nanoscale. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Grenville, Andrew Inpria Corporation OR William Haines Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912924 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Hydrodynamically Driven Immunoassays: An Approach to Real Time Biosensing. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the need for a low cost technique to significantly minimize the time required to complete a diagnostic test while maintaining and possibly improving analytical and diagnostic sensitivity. The time required to complete an immunometric assay is often dictated by diffusion-based mass transport of antigen and label. Exacerbated by low diffusion coefficients inherent to proteins, viruses, and many other large disease markers, these and many other types of tests can take hours or days to complete. This Phase I proposal focuses on the development of an innovative hydrodynamic approach to increase reactant flux via a free liquid jet delivery system in a framework compatible with existing point-of-care (POC) and clinical instrumentation. The approach is predicated on the hypotheses that (1) mass transport is the rate-limiting step for most molecular recognition-based assays; and (2) the rate of nonspecific adsorption is slower than that of specific binding. This project explores the merits of using a spray jet technique as a means to enhance reactant flux, thereby markedly increasing assay speed while possibly lowering nonspecific adsorption. The broader impacts of this research are enabling the transition of diagnostics to the point of care. The increased focus on preventive healthcare is escalating the demand for rapid POC devices and high throughput clinical tests. The combined patient expectations from healthcare providers and the emergence of wellness testing sets the stage for new POC device genesis and platforms that can increase sample throughput for the in vitro diagnostics industry. Further magnifying the need for diagnostic technologies with as near to real time testing as possible are the needs to: (1) detect and contain the spread of infectious diseases in disaster relief responses; (2) monitor and counter threats to homeland security; (3) assure food and water quality; and (4) advance the health of underdeveloped countries. The ability to manipulate mass transport effects on immunometric and other assay platforms, and the commercial introduction of a hydrodynamic method to increase analyte and label flux, is projected to play a major role in defining assay speed in the next generation of diagnostic tests. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schoen, Christian Concurrent Analytical, Inc. HI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9150 9107 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912926 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Critical Disease Care Using Multi-Modality Mining. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will establish the feasibility of using multi-modality data mining for predicting the progression of critical diseases in an individual patient. Current practices in critical disease care focus on assessing the stage of disease rather than on predicting the progression of disease. Different clinical, imaging and laboratory test modalities are used to assess disease stage. Some assessments have predictive abilities but usually without accounting for interventions. The proposed Critical Disease Data Mining System (CDDMS) will fuse the modality predictions to formulate a holistic prognosis for an individual patient undergoing a particular intervention. This research will validate the hypotheses that data mining can be used for: (1) prognosis about the progression of critical diseases, (2) assessing efficacy of a specific intervention, and (3) formulating a holistic prognosis that is superior to modality predictions. It is expected that the CDDMS holistic prognosis will correlate better with the actual outcomes than the modality predictions. If successful, the CDDMS will provide customized critical disease care; resulting in earlier and more effective interventions. It will reduce need for multiple, redundant biopsies and surgeries, aid research on population subgroups, monitor specialized interventions, and provide an ongoing self-correcting medical information-management system. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ghosh, Dipu Syprosoft, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 99235 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912927 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Fast and Accurate Laser Distance Metrology. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I research project will demonstrate the feasibility of a high-precision optical metrology system that meets a current market need for extremely precise distance measurements with rapid update rates. The project will actively stabilize newly developed Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) tunable Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSEL) that can be rapidly tuned mode-hop-free over 6 terahertz. Using a Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technique, this system has the potential to reach 25 micrometer resolutions and sub-10-nanometer precisions in real time. Extensive experience in laser stabilization will help to overcome the daunting challenge of stabilizing and linearizing the frequency sweep of the VCSEL sources, which inherently exhibit significant frequency noise. These VCSELs, however, offer sweep rates 100-1,000 times faster than competing technologies and would therefore enable the same enhancement in the system?s update rate. At short ranges, the system can be used for industrial metrology and precision manufacturing. At medium ranges, the system can be used for navigational aids including pilot assistance for landing in brownout conditions. This application has the significant potential to save the lives of airmen and passengers in unprepared landing zones. At long ranges, the system can be used to accurately position sparse aperture telescopes and formations of nano-satellites. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reibel, Randy Bridger Photonics, INC MT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912933 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Rapid Detection of Fecal Contamination in Drinking Water. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project concerns a novel, rapid and cost-effective detection system for fecal contamination in water supplies. The need for better water safety screening is exemplified by the outbreak of E. coli serotype O157:H7, a pathogen found in fecal matter, in September, 2006 that was traced to contamination of spinach in California. Food poisonings were noted in several states, necessitating responses from agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control to protect the public. Although existing methods can detect fecal contamination in water samples, improvements are needed in sensitivity, accuracy, and speed. This proposal describes the refinement of a novel sensor technology that uses insect chemosensory proteins (CSPs) as recognition elements for fast, sensitive biosensors to detect very low levels of fecal contamination in water samples and can be used at home or in industry. The broader impacts of this research are as a platform technology with direct applications in the detection of environmental, chemical, or biological compounds or contaminants, including the detection of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), quality control of foods and pharmaceuticals and the detection of volatile compounds present in weapons or explosives.. Thus, the utilized platform technology has immediate application to a variety of important sensor and detector implementations that affect numerous industries, public safety, and public health. The application described herein "A fecal contamination detector for monitoring water safety", is only one example of the applications possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Woods, Daniel Inscent, Inc CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99881 5371 BIOT 9104 6890 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912968 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: A Search Engine for Antenna Design. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to demonstrate feasibility of a software tool employing advanced search algorithms applied to antenna design and optimization. Current methods of designing and optimizing antennas by hand are time and labor intensive, address limited complexity, and require significant expertise. Genetic algorithm (GA) optimization has been shown to find effective antenna design solutions that would not ordinarily be found through engineering intuition. If the current effort is successful, the core of a new software tool to demonstrate the feasibility of a highly-automated design approach, where useful antennas can be generated without requiring significant guidance: the user simply enters design requirements (e.g., RF performance, dimensions, cost), and an automated optimization produces one or more compliant designs will be demonstrated. This approach promises to improve the performance and economics of future antenna applications for many industry and government customers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Linden, Derek X5 Systems, Inc. CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 6890 1786 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912976 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Coupling High-throughput Evolution and Expression Screening for Industrial Production of Biofuel Enzymes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses a key challenge for cost-effective manufacturing of sustainable, cellulosic biofuels - the rapid development of more efficient enzymes for biomass conversion and scalable microbial expression systems for those enzymes. Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on earth, the chief structural component of terrestrial plant biomass, and because of its abundance is attractive as a renewable feedstock for biofuels. Producing liquid fuels from cellulosic biomass rather than starches offers compelling economic and environmental advantages. However, converting cellulosic feedstocks, such as wood and perennial grasses, to glucose presents challenges because the conversion of their cellulose to fermentable sugars is inefficient and costly. We will apply a high-throughput microbial protein expression screening system to a molecular enzyme enhancement platform in such a way that optimized cellulose-converting enzymes can be generated and screened for compatibility with industrial enzyme production techniques. The first phase of the work will be to increase the efficiency of cellulolytic enzymes which to be commercialized will need to be produced at low cost through microbial fermentation. This innovation will reduce the total time and costs necessary to develop new, high-activity enzymes for cellulosic biofuels to speed the greening of transportation fuels. Enzymes developed in this work can be commercially produced for cellulosic biofuels manufacture and any other renewable chemistry that uses glucose as a starting material. The industrial enzyme market is global, expected to grow by 9% per year, and the advanced cellulase market segment is still nascent. This large market opportunity is augmented by the low performance and high cost of current cellulase products (approximately 20% of total biofuel production cost). By combining enzyme development and expression/production steps, we drastically reduce the overall time necessary to take enzyme enhancement from the benchtop to industrial manufacturing. Success of this technology will translate into a profitable venture and, importantly, will help the country transition to a low-carbon renewable liquid fuel source, providing a renaissance in agricultural technology and rural development. Further, because the techniques are applicable to any solid starting material, the technology can be used to rapidly develop enzymes to degrade any solid material, opening further industrial and consumer markets. Finally, analysis of successful enzymes may provide illumination to the mechanisms of enzyme action and also to the structural or chemical basis for successful production of these proteins in microbial fermentation systems. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Emrich, Charles Allopartis Biosciences CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9183 6890 1491 1402 1238 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912978 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Robust Adaptive Levitation Control Technologies for High Speed, High Power Energy Storage Flywheels. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project will develop advanced control techniques that will enable high-speed, high-efficiency operation of large-scale energy storage flywheels. A novel flywheel concept ? the ?Power Ring'' ? based on a hub-less rotor levitated and controlled by a hybrid magnetic bearing has been developed. The design and zero-speed levitation of the Power Ring have been demonstrated. Idle or ?spinning? losses are a key specification as they directly influence operational cost of the unit. Bearing losses are predicted to be 20% of the idle loss in the system. An advanced control system can reduce these losses by precisely monitoring and modifying the rotor vibrational modes as they sweep across the frequency band with changing machine speed. Modal control of the energy in individual vibration modes will give a highly efficient system that removes energy only from those modes that limit the machine operation. Advanced control will allow multi-megawatt devices with idle losses reduced by at least a factor of 2. A new control topology for the magnetic bearing that integrates robust control theory, modulated frequency control, on-line system identification, and adaptive control to create a reliable energy efficient levitation system will be developed. Electrical power quality problems have enormous economic impact. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that power fluctuation and blackout losses exceed $100 billion/year. The majority of these problems are outages, surges, and sags lasting only a few seconds. The Power Ring flywheel is a cost effective method of maintaining power system stability by injecting stored energy back into the grid to carry the system through the disturbance. It can serve as a rapid-response energy storage device, allowing control of grid power flows and frequency, and enhancing grid stability and power quality/reliability. Flywheels are more efficient and less polluting than the current method of using idling power stations (typically coal-fired) to provide reserve for frequency regulation applications. Flywheels have a longer life, lower maintenance cost, and do not contain toxic chemicals as do battery storage systems for power quality applications. The high power density and cycle life of flywheels makes them an enabling technology for regenerative transportation applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ricci, Michael LaunchPoint Technologies, LLC CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 99710 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 0308000 Industrial Technology 0912981 July 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Sound-object Recognition for Real-time or Offline Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will research sound-object recognition algorithms for use by professional and consumer audio recording and live sound engineers. Algorithms for robust off-line instrument recognition, music loop retrieval, dialog/sound effect/music recognition, and on-the-fly machine listening will also be developed. Musicians and audio engineers have access to gigabytes of audio content yet, the state of the art for finding audio content is through text queries and navigating static file hierarchies. Currently, none of the audio software manufacturers provide tools for searching for audio loops by their audio content. Additionally, recording and live sound engineers have complex organization and navigation duties, which could be solved using real-time audio analysis algorithms. If successful, this effort will enable recognizing audio content using a top-down approach - using a fleet of hierarchical machine learning classifiers, trained on statistical features extracted from one of the largest real-world audio content collections. Developed off-line machine classifiers will be ported to real-time time, embedded machine-listening algorithms, and used to enhance traditional audio signal processing tools. Further, the effort will foster interaction and collaboration between industry and academia ? encouraging sponsored research agreements, guest lecturers from industry engineers, and courses which directly focus on solving applied, industry challenges. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG LeBoeuf, Jason Imagine Research, Inc CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 6890 6850 0308000 Industrial Technology 0913232 May 15, 2009 Sponsorship of 2009, 2010, & 2011 EcoCAR Faculty Award. This grant provides support for the EcoCAR Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition. The NSF will provide support for the ?EcoCAR NSF Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award?. EcoCAR is a new three-year collegiate advanced vehicle technology engineering competition jointly sponsored by the NSF, United States Department of Energy, Natural Resources Canada, the automotive industry (General Motors and suppliers such as Cisco Systems, Delphi, The MathWorks, National Instruments, A123 Systems, Freescale Semiconductor, Renewable Fuel Association, Caterpillar) and is managed by the Argonne National Laboratory. This is a continuation of the highly successful educational experience for undergraduate students at US and Canadian universities. This competition challenges 17 universities across North America to explore solutions to minimize energy consumption and reduce emissions while designing comfortable, safe, road-reliable commercially viable vehicles. At the conclusion of each year of EcoCAR, all seventeen teams will come together for a weeklong competition where they will compete for the coveted first place trophy. GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS IIP ENG Huband, Frank American Society For Engineering Education DC Donald Senich Standard Grant 210000 1504 OTHR 7651 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0914582 September 1, 2008 Planning Grant Proposal for Emerging Contaminants Center (ECC). Emerging contaminants (ECs) generally refer to chemicals and materials recently detected in the environment, and which may have potential or real threat to human health or the environment. The challenge of ECs intersects several industries including the pharmaceutical and personal care products industries, producers of nano-sized materials, as well as entities that treat wastewater and drinking water. A planning meeting will be held to investigate the proposed establishment of a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Emerging Contaminants. The lead location of the proposed center will be at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, with a second site at Villanova University. The mission of the proposed center is to address sensing and remediation of emerging contaminants (EC). The proposed center will pursue research projects of importance to a broad range of U.S. companies seeking to avoid becoming a major contributor to pollution. The center and its research activity will involve faculty researchers, graduate and undergraduate students working together with industrial representatives. The center will further enhance the ongoing efforts at both institutions of integrating research in classroom teaching. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Suri, Rominder P. Temple University PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 8954 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0914588 December 11, 2008 SBIR Phase I: Non-invasive Pulse Waveform Analysis for Measuring Intracranial Pressure. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will result in the first hand-held, non-invasive device for measuring pressure within the head and brain. The proposed device will be a simple sensor that can be placed against the skin and that will determine brain pressure from the ?pulse? within blood vessels traveling to and from the head. Pulse wave analysis is an established technique for monitoring cardiovascular health, but this is the first time such a technique will be developed for monitoring pressure within the skull and brain. Preliminary studies by NeuroDx suggest that the technique may be useful as a way of rapidly screening patients for potentially harmful elevated head and brain pressure. The broader impacts of this research will be to provide a new method for measuring an important determinant of brain health following serious head injury (235,000 non-military cases in the U.S. annually) and in patients with brain tumors and other neurological disorders (110,000 cases in the U.S. annually). Existing methods for measuring pressure within the head use a probe that must be placed within the skull, requiring surgery and special facilities. The proposed device will enable head and brain pressure to be monitored without risk to the patient, and in field situations (such as by first-responders). The proposed study is expected to significantly improve our understanding of the dynamics of head and brain injury. It will have a strong educational component through Drexel University?s Co-op Educational Program. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Swoboda, Marek NeuroDx Development LLC PA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 99968 5371 BIOT 9267 9183 5345 1517 0917415 January 1, 2009 SBIR Phase I: Eliminating the use of Fluorochemicals in Textile Applications: Superhydrophobic Surfaces via Surface Modified Nanoparticles.. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will examine the feasibility to develop effective replacements for fluorochemicals that are widely used in the textile industry to produce soil and stain resistant finishes on clothes, upholstery, carpet and medical textiles. Fluorochemicals, while highly effective, have been shown to be persistent in the environment, bio-accumulative, and have recently been cited by the Environmental Protection Agency as probable carcinogens. Moreover, fluorochemicals and the precursors used to prepare these materials such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been shown to accumulate in human breast tissue and in arctic wildlife. There is a clear need to develop an effective replacement for fluorochemicals that provides the benefits of fluorochemicals but is not bio-accumulative and is not harmful to the environment or people. G3 Technology Innovations will develop novel advanced materials utilizing nanoparticle surface modification methods developed by G3i, to create a superhydrophobic, nano-rough surface in a single-step process. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project is to eliminate the use of fluorochemicals in water-resistant textile finishes. The novelty of this technology is that it provides a soil and stain resistant finish that is free of fluorochemicals, contains no VOCs, and can be applied to fabric using existing textile finishing equipment in a single-step process. This technology will be highly beneficial to the US textile industry, enabling differentiation from foreign competition. Furthermore, the technology is beneficial to society at large since it virtually eliminates a major source of environmental pollution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bringley, Joseph TRANSPARENT MATERIALS, LLC NY Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 99715 5371 AMPP 9163 1972 1769 0917466 September 15, 2009 PFI: Overcoming Cultural Barriers: An Innovation Model for Smaller University/Industry Partnerships. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type III: (C: A) partnership between Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg (PSH), an institution new to the PFI Program (defined as one that has never been a PFI grantee) and Pennsylvania State University-University Park (PSUP), an NSF PFI graduate (0090393) seeks to overcome the industry/university cultural chasm by forging new partnerships for innovation between universities and businesses in South Central Pennsylvania. Newly formed partnerships will advance innovative technologies as a result of breadth and depth of expertise, sharing of intellectual and physical resources, and rigorous internal and external evaluation procedures. The project builds on prior knowledge about partnerships for innovation from relevant research literature and in lessons learned from the efforts of the PSUP graduated PFI. The proposed model is based on the literature on links between innovation and technology-based economic development for the types of institutions involved. The project goals are based on a three-phase approach of awareness, skill training, and implementation presented. The project will advance discovery via teaching and training in the region, in multiple, targeted business sectors and related academic disciplines. The broader impacts of the project include removing regional industry/university collaboration barriers; outreach to thousands of faculty and tens of thousands of students, multiple dissemination strategies; and broad participation by smaller academic institutions, small businesses, and underrepresented groups. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg (PSH) (lead institution), Pennsylvania State University-University Park (PSUP), Dickinson College, Franklin and Marshall College, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Elizabethtown College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Messiah College, Millersville University, and Shippensburg University; Private Sector Partners: Gannett Fleming, Mission Research, Die Tech, Keystone BioFuels, Material Sensing and Instrumentation; and Economic Development Partners: Lancaster Keystone Innovation Zone, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA, Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum, Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central PA, Technology Council of Central PA/Tech Quest, Innovation Transfer Network (ITN). SPECIAL STUDIES AND ANALYSES IIP ENG Walters, Marian Stephen Fonash Richard Fluck Walter Chromiak Patrick Welch Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1385 OTHR 7651 6890 117E 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0917730 August 1, 2009 PFI: A Multinational Partnership to Incite Innovation via New Generation Tailored Polymers for Interfaces. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type III (A:C) partnership between University of Southern Mississippi (USM) an NSF PFI graduated grantee (0227827), and Jones County Junior College (JCJC) (Laurel, MS), an institution new to the PFI Program (defined as one that has never been a PFI grantee)--focuses on the processes for creating new polymers and in doing so represents an opportunity to raise awareness and acceptance of high-throughput experimentation into the mainstream of industrial chemistry. In addition students will be exposed to the range of companies that use such techniques internationally. The proposal selects a specific focus; namely, polymeric/surface interactions important for delivery and control of active ingredients in consumer products that can bear the high cost of functionally tuned specialty polymers. If successful, the proposed activity will introduce new concepts and tools that will accelerate the rate of discovery. The members of this large multidisciplinary team, which collectively brings substantial resources to this major effort, are at the frontiers of their respective areas and the resulting collaboration will yield results that should advance scientific understanding as well as increase commercial intelligence. The project is aimed directly at bottlenecks in discovery, innovation and commercialization. The proposed team will be partnered with world-leading companies which will implement the successes of the project. By advancing high throughput experimentation, the route to discovery will be accelerated and by linking with large multinational companies, commercialization of entrepreneurial innovations will be sped to market by the global logistics of the multinational corporations. The proposed activity will prepare the advanced workforce that will be necessary to master the concepts, the skills, and the new tools. The attention that the proposers have paid to the education and development of that workforce should yield rich dividends, and the lessons learned will be publicized broadly and are likely to be relevant to other industries and other ventures. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: University of Southern Mississippi (lead institution), Jones Country Junior College, Louisiana Tech University, Petal High School, State Board of Community and Junior Colleges, and University of Mississippi; Private Sector Organizations: Ablitec Technologies; Amerchol Division of Dow Chemical; BASF; Business Launchpoint; Chemspeed Technologies USA and Switzerland, DSM Nutritional Products-USA, Holland, and Switzerland; Glactech; Glaxo Smith Kline; Hub City Technologies; Hybrid Plastics; Johnson and Johnson; MBM Tech; Mississippi Power; Scigenesis; The Procter & Gamble Company; and Trechem; and Local Government Organizations: Areas Development Partnership, Mississippi Development Authority, and Mississippi Technology Alliance. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Lochhead, Robert Cecil Burge Sarah Morgan Joseph Graben Derek Patton University of Southern Mississippi MS Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599715 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 7651 117E 0000 0917787 August 1, 2009 PFI: Developing Infrastructure for Innovation in Downeast Maine: Using Place- and Inquiry-Based Marine Science Education to Build a K-12 STEM Pipeline. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type III (A: C) partnership between University of Maine at Machias, an NSF PFI graduate (0227729), and Washington County Community College (WCCC) (Calais, ME)--builds upon the previous PFI award which developed a partnership between university and local marine-resources. This project takes what was built in that partnership to the next level by adding human resource capacity?students and teachers?to be inextricably connected to a place- and inquiry-based curriculum for the marine environment of downeast Maine that can be implemented in a new physical infrastructure for innovation, a state-of-the-art wet/dry marine education center/classroom. This addition will occur on the same parcel of property, purchased as a result of the earlier project, which is home to the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education and a field station for the University of Maine at Machias. In this context, student involvement in mentored, hands-on, inquiry-based projects that use the marine environment as a tool to enhance applied marine research and education in the classroom will be increased, and that involvement will be further reflected in students? interest and confidence in science as a key to the well being of their community. At present, much of the economic engine that drives the downeast Maine coastal economy is tied to healthy and abundant marine resources (such as lobsters, soft-shell clams, sea urchins, sea scallops, mussels, marine worms, ground fish). The Principal Investigator and various other members of the partnership organizations have worked for over 20 years with fishermen, local stewardship committees, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and local politicians to improve their knowledge of the ecology of these resources so that they can help to better manage them. Without healthy fisheries, downeast Maine?s coastal communities would become ghost towns. The vision is of a coastal economy that is fueled by these healthy and abundant marine resources that are part of both wild and culture fisheries. To achieve this vision requires combining new, innovative thinking with the traditional and fundamental approaches that have been used for generations. Indeed, efforts to enhance fisheries using cultured organisms and create new culture fisheries (clams, oysters, scallops, and perhaps lobsters) will continue as will applied research efforts that increase knowledge about spatial and temporal trends in the abundance of wild populations of commercially valuable marine species. This project fits nicely with and supports this long-term vision because it focuses attention on the marine environment, the fisheries, and the people who ply their trade in the marine environment. Specifically, this project focuses on the marine environment that students and their teachers live in and the importance of the health of that environment. Heretofore, this focus has not been brought to K-16 education. The infrastructure and the curriculum that will be built will stimulate some students to become more inquisitive and, eventually, to carry this level of inquisitiveness into STEM fields. Providing this educational opportunity will result in an increase in applied marine research, education, and technology transfer in downeast and coastal Maine which will lead to the commercialization of products and processes prompted by the needs and wishes of coastal communities, industries, and entrepreneurs. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: University of Maine at Machias (lead institution); Washington County Community College; University of Maine Sea Grant College Program, University of Maine Orono; School Union #103; and the Moosabec Community School District; and Private Sector Organization: Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Beal, Brian David Markow Susan White Sherrie Sprangers Stuart Swain University of Maine at Machias ME Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 7651 117E 0000 0521700 Marine Resources 0917839 August 1, 2009 PFI: Information Products Laboratory for Emergency Response. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type II (A:B) partnership between the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), an NSF PFI graduate (0090569), and SUNY at Buffalo (UB), which hosted a NSF ERC (9701471)-- is focused on innovation in disaster management, with specific goals of developing disaster management tools based on remote sensing research and geospatial analysis technology. The three-tiered disaster management approach: disaster planning, disaster response, and disaster recovery is ripe for innovation through integrated knowledge and technology transfer efforts among university researchers, technology companies, and public sector responders. RIT brings extensive experience in basic and applied remote sensing research, a history of collaboration with local emergency response and emergency providers, and a special expertise in fire detection and fire behavior to the partnership. UB team members bring expertise in geospatial analysis of a variety of natural and man-made disasters, including fire and floods. Both universities have strong policy components. The integrated team will apply a systems engineering approach to define user needs in disaster management, perform targeted research and development of disaster management products, and form a sustainable infrastructure for knowledge and technology transfer. The two primary academic institutional components, RIT and UB, will leverage their collective experience to create a laboratory and resource, the Information Products Laboratory for Emergency Response (IPLER), to broaden the participation of all types of entities along the spectrum of disaster management. The IPLER will facilitate economic development by establishing and maintaining a continuous dialogue between the developers and providers of technologies and the people who use them in disaster response. The diffusion of technologies will improve the prevention and mitigation of disasters in the United States and lead to innovative tools for response and recovery with societal benefit. Students at RIT and UB will be actively engaged in the targeted research and will be uniquely qualified to contribute to disaster management research, development, and response. The IPLER is designed to grow and will incorporate new members from the academic, public, and private sectors. The outcomes of the IPLER include potentially life-saving innovations and will be broadly disseminated Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: Rochester Institute of Technology (lead institution), and SUNY at Buffalo; Private Sector Organizations: DigitalGlobe, ImageCat, Kucera International, and Pictometry International; Local, State and Federal Government Entities: Monroe County Office of Emergency Management; New York State Foundation for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR), New York State Office of Homeland Security, and US Forest Service, Remote Sensing and Applications Center. . PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Boyd, Donald Anthony Vodacek Christian Renschler Jan van Aardt Rochester Institute of Tech NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 7651 117E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0917840 July 15, 2009 PFI: PIIT: Partners for Innovation in Information Technology. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project is a Type III (A: C) partnership between Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), an NSF PFI graduate (0227754), and two institutions new to the PFI Program (defined as ones that have never been PFI grantees): Alabama A&M University and Nashville State Community College (NSCC). The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected the total number of IT job openings in the U.S. to be 1.6 million between 2006 and 2016. Only half of that number will be filled due to decreased enrollment and low retention rates in IT related majors, and this shortfall situation is mirrored in Tennessee. Currently, the estimated demand for IT professionals in the Nashville area is as high as 1,200 per month. However, the universities in middle Tennessee are graduating a maximum of 380 graduates per year with an IT related baccalaureate degree. In order to address the need to increase the numbers of qualified IT professionals in the region, the project seeks to develop a national recruitment and retention model for IT workforce development by building an infrastructure to bring together all the stakeholders in the pipeline--academic (a PhD granting university, a community college, an HBCU in a nearby county in Alabama, and public high schools in both Tennessee and Alabama) and local business (through IT business associations) in the Tennessee and Alabama region. What is proposed to address both the recruitment and retention of IT students at the college level is a set of interrelated set of activities (including student summer camp topics such as Alice animation, robotics, and multimedia design) intended to motivate, challenge, and intrigue as well as to provide learning experiences which make the students? studies more relevant and their resumes more competitive. The direct involvement of local IT business and academic institutions with high school students/teachers/parents will have a positive impact on the number of IT majors and IT graduates. The database of real-world problems and projects and resulting case studies will be widely distributed providing examples for other IT educators to use. The model created by Partners for Innovation in Information Technology (PIIT) will result in a greater number of better trained IT professionals helping address the national IT workforce crisis. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) (lead institution) , Alabama A&M University, Nashville State Technical Community College (NSTCC), Rutherford County Schools (TN), Davidson County Schools (TN); and Madison County Schools (AL); Private Sector (Corporate) Organizations: Mind2Marketplace (AL and TN); and Governmental Organizations: Tennessee State Government. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Cheatham, Thomas Cen Li Zhijiang Dong Jian Fu Harris Kevin Middle Tennessee State University TN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599962 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 7651 117E 0000 0104000 Information Systems 0917847 January 15, 2009 2009 Business Execution Workshop. This one-day entrepreneurs education workshop on January 30th, 2009 is designed to educate and train NSF Grantees on how to build their businesses and transition their technology solutions into the commercial market. The workshop will focus on effective business execution. There will be a follow-up web-session in late February to re-enforce training topics. The broader impact includes enhanced tool-sets for entreprenurial activity for a wide range of NSF SBIR Phase I grantees. SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROG IIP ENG Mohasseb, Sid OCTANe Foundation for Innovation CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 17500 5370 HPCC 9215 9145 0917856 July 15, 2009 PFI: Scaling a New Adaptive Peak for Cotton. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project is a Type II (A:B) partnership between The University of Georgia (UGA), a NSF PFI graduate (0125304), and Texas Tech University, where one of the members of the current project team and operations were housed for research conducted under another NSF-supported partnership program: Plant Genome Research Project in the Division of Biological Infrastructure (9872630). In the pursuit of a vision of U.S. leadership for a global transition to bio-based products, the project team seeks to develop and implement genomic enabling tools needed to reinvigorate the infusion of genetic diversity into the cotton gene pool, providing environmentally benign solutions to the needs of producers, processors, and consumers. Cotton genome sequencing is proceeding rapidly, and the rationale for the proposed project is that the greatest challenge facing the cotton community is the conversion of sequence to knowledge. While the functions of perhaps half of the cotton genes can be deduced from comparison to botanical models, the greater complexity of the cotton genome than those of botanical models will require much new investment to realize the potential benefits of its sequencing. The state of Georgia recognized about two decades ago that success of businesses and industries demanded close ties between basic research and commercialization, and has positioned itself well to nurture new ventures spawned by basic research findings through the various stages of commercialization. The network of partners on the project will be key to sustained transformation of enabling resources into economic benefits. This transformation is expected to occur along at least three avenues: (1) New ventures to add value to bio-based products, expanding and diversifying regional entrepreneurial opportunities; (2) Empowering businesses by partnering with public researchers as a virtual R&D resource to identify and capture value, and (3) Elevating the level and quality of science that can be done in cotton, as a result of strengthening public-sector research capacity. To more fully meet the broad workforce needs of the national innovation enterprise, the project team will partner with effective outreach networks such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) to nurture the career development of home-grown professionals with the training needed to exploit these tools, while preserving the links of these individuals to rural communities that have long been casualties of brain drain. The proposed activities are closely-tied to strong training and outreach programs with a strong history of engaging groups under-represented in the sciences, and which benefit from major commitments at the institutional and state level. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: The University of Georgia (lead institution) and Texas Tech University; Private Sector Organizations: The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, Inc.; Cotton, Inc.; and The Georgia Research Alliance; and State and Local Government Agencies: The Georgia Agribusiness Council, The Georgia Traditional Industries Program, and The OneGeorgia Authority. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Paterson, Andrew Norma Trolinder Robert Wright Peng Chee Jay Angle University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc GA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599606 1662 MANU 9146 7651 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0917906 August 1, 2009 PFI: Partnerships for Biomarker Research and Innovation Enabled by a Flow Cytometry Center. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI)project--a Type III (A:C) partnership between Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences (KGI), a NSF PFI graduate (0332749), and Harvey Mudd College (HMC), an institution new to the PFI Program (defined as one that has never been a PFI grantee)--seeks to establish a Center for Biomarkers Research at KGI, with a state-of-the-art flow cytometry facility in order to accelerate discovery and commercialization of new disease-specific biomarkers for rare human diseases. The focus on rare diseases is important because routine commercialization pathways neglect this area. The Center will help take risk out of the development of drugs that treat rare diseases by working with patient advocacy groups and disease foundations to identify biomarkers in affected patient populations. Partnering with the National Organizations for Rare Diseases (NORD), rare disease organizations that have access to patient samples will be identified and collaborative operations will be explored. Human samples obtained from rare disease populations will be processed in the flow cytometry facility. Proteins involved in signaling pathways will be identified by flow cytometry using fluorescent antibodies. Cytometry results will be analyzed with a Bayesian network approach to identify central molecules in signal transduction that might be determinative disease biomarkers. These activities will facilitate biomarker discovery and provide a means of classifying and stratifying disease populations Through the choice of rare diseases as a focus for biomarker discovery, the project will achieve a broader impact on the development of needed treatments. The Center will create a database of rare disease biomarkers and assist disease organizations in their venture philanthropic efforts to help remove risk, based on biomarker applications. Biomarkers highly discriminating for specific conditions will be identified for patenting and subsequent licensing activity. The entire database of biomarkers will also be accessible to the academic and corporate communities for subsequent data mining. Ideally, companies interested in further developing these data sets will initiate new projects. Also, the project will meet a critical work need: the education of translational scientists, individuals who can translate a discovery into commercial products. The Center will educate Master of Bioscience (MBS) students at KGI and undergraduate engineering students at HMC in the development of diagnostic tools from biomarkers discovery. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences (KGI) (lead institution), and Harvey Mudd College (HMC); and Private Sector Organizations: Beckman Coulter, Inc (BCI) and The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Dewey, T. Ziyad Duron James Sterling Elizabeth Orwin James Osborne Keck Graduate Institute CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 7651 117E 0000 0116000 Human Subjects 0917936 September 1, 2009 PFI: Partnerships for Innovation in Laser-based Manufacturing and Materials Processing. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type II (A:B) partnership between Purdue University, an NSF PFI graduated grantee (0538786)in collaboration with participants from another NSF partnership supported program, graduated I/UCRC Center for Surface Engineering and Tribology (9214605/9909226), at Northwestern University--focuses on developing systematic and scientific models of laser-based manufacturing processes through combined analytical and experimental investigations so as to facilitate industrial innovations and commercialization. One of the more rapidly emerging and innovative technological arenas in the global economy is laser-based manufacturing and materials processing. Recent years have seen a steady erosion of manufacturing industries at an alarming rate. Many traditional manufacturing processes are now performed in less developed countries where costs are low. Thus, in order to maintain or regain the competitiveness in manufacturing, advanced manufacturing techniques must be developed. The research will provide useful understanding of laser-material interaction, which is a common problem for other laser processes. The projects proposed, involving laser-assisted machining, laser shock peening, laser cladding and laser surface texturing, constitute an opportunity to test the assertion that fundamental mathematical modeling is an effective component of technology development and can make progress more quickly and cost effectively than empirical approaches. The project will result in a broader use of laser-based manufacturing and materials processing technologies in the key U.S. manufacturing companies and commercialization activities. The project will also provide education and training of a diverse workforce, including graduate students, undergraduates, and high school teachers. The principles and results of laser-based manufacturing processes will be incorporated in various undergraduate and graduate classes. Involvement of underrepresented students will be pursued through existing programs such as the Women in Engineering Program (WIEP) and the Minority Engineering Program (MEP). The development of K-12 outreach materials will be embedded into the undergraduate curriculum through the highly acclaimed Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Program investigations so as to facilitate industrial innovations and commercialization. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: Purdue University (lead institution), and Northwestern University; Private Sector Organizations (Industrial): Baker Hughes (The Woodlands, TX); Ford Motors (Detroit, MI); General Electric Aviation (Cincinnati, OH), Nanohmics (Austin, TX), and Optomec (Albuquerque, NM); Also Additional Industrial Collaborators (providing cash and in-kind support): LSP Technologies, Adiabatics, Chrysler, Lockheed Martin, Rolls Royce, and Weir Minerals. Also as collaborator, Academic Institutions: Florida International University and Bethune Community College PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Shin, Yung Leah Jamieson Jian Cao Purdue University IN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599995 1662 MANU 9146 7651 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0917940 August 1, 2009 PFI: Technology Innovation Program: Enhancing Biotech Translational Research Among NE Ohio Institutions. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type III (A:C) partnership between Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), a NSF PFI graduate (0125703), and Lorain County Community College (LCCC), an institution new to the PFI Program (defined as one that has never been a PFI grantee)--seeks to create novel biotechnology innovation in a region facing economic change of major impact by constructing a relationship among a research university, a community college, and technology-based economic development organizations. Students and faculty members from each institution will be integrally involved in prospective and competitive funding for selected Innovation Projects that take ideas from their origins through successive iterations of a disciplined innovation process, including market assessment, design, and development, prototyping, and market readiness. The institutional interactions between CWRU and LCCC will be facilitated by a Relationship Manager, a novel administrative position that ensures inter-institutional alignment, student mentoring within CWRU and LCCC, and a strategic mechanism by which students are assigned to project teams. Each Innovation Project will be under the leadership of an entrepreneur-in-residence provided by TechLift, a technology based development organization. The intellectual merit resides, in part, in the novel links and resulting synergies of faculties, students, and business people with different complementary skill-sets. It links the discovery process of universities to the workforce development missions of community colleges. The project seeks to align institutional activities with regional economic needs so the latter are more nationally and internationally competitive, especially in a regional economy in the throes of change. It is planned that this pilot partnership will not only be sustained and expanded between Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and Loraine County Community College (LCCC), but it will also serve as a test-bed for LCCC's relationships to other higher education institutions in the region, although each future innovation partnership will have to be attuned and managed according to its distinct properties. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) (lead institution) and Lorain County Community College; and Private Sector Organizations: Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise (GLIDE), and TechLift. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Duerk, Jeffrey Patrick Crago Norman Tien Kelly Zelesnik Case Western Reserve University OH Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 BIOT 9184 7651 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0917943 August 1, 2009 PFI: Innovation in Precision Manufacturing: New Technology to New Business. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project is a Type II (A:B) partnership, occurring within the University of Massachusetts Amherst with participation from the NSF PFI graduated grantee (0090521) in collaboration with participants from two other NSF partnership supported programs (both I/UCRCs): Center for University of Massachusetts and Industry Research on Polymers (CUMIRP), which was founded in 1980 and has since graduated but is still active, and e-Design Center (0332508/0838747). The precision manufacturing sector, primarily Small and Mid-sized Enterprises (SMEs), is an important part of the economic base of Western Massachusetts with significant employment. The industry is currently challenged by cyclical markets, increased global competition, aging facilities/technologies and insufficient labor supply. The PFI program which was put in place in 2000 successfully established a regional industry network, Regional Technology Corporation (RTC), and this proposed program will enable significant enhancement and sustainability of technology transfer. This project will stimulate transformation of relevant new discoveries at UMass to SMEs that have little or no experience working with a research institution. Drawing upon the scientific and engineering research conducted at UMass, the university and the SMEs will collaborate on targeted and tailored research projects focused on translation and application. UMass facilities, state-of-the-art testing and characterization equipment, as well as its engineering design and management tools, will complement the project's translation and application process The expected outcome of this program is a sustainable regional innovation infrastructure that supports effective transformation of the precision manufacturing SMEs to new markets through infusion of new technologies with a flexible and capable workforce. SMEs are a significant part of the U.S. economic engine and have contributed greatly to employment growth and economic development. The evaluation and assessment of this program should lead to important and transferable learning. The focus on enhancing technology transfer and translational work with SMEs, on partnering with regional assets, and on seeking additional financial support should ensure that the impacts of the program are meaningful, documented, disseminated and sustained. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: University of Massachusetts Amherst (lead institution), including participation of the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research and Engagement, Office of Research Liaison and Development, Office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property, Polymer Science and Engineering Department, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Center for UMass-Industry Research on Polymers, Center for e-Design, and Department of Landscape Architecture and Region Planning; and Holyoke Community College; Private Sector Organizations: Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing Company, Inc.; State and Regional Organizations: Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, Inc., MA; and Regional Technology Corporation,(RTC), MA. Other participating organizations and personnel include Academic: Springfield Technical Community College; and State and Regional Organizations: Economic Development Council for Western Massachusetts, and Western Mass Chapter-National Tooling and Machining Association (WMNTMA). PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Capistran, James Shaw Ling Hsu Sundar Krishnamurty Mario Rotea Paul Kostecki University of Massachusetts Amherst MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 MANU 9146 7651 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0917959 August 1, 2009 PFI: 3DHub: A Geometric Kernel and Infrastructure for Community-based Rapid Application Development and Deployment. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type II (A:B) partnership within Purdue University, between the PFI graduated grantee (0227828) and participants from another NSF partnership supported program, Network for Computational Nanotechnology (NCN) (0228390/0634750)--seeks to change the way the knowledge supply chain for 3D algorithms, infrastructure development for 3D applications, and corresponding business models work. New and emerging technologies for creating digital data representation of objects such as 3D laser scanners, 3D cameras, computer-aided design systems, and cryo-microscopy have resulted in the creation of large amounts of "unstructured 2D and 3D geometric data." This project will enable knowledge that is embedded in the data to be extracted and made usable. This project will develop basic algorithms needed as well as the computing infrastructure to support it. Because the 3DHub(TM)has the ability to influence the creation, distribution, and maintenance of the applications through shared resources, it can transform businesses fundamentally. Technology, once a tool for business strategy, now has become a driver of business strategy. A 3D Geometric Kernel supported by an easy to use Grid Infrastructure will provide a competitive advantage for companies to conceive, create, as well as develop and distribute, products and services in new ways. This will transform the way geometry-dependent business models will be conceptualized and how they operate in many sectors including surgery, proteomics, manufacturing, and education. Additional research in geometry dependent fields will also progress much faster through the affected business communities. In this project, a technology push designed to increase access and use by industry in ways that might open up new markets and opportunities might also in turn feedback into discovery research. Partners at the inception of the project are an Academic Institution: Purdue University (lead institution), including participation of members in Mechanical Engineering and the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Private Sector Organizations: Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, Redding Industries, VCom3D, and Imaginestics; Federal Government Laboratory: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Ramani, Karthik Mark Lundstrom Leah Jamieson George Adams Purdue University IN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599809 1662 CVIS 7651 117E 1064 0110000 Technology Transfer 0917971 July 15, 2009 PFI: Polymeric Membranes for Energy and the Environment. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type III (A:C) partnership between Virginia Tech University (VT) an NSF PFI graduated grantee(0650277), and two institutions new to the PFI Program (defined as ones that have never been PFI grantees), University of South Carolina Upstate (USCU) (Spartansburg, SC) and St. Paul's College (Lawrenceville, VA)--is driven by the potential for membrane separations to dramatically improve the global availability of clean water and clean natural gas. The knowledge gained in the course of the project will be transferred to large and small companies through broad-based national and international workshops and collaborations. Current reverse osmosis (RO) systems utilize submicron-thick aromatic polyamide membranes which are lightly crosslinked. They lack chemical resistance to chlorine disinfectants. This project is developing amphiphilic, ductile, oxidatively and hydrolytically stable polymeric membranes from poly(arylene ether) ion-containing systems which provide good salt rejection and water flux. The new membranes have greatly enhanced stability against disinfecting chlorinated compounds and resistance to fouling. The materials are amenable to scale-up (by one of the partners, Akron Polymer Systems) and processing into a variety of useful products (by Dow Water Solutions) including asymmetric films, thin supported membranes and asymmetric hollow fibers. Ultrahigh performance natural gas separation membranes based on polyamides and polybenzoxazoles have been discovered in conjunction with Korean and Australian colleagues. Multidisciplinary research at VT/UT, partnering with ConocoPhillips, will accelerate successful development of practical systems. Outcomes will include a fundamental body of knowledge regarding structures, materials and property relations for water and natural gas purification membranes. The project provides an important opportunity for students to be educated as part of a multi-disciplinary global research team. A major feature of the project will be undergraduate/graduate/faculty exchanges from the participating U.S. academic institutions (Virginia Tech, University of Texas at Austin, University of South Carolina Upstate, and St. Paul's College that will provide talented diverse scientists and engineers to the industrial partners. Internships will broaden students' perspectives well beyond their research and instill in them the value of team approaches to problem-solving that are so critical to progress in interdisciplinary fields. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: Virginia Tech (lead institution), University of Texas at Austin, University of South Carolina Upstate, St. Paul's College, and Hanyang University (Seoul, Korea); Private Sector Organizations: Akron Polymer Systems, Dow Water Solutions, ConocoPhillips, and Polymer Solutions; and Government Laboratories: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) (Clayton, Victoria, Australia). PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG McGrath, James Mark McNamee Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 EGCH 9197 7651 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0917973 August 1, 2009 PFI: Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type II (A:B) partnership between Syracuse University, an NSF PFI graduate (0227879, initiated at Tufts University), and Virginia Tech University, which is currently a research site of another NSF-supported partnership program: I/UCRC Wireless Internet Center for Advanced Technology (WICAT) (0809036)--is focused on the creation of the first national Wireless Grid Innovation Testbed (WGiT). The project integrates prior knowledge and technology. Scientists at universities will work with a consortium of private organizations in a laboratory with the resources to support open innovation and user-created innovations in a system that supports their capture, documentation, and improvement. The intellectual merit of this project lies in the innovative combination of grid networking and wireless networking. The ultimate vision of the wireless grid is that of an adaptive network with secure, inexpensive, and coordinated real-time access to dynamic, heterogeneous resources, across geographic, political and cultural boundaries without forsaking stability, transparency, scalability, control and flexibility. Better assessment of wireless grids technology, network performance, and user behavior will inform design, manufacturing and commercialization of next generation information and resource sharing innovations. The test bed will support training and courses related to innovation, wireless grids technologies and business/social impact opportunities. Students within a variety of courses from middle school through doctoral levels, as well as community workforce training programs, through work at the associated labs and in the field, will be given the opportunity of hands-on experience in the use of the wireless grid beta applications as they become available. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own wireless grid applications, building upon the open platform provided. New knowledge will be generated both on innovation models and entrepreneurial ecosystems, and on wireless grids. The broader impact of wireless grid connectivity specifications developed with WGiT support will be determined ultimately by their utility to user and device communities. Open source developers interested in wireless grids distributed collaboration and network mash-up features will be significant early users. A wide range of new applications is expected across industry sectors and social communities. Businesses, government agencies and private individuals will have new options for interacting within and across regions. The testbed will provide students, faculty, firms, and representatives of government an opportunity to learn from and participate in the growth of this new market. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: Syracuse University (lead institution), Virginia Tech University, Tufts University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Instituto Superior Technico (IST), Lisbon, Portugal; Private Sector Organizations: Center for Advanced Engineering & Research, Inc. (CAER); Clear Channel Radio; MOD-ECO; Qualcomm, SenSyr LLV; Syracuse Research Corporation (SRC); Wireless Grids Corporation (WGC); Governmental and Intergovernmental Organizations: Knowledge Society Agency (UMIC) Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Portugal; and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), France. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG McKnight, Lee Tamal Bose Peter Wong Bruce Kingma Craig Watters Syracuse University NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599262 1662 OTHR 7651 117E 0000 0116000 Human Subjects 0917974 August 1, 2009 PFI: Commercialization of Advanced Composites in Offshore Wind Energy. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type III (A:C) partnership between the University of Maine (UMaine), an NSF PFI graduated grantee (0125343), and Maine Maritime Academy, an institution new to the PFI Program (defined as one that has never been a PFI grantee) and, in this case, new to NSF as well?seeks to enable the acceleration of the development of Maine?s deepwater offshore wind energy resource by employing an innovation model that will draw upon knowledge and technology from diverse sources. The proposed research addresses the development of key knowledge, experimentally-validated numerical models for combined aerolastic/hydrodynamic loadings; and an enabling technology, Rapid-Formed Composite Structures (RFCS). Neither the knowledge nor the technology currently exists for deepwater offshore wind turbines and both are critical to the development of offshore wind energy. The University of Maine brings to the partnership RFCS technology, which eliminates and will significantly reduce, platform construction and deployment costs. . The project addresses the energy crisis facing Maine and the US which requires new strategies and innovations. Working with floating platform developers and composites manufacturers, platforms for offshore floating turbines will be developed by the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (newly renamed in response to the evolution of its research mission) at the University of Maine. Thus, this project presents an opportunity to progress toward the goal of delivering installed wind power capacity at a cost that is competitive with existing technology. Floating offshore wind platform technology offers the following benefits: 1) reduction of reliance on foreign energy sources, (2) development of a renewable, carbon-free energy, and 3) creation of domestic manufacturing and service jobs focused on offshore wind energy. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: University of Maine (lead institution) and Maine Maritime Academy; Federal Laboratory: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); Private Sector Organizations: Cianbro Corporation and Maine Composites Alliance; and State Organizations: Governor?s Ocean Energy Task Force and Maine Technology Institute (MTI). PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Ward, James Habib Dagher Robert Lindyberg University of Maine ME Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 9150 7651 117E 0000 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0917981 August 1, 2009 PFI: An Innovative Model for a New Advanced Energy Workforce. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project is a Type III (A:C) partnership between University of Toledo, an NSF PFI graduate (0227899), and several institutions new to the PFI Program (defined as ones that have never been PFI grantees): Central State University, Hocking College, Lakeland Community College, Owens Community College, and Terra Community College. The project seeks to create a model for developing courses, certification programs, stackable certificates, and associate degree programs throughout the State of Ohio in advanced energy. Ohio universities, under the leadership of the Governor?s Energy Advisor, banded together to form the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio in 2007 to promote advanced energy research. In addition, the state has leading alternative energy companies and a renewable energy portfolio standard that promise job opportunities for the future. A ready and trained workforce is needed to support renewable energy companies as well as trained and ready trades people to install solar, wind, and other systems. The project involves university research and incubation centers to provide guidance for the development of new courses and programs in anticipation of the development and commercialization of new energy systems (e.g., rooftop building integrated PV systems. The project will bring new knowledge on advanced energy technologies to community and technical colleges so that new courses and programs can be developed. It will develop a statewide model for university engagement to transform an "old industrial region" into a leader in a new technology intensive industry. The project draws upon the experience of a previously successful PFI project as well as the statewide support of the primary organizational partner, University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio. The project aims to take Ohio universities toward a more "developmental role" in transforming the statewide economy and creating high paying job opportunities. The project involves Central State University, an HBCU, and gives special attention to developing opportunities for participation of underrepresented groups. The results of the project will be broadly disseminated in Ohio and nationally through presentations, press releases, involvement of state leaders, and professional and technical publications. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: University of Toledo (lead institution), Central State University, Hocking College, Lakeland Community College, Owens Community College, Terra Community College, and Bowling Green State University; Private Sector (Industry) : Advanced Energy Generation, Engineered Process Systems, FirstEnergy, First Solar, North Coast Wind and Power, Solar Fields (Calyxo), WIRE-Net (Great Lakes Wind Network) and Xunlight; Private Sector (Non Profit): University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio; and State Government: Ohio Board of Regents. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Calzonetti, Frank Mary Waldock Jane Harf University of Toledo OH Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599901 1662 EGCH 9197 7651 117E 0110000 Technology Transfer 0917985 August 1, 2009 PFI: ACTiVATE at NIH Program. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project--a Type III (A:C) partnership between University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), an NSF PFI graduate (0438617), and Johns Hopkins University (JHU), an institution new to the PFI Program (defined as one that has never been a PFI grantee)--seeks to create the first applied entrepreneurial training program focused on meeting the special needs of post doctoral fellows (postdocs) in federal laboratories. With 10% of all postdocs in the U.S. working in Maryland, these highly-trained scientists are a valuable, yet untapped, resource for economic development in the region. The ACTiVATE at NIH program will build on the success of the original ACTiVATE (Achieving the Commercialization of Technology in Ventures through Applied Training for Entrepreneurs) program at UMBC. While the original program was focused on training mid-career women to commercialize technologies from universities and federal labs in the State of Maryland, the ACTiVATE at NIH program focuses on training postdocs in their final year to start companies based on technologies from the National Institutions of Health (NIH). Following the proven ACTiVATE model, postdocs will partner with individuals from the business community to select technologies identified and screened from the NIH Office of Technology Transfer. These individuals will follow a year long, applied training program, customized to address the specific needs of postdocs. The goal of the program is to start 10-12 technology-based companies in Maryland, and train 45 postdocs and 45 business people to commercialize technologies from NIH. The Program will extend to significant numbers of postdocs awareness of, and information about, entrepreneurship opportunities in technology fields. The training will take a learn-by-doing approach that can be disseminated to, and replicated at, other federal labs in other regions of the country The ACTiVATE at NIH program will provide a model for teaching scientists to work with business people and commercialize innovations from their own laboratories that can be used at other research institutions across the country and in other parts of the world. The formation of new ventures will create wealth, build the regional economy, and provide new products that will improve the national well-being. At the same time, the program will demonstrate to postdocs across the country that entrepreneurial careers are a viable alternative to academia. The ACTiVATE at NIH program will increase the number of university start-ups in Maryland, and innovations from NIH and other federal labs will be commercialized. Through a partnership with JHU's Carey Business School, the ACTiVATE at NIH program will be studied and modified so it can evolve into a program that could be offered by prestigious business schools in a way that would complement their traditional offerings. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) (lead institution), Johns Hopkins University (JHU)(Carey Business School), Montgomery College (Montgomery County Community College), and George Mason University; Private Sector Organizations: Human Workflows, LLC and Rockville Economic Development, Inc.; Local and Federal Governmental Organizations: Incubator Network of Montgomery County and NIH-Office of Technology Transfer. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Simmons, Gregory David Fink Stephen Auvil Ellen Hemmerly Vivian Armor University of Maryland Baltimore County MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599625 1662 OTHR 7651 117E 0000 0110000 Technology Transfer 0917988 September 15, 2009 PFI: From Whiteboard to Boardroom: Creating Innovation Infrastructure in Institutions with Modest R&D Funding. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) project is a Type III (A:C) partnership between the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), an NSF PFI graduate (0090578), and Johnson County Community College (JCCC) (Overland Park, KS) and William Jewell College (Liberty, MO), both institutions new to the PFI Program (defined as ones that have never been PFI grantees). The Whiteboard to Boardroom (W2B) partnership seeks to maximize the ability of all higher education institutions, including those with R&D funding of less than $100 million per year, to make a vital contribution to the region's economy by creating a system that identifies commercialization opportunities in the higher education institutions and seamlessly connects them to myriad community resources that support business development. It focuses on identifying, supporting, and capitalizing on existing resources in the Kansas City region to realize technology commercialization. It will invoke a process that creates a mechanism that "pulls" technologies out of the institution rather than waiting for an innovator to ask for assistance with an idea and actively moves them through the business development pathway. The W2B team brings together faculty and professions that collectively have the knowledge of the academic process and business creation. W2B will provide a replicable method to train faculty and students in the understanding of the commercialization process. It will broaden the participation of all types of academic institutions in the innovation process by defining ways that community colleges and other non-research intensive institutions can contribute to this process. It will create a technology platform supporting replication in other communities. A partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (U.S. SBA) will allow results to be disseminated directly to small business development resources in universities and colleges around the country. Partners at the inception of the project are Academic Institutions: University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) (lead institution), Johnson County Community College, William Jewell College, and University of Kansas; Private Sector Organizations: Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Enterprise Center of Johnson County/Mid-America Angels; Kansas City Area Life Science Institute, Kansas Women's Business Center/Women's Capital Network, Kauffman Foundation, Polsinelli Shalton Flanigan Suelthaus PC, Show-Me Angels, Tradebot Ventures, Inc., and KCSourceLink; State and Local Government Organization: Missouri Technology Corporation; and Federal Government Organization: U.S. SBA, Kansas City District Office (Kansas City, MO). EEC Innovation Awards IIP ENG MacQuarrie, Ronald Kevin Truman gregg whittaker Donna Duffey James Baxendale University of Missouri-Kansas City MO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 7960 OTHR 7651 6890 1662 117E 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0923633 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Pneumatic Energy Storage with Staged Hydraulic Conversion for Low Specific Cost Renewables Support. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop and evaluate a Beta prototype 50 kW 300 kW-hr novel energy storage system. No current energy storage technology can provide low specific cost, high energy density, and long lifetime operation in the mid-capacity range (100kWh - 10 MWh). Particular opportunities exist with renewable energy providers (e.g., wind and solar), commercial & industrial consumers, as well as utilities for services such as capacity firming, consumption smoothing, energy arbitrage, and power regulation. SustainX intends to develop, manufacture and market a disruptive, cost-effective and scalable energy storage device that will serve as an enabling technology for the proliferation of alternative energy generation sources, such as wind and solar power. Having demonstrated technical feasibility through the Phase 1 & 1B effort, the company's Phase II effort will be dedicated to improving system round-trip efficiency, scaling the technology, and ultimately deploying a Beta system at a customer site. Low cost, long lifetime energy storage has the potential to broadly impact grid stability and reliability, commercial and industrial consumer energy costs, and renewable energy generator value and overall market penetration. As the penetration of wind increases due to renewable portfolio standards, rising fossil fuel costs, public sentiment surrounding climate change and other market pressures, the industry faces a number of challenges. These include, but are not limited to, intermittency of supply, errors in forecasting power production, increased regulation requirements, and transmission congestion. As wind becomes a larger percentage of the energy portfolio, these challenges are compounded. Energy storage has the potential to mitigate these integration issues, thereby allowing wind power to be utilized on a larger scale in a more economically-viable fashion. Specifically, wind generators will be able to use SustainX's energy storage technology to firm capacity, increase peak sales, and enhance ancillary service capabilities. Storage capacity therefore not only represents a significant value to current wind production, but should also be seen as an enabling technology that will allow the world to reach its near- and long-term energy management goals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bollinger, Benjamin SustainX, Inc. NH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 497621 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923636 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: An Accurate, Low Cost In-Situ Multi-Spectral Absorption Meter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will investigate the feasibility of an accurate low cost in-situ multi-spectral absorption meter for measurement of water properties. Current commercially available instruments are limited in their accuracy in real world conditions due to their design. They are also expensive due to the use of costly components such as lamps, filter wheels, spectrometers, etc. This project will explore the use of a novel patented construction method in combination with light sources, optics, and photodiodes to give scientists an accurate yet low cost research tool to measure absorption in-situ over a variety of wavelengths. Compared to currently available instruments, this instrument will be more sensitive, have a broader dynamic range, will be insensitive to interfering parameters (e.g. scattering) and will be able to measure in the ultraviolet region. If successful the proposed product will help the scientific and general public communities better understand water quality in the natural world but also it could be of considerable benefit in broader kinds of chemical processing. Current commercially available in-situ absorbance instruments lack accuracy in field conditions and are relatively expensive. Hence they have not been widely adopted in the scientific community. A more accurate in-situ absorption meter dramatically improves the quality of the data that scientists can generate and reduces the amount of time they spend correcting for interfering parameters. The proposed instrument will address significant needs of organizations measuring water to understand natural processes as well as to determine water quality. A number of applications to measurements of other turbid liquids will be possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hoang, Sang Turner Designs CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923653 September 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: A Novel 360-Degree Video Surveillance Camera. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel 360° video surveillance camera which provides a simultaneous panoramic 360° field of view (FOV) using optical unwrapping, instead of digital unwrapping. The company's proprietary imaging technology can provide 70% greater image resolution than conventional cameras using the same sensor chip, and employs no moving parts. Not only can it acquire 360° video of a surrounding scene, but also such 360° video images can be viewed directly, for the first time, without need of external computational hardware/software for unwrapping. The proposed camera would perform video surveillance with unprecedented panoramic 360° field of view that eliminates blind spots, and greatly enhances image quality. The directly viewable 360° video would also enhance visualization, communication, and response time in surveillance practice. The proposed imaging technology developed under this SBIR program is a platform technology with numerous potential applications. As a breakthrough optical imaging technology, it will lead many researchers and practitioners to rethink the way video images are captured and spawn commercial ventures to bring it to various commercial markets. In addition to enabling video surveillance products, e.g., 360° box camera, pen-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, miniature camera, etc., this technology will lead to commercial applications in areas such as medical and industrial endoscopes, pipe inspection, turbine engine diagnosis, automotive safety devices, navigation, mobile robotics, video conferencing, and internet webcast. The company has selected three vertical markets in which to develop innovative product(s) offering significant value propositions. These three vertical markets are: (1) video surveillance cameras (~$13 billion), (2) automotive safety products, e.g., rearview mirrors and parking sensors, (~$13.4 billion), and (3) medical and industrial endoscopes (~$4.3 billion). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Geng, Jason Xigen LLC md Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 435129 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923674 August 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Localized Gene Delivery from Implantable Arterial Devices. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is focused on assessment of our novel siRNA-loaded nanofibrous polyester in a rat carotid artery endothelial cell denudation model, which has been historically used to evaluate the effects of blocking specific genes on arterial healing. The goal of this Phase II proposal is to determine where these siRN-loaded nanofibrous materials can locally release a selected siRNA directly to the implant site and block selected cellular functions within the animal artery that are associated with blood vessel narrowing. Our hypothesis is that selected siRNAs can be incorporated into electrospun nanofibers using our patent-pending proprietary technology. siRNA would then be released from the respective material in a slow, sustained fashion, thereby directing cellular/tissue incorporation and transgene expression. It is anticipated that siRNA-loaded polyester materials will regulate cellular growth in and around the material as compared to untreated nanofibrous materials, thereby preventing blood clotting. The broader impacts of this research are development of an implantable polyester material that can be used to locally deliver specific siRNA moieties directly at the implant site (i.e. within the artery). There is no other implantable material capable of directly affecting localized cellular function. Thus, this technology when employed as a stent coating or an artificial blood vessel will significantly improve patient outcome after implantation of these materials. Additionally, this type of material could be employed for simple (hernia repair mesh, catheter cuffs) or complex (total implantable heart, ventricular assist devices) devices that would require controlling specific cellular functions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Phaneuf, Matthew Mauricio Contreras Biosurfaces MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 479601 5373 1591 BIOT 9184 6890 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923704 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Predicting Behavior in Electronic Commerce Environments. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves the examination of consumer consumption behavior across multiple on-line domains to predict those items to be most likely consumed in the next interchange and the terms under which they will be consumed. The proposed innovation utilizes a persistent key technology to examine multiple attributes of identity to establish a unified identity that links individuals across multiple domains. Once linked the unified identity serves as the basis for the aggregation of consumption behavior (purchases, content, ads clicked through, invitations extended, etc.). The aggregated data establishes the consumer?s digital footprint and serves as the basis for creating highly-predictive models. The models analyze the actual consumption behavior to establish consumption propensity and terms of consumption on an industry segment level. The results of the propensity models will be returned to the client at the time of interaction to make up sell / cross sell offers that are most likely to result in action by the consumer. The result for the client is increased revenue for the transaction and the result for the consumer is increased satisfaction through the relevance of the offer. The broader impact of the proposed innovation involves three aspects: Accelerating economic expansion, identifying potential domestic terror threats and identifying potential on-line predatory activity. The ability for a retail or social network to identify the consumption preferences of their customers and offer those items during an interaction increases the likelihood that a customer will purchase the offered item due to its relevance. Such expansion of customer spending will assist organizations in increasing inventory turnover, improving sales and overall economic health. Identification of potential domestic terror threats through the examination of cross domain purchasing behavior of linked identities. Intelligence Services could establish purchase combinations that when combined could result in a potential treat and take appropriate early intervention action. Identification of potential on-line predators through the use of persistent key technology to highlight those individuals whose established identity on other domains is materially different from a current registration. This permits the organization to establish higher authentication requirements for those individuals and in so doing protecting itself and in the case of Social Media its members (specifically minors). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Garmon, Ronnie VueLogic LLC GA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 6890 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923706 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Relief-Free Infrared Diffractive Optics Based on Semiconductor Materials. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new generation of relief-free thin-plate components of diffractive optics operating in the infrared region of spectrum. The diffractive optics employs volume phase holographic structures, which are optically recorded in semiconductor materials transparent at the infrared wavelengths using proprietary process of photo-modification for producing dramatic change of the material refractive index under illumination with low intensity light. Phase I of this project proved feasibility of the proposed concept by demonstrating photo modification of ZnSe infrared material and fabricating the first model components. The developed technology can be immediately applied to fabrication of diffractive optics, volume phase holographic gratings, and phase retardation plates for wavelengths up to 1.9 ìm, as well as antireflection layers for wavelengths up to 8 ìm. In Phase II project the technology will be optimized and applied to fabrication of the prototype components of infrared diffractive optics operating at longer wavelengths, including the important wavelength of CO2 laser 10.6 ìm and windows of atmospheric transparency 3-5 and 8-12 ìm. The developed photo-modification process is highly adaptable and creates a rich technology platform for fabrication of a broad range of products for a large variety of markets. Successful implementation of this technology will result in a new generation of high efficiency relief-free infrared diffractive optics and sub-wavelength components, including diffraction gratings, beam splitters, beam shapers, semiconductor materials with artificial birefringence, phase retardation plates and wave plates. The relief-free components of infrared diffractive optics based on semiconductor materials are capable to withstand high light intensities and perform complicated light management functions. Another important application is the fabrication of highly stable anti-reflection (AR) layers on infrared semiconductor optics. The market for infrared diffractive optics includes defense and airspace industry, laser industry, spectral devices, sensors and detectors, night vision optics, industrial process control, material processing, cutting and welding, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics and surgery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Krivoshlykov, Sergei ANTEOS, Inc. MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 361416 5373 1591 OTHR HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923749 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Novel Projection Display System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a novel "fluorescent emissive projection" (FEP) display system, which will turn a glass window or windshield into a full color, high contrast electronic display panel, without blocking the view through the glass. The team will develop novel display engines as well as quantum dots based display materials while also integrating these key components into a full color 40 inch size FEP display prototype. The reliability and regulatory concerns for commercial applications will be investigated in Phase II. If successful this innovative display-on-glass technology will create a broad spectrum of commercial applications with significant market sizes and economic benefits. Success of this project could enable a mass deployment of the display technology in commercial advertising places and automobiles. The new display technology will be applied broadly for many commercial applications, such as the display on store front glass windows or cabinets to attract consumers into stores. It will present real-time commercials on glass windows, without blocking the view into the store and its displayed merchandises. Given the huge number of glass windows and windshields where the technology can be implemented, it has very significant economic impacts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG sun, ted Sun Innovations Inc CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923822 July 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Improved Manufacturing Methodology for Aluminum Ash Metal Matrix Composite Materials. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research(SBIR)Phase II project seeks to overcome the principal impediments of the inconsistent quality of metal matrix composite (MMC) materials from fly ash and aluminum. This project utilizes highly processed ash derived ceramics (ADC) as a reinforcing phase in aluminum MMCs manufactured with powder metallurgy (P/M) methods. The processed ADC has a narrow size distribution and is free of carbon, magnetite, and cenospheres. In powder metal technology the ADC alters the strength, stiffness, and hardness of the aluminum. When blended with aluminum powders and compacted into parts, aluminum MMC materials can be fabricated with stiffness properties like ductile iron. Sintering parameters can be manipulated to control the aluminum-ADC reaction and the silicon metal and spinel that it generates, thus creating wear resistance and hardness. The MMC then behaves like a hypereutectic alloy. The primary objective of this project is to formulate one or more high performance ADC-aluminum MMCs that are ready for commercial deployment. Achieving this level of performance will allow ADC?aluminum MMCs to compete directly with hypereutectic alloys and ductile iron in the production of parts for the transportation industry. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the ability to derive high quality, ash derived ceramics (ADC) that are recovered from coal combustion ash for use in new light weight high strength composite materials. These materials are needed in the transportation industry where weight, cost, and performance are critical. ADC-aluminum metal matrix composites can be used to manufacture parts for the transportation industry such as brake rotors, and drive train components that are currently made from ductile iron or hypereutectic alloys, materials that are heavier and/or difficult to machine. This material change will decrease the overall weight of the vehicle, thereby improving its fuel efficiency and performance while improving the margins for parts manufacturers. This technology will create a new commodity that will lead to the creation of new jobs and help support the needs of the automotive and transportation industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Marrs, Brock NuForm Materials, LLC KY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499376 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 5373 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923830 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Model-Based Control for Chemical-Mechanical Planarization of Copper/low-k Films. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a commercial prototype of a real-time model-based controller software for next-generation Chemical-Mechanical Planarization(CMP) systems used in semiconductor wafer manufacturing. Planarization is an enabling step for semiconductor interconnects that is critical to the industry's keeping up with Moore's law. Future technology nodes of 32 nm and below require improved level of performance in planarization technology. Smaller dimensions and the use of more delicate low-k films pose increasingly stringent requirements on planarization performance. The successful development of the proposed controller software will help extend planarization to new levels of performance for 32 nm technology and beyond. The copper planarization market is anticipated to reach $824 million in 2009, and a next-generation CMP controller product will have a significant impact on the future of this market. The proposed innovations will help to accelerate the adoption of new dielectric structures in next-generation semiconductor devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Emami-Naeini, Abbas SC SOLUTIONS INC CA William Haines Standard Grant 476695 5373 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923843 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Closed-Field Magnetron Sputtering with RF Plasma Enhancement for Deposition of Thin Films on Large-Area Flexible Substrates for Photovoltaics Applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop a turnkey sputter deposition system to provide low temperature thin film deposition of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) materials. A laboratory scale film deposition system using a closed-field magnetron sputtering with RF plasma enhancement was demonstrated. The thin films were grown at lower temperatures than most competing processes. One key advantage of the deposition process developed is its ability to produce TCOs without the need for post-treatments (to achieve both good resistivity and transparency) thereby simplifying the process compatible for high-volume processing of large flat polymeric substrates. The project will demonstrate the process compatible with alternative TCO materials and with photovoltaic applications. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be innovations in photovoltaic (PV) technology. The ability to tap solar energy more efficiently will lead to major breakthroughs for many devices. For years, silicon (Si) solar cells have been the backbone of the solar industry using monocrystalline Si substrate with multiple layers of p-n junction diodes. However, one of the main limiting factors is the shortage of silicon for PV applications as it competes with the existing requirements in the semiconductor industry. Many different PV alternatives are in active development which utilizes TCO materials to provide the conductive anode, cathode, or both. Thin film solar cells provide a good alternative to Si-based solar cells as long as the fabrication cost can be reduced. Thin film solar cells use layers of semiconducting materials with little micrometer thickness and deposited on glass, stainless steel or flexible substrates. One cost-effective method to produce PV devices is through the use of polymers. However, the current device performance of polymer-based PV devices is low but can further be improved by fabricating metal oxide semiconductors embedded on the polymer-based device structure. Thus, this technology will be cost-competitive if the fabrication of TCO thin films are proven they can be done on large-area flexible substrates at lower temperatures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dockstader, Thomas Kurt J. Lesker Company PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 6890 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923844 September 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Next Generation Polymer Optical Fiber. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will create innovations in the science and application of polymer doping, fiber drawing, and bundling technology. Research will be conducted to shrink fiber diameter limits to submicron dimensions, to dramatically reduce diameter fluctuations, to increase pixel density, to increase array size, to reduce manufacturing time, and to improve array quality. Experiments will be performed to develop novel methods of doping polymer with higher concentrations of quantum dots and other nanoparticles. Additionally, a ribbon array cutting machine and a microwell fabrication apparatus will be developed. The current glass-based fiber optic technology is expensive, has limited functionality, and cannot be used in some applications. The company's proposed polymer products will be better replacements for current glass products, not only because of lower fabrication costs, but because of the increased functionality polymers provide, as well. The innovations from this Phase II program will have significant scientific, technological, and social benefits. For example, in the fields of biological investigations, genomic studies, new pharmaceutical development, and detection of biological agents, polymer fiber optic arrays will increase the efficiency and integrity of high speed analyses for high throughput parallel experimentation. This program will also advance scientific understanding of the dynamics of Qdot and nanopartical dopants in polymers, providing fundamental benefits to the scientific literature for nonlinear optical polymer dynamics, as well as new methods to exploit quantum phenomena in mesoscopic devices. The commercialization of cost-effective, reliable microstructured fibers provides equipment manufacturers a pathway to supply new products of high impact to medical, information technology, and retail markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Welker, Dave PARADIGM OPTICS INCORPORATED WA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499970 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923846 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Global Correlation Service for Network Security Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is directed toward fulfilling the need of business and Government organizations to more effectively monitor and protect their electronic networks. Network security devices (NSDs) such as Anti-virus, Intrusion Detection/Prevention, spam/phishing filtering, and bandwidth anomaly detection systems have become an integral part of our networks as they provide invaluable services in maintaining data integrity and confidentiality, while protecting the availability of computing resources. This research aims at significantly increasing the timeliness, accuracy and cost-effectiveness of NSDs in combating fast-changing and ever-more sophisticated network security attacks. The programming and maintenance of NSDs is today a very significant obstacle to their wider adoption. The most common and significant complaints of existing NSDs users are (1) excessive amounts of false positive events (events that should not be generated) and the difficulty in analyzing security events (2) their extreme sensitivity to the timeliness of the security updates to catch emerging threats and (3) the expertise required in the installation, maintenance and operation of these systems. These obstacles limit adoption by many smaller companies that cannot afford to hire expert system administrators and network security analysts. MetaFlows seeks to capitalize on these deficiencies by providing ways to outsource this complexity. If successful, this research effort will inexpensively and thoroughly improve the manageability, accuracy and return on investment of many existing NSDs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ricciulli, Livio MetaFlows Inc CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923847 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Social Marketplace for E-learning. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to create the first on-line social studying platform that allows students to connect, share and learn together. The application is focused on high school and college students. The proposed platform, called OpenStudy, combines both theory and practice in a seamless user-friendly environment that empowers the individual user to learn, create and share their knowledge. OpenStudy will make education accessible, by connecting students of varying levels of expertise, age, location, and social graph; and fun, by providing a social learning experience with peer-to-peer sharing and validation. In the face of globalization and Thomas Friedman's 'flat earth' economy, competing through education is a fundamental need whose importance is being recognized at a national level. Students and educators alike recognize the need for innovative technologies in addressing this problem. Yet according to leading market analysts, the e-learning supply chain is rooted in old business practices and unable to meet the needs of the new buyers. 'The State of Our Nation's Youth' survey reports that high school students feel the pressure to compete with better grades. Despite the rapid adoption of learning management systems by institutions and of social networks by individual students, there is no systematic solution to this problem nor an application in the education field. Significant technical and business innovation is required to introduce a solution to this problem. The OpenStudy platform seeks to accomplish this change by creating a peer-to-peer learning community to provide a social learning experience for its members. Leveraging the wisdom of a community, OpenStudy will enable students, faculty and alumni to engage in a national conversation focused on learning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sprague, Christopher Inquus Corporation GA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 469346 5373 SMET 9177 6890 1653 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923850 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Combining Mobility and Manipulation in a Tri-Sphere Robot. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project seeks to develop a radically new type of mobile robot. Most of today?s robots rely on wheels to move from one location to another but the proposed Tri-Sphere robot moves by walking. This form of locomotion provides distinct advantages when the robot is called upon to negotiate cluttered terrain. The Tri-Sphere robot interacts with its environment via a unique six degree-of-freedom parallel manipulator. This manipulator allows the robot to dig, grasp and carry objects with exceptional dexterity. An important feature of the robot?s design is that both its manipulator and its legs are driven by the same suite of six electric motors. This intrinsic mechanical simplicity results in an extremely robust mechanism well suited for dirty, difficult jobs. The broader impact of this research is the creation of a new class of robots designed to combat the threat posed by land mines and other explosive devices. It is estimated that more than 60 million mines are in place throughout the world. The Tri-Sphere robot will provide a safe, reliable means of locating, unearthing and disposing of this unexplored ordnance. In addition, the Tri-Sphere design can be scaled to create versions of the robot tailored to the demands of mining, underwater trenching and other complex material handling operations that must be conducted in hazardous environments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Viola, Robert Square One Systems Design, Inc. WY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 498695 5373 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 6840 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923853 August 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Development of a Lead Optimization Chip for Drug Discovery. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will address further development and commercialization of a multi-enzyme lead optimization chip (Multizyme Chip) for high-throughput generation of lead compound analogs coupled with cell-based screening for the rapid identification of biologically active derivatives. Such a capability directly impacts a key bottleneck in drug discovery; namely, the efficient optimization of lead compounds to develop drugs with optimal pharmacological properties. Solidus Biosciences, Inc. proposes to combine six biocatalysis with pharmacological screening to provide rapid identification of biologically active compounds against cell-specific targets, which is a new paradigm for lead optimization. Moreover, the Multizyme Chip platform will be well-suited for lead optimization in related industries, including agrochemicals, cosmetics, and cosmeceuticals. The Solidus technology will thus improve the competitiveness and efficiency of the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and chemical industries, and will serve as a rich source of new and improved commercial products. The broader impacts of this research are the advances that Solidus Biosciences will achieve toward generating better and safer drugs, reducing the cost to develop these drugs, and increasing the overall efficiency of the pharmaceutical industry. Solidus will generate Multizyme Chips for purchase by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to facilitate their lead optimization programs, particularly those involving natural product-derived and complex synthetic small molecule leads. Cryopreservation techniques developed in Phase II will enable the sale of chips and chip-handling devices produced during Phase I, and will allow seamless penetration of the Solidus technology platform into the company's target markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Lee, Moo-Yeal Douglas Clark Solidus Biosciences, Inc. NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 BIOT 9184 6890 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923854 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Improved in Vivo Delivery of SiRNA. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop technologies that optimize the use of RNA interference (RNAi) in animals. RNAi is an invaluable tool for characterizing gene function and is a promising candidate for gene therapy. The use of RNAi in tissue culture is well developed but is of limited use in experimental animals. RNAi agents must enter cells to exert their effects but this has proven to be challenging in animals. The current lack of such technologies is holding back the majority of important RNAi animal experiments. To open this bottleneck, kits and reagents will be developed based on Bioo Scientific?s Targeted Transport Technology (T3). Easy-to-use RNAi delivery products will be manufactured, validated and commercialized for use in animal experiments. The broader impacts of this research are twofold. First, researchers will gain ready access to products that greatly simplify the use of RNAi in animals, thereby, stimulating a burst of validation experiments in animals to try to replicate prior results derived from tissue culture experiments. Animals are more complex than their tissue culture counterparts and it is uncertain that results can be duplicated in an animal. Second, T3 has the potential to be used for the therapeutic delivery of RNAi agents. In sum, this project will propel the validation of tissue culture results via T3 enabled animal experimentation, leading to a better understanding of cellular pathways, the identification of novel drug targets, and the potential to deliver RNAi agents as drugs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ford, Lance Bioo Scientific TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9184 6890 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923856 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Manufacturing of Package Test Socket Contactors through Innovations in Electrochemical Printing. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project addresses the low volume manufacturing of test probe cards through Electrochemical Printing. Integrated Circuit Board Testing Connectors(ICBTCs) include contactors that are metal structures designed to contact integrated circuit boards (ICBs) at the wafer level during production with wafer probe cards (WPCs) or after packaging with package testing sockets (PTSs). WPC contactors are manufactured with semiconductor processes (SPs) in high volume whereas PTS contactors are built in lower volume with conventional microfabrication (CM) or low cost plating through dryfilm masks on flexible substrates. There is increasing pressure to reduce the ICB package size and PTS contactor dimensions while also reducing testing costs. This project addresses these needs by developing a moderate cost, high resolution electrochemical printing technology. The broader impacts of this research include providing repair solutions for high value products that are currently thrown away and reducing plating bath inventory in an electrodeposition tool by at least 10X. The long term opportunity is for EcP is to revolutionize desktop microfabrication because it is a low cost, single step process that has promise of producing complex 3D fully functional polymer, semi-conductor, and metal parts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nelson, Jeffrey Ionographics, Incorporated WA William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923861 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Active Device for Reliable Cleaning of Feeding Tubes. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will continue development of the Tube-Clear(TM) device to clear clogged and sluggish feeding tubes, satisfying a critical medical need and reaching a viable commercial market. When compromised patients are unable to swallow food or medication, feeding tubes are used to administer medication and nutrition. A clog leaves the patient without medication or nutrition for hours, or even days, and is extremely frustrating to both patient and caregiver. Approximately 410,000 PEG (long-term) tubes and 5 million NG (short-term) tubes are placed each year in the U.S. Each type of tube presents specific challenges for feeding, clogging and cleaning. The Tube-Clear(TM) PEG prototype cleaned a clog of food and ground medication, in less than one minute, that could not be easily removed using any other available approach. Demonstration of the PEG alpha-prototype at four focus groups, for over 20 nurses from a variety of clinical settings, produced an overwhelmingly positive response toward the device. Phase II (following on Phase IB) will further develop both the PEG tube and NG tube cleaners to beta-prototypes, take the devices through clinical trials, and establish manufacturing protocols, all under a Food and Drug Administration compliant quality system. The Tube-Clear will ease the burden on nursing staff and patients dealing with the frustration of clogged and sluggish feeding tubes. A structured financial and technical plan has been put in place using a combination of funds from SBIR (Phase I, IB, II and IIB), the State of Pennsylvania, Commercial Partners, and equity investment to reach specific milestones over a 2.5 year period. The NSF Phase I project kicked off this development effort with a highly successfully Alpha prototype for PEG tubes, which was tested in a series of nursing focus groups, resulting in extremely positive reviews. The Tube-Clear for PEG cleaning has an anticipated market launch date in 2010, followed by a NG tube cleaning device market launch in 2011. By 2013, Piezo Resonance Innovations (PRII) anticipates revenue for the Tube-Clear (TM) of $25-50 Million. Three commercial partners, with presence in the enteral feeding market, have indicated strong interest in the device and would provide access to their paths to market, marketing staff, and device development expertise. They have also expressed willingness to contribute financially, potentially as Phase IIB partners. PRII staff will also teach guest lectures on medical device design in the Penn State School of Nursing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bagwell, Roger Piezo Resonance Innovations, Inc. PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9183 6890 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923863 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Development of Low-Cost, Biodegradable Substitutes for Disposable Plastics. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will use readily available plant protein and innovative, environmentally friendly processes to develop bio-based plastic prototypes such as packaging products. The resulting formulation and production processes for each prototype will meet the needs of large manufacturing companies and consumers who seek biobased and biodegradable products. The prototypes will be designed to meet production requirements, product characteristics and costs that compete with incumbent petroleum-based plastics. Phase II goals are to refine the formulations and processes from Phase I to produce acceptable prototypes for our potential customers, particularly in the packaging industry. The results of a defined formulation and process for each product will enable R&D Green Materials to develop, in Phase III, a scalable pilot process to produce the bio-based products and show that economic implementation can be achieved by our industrial partners. The project will result in unique processes and technologies to produce biobased, biodegradable plastic products that are functionally equivalent to nonbiodegradable petroleum-based plastics. R&D Green Materials will develop environmentally friendly, cost-effective alternatives to plastic products through technologies that utilize plant-based materials that remain non-toxic from manufacture to disposal. The results will allow industrial partners the freedom to utilize bio-based plastic products without the current problems of high cost and inappropriate characteristics of the process and/or product. As use of the biobased plastics becomes widespread, the general environmental benefits and reduction of plastic pollution is likely to exert a positive effect on human health through reduced exposure to carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. Compared with synthetic polymers, the unique biobased polymers used in the Phase II prototypes can reduce environmental impact, minimize pollution, and conserve resources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Woerdeman, Dara R&D Green Materials, LLC PA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9153 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923865 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Line Scan X-Ray Tomography for In Cylinder Diagnosis. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop a sound and novel Line Scan X-ray instrument to characterize turbulent sprays and flames inside a windowless combustor. This project will develop and evaluate a prototype system that will be used by the automotive and gas turbine industries. The goal of the project is a commercially available diagnostic technique for obtaining detailed characteristics of flames and sprays inside windowless combustors. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is that it will enable industry to measure relevant information inside combustors, permitting stricter quality control and reduced pollution emission. Significant advances in the combustion process are required to enable quantum improvements in fuel efficiency. This diagnostic tool will provide the information critically needed to enable improvements in fuel efficiency and pollution reduction. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sivathanu, Yudaya EN'URGA INC IN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 6890 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923869 August 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Optimized Nano-Porous Surfaces for Boiling Heat Transfer. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project seeks to develop and commercialize an optimized technique to produce durable nano-porous surfaces (NPS) for heat transfer applications using an inexpensive electrochemical process. This technology will be very beneficial for the development of high-efficiency boilers, heat exchangers and electronic cooling devices. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the enhancement to boilers, heat exchangers, and electronic cooling devices that serve various industries, such as, power/utility, oil and gas, chemical, food and beverage, and building and construction. Additional benefit from the this project will be its potential application in efficient heat transfer to increase energy output, reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases, consume less fossil fuels and reduce harmful pollution. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Yanming ADVANCED MATERIALS & DEVICES INC NV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 9150 7644 6890 1591 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923893 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Dual-Wavelength Diffractive Optics for Absorbance-Modulation Optical Lithography. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop an optical-maskless-lithography technology that is capable of high resolution, high throughput, flexibility, low cost, and extendibility. Current lithography technologies suffer from the problems of high tool costs, high mask costs, and inflexibility (in the case of optical-projection lithography), or high tool costs, very low throughputs, and high complexity (in the case of scanning-electron-beam lithography). The emerging Zone-Plate-Array-Lithography (ZPAL) technology and its optical extension to sub-100 nanometers via absorbance-modulation optical lithography (AMOL) will mitigate these issues, while providing unprecedented flexibility in nanopatterning. The proposed project covers three major thrusts: firstly, the manufacture of zone-plate arrays containing over 1000 zone plates, each with a numerical-aperture (NA) greater than 0.85; second, the manufacture of dichromat arrays containing over 1000 zone plates, each with a numerical-aperture (NA) greater than 0.85; and lastly, the design of high-efficiency lenses to overcome many of limitations of conventional zone plates and dichromats. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is the creation of a fabrication tool which will enable a new paradigm in the development and manufacture of nanostructures by sharply reducing the development-cycle time and manufacturing costs. At present, the tools that are available for the creation of such nanostructures are highly limited in flexibility, resolution, cost and throughput. Being maskless, this technology provides flexibility by enabling the designers of nanostructures to quickly realize their designs in hardware for prototyping and even low-volume manufacturing. This new tool could potentially benefit a wide spectrum of industries including micro-electro-mechanical devices (MEMs), nano-electro-mechanical devices (NEMs), nano-electronics, nano-magnetics, integrated optics, photonics, biochips, and microfluidics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Smith, Henry LUMARRAY LLC MA William Haines Standard Grant 468979 5373 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923894 August 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Nanoscale Silver Pastes for Low-Temperature Joining of Power Semiconductor Devices. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project aims to accelerate the commercialization of an enabling nanomaterial for joining semiconductor chips. The unique features of this innovative material would reduce the manufacturing cost for making lead-free electronics that are required to work in harsh environments and to possess significantly improved performance and reliability over the state-of-the-art technologies. This project focuses on obtaining and sharing extensive scientific knowledge that will lower the risk and barrier for electronic manufacturers worldwide to rapidly implement this nanomaterial in mass production. The broader impacts of a successful project will be to electronics manufacturers in the United States. The U.S. has fallen behind their European and Asian competitors in the move to lead-free products. This enabling nanomaterial will reduce manufacturing complexity and cost, and will help U.S. manufacturers in capturing a significant share of nearly $500 million-dollar market for chip-attach materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Luo, Susan Khai Ngo NBE Technologies, LLC VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499982 5373 1591 MANU 9146 9102 6890 1591 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923900 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Intelligent Tool Wear Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop a family of products that will facilitate two-way CAM/CNC integration and First Part Correct technology through: 1) Predictive tool wear monitoring, 2) Intelligent cutting speed (feed) selection, 3) CAM/CNC Integration. The solution integrates the above technologies, monitoring the in situ tool forces and tool wear and using the intelligent feed rate adaptor to modify the cutting process for optimum performance even as the tool wears. Manufacturing is a global enterprise and, as well documented, much is now done outside the US. But this is not a foregone conclusion. The US remains the largest global consumer. Internally US manufacturing has a geographic advantage with lower freight cost and just-in-time delivery requirements. If successful, the technology developed in this project could make a significant positive impact on US manufacturing moving forward. Other broader impacts include graduate students who will be exposed to research of immediate interest to industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Esterling, Donald VeritasCNC, Inc. NC Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923919 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Adaptive Methods for Sensorless Estimation of Induction Motor Efficiency. This Small Business Innovation research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and field-test a system for obtaining accurate on-line, in-service estimates of energy efficiency of industrial electric motors. The effort will further exploit the basic technology at the core of the condition monitoring & assessment (CM&A) product being developed by Veros Systems. Inc., and will become a key feature of that product. This monitoring technology is sensorless, in that only electrical measurements, i.e. voltages and currents available at the motor control centers, are utilized. No information from mechanical sensors, such as speed, torque, vibration or temperature, is necessary. Consequently, this reliable and effective CM&A technology is cost-effective and cost-scalable. The proposed approach to efficiency estimation is based on employing the raw electrical measurements that are collected for use by the existing CM&A product framework, and augmenting them with adaptive filters for accurate estimation. The Phase II research plan calls for the refinement of the online, in-service efficiency estimation algorithms defined in the previous Phase I effort. The broader impacts of the project include awareness of the importance of energy efficiency in industrial motors, which account for about 25% of all electricity sold in the U.S. Widespread adoption of this energy conversion efficiency estimation technology could reduce the total energy consumption by industrial motors up to an estimated 18%. These energy conversion efficiency costs, together with the costs of maintaining electric motors and the costs of lost production associated with motor downtime are among the most significant controllable costs of industrial establishments. Even a modest adoption of more effective CM&A and efficiency estimation technologies would eliminate some fraction of this waste and have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, while enabling clients to reduce their energy costs, increase profitability, reduce fuel imports and lower greenhouse emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Atiya, Amir Veros Systems, Inc. TX Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923921 September 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Zero-Power Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Sensing Tags. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project focuses on developing a smart sensor network integrated with Zero-Power Radio Frequency Identification - Sensing Tags (RFID-ST) that combines the technology of a digital Microelectronic Mechanical System (MEMS) switch and a Radio Frequency (RF) antenna for a wide variety of distributed sensor applications. While micro sensor technologies appear very promising, most existing sensors are energy hungry and have a very short battery life. The RFID-ST, however, requires no dedicated power source; rather, after selective detection of special agents of interest, this tiny, low cost sensor reports back the signal when it is interrogated by an RF reader/transducer. During this project, a zero-power RFID sensor tag will be developed with temperature sensors for blood supply applications. The resulting tag will improve transfusion safety by identifying each blood product, virtually eliminating the possibility of mix-up. The tag will also be equipped with a temperature sensor to enable continuous monitoring of the cooling chain. The broader impacts of this research will allow the resulting wireless sensors to be strategically deployed virtually anywhere: blood supply, cooling chain products, homeland security, border and transportation security efforts, various toxic gases, biological threat agents, explosives, and environmental pathogens. Environmental and regulatory uses exist in the detection of chemical leaks, contaminants, and illegal storage of hazardous materials; and RFID-ST technology would allow industrial users to monitor chemical storage and processing systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Ho, Winston Guann Li MAXWELL SENSORS INC. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 6890 6840 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923926 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Semi-Automated Sports Video Search. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project objective is to commercialize a novel technology for indexing video. The company's approach automatically integrates information from speech, text, and video through algorithms that generate rich semantic indexes for video. The Phase I results show that this approach can be incorporated into a system that indexes video with high accuracy and at a fraction of the cost of currently used methods. Further, during the Phase I research, the company has identified a large and growing consumer market (sports video) in which the technology can be applied. The technical objectives of the Phase II proposal focus on working with such partners to roll out initial Bluefin-powered applications, such as content-based search and video-enriched fantasy sports. Such applications are currently not feasible because of the low accuracy of automated indexing methods and the high cost of manual approaches to indexing video. Millions of hours of new video content are coming online every month, feeding an exploding demand and reshaping the nature of the Internet. Just as text-oriented search engines were necessary to empower users to find what they needed during the first phase of the text-centric Internet, a new generation of technology will be necessary to organize and effectively find content in the fast-approaching video-dominated era of the Internet. Bluefin Lab is pioneering a new approach to video organization and search by commercializing cross-modal algorithms developed in Academe. While this differentiated technology can be leveraged in several target markets, the company's initial focus is on sports media where it will power a unique experience for video search, video-enhanced fantasy sports, and other video-centric applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fleischman, Michael Bluefin Lab, Inc. MA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 497550 5373 HPCC 9139 6890 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923928 September 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Intraventricular Cooling Catheter. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will build upon the success demonstrated in the Phase I program and further develop the Intraventricular Cooling Catheter, whose purpose is to induce localized therapeutic hypothermia while maintaining systemic normothermia and thus to act as a neuroprotective modality to mitigate brain injury in traumatic brain injury, and stroke, and post-cardiac arrest brain injury in humans. In Phase II our primary objectives are: 1) design and development of commercially viable prototypes of the system components (Controller and Catheter); 2) determination of system's range of effectiveness in cooling tissue in various regions of the brain (cooling map of brain); and 3) determination of system's safety and efficacy profile. Improvements will be developed to both the catheter and the controller based on our Phase I experience. Animal trials using a sheep model will be conducted to determine the system's performance and efficacy in brain application. Finally, an IDE safety trial will be conducted (in spine application). We anticipate that the results of this work will provide the foundation for this intraventricular cooling catheter to be used as an adjunct modality to other treatments for neuroprotection due to cerebral ischemia in stroke and traumatic brain injury, as well as in cardiovascular surgery. The broader impact of this Phase II work addresses the challenge of neurological deficits relating to cerebral ischemia. Cerebral ischemia reduces oxygen delivery to brain cells and initiates the process of cellular death. Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are the two most prevalent causes of icshemic brain injury. 780,000 strokes occur annually in the United States with 87% of them being ischemic. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability. Additionally, stroke strikes blacks at a rate twice that of whites. TBI results in 235,000 hospitalizations each year and 50,000 deaths. The challenge of TBI has increased even more in the US military where, due to the nature of modern warfare, rates of brain injury have increased from 12%-14% to an estimated 22%. Neurological deficits from cerebral ischemia cry out for novel therapies. Over $119 billion in direct and indirect costs to society are incurred annually from Stoke and TBI, $68.9 billion for stroke and 60 billion for TBI. These diseases affect all sectors of society and the development of a novel device to induce localized hypothermia while maintaining systemic normothermia will have a significant impact on clinical practice. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Elefteriades, John John Simmons CoolSpine LLC CT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 499952 5373 1591 BIOT 9183 6890 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923942 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: High Resolution Tunable Receiver For Remote THz Sensing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project is aimed at developing devices for the detection of terahertz (THz) signals and a spectrometer based on these devices. To date, the lack of suitable electronic devices have made the THz region of the electromagnetic spectrum inaccessible except by use of large and costly scientific instruments. The aim is to develop a simple, low-cost, low-power receiver which will make this important region accessible. The three critical components of the THz heterodyne receiver are an antenna, microbolometer/mixer and quantum cascade laser which functions as a local oscillator. With these novel components it is possible to develop a portable, field-deployable THz spectrometer capable of monitoring a wide variety of gases in its vicinity. The high-sensitivity spectrometer will allow rapid identification of chemicals and remote sensing of gases for environmental, global warming, and homeland security applications. The broader impacts of this research are that the THz receiver, which has high sensitivity and high spectral resolution not achievable with existing devices, can be used in a much wider variety of imaging and screening devices. THz screening of personnel is non-invasive and harmless. Explosives and biological agents can be detected and identified even if concealed in clothing and suitcases because the THz radiation is transmitted through clothing and luggage. The proposed receiver also has a potential of providing THz imaging of biological materials and broad-band transmitting of digital signals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wobschall, Darold Esensors Inc. NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 419645 5373 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923953 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: New Labeling Reagents for Genetic Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project aims to develop new, sensitive, accurate, and reliable detection methods for measuring genomic DNA or RNA samples isolated from living cells. The intellectual merit of this project lies in the development of new detection methods that are essential for improving high-throughput genomic microarray analyses of gene activity. Problems with current microarray and genomic analysis techniques, including hybridization perturbation, slow enzymatic labeling methods using expensive labeled nucleotides and sequence dependence, are solved using a direct labeling approach. These new systems will provide the detection tools needed to advance the promising pharmaceutical, research and diagnostic uses of genomic analysis to determine the pattern of gene expression in disease or upon therapeutic treatment. Marker Gene Technologies, Inc. has established the feasibility of these detection methods by preparing new ultrasensitive fluorescent labeling reagents and developing protocols for directly labeling DNA or RNA samples isolated from live cells. These reagents are able to efficiently and sensitively label oligonucleotides for high-throughput microarray analysis. In Phase II these systems will be validated by further analysis of the fluorescent labeling methods and characterization of their ability to monitor changes in gene expression upon application of drugs or other bioactive compounds or in response to biological changes in cell function or disease, in a cell-specific manner. The broader impacts of this project include development and commercialization of new methods for rapid screening of genomic expression patterns in response to specific drug application in normal cells and tissues as well as in disease, bacterial or viral infections. These methods are a significant improvement over existing technologies by using a direct labeling approach that is quicker, more accurate and more cost-effective. These systems will be marketed to the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries for high-throughput pre-clinical screening of drug efficacy by comparative cellular genomic analysis. In addition, existing collaborations with industrial and research partners assure quick commercial development of the technology. The combined techniques will improve U.S. competitiveness in the burgeoning genomic analysis field as well as in pharmaceutical therapeutic drug development and lead to further job creation based on both the products and systems developed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Naleway, John MARKER GENE TECHNOLOGIES, INC OR Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 499889 5373 BIOT 9183 1491 1112 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923963 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Fiber-optic System for Fast Non-contact Measurements of Optical Structure of Human eye. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is aimed at developing a high speed and high sensitivity system for measuring optical dimensions of human eye, such as the total axial length, corneal thickness and the location and thickness of the crystalline lens, in a non-contact manner using infrared light, invisible to the eye. This task is accomplished by improving the existing technique of time domain low-coherence interferometry. In case of a live patient, who cannot be immobilized for steady measurements, speed and sensitivity of the measurements are especially important to achieve high accuracy and precision. The broader impacts of this research are aimed at benefiting large part of the population that suffers from cataract and other vision problems. The U.S. population of over 65 years old expected to increase to over 70 million in 2030. Therefore, there is a dramatic need for tools to treat the wave of eye diseases and problems inherent to such population. Information on the structure of the eye is required in eye surgeries, including those that deal with replacing the crystalline lenses affected by cataract. The proposed research will result in an array of critical tools aimed at mapping out the eye, for medical research and for treatment of the diseases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ignatovich, Filipp Lumetrics, Inc NY Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 489179 5373 BIOT 9107 1517 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923966 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: GABA-Mediated Nitrogen Efficiency. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the need for crops with increased yield. Yield is directly related to nitrogen (N) utilization and is dramatically affected by climate. Plant Sensory Systems has developed a genetic modification to plants that increases their N use efficiency (NUE) and tolerance to drought and high temperatures. The modification is the insertion of a novel pathway for making gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in plants. Phase I research demonstrated that the genetically modified model plants were more drought- and heat tolerant and had higher yield in both N-limited and N-sufficient conditions compared to wildtype plants. In Phase II the gene construct will be tested in a crop plant to demonstrate commercial feasibility. Agronomic performance in N- and water-limited and sufficient conditions will be determined in homozygote corn lines. The broader impacts of this research are the stabilization of the agronomic sector of the economy and a reduction in adverse effects of agriculture on the environment. The innovation would lead to crops with higher yields that cost less to produce. The need for less N fertilizer would reduce costs to the growers and have significant environmental savings by reducing the amount of N that runs into the watershed. Moreover, a reduction in fertilizer production and application would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The innovation confers tolerance to climate changes, which would also reduce crop-production costs and increase yield. The proposed technology has great commercial potential in a market actively seeking increased NUE and value-added traits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Turano, Frank Plant Sensory Systems, LLC. MD Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9109 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923967 September 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Development of an Innovative Warm Hydroforming System for Lightweight Alloys. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project seeks to develop analytical techniques for finite element simulations of the warm hydroforming of aluminum, magnesium and other metals. This project will develop and test fixtures and instrumentation. The project objectives will be to develop methods and a system for simulating parts and validating designs prior to prototyping and to develop advanced research warm hydroforming tooling with optical measurement capabilities to validate the simulation and modeling method. Warm hydroforming is of interest because many metals have improved forming properties at moderately elevated temperatures, 450 °C or less. Warm hydroforming differs from superplastic forming with a focus on conventional alloys and short forming times. Warm hydroforming also requires lower forces and pressures so the cost of heating can be offset by reduced mechanical system requirements. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be the ability for manufacturers to use lighter, more fuel efficient materials without sacrificing strength, (automotive and aerospace industries) or to obtain shapes not possible at room temperature. The value proposition offered by warm hydroforming is: lighter weight materials can be formed with similar strength characteristics, allowing for more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles and aircraft; greater deformations can be achieved without tearing or fracturing reducing the need for machining or joining operations; allows the creation of many features, such as mounting points or reinforcing ribs, in a single step; eliminate process steps no longer needed with warm hydroforming since parts are formed in one operation; and lower up front capital costs as the force required to form materials at elevated temperatures is much lower than at room temperature and this translates into significantly smaller, less expensive presses and related equipment. While automotive warm hydroforming applications have had high visibility, many other industries such as heating and air conditioning, recreational vehicles and building products where aluminum components are used could benefit from this technology and by introducing this technology into those industries may make them more competitive and efficient. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Cain, Patrick Interlaken Technology Corporation MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 498022 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 6890 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923986 September 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: A Novel, High-Dimensional Touchpad. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses an opportunity to build on the recent enthusiastic market acceptance in touch interfaces with a new exciting feature-enhanced technology. The patented high-dimensional touchpad (HDTP) employs a tactile matrix sensors to capture nuances of finger contact that current touch interfaces cannot detect. Machine vision techniques are used to extract control information from measured tactile contact and direct it to control a system or device. The HDTP has all capabilities of available touch interfaces with far more continuously-variable parameters from a single finger and numerous new features. The SBIR Phase II project objectives are: 1) create a working HDTP prototype from the test system of SBIR Phase I; 2) characterize suitability of available tactile matrix sensors for commercial HDTP products; 3) develop expanded repertoire of touch interactions combining existing techniques with others unique to the HDTP; and 4) conduct human studies comparing the HDTP with other touch interfaces. Expected outcomes of this Phase II project are: a working prototype providing eight or more useful continuously-variable parameters (four or more in a small area); identification of best suited sensors; an expanded range of touch interaction techniques; human study results showing HDTP capabilities surpasses those of other touch interfaces. The past eighteen months have seen the emergence of a new generation of touch interfaces that exploit multi-touch and gesture interactions to create user interfaces substantially more usable than other user interfaces. With the success of the iPhone, advanced touch interfaces are now appearing in a variety of products ranging from laptop and multi-user table-top computers to PDAs to competing smartphones to digital cameras. The heightened interest in touch interfaces and their increasing prevalence make finding ways to improve them especially important. Considerable effort is now being devoted to developing advanced touch interfaces. The proposed project will advance that research. As a high-dimensional touch interface operated in an intuitive way with a wide range of powerful new capabilities, a large number of possible applications, and well-suited for use in handheld devices, the HDTP has the potential to be very widely adopted. Because of the size and number of potential markets for the HDTP, even a modest market share in some of them could result in substantial profits. Further, the HDTP's sensitivity and adaptability makes it well-suited for use as an assistive device for the disabled, thus promoting the goal of universal access. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Ludwig, Lester New Renaissance Institute CA Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9216 6890 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0923988 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II:Disruptive Performance From Engineered Piezoelectric Organic Polymer Nanocomposites: Inventive Approach To New Electrical and Mechanical Energy Conversion Materials. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to commercialize and expand the application of piezopolymer nanocomposite technology. Piezoelectric materials are an alternative energy source, which interconvert mechanical and electrical energy. Applications include transducers, actuators, sensors, energy harvesting, vibration dampening, and smart polymers. A strong market need has been for piezopolymeric materials that compete with the temperature and performance level of piezoceramics. In addition to films and fibers, this technology can form nonwoven fabrics, which are excellent geometries for smart materials and wound healing. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the transformation of new energy processes that play an increasingly important role to the public in the business and social foundation of the US as costs of fossil fuels rise. Alternative energy transformations such as solar, wind, biomass, wave and fuel cells are now more actively under commercial development and will no doubt continue to demonstrate growth technically and economically. Piezoelectric energy conversions are more versatile than those mentioned above. Benefits come in forms such as transducers, actuators, sensors, energy harvesting, vibration dampening, and smart polymers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wagener, Earl TETRAMER TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C. SC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499996 5373 MANU AMPP 9163 9150 6890 5373 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924000 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: 3-D Surface Profilometry using Standing Wave Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will address the continued development of a novel sensor to enable form and finish of complex microscale structures as well as extend the technology to larger parts requiring three dimensional surface profilometry. The company is partnering with a global leader in the metrology industry to adapt this sensor and the corresponding gauging technology to their coordinate measuring machine. The culmination of this work will be a capstone industry specific demonstration on a new three dimensional surface profiler. The broader impact of this research is the ability to provide a measurement capability not currently possible in one tool. Form and surface finish are inseparable in manufacturing and significantly impact functionality of a component in industries ranging from medical implant (for orthopedic bearing surfaces) to automotive (crank shafts or injector spray holes). Product reliability in these applications depends on the quality of the subcomponents and mating parts which is defined by the capability of the measurement technology. This measurement tool will provide a new measurement capability that will ultimately give better understanding of the manufacturing process and therefore the ability to make a higher quality and safer product. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bauza, Marcin INSITUTEC, INC. NC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924010 September 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Blended Clocked and Clockless Integrated Circuit Systems. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project will develop and apply a principled design methodology to confront the serious problems associated with deep sub-micron, system-on-chip, integrated-circuit designs. The project will develop design services for companies wishing to market complex, proprietary, low-power integrated circuits through the development of a unique design tool, one which will apply a mathematically sound approach to the production of large, hazard-free, network-on-chip products. The goal for this tool is to reduce traditional design cycles by eliminating most of the global verification effort while improving the robustness of the design. New results in predicting the behavior of deep submicron arbiter circuits are essential to this work and will also be reported. The broader impacts of this research are to reduce design costs, time-to-market and power consumption. More broadly this can: 1) significantly increase the productivity of integrated-circuit design engineers, 2) reduce power consumption of electronic control, communication and computational systems and 3) increase our competitiveness against off-shore system-on-chip designers particularly with respect to low volume products. Thus, successful completion of this project is important to the future of the national electronics marketplace because, without a major reduction in the time spent on global verification, the benefits of higher levels of integration, including reductions in time-to-market, conservation of power and increases in reliability, will not be available to many important electronics market sectors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Cox, Jerome Blended Integrated Circuit Systems, LLC MO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499789 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 6890 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924012 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: A Higher Throughput SPR Biosensor. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop a 48 channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instrument and demonstrate a high throughput flow cell array for use with a variety of label-free biosensing platforms. Flow cell technology is currently the limiting factor in the development of high throughput label-free sensing technologies. Modification of Wasatch Microfluidics Continuous Flow MicrospotterTM into a highly parallel flow cell should begin to eliminate this bottleneck and provide a template for even more highly parallel systems. We will develop an understanding of how the proposed flow cell technology will impact the sensing capabilities of a commercial-ready surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instrument and an optimized baseline protocols will be developed. The end result will be a 48 channel flow cell, which will be scalable to much higher throughputs (192, 1536). This flow cell will be flexible such that it will be easily integrated with a variety of label-free sensing technologies. The end result of this research and development effort will be an SPR instrument with approximately 10 times the capacity of the best current systems and will lay the ground work for much higher density systems. The broader impacts of this technology include the commercial opportunities of the Microfluidic Flow Cell Array (MFCA). The MFCA will be developed for integration with the biosensing platforms of a number of other companies. Specifically we will target label-free technologies used to measure kinetic and affinity constants for binding of molecules to one another. This is currently a $100M/year market. From our discussions with pharmaceutical companies, higher throughput label-free systems will lead to much larger implementation of these technologies and a significant commercial potential, including a larger market opportunity. Even the most basic implementation of our flow cell will have a substantial impact. Currently, it takes the flagship Biacore (GE) instrument up to 28 hrs to process 384 samples. These same 384 samples would only take 1 hr with our proposed combined MFCA / SPR instrument utilizing our CFM technology. These same instruments will then lead to substantially faster and more effective drug discovery processes, and eventually better health for the US population. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gale, Bruce Wasatch Microfluidics, LLC UT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 495089 5373 BIOT 9267 9107 6890 1517 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924013 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Bulk AlN Growth For III-Nitride Devices. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will result in the development of a novel semiconductor growth technique to produce low dislocation density III-nitride AlInGaN substrate materials for high efficiency deep UVLEDs and electronic devices. This novel growth technique termed Metalorganic Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (MOHVPE) is a hybrid of Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD), used for device growth where atomic layer accuracy is required, and Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE), used for fast bulk growth. Their combination in a single growth reactor allows for the growth of very thick, low dislocation density films as substrates templates. Then the growth mode can be switched to the metalorganic sources to grow atomically controlled device active layers, such as quantum wells, without taking the wafer out of the growth chamber. The MOHVPE AlGaN substrate technology will lead to higher efficiency Power Electronics and deep UV LEDs. Deep UV LEDs offer the potential to greatly increase our understanding of the interaction between UV light and biological/microbiological species. This is increasingly important as we confront the global trends of an aging population (healthcare), increased population density leading to greater pathogen exposure and water shortages, and greater cross-border travel. Researchers are just beginning to investigate applications for UV radiation including cancer treatment, increased plant/food yield, and genetic modification with an increasing interest based on the ability to more controllably deliver UV radiation to particular points of interest that has been enabled by UV LEDs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fareed, Qhalid Nitek Incorporated SC William Haines Standard Grant 493733 5373 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924014 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: A Multi-Grip Prosthetic Hand. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will combine lighter weight and quiet piezoelectric technology into an innovative Multi-Grip Prosthetic Hand. Current prosthetic hands are too heavy for many wearers, require expensive cosmetic shells and gloves which are damaged in rugged work environments, and are limited in orientation and gripping capabilities. This project will develop a quiet and lighter weight actuation system and integrate it into a new prosthetic hand design that will be rugged and water resistant, increasing function with a two-position thumb for greater gripping capabilities, and a flexible wrist to enhance orientation abilities and reduce shock loads transmitted to the wearer's remnant limb. The broader impacts of this research are that it will result in a Multi-Grip Prosthetic Hand, with water-proof housings and connectors, light-weight motor drive, and two-position thumb design. This hand will offer a type of hand never available before in the prosthetic marketplace. Because of its innovative features, it will open up vocations and working opportunities that were closed to prosthetic hand wearers heretofore. "Return to Work", the goal of Worker's Rehabilitation programs worldwide, will be given a tremendous boost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Iversen, Edwin MOTION CONTROL, INC. UT Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9183 6890 1203 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924028 August 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Optical Fiber Distributed 60 GHz Wireless Personal Area Network. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project will create novel technologies for the realization of a cost-effective, optical fiber distributed 60 Gigahertz (GHz) wireless personal area network (WPAN). The 60 GHz frequency region for wireless communications is attracting much interest worldwide because of the huge bandwidth it can provide. The integration of a 60 GHz WPAN with a fiber-optic signal distribution scheme will enable the required high data rate signals to be efficiently and cost-effectively delivered to a large number of radio access points ensuring optimized radio coverage. A cost-effective prototype wireless access point for a fiber distributed 60 GHz WPAN will be developed and multi-gigabit-per-second (Gb/s) bi-directional data transmission demonstrated. Consumers will directly benefit from the fiber distributed 60 GHz WPAN through the provision of new communication services and the increased affordability in gaining access to unprecedented multi-Gb/s data rate tetherless connectivity. The broader impacts of this research are the advancement of high data rate communication systems through the deployment of new integrated wired and wireless infrastructures with enhanced flexibility and scalability. The technologies created in this project will also greatly enhance the security of data on wireless networks due to the inherent security in the physical layer of the 60 GHz wireless network. The enhanced security of short range 60 GHz wireless networks will be of direct benefit to organizations such as law enforcement agencies, homeland security, financial institutions and medical institutions, for which the secure transmission of data is critical in ensuring the protection of individuals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Novak, Dalma Rod Waterhouse Pharad LLC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 9102 6890 6840 4096 1367 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924037 August 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: In-Home Rehabilitation System for Post Stroke Patients. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project proposes to create an in-home gait training device that allows a post-stroke patient to undergo rehabilitation with little or no assistance. Approximately 500,000 Americans survive a stroke each year. Miraculously, most stroke survivors can relearn skills, such as walking, that are lost when part of the brain is damaged. They can relearn walking most effectively if they are aided in making the correct motions by a machine or a physical therapist while attempting to walk. This training is expensive and requires the patient to make regular visits to a stroke center or qualified physical therapy center. Berkeley Bionics proposes to create a lightweight robotic exoskeleton which cradles a patient?s lower extremities and torso, and maneuvers their rehabilitating limbs for them. The broader impacts of this research are immense. These devices could move most post-stroke rehabilitation out of the clinical setting thereby reducing labor costs dramatically. The gait training exoskeletons will be wearable, very unobtrusive, and allow patients to maneuver in the real world. Patients would therefore be able to wear such devices for most of the day, thus remaining mobile and gaining the therapeutic effects of physical therapy over the course of a day, rather than just a short session. Furthermore, creating such a device will also give clinicians an alternative to the wheelchair to assist patients who are unable to recover adequate mobility to function in their daily lives. This could potentially reduce unhealthy effects of wheelchair use for millions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Zoss, Adam Homayoon Kazerooni Berkeley ExoWorks CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 BIOT 9183 6890 1203 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924039 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Domain-Unified Modeling for Electro-Mechanical Component Libraries. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes a framework to support product development, analysis, and decision making in multi-domain engineering environments through domain-unified product models. Ad hoc and even formal (standards-based) product data models, subject to the need for multiple views and attributes to support domain-specific application requirements, suffer from data redundancy and consistency problems. These problems are exacerbated by the implicit nature of information in geometric representation schemes and the difficulty and latency of its access. The intellectual merit of the work lies in the ability of the developed formalism to support the simultaneous generation and maintenance of multiple views of product model data, and the enforcement of consistency between them. A framework is proposed to manage the complexity of model synchronization and view-generation with the domain-unified modeling environment through the active management of constraints and goals for model population and transformation. The framework is to be validated within the context of an environment for the creation, management, and distribution of domain-unified models of packaged electronic components. The broader impact of this work accrues from the application of the domain-unified modeling methodology to packaged components for printed electronic assemblies (PCAs). The design of electronic products is realized through a combination of electronic design automation (EDA) software tools and computer-aided design (CAD) tools that support a wide variety of inter-related design and analysis disciplines spanning the electronic and mechanical domains (e.g. functional, layout, thermal, manufacturability). These tools are critically dependent on the availability of accurate computer-interpretable models of packaged electronic components. Due to the absence of accepted modeling standards, a lack of effective tools for the creation, maintenance, and distribution of component data, and a lack of interoperability across EDA and CAD tools. The proposed domain-unified modeling tools and data services will enable OEMs to more efficiently mange and distribute component information within their enterprises, OEMs and designers to leverage collective efforts in component modeling, and provide efficient mechanisms for the communication of data between component suppliers and OEMs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Stori, James SFM Technology, Inc. IL Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924041 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Dual Magnetic Tunnel Junction (DMTJ) Materials and Structures for STT-RAM. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will address material innovations required to successfully take spin-transfer torque (STT) switching phenomenon from a research environment to commercialization. The goal of this Phase II project is to deliver Dual Magnetic Tunnel Junction (DMTJ) technology at three progressively smaller technology nodes, and to develop a package of data on DMTJ devices, including materials structure, read and write performance, and reliability characteristics, that can be transferred to licensees for commercialization. The outcome of this project will be STT based Random Access memory (STT-RAM), a fast, high density, low power, nonvolatile universal memory solution that has the potential to displace mainstream semiconductor memories such as Static RAM, Dynamic RAM and Flash in both embedded and standalone memory markets, and create entirely new sectors in the semiconductor industry. Not only can STT-RAM replace each of these memories individually, but from a system perspective, STT-RAM offers the potential to revolutionize electronic system architectures in a way that can significantly reduce power, component count, area and cost, while dramatically improving system functionality and performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Driskill-Smith, Alexander Grandis, Inc CA William Haines Standard Grant 499904 5373 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924042 September 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: An Omni-Directional Antireflective Coating from Solutions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II seeks to develop a surface texturing technique that will significantly improve sunlight coupling into various types of solar cells. Surface textures are mandatory to record efficiencies in solar cells. The Omni-Directional Antireflective Coating (Omni-AR) solution showed a reduction in reflection in a large range of incident angles (omni-directional) over a broad spectral range (400-1200 nm). Improved solar cell efficiency of over 10% was demonstrated (experimentally). The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be a low-cost, broad-spectrum, omni-directional and substrate-independent surface texture antireflective coating. It is expected to have a significant impact on current and future solar cell technologies. The ability to provide near ideal performance of antireflective coatings to solar cells without a vacuum process is a major step in reducing the cost of solar electricity. This solution-based deposition technique makes it possible to provide a single coating technology that should work with all types of solar cell materials and structures. This project will significantly improve the conversion efficiency in both current and future solar cells (~10%) with a minimum cost increase (~4%). "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dickerson, Tom ZT Solar, Inc TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9166 7644 6890 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924043 August 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Laser Vapor Deposition for thin film functional polymers and nanocomposites. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project seeks to commercialize an innovative technology for depositing thin films and heterostructures of functional polymers, functionalized nanoparticles and nanoparticle-loaded polymers. Laser vapor deposition (LVD - trademarked) can be used to increase efficiency and reduce cost of thin-film devices as varied as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic solar cells and polymer chemosensors. This project will prove that LVD can meet industrial production requirements by (a) performing scaling studies of the process-throughout versus laser power in various process configurations and (b) building a table-top mid-infrared laser prototype using nonlinear optical frequency conversion from a commercially available high-power near-infrared laser. This objective will be supported by thorough studies on the physical mechanism of laser-materials interaction under mid-infrared vibrational excitation. The outcome of this project will also provide the development roadmap for high power industrial lasers for materials processing applications in mid-infrared wavelength spectrum. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be the technique for mass production of thin-film organic optoelectronics devices. For example, the OLED is an energy-efficient display and solid-state lighting device. Widespread adoption of solid-state lighting products such as white-light OLEDs could cut the US consumption of electricity for lighting by 29%, while saving the nation's households about $125 billion in the process, according to the Department of Energy. It would also reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby improving the environment. Furthermore, LVD will accelerate the penetration of organic electronics into the consumer space and create new applications such as flexible displays. Just as polymers have replaced metal in everything from children's toys to automobiles, polymers are revolutionizing electronics and optoelectronics by reducing costs and opening new markets for devices such as polymer electronics and nanostructured displays. In addition, the blueprint of table-top high-power lasers developed in this process will provide a new path into ultra-short-pulse laser materials processing applications in the near and mid-infrared. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Park, Hee Richard Haglund AppliFlex LLC TN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499990 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924053 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Probe for Inspection of Transmission Valve Ports. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to commercialize technology for the inspection of cylinders with reflective surface finishes such as those found in the valve ports of valve bodies and pump covers of automatic transmissions. In order to achieve automated inspection stations with multiple probes in real time, on a production line, and in a factory environment many factors must be addressed such as: protecting the optical, electronic, mechanical and computing system of the probe from the factory environment, ensuring operability and maintainability of the probes on a high speed production line, and integration of the probe software into the computer system of a factory inspection station. Procedures to maximize useful information output must be developed that are easy for plant employees to use and understand. End user requirements for introducing new equipment into a production environment must be met including comparing the results of probe measurements with those of existing inspection techniques. The anticipated result will be a prototype valve port inspection system that can be used in a transmission manufacturing plant. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be to inspect transmission valve ports for surface defects before the components containing them are assembled into valve bodies and pump covers. At the present time no automated inspection of this kind is being carried out. Valve bodies and pump covers are considered to contain defects only if they fail a leak test after they are assembled. This results in a range of variability in the quality of these components and in the performance and service life of the transmissions containing them. Reducing the variability and improving the quality of automatic transmissions could lead to more efficient vehicles with longer periods between transmission repairs and better fuel economy. It could also lead to a better scientific understanding of the effect of these defects on transmission performance and improvements in the manufacturing process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Segall, Stephen Industrial Optical Measurement Systems MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 6890 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924122 August 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Ultra-High Efficiency Biodiesel Manufacturing. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II project will change the paradigm that two-phase chemical reactions must use mechanical mixing to be commercially effective. The innovative Fiber Reactor (TM) offers two orders of magnitude change in efficiency for chemical and biochemical manufacturing. This project will focus on biodiesel transesterification reactions. Biodiesel plants convert fats/oils to biodiesel with multiple reactor stages and centrifuge stages. Complexity is due to poor mass transfer, poor reaction conversion, and poor phase separations due to by-product soap. Improving mass transfer and eliminating soap dispersions will reduce the cost of manufacturing biodiesel. In Phase I experiments, the Fiber Reactor was 3-100 times faster than commercial biodiesel processes with superior conversion. Advanced Materials and Processes has found an unconventional way to improve mass transfer and simultaneously solve phase separation problems in biodiesel processes. Use of a Fiber Reactor will reduce complexity, size, capital, energy consumption, and water pollution by dramatically improving mass transfer and eliminating dispersions. Phase I proved feasibility of energy savings and process intensification in biodiesel manufacturing. Phase II will use Phase I models and CHEMCAD models to design and operate a pilot reactor using the high throughput continuous static Fiber Reactor and wash processes. Biodiesel capacity could increase 10 times by 2015 and improve U.S. energy security. Two hurdles remain - produce the triglyceride needed and match petroleum economics. A new industry and networks are being developed to supply enough algae oil. Fiber Reactors will reduce capital and operating cost for producing biodiesel by 50% and use low cost crude oils/fats. Phase I developed basic transesterification chemistry for Fiber Reactors. Phase II will develop chemistry/engineering data for scale up. Fiber technology will apply to pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturing with similar benefits. This project will integrate research and education by training students in organic chemistry, fibers, materials, processes, pilot operations, fractionation, analysis, organic synthesis, and quality control. Students use wet chemistry, GPC, HPLC and LC/MS for identification/quantification of raw materials and reaction products. Texas State University graduated 46 chemistry/biochemistry majors in 2008. Enrollment in 2009 included 329 chemistry/biochemistry majors. The 37 graduate students were 35% minority and 48% women. IEIS has provided research assistantships/employment to over 100 students of whom 62% were women or minorities. This project will have a positive impact on the research capabilities of academic departments and IEIS; and help women and minorities to improve their training in industrial chemistry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Massingill, John Sreenivasulu Venumbaka Advanced Materials and Processes TX Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 461786 5373 1591 BIOT 9181 6890 1465 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924197 August 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Advanced Lithium-ion Nanobatteries. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II research project proposes to develop nanotechnology-enabled advanced lithium-ion batteries for electric transportation applications. While lithium-ion batteries represent the current state-of-the-art for rechargeable batteries, performance of current lithium-ion battery designs is limited by the properties of both electrodes and electrolytes. The proposed research combines nanostructured electrodes with environmentally benign electrolytes to develop high-performance, safe, and long lifespan lithium-ion batteries. The proposed research will optimize nanostructured electrodes, produce the electrodes in large scale, and fabricate and evaluate packaged prototype batteries. A team capable of fabricating, evaluating, and commercializing these batteries for electric transportation applications has been assembled. The broader impact of this research is to improve the functionality and marketability of advanced electric transportation applications such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Electric Vehicles (EVs). The proposed batteries will significantly benefit electric vehicle applications by decreasing harmful emissions, achieving better fuel economy, and reducing our nation?s reliance on foreign petroleum sources. More broadly, they will also benefit a wide range of applications including consumer electronics, medical electronics, electric utility industries, and military and defense systems. The technology under development in this project will enable the next generation of lithium-ion batteries that will offer superior performance and reduced environmental concerns. In addition to lithium-ion batteries, nanostructured materials demonstrated in this project will have a broad impact on other electronic and electrochemical devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Lu, Wen Liming Dai ADA Technologies, Inc. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499837 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 6890 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924350 September 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Water and Food Analysis by Non-Uniform Electroosmotic Flow. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will result in a prototype portable instrument for water quality analysis. The Phase I SBIR project was designed to show the feasibility of a new technique for separating uncharged polymers; this objective was met with remarkable quantitative accuracy, setting the stage for this Phase II prototype project. The underlying Phase I effort was based on stochastic mathematical models and molecular dynamics simulations through which the Labrador Research team discovered an electrokinetic approach for the separation of uncharged polymers. As efforts progressed, the power and potential of this approach as a generic separation technology became evident as our commercialization approach evolved into addressing the market need for water- and food-quality analysis technologies. This Phase II project will lead to a commercial prototype through iterative design improvements coupled with validation testing. The results obtained during Phase I and the anticipated Phase II results will set the stage for Phase III commercial participation by our financing partners and for rapid deployment of this proprietary chip technology in portable, hand-held analytical instruments. The world is running out of "quality" water for drinking and agricultural purposes. At the same time, public health agencies do not have the time, equipment, or resources to proactively check for hazardous chemicals in our drinking water, our water sources, or our food on a routine basis. Recent scares regarding melamine in baby food and pet food, bisphenol A in drinking water bottles, or perchlorate in ground water demonstrate the fragility of the water and food systems. Typical analysis requires collecting a sample in the field and shipping the sample to a test laboratory; water monitoring agencies depend upon these outsourced laboratories where transport and processing time can take days to produce results, wasting precious time when the health of a community is at stake. Existing portable tools can measure a few parts per million, whereas hazardous compounds are often regulated in the part per billion range. Handheld tools that measure a wide array of compounds at a parts-per-billion or better level would be a powerful, valuable, and necessary addition to the analysis toolbox. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Peterman, Mark Labrador Research LLC WY Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9163 6890 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924363 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Security Solutions for UHF passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and prototype passive UHF RFID tags implemented with strong public key cryptography for the pharmaceutical industry. Implementing cryptography directly on passive tags is a significant innovation as current security solutions cannot address this need effectively. The FDA is urging the United States pharmaceutical industry to adopt RFID technology to assist with the enforcement of pedigree laws and reduce drug counterfeiting. Today's RFID tags, however, cannot protect the user from unauthorized reading, copying, or tracking because they lack onboard security. Thus, a large exposure remains since the security of the data on the tag cannot be ensured. SecureRF is developing a security protocol which holds the promise of beings thousands of times smaller and faster than any other cryptographic function. Secured tags will enable drug manufacturers and distributors to ensure patient safety and drug integrity as well as improve their supply chain process. This SBIR project targets the pharmaceutical industry supply chain which handles over 4 billion U.S. prescriptions annually. Pharmaceuticals must be protected from counterfeiting and theft which impacts public safety and drives up consumer drug prices. Without onboard security, the FDA's recommended use of RFID tags could inadvertently introduce new societal threats including patient privacy concerns under HIPAA. The use of secure RFID tags will also enable the pharmaceutical industry to run their supply chain more efficiently. Additional commercial value from this project will come from developing secure products for high value asset tracking and contact-less payment systems in addition to military and Homeland Security needs. Existing cryptographic algorithms cannot provide strong authentication and data protection on resource-constrained computing devices like passive RFID tags. This SBIR proposal offers a breakthrough with broad-based significance that will help advance the technological understanding of public key cryptography for small, low powered computing devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Anshel, Iris SecureRF Corporation CT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924394 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: A New Method for Quantitative Calibration-Free Chemical Analysis. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to develop an analysis method based on plasma physics with unique advantages for in situ process control in coal-fired power plants and in metal and glass production. Software developed from this program will result in development of process control sensors capable of rapidly measuring the elemental composition of a material solely from the material's analytical laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrum. Analyses without calibration curves or standard reference materials (SRM's) would be revolutionary because conditions change and material compositions vary outside their expected range in industrial plants, rendering calibration curves inaccurate. Analytical LIBS could not be developed in the past because of these large uncertainties. This project will verify the algorithms developed are effective when applied to actual industrial materials: coal, aluminum, and glass. Coupling Analytical LIBS with a LIBS sensor for coal and patented LIBS probe for molten metals and glass will result in real time monitoring and control, a new and potentially paradigm shifting capability for these industries. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be to the coal-fired power plants and manufacturing plants that produce glass, metal alloys, and other products by allowing the plant personnel to monitor the composition of their material continuously, which is currently impossible. Alloying and other mixing operations will be monitored in real time, eliminating errors in these operations. Increased plant output, reduced waste, and reduced energy expenditures per pound of product will result from problems in the production process being caught much more quickly. New manufacturing paradigms, such as continuous alloying of aluminum, are also made possible by development of this technology. Developing Analytical LIBS for the measurement of coal properties at electric utility power plants will increase their efficiency and optimize boiler performance. There will also be benefits in other fields such as atomic emission spectroscopy, plasma physics, and astronomy. Analytical LIBS can also be extended for accurate LIBS analyses of the environment (e.g. minerals, oceans, atmospheric aerosols), planetary science (e.g. Mars, moon, and comets), agriculture, and security (e.g. WMD detection). The development of Analytical LIBS for these fields is crucial because no standard reference materials (SRM's) exist for many of these materials, and hence accurate calibration curves are difficult to construct and will have limited utility. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Weisberg, Arel Energy Research Company NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499998 5373 AMPP 9163 6890 5373 1108 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924405 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: SWARS IR Camera. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II (SBIR) project will develop a microfabricated subwavelength antireflective structure (SWARS) for use with a MEMS infrared detector to form and infrared camera. The SWARS structure was prototyped in Phase I and shown to allow greater than 90% of incident radiation in the 8-12 ìm portion of the IR spectrum to pass, thus performing better than standard antireflective (AR) multilayer coatings which presently perform this function. These AR coatings are notoriously unreliable, as the thick films tend to delaminate during the processing and packaging of the IR device. In this Phase II project, the SWARS devices will be mated with a thermal light valve (TLV) to make the IR camera. If successful the proposed approach may be used to produce MEMS devices for a broad range of IR applications, including gas sensors, IR beacons and IR thermographers. Because of their superior transmission properties and the robustness of the design to temperature fluctuations SWARS structures will be used in devices which must operate over a wide range of temperatures, and withstand virtually any operating or processing temperature. Such applications include equipment for factory floor inspections, power grid monitoring, maritime navigation, and security monitoring, in addition to fire fighting and first response. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spong, Jaquelin Innovative Micro Technology CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 467352 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 7257 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924549 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Real-time, Accurate OCR from Documents using Intra- and Inter-Frame Machine Learning. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves development of real-time algorithms for Optical Character Recognition (OCR) from documents. This real-time recognition (RT/OCR) system, to be fully developed under this SBIR award, performs recognition an order of magnitude faster than current commercial systems and will allow for real-time recognition that can be embedded on a system device and done at the time of capture. The RT/OCR system will also have no loss in recognition accuracy, and will, in fact, be more accurate for complex documents that include color, graphics, and multiple fonts. This technology, when successfully commercialized within Phase II of the SBIR award, could be deployed on every corporate MFP and digital copier device, converting corporate paper to searchable, electronic files and bringing us one step closer to the paperless office. The technology we intend to use in developing this real-time OCR recognition system is based on methods using Intra- and Inter-Frame Machine Learning. The algorithms to be developed are not, in any way, language specific and can run on virtually any platform (e.g. server or handheld device). The basic technology is completely different from the recognition kernels of current commercial OCR recognition systems. This project is focused on developing revolutionary technology that will take OCR technology to a new level. This technology is designed to bridge the gap between paper and digital media, a much needed engine for Bill Payment Machine (BMP), document capture and document processing industry. The capture industry will grow to $2.42 billion in 2010, a CAGR of 16.4%. Real-time OCR for automated and semi-automated field coding addresses the needs of an industry that uses $14.5 billion/year of manual labor just in the US. RT/OCR will be part of a solution that addresses manual paper-based indexing for complex documents, potentially saving the industry and the government billions of dollars every year. This recognition technology, after being successfully developed and commercialized within the context of the Phase II research and development, can be generalized and extended to handle real-time video recognition, with application to autonomous vehicle navigation, aids for the visually impaired, and robotic factory automation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gross, Ari CVISION Technologies, Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9216 6890 1658 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924556 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Self Assembled Nanocrystal Thin Film Transistor. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This NSF Phase II SBIR program aims to develop and demonstrate large area and high performance nanocrystal thin film transistor (NC-TFT) based active matrix backplanes for flexible display applications. A novel electrostatic self assembly (ESA) technology will allow significant cost reduction using organic, inorganic and hybrid materials. Such a molecular-level self-assembly approach to form TFT materials and devices offers numerous advantages since very different materials can be incorporated uniformly, using the same chemical process at room temperature, thus allowing the formation of TFT films on virtually any substrate material. During Phase I, single and arrayed NC-TFT devices were developed on rigid and flexible substrates with reliability and performance comparable to that of amorphous silicon based TFT devices. High-K hybrid gate dielectrics, such as ZrO2/SiO2 hybrid thin films, were also deposited through the same ESA method. These films exhibited a dielectric constant larger than that of SiO2 (4.7 versus 3.9). Self-assembled gold nanoparticle-based memory devices. I-V tests were also investigated and fabricated. I-V tests were conducted on the self-assembled TFT devices, as well as on operational memory devices. The field effect mobility of the prototype TFTs can reach 0.3 cm2/V/s and an On-Off ratio of 1000 was achieved. We also fabricated TFT-based gas sensors, which demonstrated high sensitivity to certain gas species such as ammonia. In the current project, we will design and develop prototype NCTFT-based active matrix backplanes on flexible substrates with improved efficiency and performance and reduced cost, and beta-test those backplanes integrated with the E-paper based flexible display films and partners' flexible electronics and sensor platforms. This project also aims to establish a complete manufacturing process that is ready for production and licensing to selected flexible display customers. The broader impact/commercial potential will be the development of flexible displays that offer many potential benefits over other display technologies, including reductions in cost, weight and power consumption, improved performance, ruggedness, and reliability. Other near term applications include 1) direct replacement for conventional circuit boards, wiring harnesses and flex interconnects on army vehicles, 2) as integrated sensing, signal processing and communicating clothing for army personnel, 3) electronic applications such as RF ID tags, antennas and stealth coatings, and 4) very large, mechanically-flexible deployable systems. This research has shown promise in producing devices of acceptable efficiencies at significantly reduced cost using organic, inorganic and conductive polymer materials. A revolutionary breakthrough in reducing the costs of TFT devices may be achieved if the semiconductor is deposited from solution onto large flexible substrates in roll-to-roll coating machines. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kang, Yuhong Nanosonic Incorporated VA William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924563 September 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Flexible and Extended Range Radio Frequency Identification Tags. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project focuses on developing a commercially viable process for producing a versatile passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Existing passive tag technologies have many limitations that hinder their widespread use. The most significant limitations include minimal operating range, high unit costs, and a rigid form that makes the tag difficult to adhere to curved or irregularly shaped surfaces. This project aims to overcome these limitations by utilizing two innovative technologies. The first technology is a new type of field-effect transistor (FET) that is fabricated from high-purity and semiconducting-enriched single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) solutions. These innovative FETs provide improvements in operating frequency and current-carrying capacity which enable an extended RFID range. The second innovation is a high-speed, highly accurate, and ultrafine-dimension-capable system for depositing electrical components and antennas onto flexible substrates at or near room temperature. This project aims to culminate in the production and evaluation of prototype carbon nanotube-based RFID tags that meet the value-added needs of the RFID marketplace. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the development of low-cost, flexible, and extended-range RFID tags. These tags will provide industry and the U.S. Government with a reliable and economic methodology for managing and tracking supply chain inventory, will allow an expansion in the use of smart cards, and will enable the identifying and tracking of animals and marine life, a critical element in protecting endangered species. The results of the project will also improve applications such as passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, flexible electronics, IR-invisible antennas, and embedded IR sensing, imaging, and communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Jones, Carissa Xuejun Lu Brewer Science Incorporated MO William Haines Standard Grant 467287 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 9102 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924574 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Tapping Finger Identification for Efficient Mobile Input. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to further develop the Tapping Finger Identification (TFI) technology investigated in Phase I. As mobile devices become more powerful and ubiquitous, text entry remains a major bottleneck to the wider adoption of mobile computing. To address this urgent need in lack of an acceptable solution, this TFI technology enables high-speed input in mobile devices and gaming applications using conventional typing techniques and keyboard layouts. In addition to demonstrating the feasibility of TFI during Phase I, the project will develop an IP strategy and a set of tools essential to future research and development. To date, one prototype has been implemented and a license agreement to commercialize some portion of the TFI technology was reached with an external partner. Completion of the Phase II research in two years will pave the way for commercialization of this innovative technology as we transition toward mobile computing. The technology developed could potentially impact a broad range of application areas, including mobile computing, gaming, military, and mobile security. Mobile devices are becoming more powerful and ubiquitous. According to the IDC, convergent mobile devices grew 51% in 2007, and will grow from 124 million to 376 million in 2012. Data entry, however, remains a major bottleneck to the wider adoption of mobile computing. Most users are frustrated with existing input methods on portable devices, such as phones and mobile PCs. Much less a paragraph of text, simply entering a website's URL in a phone or mobile PC would be a burden for many. To address this urgent need in lack of an acceptable solution, the outcomes of this project projects the enablement of high speed, efficient mobile input using conventional typing techniques and keyboard layouts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Li, Dongge Zienon, LLC IL Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9216 6890 1658 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924610 September 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Fault Isolation of Open Circuits in Semiconductor Products using Magnetic Current Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will enable detection of open circuit failures in semiconductor packages and integrated circuits with an accuracy of 10 microns by extending capabilities of magnetic current imaging. This has been one of the most difficult problems encountered by the industry today due to increasing complexity and shrinking of leading edge designs. The only technique available today is time domain reflectometry with practical resolution of 1-2 mm and time consuming layer-by-layer deprocessing. There is a critical need for a faster, non-destructive and more reliable technique capable of locating opens at a level commensurate with package level wiring approaching 10 microns pitch. It is proposed to use magnetic current imaging with a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) to solve this critical need by analyzing high frequency signals effects at the defect location. It is expected that this approach will be able to detect opens with a resolution of about 10 microns. The broader impacts of this research are: it will enable semiconductor companies to bring product to market faster and with greater reliability by rapidly finding and eliminating sources of open defects; it will benefit the nation by accelerating the introduction of advanced electronics that continuously improve quality of life for consumers, and bring opportunity gains that enhance the competitiveness of American industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Orozco, Antonio NEOCERA INC MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 456379 5373 HPCC 9139 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924642 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Intelligent Personalized Monitoring of Ambulatory Human Biosignals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build an end-to- end platform around the ambulatory monitoring device proposed in Phase I, for continuous health monitoring of a human. The Phase I wearable device measures multiple noninvasive biosignals from a person in their daily home routine (or in the hospital), providing unprecedented visibility into health or disease status outside a critical care setting. The Phase II platform will comprise an "ecosystem" of software for providing automated, scalable intelligent monitoring of the signals from the device using advanced machine-learning algorithms, and exception-based alerting of medical staff upon early indication of deteriorating health of an ambulatory patient. If successful this platform will provide a substantial improvement in the capability of the healthcare system to proactively manage the health of the large population of patients with costly chronic diseases. Current methods for remote (home) patient monitoring "while better than a complete lack of monitoring" involve extremely sparse data (once per day) and require proactive patient compliance to make manual measurements, typically of weight or blood pressure. These methods do not handle ambulatory variation; in contrast, the proposed algorithms uniquely detect health anomalies otherwise hidden in ambulatory variation. This Phase II project not only has the potential to fundamentally improve healthcare with continuous automated visibility into patient health in the home environment, but also stands to provide unique insight into new signatures of disease heretofore not recognized by medical science. The advanced detection algorithms are able to learn empirically the normal physiological variation (e.g., variations in blood pressure, metabolic activity, etc., throughout the day) of the human system, and reveal incipient anomalies from normal behavior which are not visible upon a plain, univariate inspection of the data. Moreover, the device itself provides data from human activities not customarily encountered in the static conditions of a medical facility, where patients are supine and sedated. It is highly likely that this new approach to multivariate analysis of human biosignals will unveil new signatures providing early warning of disease progression, for example, decompensation in a heart failure patient. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wegerich, Stephan Venture Gain, LLC IL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499426 5373 HPCC 9139 7257 1775 1517 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924659 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Epitaxial Metal Oxide Thin Films Using a Novel Polymer Assisted Deposition (PAD) Technique. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II proposal seeks to develop extremely high energy density capacitors based on spin-on metal oxide dielectric and conductor technology and will combine this technology with very high surface area substrates fabrication technology. This capacitor technology will be all solid state, inexpensive to produce, and will rival ultracapacitors in energy density. The frequency range and loss characteristics will be superior to those of other capacitor technologies and will be polarity independent. The dielectrics will be adaptable through the range of properties of the perovskite family of metal oxides, as well as non-perovskites, and will be useful for multilayer, metamaterial tailoring of properties to fit the requirements of various applications, including high voltages. The broader impact/commercial potential from this technology will be availability of high reliability, high performance capacitors for critical applications at a reasonable price due to lower cost of manufacturing. It is a disruptive technology that has applications in other areas such as solar cells, ferroelectric memories, sensors, and micro-actuators. This technology will be part of the solution for alternative energy sources and will help improve the nation's chances for energy independence. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sanghavi, Mahavir Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499521 5373 MANU 9146 6890 5373 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924672 August 15, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Hybridization and SNP Detection Using Unlabeled Target DNA. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Public Law 111-5). This SBIR Phase II project will provide technology to perform remote nucleic acid testing (NAT) in any location. The combination of (a) our Probe-Target-Reporter (PTR) assay which allows the detection of unlabeled Target DNA, (b) our Parallume optical encoding technology which provides the ability to multiplex a large number of samples in each assay and (c) an inexpensive, battery-powered imaging system, based on a $500 commercial CMOS that is completely portable, will be used to build an autonomous NAT platform. This system will be used to detect and defend against the imminent invasion of California's citrus crop by the Liberibacter pathogen and its insect vector/host which causes the 100% fatal and incurable Citrus Greening disease of citrus. Collaborator Isca Technologies will provide a "Front End" instrument which can selectively identify an insect by measuring its wing beat frequency as it flies through a laser curtain. This selective insect trap will provide a filtered homogenate of primarily the desired insect vector and pathogen which will be analyzed with our PTR in the field. The data will be relayed to a central database which can provide a real time assessment of the location and bacterial load of the insect vector. The Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) technology under development as part of this project represents a substantial advance in the ability to perform assays outside of the traditional laboratory or clinical setting. This technology can be used to detect Target DNA sequences without the need to chemically label the sample thereby allowing the NAT analysis to be performed in any location. This NAT technology can be combined with our Parallume optical encoding technology which allows many sample to be measured simultaneously. The ability to analyze many DNA simultaneously without access to a laboratory on a completely portable system will allow NAT to be performed in Low Resource Settings or for Agricultural applications around the world. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 472326 5373 BIOT 9183 6890 1491 1112 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924684 August 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Abrasion Resistant Ultrahydrophobic Coatings for Corrosion, Erosion and Wear Resistance. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project aims to further the development of abrasion resistant, environmentally friendly, ultrahydrophobic coating formulations. The ultrahydrophobic property is created by optimizing the coating matrices to generate a so-called "lotus leaf" structure that robustly repels water, preventing water penetration and accumulation. In addition to super water repellent activity, the self-cleaning coatings have a superior corrosion protection function. These properties reduce failure rates, increase life time, and effectively lower maintenance and replacement costs of the coated material. A major objective of the project is to refine the formulations to improve the performance properties. This ultrahydrophobic coating will be optimized for application on specific commercially important substrates such as plastic, concrete, asphalt, wood, glass, fabrics, and metal. The broader impact/commercial potential of multi-functional coatings will be to provide improved, abrasion resistant ultrahydrophobic coatings for commercial applications in a variety of different areas such as shipping, automotive, building and aviation industries. These multi-functional coatings are environmentally compatible and will have a significant societal and environmental impact. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Schultz, David Bret Chisholm Seashell Technology CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 455854 5373 1591 AMPP 9163 6890 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924685 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Ultrafast spintronic devices based on magnetic tunnel junctions using magnesium oxide (MgO) tunnel barriers. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop an ultrafast solid-state magnetic sensor using MgO-based magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ). The operating frequency range will span from DC to 2 GHz, the broadest among competing technologies. The sensor will have a compact size and high sensitivity and will operate at ambient conditions with no supporting system. The ability to mass produce these devices will provide a significant cost advantage. There is a critical unmet need in ultrafast sensors. These sensors can perform non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of VLSI semiconductor chips, aircraft components and engine turbines, they will allow computers to process information faster in data storage devices, and they can be used to measure fast currents in devices such as antenna. The sensors hold great promise for monitoring the health of aircrafts. Ultrafast sensors can also monitor the performance of VLSI in failure analysis, enhancing the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry by shortening the development cycles. Knowledge gained in ultrafast sensor can be used to make faster data storage devices and build better national defense infrastructure. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Carter, Matthew MICRO MAGNETICS INC MA William Haines Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924689 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Low Cost-Reduced Risk Manufacturing Process For Nanocoatings. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to reduce the cost and risk of manufacturing nanoparticle/resin blends for coatings. Currently nanocoating resin manufacturing requires two steps; the first is the production of nanoparticles ex-situ of the coating resin using plasma or other energy intensive processes, and the second step is the addition of these nanopowders into the coating resin, usually by chemical processes and/or high energy mixing. Both steps are characterized by high cost, high environmental impact, or both. This new process reduces manufacturing steps, lowers cost and avoids direct exposure to hazardous nanopowders. The broader impacts/commercial potential of this project is the creation of a roadmap for development of nanoparticle-containing coatings/composites by a one-step process. Potential cost savings are anticipated to be 25% or substantially more compared to existing processes. Coating performance enhancements not otherwise attainable are anticipated as well. Most importantly, health risks posed by inhalation of nanoparticulate powders, currently of unknown toxicity, are completely avoided. The largest potential of this project is the potential reduction of environmental, health and safety risks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Khatri, Rajesh Topasol LLC KY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 474043 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1972 1769 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924692 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Method of Integrated Web-Based Tools to Enable a Collaborative Community of Professional Creatives. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project provides an integrated suite of Web-based applications to an online network of professionals in the creative industries. These professionals include Creatives such as writers, photographers, illustrators, filmmakers, animators, product designers, programmers and producers. The products of their creative activities include both commercial and fine-arts applications in the realms of music, literature, imagery, audio-visuals, communications and product design. The end users of these products range from the personal consumer to global industry, education and government. This innovation builds on the software-as-a-service tools developed through Phase I efforts and brings them to their next evolutionary level. Tools to enable collaboration and commerce among subscribers to the site will be developed and released. With these tools and its network of cultural entrepreneurs, Artbox.com establishes a 21st-century internet agora, in which talented, accomplished thinkers-and-makers assemble to trade their ideas and inventions. Independent Creatives, the driving force behind the growing Creative Industries, have demonstrated a need and desire for the kind of solutions that this innovation intends to provide. The Internet has changed the economic realities of almost every business, and the American economy is at a turning point. Old models based on manufacturing and information technology have been greatly affected by the availability of cheap labor overseas. Observers of these trends have identified that "innovation," "imagination" and "collective intelligence" form the new basis for competitive advantage in the global marketplace. In an innovation economy, creators of original content, concepts and products are also the creators of value. If successful, Artbox.com will build a powerful network and efficient talent-sourcing tool for businesses and individuals alike. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Messina, Elizabeth Artbox LLC CT Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 9102 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924695 September 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: An Advanced Aeroelastic Thermoplastic Composite Blade for Residential-Scale Wind Turbines. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to prototype/validate a novel, self-regulating blade for a 3-kW Residential Wind Turbine (RWT). Successful development of this next-generation blade will eliminate major technical/economic drawbacks and reliability issues with current RWT's, and will promote widespread national and international commercial deployment of wind turbines. This project will demonstrate the following: 1) low-cost, durable, impact-resistant, mass-producible (and recyclable) blades; 2) self-regulation in high-winds and load mitigation in turbulence (allowing for reduced blade mass and cost); and 3) a simpler, more-reliable downwind turbine, for which the blades themselves protect the RWT in high winds and the cost and complexity of the tail and furling mechanism are eliminated. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project enables the nation to meet or exceed ambitious industry projections, which state that 3% of U.S. electricity could be supplied by RWT's operated by a significant share of the 15 million households that have suitable land/wind resources. The timing for the breakthroughs being pursued by this project is ideal, as incentives similar to those offered for residential solar installations are being offered for RWTs. By substantially reducing the final market barriers of high cost and low reliability, this project will have a significant market advantage and will produce a next-generation wind-power technology that will allow individual households to make significant contributions to national energy independence and security. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Luke, Kevin Z4 Energy Systems WY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 435291 5373 AMPP 9163 9150 7644 6890 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924699 August 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: An Advanced Antibiotic Screen of Marine Environmental DNA through a Metabolically Engineered E. coli Strain. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project offers a novel route to finding critically needed new antibiotics. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens is a growing medical challenge, urgently requiring new drugs. Natural products, synthesized primarily by environmental microorganisms, have supplied most of the current arsenal of effective antibiotics. However, the discovery rate of new antibiotics has greatly diminished. With the recent understanding that the vast majority of environmental microorganisms have never been screened for the production of antibiotics because they cannot be easily cultured in the laboratory, EarthGenes has developed a technology to access these organisms, involving extracting environmental DNA, cloning large fragments into specialized vectors to create DNA libraries, expressing these libraries in suitable easily-grown surrogate hosts, and screening the libraries for antibiotics encoded by the environmental DNA. Professor Blaine Pfeifer at Tufts University has developed the most advanced bacterial host for expressing environmental DNA, potentially improving the efficiency of this technology. Thus, the EarthGenes-Tufts collaboration is designed to lead to the discovery of new, more potent antibiotic drugs. The broader impacts of this research include a technology to provide a new, continuous supply of potent antibiotics to treat infectious diseases, thus addressing a critical health-related goal with technical innovation. The technology can also be extended to other disease areas. The impact is augmented by education and outreach, including the education of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral associates, with mechanisms in place to attract underrepresented students from diverse backgrounds. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Osburne, Marcia Blaine Pfeifer EarthGenes Pharmaceuticals MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 500000 5373 1591 BIOT 9184 9102 6890 1491 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924702 August 1, 2009 STTR Phase II: Diffractive Imaging Micro-Spectrometer. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project seeks to develop miniaturized optical spectrometers with high resolving power and wide operating wavelength ranges. The realization of such devices will open up important new applications areas. Factors which have limited the usage of current spectrometers include their size, weight, complexity, and cost. This project seeks to use both integrated optical (that is, mainly 2D) elements as well as micro-optical (3D) components to create a new type of spectrometer. We propose a unique separation of functions between these elements that allows for miniaturization, which is not available with pure integrated optical or pure micro-optical designs. The 2D part of the microspectrometer is implemented in a planar waveguide. The 3D part is mounted on top of the waveguide slab. The broader impact/commercial potential of these devices will be a broadband spectral sensor that is orders of magnitude smaller than the smallest devices currently available. This diffractive imaging micro-spectrometer is expected to promote transformative changes in industry sectors dealing with micro-systems that use optical spectroscopy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Cook, David Ivan Avrutsky Spectrum Scientific, Inc. CA William Haines Standard Grant 499636 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924704 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: An Emergency Notification System for Delivering Geo-Targeted Information-Rich Web Alerts. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will extend the successful findings of Phase I of the project to investigate the technical feasibility of an innovative emergency notification system that delivers emergency alerts to people over the web. The proposed activity involves advancing technical knowledge in the areas of network edge applications and HTTP traffic processing. With the web having a large audience and increasingly becoming a source of multimedia infotainment, its appeal as an emergency notification channel, in the same vein as TV and radio, has grown, especially given its potential for delivering detailed and customized information. The objective of the proposed research is to complete a network edge application that introduces web alerts to web-users, without requiring any special client-side software installation or web-user registration. The effort will extend the work performed in Phase I to technically mature two key system components: 1) a network appliance component hosting a network edge application that applies innovative HTTP processing algorithms to web traffic to introduce the alert in a controlled fashion and without unnecessarily disrupting the web-user?s browsing; and 2) a centralized control component. The product from the proposed effort will have the potential of enhancing the emergency notification capability and effectiveness at campuses, which in turn bolsters emergency preparedness and response efforts, potentially saving lives during life-threatening emergencies. The long-term plan is to extend the deployment of the product to the general public, thus extending the emergency-related societal benefit to the general public. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kassab, Hisham MobiLaps MD Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 6890 1640 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924706 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Algebra Immersion Robotics. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project uses an iterative design research method to investigate the technical and curricular innovations need to maximize the algebra learning value of educational robotics. The research objectives of this project address: 1) software tools to make core algebra concepts accessible and useful in a robotics context; 2) activity design; 3) curricular architecture; and 4) evaluation, including summative evaluation of learning outcomes. If successful, this SBIR Phase II project will lead to products enabling over a million young people to gain confidence and conceptual grounding in algebra. The project will help to break down the artificial and detrimental wall between school mathematics and the tools and concepts that underlie the information economy. Finally, this research will demonstrate advances in the structure of learning environments, showing how rigorous learning can be more portable, more individualized, and more interwoven with creativity and play. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Carter, Richard Tertl Studos LLC VT Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 500000 5373 SMET 9177 9150 6890 1653 0116000 Human Subjects 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924709 August 15, 2009 STTR Phase II: Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal (FLC) Gels for Facile Processing and High Yield Manufacture of Hardened FLC Displays. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will enable the widespread use of ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) electro-optic devices, leading to a new generation of displays that have greater speed, higher resolution and lower power consumption than today's liquid crystals displays (LCDs), which use nematic LCs. A proprietary family of additives, "polymer dopants" demonstrated in Phase I, overcomes the main technical obstacles to large-scale application of FLC devices: manufacturing and stabilizing properly aligned cells. The proposed work will develop FLC-polymer materials that expedite processing and increase the yield of well-aligned FLC cells. In Phase I the team: 1) Identified side-group liquid crystal polymers that dissolve in FLC. , 2) Showed that the FLC-polymer mixtures retain fast electro-optic (EO) responses3) Demonstrated that the FLC-polymer mixtures robustly and rapidly adopt the proper alignment, giving bistable switching that is elusive in the FLC alone. In Phase II the team will establish the structure-activity relationships for polymer dopants. It will optimize the FLC-polymer mixtures to establish reliable processes to produce well aligned FLC cells in high yield at high production rates. Approximately 2x109 small flat panel displays are used annually in cell phones, PDAs, iPods, etc. Currently, nematic LCDs overwhelmingly dominate this market $20 billion/year in LCDs, manufactured using $350 million/year of LC materials. The additives developed in this project will allow FLCs to be processed into displays in this size range, providing a step-change in resolution and speed in LCDs. This will lay the foundation for moving FLCs into LCD TVs ($86.3 billion/year market in 2008, growing rapidly). Enabling commercial production of FLC displays 10 cm and up could revolutionize display technology and potentially fuel the growth of display manufacturers in the U.S. Scientifically, solutions of polymers in FLCs represent a nascent class of materials that has hardly been explored. This project is at the cutting edge of experimental research in LCs, providing the first glimpse into the consequences of orientational coupling in chiral smectic LCs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE II IIP ENG Wand, Michael LC Vision, LLC CO Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499981 5373 1591 HPCC 9139 7257 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0924710 August 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Reducing Diesel Fuel Consumption in Recovering Woody Biomass. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will build, field test, and prepare for commercialization, a prototype industrial tub grinder with integrated high inertia flywheel technology that will reduce the consumption of diesel fuel in recovering woody biomass. Low-weight, high-inertia flywheel technology can significantly assist the diesel engine duty cycle such that more production can be had with the same amount of diesel fuel consumed. This will in effect lower the cost of grinding woody resources as measured by cost per ton. Each year in the United States alone, an estimated 157 millions of gallons of diesel fuel are consumed in the processing of recovering woody waste streams. The woody waste streams have value in the forms of renewable energy source for electricity co-generation, potential feed stock for cellulose ethanol, engineered wood products such as particle board and press-forms, compost, landscape mulch, and other soil amendments. The USDA estimates that only 5% of the total available woody resources in the United States are currently being utilized. It is expected that recovering woody resources will grow as a source of green, renewable, carbon neutral energy source in the future and hence the need to lower the cost of processing. The drive to conserve energy and reduce the United States dependence on foreign oil will require a national effort on many different fronts, with each small efficiency gain contributing to that overall goal. The Phase 1 supporting research for this Phase 2 project indicates that a theoretical efficiency gain of 20% is possible with this technology. This Phase 2 project will reduce the diesel fuel consumption and hence total cost of the processing of woody biomass into useful forms. Developing this flywheel technology will make the woody waste stream more viable for energy generation including electricity and cellulose derived ethanol feedstock, reduce the nation's diesel fuel consumption, and it will make the companies involved in grinding woody wastes more profitable and productive. In addition to the impact this technology will have on recovering woody biomass, there are other markets where intermittent diesel engine duty cycles can benefit from developing high inertia flywheel technology. Concrete recycling, rock crushing, automobile shredding, and scrap tire recycling are market examples that can also benefit from adding low-weight, high-inertia flywheel technology to those equipment drive trains. It is expected that the technology developed and commercialized in this project will be applied towards those other markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fleenor, Jeff Fleenor Manufacturing Inc. IA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 500000 5373 BIOT 9181 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0925131 October 1, 2009 SBIR Phase II: Fabrication of Low-bandgap Nano-crystalline SiGeC Thin Films Using the Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) Technique. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This SBIR Phase II project is to develop thin film tandem solar cells, comprising of nanocrystalline silicon and silicon carbon (nc-Si and nc-Si:C) absorber materials, with a conversion efficiency of ~20%. The phase I project successfully developed one of the key components, i.e. intrinsic nc-Si:C with a band gap, Eg, of ~ 1.5 eV and with good opto-electronic properties. This key material will be used initially in phase II to fabricate cells in a single junction configuration with an efficiency goal of ~10%. Previously, developed "device quality" nc-Si materials, with Eg ~1.1eV, were used to produce solar cells with efficiency ~8%. Integrating the two devices in a tandem junction configuration is forecast to yield efficiencies of ~18%. Further improvement in the tandem junction device efficiency,to ~20%, may be achieved via the use of buffer layers at the p/i or i/n interfaces and by increasing the grain size which would boost the open circuit voltage, Voc. Higher efficiency thin film tandem solar cells will be critical to achieving the low costs necessary to achieve widespread adoption of photovoltaic energy generating systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Madan, Arun M V SYSTEMS, INC CO William Haines Standard Grant 403414 5373 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0929448 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Photovoltaic Fabric. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will prototype a novel photovoltaic (PV) material based on nanotechnology: photovoltaic fabric. The PV fabric will be woven using threads that comprise of an array of p-type silicon nanowires grown directly on the periphery of thin metallic thread. The nanowires are covered with a continuous n-type silicon film forming a multitude of high surface area diode junction structures about the periphery of the thread. Then, the n-type layer is coated with a transparent conductor. A porous insulating layer isolates the n-type and p-type electrodes. This innovative technology will make it possible to construct flexible photovoltaic textiles that are light-weight and portable. The Phase I program will focus on making functional PV threads that demonstrate diode behavior and a photo-response. In parallel, a surrogate material will be used to initiate the weaving and electrical interconnect process that will be required to produce a PV textile. The full project goal is to develop a novel textile based platform to harvest clean, affordable, point-of-use solar power. The final research objective is to produce functional swatches of PV fabric that demonstrate efficiencies of 30% with a specific power greater than 300 W/kg. The worldwide PV market is between $20 and $25 billion. The market is growing at an annual rate of between 25% and 30%. It is expected to exceed $70 billion worldwide in 2012. The photovoltaic fabric material technology is novel and innovative, and if successfully engineered, could prove to be an extremely disruptive technology. Solar power is an underused natural resource. Increased awareness of the need for renewable, clean sources of energy are currently driving the expansion of solar electrical power generation into the broader energy markets. Portable PV materials enabled by nanotechnology would have a multitude of applications: from the emergent field of "Smart Textiles" to military uniforms and shelters to portable consumer electronics, the impact of a textile capable of generating electricity from the sun that could be incorporated into existing products and materials in a flexible, fabric platform could be a tremendously valuable technology. Illuminex Corporation, the Pennsylvania State University, and Philadelphia University are collaborating on this project. At least two undergraduate and one graduate student will have paid jobs performing cutting edge nanotechnology research. This technology will compete with the traditional solar power market and open new emergent markets for portable solar power applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Habib, Youssef Joan Redwing ILLUMINEX CORP PA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930029 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: High Performance Electrical Energy Storage (EES) Devices.. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project explores the use of nanophase mixed ionic/electronic ceramic (MIEC) conductors as functional electrodes in electrical energy storage (EES) devices. MIEC conductors are attractive candidates for use in EES devices because their high electrical conductivity facilitates double-layer formation, and their high ionic conductivity facilitates redox chemistry. Recent studies suggest that surface defect density in MIECs is enhanced significantly at nanoscales owing to space-charge or similar effects which can be effectively utilized for charge storage. The goal of this project is to provide convincing quantitative proof of concept of nanoscale MIEC's ability to enhance charge storage above existing materials. Main research objectives include: (1) screen MIEC conductors for performance; (2) evaluate electrodes containing MIEC conductors; (3) evaluate prototype EES devices; and (4) optimize performance of electrodes and prototypes. These objectives will be accomplished by: (1) synthesis and characterization of a series of MIECs; (2) fabrication of electrode blends containing MIECs; (3) evaluation of electrode performance and analysis by electrochemical methods; and (4) construction/evaluation of prototypes. Anticipated results include development of pseudocapacitors using MIECs that exhibit enhanced charge storage, novel hybrid battery configurations with higher power and energy density, and their prototypes containing MIECs. This project will enhance scientific and first of a kind technological understanding of the nanoscale properties of ionic materials in particular the effect and utilization of enhanced surface defect density on increasing charge storage in nanoscale MIECs. The project is expected to lead to the development of new class of high-performance EES devices that contain MIECs. These high-performance devices are important because they would provide a useful solution to applications that require both high energy and high power in a small hybrid package. Oversized batteries are most commonly used in these applications, but the new nano-MIEC technology offers faster charge/recharge and longer cycle-life and could supplement or replace batteries in these applications. Anticipated markets include transportation (hybrid and all-electric vehicles), cordless power tools, and certain defense applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gibson, Charles Oshkosh Nanotechnology, LLC WI Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 149824 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930035 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Ammonothermal Growth of Doped Aluminum Gallium Nitride Single Crystals for Energy Efficient Solid State Lighting and Tunable LED?s. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will address the problem of a multifunctional wide band-gap aluminum gallium nitride single crystal substrate that will enable low-defect, high-performance epitaxial growth. Since much of the energy consumed in the U.S. used for traditional lighting is wasted as heat, solid-state lighting (SSL) has the potential to reduce our energy consumption dramatically. The technology is lacking a critical material that will allow production of high efficiency devices however. Single crystals of AlGaN substrate will enable the production of a tunable bandgap material with a variable band-edge from the visible to the UV range, including the solar blind region between 250-280nm. In addition to solid-state lighting, such a multifunctional material can be used for UV-Vis diode lasers and UV photodetectors in the solar blind region. This technology exploits six years of joint engineering and design of a proven, commercially operational autoclave from APC and Clemson University. The technology can contain the high temperatures and pressures required for hydrothermal growth of oxide crystals (700 C and 4kbar). To accomplish the objectives of Phase I the current hydrothermal model autoclave design will be adapted to work for ammonothermal crystal growth. Broader Impacts This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will support the next generation of crystal growth technology in the United States. It will develop a commercially viable route to a key material in solid-state lighting, UV-Vis diode lasers and UV photodetection. The crystal growth industry has exited the United States, leaving a significant gap in the ability to produce strategically important solids onshore. The technical skills to grow single crystals for important materials have decreased significantly in the US. This project will develop a next generation technology that will contribute to US self-sufficiency in a strategic area of materials science. The project will also lead to training of a young postdoctoral fellow in the field of crystal growth, an area that is underdeveloped in the US. The project will also contribute to energy self-sufficiency. Solid-state lighting is expected to save significant energy by improving efficiency and minimizing waste heat. A primary limitation to widespread introduction of solid-state lighting is lack of suitable substrates. This project will provide materials that will enable much high efficiency and long life solid state lighting as well as solid state diode lasers and various other technologies that will provide competitive advantage to the US. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Giesber, Henry Joseph Kolis ADVANCED PHOTONIC CRYSTALS, LLC SC Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149961 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930087 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Chemical Sensors for In situ Monitoring of Collector Chemicals in Complex Copper Mine Effluents. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses unmet analysis needs of froth flotation, a separations process widely used in the mining industry to separate worthless gangue from desired mineral particles. The goal of this Phase I is the preparation of sensors that permit the measurement of collector chemicals used in flotation suspensions. Our proposed sensors are expected to be ideally suited for these measurements since they are not affected by turbidity, have a collector selectivity that can be tuned with specific receptors, and require no off-stream sample handling. The project will take advantage of the highly selective and fouling-resistant fluorous perfluoropolymer membranes introduced by the academic partner Phil Buhlmann. The broader impacts of this research are significant as it will enable the mining industry to be more sustainable in its approach to mineral recovery. Specifically, our research aims to significantly reduce the amount of toxic chemical waste associated with froth flotation and its inevitable environmental impact. The method has the potential of making the US copper industry more competitive by saving over $200 M in wasted collector while simultaneously improving mining sustainability by eliminating an estimated 891,000 kg of unnecessary chemical discharges. In addition to these benefits, the multidisciplinary aspects of this project will train students in synthetic and analytical techniques, involving concepts from chemistry, materials science, and engineering. A graduate student will have the opportunity to mentor an undergraduate students involved in this project through directed research studies and through the NSF-REU programs at the UMN. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Jon Philippe Buhlmann United Science LLC MN Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9104 6890 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930099 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Graphene-Platinum Composite for Hydrogen Fuel Cells. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop a multifunctional graphene-platinum composite for hydrogen fuel cells. High performance fuel cells currently have inefficient catalyst utilization due to limited contact between Pt nanoparticles and the solid proton conductor. This difficulty can be ameliorated by the use of high-Pt-content catalysts supported on high-surface-area supports. Graphene, a one-atom-thick, conductive allotrope of carbon, is an ideal catalyst support with a rare combination of extremely high specific surface area, remarkable thermal/electrical conductivity, and good thermal stability. Graphene catalyst supports will increase the efficacy of the Pt catalyst, retard the sintering/agglomeration of Pt nanoparticles, and provide electronic continuity for electron transport. Allotropica Technologies, in collaboration with the University of North Carolina, will exploit its newly discovered route to graphene for fuel cell applications. The combination of high surface area and low-porosity in the proposed graphene-Pt composite constitutes a new type of electrocatalyst, one that will achieve higher catalyst utilization and result in enhanced fuel cell performance. Fuel cells continue to attract attention worldwide; the European Union and Japan are spending more than $100 million annually on fuel cell research. The heart of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel cell is a membrane electrolyte sandwiched between two layers of catalyst, typically in the form of platinum or alloyed platinum nanoparticles dispersed onto a high surface area form of carbon. We propose to use the ultra-high surface area of graphene to support Pt nanoparticles catalysts in hydrogen fuel cells. Our novel graphene-Pt composite should lead to an improvement in performance efficiency, mechanical strength, and the thermal management in this important component of a comprehensive energy strategy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Si, Yongchao Edward Samulski Allotropica Technologies NC Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930144 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Spray-On Nanostructured Metal Oxide Films for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase I project exploits Inframat's revolutionary solution plasma spray process to fabricate nanostructured dendritic oxide films for low cost photovoltaic solar energy or solar/water hydrogen splitting device applications. High surface area metal oxide films are crucial device elements for next generation energy conversion. While much fundamental work has been conducted to demonstrate feasibility and build prototypes, little progress has been made towards addressing the cost and reliability of efficient, high rate manufacturing processes for these devices. Our process, developed through collaboration between Inframat and UMass, involves the deposition of oxide films via the introduction of a fine aerosol produced by the rapid expansion of precursor solutions saturated with a compressible solvent into a plasma spray gun. Our feasibility experiments indicate that the process yields open, highly porous networks of dendritic oxide nanostructures directly, without subsequent casting or annealing steps. The intellectual merit includes the development of a deposition technology for pure/doped nanofilms that offers well controlled architectures and the establishment of the relationships between deposition conditions, precursor reactivity and film properties. Performance comparison of solar cells constructed using these materials to baseline devices of traditional film approaches will provide additional understanding of structure-property relationships. The broader impact includes validation of an inexpensive, manufacturable, spray on route to nanostructured metal oxide films that could significantly reduce the cost of solar cells and H2 generation. The technology is applicable to other devices, including sensors and batteries. The anticipated benefits/potential commercial applications include robust processing, high quality and performance, and economical affordability for next generation energy conversion devices. The spray on nature of SPS processing allows us to target the low cost, large area segment of the market, which is currently underrepresented due in part to high manufacturing costs relative to efficiency. The ability to tune film structure and crystallinity at the nanoscale offers enabling gains in device performance and efficiency. The customers include both large and small companies in the solar energy space, including those with a concentrated focus on dye-sensitized and flexible solar cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Xiao, T. Danny James Watkins INFRAMAT CORP CT Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930167 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Making Lightweight Building Products from Fly Ash. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will test the feasibility of producing lightweight building materials from fly ash, suitable for making roofing tiles, wall boards and insulation materials for buildings. A byproduct of coal-fired power plants, less than 50% of fly ash in the U.S. is currently used. Improper disposal, as in the December 2008 fly ash spill in Kingston, Tennessee, causes serious damage to environment. The best solution is to increase fly ash use -- converting it into quality green building products. This project will test a new method to produce lightweight building materials using water supersaturated with air and carbon dioxide. When such water is mixed with Class C fly ash, the supersaturated gas creates millions of micro-bubbles, producing a lightweight material similar to aerated concrete. This research is designed to prove: (1) lightweight building materials can be made from fly ash containing supersaturated air or CO2, (2) such materials have adequate properties (meeting ASTM standards), and (3) they are cost-effective. The project is highly innovative because: (1) it involves untested novel concepts; (2) the research has both high risk and high potential payoff, and (3) it will generate new knowledge and knowhow. Success in both Phase I and Phase II research will enable development of a new technology that can turn fly ash into useful multifunctional building materials. Commercialization of the materials will not only increase the use of currently unused fly ash and conserve energy in manufacturing, but will also reduce manufacturing costs of building products, benefiting the housing industry. Use of CO2 for producing lightweight fly ash products will also cause carbon sequestration, which helps to reduce global warming. The nation's environment and economy will both benefit from this research. Conducted in collaboration with University of Missouri-Columbia, this project also has educational values. The Phase I project will provide assistantship and research opportunity to a graduate student in civil engineering for fulfilling degree requirements. It will also extend the student advisor's research field and enhance his professional development. The Principal Investigator has a proven record of conducting award-winning research in fly ash bricks, a technology successfully developed under a previous NSF grant, with the technology now licensed to industries in USA and 10 other nations. His expertise in related research, protection of IP rights, and commercialization of new technology makes him uniquely qualified to direct this project. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Liu, Henry Vellore Gopalaratnam Freight Pipeline Company MO Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1467 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930206 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Development and Manufacture of Multi-Functional Materials and Structures. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase 1 project will research and develop continuous micro stereo lithography as an enabling manufacturing platform of biocompatible, multifunctional material structures and systems such as plastic fiber microarray plates. These plates will have important advantages over existing glass fiber microarray plates: the platform of choice for biochips, microtiter plates, micro and picowell plates, microfluidic arrays and microcapillary arrays. The glass fibers have been extensively used to perform optical readout of fluorescence signals indicative of specific biochemical reactions. Use of special polymers will give the plastic fibers numerical apertures of up to unity, which has never been reached previously and will give the highest possible sensitivity. Because of the use of lithography, the plastic optical fiber arrays will have 0.1 micron position alignment compared to a few microns for glass fibers. This major difference in alignment accuracy will be increasingly important as array densities increase and size of fluorescent light sources decrease. The manufacturing cost of plastic fiber array plates are shown to be an order of magnitude less than for glass microarrays. Different types of microarray plates will be fabricated, characterized and tested for multifunctional biological assays and ultrasound imaging for biometric identification. Principal societal benefits from this project will be improvements in health care and national security. Improved biotechnologies will include: gene sequencing, proteomics, disease diagnostics, drug discovery and agriculture. These fields can benefit from the improved accuracy and lower cost microarray technology. Investments at the University of Florida in state of the art lithography and molecular biology equipment will be leveraged by using these facilities and collaborating with expert Faculty and students. The first commercial microarray products resulting from this project will be used in existing gene sequencing equipment and medical diagnostic arrays. The annual sales for glass microarray products in these market segments are $30M and growing at 25% per year. There will be a total $20M market in plastic fiber microarray plates for the ultrasound biometric market and Night Vision market. Nanoptics, Inc. has successfully commercialized previous SBIR/STTR technology and is the largest US producer of plastic optical fiber. These fibers are used in aiming devices on archery bows, hand guns and rifles employed by security forces, Israeli Defense Forces and the US Army. Nanoptics is also the leading global supplier of specialty clear plastic optical fiber used in medical devices, such as eye surgery. Annual revenue exceeds $1M. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Noh, Young Toshikazu Nishida Nanoptics Inc FL Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930299 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Nano-sphere Modified Fibers for Super Insulating Window Coverings. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will demonstrate the effectiveness of a new window insulation technology with thermal performance properties comparable to a well insulated wall. In the United States, buildings account for more than 40% of total energy consumption. Because windows are between 20-40% of the vertical surface area of an average building, they consume 30-60% of heating and cooling energy, representing an annual impact of more than 4.1 quadrillion BTU of primary energy, costing building owners over $40 billion/year. Our innovation is to use nanometer sized spherically shaped silica particles attached to glass fibers to create an insulation material with extremely small points of contact that can be used to make thin vacuum insulation panels. This Phase I project will determine the feasibility of incorporating these nanoparticle-modified fibers into innovative Multilayer Vacuum Insulation Panels to achieve target thermal insulation properties in a commercially viable, dynamic window covering. This technology will exceed the US DOE's target window insulation properties in a commercially viable product that will serve as a cost effective solution for net-zero energy new construction as well as a retrofit product to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. By facilitating the development and commercialization of a product that will substantially reduce unwanted heat transfer through fenestration, the research in this Phase I STTR project will contribute a partial solution to global energy and environmental challenges. The development of new core materials for vacuum insulation panels offers enormous opportunities for the improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings while also contributing a substantial financial savings over time. The educational impact of this research will be significant on two levels: 1) a substantial amount of the work will be performed by students under the direct supervision of recognized experts and 2) the research will significantly advance the state of the art in thermal insulation technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Slagter, John Thomas Schuelke The Mackinac Technology Center MI Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 149991 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1467 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930301 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Spectrally Adaptive Photodetectors. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to develop a high-performance--spectrally adaptive and high operating temperature--detector for multiple spectral-band infrared detection and discrimination applications. The bio-inspired, photon detector will be able to operate throughout the 3 to 14 micron infrared spectrum. In addition the detector material will be optimized to have the highest performance in the 3 to 5 and 8 to 12 micron spectral atmospheric windows. The overarching theme of the proposed research and development effort is to produce a marketable product that will be the preeminent solution for many infrared detection and imaging applications. The broader impacts of this research are will allow sensing of infrared electromagnetic radiation, which is very important for a wide variety of activities and applications. Infrared (beyond the red visible light) detection provides a means of seeing-in-the-dark or un-illuminated objects. The proposed spectrally adaptive high-performance sensor will be important for many medical, commercial, scientific, and defense applications. In particular, the research and development activities will directly lead to a sensor product for agile multispectral imagery, without the use of cryogenic cooling. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Meisner, Mark Titan Optics & Engineering NH Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9184 9150 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930303 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Nanoselenium for Simultaneous Detection and Capture of Mercury Vapor in Fluorescent Lighting Technology. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is focused on the development of a new technology for reducing the human health risks associated with mercury over the life-cycle of fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps can break and release their internal inventory of mercury, which is a known neurotoxicant, environmental pollutant, and developmental toxicant of special concern for children and women of child-bearing age. Aspen Sciences is teaming with Brown University and ARCH Venture Partners to develop nano-selenium-based products to react with and capture mercury vapor during fluorescent lamp shipping, use, collection, and recycling. The research focuses on: (i) cost-effective nano-selenium synthesis, (ii) design and testing of reactive barriers as box or bag safety liners, (iii) study of reaction rates and sorbent color change for mercury detection, and (iv) sorbent stability during storage use and disposal. The broader impacts of this research are to ensure consumer and worker safety in the large and rapidly growing market for linear and compact fluorescent lamps. Lamps broken at home or during shipping release elemental mercury vapor in the immediate vicinity of adults and children. Approximately 80% of inhaled mercury vapor is physiologically absorbed in the lung and is able to cross the blood-brain barrier to cause neurological disorders and developmental impairment. Aspen's new sorbent can capture mercury vapor at ultra-high capacity and reduce human exposure in the $7 billion annual worldwide fluorescent lamp market, as well as remove current psychological and safety barriers to the more widespread adoption of energy-saving fluorescent technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sarin, Love Robert Hurt Aspen Sciences, Inc TX Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9104 6890 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930307 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: High Efficiency Thin-film Photovoltaics on Low-cost Substrates by Layer Transfer. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will apply high aspect ratio, nm-scale, columnar, and crystalline Si structures as templates for high-quality growth of thin-film GaAs solar cells on low-cost flexible substrates. Sub-10-nm Si seed layers are expected to facilitate growth of low-defect density GaAs films. The aspect ratio of nm-scale structures also serve as sacrificial layers for removal of completed GaAs solar cell. Epitaxial growth and characterization of GaAs films on nm-scale Si structures will be carried out at the Center for High Technology at the University of New Mexico. Successful phase I STTR research will lead to commercialization of high (~ 20 %) efficient, flexible solar cells for applications in a wide range of terrestrial and space environments. Multiple substrate re-use and inherent large area processing capability of Si will result in significant cost reductions. High quality heteroepitaxial GaAs growth on Si has been a subject of intense research. Due to its direct bandgap, GaAs is attractive for a number of optoelectronics applications and its integration with Si-based microelectronics has been a cherished goal. The lattice and thermal expansion mismatches with Si make it difficult to grow good device quality layers. We have recently demonstrated as the Si seed dimension is reduced below 100 nm dimensions, the quality of heteroepitaxial growth increases rapidly. The nm-scale Si structures are formed using low-cost, large area methods based on conventional integrated circuit processing methods. Successful research effort will lead to reduction in PV generation costs, and enhanced applicability of thin-film PV in terrestrial and space environments because in contrast with competing thin-film solar cells, GaAs thin-film solar cells will not suffer from light-induced performance degradation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Zaidi, Saleem Steven Brueck Gratings, Incorporated NM Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930342 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Large-Scale Production of Pristine Nano Graphene. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase I project is directed toward the rapid, large-scale production of pristine nano graphene platelets (NGPs) ? an emerging class of nano materials expected to have a revolutionary impact on nanotechnology. NGPs exhibit exceptional properties as do carbon nanotubes (CNTs), but can be mass-produced at much lower costs. NGPs exhibit the highest intrinsic strength and highest thermal conductivity of the existing materials. Highly conductive graphene will find practical applications in nanoelectronics, transparent and conductive coating (e.g., as a replacement for ITO glass), supercapacitor, battery electrode, fuel cell bipolar plates, thermal interface materials, and conductive nanocomposite. The total potential market size for conductive nano fillers/nanocomposites is forecast to reach $5 billion ($550M for automotive components alone) by 2013. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Zhamu, Aruna Amir Farajian Angstron Materials, LLC OH William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1788 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930343 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Concentrator Photovoltaics with High-Refractive-Index Encapsulants. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to establish the technical and commercial feasibility of an innovative approach for improving the performance and lowering the costs of photovoltaic solar-electric power conversion systems. In particular, we will improve concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems by encapsulating high-efficiency solar cells within a transparent, high-refractive-index epoxy. We anticipate lowering CPV manufacturing costs with this approach by leveraging established light emitting diode (LED) packaging technology. The use of high index of refraction material in a CPV will enable increased concentration ratios while maintaining a wide field of view in power generating subassemblies that can be incorporated into a variety of CPV systems. This STTR addresses the renewable energy market by developing a novel photovoltaic device capable of ultra-high performance with reduced intrinsic manufacturing costs. Concentrator technologies can radically alter the renewable energy market in the near term like no other competing technology. By replacing expensive semiconductor materials with cheaper plastic lens and/or metal mirrors, concentrator photovoltaic systems can in principle both reduce overall photovoltaic module costs and improve performance. This STTR program leverages work in solid state lighting to achieve higher concentration ratios and wider field of views in CPV systems that can be manufactured at lower costs and thus realize the ultimate objective of third generation photovoltaics, namely ultra-high conversion efficiency at low costs. In addition to the scientific and commercial impact, this STTR program has a strong educational component, enabling graduate students to be educated and trained in a novel, interdisciplinary, and potentially high-impact field. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sood, Ashok E. Schubert Magnolia Optical Technologies Inc. MA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 149999 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930364 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Nanomaterial Constructs With Controllable Catalytic Activity: Topic MM-Subtopic SMS. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to develop nanoconstructs with catalytic activity which is controllable via an external trigger. Nanoscale metal oxides have unique properties that will be leveraged to change the catalytic activity. Nanoalloys composed of domains of free radical generators and domains of free radical scavengers can be designed to limit catalytic activity until an external control is provided, stimulating changes in the chemical structure and enhancing the catalytic activity of one domain over the other. The ability to switch the catalytic activity will enable several applications to be developed, including medical therapies. The synthesis and characterization of nanoconstructs with controllable catalytic activity and demonstration of switching capability under external stimulation will be developed. Catalytic activity of the nanoconstructs will be characterized as a function of pH, illumination, and temperature. Measurements will be correlated with composition uniformity, average composition, size, and defect concentration. As ceria is a phosphor used in solid state lighting, a secondary objective is to apply the same techniques to increase efficiency, tune the wavelength, or alter the fluorescence lifetime. The broader impact/commercial potential will be the development of externally switchable catalysts that are large and the applications varied. Applications would include health care applications, solid state lighting, solar cell, bio-chemical sensing, and remotely triggerable catalysts. The ability to switch the nanoparticle's free radical scavenging and generating behavior will have an enormous impact on the field of nanobiotechnology and may become a necessary property to minimize the toxicity of nanoparticles uptaken in the body. Markets for selective killing of cancer cells or bacteria are potentially multi-million dollar industries. The nanoconstructs can be incorporated as phosphors into new or existing solid state lighting fixtures to improve efficiency as well as achieve desired modifications of the spectral output and light modulation. Other potential applications could include the development of water-based catalysts that can self-clean to eliminate biofouling for near room-temperature fuel cell designs, or remote biochemical sensing. Beneficiaries of the technology will be a wounded soldier, a factory worker using circadian lighting to stay alert on third shift, users of improved batteries, solar cells, or antibacterial bandages. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Williams, Jeannie Kathleen Meehan Middle Way Photonics MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 6890 1788 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930393 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: High Thermal Conductivity Carbon Fibers From Nanotextured Mesophase Pitch Precursors. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is for the development of ultrahigh thermal conductivity carbon fiber for use in graphite-metal composites. The use of graphite fiber in a metal matrix produces a composite with high thermal conductivity and controlled CTE, the two key requirements for a material to be used in electronic packaging components. The development of mesophase pitch carbon fiber with a combination of ultrahigh thermal conductivity and mechanical properties will support the commercialization of next generation graphite-metal electronic packaging products that will require lower thermal resistance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Connell, James Amod Ogale ADVANCED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES MA William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930398 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Compressible Magnetorheological Fluids. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to develop stable and optimal compressible magneto-rheological fluids (CMRFs) and to perform device tests on such fluids to demonstrate their durability. The production of stable and durable CMRFs will be achieved by using an inexpensive chemical process. The primary goal of the project is to develop and examine a feasible fluid combining characteristics of both field controllable fluids and compressible fluids for automatically adjustable strut/damper applications. The project will develop a novel fluid by incorporating different base materials, which can produce higher compressibility while retaining a controllable damping effect. These fluids, when used in a damper (or a shock absorber) for the suspension system of land vehicles, will be able to simultaneously provide controllable damping and spring effects. The broader impact/commercial potential of successfully developing compressible fluids for the use in vehicle suspension systems, especially for medium/heavy vehicles to reduce weight, increase mobility, enhance controllability of the vehicle's motion to prevent roll over in rough terrains and during emergency maneuvers. This project will have wide applications from commercial and private sector to military, for medium/heavy commercial vehicles such as, buses, coaches, trailers, off-highway, and tracked vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kavlicoglu, Barkan ADVANCED MATERIALS & DEVICES INC NV Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1505 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930419 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Graphene Based NOx Detector. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop a low-cost, high sensitivity detector for nitrogen oxides (NOx) based on graphene. Gas detectors, such as the presently proposed NOx sensor, will be the first commercial application for graphene based devices. Graphene films can potentially detect down to a single molecule of an adsorbed gas. The availability of an effective, inexpensive NOx sensor would enable closed-loop control of engine conditions in auto and truck applications, allowing the manufacturers to simultaneously optimize vehicle fuel economy, exhaust emissions and performance. These NOx sensors will also enable emissions monitoring for a range of other industrial and power generation applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sbrockey, Nick Michael Spencer STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930423 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Multifunctional Nanoparticle Assemblies for Optical Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a new class of multifunctional nanoparticle assemblies for optical disease diagnosis and treatment. The nanoparticle assemblies will be synthesized using a new plasmon-enhanced two-photon activated crosslinking approach that will attach nanoparticles with an unprecedented level of selectivity towards specific nanoparticle sites. Through incorporation of organic chromophores, the plasmonic resonances of the metallic nanoparticles will provide three to six orders of magnitude enhancement in the efficiency of second harmonic imaging microscopy and two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy, which will be utilized for imaging the locations of disease states such as cancerous tumors within the body. Increased laser intensity combined with the energy concentration of the plasmonic hotspots into small spatial volumes will enable hyperthermal treatment of the disease through large increases in the local temperature. The broader impacts of this research include acceleration of the development of optical techniques for diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer. While such optical techniques are under intense research and development for implementation in biomedicine, the orders of magnitude increases in efficiency provided by the new nanoparticle assemblies proposed here will enable more rapid implementation. Furthermore, the novel approach for synthesis of nanoparticle assemblies will have a much broader scientific and commercial impact. The assembly method only requires that one of the nanoparticles be metallic. The development of this new assembly approach will thus enable the combination of a wide range functionalities including magnetic nanoparticles, antimicrobial silver nanoparticles, and fluorescent quantum dots. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ridley, Jason Hans Robinson Virginia nanoTech LLC VA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149869 5371 1505 BIOT 9107 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930427 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Cooperative Nanostructure Driven Self-Assembly in Carbon Nanotube/Block Co-Polymer Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project addresses one of the key barriers for commercial development of the next generation membrane technologies that exploit extremely fast transport through the carbon nanotube pores. These pores enable nearly frictionless flow that could drastically lower membrane resistance and produce in significant energy savings for a wide range of membrane-based separation processes. The first carbon nanotube membranes were made from aligned CVD-grown nanotube arrays that are costly and hard to scale up. The objective of this Phase I project is to demonstrate assembly of bulk single wall carbon nanotube-polymer composites at high loadings and establish understanding of the thermodynamics and kinetics of these processes. Another objective is to develop a strategy for scalability of this process as well as identify the main parameters that control the quality of the resulting aligned nanocomposites. Membrane separation technologies are one of the cornerstones of modern economy, and this $12B/year market has been growing at an annual rate exceeding 9%. Membranes are also critically important for global societal and humanitarian problems, such as availability of clean water (one of 6 people in the world lacks access to clean water and water shortage is a growing problem in the Western US). In particular, small-pore membranes enable reverse-osmosis processes that are the most energy-efficient route for seawater desalination that could tap into plentiful water resources available in the ocean. Development of a scalable process for aligning small-pore carbon nanotubes into a membrane would produce membranes with permeability of up to 100 times higher than current RO membranes, and would represent a paradigm shift for the RO membrane market. Commercialization of this process could potentially make RO desalinated water costs in line with the current municipal water costs, and thus unlock an almost inexhaustible water source for the US and global population. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Bakajin, Olgica James Watkins Porifera inc. CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149941 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930437 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Co-extruded electroded fiber sensors and actuators. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to prepare textile fibers containing two metal electrodes embedded in a polymer electrolyte. These fibers will be formed with a multi-crucible pultrusion system. Ion flows within the electrolyte on deformation will cause the fibers to produce a voltage and act as strain sensors. An applied voltage will cause the fibers to deform by bending and work as fiber actuators. The process for such 50-micron scale electrically activated fibers comparable in properties to natural muscle fibers and muscle spindles (strain sensors) will be produced. The broader impact/commercial potential will be the development of sensors that are incorporated into systems in the way that nerves are incorporated into skin. Optical fiber sensors have this potential but their fragility and the complexity of the readout equipment have prevented their widespread use. This project will make available a versatile platform for adding sensing to soft structures, especially for safety-related applications; and the development of an actuator material that could be readily employed by designers of military, medical, rehabilitative and robotic equipment. The proposed fibers could be woven into textiles, attached to sheet materials or molded into polymers and would permit widespread sensing of stress, environmental variables or chemicals as part of clothing or equipment. Subsequent deployment of these fibers as artificial muscles could have military or medical use. Long-term the societal impact of sensing machines and muscle-like motion will be great. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Perera, Rathna Paul Calvert EY Technologies/ Division of Pascale Industries, Inc. AR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149900 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1984 1773 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930447 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Development of High Temperature Membranes for Increased PEM Electrolysis Efficiency. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Project addresses the efficiency limitations of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis in order to provide a potentially renewable, cost-competitive hydrogen source for fueling and backup power applications. Proton Energy Systems manufactures PEM electrolyzers which operate at differential pressures ranging from 200 to 2400 psi hydrogen generation. The thickness requirements and temperature limitations of currently used PFSA-membranes result in large ionic resistance losses at the typical operating current densities of 1500 mA/cm2 or greater. Electricity cost is therefore the major contributor to the life cycle cost. In this work, cross-linked poly(sulfone) and poly(phenylene) thermoplastic polymers developed by Penn State University will be utilized to increase mechanical strength and enable higher temperature operation. The research objectives are to 1) synthesize and characterize alternative membrane compositions at thicknesses suitable for high pressure electrolysis applications, 2) incorporate these membranes into MEAs and 3) perform creep studies and electrolysis testing at the single cell stack level at temperatures up to 80 C. By using thinner membranes and higher operating temperatures, the system efficiency can be greatly increased, while the capital cost of the electrolysis unit is decreased. Three families of products will be enhanced or enabled by this research program: (1) PEM electrolysis systems for industrial gas applications, (2) PEM electrolysis systems for transportation fueling applications and (3) PEM electrolysis systems for regenerative fuel cell backup power applications. While all of the product families will benefit from significant cost reduction, the operating cost targets for backup power are the most aggressive. Several fuel cell companies have already been offering backup power packages for this market. However, the typical fueling solution has involved delivered hydrogen. Based on the market analysis Proton has conducted, this is not a practical solution for many wireless sites. The total US backup battery market size has been estimated at ~$250M/year, with the addressable section being ~$130M/year. Proton completed a detailed trade study for DOE which demonstrated that electricity is the largest contributor to the cost of hydrogen via PEM electrolysis, and therefore efficiency gains through higher temperature operation are essential to viability of this application. However, these membrane advances would also benefit the customers of Proton's commercial products in the lab and power plant markets. This study also provides critical information on the viability of non-PFSA membranes for long term electrolysis operation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ayers, Kathy Michael Hickner Proton Energy Systems, Inc. CT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 6890 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930480 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Increasing the Efficiency of Membrane Filtration for Drinking Water Purification through the Incorporation of Novel Anti-Biofilm Small Molecules. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Project tests the feasibility of applying Agile Sciences' technology to decreasing or eliminating biofouling on filtration membranes used for drinking water purification. The main obstacle in efficiently applying membrane filtration to provide safe drinking water is the buildup of biofilms on the membrane, or "biofouling". Biofouling not only causes a reduction in throughput, but can also result in uneven flow conditions such that spurts of water carrying contaminants may pass through the membrane, thus introducing these contaminants into the drinking water. The research group of Dr. Christian Melander at NC State University has recently identified a series of small organic molecules that can both inhibit and disperse biofilms of bacteria across bacterial order, class, and phylum. Incorporation of these molecules into filtration membranes has the potential to significantly reduce biofilm buildup, thus greatly improving the efficiency and efficacy of the filtration process. Agile Sciences has licensed the technology developed in the Melander Laboratory, and the scope of this Phase I STTR Project is to develop the methodology necessary to incorporate Agile Sciences' anti-biofilm molecules into filtration membranes while retaining their antifouling properties. Although the availability of safe drinking water is a fundamental human need, exponential population growth as well as the effects of climate change have made drinking water scarce for large portions of the global population. Over 20% of the world's population does not have access to safe drinking water, and millions of people die each year from diseases attributed to contaminated water. A promising technology for delivering clean drinking water is membrane filtration. However, large-scale application of membrane filtration is hampered by the effects of biofouling. The market size for filtration membranes in the United States alone is estimated to be between $2 billion and $4 billion per year. In addition to providing safe drinking water, filtration membranes are used in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries to provide ultra-high-purity water and in treating wastewater. In all these applications, the efficiency of filtration membranes is limited by biofouling. In addition to the aforementioned industrial and health applications, development of a hydrophobic polymer that is resistant to biofouling would represent a substantial contribution to the field of polymer science. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG McCall, Stephen Christian Melander Agile Sciences Inc. NC Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149999 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930486 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Developing Coupled Quantum Dot Multi-Functional Materials for Optoelectronics Integrated Circuits (OEIC). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is to demonstrate a new Coupled Quantum Dot (CQD) multifunctional material. Electron-tunneling and inter-quantum dot coupling effects will be analyzed. The tunable energy bands of the new CQD material will be simulated. Successfully performing the proposed research will provide an enabling multifunctional CQD material platform that allows the monolithic integratation of lasers, electro-optic (EO) modulators, and photodetectors on a single chip. Such monolithic integration will not only minimize the size and weight of photonic system, but also substantially reduce the optical alignment cost and enhance the system reliability. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Vaillancourt, Jarrod Xuejun Lu Applied Nanofemto Technologies MA William Haines Standard Grant 147319 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930489 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Novel Materials for a PicoCalorimeter Biological Application. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project, a collaborative effort between HYRPES and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering of the University at Albany, NY, proposes to revolutionize the field of microcalorimetry with a micromachined biocalorimeter that is faster than conventional devices, more sensitive and inexpensive enough to be disposable. The device will feature one or more sample spaces etched into a silicon chip. Unlike earlier micromachined calorimeters, the high sensitivity is obtained in air, and without the need of a surrounding vacuum, making the new device ideal for studies of cellular metabolism. The overall research objectives are to introduce innovations that optimize and refine our ?PicoCalorimeter? designs to obtain <100 pico-Watt sensitivities in combination with other biological measurements. The broader impacts of this research are the measurement of cell metabolism, the identification of drug effects on specific cell types, and the study of protein folding, structural transitions and other biological phenomena. The proposed effort introduces a totally new type of microcalorimeter with a set of innovative features enabling measurements that are now impossible. The high sensitivity will enable the detection of much smaller sample volumes than ever before, thereby accelerating the time to prepare and investigate many biological reactions. Besides basic research in cellular metabolism, enzyme function, functional genomics, and others, the proposed disposable "PicoCalorimeters" will have a major commercial application to drug development and evaluation, and the detection of a wide range of toxins in liquid samples. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Radparvar, Masoud Nathaniel Cady HYPRES, Inc. NY Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 149998 5371 1505 BIOT 9107 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930494 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Holistic Separation of High Purity Metallic and Semiconducting Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is to develop a novel technology for the large-scale sorting of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by diameter and electronic type. An economical process for sorting carbon nanotubes can enable many applications. Metallic SWNTs could serve as leads in nanoscale circuits, flexible and transparent conductors (replacement for indium tin oxide (ITO)), supercapacitors, and field emitters, while high-purity semiconducting SWNTs could find applications in field-effect transistors, photovoltaic devices, and sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Metters, Andrew Selah Technologies, LLC SC William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 1788 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930523 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Large-scale Manufacture of Exclusively Metallic or Semiconducting Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project targets the separation of metallic and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) at industrial scale. The intellectual merit consists in enabling the efficient use of the multi-functionality of SWCNT. Successful completion will allow taking full advantage of metallic and mechanical properties, e.g., in transparent conducting films, and of semiconducting properties in electronic devices such as thin film transistors. The successful separation between metallic and semiconducting SWCNT includes enabling innovative electronic products, e.g. thin film transistors, sensors and memory with improved characteristics such as deposition on flexible, conformable and stretchable substrates. Solution processing of SWCNT will contribute significantly to safe handling and address environmental and health concerns. The project will contribute to the training of essential workforce in techniques necessary for the fast implementation of multifunctional materials in commercial products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Richter, Henning Michael Strano NANO-C, INC MA William Haines Standard Grant 149965 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1788 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930525 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Development of Materials for Optical Band Gaps in Magneto-Photonic Crystals for Switching and Biosensor Applications. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to develop new types of optical band gaps inside the Brillouin zone in magneto-photonic crystals that will be extremely responsive to external stimuli. These band gaps arise as a result of the hybridization of differently polarized optical modes in a magneto-optic photonic crystal environment. Their formation in functional photonic crystals permits the magnetic control of the crystals' optical response for fast switching applications. The problem to be addressed in this project is the materials requirements for the formation of these magnetically tunable optical band gaps in birefringent non-reciprocal periodic magneto-optic garnet films with large bandwidth. Liquid Phase Epitaxy of thin magneto-optic garnet films on custom substrates will be optimized for all these properties. The films will be characterized by the lithographic and focused-ion-beam patterning implementation of magneto-photonic crystal structures in planar waveguides, which will be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in achieving the desired optical band gaps. The broader impact/commercial potential will be the development of multi-functional smart materials with commercial applications, as highly sensitive on-chip biosensors, controllable fast optical switches, filters and modulators and magnetic field/current sensors. The detection and analysis of biochemical substances has vast applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical research, healthcare, and homeland security. Optical biosensors constitute an important and powerful tool for the detection of multiple types of analytes ranging from bacteria and bacterial spores to virus and DNA, as well as toxic and non-toxic substances. An interesting feature of the degenerate band gap photonic crystals is the ability to tune a band gap, thus making the structure attractive for the development of optical filters or switches. Optical switching is used in the routing of optical signals for telecommunications and in logic operations. Magneto-optic switching times faster than liquid-crystal, thermal or mechanically based switches are possible. Optical fiber magneto-optic sensors have specific applications in the areas of infrastructure, electric power, automotive, power electronics, aerospace, military, hazardous environments, educational and non-destructive testing. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Fratello, Vincent Miguel Levy INTEGRATED PHOTONICS, INC. AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1984 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930526 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Fullerenic Molecule-Silica Hybrid Dielectrics for the Field-Sensitive Tunneling Barriers in Flash Memory. This Small business Technology Transfer Phase I project is to develop a novel Fullerene-Silica hybrid material system that exhibits multiple functionalities as part of a device heterostructure. The end goal is to develop a high-performance scalable non-volatile memory using a gate stack including a silica-fullerene double tunnel junction. The findings from this research work have the potential to help overcome scaling roadblocks in a > 20B$ flash memory industry. The tunneling barrier can be further modified to create beneficial resonant tunneling effects that can boost the ratio of retention and program time. The expected result from this Phase 1 project is the extension of geometrical and voltage scaling of Flash memory by using engineered fullerene molecules in the gate stack. A quantitative model will be built for design optimization in terms of memory characteristics. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sivarajan, Ramesh Edwin Kan NANO-C, INC MA William Haines Standard Grant 145918 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930533 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Non-Toxic Nanoparticles for BRET-Based Molecular Imaging. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will result in the demonstration of non-toxic multi-modality nanoparticle-based molecular probes for in vivo imaging. The objective of the Phase I project is to demonstrate the synthesis and coating of luminescent bismuth sulfide nanoparticles emitting in the near infrared (NIR) for use as multi-modality probes. These probes may be detected by NIR fluorescence emission or as self-illuminated probes through Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer to Luminescent Nanocrystals (BRET-LN). Moreover, bismuth sulfide can be used as a contrast agent for X-ray-based imaging. The presence of toxic metals such as Cd, As, In and Hg in most of the NIR emissive nanoparticles and the relative lack of detailed safety data establish a significant safety barrier for use in humans. Bismuth sulfide is a potentially non-toxic material for bioimaging. Bismuth compounds have been used in pharmaceutical formulations for more than a century to treat maladies such as diarrhea, syphilis, and peptic ulcers. In the U.S., approximately 500 tons of bismuth are used in chemical, cosmetic, and medical products with direct human experience each year. The broader impacts of this research are the development of a sensitive multi-functional molecular imaging probe for use in medical imaging and inter-operative staining procedures. The new probe will ultimately provide a more efficient means to image disease in humans optically, circumventing inherent imaging depth and signal-to-noise limitations of other optical imaging technologies. This capability will translate to the development of important applications such as early cancer detection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Bhattacharyya, Sukanta Marcel Bruchez Zymera Corporation CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9184 6890 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930554 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Fabrication of Low-Cost and High-Efficiency Thermoelectric Materials. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project aims at establishing the feasibility of fabricating high-efficiency nanostructured thermoelectric at low cost. CoSb3 skutterudite nanowires will be grown by electrochemical deposition using template synthesis. After template removal, a novel controlled surface modification step will be applied to nanowires. We expect this particular surface treatment alone to reduce thermal conductivity of nanostructured CoSb3 to a greater degree compared to electrical conductivity due to differences in their respective scattering lengths. Nanostructured CoSb3 skutterudite will be grown, doped and treated under various fabrication conditions, and then characterized. Research will lead to tailored thermoelectric properties of the nanowire arrays. We will address some of these challenges regarding both size and surface modification. Complex nanoscale characterization will be performed using electrochemical techniques, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS and EELS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Measurements of electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and Seebeck coefficient will be performed to study the efficiency of these nanostructures as a function of wire size, chemical composition and surface roughness in order to obtain an optimal condition for the highest efficiency. This technology lays the foundation for large-scale fabrication of high efficiency thermoelectric devices for energy conversion. The unique combination of electrochemical deposition and surface roughening has great potential for mass production of low-cost and high-efficiency thermoelectric materials that can not be achieved by bulk processing techniques. Skutterudite group (e. g., CoSb3) thermoelectric materials are used to generate electrical power from different heat sources (e. g., stove top generators, engine exhaust powered alternator replacement, self-powered appliances), but the current market is limited by a low efficiency. With an increased ZT, CoSb3 processed by this technology can be used in many power conversion devices operating at intermediate temperatures; moreover, it may compete with Bi2Te3 for low temperature applications. Additionally, this technology will enhance the scientific and technological understanding of nanostructured thermoelectric materials. To date, most of the work on electrodeposited thermoelectric thin films and nanostructures focuses on synthesis, primarily investigating compositions and structure. A dissonant gap between synthesis and characterization of the thermoelectric properties, namely the Seebeck coefficient and thermoelectric figure of merit, creates only a partial picture for published works. While composition and structure of electrodeposits are crucial indicators of physical properties, their measured thermoelectric performance will ultimately dictate their usefulness in heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) in to vehicles and solar thermal industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Vidu, Ruxandra Pieter Stroeve AMEROM LLC CA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 149299 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930564 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Full Spectrum Conjugated Polymers for Highly Efficient Organic Photovoltaics. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of forming full spectrum highly efficient polymer solar cells from newly designed conjugated and potentially variable bandgap polymers that harvest visible through infrared light. The novel materials will be forged by incorporating Silole and donor-acceptor-donor moieties into the backbone and are expected to increase light harvesting and carrier mobility, and hence short circuit current output potentially by a factor of three over the state of the art. The key innovations of this work will also optimize energy levels to reduce voltage loss and further optimization of device structure and film morphology is expected improve fill factor. The primary objective of phase I is to determine the feasibility of forging full spectrum and high carrier mobility conjugated polymers that achieve highly efficient solar conversion. An ancillary goal of this work is arrive at an understanding of photophysical processes and device physics that will lead to optimal device fabrication during phase II. The environmental, societal and economic impacts of this technology are enormously broad. The ensuing abrupt drop in energy costs stemming from full spectrum harvesting promises to deliver stability and urgently needed relief to today's volatile oil based global economy. While photovoltaic (PV) production is already the fastest growing source of energy across the globe, the planned efforts of this STTR project are expected to disruptively reduce the projected cost of photovoltaic production in 2010 by a factor of 3. At a forecasted production cost of $0.70 per Watt, this research will demonstrate a technology that is competitive with the cost of electricity that is produced from fossil fuels. This technology will provide clean and cost competitive energy for home and industrial power, vehicle propulsion, consumer electronics, remote sensing, security, and an endless list of existing applications that currently rely on energy from fossil fuel. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Jing Qiquan Qiao Isosceles, LLC VA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930573 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Nanofluids for Improved Thermal Management. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase I project seeks to develop advanced heat transfer fluids using nano-structured carbons. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with a thermal conductivity of ~2000 W/m-K, are proposed at loadings which do not sacrifice fluid flow and viscosity. Nanofluids will be fabricated by tailoring the CNFs structure and surface functionalities to meet the above specifications. If successfully commercialized, Nanofluids will make significant energy efficiency and cost reduction gains for air conditioning, and will be useful for cooling of under-the-hood electronics of hybrid electric and electric vehicles and high power microelectronic devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Burton, David Khalid Lafdi APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH William Haines Standard Grant 149878 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930594 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Cost-effective Fabrication and Patterning of Transparent Metal Oxide Nanostructures by Solution-based Laser Processing Technologies. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will investigate transparent metal oxide nanostructures, especially zinc oxide and titanium oxide, suitable for a wide range of applications that require transparent conductors. If successful this project will create low cost transparent electrodes for applications such as LCD displays, touch screens, and solar cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Park, Hee Costas Grigoropoulos AppliFlex LLC TN William Haines Standard Grant 149996 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930603 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: ACC Synthesis - a Way to Create Safer, Efficacious and Inexpensive Single Enantiomers. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project propose a new method of producing enantiomerically pure ketones through the use of ACC chiral auxiliaries. The synthesis of single enantiomer drugs is an extremely important aspect of drug development. Current methods to both produce and/or isolate single enantiomer compounds are quite limited, and those existing methods can be expensive and difficult to carry out, thus preventing their application on large scale manufacturing. ACCs can be readily synthesized from commercially available starting materials in an efficient and cost effective way. They are easily introduced into the parent ketone, and can be easily recycled upon removal. Moreover, their inherent reactivity overcomes the practical limitations of current methods, making them amenable to industrial applications. The broader impacts of this research are: Development and subsequent FDA approval for new therapeutic agents has become increasingly difficult. R&D costs for a new drug are now in excess of $800 million and FDA has introduced more strict regulations and extensive clinical trials. Additionally, there have been several cases of leading companies suffering significant financial losses because of class action lawsuits from their drugs causing unforeseen sideeffects after reaching the market. The pharmaceutical industry is currently struggling to find solutions to overcome the new challenges in the field of drug development and the public has seen limited advances. Our innovative synthetic method will facilitate the production of single enantiomer drug formulations, which can contribute directly to finding solutions to the growing crisis facing the pharmaceutical industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Tarsis, Emily Don Coltart LifeSciTech, LLC NC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9184 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930610 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Biologically Inspired Polymer Fiber Adhesives as Enhanced Gripping Materials. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project proposes biologically inspired polymer fibrillar adhesives as new gripping materials for ultragrip sports glove and other potential gripping and repeatable adhesive applications. Geckos and insects have the gripping ability to attach thousands of times to widely varying surfaces without significant degradation, even in the presence of contamination and moisture, using millions of micro and nanoscale fibers on their feet. Today's repeatable adhesives foul quickly under these conditions, which leads to limited lifetime and constrains the scenarios in which they can be used. In this study, models will be developed to understand the interaction mechanics of fibrillar adhesives, and gripping materials based on bioinspired polymer fibers optimized for sports glove applications will be designed and demonstrated. The broader impacts of this research are the production of wide range of potential commercial products using these bioinspired gripping and adhesive materials and improved technical understanding on design of fibrillar adhesives for specific applications. Repeatable adhesives that leave no residue have a very broad market and commercial potential. In particular, as an advanced goal, if adhesion to skin tissues is achieved, this technology would have a strong impact in the medical industry. In the near term, these adhesives will be integrated into sports gloves to provide increased grip to a football surface. The scientific and technical understanding gained from this project will improve the design of fibrillar adhesives, and identify challenges for designing adhesives for specific application scenarios. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Aksak, Burak Metin Sitti nanoGriptech LLC PA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9183 6890 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930619 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Carbon Nanotube Dry Adhesives. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop a low cost manufacturing process for a carbon nanotube based (CNT) dry adhesive that emulates the mechanical properties of gecko feet and that can be scaled up to a large scale. The superior performance of CNT dry adhesives will significantly change the horizon of the adhesives industry, heavily impact many industrial and consumer production processes and create a broad array of products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Jiang, Kuiyang Robert Vajtai Agiltron Incorporated MA William Haines Standard Grant 149975 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930621 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Novel Nanoparticle Complexes for Tunable Dielectric Materials. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to develop new low-loss materials for tunable dielectrics, which are suitable for high-frequency applications and possess significant tunability at low temperatures. The most common tunable dielectric material is a ferroelectric. However, despite considerable advancements in the application of ferroelectrics to tunable dielectrics in recent years, these materials still possess unacceptable high losses and limited tunability, especially where application to high frequency and room temperature requirements must be met. The broader impacts/commercial potential will be the range of products that will benefit from improved tunable dielectric materials. Applications from cellular phones and hearing aids for consumers to remote sensing instruments and tunable microwave devices for industrial and military uses are made possible by the use of tunable dielectrics. The new nanocomposite materials enabled by the proposed innovation will provide lower losses and improved tunability at low voltages compared to current voltage tunable dielectric materials. These materials will enable smaller sized components, lower power consumption, and improved performance in existing applications and may also create opportunities for broader applications of the material. High-frequency tunable materials would also have application in both civilian and military applications, such as agile thin and thick film antennae, varactors (variable capacitors), phase shifters, tunable dielectric resonators, tunable impedance matching devices, tuned filters, and communication and remote sensing applications. The materials developed in this program will have a stimuli-responsive component, in that the dielectric permittivity will be sensitive to electric field effects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Madasu, Praveen Paige Phillips SciGenesis, LLC MS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149827 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930623 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Broadband Silicon-Germanium Based Quantum Dot Materials. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small business Technology Transfer Phase I project is to develop silicon-germanium based quantum dot materials that operate over a wide range of optical wavelengths by virtue of their composition and size distribution. This innovative material will allow the development of broadly absorbing solar cells on silicon with a single junction technology or the development of highly efficient broadband photo-detectors for telecommunications applications. Successful commercialization for this materials technology would improve performance in the areas of high speed telecommunications, and photovoltaic devices for energy conversion. Broadband detector technology for telecommunications could be a very large market since this material would allow for one detection technology to efficiently cover many wavelengths, as well as being integratable with existing silicon IC technology. For use in the photovoltaic industry, the development of a highly efficient visible to near-IR absorbing materials technology would be significant since costs can be lowered. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Matt James Kolodzey QuantTera AZ William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930626 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: High power, High energy density, Nanostructured bulk Li-ion Battery. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small business Technology Transfer Phase I project is to demonstrate the technology for a high power; high energy density nanostructured Li-ion battery. Many of the new applications of lithium ion batteries require high energy and power densities, quick recharging time, and safe operation at varying ambient temperatures. Lithium ion cells are essential building blocks for a wide range of batteries used in consumer electronics and military applications, as well as in next generation hybrid electric vehicles. If successful this research will help provide improved performance for these applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Sengupta, Suvankar John Lannutti METAMATERIA PARTNERS LLC OH William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930629 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Waste Cooking Oil and Fly Ash Based Bioasphalt. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project aims at developing a novel bioasphalt production technology using a recycled agricultural byproduct and recycled coal-fired power plant waste. Demand for asphalt in the United States is projected to increase 2.3 percent annually from 2006 to reach 38.5 million tons in 2011. Because of concerns over dependence on foreign oil, high energy consumption, a high asphalt price and unstable supply, and climate change, non-petroleum based bioasphalt made from renewable sources needs to be studied and developed. In this Phase I research, the optimal conditions for bioasphalt production will be determined, and the properties of the bioasphalt produced will be characterized. The performance of the hot mix bioasphalt concrete will be evaluated and compared with the petroleum based asphalt. The technical feasibility of this technology will be determined. The success of this technology will result in a renewable and sustainable material that will ensure the asphalt industry a sustainable development and lead to a revolutionary change towards environmentally sound practices and foreign oil independence. The application of renewable material based bioasphalt for highway and other infrastructure construction will prompt local economic growth, increase jobs, and benefit the nation with environmental protection and energy independence. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wen, Ben Haifang Wen United Environment & Energy, LLC ny Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1467 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930630 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: High Performance Piezoelectric MEMS Microphones. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)Phase I project seeks to develop a commercially viable, self-calibrating, piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microphone. The acoustical specifications of these microphones (measured by noise floor, linearity, sensitivity) will meet or exceed those of existing laboratory quality microphones. The devices developed in this project will be significantly smaller (1 order of magnitude) and less expensive (2 orders of magnitude) than the present state of the art. In addition, these MEMS microphones would have the capability of in situ self-calibration. The availability of a self-calibrating microphone would usher in a new age of instrument quality microphones with integrated sensing, actuation and adaptation. The broader impact/commercial potential of successfully developing high quality microphones that hold the potential to affect everyone who has a cell phone uses a hearing aide or other microphone based communication device. These microphones will have a lower noise floor and higher dynamic range than existing technologies thereby enhancing communication. In addition, the availability of very small (less than 1mm2), sensitivity, and self-calibrating microphones could improve hearing aid technology and thereby help the hearing impaired. The affordability, manufacturability, and performance of these microphones, has the potential to become the dominant microphone technology in applications ranging from studio microphones to cell phones. The commercialization of self-calibrating microphones would open up new markets and revenue streams. "This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)." SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Littrell, Robert Karl Grosh Baker-Calling MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149265 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1505 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930634 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Multifunctional Magnetic Core-Shell Nanoparticles. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is for the manufacture of multifunctional magnetic core-shell nanoparticles to demonstrate the feasibility of synthesizing core-shell nanoparticles consisting of magnetic nanoparticle cores and gold and/or silver shells. Such nanocomposite materials will be engineered to display controllable surface reactivity (and biocompatibility) from the gold or silver shells, and magnetic separation capability from the magnetic cores. The broad impact of the proposed approach is three-fold in the development of multifunctional nanomaterials. First, the nanoengineering of the metals enables a drastic increase of the surface area and other changes in properties for better bio-probing and antibacterial activity. Secondly, the nanoscale gold/silver shells lead to reduction of the production costs, toxicity and better antimicrobial characteristics. Thirdly, the introduction of magnetic cores enables the capabilities of effective and controlled separation, delivery and targeting of the bio-probes and antibacterial agents. Such products target not only the same commercialization market as magnetic beads in magnetic separation but also many new areas of biotechnologies. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Luo, Jin Lingyan Wang NSC Technology NY William Haines Standard Grant 149993 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930649 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: High-Performance, Non-Precious Metal Oxygen Reduction Catalysts. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project addresses the need for greater efficiency and clean emissions in power generation systems. Of particular relevance and potential impact would be the application of fuel cell systems in vehicles. However, the cost of platinum-based fuel cell oxygen-reduction electrocatalysts comprises a substantial portion of the system cost, and a major upgrade in the catalytic activity of non-precious metal catalysts would offer an alternative that could greatly improve the economics for vehicles powered by fuel cells. The key overall objective of the project is to attain non-precious metal oxygen-reduction catalyst activity per unit volume that meets the 2010 Department of Energy target of 130 amperes per cubic centimeter (iR-free at 0.8 volts and 80°C). Research objectives directed toward this goal focus on increased understanding of the nature of the catalyst's active site and on a major increase in the density of accessible active sites. The influence of precursor chemistry and morphology, synthesis methodologies, and electrode fabrication will be emphasized. Progress toward objectives will be guided by physical and electrochemical characterizations. Electrodes utilizing leading catalyst formulations will be fabricated and optimized for composition and morphology using fuel cell testing methodologies for membrane-electrode assemblies. The most significant impacts of this research will be in the areas of environmental benefits - reduction of toxic and greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, and commercial benefits - and the creation and preservation of new jobs in the automotive and related industries. The market penetration of efficient, non-polluting fuel cell powered vehicles depends on cost reductions and achievement of acceptable performance, lifetime, and safety. Achievement of the goals of this project would permit the replacement of platinum in the oxygen reduction catalyst, which addresses a cost that can be estimated at $600 per vehicle for a 50-kW system costing $5,000. Although the activity of pyrolized metal/nitrogen/carbon (MNC) catalysts has been known for over 20 years, the nature of the active site is not yet clear because of the complexities introduced by pyrolysis and high-surface-area supports. Such lack of understanding has hindered the engineering and implementation of these catalysts in fuel cell applications. The activities of this project seek to address this shortcoming by detailed study of the nature of the active site, combined with engineering studies to amplify site density. One undergraduate and one female graduate student will be supported by the project. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kaufman, Arthur Scott Calabrese Barton Gibbard Research and Development Corp. NH Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 149902 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1972 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930665 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Advanced Poly(lactide) (PLA) Materials for Extruded Sheet Applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is responsive to topic Multi-Functional Materials (MM), Subtopic Materials for Sustainability (MS). Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC), MN, in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, MI, plans to formulate and engineer chemically modified biobased and biodegradable Poly(Lactide)-based compounds to generate a new class of materials that are high strength, lightweight, multifunctional and an environmentally-friendly & cost-effective alternative to the petroleum-based polymers. NTIC has successfully commercialized a portfolio of reactive blended biobased and/or biodegradable resins for extrusion, molding and coating applications. However, it faces a major hurdle due to poor mechanical properties, high prices and higher densities of current PLA materials. The objective of this project is to (1) use novel chemistries of compatibilization and impact modification to create advanced PLA bioresins that offer improved toughness and heat resistance; (2) improve economic viability of biobased materials by engineering microcellular foamed sheets. The newly synthesized materials would control the mechanical and thermal properties of extruded sheets and injection-molded parts to broaden the scope of industrial applications of biobased Polylactide (PLA) while providing environmental preservation by reducing their carbon foot print. NTIC's target market for the newly crafted PLA chemistries is extruded and thermoformed sheet applications currently using petroleum based plastics such as acrylic, polystyrene, polypropylene, etc.. These include point-of-purchase displays, retail fixtures, indoor signage, credit cards, gift cards, hotel room keycards, thermoformed trays and tubs both for food and non-food applications. NTIC estimates the gross potential to be as high as $250 million. Furthermore, successful implementation of Phase I & II of this STTR project will have technical, environmental and economical impacts in the future, as follows: (1) widen the window of performance of PLA-based applications; (2) further fundamental understanding of PLA and its chemistries (3) greatly increase the use of biobased products in larger industrial and packaging markets implying environmental preservation of fossil fuel resources; and (4) create upto 10 jobs for sales, manufacturing, technical support of newly developed Natur-Tec® products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG MANJURE, SHILPA RAMANI NARAYAN Northern Technologies International Corporation MN Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 6890 1467 1238 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930668 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Carbon Nanotube Electrolytic Ultracapacitor. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of building and operating a carbon nanotube (CNT) based electrolytic double layer capacitor (EDLC) which incorporates an innovative electrode architecture that will enable unprecedented energy density as well as high power density and low equivalent series resistance. Analysis and preliminary experiments show that an EDLC incorporating the CNT forest electrodes we envision will be capable of providing gravimetric capacitance in the range 200-300 F/g, and energy density in the range 10-100 Wh/kg. The projected energy density will be of particular significance when realized in practice. This is because the energy density range that appears feasible with our design is roughly the same as that typically associated with batteries but unattainable by capacitors. The innovative electrode architecture is also able to provide extraordinarily high areal capacity (measured in Farads per unit device area), which is the energy density performance metric most applicable to power systems for mobile consumer electronics and power management in MEMS and NEMS based devices. Market opportunities in mobile electronics will be targeted where high performance ultracapacitors are needed to provide pulse power support. Applications will then expand to battery replacement as the technology matures. The company's extensive experience with nanodevice fabrication will also be leveraged by targeting applications involving energy storage and power management in MEMS and NEMS scale devices. Applications of this kind are extremely attractive since they will support premium pricing and will be compatible with our use of lithographic patterning for key manufacturing steps. New applications will be targeted as devices become smaller and more specialized, such as in consumer electronics, implantable medical devices, MEMS and NEMS devices, or next-generation spacecraft, for example, where improving the performance of the power source is crucial. With the continuing trend among electronic device manufacturers to increase the power of their products while continuing to scale down product size, the ultracapacitor market should be poised for dramatic growth. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir Arumugam Manthiram XIDEX CORPORATION TX Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930673 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Intelligent Low-Toxicity Nanoparticles for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project focuses on synthesis and delivery of nanoparticles for determination of the progression of cancer. Besides diagnosis, the nanoplatform offers the treatment option of directing high- temperature therapy specifically to the tumor, without harming healthy tissue. The nanoplatform contains a central iron/iron oxide/gold core/shell nanoparticle, plus the ability to identify which of four cancer-specific enzymes in the patient?s body are abnormally active. The activity of these four enzymes indicates the progression of cancer (Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV). The broader impacts of this research are earlier diagnosis of cancer, and more effective treatment of cancer. Cancer is the second largest cause of death in developed countries, accounting for nearly 20% of all deaths. Early detection of cancer is essential even before anatomic anomalies are visible. A major challenge in cancer diagnosis is detection of tumors at an early stage for maximum therapeutic benefit. An example is breast cancer where mammography requires more than a million cells for accurate clinical diagnosis. Offering better techniques to cancer centers and their patients could detect these abnormalities in the hundreds to thousands of cells stage, greatly improving treatment success. The functionalized nanoparticles will be more selective towards cancer cells than currently available technology, enabling diagnosis by spectroscopic methods including MRI at earlier stages of the cancers progression. In addition to enabling earlier detection, these materials also have potential for breakthroughs in treatment methods. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kroh, Franklin Stefan Bossmann NANOSCALE MATERIALS INC KS Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9184 9150 6890 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930676 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Piezoelectric/diamond RF MEMS Filters for Mobile Wireless Applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD®) as a high frequency structural layer for piezoelectrically-transduced micromachined RF resonators for MHz-GHz applications in wireless telecommunication systems. Diamond, in theory, is the ideal RF MEMS resonator material, having the extreme bulk properties of high acoustic velocity, hardness, thermal stability, and linearity, combined with the surface properties of low stiction and desirable surface chemistry. Diamond MEMS resonators can enable MEMS RF devices for civilian and military applications and allow for the direct integration of MEMS with microelectronics. With the potential for 100× reduction in size and power consumption relative to existing technologies while extending the performance of "radio on a chip" systems into the GHz, the RF MEMS market is forecasted at $1.1 billion by 2010. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Carlisle, John Reza Abdolvand ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL William Haines Standard Grant 149962 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 9102 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930697 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: The Development of Quantum Dot Materials for Ultrafast Laser Applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project is to develop quantum dot-based materials to enable the development of low cost, ultrafast lasers. By utilizing new quantum dot semiconductor materials, ultrafast lasers that are monolithic, robust, and inexpensive are planned. Successful completion of this STTR project will result in the development of compact, robust and inexpensive ultrafast laser systems. These systems will address a wide variety of markets including bioinstrumentation, biomedical applications such as corrective laser surgery and screening pharmaceuticals, and for instrumentation for homeland security and several military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kane, Daniel Luke Lester Mesa Photonics, LLC NM William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9150 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930699 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Synthesis of multifunctional nanofibrous polyaniline/carbon composites. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will develop novel multifunctional materials based on polyaniline (PAni) nanofibers (PANFs) and carbon nanofibers(CNFs) for energy storage. Although PAni composites have been reported for a wide range of applications, including sensors, biosensors, photoelectrochromic cells, etc., due to their excellent electrical, thermal and mechanical properties, none capitalize on the enhanced properties expected from the combination of PANF with CNF. PANFs have greater electronic conductivity than PAni nanospheres and nanorods and can be synthesized on a variety of substrates. Solarno will use a proprietary process for synthesizing composites of PANFs on CNFs. In Phase I Solarno will use these composites as electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors, an enabling technology that provides both high energy and power, with the specific technical objectives of: synthesizing and characterizing PANFs on CNF substrates, and achieving supercapacitor performance of 15 Wh/kg, 10 kW/kg and >10 cycles, thus far exceeding current lead acid batteries in terms of power and cycle life. In Phase II we will improve the energy density of these devices to enable potential replacement of such batteries, and explore other functions for the composites, such as sensors and electro-chemical devices. The PANF/CNF composites developed by Solarno will be introduced to the supercapacitor market via materials sales, and partnering/licensing arrangements, and later to related electrochemical functions/applications. Solarno is targeting requirements of the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) market for its initial supercapacitor designs, and as such, the ultimate customers will be major automobile manufacturers. The market requires that capacitors provide higher energy density, reduced size, higher reliability, and lower cost. Commercially available EDLCs commonly provide energy densities around 4 Wh/kg, and power densities between 15-21 kW/kg. The supercapacitor developed here can excel in this market by providing energy density > 25 Wh/kg and better reliability (>2.0 x 104 cycles); the Phase I work will optimize the properties of our PANF/CNF composite to meet this goal. The supercapacitors will also be well-suited for load-leveling for renewable energy sources; direct societal benefits will come from improving the viability of HEVs and renewable sources, tied to reductions in fossil fuel consumption, providing bridge power for wind and solar power farms, and partially replacing lead acid storage batteries. The results of this work in optimizing PAni composites for supercapacitors will translate well into improved functionality for other applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, Qiang (Bill) John Ferraris SOLARNO TX Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930708 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Bio-templated Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation Applications. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to research and develop technology for the manufacture of a self-regenerating catalyst with an increased efficacy over commercial catalysts for the adsorption and destruction of organic contaminants in the environment. The project incorporates biochemistry and genetic engineering to grow bacteria expressing nanostructures, which are templated to produce inorganic nanotubes with uniform diameters, pore sizes and morphology. Uniform control over nanotube dimensions and morphology has previously been a major challenge in the industry, however, specific control allows enhancement of positive attributes and minimizes the negative. The broader impacts of the research are that the project lays the groundwork for a platform technology with applications in diverse industries. For example, among the various types and compositions of nanotubes possible; silica nanotubes are especially suited for nano-biotechnology applications due to their intrinsic biocompatibility and the availability of established processes for chemical modifications. These tubular structures are exceptional candidates for exploration in fields such as drug and gene delivery, single molecule sensors and bioseparations. The scaleable biological process provides a competitive synthesis technology to the variety of chemical and physical processes utilized for the manufacture of nanotube structures. Nanotechnology advances are dependent on a library of technologies available for design, fabrication and application of nanostructures and nanomaterials. For example, nanorods or nanowires have been synthesized utilizing template based electroplating, solutionliquid-solid growth and spontaneous anisotropic growth. The proposed technology provides a valuable addition to the library of technologies available for the synthesis of nanostructured materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mathew, Bijo Chuanbin Mao Bijhem Scientific, Inc OK Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9150 9104 6890 1179 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930709 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Field-Applicable Anticorrosion Coatings Using Polyaniline Nanofibers. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project involves the development and characterization of a new type of active anticorrosion coating with zero VOC, zero HAP, and zero heavy metal content. The coating will have no solvent or carrier, no drying time, and no curing time. This coating is based on a method, newly discovered at Resodyn, to create a non-aggregated dispersion of electrochemically active nanoparticles in a tough, adherent proprietary thermoplastic matrix. The newly discovered composite coating material may be applied either the factory or in the field to steel structures by using a novel polymer thermal spray system developed by Resodyn Corporation. These thermoplastic coatings may also be field-repaired. In this project, the synthesis will be optimized to yield high surface area electrochemically active nanoparticles dispersed in the thermoplastic matrix. The process will be scaled up to produce useful quantities of the coating material with varying thermoplastic compositions, several different concentrations of nanoparticles, and two forms of nanoparticles. These coatings will then be applied to steel substrates, and characterized for mechanical, barrier, and active electrochemical properties. Test coupons and rebar will be exposed to severe corrosion conditions to validate the laboratory results. Corrosion is a $300 billion per year problem. Steel corrosion is of particular concern in bridges and other infrastructure, both internally (rebar in reinforced concrete) and externally (steel structures); direct cost of bridge corrosion alone is between $6-10 billion annually. The most effective anticorrosion treatments, such as chromates and solvent-borne coatings, carry severe environmental hazards. Barrier coatings such as epoxy can provide a degree of protection, but are difficult-to-impossible to field-apply, can be damaged in shipping and handling, and generally need a topcoat for any outdoor exposure. This coating material would be solvent free, instant curing, single part, no pot life or shelf life issues, non-metallic, and simple to use in both factory and in situ applications. Field repair of scratches and gouges would be capable of being done by a simple melting process. The coating will also change color in areas where corrosion is incipient, giving an early warning that a repair will be necessary before any actual corrosion damage can occur. The coating will enable an environmentally friendly method of significantly extending the life of steel infrastructure at a comparable cost to current anticorrosion treatments, which represents a potential $1.8 billion market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Biermann, Manfred Richard Kaner RESODYN CORPORATION MT Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9150 6890 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930710 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Epitaxial Nanostructured AlGaN for High Efficiency UV Emitters. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase I project is directed toward the development of a high-efficiency and high-power AlGaN-based semiconductor light emitting diode (LED), operating at 300nm or shorter, for a wide range of applications including air and water purification, polymer curing, fluorescent spectroscopy, secure optical communications and biological and chemical hazard monitoring. These devices will be developed using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for low-cost and high-yield production on large-diameter substrates. Aluminum Gallium Nitride UltraViolet optical sources offer the possibility of compact, light-weight, low-cost, low-power-consumption optoelectronic systems that would enable a new generation of systems for applications that include biodetection, non-line-of-sight covert communications, sterilization, and air and water purification. If a low-cost and long-life LEDs with UV light emission below 280 nm is developed the application to water purification alone could represent a very large market. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Dabiran, Amir Winston Schoenfeld SVT ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED MN William Haines Standard Grant 149122 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 9102 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930734 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Functionalized Nanocoatings for Filler Adhesion to Rubber Using Atomic Layer Deposition. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase I project seeks to develop functionalized nanocoatings on fibers that will improve the adhesion of fibers to rubber. The better coupling of the fiber will enhance the rubber performance. The better coupling of fiber in rubber will improve the stiffness, toughness and durability of the rubber/fiber composite material. Successful commercialization of this research can result in improved performance and longevity for tires, tubing and other industrial applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ferguson, John Steven George ALD NANOSOLUTIONS, INC. CO William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930750 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: EBC/TBC coating system for Si-based ceramic components for improved gas turbine performance and lifetimes. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project between Plasma Technology Incorporated and Boston University will develop a functionally graded thermal barrier/environmental barrier coating (TBC/EBC) system for aerospace and power generation gas turbines. Introducing ceramic components (such as SiC/SiC composites) into gas turbines increases their operating temperatures, leading to increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact. However, these silicon-based ceramics are susceptible to hot-corrosion and recession in the presence of hot corrosive gases, particulates, and water vapor. The innovation in this project involves developing an integrated TBC/EBC system on SiC/SiC composite components in gas turbines, where the multifunctional mullite-based chemically vapor deposited EBC layer prevents recession and hot-corrosion and reduces thermal stresses by being functionally graded, dense, and crack-free. This coating layer is also substantially thinner than EBCs currently being used, leading to weight savings, which is of critical importance in aerospace applications. Subsequently, a plasma sprayed YSZ topcoat with engineered crack microstructure will be deposited over the EBC layer which will further increase the operating temperature and/or reduce the temperatures the components are exposed to, thereby enhancing sustainability of the gas turbine components. This innovative coating system will reduce costs by increasing the coating lifetime and reducing the need for refurbishment and repair. It will also lead to fuel savings due to increased efficiency and reduce emissions that adversely affect the global climate, thereby increasing environmental sustainability. This project will also provide a Materials Science and Engineering graduate student with commercially relevant research experience in this very critical area of gas turbine technology. The major customers who will be benefited are Solar Turbines, GE, Siemens and Pratt & Whitney. The world turbine industry is roughly a $90 billion industry, and there is a high market potential for the developed technology. For example, the projected supply and demand for turbine engines alone in the United States is about $10 billion by year 2012. Successfully capturing just 0.1 % of this potential market translates into a $10 million business. Therefore, the large market potential provides justification for the development of EBC coating techniques and PTI will work closely with industry partners to commercialize the technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Dixit, Satish Soumendra Basu PLASMA TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED CA Cynthia A. Znati Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1633 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930756 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Materials for Sustainability. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project will evaluate a novel approach to fabricate high efficiency quantum well thermoelectric films on low thermal conductivity, affordable substrates. Hi-Z Technology has made significant advances in developing thermoelectric thin film materials based on Quantum Well (QW) to achieve high figure of merit using single crystal silicon substrate, but the higher thermal conductivity of the substrate greatly increases the heat losses and reduces overall efficiency, so lower thermal conductivity and low-cost QW thermoelectrics have not been possible on these substrates. This innovation is to create single crystalline-like films of silicon atop Kapton and glass substrates so as provide a surface similar to single crystal silicon wafer for growth of QW thermoelectrics. The enabling method to achieve single crystalline-like silicon films is a template synthesized by ion beam assisted deposition which is expected to provide biaxial texture of crystals even on Kapton and glass substrates. The anticipated result is QW thermoelectric films on low thermal conductivity, affordable substrates with figure of merit comparable with that achieved on single crystal Si substrates. A successful implementation of this innovation would lead to highly efficient, commercially feasible systems for both power generation and large-scale cooling application which are the markets that Hi-Z technology is addressing in its business. Power generation from waste heat recovery by thermoelectric materials can greatly improve the efficiency of use of fossil fuels especially in automobiles. Thermoelectric materials can enhance efficiency of photovoltaic energy generation by converting otherwise wasted heat into power. Thermoelectric materials provide multifunctionality in that they could also be used in cooling applications and replace current mechanical vapor compression systems. In addition to commercial potential, a strong understanding of the mechanisms of biaxailly-textured crystalline growth by ion beam assisted deposition on polymer and glass substrates is expected to be gained from work. Additionally, investigation of epitaxy of silicon on lattice mismatched template layers would lead to a broad impact beyond this project. Furthermore, this project is anticipated to shed light on mechanisms of intricate interplay among electrical and thermal parameters governing thermoelectric thin film properties. Students and post-doc working at the University of Houston, subcontractor to this project, will benefit from research and education experience on thin film growth mechanisms, texture, epitaxy, and thermoelectrics properties. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ghamaty, Saeid Venkat Selvamanickam Hi-Z Technology Inc CA Maria Josephine Yuen Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 6890 1775 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930767 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Polyaniline Nanofiber Urinary Tract Infection Biosensor-A Multi-Functional Bioresponsive Material. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to develop polyaniline nanofibers into a biologically responsive multi-functional material for use as a tool for the rapid and inexpensive diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) through a novel precipitation based smart biosensor platform. The bulk synthesis of conducting polymer nanofibers is green and highly scalable yielding a product which forms water stable colloidal suspensions. Conducting polymers have multiple responses that can be utilized for sensing, including colorometric, conductivity and oxidation state changes. This project will add an additional functionality to polyaniline nanofibers which causes them to form a gel precipitate in the presence of specific sequences of DNA or RNA giving a rapid visual indication of the presence of a target such as from UTI bacteria for the detection of a UTI in a patient. This will be accomplished through a novel functionalization of polyaniline nanofibers with single stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes. Since this process is aimed at direct analysis of patient samples without additional sample handling, or equipment, this technology promises to be a real-time test with accuracy competitive with more expensive current clinical standards. The broader impact/commercial potential of successfully developing a urine culture and antibiotic sensitivity test for bacteria to determine the presence and type of an infection a patient has within seconds rather than days. The test will also determine the proper course of treatment. A patient's actual range of conditions can also vary significantly from those causing mild inconvenience to those causing painful and serious ailments. This testing deficiency results in increased demand on the healthcare system from additional unnecessary costs of treatment and repercussions from overmedication, such as the development of drug resistant bacteria. The goal is a UTI diagnostic accuracy approaching 100% through the use of conducting polymer nanofibers with multiple-analyte probes for bacteria identification and/or target genes to determine antibiotic resistances. This technology will enable the initial diagnosis of the UTI as well as identify the proper course of treatment based on the antibiotic susceptibilities of the infecting bacteria within minutes instead of days at a cost of a few dollars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Baker, Christina Allan Pantuck Fibron Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 6890 1984 0308000 Industrial Technology 0930768 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Desalination Using Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project proposes a functionalized magnetic nanoparticle to be used in a new water desalination process. The proposed technology uses magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with selective synthetic salt ion-receptors to extract the dissolved salt ions from saline water. If successful, the result will be a revolutionary desalination technique that greatly reduces the energy required for desalination for agricultural and other needs. The surface engineered nanomaterial based water desalination technique proposed will overcome the major shortcomings of current desalination methods that rely on thermal and membrane processes involving huge operating costs due to high electricity demands, periodic membrane replacements, and disposal of brines. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stein, Adam Christopher Bielawski Advantageous Systems LLC CA William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 HPCC 9139 6890 1775 1676 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0931517 August 15, 2009 TIE: UF-FIU inter-I/UCRC collaboration to explore autonomic computing for the TerraFly server system. IIP - 0931517 Florida International University Rishe IIP - 0932023 University of Florida Fortes This proposal is to request supplemental funding to support a collaborative project between the I/UCRC Center for Advancement Knowledge Enablement (CAKE) at Florida International University (FIU), and the I/UCRC Center for Autonomic Computing (CAC) at the University of Florida (UF). This TIE proposal brings together the two centers in a synergistic project that investigates, on one hand, the benefits of applying autonomic computing principles to the management of Web-based geospatial infrastructures, and on the other hand, provides autonomic computing researchers with access to data and expertise in the context of a rich IT environment representative of an important class of Web applications, thereby helping conduct quantitative, experimental systems research. The proposed collaborative study will provide direct benefit to the I/UCRC stakeholders (industry partners) and help recruit additional members. Member organizations that provide servers, server software, and data center services would benefit from a direct technology transfer; and their customers in turn would thereby benefit indirectly, from the improved application performance that would result from acquisition of software and services. The successful completion of this work will, therefore, aid companies and universities by allowing them to be able to tap into this powerful tool and not have to invent and deploy the same solution for their own organizations to utilize. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rishe, Naphtali Florida International University FL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0932023 August 15, 2009 TIE: UF-FIU inter-I/UCRC collaboration to explore autonomic computing for the TerraFly server system. IIP - 0931517 Florida International University Rishe IIP - 0932023 University of Florida Fortes This proposal is to request supplemental funding to support a collaborative project between the I/UCRC Center for Advancement Knowledge Enablement (CAKE) at Florida International University (FIU), and the I/UCRC Center for Autonomic Computing (CAC) at the University of Florida (UF). This TIE proposal brings together the two centers in a synergistic project that investigates, on one hand, the benefits of applying autonomic computing principles to the management of Web-based geospatial infrastructures, and on the other hand, provides autonomic computing researchers with access to data and expertise in the context of a rich IT environment representative of an important class of Web applications, thereby helping conduct quantitative, experimental systems research. The proposed collaborative study will provide direct benefit to the I/UCRC stakeholders (industry partners) and help recruit additional members. Member organizations that provide servers, server software, and data center services would benefit from a direct technology transfer; and their customers in turn would thereby benefit indirectly, from the improved application performance that would result from acquisition of software and services. The successful completion of this work will, therefore, aid companies and universities by allowing them to be able to tap into this powerful tool and not have to invent and deploy the same solution for their own organizations to utilize. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fortes, Jose Renato Figueiredo University of Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0932661 July 1, 2009 STTR Phase I: Development of Aptamer-ssDNA Intelligent Hydrogel Materials for Magnetoelastic Detection of Avian Influenza Virus. This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is to synthesize an intelligent polymer hydrogel, and to develop a wireless, remote and sensitive magnetoelastic sensor for rapid detection of avian influenza (AI) virus. The highly pathogenic AI strain H5N1 virus has caused hundreds of human deaths and billion dollars of economic loss per year. High sensitive techniques for early identification and eradication of AI viruses are urgently needed. The proposed smart material is expected to shrink and swell in the absence and presence of AI virus due to the crosslinking between single stranded DNA and aptamers and dissolution of the linkage in the polymer network. The shrinking and swelling of the hydrogel upon AI virus could be sensitively monitored with a wireless magnetoelastic mass-based sensor platform. The broader impacts of this research are on the development of new biosensing materials for rapid diagnostics in the fields of biology, agriculture, medicine and environment. It will open a new way to synthesize virus-responsive materials by introducing ssDNA and aptamers into polymer structures. Moreover, the proposed project is to improve influenza diagnostic technologies and to prevent avian influenza from spread between flocks or into the human population. The successful outcome of this research should provide direct economic benefits to poultry and food industries, promote diagnostic technologies, and improve human health. This proposed method has the potential to provide a rapid, low-cost, high sensitive and reliable solution for identification and detection of avian influenza as well as human and swine influenza. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Ruan, Chuanmin Yanbin Li SenMater Technology AR Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 1505 BIOT 9107 6890 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0933537 July 15, 2009 Collaborative Research thru NSF I/UCRC Full Grant: Center for the Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI). Center for the Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) IIP-0934097 West Virginia University GangaRao IIP-0934182 North Carolina State University (NCSU) Rizkalla IIP-0933996 Rutgers University (RU) Balaguru IIP-0933537 University of Miami (UM) Nanni This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI)" with a focus on ushering applications and cost-effective rehabilitation schemes using composites in civil and military structures. The lead institution of the proposed Center is WVU with RU, NCSU and UM as research partners. This new IUCRC will focus on creating new products for specific applications such as pre-cast composite bridge decks and pavement panels, and protection systems to increase the service life of infrastructure damaged by natural and man-made disasters such as earthquake and terror attack. Advances in processing of composites will lead to environmental benefits, as estimates indicate that natural fiber based composites can be manufactured at one-fourth the BTU level of comparable steel sections, and similarly self-cleaning structural composites will help oxidize car exhaust. The Center will integrate scientific endeavors complementing the strengths of all four universities to advance the composite knowledgebase and applications. The center activities will enhance the international competitiveness of the American industry in the area of composites including modular construction and rapid deployment techniques using natural and bio-materials; thus reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The Nation as a whole would benefit as composite and hybrid material use would, in general, lead to structures of higher safety, shorter construction times and longer life spans at a reduced overall cost with the creation of new job opportunities. The Center plans to recruit graduate students from under-represented groups, including minorities and women by reaching out to the undergraduate student population at each university. In addition, Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be contacted to recruit their students for center activities. The PIs also plan to publish in various journals and conferences to promote the scientific research and knowledge dissemination, and will utilize separate funding mechanisms to educate practicing engineers and end users who are not familiar with composites. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nanni, Antonio Fabio Matta University of Miami FL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 315000 5761 OTHR 9150 6890 125E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0933985 September 1, 2009 Five Year Renewal of Wireless Internet I/UCRC. IIP-0933985 Polytechnic University of New York Bertoni This is a proposal to renew the Polytechnic University's participation in the Wireless Internet Center for Advance Technology (WICAT). The multi-university center consists of the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Auburn University. WICAT, with Polytechnic as the lead institution, has 25 companies and 8 federal and state agencies as industry associates. The Center research addresses cooperative communications and networking; extending battery life of portable terminals; and wireless applications and associated information delivery. Finding new and better ways to meet the demands on wireless networks will continue to be the goal of research being carried out in WICAT overall, and at the Polytechnic site inn particular. Polytechnic University currently has 8 industry associates and has generated over $300,000 in membership fees. Thus, Polytechnic University meets the minimum I/UCRC requirements for Phase II (YRS 6 through 10). Wireless internet research is critical to maintaining the United States lead in the information technology explosion. Renewal for a second five-year period of the Polytechnic site will allow continuation of research activities directed towards four major thrusts that are essential for widespread deployment and interconnection of wireless devices through the internet and other networks. The proposed research will continue to study networks built from codes that cooperate at the physical and network layers, and to demonstrate their capabilities through hardware implementations. Proposed research on wireless network security will address problems whose solutions have become even more urgent since WICAT was founded. WICAT will create tools to enable businesses and consumers to take advantage of the enormous diversity of technologies and services that characterize every aspect of the wireless internet. This breadth is of benefit to both students and companies regarding employment opportunities. The breadth of WICAT interactions will provide cultural diversity. At the Polytechnic site, there are two female and one physically challenged faculty members; and, Polytechnic University itself has students from 30 states and 50 foreign countries. Laboratories for hardware implementation and network security will serve undergraduate, as well as graduate students, providing them access to a wider view of technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Panwar, Shivendra Polytechnic University of New York NY Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 91000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0933996 July 15, 2009 Collaborative Research thru NSF I/UCRC Full Grant: Center for the Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI). Center for the Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) IIP-0934097 West Virginia University GangaRao IIP-0934182 North Carolina State University (NCSU) Rizkalla IIP-0933996 Rutgers University (RU) Balaguru IIP-0933537 University of Miami (UM) Nanni This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI)" with a focus on ushering applications and cost-effective rehabilitation schemes using composites in civil and military structures. The lead institution of the proposed Center is WVU with RU, NCSU and UM as research partners. This new IUCRC will focus on creating new products for specific applications such as pre-cast composite bridge decks and pavement panels, and protection systems to increase the service life of infrastructure damaged by natural and man-made disasters such as earthquake and terror attack. Advances in processing of composites will lead to environmental benefits, as estimates indicate that natural fiber based composites can be manufactured at one-fourth the BTU level of comparable steel sections, and similarly self-cleaning structural composites will help oxidize car exhaust. The Center will integrate scientific endeavors complementing the strengths of all four universities to advance the composite knowledgebase and applications. The center activities will enhance the international competitiveness of the American industry in the area of composites including modular construction and rapid deployment techniques using natural and bio-materials; thus reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The Nation as a whole would benefit as composite and hybrid material use would, in general, lead to structures of higher safety, shorter construction times and longer life spans at a reduced overall cost with the creation of new job opportunities. The Center plans to recruit graduate students from under-represented groups, including minorities and women by reaching out to the undergraduate student population at each university. In addition, Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be contacted to recruit their students for center activities. The PIs also plan to publish in various journals and conferences to promote the scientific research and knowledge dissemination, and will utilize separate funding mechanisms to educate practicing engineers and end users who are not familiar with composites. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Balaguru, Perumalsa Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 315000 5761 OTHR 6890 125E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934091 July 15, 2009 University of Hawaii Partnership with the NSF I/U CRC for Telecommunication Circuits and Systems at Arizona State University. Center for Telecommunication Circuits and Systems (Connection One) IIP-0934091 University of Hawaii Iskander This is a proposal to renew the University of Hawaii's participation in the Connection One (C1) center, an I/UCRC center that was created in 2002. The lead institution is Arizona State University, and at present includes five universities. The main research mission of the C1 is to develop technologies and solutions for emerging wireless communication systems, ranging from circuit designs and smart antennas to wireless network architectures and protocols. The scope of C1 extends to the integration of wireless and broadband wire-line technologies (optical communications). The primary focus of the proposed site over the next five years will be to continue providing the capabilities, expertise, and research facilities for conducting research that complements and supports the overall research focus in the Connection One Center. The University of Hawaii (UH) brings in significant research strength in areas such as channel modeling, advanced antenna system designs, and digital signal processing for smart antennas and effective detection and classification of buried objects. UH has been a member of C1 since 2004, and during this period has attracted 17 funded projects from seven corporate sponsors. The projects listed in this proposal will have significant impact in various industries like communication systems, radar systems, RF device design, fabrication and testing, smart antennas, and various applications such as IED and UXO detection using electromagnetic. The educational highlight of the activities of the UH site is the RET program that trains a large number of teachers throughout the state as well as significantly contributes to the STEM education in Hawaii. There is mention of participation of underrepresented minorities in the center from native Hawaiians, and faculty of this site appear to continuously augment their infrastructure needs by seeking NSF and other funding dedicated to enhancing research infrastructure, for example through MRI funding. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Iskander, Magdy Zhengqing Yun Clifford Tanaka Sungkyun Lim Hyoung sun Youn University of Hawaii HI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 215000 5761 OTHR 9150 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934093 July 1, 2009 Collaborative Research/Planning Grant: Center for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications 0934093 Ohio State University; Sudarsanam Babu 0934100 University of Wisconsin-Madison; Sindo Kou 0934116 Lehigh University; John DuPont 0934129 Colorado School of Mines; Stephen Liu The Center for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications will focus on the diverse need for materials in energy industries, and on developing scientific methodologies to join these materials and predict their lifetime. Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lehigh University and Colorado School of Mines are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with Ohio State University as the lead institution. The proposed Center is geared toward the development of joining methodologies for advanced materials that are being used/ developed for energy applications. The focus of the proposed center is to develop a better understanding of the key problems that have limited the use of these materials and develop scientific methodologies to overcome the problems. In addition to the scientific and technological issues, the Center will also address a critical issue threatening the manufacturing sector. With the declining workforce involved in welding and joining technology in the last decade, the potential member companies of this Center have shown interest in funding the Center activities, as a way of training future workforce with state-of-the-art characterization and modeling tools. The PIs are well-qualified and have adequate resources to conduct the proposed research. All four institutions in this Center plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The proposed center will focus on developing joining methodologies that will eventually become core components of the curriculum within welding and joining engineering programs. The proposed Center will also offer mentoring programs for students from different ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If successful, the scientific methodologies will be used to develop state-of-the-art simulation tools that could benefit several industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Babu, Sudarsanam Glenn Daehn Avraham Benatar Dave Farson John Lippold Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934097 July 15, 2009 Collaborative Research thru NSF I/UCRC Full Grant: Center for the Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI). Center for the Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) IIP-0934097 West Virginia University GangaRao IIP-0934182 North Carolina State University (NCSU) Rizkalla IIP-0933996 Rutgers University (RU) Balaguru IIP-0933537 University of Miami (UM) Nanni This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI)" with a focus on ushering applications and cost-effective rehabilitation schemes using composites in civil and military structures. The lead institution of the proposed Center is WVU with RU, NCSU and UM as research partners. This new IUCRC will focus on creating new products for specific applications such as pre-cast composite bridge decks and pavement panels, and protection systems to increase the service life of infrastructure damaged by natural and man-made disasters such as earthquake and terror attack. Advances in processing of composites will lead to environmental benefits, as estimates indicate that natural fiber based composites can be manufactured at one-fourth the BTU level of comparable steel sections, and similarly self-cleaning structural composites will help oxidize car exhaust. The Center will integrate scientific endeavors complementing the strengths of all four universities to advance the composite knowledgebase and applications. The center activities will enhance the international competitiveness of the American industry in the area of composites including modular construction and rapid deployment techniques using natural and bio-materials; thus reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The Nation as a whole would benefit as composite and hybrid material use would, in general, lead to structures of higher safety, shorter construction times and longer life spans at a reduced overall cost with the creation of new job opportunities. The Center plans to recruit graduate students from under-represented groups, including minorities and women by reaching out to the undergraduate student population at each university. In addition, Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be contacted to recruit their students for center activities. The PIs also plan to publish in various journals and conferences to promote the scientific research and knowledge dissemination, and will utilize separate funding mechanisms to educate practicing engineers and end users who are not familiar with composites. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG GangaRao, Hota Udaya Halabe West Virginia University Research Corporation WV Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 570000 5761 OTHR 9150 6890 125E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934100 July 1, 2009 Collaborative Research/Planning Grant: Center for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications 0934093 Ohio State University; Sudarsanam Babu 0934100 University of Wisconsin-Madison; Sindo Kou 0934116 Lehigh University; John DuPont 0934129 Colorado School of Mines; Stephen Liu The Center for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications will focus on the diverse need for materials in energy industries, and on developing scientific methodologies to join these materials and predict their lifetime. Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lehigh University and Colorado School of Mines are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with Ohio State University as the lead institution. The proposed Center is geared toward the development of joining methodologies for advanced materials that are being used/ developed for energy applications. The focus of the proposed center is to develop a better understanding of the key problems that have limited the use of these materials and develop scientific methodologies to overcome the problems. In addition to the scientific and technological issues, the Center will also address a critical issue threatening the manufacturing sector. With the declining workforce involved in welding and joining technology in the last decade, the potential member companies of this Center have shown interest in funding the Center activities, as a way of training future workforce with state-of-the-art characterization and modeling tools. The PIs are well-qualified and have adequate resources to conduct the proposed research. All four institutions in this Center plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The proposed center will focus on developing joining methodologies that will eventually become core components of the curriculum within welding and joining engineering programs. The proposed Center will also offer mentoring programs for students from different ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If successful, the scientific methodologies will be used to develop state-of-the-art simulation tools that could benefit several industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kou, Sindo Xiaochun Li University of Wisconsin-Madison WI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934103 June 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: Center for Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology 0934153 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Brian Cunningham 0934103 Purdue University; Richard Linton The Center for Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology (CAPN) will focus on developing technology platforms that can be applied to three substantially important topics requiring strong industry/academic partnerships: Nanotechnology, Agriculture, and Pharmaceutical Research. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and Purdue University (PU) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with UIUC as the lead institution. CAPN aims to focus at the confluence of nanotechnology, agricultural sciences and pharmaceutical research, and assemble a group of researchers and industrial partners with diverse backgrounds and expertise to address several "grand challenge" types of problems in food production, agriculturally-derived materials, and health care. UIUC and PU plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The combination of three vastly different research fields provides a highly complementary environment that can seed new partnerships to address intractable problems. Nanotechnology, Agriculture, and Pharmaceuticals share many linkages that can be exploited to find solutions to these problems. CAPN would provide a rich interdisciplinary research environment, working in concert with industry to solve industry challenges, that supports projects with broad impact on health care and agriculture. CAPN plans to solicit support from both large and small companies, and to form partnerships with industry consortiums such as the Illinois Soybean Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, and others. UIUC and PU also plan to attract highly qualified, domestic students form constituencies under-represented in engineering and biology: women, minorities, and students with disabilities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Linton, Richard Kinam Park ARUN BHUNIA Cagri Savran Purdue University IN Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934114 August 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: Establishing a Center for Hybrid Multicore Productivity Research. 0934364 University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); Milton Halem 0934114 Georgia Tech; David Bader 0934422 University of California, San Diego; Sheldon Brown The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Hybrid Multicore Productivity Research (CHMPR)" with a focus on hybrid multicore computing and research on parallel processing algorithms as well as technology-driven research questions. The lead of the proposed Center is UMBC with site locations at Georgia Tech (GT) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The proposed Center plans to develop, test, and optimize prototypes of computationally intensive applications. A key contribution of the Center will be the implementation of prototype applications on new architectures and comparative performance analysis. This Center is needed to advance knowledge both in high-performance computing as well as computer architecture communities. The PIs are well qualified and the access to resources is excellent. The combined computing facilities at UMBC and GT, respectively, are the largest most advanced Cell Broadband Engine based multicore university systems available today. The proposed Center will address the future needs of the computer industry as this new hybrid multicore processor technology evolves. The proposed Center will provide faculty and students the unique opportunity to gain hands-on expertise to address a wide variety of practical, hybrid multicore applications in areas of climate prediction, defense, biomedical informatics, 3-D graphic environments, finance and social computing. The Center has described efforts to increase participation of underrepresented groups, and there are plans to publish the results of research and education projects within an online Hybrid Multicore Knowledge Repository. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bader, David Thomas Conte Richard Vuduc Hyesoon Kim Nate Clark GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 55000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934116 July 1, 2009 Collaborative Research/Planning Grant: Center for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications 0934093 Ohio State University; Sudarsanam Babu 0934100 University of Wisconsin-Madison; Sindo Kou 0934116 Lehigh University; John DuPont 0934129 Colorado School of Mines; Stephen Liu The Center for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications will focus on the diverse need for materials in energy industries, and on developing scientific methodologies to join these materials and predict their lifetime. Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lehigh University and Colorado School of Mines are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with Ohio State University as the lead institution. The proposed Center is geared toward the development of joining methodologies for advanced materials that are being used/ developed for energy applications. The focus of the proposed center is to develop a better understanding of the key problems that have limited the use of these materials and develop scientific methodologies to overcome the problems. In addition to the scientific and technological issues, the Center will also address a critical issue threatening the manufacturing sector. With the declining workforce involved in welding and joining technology in the last decade, the potential member companies of this Center have shown interest in funding the Center activities, as a way of training future workforce with state-of-the-art characterization and modeling tools. The PIs are well-qualified and have adequate resources to conduct the proposed research. All four institutions in this Center plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The proposed center will focus on developing joining methodologies that will eventually become core components of the curriculum within welding and joining engineering programs. The proposed Center will also offer mentoring programs for students from different ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If successful, the scientific methodologies will be used to develop state-of-the-art simulation tools that could benefit several industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG DuPont, John Lehigh University PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934129 July 1, 2009 Collaborative Research/Planning Grant: Center for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications\Planning Grant. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications 0934093 Ohio State University; Sudarsanam Babu 0934100 University of Wisconsin-Madison; Sindo Kou 0934116 Lehigh University; John DuPont 0934129 Colorado School of Mines; Stephen Liu The Center for Integrative Materials Joining Science for Energy Applications will focus on the diverse need for materials in energy industries, and on developing scientific methodologies to join these materials and predict their lifetime. Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Lehigh University and Colorado School of Mines are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with Ohio State University as the lead institution. The proposed Center is geared toward the development of joining methodologies for advanced materials that are being used/ developed for energy applications. The focus of the proposed center is to develop a better understanding of the key problems that have limited the use of these materials and develop scientific methodologies to overcome the problems. In addition to the scientific and technological issues, the Center will also address a critical issue threatening the manufacturing sector. With the declining workforce involved in welding and joining technology in the last decade, the potential member companies of this Center have shown interest in funding the Center activities, as a way of training future workforce with state-of-the-art characterization and modeling tools. The PIs are well-qualified and have adequate resources to conduct the proposed research. All four institutions in this Center plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The proposed center will focus on developing joining methodologies that will eventually become core components of the curriculum within welding and joining engineering programs. The proposed Center will also offer mentoring programs for students from different ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If successful, the scientific methodologies will be used to develop state-of-the-art simulation tools that could benefit several industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Liu, Stephen Colorado School of Mines CO Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934138 July 1, 2009 University of Florida Proposal for Participation in the NSF Center for Advanced Forestry Systems. IP 0934138 University of Florida Jokela University of Florida (UF) is seeking to join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled the "Center for Advanced Forestry Systems" (CAFS) which was established in 2007, and now includes the following institutions: North Carolina State University (lead university), Oregon State University, Purdue University, Virginia Tech, University of Maine, University of Washington, and the University of Georgia. UF's expertise, resources and proposed projects will complement and expand upon those represented by current CAFS institutions. UF will build upon and expand the CAFS efforts by providing additional and specialized expertise in the areas of genetics, physiology, silviculture, soils, and modeling. The proposed projects from UF will augment and complement current CAFS projects in the broad areas of production ecology and scaling important genotypic and phenotypic growth traits from the molecular to the whole plant and stand level. Collectively, UF will contribute to the overall goals and needs of the US forestry sector by providing scientific and technological advances to enhance their competitiveness. The effort at UF has the potential to improve the competitiveness of the forest products industry and forest landowners through advances in technology development, through dissemination of research results in scientific, peer reviewed journals, and enhanced technology transfer between Center scientists, industry members and the US citizenry. UF plans to recruit graduate students from under-represented groups, and enhance the interaction between research and teaching activities. UF is also committed to the principle of diversity in the projects and the various activities under this program. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Jokela, Eric Gary Peter John Davis Timothy Martin University of Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 275000 5761 OTHR 128E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934153 June 15, 2009 Collarborative Research: Planning Grant: Center for Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology 0934153 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Brian Cunningham 0934103 Purdue University; Richard Linton The Center for Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology (CAPN) will focus on developing technology platforms that can be applied to three substantially important topics requiring strong industry/academic partnerships: Nanotechnology, Agriculture, and Pharmaceutical Research. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and Purdue University (PU) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with UIUC as the lead institution. CAPN aims to focus at the confluence of nanotechnology, agricultural sciences and pharmaceutical research, and assemble a group of researchers and industrial partners with diverse backgrounds and expertise to address several "grand challenge" types of problems in food production, agriculturally-derived materials, and health care. UIUC and PU plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The combination of three vastly different research fields provides a highly complementary environment that can seed new partnerships to address intractable problems. Nanotechnology, Agriculture, and Pharmaceuticals share many linkages that can be exploited to find solutions to these problems. CAPN would provide a rich interdisciplinary research environment, working in concert with industry to solve industry challenges, that supports projects with broad impact on health care and agriculture. CAPN plans to solicit support from both large and small companies, and to form partnerships with industry consortiums such as the Illinois Soybean Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, and others. UIUC and PU also plan to attract highly qualified, domestic students form constituencies under-represented in engineering and biology: women, minorities, and students with disabilities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Cunningham, Brian Schuyler Korban Kaustubh Bhalerao Irfan Ahmad Elizabeth Jeffery University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign IL Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934182 July 15, 2009 Collaborative Research thru NSF I/UCRC Full Grant: Center for the Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI). Center for the Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) IIP-0934097 West Virginia University GangaRao IIP-0934182 North Carolina State University (NCSU) Rizkalla IIP-0933996 Rutgers University (RU) Balaguru IIP-0933537 University of Miami (UM) Nanni This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI)" with a focus on ushering applications and cost-effective rehabilitation schemes using composites in civil and military structures. The lead institution of the proposed Center is WVU with RU, NCSU and UM as research partners. This new IUCRC will focus on creating new products for specific applications such as pre-cast composite bridge decks and pavement panels, and protection systems to increase the service life of infrastructure damaged by natural and man-made disasters such as earthquake and terror attack. Advances in processing of composites will lead to environmental benefits, as estimates indicate that natural fiber based composites can be manufactured at one-fourth the BTU level of comparable steel sections, and similarly self-cleaning structural composites will help oxidize car exhaust. The Center will integrate scientific endeavors complementing the strengths of all four universities to advance the composite knowledgebase and applications. The center activities will enhance the international competitiveness of the American industry in the area of composites including modular construction and rapid deployment techniques using natural and bio-materials; thus reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The Nation as a whole would benefit as composite and hybrid material use would, in general, lead to structures of higher safety, shorter construction times and longer life spans at a reduced overall cost with the creation of new job opportunities. The Center plans to recruit graduate students from under-represented groups, including minorities and women by reaching out to the undergraduate student population at each university. In addition, Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be contacted to recruit their students for center activities. The PIs also plan to publish in various journals and conferences to promote the scientific research and knowledge dissemination, and will utilize separate funding mechanisms to educate practicing engineers and end users who are not familiar with composites. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rizkalla, Sami North Carolina State University NC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 315000 5761 OTHR 6890 125E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934197 September 1, 2009 Planning Grant: I/UCRC Center for Visual Decision Informatics. PROGRAM DIRECTOR?S RECOMMENDATION IIP 0934197 Drexel University Hu Drexel University (DU) is planning to partner with the University of Louisiana-Lafayette (UL) to form a new NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "Center for Visual Decision Informatics." The mission of the Center will be to develop new visual and analytical methods that leverage modern computer hardware and software, and develop analysis and discovery tools that can be applied to this complex data-based decision-making process. DU's research projects in biomedical image mining, analysis of brain circuits, exploration of large-scale knowledge maps, and visual analysis for reasoning demonstrate research strengths that are complementary to those at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. The proposed site will provide a platform to stimulate innovation through collaboration among members, and will improve the training and education of employees of Center members using immersive visualization. The proposed site will provide students and faculty a platform to conduct industry-relevant research, an effective and convenient mechanism for collaboration formation and maintenance; and will also promote, catalyze and accelerate the commercialization of technology innovations. DU is committed to recruiting participants from groups that are traditionally under-represented in computer science and other scientific disciplines; and will promote this program through its ongoing working relationships with colleagues at minority institutions including Lincoln University at Pennsylvania. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hu, Xiaohua (Tony) Il-Yeol Song Xia Lin David Breen Chaomei Chen Drexel University PA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934250 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Surveillance Theory. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Surveillance Theory 0934250 Ohio State University; Randolph Moses 0934293 Wright State University; Brian Rigling The Center for Surveillance Theory (CST) will develop a mature theory and advanced body-of-knowledge for modern surveillance systems. Ohio State University (OSU) and Wright State University (WSU) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with OSU as the lead institution. Surveillance and situational awareness are critical technologies needed to address societal needs of safety and security. Surveillance is used to provide our nation with both international and homeland security, and situational awareness for disaster mitigation and management (e.g. Hurricane Katrina). The main motivation behind the proposed center is to address the theory behind the complex surveillance systems mostly based on sensors and sensor systems. The proposed Center is expected to generate research that significantly advances current surveillance theory and technology and to become a focal point within the surveillance community. The inherent multidisciplinary nature of surveillance systems means that the Center will include researchers across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including signal processing, computer science, sensor technology and human factors. OSU and WSU plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The research advances in surveillance technology developed by CST will be transitioned to applications of significant societal and national interest. The Center plans to develop and promote a collaborative, focused scientific community in surveillance theory, including short courses, cross departmental and cross-university graduate course offerings, and internships with member organizations. CST will recruit underrepresented groups, and plans to leverage existing programs such as the Ohio STEM Ability Alliance, the ADVANCE program at OSU, and through collaborations with the Air Force Research Laboratory Sensors Directorate's Minority Leaders Program. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Moses, Randolph Lee Potter Ohio State University Research Foundation OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9996 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934253 July 1, 2009 Collaborative Res: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Water Equipment and Policy. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Water Equipment and Policy 0934407 University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee; Erik Christensen 0934253 Marquette University; Michael Switzenbaum The Center for Water Equipment and Policy will continue along existing efforts being made in the Milwaukee region with respect to fostering collaboration and promoting economic development in the area of water. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and Marquette University (MU) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with UWM as the lead institution. By planning and coordinating research activities and programs on water equipment, quality and policy, this center will combine existing strengths with important problems in fresh water management. With recent advances in materials, sensors, and control hardware/software, the timing is right for advances in knowledge and application to improved water equipment and policy. The PI and research team are qualified, and both the UWM PI and MU PI have demonstrated leadership. The proposed work will have a wide impact on industry's competitiveness and ability to adopt new technology. The teams of researchers and the center director, in conjunction with the industrial advisory board will select high priority projects that have the potential to improve the profitability of water equipment manufacturers and help obtain higher quality of water. The proposed center plans to recruit underrepresented students to work on projects that are of direct industrial relevance, and to work with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers student organizations to attract qualified minority students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Switzenbaum, Michael Fabien Josse Charles Melching Marquette University WI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 128E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934258 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for the Ceramic, Composite and Optical Materials Center. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for the Ceramic, Composite and Optical Materials Center 0934300 Clemson University; Dennis Smith 0934258 Rutgers University; Richard Haber The Center for the Ceramic, Composite and Optical Materials Center (CCOMC) will focus on providing a broader range of relevant technologies critical to materials-based companies. Clemson University and Rutgers University are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with Clemson University as the lead institution. The Center for Ceramic Research (CRC) at Rutgers University, a past member of an ending NSF I/UCRC for Ceramic and Composite Materials Center, proposes to join with the Center for Optical Material Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET) at Clemson University to form the proposed new Center (CCOMC) with new technological thrusts. COMSET has developed a strong industrial base, with three spin-off companies that, combined with Rutgers University, would provide a new and unique research program. The proposed Center (CCOMC) will focus on five thrust areas including ceramic materials and processing, nanoparticulates and processes, opaque and transparent armor ceramics, optical material synthesis and processing, and materials for energy conversion. The proposed research program across the five thrust areas will be carried out by an interdisciplinary group of faculty and across different academic disciplines. The PIs are well-qualified and have adequate resources to conduct the proposed research. Both institutions in this Center plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The proposed center (CCOMC) has the potential to improve sustainability and profitability of US manufacturing by developing new technologies in the ceramic, optic and composite material field. CCOMC has plans in place for involving under-represented groups, to recruit highly qualified faculty and graduate students, and to motivate undergraduate students through unique research experiences and fellowships. Results will be disseminated through semi-annual meetings, publications, and a website for information, results and accomplishments. CCOMC will continue to integrate research and education; and by providing hands-on experience to students, the Center will attempt to motivate students to go beyond common approaches towards learning by hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art facilities focusing on today's relevant materials issues. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Haber, Richard Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9999 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934293 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Surveillance Theory. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Surveillance Theory 0934250 Ohio State University; Randolph Moses 0934293 Wright State University; Brian Rigling The Center for Surveillance Theory (CST) will develop a mature theory and advanced body-of-knowledge for modern surveillance systems. Ohio State University (OSU) and Wright State University (WSU) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with OSU as the lead institution. Surveillance and situational awareness are critical technologies needed to address societal needs of safety and security. Surveillance is used to provide our nation with both international and homeland security, and situational awareness for disaster mitigation and management (e.g. Hurricane Katrina). The main motivation behind the proposed center is to address the theory behind the complex surveillance systems mostly based on sensors and sensor systems. The proposed Center is expected to generate research that significantly advances current surveillance theory and technology and to become a focal point within the surveillance community. The inherent multidisciplinary nature of surveillance systems means that the Center will include researchers across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including signal processing, computer science, sensor technology and human factors. OSU and WSU plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The research advances in surveillance technology developed by CST will be transitioned to applications of significant societal and national interest. The Center plans to develop and promote a collaborative, focused scientific community in surveillance theory, including short courses, cross departmental and cross-university graduate course offerings, and internships with member organizations. CST will recruit underrepresented groups, and plans to leverage existing programs such as the Ohio STEM Ability Alliance, the ADVANCE program at OSU, and through collaborations with the Air Force Research Laboratory Sensors Directorate's Minority Leaders Program. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Rigling, Brian Wright State University OH Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934299 July 15, 2009 Center for Electromagnetic Compatibility. Full Center Proposal (Phase I) for an I/UCRC for Electromagnetic Compatibility 0934299 Clemson University; Todd Hubing Clemson University (CU) seeks to join the existing I/UCRC "Electromagnetic Compatibility" consisting of the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) and the University of Houston (UH). MST is the lead institution of the proposed Center. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is an essential feature of virtually all high speed digital electronic assistants and home entertainment centers to essential control and information processing systems. EMC is the ability of these electronic systems to function reliably without causing interference to other electronic systems, being overly sensitive to weak signals generated by other electronic systems, and generating signals in one part of the system interfering with the operation of another part of the same system. The PI's move to CU and the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) provides a unique opportunity to significantly expand the automotive research being done. The CU-ICAR faculty and facilities will help attract new center memberships representing the automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation industries. The Clemson Vehicular Electronics Laboratory has helped more than a dozen companies address EMC-related problems through research projects, consulting and short courses. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration amongst the institutions, and is committed to providing a skilled and diverse workforce in the area of EMC as required by industry. The research will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry. Much of the material developed as a result of the research performed by the university participants has been incorporated into short courses, and CU intends to use some parts of this short course to address diversity by improving its recruiting of underrepresented groups among the graduate student population. CU also intends to develop some demonstrations suitable for K-12 programs designed to interest high school students in technical careers. In September 2008, CU was honored at the National Role Models Conference in Arlington, VA for its success in several high-profile diversity programs. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hubing, Todd Clemson University Research Foundation SC Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 58000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934300 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for the Ceramic, Composite and Optical Materials Center. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for the Ceramic, Composite and Optical Materials Center 0934300 Clemson University; Dennis Smith 0934258 Rutgers University; Richard Haber The Center for the Ceramic, Composite and Optical Materials Center (CCOMC) will focus on providing a broader range of relevant technologies critical to materials-based companies. Clemson University and Rutgers University are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with Clemson University as the lead institution. The Center for Ceramic Research (CRC) at Rutgers University, a past member of an ending NSF I/UCRC for Ceramic and Composite Materials Center, proposes to join with the Center for Optical Material Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET) at Clemson University to form the proposed new Center (CCOMC) with new technological thrusts. COMSET has developed a strong industrial base, with three spin-off companies that, combined with Rutgers University, would provide a new and unique research program. The proposed Center (CCOMC) will focus on five thrust areas including ceramic materials and processing, nanoparticulates and processes, opaque and transparent armor ceramics, optical material synthesis and processing, and materials for energy conversion. The proposed research program across the five thrust areas will be carried out by an interdisciplinary group of faculty and across different academic disciplines. The PIs are well-qualified and have adequate resources to conduct the proposed research. Both institutions in this Center plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners to establish the proposed Center's organizational framework, and to establish research projects of greatest relevance. The proposed center (CCOMC) has the potential to improve sustainability and profitability of US manufacturing by developing new technologies in the ceramic, optic and composite material field. CCOMC has plans in place for involving under-represented groups, to recruit highly qualified faculty and graduate students, and to motivate undergraduate students through unique research experiences and fellowships. Results will be disseminated through semi-annual meetings, publications, and a website for information, results and accomplishments. CCOMC will continue to integrate research and education; and by providing hands-on experience to students, the Center will attempt to motivate students to go beyond common approaches towards learning by hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art facilities focusing on today's relevant materials issues. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Smith, Dennis Joseph Kolis John Ballato Philip Brown Clemson University Research Foundation SC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 9150 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934313 September 1, 2009 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Experimental Research in Computer Systems (IUCRCERCS). IIP 0934313 Georgia Institute of Technology Schwan This is a proposal to renew support for the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Experimental Research in Computer Systems (CERCS). The multi-university center is headquartered at the Georgia Institute of Technology, with an affiliate group at the Ohio State University. CERCS was established in 2001. The focus of the CERCS faculty at Georgia Institute of Technology is on the core systems of technologies underlying large scale computing systems-technology creation. CERCS will continue to entertain a large number and variety of projects, driven by faculty interests, industry connection and center capabilities. Three key domains of interest to CERCS are Enterprise Systems, Scientific Computing, and Embedded Systems; and, underlying and uniting these domains are four significant research thrusts. CERCS is committed to fostering interdisciplinary research, establishing a culture of experimental research reaching out to local and national industry, and to encourage participation and contribute to the regional and national economies through the availability of talent and emerging technologies. The broader impact of CERCS is on the application of the research results on the IT producer and consumer companies. CERCS plans to stimulate and ensure practical research with broad practical impact by collaborating with industry partners. Work in energy management, multicore software stack, and applications to scientific computing, enterprise computing, and mobile computing will all benefit society by reducing costs of computing and allowing society to efficiently address larger computing problems than currently possible. CERCS also plans to create broad student community for research and education activities and to educate qualified students to join the software/computing industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Schwan, Karsten Douglas Blough Calton Pu Sudhakar Yalamanchili GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 65000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934319 September 1, 2009 Collaborative Renewal Proposal: NSF Center for Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC. Center for Friction Stir Processing (CFSP) IIP-034383 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) Arbegast IIP-0934319 University of South Carolina (USC) Reynolds IIP-0934377 Brigham Young University (BYU) Nelson This award id funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The proposal requests a five rear renewal of NSF funding for the SDSMT, USC and BYU sites of the Center for Friction Stir Processing (CFSP). The Center, comprised of these three sites, was established in 2204; and currently has two additional sites (Wichita State University and Missouri University of Science and Technology) who joined later. The lead institution is SDSMT. The main vision of CFSP is to provide the forum for industry/university cooperative research on the development, validation, and industrial implementation of the emerging solid-state materials joining and processing technologies known as Friction Stir Welding and Friction Stir Processing. CFSP continues to perform basic and applied research programs that address the implementation needs of the Center's industrial and government sponsors. The specific research areas include: Friction Sir Joining (FSJ), Friction Stir Processing (FSP), friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW), Friction Stir Post-Processing, Friction Stir Structural Designs and Analysis, Friction Stir Intelligent Controllers and Efficient Tooling, and Friction Stir Cost Benefits Analysis. The Center has numerous publications in archival journals and conference proceedings, and notable commercial successes have also resulted from the Center. The broader impacts on the community are strongly built into the proposal through university, local, regional, national and international participation in the center activities. The membership of the Center is derived at a national and international level. In addition several teaming arrangements have already been established between the participating universities and local (Native American) colleges and community technical schools for the purpose of technology transfer and collaborative educational opportunities. Each CFSP site has supported outside activities to promote educational opportunities and to increase awareness of FSW in the world. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Reynolds, Anthony University South Carolina Research Foundation SC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 179995 5761 OTHR 9150 6890 129E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934321 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant - I/UCRC for Wind Energy. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Wind Energy 0934321 University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA); James Manwell 0934333 Old Dominion University Research Foundation (ODU); Larry Atkinson 0934325 James Madison University (JMU); Jonathan Miles The Center for Wind Energy is aimed at enhancing national excellence in wind energy research and development of direct relevance to the industry; and, developing a cadre of diverse undergraduate and graduate students who will support and eventually lead in the design, manufacture, installation, operation, and maintenance of wind energy systems. The academic partners listed above are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with UMA as the lead institution. The proposed Center is motivated by the possibility of integrating engineering with ocean and atmospheric sciences to support the development of systems with low cost of energy and high reliability. The thrust areas include: oceanography and geology as it relates to preparing wind turbine sites, turbine design, environmental effects, particularly impact on flying wildlife, land use, and system management and integration into the electrical grid. The proposed work has a very good focus on a well-defined area that is of long-term importance to energy generation in the US. The investigators have an excellent background, and will provide the needed expertise to expand the use of wind power for electrical generation. The work by the proposed Center will make wind energy, particularly off-shore wind energy, more competitive with energy from non-renewable sources. The proposed Center would build on Amherst's wind research program, consolidating all aspects of wind power into a single unit. The Center plans to increase the diversity of participants in wind energy research and industry. Since UMA is the lead institution for the Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (NEAGEP), the NEAGEP infrastructure will be available to the proposed I/UCRC. ODU has strong research and academic ties with Hampton University and Norfolk State University, both designated as HBCUs. The long standing collaborations with these universities will be leveraged to promote the participation of minority students in wind energy projects. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Manwell, James Jon McGowan Mario Rotea Robert Hyers University of Massachusetts Amherst MA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934325 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant - I/UCRC for Wind Energy. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Wind Energy 0934321 University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA); James Manwell 0934333 Old Dominion University Research Foundation (ODU); Larry Atkinson 0934325 James Madison University (JMU); Jonathan Miles The Center for Wind Energy is aimed at enhancing national excellence in wind energy research and development of direct relevance to the industry; and, developing a cadre of diverse undergraduate and graduate students who will support and eventually lead in the design, manufacture, installation, operation, and maintenance of wind energy systems. The academic partners listed above are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with UMA as the lead institution. The proposed Center is motivated by the possibility of integrating engineering with ocean and atmospheric sciences to support the development of systems with low cost of energy and high reliability. The thrust areas include: oceanography and geology as it relates to preparing wind turbine sites, turbine design, environmental effects, particularly impact on flying wildlife, land use, and system management and integration into the electrical grid. The proposed work has a very good focus on a well-defined area that is of long-term importance to energy generation in the US. The investigators have an excellent background, and will provide the needed expertise to expand the use of wind power for electrical generation. The work by the proposed Center will make wind energy, particularly off-shore wind energy, more competitive with energy from non-renewable sources. The proposed Center would build on Amherst's wind research program, consolidating all aspects of wind power into a single unit. The Center plans to increase the diversity of participants in wind energy research and industry. Since UMA is the lead institution for the Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (NEAGEP), the NEAGEP infrastructure will be available to the proposed I/UCRC. ODU has strong research and academic ties with Hampton University and Norfolk State University, both designated as HBCUs. The long standing collaborations with these universities will be leveraged to promote the participation of minority students in wind energy projects. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Miles, Jonathan Maria Papadakis Amy Goodall James Madison University VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0934327 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC for Safety, Security, and Rescue Research. 0934327 University of Minnesota (UMN); Nikolas Papanikolopoulos 0934413 University of Denver (UD); Richard Voyles The purpose of this proposal is to renew and expand the Center for Center for Safety, Security and Rescue Research (SSR-RC) as an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. This proposal is based upon UMN's successful completion of five years of operation of the SSR-RC; and the commitment by companies to join a research site at the University of Denver. UMN will be the lead research site for SSR-RC with the University of Pennsylvania (joined the Center a few years ago) and the University of Denver as research partners. This proposal covers the renewal for the second-five years of UMN and the expansion to include UD. The proposed Center will provide integrative robotics, sensing, and artificial intelligence solutions in robotics for activities conducted by the police, FBI, FEMA, transportation safety, and emergency response to mass casualty-related events. The Center is built upon the knowledge and expertise of multi-disciplinary researchers in computer science, engineering, human factors, and psychology at the three institutions. The renewed and expanded Center will be successful because it builds on existing strengths developed during the first five years of operation. The Center will also educate and train researchers for industry and government. The broader impact of the proposed center is to radically improve homeland defense in all dimensions. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration, and will nurture an emerging field of research and the associated industries, thus helping to establish the challenges of the field and acceptable research and evaluation methodologies. SSR-RC will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry, and plans to attract large companies to the SSR domains and energize innovative start-up companies. Students will have opportunities for industrial internships with members. Faculty in the SSR-RC will continue to aggressively recruit women and minority graduate students through the various I/UCRC supplemental programs, and to host annual summer camps for middle-schoolers from under-represented groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Papanikolopoulos, Nikolaos Maria Gini Stergios Roumeliotis Ibrahim Isler Vassilios Morellas University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 66000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934333 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Wind Energy. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Wind Energy 0934321 University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA); James Manwell 0934333 Old Dominion University Research Foundation (ODU); Larry Atkinson 0934325 James Madison University (JMU); Jonathan Miles The Center for Wind Energy is aimed at enhancing national excellence in wind energy research and development of direct relevance to the industry; and, developing a cadre of diverse undergraduate and graduate students who will support and eventually lead in the design, manufacture, installation, operation, and maintenance of wind energy systems. The academic partners listed above are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with UMA as the lead institution. The proposed Center is motivated by the possibility of integrating engineering with ocean and atmospheric sciences to support the development of systems with low cost of energy and high reliability. The thrust areas include: oceanography and geology as it relates to preparing wind turbine sites, turbine design, environmental effects, particularly impact on flying wildlife, land use, and system management and integration into the electrical grid. The proposed work has a very good focus on a well-defined area that is of long-term importance to energy generation in the US. The investigators have an excellent background, and will provide the needed expertise to expand the use of wind power for electrical generation. The work by the proposed Center will make wind energy, particularly off-shore wind energy, more competitive with energy from non-renewable sources. The proposed Center would build on Amherst's wind research program, consolidating all aspects of wind power into a single unit. The Center plans to increase the diversity of participants in wind energy research and industry. Since UMA is the lead institution for the Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (NEAGEP), the NEAGEP infrastructure will be available to the proposed I/UCRC. ODU has strong research and academic ties with Hampton University and Norfolk State University, both designated as HBCUs. The long standing collaborations with these universities will be leveraged to promote the participation of minority students in wind energy projects. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Atkinson, Larry John Klinck Tal Ezer Jennifer Georgen Shirshak Dhali Old Dominion University Research Foundation VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934338 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC-MTP, Fifth Year Operating Grant. Full Center Proposal for an I/UCRC for Multiphase Transport Phenomena 0934374 Michigan State University (MSU); Charles Petty 0934338 University of Tulsa (UT); Ram Mohan The purpose of this proposal is for the Center for Multiphase Transport Phenomena (MTP) to complete the fifth year of the first five-years (Phase I). MTP is a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) with Michigan State University (MSU) as the lead institution, and the University of Tulsa (UT) as an additional research site. The Center focuses on the development and validation of Multiphase Transport Phenomena (MTP) models and computational methods motivated by problem-oriented research such as, advanced filtration processes, multiphase separation processes, advanced fuel sprays, coking furnaces, and fuel cells. During the fifth year of operation, the Center will focus on two signature technologies: the cross flow filtration hydrocyclone in support of cleaning produced water on offshore platforms; and, next generation multiphase turbulent models in support of computational fluid dynamics. Both of these initiatives are expected to have a significant and transformative impact on engineering design and education in the area of multiphase transport phenomena. The Center provides new industrial interactions, support of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral students, and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student training. The early training of students in the Center will catalyze the integration of research and education in the field of multiphase transport phenomena. The Center has set up a program for recruiting, mentoring, and retaining minority and women graduate students in engineering. These students will also participate in weekly meetings with other minority students as part of a university wide program. Industrial internships for Center graduate students have been an essential element of the training and technology transfer mission of the MTP I/UCRC. Several former students are presently full-time employees of member companies and serve as advisors to the Center. If awarded a Phase II in the near future, the Center plans to initiate an international research component in the area of produced water in collaboration with universities and petrochemical companies in Brazil and elsewhere. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mohan, Ram Ovadia Shoham University of Tulsa OK Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 55000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934339 August 15, 2009 Center for Advanced Knowledge Enablement - FAU Site. IIP 0934339 Florida Atlantic University Furht Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is planning to join the existing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "Center for Advanced Knowledge Enablement" (CAKE) which was established as a single-university Center in 2008 at Florida International University (FIU). CAKE conducts research in performance studies, benchmark evaluations, and the application of novel algorithms, routines, data models, network analyses and software tools to large-scale data sets. The goal of the FAU site is to provide the synergy to the Center, include additional industry partners, and provide collaboration between FIU and FAU researchers, and industry partners. The FAU faculty of the proposed I/UCRC site will carry out research in existing and new technologies for various Web-based applications, video compression and communication, video transcoding systems and servers, next generation of hardware/software development techniques and tools for mobile devices, and RFID-based automation systems. The research plans at the FAU site are well laid out and promise high likelihood of success. The activities proposed have a wide ranging impact on the industry for improved application of data management and access. The addition of FAU as a research site helps the Center expand the interaction of researchers, students, and industry members beyond one university, and broadens participation of underrepresented groups in several ways. FAU plans to expand opportunities of mentoring and graduating computer scientists from under-represented populations at the BS, MS, and PhD levels, and will extensively involve female students via its faculty affiliation with the FAU's Women in Computer Science student organization. FAU also plans to include other US universities and international collaboration in the framework of the Latin American Grid Project, an existing NSF PIRE project, and other collaborations with European, South American, and Asian universities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Furht, Borko Abhijit Pandya Hari Kalva Shihong Huang Ankur Agarwal Florida Atlantic University FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 61500 5761 OTHR 132E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934342 August 1, 2009 I/UCRC: Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing IIP- 0934342 University of Michigan This is a proposal to renew the University of Michigan's participation in the Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing center, an I/UCRC center that was created in 2002. The center was initially established as a single university center and currently has grown to a multi-university center with participation from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Southern Methodist University. The main focus of the center's research is in laser applications for advanced manufacturing. The intellectual merit of the proposed work is to develop atomic level understanding of the laser materials processing needed for intelligent manufacturing. The knowledge gained will lead to new and novel materials and manufacturing methodology. In the past four years, the University of Michigan site has made a big stride in developing and implementing application-driven basic research for laser-based advanced manufacturing. The University of Michigan site is working effectively as it is well supported by industrial members and the projects are challenging and clearly important. The equipment at the University of Michigan is substantial and the projects discussed, ranging from laser welding to mathematical modeling of residual stresses in direct metal deposition, are ambitious and worthwhile. Laser processing techniques are expected to increase well beyond the applications of today as research provides improved development of this important process. The integrated effort of multi-university center for laser applications provides a great benefit to the society in terms of helping US industries to be more competitive in advanced manufacturing. The University of Michigan site will provide education and training to prepare students to meet future workforce needs. The university will provide a unique experience to graduate students who can interact and collaborate with industrial researchers and engineers. The university will continue to involve undergraduate students through REUs. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mazumder, Jyotirmoy Elijah Kannatey-Asibu Arvind Atreya University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 31500 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934343 August 15, 2009 Planning Grant: I/UCRC: Center for Dynamic Data Analytics (CDDA). 0934379 Rutgers University; Dimitris Metaxas 0934343 Arie Kaufman; SUNY at Stony Brook The Center for Dynamic Data Analysis (CDDA) will focus on advancing knowledge and understanding of large-scale, multidimensional dynamic data. Rutgers University (RU) and SUNY at Stony Brook are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with RU as the lead institution. The proposed Center will investigate algorithms and potential solutions to analyze and visualize massive, complex, multidimensional and multi-scale dynamic data. The algorithm design will be tested, validated and improved based on the close collaboration and research between the two participating universities and industry. RU and SUNY plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners, and to develop an initial research agenda for CDDA of sufficient commercial interest that attendees will be willing to invest in and sustain the Center. The participating universities have research and education programs whose strengths cover the technical scope of the center. The proposed research projects will be useful to industry and homeland security, and the proposed Center will transform traditional research in computer science. Analysis and visualization of large-scale dynamic data will also become a new area of research for many graduate students. CDDA plans to have students spend time with the industrial affiliates in the form of summer internships and during the academic year so they can improve their skills. The participating universities also plan to leverage existing outreach programs at their institutions, and programs sponsored by the NSF, to encourage the participation of under-represented groups in our research. For the duration of the planning grant the PIs will pursue several avenues for broadening participation, including partnership opportunities with local and national outreach programs. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kaufman, Arie I. Ramakrishnan Coimbatore Ramakrishnan Lori Scarlatos Klaus Mueller SUNY at Stony Brook NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934353 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Metamaterials. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Metamaterials 0934369 CUNY City College; David Crouse 0934365 Clarkson University; S. V. Babu 0934356 University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Michael Fiddy 0934353 Western Carolina University; Kenneth Burbank CUNY City College, Clarkson University (CU), University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), and Western Carolina University (WCU) are collaborating to establish the Center for Metamaterials, with CUNY as the lead institution. This proposal is based around a planning strategy to develop an I/UCRC program where the R&D effort will be focused around metamaterials. The program involves four institutions with various strengths that can supplement theoretical understanding, device manufacturing, and characterization of a variety of metamaterial concepts. The Center for Metamaterials will essentially provide a one-stop shop for design, fabrication and test of wide range of metamaterials for use anywhere from the microwave to optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The proposed Center will also address the many fabrication challenges associated with exploiting these novel properties when small degrees of disorder are known to modulate properties and performance. The planning grant will enable a forum to be established whereupon strategic research programs will be matched to potential industrial members of a fully-formed I/UCRC. Metamaterials will greatly extend the design tool-kit for all electromagnetic devices and systems; and will advance the technological capabilities in all areas of wireless and photonics products. The proposed Center will include universities serving a diverse student body that includes under-represented minority groups, and plans to develop extensive metamaterials education and internship programs for undergraduate, graduate and continuing-education students, as well as web-based distance learning courses. The proposed Center could have a significant impact on the nation because the novel materials have the potential to create new technologies that could have huge economic outcomes. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Burbank, Kenneth Phillip Sanger Weiguo Yang Western Carolina University NC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 123E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934356 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Metamaterials. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Metamaterials 0934369 CUNY City College; David Crouse 0934365 Clarkson University; S. V. Babu 0934356 University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Michael Fiddy 0934353 Western Carolina University; Kenneth Burbank CUNY City College, Clarkson University (CU), University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), and Western Carolina University (WCU) are collaborating to establish the Center for Metamaterials, with CUNY as the lead institution. This proposal is based around a planning strategy to develop an I/UCRC program where the R&D effort will be focused around metamaterials. The program involves four institutions with various strengths that can supplement theoretical understanding, device manufacturing, and characterization of a variety of metamaterial concepts. The Center for Metamaterials will essentially provide a one-stop shop for design, fabrication and test of wide range of metamaterials for use anywhere from the microwave to optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The proposed Center will also address the many fabrication challenges associated with exploiting these novel properties when small degrees of disorder are known to modulate properties and performance. The planning grant will enable a forum to be established whereupon strategic research programs will be matched to potential industrial members of a fully-formed I/UCRC. Metamaterials will greatly extend the design tool-kit for all electromagnetic devices and systems; and will advance the technological capabilities in all areas of wireless and photonics products. The proposed Center will include universities serving a diverse student body that includes under-represented minority groups, and plans to develop extensive metamaterials education and internship programs for undergraduate, graduate and continuing-education students, as well as web-based distance learning courses. The proposed Center could have a significant impact on the nation because the novel materials have the potential to create new technologies that could have huge economic outcomes. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fiddy, Michael University of North Carolina at Charlotte NC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 9999 5761 OTHR 123E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934364 August 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: Establishing a Center for Hybrid Multicore Productivity Research. 0934364 University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); Milton Halem 0934114 Georgia Tech; David Bader 0934422 University of California, San Diego; Sheldon Brown The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Hybrid Multicore Productivity Research (CHMPR)" with a focus on hybrid multicore computing and research on parallel processing algorithms as well as technology-driven research questions. The lead of the proposed Center is UMBC with site locations at Georgia Tech (GT) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The proposed Center plans to develop, test, and optimize prototypes of computationally intensive applications. A key contribution of the Center will be the implementation of prototype applications on new architectures and comparative performance analysis. This Center is needed to advance knowledge both in high-performance computing as well as computer architecture communities. The PIs are well qualified and the access to resources is excellent. The combined computing facilities at UMBC and GT, respectively, are the largest most advanced Cell Broadband Engine based multicore university systems available today. The proposed Center will address the future needs of the computer industry as this new hybrid multicore processor technology evolves. The proposed Center will provide faculty and students the unique opportunity to gain hands-on expertise to address a wide variety of practical, hybrid multicore applications in areas of climate prediction, defense, biomedical informatics, 3-D graphic environments, finance and social computing. The Center has described efforts to increase participation of underrepresented groups, and there are plans to publish the results of research and education projects within an online Hybrid Multicore Knowledge Repository. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Halem, Milton Yelena Yesha University of Maryland Baltimore County MD Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 164132 I340 5761 OTHR 5761 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934365 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Metamaterials. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Metamaterials 0934369 CUNY City College; David Crouse 0934365 Clarkson University; S. V. Babu 0934356 University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Michael Fiddy 0934353 Western Carolina University; Kenneth Burbank CUNY City College, Clarkson University (CU), University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), and Western Carolina University (WCU) are collaborating to establish the Center for Metamaterials, with CUNY as the lead institution. This proposal is based around a planning strategy to develop an I/UCRC program where the R&D effort will be focused around metamaterials. The program involves four institutions with various strengths that can supplement theoretical understanding, device manufacturing, and characterization of a variety of metamaterial concepts. The Center for Metamaterials will essentially provide a one-stop shop for design, fabrication and test of wide range of metamaterials for use anywhere from the microwave to optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The proposed Center will also address the many fabrication challenges associated with exploiting these novel properties when small degrees of disorder are known to modulate properties and performance. The planning grant will enable a forum to be established whereupon strategic research programs will be matched to potential industrial members of a fully-formed I/UCRC. Metamaterials will greatly extend the design tool-kit for all electromagnetic devices and systems; and will advance the technological capabilities in all areas of wireless and photonics products. The proposed Center will include universities serving a diverse student body that includes under-represented minority groups, and plans to develop extensive metamaterials education and internship programs for undergraduate, graduate and continuing-education students, as well as web-based distance learning courses. The proposed Center could have a significant impact on the nation because the novel materials have the potential to create new technologies that could have huge economic outcomes. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Babu, S. Clarkson University NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 123E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934369 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Metamaterials. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Metamaterials 0934369 CUNY City College; David Crouse 0934365 Clarkson University; S. V. Babu 0934356 University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Michael Fiddy 0934353 Western Carolina University; Kenneth Burbank CUNY City College, Clarkson University (CU), University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), and Western Carolina University (WCU) are collaborating to establish the Center for Metamaterials, with CUNY as the lead institution. This proposal is based around a planning strategy to develop an I/UCRC program where the R&D effort will be focused around metamaterials. The program involves four institutions with various strengths that can supplement theoretical understanding, device manufacturing, and characterization of a variety of metamaterial concepts. The Center for Metamaterials will essentially provide a one-stop shop for design, fabrication and test of wide range of metamaterials for use anywhere from the microwave to optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The proposed Center will also address the many fabrication challenges associated with exploiting these novel properties when small degrees of disorder are known to modulate properties and performance. The planning grant will enable a forum to be established whereupon strategic research programs will be matched to potential industrial members of a fully-formed I/UCRC. Metamaterials will greatly extend the design tool-kit for all electromagnetic devices and systems; and will advance the technological capabilities in all areas of wireless and photonics products. The proposed Center will include universities serving a diverse student body that includes under-represented minority groups, and plans to develop extensive metamaterials education and internship programs for undergraduate, graduate and continuing-education students, as well as web-based distance learning courses. The proposed Center could have a significant impact on the nation because the novel materials have the potential to create new technologies that could have huge economic outcomes. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Crouse, David CUNY City College NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 123E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934373 August 15, 2009 University of Central Florida Research Site of the NSF I/UCRC for e-Design. IIP 0934373 e-Design: IT-Enabled Design and Realization of Engineered Products and Systems University of Central Florida Geiger This is a proposal to renew the University of Central Florida's participation in the e-Design Center, an I/UCRC center that was created in 2003. The multi-university center is currently comprised of Virginia Tech (lead institute), University of Central Florida and University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Carnegie Mellon University is slated to join as a full partner in 2009. The mission and vision of the NSF Center for e-Design is to serve as a national Center of Excellence in IT-enabled design and realization of manufactured products. The University of Central Florida's (UCF) participation is vital to the overall success of the Center. Continued research efforts at UCF will contribute to the development of a set of coordinated tools and practices that can support conceptual and detailed design requirements specification, as well as the development of a conceptual modeler that can be used to support iterative conceptual design. The research efforts at UCF fully align with the Center?s long-term goal of serving as a Center for Excellence in IT-enabled conceptualization, design and realization of engineered products and systems. The proposed Center's renewal will enable UCF to continue its key research and leadership role in the Center, as well as contribute significantly to the successful development and preparation of graduate and undergraduate students. Benefits to students will include integration of resulting work into coursework and engineering curricula, as well as internship opportunities. The center will provide a unique experience to students who can interact and collaborate with industrial researchers and engineers. Research and educational findings will continue to be disseminated nationally and will have a significant impact on US industry as a whole. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Geiger, Christopher University of Central Florida FL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 35224 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934374 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC-MTP, Fifth Year Operating Grant. Full Center Proposal for an I/UCRC for Multiphase Transport Phenomena 0934374 Michigan State University (MSU); Charles Petty 0934338 University of Tulsa (UT); Ram Mohan The purpose of this proposal is for the Center for Multiphase Transport Phenomena (MTP) to complete the fifth year of the first five-years (Phase I). MTP is a multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) with Michigan State University (MSU) as the lead institution, and the University of Tulsa (UT) as an additional research site. The Center focuses on the development and validation of Multiphase Transport Phenomena (MTP) models and computational methods motivated by problem-oriented research such as, advanced filtration processes, multiphase separation processes, advanced fuel sprays, coking furnaces, and fuel cells. During the fifth year of operation, the Center will focus on two signature technologies: the cross flow filtration hydrocyclone in support of cleaning produced water on offshore platforms; and, next generation multiphase turbulent models in support of computational fluid dynamics. Both of these initiatives are expected to have a significant and transformative impact on engineering design and education in the area of multiphase transport phenomena. The Center provides new industrial interactions, support of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral students, and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student training. The early training of students in the Center will catalyze the integration of research and education in the field of multiphase transport phenomena. The Center has set up a program for recruiting, mentoring, and retaining minority and women graduate students in engineering. These students will also participate in weekly meetings with other minority students as part of a university wide program. Industrial internships for Center graduate students have been an essential element of the training and technology transfer mission of the MTP I/UCRC. Several former students are presently full-time employees of member companies and serve as advisors to the Center. If awarded a Phase II in the near future, the Center plans to initiate an international research component in the area of produced water in collaboration with universities and petrochemical companies in Brazil and elsewhere. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Petty, Charles Andre Benard Michigan State University MI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 79999 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934377 September 1, 2009 Collaborative Renewal Proposal: NSF Center for Friction Stir Processing I/UCRC. Center for Friction Stir Processing (CFSP) IIP-034383 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) Arbegast IIP-0934319 University of South Carolina (USC) Reynolds IIP-0934377 Brigham Young University (BYU) Nelson This award id funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The proposal requests a five rear renewal of NSF funding for the SDSMT, USC and BYU sites of the Center for Friction Stir Processing (CFSP). The Center, comprised of these three sites, was established in 2204; and currently has two additional sites (Wichita State University and Missouri University of Science and Technology) who joined later. The lead institution is SDSMT. The main vision of CFSP is to provide the forum for industry/university cooperative research on the development, validation, and industrial implementation of the emerging solid-state materials joining and processing technologies known as Friction Stir Welding and Friction Stir Processing. CFSP continues to perform basic and applied research programs that address the implementation needs of the Center's industrial and government sponsors. The specific research areas include: Friction Sir Joining (FSJ), Friction Stir Processing (FSP), friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW), Friction Stir Post-Processing, Friction Stir Structural Designs and Analysis, Friction Stir Intelligent Controllers and Efficient Tooling, and Friction Stir Cost Benefits Analysis. The Center has numerous publications in archival journals and conference proceedings, and notable commercial successes have also resulted from the Center. The broader impacts on the community are strongly built into the proposal through university, local, regional, national and international participation in the center activities. The membership of the Center is derived at a national and international level. In addition several teaming arrangements have already been established between the participating universities and local (Native American) colleges and community technical schools for the purpose of technology transfer and collaborative educational opportunities. Each CFSP site has supported outside activities to promote educational opportunities and to increase awareness of FSW in the world. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nelson, Tracy Carl Sorensen Brigham Young University UT Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 179995 5761 OTHR 6890 129E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934378 September 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC on Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES). Center for Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) IIP-0934390 University of Arkansas Mantooth IIP-0934378 University of South Carolina (USC) Dougal This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES)" with a focus on developing the new knowledge, tools, hardware, software, and personnel that are required to pervasively insert power electronics into the 21st century power grid in ways that will strengthen and modernize the grid. The lead of the proposed Center will be the University of Arkansas (UK) with the University of South Carolina (USC) as a research partner. New software will be developed to enable grid connected power electronics to benefit the grid as well as controlled loads. This will include new novel medium voltage multiport power converter system to efficiently and reliably integrate energy storage systems (ESS), and renewable distributed energy resources (DER), into the utility grid. The new IUCRC will target three industries: 1) utilities and other end users, 2) equipment manufacturers, and 3) component suppliers. This proposed center has the potential to improve sustainablility and profitability of US manufacturing by developing new technologies that will reduce energy consumption and pollution. The proposed I/UCRC plans to develop leading-edge industry relevant research, and to make full use of an already-developed national-caliber facility for design, development, test, evaluation, and standardization of distribution-level grid-connected power electronic equipment. Students and faculty members will gain valuable experience by interaction with industry partners. The PIs adequately describe their plan for including under represented groups in all areas of the research program. The Center will train students and practicing engineers and establish new courses that will integrate research with education. This center has the potential to make the US a leader in power electronic systems for grids especially for developing countries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Dougal, Roger Enrico Santi Yong-June Shin Charles Brice University South Carolina Research Foundation SC Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 315000 5761 OTHR 9150 6890 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934379 August 15, 2009 Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Dynamic Data Analytics. 0934379 Rutgers University; Dimitris Metaxas 0934343 Arie Kaufman; SUNY at Stony Brook The Center for Dynamic Data Analysis (CDDA) will focus on advancing knowledge and understanding of large-scale, multidimensional dynamic data. Rutgers University (RU) and SUNY at Stony Brook are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with RU as the lead institution. The proposed Center will investigate algorithms and potential solutions to analyze and visualize massive, complex, multidimensional and multi-scale dynamic data. The algorithm design will be tested, validated and improved based on the close collaboration and research between the two participating universities and industry. RU and SUNY plan to use the NSF planning grant fund to hold a meeting with prospective industrial partners, and to develop an initial research agenda for CDDA of sufficient commercial interest that attendees will be willing to invest in and sustain the Center. The participating universities have research and education programs whose strengths cover the technical scope of the center. The proposed research projects will be useful to industry and homeland security, and the proposed Center will transform traditional research in computer science. Analysis and visualization of large-scale dynamic data will also become a new area of research for many graduate students. CDDA plans to have students spend time with the industrial affiliates in the form of summer internships and during the academic year so they can improve their skills. The participating universities also plan to leverage existing outreach programs at their institutions, and programs sponsored by the NSF, to encourage the participation of under-represented groups in our research. For the duration of the planning grant the PIs will pursue several avenues for broadening participation, including partnership opportunities with local and national outreach programs. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Metaxas, Dimitris Vladimir Pavlovic Ahmed Elgammal Hui Xiong Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934383 September 1, 2009 Collaborative Renewal Proposal: NSF Center for Friction Stir Processing IUCRC. Center for Friction Stir Processing (CFSP) IIP-034383 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) Arbegast IIP-0934319 University of South Carolina (USC) Reynolds IIP-0934377 Brigham Young University (BYU) Nelson This award id funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The proposal requests a five rear renewal of NSF funding for the SDSMT, USC and BYU sites of the Center for Friction Stir Processing (CFSP). The Center, comprised of these three sites, was established in 2204; and currently has two additional sites (Wichita State University and Missouri University of Science and Technology) who joined later. The lead institution is SDSMT. The main vision of CFSP is to provide the forum for industry/university cooperative research on the development, validation, and industrial implementation of the emerging solid-state materials joining and processing technologies known as Friction Stir Welding and Friction Stir Processing. CFSP continues to perform basic and applied research programs that address the implementation needs of the Center's industrial and government sponsors. The specific research areas include: Friction Sir Joining (FSJ), Friction Stir Processing (FSP), friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW), Friction Stir Post-Processing, Friction Stir Structural Designs and Analysis, Friction Stir Intelligent Controllers and Efficient Tooling, and Friction Stir Cost Benefits Analysis. The Center has numerous publications in archival journals and conference proceedings, and notable commercial successes have also resulted from the Center. The broader impacts on the community are strongly built into the proposal through university, local, regional, national and international participation in the center activities. The membership of the Center is derived at a national and international level. In addition several teaming arrangements have already been established between the participating universities and local (Native American) colleges and community technical schools for the purpose of technology transfer and collaborative educational opportunities. Each CFSP site has supported outside activities to promote educational opportunities and to increase awareness of FSW in the world. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Arbegast, William Michael West South Dakota School of Mines and Technology SD Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 484999 5761 OTHR 9150 6890 129E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934390 September 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC on Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES). Center for Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES) IIP-0934390 University of Arkansas Mantooth IIP-0934378 University of South Carolina (USC) Dougal This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Grid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES)" with a focus on developing the new knowledge, tools, hardware, software, and personnel that are required to pervasively insert power electronics into the 21st century power grid in ways that will strengthen and modernize the grid. The lead of the proposed Center will be the University of Arkansas (UK) with the University of South Carolina (USC) as a research partner. New software will be developed to enable grid connected power electronics to benefit the grid as well as controlled loads. This will include new novel medium voltage multiport power converter system to efficiently and reliably integrate energy storage systems (ESS), and renewable distributed energy resources (DER), into the utility grid. The new IUCRC will target three industries: 1) utilities and other end users, 2) equipment manufacturers, and 3) component suppliers. This proposed center has the potential to improve sustainablility and profitability of US manufacturing by developing new technologies that will reduce energy consumption and pollution. The proposed I/UCRC plans to develop leading-edge industry relevant research, and to make full use of an already-developed national-caliber facility for design, development, test, evaluation, and standardization of distribution-level grid-connected power electronic equipment. Students and faculty members will gain valuable experience by interaction with industry partners. The PIs adequately describe their plan for including under represented groups in all areas of the research program. The Center will train students and practicing engineers and establish new courses that will integrate research with education. This center has the potential to make the US a leader in power electronic systems for grids especially for developing countries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mantooth, Homer Juan Carlos Balda Simon Ang Roy McCann University of Arkansas AR Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 565000 5761 OTHR 9150 6890 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934393 July 1, 2009 Planning of a Center for Autonomic Computing. PROGRAM DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATION IIP 0934393 Mississippi State University Banicescu Mississippi State University (MSU) is planning to join the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "Center for Autonomic Computing (CAC)" which currently is a multi-university center comprised of the University of Florida (lead institution), the University of Arizona and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. MSU brings to the existing CAC much needed complementary capabilities in the areas of model-based autonomic computing, and resource management and scheduling in parallel and distributed systems. The proposed site will closely collaborate with the industry to identify generally applicable approaches to IT management, based on scientific principles that guide the selection, modification and integration of these techniques into demonstratively efficient solutions. The activities at MSU will target the optimization of individual or combined properties of autonomic computing-enabled applications and systems. The expected outcome of the research initiative of CAC at MSU is a set of technologies to convert a significant number of system management tasks into systematic and semi-automated processes, using rigorous mathematical models and proven optimization techniques. The planned research has the potential to significantly improve the performance and effectiveness of autonomic-computing (AC)-oriented applications and AC-enabled systems, to reduce the operating cost of current and future large-scale distributed systems, as well as to improve the quality of service of the various services hosted on such systems. For broadening participation, the PIs plan to investigate partnership opportunities with local and national outreach programs including the Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education program, and the QUEST summer research program. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Banicescu, Ioana Sherif Abdelwahed Mississippi State University MS Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934396 August 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: A Multi-University I/UCRC Center on Intelligent Storage. Full Center Proposal for an I/UCRC for Intelligent Storage 0934396 University of Minnsota; David Lilja 0934401 University of California-Santa Cruz; Ethan Miller The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Intelligent Storage" to conduct research on new storage architectures and storage system designs, new data models and new ways to access and deliver data. The lead of the proposed Center will be the University of Minnesota, with site location at the University of University of California-Santa Cruz. The goals of the proposed Center are to develop innovative storage systems and new storage architectures, solve the long-term data preservation issues, develop efficient benchmarking, tracing, performance management and tuning tools for I/O and input systems, propose solutions that ensure data/information privacy and security, and to explore ways to save energy in data center. The proposed Center will build on the respective University's research talent and technology transfer skills to attract industrial partners who will subsequently play a significant role in planning, selecting, and implementing the output of the research. The broader impact of the potential research outcomes includes fostering the advancement of science and technology, making the society more efficient and secure, providing better health-care delivery, and better ways of preserving information. The industry participation will enhance the students' educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientists to industry. The proposed Center is committed to enhancing the education process by bringing input from industry, developing new courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and emphasizing the diversity of the student population. The Center also has plans to recruit more female and under-represented minority students and faculty into its research group. Research results will be disseminated to general public via journal publications and conference presentations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Du, David David Lilja Jon Weissman Yongdae Kim Mohamed Mokbel University of Minnesota-Twin Cities MN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 80000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934400 August 1, 2009 Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. IIP 0934400 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ruzic University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) iis planning to join the existing multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "The Center for Laser and Plasma for Advanced Manufacturing" which was created in 2002. The center was initially established as a single university center and currently has grown to a multi-university center with participation from the University of Virginia (lead), the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and the Southern Methodist University. The primary focus of the center's research has been in laser applications for advanced manufacturing. Some of the center's research activities have included laser removal of oxides, laser micro-machining of titanium, laser microtexturing, optical sensor for laser welding, micromachining of aluminum alloys and carbon nanocomposites. The addition of UIUC would strengthen the plasma component of the center and bring in a more diverse industrial base. The research at UIUC will cover a wide spectrum of plasmas and plasma manufacturing techniques, and the proposed site's research plan will center around three research thrusts: development of large scale plasma deposition system, directed etching assisted by lasers, and atmospheric plasma induced polymerization. In addition, UIUC will work towards solving a multitude of research problems in plasma manufacturing that are both near-term and long-term. The effort at UIUC will broaden the many years of plasma-related research into the rapidly expanding arena of lasers/plasma assisted manufacturing. The proposed center will offer new opportunities for industry partners as both short term and long term engineering problems are solved. Industry partners can use the technology to develop new markets, improve product quality and performance, and reduce manufacturing costs. The proposed project also provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to collaborate with industry, and expand their problem solving and research skills. Results of the research will be disseminated through publications and presentation in reputed journals. UIUC also has a postdoctoral plan in place to enhance the post-doc experience. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ruzic, David University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign IL Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 58500 5761 OTHR 129E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934401 August 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: A Multi-University I/UCRC Center on Intelligent Storage. Full Center Proposal for an I/UCRC for Intelligent Storage 0934396 University of Minnsota; David Lilja 0934401 University of California-Santa Cruz; Ethan Miller The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Intelligent Storage" to conduct research on new storage architectures and storage system designs, new data models and new ways to access and deliver data. The lead of the proposed Center will be the University of Minnesota, with site location at the University of University of California-Santa Cruz. The goals of the proposed Center are to develop innovative storage systems and new storage architectures, solve the long-term data preservation issues, develop efficient benchmarking, tracing, performance management and tuning tools for I/O and input systems, propose solutions that ensure data/information privacy and security, and to explore ways to save energy in data center. The proposed Center will build on the respective University's research talent and technology transfer skills to attract industrial partners who will subsequently play a significant role in planning, selecting, and implementing the output of the research. The broader impact of the potential research outcomes includes fostering the advancement of science and technology, making the society more efficient and secure, providing better health-care delivery, and better ways of preserving information. The industry participation will enhance the students' educational experience by providing a pipeline for talented engineers and scientists to industry. The proposed Center is committed to enhancing the education process by bringing input from industry, developing new courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and emphasizing the diversity of the student population. The Center also has plans to recruit more female and under-represented minority students and faculty into its research group. Research results will be disseminated to general public via journal publications and conference presentations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Miller, Ethan Darrell Long University of California-Santa Cruz CA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 55000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934407 July 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC for Water Equipment and Policy. Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Water Equipment and Policy 0934407 University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee; Erik Christensen 0934253 Marquette University; Michael Switzenbaum The Center for Water Equipment and Policy will continue along existing efforts being made in the Milwaukee region with respect to fostering collaboration and promoting economic development in the area of water. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and Marquette University (MU) are collaborating to establish the proposed center, with UWM as the lead institution. By planning and coordinating research activities and programs on water equipment, quality and policy, this center will combine existing strengths with important problems in fresh water management. With recent advances in materials, sensors, and control hardware/software, the timing is right for advances in knowledge and application to improved water equipment and policy. The PI and research team are qualified, and both the UWM PI and MU PI have demonstrated leadership. The proposed work will have a wide impact on industry's competitiveness and ability to adopt new technology. The teams of researchers and the center director, in conjunction with the industrial advisory board will select high priority projects that have the potential to improve the profitability of water equipment manufacturers and help obtain higher quality of water. The proposed center plans to recruit underrepresented students to work on projects that are of direct industrial relevance, and to work with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers student organizations to attract qualified minority students. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Christensen, Erik Pradeep Rohatgi Thomas Consi Junhong Chen University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WI Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 128E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934413 August 1, 2009 Collaborative Research: I/UCRC for Safety, Security, and Rescue Research. 0934327 University of Minnesota (UMN); Nikolas Papanikolopoulos 0934413 University of Denver (UD); Richard Voyles The purpose of this proposal is to renew and expand the Center for Center for Safety, Security and Rescue Research (SSR-RC) as an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. This proposal is based upon UMN's successful completion of five years of operation of the SSR-RC; and the commitment by companies to join a research site at the University of Denver. UMN will be the lead research site for SSR-RC with the University of Pennsylvania (joined the Center a few years ago) and the University of Denver as research partners. This proposal covers the renewal for the second-five years of UMN and the expansion to include UD. The proposed Center will provide integrative robotics, sensing, and artificial intelligence solutions in robotics for activities conducted by the police, FBI, FEMA, transportation safety, and emergency response to mass casualty-related events. The Center is built upon the knowledge and expertise of multi-disciplinary researchers in computer science, engineering, human factors, and psychology at the three institutions. The renewed and expanded Center will be successful because it builds on existing strengths developed during the first five years of operation. The Center will also educate and train researchers for industry and government. The broader impact of the proposed center is to radically improve homeland defense in all dimensions. The proposed Center will encourage collaboration, and will nurture an emerging field of research and the associated industries, thus helping to establish the challenges of the field and acceptable research and evaluation methodologies. SSR-RC will expose students and faculty to state-of-the-art research projects of value to the industry, and plans to attract large companies to the SSR domains and energize innovative start-up companies. Students will have opportunities for industrial internships with members. Faculty in the SSR-RC will continue to aggressively recruit women and minority graduate students through the various I/UCRC supplemental programs, and to host annual summer camps for middle-schoolers from under-represented groups. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Voyles, Richard Kimon Valavanis Siavash Pourkamali Anaraki Amy Bauer Mohammad Mahoor University of Denver CO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 55000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934418 July 1, 2009 Planning Grant: I/UCRC; SenSIP, A Research Site of the Net-Centric Software and Systems Center. IIP 0934418 Arizona State University Spanias The Sensor Signal and Information Processing (SenSIP) consortium at the Arizona State University (ASU) is planning to join the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) entitled "Net-Centric Software and Systems" which currently is a multi- university Center comprised of the University of North Texas (lead institution), and the University of Texas at Dallas. The mission of SenSIP at ASU is to develop signal and information processing foundations for next-generation integrated multidisciplinary sensing applications in biomedicine, defense, energy, and other systems. ASU will bring to the existing Center much needed complementary capabilities in the areas of digital signal and image processing, multimedia systems, sensor networks, information theory and wireless communications. The proposed site will enable the creation of new capabilities in sensor signal processing and will bridge the gap between sensor development and large scale sensor deployment; and, is uniquely positioned to promote industry research, education, scholarship that will integrate well with the existing Net-Centric I/UCRC umbrella. The research at ASU SenSIP will lead to inexpensive, compact, and reusable sensors for industry applications of relevance to medicine, sustainability, and defense. Publications in scientific journals and conferences will be complemented with a strong dissemination effort. The ASU SenSIP site has several established programs for recruitment from underrepresented groups, involvement of undergraduate students in research, and mechanisms to create and package online modules with interdisciplinary research and education content. ASU site also plans to create a workforce in signal processing related areas that support national initiatives in medicine, energy, and defense industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Spanias, Andreas Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 132E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0934422 August 15, 2009 Collaborative Research: Establishing a Center for Hybrid Multicore Productivity Research. 0934364 University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC); Milton Halem 0934114 Georgia Tech; David Bader 0934422 University of California, San Diego; Sheldon Brown The purpose of this proposal is to start a new I/UCRC "Hybrid Multicore Productivity Research (CHMPR)" with a focus on hybrid multicore computing and research on parallel processing algorithms as well as technology-driven research questions. The lead of the proposed Center is UMBC with site locations at Georgia Tech (GT) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The proposed Center plans to develop, test, and optimize prototypes of computationally intensive applications. A key contribution of the Center will be the implementation of prototype applications on new architectures and comparative performance analysis. This Center is needed to advance knowledge both in high-performance computing as well as computer architecture communities. The PIs are well qualified and the access to resources is excellent. The combined computing facilities at UMBC and GT, respectively, are the largest most advanced Cell Broadband Engine based multicore university systems available today. The proposed Center will address the future needs of the computer industry as this new hybrid multicore processor technology evolves. The proposed Center will provide faculty and students the unique opportunity to gain hands-on expertise to address a wide variety of practical, hybrid multicore applications in areas of climate prediction, defense, biomedical informatics, 3-D graphic environments, finance and social computing. The Center has described efforts to increase participation of underrepresented groups, and there are plans to publish the results of research and education projects within an online Hybrid Multicore Knowledge Repository. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Brown, Sheldon University of California-San Diego CA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 55000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0942962 September 15, 2009 TIE: Evaluation of Biosurfactants Produced by Anaerobes and their Performance in Cleansing and Environmental Remediation. PROGRAM DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATION IIP-0942962 Columbia University Somassundaran This proposal is a collaborative (TIE) project between Columbia University (a research site of the I/UCRC for Particulates and Surfactants) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras. The objectives of this joint research are very much in line with this Center's goals in the "green initiative" area. This TIE project outlines research for the development of a pathway for producing commercial surfactants under anaerobic conditions, which is unique as most of the biosurfactant producers reported in literature are aerobic organisms. The proposed work will be extremely valuable for understanding of and optimization of structure/activity relationships. The thorough evaluation of the biosurfactants will make their use as cleansers and surface modification agents a viable application; thus, opening an environmentally-friendly, renewable source for surfactants currently generated from petroleum sources. The proposed work can be accomplished effectively given the expected good synergies between surface chemistry (Columbia University) and experiences in the area of microbial growth in confined, porous media in IIT (within the general area of civil and environmental engineering). The information from this TIE project will have a broad impact on participating students, and should be useful to may industries: soil cleaning, oil spill cleaning, cosmetics, coating and mineral processing. This project will start a USA-India network; and, student and research exchange will be a plus. The Columbia group will continue to train women graduate and undergraduate students in the surface and colloidal science. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Somasundaran, Ponisseril Columbia University NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0944398 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Scalable fabrication of mesoporous thin-films for production of efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to apply a specialized method to develop a rapid, large-scale and inexpensive thin film deposition technology. The goal is to enable the low-cost mass production and maintain the optimized nanostructures and film properties of efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. The broader societal/commercial impact of this project will be the potential to reduce production costs of materials used in dye-sensitized solar cells. Compared to other solar cell technologies, dye-sensitized solar cell technology has the potential of (1) low cost due to the abundance of elements that constitute the cell; (2) lightweight thus reduced installation cost and enhanced flexibility. However, recent advances in photovoltaics industry set a cost standard of < $1/Watt. If dye-sensitized solar cells were to be at par with current technologies on the market, the cost of thin film deposition has to be reduced. This project targets on the development of a high-throughput and large-scale thin film deposition process, which will make the solar electricity via dye-sensitized technology more cost-effective and thus more available. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ferranto, Justin TiSol, LLC VA Grace Jinliu Wang Standard Grant 149207 5371 AMPP 9163 5371 1775 1605 0308000 Industrial Technology 0944614 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: IPPM: IN-LINE PIERCING PROCESS MONITORING FOR SEAMLESS TUBE MANUFACTURING. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to verify the feasibility of an imaging based monitoring system for the piercing process used in the manufacturing of seamless steel tubes. Piercing is the core process of seamless tubes manufacturing, the process that puts a hole in a steel bar without drilling chips. Seamless tubes are crucial materials in many critical applications ranging from energy, chemical, automotive, aerospace to infrastructure. Piercing, if not done correctly, could cause tube quality issues. The proposed innovation consists of a set of imaging sensors for measuring the part vibrations in the piercing process. The vibration data will be used to derive the piercing conditions for critical failure modes through advanced mathematical analysis. This project is expected to validate the new approach on selected tubes, forming the basis for the commercialization of a new piercing monitoring system. This project will be carried out by a team consisting of industry-academia collaboration. Tests in a tube mill are planned for performance verification. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is very significant. This project presents an approach with soft as well as hard sensors to control a highly stochastic and non-linear process. When commercialized, it will improve seamless steel tubing manufacturing by reducing mill downtime, fewer set-up pieces, and tightened tolerances. This project also reduces the pollution emissions and costly energy consumption associated with remanufacturing or reworking out-of-tolerance products. Industry-wide adoption across the seamless tube and pipe industry could yield drastic reductions in waste byproducts and would produce a cost savings of $250 million per year. Scientifically, the project could have an impact on the adoption of emerging high dimensional data analysis techniques. The project carries strong educational implication due to the close working relationship with the academia. Social impact is also expected with this project, by improving energy preservation and environmental protection. The estimated benefits include energy savings of 3 terawatt-hours and reduction of 300,000 tons of carbon-equivalent emission and 260,000 tons of toxic waste per year. Beyond the piercing process, the success of the project will also provide generic modeling and analysis tools for systems with complex information. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chang, Tzyy-Shuh OG TECHNOLOGIES, INC MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0944707 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Faradayic ElectroCell. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for faster, lighter, more powerful electronic devices with increased capability. The manufacture of advanced printed circuit boards, a key component of electronic devices, utilizing high density interconnect technology are generally limited by the electroplating process in printed circuit board shops. Specifically, the design and manufacture of printed circuit boards with finer pitch transmission lines, smaller diameter through holes and vias, and thicker boards with higher layer counts to provide increased circuit densities. The objective of the Phase I project is to demonstrate the feasibility of a patented ElectroCell that addresses current and future manufacturing limitations associated with sophisticated high aspect ratio printed circuit board features. The proposed innovation will enable the uniform metallization of high aspect ratio z-interconnects, resulting in improved throwing power, high levels of uniformity and improved mechanical properties as compared to currently available plating cell geometries. Furthermore, the proposed technology will enable the continuing miniaturization and sophistication of electronic circuitry. The Phase I project will include plating of test vehicles from a commercial partner using standard and novel flow schemes, analysis and comparison with state-of-the-art technologies, and modeling of the system. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is important to consumers and the U.S. Government due to the vast number of end-products and services that rely on electronic devices. The proposed advanced manufacturing process is anticipated to have a significant impact on performance and reliability of such devices. The enhanced technical understanding and breakthrough that could be achieved by this project could help to revitalize the domestic printed circuit board industry. The public consumer markets for electronic devices enabled by this innovation include thousands of consumer products, such as handheld devices, computer products, global positioning systems, automotive electronics/engine controls, cameras, and next-generation automotive, aerospace and medical applications. The market for electronic devices is currently estimated to be $1.3 trillion dollars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Garich, Holly FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 149992 5371 MANU 9146 9102 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0944737 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Autonomous Underwater Animal Tracker. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop an autonomous underwater animal tracker, an underwater robot that can follow a crab or fish for weeks to months at a time. Satellite tracking has allowed huge, rapid advances in understanding behaviors and requirements of large animals. The opportunity to extend tracking to a wider range of marine life using an autonomous underwater animal tracker is expected to yield similar advances. To produce this robot we will modify an underwater glider, making it capable of detecting, localizing and tracking a marine animal that has an acoustic transmitter attached to, or embedded in, its body. With over a dozen large tracking studies currently underway worldwide and more planned, there is tremendous commercial potential for a service-oriented business model to prosper. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is a much more detailed understanding of the behavior of the world?s fish that travel our oceans. As the world population grows, we continue to place greater strain on our planet?s resources. There is a need to gain more definitive answers regarding the impact humans are having on marine life, but collecting data from animals is a highly complex and expensive proposition. As an example, consider the recent Census of Marine Life, a global network of researchers in more than 80 nations engaged in a 10-year scientific initiative to assess and explain the diversity, distribution, and abundance of life in the oceans. Unfortunately, much of our knowledge regarding the distributions and migrations of our marine populations is based on independent samples often taken once per year, such as trawl sampling, or using stationary data collection nodes such as those deployed by the Census of Marine Life?s Pacific Ocean Shelf Tracking joint effort. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Simpson, Patrick Scientific Fishery Systems, Inc AK Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 6840 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0944845 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Micro-mark data matrix. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to provide a novel technique for the micro-mark data matrix and portable machine reading of micro-codes on very small devices, as current marking methods are not applicable for such devices such as those used in craniomaxiofacial surgery. The unique marking code will enable encoding to provide information for inventory control, tracking, traceability and accountability. The technology will provide more than an order of magnitude improvement in symbol code size and data capacity. Existing techniques are impractical due to the fact that they require a larger footprint and do not provide the required data capacity of 100 characters or more that is requested by potential customers for inventory, lot trace code and so forth. The Phase I project will demonstrate feasibility to create a portable field reader which is capable of reading cell sizes from a 102um to 6um, and to extend micro-marking capabilities to 6um cell sizes. The project will investigate micro-marking of two dimensional code in the groove of a screw head and similar small dimensioned objects. Completion will result in an ability to mark and inspect during manufacturing process and be readable in the field. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is in the medical industry for the marking of bone screws and other implantable components and subcomponents that have extremely high quality standards, long lifecycles and must be biocompatible. Demand for implantable medical devices is projected to grow at a 9.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching $43.6 billion in 2011. The broader impact is potentially as transformational as was the migration from numerical coding (price tags) to bar codes (UPC) in the retail business. Many industries including defense, pharmaceutical, legal, and forensic businesses have a demand for a micro-marking inventory and control systems. Potential commercial markets include patent marking, controlled (substances) products, ballistics and anything that requires strict quality and/or inventory control or the need for traceability. Some of the commercial, societal and environments benefits that result from encoded micro marks in applications previously not attainable include: reduced waste by better inventory control; fraud/counterfeit control; reduced errors as result of automated and accurate identification;accountability through traceability increased efficiency from automation;product quality improvements from increased trace code history;statistics from data collection; and improved future product development through rapid manufacturing feedback. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Teggatz, Ross Triune Systems TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 MANU 9146 5514 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0944894 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Universal Utility/Customer Interface. This SBIR Phase I research project will lead to an electrical panel with modules that provide interfaces between the electrical grid and the residential customer?s on-site loads and other energy systems. Through the use of interactive solid state meters, the utility will be able to intelligently regulate loads and dispatch on-site energy systems. The on-site energy systems include, but are not limited to, controlled loads (e.g., water heating), pluggable EVs, generation systems (e.g., PV panels), and energy storage (e.g., spent EV batteries). The panel and modules represent the most integrated and economic system attempted so far to enable more intelligent energy management and will encourage renewable energy and conservation. In addition, new grid stabilization opportunities will be created for the utility. The proposed approach will use advanced power electronics, along with state-of-the-art communications techniques. The broader impacts of this research are (1) to enable utilities and over 50,000,000 residential customers to implement safe, convenient and economic energy management techniques, (2) to encourage renewable energy, and (3) to provide distributed generation and storage systems that assist the utility in stabilizing the grid. This would lead to more reliable and less costly energy for the customer, along with reduced greenhouse gas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Marckx, Dallas Peregrine Power LLC OR Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149947 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 5371 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945037 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: New ABPP Probes and Sample Preparation Methods for Biomarker Discoveries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to address a key challenge facing modern proteomics - identification and quantification of low abundant biologically functional proteins in small size, dilute and/or archived samples using mass spectrometry (MS)-based analysis. A combined use of novel chemical biology and sample preparation strategies is proposed to tackle this challenge. The set of specific reagents to be developed composes specific Activity Based Protein Profiling (ABPP) probes, cleavable high affinity solid support conjugation for quantitative target enrichment, and stable isotopic labels for MS identification and quantification. An enabling sample preparation method employed prior to the MS analysis will also be optimized for the ABPP probe labeling. At the completion of the project, including a Phase II study on broader ABPP labeling applications, commercial kits will be made available for life science laboratories that conduct proteomic studies. The broader impacts of this research are, 1) it is a major step forward in advancing MS-based proteomic studies and biomarker discoveries based on functional low abundance proteins found in small size biospecimen; and 2) the successful commercialization of this technology and associated products will expand the breadth of possible studies using ABPP based quantitative proteomics. The technological and societal benefits of these products will become apparent, when these products enable new biomarkers discoveries, and the newly identified biomarkers are used in addressing fundamental biological questions, accelerating the development of new clinical diagnostic tests and new therapeutic agents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tao, Feng Omic Biosystems, Inc. MD Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149996 5371 BIOT 9183 5371 0945042 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Atom Chips for Cold & Ultracold Matter Applications. This Phase I SBIR project is for the development of an "atom chip" technology that advances state-of-the art miniature ultracold atom systems. Ultracold matter is an emerging arena of science and technology involving macroscopic quantum states of matter achieved using laser cooling and other purely electromagnetic cooling techniques. The proposed new technology will provide unprecedented capability for controlling and manipulating ultracold atoms that will enable development of ultracold atom applications such as navigation, frequency standards and clocks, and quantum simulation. The science of ultracold matter is among the most active and rapidly growing sub-disciplines of physics. Ultracold matter is recognized has considerable applications potential in sensing applications but also in applications of quantum science such as quantum simulation, computing, and communication. The proposed ultracold matter products lower the barrier to research and development and provide a pathway for non-experts to develop real world applications. This project will enable further research and development efforts within industry as well as academic and government research institutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hughes, Jeramy ColdQuanta, Inc. CO William Haines Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945089 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Inhibition-Resistant DNA Polymerases and Other Improvements for Detection of Food-borne Pathogens.. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes the improvement of real-time PCR, a DNA-based rapid-detection method, for detection of food-borne pathogens such as Salmonella. Current methods are inadequate to accurately detect pathogens in foods such as chocolate, soft-cheese, and milk, which are inhibitory to PCR. These foods present a challenge due to their interference with the sensitivity of the assay. Longer, more labor-intensive tests are required for these foods, as inaccurate detection can lead to potentially deadly false negatives. The proposed improvements will shorten and simplify pathogen detection for these foods. The novel inhibition-resistant mutant enzymes and enhancers can to applied to PCR, and simplify other stages of current protocols such as cultural enrichment (an incubation period usually required for pathogen detection) and sample preparation. These improvements may also allow for more rapid, accurate testing for a broad range of foods, not only those foods known to be inhibitory to PCR. The broader impacts of this research include a safer food supply, due to the faster, more accurate detection of food-borne pathogens. This will allow food producers and manufacturers to more quickly respond to any discovered contamination, and facilitate immediate recalls of infected food. For routine tests, these innovations will give testing labs accurate and reliable results, while saving them time, labor, and money. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kermekchiev, Milko DNA Polymerase Technology, Inc. MO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 142505 5371 BIOT 9183 5371 1167 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945105 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Metabolomics of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Predict Teratogenicity: An Alternative Developmental Toxicity Model. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a highly predictive model for assessing the potential of compounds to cause birth defects in the developing human embryo using human embryonic stem (hES) cells as the test substrate. The project proposes to use hES cells and metabolomics to understand the impact of drugs and other chemicals on the development of the human embryo. These cells have the ability to differentiate into any cell in the body and as such, offer the opportunity to study defects in development in a way never available prior to the isolation of hES cells from an embryo. The broader impacts of this research are to increase the safety of compounds and to prevent birth defects resulting from exposure to drugs or other chemicals during pregnancy by more accurately predicting the potential for compounds to cause birth defects. Compound exposure is responsible for 4-5% of all birth defects, yet this is the most preventable type of birth defect. Currently, animal models are used to predict birth defects, however these tests are costly, time-consuming, and are only 60% predictive of the effect on human development. These animal models are the same tests that have been used for more than fifty years to predict the effect of drugs like Thalidomide and Accutane which have caused numerous birth defects in humans. More accurate screens are needed to predict if exposure to specific environmental chemicals or drugs will be hazardous to development. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG West, Paul Stemina Biomarker Discovery, inc. WI Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 149255 5371 BIOT 9183 5371 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945155 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Development of Soluble Analyte Amplification for PBP2a Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to develop a prototype feasibility assay for low level detection of methacillin resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) protein biomarker, Penicillin Binding Protein 2a (PBP2a), using an innovative, patented detection technology. The company has developed a detection technology called Soluble Analyte Amplification, or SAM, a versatile diagnostic platform that is capable of identifying biological molecules at currently undetectable concentrations in solution. In the US over 94,000 patients acquire MRSA bloodstream infection yearly with a mortality rate of almost 20%. Currently, no diagnostic platforms can detect MRSA directly from blood. The project will use the SAM technology to develop an assay that will detect PBP2A in blood. The broader impacts of this research are the development of the innovative SAM technology that will serve as a springboard from which SAM will find multiple applications in human medicine. While clinical diagnostic testing has profoundly impacted healthcare delivery, the sensitivity of tests currently on the market do not have the ability to detect molecules at the low levels observed early in disease when treatment is more efficacious. Introduction of a SAM-based assay system as a sensitive and easy to use technology for detection of proteins, carbohydrates and other molecules of interest at very low concentration will enhance the understanding of many diseases and lead to important advances in therapeutics and early detection strategies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lawton, Robert New England Rare Reagents ME Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 143080 5371 BIOT 9150 9107 5371 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945222 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Continuous Production of Crystalline Silicon Sheet (or wafer) for Solar Cell. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to investigate the feasibility of a novel molten substrate fabricated from high-density liquids of metals/alloys and slags for producing high solar quality crystalline silicon wafer. In this innovative design a molten support system will be used to allow molten Silicon to float and solidify by cooling. Float silicon can then be continuously withdrawn as a crystalline sheet of highly textured Silicon upon solidification. One of the goals of the project is to develop mathematical models which can be used for scale-up and feasibility studies. These models can represent instability in solidification and crystallization front. The research will address the following important goals: a) planar solidification and mono-crystallization; b) testing of a slag layer in a novel three-component-three-layer process for the crystallization and purification of Silicon; c) process modeling. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is the continuous production of single crystalline silicon wafers at reduced cost and with improved efficiency. The present solar technologies, some of them in advanced stage of development and commercialization, are capital-intensive and do not offer low cost per Watt-peak (WP). This project will show if the material produced has the properties needed to produce enhanced quality solar cells. Accomplishment of this multi-phase program for crystalline Silicon wafer productions would lower the cost and attract many first-time users to solar electricity, cater to the demands of the larger international market and further help accomplish the task of reducing carbon emission at a much faster rate. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sukumar, Balaji Industrial Learning Systems PA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 148500 5371 MANU 9146 5514 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945253 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: High Throughput Nanoscale Patterning with an Array of Carbon Nanotube Cold Field Emission Guns for Electron Beam Lithography. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will prove the technical and commercial feasibility of a parallel electron beam (e-beam) lithography system utilizing an array of individually addressable carbon nanotube (CNT) cold field emitters. In Phase I, a 3×3 array of individually addressable CNT electron guns will be built and a suitable array of microcolumns will be explored. A higher throughput e-beam lithography system based on an array of electron sources will be built and characterized and is anticipated to achieve better than 10 nm patterning capability. This novel nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) technology will enable a low cost nanoscale lithography system for general laboratory usage, thus significantly increasing the accessibility of nanoscale patterning. The work will be conducted in an Industry, University, Government collaboration and thus facilitate the transfer of knowledge amongst these entities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nguyen, Cattien 4WIND SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, LLC. CA William Haines Standard Grant 148964 5371 MANU 9147 5371 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945282 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Hydrothermal Growth of Potassium Beryllium Fluoroborate (KBBF) for deep UV Nonlinear Optical Applications.. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project is to develop a commercial growth process for single crystals of KBe2BO3F2 (KBBF) using hydrothermal techniques. KBBF shows exceptional promise as a deep UV non-linear optical material (NLO). NLOs are vital for the development of solid-state lasers with wavelengths below 200 nm for use in photolithography, micromachining and spectroscopy. The sub-200 nm region is extremely inaccessible and optics for those wavelengths are quite rare. The successful development of commercial KBBF will enable laser applications such as frequency doubling and wavelength mixing in the deep ultraviolet. Currently, this material is unavailable in the open market. China has invested heavily in developing this material but has embargoed its export. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Giesber, Henry ADVANCED PHOTONIC CRYSTALS, LLC SC William Haines Standard Grant 149908 5371 HPCC 9150 9139 5371 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945411 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Hydraulic Actuation for Mobile Robots. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses three fundamental challenges to the broad adoption of hydraulic actuation in small mobile robotic applications: poor efficiency, poor controllability, and noisy operation. Component level and system level innovations will be combined for a novel, integrated approach to hydraulic actuation which overcomes these challenges. Hydraulics research has received relatively little attention since the 1950's, hence there are significant opportunities for improvement. Hydraulics research is important because no other actuation technology has come close to matching the power-density (strength X speed / weight) of hydraulic systems, and power density is critical for robots intended to do real work. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is large if the challenges that have traditionally limited the adoption of hydraulic actuation technology can be overcome. It will open up a whole new range of applications for this actuation technology and for the first time make possible robots with human/super-human abilities to manipulate, lift and carry objects in unstructured environments. This will benefit numerous market sectors such as assistive technologies for aging populations, warehouse automation, search and rescue, construction, security, entertainment, and flexible factory automation to name a few. In addition to this, any existing sector that currently utilizes hydraulic actuation (such as earth moving equipment and aviation) will benefit significantly from the significantly improved hydraulic efficiency saving millions of dollars in fuel and preventing untold tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere. Preliminary analysis has show that over 10X improvement in efficiency is achievable in many applications. This research if successful will make hydraulics a green technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Theobald, Daniel Vecna Technologies, Inc MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 6840 5371 HPCC 9139 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945429 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Agile Humanoid Healthcare Robot with Puck-Based Power Regeneration. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes a robotic solution to ease the growing shortage of nurses and related healthcare workers. The envisioned robot will have a small-footprint, 2-wheel balancing base; a pair of dexterous manipulator arms with hands; a prismatic-joint extendable spine allowing the arms to reach down to the floor or up to a cupboard; and sensors for low-level balancing and high-level navigation. The main innovation is the use of power regeneration in the passively-backdrivable joints and the wheels to maximize battery run times, which is a deficiency in competitive concepts. This project will enhance the scientific understanding of how to harvest regeneration power flows in the context of a high-number-degree-of-freedom robot. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will help ease a coming healthcare crisis while protecting dignity for the rapidly growing population of the elderly and infirmed. Continuing improvements in life-prolonging medical science show every indication of accelerating and will balloon the percentage of elderly in the general population. Even with the present recession, there is already a labor shortage of both nurses and physicians, and the shortage is projected to grow worse over the foreseeable future. While this problem is only beginning to stress the system, it is important to develop the necessary technology now, before the problem becomes overwhelming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Townsend, William Barrett Technology Inc MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 6840 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945455 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Tools for Improved Friction Material Processing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to enhance the automotive friction material manufacturing industry's productivity and efficiency by providing a superior measurement method for quality, consistency and the quantification of noise influencing material properties. Friction material manufacturing is subject to inter-material as well as inter-batch inconsistency that is not adequately quantifiable by existing methods. These inconsistencies adversely affect customer satisfaction, contribute to lost business and consume engineering and testing resources. An ultrasonic-based measurement method capable of measuring material property and consistency data has been employed in destructive laboratory testing with success. Modification of this method for use with intact, as-manufactured friction materials can provide manufacturers with the quality and consistency analysis tools that are currently severely lacking. In this program studies will be conducted to relate ultrasonic data to friction material processing variables and to forge a relationship between ultrasonic test data and noise performance. Ultrasonic measurement can be implemented as both, part of a control scheme to improve the manufacture of friction materials and as a quality assurance method to ensure that noise-prone components do not enter the marketplace. Both lead to increased customer satisfaction and significant gains in manufacturing efficiency. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is improved manufacturing processes for automotive friction materials. The entire automotive industry can attest that brake noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) repairs often dominate warranty claims. More than $100 million is spent annually on brake noise, vibration warranty work in North America alone. In order to reduce such warranty and brake repair costs, more attention is being placed on optimizing NVH performance to eliminate brake squeals, groans and other related issues at the original equipment level. This is especially true considering new vehicle quality perceptions are often driven in part by brake performance and warranty repairs. Although test methods suitable for measuring and controlling friction levels are available, methods to screen parts for the purpose of eliminating NVH problems are inadequate, lacking sufficient specificity to allow definitive screening for the elimination of defective components. These methods are expensive, slow and difficult to implement. Better quality assurance test methods are needed, which market ultrasonic measurement methods are fully capable of exploiting. Ultrasonic methods fit a need in the auto industry that has not been filled, despite much time and effort being devoted to NVH over the past few decades. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Yuhas, Donald Industrial Measurement Systems Inc. IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 150000 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945458 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Laser Machining of Terahertz Waveguide & Microscopy Components. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop engineered wire waveguides for time-domain terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging systems. Design of waveguides for various materials will be accomplished by finite element modeling and finite time difference simulation. The precision waveguide shapes will be produced by advance laser micromachining techniques, as an alternative to chemical etching methods while are difficult to control or reproduce. The broader impact of this program will be to enable new commercial opportunities in industrial non-destructive evaluation as well as innovative and important research areas such as near-field microscopy, characterization of metamaterials and determination of surface charge on conductive polymers used in solar cells and organic light emitting diodes (LEDs). The implementation of practical THz waveguides will simplify THz technology and reduce its cost and expand its use. This project involves graduate and undergraduate students, preparing them for innovative work in a rapidly developing high tech field. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Druffner, Carl Mound Laser & Photonics Center, Inc. OH William Haines Standard Grant 149935 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945489 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: NSF 09-541 NM N2: Cubic Silsesquioxanes as Green, Novel, Nano-engineered Materials for Hard, Thermally Stable and Hydrophobic Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is to develop materials that function as semi-permanent mold release for the tooling industry. The coating systems proposed also offer icephobic, hydrophobic (non-stick), antibacterial and corrosion resistant properties. The tooling industry employs numerous combinations of materials and processes that require a release agent to reduce adhesion of parts to the tool. Water or silicone based releases are the conventional solution, but need frequent application incurring high material and labor costs. This solution offers considerable cost savings that will be very valuable for most tool companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Popova, Vera Mayaterials Inc. MI William Haines Standard Grant 149921 5371 MANU 9147 9102 5371 1788 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945515 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Screen-Printed Gas Sensor using Nanoparticulate Catalyst. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project will result in the design and manufacture of an industrial quality, electrochemical, Carbon Monoxide (CO) sensor based on screen-printed electronics technology. Printed electronics is a growing field, and some groups have applied it to create low-cost biosensors or temperature sensors. However, no one has yet applied printed electronics to making an electrochemical (EC) gas sensors. The team has extensive knowledge and experience in the design and manufacture of electrochemical sensors, and has done prior R&D with printed sensor electrodes. As such, the company has the unique opportunity and qualifications to merge these two fields and create an innovative product of significant merit: an industrial quality electrochemical sensor costing less than $0.25 to produce in high volume (as compared to industrial EC sensors that can cost well over $20 to purchase even in volume). The broader impacts of this research arise from the fact that while the sensor proposed will be ideal for detection of CO only, very few changes to the production techniques developed through this SBIR will be required to produce similar EC sensors for the detection of other toxic gases. These gases include: O2, NO, H2S, SO2, Ozone, and NO2, for which EC sensors are commonly needed and used. The design, production, and sales of electrochemical sensors, and the monitors/detectors that incorporate them, is a worldwide market valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. These sensors and detectors are used to detect a variety of gases in fields such as environmental monitoring and control, fuel processing, medical gas, national security, home inspection, first responder, worker safety and health, scientific research, and personal and home protection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stetter, Joseph KWJ Engineering Incorporated CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 149416 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 1185 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945553 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: High-Efficiency Energy Distribution and Conversion System for Buildings. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address a method of reducing energy waste in large buildings. The company proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel, ultra-efficient power distribution system. In Phase I, the company will design a prototype, and in Phase II, the system will be demonstrated. The Phase I effort includes an evaluation of the distribution system?s costs, performance, and efficiency at both the component and system levels. The results will be compared to representative, conventional power systems. This work is anticipated to show a significant improvement in energy efficiency compared to conventional technologies. The broader impacts of this research are (1) a significant improvement in energy efficiency of the commercial sector through reduction of energy transmission and distribution losses in large buildings, resulting in (2) a reduction of greenhouse gas emission. A preliminary estimate of the total energy savings in a single building with 1 MW of installed power is over 60 MWh per year. This is the equivalent of saving more than 30 tonnes of coal from being burned every year (per building), or preventing more than 60 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mueller, Eduard MTECH Laboratories, LLC NY Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 7257 5371 4080 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945777 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Enterprise Decision making using Activity Interaction technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project seeks to develop a Network Algorithm for efficiently running large-scale network simulations to perform enterprise planning and risk analysis. Currently, supply-chain models consist of only simplistic, low-detail nodes which only approximate the facility's parameters that they represent. Because of this, it is difficult to determine the effect of operational level changes and relationships on a network-wide level. Research has shown that running a large-scale, supply chain model consisting of detailed operational models will run too slowly to perform any meaningful analysis in a timely manner. This project aims to develop a simulation methodology that meaningfully links together highly-detailed operational level models with its large network-scale model. Each operations simulation will be linked by network relationships such as supply and demand, product flows, and inventory holding centers. It is then possible to create a matrix which stores these relational parameters that minimize the computing time investment required. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will provide organizations with a better understand of the risks they face both internally and across the entire production network. Industrial mishaps, such as the Ericsson facility fire which decimated the firm's inventory levels, have underlined the need to understand the complex inter-relationships between, as well as within, companies. A network simulator allows analysts to explicitly see how facilities are interrelated and how adverse events affect not just one facility, but the entire network. The technology has to potential to be used across the biopharmaceutical industry and both increase quality of care to the patient as well as reduce manufacturing costs by a similar amount. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, David Bioproduction Group, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 145900 5371 MANU 9147 9146 5371 1786 0308000 Industrial Technology 0945935 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Low-cost Long-life Diamond Electrodes for Wastewater Treatment using Advanced Electrochemical Oxidation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop boron-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) electrodes for electrochemical treatment/destruction of recalcitrant organics in industrial wastewater via direct anodic oxidation. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) film electrodes have generated considerable interest due to their ability to readily mineralize complex waste streams. Other treatment methods (e.g., reverse osmosis and activated carbon) simply concentrate toxins, which produces residuals requiring disposal in hazardous waste landfills or incinerators. UNCD provides many advantages over traditional diamond for electrodes (e.g., thin, low-stress, phase-pure films). UNCD films consist of phase pure, 2-5 nm grains with atomically abrupt grain boundaries. UNCD costs less than larger-grained BDD films, are resistant to grain-boundary ion transport, and exhibit lower stress. The objective of this project is to optimize the company?s existing boron-doped UNCD technology to develop low-cost, long-lifetime electrodes to enable wide-spread adoption of electrochemical wastewater treatment/destruction. The project will determine the effects of surface morphology, doping, substrate and processing methodology for UNCD electrodes to quantify costs, electrochemical performance and lifetime for wastewater treatment/destruction. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is substantial. Thin, boron-doped UNCD films will reduce electrode resistive losses and thereby lower the overall power consumption for water treatment and other electrochemical applications of boron-doped diamond. Since water quality has a great impact on human health, enabling electrochemical water treatment through electrode lifetime improvements and reductions in power and capital costs would be both an attractive market opportunity and have a significant positive impact on healthcare and energy costs. The 2007 worldwide market for ozone, an alternative wastewater treatment technology, was $277 million and the available worldwide market for water treatment of all types in 2010 is expected to exceed $340 billion. The market for an improved electrochemical wastewater treatment/destruction technology for recalcitrant organics is expected to exceed the current size of the ozone wastewater treatment market. Leveraging a greater understanding of UNCD electrochemistry from this project would also enable alternative applications, including low-cost point-of-use or portable water or wastewater treatment, and water quality monitoring and bacterial disinfection to reduce the need for chlorine, in addition to applications in the area of MEMS-based biochemical sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carlisle, John ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES IL Ben Schrag Standard Grant 149985 5371 EGCH 9189 5371 1440 0308000 Industrial Technology 0946027 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Reconfigurable Sparse Array Smart Antenna System via Multi-Robot Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project develops and evaluates a flexible sparse array smart antenna system that can be reconfigured through the use of multiple mobile robots. Current robotic systems are limited because they cannot utilize beamforming due to their limited number of antennas and the high computational requirement of beamformers. This pioneering research is made possible through recent breakthroughs for ultralow computational complexity beamforming and multi-mobile robot cluster control. Unlike current beamformers, the antennas in the sparse array will not be physically connected together but instead each robot will have a single antenna. By developing new signal processing and robotic control techniques, robotic communications will be enabled where impossible today due to range, dead spots, or interference. Over-the-air measurements will make it possible to finally evaluate how key issues (distance between robots, geometric shape of the sparse array, etc.) affects system performance. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is that it can revolutionize commercial robotic systems and other applications in the wireless industry. Enabling multi-robot collaborative communications makes reliable communications possible in worst-case environments. Performance evaluation of sparse arrays will provide valuable insight for collaborative communications for other applications such as distributed sensor networks while the beamformer?s ultralow computational requirement makes it feasible to be added to current and future wireless systems. Creation of a new class of robotic communications will enable robots to be more effective in current applications and create new markets for the robotic sector. The use of robots has increased exponentially with robots increasingly relied upon for defense, law enforcement, and manufacturing, but communication limitations prevent robots from being effective in many situations. Preventing this critical loss of communications for robots searching for people trapped in collapsed buildings or while on scout missions can save lives and have a great societal impact. This research will foster new fields of scientific and technological understanding by enabling Academia and Industry researchers to evaluate the advances made through this pioneering research, which will enable performance optimization for smart antenna systems whether the antennas are physically connected or at different locations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Okamoto, Garret Adaptive Communications Research Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 150000 5371 HPCC 9139 6840 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0946090 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Ultra Permeable Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Forward Osmosis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will take advantage of the unique properties of nanomaterials to develop membranes with improved performance tailored for osmosis applications. Osmosis-based industrial processes have a number of advantages over evaporation and pressure-driven membrane processes, including low energy use, low operating temperatures and pressures, and high product concentrations. The project aims to synthesize a new membrane using a composite structure consisting of carbon nanotubes embedded in a polymer matrix. The main factor limiting the industrial use of osmosis-based technologies is a lack of optimized membranes. The unique nanofluidic properties of the proposed nanomaterials-based membrane would make it ideal for osmosis-based applications, offering improvements in all relevant aspects of membrane performance: 1) improved structural integrity, 2) high permeability; 3) chemical stability, and 4) low propensity to foul. The broader societal/commercial impact of this project will be to enable numerous applications in the areas of wastewater treatment, industrial separations, industrial and emergency desalination, and energy generation. The analysis using the planned desalination plant at the city of Santa Cruz as an example demonstrates that the availability of optimized membranes creates real opportunities for making a strong impact on the commercial use of osmosis-based technologies. In the future the nanomaterials-based membranes developed over the course of this project could be deployed on a global scale for osmosis-based applications, making a measurable impact on this $2.6 billion annual market. Applications of these technologies to water purification and energy generation could provide not only commercial but high societal impact, improving the living conditions in the US and worldwide. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bakajin, Olgica Porifera inc. CA Ben Schrag Standard Grant 149850 5371 EGCH 9189 5371 1440 0308000 Industrial Technology 0946099 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Technology development and pre-clinical testing of a novel minimally invasive catheter-based blood clot-retrieval and clot-filtering device. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop the industry's first catheter-based stroke treatment device that serves both as a blood clot-retrieval as well as a clot-filtering device. Stroke is a major economic burden on the tax payer costing $65.5 billion/year. The mean lifetime healthcare cost for a stroke patient is $140,048. The first step in the treatment of acute stroke is the removal of the blood clot to restore vital blood supply to the brain. However, existing catheter-based therapies have only shown modest success in removing clots and are effective in less than two-thirds of stroke patients. In addition, these therapies can release debris into the blood stream causing further strokes. The research objective of this project is to perform pre-clinical testing of a more effective clot-retrieval device and a clot-filtering device that can make existing stroke therapies safer. The broader impacts of this research are far-reaching as the global stroke burden is staggering. Each year 780,000 strokes occur in the US and nearly 20.5 million strokes occur worldwide. This project is projected to yield important outcomes. First, the efficacy of this clot-retrieval device in removing blood clots will be confirmed. Second, the efficacy of this clot-filtering device will be confirmed in preventing release of debris during catheter-based stroke treatments thereby making these procedures safer. This public-private partnership is expected to have an important positive impact on the community by saving lives, creating jobs, and decreasing the economic burden of stroke on the tax payer. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Janardhan, Vallabh Insera Therapeutics Inc. CA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 150000 5371 5371 1517 BIOT 9183 0308000 Industrial Technology 0946127 January 1, 2010 SBIR Phase I: Structures for reduced critical current to enable Spin Torque MRAM. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is aimed at developing a spin torque magnetoresistive random access memory (ST-MRAM) that has significantly reduced write current. The highest bit density is possible if the switching current is low enough to be passed by a minimum sized access transistor beneath each magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) storage device. Reducing the write current also improves reliability because the smaller current density through the MTJ during the write operation reduces the stress on the thin dielectric tunnel barrier. ST-MRAM has the potential to provide non-volatility, high density, high speed, low power, and unlimited endurance in a single memory. ST-MRAM technology has the potential to meet the need for a high-performance, scalable semiconductor memory while providing benefits in power consumption that are critical in portable electronics and increasingly valued in many other areas, such as enterprise computing. Conventional semiconductor memories like Static RAM, Flash, and Dynamic RAM are facing significant scaling challenges in the coming years and none of them have the unique set of attributes provided by MRAM. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rizzo, Nicholas Everspin Technologies AZ William Haines Standard Grant 149429 5371 HPCC 9139 5371 1775 1517 0308000 Industrial Technology 0946275 September 1, 2009 Industry Defined Fundamental Research. PROGRAM DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATION 0946275 Industrial Research Institute (IRI); Edward Bernstein The purpose of this proposal is for IRI, leveraging its membership, connections and loyalty within American Industry, help define fundamental research requirements that will have a direct effect on the success of American Industry. The proposed work will help create a new, original, method of developing a scientific agenda that can lead to exciting research in areas such as batteries, low-cost photovoltaics, and others. The proposed work will promote partnerships between industry and academia and, therefore, will increase learning on both sides by exposure to new science and technology contained in each one?s organizations. IRI is committed to diversity in all its programs and services. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Bernstein, Edward INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE INC VA Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 1177204 5761 OTHR 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0950275 August 1, 2009 Thinking Outside the Dome. This Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) planning grant from the University of New Mexico seeks to address three issues in conjunction with a partnership proposed for development of the fulldome medium as a technology and as an innovative venue for STEM education: 1) the limited availability and expense of fulldome venues; 2) the need to identify more avenues for commercialization of the technologies developed in conjunction with the fulldome medium; and 3) the need to elaborate upon a career path for students from the University of New Mexico and its primary academic partner, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). A special professionally facilitated workshop will combine the diverse talents of university researchers and industry representatives to solve new challenges and develop applications using the collaborative space of the fulldome. Specifically, the development of new dome tools and technologies will stimulate new research in user interfaces, image-based rendering, and new software Application Programming Interfaces (API) The proposed workshop will generate fresh ideas to enhance the potential impact of deployment of full dome technology for education and workforce development. This technology can serve as a medium for a wide range of applications in scientific visualization, education games, and entertainment. Establishing this consortium has the potential to help create a new high tech industry within the state of New Mexico and add to the growing digital media industry in the state. The University of New Mexico will join the IAIA and industry partners to share the facilities and expertise developed as part of this consortium PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Sen, Pradeep Edward Angel Joe Kniss University of New Mexico NM Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 20000 1662 OTHR 117E 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op